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Morgan Rogers was robbed of a 94th-minute winner as Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Juventus to remain on the fringes of the Champions League top eight.
Unai Emery’s men thought they’d claimed a dramatic late three points under the lights at Villa Park but were denied by referee Jesus Gil Manzano, who ruled out Rogers’ late goal for a soft Diego Carlos foul on Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio.
Emiliano Martinez pulled off one of the saves of the season down the other end to earn an important Champions League point, but it perhaps could’ve been all three had VAR gotten involved. The night ends on a frustrating note for Villa, especially given the unconvincing performance with neither side fully clicking into gear.
Juve dominated possession for much of the first period but most of their passing was backward or sideward. Villa, patient and stubborn in their slightly altered structure with Rogers wide and John McGinn advanced, had the better of the few chances. Pau Torres headed narrowly over the bar from a Leon Bailey corner, Ollie Watkins tested Di Gregorio with a powerful strike and Lucas Digne clipped the crossbar from a 20-yard free-kick.
The referee didn’t help the pace of the encounter as he set a low bar for fouls. Villa Park grew frustrated by the seemingly biased attitude towards yellow cards, too, as Youri Tielemans, Bailey and Pau were booked for their first infringements but Juventus players got away with theirs. There was a huge sarcastic round of applause just before the interval to recognise this, as Manzano finally carded Juve’s Pierre Kalulu.
Emiliano Martinez somehow kept Francisco Conceicao's far-post header out, earning Villa a point against Juventus.Emiliano Martinez somehow kept Francisco Conceicao's far-post header out, earning Villa a point against Juventus.
Emiliano Martinez somehow kept Francisco Conceicao's far-post header out, earning Villa a point against Juventus. | Getty Images
Martinez, celebrated for his recent Yashin Trophy win before the game, made one of the saves of the season to keep the game goalless midway through the second half. Francisco Conceicao looked destined to score as he headed from close range at the far post but Martinez somehow clawed the Juve winger’s effort off the goal line with merely millimetres to spare.
Just as fans were beginning to desert their seats in acceptance of a 0-0 draw, late drama ensued as Rogers found the net but saw his strike denied. The referee pointed to the centre circle to indicate a foul from Carlos on Di Gregorio but it was a rather unclear gesture and one that was taken by many as the awarding of a goal. VAR then stuck with the original decision, confirming the stalemate.
Aston Villa player ratings v Juventus
Here’s how the Villa players rated out of 10.
Emiliano Martinez - 9: Added to his already stellar highlight reel with a remarkable save, somehow stopping Conceicao’s header from crossing the line. Made several claims from awkward crosses.
Matty Cash - 8: Did brilliantly up against Kenan Yildiz, stopping the teenager from causing any threat. Tried his luck with a well-struck half volley in the first 45.
Diego Carlos - 7: Defended resolutely throughout but rather summed up the game by screwing up a chance in second-half stoppage time by running straight into trouble. Produced an exquisite ping to Watkins early on.
Pau Torres - 7: Hardly put a foot wrong defensively and narrowly missed a header from a first-half corner. Booked for a poorly-timed challenge on Weah.
Lucas Digne - 7: Glanced the crossbar with a free-kick, one of the biggest chances. Made his fair share of tackles and interceptions to keep Conceicao at bay for the most part, but he could only do so much as the winger was Juve’s biggest threat.
Boubacar Kamara - 7 (off 78’): Broke up the play well at the base of midifield and set up the 37th-minute chance for Watkins with a superb through pass.
Youri Tielemans - 7: Wasn’t quite as accurate with his final ball as usual Had one of Villa’s two shots on target but it didn’t concern Di Gregorio. Booked within 10 minutes for catching Conceicao with his studs.
Leon Bailey - 5 (off 86’): Not quick enough to take on defenders as he slowed the pace of the game down when he should’ve been doing the opposite. Shown a yellow card for dissent just after Tielemans had his name taken.
Morgan Rogers - 5: Denied the latest of goals for Carlos’ foul, a shame as he was composed under pressure. Really struggled out on the left flank earlier in the game as he gave the ball away far too often, lacked awareness and let his touches get away from him.
John McGinn - 6: Just in behind Watkins, in the role Rogers usually occupies, the skipper couldn’t quite make his mark on the game as he lacked creativity.
Ollie Watkins - 6 (off 78’): Forced the first save of the match with a powerful effort just inside the box. Otherwise starved of opportunities.
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