Aston Villa's Dramatic Europa League Comeback: Player Ratings Analysis
In a thrilling UEFA Europa League encounter at Villa Park, Aston Villa produced a stunning late comeback to defeat RB Salzburg 3-2, securing second place in the league phase behind Lyon. The victory guarantees Villa home advantage for the second legs throughout the remainder of the tournament, a crucial boost for Unai Emery's side.
A Match of Two Halves: From Despair to Delight
The match began in disastrous fashion for the hosts, who appeared lethargic and disjointed for the opening hour. RB Salzburg, needing a win to keep their play-off hopes alive, capitalised on Villa's sloppy defending. The opening goal came midway through the first half when Tyrone Mings conceded possession in his own penalty area, allowing Karim Konate to fire home from Edmund Baidoo's pass.
Salzburg doubled their lead just after half-time through substitute Moussa Yeo, who scored with his first touch, expertly flicking in a low cross from Kerim Alajbegovic. Villa's defence was static, failing to track the runner or prevent the delivery.
However, the game transformed on the hour mark. Suddenly, Villa played with urgency and purpose. Morgan Rogers began the fightback, exchanging a neat one-two with Emiliano Buendia before slotting into the near bottom corner to make it 2-1. The atmosphere ignited, and Villa Park roared when Mings redeemed his earlier error, powering in a header from Matty Cash's cross in the 76th minute to equalise.
The dramatic winner arrived with just three minutes of normal time remaining. A move crafted by Villa's academy products saw Kadan Young drive down the right before delivering a perfect low cross for Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, who finished clinically in front of the Holte End. It was a dream moment for the 19-year-old on only his sixth senior appearance.
Player Ratings: Five 'Terrible' 5s But One Standout 9
The individual performances were a mixed bag, reflecting the team's overall erratic display. Five players received ratings of just 5 out of 10, deemed 'terrible' in key areas, while one substitute shone brightly with a near-perfect score.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Emiliano Martinez: 8 – The World Cup winner was heroic, making several crucial saves including a first-half double stop. He could do little about either Salzburg goal.
Lamare Bogarde: 5 – Struggled badly at right-back, giving away possession frequently and being caught out of position. Improved slightly when moved into midfield.
Victor Lindelof: 6 – Was poor defensively in the first half but surprisingly effective when shifted into midfield late on.
Tyrone Mings: 5 – Scored a vital header but was at fault for the first goal and failed to stop the cross for the second. His passing from the back lacked authority.
Lucas Digne: 6 – A classic Jekyll and Hyde performance; anonymous in the first half but significantly better after the break.
Midfield and Attack
George Hemmings: 5 – Looked out of his depth on his full senior debut. Villa improved after he was substituted at half-time.
Amadou Onana: 6 – Failed to dominate the midfield, losing many duels. Made a couple of good tackles but was below his best.
Emiliano Buendia: 7 – Villa's most lively midfielder before being substituted, providing the assist for Rogers' goal with his final touch.
Harvey Elliott: 5 – A frustrating night on his return from injury. Missed a golden chance early on and blazed over later. His decision-making angered Emery at times.
Jadon Sancho: 5 – Unable to build on recent promising patches. His link-up play with Elliott was average at best.
Ollie Watkins: 6 – Was largely anonymous before being forced off with a worrying hamstring injury in the 35th minute.
Substitutes: The Game-Changers
Morgan Rogers: 9 – The star of the show. Came on for the injured Watkins and inspired the comeback, scoring the first goal and driving the team forward. He also played a key role in the winner.
Matty Cash: 8 – His introduction at half-time solidified the defence, and he provided the assist for Mings' equaliser. Was also an attacking threat and nearly scored himself.
Ezri Konsa: 7 – His presence after coming on helped stabilise the backline, with Salzburg creating little thereafter.
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba: 8 – The match-winner with a cool finish. Could have had two goals, forcing a fine save moments after coming on.
Kadan Young: 8 – Provided the pinpoint assist for the winner, making the exact impact Emery desired.
This dramatic victory, built on a second-half resurgence and impactful substitutions, ensures Aston Villa progress with momentum, though the performance highlighted significant areas for improvement ahead of the knockout stages.
