Aston Villa secured a thrilling 4-2 win over Celtic in the Champions League as we sealed a top-eight finish in the league phase.
Morgan Rogers bagged a quick-fire brace to give us a two-goal advantage after just five minutes, but the visitors hit back with quick goals of their own to ensure it was level at the break.
READ MORE: Villa turn down significant bid for talisman but one key exit possible
However, Villa produced an excellent response and display in the second half, as Ollie Watkins restored our lead, before Rogers sealed his hat-trick late on to make the win safe.
With results elsewhere going our way, Villa now automatically advance to the last 16, and it’s some achievement for Unai Emery and the players after what has been a thrilling European campaign thus far.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Celtic:
Emiliano Martinez, 6 – Didn’t have a huge amount to do, but was on hand when needed to intervene. Little he could have done for either goal with more poor defending in front of him.
Matty Cash, 6.5 – Real shame to see him go off injured as he started strongly. Diligent defensively and was prepared to get forward at every opportunity. Hopefully it isn’t a serious setback.
Ezri Konsa, 6 – Overall, he put in a solid shift as he’s having to marshal our backline now as the leading figure. However, his marking was poor for the second goal, and he’ll be frustrated he didn’t do more to prevent Celtic’s fightback.
Boubacar Kamara, 7 – Asked to play as a centre-half amid our injury issues, and although there were some issues, he put in a crucial defensive shift and added much-needed composure and control to our build-up play at the back.
Lucas Digne, 6 – Sloppy at times and was part of our defensive vulnerabilities, but a decent effort from the Frenchman in both phases on the whole.
Lamare Bogarde, 6 – Started well in the midfield pivot as he looks much more comfortable there. However, the switch to right-back after Cash’s injury didn’t suit him, as he continues to struggle when filling that specific void.
Youri Tielemans, 7 – Composed and added sense of control in midfield with his technical ability. Played some key passes that sparked our attacks, as he cut through Celtic with his vision and passing range.
Leon Bailey, 6 – Added important width to our play on the right flank and stretched the pitch to allow others to benefit in more central areas. However, he had plenty of 1v1 situations that he couldn’t take advantage of as he’s still missing the end product to his play which is much needed.
Morgan Rogers, 10 – What a night for him as he bagged a decisive hat-trick. His positioning, finishing, ability to drive forward into the final third with his pace and power, he was a nightmare for Celtic and it was great to see him show a ruthlessness in front of goal to really impact the game. Exceptional.
Jacob Ramsey, 8 – Provided two assists to help us secure the win, and after his goal against West Ham at the weekend, he’s starting to build confidence, rhythm and momentum. Always puts in the hard work for the team out of possession, but he’s looking increasingly sharp on the ball and in his movement to add a pivotal dynamic to our attacking play.
Ollie Watkins, 8 – He’ll be disappointed he ended the night with only the one goal as he had chances to really put the game to bed, including from the penalty spot. However, his movement, work-rate, link-up play and ability to hold the ball up made him a fundamental presence leading the line, and so he put in a really important shift in the attacking third.
Substitutes:
John McGinn, 7.5 – Slow start as he’s still coming back from an injury setback, but he gradually got up to speed and put in a critical performance in the heart of our midfield. Retained possession well, imposed himself and linked things together to give us control, particularly in the second half.
Ian Maatsen, 6.5 – Added fresh legs down the left flank in the latter stages and showed promise with his attacking play.