Anthony Onifade

Thu 30 November 2023 21:54, UK

Aston Villa ensured they reached the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League with a 2-1 win over Legia Warsaw on Thursday (30 November) in an action-packed game at Villa Park.

Goals from Moussa Diaby and the returning Alex Moreno either side of a sublime Legia Warsaw equaliser meant the Villans comfortably moved above their opponents at the top of Group E.

However, Emery’s men will need a point when they visit Zrinjski Mostar in Bulgaria in two weeks to be sure of a place in the last 16.

Here is how Villa News rated the performance of each Aston Villa player during the game, with the help of SofaScore stats...

Robin Olsen – 6/10

Could do absolutely nothing about Legia’s equaliser in the first half as Muci’s sublime shot looped over him into the top corner but did look assured when building from the back, successfully completing 87% of his passes, and recording more touches (44) than McGinn. Whether this performance does enough to convince Emery remains very uncertain, however.

Matty Cash – 7/10

A solid display from the Polish international up against his counterparts. Cash’s performances have nose-dived in recent weeks but can be encouraged by tonight’s display. The former Forest man won 75% of his duels, registered one key pass, successfully completed 91% of his passes, registered two blocks and two clearances in an action-packed display.

Ezri Konsa – 7/10

Another solid display from the English defender who must be impressing Gareth Southgate with every passing game. Won six of his eight ground duels, successfully completed 97% of his passes and put in some crucial clearances when Legia threatened on several occasions. Emery cannot do without him.

Clement Lenglet – 7/10

A rarely-seen commodity in the Aston Villa setup but he rose to the occasion against a sturdy Legia side. His passing was as exceptional as ever, completing 94% of his passes, 100% of his dribbles, 100% of his ground duels and 50% of his aerial duels.

Alex Moreno – 8/10

On his first start for the club since May, Moreno can certainly be proud of his rampant and all-action display on the left flank. The former Real Betis man was everywhere down that side and took his goal brilliantly, like a seasoned number nine. Won 100% of his dribbles, and three of his duels.

John McGinn – 6/10

Not McGinn’s best night in an Aston Villa shirt and one he will certainly be mulling over. However, he still remains a crucial component for Emery which was certainly justified by the decision to pull him off with 20 minutes to go. Completed just 83% of his passes with just 26 touches all evening, won four of his ground duels and lost possession six times.

Boubacar Kamara – 5/10

Kamara saw his blushes spared against the Poles after his critical mistake saw Legia equalise in the first half, giving the ball away in his own half directly leading to Ernest Muci’s well-taken finish. 5/10 may seem harsh though given he won 100% of his ground duels, aerial duels and his dribbles.

Douglas Luiz – 7/10

Provided yet another delicious cross for Moreno’s well-timed winner. When you need someone to come up with the goods, just call upon Luiz and he’ll deliver – quite literally. Provided the telling Pau Torres against Tottenham on Sunday and did the exact same thing tonight. Provided two key passes, won 75% of his ground duels and created one big chance in another decisive display.

Youri Tielemans – 6/10

The Belgian has seen his performances and influence in an Aston Villa shirt take a considerable upward curve in recent weeks but tonight’s performance saw him somewhat revert to his former self. Gave the ball away needlessly at times with just 78% pass success rate, lost possession nine times and won just one duel all evening before being dragged off with 20 minutes to go.

Moussa Diaby – 7/10

It’s been a difficult few weeks for the Frenchman so his goal tonight will have certainly be a huge sigh of relief for him, scoring his first goal since the end of October. Was much better on this occasion, winning four of his duels and completing two of his three dribbles whilst also scoring the crucial first.

Jhon Duran – 7/10

Ran his socks off all evening, and could easily have scored in the first half but for a brilliant save from the Legia goalkeeper. Won five of his six total duels, provided one key pass, won three fouls and still had two shots on target in another encouraging start for the Columbian.

Substitutes

Leon Bailey (on for John McGinn 70′)

Jacob Ramsey (on for Tielemans 70′)

Nicolo Zaniolo (on for Diaby 78′)

Lucas Digne (on for Moreno 78′)

Leander Dendoncker (on for Luiz 89′)

In other Aston Villa news, one academy wonder has been dealt a crushing blow to his first-team chances after a social media injury update.