Aston Villa player ratings as Unai Emery oversees another disgraceful defeat to Crystal Palace

Not pleasant. Not surprising. Not acceptable.

With Emiliano Martínez, who cost his team a place in the Champions League, sitting out while he waits for a transfer on the last day of the summer window, Unai Emery was forced into multiple changes that included starts for Evann Guessand and Donyell Malen.

Aston Villa were a fucking shambles again and we can forget about returning to European competition next season because this team simply is not good enough.

This was a disgusting performance and the number of players required on transfer deadline day tomorrow has doubled at best because this lot haven’t got a leg to stand on after an embarrassing start to the season.

Here are the ratings:

Marco Bizot - 4

Gave away a penalty in the first half. Hung out to dry and probably a challenge he had to make but a costly one that led to Palace taking the lead. Lost the flight of a Daniel Muñoz cross that could have ended in disaster.

Off his line quickly to sweep up a through ball in first-half stoppage time. No chance with Palace’s second. Might have done better with the third.

Matty Cash - 3

Booked for a foul on Daichi Kamada in the 14th minute. Palace repeatedly able to get into dangerous spots behind the right side of Villa’s defence. Stepped up past Kamada and beaten by the ball for the penalty. Scuffed a cross with Villa in a good position from a free kick. Too profligate in possession. Substituted with 17 minutes left.

Ezri Konsa - 3

Passing at the back seemed more purposeful and patient than stodgy early one but deteriorated. Jean-Philippe Mateta found it too easy to hold the ball up against him. In no-man’s land before the penalty, slow out to Mateta and easily beaten by his pass to Kamada. Poor clearance led to Palace’s second goal.

Tyrone Mings - 5

Not much to do in the first half, with Palace largely targeting Villa’s right, but did fine with what was required for the most part.

Ian Maatsen - 5

Picked Watkins out in the channel with a fine pass in the fourth minute. Lots of crisp passing to feet in the middle third. Defending largely up to scratch too but final ball was a mixed bag.

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John McGinn - 6

A different player in the middle of the park. Tenacious work off the ball. Passing much better than previous matches. Clever pass over the top for Watkins just before half time. Substituted with 17 minutes left.

Youri Tielemans - 5

Couldn’t control a free header from a corner in the second minute and did exactly the same from exactly the same routine late in the first half. Instantly looked more at home in midfield. Villa only played in flashes but when they did, Tielemans was directing it.

Tried to take control of the situation with a strike from distance at 1-0, well hit but easily saved by Dean Henderson.

Donyell Malen - 5

Too intricate when playing with Cash in attacking areas. Showed some better touches early in the second half with occasional licence to drift in-field and swap with substitute Emi Buendía. Good upper body strength to keep Villa moving under pressure from Palace defenders in the second half.

Evann Guessand - 5

Used his body well to buy a free kick in a dangerous position early in the game. Showed a willingness to track back and win the ball. Nice, clean strike to work Henderson in the first half. Showed some lovely footwork to get out of trouble and get Villa moving. Substituted at half time.

Morgan Rogers - 4

Much sharper start to get Villa on the way to a pair of early corners but didn’t get into the game after that. Attitude seemed more positive but execution, while maybe slightly improved, wasn’t at the level required. Again.

Ollie Watkins - 4

Did well to spin and tee up Guessand for Villa’s first shot on target and again to try and send Malen clear, resulting in a corner. Villa struggled to get him involved yet again. Got in behind from McGinn’s pass but Henderson saved with his face. Good movement in behind early in the second half but unable to get the ball under control.

Substitutes

Emi Buendía (for Guessand, HT) - Went straight into the 10 and looked to get on the ball. Clearly had an impact early in the second half. Effective counter-pressing to help build pressure. 6

Bradley Burrowes (for Cash, 74) - Senior debut for 17-year-old. N/A

Pau Torres (for McGinn, 74) - N/A

Lucas Digne (for Malen, 83) - N/A

Lamare Bogarde (for Maatsen, 84) - N/A