Aston Villa avoid a third successive defeat after beating Bolton 2-0 at Villa Park

Jack Grealish and James Chester were on the scoresheet for Aston Villa in a 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Villa Park.

An early goal from Grealish put the home side ahead, but they were unable to further their lead before the half-time whistle following an impressive display.

Bolton’s biggest chance of the first half came when Erhun Oztumer found the head of Jack Hobbs at the far post, but it was a terrific goal-line clearance from James Chester that denied the visitors an equaliser.

A free-kick won by John McGinn in the early stages of the second-half provided Villa with the opportunity to get a second and they duly delivered when a ball floated in by Grealish was headed home by Chester.

Dean Smith believed the win was deserved but stated after the game: “I didn’t think we were anywhere near our best. Of the four games we’ve had since I came in, that was probably the least dominant we’ve been.”

Aston Villa have only won two of the four games played since Smith took charge, suffering defeats away to QPR and Norwich City.

The Villa boss, however, was full of praise for Grealish and Chester: “Jack Grealish did just what was asked of him in getting in the box and scoring. And James Chester put in a really good performance.”

He also referred the goal line clearance from Chester in the first half, saying it was “like another goal.”

Bolton Wanderers endured a difficult first half and were fortunate not to be two down going into the break after Chester’s header was ruled offside.

The home side did eventually add to their lead in the 57th minute when a Grealish free kick once again found the head of Chester, this time with the offside flag staying down.

When discussing his team’s performance, Phil Parkinson said: “we had the chances. One cleared off the line and a lot of scrambles in the box.”

“Conceding so early was disappointing. Was it concentration levels or was it a good link-up play between Abraham and Grealish? Probably a bit of both.”

The Bolton boss was left aggrieved with the refereeing decisions he believed went against his team.

He questioned: “how has the ref has given a free-kick? I’m gobsmacked. Joe Williams has won the ball cleanly with a great tackle.”

Following the victory, Aston Villa are now 13th in the Championship on 21 points, whereas Bolton sit down in 19th on just 16 points.

Aston Villa now face a difficult test away to 6th place Derby County, with Frank Lampard’s side unbeaten in 6 in the Championship.

Bolton Wanderers will be at home to Swansea City for match day 17 with the South Wales side sitting 9th in the table on 23 points.

Date Written: 2/11/2018 | Submitted as part of an assessed portfolio in my first year of university.