Sam Johnstone – Aston Villa
17th in Championship before Newcastle game
The on loan ‘keeper played from the start in Villa’s 2-0 away loss to Newcastle United. It was the midlands side’s eighth loss in their last nine games and they remain in 17th place. Newcastle scored from their first chance in the 42nd minute. It was a close range effort following a scramble in the box from a corner. For the second goal, Johnstone saved a free kick, but conceded an own goal from the resulting corner, but in truth there was little he could do.
Sam also played in Villa’s midweek game against Barnsley but was unable to prevent Barnsley taking the lead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute. Then just a minute before half time the deficit was doubled as a delicate short came across Johnstone but he was unable to keep it out. The hosts did pull one back on the hour mark but the two goal advantage was soon restored after some poor defending from Villa. The home side lost 1-3.
Andreas Pereira – Granada
The young Brazilian midfielder had an eventful game as his side won their second home game in a row, beating Real Betis 4-1. The 21 year-old scored his third goal in four games and put Granada 3-0 ahead. Andreas also assisted one but finally received a red card in the second half for pushing a Betis player. The game was all but over at the time but he will now miss game time with a suspension looming.
Adnan Januzaj (Sunderland) did not have a game because of his side’s elimination from the cup
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (Wolves) did not feature in either match day squad for Wolves this week.