Aston Villa Player Ratings for Wolves (A)
By Charles Hay
Aston Villa’s hopes of a European tour next season took a blow in a defeat to West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. Toti’s early header from a corner was the decisive goal in the game, as Wolves kept their 10th home clean sheet of the season, that all but secured their top flight status after reaching the 40 point mark. But what’s happening to Villa?
With Unai Emery limited in how he can freshen his first XI up, are the players now physically and mentally tiring after their efforts in the 10-game unbeaten win? While Villa largely controlled the game against Wolves and had the majority of possession, were they lacking in inspiration and spark? Lets look at the latest ratings from the Wolves game.
Aston Villa Player Ratings
Emi Martinez – 6
Played it out well from the back and was on point in his sweeper duties, and certainly wasn’t to blame for the goal. The only other shot on target he had to deal with was making a good save from Diego Costa.
Ashley Young – 6
With a key pass and a couple of shots to his name, Young was doing his part to help break Wolves down, while keeping the offside trap high-line well. Unable to influence the game in the second half, he made way for Diego Carlos’ return.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Very good in the air from Konsa, wasn’t troubled by Diego Costa. Mae some good interceptions. Has had harder games though.
Tyrone Mings – 6
Got distracted by John McGinn and Craig Dawson’s clash in the build up to the Neves’ corner that led to the goal, although Jacob Ramsay should have done better marking Toti. Helped Konsa keep Costa largely silent, intercepted some good crosses from the Wolves right-wing and generally commanded the defence well. At the other end though, he missed Villa’s best chance of the game with a glaring miss from six-yards out, after a smart Douglas Luiz free kick served up the chance on a plate. So, minus a point for that.
Alex Moreno – 6
Moreno had to contend with Wolves backline closing down the spaces in their own half and defending in numbers. He got five crosses in, so remained one of Villa’s main threats , but found the game tough going, compared to previous appearances.
Douglas Luiz – 6
Passing out from the back left Luiz in some difficult positions and he gave the ball away cheaply on several occasions, but it didn’t define Luiz’s performance. He was a threat going forward, and won four fouls, against a tenacious Wolves defence. His sublime free kick to serve up Mings’ chance on a plate, deserved to be rewarded with a goal.
John McGinn – 6
Helped keep Villa in possession but ultimately didn’t add any moment son inspiration to break Wolves stubborn rearguard effort.
Bertrand Traore – 4.5
Poor from Traore and was deservedly taken off at half-time. One shot on target, a poor one at that, an interception and only 30 touches sums up his day. Very unimpressive, but in fairness, Bailey didn’t offer much more.
Jacob Ramsey – 5
A shot and a couple of key passes, but the fact he only had 30 touches across the 90 minutes shows that Ramsay struggled to get into the game and influence it. A shame, as these are the moments the likes of Ramsay need to pop up with a telling contribution.
Emi Buendia – 7
Probably Villa’s MOTM. Buendia was behind everything half decent and was a constant threat and a worry to the Wolves back line. Although most of his five shots were off target, he completely ran the attack and created some good chances. Hopefully that performance can be recreated next weekend against Spurs.
Ollie Watkins – 6
Ever since the birth of his third child, Watkins has struggled for form and yet again he went missing. Coincidence or are we blaming his kid?! Three shot, one on target. but Watkins was largely on the edge of the game with 25 touches. He did play a major part in the handball shout, but overall not the unstoppable force of a few weeks ago.
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Off the Bench
Leon Bailey (’45) – 5
Marginally better than Traore, as at the start of the second half he offered some spark and willingness, but towards the end of the game, he dropped off significantly. He struggled to keep the ball and was sloppy in his passing.
Diego Carlos (’64) – 7
A solid return for Diego Carlos, as he was welcomed back for only his third appearance this season. The defence was marshalled well by him and Mings, including winning three aerial duels in his relatively short time on the pitch. There were a couple of long eye-catching balls to turn defence into attack. May get a start in the final games, if Villa’s Europe hopes end before the final game.
Jhon Duran (’80) – N/A
Not enough minutes (10) or enough touches (four) to have anything other than his regular cameo.
Lucas Digne (’84) – N/A
The new Trez for El Ghazi. Usual.
Boubacar Kamara (’84) – N/A
Just over five minutes of play and only two touches, but it’s just good to see the Frenchman back again from injury.
Manager
Emery – 6
Controlled the game decently well from the sidelines but looked incredibly displeased at times, perhaps matching Villa fans’ expressions as the game went on. Possibly he was suffering from the lack of squad depth in recent fixtures. With at least some minutes in the bank for two of his returning players, he will at least have more options at his disposal in Villa’s final matches.
Villa’s hopes of Europe qualification are not yet over, but with games against the three teams immediately above them remaining, it does seem unlikely.
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