Ipswich Town 1 – 1 Aston Villa: How the Pride Rated

Aston Villa failed to take advantage of a 10-man Ipswich Town side away from home yesterday. We took a look at how the Aston Villa side rated against opposition who had failed to register points in their first two games of the Sky Bet Championship season. 

Orjan Nyland (5) – 

Nyland was relatively untested in the Aston Villa goal, but an error lead to Ipswich’s equaliser. He had a better pass success rate than he did against Wigan – so hopefully he’ll grow into his role.

Axel Tuanzebe (6.5) –

Tuanzebe looked decent up and down the right hand side, and made a few key blocks for the Aston Villa side.

James Chester (6.5) – 

Chester was his usual self in the Villa defence and looked good next to his aging partner in Mile Jedinak.

Mile Jedinak (7) – 

Mile is starting to look old when he’s not on the ball, and his legs certainly weren’t what they used to be. But god, can he jump. The Australian defensive-midfielder turned centre-back won 10 aerial duels during the 90 minutes – the highest of any player in the game.

Alan Hutton (6) – 

Hutton looked a little shaky defensively, but contributed a lot offensively alongside Albert Adomah before the winger moved over to the right hand side. Booked.

Ahmed Elmohamady (6) – 

Was a decent outlet down the right, as always. A relatively consistent performer for Aston Villa since his arrival at the club.

John McGinn (7) –

Looked a little less energetic at times today defensively, but got forward well and had a couple of attempts on goal. Provided the assist for Jonathan Kodjia. Booked.

Birkir Bjarnason – (6)

Covered well for both Alan Hutton and Axel Tuanzebe at times, but looked to shy away a little in the centre of the field where he was operating.

Albert Adomah – (5)

It’s odd to see Adomah not getting into some of the positions he did in the first half of last season. Had a few shots on goal, but lacked that clinical finish.

Jack Grealish – (7.5)

Jack was energetic as always and got into some great positions. Could have made it two, after he dribbled past three or four defenders in the box, but couldn’t get a shot off.

Jonathan Kodjia (7) – 

Scored Aston Villa’s only goal of the afternoon and is looking more lively as games go on. It’s only a matter of time before he starts banging them in regularly.

Subs:

Andre Green (6) – 

His touch let him down a few times, but he was energetic on both sides of the wing during his time on the pitch. Came close a few times.

Conor Hourihane (6.5) – 

Forced Bialkowski to make a few saves and had some Aston Villa’s best chances of the second half. Certainly wants to be starting.

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy (6) –

Definitely looked better than he did mid-week against Yeovil. More game time will see him come good.