Aston Villa got off to a winning start against Sheffield United at Villa Park thanks to an Ezri Konsa goal. Other highlights included a penalty save from debutant goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Read the match report in full here or join in the post-match chat on the forum here.
See how I rated the players in the victory over Sheff Utd below and have your say in the comments section.
Emiliano Martínez (8 out of 10)
The former goalkeeper made his debut following his £15.66m move and didn’t disappoint. He looked comfortable with the ball at his feet, even with Sheff Utd players closing him down. On top of that, he denied John Lundstrum from the spot. Goalkeepers won’t have many better debuts.
Matty Cash (7)
Another player making his debut following his transfer from Nottingham Forest in the summer. The full-back looked comfortable and probably put his opposite number (Matt Targett) to shame a little. Once he gets used to how Villa play he could be a little gem going forward and defensively.
Tyrone Mings (7)
Aston Villa announced that Mings had signed a new contract earlier in the day and he topped his day off with a clean sheet. He didn’t have much to do but looked solid for the majority against a Sheff Utd side down to ten men.
Ezri Konsa (8)
Konsa is fast becoming a favourite of mine. He struggled at times last season, especially when playing out wide but since lockdown, he has settled down and looks certain to be a future England centre half. His calmness and how he deals with situations remind me of Paul McGrath and I am sure if he comes half the player McGrath was, we will have a real player on our hands. He also scored the winning goal. My man of the match.
Matt Targett (5)
I felt that Targett was made a bit of a scapegoat during the summer, especially on social media. However, he looked the weak link on the few occasions Sheff Utd attacked Villa yesterday. On top of that, he gave away a clumsy but stonewall penalty.
Douglas Luiz (7)
The Brazilian recently got another call up to his national side and its easy to see why. He was probably the post-lockdown player of the season last season and he looked very comfortable dictating play from the middle of the park.
John McGinn (6)
Not at his best in any stretch of the imagination. At times I felt the game passed him by but he did look fitter which is positive. The Scot will have much better games this season.
Conor Hourihane (6)
Hourihane was a threat from set-pieces as always but just like his Scottish partner, the game seemed to pass him by. Looked frustrated when he was eventually substituted which is only a good thing for the team.
Jack Grealish (7)
As usual, Jack was the main man and most creative player. He will have felt a tad unlucky to not see one of his long-range efforts come off. I cant wait to see how he and Ollie Watkins link up once the forward has settled in.
Trezeguet (6)
Trezeguet is very hit and miss for me. Sometimes I watch him and wonder how he is a professional footballer. Other times I cant fault the guy. I felt yesterdays game was the first option. Sometimes when he jumps for the ball in the air, he reminds me of a young child just having a bit of football in a school playground. You can’t question his work rate though. A very interesting season awaits the Egyptian after the arrival of Bertrand Traore.
Ollie Watkins (7)
The work rate was there and so was the effort. Once he settles, as I already mentioned and understands how his teammates play he has the potential to be a real asset for Villa. He was also unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
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