'Looks much more like his old self': Media wowed by £12m Aston Villa man's display last night

Aston Villa secured their second win of the Premier League season on Friday night.

Steven Gerrard’s charges ran out 1-0 winners over Southampton in what the manager called a “pragmatic” display.

In a game of few concrete chances, Villa scored what turned out to be the winner in the 41st minute.

Philippe Coutinho played a corner short before whipping in a cross towards the head of Ollie Watkins.

Gavin Bazunu made a good save but couldn’t stop the ball from bouncing off the bar and into the path of Jacob Ramsey.

The Villa 21-year-old duly fired in on the rebound to give the hosts the lead and, eventually, the win.

Quite a few claret-and-blue players stood out, including Tyrone Mings, John McGinn and Philippe Coutinho.

However, one Villa player earned praise for looking “much more like his old self”.

Ezri Konsa put in a solid display alongside Mings in central defence.

The Birmingham Mail gave the £12million man 7 out of 10 for his efforts at Villa Park.

“Was in the right place at the right time to clear crosses into Villa’s penalty area,” they wrote.

“And looks much more like his old self in the heart of Villa’s defence.”

The National also gave Konsa 7 out of 10.

“A strong performance at the heart of the defence for Villa,” they wrote.

“Konsa was often in the right place at the right time to clear his lines and prevent Southampton from getting the ball into dangerous areas.”

And The 4th Official also went with 7 out of 10, writing: “Konsa made a few important clearances at the back and was strong in the air.”

‘Looks much more like his old self’: Media wowed by £12m Aston Villa man’s display last night