Aston Villa locked horns with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park earlier this afternoon as they looked to secure all three points on the road. The Villans made a quick start to the contest as they took the lead in the 15th minute courtesy of Matt Targett’s half-volley from close range. The West Midlands outfit protected their narrow advantage well and went into the half-time interval 1-0 up on the scoreline.
Steven Gerrard’s men worked hard in the second half and finally managed to double their advantage in the 86th minute via John McGinn’s curled effort. Marc Guehi scored a consolation goal for the Eagles in injury-time as the Villans ended up winning the match by a 2-0 scoreline.
Let’s take a look at how each Aston Villa player performed during the clash against the Eagles.
GK: Emiliano Martinez – 7/10
The Argentine keeper made a couple of decent saves but will be disappointed after conceding a goal in injury-time which ruined his hopes of a clean sheet.
RB: Matty Cash – 7.5/10
Cash made plenty of important clearances at the back and got stuck in with a few tackles as well. It was a solid defensive performance from him today.
CB: Ezri Konsa – 6/10
Konsa kept a good shape at the back for most of the game but was too late to react in the lead-up to Guehi’s goal.
CB: Tyrone Mings – 7/10
The English defensive ace cleared his lines when needed and was quite strong in the air.
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LB: Matt Targett – 7.5/10
Targett gave Aston Villa the all-important lead early in the first half and also performed his defensive duties well.
CM: John McGinn – 8.5/10
The Scottish midfielder got stuck in with a lot of solid tackles at the centre of the park. He also caused a lot of problems for the opposition with his running and scored a deserved goal late in the game.
CM: Marvelous Nakamba – 7/10
Nakamba anchored the midfield with conviction and even made one key chance in the final third.
RM: Leon Bailey – 6.5/10
He made a couple of decent chances for his teammates but there was no goal for him today.
CAM: Jacob Ramsey – 7/10
Ramsey had to do a lot of defending and stood up to the test very well.
LM: Ashley Young – 7.5/10
He got back to clear the danger when needed and picked up an assist for setting up Targett’s goal.
ST: Ollie Watkins – 6/10
Watkins worked hard and had a couple of lively moments up top. He didn’t do enough to get himself a goal.
Substitutes:
CM: Douglas Luiz – 6/10
Luiz received a red card which was later changed into a yellow card after the referee was advised by VAR.
LW: Anwar El Ghazi – 7/10
He came off the bench and bagged an assist for setting up McGinn’s goal.
RW: Emiliano Buendia – N/A
Buendia hardly had any time to make an impact.
