Robin Roefs: 6/10
Conceded four times but made some good stops when rushing out to attackers, had a hairy moment from a corner in the first half when he got underneath the ball but was fine other than that.
Nordi Mukiele: 6/10
Defended well down the right without ever looking particularly comfortably, put a few good tackles in and got forward whenever he could.
Luke O’Nien: 3/10
Was tasked with keeping close to Watkins and did an admirable job of it for long stretches of the game but obviously the Villa striker got the better of him by the end, with even
Abraham getting in front of O’Nien for the eventual winner. Was good on the ball while we were in possession and did still make some good defensive contributions.
Omar Alderete: 6/10
Was OK in the middle of defence, won a number of headers and was fine on the ball. Set up a chance for Sadiki at the other end but had to go off with a knock.
Reinildo: 3/10
Had a bit of a stinker today, couldn’t cope with McGinn at all, whether it was clever movement or backing into him. Gave the ball away so cheaply in the lead up to the third goal.
Granit Xhaka (C): 8/10
Even when it looked like the game was getting away from us, Xhaka kept going and was often leading the press high up the pitch. Won the ball back often and reliable on the ball.
Noah Sadiki: 8/10
Got an early assist with a lovely first time lay off for Rigg, then had a run at goal immediately after Villa made it 2-1 but chose to try and lay the ball off rather than shoot, did get a good shot off at goal shortly afterwards but his effort was deflected just over. Had a good game alongside Xhaka, being quick to put a foot in when Villa were in possession.
Habib Diarra: 4/10
Thought he was doing OK today, had a hand in the opening goal and then dropping back into a more defensive position when Xhaka pushed up, almost gave Isidor a chance on a plate too only for Konsa to clear for a corner. Spoiled his game at the end though, made a brilliant run from deep to be put through on goal by Le Fee and tried to be clever rather than making sure we won it, he had even had Talbi to pass to on the right.
Chris Rigg: 7/10
What a brilliant first Premier League goal for Rigg, took a good touch and curled a beauty into the far corner. Had a few other good moments too but let his man run off him for the second goal.
Enzo Le Fee: 7/10
Was ever so quiet for long, long stretches of the game but then came alive in the last 10 minutes. Won the ball back himself and smashed an effort at the goalkeeper, then played in two great balls for Isidor and Diarra that only resulted in one assist, rather than two.
Brian Brobbey: 5/10
Didn’t have a bad game but the team just couldn’t get him involved, there were very few balls played into him and we didn’t get runners around him when he did have possession. Had half a chance when he got some space in the second half but he saw a tame shot easily saved.
Substitutes
Dan Ballard: 7/10
Put himself about after coming on and made a brilliant recovery tackle when Watkins had got away.
Chemsdine Talbi: 6/10
Tried to be direct after coming on but his final ball was lacking, put himself in a great position for Diarra to pass to him for an open goal.
Trai Hume: 7/10
Did brilliantly to put the ball out for a corner when O’Nien got turned on the half way line, then got himself a goal when he won the ball himself out wide, drove inside and whipped a ball into the top corner.
Wilson Isidor: 6/10
Finally got himself a chance to run onto and finished with aplomb from Le Fee’s pass.
Man of the Match: Granit Xhaka
I thought Xhaka was easily our best player today, was controlling large parts of the game in the first half but was on the front foot constantly even when the home side had made it 3-1 and looked to be cruising to victory. Xhaka was still pushing up and urging his teammates on, leading by example.
