- Aston Villa 0-2 Tottenham at half-time
- Connor Gallagher (12′), Richarlison (25′)
Aston Villa have put in a shambolic first half performances, as Tottenham ease to a 2-0 lead at the break.
Villa started slowly, which was perhaps the consequence of Unai Emery making seven changes to the starting lineup. Tottenham took full advantage, with Connor Gallagher breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute.
Kevin Danso’s long throw was cleared only as far as the Englishman on the edge of the box, who took a superb touch before drilling a strike into the bottom corner.
Only a few minutes later, Emi Martinez tipped Joao Paulinha’s thunderous hit onto the post from more than 20-yards out. Still it wasn’t enough to wake the Villans up, as they continued to give possession away so easily.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side sustained their dominance, as Richarlison added a second in the 25th minute. Mathys Tel whipped in a searching cross from the right-hand side, which saw Richarlison rise above his marker and flick the ball into the back of the net.
The home crowd let their feelings known as boos rung around Villa Park. It was a sign of frustration at the player’s lack of intensity and quality throughout the first half.
Unai Emery will be furious with the performance, and will no doubt demand improvements for the second half.
Here are ReadAstonVilla’s half-time ratings:
Emi Martinez – 5
Made two decent saves to deny both Paulinha and Kolo Muani. Not at fault for any of the goals as both were well placed into the corners.
Matty Cash – 3
Beaten numerous times by Tel on the left wing. Had no opportunity to go forward as Villa haven’t kept the ball long enough in Tottenham’s half. Didn’t mark Richarlison well enough to prevent the second.
Victor Lindelöf – 4
Couldn’t do much about both goals. Been way too slow in the build-up out from the back.
Tyrone Mings – 4
Has mopped up at times, but like his centre-back partner, he has been passive on the ball.
Ian Maatsen – 2
Lost all six of his ground duels in the first half, and has not made a single successful dribble. Due to lack of possession high up the pitch, has also not been able to get forward.
Lamare Bogarde – 4
Struggled once again physically, and has allowed Tottenham too much space in the middle. 10/10 successful passes, the only Villa player to have a 100% success rate.
Youri Tielemans – 3
A complete shadow of his usual self. Poor in possession and beaten far too easily when defending.
Jadon Sancho – 2
Like the whole of Villa’s attack, he has lost the ball numerous times. Not looked threatening at all, and should be changed at half-time.
Ross Barkley – 2
Looks so slow on the ball, and weak in challenges. Paulinha and Bentancur have had an easy time marking the Englishman, a very disappointing display.
Morgan Rogers – 2
55% successful pass rate, and 25% ground duel win percentage sums up his half perfectly. Woefully blunt in attack, and continues his lack of impact in games, despite his talent.
Tammy Abraham – 2
Coming in for Ollie Watkins, was Abraham’s chance to show what he can do, but he has failed to deliver. Hasn’t had much service, but has lost the ball in the few times he had possession.
