Aston Villa defeated Everton in their first home game of the 2022-23 season on Saturday, with the game ending in a frenzied finale at Villa Park.
Danny Ings illustrated his clinical finishing by beating Jordan Pickford with a beautiful strike to score the game’s first goal in the first half.
Emiliano Buendia scored the second goal late in the game after coming off the bench. Everton then scored to set up an nervy finish.
Let’s hear the fans post-match thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
EMI MARTINEZ – 7
Until the frantic finish, the Argentinian had a relatively quiet day. In the final stages, he saved well from Gray, Onana, and Gordon and relieved the pressure by coming off his line to collect the balls that were hung up into our area. (This is something I believe he can do more of/improveΒ throughout the season.)
– Ryan Mckeown
MATTY CASH – 7.5
Cash was extremely good in defence, particularly for the first 60 minutes of the game. He made some crucial blocks but was unfortunately hindered by a muscle injury in the latter stages. Hoping for a speedy recovery!
– Hannah Gowen
TYRONE MINGS – 8
After a week of controversy surrounding Gerrard’s post-match comments, Mings returned to the starting lineup.Β The defender received a thunderous applause from the Holte End (both before and after the game).
Mings was dominant and responded to Gerrard’s challenge to find his best form with an outstanding display.
– Ryan Mckeown
DIEGO CARLOS – 6.5
The Brazilian was a physical presence in both boxes and nearly opened his account in claret and blue as he narrowly headed over early on. A few minor errors of judgement but a largely solid performance from the new acquisition. Went off with what looks like a worrying ankle injury. We all wish him well and hope to see him back on the pitch soon.
– Joey Millington
LUCAS DIGNE – 6
There will be better games for our French left back. He seemed to have been told to hold back a little so often seemed unsure whether to stick or twist. Considering what an option he is on the left in terms of crossing his delivery leaves something to be desired. Interesting developing relationship with Ramsey. Clearly unaware that Iwobi was behind him when he scored the own goal that set up a nervy finish.
– Ivan McDouall
JOHN MCGINN – 7
Thought McGinn looked more comfortable in his position in this fixture, with more freedom to thread through passes and switch up play. Still lacking cutting edge on his own shooting. Looked even better with Buendia on the pitch creating movement around him
– Hannah Gowen
* BOUBARCAR KAMARA – 8.5
The picture of calm amongst the chaos. Passes well, wins the ball back and gets his teammates out of trouble. A superb signing.
– Joey Millington
JACOB RAMSEY – 7.5
Lifted the crowd early on, setting the tone for the reaction Aston Villa hoped for with his driving runs into the Everton box.
Much more like the Ramsey we’ve come to know and love.
– Ryan Mckeown
PHILLIPE COUTINHO – 5
Letβs be clear the fact Aston Villa have Coutinho in their team should be celebrated. But today he simply wasnβt in the game which was even more of a problem as he was the link to Ings and Watkins. Thereβs no doubt his touch, technique and pass is unbelievable at times but he is simply not impacting. Seemed to have a knock when he came off which might create a convenient situation for him not to start next time out.
– Ivan McDouall
OLLIE WATKINS – 7.5
Ollie deserves credit for his performance. Despite missing opportunities for himself on goal, he set up the two for Ings and Buendia and his tireless running really helped stretch an otherwise compact and deep Everton defence. He just needs to get his shooting sharpness!
– Hannah Gowen
DANNY INGS – 8
Paired with Watkins as has often been the case when the manager has looked for a response following a poor result. His hard work was rewarded when he turned and fired sweetly past Pickford on the half hour mark. Ings will hope this is the springboard for a good run of form both personally and for the team.
– Joey Millington
SUBS
BUENDIA – 8
on for Coutinho, 60 minutes:
Impact? Here it is. As soon as he came on Buendia lent a more urgent forward thinking approach. Lovely through ball to set up Ings, had one cleared off the line and then scored the second. And you know what he clearly loves the Villa. Itβs difficult to see an argument against him starting against Palace next week. Ivan
– Ivan McDouall
BAILEY – 7
on for Ings, 77 minutes
A short cameo for the talented Jamaican. Hassled Onana to win possession in the lead up to the crucial second. Created an opportunity for Watkins with direct running and a well-timed pass.
– Joey Millington
KONSA – N/A
on for Ramsey, 90 minutes
YOUNG – N/A
on for Cash, 90 minutes
CHAMBERS – N/A
on for Diego Carlos, 90 minutes
On the pitch for a matter of minutes but made a superb sliding challenge to deny the lively Onana. Always ready to deliver when called upon.
– Joey Millington
Subs not used: Robin Olsen, Douglas Luiz, Ludwig Augustinsson, Cameron Archer.
STEVEN GERRARD – 7.5
The boss needed a reaction from the team after last weeks horror show and went attacking with a 433 that included both Ings and Watkins.
The biggest decision was recalling Mings. However this paid off with our former captain putting in a MOTM display which included a block preventing a certain goal from Rondon.
I think the only negative was Coutinho starting ahead of Buendia but Emi’s recent injury played its part in that.
Villa dominated the opening half with a high line and countless attacks which left Everton unable to get out. Rightly so we hit the break in front.
In game management was good this time out. Buendia replacing the injured Coutinho changed the game and changed how we set up. Once on Emi continued to find space and create chances at will.
A much better performance but still plenty to improve on moving forwards. The main thing today was getting the victory we needed.
Our season starts now.
– Gary Plaza
ATMOSPHERE – 8.5
With the noise flowing through Villa park at kick off you wouldn’t believe the meltdown that had happened over the previous 7 days online.
Credit to all 41883 fans both home and away that travelled despite the strikes.
Away fans were largely quiet except the final 8 minutes or so. It was left to the home fans to create the atmosphere.
There were many times last season that the crowd fell quiet but today they were roared on from the start.
It is evident that such support gives our players added desire so lets keep this going and make it a difficult ground to come.
– Gary Plaza
THE SOCIAL HUB – PLAYER RATER
GOALS
ASTON VILLA
Ings (31), Buendia (86)
EVERTON
Digne (OG – 87)
OPPOSTION
Everton (5-2-3): Pickford; Patterson, Holgate, Tarkowski, Coady (Onana, 80), Mykolenko; Doucoure (Davies, 34), Iwobi; Gray (Dele, 80), Gordon, McNei (Rondon, 64)l.
Subs not used: Begovic, Coleman, Keane, Vinagre, Mills.
MATCH OFFICALS
Referee: Michael Oliver. Assistants: Stuart Burt, Simon Bennett. Fourth official: Tom Bramall. VAR: Andy Madley. Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis.
UP NEXT
15:00 | Sat 20th August 2022 | Selhurst Park
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