Aston Villa ratings from historic victory over Celtic as one player scores rare 10/10 but two get 5s

Aston Villa are through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League following a thrilling 4-2 victory over Celtic at Villa Park, inspired by a first-ever club hat-trick for Morgan Rogers.

All three points narrowly secured Villa an eighth-placed finish in the league phase, helped by Atalanta’s 2-2 draw at Barcelona and AC Milan’s 2-1 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb. LOSC Lille prompted some late drama as their 6-1 thrashing of Feyenoord lifted them above Villa on goal difference but enough of the other and more important results went the correct way.

Ollie Watkins’ maiden Champions League goal acted as a vital turning point in a frantic contest under the lights, the England international pumping the Villa badge on his shirt in celebration to reassure fans following Arsenal’s recently-rejected £60 million bid.

Rogers’ quickfire double - two goals in the first five minutes of the match - sent Villa on an initial charge but Adam Idah responded with a rapid brace of his own to level up the scoring, also netting twice in three minutes at a later stage in the first period.

Watkins could’ve had a hatful of goals on the night as he slipped and missed a penalty, saw a cute dink cleared off the line, had two shots saved by Kasper Schmeichel and struck the side netting twice. The striker will be relieved he at least scored one and it proved pivotal.

The opening goal from Rogers rounded off a sublime team move as Lucas Digne recycled possession on the left, Jacob Ramsey played a tidy one-two with Youri Tielemans and the ball was slotted across the face of goal for Rogers to convert.

Rogers’ second was thumped in from 15 yards, causing pandemonium across three corners of Villa Park. The attacking midfielder’s ambitious strike deflected off the instep of Liam Scales and looped into the top right-hand corner. Ramsey then went close to making it 3-0 as he saw an effort rebound off the post.

Villa’s two-goal lead felt comfortable but an injury for Matty Cash completely disrupted the rhythm and structure. John McGinn came on in Cash’s place and Emery decided to shift Lamare Bogarde from defensive midfield to right-back, with Ezri Konsa remaining alongside Boubacar Kamara in a make-shift centre-half pairing. It’s safe to say Villa were unsettled.

Celtic took advantage of the shift in momentum, scoring twice in three minutes to draw the score level at 2-2. The first came from Celtic’s left as Greg Taylor drilled in a low cross; Villa skipper McGinn came from nowhere to desperately block on the slide but it actually helped the ball reach Idah’s path. The second came from the opposite flank as it was made far too easy for Reo Hatate to square across for Idah.

The visiting support, packed out in both tiers of the away end, went ballistic on the far side while Villa Park was silenced. There was then trouble as several Celtic fans were caught out in the home crowd behind the press box and were ejected by stewards, whereas police could be seen attending to similar issues in other parts of the ground.

Celtic’s efforts were in vain, however, as Villa looked determined at the start of the second half and applying intense pressure for the visitors to try and withstand. Brendan Rodgers’ side eventually wilted as Watkins finished off a scintillating counter-attacking move, kick-started by a driving run and brilliant half-turn from McGinn who sent the assister of the goal, Ramsey, in behind.

Watkins could’ve had a second as he won a spot-kick when fouled by Auston Trusty but he failed to convert, right-foot-left-footing the ball and scuffing well over the crossbar. Watkins somewhat made amends right at the end, though, pouncing on a poor throw from Alistair Johnston, rounding Schmeichel and laying off Rogers to complete his hat-trick.

Villa can at last pack their bags. Emery’s men are in the last 16.

Player ratings

Emiliano Martinez - 7

Made important saves to deny Idah and Kuhn. Couldn’t do a great deal about either Idah goal as they were both at such close range and more to do with the poor defending in front of him.

Matty Cash - 7 (off 30’)

Didn’t misplaced a single pass before he came off with a muscular issue. His presence was clearly important as Villa briefly crumbled upon his exit from the field.

Ezri Konsa - 5

Caught ball-watching for Idah’s second goal as he had no idea the striker was behind him. Had a great chance to make it 3-2 just before half time but missed the target.

Boubacar Kamara - 7

Caught out of position for Idah’s second but should be cut some slack in the auxiliary centre-back role, only there due to Tyrone Mings’ absence. Played some excellent progressive passes to get Villa up the field quickly on the transition.

Lucas Digne - 5 (off 74’)

Stepped up out of time to try and perform the offside trap for Idah’s second, affording Hatate space in behind. Dispossessed far more than usual, too, but at least played a role in Rogers’ opener.

Lamare Bogarde - 6

Started alright in defensive midfield but was atrocious when first moved to right-back, caught napping by Yang Hyun-Jun and Reo Hatate on several occasions. Bogarde also gave the ball away so many times due to poor touches. His rating has been boosted by a much-improved second half display.

Youri Tielemans - 7

Not the most involved of showings but solid in the centre of the park nonetheless to help Villa dominate possession for most of the game.

Jacob Ramsey - 9

Assisted Watkins’ goal and Rogers’ opener, capping off a superb performance. Ramsey was brimming with confidence throughout, unafraid to take on defenders and capable of sparking counter-attacks in an instant.

Morgan Rogers - 10

It’s rare we hand out 10s but hat-trick hero Rogers was simply unstoppable and more than deserves the plaudits. Not only did he show the composure to score on three occasions, but he set up a big chance for Watkins and was heavily involved in the build-ups to attacks all night long.

Leon Bailey - 7

Created the great opportunity that Watkins saw cleared off the line and played Rogers in behind for a decent second-half opening. A little hesitant at times but definitely not his worst showing.

Ollie Watkins - 8

Scored the all-important third goal with a great finish beyond Schmeichel and set up Rogers for the hat-trick goal but had SIX other big chances to score – the wayward penalty, one cleared off the line, two saved by Schmeichel and two sent just wide. Certainly an action-packed display if nothing else!

John McGinn (on 30’) - 7

Had a dodgy start as his introduction contributed to the disrupted shape and he was caught out of position for Idah’s first goal. Really improved in the second half, though, playing a vital through ball for Ramsey ahead of Watkins’ goal. He also crunched in with an important tackle to stop a counter-attack.