Aston Villa player ratings as Emi Buendía strikes again to defeat Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League
Villa's in-form number 10 came off the bench to pick out the bottom corner and take all three points in north London
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur haven’t drawn a league fixture since 2012, fully 20 meetings ago, and there haven’t been too many that looked less likely to end level than this one.
Villa had the edge in the end thanks to a gorgeous Morgan Rogers equaliser and a beautifully constructed winning goal out of nowhere.
The quality on display in those few seconds were worth the win on their own but Unai Emery’s side had to work themselves into the turf to take a gutsy Premier League win out of this one.
Here are the ratings:
Emiliano Martínez - 6
Couldn’t do anything about the opening goal, which was deflected past him by Amadou Onana. Sharp save from João Palhinha nine minutes into the second half and again from the subsequent corner, albeit from an offside header. Messed about with an opponent at another set piece and lucky to get away with it this time.
Matty Cash - 6
Zipped a shot wide in the 15th minute and might have done better with it. Frequently looked to connect with Evann Guessand with clipped passes into the channel. The circumstances of the game meant he didn’t have a great deal to do in the second half in either direction. Unbelievable pass to help set up the goal that put Villa in front.
Ezri Konsa - 7
Neat in possession as always and assured defensively. Rarely under enough pressure to cause problems for a player of his ability.
Pau Torres - 7
Some good work with the ball in the first half an hour. Some less good but generally a streetwise performance in possession and almost spotless in the second half. Always looked at his best when striding forward through midfield.
Lucas Digne - 7
Bullied by Mohammed Kudus under a long ball for what would have been a second goal if Villa’s line hadn’t been as good as it was but gradually got to grips with a very tricky opponent. Mis-controlled a simple pass with Villa attacking after quarter of an hour. Whipped in a mean cross with Villa building pressure ten minutes before the break.
A phenomenal assist for Emi Buendía’s goal. Substituted late.
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Amadou Onana - 6
Made Villa look a difficult proposition when joining the press but was naturally out of position when Spurs were able to play through. Helped Digne double up on Kudus in some key moments and put in a few challenges when required.
Dispossessed in a promising position in midfield in the middle of the first half and passing was a little loose at times but overall a real boost to have him available. Substituted with eight minutes remaining.
Boubacar Kamara - 7
Showed intent to drive with the ball and offered plenty of quality without it. Good defensive work when he had to follow players back towards his own goal. Typically solid Kamara display.
John McGinn - 7
Dropped to left wing out of possession with Morgan Rogers joining Donyell Malen in a two. Charged with doing lots of the ugly work both with and without the ball and Villa would have been in even worse shape without him in a less than brilliant first half. Superb pass to Donyell Malen in behind in the second half.
Evann Guessand - 6
Useful hold-up play in the absence of Ollie Watkins. Familiar blend of effective all-round play with a lack of punch. Loads of defensive graft. Substituted with 30 minutes to go.
Morgan Rogers - 6
Started the game relatively well and connected with a few early passes that were by no means simple ones. Looked a much more confident player after international duty. Outstanding shift and finish to equalise in the 37th minute. Much more like it.
Drew a yellow card for Micky van de Ven with a clever nutmeg.
Donyell Malen - 5
Picked out in behind in the first half but allowed Kevin Danso to catch up and take the ball off him. Quality movement to receive McGinn pass in the 56th minute but didn’t have the left-footed finish to match.
Huge difference between Malen being played in a way that suits his strengths and this less ideal role. Substituted with half an hour remaining.
Substitutes
Emi Buendía (for Guessand, 61) - Immediately involved thanks to hard work in the middle. Confidence and quality on the ball. Another glorious goal for a player in the form of his Premier League life. 7
Ollie Watkins (for Malen, 61) - Took a few minutes to get involved but impressively dragged Villa up the pitch with his first proper touches. Great strength to hold the ball up under pressure with quarter of an hour left and throughout the last 15 to help Villa manage the lead. 7
Ross Barkley (for Onana, 82) - Late substitute. N/A
Ian Maatsen (for Digne, 82) - Late substitute. N/A