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da betano casino： Aston Villa got back to winning ways with a battling 2-1 victory over Ipswich on Saturday to bring them within four points of the play-off spots and, while Tammy Abraham will have undoubtedly won the plaudits for his game-winning brace, there was an unsung hero in the ranks who some Villa fans would surely hesitate to praise.
On the chalkboard
Dean Smith set his side in a 4-1-4-1 formation with an enforcer between to provide cover – that defensive midfielder was Glenn Whelan, a man who has been annihilated in the past by supporters, even when they have won. This season too, the Irishman has suffered his fair share of stick on social media…
At 35 years of age, Whelan is still going strong despite being well into his twilight years, however his inclusion in the starting XI against the Tractor Boys raised a few eyebrows.
But Whelan was impressive in the middle of the park and his tidy work on the ball combined with his dirty work off it was hugely important as the Midlands outfit gritted their teeth to a first league win of 2019 – finally.
Well played, Whelan
The 5-foot-11 tough-tackler completed 84% of his passes, using the ball sensibly in midfield, while also playing dangerous forward balls – he achieved one key pass in his 78 minute spell on the pitch (stats per WhoScored).
Not afraid to stick his foot in, either, the number 6 completed 2 interceptions and a tackle, cutting an assured figure in front of a defence that had looked uncertain and leaked goals for fun previously. The likes of Tommy Elphick and James Chester will have been thankful for the veteran’s presence.
Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video above…
Whelan might not have the legs to do anything particularly special on the ball, and this may be why he is crucified for making mistakes, but he hardly put a foot wrong on Saturday at a time when Villa needed calmness and effectiveness most.
Maybe those fans that have had a go at him in the past have been a little harsh – Whelan may not be glamorous or fashionable, but he’s an important player in this Villa team.