Ipswich Town vs Aston Villa Recap 1-1

Villa came into the Ipswich match riding high on three wins — though not playing the best football.

The only change from the last league match was Adomah for Green. I expect that to be a common rotation and think it is a good move for both players to keep fresh.

Some audio issues from AVTV made the match a tough watch — and served as a perfect metaphor for the team in general. The hosts made the first real attack after showing some real counter attacking ability. Thankfully for Villa supporters the final touch went off the bar instead of hitting the back of the net. It should have been a wake-up call for Villa.

It wasn’t. Ipswich proceeded to dominate the match for the next ten minutes.

But then it was time for the big man to open his account. Jonathan Kodjia finally scored a goal. Big credit to McGinn for a good ball in from the right side – and Kodjia made no mistake with the header. Scoring goals is a confidence game and hopefully Mr. Danger can go on a run.

Seriously AVTV –- sync the audio.

Kodjia almost doubled the lead around the 30’ mark. This time it was a free kick from Jack. Hit hard and a perfect height for a flick on – but the bar denied the big man his second of the day.

Villa wish he had put it away because it was only a few minutes later when Nyland was left with egg on his face after coming out too far for a long throw. He didn’t get the ball and the open net welcomed the equalizing goal. Frustrating to see another mistake cost Villa. Having said that — this doesn’t mean he is a terrible keeper and should be shot into the sun. Yes that is a statement toward some of the Twitter reaction.

With five minutes left in the half the game changed when Edun was shown a second yellow card. The home crowd didn’t like it – but Ipswich made a handful of rough tackles all over the pitch.

The halftime speech didn’t work. It was ten-man Ipswich who came out on the pitch with more energy. But the pressure came to nothing as Villa settled in to what was a slow start to the half. Neither team put a stamp on the match – which says more about Villa because of being a man up.

With an hour gone Adomah put a soft rolling shot on target for the only the second shot on target of the match for Villa. Why include that here -- because the first 20 minutes of the second half was a bore.

Birkir Bjarnason and Axel Tuanzebe made way for Hourihane and Green. Hutton picked up a yellow. I got more coffee. The team looked like they needed some too. Even when Villa tried to slow the game down and possess the ball everything seemed to break down. And it wasn’t even the final ball – it was just set up play that would break down.

Hepburn-Murphy came on for Albert Adomah and tried to put some energy into the squad playing down the right.

Villa tried (somewhat) near the end and had a few half chances. Mostly following to Hourihane but they were all blocked, saved, or fell apart.

In the end — frustration won and Villa failed to.