Express & Star

Aston Villa 4 Wolves 1 - Villa player ratings

Villa kept up the pace in the automatic promotion race by hammering leaders Wolves on Saturday night.

Published

Here we rate the performance of Steve Bruce's players after their third straight Championship victory.

Sam Johnstone

Could perhaps have done better with the Wolves goal, though the touch from James Chester seemed to wrong-foot him. Showed strong handling and command of his box in the second half. 7/10.

Ahmed Elmohamady

Had his work cut out in the early stages as Wolves looked to counter through Diogo Jota. Was much more assured during the second half and linked up well with Snodgrass down the right. 6/10.

James Chester

Another impressive performance from Villa’s Mr Dependable, who made countless interceptions and several vital challenges. Most importantly, he scored for the second game in succession to restore Villa’s lead in the second half. 8/10.

John Terry

Was found wanting only once, when Ivan Cavaleiro appeared to just breeze past him midway through the first half. Otherwise Villa’s skipper led by example with a commanding performance. 8/10.

Neil Taylor

Seemed to be struggling in the early stages and was beaten too easily by Matt Doherty in the build-up to Wolves’s goal. Much better after the break, as were Villa as a whole. 6/10.

Mile Jedinak

Given the nod over Birkir Bjarnason to replace Glenn Whelan in a deep lying midfield role and was quickly involved, providing the header which led to the opener. Played a key role in front of the back four. 7/10.

Jack Grealish

Back in the starting XI for the first time in almost a month, Grealish was quickly back to the form which made him one of the division’s standout players earlier in the year. Outshone Ruben Neves in the middle of the park. 8/10.

Conor Hourihane

More than played his part in the victory with a busy performance in the middle of the park. Kept possession well and made a number of key challenges. 7/10.

Albert Adomah

Set the ball rolling for Villa with his 14th Championship goal of the campaign. Always a willing outlet down the left and provided the perfect cross for Grabban. 8/10.

Lewis Grabban

The on loan Bournemouth man is proving an inspired signing after scoring for the fourth consecutive game. Held the ball up well in the lone striker role and took his goal superbly. 7/10.

STAR MAN

Robert Snodgrass

The Scot’s constant running summed up Villa’s desire on an evening when the pressure was on, while his quality from set pieces once again proved pivotal. Helped Villa get back ahead thanks to a vicious free-kick which Chester converted and was a constant menace to Wolves throughout. He also got through a big chunk of defensive work. 8/10.

Substitutes

Birkir Bjarnason (for Adomah, 75 mins)

Ended any hopes of a Wolves comeback with a superb solo strike. 7/10.

Henri Lansbury (for Hourihane, 81 mins)

Looked bright in his first apperance since January.

Scott Hogan (for Grabban, 86 mins)

A late cameo for the striker.

Subs not used: Bree, Onomah, Davis, Bunn (gk).