I think most Villa fans will be reluctant to admit Saturday’s performance was pleasing, but on the whole, it actually was. Although an unlikely candidate, Jores Okore brought an end to January’s atrocious goal-drought. We defended reasonably well against a Chelsea team who possess a great amount of quality. However, we still appear inept when attacking our opponents. In the following piece I will take a brief look at how each player contributed and rate their performance out of 10.
Brad Guzan – 7
Always a solid and reliable performer in the Villa goal. Made some crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Couldn’t do anything about either of the Chelsea goals, especially Ivanovic’s volley, which was a magnificent strike.
Aly Cissokho – 5
Not the Frenchmen’s best performance defensively, as Willian caused him all sorts of trouble. However, Cissokho offered great support to his forwards throughout the afternoon.
Jores Okore – 8
Not only did Okore score the highly anticipated and needed goal, he also dealt with the threat of Didier Drogba very well. In the second half, Okore remained committed to the cause, whilst others became lacklustre.
Ciaran Clark – 4
It’s a good thing Ron Vlaar has returned to from injury, as Clark has looked terrible of late. He consistently gave the ball away in danger positions. The Chelsea forwards had the better of him all afternoon. Clark made a fantastic tackle in the first half to prevent Ramires from doubling the scoreline, though.
Alan Hutton – 5
At fault for Chelsea’s first goal, as he left Eden Hazard unmarked. Hazard dictated the Scot for the majority of the game. Like Cissokho however, Hutton was excellent going forward.
Tom Cleverley – 4
Villa’s worst performer all afternoon. The Villa faithful cheered when the United loanee was replaced by Scott Sinclair. He repeatedly squandered good opportunities to trouble Chelsea’s defence. After a series of failures going forward, every time Cleverley was in possession, he decided to play the ball back to his defence, which isn’t an adequate mindset going into future games.
Ashley Westwood – 6
Never really created anything of significance. But the 24-year-old looked confident with the ball at his feet, and unlike Cleverley, aimed to advance the play.
Fabian Delph – 7
Both Delph and Westwood outclassed Cleverley all afternoon. It was a captains performance from Fabian, who fought endlessly to regain possession. He manoeuvred the ball with pace and intent, as he attempted to get his side in front.
Carles Gil – 7
The Spaniard was vital in Okore’s goal. He elegantly drifted past Oscar before putting the ball on a plate for the big centre-half. Carles didn’t create much from open play, but like his captain, he worked very hard to keep Villa in contention.
Andreas Weimann – 5
Weimann was granted some decent opportunities to score, but failed to convert. For the majority of the game he was dominated by Ivanovic.
Gabby Agbonlahor – 5
Similar to his strike partner, Gabby was wasteful in possession. When he was gifted a strike on goal, he often fluffed his lines. I believe both Weimann and Agbonlahor are being hindered by Paul Lambert’s negative style of play.
The players who came off the bench didn’t really have an impact on the contest. Sinclair displayed some signs of promise, as he often tried to out-pace Chelsea’s fatigued defenders.
