Defeat at Derby County for Aston Villa
Another frustrating day as Aston Villa fell to a 2-0 defeat at fellow promotion chasers, Derby County. Glenn Whelan’s errant back pass lead to ex-Villa Andi Weimann’s opener for the home side. An improved second half didn’t manufacture an equaliser. Johnny Russell put the result beyond doubt in injury time as he beat Sam Johnstone.
Despite 67% of possession, Aston Villa’s lack of a striker is becoming more apparent. Outshooting Derby by 13 shots to 11, only two tested Derby keeper Scott Carson. In his post-match press conference, Steve Bruce was critical of the number of mistakes made by his team.
Much in the same way as the Sheffield Wednesday defeat, the rhythm of the game was set early. Although Derby didn’t capitalise, Aston Villa’s mindset was set. David Nugent posed problems for the defence which was missing a recognised centre-back.
The player grades for the game:
GK. . SAM JOHNSTONE. 7.1. A solid performance and made some key saves. Needed more support from the defence.
6.5. Forced to defend for long periods in the first half. Got forward more after the break.. RB. Aston Villa. AHMED ELHOHAMEDY
6.7. A patchy performance after his injury lay off. Villa need John Terry back as soon as possible.. RCB. Aston Villa. MILE JEDINAK
6.2. A solid and assured performance in the heart of defence.. LCB. Aston Villa. JAMES CHESTER
NEIL TAYLOR. 5.9. Nothing spectacular but Taylor conducted his business in his usual, efficient manner. Saved Villa from conceding in the first few seconds with a block.. LB. Aston Villa
Another bad day at the office. Responsible for Derby’s opener and was replaced in the 65th minute.. CDM. Aston Villa. GLENN WHELAN. 5.2
Aston Villa. CONOR HOURIHANE. 7.0. One shot on goal in his return to the starting line up. The only one on target in the first 45 minutes.. CM
7.1. A good performance with plenty to take into the next game. Asked many questions of the Derby defenders.. CAM. Aston Villa. JACK GREALISH
7.5. Might have had the equaliser early in the second half but the ball was cleared. Decent performance without finding a telling ball to unlock Derby.. RM. Aston Villa. ROBERT SNODGRASS
Plenty of industry and endeavour from “Uncle Albert”. Played some good balls into the box.. LM. Aston Villa. ALBERT ADOMAH. 7.3
CF. Aston Villa. JOSH ONOMAH. 6.7. Played out of position until the introduction of Scott Hogan. Struggled to link up with midfield whilst pushing forward.
The next match is another promotion six-pointer when Sheffield United visit on December 23rd. All data provided by WhoScored match centre.