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Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford came on from the bench in yet another game for Aston Villa but was unable to make the difference as they slipped to a 4-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening.
Palace broke the deadlock at the half-hour mark, courtesy of birthday boy Ismaila Sarr. The Senegalese tapped in a parried ball from Emi Martinez, who was unable to decisively deal with Chris Richards’ effort.
Morgan Rogers restored parity for Villa seven minutes after the break, getting between two defenders before producing a fantastic pirouette on the move and converting an excellent long-ball from his goalkeeper.
The hosts restored their advantage not too long after, with in-form striker Jean-Philippe Mateta expertly driving a first-time, left-footed finish inside the near post. Sarr doubled the lead with a brilliant volley from a corner-kick routine.
Eddie Nketiah ensured there were no doubts about where all three points were heading, as he added a fourth for Palace in added time.
Rashford was on the pitch for 22 minutes but unlike over the weekend when his electric cameo inspired Villa to a comeback victory, he couldn’t do the same on this occasion.
The United loanee was thrust into the proceedings alongside fellow January signing Marcos Asensio but they barely made a difference.
Rashford did not attempt a shot but completed the one dribble he embarked on. He touched the ball 11 times and only attempted six passes, three of which were unsuccessful.
He did not connect with the one cross he tried to deliver.
The 27-year-old won one of the two ground duels he delved into and came out on top in the one aerial challenge he contested. The England international lost possession six times and was dribbled past just once.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
Unai Emery will be wondering whether he would have been best served by including Rashford in the starting XI as opposed to naming him on the bench.
Off the back of an electric game against Chelsea, Rashford would have been bubbling with confidence and raring to go.
Rashford and his teammates are back in action on Friday when they face Cardiff City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images
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