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Aston Villa were defeated at Loftus Road yesterday evening – but how did the Pride rate in their third game within a week?
Words by Harry Trend (@HazaTrand)
Villa succumbed to a defeat at the hands of QPR yet again with Pawel Wzolek scoring the only goal of the game. Here’s how the Pride rated;
Orjan Nyland – (5)
Didn’t have an awful lot to do in terms of shot stopping. However, he could’ve commanded his box better and a couple of kicks went astray.
Alan Hutton – (6)
Gave his all as per but kept doing that classic Hutton thing of making ground into the oppositions half before cutting back. Dropping him could be the best thing Smith does.
James Chester – (5)
At fault for Pawel Wzolek’s goal and should’ve dealt with the long ball. Needs to rekindle last season’s form asap.
Axel Tuanzebe – (7)
The more assured of the centre-back partnership. His willingness to play out the back did mean a few passes went amiss but won nearly everything in the air.
Neil Taylor – (6)
Doesn’t deserve the criticism he gets but once again lacked that cutting edge going forward. One potentially goal saving block from Eberechi Eze though.
Ahmed Elmohamady – (5)
Lacked dynamism, which a winger needs. Hit too many early crosses which lacked height. Substituted for Bolasie after 62 minutes.
John McGinn – (7)
Always seemed to be at two places at once in the first half. Typifies Dean Smith’s pressing game although conceded too many fouls.
Birkir Bjarnarson – (6)
Had a very tidy first half covering the back four and moving things on. There’s a regular starting spot for him if he wants it. Substituted for Whelan after 41 minutes.
Jack Grealish – (6)
Another frustrating outing for the midfielder, who could’ve had a goal or two with a free-kick that hit the post then a couple of chances in the second half. Dropped progressively deeper to pick up the ball.
Johnathan Kodjia – (5)
Selfish at times but did do well to skin his man at one point. Would be better leading the line on his own but carried out defensive duties on the wing.
Tammy Abraham – (5)
Struggled to get into the game in the first 45. Flashes of good link up play but spent a lot of time on the floor. Would’ve got an equaliser if it weren’t for Angel Rangel.
Substitutes
Glenn Whelan – (6)
Made some good transitional passes but his defensive nous wasn’t needed toward the end and could’ve pushed forward more.
Yannick Bolasie – (6)
Tried to make things happen when he came on and worked Joe Lumley. Needs to get fitness up if he wants any chance of starting a game.
