How we rated the Irons v Villa

Hughie hands out the marks

Fabianski: Three fine saves and no chance with a hugely deflected goal . Very good performance 7+

Coufal: Had his work really cut out marking Grealish and probably got the worst of it but the Villa player is probably the biggest  cheat I’ve seen for a long while so a tough old job 6

Balbuena: Did little wrong again but found a bit of trouble when Grealish went through the middle for a spell 6+

Oggy: Usual 7+. Strong and robust. Good display AGAIN 7+

Cresswell: Not at the level of  recent games – struggled and gave away what could have been a crucial free kick 5

Rice: Off his usual game on a night when none were truly at their  best despite the result 6+

Soucek: Didn’t notice him for long periods. Goal-bound shot blocked in first minute and not much thereafter 5

Bowen: Vital header for second goal – always busy but looked  tired when subbed for Noble 7

Fornals: Busy but no serious input 5

Masuaku: Lots of fancy footwork but no real penetration 6

Antonio: Didn’t look ready to start and subbed at half time  after a very quiet 45 minutes 4  

Subs:

Benrahma: Lovely chipped ball for Bowen’s headed goal – then quiet as Villa pressed in second half 6 

Haller: Little service as we were pushed onto the back foot but certainly looked up for it 5

Noble: On late for the tiring Bowen and was perfectly adequate 5