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Aston Villa provided a much better performance than the one on the weekend against Brentford, but still struggled to win, despite having 71% of the possession. On a windy Tuesday night at Villa Park, how did the players rate?
Sam Johnstone – 7
Another clean sheet – performed well when called upon and pulled off one or two decent saves. Towards the end of the game, was a constant outlet in getting the ball forward.
Ahmed Elmohamady – 6
Performed well in a defensive roll and consistently played balls forward for Snodgrass to chase. Played further forward towards the end of the game.
James Chester – 6
Was strong in defence but wasn’t without a few mistakes. Could be finally getting his partnership with Terry right after a shaky start to the season.
John Terry – 7
Was a leader throughout the game and was up and down the pitch. Argued when he needed to argue and stayed quiet otherwise. Took over much of Jedinak’s passing after the Aussie midfielder was subbed.
Neil Taylor – 8 (Our Man of The Match)
If there’s one player who deserved to get in the XI every week based on performances this season, it’s Neil Taylor. He has consistently performed and today was no different. Up and down the pitch, covering for Bjarnason in the first half, decent crosses and much more. Passionate. Defends well but can add to his attacking game.
Mile Jedinak – 6
Was great to see him back in the side and he produced the passes Villa have been missing without him in the XI. Not yet fully fit but will provide so much more for the team when he is. Played some great passes and positioning was impeccable at points.
Henri Lansbury – 5
Was performing well, but looked to become tired physically and mentally later in the game. Sent off for a challenge from behind, but could have easily remained on the pitch if it was a different referee.
Conor Hourihane – 7
Wanted much more of the ball than he got and you can’t fault his effort. Came close but his shot was blocked on the line by his team mate Scott Hogan. Attempted a few long-range shots.
Robert Snodgrass – 7
Was a breath of fresh air on the right tonight. Creative, got a number of balls into the box and took over set-piece duty. Villa’s best attacking player on the night.
Birkir Bjarnason – 5
Can’t be faulted for his effort, the end game just wasn’t there tonight. Subbed at half time.
Keinan Davis – 6
Looked a little out of his depth tonight and struggled. From recollection, he didn’t record a shot on target. Effort was there but deserved to be subbed off.
Scott Hogan – 5
Not useful at all on the pitch and it’s hard to recall anything he did other than stop us winning the game.
Albert Adomah – 6
Performed well and was a positive substitution for Bjarnason who was struggling. Should realistically start the next game.
Jonathan Kodjia – 6
It was evident that he wasn’t fully fit, but he was exciting. Tried to show off in front of the Villa faithful a number of times, and pulled it off once or twice. Came close to scoring his first goal of the season. Booked for simulation.
