I watched Aston Villa end wretched FA Cup record – every player rated after Middlesbrough victory

I watched Aston Villa end wretched FA Cup record – every player rated after Middlesbrough victory

After defeating Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium to win their first FA Cup match in eight years, Aston

Villa guaranteed their spot in the fourth round.

 

 

 

 

 

Matty Cash broke the tie late in the game when his effort from beyond the box bounced past Tom Glover, even

though it appeared like the two teams would have to play again. Before Moussa Diaby erred from close range late in

the game, Ezri Konsa had gone the closest in the second half with his header that struck the post.

At 67% possession, Villa dominated the first half, while the second half saw more open play. For the first time since

the team’s 1-1 tie with Zrinjski Mostar last month, Jhon Duran started the game despite his future at Villa being

unknown. However, he found it difficult to get into the game and was replaced with 20 minutes remaining.

Ollie Watkins replaced him, while Douglas Luiz, Moussa Diaby and Nicolo Zaniolo were all called on to get the goal

to secure Villa’s passage to the next round, but it was right-back Cash who came up with the crucial goal, his first

fourth of the season in all competitions.

On Monday, January 8, the FA Cup fourth round draw will take place prior to the ITV-televised third-round match

between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United. The sixteen fourth-round contests are slated to take place during

the course of Saturday, January 27.

Player ratings

Emi Martinez

He wouldn’t have started the game if Robin Olsen was fit to play, but the Sweden international is still nursing an

injury. Martinez made one save in the first half.

Matty Cash

Returned to the starting XI after missing Villa’s previous two games through suspension and illness. Had a solid

game and made a few strong recoveries. Came up with the winner in the 87th minute as his strike from outside the

box deflected past Glover

Ezri Konsa

Strolled through the first half and dealt with Josh Coburn’s threat with consummate ease. Emmanuel Latte Lath

caused a few more problems on the break towards the back end of the game. Made a couple of needless fouls when

Villa pressed high, but played well overall. That was Lenglet’s fourth start in a row in all competitions

Alex Moreno

Looked sharp going forward and combined with Jacob Ramsey well. He’ll get an extended run in the side given

Lucas Digne’s injury and Emery knows what he can do after his impressive performances last season

Slotted back into the starting XI to play alongside Kamara. Wasn’t progressive enough in possession to link defence

and attack

Boubacar Kamara

Returned from a three-match suspension to start against Boro tonight. He won so many duels and did the dirty work

in midfield. A player Villa had certainly missed in their previous three games.

John McGinn

Operated in an advanced midfield role and came close to breaking the deadlock in the second half when he called

Glover into action with an effort from outside the box

Jacob Ramsey

Looked confident out there tonight. He has taken a little while to get back up to speed after suffering a setback in his

recovery from injury earlier this year, but is showing signs he is rediscovering his form.

Leon Bailey

Drifted wide when Villa were in possession as he was frustrated not to receive the ball more often than he did.

Jhon Duran

The striker’s future is uncertain this month, but he was given a start by Emery. He took two shots at goal to call

Glover into action, but never looked like scoring. Replaced on the 70th minute.

SUBS

Nicolo Zaniolo (for Bailey, 69′): Made a decent impact in the game and came within inches of scoring a wonder

goal late on. 7

Ollie Watkins (for Duran, 69): Didn’t get a sight of goal in the short amount of time he had on the pitch.

Moussa Diaby (for McGinn, 69′): Fluffed his lines when he should have buried a chance presented to him by

Moreno.

Douglas Luiz (for Dendoncker, 69′): Helped keep Villa in control of the game as it was too end-to-end before

his introduction.

Subs not used: Marschall, Proctor, Carlos, Iroegbunam.

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