Aston Villa player ratings v Tottenham: Defensive duo get 8/10
By Will Butcher
Football Insider rates the Aston Villa players after their 2-0 loss to Tottenham in the third round of the FA Cup at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
Sam Johnstone 8 – Solid debut, little to do throughout but marshalled his penalty box well despite the greasy surface. Could do nothing about goals.
Alan Hutton 8 – Consistent again at the back for Villa, as the 32-year-old provided a combative but mature display against Tottenham’s star-studded attack. Good performance.
James Chester 7 – A threat from set pieces, Wales international Chester put his body on the line to earn a clean sheet.
Nathan Baker 6 – Solid at the back without impressing, outshone by Chester.
Jordan Amavi 5 – Number of questionable decisions when a simple option looked to be on, but performed to an acceptable standard when facing Moussa Sissoko. At fault for Spurs second goal.
Mile Jedinak 5 – A passenger. Harry Winks and Eric Dier’s domination of possession in the middle of the park saw the Australia captain struggle to have an impact.
Aaron Tshibola 5 – Similarly to Jedinak, Tshibola failed to have an effect on the game. Lost the ball when in possession.
Leandro Bacuna 6 – Defended well as he formed a part of a six-man defence in Steve Bruce’s attempt to frustrate Tottenham. Offered little in the attacking third.
Jack Grealish 7 – Looked dangerous when given the ball, provided a threat from set pieces with multiple well-taken deliveries from corners and free-kicks. Won a number of important fouls.
Albert Adomah 6 – Offered pace on the flank and got forward well as well as providing cover at the back, but had little impact.
Gabby Agbonlahor 7 – Led the line well for the Midlands giants, as he continues to work his way back into the side. Won a number of tussles with Toby Alderweireld.
Subs
Keinan Davis (On for Adomah, 77 mins) 6
Ross McCormack (On for Jedinak, 77 mins) 6
Andre Green (On for Agbonlahor, 77 mins) 6
In other Aston Villa news, fans have reacted on Twitter to speculation surrounding this out-of-favour defender.