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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

Aston Villa might have been embroiled in one of the most controversial games of the season as they were defeated 1-0 by Crystal Palace, but in doing so, they found an unlikely rotation option - one they should lean on more as the season progresses.

It's been well documented just how much the club have spent this summer – 12 players arrived following promotion for a total spend of around £144.5m.

Understandably, the sheer volume of incoming players, almost an entirely new starting XI, has put several of last season’s squad at risk.

In midfield, Henri Lansbury and Conor Hourihane now have Marvelous Nakamba and Douglas Luiz to contend with, on top of battling John McGinn and Jack Grealish too.

Against Palace, Lansbury made his first Premier League appearance of the season and could have been the hero that salvaged a late point had things gone the way they should’ve.

The former Arsenal midfielder stuck the ball in the net in stoppage time but only after referee Kevin Friend had blown the whistle for what he adjudged to be a dive on Grealish’s part.

Had that goal stood Lansbury would likely have been a very popular figure at Villa Park, walking away with a point having played the final half an hour with ten men.

The 28-year-old had direct involvement in three of Villa’s goals against Crewe last week, which must have impressed manager Dean Smith, so much so he was given five rare minutes in league action last weekend.

Check out the most insane fan meltdowns in the video below...

On another day, that’s a couple of assists and one goal for a player that hasn’t really had a look in yet this season.

It would be even more impressive to see him make his mark on Villa’s Premier League journey considering the amount of time he missed last season due to a series of injuries which meant he became somewhat of an outcast.

And having been a Championship player for most of his career, playing 258 times in the league, he would be an unlikely option in the top-flight – but he’s taking measures to dispel that.

Villa have more than enough options in defensive midfield, but should anything happen to either Grealish and McGinn then it’s a great job that Lansbury is still at the club; he’ll be able to slot right in when need be and still produce a goal threat.

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