Three Aston Villa players will hang their heads in shame after displays vs Leeds
Morgan Rogers may have grabbed all three points for Aston Villa against Leeds but Unai Emery will be concerned about the performance of three stars.
Aston Villa took their opportunity to move into the top four, despite Lukas Nmecha giving Leeds an eighth minute lead.
Emery was forced to make a double change at half-time due to Aston Villa’s poor first half performance, with the hosts deservedly in-front.
Rogers proved the difference maker in the second half, with his free-kick in the 75th minute handing Aston Villa all three points.
Below though are Aston Villa’s three losers from the match.
Emi Martinez
The experienced goalkeeper did not look comfortable when put under pressure from Sean Longstaff’s free-kick and his error led to Lucas Nmecha’s opener.
Whilst Emi Martinez was not overly required in the contest, that moment proved pivotal to give Leeds an early injection of confidence.
Martinez has been linked with a move away from Aston Villa, with Premier League and European clubs interested in the goalkeeper.
Emi Buendia
Emi Buendia was invisible during the contest, and the midfielder was hauled off at half-time having made zero impact.
| Minutes Played | 45 |
| Touches | 23 |
| Touches in opposition Box | 1 |
| Shots | 1 |
Buendia had been in good form for Aston Villa, scoring four goals and registering two assists in his last eight appearances for the club.
Bringing on Malen though for the Argentine proved an inspired substitution from Emery, as the forward grabbed an assist just minutes after coming onto the pitch.
Ollie Watkins
The striker endured another tough afternoon, with Leeds defender Joe Rodon winning the battle between the pair.
Ollie Watkins missed one big chance to end his goal drought, which has now extended to eight games for the club.
Aston Villa are one Premier League club chasing Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia, with attacking reinforcements looking an urgent requirement in the January transfer window to help Watkins.