Aston Villa player ratings v West Ham: Clement Lenglet lets Unai Emery down with 3/10
Aston Villa came from behind to claim a valuable point against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday 17 March.
Unai Emery’s side fell behind midway through the second half as Michail Antonio stooped low to head home and end his goalless run in the Premier League before Nicolo Zaniolo levelled things up in the closing stages of the second half.
The draw sees the Villans hold onto their place in the Premier League top four and move three points clear of Tottenham who have a game in hand going into the March international break.
Emi Martinez – 7
The Argentine stopper didn’t have loads to do in the clash, but despite the defeat, he was reasonably impressive, making three big saves to stop the lead being stretched further. Was better than he has been with the ball at his feet as he completed 95 per cent of his passes, according to Fotmob.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Back in the starting XI after missing the clash with Ajax, but didn’t look particularly comfortable at right-back against Mohammed Kudus. Looked much more comfortable at centre-back in the second half as he won 100 per cent of his three ground duels and his only tackle in the match. Should have done better with his late chance but struck straight down the throat of Alphonse Areola.
Clement Lenglet – 3
The Frenchman looked off the pace and was largely at fault for the home side’s opener as he consistently looked terrified by the Irons’ press. Only won 50 per cent of his tackles and long passes. Was only disposed once but his mistakes proved costly. Emery hooked him at half-time and you have to wonder if that may have ended his hopes of a permanent switch.
Pau Torres – 6
Like his centre-back partner, the usually calm Spaniard didn’t look up to speed in the first half. Improved in the second half as he completed 88 per cent of his passes, 15 of which were into the final third as he tried to drive Villa up the field.
Alex Moreno – 5
Kept his place in the starting XI after impressing against Ajax but didn’t manage the same magic against the Irons. Won 100 per cent of his tackles and completed 81 per cent of his passes, but didn’t manage to create a single chance before he was substituted as he misplaced 100 per cent of his crosses.
Douglas Luiz – 7
The Brazilian didn’t have Boubacar Kamara or John McGinn next to him at the London Stadium, which is unusual this season but did what he could to get Villa ticking. Completed 90 per cent of his passes, 12 of which were into the final third and won 100 per cent of his three tackles. Like he was against Spurs, one of the better players in a tough afternoon.
Youri Tielemans – 5
Started in a deeper role and nearly cost Emery’s side a first-half goal as he was tackled by Kudus on the edge of the area, only to be saved by the offside flag. Tried to get stuck in as he entered eight ground duels, but only won 50 per cent of them and committed three fouls. Completed 93 per cent of his passes but wasn’t effective enough because of his deeper position.
Leon Bailey – 7
The Jamaican international barely saw any of the ball, but when he did he consistently carried a threat as he created three chances in the clash, more than any other player. Bailey also completed 100 per cent of his five attempted dribbles and won all of his six ground duels. He could have arguably been better in the final third, but the 26-year-old carried the biggest threat.
Morgan Rogers – 5
A first Premier League start for the 21-year-old and he didn’t quite look up to the Premier League pace as he repeatedly ventured forward. Rogers completed more dribbles than any other player for either side and completed five passes into the final third, but was poor defensively as he only won 33 per cent of his ground duels and committed four fouls.
Jhon Duran – 3
Handed his first Premier League start, but was anonymous in the first half at the London Stadium. The 20-year-old only had 12 touches of the ball and lost 20 per cent of his duels. Completed 86 per cent of his seven attempted passes but offered next to nothing at the top end of the pitch. A disappointing full-league debut.
Will Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins be fit to replace Harry Kane for England?
Ollie Watkins – 5
The England international cut an isolated figure at the top end of the pitch as he was made to work off of scraps with only 26 touches in the match. He still managed to have two shots on goal but did very little to test the keeper as he struggled to get involved in proceedings.
Substitutes
Matty Cash – 6
Moussa Diaby – 8
A real difference-maker off the bench who should have started. The 24-year-old created three chances with his 13 passes and boasted an impressive 90 per cent success rate while picking up the assist for Zaniolo’s leveller.
Lucas Digne – 6
Nicolo Zaniolo – 7
The Italian didn’t see loads of the ball after coming on but popped up with the all-important goal as he scored with his only shot. Maybe he could have hosted his chances of earning a permanent switch to Villa Park.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Hutton has revealed who will replace John McGinn as Villa captain if McGinn leaves this summer
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.