Aston Villa secured a crucial 3-0 win over Southampton in a potentially pivotal result in our pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Villa dominated proceedings for the most part in a controlled performance, but despite lots of possession and sustained pressure, we struggled to find a breakthrough through the opening hour.
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Unai Emery’s second-half changes proved to be decisive though, with Ollie Watkins breaking the deadlock with a stunning finish, before Donyell Malen added a second after coming on from the bench too.
Despite Marco Asensio missing two penalties, the second of which John McGinn was on hand to convert the rebound, Villa eventually ran out comfortable winners, and these three points are vital in our ongoing push to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League this season.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Southampton:
Emiliano Martinez, 7 – Made a couple of good stops to preserve his clean sheet, but was largely untested as Villa controlled and dominated the encounter.
Matty Cash, 7 – Defended well throughout to limit Southampton’s threat down that flank, and although he was perhaps too hesitant at times to get forward, provided width on occasion to stretch the pitch.
Ezri Konsa, 7 – Composed and tidy in possession, and together with his centre-half partner, kept things tight defensively to give us a solid foundation.
Tyrone Mings, 7 – Added physicality and height in a solid defensive performance, and similarly to Konsa, the duo were calm in helping us build out from the back as we controlled tempo and possession.
Ian Maatsen, 7.5 – Provided technical quality and energy when pushing forward down the left flank, while he showed good recovery pace at times to get back into position and defend well. Continuing to improve across both phases.
Amadou Onana, 7.5 – Gave us protection in midfield and a physical presence to win that battle and give us control. Also carried the ball forward effectively to open things up and give us a different dynamic as we advanced up the pitch with Southampton defending deep and in numbers.
Youri Tielemans, 8 – The tireless Belgian continues to run the show in midfield for us with his composure and technical quality on the ball. Produced a stunning pass over the top to put Watkins in as we needed that bit of quality to make the difference and find a breakthrough.
Morgan Rogers, 7.5 – Provided a threat down the right side throughout with his direct running and ability to take players on, and eventually got a reward with his assist for Malen’s goal. Similarly to Tielemans, continues to play such a key and reliable role in the side.
Marco Asensio, 6 – Disappointing afternoon for the Spaniard, as although he was effective in finding pockets of space and stringing our play together, missed twice from the penalty spot and will be frustrated to not have had a more decisive influence on the outcome.
Jacob Ramsey, 7 – Showed good touch and movement as he was an important cog in adding rhythm to our attacking play. Much like the rest of the team though, lacked a cutting edge and quality in dangerous positions to make the difference.
Marcus Rashford, 6.5 – Gave us good movement as he led the line, but he wasn’t found often or effectively enough to capitalise on that. That said, also drifted out of the game at times and wasn’t impactful enough as we struggled to find a breakthrough.
Substitutes:
Ollie Watkins, 8 – Produced a stunning finish to break the deadlock, as he made a decisive impact coming off the bench. Immediately made his presence felt after winning our first penalty, but he eventually had his say on the game with the opener and it’s such a boost for him and us to see him make the difference.
Donyell Malen, 7.5 – Three goals in three league games for the Dutchman now, and this was his best finish yet. Drilled his effort into the corner with pace to help us on our way to a comfortable win as he continues to make an important contribution.
John McGinn, 7 – Added fresh energy in the latter stages, and did well to follow up Asensio’s second penalty to get on the scoresheet and wrap up our win.
Andres Garcia, N/A
Boubacar Kamara, N/A