Aston Villa 3 – 2 Wigan Athletic: How the Pride Rated

Aston Villa came from behind at home against Wigan Athletic to secure their second win of the season in two games – the first time that’s happened since 1999. Find out how the pride rated below;

Orjan Nyland (5) –

Had a nervy start to his Aston Villa career, but was not at fault for the first Wigan goal. Kicked well with both feet, but a few did go awry. 

Axel Tuanzebe (6) –

Looked decent in a position that isn’t his strongest. Strong on the ball and moved well down the right hand side.

James Chester (7) – 

Lead perfectly from the back and provided cover for Tuanzebe/Elmohamady on a number of times. Got Aston Villa’s first goal.

Mile Jedinak (5) – 

The man is not a centre-back. A poor pass made Nyland have to rush out, and the resulting block by the Norwegian rebounded off Powell into the net. Too slow at times.

Alan Hutton (6) – 

The usual performance from Alan Hutton. Strong in defence and in aiding attacks. Could have quite easily got his second goal in as many games.

Ahmed Elmohamady (6) – 

Got a number of teasing crosses into the box and attacked well down the right hand side.  Covered well for Tuanzebe and slotted back into right-back when Adomah came on.

John McGinn (8) – 

What a perfect debut from the Scot. Played a number of balls that had the crowd cooing and got an assist in James Chester’s goal. Tenacious in midfield and wouldn’t stop running. A bright start – if he continues this way he is certain to be a fan favourite.

Birkir Bjarnason (6.5) –

Nobody can question Bjarnason’s work rate. The Icelandic midfielder runs around like a dog chasing a ball. Made a couple of mistakes, but made up for it with his last-ditch effort that secured Aston Villa the win. 

Jack Grealish (7) – 

Showed Villa Park exactly what he’s about. Fouled numerous times, dribbled a huge amount and was given relative freedom by McGinn’s play. Can’t wait to see more this season.

Andre Green (6) – 

Unlucky today. Fouled a lot and the referee gave him almost nothing. Strong on the ball at times and will only get better.

Jonathan Kodjia (6) – 

Could have scored a few times today, but doesn’t look himself. Obviously frustrated at the fact that he can’t get back to his scoring ways, and this is affecting his game.

Subs:

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (6) – 

Could have scored himself. Looked bright as soon as he came on, but struggled against the height and strength of Wigan’s towering centre-back. Showed that he’s strong for his size, though.

Conor Hourihane (6) – 

Grabbed an assist after only a few minutes on the pitch, playing a teasing ball towards the far post, which was met by Birkir Bjarnason.

Albert Adomah (6) – 

Looked good on his natural side, and played a few balls into the waiting Kodjia or Hepburn-Murphy.