Barkley embarrassing as Watkins stars – Aston Villa player ratings v Brentford
Aston Villa finally returned to winning ways in style as they secured a hard-fought 3-1 win against Brentford on Wednesday.
The Villans earned three points for the first time in five Premier League games thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash.
The first-half performance was superb but became slightly nervy after Mikkel Damsgaard scored with the Bees’ first shot on target.
Regardless, Unai Emery’s side saw off Thomas Frank’s and took away a much-needed win after a much-improved performance.
Here, Villa News rates the performances of Unai Emery’s side, with statistics provided by FotMob.
Aston Villa secure much-needed win v Brentford
Emi Martinez – 6
The Argentina international had very little to do before or after he picked the ball out of his net for the away side’s goal. Martinez didn’t make a single save but did complete 23 passes which is a plus point.
Matty Cash – 7
The Polish Cafu grabbed a goal in the first half but is ultimately lucky that it wasn’t ruled out. With a 100 per cent shot accuracy, he took his chance well when it came in what was an important moment in the clash.
Ezri Konsa – 5
The England international, similarly to his keeper didn’t have very much to do on the night. Konsa did keep up a 95 per cent pass accuracy which is sure to please Emery but he will be frustrated to have conceded a goal when they did.
Tyrone Mings – 6
It was so nearly a dream starting return in the Premier League for Mings when he rose highest to head just over from a corner in the second half. His five aerial duels won certainly made a positive impact and helped the Villans secure a positive result.
Lucas Digne – 5
Digne looked positive when going forward but did somewhat struggle up against Bryan Mbeumo at times as he completed just five defensive actions. Not a bad night all round for the Frenchman.
Leon Bailey – 6
The clash against Brentford gave the winger a chance to express himself and he did exactly that, looking closer to the Bailey of old. This saw him maintain a 100 per cent shot accuracy while also having five touches in the Bees’ penalty area.
Boubacar Kamara – 7
The defensive midfielder certainly looked like a figurehead in the middle of the park for the Villans as he maintained a 100 per cent pass accuracy while also winning two duels. A positive night’s work by Kamara.
Youri Tielemans – 6
Another up-and-down showing by the Belgian who did maintain a 91 per cent pass accuracy but also lost three duels in a frustrating night, particularly going forward for Tielemans.
Morgan Rogers – 8
Another player who looked more like themselves at Villa Park was Rogers who bagged the opening goal of the night with a superb effort. The England international completed a dribble while also contributing with one tackle and a clearance.
John McGinn – 5
McGinn did look better as the game went on but in arguably Villa’s best spell in the first half was the captain’s worst which is frustrating. With three duels lost and no tackles won, it wasn’t a typical performance from the Scot.
Ollie Watkins – 9
That was much more like it from Villa’s number 11. Watkins grabbed a goal and an assist in an all round improved performance which saw him complete 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles while also having 13 touches inside the Brentford box. Much better from the Englishman.
Substitutes
Jhon Duran – 5
The Colombian international had a few positive moments when coming on and arguably should have scored but still gave a good account of himself on the night.
Jaden Philogene – N/A
Ross Barkley – 3
The ex-Luton Town man is typically so good with the ball but as a late substitute, he had just 16 touches and completed just nine passes, misplacing two. Emery won’t have been happy with what he saw.
Emi Buendia – N/A
Ian Maatsen – N/A
In other Aston Villa news, Darren Bent has shared a “crazy” verdict after Unai Emery sack talk he’s heard.
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