Aston Villa battled it out for a well earned victory over Leeds United under the lights at Villa Park.
Let’s hear the fans post-match thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
*EMILIANO MARTINEZ – 9
“What a saveβ¦ TWICE! Martinez demonstrated the very reasons he is the holder of a World Cup winners medal with some excellent shot stopping against Leeds. Most notably his save for Jack Harrisonβs shot at close range, which will be a βsave of the seasonβ contender. Did everything asked of him!“
– Hannah Gowen
*ASHLEY YOUNG – 9
“Rolling back the year once again in a standout performance. Loves this sort of game where he can get involved and lead from the front. Loves giving it back – you could tell he was buzzing when taking repeated throw ins in front of the Leeds fans. But classy on the ball too – happy to get rid but equally can still pick a pass as he did for Kamara in the build up to Baileyβs goal. Matty Cash has got a job on getting back in this side.“
– Ivan McDouall
TYRONE MINGS – 8
“Minus a bit of an awkward slip near the half way line (oops) that set Leeds up for a quick counter attack, Mings was very solid again. With him and Konsa looking back to their partnership best, even in the tense moments of the game there was some comfort that our number 4 & 5 would get Villa over the finish line.”
– Hannah Gowen
EZRI KONSA – 8
“Another really solid showing from Villa’s No.4 who, under Emery, seems to have re-found the form of the 2020/21 season next to his partner in crime Tyrone Mings. In the build up to the game, Ezri spoke about his willingness to improve and adapt under the new head coach and you can certainly see that through his application on the pitch in recent weeks. He’ll be disappointed with the goal conceded, but buzzing with a crucial three points at Villa Park.”
– Liam Davies
LUCAS DIGNE – N/A
“Lost the ball in a dangerous position and ended up injured and substituted.”
– Ivan McDouall
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DOUGLAS LUIZ – 8
“From halfway to North London to an indispensable part of the Villa side. Has a natural synergy with Kamara and they work so well together. Particularly in the second half Dougie was the fulcrum of Villaβs ball progression. Week on week, goes from strength to strength.”
– Ivan McDouall
*BOUBACAR KAMARA – 9
“Words almost fail me when describing what could be our bargain of the century. An absolute Rolls Royce. Thought the midfield was slightly under pressure in the first 45 but Bouba remained a healthy constant throughout, really growing into the game in the second half. He is an absolute dream in possession and also got a cracking assist with his blistering counter attack. We are just so lucky to have him. Man of the match performance.”
– Hannah Gowen
JACOB RAMSEY – 7
“Making his first start in claret and blue since the win on the south-coast against Brighton in November, JJ put in a good shift down the left. His ability to drive through the midfield is really something special and you feel he will thrive and continue to develop in that outside-eight role under Emery.”
– Liam Davies
EMILIANO BUENDIA – 8
“Emi was a bright spark in the team, showing quality at both ends of the field. The No.10’s passion and tenacity is perfect for this sort of fixture, evidenced through the tussle with Liam Cooper, and it certainly shone through and benefited the side. His tireless performance was topped with a goal, despite VAR’s best efforts to rule it out, heading in after Leon Bailey’s initial effort was saved for his third of the season.“
– Liam Davies
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LEON BAILEY – 8
“Our Jamaican winger has struggled a bit in recent weeks, but he started this one off with a bang. A absolutely scrumptious goal on the 3rd minute, which looked like a weight lifted from his shoulders. Thought he did pretty well at causing their defence some problems and we relied heavily on him when countering. Just missing some of that strength to hold up the ball and the final pass in the penalty area. Heβs saved his place in the starting eleven.”
– Hannah Gowen
OLLIE WATKINS – 6
“Barely had a touch before going off after 31 minutes. Cut an isolated figure up to that point.”
– Ivan McDouall
SUBS
ALEX MORENO – 7.5
On for Digne, 10th minute: The early signs are good. Nice on the ball, looks to push the envelope and take risks. Inevitably looked unfamiliar with some routines and team mates and could never have imagined to play virtually the full game. Impressive defensive clearance and could have marked his debut with a goal in the second half. Look forward to seeing more. – Ivan McDouall
MORGAN SANSON – 6
On for Buendia, 81st minute: The Frenchman is slowly starting to work his way back into the Villa set-up, making back to back appearances for the first time this season. As he did against Stevenage last weekend, Sanson battled hard in the middle of the park, and contributed well to help see the game over the line. Maybe he does have a future at the club? – Liam Davies
PHILIPPE COUTINHO – 6
On for Ramsey, 81st minute: A spirited 10 minute display from the little Brazilian who done well to maintain Jacob Ramsey’s work rate down the Villa left. The No.23 demonstrated his raw ability on a couple of occasions to outwit Luke Ayling and nearly caught Meslier out with a long-range lofted effort. With Watkins facing a possible spell on the sidelines, Coutinho will look to work his way back into the starting eleven. – Liam Davies
DANNY INGS – 6
On for Watkins, 32nd minute: Replaced Watkins and immediately took up the same isolated role, but combined with slightly less energy. For me this performance showed why Watkins is the better bet. Ings did not get into the game nor made any particular effort to. Missed a good chance when set up by Ramseyβs inventive ball. – Ivan McDouall
Not used: Robin Olsen, Calum Chambers, Jan Bednarek, Marvelous Nakamba, Kadan Young.
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OPPOSTION
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Ivan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk (Max Wober, 66), Robin Koch (Junior Firpo, 88), Liam Cooper; Tyler Adams, Marc Roca (Sam Greenwood, 77); Brenden Aaronson (Joe Gelhardt, 77), Jack Harrison (Patrick Bamford, 66), Wilfried Gnonto; Rodrigo.
Subs not used: Joel Robles, Diego Llorente, Rasmus Kristensen, Sonny Perkins.
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Thumbnail Media Credit: www.avfc.co.uk
AUTHOR | RYAN MCKEOWN
Authorβs UTV PODCAST archive Ryan Mckeown – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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