John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings as 7 and 6s awarded after late heartbreak at Man City

Aston Villa's hopes of qualifying for Champions League football suffered a setback after a late defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Villa nearly opened the scoring inside the first 30 seconds when Youri Tielemans controlled the ball and found Marcus Rashford, who fired across goal, only to be denied by the post.

However, it was City who broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, as Bernardo Silva turned in Omar Marmoush’s cross from inside the box after Emi Martinez failed to keep the ball out.

Villa weren’t behind for long, as Marcus Rashford converted from the penalty spot.

The Manchester United loanee raced up the left flank and played the ball toward Jacob Ramsey, who was then fouled in the box by Ruben Dias.

Referee Craig Pawson initially waved play on, but after a VAR review, he was advised to check the monitor. Upon review, he awarded the penalty.

Just after the hour mark, Villa threatened again when Morgan Rogers picked out Rashford’s run in behind the City defence. Though, from a tight angle, Rashford's shot hit the side netting.

At the other end, Nico O’Reilly flashed a ball across goal toward James McAtee, but the City forward failed to make meaningful contact.

City then found a winner in second half added time as Matheus Nunes scored at the back post after being picked out by Jeremy Doku.

Player ratings

Emi Martinez

Martinez should have done better to deny Bernardo's shot in the seventh minute. He made the initial save, but the ball bounced off him and over the line. A messy goal to concede. The Argentina number one made a few comfortable saves after Rashford’s equaliser as City piled on some pressure. 5

Matty Cash

Cash stuck to his task during the hour he played, picking his moments to break forward but mostly staying back due to City’s dominance in possession. Defended the back post well. 6

Ezri Konsa

With Tyrone Mings absent, Konsa steps up as a leader at the back and maintained composure under pressure. Will feel he could have done more to block Doku's cross. 6

Pau Torres

Returned to the starting XI to help Villa build from the back. Played a key role in progressing the ball out of tight areas and keeping possession under pressure. Let the ball run across the box for City's winner. 6

Lucas Digne

Back in the side after being benched for Ian Maatsen against Newcastle, Digne didn't get forward as often as he’d have liked, but used the ball well when he did. Wasn't aware of Nunes crashing in at the back post. 6

Boubacar Kamara

A vital part of this Villa midfield. Kamara once again put in a tireless shift, breaking up play and keeping City at bay through work rate and his reading of the game. 6

Amadou Onana

No surprise to see Onana start, with Emery trusting his physicality against ball-dominant sides. Covered plenty of ground, recovered possession several times, and was effective in both boxes. Slightly loose in possession at times. 7

Morgan Rogers

Struggled to get into the game as City kept him quiet. Booked for pulling back Nico O’Reilly on a counter. Worked hard off the ball. 6

Youri Tielemans

Created Villa’s first chance by controlling the ball well and picking out Rashford. Was involved in most of Villa’s forward play and brought composure in midfield. 6

Jacob Ramsey

Started off the left and caused problems for City with his direct runs. His energy and ball-carrying ability stood out in transition. Won the penalty for Villa’s equaliser. 6

Marcus Rashford

Struck the post within 25 seconds after being found by Tielemans. Leveled the match from the penalty spot and remained a threat in transition throughout. Had a good chance to put Villa ahead just after the hour mark but hit the side netting. A constant worry for City’s defence in the hour he played. 7*

SUBS

Axel Disasi (for Cash, 61'): Disasi replaced Cash at right-back, but he didn't look comfortable. Beaten by Doku late on which led to City's winner. 5

John McGinn (for Ramsey, 61'): McGinn played off the left. Solid addition to the game for Villa to help plug the holes City tried to take advantage of. 6

Ollie Watkins (for Rashford, 76'):N/A

Marco Asensio (for Onana, 76'): N/A

Donyell Malen (for Rogers, 85'): N/A

Subs not used: Olsen, Maatsen, Garcia, Barkley.

GOALS

Man City: Bernardo (7'), Nunes (90')

Aston Villa: Rashford (18')

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