Bunn (7)
Described as having the necessary “experience” over the inconsistent Gollini, Bunn demonstrated his worth with a fine late save. Distribution remains erratic and his dallying when clearing lead to the Burton equaliser in the first half.
Hutton (5)
An inconsistent performance. Lots of heart and running, but dreadful passing throughout the game enabled the visitors to have lots of luck attacking down the left. Better teams would have punished us.
Chester (6)
Another steady performance, with some calm touches. Struggled with the physicality as the game progressed and was exposed on more than one occasion across the afternoon.
Baker (7)
Another physically commanding performance, with countless headed clearances over 90 minutes. Baker isn’t afraid of a challenge and cleared the lines whenever he could have a say in it. For all of this, he must find more composure on the ball. It need not always be an aimless hoofed clearance back to the opposition.
Amavi (6)
Struggled going forward today but was persistent in his attempts. Fared well also defensively, recovering well on one occasion to deny a certain goal-scoring possibility. Competent, if not stand-out.
Adomah (6)
The winger was tireless in his efforts, despite many of his forays and exertions coming to little. Whilst Adomah carries a threat, he can get lost in a side that isn’t clicking right now. Guilty of missing a sitter early in the 2nd half when easier to score, but assisted with the opening goal for Bacuna.
Gardner (5)
A willing runner, as it now becoming his USP, until injured in the closing stages of the 1st half. Villa improved noticeably for Grealish coming on as his replacement however.
Grealish (8)
Enjoyed an almost 90% pass completion rate (sexy stat) in 2nd half. A constant terror for Burton and provided threat and purpose going forward.
Jedinak (5)
Dominant in the air, but struggled for any sort of composure with the ball at his feet. Relinquished hard earned possession on more than one occasion and was wisely withdrawn on 75 minutes.
Ayew (6)
A 15 minute cameo was enough to illustrate that a talent lurks within our most frustrating player. His close control and pace injected immediate urgency to the play. Ayew was instrumental in the winner, providing the assist for McCormack. There is hope yet.
Bacuna (6)
Gametime for a man who many feel had been unfairly peripheral after improved early season form. Scored the opener, a decent header which Villa should have built upon. However, Bacuna suffers from going missing in games and is as guilty as any for unforced errors.
McCormack (8)
A tireless performance from the Scot who harried and tried all afternoon. Rewarded for his efforts with the winning goal on 78 minutes and composed himself well as the ball broke to him before slotting home. A welcome goal from the big money signing who will have great expectations resting upon his shoulders in the weeks ahead.
Kodjia (6)
Hard-working and ran himself into the ground, but had a bit of an off day. Guilty of overplaying at times and opted to plough into trouble where a pass was on to a better placed Villa player. With that said, a handful for the visitors and always carries the possibility of crafting something out of nothing.
Agbonlahor (2)
A late appearance did little to inspire confidence that match sharpness is returning. Indeed, Gabby was almost guilty of gifting the visitors a needless chance in the latter stages having been dispossessed when only a Villa counter attack seemed possible. An alarming ongoing experiment from Bruce.
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