Gary Gardner’s first-half opener was cancelled out by David Davis with 19 minutes left as Steve Bruce’s side settled for a 1-1 draw at St Andrew’s.
Pierluigi Gollini 6.5/10 – Looked assured when put under pressure, pulling off a couple of solid saves in the second half, and couldn’t do much about Davis’ 71st-minute equaliser due to a slight deflection.
Alan Hutton 6/10 – Nearly gifted Jacques Maghoma a goal in the second half with a terrible giveaway but did well to get back and make up for his error with a vital last-ditch challenge.
James Chester 7/10 – The stand-in skipper put in a rock solid performance in the heart of defence, making a handful of crucial interventions to help Villa escape with a point.
Nathan Baker 7/10 – Just as impressive as Chester, recording the joint-most clearances on the afternoon with nine. The pair have formed an excellent partnership over the last three games.
Jordan Amavi 6.5/10 – Lucky to only land a yellow card early on for a poor tackle on Maikel Kieftenbeld but enjoyed some good moments going forward and defended well.
Mile Jedinak 7.5/10 – Arguably his best game in a Villa shirt. The 32-year-old Australian battled away in the centre of the park, making six interceptions and seven clearances, while also winning two tackles and a match-leading 11 aerial duels. Further proof that he’s much more effective in a three-man midfield.
Ashley Westwood 6/10 – Uncharacteristically careless in possession but offered plenty of energy and endeavour throughout the match. Whether Thisbola would have been a better option to start, though, is up for debate.
Gary Gardner 7/10 – The childhood Villa fan couldn’t have picked a more perfect occasion to grab his first goal for the club, giving them the lead after 29 minutes with a fantastic set-piece header. Deserves his spot in the side at the moment after overcoming a difficult start to the season.
Albert Adomah 6/10 – Forced off after just 25 minutes following a collision with Tomasz Kuszczak.
Jordan Ayew 6/10 – Set up Gardner’s opener with a pinpoint free-kick but struggled to make much of an impact in the final third otherwise. Couldn’t fault his work rate, though.
Jonathan Kodjia 6/10 – Kept relatively quiet by the opposition defence, only really threatening once near the end when he glanced a header past the far post.
SUBSTITUTES
Ross McCormack (Adomah 25) 5.5/10 – Struggled to get into the game while stuck out on the right wing.
Gabby Agbonlahor (Ayew 81) 6/10 – Making his first appearance for the club in over six months, the long-serving striker had a few nice touches and managed to set up a chance for McCormack.
Rudy Gestede (Westwood 87) N/A – Not on long enough to get a chance to repeat his heroics from last season’s League Cup clash.
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