Match Summary
Aston Villa defeated Ajax 4:0. The match was played in UEFA Europa Conference League 2023. Goals were scored by O. Watkins 25′, L. Bailey 60′, J. Durán 75′, M. Diaby 81′. 4 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Aston Villa had 46% possession while Ajax held 54%. Aston Villa had 13 shots (8 on target) compared to 2 (1 on target) for Ajax. Expected goals: Aston Villa 1.18 — Ajax 0.31. Aston Villa made 5 substitutions, Ajax made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Aston Villa and Ajax — 4 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: Douglas Luiz
assist: Douglas Luiz
Match Statistics
Aston Villa had 46% possession against Ajax's 54%. Aston Villa registered 13 shots (8 on target) while Ajax managed 2 (1 on target). Corner kicks: 3–1. Fouls committed: 8–8.
Lineups
Aston Villa lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under Unai Emery, while Ajax deployed a 3-4-2-1 under J. van 't Schip.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Aston Villa is 6.87, compared to 6.57 for Ajax. 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. Aston Villa's highest-rated starter is M. Cash (6.96), while Ajax's best-rated player is J. Šutalo (6.85).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Aston Villa have contributed 24 goals and 10 assists this season, led by O. Watkins (9G). Ajax's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Aston Villa deploy 4 defenders rated 6.91 on average, against Ajax's 3-man backline averaging 6.85. 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
Aston Villa field 4 midfielders averaging 6.86, versus Ajax's 4 rated 6.30. 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
Aston Villa start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.73, compared to 3 for Ajax averaging —. 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 79% for Aston Villa and 90% for Ajax. 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
Aston Villa's starters have collected 21 yellow cards this season, compared to 1 for Ajax. 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 Aston Villa's starting XI is 28.8 (youngest: M. Rogers (23), oldest: E. Martínez (33)), while Ajax average 24.0 (youngest: S. Mannsverk (23), oldest: J. Šutalo (25)). 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
Aston Villa's starters average 26 league appearances each, versus 10 for Ajax. 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, Aston Villa have recorded 3 wins, 0 draws and 3 defeats. Ajax show 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 losses from their last 6 outings.
Aston Villa
Ajax
API data: 15 Mar 2026