Aston Villa were held to a hugely frustrating 1-1 draw by Ipswich Town on Saturday, despite playing against 10 men for over half of the encounter.
The visitors saw Axel Tuanzebe sent off just before half-time, and yet they were able to take a lead in the second half as more poor Villa defending ensured we gave ourselves more work to do.
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Ollie Watkins drew us level with plenty of time remaining to find a winner, but as we continued to missed chances and grow frustrated as Ipswich produced some excellent defensive work to their credit to deny us, we were forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
It’s a continuation of our underwhelming Premier League season to date, as we had an opportunity to close the gap on some of the teams ahead of us in the standings, but having been unable to find the answers, this was a bitterly disappointing outcome and a massive missed opportunity to get an important win.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Ipswich:
Emiliano Martinez, 6 – Didn’t have a great deal to do as we dominated the game for large periods and nullified an Ipswich attack that didn’t really threaten. Little he could have done to prevent the goal given the poor defending in front of him.
Andres Garcia, 7 – An assured performance again from the Spaniard, as he showed positive intent when going forward and was tidy in possession, while he offers important defensive cover at times too.
Axel Disasi, 6.5 – Positive in possession, as he played some great passes that suits how we want to play out from the back. Was a commanding presence for the most part, but marked down for not denying Delap’s effort on goal for the winner, with other Villa players around equally as culpable.
Boubacar Kamara, N/A – Forced off early with an issue, it’s hoped that it isn’t serious and doesn’t sideline him for our upcoming games.
Lucas Digne, 6 – Steady performance without offering anything significant of note, replaced at half-time.
John McGinn, 7 – Strong shift from the Villa skipper, as he was key in winning midfield duels to help us control the game and maintain pressure. May well have to continue in the pivot with injuries in the squad, but is continuing to do excellent work in that role.
Youri Tielemans, 7 – Alongside McGinn, the pair gave us control and the foundation to keep pressing for a breakthrough. His passing adds rhythm and flow to our play, albeit that was difficult against an Ipswich side sitting back in numbers, especially after going down to 10 men.
Donyell Malen, 6 – Couldn’t find a decisive touch or produce a crucial bit of play to find a breakthrough in the first half before being replaced. Looked a threat at times though as he continues to play a key role domestically for us.
Morgan Rogers, 6.5 – Continued to provide a threat in the final third with his movement and direct play, but couldn’t produce a decisive end product to make the difference as he was one of a few who failed to convert a big chance, albeit he was denied by excellent goalkeeping.
Jacob Ramsey, 6 – Picked up threatening positions at times and was denied a potential opener when fouled by Tuanzebe, which led to his second yellow. Replaced at the break through as we looked for more quality in the attacking third.
Ollie Watkins, 6.5 – Important impact again by scoring our equaliser, but he missed a big chance in the first half after racing through in behind to have a great opportunity, but he put it wide. Has to be more clinical, especially given that had we broken the deadlock at that stage, it could have led to an entirely different game.
Substitutes:
Tyrone Mings, 6.5 – Added physical presence and tidy passing after coming on early, but along with Disasi and others in the Villa box, they didn’t deal with the threat that ended with Ipswich breaking the deadlock.
Marcus Rashford, 7 – Looked lively throughout the second half and it was his effort from a free-kick that led to Watkins scoring our equaliser. Stretched the pitch by hugging the left flank before switching to give us a different look, and although he couldn’t help complete the comeback, it was a positive impact.
Ian Maatsen, 6 – Offered more down the left side going forward using his technical ability and energy, but he has to be better defensively to do more to cut out the cross that led to Ipswich’s goal.
Marco Asensio, 6.5 – Was so clever in picking up pockets of space to help add fluidity and rhythm to our play, but gets marked down for failing to convert two big chances he had. Such a top player and creative presence, but that killer end product was needed to turn this game around in our favour.
