Unai Emery became the first Aston Villa manager in our 149-year history to win 15 consecutive home league games after defeating Arsenal 1-0.
Let’s hear Ivan McDouall’s post-match thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
Website Feature Writer: Ivan McDouall
EMILIANO MARTÍNEZ – 9
“From struggling to keep a clean sheet to two in a week. Was immense again here and produces key moments to maintain Villa’s momentum in games. Clearly loved beating Arsenal. Post match comments around ‘we are not just here to take part’ says it all. Proved again yesterday that Villa are exceptionally lucky to have a goalkeeping his consistency and quality.”
DIEGO CARLOS – 9
“I just love him. A beast of a centre half and although I haven’t seen exactly what he did to Saka in the second half I’m hoping it was a surreptitious forearm smash. That apart, he is exactly what Villa have needed this week. No nonsense presence. Sure there are some misplaced raking balls but these don’t detract from a growing sense of how important he might be in Villa’s back 4 set up.”
PAU TORRES – 9
“A guy I talk Villa to in the pub keeps telling me he’s not a centre half. In the traditional sense maybe not but he is so much better than that. Yesterday again illustrated his calmness and ability on the ball but also demonstrated that he can do the more menial work. Strong clearances and ‘got rid of the ball’ when necessarily most memorably when unceremoniously smashing it into the away end “
EZRI KONSA – 8
“But he’s not a right back? Doesn’t seem to matter where he plays, has just found new levels this year and Arsenal couldn’t fluster him despite a clear tactic of switching play for Martinelli to run at him. Might be a stretch to say he marauded forward at times but certainly a positive presence as an outlet. Will be hoping for a rest midweek.”
Cash 66′: Felt like a man with a bit of a point to prove. Snapped into tackles and moved the ball forward with conviction – 7
LUCAS DIGNE – 7
“Looked tired toward the end but absolutely held his own against Saka. Will probably be disappointed not to score in the second half. It says so much about his contributions that Moreno has had to bide his time. You’d imagine with Mostars and suspension Moreno will now get his chances – interesting battle for left back awaits”
Moreno 78′: Up for it immediately and helped marshall the end game. Will be good to see more of him this coming week – 7
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DOUGLAS LUIZ – 7
“Busy as ever but recent games seem to have taken their toll. Villa lacked control which meant he lacked influence we have seen recently especially as Villa often bypassed the double pivot to counter Arsenal’s ferocious press. Fortunate with penalty incident. Another hoping for a midweek rest – and also suspended for Brentford.”
BOUBACAR KAMARA – 7
“See above – minus penalty incident and suspension. Who plays with him at Brentford will be a key decision”
Dendoncker 66′: Let no one down. Perhaps should concentrate on his velar strength in the tackle and breaking up play as opposed to sweeping cross field balls out of play. Starts Thursday, one would assume – 7
JOHN MCGINN – 9
“Simply playing the football of his life. Andy to think we questioned his leadership ability. SJM embodies everything this team has achieved thus far and will continue to do so. If describing Konsa as marauding was a stretch it’s the epitome of McGinn. Everywhere again even when visibly dead on his feet later on. Finished a wonderful team move to secure the 15th straight win – which in hindsight seems an apt way to summise Villa’s night. MOTM”
YOURI TIELEMANS – 8
“Pass of the night to release Bailey leading to the goal. Again showed a tenacity and press that I certainly hadn’t anticipated when we signed him. Such a natural fit in the midfield ‘box’ and has clearly adapted to Emery’s demands. Another one who will value a midweek break – which demonstrates how his status has changed from the start of the campaign”
Ramsey 56′: Funny one. I’d suggest he remains a way off peak fitness – he also looks to have lost some bulk which gave him the thrust and drive pre-injury. Flashes of what we know but will value game time on Thursday to continue journey back to fitness – 6
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LEON BAILEY – 6
“Another assist which was wildly celebrated and – much like Tielemans – further showed his change of status as a starter. Faded dramatically after that through it seems tiredness not injury. Replaced by Diaby at HT”
Diaby 45: Full of running and seeing his pace live is eye catching. I do wonder whether he could be more selfish at times although that sentiment probably helps balance out goals and assists. Will be desperate to make further impact, probably as a starter in the upcoming Thursday / Sunday double header – 7.5
OLLIE WATKINS – 8
“Battled well with Saliba and Gabriel with no protection from the referee whatsoever. Will be disappointed with the fluffed change when clean through on Raya – but as we all know it’s that type of chance he struggles with. What we also know is how important he is for the team and this week has been no different. The absolute main man.”
Subs not used: Subs: Cash, Moreno, Lenglet, Diaby, Zaniolo, Durán, Dendoncker, Ramsey, Marschall
THE OPPOSITION
Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Zinchenko, Ødegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Gabriel Jesus (Nketiah 82′), Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 70′)
Subs: Ramsdale, Nketiah, Kiwior, Cédric Soares, Trossard, Jorginho, Nelson, Mohamed Elneny, Walters
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Author’s UTV PODCAST archive Ryan Mckeown – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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