Aston Villa faced Manchester United in a Premier League clash at the Villa Park. It was been a fast start to the contest for Aston Villa because they netted two goals in the first 15 minutes of the clash. Leon Bailey opened the scoring in the 7th minute. Ollie Watkins pressed Lindelof and Bailey scored from inside the box. Lucas Digne netted the second goal of the clash in the 11th minute. Unfortunately, Aston Villa midfielder Ramsey scored an own goal giving Man Utd their only goal before scoring in the right net in the second half.
United were unbeaten in nine games as the Red Devils appeared to be taking shape under Erik ten Hag. But despite the lavish amounts spent to assemble the United squad, a lack of strength in depth was exposed with Antony, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane missing due to injury and Bruno Fernandes suspended. They could not beat an unstoppable Aston Villa.
Emery could not have asked for a better start to his time in charge of Villa as Leon Bailey smashed across David de Gea and Lucas Digne's free-kick found the top corner inside 11 minutes. Luke Shaw's strike that deflected off Jacob Ramsey into his own net gave the visitors hope just before half-time. Villa, though, quickly restored their two-goal lead when Ramsey side-footed into the top corner on 49 minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo captained United just weeks after being disciplined for refusing Ten Hag's orders to come on as a substitute. On another frustrating afternoon for Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner survived a VAR review for a red card after clashing with Tyrone Mings.
United are now three points off the top four after Newcastle continued their fine form with a 4-1 win at Southampton to go third. As for Aston Villa, they are 13th on 15 points. Both teams will face again on 10th November in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
November 6, 2022