John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings after 3-1 win vs Wolves as super-subs change the game
Aston Villa have continued their impressive start to the season by coming from behind to beat West Midlands Wolves 3-1 at Villa Park.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 25th minute as he punished Diego Carlos’ mistake after the centre-back misplaced a pass on the edge of the box. Ollie Watkins restored parity in the second half by converting from inside the box, before Ezri Konsa then completed the comeback in the 88th minute and super-sub Jhon Duran got in on the act in added time.
Wolves defended manfully for the most part and limited Villa to only two shots in the first period, none of which were on target. John McGinn came off at the end of the first half after appearing to pick up a knock and was replaced by Leon Bailey, while Ian Maatsen was also introduced in place of Lucas Digne in time for the start of the second period.
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Villa were having no joy in the game until the introduction of Jhon Duran and Ross Barkley. Villa’s first real chance of the match came in the 68th minute when Bailey stood up a cross for Watkins at the back post, but the forward’s header was blocked on the line by Wolves defender Yerson Mosqeura.
The Villa striker wouldn't be denied for a second time as he finished past Sam Johnstone after being played in by Morgan Rogers. Youri Tielemans, whose impact in the game was limited in the first hour of the game, produced a sensational cross for Konsa to convert at the back post to win the game.
Rogers grabbed his second assist of the game as he rolled the ball across the box for Duran to tap into an empty net.
Villa face Ipswich Town at Portman Road next Sunday (2pm) in the Premier League after their Carabao Cup clash away to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night (8pm).
Player ratings
Emi Martinez
Martinez made a smart save to deny Mario Lemina's header from a corner, before he was beaten by Cunha shortly after. 7
Ezri Konsa
Wolves full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri was booked early on after Konsa nipped in to win possession of him. However, Ait-Nouri did cause the Villa man problems this afternoon. It was Konsa's late goal which put Villa in the lead. 8
Diego Carlos
Carlos made his first start of the season this afternoon having come on for the second half against BSC Young Boys in midweek. It was his pass which gave Cunha the chance to break the deadlock. He made a strong block on Ait-Nouri later in the first half and responded well after his error. 5
Pau Torres
Torres defended the box well and was a key component in Villa's build-up. 7
Lucas Digne
Digne was a constant outlet on the left side, but often his teammates didn't spot his runs into space on the channel. He appeared to pick up an injury after being on the end of a strong tackle in the first half and was replaced by Maatsen. 6
Amadou Onana
Onana was pressed and harried by Wolves' Joao Gomes and Andre, who managed to frustrate Onana in the. middle of the park. He was taken off for Barkley in the 62nd minute. 6
Youri Tielemans
To their credit, Wolves' combative midfielders limited Tielemans better than any other side has managed so far this season. The Belgian is a key cog for Villa and when his impact is reduced, Villa won't play as well. After Barkley came on, Tielemans played better as Villa had more control. 7
John McGinn
McGinn was playing well in the first half, but he came off for Bailey at the break after appearing to pick up a knock. 6
Jacob Ramsey
Ramsey had Semedo booked in the first half after twisting away from the Portuguese, but faded out of the game before being taken off on the hour mark. 6
Morgan Rogers
Rogers quiet in parts, but came alive when Villa needed his quality as he produced two assists for Watkins and Duran. What a talent! 7
Ollie Watkins
Watkins didn't get a sight of goal in the first period and was kept quiet by Wolves defenders Mosquera and Craig Dawson. But as Villa started to take control in the second half, Watkins became a real threat and he managed to bag his third of the season. 8
SUBS
Ian Maatsen (for Digne, 45'): The left-back is yet to make his first start for Villa, but has impressed off the bench at the start of the season. He dominated the left flank in the second half. 7
Leon Bailey (for McGinn, 45'): Bailey was struck in the face not long after coming on and received treatment for a few minutes, but was happy to continue in the end. He's one of the most exciting wingers in the league and can attract defenders to make space for teammates. 7
Jhon Duran (for Ramsey, 62'): Duran predictably caused problems for the Wolves defence after coming on. His persistence was key to Villa pulling level and he was rewarded with another goal. 8
Ross Barkley (for Amadou Onana, 62'): Just like in the win over Everton, Barkley helped Villa settle in the match. His introduction was crucial to the win. No doubt about that. 8
Emi Buendia (for Watkins, 90'): N/A
Subs not used: Gauci, Zych, Nedeljkovic, Swinkels, Young.
GOALS
Aston Villa: Watkins (73'), Konsa (88'), Duran (90+4')
Wolves: Cunha (25')