Player ratings and report from Aston Villa’s controversial final-day Premier League defeat away at Manchester United.
Aston Villa suffered a devastating 2-0 defeat away at Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season, denied a spot in next season’s Champions League largely through the fault of their own but also through two huge refereeing calls, as Emiliano Martinez saw red and Morgan Rogers had a goal scandalously ruled out.
One point would’ve been enough for Villa to squeeze into the top five and clinch last-gasp Champions League qualification due to Newcastle United’s shock 1-0 defeat to Everton, but Amad Diallo’s 76th-minute header and Christian Eriksen’s late penalty was enough to strip the draw away from Villa and secure United a rare victory at Old Trafford.
It all could’ve been so different if Rogers hadn’t seen a goal disallowed merely minutes before Amad’s opener. Villa’s number 27 dispossessed Altay Bayindir and curled the ball into an empty net, but referee Thomas Bramall gave a foul as he believed United’s goalkeeper had both hands on the ball when Rogers steamed in.
It was a tight call but it looked as if Bayindir didn’t have control of the ball, letting it bounce off his fingertips milliseconds before Rogers intercepted. That’s not how Bramall saw it however, as he blew his whistle before the ball hit the net, stopping the chance for VAR to intervene and ultimately denying Villa what could’ve been a Champions League-earning goal. Emery, in utter disbelief, was apopleptic on the touchline.
Villa shouldn’t have been relying on a smash-and-grab situation but they were as they performed awfully in the first 45 minutes and were reduced to 10 men for an avoidable Martinez red card on the stroke of half time. On what was perhaps his final Villa appearance amid intense transfer speculation, Martinez rushed out to an abhorrent, awfully-weighted backpass from Matty Cash and clattered Rasmus Hojlund, who almost certainly would’ve scored otherwise.
Diogo Dalot went closest for United in the first half as the right-back struck the post from a Harry Maguire cutback. Mason Mount had three attempts stopped by Martinez, while Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro saw efforts from distance halted by Martinez’s grasp. There was hardly any action down the opposite end as Emery’s men had just one shot in what was an appalling first period.
Hojlund thought he’d broken the deadlock for United in the 49th minute but the striker was denied by the lineman’s flag. Casemiro headed a corner back into the danger area and Hojlund rose highest to nod beyond Robin Olsen, but the call for a tight offside was the right one.
Amad’s goal, a dagger in Villa hearts given the surprise scoreline at St. James’ Park, was a composed header from a perfect Bruno Fernandes cross. Eriksen then made sure of the points from the spot, scoring on his final United appearance after Ian Maatsen gave away a penalty for a sloppy foul on Amad.
It’s a hugely disappointing end to the season for Villa, who will officially be playing in the Europa League next season.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Man Utd - including two 3/10s
Emiliano Martinez (red card 45+1’) - Sent off for a ridiculous challenge on Hojlund just before half time. It was a great shame as he’d been great before that wild moment, with five saves - including four in the opening 10 minutes. 4
Matty Cash - Has to take a huge chunk of the criticism for the Martinez red card as it wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for his truly awful backpass attempt. Gave away sloppy fouls, too, prompting unnecessary pressure from the hosts. 3
Ezri Konsa - Didn’t make any glaring errors but equally didn’t make anything look overly comfortable. The England international will be disappointed not to have orchestrated a stronger back four. 6
Pau Torres - Caught out early in the second half as he was dispossessed inside his own area by Mainoo – a moment which rather summed up his lack of joy passing out from the back. Didn’t do enough defensively to warrant a better rating. 5
Ian Maatsen - Clumsily gave away the penalty Eriksen converted for 2-0, fouling Amad. Simply had to do better ahead of Dalot’s woodwork hit as he was beaten for skill by Maguire. At fault when he played Hojlund straight through with an awful weak header intended for Olsen, too, and lacked accuracy with many of his crosses. 3
Boubacar Kamara (off 83’) - Really struggled to contain Mount early on as the midfielder registered three shots on target. Unable to dictate the play like he usually would. 5
Amadou Onana (off 62’) - Used his physicality well at times to shield the ball and skip away from challenges. Unable to beat the press regularly, however. 6
John McGinn (off 62’) - Had Villa’s only two shots of the first 60 minutes, one blocked and the other dribbled along the floor. Gifted United an early chance in the first half, however, allowing Mazraoui in behind to cut back for Mount, who nearly scored. 5
Morgan Rogers (off 84’) - Denied what could’ve been a legendary goal by a contentious refereeing call. It was great anticipation to nab the ball from Bayindir but the referee’s whistle was enough to deny VAR having a second look. Otherwise ineffective. 6
Marco Asensio (off 45+3’) - Struggled to make his mark and was sacrificed for Olsen when Martinez was sent off. 5
Ollie Watkins - Made the occasional run in behind but was twice caught offside. Didn’t hold the ball up as well as usual and let a few loose touches get the better of him. 5
Robin Olsen (on 45+3’) - Came on for an unexpected farewell appearance but it didn’t go too well as he conceded twice. Made three saves, at least.
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