The on-loan Manchester United midfielder produced a brilliant performance on Sunday as the Villans came from a goal down to defeat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to book their place in The FA Cup Final against Arsenal on 30 May.
Aston Villa 2-1 Liverpool
FA Cup Semi-Final
Sunday 19 April
Wembley Stadium Connected by EE
“He [Tim] has brought an attacking style of football. At times we gamble, and it is a case of entertaining the fans and that’s what was needed to bring back to the football club,” he told TheFA.com.
“Along with some fantastic defensive displays, we are good to watch and it’s great to play in.
“I’m playing with four fantastic midfielders here in Westy [Ashley Westwood], Carlos [Sanchez] and Delphy [Fabian Delph], so it’s an absolute pleasure to play with them every week and I’m really enjoying my football.”
The Midlands club had fallen behind to a Philippe Coutinho’s strike at the national stadium, but goals from Christian Benteke and Delph secured the comeback for Villa – although Cleverley admits it is still sinking in.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet that we will be playing for a major trophy in a massive Final – it’s hugely proud moment.
“Especially going one down, it could have been easy against a team that has been in the Champions League this season to let our heads drop – but we didn’t.
“When we have played Arsenal this year we have been in bad spells, but come 30 May we will be right on form”
Tom Cleverley
“We replied really well and for large spells we had the majority of the game and I couldn’t be more proud of the boys and everyone at the club – the fans thoroughly deserved this.”
The Gunners lie in wait in the season’s showpiece, but despite conceding eight goals without reply against them in their Premier League fixtures, Cleverley says Villa will go into the contest with real belief.
“You don’t have to mention that [the league defeats]! I think The FA Cup Final is a one-off day. Hull nearly managed to do it against them last year and we’ll be going into the match in full confidence.
“When we have played Arsenal this year we have been in bad spells, but hopefully come Saturday 30 May we will be right on form.”
Sunday made it three wins out of three at club level for Cleverley at Wembley. Throw in a further four wins whilst representing England and the Basingstoke-born schemer has an impressive record under the arch – and it is naturally a record he hopes to continue.
“I’ve got a good record at Wembley,” he added. “Out of 11 or 12 appearances I’ve won nine or 10 so I enjoy it. Hopefully that will continue with the Final and then we’ll also be back here for The Community Shield.”
