Lifeless Aston Villa fall to Wolverhampton

Ex-Villa manager Paul Lambert received the final laugh on Saturday. Lambert’s Wolverhampton squad defeated Steve Bruce & Aston Villa 1-0 at the Molineux Stadium.

Wolves’ Joe Mason collected all three points when he pounced on a loose ball in the box. Even with seventy minutes to retaliate, Villa were unable to muster anything offensively.

Steve Bruce’s men were beleaguered, ill-prepared, and devoid of any real plan in the final third. All match long, Aston Villa relied on long-balls to Gabby Agbonlahor, whose hold-up play and first touch are noticeably poor.

Time is running out for Aston Villa to make a move for the top six.

ASTON VILLA PLAYER GRADES:

The rating may be harsh, but Johnstone parried the match’s only goal directly into Joe Mason. Other than that, Johnstone had a quiet night and a pair of decent saves.

Hutton only completed 62% of his passes, but his work rate on the right flank was noticeable. Even if his crossing is lifeless, at least there was some semblance of an attack.

Really, really good first half from Elphick, who stopped numerous Wolves’ attacks. Won four aerial duels, but nearly got mixed up with Johnstone for a second goal.

Won five aerial duels playing on his non-preferred side in central defense. Stifled Wolves for much of the match.

Completed 50.9% of his passes (!) Terrible, except for one sublime run and cross to an open Ross McCormack from two yards out. He sent the header over the bar.

Seemed unsure of where to position himself alongside Aaron Tshibola. Still, offered a decent shield for the back line; Jedinak won as many aerial duels as James Chester.

For whatever reasons, Tshibola seemed hesitant to carry the ball forward – at a time when Villa needed someone to take the initiative. Completed 77.4% of his short passes.

Forgetful match from Adomah. Subbed off for André Green, who offered more off the bench. Two poor games in a row from Albert.

Bottled two separate chances to equalize. To be fair, McCormack should have won a penalty five minuted from time. Wolves’ CB Danny Batth pulled McCormack back on a long ball in the box.

Perhaps Villa’s most impressive player on the evening, which is not saying much. Completed 78% of his passes and was the only player taking the initiative to move forward. Bacuna picked-up a yellow card.

The experiment needs to end. 15% of Holte Enders have a better first touch. Keinan Davis, Ross McCormack, and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy are all better forwards in their current states.