Ashley Young’s long-range goal was the only highlight of the night as Aston Villa draw 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at The City Ground.
Let’s hear the fans post-match thoughts about the players’ individual performances.
EMI MARTINEZ – 6
Not much he could do with the opener as it came at him too quickly. It’s disappointing that the goal was the only real chance they created if you call it a real chance. The only part he played in the second half was a smart save and hold from Kouyate.
– Gary Plaza
MATTY CASH – 6
Back in the starting eleven after an injury picked up at the start of September, Cash did look full of energy and intent. Barely had to do a thing defensively. Tried to get forward but like the rest of Villaβs attacking play, it didnβt end up with fruit.
– Hannah Gowen
TYRONE MINGS – 6.5
I personally didn’t think it was a free kick against Mings which led to the goal. Mings won the ball with Dennis clearly flinging himself into the centre-half; this maybe a new trend as it happened again in the second half!
Solid throughout.
– Ryan Mckeown
EZRI KONSA – 5
If we assume players begin on a rating of 6, whilst Konsa did nothing horrific, neither did he inspire any confidence. Part of an all-around terrible (hilarious) attempt to defend Forestβs goal and then followed that up with a silly booking. Central defenders donβt change games, and no one is knocking his door down to start ahead of him. 5 is the only relevant number.
– Ivan McDouall
ASHLEY YOUNG – 7
WOW! What a way to roll back the years. Great first touch followed by a ferocious drive into the bottom corner. Backed it up by keeping Johnson quiet in the opening 45 minutes. Solid 2nd half with nothing troubling him. Another pretty solid defensive performance just a poor set piece to concede from and that’s on Mings and his needless foul.
– Gary Plaza
DOUGLAS LUIZ – 5
Staying on the 5 theme. Thrown back into the DM role now Kamara is absent is odd in itself given everyone seems to accept thatβs not his bag. Amusing when the Sky commentator described him as floundering at one point. Did nothing horrendous (see Ezri Konsa) but equally did nothing to influence proceedings. Anchored another deeply troubling and uninspiring midfield display.
– Ivan McDouall
JACOB RAMSEY – 7
Huge opportunity in the second half to put Villa in front. Ramsey had done the hard work, expertly spinning his marker to get himself in on goal and I was fully expecting a rasping effort into the roof of the net, but instead, Ramsey opted for a cut back to Watkins; a perfect example of Villa’s lack of confidence in the final third.
Still, an accomplished performance from the midfielder, showed he was no pushover with a battling performance.
– Ryan Mckeown
JOHN MCGINN – 4
Subbed off for Dendonker on the 77th minute, this was another game with McGinn drifting in and out and cutting a frustrated, low confidence figure. He wasnβt able to get a hold of the game in the centre of the park and his diving header attempt summed up the general sour taste around Villaβs activity in the final third.
– Hannah Gowen
PHILLIPE COUTINHO – 4
Itβs probably about time we saw something from the Brazilian. There were – as usual – flashes of the technical ability that we know exists (Exhibit 1 – glorious cross-field ball to Cash in the first half). But this simply isnβt enough. We seem to assume opposition teams must be in awe of a line-up with Coutinho in it. Clearly not. A free kick into the wall just about summed up his evening and the season in general.Β
– Ivan McDouall
OLLIE WATKINS – 4
Ollie Watkins looks the least confident he ever has in a Villa shirt. Probably given the nod in hopes of ending his goalless run, but again he was unable to impact the score line. Had one or two decent chances again but looked hopeless when he couldnβt convert. Another casualty of this poor side.
– Hannah Gowen
EMI BUENDIA – 7
The energy we’ve missed in recent weeks. Defended from the front and pressed everything. Some smart link up play with Cash had glimpses of a great partnership on the right. Continued in the second half but he couldn’t create nothing.
– Gary Plaza
SUBS
INGS – N/A
on for Coutinho, 65 minutes – Part of the βthrow the strikers at itβ tactic Ings was never involved or able to make an impact. Can have a role moving forward but not as an impact sub when Villa are toiling anyway. Penny for his thoughts.
DENDONCKER – N/A
on for McGinn, 75 minutes – Didnβt get to see much of him, but Dendonker looked fine.
ARCHER – N/A
on for Ramsey, 80 minutes – Injected a cutting edge to the attack but should have gone for goal with his headered attempt instead of looking for the cut-back – good to see him get minutes.
Not used: Olsen, Bednarek, Chambers, Sanson, Nakamba, Bogarde.
OPPOSTION
Nottingham Forest | Henderson; Aurier (Williams ’57), Cook, McKenna, Toffolo; Kouyate, Freuler; Johnson, Gibbs-White (O’Brien ’89), Yates; Dennis (Surridge ’70).
Not used | Hennessey, Worrall, Boly, Mangala, Freuler, Awoniyi.
UTV PODCAST HQ | LATEST NEWS
DONATE
UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blogβ is now accepting small donations, which will help to support the site’s ongoing evolution.
Thank you so much for your support.
VILLA BELLAS
Villa Bellas is the Official AVFC Womenβs Network. In an unequal and often unrelenting world we work to break down barriers for equality.
Our network aims to raise the voice of women and non-binary people at @AVFCOfficial We support inclusion & diversity and with our allies, we can challenge sexism and misogyny, creating a safe and welcoming environment for the fans in the stands and the women on the pitch.
Let’s celebrate ourselves and champion each other while having fun doing it!
Twitter: @villabellas Instagram: @villa.bellas
SUBSCRIBE
Enjoying this article – then please subscribe to UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blog to help us grow and support the site; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released article.
Plus, it’s completely free.
PARTNERS
UTVPODCAST is pleased to partner with Official AVFC Store, Fanatics, Kitbag, and Classic Football Shirts. Throughout the season, we will bring you special offers and discount codes.
ASTON VILLA | KITBAG
ASTON VILLA | AVFC STORE
2022/23 Aston Villa – Shop Now
ASTON VILLA | CLASSIC FOOTBALL SHIRTS
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook and Twitter readers, click the respective icon below to follow our utvpodcast social media accounts.
