Aston Villa clashed heads with Hibernian at Easter Road earlier this evening as they looked to secure a win in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff tie. The Villans made a brilliant start to the game as they scored the opening goal in the 17th minute courtesy of Ollie Watkins’ effort. Watkins doubled his team’s advantage just 16 minutes later before Leon Bailey made it 3-0 to Aston Villa in the 42nd minute. Unai Emery’s men went into the half-time break 3-0 up on the scoreline.
Watkins completed his hattrick in the 48th minute. Douglas Luiz also got his name on the scoresheet from the penalty spot in the 74th minute. The contest ended with the Villans earning a dominant 5-0 win at Easter Road.
Let’s take a look at how each Aston Villa player performed during the clash against Hibernian.
GK: Emiliano Martinez – 7/10
Martinez was solid in the first half and was replaced at half-time.
RB: Ezri Konsa – 7/10
He did what was required of him at the back and was good on the ball as well.
CB: Diego Carlos – 7/10
Carlos dealt with the danger when needed and would be pleased with the clean sheet.
CB: Pau Torres – 7/10
The Spaniard was a commanding presence inside his half but gave away possession cheaply at times.
LB: Lucas Digne – 9/10
The French left-back didn’t do much wrong when defending inside his half and managed to secure three assists this evening.
CM: Boubacar Kamara – 7/10
Kamara anchored the midfield with conviction and was composed on the ball.
CM: Douglas Luiz – 8/10
The Brazilian moved the ball well at the centre of the park and managed to score his penalty in the second half.
RW: Leon Bailey – 8/10
Bailey caused some problems for the opposition out in the wide areas.
CAM: Moussa Diaby – 7/10
He interchanged possession well with others around him but there was no goal for him.
LW: John McGinn – 8/10
He was a constant menace in the Hibernian half. McGinn did everything but score today.
ST: Ollie Watkins – 9/10
Watkins bagged a brace in the first half before completing his hat trick in the 48th minute. Emery would be quite pleased with his star striker’s performance this evening.
Substitutes:
GK: Robin Olsen – 7/10
Olsen made one solid save at the back.
CM: Youri Tielemans – 6/10
He added some energy off the bench.
ST: Jhon Duran – 6/10
Duran failed to threaten the opponent’s goal.
RW: Bertrand Traore – 7/10
He came on as a substitute and won a penalty for his team.
RB: Matty Cash – 6/10
His impact on the game was minimal.
