Morgan Rogers shines, 3/10 set for long spell out the team – Aston Villa player ratings vs RB Salzburg
Aston Villa came from two behind to beat RB Salzburg on Thursday evening and secure second place in the Europa League group phase.
Karim Konate gave Salzburg the lead just past the half-hour mark, and Ollie Watkins was forced off with a hamstring issue just two minutes later to add insult to injury.
Moussa Kounfolo Yeo doubled the Austrian side’s lead early in the second half, and the Midlands outfit looked to be limping to defeat.
However, Morgan Rogers got one back for Unai Emery’s side before Tyrone Mings headed home the equaliser from a Matty Cash cross.
Then, with just three minutes remaining, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba scored his first-ever Villa goal, calmly slotting home to secure the win for the hosts.
Morgan Rogers sparks Aston Villa comeback
Rogers replaced the injured Watkins midway through the first half, so he was forced to play as a lone striker.
The England international was still able to have a huge impact on the game, though, hauling Villa back into the contest when they looked in real trouble.
Midway through the second half, with his side 2-0 down, Rogers played a neat one-two with Emi Buendia before slotting the ball into the back of the net.
It was a display that once again proved why Rogers is so important to this Aston Villa side.
George Hemmings out of his depth
George Hemmings looks to have a bright future ahead of him at Aston Villa, but the youngster was clearly out of his depth against Salzburg.
Hemmings was trusted from the start by Emery, but struggled to get a foothold in the game, albeit not helped by the poor performances of those around him.
The 18-year-old only managed 28 touches in the first half, and still managed to give the ball away seven times.
Hemmings also lost four of his ground duels, made two fouls and made one error leading to a shot.
Emery chose to bring on Cash to replace the midfielder at half-time, to ensure his confidence wasn’t damaged any further.
Hemmings could now be set for a spell away from the senior side, as his display against Salzburg proved he is not quite at the level required.
Aston Villa ratings vs RB Salzburg
Emi Martinez – 6
Lamare Bogarde – 3
Victor Lindelof – 5
Tyrone Mings – 5
Lucas Digne – 4
Amadou Onana (Off for Konsa) – 4
George Hemmings (Off for Cash 45′) – 3
Jadon Sancho (Off for Young 78′) – 5
Harvey Elliott – 5
Emi Buendia (Off for Jimoh-Aloba 68′) – 5
Ollie Watkins (Off for Rogers 35′) – 4
Substitutes
Morgan Rogers (On for Watkins 35′) – 7
Matty Cash (On for Hemmings 45′) – 6
Ezri Konsa (On for Onana 68′) – 6
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba (On for Buendia 68′) – 7
Kadan Young (On for Sancho 78′) – 6
Stay ahead of the action — subscribe to Villa News on Substack for more exclusive insights and match-day analysis.