Aston Villa’s short, but encouraging winning streak ended at three matches on Tuesday. David Wagner’s Huddersfield Town claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over the claret and blue.
Aston Villa came out firing at Huddersfield Town. Villa dominated the first half, nearly scoring on a number of chances. Alas, though, the club did not capitalize and were subsequently punished.
In the 70th minute, right back Tommy Smith found an opening on the right channel before unleashing a strike across the face of goal. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone could do nothing but watch as the ball trickled into the back of the net.
All the positives: Kodjia nearly scoring twice, Lansbury striking the cross bar, and Hourihane just missing the net came to nothing.
The injury crisis did not help Steve Bruce – Villa were forced to chase the match late with a pair of 19-year old youth players. Winger Corey Blackett-Taylor made his first team debut while striker Keinan Davis made another appearance. Meanwhile, Aaron Tshibola and Ross McCormack continue to sit on Nottingham Forest’s bench…
ASTON VILLA PLAYER GRADES:
Made one save, but conceded the winner to Huddersfield. Harsh to blame Johnstone for Smith’s goal, but the on-loan Manchester United product stood frozen.
Solid last-minute start for the nineteen year old, replacing the injured Alan Hutton. Bree accounted for Villa’s only official shot on-target.
Won four aerial duels and was otherwise solid in all aspects of the match.
Picked up an unnecessary yellow card and his passing was rather woeful.
Taylor failed to close down the goalscorer as he struck the winning goal. The Welshman will want to forget this match after a string of solid performances.
Mile Jedinak won an incredible 14 (!) aerial duels against Huddersfield. His passing, on the other hand, left much to be desired. The Australia captain completed only 46% of his passes.
Regretful match from Conor Hourihane who failed to make an impact. Hourihane narrowly missed his only chance on goal.
Another workmanlike appearance for Henri Lansbury. Lansbury struck the cross bar and proved a nuisance for the home side.
Aside from one key pass completed, Adomah was otherwise not impactful. He was replaced by the debutante, Corey Blackett-Taylor.
Similar to Albert Adomah, Amavi simply was not a force playing in an unfamiliar position. Not that Steve Bruce had much of a choice; André Green, Birkir Bjarnason, and Jack Grealish all remain unavailable through injury. Amavi completed one key pass.
Kodjia picked up another booking, but again was Villa’s biggest threat going forward. Kodjia is a tremendous attacker whose finishing leaves much to be desired.
Next: 3 Villa Players Under Pressure Next Season
On the evening, Villa tallied nine shots with 44% possession. Up next, Aston Villa play Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday – a rematch of the opening weekend.