Aston Villa: 4/10 Youri Tielemans stinks, 9/10 Ollie Watkins shines – Player ratings v Luton
Aston Villa fought to a difficult 3-2 win away at Kenilworth Road despite plenty of second-half from Luton, with two goals from Ollie Watkins and a late winner from Lucas Digne to win it.
Watkins opened the scoring after 24 minutes to put Unai Emery’s side in charge away from home and went on to score a second late in the first half.
The game flipped on its head after half-time with goals from Tahith Chong and Carlton Morris getting the hosts back level before a 90th-minute winner from Digne sealed all three points for Villa.
Aston Villa fight to victory against Luton Town
Emi Martinez – 8
A top display from the goalkeeper who was put under intense pressure in the second half of Villa’s visit to Kenilworth Road. With two saves and six high claims, there was little he could have done about either goal.
Matty Cash – 7
Cash’s typical overlapping runs in the first half added a new dimension to Villa’s game which they have missed without him in the starting lineup in recent weeks, while he showed up defensively again.
Four clearances, one off the line, as well as four tackles and two blocks, displayed just how key his role was today. [Sofascore]
Ezri Konsa – 5
A return to centre-back for Konsa, having previously been moved to right-back, he endured a difficult return to what is his more natural position. It wasn’t a bad display by any means, but winning just two duels in a game when you’ve largely been under the kosh should be better.
Clement Lenglet – 7
It’s crazy to think his time at Villa Park almost came to an end in January after a slow start to the season. Six clearances, two blocks and one interception were a display of why he has become so important to Emery. [Sofascore]
Alex Moreno – 7
The left-back offered plenty at both ends of the pitch, proving his ability to get up and down the wing, much like Cash on the other side. With four clearances, two tackles and a 100 per cent dribble ratio, he impressed despite a difficult day for the defenders.
Douglas Luiz – 5
It was his quick thinking which allowed Watkins’ second goal, playing a quick free-kick over the top of the Luton defence to play his man in behind.
However, the second half proved a more difficult prospect for the Brazilian, who registered a 0 per cent success rate from aerial duels and can be considered lucky not to have been sent off. [Sofascore]
John McGinn – 6
McGinn’s continued presence in the middle of the park has brought some extra stability in the absence of Boubacar Kamara. With two tackles, two key passes and a 100 per cent crossing accuracy, his role has been crucial to this Villa side.
Jacob Ramsey – 6
Taken off with an injury after just 29 minutes of the game, Ramsey registered two shots and a 100 per cent dribble completion rate before his untimely substitution.
Youri Tielemans – 4
Playing in a different role to the one he has been deployed in previously, his starting position was higher which, in theory, would have allowed him to link better with Watkins.
In reality, though, he completed just 16 passes at a 67 per cent success rate, losing the ball 11 times, and was dragged off after 79 minutes.
Leon Bailey – 7
Bailey’s constant threat on the wings which has earned him so much praise of late was evident again. The Jamaican completed four key passes and a 100 per cent dribble success rate to help his side going forward despite the fragility in defence. [Sofascore]
Ollie Watkins – 9
Watkins was the standout performer yet again for Villa, scoring the opening goal with his head which saw Emery’s side’s dominance pay off, before his second put the game in Villa’s hands, just for it to be thrown away.
With four shots on target, two goals, competing in 15 duels and drawing three fouls, Watkins certainly played his part.
Alan Smith, commentating live on Sky Sports [2 March, 18:12], insisted Watkins is “perfect” and in the “form of his life” and given his goalscoring form, it would be hard to disagree.
Subs
Morgan Rogers – 6
Lucas Digne – 8
Moussa Diaby – 7
Tim Iroegbunam – 6
Nicolo Zaniolo – 5
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery was wrong to drop a key player today.
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