Before kickoff, the lights were turned down at Villa Park to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the managers and players gathered in the centre circle for a minute’s silence followed by a spine-tingling rendition of God Save The King.
On the pitch, Aston Villa earned three points against Southampton in the Premier League on Friday night with a solid performance at Villa Park.
Jacob Ramsey opened the scoring in the 41st minute with his first goal of the season.
Let’s hear the fans post-match thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
EMI MARTINEZ – 7
“A doubt before the game Martinez overcame his illness to claim his first clean sheet of the season. Rarely troubled during the 90 minutes and used all his experience to slow the game down in the final stages”.
– Ryan Mckeown
ASHLEY YOUNG – 7.5
βAnother very tidy performance from the veteran. Did exactly what was needed and remained progressive with the ballβ
*TYRONE MINGS – 8
βSolid first half display. Did everything that was required of him in a fairly untested half. Great defending the shield Adams off the ball in is only real action. The second half followed the pattern of the first, largely untroubled but when called upon he was there. Won every ariel battle to top off a great displayβ.
– Gary Plaza
EZRI KONSA – 7
βDug in and was ultimately part of a rear guard effort that finally claimed a first clean sheet of the season. This was for me his most assured performance of the term and there are signs that the partnership with Mings is back on track. Remains sloppy in possession and lacks the technical quality to really be a standout centre half – one loose ball over Ashley Young sent Gerrard gesticulating madly into the dugoutβ.
– Ivan McDouall
LUCAS DIGNE – 7.5
βDespite a slightly tricky start against Djenepo, Lucas Digne certainly made his mark on the game with a statement tackle in his own penalty area when it was required of him. Also did well offensively, linking up with Ramsey and Coutinho to string together some progressive playβ.
-Hannah Gowen
BOUBARCAR KAMARA – 6
“Intelligent game reading to thwart any Saints attacks After suffering an injury in the middle of the park during a challenge with Elyounoussi, he was replaced by Douglas Luiz “.
– Ryan Mckeown
JACOB RAMSEY – 7
βIn the right place at the right time. Smashed in the opener via the underside of the crossbar. Unlucky not to add a second when his second half effort was blocked. Large parts of the game passed him by tonight but his goal gave us the 3 pointsβ.
– Gary Plaza
JOHN MCGINN – 7.5
βHands up – when I saw the team sheet I felt Gerrard had bottled it slightly in not taking the opportunity to take SJM out of the side. But from minute one he was everywhere – flying into challenges and driving a new solid look to Villaβs midfield three. He played as if he had a point to prove – and post match interviews best that out referencing the criticism he and the side have received. Not unlike Konsa some passing is way off – he lacks the technical ability to play some of the balls he tries, especially when looking to feed Watkinsβ.
– Ivan McDouall
PHILLIPE COUTINHO – 7
βHis first half was his best performance for a while in a Villa shirt. Full of drive and determination to make something happen. Unlucky not to open the scoring with his header at the back post from a brilliant Young cross. Faded after the break without any real input but a performance to take the positives fromβ.
– Gary Plaza
OLLIE WATKINS – 8
βHe is quite simply critically vital to the side. Leading the line, pressing and tireless movement means he essentially occupied the back four of Southampton single handedly. No real chances in a scrappy game – other than hitting the bar in the build up to the Ramsey goal but that is by the by. I wonβt hear a bad word about him. Should be in the England squadβ.
– Ivan McDouall
LEON BAILEY – 5
βFelt Bailey wasnβt quite up to the task on this occasion. Worked hard for his teammates and the desire was there for show, but his end product was lacklustre and he seemed to be dispossessed quite frequently as Southampton were able to read his game easilyβ.
-Hannah Gowen
SUBS
LUIZ – 7
on for Kamara, 44 minutes – unfortunate to lose this starting spot following a strong performance against Manchester City. Following Kamara’s injury, he moved comfortably into the number six position and almost scored from a corner yet again!
– Ryan Mckeown
BUENDIA- N/A
on for Bailey, 67 minutes A short cameo but Buendia ran his socks off in the time he was on the field. Made a few good movements and ball recoveries, but not quite enough to put his name in lights.
-Hannah Gowen
DENDONCKER – N/A
on for Ramsey, 67 minutes – No real impact in his 23 minutes but he’ll be happy to have made his debut and helped the team over the line.
– Gary Plaza
INGS – N/A
on for Coutinho, 84 minutes – Small cameo from Ings tonight. He attempted to score from the half way line following a quick break but the smile on his face afterwards told you how bad it was.
– Gary Plaza
Subs not used | Robin Olsen, Morgan Sanson, Calum Chambers, Ludwig Augustinsson, Marvelous Nakamba
OPPOSITION
SOUTHAMPTON | Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu, Perraud (Larios, 46); Ward-Prowse, Diallo (Aribo, 46); Elyounoussi (Edozie, 79), Djenepo, A.Armstrong (Mara, 72), Adams (S.Armstrong, 72).
Subs not used: McCarthy (GK), Lyanco, Caleta-Car, Walcott.
GOALS
ASTON VILLA
Ramsey (41)
SOUTHAMPTON
N/A
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