Leon Bailey shines in 10/10 show – Aston Villa player ratings v Sheffield United
Aston Villa put on one of the performances of the season in their emphatic 5-0 Premier League win against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, as they were dominant from start to finish.
It took just 12 minutes for John McGinn to give Villa the lead, and his goal was quickly followed by one from Ollie Watkins. Leon Bailey was the next to get on the scoresheet before a beauty from Youri Tielemans rounded off the first half.
Alex Moreno scored the fifth just over a minute after the half-time break and Villa were able to coast towards the end of the game without taking too many risks.
Aston Villa flying at Bramall Lane
Aston Villa News has rated each Villa player out of 10…
Emi Martinez – 8
A nervy couple of minutes at the start of the game saw Sheffield United nearly take the lead in a tricky moment for the keeper, but as soon as Unai Emery’s side took control, Martinez could coast through.
He made a fantastic double save to stop Sheffield United from pulling a goal back, with three saves made overall to prevent the opposition from pulling one back. [Sofascore]
Ezri Konsa – 8
He has made this right-back spot his own in recent weeks despite his usual preference of playing in the middle, but a 98 per cent passing accuracy, 100 per cent ground duel success rate, and 100 per cent dribble success rate saw him dominate the right-hand side.
Diego Carlos – 7
Didn’t have much to do at the back at all, such was the extent of Villa’s dominance, but his passing enabled Villa to keep control of the game all the way through the team. A 92 per cent accuracy and 14 long balls completed showed an assured performance.
Clement Lenglet – 7
It was a difficult start to the season for the defender who was at one stage expected to have his loan spell cut short, but he has stepped up in recent weeks at the heart of the defence. With a 93 per cent passing accuracy and 100 per cent aerial duel success rate, plus four clearances and a crucial block, he was brilliant.
Alex Moreno – 8
Found the back of the net for his second goal this season, and showed a willingness to keep getting forward and providing an extra option to the attack. A key pass went along with winning six of his eight attempted ground duels.
Douglas Luiz – 9
Played one of the best passes you’ll ever see to assist Ollie Watkins for Villa’s second goal, playing the ball with the outside of his foot to split the defence and send the forward through on goal. The assist was matched by his 94 per cent passing accuracy and a massive four key passes before he was brought off at half-time.
Boubacar Kamara – 5
His usual role of breaking up play and recycling possession was less important given his team’s dominance, and he struggled in that respect, winning just three of 11 ground duels and giving the ball away 13 times.
Youri Tielemans – 8
His first goal in Aston Villa colours was a beauty – a strike that crashed in off the crossbar and gave the goalkeeper no chance. A slightly more advanced role allowed his creativity to shine, with two key passes and two shots on target also racked up in an impressive display.
John McGinn – 8
Opened the scoring in typical McGinn fashion, following up on a Watkins shot which came off the post in a testament to his relentless running style. Matching the goal with his 91 per cent passing accuracy showed how effective he is yet again.
Leon Bailey – 10
Withdrawn after 60 minutes to rest him ahead of a busy fixture schedule, but this was as close to a perfect performance as you’re likely to see from the winger.
With a beautiful goal alongside 100 per cent long ball accuracy, 100 per cent dribble success rate, and 100 per cent ground duel success rate, it was an unbelievable performance from the Jamaican.
Ollie Watkins – 10
His runs in behind put constant pressure on the Sheffield United back line, stretching them and allowing more space for his teammates. A goal, two assists, two key passes and a 100 per cent aerial duel success rate saw another dominant display from the forward.
Unlucky not to be named man of the match, as he wasn’t far off Bailey’s display.
Subs
Jacob Ramsey – 8
Matty Cash – 7
Moussa Diaby – 8
Tim Iroegbunam – 7
Morgan Rogers – 7
In other Aston Villa news, one pundit was stunned by Douglas Luiz at half-time.
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