Player Ratings: Aston Villa 2-1 Everton - Gerrard’s men are up and running!

Emiliano Martínez: 7/10

It wasn’t an incredibly busy day for the Argentinian goalkeeper, but he was more than reliable when it mattered most. Unlucky to concede via a Lucas Digne own-goal, but a victory on the season opener at Villa Park should only boost his confidence.

Matty Cash: 8/10

The Poland international appeared to be back to his usual self, pushing Aston Villa forward down the right flank, but also maintaining a high level of responsibility in regards to his defensive duties. Was able to deal with the likes of Demarai Gray on a number of occasions and Cash’s confidence only grew througout the match, with a number of promising balls for Villa’s forward’s to latch onto.

Tyrone Mings: 8/10

Following last weekend’s controversial comments from Villa boss, Steven Gerrard, it was rather surprising to see the former Villa captain back into the starting line-up so quickly. Nonetheless, the central defender made a clear statement of intent today, providing a strong and convincing performance throughout the match. Hopefully we’ll see plenty more of these performances from Mings going forward!

Diego Carlos: 7/10

The Brazilian central defender looked much more confident next to Tryone Mings today and slotted in on the right-hand side without any sign of struggle. He’ll continue to be frustrated with himself following his headed effort from John McGinn’s corner, which appears to hit a combination of his shoulder and his head before going over the Everton goal.

Lucas Digne: 5/10

The Frenchman was determined to deliver a positive performance against his former side and actively looked to deliver balls into the Everton box, but I believe it’s fair to say it was a mixed performance overall. Although Digne’s own-goal was rather unlucky, the left-back struggled to move the ball forward at times and place it into promising areas for his side.

Boubacar Kamara: 8/10

The signing of the summer from an Aston Villa point of view by far! The Frenchman was ruthless in midfield and actively dispossessed the Everton attack with ease on a number of occasions. Scary to think that this is only Kamara’s second Premier League game - a sign that should make all Villa fans excited!

John McGinn: 7/10

Leading his side onto the Villa Park pitch for the first time as captain, McGinn became a much more comfortable and reliable figure as the match went on. Showed a few moments of quality when on the ball and was unlucky to have a majority of his efforts on goal blocked. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see another sensational goal from Super John McGinn!

Jacob Ramsey: 7/10

The young Villan looked much more like himself back home at Villa Park today, keeping things simple when on the ball and actively looking to link-up with Philippe Coutinho.

Philippe Coutinho: 6/10

The Brazilian just has not got going as of yet this campaign. Showed small bits of quality during his time on the pitch, but Villa fans and the player himself would surely be expecting more. The attacking midfielder was taken off in the 60th minute following an injury that we have yet to get clear information on from the football club.

Ollie Watkins: 8.5/10

Two assists for Watkins today and it’s more than fair to say that he could have added more to his tally, with a low angled shot saved by Everton goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, in the second half of play. The Watkins and Ings duo appears to do the trick, so let’s all hope this is a sign of good things to come!

Danny Ings: 8/10

The man just loves scoring on the opening Premier League fixture at Villa Park! Ran the channels with conviction today and was able to close down key passing lanes throughout the match. His well taken goal today should give him plenty of confidence heading into next week.

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SUBSTITUTES:

Emi Buendia (60 mins): 8/10

Replaced Philippe Coutinho following the Brazilian picking up a knock.

Leon Bailey (78 mins): N/A

Replaced Danny Ings shortly after the striker picked up a yellow card.

Ashley Young (90 + 4 mins): N/A

Replaced Jacob Ramsey.

Ezri Konsa (90 + 4 mins): N/A

Replaced Matty Cash.

Calum Chambers (90 + 5 mins): N/A

Replaced Diego Carlos.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Ollie Watkins

Was a real treat to see Ollie Watkins in that sort of positive form today. With two assists this afternoon and several goalscoring opportunities, I can only imagine that we’ll be seeing Watkins hit the back of the net soon. Once again, his hold up play was impressive and the time and space that he provides to fellow striker, Danny Ings, only benefits both of them in the long run. Although Villa can be rather narrow with a two striker system, it seems to produce results and at the end of the day, as long as Villa are winning, we’re all happy!

Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images