Aston Villa slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Everton at home on Sunday, ending our 11-game winning streak at Villa Park in disappointing fashion.
On a frustrating evening for all concerned, Unai Emery suffered another injury blow in the first half as John McGinn was forced off with a knee issue, and Villa were unable to find a breakthrough as Thierno Barry sealed all three points for the visitors after finding the back of the net on the hour mark.
It was a bitterly disappointing goal to concede as although Pau Torres’ miscontrol put us in trouble initially, it was a poor effort from Emiliano Martinez to keep a tame shot out from Dwight McNeil, and Barry was on hand to apply a nice finish on the rebound.
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Villa’s injury troubles and lack of options clearly hurt us this past weekend, but there is little time to dwell on this poor result as we now head to Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night looking to bounce back immediately.
Time will tell if Emery is able to recover any injured players or if any new arrivals will be officially announced prior to our trip to Newcastle United at the weekend, but Villa certainly need a boost from somewhere as we looked out of rhythm and lacking control in this encounter amid our increasing number of absentees.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Everton:
Emiliano Martinez, 5 – Not good enough on the goal. Stemmed from Pau’s initial mistake, but Martinez has to do better with the initial save in either catching it or pushing it away to safety. Instead, it was a soft effort that Barry was able to pounce on and finish and so his catalogue of errors this season continues to grow.
Matty Cash, 6.5 – Defended well throughout as he kept Jack Grealish quiet in that specific duel, while he was tidy in possession and tried to give us width and an attacking outlet down the right side.
Ezri Konsa, 6.5 – Solid performance as he looked in control defensively for the most part and helped us build out from the back with his composure in possession.
Pau Torres, 5 – His miscontrol was ultimately punished for the goal, but as noted above, Martinez should have done better to prevent that particular situation ending in the worst possible way. The Spaniard did play some excellent passes forward at times in trying to prise Everton open, but he was equally as wasteful too.
Ian Maatsen, 7 – Provided us with much-needed energy and direct running down the left flank to create openings and give us an attacking threat going forward. Didn’t agree with the change in the latter stages as we lost that dynamic.
Lamare Bogarde, 6 – Tidy shift but with the injuries piling up in midfield, he will have to step up now and start asserting himself more effectively and consistently. Sweeps up danger well, but needs to improve in possession to give us control and rhythm.
Youri Tielemans, 6.5 – With a lack of alternative options around him, there is a concern that we will have to now rely too heavily on the Belgian international. Put in a positive performance in this one, but needs help and to have his minutes managed in the coming weeks as best as possible as we can’t put that level of strain on him.
John McGinn, N/A – Big blow losing him after just 18 minutes. It’s hoped that his knee issue isn’t serious as that would be a major setback for us if our skipper faces an extended period on the sidelines. Expectation is that he’ll go for a scan on Monday to determine the severity of the problem.
Emiliano Buendia, 6 – Found pockets of space and good positions, but the execution of his end product wasn’t there. Tired in the latter stages, but he’ll need to step up as we’ll need him in a more prominent role now until reinforcements arrive.
Morgan Rogers, 6.5 – Threatened throughout and was our most positive attacking outlet. However, marked down as he did snatch on a number of big chances, and had he been more clinical, we could have been looking at an entirely different result. Credit to him though for driving us forward and getting into those positions.
Ollie Watkins, 5.5 – Largely anonymous as he couldn’t provide us with a goal threat with a lack of quality service, while his influence in our build-up play was minimal. We’ll need more from him now that Malen is no longer an option to replace him.
Substitutes:
Evann Guessand, 5 – Hit the crossbar with a chance in the first half, but there are real question marks over how he best fits in and if Emery can unlock his potential and talent. Looks lost and out of position far too often and lacks the necessary quality when on the ball to make the difference. Needs to improve, and quickly, with our lack of options in attack now.
Lucas Digne, 5.5 – Steady performance in the latter part of the game as we continued to push for an equaliser, but his deliveries into the box failed to result in us finding a way back into the encounter.
George Hemmings, 6 – Impressive after coming on as he looked composed and energetic in trying to give us control in midfield and to help sustain our pressure. Has the talent and potential to take a step forward in the next few games with injuries opening the door, and hopefully he is given minutes to continue to show what he is capable of.