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Follow us on Twitter @claretandview // Words by Regan Foy (@FindFoy)
Villa recorded back-to-back wins today, albeit in differing competitions. Within the last two games, 8 goals have been scored and 3 conceded, showing better signs for the season ahead than the earlier games of the season. With a host of young players and fringe players in the side tonight against Wigan, many people were cautious of predicting such an emphatic win. Here’s how the players rated:
Jed Steer – 7
Definitely playing very well in these cup games, and could be a number one of the future provided he doesn’t get another injury setback. Conceded, but pulled off a spectacular save in the second half.
Ritchie de Laet – 6
Assisted with a thundering run and a quality cross for Birkir Bjarnason’s goal, but was vaguely at fault for the one Wigan goal.
Tommy Elphick – 7
Looked like the player we thought we were getting when he arrived last season. Solid at the back throughout. Could be called upon to provide cover for Terry and Chester later in the season.
Mitchell Clark – 8
Performed well on his first-team debut at Villa Park. Came agonisingly close with a volley.
James Bree – 5
Looked lethargic throughout the game compared to his rival for right-back de Laet. Could possibly have been a little tired from a decent performance after coming on at the weekend?
Gary Gardner – 7
Played an immense pass for the first goal and game vaguely close to scoring himself.
Jake Doyle-Hayes – 7
Definitely one for the future. Dealt with the expectation that people have heaped on him after performing well in pre-season.
Birkir Bjarnason – 8
Silenced the haters with an outstanding performance. Ran himself ragged throughout the game, and provided both a wonderful assist and the final goal of the game.
Albert Adomah – 8
Also had a quality game and was involved in many of the goals. Scored himself and provided a very odd celebration to top it off.
Scott Hogan – 9
Scored twice and could have very easily got Villa’s second hat-trick in as many games. Played well and Scott looks like he could be back to his Brentford ways.
Callum O’Hare – 7
Impressed once more and could have added to the goals on a number of occasions. Certainly very talented.
Subs:
Ross McCormack – 6
Easah Suliman – 6
Jordan Lyden – 6
It looks like Bruce may have a selection headache come Friday, but with the last two games sealed firmly in the heads of the Villa faithful, they’re expecting something just as special.
