Aston Villa secured a 2-1 win over Brighton in the final Premier League game of the season on Sunday, and subsequently sealed a place in the Europa Conference League next year.
Goals from Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins ensured we picked up all three points to finish in seventh place in the standings, with Deniz Undav’s goal just before half-time setting up a tense second half.
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However, Villa were able to hold on in the midst of a brilliant atmosphere as the home faithful got right behind the players throughout, and it was ultimately a decisive result given wins for Tottenham and Brentford meant that we had to win to seal our spot in Europe.
While there were a string of brilliant individual performances across the pitch, the Villa midfield stood out in particular in this one, as we now switch our focus to the summer transfer window and preparations for the new campaign.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Brighton:
Emiliano Martinez, 8 – Little he could have done to prevent the goal, but he made some big saves throughout the game, most notably one to deny Undav an equaliser in the first half as he spread himself well to make the save. The Argentine shot-stopper continues to produce big moments that define games, and coupled with his distribution, he played a big part in this win.
Matty Cash, 7.5 – A difficult evening for him up against Enciso and Mitoma, but stuck to his task really well and continued to battle to keep them as quiet as possible. Was patient and composed in his defensive work, which often led to Brighton being unable to find a decisive opening down that side despite their threat.
Ezri Konsa, 8 – A solid shift as he defended well and was accurate with his work in possession. Villa had a mixed game with the high line strategy, but he did well on several occasions in his recovery when Brighton did break through to cut out danger and keep them at bay.
Tyrone Mings, 8 – Important performance in the heart of the backline again as he used his physicality and aggressiveness well to set the tone in defence. Similarly to Konsa, they did allow Brighton to break our high line on occasion, but he was impressive for the most part and continues to go from strength to strength under Emery.
Lucas Digne, 7.5 – Defended well for the most part to limit Brighton’s threat down that flank, but importantly he was able to push forward regularly too as he offered width and support for Ramsey as an attacking outlet down the left side. Almost scored a late free-kick to seal it, but a positive effort from the Frenchman regardless.
John McGinn, 8.5 – What a performance from the Villa captain. The tone-setter for us in midfield as he was aggressive, tenacious and determined from start to finish to make life as difficult as possible for Brighton. Won possession back on so many occasions as he pressed with real intensity, but then paired that with quality on the ball as well to set us on our way to getting the goals to win it.
Boubacar Kamara, 8.5 – Back to somewhere near his best in this one as he consistently broke up possession in midfield with his excellent reading of the game, awareness and positioning. Combined that with composure and technical quality on the ball, as he was calm and accurate under pressure while also making a fundamental intervention on Ferguson when he was in on goal. Classy.
Douglas Luiz, 8.5 – Another brilliant display. Excellent run into the box and top finish to break the deadlock, and he then continued to help run the show in midfield with his quality in possession to keep us ticking and probing. Similarly to Kamara too, he was excellent under pressure with Brighton being aggressive in their approach, but his class shone through in a fitting end to a wonderful season from Luiz.
Jacob Ramsey, 8.5 – A superb shift from the birthday boy as he gave Brighton headaches throughout. His powerful, penetrating runs offered us a real threat down the left flank, and he was instrumental in providing assists for both goals. Has added composure and patience to his play in the final third, as he’s picking out the right passes in key moments. Should have got a goal himself too but unfortunately skied a big chance that could have wrapped things up early.
Leon Bailey, 8 – Positive from the Jamaican forward, as he was both a direct threat and provider but just missed that decisive end product. Went close with two efforts of his own as he did well in the first half, and should have had an assist but for Ramsey’s big miss. A good way to finish the season after struggling at various points for form.
Ollie Watkins, 8 – Bagged his 15th goal of the season with an easy tap-in following great work from McGinn, Bailey and then Ramsey with the assist. Showed good movement and work ethic throughout to keep the Brighton defence on their toes both in and out of possession, and was nice to see him end the season with a goal which ultimately proved to be the all-important effort to seal the victory.
Substitutes:
Emiliano Buendia, 6.5 – Battled hard in the last 20 minutes or so as he added fresh legs to apply pressure and press higher up the pitch. Wasn’t quite as accurate as he would have liked on the ball, but did his job well to help us see out the win.
