Aston Villa stretched their unbeaten run to 4 games against Everton following their return to the Premier League.
This fixture had a real end of season feel about it, but the 0-0 draw will be remembered as the night we welcomed back Captain Jack Grealish from a 12 game injury absence, and Emi Martinez equalling Brad Friedel’s 15 game clean sheet record – what a signing!
UTV Podcast team members Ryan Mckeown and Justin Hawthorne are joined by Simon Lines and James Madge.
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STARTING LINE-UP
Formation 4-2-3-1
Emi Martinez – 7
Standard stuff from the big man. Didn’t have a great deal to do, but more than stepped up when required.
He made a comfortable save from a Sigurdsson free-kick, and a decent save at his near post early in the second half to deny Ben Godfrey.
He was alert and did well to avoid giving away a penalty against Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and then did brilliantly to deny him a goal at the death.
He finally equalled Villa’s Premier League clean sheet record too, so that bumped him up a point. (James)
Matty Cash – 6
Unfortunately Cash’ evening and possibly season ended prematurely with what appears to be a hamstring injury.
In the wars earlier in the half after getting an elbow to the face after a follow-through from committing a foul, then crashing into his teammate Keinan Davis inside the Everton penalty area! (Ryan)
Ezri Konsa – 6.5
A relatively quiet game for him. He had a minor coming together with Richarlison after denying him with a good challenge, and he was always alert to any danger posed by Everton. He made some good blocks and clearances when needed. Much like Martinez, a pretty standard, solid display as you’d expect. (James)
Tyrone Mings – 8
A very solid game from the stand-in skipper who remains a key part of the back 4.
Arguably very lucky to see the game out when he caught Allen, made a point saving block in the final 5 mins! (Justin)
Matt Targett – 7
Usual solid performance and did very little wrong.
Great to see his link up with Grealish down the left again! (Simon)
Douglas Luiz – 6.5
Very tidy in the first half, but faded like many in the second.
Luiz looks to have run out of steam at the end of the season. Nothing a break won’t sort out. (Justin)
John McGinn – 8
Excellent in midfield and drove Villa forward.
Stand out. (Simon)
Ross Barkley – 5
After a couple of better showings, he will be disappointed with his nights’ work!
Sloppy on the ball, and poor set pieces badly let him down – replaced by Ramsey. (Justin)
Bertrand Traore – 6
Flashes of quality but not much accuracy.
Quiet game. (Simon)
Anwar El Ghazi – 6
Lively start and tired hard to create openings!
Similar to Traore, just lacked that bit of quality in the final third. (Ryan)
Keinan Davis – 5
He got involved early but never really came across as a threat tonight.
Did some good work on the left and put a ball across the box but nobody was waiting.
He looked isolated and suffered a lack of service in the first half.
I like him a lot but I feel perhaps he is an impact player and not a starter. He didn’t quite have the same energy levels as Watkins, and his ball control was quite clumsy throughout. (James)
Substitutes:
Elmohamady (on for Cash, 45th minute) 6.5
Top pro is Elmo, slotted in like he’d been playing all season.
The injury to Cash should see an extended run of games for Elmo as his time at Villa draws to a close. (Ryan)
Ramsey (on for Barkley, 65th minute) 6
Confidently knocked the ball around after replacing Barkley in what could be his final appearance at Villa Park wearing the home colours. (Ryan)
Grealish (on for Traore 70th minute) 7
WELCOME BACK, CAPTAIN! Greeted back onto the pitch by Tyrone Mings who slapped the Captain’s armband back on Jack!
Straight back into it like he had never been away – running with the ball at the opposition defence!
So good to be watching Grealish on the pitch again! (Ryan)
Subs not used:
Steer, Wesley, Nakamba, Hause, Philogene-Bidace, Chukweumeka.
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