Mile Jedinak could not stop Aston Villa slipping to defeat to Norwich.
Aston Villa slipped to defeat against Norwich City last night in a battle of two sides relegated from the Premier League last season.
Both teams have found it tough since slipping down into the Championship, but it was the Canaries who emerged on yesterday, winning 1-0 through a Nelson Oliveira goal.
Nelson Oliveira of Norwich City celebrates after scoring their first goal
There were not too many members of Aston Villa’s side to cover themselves in glory, with Gabriel Agbonlahor particularly and unsurprisingly turgid.
One player who did keep battling to the very end was Australian international Mile Jedinak, who signed from Crystal Palace in the summer.
Jedinak produced a committed display, and was heavily involved from a defensive aspect.
Jacob Murphy of Norwich City in action with Mile Jedinak of Aston Villa
He managed seven interceptions, won four tackles, and made six clearances. In each case, these were more than any other midfielder on the pitch.
Jedinak also managed to block two goalbound efforts from Norwich, but there was one clear flaw to his performance.
The midfielder actually was better not in possession, than when he had the ball.
He managed to complete just 54 per cent of his passes, the lowest of any outfield Aston Villa player.
This in part was down to his tendency to try and play it long, with just three of 11 hoofs upfield finding a Villa teammate as he sought to get his side back into the game.
He should at least be commended for getting on the ball, attempting 44 passes, in comparison to teammate Ashley Westwood who completed 85 per cent, but only attempted 21 in 90 minutes.
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