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Follow us on Twitter @claretandview // Words by Edward Hardy
Sam Johnstone – 6/10
Looked comfortable throughout the game and commanded his area well. Made some saves and didn’t seem troubled.
Ahmed Elmohamady – 5/10
He was troubled later on by ex-Villa player Traore and got caught out a few times. But was average overall in his return back to the starting XI.
Tommy Elphick – 8/10
No doubt was he Villa’s best player. Solid and strong through the whole game, making tackles across the pitch throughout the 90.
James Chester – 6/10
As usual Chester was great. Had a penalty shout in the second half, but it was waved off. Also came close after a free-kick but his header was put over the bar.
Alan Hutton – 6/10
Played at left back and kept ex Villa star Stewart Downing quiet. Put 100% effort in as always.
Robert Snodgrass – 7/10
Scored a vital goal to give us all 3 points which could be very important come the end of the season. Has been criticised a lot recently and that goal is important for him and is confidence.
Mile Jedinak – 6/10
Played a lot at centre-back recently but looked uncomfortable there. Played in midfield this weekend and improved.
Conor Hourihane – 6/10
Hourihane was neat in possession and tidy throughout. Set pieces were good and deserved his return to the XI.
Josh Onomah – 5/10
Replaced Grealish in the middle, who then replaced him as Onomah started well before coming off in the 37th minute due to an injury.
Albert Adomah – 7/10
Albert didn’t really look up to scratch in the first half but in the second looked much improved. Made up for it by providing the assist for Snodgrass’ header.
Scott Hogan – 5/10
Lack of service once again. Only had 12 touches of the ball in 74 minutes.
Jack Grealish – 7/10
Came on earlier than expected and looked a threat going forward, coming close at one point. Should have started over Onomah.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy – 6/10
Looked lively when he came on, and looks a real bright spark for us and Villa’s future.
Birkir Bjarnason – 5/10
Not seen gametime in a while, and was nice for him to get a few minutes at the end. Made an intervention at the end to clear the ball from Shotton at the back stick.
