Aston Villa player ratings: Grealish gets 10 after Birmingham fan punch - who else shone?
Aston Villa player ratings: Jack Grealish bounced back from being attacked by a Birmingham fan to score the winner at St Andrew’s, but how did his team-mates fair?
Jack Grealish: Attack could have been 'much worse' says pundit
Aston Villa star Grealish scored a fine solo goal to secure all-three points against their rivals Birmingham City.
But that strike only came after 23-year-old was punched by a Birmingham fan who had leaped over the advertising boards and evaded the stewards to get to him.
Villa were hoping to leapfrog their near neighbours in the Championship table, and took the lead midway through the second half.
And they had Grealish's fine finish from the edge of the box to thank as they secured the spoils in the Second City Derby.
Here's Express Sport's verdict on how Grealish and co. fared against their bitter rivals.
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Neil Taylor - 7
Energetic display from the Wales international who also grabbed an assist for the goal.
Glenn Whelan - 7 (McGinn 63’) - 6
Played well for an hour before being withdrawn, gives Grealish and Hourihane freedom to roam.
Conor Hourihane - 7
Hit the cross bar in the second half as Villa pushed their rivals in submission, the engine of the midfield.
Jack Grealish - 10 (Bjarnason 84’) - N/A
Reacted perfectly to the fan attack by scoring the winner, fully deserved his celebration with the fans - but he did see yellow from the referee.
Aston Villa player ratings: Jack Grealish bounced back to win the game for Villa (Image: GETTY)
Albert Adomah - 6 (Green 63’) - 6
Played poorly before being dragged off for Andre Green.
Anwar El Ghazi - 6
Failed to get a hold of the match, disappointing display from the two-time Netherlands international.
Tammy Abraham - 6
Struggled up against Harlee Dean and Michael Morrison, not his finest hour in a Villa shirt.