Aston Villa player ratings after Europa League comeback win over Red Bull Salzburg
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba's first senior goal seals a determined recovery from a dreadful first half at Villa Park
They made a right meal of it, but a record of seven wins from eight in the league phase tastes pretty sweet.
Aston Villa will play the second leg of every round at home for as long as they remain in the Europa League but they had to come from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and claim that advantage.
With several changes made and a few chances taken in terms of personnel, Villa lacked fluency. It resulted in disjointed attacking in the first half and some costly defensive errors.
Villa found it challenging to lift their game at 1-0 down but they did it at 2-0 to go on and win, as though they’d been embarrassed into action.
Here are the ratings:
Emiliano Martínez - 7
Made a fine double save in the 20th minute after playing the entire game up to that point with his feet. Good handling again soon after the goal that put Salzburg in front. Off his line sharply to avoid another disastrous goal at the end of the first half.
Lamare Bogarde - 5
Drafted in at right-back but frequently able to drive in diagonally to link with Amadou Onana. Showed a little fragility in defensive positions, occasionally timid with the ball and overpowered in a tackle or two. Redeployed in midfield at half time and looked more comfortable but no more effective.
Victor Lindelöf - 5
Relaxed in the face of the Salzburg press and able to step in to win the ball in front of the centre-forward. Defensive basics in the box were spot on until his own goal, which came from a shot that was drifting wide. Moved into midfield for the last quarter.
Tyrone Mings - 5
Over-ambitious pass early on that caused problems but soon showed his straightforward defensive abilities and physicality as the last man. Committed a catastrophic error while being pressed in the box that inevitably led to the opening goal. Beaten too easily for the second goal.
Headed in the equaliser, beating the goalkeeper to Matty Cash’s in-swinging cross when it mattered most.
Lucas Digne - 6
Hugged the left touchline and tried to make the run in behind at every opportunity, which was more impactful as Villa improved. Rescued by the goalkeeper after an under-hit backpass in the last minute of the first half.
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George Hemmings - 4
Positive out of possession on his first start but a couple of small errors when receiving the ball in the early minutes. Initially a good battle with Sōta Kitano in the middle, which the Salzburg midfielder started to control.
Didn’t shrink from his responsibilities despite early struggles but the visitors made his full debut difficult. Substituted at half time.
Amadou Onana - 5
Turned and drove forward in the middle of the first half before playing a nice pass towards Ollie Watkins, who just couldn’t grab it. Got back to do his defensive work with the back two. Partially culpable for Salzburg’s second goal. Went off with 25 minutes left.
Harvey Elliott - 6
First appearance since early October and was excruciatingly close to scoring in the first minute after Alexander Schlager spilled Watkins’ shot. Thrashed a shot over the top at 2-1. Neat and tidy in the Salzburg half and started to get a foot on the ball early in the second half and try to knit together some attacks. Grew in influence.
Emi Buendía - 6
Another big contribution with and without the ball. One of Villa’s most obvious creative threats. Keen to drag a sometimes listless Villa up the field. Beauty of an assist for Morgan Rogers’ goal off the bench immediately before being substituted.
Jadon Sancho - 6
Picked up where he left off against Newcastle United, grafting in support of his full-back. Highly competent with the ball and keen to be direct but wasn’t in the game for stretches of the first half. Great feet at times and looked dangerous on the right in the second half in combination with Elliott and Cash. Substituted at 2-2.
Ollie Watkins - 5
Drew a save from outside the box in the first minute. Lacked that little bit of sharpness again at times but held the ball up nicely with his back to goal. Went off after tweaking a hamstring in the first half.
Substitutes
Morgan Rogers (for Watkins, 35) - On in the first half to play as a central striker and I’m not certain he touched the ball in the first half. Looked to pick passes when players went beyond him in the second period and did a good job out of position. Tucked in a goal to get Villa back in the game and played a huge part in Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba’s goal. 7
Matty Cash (for Hemmings, HT) - On at the break and attempted to give Villa a threat on the right. Helped Villa to get in behind and picked some nice passes in the final third. Curled in a glorious cross for Villa’s equaliser. 7
Ezri Konsa (for Onana, 66) - An instant settling influence. 6
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba (for Buendía, 66) - Cut in and nearly scored a screamer within seconds. A couple of sloppy moments but some really positive ones too, including a well-taken first senior goal to make it 3-2. 6
Kadan Young (for Sancho, 78) - Late substitution. N/A