
Aston Villa managed a draw against Ipswich Town yesterday, with a few stand-out performances for the Pride.
Words by Regan Foy (@FindFoy)
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.