Aston Villa returned to winning ways with victory over Dean Smith’s Norwich City at Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins capitalised on a costly slip from Brandon Williams to drill home his 100th club career goal after a sublime long-range pass from Danny Ings on 41 minutes.
Danny Ings sealed the three points deep into second-half injury-time with a well deserved goal after hitting the woodwork earlier in the game.
Let’s see how the fans scored the player’s performance.
STARTING LINE-UP
Formation 4-3-2-1
Emi Martinez – 8
Rating contribution from Ivan & Arlo McDouall
What’s left to say about how crucial a role he plays? This was never a game Villa looked particularly like losing but Norwich had chances and Emi was always there to repel them.
Fingertip save in the first half was simply world-class. Always on the front foot in trying to get Villa going – although interestingly Mings stopped him on a number of occasions. Key player moving forward
VILLA STORE
Matty Cash – 7
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
Hard to judge a performance against a side that had already accepted their fate and didn’t turn up. That being said you can only beat whats in front of you, and we have done that and kept another clean sheet.
Tidy performance without giving their attack any opportunities. Definitely one of the easier games he’ll have in his Villa career.
Calum Chambers – 6
Rating contribution from Ellis Burnett
A solid enough performance from the man who came in for Konsa. Dominant in the air and very unlucky to pick up a booking.
If I was to pick up a slight criticism of his game, it would be that he was beaten for pace a few times but that’s expected as he gets back into the swing of things. He has done enough to keep his place for me
Tyrone Mings – 7.5
Rating contribution from Ryan Mckeown
Comfortable afternoon for the Captain as the defence kept their second consecutive clean-sheet.
Guilty of cheaply gifting away possession on occasions but overall a dominant display on his 100th Premier League appearance for Aston Villa.
Lucas Digne – 7
Rating contribution from Ivan & Arlo McDouall
Can’t have been many expecting his name to be on the team sheet. A welcome return.
Solid in defence, a sporadic threat going forward. More to come next season.
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Tim Iroegbunam – 6
Rating contribution from Ellis Burnett
A very assured performance from the young midfielder who made his first start.
Mistimed some tackles and played some loose balls in the second half as he tired. other than the minor mistakes it was a performance to be proud of from Tim
John McGinn – 9
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
The engine, the battler, the pace setter! McGinn is so important to how we want to play. Superb today from the first whistle until the last.
He won everything and got things moving in a very forgettable game. In my opinion he’ll be captain of this club on the opening day of next season.
Jacob Ramsey – 7.5
Rating contribution from Ryan Mckeown
His driving runs from midfield are fast becoming his trademark attribute and he delivered more of the same this afternoon.
Solid performance. 3 points. Bumper contract extension. Jacob Ramsey has had a very good week.
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Leon Bailey – 5
Rating contribution from Ivan & Arlo McDouall
A difficult one. Seemed to be more committed but then seemed to stay on too long when injured. A stunning effort that Krul tipped onto the bar shows what he is capable of – will be fascinating to see how much of a chance he gets to show it moving forward.
When he came out at the end had a protective boot on so may not see him again this season.
Phillipe Coutinho – 5
Rating contribution from Ellis Burnett
Nothing seemed to work for the Brazilian and kept the ball for too long at times instead of playing in the strikers.
For me, a big performance is needed from Coutinho as he has gone missing for the last few games
Ollie Watkins – 8
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
Could have easily been giving Ollie 10 today if he had taken his chances. He’ll be disappointed that he hasn’t taken the match ball home with him.
Superb play and an even finish for the opener, turning the defender before driving past Krul. Pressed their backline constantly and put a foot in when needed. Another couple of goals would’ve made his day but it’s 3 points and premier league football again.
SUBSITUTIONS
*Danny Ings – 9
on for Leon Bailey, 40th minute
Rating contribution from Ivan & Arlo McDouall
A breath of fresh air when he came on. Superb pass for Watkins to open the scoring with his first touch. Worked hard and snapped into some tackles.
Good link-up play with Ollie who probably should have done more with Ings’ hard work. Deserved the second goal. A good afternoon’s work. It
Douglas Luiz – 6
on for Tim Iroegbunam, 73rd minute
Rating contribution from Ellis Burnett
The Brazilians cameo wasn’t loads to right home about with him doing a job. He made us look slightly more solid in a period where Norwich were dominating the play
Emi Buendia – 7
on for Philippe Coutinho, 76th minute
Rating contribution from Ellis Burnett
I was surprised Gerrard didn’t opt for Buendia earlier when Bailey pulled up with injury but nevertheless Buendia pushed us forward and created many chances including shielding the ball away from the Norwich defenders for Ings goal.
Buendia needs a start to build his confidence and I think the goal involvements will come rolling in
Subs not used | Olsen (GK), Konsa, Traore, Young, Nakamba, Chukwuemeka
GOALS
Aston Villa | Watkins (41) Ings (90+3)
Norwich | N/A
OPPOSITION
Norwich City: Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Zimmermann, Giannoulis; Normann, Gilmour; Dowell, Lees-Melou (Sargent ’66, Rupp ’81), Rashica (Rowe ’76); Pukki.
Subs: Gunn (GK), Gibson, Placheta, Sorensen, Giannoulis.
THE BOSS
ASTON VILLA PLAYER REACTION
UP NEXT
Burnley (A) | Saturday 7th May 2022 | 15:00
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