Johnstone (5)
The Man Utd loanee’s shakiest performance between the sticks. Whilst not directly to blame for any of the goals, fumbled a catch and allowed a dangerous ball to sail perilously close to the upright. A promising figure who must apply the lessons learned at Griffin Park.
Hutton (3)
A hapless showing from the former Scottish international. Openly ridiculed by the home support from the sidelines, Hutton was exposed repeatedly by Brentford’s width & pace. Positioning also left much to be desired, with question marks for the hosts second. Fortunate to see Johnstone save after his error allowed Brentford to break in the second half. Dismal : a hangover from a Villa era which must be cured.
Chester (5)
One of the least composed displays from the Captain. Caught out with Brentford’s movement for the opener to allow a free run on goal, from which Chester was unable to recover. Guilty also of dallying in the box when under pressure, almost resulting in a goal during closing stages of the first half. Wrong footed by a clever pass for Brentford’s third. Whilst he got little protection from midfield, looked un-nerved throughout.
Baker (4)
Struggled similarly to Chester this evening. Unable to cope with pace and movement, finding himself chasing shadows as the game passed him by. Seen scrambling to recover on more than one occasion as the fullbacks offered little to no resistance. Baker has a role to play at the club, but when faced with more technical threats, can come unstuck very quickly indeed.
Amavi (2)
An alarming display from a player whose form has fallen off a cliff since transfer speculation emerged. Defensively he was unable to cope with much that tested him. Brentford repeatedly targeted Villa’s flanks and enjoyed success down Villa’s left all evening. Amavi offered next to nothing going forward and was guilty of aimless passes straight back to the opposition on more than one occasion. Abysmal and simply needs to be dropped.
Hourihane (5)
Hard work and running didn’t translate into much success on the night. Looked unsure of his role in a midfield three that was completely bypassed. Unfairly booked for a clean tackle in the second half but cut a frustrated figure otherwise. Was fortunate in the first half to escape a serious injury when on the receiving end of a two footed challenge.
Lansbury (5)
Unable to compete as Brentford bypassed the midfield and struggled to impose himself on the game. Noticeably peripheral after receiving treatment for a head wound but played on.
Bjarnason (4)
Visibly off the pace and looked similarly unsure as Hourihane as to his role in the middle of the park. Afforded little time to think on the ball and the experience of the pace of English football was likely an eye opener. Withdrawn midway through the second half.
Adomah (6)
A tireless runner who can’t be expected to do it all by himself. Had limited success with bursts downfield and didn’t get any luck from the referee, who missed a clear foul & later pulled back play without playing advantage. Crossing wasn’t up to scratch tonight, but his persistence was notable, if fruitless.
Kodjia (5)
Missed a golden opportunity inside the opening ten minutes during the brief spell Villa were on top. Found himself running the channels, often alone and was limited in crafting his own opportunities all night. Whilst far from a vintage performance, desperately needs competent support in or around him to aid the attack.
Green (5)
Tried hard and justifies his selection on promise alone at the moment. Offers a spark when on the ball, but the game can pass him by when Villa aren’t in possession. Villa’s left hand side was very weak and between himself and Amavi next to nothing was done to prevent the cross for the second goal. Defence might not be his game, but he must provide more when the team is under sustained pressure.