Player ratings

Niemi- 7/10- Solid. Couldn't do much with the own goal and pulled off some good saves.

Baird-4/10- Had moments of positive play but continues to look out of his depth. Doesn't push up enough and when he does his cross ends up in row Z.

Hughes-7/10- Unlucky with the own goal. Very solid through out the game. Was in charge of marking the giant Carew at set pieces and the fact Carew didn't provide much threat shows how well he did.

Hangeland-9/10- Brilliant. Didn't put a foot wrong through out the game. In charge of marking Larsen at set piece and only lost his man once. Proving to be a brilliant signing.

Konchesky-8/10- Solid in the defence and more than happy to push up the field. Possible should have crossed the ball into the box more often. Capello doesn't like Ashley Cole right?

Andreasen-8/10- Full of energy all game. Pace, strength and a good eye for a pass. Prevented attacks from villa early in the midfield and provided a way out of tricky situations to our defence and midfield.

Bullard-10/10- Superb. Don't think there was a single blade of grass on the pitch Jimmy didn't touch. Topped off a fantastic display with THAT free kick. God I love this guy!!

Davies-8/10- Has worked hard on his defensive work. Helped out Konch well when called upon. Took the ball out of defence well and always looked dangerous in the other box. Brilliant finish for the goal!

Murphy-8/10-Linked up well with Bullard and Andreasen. A bit expensive in the first half but played well in the second.

Dempsey-9/10- All energy display as usual. Showed pace, skill and strength. Linked up play between midfield and attack with ease. Target man during the game and always a threat in the air.

Nevland-7/10- Played well on his debut. Defends from the front and showed some good touches and enjoys hugging the shoulders of the defence. Possible needs another striker along side him as he was found chasing his own nock downs more often than not. Looks promising.

Subs

Kamara- 7/10- Only on for 11 minutes but showed determination and grit (promise). Chased the ball, tackled and actually put in an effort!! Believe it or not he looked good!! Pace and skill too much for the villa defence to cope with and won THE free kick.

McBride-7/10- He`s back!! Played like he hadn`t been away at all. Got up well and always won the ball in the air. Headed the ball down with accuracy. Stay for another season Brian!!

Your thoughts please!