Graham Hill takes a man by man look at Villa’s sensational display against Derby County
JED STEER: Preferred again by Dean Smith to Lovre Kalanic – and barely had any work to do. Derby could not muster a shot on target all game, he was simply too well protected by those in front of him…. 6
AHMED ELMOHAMADY: Burst forward superbly to set up Tammy Abraham’s goal and was rarely in trouble for most of the game. Looks more confident that in recent months…. 7
TOMMY ELPHICK: The only blot on Villa’s day was seeing Elphick carried off on a stretcher in the second half. We’re waiting to see how serious the injury is, he was solid before having to go off… 7
TYRONE MINGS: Smith beating a string of rivals to sign Mings on loan is fast looking like a masterstroke. Mings’ influence is just what Villa need at the back as they recorded a rare clean sheet…. 7
KOURTNEY HAUSE: Another valuable addition to the Villa squad in January, Hause may have been out of the picture at Wolves, but he was as effective as any defender against Derby … 7
GLENN WHELAN: An outstanding match from the Irishman. Whelan broke up and frustrated anything a much-changed Derby side tried to do, Started the move for Villa’s excellent second goal…. 9
ALBERT ADOMAH: Played his part in an exceptional Villa display but was probably overshadowed by some of the other outstanding displays. Looked like he took a knock and that may have hindered him… 7
CONOR HOURIHANE: How about this guy? A real influence from start to finish and certainly one of the main contributors to a first half rout from Villa. Freed up by Grealish’s return, scored twice…. 9
JACK GREALISH: Stole all the headlines on his return after injury. Seemed inspired by being given the captain’s armband – and that goal will be talked about for a long time…. 9
ANWAR EL GHAZI: Fitted in well to the attacking nature of Villa’s display and worked hard to keep Villa on top. Perhaps had a better second half when he might have added to the scoreline…… 7
TAMMY ABRAHAM: Scored his 21st goal of the season and set up two more for Hourihane. A selfless team performance but he will now be looking to net 25 goals this season at least….. 8
SUBS: NEIL TAYLOR (for Elphick, 67mins): Brought on at short notice due to Elphick’s injury, but did not put a foot wrong….. 6
TOM CARROLL (for Grealish, 71mins): Came on with 20 minutes left when Grealish left the field, looked bright and impressed during his cameo spell….. 6
ANDRE GREEN: (for El Ghazi, 80mins): Barely enough time to make an impression, but did nothing wrong and the game was more than won by this point… 6
Not Used: Kalnic, Jedinak, Bjarnason, Kodjia
