Match Summary
Ajax and Aston Villa drew 0:0. The match was played in UEFA Europa Conference League 2023. 7 yellow cards were shown, 2 red cards. Ajax had 60% possession while Aston Villa held 40%. Ajax had 4 shots (1 on target) compared to 4 (1 on target) for Aston Villa. Expected goals: Ajax 0.79 — Aston Villa 0.23. Ajax made 2 substitutions, Aston Villa made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Ajax and Aston Villa — 0 goals and 9 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Ajax had 60% possession against Aston Villa's 40%. Ajax registered 4 shots (1 on target) while Aston Villa managed 4 (1 on target). Corner kicks: 2–5. Fouls committed: 18–11.
Lineups
Ajax lined up in a 3-4-3 formation under J. van 't Schip, while Aston Villa deployed a 4-4-2 under Unai Emery.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Ajax is 6.80, compared to 6.91 for Aston Villa. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Ajax's highest-rated starter is T. Gooijer (7.30), while Aston Villa's best-rated player is Y. Tielemans (7.18).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Ajax have contributed 0 goals and 0 assists this season, led by —. Aston Villa's starters account for 17 goals and 14 assists, spearheaded by O. Watkins (9G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Ajax deploy 3 defenders rated — on average, against Aston Villa's 4-man backline averaging 6.89. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Ajax field 4 midfielders averaging 6.80, versus Aston Villa's 4 rated 6.83. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Ajax start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Aston Villa averaging 6.96. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 75% for Ajax and 81% for Aston Villa. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Ajax's starters have collected 0 yellow cards this season, compared to 14 for Aston Villa. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Ajax's starting XI is 22.0 (youngest: T. Gooijer (21), oldest: S. Mannsverk (23)), while Aston Villa average 28.9 (youngest: M. Rogers (23), oldest: E. Martínez (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Ajax's starters average 1 league appearances each, versus 26 for Aston Villa. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Ajax have recorded 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 defeats. Aston Villa show 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Ajax
Aston Villa
API data: 15 Mar 2026