Villarreal fought hard to pierce the green and white barricade but could only find a 0-0 draw against the inform Elche
First half was a frustrating game to watch for Villarreal fans. Elche who are currently mid table would seem a easier challenge. The first real and only chance for Villarreal came in the 3rd minute. Gerrard quietly wisely was targeted by the Elche midfield and brought down on the right hand side. Estupinan who replaced the in form Pedraza at Lb stepped up to take the freekick. With a curling left footed freekick which flew just over the bar.
Villarreal struggled to find another chance in the half. Gerrard was looking for a brace of goals to become the top goal scorer of La Liga as he remains 2nd alongside Aspas. The game became a battle of midfield as Alex Baena with his first start in La Liga took the brunt of the challenges. Elche clearly targeting the left hand side.
The two sides came out for the second half which fans of both sides would hope see more from their teams. Emery clearly agreed with the fans as he replaced Kubo with Samu and Baena for Alcacer. The changes brought much needed energy to game.
Alcacer had his first chance of the match in the 50th minute Gerrard now playing on the right dropped it back only for Alcacer’s first time shot to go harmlessly wide.
In the 52nd minute Kubo launched a tantalizing run and cut the ball back to Alcacer who was waiting in the box. Alcacer hit the ball first time from outside of box drifted wide.
The best of chance of the match came from Kubo in the 76minute. The Japanese star played a quick one two with Parejo. He found himself through on goal only for Badia to pull of a beautiful save in the bottom right of the goal.
Villarreal will be frustrated to have not penetrated Elche’s defence. The Yellow Submarine were clearly struggling in attack even more worrying for the club will be Alcacer. Despite being subbed on in the second half he went of again with an injury. Emery will regret rushing his star man into the match. Final score 0-0 as Villarreal remain in 3rd place.