Ten Hag admitted before the match that one of the reasons he made a couple of changes to his side – including naming Antony on the bench – was to “divide the load of the players” in our 55th game of the season. Marcel Sabitzer was picked in the no.10 role and impressed, having scored twice in the position in our last home game, against Sevilla, while Tyrell Malacia also made an important contribution, including one crucial block to deny ex-Red Ashley Young.
THE ICEMAN COMETH
Victor Lindelof has really stepped up in the absence of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, and the Swede again put in a commanding performance alongside Luke Shaw at the back. As Villa pushed for an equaliser in the second period, Lindelof was a rock in defence with a number of blocks and headers, and made an excellent clearance off his line to deny Douglas Luiz, albeit the offside flag was then raised.
CASEMIRO CLASS
Thursday’s draw with Tottenham wasn’t one of our Brazilian maestro’s best performances in a United shirt but he was outstanding in this game and particularly in the first half, when he dominated Villa’s midfield and won the ball on countless occasions. He hit the bar in the first half and also curled a left-footed effort just wide as United pushed for a second goal just after the break.
#Talking #points #Aston #Villa
