By 
Follow us on Twitter @claretandview // Words by Regan Foy (@FindFoy)
After a strong display in the first half, Aston Villa have drawn against former Premier League opposition Hull City in a back-and-forth game which saw manager Steve Bruce face his former side.
Here’s how we rated the players:
First XI
Sam Johnstone – 7.0
Goalkeeper Johnstone performed well throughout the game, pulling off some wonderful saves in the first half. He could have been in a better position for the Hull goal, but the defence are more at fault for leaving the goalscorer open.
Alan Hutton – 6.0
Usually energetic Hutton seemed to disappear after a few positive moves in the first half and looked to be struggling with Elmohamady taking on much of the runs forward throughout the game.
James Chester – 6.0
Chester looked assured next to Terry in defence and looked to be more confident which is nothing to be scoffed at. At times looked like he was struggling to communicate.
John Terry – 6.0
Looked strong in defence, but wasn’t without a few issues. Was one of the players on the line when Hull scored. Had a shout for a penalty towards the end of the game.
Neil Taylor – 6.0
Taylor got forward well but struggled to link up with Bacuna successfully in the first half and seemed to struggle later on in the game as Hull upped the tempo.
Ahmed Elmohamady – 7.5 (Our Villa Man of the Match)
Elmohamady showed why Steve Bruce was right to have faith in the former Hull midfielder. He was consistently abused by the Hull fans and still managed to provide a great performance and was a machine on the right hand side. Provided a number of crosses throughout the game and showed his technical ability despite his age.
Leandro Bacuna – 5.0
Was a shock inclusion in the squad and many fans voiced their displeasure when he was announced in the first eleven. Made a few quality runs but made too many mistakes in vital areas within the game.
Glenn Whelan – 5.0
Seemed to struggle with the pace of the game at times and looked to be the first member of the team to show mental strain. Made some good challenges. Booked early on.
Henri Lansbury – 6.0
Was a powerhouse early on and helped Villa control the first part of the first half. Had a couple of half-chances. Needs to improve free-kicks on goal.
Gabriel Agbonahor – 7.0
Scored a great goal and dedicated it to his close friend Carl Ikeme which was a wonderful touch. Got stuck in with the hustle and bustle in the first half. In the second half he seemed to fall off the radar and couldn’t be found towards the end of the game.
Scott Hogan – 6.0
Showed incredible technical skill within the box a few times and had a few chances that didn’t quite work out. You could see the desire in his eyes, and his time will come soon.
Subs:
Andre Green – 6.0 (on for Bacuna)
Had a decent time on the pitch and can only get better. Villa fans are excited about him and rightly so. Missed a quality chance that could have won Villa the game.
Josh Onomah – 6.0 (on for Hogan)
Apparently the best parts of his game are his dribbling, which he vaguely showed in his time on the pitch. Was caught in possession once or twice. Missed a chance but was called offside anyway.
Chris Samba – ? (on for Lansbury)
Was a surprise appearance when Bruce attempted to secure all three points by throwing him up front. Wasn’t on long enough to make much of a difference, although his appearance did change the flow of the game.
Chris Samba was a former striker during Blackburns hayday.
Hey Fred, I’m aware that Samba was used as an attacking player at Blackburn and fully understand Bruce’s decision – it just came as a small shock due to his age.