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Aston Villa rounded off an unbalanced performance with a last-ditch goal from substitute Conor Hourihane – but how did the players rate?
Words by Harry Trend (@HazaTrand)
Conor Hourihane was the hero as Villa rescued a draw at Ewood Park. However, the Pride are now without a league win in five. Find out how Aston Villa rated below;
Orjan Nyland – (6)
A couple of smart saves including one low down to deny Tuanzebe an own goal. Kicking still needs work through and should’ve caught Mulgrew’s free kick as the game drew to a close.
Alan Hutton – 6
Had a ropey start to the game but recovered and bombed forward with his usual vigour. Was lucky that Dack was wrongly judged to be offside after finding the back of the net as the Scotsman was playing him onside.
Axel Tuanzebe – 7
Looked assured at the back and his pace helped him out in dangerous situations. Was willing to put his body on the line for the cause.
James Chester – 7
Was comfortable next to Tuanzebe which is more than can be said when he’s played next to Jedinak. Might’ve scored on two occasions.
Neil Taylor – 6
Defended well down the wing and found himself in the right place at the right time to clear the ball on multiple occasions. Questions remain about his contribution in the attacking third though.
Ahmed Elmohamady – 5
Not his greatest outing but ran hard up and down the right. Telegraphed too many of his crosses. Substituted for Bolasie after 77 minutes.
Mile Jedinak – 6
Struggled keeping tabs on Dack initially and misplaced numerous passes. Looked better in his natural position though and won nearly all his headers. Substituted for Hourihane after 77 minutes.
John McGinn – 7
Should’ve had a penalty in the first half after being taken down in the box. Used his strength well in midfield and drove the team forward. Due a goal.
Albert Adomah – 5
Worked hard defensively but lacked invention in attack. Slowed play down by cutting onto his right foot on nearly every occasion. Substituted for Kodjia after 69 minutes.
Jack Grealish – 6
Was the creative fulcrum once again but could’ve done more to link the midfield with the attack. His reluctance to shoot is becoming a problem.
Tammy Abraham – 6
Very isolated in the first half but grew into the game in the second. His quality on the ball is clear to see and got into some good goalscoring positions.
Substitutes
Jonathan Kodjia – 7
Made a positive impact and looked dangerous in a front two with Abraham. The competition for places will spur him on.
Conor Hourihane – 7
Can’t buy a place in the starting 11 but came on and dictated the midfield. Hit a lovely curling free-kick for Villa’s equalizer to save the day.
Yannick Bolasie – 6
Tried to make things happen down the left. His first impact was a good run down the wing before a mishit cross which summed up his cameo.
