Player ratings from Crystal Palace’s 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa – Midfield duo score highly but Eagles fail to kill off game

Crystal Palace fell to a late 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles went ahead through Odsonne Edouard early in the second half but three late goals from the hosts gave Unai Emery’s side all three points.

Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from Villa Park:

SAM JOHNSTONE – 6

Sensational stop to deny Ollie Watkins midway through the first half after Joel Ward played a horrendous back pass towards the Palace keeper.

He played a handful of sensational passes in the second half. He set up Eberechi Eze with a pinpoint pass over the Villa defence, but the England international was unable to apply the finishing touch.

Looked like his kicking was affected after going down and receiving treatment.

JOEL WARD – 5

Gave Ollie Watkins a glorious chance in the 17th minute to open the scoring with a poor back pass.

Could have put Palace 2-1 up but headed wide after Andersen headed Eberechi Eze’s corner back across goal.

JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 5

Played some excellent crossfield passes as usual.

Made six clearances but had a bit of a shaky start to the game without Marc Guehi alongside him.

CHRIS RICHARDS – 6

Did well to stop Moussa Diaby from taking an early shot at goal after using his pace to drive away from the USA defender.

Gave away the penalty, but it was a controversial decision.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 5

Had a tough first half up against Matty Cash, who was overlapping down his right-hand flank throughout and playing a handful of dangerous passes along the face of goal, but did well as the game went on.

CHEICK DOUCOURE – 7

Excellent tackle early on to stop Nicolo Zaniolo from bursting through into the penalty area.

Lucky not to pick up a yellow card for a foul on Douglas Luiz in the 30th minute.

Another brilliant last-ditch tackle to stop Leon Bailey from countering towards the Palace half after a free-kick.

Made four interceptions, completed four tackles and produced three blocks.

WILL HUGHES – 7

Stepped into the side for his first start of the season and produced an excellent display.

Made six blocks and six tackles. He also made a goal-saving block when Villa were looking for an equaliser.

JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 5

Won three tackles but was unable to have an attacking contribution on the game. 

An excellent squad player but should not be played in a wide attacking position.

EBERECHI EZE – 6

Presented with two chances to kill the game – collecting Johnstone’s kick over the Villa defence and also latching onto Doucoure’s chip – but was unable to find Palace’s second.

Was the driving force going forward and Palace’s real creative spark.

Completed eight of his 13 dribbles but should have taken one of his chances.

ODSONNE EDOUARD – 6

Excellent link-up play and took his goal really well – the low crosses really play to his advantage.

Playing with lots of confidence and played a handful of clever and incisive passes with Eze.

JORDAN AYEW – NA

Was forced off in the 20th minute after a coming together with John McGinn. 

SUBS:

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA – 6

Great turn of pace to burst away from a Villa player and set up Edouard for the opener with a low cross into Martinez’s penalty area.

NAOUIROU AHAMADA – NA

JESURUN RAK-SAKYI – NA