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Leon Bailey woeful as Ollie Watkins shines - Aston Villa player ratings v West Ham
Aston Villa made it three Premier League games unbeaten with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.
Ollie Watkins continued his impressive run of goalscoring form with a first-half header, however, a penalty from Said Benrahma meant the points were shared on Sunday afternoon (12 March).
The draw takes Unai Emery’s side to 35 points from 26 games and here Villa News rates the players out of ten for their performances in the capital.
Emi Martinez – 6
Looked a little bit unsettled at times, but, on the whole, this was a competent performance from the Argentinian. Distribution was excellent in the first half, with 100 per cent pass accuracy (Whoscored). This allowed Villa to build from the back and put together some neat passing moves. Martinez was consistently looking to pick out Alex Moreno with a longer crossfield ball. He made an excellent save early on in the second half to deny Benrahma. However, he struggled with crosses into the box, with zero aerial duels won.
Matty Cash – 4
Defensively Cash was caught out a number of times with West Ham looking to play direct into Benrahma. The 25-year-old failed to get near the winger and didn’t manage one successful tackle during the fixture at the London Stadium. However, the Poland international was good on the ball and racked up a 93 per cent pass accuracy rate. Not his finest display.
Tyrone Mings – 7
Imperious performance from the central defender. Looked comfortable on the ball and was rarely troubled. Despite their lowly league position West Ham do have quality in attacking areas and Mings dealt with their threats well. He amassed six clearances for Emery’s side and completed 81 passes, which was more than any other Villa player.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Much like Mings, Konsa was impressive in a defensive sense. He was untroubled in possession and also blocked and cleared a number of crosses and shots. The home side enjoyed long periods of pressure and Villa’s central defensive pairing stood up to the challenge. Konsa was also a building block of the Villans’ passing moves with a 94 per cent pass completion rate.
Alex Moreno – 7
Excellent performance from the Spaniard who was always an option. Looked to get forward as much as possible and was always there for Martinez to pick out. His attacking threat was demonstrated by his three key passes (including an assist). His cross for Watkins’ opening goal was, quite simply, world-class. Baffling decision for him to be substituted early on in the second half.
Douglas Luiz – 7
Competent performance once again from Luiz, who was joined by John McGinn in the centre of midfield instead of Boubacar Kamara. Rarely gave the ball away and was a physical presence. Not his most influential display, with the Brazilian failing to complete a key pass, however, he executed his role well.
John McGinn – 7
Efficient performance from the Scot who was operating in a deeper position. Emery has been keen to utilise him in a more advanced role, but the 28-year-old adapted well in the centre of the park. Looked to drive forward and make things happen with the safety net of Luiz behind him. Completed the second-highest number of dribbles (three) for Aston Villa. Such a technical and reliable operator.
Jacob Ramsey – 5
Difficult afternoon’s work for the promising youngster. Gave the ball away far too often, particularly in the first half. Didn’t get forward anywhere near enough and struggled at times. He also racked up three unsuccessful controls during the fixture. Still young and got plenty to learn.
Emi Buendia – 6
Fiesty performance from the attacking midfielder. However, he perhaps let his emotions get the better of him at times. Only managed one shot and one dribble before being subbed off with five minutes to play. Tried to get on the ball and make things happen, but didn’t do enough with his 40 touches.
Ollie Watkins – 8 (Man of the match)
Really impressive performance from the Aston Villa striker who continued his excellent goalscoring form. It was a delightful cross from Moreno but the former Brentford man did well to guide the ball past Alphonse Areola. Despite only touching the ball 31 times, Watkins was extremely effective whenever he was in possession. He managed four shots (three on target) and also one key pass during the 90 minutes. He’s been Villa’s talisman in recent weeks and has surely played his way into England contention for the upcoming international break.
Leon Bailey – 4
A silly moment in the first half to gift West Ham a route back into the game. Lucas Paqueta was certainly looking for a penalty, but Bailey gave him the chance to go to the ground. It’s easy to see why Chris Kavanagh fell for it. He failed to get going in an attacking sense and was rightfully replaced by Bertrand Traoré in the second half. Touched the ball just 28 times before being replaced and lost the ball three times. Another day to forget for the inconsistent attacker.
Substitutes:
Bertrand Traore (on for Bailey 64′) – 5
Lucas Digne (on for Moreno 64′) – 5
Ashley Young (on for Cash 80′) – 6
Jhon Duran (on for Buendia) – 5
Calum Chambers (on for Watkins, 85′) – 5
In other Aston Villa news, an academy duo are fighting for Unai Emery’s affection as a potential summer exit could open the door for first-team action.