Aston Villa welcomed Brighton and Hove Albion earlier today as they looked to pick up a win in Steven Gerrard’s first game as the manager at Villa Park. The Villans struggled to get a foothold in the game in the first half and went into the half-time interval with a goalless scoreline.
It was a similar story for most of the second half but the home side came alive right at the death. Ollie Watkins finally broke the deadlock in the 84th minute with a fabulous finish before Tyrone Mings made the points secure for the West Midlands outfit just five minutes later with a brilliant first-time finish. The match ended with Gerrard’s men earning an impressive 2-0 win at home.
Let’s take a look at how each Aston Villa player performed during the match against the Seagulls.
GK: Emiliano Martinez – 7/10
The Argentine keeper made two important saves and secured a great clean sheet during the game.
RB: Matty Cash – 7/10
Cash cleared his lines when needed and made two crucial interceptions at the back. He also completed two good dribbles down the right flank.
CB: Ezri Konsa – 6.5/10
Konsa kept a good shape at the back and did enough work defensively to earn a clean sheet today.
CB: Tyrone Mings – 8/10
The Villans centre-back was a commanding presence inside his half as he cleared the danger when the opposition were on the front foot. He also scored a late goal with a wonderful first-time finish.
The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency:
Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/)
Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)
LB: Matt Targett – 8/10
He got stuck in with plenty of solid tackles and created a few decent chances for his teammates to score.
CM: John McGinn – 7/10
McGinn anchored the midfield with a lot of conviction and had a couple of lively moments in the opponent’s half.
CM: Marvelous Nakamba – 6.5/10
He was always willing to go in with a tackle and tried his best to make life difficult for Brighton at the centre of the park.
CM: Jacob Ramsey – 6.5/10
Ramsey was full of energy in midfield but struggled to get a foothold in the game.
RW: Emiliano Buendia – 6/10
He had a quiet game for the Villans and got replaced in the 73rd minute.
ST: Danny Ings – 6/10
Ings offered very little in the final third and got substituted after the hour mark.
LW: Ollie Watkins – 7.5/10
He made two good runs with the ball and ended up breaking the deadlock with a wonderful solo goal in the 84th minute.
Substitutes:
RW: Leon Bailey – 6.5/10
Bailey was quite lively after coming off the bench.
CM: Ashley Young – 6/10
He added some energy to Gerrard’s midfield.
RW: Anwar El Ghazi – N/A
He hardly had any time to influence the game.
