Aston Villa struggled badly when Jonathan Kodjia was on AFCON duty.
Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath has apologised on Twitter after criticising the work rate of top-scorer Jonathan Kodjia and the Midlands giants would certainly be much worse off without his composure in front of goal.
The marquee summer signing opened the scoring against Nottingham Forest on Saturday with a superb first-time shot into the top corner although goals from Britt Assombalonga and 17-year-old Ben Brereton turned the game around and consigned Villa to a fourth defeat in five league fixtures.
Despite his well-taken goal, Kodjia, who partnered January arrival Scott Hogan up front at the City Ground, was subjected to a Tweet by McGrath questioning his commitment to the cause.
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However, the former Republic of Ireland centre-back has now apologised for his criticism after a number of fans leapt to the defence of the 27-year-old.
After all, the striker has mustered an impressive 10 goals in 21 Championship appearances this season including winners against QPR, Blackburn and Fulham.
Although Kodjia’s rather selfish approach has drawn the ire of supporters on a few occasions in recent months, he has still scored more than double Aston Villa’s next highest goalscorer, the now departed Rudy Gestede.
Furthermore, Steve Bruce’s side won none of the four games he missed during the Africa Cup of Nations, losing in league and cup to Tottenham, Wolves and Cardiff and drawing 2-2 with Preston.
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His ability to chase back and harry opponents may be questionable at times but the fact is that he has become indispensable in the starting XI.
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