Atlanta United Vs Columbus Crew: 5 things we learned – Brilliance in big win

ATLANTA, GA JULY 21: Atlanta's Franco Escobar (2) moves the ball up the field during the match between Atlanta United and DC United on July 21, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC beat DC United by a score of 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA JULY 21: Atlanta's Franco Escobar (2) moves the ball up the field during the match between Atlanta United and DC United on July 21, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC beat DC United by a score of 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 19: Atlanta’s Hector Villalba (15) flies through the air after taking a shot on goal during the match between Atlanta United and Columbus Crew on August 19th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated Columbus Crew SC by a score of 3 – 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 19: Atlanta’s Hector Villalba (15) flies through the air after taking a shot on goal during the match between Atlanta United and Columbus Crew on August 19th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC defeated Columbus Crew SC by a score of 3 – 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

4. Almiron and Villalba are back on the scoresheet

It’s been a long time coming, but both Hector Villalba and Miguel Almiron are back on the scoresheet for Atlanta. Villalba shredded Columbus with a very impressive solo effort, while Almiron took a golden opportunity from Martinez and made Columbus pay as a result. Villalba scored his first goal in five games and since July 7th and Almiron scored his first goal in seven games since June 30th.

Before Sunday’s game, I wrote about the importance of these players finding the back of the net. However, their overall production for the team cannot be forgotten. In the last four games, Villalba has registered an assist on top of his game-changing goal against Columbus, who he continues to torment in regular season play. Villalba’s five goals in 238 minutes against Columbus is a good enough pace for about a goal every 47 minutes, or a goal every half played against the Crew.

For production, the same can almost be said for Almiron. Despite his lack of scoring and his recent slump in finishing, he is still producing for the team. Almiron has two assists and a goal in the last four matches including Sunday’s performance. Not a bad return whatsoever.