Leonardo Bacuna got the nod over Connor Hourihane in Sunday’s clash between Aston Villa and Birmingham City and no one is quite sure why.
Sunday’s Midlands derby between Aston Villa and Birmingham City unfolded as expected. A scrappy encounter lacking quality or chances of note, settled by a bundled set-piece late on. In fact, the only surprise was that Gabby Agbonlahor was the match winner, ending a 14-month barren run to once again infuriate Villa’s city rivals.
Yet, while Villa manager Steve Bruce has claimed the bragging rights, a narrow 1-0 win against the relegation threatened Birmingham in Harry Redknapp’s first game in charge has not necessarily ramped up his popularity.
After all, his decision to start Leonardo Bacuna, a natural wide man, over Connor Hourihane will be debated long into the night on social media and bars throughout Birmingham city centre. And it is not as if the Dutchman did anything to justify his selection.
Despite his 75 pass completion rate, the highest of Villa’s midfield trio, the Dutchman’s use of the ball still left a lot to be desired. For the most part, he coasted through the game while making next to no impact on proceedings.
The main question Villa supporters will be asking, however, is why Bacuna started ahead of Hourihane, arguably the club’s most naturally gifted central midfielder.
The 25-year-old offers little from either an attacking nor a defensive standpoint while his main attribute, accurate crosses from his natural wide right position, was negated by an ill-fitting role in the centre of midfield.
Villa may take some satisfaction from deepening Birmingham’s relegation fears but Bruce’s team selection did little to raise the optimism about their own club’s long-term prospects.
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