COMMENTARY
Aston Villa may have only managed a 1-1 draw with Stoke City, but many Villans fans couldn’t avoid heaping praise on midfielder Conor Hourihane for his display. The 28-year-old midfielder has often been criticised this season as he hasn’t delivered the goods, but that wasn’t the case in the second-half of Saturday’s clash with Stoke. Hourihane did look sub-par in the first 45 minutes for his side, though many of his teammates did as well, and raised his game in the second-half to show everyone what he was capable of. The 28-year-old seem to win every tackle he went in for and his passes regularly found their mark. Given that this was drastically better than his recent displays, it’s no surprise that one Villans fans claimed it was a much-improved performance by him. Hopefully the 28-year-old can build on his performance against Stoke and really inspire fans in the matches that remain. It’s also worth noting that one eagle-eyed Villans fan even claimed Hourihane looked sheepish at full-time when approaching supporters due to his recent poor form, and urged the player not to feel that way after putting in a good display.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below:
https://twitter.com/HarryWR19/status/1099355580614012929
https://twitter.com/holteendersview/status/1099364794950451201
Hourihane was very good today, purely because he wasn’t pinned on his own box.
That’s what has been the problem.— Phil Roberts (@PhilHRoberts) February 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/VillaViews_/status/1099356430317117442
Much better, especially 2nd half. Thought we did enough to win it and glad Hourihane had a good game after what happened in the Albion game. Cracking atmosphere to be part of ? pic.twitter.com/b0pwV1sCjV
— James Underhill (@Jay_Avfc1) February 23, 2019
Sounds like Hourihane was much improved today, music to my ears ?? keep it up Conor! #AVFC
— Adz (@AdzW90) February 23, 2019
I have been very critical of Connor Hourihane past few games, but I’m a fair man and I thought he was much better today. He looked a bit sheepish as he walked towards Villa fans at the end but he doesn’t need to be. Villa fans will back him if he puts the effort in.
— Nigel B6??? (@B6Nigel) February 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/jamieavfcvilla/status/1099401166864220166
I don’t think him & McGinn can play in the same team, which is why I thought Hourihane looked better today. Both left footed, so I guess their natural instincts are the same..?!
— Gumbo (@Gumbo22003) February 23, 2019