Aston Villa vs Southampton Player Ratings as Aston Villa Remains in Their Winning Ways
After the football fans missed out on the Merseyside derby, all eyes were steered to Villa Park as Southampton traveled to face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. Emery’s team has finally ended their dry run after getting a win against Brentford while Southampton were handed another loss in the League, this time by Chelsea.
Before the match, the team news were quite interesting. It was predicted that Emery might make a ton of changes in the Villa lineup after picking Mings in midweek. The likes of Pau Torres, Jhon Duran and Diego Carlos were expected to start long before the lineup was made official. However, Ollie Watkins now only needs one goal to match Yorke’s record of 37 goals on home turf, so it might be possible for the Englishman to start as well.
On the other hand, after dismissal against the mighty Blue, the absence of Jack Stephens might cause a lot of problems for Southampton. Moreover, Lallana and Ramsdale were to miss the game as well.
The 3-1 victory against Brentford sure took a lot of the weight off from the Aston Villa players. It was a good day indeed for the Spanish coach as Ollie Watkins converted the spot kick and secured a better lead against Brentford. After the result, they were in the 7th of the table.
On the other hand, Southampton’s 1-0 win against the Toffees is still their sole win in the League this season up to the game in Villa Park. However, they have given Liverpool a run for their money in the game which they have lost 3-2. All eyes are on the Villa Park as Southampton were eager to get their 2nd win in the League while the Host looked forward to continuing with their winning ways. It was all to play for both teams.
The match started in a steady manner before John Duran opened up the net in the 24th minute. While the fans expected Watkins to start, it was Duran who began the game, and it went well with the host as they led early. Following the goal, Southampton looked good and were more upfront. At the edge of the first half, Southampton were trying to get the equalizer, but the overlap runs from the wing backs were not cutting it.
With 1.04 xG compared to Southampton’s 0.29 xG, it was the host who were in control. Still, by the end of the first half, it was Southampton who were ahead in terms of ball possession. Despite a lot of efforts in the second half from the travelling team, Aston Villa kept their lead of 1-0 and won the game.
Aston Villa player ratings against Southampton
Goalkeeper
Martinez (6/10)
Played really well as in been affirm in his goal line. Was not tested much in the first half.
Defenders
Diego Carlos (6.5/10)
Fans were eager to see him in the squad before the kickoff. With 0 chances created by the travelling team in the first half, it was no no-brainer why that is the case.
Torres (6/10)
Were one of the integral players in the defensive line on Aston Villa’s domination in the first half. The Spaniard was instrumental in pushing the team forward.
Konsa (6/10)
Was a strong presence in the defense line in the first half. Was instrumental in making the play from the back.
Maatsen (5.5/10)
Almost assisted for Duran’s 2nd goal after a good build-up play from defense broke out.
Midfielders
Kamara (5.5/10)
A decent pairing with Tielemans helped the team dominate the midfield. Went in deep to help the defensive play.
Tielemans (6/10)
Even though it was a defensive error that led to the Aston Villa goal, the Belgian had the key to control the tempo of the game in the first half.
Bailey (6.5/10)
Played a crucial part in the home team’s 87% pass accuracy. Looked very sharp throughout the match. Stopped the game in the 55th minute as he was struggling.
Rogers (6.5/10)
Carried the ball brilliantly on the left flank. His low ball in the box almost made Villa lead by 2 goals in 30 minutes.
McGinn (6/10)
Even though the hosts were trailing in terms of the number of passes, McGinn was instrumental in the number of total passes in the first half.
Forwards
Duran (7/10)
Been consistent in terms of putting in work over the last few matches. Took the chance in the 24th minute and gave the host the lead they deserved.
Manager
Unai Emery (7/10)
Looked to be the happier manager between the two.
Substitutes
Watkins (5.5/10)
Came in in the 56th minute after the game was stopped due to Bailey struggling.
Digne (5/10)
Came with Watkins in the 56th minute and had a good impact.
Barkley (5.5/10)
Came in with Digne and Watkins and had a good impact on the game right away.
Philogene (5/10)
Came in the second half for Bailey.-
Southampton player ratings against Aston Villa
Goalkeeper
Lumley (5.5/10)
Was left defenseless. Had to endure the early goal in 24th minute due to a defensive error.
Defenders
Bree (5/10)
The wing-back looked good going forward for the traveling team. However, there was no promising outcome. Got subbed off in the second half beginning.
Walker-Peters (5.5/10)
Played a big part in holding the defense line well after the horrible defensive error made in the first half. Was very active in the second half with his deliveries in the box.
Harwood-Bellis (5/10)
Have to step up to the moment if they really want to get out of the relegation zone. And it has to start with the defensive pair.
Wood (5.5/10)
Played a part in the below-average defense of Southampton in the evening.
Manning (5/10)
Looked better going up attacking as Southampton attempted to get the equalizer.
Midfielders
Dibling (6/10)
While he had a decent impact in the midfield, he needs to up his game and encourage his fellow CMs to move the ball with confidence.
Armstrong (6/10)
He is in good form this season. Been consistent with the performance and it was shown in his play today as well.
Downes (6/10)
He proved to be a good midfield partner for Armstrong today. However, needs to do more.
Fernandes (5.5/10)
Villa’s passing stats were less than Southampton’s before the 2nd half began. And Fernandes played a big part in it.
Forwards
Archer (5/10)
Looked desperate to lead by example and make a change after his team conceded quick. But looked invisible as there were no delivery to him.
Manager
Russel Martin (5/10)
Poor homework from the Southampton manager.
Substitutes
Aribo (5/10)
Came in the second half for Bree. Had a good hold in the wing.
Ameyaw (5/10)
Came in late in the 2nd half.
Diaz (4/10)
Was anticipated to change the course of the game as he was subbed on.
FAQ’s
Q. When was the match between Aston Villa vs Southampton?
A. The match was on the 7th of December 2024.
Q. What was the score of the Aston Villa vs Southampton match?
A. The score was 1-0 with Aston Villa getting the win.
Q. Who was the best player in the Aston Villa vs Southampton match?
A. Jhon Duran was the best player in the game.
Q. Who was the worst player in the Aston Villa vs Southampton match?
A. Maatsen was the worst player in the game.