Aston villa scripted three successive wins since suffering a shocking 1-0 defeat against Watford at Villa Park. But the momentum was lost against London opponents West Ham United and Arsenal, who grabbed narrow wins before the international break.
This afternoon, the Villans had yet another tricky test as they travelled to Molineux to lock horns with Wolves. However, a disastrous first half saw them concede twice, and an improved display after the break was not enough to avoid a third successive defeats for Steven Gerrard’s men.
Below are the Aston Villa players rated in their 2-1 defeat against Wolves.
Emiliano Martinez: 6.5
Could have done little between the sticks as the errors and shambles from his teammates saw him conceding twice in the first half. Made some decent saves to keep them in the game.
Matty Cash: 5.5
Kept on getting dispossessed down the right and offered little with his overlapping runs. Improved a bit after the break but was still the second-best while engaging in duels.
Ezri Konsa: 4.5
Was dreadful at the back during Jonny’s goal as his poor man-marking and lack of movement exposed the frailty in the defensive third.
Tyrone Mings: 5
Mings, too, had a shambolic show in the heart of the backline. Got dribbled past far too easily, and also struggled to keep things calm and maintain shape despite wearing the armband.
Lucas Digne: 6
Was forced to leave the pitch with an injury minutes after Jonny’s opener. Ashley Young replaced him down the left and scored a horrendous own goal around the 36th-minute mark.
Morgan Sanson: 6
Tried to drive the show with his dribbles and box-to-box movements. Should have done more to nullify the likes of Joao Moutinho and Leander Dendoncker. Was replaced by Douglas Luiz with 18 minutes remaining.
John McGinn: 6.5
Was at fault during Jonny’s opener. Was not sharp enough with his passing and crossing game from the centre of the pitch. Looked more purposeful after the break as he went for duels, recovered possession and carried the ball forward.
Leon Bailey: 5.5
Forced Jose Sa to make a top save with an effort from a distance. Lost the duels and got dispossessed time and again. Lacked the chemistry with Cash down the right-hand flank.
Jacob Ramsey: 6
Nothing significant from the youngster apart from drawing some fouls and off the ball work rate. Should be deployed in an advanced role, given his swift footwork and directness.
Philippe Coutinho: 6
Wolves kept the ‘little magician’ under control by not allowing him free space in the attacking third. Had a few attempts which, however, were harmless for the home side. Made way for Emi Buendia late in the outing.
Ollie Watkins: 7
Wasted a few chances but did enough to draw a foul inside the box late in the game. Converted from the spot to bring the visitors back in the contest.
Aston Villa Substitutes Vs Wolves
Ashley Young: 6
The own goal was a shocker, but the veteran Englishman was not that bad since replacing Digne. Was lively down the left and created a few chances high up the pitch with his overlapping runs and through passes.
Douglas Luiz: 6.5
Injected some composure and compactness since replacing Sanson in the middle of the park.
Emiliano Buendia: 6
Did not offer anything significant during the final quarter of the match.
