Georgia Homer, (GH) Alex Vitsileos (AV) and Shane Davis (SD) join UTV podcast team member Ryan Mckeown (RM) to cover the Player Ratings on an extremely frustrating night under the lights at Villa Park.
If you’d like to join us for the next game drop us a comment.
Aston Villa Formation 4-2-3-1
Emi Martinez – 4
Just when you thought the world we’re living in at the moment couldn’t get any crazier, somehow Emi Martinez let two Jesse Lingard shots slip through his hands! Similar to the 10 men in front of him, he looked physically and mentally shattered. Played well first half and I’m positive he’ll come back stronger against former club Arsenal on Saturday. (RM)
Matty Cash – 5
Had a couple of bright moments as he looked to add to his assists tally, but his best ball in was headed over by Watkins. Otherwise a pretty quiet game and was often pushed into passing backwards by West Ham. We missed out on his usual fearless slide tackles. (GH)
Ezri Konsa – 5
Not up to his usual high standard, he lacked a sharpness that could be due to our rapid schedule. We’re used to seeing him popping up in all the right places at the right times, but that wasn’t the case today.. (GH)
Tyrone Mings – 6.5
Fairly quiet first half from the England centre half perhaps could have done better for West Ham’s opener. Fredricks bamboozled him moments after but Ty recovered to make an incredible goal-line clearance, which looked certain to go in. (AV)
Matt Targett – 5
Felt West Ham was too strong down the wings tonight. He put 100 per cent effort in, but he couldn’t do anything productive in attack against two right back’s. Looked tired. (SD)
John McGinn – 3
I know he has played 4 games in 11 days but he looked off tonight, for me McGinn needs a rest. The West Ham midfield ran rings around him. (SD)
Douglas Luiz – 6
The Brazilian international made a good block in the 25th minute from Lingard attempt on goal. Second half he didn’t look like his usual self, picking up a silly yellow card – think his temper got the best of him. Eventually came off with 11 minutes to go for the new man Sanson. (AV)
Ross Barkley – 4
Hoped for more from Barkley after his goal against Southampton, but he lacked energy tonight. Didn’t seem particularly hungry for the ball and lost possession several times as a result. His best chance was wasted as he dragged the shot wide and Smith was right to sub him off. (GH)
Jack Grealish – 7.5
Pre-match Moyes described him as the best player in the league and you could see that in how the hammers lined up having multiple players mark him, he had some lively chances in the first half as he looked to open up West Ham. Second half he came close in the 68th minute which was well blocked, and again with his free-kick. Eventually, he showed us all what he could do by assisting Ollie with our only goal of the night. The free roam position looked to suit him for the last 15 minutes or so. For me our man of the match. (AV)
Anwar El Ghazi – 1
When I saw him on the team sheet I thought he was gonna put in a decent shift, but he was lacking any match sharpness. He was awful in the first half, and that’s why he didn’t appear for the second. (SD)
Ollie Watkins – 6.5
Looked a little isolated and a few poor touches ended up costly for us. He was unlucky not to score in the first half as his shot went across goal and hit the post. He finally got his goal with a perfectly timed run to finish off a Grealish ball. (GH)
Substitutions:
Traore (on for El Ghazi. 45th minute) 5
Replaced the ineffective El Ghazi at half time, Traore himself failed to make an impact! (RM)
Trezeguet (on for Barkley, 68th minute) 5
Brought some much-needed energy to the front line but like so many others, struggled to make an impact. (RM)
Morgan Sanson (on for Luiz, 80th minute) N/A
Came on for his debut and moments later we’re back in the game, only for West Ham to go down the other end and put the nail in the coffin, ruining any chance of a comeback! (RM)
Subs not used:
Heaton, Elmohamady, Engels, Davis. Nakamba, Ramsey
MIKE CAFFERTY #TeamMC
Dedicated to Mike Cafferty who sadly passed away hours after beating Southampton last weekend.
Such a positive man who’s battle against cancer brought so many Aston Villa fans together, rest well Holte Ender in the Sky.
Fundraiser for Carol Allan by Michael Cafferty : Mikes funeral #teammc (gofundme.com)
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