Jonty Banks

Sat 4 March 2023 17:00, UK

Aston Villa made it consecutive wins in the Premier League as they edged out ten-man Crystal Palace 1-0 at Villa Park on Saturday (4 March).

Joachim Andersen’s first-half own goal was enough for Unai Emery’s side to claim all three points in a workmanlike if not thrilling performance against a blunt Crystal Palace attack.

The win takes Aston Villa to 34 points from 25 games, and here Villa News rates the players for their performances at Villa Park.

Emi Martinez – 7

Was out sharply and bravely to reach the ball before an on-rushing Jordan Ayew just before the break but was otherwise not brought into play by Palace’s blunt attack. The Argentine has clearly worked on his distribution in training as he successfully found teammates with four of his six long balls. [WhoScored]

Alex Moreno – 8

Moreno was given the nod ahead of Frenchman Lucas Digne and showed his attacking intentions from the outset. The 29-year-old often found himself even higher up the pitch than left-midfielder Jacob Ramsey in an attempt to carve open chances in the final third. Completed one key pass, one successful dribble and a single cross before being subbed with 20 minutes to play.

Tyrone Mings – 7

Although not called into too much defensive work, Mings remains instrumental in helping Emery’s side build-up play from the back. Was on hand to make three clearances in the first 45 minutes as Palace caught Villa on the counterattack several times. Will be pleased to register a clean sheet after shipping eight goals in his last two outings at Villa Park.

Ezri Konsa – 5

Terrible defending for Wilfried Zaha’s ruled-out goal after five minutes as he let the Palace attacker slip in behind the high-line with ease. Felt he was always second best to Zaha and was bailed out by Mings and McGinn at times. Overall, one interception, two clearances and a blocked shot represent a solid day at the office though for the Englishman.

Matty Cash – 8

Started brightly with some marauding runs into the final third and was the architect of Villa’s opener when he ran beyond the Palace back-four and slid a low cross into the box. Completed two dribbles and was fouled twice as he ran riot in attack. Outstanding performance from the Polish Cafu.

Douglas Luiz – 6

The Brazilian was the focal point of Aston Villa’s attacking play, but was caught napping a couple of times by Palace’s aggressive high press. Kept things ticking over and was constantly probing the Palace back-line with his passing range.

Boubacar Kamara – 5

Although Kamara looked to control proceedings early on through his passing, the Frenchman lacked urgency when on the ball. His laboured passing allowed Crystal Palace to set up in a rigid defensive unit and limited the impact of Watkins in transition. Crucial intervention to bail out Luiz after he had his pocket picked just before half time. Was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge and subbed off just before the hour mark. Two accurate long balls and one accurate through ball highlight the passing range the 23-year-old possesses.

John McGinn – 7

Dogged and determined as ever. Played a crucial role in Watkins almost scoring just before the break as he spun his defender and laid off Buendia, but would have slipped in and out of the game too much for Emery’s liking – making a meagre eight passes before the break. The Scotland international grew into the game as it went on and almost scored his first goal for the club since last November when he stung Vicente Guaita fingertips with a strong strike.

Jacob Ramsey – 9

Linked up beautifully with Moreno in attack and was a willing runner whenever getting on the ball. The way the academy product glides past defenders when at full flow is quite something to watch. With Moreno often bombing beyond him, the Englishman wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work as he registered four tackles at a 100% success rate during his 70 minutes on the pitch.

Emi Buendia – 6

Was restored back into the starting line-up in place of Leon Bailey and almost repaid his manager’s faith after two minutes when his close-range shot was deflected over the bar. Struggled to assert his dominance on the game in a front two beside Watkins, but nipped in with smart touches here and there. Failed to complete a dribble all game long which will prove disappointing to Emery.

Ollie Watkins – 4

Arrived into the game on the back of five goals in as many games but was well marshalled by Palace’s back-four in the early stages. The Englishman was pretty much anonymous in the first half – only touching the ball eight times before the break. Missed a gilt-edged chance just before the half when his shot from within the box flashed just wide. Continually struggled in the second half and only completed seven passes before being subbed off for Jhon Duran.

Substitutes

Leon Bailey (on for Ramsey, 69) – 7

Lucas Digne (on for Moreno, 69) – 6

Calum Chambers (on for Kamara, 58) – 6 Was fouled just moments after coming off the bench that resulted in Cheick Doucoure recieving his marching orders. Slotted into central-midfield alongside Luiz.

Jhon Duran (on for Watkins, 84) – N/A

In other Aston Villa news, the future of this loanee hangs in the balance as contract talks await.