Aston Villa completed a stunning comeback as they notched up two late goals towards the end of the first leg of their semi-final clash against West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies scored an early goal and successfully defended the lead until the 75th minute when substitute Conor Hourihane brought the Villans back in the match. Tammy Abraham followed up with a fine strike from the spot in the 79th minute to win it for his side in their own backyard.
The hosts were the dominant side from the very first whistle and had their fair share of chances to get into the lead. However, it was West Brom striker Dwight Gayle who found the back of the net in the 16th minute of the match. The Villans were persistent with their attacking display, and it reaped them results in the 75th minute as Conor Hourinhane latched onto Jack Grealish’s assist to get them back in the contest. Four minutes later, Tammy Abraham ensured that his side went into the second leg with a one-goal lead as he converted from the spot to end all hopes for the visitors.
Here is how the Aston Villa players were rated from their win against West Bromwich Albion.
Jed Steer: 6.5
Made a couple of saves in the match but the only negative point was the goal he conceded. However, it was a semi-decent performance from Steer.
Ahmed Elmohamady: 6
Kept getting in the way of the opposition attackers and dispossessed them with his tackling skills. Could not go up the pitch too many times though.
Axel Tuanzebe: 7
A decent performance in the backline from the youngster as he did not let the opposition strikers take free aim on the goal. Made a few crunching tackles.
Tyrone Mings: 6.5
After an early mistake that let Gayle in on the goal, he did well enough to restrict the England striker from finding a second opening throughout the match. His interceptions to break down the opposition attacks were good as well.
Neil Taylor: 6
Got the ball out of the box with proper clearances. Looked a little fatigued in the second half though.
Glenn Whelan: 7
His presence in the defensive midfielder position helped his side to break down attacks in the middle of the pitch. Vied valiantly for the ball against the likes of Johansen and Brunt and won most of the battles.
Albert Adomah: 7
Kept getting the ball in the danger area from time to time with his fast runs down the right-hand side. His passing was accurate as well.
John McGinn: 6
Initiated a few attacks from the midfield with his accurate passing. Looked a little out of touch in the second half though.
Jack Grealish: 7
His work rate and composure were spot on. Got the ball in the box in a smart move to set up Hourihane to open the scoring for his side.
Anwar El Ghazi: 7
Tormented the opposition defence with his classy footwork. Pressed hard for the goal in both halves and got a few shots away.
Tammy Abraham: 7.5
His physical presence in the box was a matter of concern for the likes of Hegazi and Bartley. Sealed the win with a flawless penalty kick and helped his side complete a brilliant turnaround.
Substitutes
Conor Hourihane: 7
Looked in superb form since his very first touch on the ball. Led the comeback for his side with a good strike and brought his team back on level terms.
Andre Green: 6
Did well for his limited time on the pitch.
Jonathan Kodjia: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
