The trip to The Den, not normally a happy hunting ground, started off as a typical end of season game. Until Villa clumsily conceded a penalty, there was very little in the way of legitimate chances for either team.
With Villa resting both of their main driving forces in midfield – Jack Grealish and Robert Snodgrass – there was chance for Conor Hourihane, Josh Onomah and Henri Lansbury to impress, yet none really rose to the challenge.
The only real highlight of play came from Mark Bunn’s double save off a second Millwall penalty. Apart from that, the only thing memorable from the game was the end of season sun and the Robert Snodgrass song to the tune of David Bowie’s Starman…
Villa Player Ratings vs Millwall Away
Mark Bunn – 7
Quiet day up until the first penalty, which he went the wrong way for. It’s a shame Villa didn’t get anything from this game, as the double-save Bunn later pulled off from a second Millwall penalty definitely warranted some reward.
James Bree – 6
Had an ok game, but has some positional naivety, showcased when Snodgrass had to literally direct him to overlap, when he should have done it naturally.
Mile Jedinak – 6
Didn’t look completely comfortable when Millwall broke on the counter and he got caught out leading up to the first penalty being given. Won a lot in the air though and generally commanded the back line well against set pieces.
James Chester – 6.5
Villa’s only ever-present player for the season, had a decent enough game and like Jedinak, dealt with Millwall’s aerial threat well. He did give away the second perhaps debatable penalty, which Bunn dealt with well. Almost connected for a late headed equaliser from a corner.
Alan Hutton – 7 MOTM
Hutton broke well through midfield when he got the ball at his feet and was always looking to get on the front foot. It’s a shame Villa’s midfielders didn’t take more of a lead from the Scottish Cafu. I’ll give him the MOTM due to lack of legit alternatives.
Henri Lansbury – 5
Statistically saw the most of the ball of any Villa player, but what did he actually do with it? Not a lot. Was guilty of the tug that gave away a penalty and was largely under-whelming throughout the game. This was a chance to change a few minds, but will go down as a missed opportunity.
Josh Onomah – 6.5
Onomah was dictating play in the opening exchanges. Should have done better when he had a chance shortly after Villa went 1-0 down, but his shot was way too lame. Another long distance shot soon after was also a little on the tame side. Could have inspired the team a bit more. A performance that perhaps summed up his season for Villa.
Conor Hourihane – 6
His best attempt was a left-foot strike from outside of the box, that the keeper palmed away for a corner. Again, at times, he did his invisible man act in the midfield. Will be interesting to see if he’s included in the first XI for the away leg against Middlesbrough, if Bruce decides to go safety first.
Albert Adomah – 6
Played on the right-hand side, but again not as dynamic as he has been earlier in the season. Subbed. Now into double figures for games without a goal. Is he saving himself for the two games against his old club?
Scott Hogan – 5
Started out on the left-hand side, where he rarely got a look-in. Came in to header straight at the keeper from an Adomah cross. Switched more centrally after the half-hour mark. Managed 17 touches, before he was subbed, which isn’t bad for him.
Jonathan Kodjia – 5
A disappointing early afternoon for Kodjia, when this was a real opportunity to prove himself. Offered very little threat and failed to get a shot on target. Subbed.
Off the Bench
The triple substitution ultimately didn’t fire Villa back into the game, all three players no doubt had the first play-off game on their minds, so there was understandably little blood and thunder from them.
Lewis Grabban (74) – N/A
Jack Grealish (74) – N/A
Robert Snodgrass (74) – N/A
UTV
Snodgrass song video on Facebook above, shot by @Adamavfc1874
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