Aston Villa fans are no strangers to opening day disappointment but few would have imagined witnessing the mess that unfolded at St James’ Park.
A record opening day Premier League defeat provided a stern reality check to the optimism that had been built up over pre-season. Ill disciplined, rudderless and lacking ideas Unai Emery will need to move his squad on very quickly.
Words by: Ivan McDouall
EMILIANO MARTΓNEZ – 4
“Kept Villa in at some stages – not least when keeping Tonali out at 1-1 – but needs to share some responsibility for the defensive chaos and also for failing to assume some of the leadership essence that departed with Tyrone Mings. Kicking was poor and panicked – didn’t seem confident of the shape in front of him, ignoring Pau Torres on a number of occasions to kick the ball into touch instead. Booked for taking out Almiron”.
MATTY CASH – 3
“Struggled to keep track of Gordon from the off and persistent fouls led to dangerous situations. Constantly dragged out of position by the Newcastle winger and left spaces that were willingly exploited. Had to score in 64th minute, although any allusion that may have turned the tide is far fetched. The fact he ended up in a wide midfield role would seem to suggest more about Unai’s faith in his depth options than anything else”.
ON; 87 minutes: Philogene-Bidace
TYRONE MINGS – n/a
“Nothing more to say, than we are all thinking of him. If we assume the worst, will be a huge miss”!
ON; 31 minutes: Pau Torres 3 – Will need to adapt to the pace of the PL quickly, and should it need explaining, be told that he can’t stop if he thinks it’s offside. A debut to forget for someone who will clearly be a key performer for Villa over the season.
EZRI KONSA – 3
“Part of a collective mishandling of high line and perceived offsides before shifting to the right where he looked every bit a centre back playing there. Horrible, horrible error for the 3-1 goal which essentially sealed the deal”.
LUCAS DIGNE – 3
“Villa’s play was often so narrow that Digne was the only option out wide. That’s fine but this game was again the microcosm of his inconsistency – from the delightful delivery for Diaby’s goal to some meaningless punts seemingly designed to get a corner, many of which he subsequently took to little effect”.
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DOUGLAS LUIZ – 5
“Best of a bad bunch. Seemed to be keen to constantly move things quicker and make an impact, although that became more muddled once Tielemans came on. Some nice through balls, but others not always on the same wavelength. Should have done better with a free header from Digne corner. Booked for complaining about a perceived foul in build up to 1-0 goal!.
BOUBACAR KAMARA – 2
“Worst game in a Villa shirt. Seemed to be playing higher, although it became clear that this was not a plan but indiscipline. Emery tore strips off him when Mings was receiving treatment on the pitch. Couldn’t pick a pass today – exemplified in 83rd minute when able to break but couldn’t find Diaby or Watkins. A real disappointment today and his performance was a key factor in a dreadful team effort”.
JOHN MCGINN – 4
“Over zealous in the challenge early on – desperate to make an impact but simply failed to do so at all before being hauled off after the hour. Big weeks to come for McGinn given the potential absence of Mings from a leadership perspective”.
ON; 64 minutes – Diego Carlos 3 – No frills, good to get him on the pitch
LEON BAILEY – 2
“It’s been said before but what is his skillset? Today any attempts at crossing were poor and yet he also failed to take anyone on and beat them? The fact he started must say more about Emery’s belief in other options or at least their ‘readiness’. His defensive contribution has never been good so it wasn’t a shock he didn’t track Gordon for the 1-0 goal. But today others’ defensive efforts should be under scrutiny – we should be more worried about his lack of impact, again, at the other end”.
ON; 45 minutes: Tielemans 3 – Never near hitting the heights of Lazio, seemed unsure of role in a three with Luiz and the faltering Kamara.
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MOUSSA DIABY – 5
“Lovely finish for his first Villa goal – although showed some poor judgement with his other two chances, when choosing the wrong option under pressure. For an hour he looked lively and impactful but as the team was re-jigged his influence waned. More to come, clearly”.
ON; 87 minutes: Coutinho
OLLIE WATKINS – 3
“There were worse performances but a miss at 2-1 was crucial and he had to score. As ever, worked hard for 90 minutes but there will remain concerns if he continues to miss crucial chances, especially whilst there continues to a lack of real competition up front. Will have better days, and no doubt the goal will come, starting with next week in B6”.
Subs not used: Olsen, Chambers, Archer, Kellyman.
THE OPPOSITION
Newcastle: Pope, Trippier, SchΓ€r, Botman, Burn, Tonali (Anderson 92′), GuimarΓ£es (Longstaff 85′), Joelinton, AlmirΓ³n (Murphy 86′), Isak (Wilson 68′), Gordon (Barnes 68′).
Subs: DΓΊbravka, Lascelles, Targett, Livramento.
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