COMMENTARY
Plenty of the focus was on midfielder Jack Grealish for Aston Villa’s clash against Derby County on Saturday but it was his partner in the centre of the pitch who had tongues wagging among the Villa faithful. Glenn Whelan is not the most popular of players at the club, the Republic of Ireland ace often blamed for poor performances, but his display against the Rams was one of the most influential outings the club has seen in some time. He was remarkably composed throughout, showing great control both in and out of possession. Passing the ball around like Andrea Pirlo in his prime, he demonstrated his ability to do the dirty side of the job by breaking Derby’s attacks up again and again. He was absolutely crucial for Dean Smith’s side and alongside Grealish was left running the show. It was hugely impressive and it gives Villa fans a huge reason to get excited for the rest of the season. If they can do this to Derby, then can anyone stop them?
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
What a breakout that was. Phenomenal pass by Whelan to get it started.
— Jeremy ? (@AstonVillanUSA) March 2, 2019
Absolutely fantastic by Glenn Whelan for the 2nd. Genuinely.
— Dec (@KingsyAVFC) March 2, 2019
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAL TAMMY! UNREAL FROM WHELAN! HOURIHANE PLAYS IT WIDE! EL MOHAMMADY ACROSS FROM TAMMY! GET IN! 2-0. #AVFC
— astonforza (@astonforza) March 2, 2019
Whelan having a blinder. #avfc
— D (@Dips_avfc) March 2, 2019
Glenn Whelan ???? Recovered the ball first from Mings misplaced pass, then the direct ball fizzed Into Conor(Thats what he does so effective week after week)looking very much in control so far, keep it up Villa ??@AVFCOfficial @TheVillaView_
— Smithy (@mike_smith83) March 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/IanMSanders/status/1101872230521290752
https://twitter.com/graham_maher/status/1101872318622695425
Glen Whelan best player on the pitch
— Nigel Gisbourne (@gsbrn1) March 2, 2019