Aston Villa battled back to secure a 3-3 draw against Liverpool on Monday night, as we inched closer to securing Champions League football next season.
An early Emiliano Martinez own goal ensured it was a horror start for Villa, but Youri Tielemans soon had us level as we regrouped well and produced a positive response.
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However, after conceding two more disappointing goals, it looked as though we’d miss the opportunity to seal fourth place in the Premier League standings. Just as time was starting to run out though, Jhon Duran came off the bench and produced a stunning impact to salvage what could prove to be a crucial point.
Further, it’s a huge momentum swing and lift for the players as we continue to limp to the finish line this season, and if Manchester City don’t lend us a helping hand on Tuesday night, it’s hoped that we can finish the job off at the weekend and achieve our objective.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Liverpool:
Emiliano Martinez, 6 – Will be kicking himself for the early mistake as it was an uncharacteristic error from him, while he’ll likely feel he could have done better for the second goal too. Made some key late saves though as he showed character and class to put it behind him and stay focused on the task at hand.
Ezri Konsa, 6 – Did relatively well on that side as he kept things tight enough, but as has been the case for most of the season, certainly looks less comfortable in and out of possession at right-back and that showed for the second goal.
Diego Carlos, 5.5 – Missed a huge chance that could have changed the game at 1-2, and gave away the foul that led to the third Liverpool goal. Did show positive glimpses with his physicality and composure, but not sharp enough at either end of the pitch in key moments.
Pau Torres, 6 – Did well in possession to keep us ticking over and breaking the first Liverpool press, but as was the case for the entire Villa backline, we weren’t tight enough as we conceded poor openings and ultimately goals again.
Lucas Digne, 5.5 – Got caught out defensively on a number of occasions as he struggled to get to grips with Mohamed Salah, and while that’s a difficult task in itself, there was some weak defending in there too. Didn’t offer too much going forward but battled hard throughout.
Leon Bailey, 7.5 – Another lively shift as he provides a spark for us in the final third with his close control, speed and technical ability. Will be frustrated that he couldn’t be more decisive, but a positive effort nonetheless.
Youri Tielemans, 7.5 – Real boost having him back from injury as he adds composure and calmness in midfield, while having the vision and quality to break the lines with key passes. Tired as the game went on which was to be expected given his lack of minutes recently and the tempo of the encounter, but took his goal brilliantly.
Douglas Luiz, 6 – All a little bit shackled and safe from the Brazilian international in recent weeks, as he doesn’t have the same level of influence that he had earlier in the campaign. Still keeps ticking things over and gives us control in patches, but we need him to demand the ball more and set the tempo more consistently.
John McGinn, 7.5 – Another incredible shift from the Villa skipper, as he put everything into this performance once again. Tenacious, tireless and fully committed, he battled hard for everything, ran his socks off and gave us an important foothold at times to create openings and be in the ascendency.
Moussa Diaby, 6 – Did well for the third goal as he broke forward with intent and pace from deep, but he was wasteful and sloppy prior to that. Blazed a big chance over the bar too as he’s still searching for confidence, consistency and a decisiveness in his play.
Ollie Watkins, 7 – Excellent play for his assist for our opener as he made it 13 assists in the Premier League this season. Had an effort ruled out for offside, and although he was starved of service at times and was wasteful too, put in another important shift for the team with his movement and sacrifice.
Substitutes:
Nicolo Zaniolo, N/A – Couldn’t find a clinical finish with a big chance shortly after coming on, and was soon forced off with another injury blow.
Jhon Duran, 8 – What an impact. Produced a brilliant finish for his first to spark the comeback and then got a big slice of luck to bag his brace and earn us a point. Made a big difference in the latter stages with his energy and courage to lead our fightback.
Calum Chambers, N/A – Did really well to win the ball back high up the pitch as he pressed the Liverpool midfield which led to our second goal.