Aston Villa Player Ratings vs Middlesbrough: Here’s how the Villans fared
Aston Villa dispatched Middlesbrough 3-0 at the Riverside Stadium in their Championship clash. James Chester opened the scoring for Dean Smith’s side in the 20th minute. Villa maintained their one-goal lead at half-time before Tammy Abraham scored another in the second half.
Glenn Whelan then added a third to hand the Villans all three points on enemy territory. Dean Smith’s side are now picking up good form under the manager and a win against Boro is a huge statement of intent from the club.
Aston Villa Player Ratings
Orjan Nyland (6/10)
He had his good and bad moments in the game. He was fortunate to escape without conceding a goal.
Ahmed Elmohamady (7/10)
Came in for the suspended Alan Hutton and did well in his absence. He was very dependable and reliable throughout the game.
Axel Tuanzebe (8/10)
A cool and composed display from the centre-back. His partnership with Chester has been very good at the back.
James Chester (8/10)
Scored his fourth goal of the season to send the Villans in front after showing a few nice touches in the box. He could have done better with a couple of clearances though.
Neil Taylor (7/10)
Kept Downing at bay for most of the game and did well going forward too.
John McGinn (8/10)
Looked energetic and lively in the middle of the park. He linked up well going forward as well. His work rate was impressive too.
Conor Hourihane (8/10)
He picked up the assist for Whelan’s final goal. A quiet but strong display from the midfielder.
Jack Grealish (7/10)
He looks a lot more expressive alongside McGinn and Hourihane. Played an influential role in two of his team’s goals.
Anwar El Ghazi (8/10)
Looked good and confident on the ball. His dribbling was catchy to the eye as well. El Ghazi’s deliveries into the box looked very dangerous.
Yannick Bolasie (7/10)
He always looked dangerous in the final third but lacked a certain end product. Bolasie seems to be adjusting to Smith’s philosophy.
Tammy Abraham (7/10)
Struggled at times but his confidence level is at such a point that he was bound to score at some point or another.
Substitutes
Jonathan Kodjia (6/10)
Helped his team see out the game but didn’t have much of an impact apart from that.
Hogan (6/10)
Played a huge role in Glenn Whelan’s goal despite coming on late into the game.
Glenn Whelan (7/10)
Scored just after coming onto the pitch for the Villans.