Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was not happy with Matty Cash v Lille

Aston Villa: Unai Emery ‘absolutely fuming’ despite Matty Cash display v Lille

Fri 19 April 2024 7:10, UK

Unai Emery was “absolutely fuming” with Matty Cash as Aston Villa beat Lille on penalties, despite the defender scoring the equalising goal in normal time on 18 April.

Jacob Tanswell shared via his X account [18 April] that the boss was fuming as Cash gave possession away cheaply in extra time with the score tied at 3-3.

Cash scored in the 87th minute of normal time to take the game to extra time and eventually penalties where Emi Martinez was the saviour to send Villa one step closer to silverware.

Matty Cash shines for Aston Villa v Lille despite ‘fuming’ Unai Emery

Aside from the joy of their penalty victory, Villa struggled to a 2-1 defeat on the night, but Cash remained the standout for his performance over the 120-minute tie, scoring the aggregate equaliser, as well as a confidently-taken penalty.

Cash’s goal came from two shots on target, as well as one which was fired wide, as he racked up a total of just 0.16xG, while his attacking stats left plenty to be desired with a zero per cent dribble success rate and no crosses attempted. [Sofascore]

His defensive work shone through though, as he made five clearances, two interceptions and three tackles to help ease the building pressure on his team, winning four of his six ground duels and two of his three aerial duels.

An 86 per cent pass success rate including eight long passes, 50 per cent of which found their target, showed how involved he was in the game as he constantly looked to make things happen on the field.