Watkins flops in 3/10, Barkley MOTM – Aston Villa player ratings v Leicester
Aston Villa secured a much-needed 2-1 win in their first match of 2025 against Leicester City on Saturday.
A drab first half on 4 January made way for a busier second 45 minutes which saw Ross Barkley open the scoring with an excellent strike on 58 minutes.
It was just six minutes before the Foxes were able to get on level terms as Stephy Mavididi converted after Emi Martinez made a great save from Jamie Vardy.
Unai Emery made a change which ultimately made the difference as substitute Ian Maatsen found Leon Bailey with 14 minutes to go as the Jamaica international netted the winner.
Here, Villa News rates the performances of the Villans in their first win of 2025.
Emi Martinez – 6
The Argentina international made a top save to deny Vardy but was still punished and missed out on a clean sheet once again.
Matty Cash – 5
Cash was useful going forward at points but Mavididi’s goal ultimately came from his side of the pitch which is greatly frustrating.
Ezri Konsa – 5
The 27-year-old was back in at centre back for this game and looked positive enough but is just another defender who has been let down by conceding yet another needless goal.
Tyrone Mings – 5
Mings did well given that it was just his second Premier League start of the season but made a few wayward passes which are unlikely to impress Emery.
Lucas Digne – 5
A quiet afternoon for the Frenchman who was eventually hooked for Maatsen who had the telling impact for the winner which tells the story of Digne’s performance in itself.
Boubacar Kamara – 6
Yet again there was plenty to appreciate about Kamara. His ability to seek out and stop danger at it’s source is such an important part of the Villans right now.
Ross Barkley – 8
Another start another goal for Barkley. His driving runs were excellent and as a result he was deserving of his goal which was superb.
Youri Tielemans – 4
There is little to say about the former Leicester man against his old club. The Belgian didn’t do very much going forward nor did he necessarily help out at the back.
Leon Bailey – 6
It wasn’t necessarily a vintage Leon Bailey performance but his first goal of the season meant a lot and ultimately helped to secure three points for Villa.
John McGinn – 4
The Scot went off early on and everyone inside Villa Park will be hopeful that the captain won’t miss a lengthy period given how important he is.
Ollie Watkins – 3
Given that the England international is under pressure for a starting role from Jhon Duran, you would think he would be doing all he can. Watkins missed an absolute sitter from six yards in the second half which just isn’t good enough.
Substitutes
Jacob Ramsey – 5
Ian Maatsen – 6
Emi Buendia – 5
In other Aston Villa news, Sunderland has been named as the next destination for a Villa player.
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