Aston Villa moved to the next round of the 2019/20 Carabao Cup by securing an emphatic 6-1 win over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday evening.
The Premier League new boys started the game positively and scored an early goal through Ezri Konsa. However, Crewe responded well and even scored a goal, though it was disallowed due to offside. Villa then once again got back into the game, thanks to a beautiful goal from Conor Hourihane. The midfielder also scored the third at the end of the first half.
Aston Villa completely dominated the second half and gulf of difference between the two sides was rather evident. Keinan Davis scored the fourth in the 69th minute before Frederic Guilbert netted the fifth seven minutes later. Crewe did, however, manage to score a consolation goal through Ryan Wintle. But, Villa’s club captain Jack Grealish added the final gloss into the scoreline by scoring a late goal.
Here is how Dean Smith’s men fared in their massive victory over the League Two outfit this evening.
Jed Steer 6
Didn’t have any important saves to make other than a 17th-minute effort. Lacked communication with teammates, especially in the first half. Not necessarily an extraordinary performance from the goalkeeper.
Ahmed Elmohamady 7.5
A calming presence in the right-back slot, Elmohamady’s experience was paramount in restricting the Crewe attackers from creating any trouble. Also linked up well with the supporting winger.
Ezri Konsa 8.5
Looked solid in possession and facilitated the backline with his excellent passing. He notably moved forward on several occasions and scored the opener through a header in the 4th minute.
Kourtney Hause 8
Complemented the efforts of Konsa though he did look out of place at times when Crewe pushed hard for the equaliser, soon after Konsa scored the opener.
Matt Targett 7.5
Offered good support from the left flank throughout the first half. But, suffering an unfortunate injury which meant he had to leave the pitch just before the restart.
Conor Hourihane 10
One of the best players on the evening, Hourihane was smart in his offensive movements and teamed up well with the likes of Henri Lansbury and Jota. Scored two goals in the first-half and cleverly won a free-kick in the second half which should have been utilised much better.
Marvelous Nakamba 8
Provided security to the backline by operating in the number six position. Looked solid in possession and rarely gave away the ball. Also moved into a deeper role to pick up the ball from the back and ease the build-up play. A promising display from the Zimbabwean international.
Henri Lansbury 10
Lansbury was Aston Villa’s creator-in-chief, making a host of useful runs in the first half. His combination play with the likes of Jota and Hourihane was eye-catching. The midfielder was also very unselfish to square off the ball to Hourihane in the second half. Ended up registering three assists.
Jota 7.5
Started the game on a positive note, being involved in almost all of Aston Villa’s attacking moments. His neat movements on and off the ball were really useful. However, his influence gradually faded as the game wore on.
Keinan Davis 9
Had minimal opportunities to make any difference with the ball at his feet. But, he made up for it with his willingness to test the opposing goalkeeper. He was rewarded for his excellent second-half performance with a goal in the 69th minute.
Anwar El Ghazi 8
Deployed on the left-wing, El Ghazi showcased his dynamism and technicality. He often tried to take on defenders and cut inside to create chances in the final third. However, he was not as effective as the likes of Lansbury or Hourihane.
SUBSTITUTES
Frederic Guilbert 8
Replaced the injured Targett in the 43rd minute and offered protection on the left flank. Also scored a goal late in the game and it will be interesting to see if he will be used more frequently by Smith this season.
Jack Grealish 9
Made an immediate impact after coming on for Jota in the 68th minute. He provided the assist for Konsa’s goal and scored one himself in the 87th minute.
Cameron Archer N/A
A late replacement for the tiring Davis.
