The build-up at Villa Park was inexorable as Steve Bruce, the former Hull City boss welcomed the Tigers at his new home in order to instigate a return to the top tier of English football with Aston Villa. Hull City earned a promotion last term under Bruce, but the gaffer left the managerial role prior to the campaign and the Tigers eventually failed to avoid a relegation scare despite late resurgence. They lost a few key resources and appointed former Russia boss Leonid Slutsky, a selection that has been doubted by many. The underdogs, however, delivered an encouraging display away from home and despite conceding early, they managed to pull back an equalizer and denied their former gaffer an anticipated victory.
Below are the Aston Villa players rated from this fixture.
Sam Johnstone: 6.5
The Manchester United loanee pulled off a few stops in the second half but failed to retain a clean-sheet as Hull City youngster Jarrod Bowen volleyed home at the back-post.
Alan Hutton: 7
The former Scottish international burst down the right flank and his low cross was tucked away by the unmarked Agbonlahor to secure an early lead. But he failed to carry the momentum in the second half and was often troubled by Hull City winger Kamil Grosicki.
James Chester: 7
The ex-Hull City centre-back had a decent outing against his former employers as he offered aerial supremacy and pulled off a few crucial blocks as well.
John Terry: 6
The iconic Chelsea and England legend led the backline with his vast experience as well as quality. But the skipper struggled against the likes of Fraizer Campbell, Jarrod Bowen, and Abel Hernandez and should have done better to mark Bowen at the far post for the equalizing goal.
Neil Taylor: 6.5
The former Swansea City left-back did well to link up with Agbonlahor and whipped in a few crosses inside the box. But he struggled defensively since half-time and was often troubled by Hull’s saviour Bowen down the left flank.
Ahmed El Mohamady: 7
The former Hull City star was jeered by the away fans throughout. But the Egyptian did well to settle in, won the most numbers of aerial duels (10) and whipped in a few crosses as well. He worked hard and impressed on his Villa debut.
Glenn Whelan: 6.5
The veteran midfielder joined the Villans this summer from Stoke City. Did well in his destructive midfield role, completed the most number of successful passes (45) from the middle of the park. Committed fouls in vulnerable areas and was booked inside the first half.
Leandro Bacuna: 6
The versatile former Dutch youth international started in the midfield alongside Whelan. Despite 75% passing accuracy in final third, Bacuna failed to leave an impact in Villa attack and was replaced by Andre Green midway into the second half.
Gabriel Agbonlahor: 7.5
The Englishman had a couple of dismal campaigns, yet Bruce trusted on the veteran Villa attacker and he started the new season brightly after breaking the deadlock within five minutes into the game. He completed a few take-ons and tested the skipper with his shooting.
Henri Lansbury: 6.5
The former Nottingham Forest midfielder worked hard to link up between Agbonlahor and Scott Hogan up front. He completed a number of crucial passes inside attacking third, yet failed to restore their lead after Bowen’s equalizer. Was replaced by Christopher Samba in dying minutes.
Scott Hogan: 5.5
The former Brentford hitman started the game brightly, tested Hull keeper Allan McGregor and completed a few take-ons. But he faded away with time and was replaced by Joshua Onomah towards the end.
Substitutes
Andre Green: 6.5
Came in place of Bacuna and had a decent cameo as he created a few chances towards the end. The Villa academy graduate and English youth international holds a bright future ahead at Villa Park.
Joshua Onomah: 5.5
The Spurs loanee is yet to settle in new circumstances and had little impact since coming on.
Chris Samba: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
