Aston Villa earned a vital point at Anfield in the race for a European spot; Spurs fell to defeat at home to Brentford in the early kick-off, opening the opportunity for Villa to take the initiative; European position is in our own hands with the final game of the season at home to Brighton a week from Sunday.
Let’s hear Gary Plaza & Liam Davies’ post-match thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
EMILIANO MARTÍNEZ – 9
“It was difficult not to award Villa’s number one a 10/10 after what was a colossal performance between the sticks at Anfield. The World Cup winner showed exactly why he’s one of the best and his slumped demeanour at the end indicates just how hard he had to worked on a hot Merseyside. A terrific display from Dibu who will naturally be disappointed with the late goal conceded but can be proud of himself today”.
– Liam Davies
MATTY CASH – 7
“Great to see Cash back in the starting 11. Dealt with a ferocious Liverpool attack well. Young brought on to provide additional support in the second half“.
– Gary Plaza
TYRONE MINGS – 9
“The only way to describe Mings today is Colossus! He was immense and the reason we came away with anything. His reading of the game and his positional play has never been better. When we are pushing for the top 7 you need your leaders to stand out. Mings was an example of brilliance”.
– Gary Plaza
EZRI KONSA – 8
“Yet another battled display from Villa’s number four who kept his quality at the back throughout the 110 minutes of action. Alongside his partner in crime, Tyrone Mings, the 25-year-old kept his concentration and focus throughout to maintain the high-line and keep the Liverpool attackers at bay. Konsa is one of many players who has been a revelation under Unai Emery and he will look to continue his high standards next week at Villa Park”.
– Liam Davies
LUCAS DIGNE – 7
“A big day for Lucas Digne up against the electric Mohammed Salah. The Frenchmen was picked over Alex Moreno for his defensive know-how and capabilities and demonstrated exactly why Unai Emery’s decision was a good one with a solid display down the left. The number 27 was booked in the 53rd minute before suffering an injury that put an end to his afternoon. A good outing nonetheless for the former Evertonian”.
– Liam Davies
Álex Moreno 53′: Replaced an injured Lucas Digne in the 53rd minute before being withdrawn himself due to a hamstring pull. The Spaniard made a crucial challenge to deny Virgil Van Dijk around the hour mark; a challenge that called it a day for the January signing. N/A
Buendía 65′: Brought on for the injured Alex Moreno in the 65th minute, but showed very little both in or out of possession. The Argentine was rarely in the game despite a 30-minute cameo, having been dropped for Boubacar Kamara who provided more midfield stability. The 26-year-old will look to finish his season well with an improved performance against Brighton next weekend. 6
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DOUGLAS LUIZ – 7
“Luiz has become Mr Dependant this season and we have excelled with that stability. Nothing to report today other than the inch perfect assist for Ramsey to put us in front, haha. Having two defensive central midfielders at 22 and 24 years of age is nothing short of exciting”.
– Gary Plaza
Dendoncker 87′: Replaced Luiz late on. Helped see the game out and put European qualification in our own hands. N/A
JACOB RAMSAY – 8
“Making his 100th Aston Villa appearance, Jacob Ramsey was excellent in the wide-left position and continued his goal-scoring form with a well-taken effort in the 27th minute that put his side ahead after a superb ball in from Douglas Luiz. From here, Emery asked the 21-year-old to work hard, track back and join the Villa back-six – something the number 44 did magnificently. JJ will look to score his third goal in as many games next week and cap a tremendous season off with a win. “It’s in our hands,’ claims the youngster!“
– Liam Davies
JOHN MCGINN – 8
“Another resilient display from the Aston Villa captain who was his excellent self all over the pitch. The Scotsman began the game behind Ollie Watkins and was often the link between defence and attack for his side, before being switched to left-back and wing-back roles after a series of injuries. The number seven was crucial to Villa’s hard-earned point, with good battles against Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, and will look to send his side to Europe with another big performance next weekend”.
– Liam Davies
BOUBACAR KAMARA – 7
“When the season gets tough you need reinforcements and what a player Kamara is to call upon. Helped to contain one of the best midfield and attacks in Europe. Still one of the few positives from Gerrard’s reign”.
– Gary Plaza
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LEON BAILEY – 7
“Good too see Bailey back in the team but it’s hard to impress when we spent a lot of time out of possession. Gave his all and pushed us towards a top 7 finish”.
– Gary Plaza
Ashley Young 53′: Experience when needed. Helped sure up the defence and help protect the point. 6
OLLIE WATKINS – 6
“A disappointing day for Villa’s top goal scorer who could have helped Villa on their way to a spectacular victory on the road if he was to convert a penalty inside 22 minutes. The Englishman won the penalty after being played through my McGinn and was brought down by Ibrahima Konate before side-footing his spot-kick wide. The former Brentford forward, as expected, was Villa’s primary source of attacking threat with his strength and runs in behind but failed to register another opportunity at goal before being replaced by Jhon Durán in the final few minutes”.
– Liam Davies
Durán 87′: Replaced Ollie Watkins on the 87th minute to provide physicality both up top and defensively too. The Colombian didn’t see much of the ball in possession but completed a couple of clearances from the series of late Liverpool corners. N/A
Subs not used: Traoré, Olsen, Sinisalo
THE OPPOSITION
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, van Dijk, Robertson (Tsimikas 72′), Jones (Diogo Jota 63′), Fabinho (Elliott 81′), Henderson (Milner 72′), Mohamed Salah, Gakpo, Díaz (Roberto Firmino 72′)
Subs: Gomez, Milner, Roberto Firmino, Elliott, Diogo Jota, Tsimikas, Fábio Carvalho, Matip, Kelleher
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