
Follow us on Twitter @claretandview // Words by Regan Foy (@FindFoy)
Aston Villa recorded their first league win of the season at home against Norwich City today in a goals-galore game. The Villans looked miles better than their performances away against Reading and Cardiff, and fans seemed to be impressed by the football that the side were playing. Here are our player ratings for today’s game:
Sam Johnstone – 7
Good game in the Villa goal. Can only hope he continues to grow in between the sticks.
Alan Hutton – 5
Still struggling to keep performing consistently and teams are exploiting him as our weakness. Provided Elmohamady with constant support on the right-hand side.
James Chester – 6
Looking better alongside Terry, but we’re still conceding goals that we could avoid and he looks a little sloppy.
John Terry – 7
Looked more assured in the heart of defence today, and is leading the team more than he did in the past few games.
Neil Taylor – 7
Played well on the left-hand side and teamed up wonderfully with Andre Green throughout the game. Showing why Bruce and Tony decided to sell Amavi.
Glenn Whelan – 7
Absolute work horse in the depths of midfield today and was getting in good positions throughout the game. Working hard to keep his place with Mile Jedinak close to returning to full fitness.
Andre Green – 8
Scored his first professional goal for Villa in front of the Holte today and you could see what that meant to him. And what a goal it was. Caused constant problems for the Norwich defence, but his game wasn’t without a few mistakes.
Joshua Onomah – 6
Subbed off with an injury early on, but looked to be linking up well with the rest of the attack.
Ahmed Elmohamady – 7
Performed well on the right wing throughout the game and could have scored a fifth for Villa in the later reaches of the game. Pulled off a wonderful nutmeg too.
Conor Hourihane – 10
Played an outstanding game of football and showed why he should be played in the correct position. Scored an outstanding hat-trick and the Villa faithful have fallen in love with him. Villa’s first league hat-trick from a midfielder in 27 years.
Keinan Davis – 9
Had a worldy of a full first-team debut. Held the ball up in all the right places, assisted Hourihane for his first and provided a consistent kind of pressure that Villa have been missing recently. The Villa fans were singing his name when he was subbed off.
Henri Lansbury – 7
A much better performance from the midfielder today after he was brought on to replace the injured Onomah.
James Bree – 6
Played well after replacing Hutton. Hope he begins to start games rather than fixing Hutton’s mistakes.
Chris Samba – 6
Didn’t have the time to do much. Provided a few clearances during his time on the pitch.