‘Ezri Konsa shines, Matty Cash struggles’ – Aston Villa ratings v Tottenham
Aston Villa successfully defeated Tottenham 2-0 in the Premier League on Friday, 16 May.
Unai Emery’s men knew how important a victory in their final home game of the Premier League season would be as they looked to keep their Champions League bid intact.
Thanks to their win, Villa now sit fourth in the Premier League, strengthening their grip on an all-important top-five spot.
| Opponent | Result |
| Fulham (H) | 1-0 W |
| Bournemouth (A) | 0-1 W |
| Tottenham (H) | 2-0 W |
Throughout the first half, the West Midlands outfit struggled to break down a much-changed Tottenham side, who have their sights set on the Europa League, but Ezri Konsa scored via a corner to hand Emery’s men the lead in the second half, before Boubacar Kamara secured the win.
Football Insider dishes out the Villa team ratings as they enjoyed their 11th and final home victory of the Premier League season.
Emiliano Martinez – 7
The Argentina star did well to keep out Wilson Odobert’s close-range effort in the first half, but had an otherwise quiet night.
Emiliano Martinez admirably kept his concentration and did a solid job when called upon between the sticks.
Matty Cash – 4
Villa enjoyed a successful night at the office, but the same cannot be said about right-back Matty Cash.
The 27-year-old was the first player to receive a yellow card, while Son Heung-Min had some joy running down his wing.
Ezri Konsa – 8 – Man of the Match
A brilliant night at Villa Park for the England man, who was solid in defence before his tidy finish from a set-piece settled the nerves in the West Midlands.
If Emery’s men do qualify for the Champions League, they should look back on Konsa’s goal against Tottenham as a vital moment in their season.
Pau Torres – 7
Pau Torres didn’t create headlines like his centre-back partner Konsa, but it was a top night’s work from the Spaniard nonetheless.
The 28-year-old ensured that the likes of Mathys Tel rarely threatened Martinez’s goal.
Ian Maatsen- 7
Ian Maatsen was not at his best going forwards for Emery’s men, but he defended resolutely.
The Villa Park faithful have become accustomed to seeing the Dutchman make more overlapping runs than he did against Spurs.
Boubacar Kamara – 8
It was another great shift from Boubacar Kamara, who has earned a deserved reputation as a metronome in the Villa midfield.
His neat finish made it very difficult to believe that the Frenchman had previously notched just two goals for the men in claret and blue.
Amadou Onana – 7
Amadou Onana worked incredibly hard for Emery’s side, winning the vast majority of his duels and ensuring the backline was well protected.
Onana’s selfless performance in midfield epitomised how effectively Villa work as a unit.
Morgan Rogers – 7
Morgan Rogers had a relatively quiet night at Villa Park but still notched an assist, demonstrating just how prolific he has been this season.
The England international now has eight goals and 10 assists in an outstanding Premier League season,
Marco Asensio – 8
Marco Asensio yet again showed the dazzling qualities on the ball he has brought since joining on loan from Real Madrid.
The 29-year-old made a selfless run off the ball that created the space for Kamara’s goal that sealed the three points.
John McGinn – 7
The ever-reliable John McGinn showed once more just why he is such a popular figure at Villa Park, although he was outshone by the likes of Rogers and Asensio.
Ollie Watkins – 8
Villa’s Premier League record goal scorer failed to get himself on the scoresheet against Tottenham, but his perfectly cushioned header to set up Konsa was just as good as a goal.
Watkins will hope to cap off another strong season with a goal against Manchester United in the Premier League’s final match week.
Substitutes
Donyell Malen (for Watkins, 85)
Ross Barkley (for Onana, 88)
Leon Bailey (for McGinn, 90)