Emi Martinez: 6/10

A tough afternoon for the Argentinian as he was arguably left out to dry on a number of occasions, with Aston Villa struggling to deal with Watford on the counter attack. Sarr’s deflected goal and Hernandez’s super finish typified Martinez’s luck on the day, but it would be harsh to blame him for either effort.

Matty Cash: 5/10

Sporadic at times throughout the game and was often caught out of position when Watford pushed on the counter attack. Grew into the game in the second half, it was not a game to remember for the right-back.

Ezri Konsa: 6/10

Was arguably the best Villa defender on the day and that necessarily isn’t saying much given the scoreline. His effort to block Dennis’ initial effort on goal may be easily forgotten given that the Watford striker converted on the follow up effort.

Tyrone Mings: 5/10

A frustrating day for the newly nominated Villa captain as the two center-backs were often left stranded with both full-backs no where to be found during Watford’s counter attacking efforts.

Matty Targett: 3/10

A miserable and brief outing for the left-back as he struggled to deal with Watford’s Ismaila Sarr. Easily a day to forget after Targett was pulled after 45 minutes.

John McGinn: 7/10

Quieter than usual during various instances of the game and redeemed himself with Villa’s opening goal of the game, which was a thing of beauty.

Marvelous Nakamba: 6/10

Often buzzing around the pitch, Nakamba struggled to convert a number of relatively straight forward passes and was arguably sporadic in his defensive duties at times.

Anwar El Ghazi: 4/10

Out of place on the right side of the pitch, it was a game to forget for El Ghazi as he was practically invisible and struggled to provide any creative spark.

Emi Buendia: 6/10

A frustrating Premier League debut for Villa, with him being physically marked out of the game by Watford’s midfield and defense on a number of occasions.

Ashley Young: 6/10

Lacked pace out on the left, but seemed to settle into the game with a solid second half at left-back after Matty Targett was substituted at half-time.

Danny Ings: 7/10

Often left isolated up front, Ings was able to eventually create some positive link up play with Bailey and also converted a penalty in second-half stoppage time.

SUBSTITUTES:

Jacob Ramsey: 6/10

Created a spark for the away side in the second half and looked comfortable at maintaining possession a number of occasions.

Leon Bailey: 7/10

An instant spark as soon as he stepped on the pitch, assisting John McGinn’s goal in the 70th minute of play. The future looks bright for the pacey Jamaican.

Bertrand Traore: 7/10

A brief cameo for tricky winger led to Villa’s second goal of the game as he was fouled in the box, with Watford’s defenders struggling to handle his movement in the box. If the likes of Traore and Bailey started the game, it’s fair to believe that Villa may have came away with a positive result on Saturday.