Fans of Harvey Elliott got to witness one of his best performances of the current season as he scored two brilliant goals in England’s stunning 3-1 victory against Azerbaijan on Friday. The home team could only manage one goal during the dying moments of the match.
The 20-year-old Liverpool midfielder increased his goal total to seven in just six games, making him the top scorer in this U21 Euros qualifying season. Elliott hopes to make it into the senior squad by emulating Kobbie Mainoo’s performance, as the latter broke into the senior national squad. Elliot’s performance next Tuesday against Luxemburg at home will be crucial in catching Gareth Southgate’s attention once again and solidifying his belief in the youngster.
Aston Villa’s Jaden Philogene and Elliott scored goals after the break, while debutant Archie Gray scored the fifth goal in the 88th minute. Noni Madueke of Chelsea scored his fourth goal of the season as the visitors created a dominating impact on the opponents with two goals within just five minutes in the first half.
With 25 goals, the defending European champions are now the tournament’s top scorers. They also drew points with Ukraine, who lead Group F and play in Baku on Tuesday. Azerbaijan’s right flank was exposed early on by Lee Carsley’s team, and Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa had four opportunities in less than ten minutes.
However, the breakthrough occurred in the 25th minute at Baku’s Qarabag Stadium thanks to a Liverpool link. Now on loan at Hull, Reds midfielder Tyler Morton lofted a ball to the far post, where Elliott slipped in behind Rufat Ahmadov.
He was able to send the ball past goalkeeper Samigullin with his left foot after making an excellent first touch with his right. In the 29th minute, Philogene crossed the ball low to Madueke who turned it in swiftly after deflecting it off defender Seymur Mammadov, exposing Azerbaijan’s right once more.
The best opportunity for the hosts came only in the 41st minute when Dzhamal Dzhafarov’s shot deflected to Aghadadash Salyanskiy, who attempted the head the ball in forcing goalkeeper James Trafford to make his first real save just after halftime.
Despite his lack of knowledge, Philogene added the third goal in the 52nd minute to guarantee there would be no mistakes made. Taylor Harwood-Bellis was set up by Morton’s corner, and after turning his back on the ball, the Villa winger let his downward header bounce in.
Elliott’s fourth goal came via Rogers’ tireless effort, as he repelled Mammadov’s cross and allowed his teammate to finish from six yards out. Ramin Nasirli added a late consolation goal after Trafford deflected Samir Abdullayev’s attempt into his path. Gray, a midfielder for Leeds, got the last word, scoring five minutes after replacing him.
