Aston Villa secured a 2-0 win over Cardiff City to advance to the quarter-finals in the FA Cup, thanks to a brace from Marco Asensio.
Villa dominated and controlled much of the game and built sustained pressure, but a lack of a clinical end product was glaringly obvious in the first half as we failed to take advantage.
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However, having shown more quality in dangerous wide areas in the second half, we were able to find a timely breakthrough after 68 minutes, with Asensio doubling his tally for the night shortly after to ensure we advanced to the next round.
Pleasingly, there was a much-needed clean sheet too as we looked more compact and organised defensively, and hopefully this is a performance and result we can take into next week when we resume Champions League action.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Cardiff City:
Emiliano Martinez, 7 – Didn’t have much to do as we controlled the game well, but he did produce a key save in the second half just as Cardiff were starting to look dangerous. Good to see him start after the injury concern earlier in the week.
Andres Garcia, 7.5 – Another impressive shift in both phases, as he defended well and showed good recovery pace to help us deal with the threat of the counter attack. He also continues to play with positive intent in possession to help us build play and threaten down the right side.
Ezri Konsa, 7 – Gave us an injury scare in the second half, but it was a diligent display as he marshalled the backline well and kept things tight to help us secure a much-needed clean sheet.
Lamare Bogarde, 7 – Mature performance from the talented youngster. Perhaps escaped a potential penalty shout in the first half, but he continues to step up and deliver in whichever position he’s asked to fill by Emery.
Ian Maatsen, 7 – Gave us width and energy down the left flank, and although he got caught out on a couple of occasions, it was an improved defensive effort from the Dutchman, and that was important to see given it’s been highlighted as the weak part of his game.
John McGinn, 7.5 – Battled hard and gave us a foothold in midfield, which subsequently helped give us control of the game. An indispensable presence in the heart of the side with his tenacity and energy, and it’s hoped he can continue to keep this form up.
Youri Tielemans, 7.5 – Not as his flowing best in the first half, but he continued to dictate and control the game for us with his vision, passing and technical ability. Capped it off with a brilliant pass over the top to find Rashford in the build-up to our opening goal.
Leon Bailey, 7 – Still looks a bit too indecisive when he gets into dangerous positions, as he doesn’t have the confidence to consistently skip past his man and create openings. However, he did stretch the game and looked threatening at times, before setting up Asensio for his second. Important to see him continue to try and make things happen, and we should back him for that.
Marco Asensio, 8.5 – What a class act. Adds finesse and a decisive touch in the final third, thus giving us a crucial balance in that department. Showed composure and the ability to slow the game down with his two goals, as his touch and finishing were superb to ultimately make the difference.
Marcus Rashford, 7.5 – Frustrating at times given he got into great positions and had the chance to be decisive, but couldn’t quite get his cross or effort on goal right. However, he continued to plug away and gave us an outlet down the left who was willing to try and unlock the door in another positive performance, and he eventually did so with his assist for Asensio’s opener.
Ollie Watkins, 7 – Needs to be more clinical as he had chances in the first half to give us an important early lead which could have made the game easier. However, he continued to lead the line well, showed good movement and got into those positions to score. That said, he will know he has to be more ruthless, and consistently so, in front of goal.
Substitutes:
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, N/A
Morgan Rogers, N/A
Jacob Ramsey, N/A
Lucas Digne, N/A
