Steve Harper (6) - Not sure whether or not to blame him for their second goal. He seemed to be fouled although he could have punched it also. Other than that, he was solid.

Danny Simpson (6) - He defended well, although he did not go forward too much. Can't say I'm disappointed with his performance though.

Steven Taylor (6.5) - He wasn't quite as good as his centre partner today, although he didn't have a bad day either. Recovered well after a shaky start.

Fabricio Coloccini (7.5) - He seemed to win almost everything in the air, while he also made some good challenges. He is our best defender on current form which is very encouraging.

Jose Enrique (6) - He too defended well and made the odd surge forward, but he seemed to give the ball away a lot which was disappointing. Perhaps in need of being rested, if only we could afford that luxury.

Danny Guthrie (6.5) - He provided yet another excellent assist for the first goal with a dangerous cross. Had some good moments but also had some bad moments where he gave the ball away and gave needless fouls.

Nicky Butt (7) - Filled in nicely for Smith, although his age showed at times. A good performance though, standing in.

Kevin Nolan (7) - Another well taken goal for the Scouser and it's yet another reason why he is so important to our promotion push. Apart from that he wasted one or two opportunities in the latter third, but it was he who got us back into the game after a poor start.

Jonas Gutierrez (6) - He was largely ineffective but did manage to provide the pass for Ameobi's goal. He also tracked back and helped out Enrique but otherwise he was rightfully substituted in the second half.

Marlon Harewood (6) - He worked hard up front but should have been substituted a bit earlier in my opinion. No real clear cut opportunity for him during the match but his return to Villa might now give Ranger some much needed game time, which isn't a bad thing.

Shola Ameobi (7.5) - He was excellent, particularly in the first half. He's goal was expertly taken while his hold up play was good and his touches were neat. He seemed to get tired in the second half and ran out of steam but a very encouraging game from him none the less.

Substitutes

Fabrice Pancrate (5.5) - He didn't really create any chances for the front men while he also wasted a decent chance by not even testing the keeper. I expected more from him.

Andy Carroll (6) - Created a good chance for himself while I felt he should have come on earlier as well. He will probably start the next game so that's fine.

Peter Lovenkrands (N/A) - He wasn't on long enough to earn a rating.

Man of the Match: Shola Ameobi