“Good things come to those who wait” – finally the big man nets in the Premier League, and what a time to do it – deep into injury time, to dent any hope of a great escape for West Bromwich Albion. 2-2. GET IN KEINAN DAVIS!
Before Davis’s equaliser, El Ghazi cooly slotted home from the penalty spot to open the scoring, WBA hit back with two goals – a penalty of their own, dispatched by the impressive Pereria, and an unfortunate own goal from Tyrone Mings, who’s attempted block of Diagne’s shot flew past Martinez, following an Ezri Konsa slip.
UTV Podcast team members Ryan Mckeown and Justin Hawthorne are joined by Simon Lines, Gary Plaza and Tom Parker.
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STARTING LINE-UP
Formation 4-3-3
Emi Martinez – 7
The record-equalling 15th clean sheet is still the target for Emi but a combination of Konsa’s foot catching Maitland-Niles and the fact any contact in the box is now a penalty meant it did not come tonight.
Superb save to keep out Maitland-Niles moments later diving well to his left.
Almost caught out by Pereria whose free-kick crashed against the bar.
More great saves after the break, most notably a superb reaction save from Konsa preventing an own goal. (Gary)
Ahmed Elmohamady – 8
Quiet first half but stuck to his task, after we went behind he really picked his game up and helped us to dominate the last 30 mins. Was unlucky not to score with a pliedriver as well. Never let’s us down and will be sad to see him go. (Justin)
Ezri Konsa – 6
Poor game by his standards. Gave away a soft penalty and his mistake cost us on the 2nd goal. (Simon)
Tryone Mings – 6
The scoresheet will point to a night to forget for Tyrone Mings, but that doesn’t tell the full story. I felt it was a reasonably assured performance, despite Albion’s attack causing problems. Unlucky to register an own goal following Konsa’s error, but I felt he had no choice but to attempt to block the shot. (Tom)
Matt Targett – 8
Superb start from Targett. Quite easily the most improved player from last season. Got forward well to support their El Ghazi and linked up well with Barkley. 2 great crosses topped off his first-half display.
The second half was almost identical to the first, with great attacking support throughout the half.
Could he sneak into the England Euro squad? (Gary)
Douglas Luiz – 5
Oh Dougie, Dougie, Dougie. I made a point of sticking up for the Brazilian on Twitter last week, and was hoping for a performance that would silence his critics. Sadly, we didn’t quite get it. I felt in the early stages he looked lively. He played a delightful backheel in a slick move that resulted in our penalty and was showing glimpses of his ability to break up attacks and set up counters. However, he faded quickly. He’s a young player who I believe has the potential to be top class, but we’ve not seen any sign of that for too long. Improvement is needed big time. (Tom)
John McGinn – 6
Back to a defensive role and struggled with his passing. Involved in the equaliser with his cross at the end. (Simon)
Ross Barkley – 6
Surprise selection, given the comments during the week that Villa had no intention to sign Ross on a permanent deal this summer. Barkley made a bright start to the game, reacting to the loose ball in area and winning a penalty from a clumsy challenge from Ajayi – El Ghazi converting cooly!
Can take some heart from his display today, yes, it was nowhere near the levels he hit early doors, and he’s struggling to find that swag, but his performance is something to build on.
Could he still have a part to play this season? (Ryan)
Bertrand Traore – 4
Bertrand Traore is annoying me more than any other player at the moment, just because he’s so poor when you know he’s capable of better. Like Douglas Luiz, he played a sumptuous backheeled ball in the build-up to our penalty, and while there was the odd flash of skill, it never particularly got much better than that. His night was summed up when, rather than playing the obvious pass to the overlapping Elmo in the 65th minute, he opted to take a shot that was never on. He’s striking me as a luxury player – one who turns on the style when things are going well, but not one you can rely on in the trenches. It’s not a great look. (Tom)
Anwar El Ghazi – 7
Villa’s best player. Looked up for it. Got some shots away and a few great crosses. Accurately tucked his penalty away. (Simon)
Ollie Watkins – 7
Usual business from Mr Reliable in the opening 45 minutes! Running in behind as standard but also a couple of bright moments when coming short to hold the ball up and bring others in to play. Managed to get a header on target but in all honesty, he needs better service.
The second half was all too similar of late. Missed a superb chance when he ran clear. Also produced a great ball across goal in the final stages but no-one was there to tap it home.
Got some rewards for his effort when his header across goal was forced home by Davis. (Gary)
Substitutes
Jacob Ramsey for Douglas Luiz (77th minute) – 6.5
Made an impact to our attacking intent as we searched for the equaliser. (Ryan)
Keinan Davis on for Ross Barkley (82nd minute) – 8.5* MOTM
“Good things come to those who wait” – Well Done Keinan! A Premier League goal to your name!
Made a huge impact to the game as the Albion’s defence struggled to contain the powerful striker. Struck the post with an effort prior to his winner, which begs the question – should he of come on earlier? (Ryan)
Wesley on for Traore (90th minute) – 6
Welcome back big man! Recorded a shot on target with a placed header. (Ryan)
THE BOSS
PLAYER REACTION
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