‘Terrific’ duo earn 8/10s but several dealt 6/10s - Aston Villa player ratings vs Wycombe


Emiliano Buendia’s first competitive goal since his return from a serious knee injury and a late penalty from Jhon Duran were the difference on the night, but Villa had to work hard to beat a side 50 places below them in the English footballing pyramid.
Wycombe, who put up a great fight and were without doubt the more exciting team to watch in the first half, deserved their late consolation goal from Richard Kone at the very least. Villa’s quality eventually shone through, however, even when the starting XI named saw 10 changes from the weekend’s 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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Hide AdDuran went close to giving Villa an instant lead as he sprinted onto a great through ball from Leon Bailey, but the striker scuffed wide, perhaps put off by Wycombe goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli rushing out. The Colombian had a couple of other chances around the half-hour mark but Villa were otherwise starved of opportunities, with the hosts the more likely to score in the first 45.
Wycombe looked dangerous on the counter-attack and it took just 11 minutes for Beryly Lubala and Kieran Sadlier to register three shots on target between them. Villa goalkeeper Joe Gauci, making his senior debut, was put to the test and passed, saving all three shots with relative ease. The Australian also made an easy stop from David Wheeler after a set-piece situation later in the half.
The hosts were compact and difficult to break down when Villa had the ball and surprisingly positive when they regained possession themselves. Most League One clubs would play a very low block against Premier League opposition but Wycombe gave it their best shot.
Villa showed no mercy after the break, however, and eventually found their breakthrough when the captain for the night, Buendia, looped a header into the top corner. Debutant Kadan Young did brilliantly to dribble to the byline and cause trouble with a low cross that deflected up into the air for Buendia to score, making it 1-0 in the 55th minute.
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Emery’s men dictated possession for long stretches to ease the tempo of the encounter but had to dig in during certain moments to hold onto their lead. Wycombe substitute and star man McCleary went close to an equaliser as he glanced a header toward the bottom corner, but Gauci did excellently to dive across and keep the score at 1-0.
Villa looked content with their one-goal advantage - knowing it was enough to move through to the fourth round - but Duran got on the scoresheet late on to make sure of the victory, and it proved pivotal. The Colombian striker won a fortuitous penalty as he clipped his own heel and went down at the same time Ravizzoli sprinted out, tricking the referee. It was an unfortunate moment for Wycombe but Duran didn’t care as he converted clinically into the bottom right corner.
The hosts piled on the pressure in an attempt to score a consolation goal with chances for Richard Kone and McCleary but both efforts bobbled wide. Kone had another opening, however, and eventually found a way through to net one back - albeit in controversial style as there was both an offside and a handball. Sil Swinkels should’ve done better but it’s a goal that ultimately doesn’t make much difference.
As Villa head into the hat for the next round as 2-1 victors, here’s how we rated the players out of 10 at Adams Park.
Player ratings:
Joe Gauci - 8
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Hide AdA terrific first-team debut, despite conceding late. Made three saves in the opening 11 minutes, keeping out two shots from Lubala and one from Sadlier. Kept Villa ahead with a crucial diving stop to deny McCleary in the 79th minute. The only error was misjudging the flight of a cross, but it led to nothing.
Kosta Nedeljkovic - 6
Read runs down the touchline well, often chopping across to intercept.
Lamare Bogarde - 7
Sometimes beaten a little too easily for pace by Lubala in the opening quarter of an hour but sured up afterward to put in a solid defensive display. Looked very comfortable on the ball.
Sil Swinkels - 6
Put in a couple of vital clearances in the first half and played the odd incisive pass out from the back, among others that were given away. At fault for the late consolation goal as he was caught sleeping.
Ian Maatsen - 6 (off 90’)
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Hide AdShowed off a decent passing range, including to setup Bailey for a long-range shot. Didn’t make many direct defensive contributions but was made to run hard to keep up with runs in behind.
Amadou Onana - 6 (off 62’)
Put in some important challenges to break up Wycombe counter-attacks, as you’d expect really given his quality.
Ross Barkley - 6
Gave the ball away carelessly to allow a dangerous Wycombe counter early on but improved afterward to help Villa dominate possession for the most part.
Emiliano Buendia - 8 (off 90’)
Wore the captain’s armband for the first time in his career and scored the crucial goal, heading cleverly over Ravizzoli and into the net. Wasn’t afforded much space to work in during a congested first half but worked so hard to find the breakthrough in the second.
Leon Bailey - 6 (off 62’)
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Hide AdCreated the early chance for Duran with a perfect through pass but skewed a first half shot well wide of the far post. Taken off just after the hour, likely with the weekend in mind.
Kadan Young - 7
Wasn’t afraid to take on his man on his competitive debut. Won’t get the assist statistically as it was deflected, but some good work to create space and cross low for Buendia’s goal. Did his defensive duties well, tracking back to support Maatsen with runners on the underlap.
Jhon Duran - 6
Won and scored the late penalty to put the game beyond doubt. Ironically had a disappointing game beforehand as he missed a great one-on-one chance in the opening minute and missed a further two chances later in the first half.


Jacob Ramsey - 6 (on 62’)
Came on in the centre of midfield to help Villa hold onto their lead. Looked composed enough.
Aidan Borland - 6 (on 62’)
The 17-year-old midfielder enjoyed his first senior run-out as he got involved in the build-ups to attacks. Completed 21 of his 22 passes.
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