Aston Villa pulled off a spectacular late comeback to defeat Crystal Palace 3-1 and claim their ninth consecutive league home victory.
Let’s hear the fans’ post-match thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
Contributions from: Hannah Gowen, Gary Plaza, and, Ivan & Arlo McDouall.
EMILIANO MARTÍNEZ – 7
“A pretty quiet first half for Martinez, meaning he was left without much to do. However, an early slip in the second half sealed the fate for Palace’s opener. Emi did recover and made some solid saves throughout the rest of the half to keep Villa in the game.”
Contribution from: Hannah Gowen
MATTY CASH – 7.5
“Solid performance all round for Cash today. Well apart from his finishing. Palace allowed us plenty of room on both flanks and we used it well, put a superb ball across the face of goal just out of reach of Watkins”.
“Missed 2 great chances within a few minutes, firstly fluffing a Zaniolo pull back then sending a header over the bar when well placed”.
“Continued well after the break and found Bailey time and time again to start so many attacks”.
“Needs to back himself more in one to one situations as it was his only negative this afternoon”.
Contribution from: Gary Plaza.
PAU TORRES – 6.5
“On the whole, a more comfortable performance from Torres as he looked keen to progress the ball and landed a few lovely cross field passes, namely one that played in Diaby for his ultimately offside goal. Got turned and lacked the pace and physicality to stop Mateta for Palace’s goal.”
Contribution from: Hannah Gowen
EZRI KONSA – 9
“Exceptional in the first half, covered well for those around him who had a more adventurous brief. Second half had less to do as Villa poured forward. Arguably one of Villa’s most valuable players at this stage given injuries and playing style. A calm authority”.
Contribution from: Ivan & Arlo McDouall.
LUCAS DIGNE – 9
“MOTM for me today. Like Cash he was offered so much space on the byline which allowed him to put in great delivery after great delivery. He was rewarded with an assist for Duran, I make that 5 this season already. Linked up superbly with Pau all afternoon. Moreno will be find it hard to displace Digne on current form.”
Contribution from: Gary Plaza.
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DOUGLAS LUIZ – 8
“Another game where Luiz was kept very busy in the midfield, making some crucial interceptions and being the anchor for all progressive play. A few iffy passes but on a whole showed why he is one of Villa’s top men. A stone cold penalty to seal the win and he got a much deserved standing ovation.”
Contribution from: Hannah Gowen
BOUBACAR KAMARA – 6.5
“Went under the radar for the hour he played today. Palace made the game narrow and filled the middle as much as they could, this made it difficult for him to stand out. Found Cash multiple times down the right and really looked to get us up the field”.
Replaced by Tielemans on the hour.
Tielemans 58′ – Struggled when he first came on but grew into the game. His comments about not starting were a shadow over him, but he let his football speak. Helped us continue a pressed attack and looked to play forward at every opportunity. His quality was on show with a fantastic through ball to Diaby to set up Bailey and guarantee the 3 points. He will get his chance, and he will perform. 7
Contribution from: Gary Plaza.
JOHN MCGINN – 8
“Industriously buzzed around as ever – wins balls he has no right to and then plays his way out of tight corners in the same manner. Such a driving force for the team – albeit slightly hamstring by the early non-booking. Taken off to be ready for Thursday and to allow a slightly different approach. He won’t have minded. Selfless.”
*Durán 71′ – The goal was the impetus that allowed Villa to win. Had an energy and exuberance that fans love and if he continues like this he will press for a start. What a journey and what a goal – we won’t see many better in B6 this season. 10
Contribution from: Ivan & Arlo McDouall.
NICOLÒ ZANIOLO – 7
“Some nice touches and flicks – and what a physical presence. A shame then he’ll need to learn to be stronger on the ball and not go down too easily. A solid debut but ultimately the changes made Villa look better. His time will come”
Bailey 57‘ – Villa fans will forever get frustrated with the Jamaican but he was effective in channeling the game in a different direction. Combined well with Diaby not least when scoring the third. 8
Contribution from: Ivan & Arlo McDouall.
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MOUSSA DIABY – 7
“In what was a frustrating game attacking-wise for 80 minutes, Diaby was one of few that created and executed some good chances on goal. He did have the ball in the net but a marginal offside denied him, though he kept his head up and continued to use his pace and agility to trouble the Palace defence for the full 90“.
Contribution from: Hannah Gowen
OLLIE WATKINS – 7.5
“So instrumental to how we play but his finishing is really letting him down. Had a great chance to open the scoring but his poor effort was easily saved by Johnstone. Unlucky not to score in the second half when his effort came back from the upright, although if it went in it may have been looked at by VAR for handball”.
“We know with Ollie he doesn’t stop and he showed that getting onto a through ball late on to win the penalty. I just wish he could get the goal he needs to kick off his season.”
Dendoncker 100′ – Replaced Ollie late on. Helped see the game out. – N/A
Contribution from: Gary Plaza.
Subs not used: Moreno, Chambers, Lenglet, Olsen, Marschall
THE OPPOSITION
C Palace: Johnstone, Ward, Andersen, Richards, Mitchell, Doucouré (Rak-Sakyi 100′), Hughes, Ayew (Mateta 25′), Eze, Schlupp, Édouard (Ahamada 90′)
Subs: Holding, Mateta, Clyne, Ebiowei, Ahamada, Henderson, Matthews, Riedewald, Rak-Sakyi
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