Moussa Diaby stinks with anonymous 3/10 display, Ollie Watkins best player with 7/10 – Aston Villa player ratings v Newcastle United
Aston Villa saw their surprise push for the Premier League title take a huge dent as they suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle at Villa Park on Tuesday.
The Villans tasted their first league loss at Villa Park since February 2023 after two goals from Fabian Schar and an Alex Moreno own goal.
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins netted his 50th goal for the club as the home side tried to claw themselves back in the game and the English international could well have had another but for his strike to be ruled out for offside.
Here is how Villa News rated the performance of each Aston Villa player during the game, with the help of SofaScore stats...
Emi Martinez – 5
Nothing he could do about the Magpies’ three goals but blame his defenders for some poor marking and positioning, especially from set-pieces. Made some crucial saves on the night and will be mightily disappointed by the result and the fact that he recorded a goals-prevented score of -1.22.
Matty Cash – 5
The Pole has enjoyed some much-improved performances in recent weeks and there’s a case to argue that he was certainly one of the Villans’ better performers this evening, winning over 50 per cent of his total duels but its a result he’d want to forget very quickly.
Ezri Konsa – 4
Not Konsa’s best display in an Aston Villa shirt. In fact, he’s been so good at Villa Park that this may be his worst but still managed to win 100 per cent of his ground duels and complete 90 per cent of his passing. But his marking was very poor today.
Clement Lenglet – 6
Despite the result, Lenglet can be one of the few players who can be pleased with his individual display. Made some crucial last-ditch challenges and tackles whilst also proving his reliable presence when playing out of the back, completing 90 per cent of his passes and winning four of his five total duels.
Alex Moreno – 5
So unlucky with his own goal and took a huge hit when he smashed against the post from Murphy’s goal. Provided some much-needed width on the left flank and won 75 per cent of his ground duels
John McGinn – 6
Another one of Villa’s better performers. When things weren’t going in Villa’s favour, the Scotsman stepped up with some brilliant creative moments which his teammates failed to make the most of. Won 50 per cent of his duels, successfully completed 90 per cent of his passes and was very aggressive in his play which ultimately led to a deserved yellow in the second half.
Boubacar Kamara – 5
The Frenchman tried to create some promising openings in the first half and certainly showcased some wonderful touches in possession. When the Villans needed him to shore up in front of the midfield, he failed to show up as has been the case for him consistently. Won just three of his 12 attempted duels.
Douglas Luiz – 6
May not have been one of his most inspired displays but Luiz still provided the influence Villa needed to try and drag themselves back in the game. Registered two key passes and successfully completed 95 per cent of his passes before picking up a needless yellow late in the second half.
Youri Tielemans – 4
A torrid display from the brilliant Belgian and one he will want to forget very quickly. Had one moment of class in the first half when he beautifully slid in Diaby for a chance but that was about it. Won just one of his four duel attempts while just touching the ball 35 times.
Moussa Diaby – 3
Dreadful display from the Aston Villa summer signing who was largely anonymous. Had some promising moments in the final third which he failed to make the most of with some wasteful passing. Failed to win any of his attempted dribbles at 0 per cent, only touched the ball 18 times, and won just one of his five total duel attempts while missing one big chance. Disappointing stinker.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Dragged Villa back into the clash with a wonderful finish and could well have had another after being put through by Leon Bailey but certainly delivered a decent display despite the result. Registered two key passes, completed 94 per cent of his passes and created one big chance. Villa’s best player by a mile.
Subs
Jacob Ramsey (on for Kamara 63′) – 5
Nicolo Zaniolo (on for Tielemans 63′) – 4
Leon Bailey (on for Diaby 63′) – 7
In other Aston Villa news, a Sky Sports pundit has savaged a first-team player and called him “Foolish” after what he did recently.
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