Aston Villa travelled to the Netherlands in search of their first away win in the Conference League and came away with a memorable result. Let’s take a look at the player ratings…
It is safe to say Aston Villa fans will be happy with the result as they smashed AZ 4-1 away from home.
Despite some sticky spells, Unai Emery can be delighted with the way his side performed and the result they took away.
The Villains took the lead early through Leon Bailey. Just minutes after he fluffed his lines, he guided an arrowed shot on the volley.
It wasn’t long before the lead was doubled, Youri Tielemans grabbed his first goal in Villa colours. A superb pass by John McGinn finished well by the Belgian.
Going into halftime the Villa faithful were more than happy and their joy was only added to six minutes into the second period. Ollie Watkins tapped into an open goal for his second goal in as many games.
If it wasn’t already, the game was settled as captain McGinn flicked home a pinpoint Bailey cross and made it 4-0.
Ibrahim Sadiq pulled on back for the hots but it was a mere consolation as Emery’s side saw out a comfortable result.
Aston Villa Player Ratings
Emi Martinez- 8.5/10
Despite only having to make two saves on the night, Martinez was a class act as ever. Calm and composed on the ball he frustrated the AZ attack and they couldn’t stop him. Nothing comes as a surprise with Dibu, he only gets better.
Matty Cash- 7/10
Another solid performer. Didn’t have much to do defensively and didn’t opt to go forward very much. Just solid.
Diego Carlos- 7/10
The Brazilian made the most passes in the game which ultimately shows what kind of game it was. Calm and composed like his goalkeeper.
Clement Lenglet- 7/10
Another classy performance from a man who isn’t getting much credit but has played well each time he has put the shirt on.
Lucas Digne- 7/10
Like Cash, solid but nothing special. Wasn’t as good as he was in the Legia defeat but by no means is that negative. Good performance. Deserving of at least a seven in the player ratings.
Boubacar Kamara- 8/10
A few shaky moments for the Frenchman but he never looks phased. Most tackles won in the match just sums up what he is about.
Douglas Luiz- 8/10
Less than we’ve come to expect of Luiz, but he was still excellent. Tonight he played a more withdrawn role and still completed the most dribbles. He is very good.
John McGinn- 9/10
The next three names are hard to choose from for Man of the Match. The skipper, McGinn was great. His pass for Tielemans’ goal and his flick for his goal were both so, so good. One of the best players on the pitch.
Youri Tielemans – 9/10
Finally, Tielemans has shown up to the party. This is exactly what everybody knows what he can do. Class on the ball got stuck in and got a goal for his troubles. Hopefully, we can expect more of the same from the Belgian. Well worth a 9/10 in the player ratings, maybe higher.
Leon Bailey- 9/10
Wow. What a performance. I don’t know what Bailey has been eating for breakfast recently but it must be good. He was electric all game long. Beat his man and will and his passing was great. Potentially should have had two goals but he got a deserved goal and assist. Another one who is fighting for a first-team spot, doing himself plenty of favours. Could have been higher in the player ratings for sure.
Ollie Watkins- 8.5/10
Another day, another Watkins goal. The England international is well and truly on a hot streak right now and doesn’t look like stopping. His first goal of the group stages and probably not his last. A quiet performance but still top-class.
Substitutes
Nicolo Zaniolo- 6/10
Moussa Diaby- 6/10
Leander Dendoncker- 6/10
Bertrand Traore- 6/10
Jhon Duran- 6/10
