Aston Villa secured a brilliant 2-0 win away at Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday night, as we made it three wins in the space of a week.
Goals from Emiliano Buendia and John McGinn sealed all three points in Rotterdam, as although we weren’t at our best in the first half, we dug in and stayed in the game before showing more quality in the final third after the break.
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There were further encouraging signs that we’re starting to rediscover our identity and confidence given our display in the second half, and it’s hoped that we can carry this momentum into Sunday’s clash with Burnley in the Premier League, as we look to end on a positive note ahead of the international break.
That’s two wins in two in Europe though after seeing off Bologna last week, and so it’s been an ideal start in this particular competition as we look to make a deep run.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Feyenoord:
Marco Bizot, 8 – Superb. Made a string of crucial saves throughout the game to initially keep us in the contest before protecting our lead. Can’t have been easy given the late withdrawal of Emiliano Martinez, but he showed his experience and class in a vital performance.
Matty Cash, 7 – Stuck to his task and defended diligently. Got forward on occasion to provide width, but it was a solid defensive job from the Villa right-back as he had his hands full but kept things relatively tight.
Ezri Konsa, 8 – Put his body on the line once again to preserve our clean sheet, as he also read play well and put in a controlled defensive shift. Composed and accurate with his distribution too.
Pau Torres, 8 – So good to see him playing at a high level again. Defended well throughout in his duels, but his ability to play out from the back is such an integral part of our preferred way of playing. Showed his technical quality to play passes forward while under pressure and build our play, and that was on show for our second goal to kill the game off.
Ian Maatsen, 7.5 – Another encouraging display from the Dutchman in his bid to cement his place as first-choice left-back this season. Defended well, and got forward every chance he had to stretch the pitch, give us a threat on the overlap and cause Feyenoord problems down that flank.
Boubacar Kamara, 8 – Majestic. So effective in the defensive phase with his ability to break play up, win back possession and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. Equally, he is so efficient in keeping us ticking over in possession, while he even set up Buendia’s opener with excellent play further up the pitch.
John McGinn, 8 – Although we did struggle to keep Feyenoord at bay in the first half as their runners from deep caused us a lot of problems, McGinn dug in, battled to give us a foothold and popped up with another crucial goal as his fine form in the final third continues.
Evann Guessand, 6 – While his work ethic can’t be questioned, he’s still struggling to show enough quality and end product. Shows glimpses at times, but as he adapts and settles into his role in the Villa XI, he has to start producing more quality in front of goal as he missed another big chance.
Morgan Rogers, 5.5 – Unfortunately, his struggles continue. There were occasions where he showed a good touch, turn and strength, but it wasn’t consistent enough as he gave possession away often and couldn’t provide a decisive impact in advanced areas. The positive thing is that we’re back winning games so that should alleviate some pressure, but he has to find some form again soon.
Emiliano Buendia, 8 – Showed his creative quality to create openings for us in the first half as he was a bright spark in the final third. Capped it off with a brilliant finish to break the deadlock after the break to continue his impressive impact over the past week.
Ollie Watkins, 6.5 – Made clever runs off the ball to provide an option for his teammates and threatened to get in behind, as seen with a contentious moment in the first half when Feyenoord could have been reduced to 10 men. Couldn’t quite make a meaningful contribution though, but played his part in the win.
Substitutes:
Donyell Malen, 6.5 – Excellent play in the build-up to our second goal. Nice turn, change of pace and direct running to create the threatening situation, with McGinn on hand to apply the finish.
Lamare Bogarde, 6 – Showed composure and tenacity in the latter stages to help us see out the game and secure the win.
Lucas Digne, N/A
Victor Lindelof, N/A
Harvey Elliott, N/A
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