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Brilliant Terry, Influential Grabban: The best and the worst-rated Aston Villa players vs Sunderland

Steve Bruce

Brilliant Terry, Influential Grabban – The best and the worst-rated players as Aston Villa beat Sunderland 0-3

Aston Villa won 0-3 and they put a poor Sunderland side to the sword to keep the pressure on those above them in the race for automatic promotion. They were relaxed and composed against Sunderland but even they must have been surprised about the manner in which the home side gifted the first half to them on a plate.

First, Lewis Grabban was able to head in a bouncing ball in the box after a basic cross from Albert Adomah was not dealt with. Then, James Chester could not believe his luck as he headed in a corner unmarked. The scoring was rounded off in the second half as Bryan Oviedo diverted into his own net to leave Sunderland rooted to the bottom of the table, and Aston Villa sitting pretty in 3rd place.

Aston Villa Player Ratings

Sam Johnstone – 7

For most of the game, he had a spectator brief but when he was called into action, he dealt with all that Sunderland could muster.

Sam Johnstone

Ahmed El Mohamedy – 6.5

Didn’t have much to do but he did what he needed to. Protected the slower members of his defence when required to.

James Chester – 8.5

Headed in a goal just before the half-time whistle to give his side a 2-0 lead and he played with confidence and determination. Is enjoying playing next to John Terry.

John Terry – 8

The perfect leader on the pitch, constantly shouting at everyone around him, was a rock at the back and his pace was not exposed by the lacklustre Sunderland attack.

John Terry

Neil Taylor – 7.5

A good game by the Welsh man as he kept the pitch wide and forced the Sunderland wingers back into their own half.

Robert Snodgrass – 7.5

Provided the second assist from a corner and is enjoying life under Steve Bruce. The Scottish international was a threat on the right-hand side all game.

Glenn Whelan – 7

Had a fairly easy day breaking up Sunderland’s attacks. Does what he does best, kept it simple and played the ball to the more attack-minded players.

Conor Hourihane – 7.5 

The Irish international ran the middle of the park and dominated the Sunderland midfield, he will be very pleased with how his evening went.

Conor Hourihane

Albert Adomah – 7

Provided an assist in the first half and is playing his way back into form after a spell on the sidelines through injury. He will take confidence from this performance.

Lewis Grabban – 8

Got a simple goal against his old club when the ball fell to him after bouncing in the box and he finished well. Was a constant threat to the Sunderland defence, taken off after 76 minutes.

Scott Hogan – 6.5

Toiled away up front, and was eclipsed by his strike partner, not his day against a poor side defensively. Replaced by Jack Grealish.

Substitutes

Mile Jedinak – 6

Played the ball around nicely at times hoping to play his way into the starting 11.

Jack Grealish – 6.5 

Good to see the young man back on the pitch, and did show flashes of brilliance. Will be desperate to get into the starting 11 once again.

Birkir Bjarnason – 6

Not much to do, as he was shunted out wide for most of his short cameo.