Aston Villa suffered a 4-1 defeat to Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, with a response now needed against Brentford this weekend.
Unai Emery made six changes to his starting XI, and although some were enforced, the Villa boss opted to rotate and rest others, perhaps with one eye on our next fixture.
READ MORE: Why Emery faces key decision as Villa man seeks decisive touch
Nevertheless, despite falling behind early, Villa responded well and equalised through Jhon Duran, and although we were in the game up until the hour mark, key moments didn’t go our way and ultimately against quality opposition, we were punished and fell to a disappointing loss.
That in turn leaves us just two points ahead of Tottenham in the standings, who have a game in hand, which subsequently could see them move above us into fourth place as the race for a top-four finish continues.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Man City:
Robin Olsen, 7 – Made a string of important saves to keep us in the game, and particularly given he came in so late with Emi Martinez out with illness, he showed his experience and quality to give us a key presence between the posts.
Ezri Konsa, 5.5 – A tough night for him on the right flank as he had his hands full up against Jack Grealish, and City were able to enjoy a lot of possession in our third and pose a real attacking threat in advanced areas out wide.
Diego Carlos, 5.5 – Showed good physicality and positioning at times, but similarly for the entire Villa backline, it was a difficult night to try and keep City’s attacking quality under control.
Clement Lenglet, 5.5 – Struggled with the rest of the defence to give us a solid foundation, and couldn’t convert a big chance at the other end. Likely to drop back out this weekend for Pau Torres to return.
Lucas Digne, 5.5 – Similar to his teammate on the opposite flank, as he had a really difficult night up against Jeremy Doku. City are so impressive in creating openings out wide and stretching the pitch, and Digne couldn’t offer much going forward either.
Nicolo Zaniolo, 5.5 – Showed some really positive signs in the first half as we looked a threat in transition with our attacking quartet. However, so, so poor for the second City goal as he broke away from the wall, which in turn allowed Phil Foden’s free-kick to squeeze through and leave Olsen with no chance. Things went downhill from there for the Italian international.
Tim Iroegbunam, 6.5 – Looked a bit shaky in the early stages, but settled and started to impose himself in midfield. Made some strong interventions to get us moving in the right direction on the counter, and he’ll hopefully take a lot away from this experience.
Douglas Luiz, 6 – Walked a tightrope after his booking in the first half, but showed his quality at times to find passes that broke the lines and got us moving up the pitch in dangerous attacking situations. Wasn’t able to convert a big chance early in the second half though, and that was ultimately punished, as was his foul that led to Foden’s free-kick goal.
Morgan Rogers, 7 – Did brilliantly to set up Duran’s goal, and he was a lively presence in the final third with his pace and directness on the ball in transition. Continues to show positive signs and did so in a different role than we’ve seen him play in previously.
Moussa Diaby, 6 – The Frenchman was too quiet in this one as although we caused City problems in transition and should have exploited their weaknesses on the counter more effectively, he wasn’t able to have a decisive influence on the game despite showing glimpses of his quality.
Jhon Duran, 7 – Took his goal really well with a top finish, and the Colombian forward deserves credit for his application and energy in trying to give us a focal point up top. Worked tirelessly throughout, and so it was a positive outing for him as he looks to establish himself.
Substitutes:
Calum Chambers, 5 – Sensible decision to bring him on for Luiz for the last half hour or so, but didn’t have much of an impact before picking up a late booking.
Youri Tielemans, 5.5 – Added composure in possession in the latter stages, but the game was gone by the time he was introduced.
Leon Bailey, 5.5 – Added fresh impetus and energy down the right side, but couldn’t help us find a way back into the encounter.
Alex Moreno, 5 – Had a late chance from a corner as he drifted in at the back post but couldn’t get the right connection. Helped out on the left flank with his fresh legs, but not enough to influence the game.
Omari Kellyman, N/A