Torres 100% display superb as Bailey struggles – Aston Villa player ratings v Bayern Munich
Aston Villa secured a famous 1-0 win against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, as Jhon Duran’s excellent finish off the bench gave Villa Park a night never to be forgotten.
Pau Torres, whose pass unlocked the Bayern defence for the decisive strike, briefly gave the Holte End an eruption of euphoria in the first half when he poked in what was thought to be the opener – only to be denied by a VAR offside check.
Bayern dominated the ball and controlled the pace of the game, but Villa threatened on the counter-attack as the game ultimately tilted their way as the Champions League becomes home very quickly for Emery’s side.
Here, Villa News rates the Villans players out of 10 for their performances on the night, assisted by the statistics from Fotmob.
Emi Martinez – 8
Made some vital saves and will be very happy with a clean sheet against the likes of Harry Kane. Distribution was not at its best, only completing 59% of his passes including just 32% of his long ball attempts. But kept the ball out the net, especially at the end, and that is what makes him a winner.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Won 50% of his duels – more towards the start – and maintained a pass accuracy of 86%, a key part of his game in Emery’s style of play. Was not perfect up against world-class attackers, but can be relatively satisfied.
Diego Carlos – 5
Won neither of his two tackle attempts, but was far from catastrophic as the team kept Bayern at bay. Many thought he would have a torrid night against Kane, but came through unscathed.
Pau Torres – 8
The best of the Villa defence – commanding, won 100% of his three tackles, gave the club what the fans thought was an iconic moment in their history, but for the offside flag. Then, what a superb pass it was for Duran to score the winner.
Pau Torres with a superb display for Aston Villa
Lucas Digne – 6
Won six of seven of his duels, had a better second half than first half as he let Bayern in behind a couple of times. Recovered well for a fairly strong display.
Youri Tielemans – 5
A quiet game, won none of his four tackles and kept a pass accuracy of just 71%, far from his personal best. Did however win five of his 10 duels, contributing defensively.
Amadou Onana – 7
Won 75% of his duels and kept up a perfect pass accuracy of 100%, before struggling with an injury issue and was replaced on the hour mark. A terrific start to his Villa career.
Jaden Philogene – 5
Was shown a lot of faith with a start by Unai Emery and played the whole game, but it was not his sort of contest. Far more effective when his side see more of the ball, pass accuracy was just 71% and lost more tackles than he won, but worked hard and did his part.
Jhon Duran the Aston Villa hero off the bench again
Jacob Ramsey (off for Leon Bailey 27′) – 5
A disappointing night for the local lad as he was forced off through injury after just 27 minutes. Until then, showed the odd flash but was not too involved.
Morgan Rogers – 6
Nine ball recoveries as he helped out in defence, as he could not have his usual dangerous effect going forward. Like Philogene, is better with his team on the front foot. Certainly worked his socks off.
Ollie Watkins – 4
Another one to put in a real shift but in his 70 minutes on the pitch, accumulated just a 41% pass accuracy and could not quite have his usual potent contribution. Will have far better games on a personal note.
Substitutes
Leon Bailey (on for Jacob Ramsey 27′, off for Ian Maatsen 60′) – 4
A sub who was subbed, never a great time for any player, but it appeared purely tactical. However, only won 17% of his duels and it was never going to be a game best suited to the winger.
Ross Barkley (on for Amadou Onana 59′) – 5
Another who struggled in duels despite some calls to start the match, but looked to carry the ball forward when possible.
Ian Maatsen (on for Leon Bailey 60′) – 5
Could not get too involved, but put a shift in.
Jhon Duran (on for Ollie Watkins 70′) – 8
Scored the decisive goal against a six-time European champion at Villa Park. Enough said, apart from his contribution is at this point outshining Watkins so far this season, and it’s a beautiful problem for Emery to have.
In other Aston Villa news, Ian Darke slams the club for their ticketing decisions for the Bayern clash.
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