OPINION
Every team’s fanbase has that one player that fans constantly lay into.
A frustrating, scapegoat figure who they love to hate, who they immediately jump on whenever things are going down hill quickly.
For many Aston Villa fans, that man is usually Conor Hourihane.
The midfielder has been the subject of a lot of criticism from the Villans’ supporters this season, as compiled by This Is Futbol, and for the most part it has been fairly justified.
Admittedly expected to play in a slightly deeper role than he has usually been deployed, the Irishman has looked flimsy and quite negative for large swathes of the campaign, and that has been reflected in the Villa Park faithful’s reactions to his performances.
It hasn’t helped that he has been a central member of a side that have fluctuated so wildly in form that, at times, they have looked like outside shots of both promotion and a relegation scrap.
There have been plenty of calls for Hourihane to be dropped by Dean Smith at various points, but given the injury crises that they have faced for most of the season, that hasn’t always been a realistic possibility.
Looking back on his recent record, however, the 28-year-old may not fully deserve all of the criticism that he comes in for.
Since making his Championship debut in January 2017, Hourihane has registered 18 goals for Aston Villa, the joint most of any in the league, including two against Derby County on Saturday.
Goals from midfield are such a crucial advantage for any side, regardless of level, and Hourihane, despite his flaws, does provide a vital service for Smith’s team.
Maybe it’s time supporters laid off him a bit.