Aston Villa Defeat Wigan 3-2 in Dramatic Fashion

Six changes to the Aston Villa side saw most players take advantage of the opportunity to earn more playing time.

Ørjan Nyland, GK – 5.5

This was kind of just an average performance. Not called into action much and was hung out to dry on the first goal conceded. Probably could’ve been a little better in distribution. It kind of felt like he was playing to try and not do anything wrong.

Axel Tuanzebe, RB – 6.5

Looked a little out of place at times, but made some good clearances at the back, and got into a positive position to attack a cross from McGinn. Subbed off in the 65’ for Albert Adomah.

James Chester, CB – 8.5

MOTM in my opinion. Was great at the back all day, often picking up the defensive slack where it was lacking elsewhere. Opening goal was textbook.

Mile Jedinak, CB – 3

This was not a good day for him. Looked out of place at CB and was mostly responsible for Wigan’s opening goal. Couldn’t convert a great opportunity on the other end.

Alan Hutton, LB – 6

Alan Hutton has the most Alan Hutton-esque game that Alan Hutton could possibly have.

Birkir Bjarnason, CDM – 6

Aggressive, per usual. Great hustle after grinding all game to get forward and score the winner. Not outwardly notable, but this performance should have fans feeling confident with the options at CDM.

André Green, LM – 6.5

Showed flashes, and generally made himself available and known, but didn’t have any decisive impact. Subbed off in the 74’ for Rushian Hepburn-Murphy.

John McGinn, CM – 8.5

Couldn’t have asked for a much better performance from him. Was active throughout the whole match, and looked like he had been part of the squad for a while. Assisted on the first goal and was directly involved with another. MOTM easily between he and Chester.

Ahmed Elmohamady, RM – 5.5

Didn’t have the same impact as in the Hull match, but was decent in possession of the ball and earned a few free kicks. Does his best to get forward despite having a little less pace than the others around him. Moved to RB after Adomah came on.

Jack Grealish, CAM – 8

All over the pitch. Earned free kicks, found teammates, and pressed well. Did have a bit of a cynical foul late that earned him a yellow card. Found myself yelling “Shoot it, Jack!” two or three times during the game as well. Sometimes being selfish is okay.

Johnathan Kodjia, ST – 6

This one is tough. He got into good positions multiple times, but couldn’t convert. Looked to be a bit despondent after RHM came on, and was moved to the wing. Subbed off for Connor Hourihane in the 87’.

SUBS:

Albert Adomah, SUB – 6

Was more involved than Elmo, but more or less just fresh legs on the pitch. The attack did look a bit more lively with him involved.

Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, SUB – 6.5

Showed great pace, and flashes of what could be for the backup striker.

Connor Hourihane, SUB – 9

Only played 9 minutes, but he was really good for all 9 of them! So, one point per minute? Provided the crucial assist on the winning goal.