Hibernian manager Lee Johnson was left to rue a ‘gulf’ in class between his side and Aston Villa with Emiliano Martinez’s passing range highlighting the difference in a 5-0 UEFA Conference League qualifying victory at Easter Road.
Johnson, when discussing his side’s heavy defeat to Unai Emery’s outfit on Thursday, could have picked out Moussa Diaby, the big-money summer sinning causing havoc with his excellent movement between the lines.
He could have mentioned Lucas Digne; the revitalised left-back responding to Aston Villa’s Marcos Acuna interest with a trio of assists. Or, perhaps, Ollie Watkins. Hat-trick hero on Villa’s first European night in 13 years.
Instead, however, Johnson – while admitting there was a ‘gulf in class’ on the night – highlighted another player who’s poise and high-level technical quality highlighted the chasm between the Premier Leauge outfit and their neighbours from north of the border.
Aston Villa thrash Hibernian in Conference League qualifier
“At times you have to hold your hands up and say there is a gulf in athleticism, quality, and decision-making,” Johnson tells the Hibernian website
“Their goalkeeper (Emiliano Martinez) comes out and play, which makes it difficult to know when to press. And, when you do press, they pick you off with their quality.”
Martinez barely had a save to make during 45 dominant minutes before being replaced by Robin Olsen at the interval. But, as Johnson himself alludes to, the World Cup winning Argentina international put on a masterclass in distribution at times; one of the most complete goalkeepers in the game highlighting his ability to start attacks as well as stop them.
“When we did win the ball back, we didn’t do enough,” Johnson adds. “We had fire in the belly, but we didn’t have the ice in the head in terms of movement, touch, control, and fire.
“That was the gulf in class, which led us to not be good enough and concede ground. They then had high quality players that caused us problems.”
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