Aston Villa Football Club lifelessly wilted at St. James’ Park. Steve Bruce’s men fell to Newcastle United 2-0 while picking up a potential major injury loss.
Aston Villa started fairly well away from home on Monday. The club held out past forty minutes until, in typical Villa fashion, the club failed to clear its lines and conceded a tap-in to Yoan Gouffran. That goal marked the end for the claret and blue, who managed a single shot on target against Karl Darlow’s post.
A Henri Lansbury own goal ensured Villa’s eighth loss in ten league matches. The bad went to worse when Scott Hogan rolled his ankle in the eighty-sixth minute. Hogan, who just signed from Brentford less than one month ago, had to be stretchered off. He could miss the rest of the season.
This injury is doubly worrying because Hogan overcame a knee cruciate tear just under two years ago. Villa supporters now have to wonder how fit Hogan can stay in his career moving forward.
ASTON VILLA PLAYER GRADES:
Made several easy saves on the evening, but flailed around helplessly on Gouffran’s opener. Sam Johnstone does not provide confidence to the team while in net. 18% completion percentage on his long balls.
I am not sure what Leandro Bacuna has done to not warrant a go at right back. Aston Villa do not ever win with Alan Hutton in the lineup.
The Villa captain did not inspire his side in confidence, but did not put a wrong foot forward, either.
Tommy Elphick was a surprise start, replacing Nathan Baker. Steve Bruce is hoping to rekindle the opening year partnership of Chester and Elphick.
Positive performance from Taylor, who just returned from injury. The Welshman’s 73 touches led the team, which is a horrible sign for the club; even if Taylor is positive going forward.
Looked rusty after his month-long layoff. Jedinak fouled the opposition one too many times.
Conor Hourihane has been nothing but ineffectual since arriving in Birmingham. There is hope that a return of Jedinak alongside Henri Lansbury will free Hourihane in the attack. He completed two key passes.
Conceded a horrible own goal, but was otherwise strong for much of the match. Completed 75% of his passes with heavy involvement.
Performed about as well as one could imagine, being asked to play on a wing he does not feature on. Dumbfounded as to why Adomah was not selected to start on the right if Kodjia is pushed to the opposite wing.
Hogan will face weeks on the sideline after being stretchered off in the closing stages – a massive loss to the Villa attack (not that it was going great in the first place).
Kodjia had a pair of shots blocked by Newcastle. Play him as a striker, Steve Bruce.
Next: Aston Villa Enter Another Crisis Situation
The going does not get much easier: Aston Villa host Derby County on Saturday.