Aston Villa suffered more inconsistency on a night to forget as they were beaten 4-1 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the Premier League.
The Villans were unable to capitalise and build on their weekend win over Chelsea, as they lost out under the lights in South London through an Ismaila Sarr double and goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah.
Morgan Rogers‘ equaliser proved to be just a consolation, as both he and Jacob Ramsey also had the ball in the net but were denied from offside calls.
Villa News rates the performances of Emery’s side out of 10 from South London, on a night many were not convinced by Aston Villa to win.
Martinez has night to forget
Emi Martinez (off for Robin Olsen 46′) – 4
Perhaps should have got a stronger hand on the ball to take it out of Sarr’s path, made a key save to deny the same player later in the first half, but was then withdrawn at half-time with injury.
Andres Garcia (off for Leon Bailey 46′) – 3
A good cross for Tielemans from which the midfielder should have hit the target, but defensively was found wanting against Eze before coming off at the break.
Ezri Konsa – 4
Was left without a man as Martinez parried it out to Sarr. Hit the bar with a looping header which nearly made it 2-2 after a clever run.
Axel Disasi – 3
Could have been closer to Mateta for a chance the striker should have done better with, then beaten by Eze and not close enough to the striker for the second Palace goal.
Lucas Digne (off for Ian Maatsen 78′) – 3
Let Palace run off him on the counter a couple of times during the first half. Was strong in duels, but also saw Munoz threaten down his side and ended up dragged off.
Lamare Bogarde – 4
Good defensive positioning and made an important block from Eze in the first half, but like most of his teammates struggled with Palace’s lightning-fast attack and should have tracked Nketiah better at the end.
Youri Tielemans – 5
Had a mixed evening in his midfield battles. Should have done better with his header in the first half. Denied by a great Henderson save in the dying seconds for what would have been 4-2.
Rogers makes key Aston Villa impact
Morgan Rogers – 7
Had one ruled out for an offside against Watkins from his pass in the first half; was not to be denied in the second with an excellent finish, a classic route-one goal.
John McGinn – 6
Won tackles and tried to get Villa back on top in midfield after going behind. Was a bright spark in the early stages, too, but faded and struggled in the second half.
Jacob Ramsey (off for Marco Asensio 68′) – 5
Nice footwork, tried to get Villa going to mixed effect. Finished well after being played through by Watkins, but the Palace defence stepped up well to play him offside. Faded in the second half and made a late foul in the build-up to Mateta’s goal.
Ollie Watkins (off for Marcus Rashford 68′) – 6
Lively, got an assist for Rogers and would have had two more assists but Ramsey and Rogers’ further goals were chalked off. Sometimes struggled to get involved, but it was a crucial impact for the equaliser.
Substitutes
Robin Olsen (on for Emi Martinez 46′) – 6
Came on for the stricken Martinez and instantly played a part in the equaliser, launching his kick to Watkins who headed down for Rogers. No chance for the Mateta goal or second from Sarr.
Leon Bailey (on for Andres Garcia 46′) – 5
A quiet second-half appearance, did make one effective dribble, a threatening cross and tried to get involved but a largely forgettable game and was easily outdone by Palace for Nketiah’s goal.
Marco Asensio (on for Jacob Ramsey 68′) – 5
Never got the chance to repeat his Chelsea heroics from the weekend.
Marcus Rashford (on for Ollie Watkins 68′) – 5
Tried to spread the play and raise Villa’s tempo but to no avail.
Ian Maatsen (on for Lucas Digne 78′) – 5
Came on while Villa were being dominated down their left-hand side, too late for a real change.
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