A game that had so little flow or rhythm to it you could have read a book, while looking up from your pages to catch the odd worth while passage of play. Still, the way Albert Adomah took his brace made everything worth while.
Early on it looked like a game that was always going to be influenced by the team to score the first goal.
After Ipswich looked lively early on and with Mile Jedinak limping off, Villa needed to get a grip on the game quick. Albert Adomah’s calm and collected finish to give them the lead just after the half-an-hour mark was perfectly timed.
As was Adomah’s second just after the hour mark. With Ipswich struggling to get into any rhythm against the Villa midfield, 2-0 shattered their resolve and it was just a chase of Villa playing out the remaining minutes.
The kind of win that suggests Villa are legit promotion candidates.
Aston Villa Player Ratings vs Ipswich
Sam Johnstone – 6
It looked like Johnstone had dropped the ball literally in the first half leading to an Ipswich goal, but the referee’s whistle blew for an infringement on the keeper rather than a goal for the visitors. The fact Ipswich failed to have a shot on goal in the game tells you the story of the rest of Johnstone’s afternoon.
Alan Hutton – 7
Again, got in some more meme worthy tackles. Delivery was average at times once he got over the half-way line, but he’s been as consistent as any Villa player in the past month or so.
Mile Jedinak – 6
Unfortunately supporters didn’t get a chance to see if Jedinak could be Terry’s full-time replacement, after the Australian limped off. Hopefully, it’s nothing serious, as he’ll need to prove himself over the winter months.
James Chester – 7
Solid in the air and dependable as always. Will be glad to chalk up the first post-Terry injury clean sheet.
Neil Taylor – 7
A steady performance. A few more games should get him back into the groove a bit more in terms of going forward. But the clean sheet posse is back up and running.
Glen Whelan – 8
Hold the front page, I’m giving Whelan an ‘8’. A solid shift from Whelan who constantly interrupted the Ipswich midfield and robbed them more than once at key times. He contributed at the other end with an assist and some smart switching of the play. Had the most touches of the ball of any Villa player. A key player in the win.
Robert Snodgrass – 7
Another assist for Snodgrass in another blue collar performance. Snodgrass is plugging away and not grabbing the headlines at the mo. He’s certainly contributed to Villa’s current league table position though, only three players in the league have more assists.
Conor Hourihane – 7
The defensive side of his game probably impressed more today. Certainly would like to see him impose himself more in the final third.
Josh Onomah – 6.5
Got into good positions at times to be the fulcrum of attacks, but didn’t have the rub of the green on some of his passing and final touches.
Keinan Davis – 7
Worked hard and was unlucky not to head Villa into the lead in the first half. He’s becoming the unsung hero of the forward line, but if Adomah’s goals dry up, he’ll need to start finding the net. Went off injured, but hopefully not serious.
Albert Adomah –9 MOTM
AA was on cue again to rescue Villa with two very composed finishes coming at perfect times. A match winning showing, just a shame he didn’t get a hat-trick to take home the match ball.
Off the Bench
Chris Samba (25) – 7
El Mohamady (81) – N/A
Didn’t see much of the ball in the final 10 minutes to really make a judgement
Grealish (86) – N/A
Follow MOMS on Facebook, click below:
“…could have read a book, while looking up from your pages to catch the odd worth while passage of play” summed it up nicely. Thought I might have been the only one sitting through most of the game coldly wondering why I hadn’t worn two pairs of socks and an extra jumper. But another win and three points, so onward and well, if not upwards, then at least maintaining a play off place. I think consistency is going to be the key. Apart from Wolves, who look as if they might run away with the league and entertain on their way, any number of teams below us could go on a run and threaten the play off spots. Important game next Friday to prove we are a cut above, and may still, with consistency, get into the other automatic promotion place. Beating Leeds at their place, grinding out the three points or stunning with fantastic football, will keep up the momentum.
Missed the Norwich game, but this was best home performance of the season. Amazingly I think Whelan was man of the match. The difference was Snodgross cane inside to give him a pass. So instead of passing it back to the keeper we were able to move the ball forward. This not only gave us better attacking options it prevented the ball coming straight back at the defence. Particularly in the second half we tatally controlled the game. Let’s hope we can get results against Leeds and Derby and open up a gap between us and 7th and keep within distance of second. For the fist time I’m now optimistic we could actaully challah for automatic promotion. Well done the Villa