Aston Villa player ratings v Man City – Morgan Rogers shines, 2/10 stinks with just 11 completed passes
Aston Villa were thumped 4-1 by title-chasing Man City in the Premier League on Wednesday night (3 April).
Unai Emery’s side travelled to the Etihad with an injury-stricken side, and Rodri’s 11th-minute opener gave fans little faith of an upset.
However, the injured Ollie Watkins replacement Jhon Duran struck back just nine minutes later with a well-taken equaliser, but a stunning hattrick from Phil Foden ended the Villans’ chances of a league double over the Champions League holders.
Football Insider has analysed Aston Villa’s players’ performances against Pep Guardiola’s side.
PLAYER RATINGS
Rob Olsen [5]
Made a few good stops, including for Bernardo Silva’s close-range effort in the second half, but still conceded four goals. Dealt with crosses well and was not at major fault for any goal.
Lucas Digne [5]
Did well to nullify Jeremy Doku, but did not show the depths of his attacking quality that Villa fans have been used to. Struggled to get out of his own half and made just two tackles while being dribbled passed twice.
Clement Lenglet [6]
None of Villa’s defence shined, and surprise-inclusion Lenglet was no exception. Could have brought his side level before the hour mark, but 93 per cent pass accuracy and three out of four successful long balls prove he was far from the worst.
Diego Carlos [5]
Looked strong at the back a few times when City were on the press, but had no standout moment. Having four clearances and three tackles against a dominant City team is to be expected, but he was still part of a defence that shipped four goals.
Ezri Konsa [6]
Did decently to prevent former Villa star Jack Grealish from having a real impact at the expense of him having an impact himself. Rarely moved outside his own half, but 97 per cent pass accuracy and a few crucial blocks proved important.
Morgan Rogers [8]
A good outing for the January signing and he even managed to bag an assist for Duran’s equaliser. Made two key passes and looked like one of Villa’s few bright spots. Fans will be very encouraged.
Douglas Luiz [5]
He’s on the radar of multiple Premier League clubs, including Man City themselves, but this outing probably won’t be on his showreel. Made a lot of important tackles, but with just 22 completed passes, Guardiola’s men did well to silence the Brazilian’s typical impact.
Tim Iroegbunam [5]
Just couldn’t get on the ball or keep it when he did. 12 completed passes is below par for a midfielder, but he did a bit of a shift defensively having made three tackles and one interception. Mixed bag for the youngster.
Nicolo Zaniolo [2]
Poor. At fault for Foden’s free-kick goal late in the first half because he broke the wall and allowed it to fly in. Made just 11 completed passes and had 25 overall touches. He will have to vastly improve in the closing stages of the season if he wants a permanent move.
Jhon Duran [7]
Stepped up in Watkins’ absence and surpassed the expectations of many. His goal was well-taken and he held up possession well to give Villa hope of a route back into the game. A quality back-up, but Villa fans will still be keen to see Watkins return.
Moussa Diaby
Won a handful of fouls, but was pretty quiet throughout. The Villans’ record signing’s momentum has revived in recent weeks since bagging three assists and one goal in his last three league games, but City did well to keep Diaby in his box.
In other news, Aston Villa have ‘discussed’ extraordinary points deduction plan – Kieran Maguire.
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