Aston Villa secured a 3-1 win over Man Utd on Sunday as Unai Emery’s reign began with an impressive three points.
It had been 27 years since Villa last beat the Red Devils at home in the Premier League, but that horrendous run was finally ended as goals from Leon Bailey, Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey sealed the victory.
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Given the nature of the performance, there were so many positives for Emery to take from it, but ultimately the Villa boss will know that it’s key now we find some consistency and build on this rather than it being merely just an initial lift after his arrival.
It’s hard to pick out individuals for praise such was the impressive nature of the display across the pitch and as a collective, but there were those who played a leading role in getting Emery’s tenure off to the perfect start.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Man Utd:
Emiliano Martinez, 8 – Made two crucial saves in the first half to deny Garnacho and Ronaldo to protect our lead. Showed his class in those moments as he didn’t have too much to do while he also commanded his area well throughout.
Matty Cash, 7.5 – A gritty display from Cash as although he was beaten on occasion, he put himself about the pitch and made key tackles while also looking more composed on the ball and playing accurate passes forward.
Ezri Konsa, 8 – Put in a top shift to help keep Ronaldo quiet for the most part. Switched on defensively to snuff out danger and showed good energy and intent with some dangerous runs forward too.
Tyrone Mings, 8.5 – Made the right decisions throughout which ensured he put in a solid defensive performance with countless important interventions, whether it was in the air or on the ground. A brilliant effort from him to lead the way in the backline.
Lucas Digne, 8 – Scored a beauty of a free-kick as he got the power and curl on it perfect to beat De Gea. Will continue to improve with playing time after his injury layoff but looked good in this one as he provided an option and width on the left flank with his runs into the opposition half.
Jacob Ramsey, 8.5 – Played a perfect through ball for the opener to grab an assist before producing a stunning finish for our third in an excellent display. Relished being able to make powerful runs forward again and importantly had options playing off him to allow him to make dangerous, probing passes.
Leander Dendoncker, 7.5 – Another important contribution as he added a physical presence and defensive protection in midfield with his ability to break things up and disrupt Utd’s rhythm in the final third. Looks a little off the pace at times when his positioning is off, but there’s a crucial balance in the side with him and Luiz in midfield.
Douglas Luiz, 7.5 – Playing in a role that suits him better now as with Dendoncker next to him to do the dirty work, he can focus on finding space, getting on the ball and playing passes through the lines to get the ball into the feet of our attacking players. Did that throughout to keep us ticking over.
Emiliano Buendia, 7.5 – Frustrated with himself at times as he played a few errant passes to give possession away. That said, there was a lot to like from his performance too as he went close with an effort that could have made it 3-0, was constantly buzzing around the pitch and causing Utd problems, while he put in a serious defensive shift too with his pressing and tracking back.
Leon Bailey, 8.5 – Another brilliant display from the Jamaican international. Took his goal really well as he lifted it enough to beat De Gea with a fine finish, and he used his pace, directness and skills to cause them constant headaches as he was a real live-wire throughout.
Ollie Watkins, 8 – Put in a superb shift for the team with his defensive work, but he also showed better movement to stretch Utd’s backline, hold up play and first touch were much better too as he consistently brought others into the game. Capped it off with a brilliant run and assist for Ramsey’s goal as he looked so much more confident and sure in what he was doing.
Substitutes:
John McGinn, 6 – Showed versatility to play in two different roles as he initially supported Watkins up top and helped see out the win.
Boubacar Kamara, N/A – Great to see him make his comeback from injury and he will undoubtedly be a key player for us moving forward.
Danny Ings, N/A
Ashley Young, N/A
Morgan Sanson, N/A – Nice touch to see him finally get on the pitch and get some minutes. Could have an important role to play for Emery.
