Sports News of Saturday, 17 September 2016

Source: goal.com

Jordan Ayew frustrated as Aston Villa draw again

Jordan Ayew Jordan Ayew

Aston Villa’s run of draws continued as they were held 0-0 by Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday, with Jordan Ayew ineffectual.

The Ghana striker led the line along with new signing Jonathan Kodjia but was unable to break the deadlock as an Ipswich defence which included impressive centre-backs Christophe Berra and Adam Webster held firm.

The draw was Villa’s third in a row and their fifth of the season, as Roberto Di Matteo’s side have struggled to assert themselves over their rivals in the second tier of English football.

They enjoyed the majority of the possession—over 58 percent—but their hosts had more shots as a Villa side playing a 3-5-2 formation with width, provided by only by wingbacks Jordan Amavi and Leandro Bacuna, limited.

It was a muted showing from Jordan, who had looked revived in the Villains’ 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest earlier in the month.

He took two shots—without finding the target—managed one key pass and averaged 92.1 percent pass success rate, the most of any Villa player apart from compatriot Albert Adomah, who was introduced as a late substitute.

The forward was heavily involved in the Midlanders’ build-up play, taking a team-high 62 touches, and completed two dribbles.

The draw leaves Villa 18th in the Championship, six points off the playoffs and only three clear of the relegation zone.