Aston Villa crashed out of the Carabao Cup in disappointing fashion on Wednesday night after a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Villa Park.
After Eberechi Eze gave the visitors an early lead, Villa struck back through Jhon Duran to find an equaliser and ended the first half on top.
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However, the response after the break wasn’t there as we failed to build on that momentum and grab control of the game, and in turn we were left to rue a lack of quality in the final third.
Daichi Kamada’s strike in the 64th minute ultimately proved to be decisive, as it ends our run in the Carabao Cup early once again, with one pathway to silverware now closed off.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Crystal Palace:
Joe Gauci, 6 – Looked a bit hesitant in his decision-making on when to come out and sweep up danger, much to the ire of Tyrone Mings. However, commanded his box well enough for the most part, but still needs to tidy up a few things which will come with playing time.
Kosta Nedeljkovic, 7 – Full of energy and tenacity in both phases of the game. Made some key tackles and was a willing runner up the right flank throughout to offer width and an attacking outlet. Positive shift from the talented youngster.
Diego Carlos, 5 – After a strong run of form, that habit of making a costly error unfortunately returned in this game. It was the Brazilian centre-half’s poor pass that gifted Palace possession in the lead up to their winning goal and it’s just not good enough for the level we’re trying to compete at.
Tyrone Mings, 7.5 – Brilliant to see him back out there. Looked rusty at times and had to conserve his energy in the latter stages after putting in a big shift. Made some crucial defensive interventions, and he’ll no doubt be a vital presence for us this season.
Ian Maatsen, 6.5 – Defended diligently and pushed forward whenever possible to offer an attacking dynamic too. Couldn’t add a decisive end product to his play though, which was the only thing missing.
Boubacar Kamara, 7.5 – So good to see the Frenchman back. Similarly to Mings, he looked off the pace in the early stages as he lost possession in the build-up to Palace’s first goal. However, gradually found his footing and showcased his class to remind us all of how influential he is. Integral in our first goal after winning possession back and setting us off in attack.
John McGinn, 6.5 – Tenacious and put in a shift as he always does, but didn’t always look particularly comfortable receiving the ball in deeper areas facing his own goal as we couldn’t play out of trouble and the opposition’s high press at times.
Leon Bailey, 6 – Posed a threat early on as he tested the Palace goalkeeper with a couple of attempts on goal. Faded as the game went on though as his struggle for form continues, although he did set up Duran for his equaliser to register another assist.
Emiliano Buendia, 6 – Showed his technical ability and creativity at times when finding space in pockets between the lines and threading passes through, but couldn’t add a decisive touch to his play.
Jaden Philogene, 6 – Poor in this one as he consistently lost the ball, either through taking too long to make a decision or just being overpowered by the Palace defenders. Much to learn from this outing to improve moving forward.
Jhon Duran, 7.5 – Took his goal well to continue his excellent start to the campaign, but he struggled with a lack of service thereafter as despite showing good movement and desire to get into good areas and stretch the Palace defence, we couldn’t take advantage and utilise it effectively.
Substitutes:
Kadan Young, N/A
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, N/A
Lamare Bogarde, N/A
