Matty Cash defended well v Crystal Palace

Aston Villa weren’t at their best in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, but Matty Cash can be pleased with his defensive performance at Villa Park. The 24-year-old had Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze for company but did his best not to give much away.

Cash wasn’t able to affect the game as much in the final third, but he did his defensive duties diligently and was lauded by journalists – Ashley Preece of Birmingham Live gave the 24-year-old a player rating of 7/10, Cole Pettem of 7500 to Holte opted for a player rating of 7/10 and Max Parsons of 90min gave him a player rating of 6/10.

Against Palace, Cash played for 90 minutes, had 75 touches, completed 68.1% of his 47 passes, whipped in two crosses, made three tackles, had two interceptions, made three clearances, blocked two shots and was fouled once.

Cash has made 38 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals with four assists. The Polish international was recently voted Supporters’ Player of the Year for a consistent campaign and his performance on Sunday was more of the same.

Villa next face Burnley on May 19 and will hope to return to winning ways.

In other news, journalists criticise ‘quiet’ Danny Ings v Crystal Palace