How the Pride Rated Away at Hull City

Three rare Villa goal scorers after going 1-0 down meant the Pride got the 2018/19 season off to the best possible start. Here are our player ratings;

Jed Steer (8) –

Didn’t really put a foot wrong. Made good saves from Jarrod Bowen and Todd Kane (although the latter was offside). Unlucky that his punch led to Evandro’s goal.

Alan Hutton (7) –

Put in a trademark determined performance. Caught out once or twice defensively but took his goal, which clearly meant a lot to him, very well. Found a gap then exploited it. Booked.

James Chester (7) –

Good distribution from the back as always. Was in the right place at the right time to cut out numerous Hull crosses including one particularly dangerous low one.

Tommy Elphick (6) –

Probably should’ve put himself on the line for Evandro’s goal but made amends with his header. Not convincing though and was caught out for Bowen’s chance.

Neil Taylor (6) –

Nearly cost Villa a goal early on. Nevertheless, the Welshman recovered and had a better second half. Players seemed reluctant to pass to him in the final third.

Ahmed Elmohamady 8 – 

Was pushed up to right midfield by Steve Bruce. Didn’t stop running up and down the flank and got Villa’s second with a precise shot across David Marshall. Man of The Match.

Glenn Whelan (7) – 

Once again quiet but effective. Slotted in at centre-back when Elphick or Chester were out of position. Nice slipped through ball to Hourihane at one point.

Conor Hourihane (7) –

Was very much a defensive midfielder in the first half but got forward more in the second. Clipped the crossbar with a free-kick and played a well weighted ball for Elmo’s goal.

Albert Adomah (7) –

Worked hard up and down the left but probably didn’t get on the ball as much as he would’ve wanted to. Substituted for Andre Green with 23 minutes left to go.

Jack Grealish (8) –

Nearly every Villa attack came through the midfielder in the first half. Whipped in a good ball for Elphick’s goal. Was fouled constantly as per usual.

Johnathan Kodjia (6) –

Was too selfish at times, but in fairness had to make the most of little service in the first half. Came off for Rushian Hepburn-Murphy with just over ten minutes to go.

Substitutes

Andre Green (7) –

The obvious choice as first substitute. Nearly won a corner as soon as he came on and tracked back well to stop Eric Lichaj getting a cross in. Deserves a start going off pre-season form.

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (7) –

Looked strong and brought others into play. Nearly set up Hourihane for a goal late on. Will probably start against Yeovil in the League Cup.

Birkir Bjarnason (?) –

Came on with too little time for a rating. Booked.