Aston Villa player ratings vs Crystal Palace: Evann Guessand woeful, 7/10 impresses
Aston Villa continued their below-par start to the Premier League season after a dismal 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Villa Park on Sunday.
Unai Emery was asked about Emi Martinez’s future ahead of the game, but the Spaniard gave a bizarre response to the media.
Ironically, it was Marco Bizot who gave away a penalty in the first half, which Jean-Philippe Mateta converted.
Despite improving in the second half, a Marc Guehi screamer and an Ismaila Sarr goal secured all three points for Oliver Glasner.
Evann Guessand endures debut to forget for Aston Villa
Aston Villa signed Guessand from Nice this summer, and supporters finally got to see him start against Palace.
However, it was an immensely forgettable performance for the forward, who may as well have been absent in the first half.
Gabby Agbonlahor welcomed Guessand to Villa Park on social media, but could not have been happy with what he saw from the 24-year-old.
The Ivory Coast international was dispossessed multiple times against the Eagles and failed to make any notable attacking contributions.
- Guessand mustered one shot
- He was dispossessed four times
- The forward had 23 touches on the ball
As a result, Emery hooked him at half-time for Emi Buendia, which triggered a response from the home side in the second period.
While Guessand can be afforded time to settle in, they are desperate for their forward players to find their feet in the West Midlands.
Read more: ‘Bad dream’ – Aston Villa fans astonished at what they’ve heard about Marco Asensio
Emi Buendia rare bright spark for Unai Emery
In truth, it was tough to pick out a player for praise in what was Villa’s most woeful performance of the season so far.
However, at half-time, Emery brought on Buendia, who changed the flow of the game with his urgency in midfield.
In the opening 45 minutes, Ollie Watkins had an excellent chance saved, while Morgan Rogers continued to disappoint.
However, it was Buendia who created openings for the home side, as they looked a much sharper threat.
The Argentine spent last season on loan with Bayer Leverkusen last term and many expected him to leave this summer.
However, after his latest performance, he could be the unlikely man Emery turns to moving forward.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Crystal Palace
Marco Bizot – 3
Matty Cash – 5
Ezri Konsa – 4
Tyrone Mings – 4
Ian Maatsen – 4
John McGinn – 6
Youri Tielemans – 4
Donyell Malen – 3
Morgan Rogers – 4
Evann Guessand – 2
Ollie Watkins – 4
Subs
Emi Buendia – 7
Pau Torres – 4
Bradley Burrowes – 4
Lamare Bogarde – 4
Lucas Digne – 4
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