OPINION
Aston Villa were resigned to a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Friday night in what was a desperately unlucky result for the visitors, and there were plenty of talking points to take away from the game.
Villa took the lead twice with a brace from Anwar El-Ghazi, with Dwight Gayle grabbing a goal and James Rodriguez netting a controversial equaliser in stoppage time that appeared to bounce off his hand.
This is Futbol have picked out three things we learned about Villa v West Brom below.
El-Ghazi had his best game in a Villa shirt
El-Ghazi is never usually the standout performer for Aston Villa, but he deserves to take all the glory here despite dropping two points. His brace is what earned Villa a share of the spoils and it is safe to say that it was a magical performance from the 23-year-old on Friday. Yes, admittedly his first goal was diverted in by Baggies defender Ahmed Hegazi, but his second strike really was a sight to behold. The attacker dazzled the West Brom defence with his wonderful skill, and fans will no doubt have their fingers crossed that he maintains his form – as Villa would then be a force to be reckoned with.
Hutton needs to be axed imminently
Alan Hutton has been a mainstay in the Aston Villa defence this season but it is safe to say that this performance was rather abysmal. The 6ft 1in [Transfermarkt] player was the one at fault for West Brom’s equaliser after Villa had intially gone in front, and there is no doubt that he struggled against Harvey Barnes, who has been impressing for West Brom this season. Supporters would have been relieved to see Hutton shift to the left out of the way of Barnes, but all in all, Dean Smith needs to be ruthless and axe the 34-year-old as soon as possible in time for their next fixture with Stoke City. If Villa want to be promotion contenders, they need to be able to cope with the attacking threat from a player like Barnes – as they are only going to be faced with tougher opposition if they get to the Premier League.
Villa did not have luck on their side
Many fans who would have witnessed this game will certainly be saying the same thing about the result. Villa were robbed of all three points here thanks to the match officials, who somehow missed the fact that West Brom’s equaliser came off Rodriguez’ hand. This may end up proving pivotal in the promotion race, something which will obviously anger the fans. Aston Villa were the better side here at the Hawthorns, and they deserved a lot more than having to resort to sharing the spoils.