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Follow us on Twitter @claretandview // Words by Regan Foy (@FindFoy)
Aston Villa suffered their first defeat of the season away at Cardiff City today, in a game that fans knew was going to be tough, but not one that they considered would be a clear embarrassment. There were small, perhaps even minute positives in the game. Here are our player ratings:
Sam Johnstone – 6
Didn’t have a great game evidently, but isn’t solely to blame for the scoreline. Would have probably lost 6-0 if it wasn’t for some of the saves he made.
Alan Hutton – 4
Looked out of place for the majority of the game. Didn’t do much but run. Not sure he has the right mentality. Keeps forgetting key things in his game which cause us trouble.
James Chester – 5
Made a number of mistakes today and didn’t seem himself. Looked slow against some of Cardiff’s forwards. Went close but his header crashed off the bar.
John Terry – 5
Seemed to give up after the first goal, but did attempt to throw some good passes forward in an attempt to get Villa back in it.
Neil Taylor – 6
As long as he continues to take free-kicks, Taylor’s getting a six. The less Lansbury takes, the better. Was a constant outlet on the left hand side, up and down the pitch.
Glenn Whelan – 6
Seems to still be adjusting to the Championship. Ran his legs off today and his effort can’t be faulted.
Henri Lansbury – 4
Likely to be the scapegoat today. Couldn’t pass, couldn’t run, and he certainly can’t take free-kicks. Villa would have played just as well in the first half if he’d been sent off a few minutes in.
Josh Onomah – 6
I can only hope he finds his feet in the next few games. Looked to be one of the best players on the pitch. Strong, agile and can dribble.
Ahmed Elmohamady – 5
Didn’t really do much before he was taken off injured. Can only hope he’ll remain fit.
Gabby Agbonlahor – 5
Showed small bits of skill and other than that wasn’t worthwhile having on the pitch. One of Villa’s best chances of the game came from his team work with O’Hare, but instead of playing the youngster in, he went for glory and sent the ball in to Row Z.
Scott Hogan – 6
Can’t fault his effort. The forward is now getting incredibly frustrated, but still tracks back and tries to win the ball back. Probably put in the most effort on the pitch.
Albert Adomah (Elmohamady, 31′) – 5
Struggled with the pace of the game. Couldn’t cross a road, never mind cross a ball.
Callum O’Hare (Lansbury, 58′) – 6
Lifted the spirits of the Villa faithful today. Showed the exact same tenacity that made fans fall in love with him at Colchester this week. Probably would have scored if Gabby wasn’t selfish.
Conor Hourihane (Onomah, 77′) – 6
Can’t say he did much, but he can’t be blamed for the loss.
