Aston Villa player ratings after Europa League away win against Basel
Villa didn't do it the easy way in Switzerland
Aston Villa successfully negotiated one of their toughest European assignments this side of Christmas, winning 2-1 away from home against Swiss Super League side FC Basel
Villa responded well after half time. Basel’s equaliser knocked them off their rhythm but Villa rallied early in the second half, got the goal they needed to go back in front, and collected a fifth Europa League win in six league phase matches.
With Fenerbahçe and Red Bull Salzburg to come, this was an important game to win and it wasn’t easy. Three points guarantee Villa at least a spot in the play-off round, leaving only the top eight and then the top two left to target.
Winning in Basel gives Villa a great chance of finishing in the automatic places and a good platform to go on and claim one of the top two spots.
Here are the ratings:
Marco Bizot - 6
Solid handling for the first save of the game, which he made look easier than it was. Good starting position on the edge of his box to sweep up when needed. Came out limply and was beaten to the ball for Basel’s equaliser but otherwise decent.
Matty Cash - 6
Looked to be progressive with his passing to Donyell Malen’s feet. Recovered quickly after his shot from a well-worked corner was blocked. Sent a superb ball across goal that Evann Guessand couldn’t snaffle immediately before Basel’s disallowed equaliser. Found Guessand with a lovely pass into the channel just before half time.
Booked early for a foul on Philip Otele and was withdrawn at half time.
Ezri Konsa - 5
Gave the ball away in Villa’s half in the first minute but showed his anticipation to win it back. Dispossessed in the middle of the first half too, and put Lamare Bogarde in trouble with a poorly selected pass after half an hour, which ultimately led to the equaliser. Booked for time-wasting, presumably while waiting for a red card VAR check for Dominik Schmid’s challenge on Bogarde that never came.
Picked out a superb long pass to Digne in the first few minutes, exposing a flaw in Basel’s low block.
Victor Lindelöf - 6
Kept it simple with his passing but the lack of pace on the left side of Villa’s defence was a concern. Generally fine.
Lucas Digne - 7
Frequently involved in Villa’s attacking play from the start. Got forward and got a right-footed shot away that was blocked by a Basel arm.
Our Holy Trinity of conclusions for this match will be available tomorrow for paid AVR subscribers. Upgrade now for wraparound match coverage and other features for just £4 per month.
Lamare Bogarde - 6
Good, confident early touches. Patient in possession and worked well with Amadou Onana in midfield – fine at the start but he looked vulnerable once Basel upped the intensity. Moved to right-back after half time.
Amadou Onana - 7
In his element in the middle of the park, receiving the ball on the turn and moving it on with ease. Quality passing on display. Vital interventions on the cover. Nice and solid before he was substituted in the middle of the second half.
Evann Guessand - 5
Opened the scoring with an instinctive and intuitive finish with his back to goal after Basel failed to clear a corner. Showed some terrific footwork under pressure in the middle. Some positive signs in his short passing and was involved in Villa’s second goal too.
Skied a chance to score the third and put Villa under pressure with an awful pass ten minutes from the end.
Jadon Sancho - 6
Teed Digne up with a chance after quarter of an hour after being fed in the pocket. Gave the ball away a few times in the final third but always willing to take a risk. Linked superbly with Donyell Malen late in the first half.
Should have had an assist but Guessand blasted over on the hour. Weak effort to score himself a minute or two later before he was substituted.
Emi Buendía - 6
Caused problems by dropping into the hole and picking up the ball to create from deeper positions. Wonderful use of his body and flawless lay-off for Youri Tielemans to put Villa back in front.
Booked for a foul in the first half. Substituted in the middle of the second half.
Donyell Malen - 5
Struggled for meaningful involvement but never short of running and looked sharp in flashes. Substituted with 11 minutes to go.
Substitutes
Youri Tielemans (for Cash, HT) - On at half time and immediately looking to get the ball moving with more ambitious intent. Swept a brilliant finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-1 to Villa. 7
Boubacar Kamara (for Onana, 65) - Came into a non-existent midfield battle. 5
Morgan Rogers (for Buendía, 65) - Unable to impose himself. 5
Ollie Watkins (for Sancho, 65) - A couple of bright early touches but played a dreadful pass to Malen on the break. 5
John McGinn (for Malen, 79) - Late substitute. N/A