Aston Villa player ratings vs Southampton: Two 5s and one 4 despite victory

Unai Emery’s side are up to fifth in the table after picking up their second home win in four days but the performance was far from pretty. Saturday’s hosts were sloppy in possession and far from clinical in the final third but the Saints were equally as poor, allowing Villa to earn all three points on a blustery and rainy afternoon.

Duran’s pivotal goal came in the 24th minute as the Colombian dispossessed Taylor Harwood-Bellis and sprinted through before curling the ball past Saints goalkeeper Joe Lumley. Diego Carlos’ hopeful long pass was controlled poorly by Harwood-Bellis, allowing Duran to chop in and create the chance out of nothing.

Southampton, who actually registered more possession than Villa, weren’t afraid to push forward but they were so uninspiring on the ball. Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans’ strong defensive work helped create plenty of turnovers for Villa, while Duran’s runs into the channels caused plenty of problems for the Saints’ back five.

Villa had a few openings to extend their advantage but they drew up blanks. Pau Torres headed just wide from a corner, John McGinn saw a decent effort deflected into Lumley’s grasp and Ross Barkley failed to convert from an Ollie Watkins lay-off. There were then several chances for Watkins as he ran through on goal but the striker lacked with his decision making.

Player ratings

Emiliano Martinez - 7

Kept his long-awaited second Premier League clean sheet of the season, the first since the 0-0 draw with Man Utd. Didn’t have a single save to make all afternoon but made a few necessary claims.

Ezri Konsa - 8

Defended well against Archer and halted Manning on the overlap. Made two last-ditch blocks in the first half and one vital headed clearance in the second to take a cross away from Armstrong.

Diego Carlos - 7

Dominaed n the air, even when the ball floated around unpredictably in the wind. Pinged the pass forward that caused Harwood-Bellis’ error for the opening goal.

Pau Torres - 6

Returned to the team full of energy and hardly put a foot wrong defensively. Still not quite himself with the ball at his feet, mind.

Ian Maatsen - 7 (off 58’)

Kept the dangerous Tyler Dibling at bay with four or five well-timed tackles. Replaced by Digne just before the hour mark.

Boubacar Kamara - 8*

Proved too physical for Southampton as he broke up the play effectively and held off runners. Tracked back excellently to halt a couple of threatening counter-attacks.

Youri Tielemans - 6 (off 58’)

Won several tackles to keep Saints from progressing attacks. Misplaced more passes than usual but the conditions didn’t help his case.

John McGinn - 8

Much improved in the number 10 role as he dropped into spaces and progressed attacks on the half-turn. Did his defensive duties well, too, using his low centre of gravity to protect the ball.

Leon Bailey - 6 (off 58’)

Sometimes a threat on the right as he took on Manning and Wood but lacked with his crossing. Forced off with a hamstring issue.

Morgan Rogers - 7

Had plenty of joy against Bree and Harwood-Bellis and fired a couple of dangerous low crosses into the area. Defended well from the front.

Jhon Duran - 8 (off 58’)

Opened the scoring with some great anticipation and a composed finish. Nearly scored another but was denied by the on-rushing Lumley. Held up the ball well throughout.

Subs:

Lucas Digne - 7 (on 58’)

Stood up well to Dibling and Amo-Ameyaw to see out the game.

Ross Barkley - 4 (on 58’)

Had several opportunities to send the likes of Philogene and Rogers through on goal but lacked direction with his passes. Gave away the ball so often.

Jaden Philogene - 5 (on 58’)

Let his first touch get away from him more often than not.

Ollie Watkins - 5 (on 58’)

Had so many chances in the closing stages but made a meal out of them all.