Another gameweek in the Championship another loss to Sunderland. Their hopes of saving themselves from relegation are pretty close to being over after tonight’s 3-0 loss to Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.
Chris Coleman’s side started the game with much enthusiasm and positivity but it was Lewis Grabban who managed to have the first chance on goal.
After half and hour of football, Sunderland’s defensive shape got broken up when Billy Jones and Jason Steele mishandled a clearance attempt inside the goal which allowed Grabban to find the back of the net with ease.
The Villans started to express their dominance and got themselves a second just seconds before half time whistle through James Chester’s skilled header.
Sunderland tried to put up a fight in the second half and a comeback could have been sparked by Callum McManaman. But to Sam Johnstone’s credit, the Villa goalkeeper was far too quick to snap the ball away.
On the 66th minute, Steve Bruce’s men ended the contest by getting themselves a third from Conor Hourihane’s deflected shot.
Villa cruised towards a comfortable win away from home while Coleman was left picking up the scraps.
Here is how the Aston Villa players were rated on the night.
Sam Johnstone – 7/10
Not the busiest days in between the sticks but always sharp when called upon. He holds the credit in maintaining a clean sheet tonight by making a couple of crucial saves.
Ahmed El Mohamady – 6/10
Very quiet on the offensive end but did his bit on the defensive end. Was pestered by the pace of Joel Asoro.
James Chester – 8/10
A domineering presence at the backline and an aerial threat inside the Sunderland box. The goal was just a cherry on the top of an impressive day at work.
John Terry – 7/10
Another masterclass showing from the veteran centre-half. Terry pretty much dictated the game from the back by winning every contested header and distributing the ball.
Neil Taylor – 6/10
A bit of rust was evident in the early minutes but once Villa started to have more of the ball, Taylor started to get going. He did well to track back and keep a wandering McManaman at bay.
Glenn Whelan – 6/10
He was consistent and composed at the heart of the park. He did a bit of everything – win balls around the centre circle and formulate the attacks by linking up with his teammates.
Conor Hourihane – 7/10
All credit goes to him for the 3rd but unfortunately got ruled out for an own goal. He bossed the midfield by surging ahead and being aggresive towards the Sunderland backline.
Robert Snodgrass – 7/10
Sublime deliveries from the dead ball situations helped Villans continue their motivated charge towards the Sunderland box. He was very clinical with possession as well.
Albert Adomah – 6/10
Earned himself the assist by launching a scrumptious ball into the box but disappeared in the late stages.
Lewis Grabban – 8/10
He looked to be at home as he took on his former employers with a remarkable amount of vigour. Other than the goal, his work ethic off the ball and his ability to connect with his teammates is laudable.
Scott Hogan – 5/10
Not the best day at work as he missed an open chance on goal. He was relatively quiet as well.
Substitutes:
Mile Jedinak – 6/10
Solid on the back end and clever with the ball. A fresh bit of energy from the 33-year-old was the perfect replacement for Whelan.
Jack Grealish – 6/10
Adjusted to the pace of the game with ease and always looked threatening when with the ball.
Birkir Bjarnason – NA
