Aston Villa vanquish Cardiff City 3-1

Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa continue to climb the Championship table; this time by defeating Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City at Villa Park.

What a joy to be an Aston Villa supporter. Seven matches, four wins, and three draws under manager Steve Bruce. This fantastic run of results has pushed the claret and blue to four points out of a playoff spot with a +3 goal differential.

Albert Adomah’s early tap-in off a dynamic Jordan Amavi run gave Villa the lead twenty four minutes in. Four short minutes after, Rickie Lambert equalized for the Bluebirds.

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BBC WM radio broadcasters seemed disappointed in Ashley Westwood because his turnover was at least partly at fault for the goal.

The match went level into the break 1-1. Cardiff started the second-half brightly but succumbed to the noticeable gap in talent and depth between the two sides.

A second half goal from the machine, Jonathan Kodjia, gave Villa the lead.

Rudy Gestede sealed the three points with an injury time penalty won by Jack Grealish.

Next week, Aston Villa take on Leeds United, but let’s reveal our player grades.

PLAYER GRADES:

GK Pierluigi Gollini 6

Very quiet night for the Italian. Not at fault for Rickie Lambert’s finish.

RB Alan Hutton 5.5

Had a few wayward passes, but competed ably for most of the afternoon.

RCB James Chester 6.5

Cool, calm, confident. Rinse and repeat for the Welshman.

LCB Nathan Baker 6

Came off with an injury at halftime? (I think)? Would be a big blow if he is out for any extended period of time.

LB Jordan Amavi 7

Absolutely terrific all match. The buccaneering left back ran riot through the right hand side of Cardiff City.

CDM Mile Jedinak 7.5

What a signing the Aussie has been. Surely Crystal Palace are regretting this one, no? The three-man midfield system has done the thirty-two year old wonders.

CM Ashley Westwood 4.5

Disappointing appearance from Ashley Westwood. His 6.3 WhoScored rating was joint-worst for the claret and blue. Some might wonder why Aaron Tshibola was not involved in the squad.

CAM Jack Grealish 8 & ClaretVillans Man of the Match

A truly artistic midfield performance for the twenty-one year old. Won his third (third!) penalty of the season that Gestede slotted in.

LW Jordan Ayew 5

Mostly anonymous for much of the match, but not terrible by any stretch.

RW Albert Adomah 7

Death, taxes, and Albert Adomah terrorizing the left side of defenses.

ST Jonathan Kodjia 7

Another game, another goal. Being asked to play everywhere up front does not faze the Ivory Coast international.

SUBSTITUTES:

CB Tommy Elphick 6

ST Gabby Agbonlahor 5.5

ST Rudy Gestede 6.5

Tough to give grades to subs, but all three played a vital part in the win.

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