John McGinn Aston Villa
A late goal from midfielder Birkir Bjarnason secured a win at Villa Park this afternoon – but how did he and the rest of the Pride rate?
Words by Regan Foy

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.

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