Aston Villa, one of the favourites of a Premier League qualification, have little hopes of a direct promotion but are determined to push it until the conclusive gameweek to avoid a playoff challenge. Villans, under Steve Bruce, have emerged as an admirable force once more and tonight’s encounter against dejected Leeds United was supposed to be a cakewalk at Villa Park. They have jeopardized Cardiff City’s hopes of an automatic promotion following a narrow 1-0 win and were determined to uplift the momentum with a comprehensive home win. The game, however, was not completely one-sided as the visitors tried to come back later on after conceding in the first half but failed to stage any due to the lack of creativity high up the pitch and suffered a 1-0 defeat against the Villans.
Below are the Aston Villa players rated in their 1-0 win against Leeds United.
Sam Johnstone: 7
The Manchester United loanee did not have much to offer as he largely remained untested throughout the game.
Ahmed Elmohamady: 7.5
The Egyptian spent his time more in attack rather than performing his defensive duties and tried to explore the flank alongside Robert Snodgrass down the right.
James Chester: 7
Was solid in a central defensive role and did not have to struggle much to keep hold of Caleb Ekuban who had another quiet outing for the Whites.
Mile Jedinak: 7.5
The Australian has adjusted well to a makeshift central defensive role and delivered another towering display with his physical and aerial supremacy inside the box.
Neil Taylor: 7
Had a few nervy occasions against pacy Alioski but used his experience to deal with his runs and did well to deny him from cutting inside and cause menace inside the box.
Glenn Whelan: 8
The veteran midfielder screened the backline and distributed the ball high up the pitch with calmness and composure.
Robert Snodgrass: 7.5
Was causing problems down the right with his runs, crosses, and set-pieces. Also tested the opponents’ custodian but was denied time and again.
Josh Onomah: 7
The Tottenham Hotspur loanee was causing troubles with his runs and forced the Leeds United defenders to commit fouls to restrict his runs around the box. Was taken off and replaced by Chris Samba for final six minutes.
Jack Grealish: 8.5
Scored a late winner against Cardiff City this midweek and continued his form tonight as well when he assisted Grabban via a spectacular cross.
Jonathan Kodjia: 6.5
Often caused troubles with his runs down the left but could not provide enough goalscoring opportunities or space inside the box. Was replaced by Albert Adomah midway in the second-half.
Lewis Grabban: 7.5
He scored in the first-half from Grealish’s cross which proved to be the difference between these two sides on Friday night. Forced Bailey Peacock-Farrell to make a save from the close range in the second half. Was replaced by Scott Hogan late in the game.
Substitutes
Albert Adomah: 6
Was brought in place of Onomah. Made some decent runs, but failed to create anything spectacular.
Scott Hogan: 6
The birthday boy was denied a goal late in the game following a spectacular challenge from Leeds centre-back Matthew Pennington.
Chris Samba: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
