Emi Buendia stuns, Leon Bailey rotten – Aston Villa player ratings v AS Roma
Unai Emery sealed yet another victory during their pre-season preparations as Aston Villa beat AS Roma at the Bescot Stadium.
The Villans raced into the lead via a sensational free-kick from Emi Buendia, with Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins adding to the scoresheet before the half-time whistle on Wednesday, 6 August.
Donyell Malen fired home a fourth for Emery’s side, piling further misery on the Serie A side, with remaining fixtures against Marseille and Villarreal left.
With the Villans facing Newcastle United in their Premier League opener on Saturday, 16 August, Emery will want his side to be in the best form before taking on Eddie Howe’s team at Villa Park.
Ezri Konsa leads by example
Emi Martinez (Off for Bizot 46′) – 6
Barely had to be called upon, not making a single save before being substituted.
Lamare Bogarde (Off for Cash 46′) – 6
A solid shift at full-back by the youngster, who continues to play everywhere but his natural position.
Ezri Konsa – 8
Can always be called upon to defend with his life, putting his body on the line to challenge for the ball. Will be a key player for Emery next season.
Tyrone Mings (Off for Torres 46′) – 6
Was forced into very little during his 45 minutes on the pitch. Emery wanted to take zero chances, given the defender’s recent injury history.
Ian Maatsen (Off for Digne 46′) – 5
Created chances and offered help in the final third, but his defensive work left a lot to be desired.
Emi Buendia makes a statement to Unai Emery
Boubacar Kamara (On for Iling-Junior 64′) – 5
Perfect passing from the Frenchman, but with so many attacking players on the pitch, he needed to be more accurate with his hard tackling and winning back of possession.
Youri Tielemans (Off for Onana 46′) – 7
Supplied the assist for Ramsey’s goal, and continued probing at the Roma defence. Will always play an integral role in Emery’s system at Villa Park.
Leon Bailey (Off for McGinn 46′) – 3
Extremely disappointing from the winger, who continues to be linked with an exit this summer. Zero chances created, no tackles won, no shots taken, and hugely off target on the pitch.
Emi Buendia (Off for Rogers 46′) – 9 – Player of the Match
Outstanding 45 minutes. Smashed home a free-kick to open the scoring before assisting Watkins’ goal from a cross. Huge statement ahead of next season.
Donyell Malen stuns off the bench for Aston Villa
Jacob Ramsey (Off for George Hemmings 64′) – 8
Took his goal beautifully in the first half, slotting under the onrushing Mile Svilar after a through-ball from Tielemans.
Ollie Watkins (Off for Malen 46′) – 8
Got his deserved goal after plenty of effort in the opening 45 minutes, notching his fourth of pre-season.
Substitutes
Marco Bizot (On for Martinez 46′) – 6
Managed to make a save in the second half. Seemed very stable against AS Roma.
Donyell Malen (On for Watkins 46′) – 8
Shone as a second-half substitute, firing home a long-range effort for Villa’s fourth on the night.
Lucas Digne (On for Maatsen 46′) – 6
Got stuck into challenges, overturned the ball, and had a no-nonsense approach in the defensive third.
Morgan Rogers (On for Buendia 46′, Off for Jameldeen Jimoh 52′) – N/A
Went off with an injury after a few minutes – very worrying.
Amadou Onana (On for Tielemans 46′) – 7
Ever-dependable in the middle of the park, sticking a foot in and driving the Villans forward.
John McGinn (On for Bailey 46′) – 7
Grabbed the assist for Malen’s goal, proving to the manager why he should be starting again next season.
Aston Villa remain defensively strong ahead of next season
Matty Cash (On for Bogarde 46′) – 4
A little weak in the tackle, but barely got involved in the final third. A bit of a shame.
Pau Torres (On for Mings 46′) – 7
Wonderful with the ball at his feet, creating chances from deep and making tackles when necessary. Was forced into a couple of fouls but avoided a booking.
Jameldeen Jimoh (On for Rogers 52′) – 5
Wanted to be as involved as possible, making a handful of fouls while trying to win the ball back. The passion is there, but he needs to rein it in a bit.
George Hemmings (On for Ramsey 64′) – 6
A good experience for the 18-year-old.
Samuel Iling-Junior (On for Kamara 64′) – 5
Very little for the wing-back to do, though he is likely to play a much bigger role next term if he remains at Villa Park.