Chester, Aston Villa record first victory of 2017

Aston Villa Football Club registered their first victory since Boxing Day in a narrow 1-0 defeat of Derby County. Villa captain James Chester headed home the match’s only goal.

James Chester’s first career Aston Villa goal could not have come at a more opportune time. The Welshman nodded home on the goal line midway through the first half. The claret and blue finally collected three points after two months of zero victories.

To be completely honest, however, Villa were not in control for most of the match. On the day, the club possessed the ball at 29% with a pass success rate of 56%. Nearly every other ball found the feet of the opposition.

What the club lacked in offense, they made up for in defense. Derby County recorded a single shot on target.

ASTON VILLA PLAYER GRADES:

Positive rebound from Sam Johnstone. Good to see him collect his first Aston Villa clean sheet with a point-saving save just minutes from match end.

The whole backline performed tremendously – Hutton included. It will be interesting to see whether Steve Bruce goes back to James Bree.

The Villa captain and man of the match performer. A stalwart performance with a goal to boot!

Nathan Baker won five aerials while being very clean and tidy on the ball

Taylor was less involved than previous match with only thirty-five touches on the ball. Sound and secured.

Jedinak won three aerial challenges with an 84% pass completion rate.

Stupidly sent off for bumping into the line judge in stoppage time. Bacuna will likely serve an incoming suspension – further depleting Villa’s central midfield reserves. Conor Hourihane picked up an injury training on Friday.

Completed four key passes, but turned the ball over far too often.

Not much noteworthy from Albert Adomah. He was subbed off in the 71st minute.

Completed two key passes. The Ivorian was a threat for much of the afternoon.

Ditto from André Green. Birkir Bjarnason replaced him in the 73rd minute.