+18 or +21, depending on state | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Morgan RogersGetty Images

Aston Villa player ratings vs Celtic: Hey Arsenal, sure you don't want Morgan Rogers instead? Hat-trick hero upstages Ollie Watkins in Champions League as Gunners target gets away with embarrassing penalty miss

Morgan Rogers' hat-trick helped Aston Villa qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League after a dramatic 4-2 victory over Celtic.

Unai Emery's side got off to a flyer, Rogers scoring twice inside the first five minutes, before Adam Idah's brace pulled Celtic level before half-time.

Ollie Watkins - subject of a £60m bid from Arsenal before the game - scored the hosts' third on the hour mark, before skying a penalty and missing several other opportunities, but ultimately they did not cost his side.

Indeed, the in-demand England striker then teed up Rogers for his third in stoppage time to cap a memorable night for Emery and his side.

GOAL rates Aston Villa's players from Villa Park...

  • Aston Villa FC v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8Getty Images Sport

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Emiliano Martinez (6/10):

    Couldn't have done much about Celtic's goals but continues not to be his usual authoritative self. Villa need him back at his best to go deeper in the competition.

    Matty Cash (6/10):

    Was only on the pitch for 30 minutes but did nothing wrong during that time. The defensive reshuffle after he was taken off caused the hosts issues.

    Ezri Konsa (5/10):

    Needed to be at his best in what was a makeshift Villa backline but struggled to impose his authority on the game. Lost track of Adam Idah for Celtic's equaliser.

    Boubacar Kamara (6/10):

    Distributes the ball nicely from centre-back but Villa would prefer him in midfield. The hosts were too open with so many players out of position at the back.

    Lucas Digne (6/10):

    Struggled defensively, as did his team-mates, but gains a mark for a measured pass to Jacob Ramsey in the build-up to the opening goal.

  • Advertisement
  • Aston Villa FC v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8Getty Images Sport

    Midfield

    Lamare Bogarde (7/10):

    Started the game well in midfield, contributing to Villa's fast start. Struggled when he moved to right-back but can hardly be blamed for that considering it is not his natural position.

    Youri Tielemans (7/10):

    Was in classy form at the base of Villa's midfield, getting his side ticking and keeping them going when Celtic initially fought back.

    Morgan Rogers (9/10):

    Scored both goals in Villa's ferocious start, one a smart finish from inside the box and another an excellent hit from distance. Wrapped up a perfect evening by dispatching his hat-trick goal to seal the deal in injury time.

  • Aston Villa FC v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8Getty Images Sport

    Attack

    Leon Bailey (6/10):

    The quietest of Villa's attackers, Bailey was not too involved in any of his side's best moments, with the majority of their attacks coming down the other side.

    Ollie Watkins (7/10):

    A strange night for Watkins, who was in the headlines before kick-off after news of Arsenal's £60m bid emerged. He scored Villa's crucial third but slipped and skewed a penalty as well as missing other opportunities.

    Jacob Ramsey (8/10):

    Maintained his good form after scoring against West Ham on Sunday, teeing up Rogers' opener and Watkins' second-half effort. His return to fitness is a huge boost for Emery during a busy period.

  • Aston Villa FC v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8Getty Images Sport

    Subs & Manager

    John McGinn (7/10):

    Made a big difference off the bench, driving his side forward during the second half. His burst from midfield opened up the pitch for Villa's winning goal.

    Ian Maatsen (6/10):

    Offered an attacking threat but was not too involved in the final moments of the game.

    Unai Emery (7/10):

    His side did not defend well in the first half but ultimately can reflect on a job well done. Securing automatic qualification for the last 16 is an impressive effort.