Roberto Di Matteo’s men conceded three second-half goals after Jack Grealish’s early opener as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.
Pierluigi Gollini 5/10 – Pulled off a couple of smart saves in the first half but undid all of his good work shortly before the hour mark when he palmed a shot into the path of Tammy Abraham for the Chelsea loanee to slot home the equaliser. His positioning on Lee Tomlin’s free-kick that iced the result was also questionable.
Ritchie De Laet 6/10 – Impressed early on, especially in possession, but noticeably struggled to keep up with the pace of the game after half-time. Nowhere to be seen on the hosts’ second goal and was taken off for Kozak soon after.
Tommy Elphick 6/10 – Let Joe Bryan past him far too easily for Bristol City’s second goal but was otherwise as solid as he had proved over his first four league games of the season.
James Chester 6.5/10 – Arguably Villa’s best defender on the day, recording a team-leading seven clearances, two tackles and two interceptions over the course of the 90 minutes.
Aly Cissokho N/A – Lasted only 17 minutes before having to go off with an Achilles injury.
Leandro Bacuna 6.5/10 – Set up Grealish’s fifth-minute opener with a superb cross and saw a shot blocked on the half-hour mark. Like the rest of the team, though, he could have offered more after the break.
Mile Jedinak 6/10 – Provided plenty of bite in midfield but was guilty of misplacing a few too many passes. Seemed to tire as the second half went on but kept battling until the final whistle.
Ashley Westwood 5.5/10 – Looked overrun in the middle and couldn’t offer much going forward. In definite danger of losing his starting spot once Aaron Tshibola returns to full fitness.
Jack Grealish 7/10 – Volleyed home the opening goal and looked extremely lively over the rest of the first half. Couldn’t keep it up for the second 45 minutes but was still one of Villa’s better performers on the afternoon.
Ross McCormack 6/10 – Involved in the build-up to Grealish’s goal and came close to scoring himself just before half-time with a free-kick that went inches wide of the post. Movement off the ball was wasted without Gestede alongside him.
Jordan Ayew 6/10 – A real live wire in the first half but his finishing once again let him down on a couple of occasions. His attitude wasn’t as bad as some have suggested but there were times when he was far too selfish in possession.
SUBSTITUTES
Jordan Amavi (Cissokho 17) 5/10 – Needs to shoulder some blame for the equaliser after losing his man in the build-up. Still doesn’t look 100 percent fit either.
Libor Kozak (De Laet 70) 5/10 – Offered no real threat during his 20 minutes on the pitch.
Andre Green (Westwood 79) N/A – Introduced too late to make a real difference.
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