- Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland at half-time
- Ollie Watkins (2′), (36′)
- Chris Rigg (9′)
Ollie Watkins is once again proving to be the difference-maker for Unai Emery’s side, as his first-half double has turned the tide at Villa Park. .
It was Villa who started strongly, taking the lead in the opening couple of minutes. Matty Cash found John McGinn making a run inside the box, who lifted the ball to the far post for Ollie Watkins to head home. It was the striker’s fifth goal in as many games.
The Black Cats responded positively, restricting the Villans to minimal possession. They made the pressure on Emi Martinez’s goal count, when Chris Rigg equalised just under the 10th minute mark. Noah Sadiki laid it off to the 18-year-old, who sweetly struck a curled finish into the far corner. He becomes the third-youngest player to score a Premier League goal for Sunderland.
Amadou Onana hit the bar only a few minutes later. McGinn’s corner was perfectly placed on Robin Roefs, with Onana rising above the keeper but unable to keep his header down.
The game began to settle down from that moment. Both teams had spells of possession but neither created any clear chances.
In the 36th minute, Watkins gave Villa the lead again. Morgan Rogers took on Nordi Mukiele on the left-hand side, and managed to hold on the ball despite under pressure. His dribbling dragged Rigg towards him, allowing Ian Maatsen to make a run towards the byline. The Dutchman then fizzed the ball across the box for Watkins to score with another header.
Villa controlled the rest of the half and they took a 2-1 lead into the break.
Here are Our Read Aston Villa half-time ratings:
Emi Martinez – 6
The Argentinian didn’t have too much to do in the first half. He was unable to prevent Rigg’s curled strike, but wasn’t forced into any saves following the goal.
Matty Cash – 7
Cash hasn’t been involved in Villa’s attack as much as in previous matches. However, the Polish international smartly found McGinn’s run in the build up to their opener. Defensively, he hasn’t been tested much.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Konsa had a 100% successful pass rate in the first half, with 22. He has also won both his ground duels. Aside from that, he hasn’t had a lot to do in front of his own goal.
Tyrone Mings – 7
The 33-year-old made the most passes in the game in the opening 45 minutes with 41. He has battled with Brian Brobbery, coming out on top, and cleaned up when needed.
Ian Maatsen – 8
Maatsen has looked dangerous going forward, finding himself in space near the touchline. He has linked up well with Rogers, who managed to find his run in the lead up to Villa’s second. The fullback put in a sharp cross for Watkins to finish only a few yards out.
Amadou Onana – 7
Onana has had another solid half in claret and blue. He was an enforcer, breaking up play, whilst also looking comfortable on the ball.
Youri Tielemans – 7
Tielemans has been Villa’s midfield maestro, linking play from defence to attack. The Belgian made 31/32 passes, and has found Maatsen on the left numerous times.
John McGinn – 7
The captain’s nicely timed run in the opening minutes saw him receive the ball by the byline. He then lifted it to the far post for Watkins to head in from close range. Villa has mainly focused down the left, so McGinn hasn’t had too much action.
Ross Barkley – 6
Barkley occasionally found the pockets in behind Sunderland’s midfield, but having only made 8 passes has been unable to make a significant impact.
Morgan Rogers – 8
Rogers has been Villa’s creative spark in the first half. Every time he got on the ball, he posed a real threat, and his smart vision found Maatsen, who assisted their second.
Ollie Watkins – 9
Watkins gave Villa the lead in the opening minutes with a poacher’s finish, continuing his form for his fifth goal in as many games. He then followed up in similar fashion for their second, and has looked his confident dangerous self again.
