Steve Bruce’s Aston Villa are one of the promotion-favourites this term but had a shambolic inception to their new Championship campaign with only one win from seven league outings.
Three of their last fixtures ended all-square and the pressure was mounting on the veteran English gaffer ahead of their trip to Oakwell to encounter Paul Heckingbottom young and exciting Barnsley football club. But the game proved to be a cakewalk for the Villans who registered an easy 3-0 win thus get back to winning ways and are now closing the gap with the ‘top six’ of the current league table.
Below are the Aston Villa players rated and slated from the fixture.
Sam Johnstone: 8
Johnstone was outstanding this evening as he pulled off a couple of saves, impressed with his outing, punches, and distribution.
Ahmed El Mohamady: 8.5
The Egyptian delivered a massive performance down the right-hand flank as he not only performed his defensive responsibilities but also kept on making forward runs and combining well with Robert Snodgrass. His pinpoint cross was converted by Keinan Davis in the second half.
James Chester: 8.5
He was solid defensively and helped his side to register a clean-sheet away from home. Looked menacing from set-pieces and set up Albert Adomah for Villa’s first goal.
John Terry: 7
The veteran Englishman used his enormous experience and his no-nonsense defending did not allow the home side to create enough opportunities to hit back throughout the game.
Neil Taylor: 6.5
The Welshman had an average display as he did not offer much in attack but offered defensive stability especially when the Reds were looking for an equalizer after falling behind.
Robert Snodgrass: 7
Snodgrass tested the Barnsley custodian Adam Davies early into the game and tried to link up with the attackers to create enough chances to score goals. The veteran Scotsman, however, lost a number of duels and needs to sharpen his final delivery ahead of Villa’s next outing. Was taken off towards the end to be replaced by Birkir Bjarnason.
Glenn Whelan: 7
Whelan combated well in midfield, helped his side to win back possession and helped his defence to resist Barnsley’s attacking threats. Had a couple of nervy moments, but the Irishman used his experience to keep control of the game from the middle of the park.
Conor Hourihane: 7.5
The ex-Barnsley midfielder worked hard, tried to stretch the game on the wings and impressed with his long balls and passing traits against his former employers.
Albert Adomah: 8.5
Adomah was outstanding against Barnsley this evening as he was perfectly positioned to score the opener from close range. Also converted the spot-kick minutes later to earn his side a 2-0 lead ahead of the completion of first-half football.
