Aston Villa ratings from Tottenham FA Cup win – Rogers shines, Rashford & Asensio dazzle on debut

Jacob Ramsey’s goal within just 58 seconds and Morgan Rogers’ second-half tap-in were enough to secure Villa a spot in the last 16 for the first time since they were defeated in the final by Arsenal in 2015. Mathys Tel scored his first Tottenham goal with an exquisite finish in the 90th minute but it was merely a consolation for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio made their Villa debuts as substitutes to round off a fine evening under the lights for the hosts, lifting fans off their seats with several positive and confident attacking ventures. Now in the hat for the next phase, it won’t be the last time the deadline day signings feature in the FA Cup this season.

Ramsey’s very early opener came from a terrific Rogers through ball as he fired in beyond a helpless Antonin Kinsky. It was actually quite a poor finish from Ramsey - straight at Kinsky - but the Spurs goalkeeper flapped the ball into the net. It was a decent team move as Lucas Digne and Youri Tielemans linked up well before Rogers weighed his pass to Ramsey with perfection.

Villa gained confidence from their strong start and had several big opportunities to extend their advantage. Leon Bailey beat Djed Spence for skill and curled toward the far corner, but Kinsky made a fine diving stop. The Jamaican had another good attempt saved on the half-hour mark and Ramsey struck the post from a tight angle on the follow-up. Rogers was next to go close as he let fly from 30 yards but had his shot parried away, before Donyell Malen scuffed well over on the rebound.

Spurs, albeit rather uninspiring in possession for the most part, did have one big first-half chance of their own as Emi Martinez made a world-class save to deny Heung-min Son. Mikey Moore was allowed far too much space on the right wing and his low cross was met first time by Son, but Martinez anticipated the shot brilliantly to save at point-blank range.

Tottenham came out firing at the start of the second half as they sought an equaliser. Son had a decent chance when played through by Dejan Kulusevski but Lamare Bogarde got back quickly to make a superb sliding block. Martinez was then called into action to make a comfortable enough save from a Kulusevski shot.

The game became very open around the hour mark though, and Spurs were punished by their kryptonite as Villa scored a crucial second goal from a counter-attack. Bailey, just inside the box, appeared to be pondering on the ball but it was excellent hold-up play from the Jamaican as he waited for Malen on the overlap, who drilled the ball across the face of goal. Pedro Porro tried to clear off the line for Spurs but he scuffed the ball, allowing Rogers to stab home for 2-0.

It was a good job Rogers extended the advantage as he hit the side netting previously and Ramsey missed two huge chances when one-on-one with Kinsky. Those squandered opportunities were soon forgotten after the goal, however, and especially so when Emery introduced Rashford and Asensio for their highly-anticipated first appearances in claret and blue.

Rashford’s first involvement - hugely popular with the home crowd - was leaping high to win a header, catching Kevin Danso’s head with his elbow on the way back down. Asensio, meanwhile, immediately teased Spurs with a skilful turn to dribble past Yves Bissouma. Asensio was then denied a beautiful assist on his debut as he took down a high ball impeccably and back-heeled to Rogers but Villa’s number 27 could only find the side netting.

Spurs simply had to score in the 78th minute as Lucas Digne slipped and Porro drilled a low delivery across the face of goal but Kevin Danso somehow missed from a yard out. The visitors did manage to get one back just before stoppage time as Kulusevki’s deep cross was volleyed into the far corner delicately by Tel, who found space in between Kamara and Bogarde. It wasn’t enough, however, as Villa were already out of sight and are the team to progress.

Aston Villa player ratings vs Tottenham

Without further ado, here’s how the Villa players rated - including how Rashford and Asensio fared.

Emi Martinez - 7

Kept Villa ahead with a brilliant low save to deny Son and later made a routine save to deny Kulusevski. Will be disappointed to have been beaten by a relatively slow shot from Tel, even if it was skilful.

Andres Garcia - 7

A solid first appearance at Villa Park as he stood up well to Son for the most part, playing a very similar role to the one Matty Cash usually occupies.

Ezri Konsa - 6 (off 26’)

Made a solid start but was forced off with a hamstring injury. The only downer of the night as Villa’s already deep defensive crisis has been worsened.

Boubacar Kamara - 7

Made two or three strong tackles on Son and Kulusevski and a big block to stop a Bissouma shot. Did let a few long passes bounce when he shouldn’t have, mind.

Lucas Digne - 7 (off 80’)

Provided great width down the left and was involved in the initial stages of the opening goal. Made five clearances all in all, stopping Spurs from threatening from wide positions. Slipped to allow Danso’s big chance but otherwise didn’t suffer a great deal.

John McGinn - 8

Used his low centre of gravity to turn away from Bergvall and Kulusevski on several occasions, getting Villa up the field quickly. Crunched in with a few important challenges and interceptions.

Youri Tielemans - 7

Another excellent display in the double pivot to help Villa be as productive as possible in possession. Not involved in any of the goals directly but was still positive.

Leon Bailey - 7 (off 66’)

A better showing as he had two decent attempts saved by Kinsky in the first period and played the through ball for Malen’s shot into the side netting.

Jacob Ramsey - 7

Fired in for 1-0, albeit a little fortuitously as Kinsky’s goalkeeping was poor. Should’ve had a hat-trick as he had two other shots on target saved when one-on-one with the Spurs goalkeeper.

Morgan Rogers - 9

Assisted Ramsey’s goal with a terrific through pass after turning Spurs’ midfield inside out and scored the crucial second goal to ensure victory. Went on plenty of his trademark runs and got Bentancur in the book with one.

Donyell Malen - 7 (off 66’)

Created a great chance for Ramsey in the first half but skied over from close range when a Bailey shot rebounded to him. Also hit the side netting when presented with an opportunity just before half time. Made amends with a great low cross ahead of Rogers’ goal.

Lamare Bogarde - 6 (on 26’)

Came on at centre-back for the injured Konsa. Made a really important block to deny Son early in the second half but allowed Tel goal side for the late consolation.

Marcus Rashford - 7 (on 66’)

An exciting debut as he nutmegged Porro and nearly won a penalty immediately after but was nudged outside the area. Had a big chance to score at the end as he ran through but Archie Gray made up ground to make a crucial tackle.

Marco Asensio - 8 (on 66’)

Dazzled whenever he gained possession and didn’t misplace a single pass. Created an excellent chance for Rogers after plucking the ball out of the sky.