Aston Villa player ratings in 2-0 loss to Newcastle: Duo 4/10

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Aston Villa suffered yet another Championship defeat after losing 2-0 to Newcastle United – here is how their players rated.

Sam Johnstone (7/10) – Aside from being helpless to prevent the game’s opening goal, Johnstone put forth a much more confident showing after recent poor displays – including a number of important saves during Newcastle’s second half pressure.

Alan Hutton (7/10) – Showed his determination and initiative on several occasions. Hutton was one of a few Villa players who tried to take the game to Newcastle, but his efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.

James Chester (7/10) – Villa’s captain could not be faulted for his concentration alongside Tommy Elphick. Unfortunately for Chester, Villa’s new look side still lack the defensive cohesiveness required to overcome Newcastle.

Tommy Elphick (6/10) – Performed stoically at the heart of Villa’s back four, especially when up against Aleksandar Mitrovic. Will be disappointed to have conceded from two set plays.

Neil Taylor (6.5/10) – A diligent display by Villa’s left back – who had to handle the threat of Newcastle right-sided duo of DeAndre Yedlin and Matt Ritchie.

Birkir Bjarnason (4/10) – Missed an early chance to score from a difficult angle, and perhaps should have scored with a second half shot – but despite an admirable work ethic, Bjarnason looked a little out of his depth in what proved to be a midfield quagmire. Replaced by Gary Gardner with ten minutes remaining.

Mile Jedinak (7/10) – Returning after a five game injury absence, the Australian international was reinstated to anchor Villa’s midfield to good effect until Newcastle took the lead. Jedinak was replaced by the more forward thinking Albert Adomah after 70 minutes.

Conor Hourihane (5/10) – Heavily involved in the early exchangs, albeit from a physical point of view, but the January signing from Barnsley faded and failed to impact on the game thereafter.

Henri Lansbury (4/10) – An embarrassing performance from Villa’s midfielder, who seemed to play the role of pantomime villain for much of the game – including a cringe worthy attempt to defend a 58th minute corner, which culminated in the scoring of an own goal by Lansbury.

Jonathan Kodjia (6.5/10) – Deployed on Villa’s left flank, Kodjia applied himself well enough but failed to show his dynamic best in Villa’s attacking third. After picking up an injury, Kodjia was substituted for Leandro Bacuna in the closing stages.

Scott Hogan (6/10) – Worked tirelessly in attack for Villa, although struggled to test Karl Darlow in the Newcastle goal. Hogan was left isolated on too many occasions as Villa provided the home side’s back four with a largely untroublesome evening. To compound Hogan’s evening, the forward seemed to have picked up a serious-looking ankle injury in the closing stages.