Steve Bruce’s rejuvenated Aston Villa squad recorded their fifth victory in six matches. Club captain James Chester led a back line that kept yet another clean sheet.
Aston Villa Football Club once again fought through a scrappy match for three points. This time, lowly Wigan Athletic wilted at home late after impressing in the first half.
Sloppy passing in central midfield, and at the back, gifted The Latics with numerous chances to open the scoring. Of note, Mile Jedinak played a horrible ball that never quite made it back to goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Wigan striker Omar Bogle rounded Johnstone before hitting the side netting. The match went into halftime at a nil-nil stalemate. Aston Villa found the back of the net off a set piece to James Chester. Chester’s cool finish alongside Scott Hogan’s first Villa goal are shown below:
ASTON VILLA PLAYER GRADES:
Johnstone made six saves on the match, many of the impressive variety. The on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper is slowly quieting critics after a rough start in Birmingham. Johnstone, and the remainder of the defense, are growing in confidence.
Solid if unspectacular, from 19-year old James Bree. He completed a high percentage of his passes, but was substituted off before the 59th minute.
The Aston Villa skipper recorded his second career claret and blue goal. For an undersized central defender, Chester sure causes problems on set pieces.
Jedinak’s performance garners a ‘7’ even though he practically gift-wrapped Wigan an early goal. Mile won six aerials. Central defense is an interesting position option once his legs weaken through age.
Nothing of note from Neil Taylor on the offensive circle, but he held down his side well.
A surprise start from Alan Hutton in midfield! Hutton covered a ton of ground, but did not do much of note. Hutton’s average position on the field was actually BEHIND James Bree at right back.
Two key passes completed from the Irishman – a late St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Hourihane benefited once Steve Bruce changed formations.
Completed a woeful 58% of his passes in central midfield. Gardner struggled to impose his passing range and was subsequently replaced in the 59th minute.
Two key passes completed and a 78% pass success rate – rinse and repeat for Amavi.
Workmanlike appearance for Jonathan Kodjia. The Ivorian actually played just behind Albert Adomah in the Villa formation.
Assisted on another Villa goal – easily Villa’s best wing man this campaign.
Next: 3 Aston Villa Players Under Pressure Entering Next Season
Don’t look now, but Villa is eleven points from a promotion playoff spot with eight matches remaining…