Axel Disasi awful as Morgan Rogers superb: Aston Villa ratings at Crystal Palace
Aston Villa saw their hopes of claiming a Champions League place dealt a blow following a 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Aston Villa went into the game looking to build on their 2-1 win over Chelsea last time out on Saturday (22 February).
But moments after Jacob Ramsey had a goal ruled out for offside, the visitors went behind when Ismaila Sarr tapped in from close range after Emiliano Martinez could only parry Chris Richards’ header.
Unai Emery‘s side thought they had equalised before half time when Ollie Watkins squared for Morgan Rogers to fire home, only to again be denied for offside, this time after a controversial VAR intervention for Crystal Palace.
After the break Aston Villa would get level through Rogers as he produced an outstanding improvised finish on the turn after a flick-on from Watkins.
Crystal Palace though went back in front just a few moments later when Jean-Philippe Mateta blasted home after the ball broke to him on the edge of the area.
Things would get worse for Emery’s side with 20 minutes of normal time remaining when Sarr volleyed in for his second, before Eddie Nketiah tapped home in stoppage time to compound the visitiors’ misery.
That was enough to confirm a heavy defeat for Aston Villa, that will raise questions about their chances of claiming Champions League football this season.
| Aston Villa last five games | Result |
| Tottenham (H) | Won 2-1 |
| Ipswich Town (H) | Drew 1-1 |
| Liverpool (H) | Drew 2-2 |
| Chelsea (H) | Won 2-1 |
| Crystal Palace (A) | Lost 4-1 |
Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Aston Villa squad in that clash with Crystal Palace.
Emiliano Martinez (off for Olsen, ’46) 5
Made one excellent save but may also be disappointed he pushed Richards’ header back into a dangerous area for the goal. His exit at the break likely due to injury will be a concern.
Aston Villa defence poor at Selhurst Park
Andres Garcia (off for Bailey, ’46) 5
Didn’t do a lot wrong but wasn’t all that involved either. Brought off for Bailey at the break to add an extra attacking spark.
Ezri Konsa 5
As the senior centre-back for Aston Villa on the night will be disappointed by how fragile his side looked defensively.
Axel Disasi 4
Disasi has made himself popular since joining on loan from Chelsea but had something of a tough night failing to win a number of duels.
Lucas Digne (off for Maatsen, ’78) 4
Aston Villa looked to get forward more down his left-hand side but he failed to really make anything happen in that respect.
Lamare Bogarde 6
Again showed his versatility to cover plenty of ground for his side, putting himself into several challenges.
Youri Tielemans 5
A frustratingly quiet night by his standards as he struggled to unlock things as he can from the centre of midfield.
Morgan Rogers performance not enough for Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers 8 – Man of the Match
Two excellent finishes, although only one stood after the tightest of VAR checks for offside against Watkins in the build-up, will feel he deserved more for his efforts.
John McGinn 5
Another key Aston Villa who didn’t really step up to his top levels on the night, the opening goal came after he conceded possession.
Jacob Ramsey (off for Asensio, ’68) 5
Had a goal ruled out for offside at 0-0 but otherwise unable to pose much of a threat to the Crystal Palace defence.
Ollie Watkins (off for Rashford, ’68) 6
Linked up nicely with Rogers for both the goal that stood and the one that didn’t, but unable to get the chances that led to Arsenal bidding for him in January.
Substitutes
Robin Olsen (on for Martinez, ’46) 6
Replaced the injured Martinez at the break but could get near either of the two goals that went past hm and didn’t make a save otherwise.
Leon Bailey (on for Garcia, ’46) 7
Did some decent defensive work and looked to help get Aston Villa forward, albeit in vain, picked up a yellow card late on.
Marcus Rashford (on for Watkin, ’68) 5
One threatening run but otherwise unable to make quite the same impression he has done in other outings for Emery’s side.
Marco Asensio (on for Ramsey, ’68) 5
Likewise unable to quite the same impression as he did with his double for Aston Villa in the win over Chelsea.
Ian Maatsen (on for Digne, ’78) 5
With his side already 3-1 down when he came on the left-back was helpless to turn the result around.