Callum O'Connell

Sat 17 February 2024 17:16, UK

Aston Villa bounced back from their two consecutive Premier League defeats with a 2-1 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage, earning just their second victory in their last seven games.

Ollie Watkins eventually opened the scoring after two goals were disallowed for offside, one from Watkins and the other from Tim Ream, with a fantastic finish as he turned his man and fired into the far corner.

Alex Moreno also had a goal disallowed for offside shortly before half-time. A second goal from Watkins after half-time saw Villa put enough distance that a goal from Rodrigo Muniz ultimately meant nothing as Unai Emery’s side took all three points.

Aston Villa News has rated each Villa player out of 10…

Emi Martinez – 8

He wasn’t called upon often and there wasn’t much he could have done about the goal, but a huge save near the end secured the victory for Villa. With three saves and just an 81 per cent passing accuracy, he’s had better games but stepped up when he was most needed.

Matty Cash – 5

The attacking influence he has had at times this season was limited by a deeper role, but failing to complete a single cross or aerial duel meant he could have been better. Six clearances were the highlight of his performance. [Sofascore]

Pau Torres – 7

Brought a new dimension to Emery’s defensive unit with his passing abilities as he attempted 16 long passes, often looking to switch the play to find Cash’s runs, with a 100 per cent duel success rate, six clearances and two tackles showing his defensive capabilities.

Clement Lenglet – 7

Lenglet made a staggering eight clearances to ease the pressure on the defence, as well as one tackle to break up play, with an impressive ground duel success rate rounding off another impressive performance as he won two of three. [Sofascore]

Alex Moreno – 4

Was unlucky not to have given Villa a two-goal lead before half-time, but with an 84 per cent pass accuracy, 50 per cent duel success rate, and a 0 per cent cross accuracy, as well as having lost possession ten times, it was a disappointing showing in the end, as he was booked and taken off after 81 minutes.

Douglas Luiz – 8

Impressive as ever, Luiz picked up a staggering four key passes during the game, recording a 90 per cent pass accuracy, a 100 per cent duel success rate, and made one interception to break up play, one block and one clearance. At a difficult time for Villa, he has made his presence known.

John McGinn – 6

McGinn was the man tasked to fill the gap left by the injured Boubacar Kamara, and in winning seven of his eleven attempted duels, drawing four fouls, and recording a 90 per cent pass accuracy, he did just that. A solid, if unremarkable performance from the captain.

Youri Tielemans – 6

It was a disappointing first half for the Belgian who failed to impress and missed a key chance, but he picked up the display after half-time. An 83 per cent pass accuracy saw him pick up an assist with his only key pass, while he recorded a 50 per cent duel ratio. [Sofascore]

If not for his assist, it would have been yet another disappointing game from Tielemans, with a 0 per cent dribble success rate, but he played his part in the victory with that ball through to Watkins after being criticised at times this season.

Jacob Ramsey – 8

Ramsey’s introduction back into Villa’s first-team has come sooner than many may have expected thanks to an injury crisis, but with two key passes, three clearances, one interception, two shots and a 100 per cent dribble success rate, he showed exactly why he is so loved at Villa Park.

Leon Bailey – 7

Bailey has continued his strong run of form as he picked up one key pass as well as a 100 per cent long-ball accuracy, 100 per cent dribble success rate, and hit the crossbar with a terrific effort as he continued to torment the Fulham defence.

Ollie Watkins on fire in the Premier League

Ollie Watkins – 9

Was unlucky not to have found the net after just two minutes when his goal was disallowed, but eventually found his 12th and 13th goals of the season. Alongside the goals, Watkins recorded a 100 per cent duel success rate and picked up a key pass, showing yet again how important he is to Emery and this Villa team. [Sofascore]

Having been linked with a move away from Villa, these performances will only boost those rumours.

Subs

Lucas Digne – 6

Moussa Diaby – 6

Tim Iroegbunam – N/A

In other Aston Villa news, Villa’s Champions League hopes have received another boost.

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