Aston Villa played out an enthralling 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the midweek Premier League contest at Villa Park.
Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins turned the game around after Mo Salah’s opener in an action-packed first half, before Trent Alexander-Arnold restored parity for Arne Slot’s men.
The Villans stay ninth in the Premier League table after Wednesday’s clash ended all square (19 February), but still just four points from the top five which are expected to qualify for the Champions League.
Unai Emery had named an attacking line-up for the clash as they looked to take the game to the league leaders.
Villa News has rated the players’ performances out of 10.Nothing majorly excellent or poor though did make one important save in the first half. Will be disappointed with the nick on the Alexander-Arnold goal.Garcia struggles v Liverpool
Emi Martinez – 5
Andres Garcia (off for Matty Cash 67′) – 3Dreadful error in playing Jota straight through to set up Salah to walk it in. A real horror moment, but responded relatively well before being hooked on 67 minutes.
Tyrone Mings – 5
Had a tough night against a fearsome Liverpool attack but most of the time stepped up well, having mixed fortunes as the Reds streamed forward at times.
Axel Disasi – 7
Was the better of the centre-halves, making a particularly good intervention in doing enough to prevent Nunez with the game 2-2.
Lucas Digne (off for Ian Maatsen 78′) – 7
Excellent going forward and claims the assist for the Watkins goal to put his side in front. Disciplined at the back, though the second Liverpool goal emanated down his flank.
John McGinn (off for Lamare Bogarde 86′) – 6
Was busy and industrious, and improved in the second half. The first 45 minutes often saw the middle of the park wide open for Liverpool.
Youri Tielemans – 8
Apart from one first-half defensive error, was excellent. Like McGinn, was more assured in the second half against the rapid Liverpool attack.
Tielemans makes massive impact
Marco Asensio (off for Jacob Ramsey 67′) – 6
Showed glimmers of what he is about once again, linking up well with Rashford. Needs to have his minutes carefully conserved by Emery with plenty of games coming up.
Marcus Rashford (off for Donyell Malen 67′) – 7
Looked lively down the left in the first half, a skilful pairing with Asensio for the intricate balls forward. Again, will need to be wrapped up for further games.
Morgan Rogers – 6
Looked to get forward and make dribbles upfield, but nothing majorly came off for him on the night end-product-wise including a stoppage-time chance.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Scored the goal to put Villa in front, and always made crafty runs. Looks to be playing without the pressure on him which the competition with Duran brought.
Substitutes
Donyell Malen (on for Marcus Rashford 67′) – 5
Had a massive chance right at the end but couldn’t really get too involved otherwise as the tempo slowed – before it started to flare again from Villa.
Jacob Ramsey (on for Marco Asensio 67′) – 6
Was penalised for a very tight offside inside the final 10 minutes, after what was a neat finish.
Matty Cash (on for Andres Garcia 67′) – 5
Returned from injury for the final quarter of the clash, slotted in fine and will likely now replace Garcia as a starter.
Ian Maatsen (on for Lucas Digne 78′) – N/A
Lamare Bogarde (on for John McGinn 86′) – N/A
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