Aston Villa were held to a 0-0 draw at Elland Road by 10-man Leeds United.
Luis Sinisterra was sent off for the home team early in the second half after receiving a second yellow card but Aston Villa failed to take advantage.
Let’s hear my thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
EMI MARTINEZ – 7
Martinez rattled the enthusiastic Leeds United fans by slowing the game down at every opportunity, and their irritation transpired onto the field as the hosts committed foul-after-foul. Denied Bramford mid-way through the second-half – other than that hardly troubled.
– Ryan Mckeown
ASHLEY YOUNG – 7
Following Augustinsson withdrawal, Young switched flanks, and his experience proved invaluable once again. Unlucky not to register an assist after delivering a wonderful through ball into Ollie Watkins – who couldn’t convert!
– Ryan Mckeown
TYRONE MINGS – 7
That’s four games in an Aston Villa shirt at Elland Road without defeat, and don’t Tyrone Mings just love it! Relishes ramming the noise from the Leeds faithful back down their throats! Another established performance.
– Ryan Mckeown
EZRI KONSA – 7
Konsa had an eventful 90 minutes after Augustinsson’s injury meant he was forced to fill-in at right-back. Konsa will feel disappointed he didn’t score after failing to convert from a threatening Douglas Luiz corner; with the goal gaping he sent his far-post header wide of the flapping Meslier’s goal. Defended well throughout, and was quick to reacted after Bramford’s effort was parried by Emi Martinez..
– Ryan Mckeown
LUDWIG AUGUSTINSSON – 6
Are we cursed? Poor Augustinsson pulled up with a hamstring on his Villa debut on the stroke of half-time. Booked.
– Ryan Mckeown
DOUGLAS LUIZ – 6.5
Following Kamara’s injury, Luiz returned to the ‘six’ position seamlessly. A solid performance while remaining disciplined throughout. Whipped in some fierce corners, but his teammates finishing in the area was sadly lacking.
– Ryan Mckeown
JACOB RAMSEY – 6.5
Ramsey caused panic with his trademark driving runs in the first half. Sent a shot high and wide under pressure at the edge of the box in the second half. Ramsey fought hard in the centre of midfield as the crunching challenges flew in.
Danny Ings replaced him as Villa looked for a winner.
– Ryan Mckeown
JOHN MCGINN – 7
McGinn made a point-saving tackle to deny Klich in the closing stages, moments before he saw his low drive from long-range fly wide of Meslier’s goal. Again, unable to recreate his attacking exploits for Scotland in an Aston Villa shirt.
– Ryan Mckeown
PHILLIPE COUTINHO – 5.5
His inventive volley hit the post after a super delivery from Leon Bailey. Always threatening, but it’s just not falling for the Brazilian right now – he lost his footing in dangerous situations, and lacked conviction in his finishing.
– Ryan Mckeown
OLLIE WATKINS – 5
Ollie Watkins. Right, let’s start with the positives, he led the line well up against the physically presence of Liam Cooper and Robin Koch, plus, his hold up play was decent. But, as a striker you’re judged on goals, and Watkins is lacking that killer instinct, that natural ability to finish; it just can’t be coached, and that is what let him down today. Missed a couple of one-on-ones, and couldn’t untangle his feet to prod home after Coutinho’s effort rebounding off the post.
– Ryan Mckeown
LEON BAILEY – 5.5
Bailey struggled again to make an impact in this game. Despite this, he played a part in the game’s major attacking moments, first firing straight at Meslier when slid through from Ramsey (should of done better), and delivered a superb cross for Coutinho, who hit the post with his effort. Booked seconds before being replaced by Emi Buendia.
– Ryan Mckeown
SUBS
BEDNAREK – 6
on for Augustinsson, 45 minutes – steady debut.
BUENDIA – 7
on for Bailey, 64 minutes – his vision gave Villa an extra dimension in attack. It’s time for a start!
INGS – N/A
on for Ramsey, 83 minutes – no time to make impact.
Not used: Robin Olsen, Morgan Sanson, Marvelous Nakamba, Leander Dendoncker, Cameron Archer, Lamare Bogarde.
OPPOSTION
LEEDS UNITED | Meslier; Struijk, Koch, Cooper, Kristensen (Ayling, 68); Adams, Roca (Firpo, 58), Aaronson (Klich, 79); Sinisterra (RED CARD, 48), Rodrigo (Bamford, 68), Harrison (Summerville, 79).
Not used: Klaesson, Llorente, Greenwood, Gnonto.
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