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Aston Villa v. Bristol City: Complete Player Ratings

By Josh Tonti

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United and Conor Hourihane of Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St James' Park on February 20, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United and Conor Hourihane of Aston Villa during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St James' Park on February 20, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Aston Villa Football Club are no longer terrible and have recorded consecutive league victories. Next up, bottom-dwellers Rotherham United, but first, our player ratings.

Aston Villa defeated Bristol City 2-0 and suddenly everything feels better in Birmingham. After not winning since Boxing Day, the club have two victories in the span of four days. Even better, the claret and blue face dismal Rotherham United this coming Saturday.

Bristol struck the bar early in the first-half. Just minutes later Gary Gardner runs clear on goal, but was struck down by Bristol ‘keeper Fabian Giefer. Jonathan Kodjia’s ensuing penalty kick was struck off the crossbar. The match entered halftime deadlocked at nil-nil. Two Villa goals, just five minutes apart, later gave the claret and blue all three points.

Kodjia scored his twelfth off an Alan Hutton cross (!) & Conor Hourihane finished off some scrappy play in the box.

ASTON VILLA PLAYER RATINGS:

SAM JOHNSTONE. 6.0. . GK. Aston Villa

Lots of volatility in this rating from Sam Johnstone. The on-loan ‘keeper produced a pair of wonderful tip saves, but also dropped the ball in a dangerous area. Moreover, his distribution cost Villa valuable possession.

6.5. . RB. Aston Villa. ALAN HUTTON

Have a day, Alan Hutton. Nearly assisted Kodjia’s goal. Hutton was booked in the second half.

6.0. . RCB. Aston Villa. JAMES CHESTER

Solid, sound, secured from the Villa captain. Won four aerials and completed a high percentage of his passes.

LCB. Aston Villa. NATHAN BAKER. 5.5.

Ditto from Nathan Baker.

Aston Villa. NEIL TAYLOR. 5.5. . LB

Great build-up play late on that nearly produced a second goal from Conor Hourihane.

7.0. . CDM. Aston Villa. MILE JEDINAK

Stalwart performance. Two key passes, five won aerial challenges, two shots. A man-of-the match worthy appearance.

CM. Aston Villa. HENRI LANSBURY. 6.5.

Very, very impressive match. Lansbury helped Villa to 52% possession overall.

Aston Villa. CONOR HOURIHANE. 6.5. . CM

Scored his first Aston Villa goal! Here is to many more. Hourihane came on in the 32nd minute for the injured Gary Gardner.

Aston Villa. ALBERT ADOMAH. 6.5. . RW

Three key passes and two assists to boot. Perhaps this rating is too low, but he did only complete 54% of his passes.

ST. Aston Villa. JONATHAN KODJIA. 7.0.

Made-up for his missed penalty by finishing a brilliant header. The Ivorian was dangerous all night long.

7.0. . LW. Aston Villa. ANDRE GREEN

André Green came off late injured in the 88th minute. Nearly scored twice by hitting the side netting and striking the crossbar.

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