Steve Bruce’s unbeaten start to his managerial stint at Aston Villa was extended to eight games as his side beat Neil Warnock’s Cardiff City 3-1 at Villa Park.
Albert Adomah got the scoring underway for Villa in the 24th minute with his first goal for the club after he got on the end of Jordan Amavi’s cross.
Cardiff equalised soon after thanks to a calm finish from veteran Rickie Lambert but Jonathan Kodjia’s header roughly ten minutes later gave Villa a deserved half time lead.
The visitors were the better side after the break and pushed for a equaliser but a mixture of resolute defending and poor shooting meant that Villa managed to keep them at bay.
Villa made sure of all three points late on when Rudy Gestede scored from the penalty spot after Jack Grealish was fouled in the box.
Here are our Villa player ratings from the game:
Pierluigi Gollini - 6
Looked a bit shaky early on but steadied himself in the second half and made a few decent stops.
Alan Hutton - 6
Hutton looks eager to fight and impress which is a testament to Steve Bruce getting his motivated and to the player for turning his career around.
James Chester - 8
Defended magnificently once again. Looks a class above most Championship players.
Nathan Baker - 6
Had a pretty solid opening 45 minutes before coming off with an injury.
Jordan Amavi - 7
Attacked well and got the assist and also showed his defensive capabilities.
Westwood - 6
Worked hard as usual and constantly put the Cardiff midfielders under pressure.
Mile Jedinak - 8
Continued his run of good form with another outstanding display. Probably Villa’s best player. He often influences the game both in defence and attack.
Jack Grealish - 8
Played slightly deeper and had a big impact on the game. Drew the fold that got Lee Peltier sent off and also won the penalty.
Albert Adomah - 7
Didn’t have a great start in truth but took his goal well and also got an assist for Kodjia.
Jordan Ayew - 6
Involved in the first goal and his use of the ball was pretty good until he was replaced around the hour mark.
Jonathan Kodjia - 7
Took his goal well once again. Moved out wide for the final 30 minutes and did a good job for the team.
(Sub) Tommy Elphick - 6
Replaced Baker at half time and defended really well.
(Sub) Gabby Agbonlahor - 6
Looked a bit fitter than usual. Probably should have scored when one on one with Ben Amos.
Rudy Gestede - 6
Provided the out ball. Put away his penalty with ease.