AVFC Player Ratings: Goal-Shy Villa Secure Away Point At Leicester

Although it was far from a classic at The King Power stadium, Villa successfully secured an away point to halt a run of four consecutive Premier League defeats.

Gerrard will be uplifted by a far more solid defensive display, but must now be concerned about how toothless Villa have become in the attacking third. Despite fashioning 8 attempts (to Leicester’s 3), it was another afternoon of frustration in front of goal.

Up next for Gerrard is Villa’s former boss Dean Smith and soon to be relegated Norwich City. Whilst Smith will be rightly welcomed back to Villa Park, there is no room for sentimentality against the league’s bottom club.

PLAYER RATINGS

Martinez

Largely untroubled by the hosts and a reliable figure behind the defence as usual. Only eyebrow raising moment was decision to palm away second half free-kick from Maddison when appearing easier to catch.

CASH

Energetic down the flanks and defensively sound.

MINGS

Composed performance from the Captain and did well behind a midfield that didn’t always offer the greatest cover. Audibly vocal in trying to lift a subdued performance in front on him. Should have at least hit the target with a 1st half header from a corner.

KONSA

A much better display after a period of indifferent form, far more assured.

YOUNG

Played really well, deputising for injured Digne. Showed his experience on a number of occasions, disrupting the hosts attempts to catch Villa cold by applying the dark arts.

Douglas Luiz

Worked hard, if unspectacular in doing so. Amongst those in a midfield who we need an extra gear from, as any pace from our play appears to dissipate once at Luiz’s feet.

McGinn

A quiet performance against from the Scottish international. Guilty of playing a blind pass in the first half that released the hosts into a dangerous area.

Ramsey

Lively in brief moments, but as is the case with many younger prodigees, struggling to recreate earlier season highs with consistency.

Bailey

Appeared unable or reluctant to unleash his trademark bursts of pace and is perhaps mindful of breaking down with injury again. Missed a glorious chance early in the game, skying an effort over the bar when easier to score. Naively conceded a free-kick on the edge of Villa’s box to Gerrard’s fury on the stroke of half-time. A worry.

WATKINS

Worked the channels and found himself in goalscoring space on three occasions. A loss of footing, poor control or Schmeichel kept him off the scoresheet across the 90 minutes. Livelier performance, but needs to take chances such as those that presented.

COUTINHO

A couple of moments of brilliance cannot overlook the fact the Brazilian rarely featured. It’s now 5 games since Coutinho fashioned a goalscoring opportunity in a Villa side crying out for flair and creativity. A puzzle.

From The Bench:

Buendia appeared in replacement of Coutinho, immediately offering an increase in energy. The Argentine went close with a curling effort from outside the area. Iroegbunam made a second senior substitute appearance and Nakamba arrived in the closing stages, returning after long term injury.

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