Emi Buendia sublime as 4/10 throws chance away – Aston Villa player ratings vs Tottenham
Aston Villa sailed through their FA Cup third-round clash with Tottenham with a 2-1 victory on Saturday.
Boubacar Kamara was forced off with injury in the early stages, with Youri Tielemans replacing the Frenchman at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 10 December.
However, that did not hamper Unai Emery‘s side, as first-half goals from Emi Buendia and Morgan Rodgers ensured passage through to the fourth-round.
There was a scare when Wilson Odobert halved their lead, but they held on and secured progression in the cup.
Emi Buendia sensational in Villa win
Emi Buendia’s revival at Aston Villa has been brilliant, and he was the key man in the victory over Spurs this time around.
The Argentine winger notched the opening goal before setting up Rogers for the second, the one which ultimately saw Villa progress.
Buendia created two chances for his teammates, took three touches in the opposition box and made five passes into the final third, per Sofascore, as he showed his influence.
He even contributed defensively, winning six of the 12 ground duels that he attempted for a 50 per cent success rate, in a complete display from the 29-year-old.
He had an attempt to make it 3-1 to the Villans cleared off the line in the 72nd minute, which would have capped off a superb performance.
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Ian Maatsen struggles despite Villa win
Ian Maatsen has been staking a claim to start over Lucas Digne lately, but he may have thrown it away with his display against Spurs.
Despite his attacking tendencies, he created just one chance and completed none of the four dribbles that he attempted.
Defensively, he made just one block and one clearances, and won none of the four ground duels that he attempted.
It was no surprise when he was replaced by Digne in the 78th minute, because his showing was not the one that Emery required.
He may face a battle to get his place back, if Emery places much emphasis on this performance.
How Aston Villa players rated vs Tottenham
Marco Bizot – 6
Matty Cash – 6 (off for Garcia, 78)
Ezri Konsa – 7
Pau Torres – 6
Ian Maatsen – 4 (off for Digne, 78)
Lamare Bogarde – 5
Boubacar Kamara – N/A (off for Tielemans, 9)
John McGinn – 6 (off for Sancho, 64)
Morgan Rogers – 8
Emi Buendia – 9
Donyell Malen – 7 (off for Watkins, 64)
Substitutes:
Youri Tielemans – 6
Ollie Watkins – 6
Jadon Sancho – 6
Lucas Digne – 6
Andres Garcia – 5
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