Aston Villa fans react to Conor Hourihane display against Newcastle United

Aston Villa fought back to claim what could be a vital point against Newcastle United at St James’ Park as they continue their fight against relegation. 

Mohammed Elmohamady scored an equaliser, with a little help from Martin Dubravka, to give Villa a share of the spoils after Dwight Gayle had scored moments after coming on as a substitute. 

Indeed, it was substitutes who had the biggest impact on this game, with Aston Villa’s goal also set up by a player who came off the bench. 

Conor Hourihane delivered the set-piece for the goal and it had some Aston Villa fans scratching their heads. 

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JUNE 24: (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The Republic of Ireland international is not always the most popular player with Villa fans. The midfielder is often the target for criticism online. In the final minute, his poor delivery from a free-kick saw plenty of Aston Villa fans pounding keyboards. 

But with John McGinn struggling since his return to fitness and Aston Villa generally lacking creativity, Hourihane’s dead-ball delivery could be a serious weapon for Dean Smith’s side throughout the remainder of the Premier League campaign. 

Here is how some Aston Villa fans reacted to the Irishman’s impactful display…

Hourihane should have started this 1 as they couldn’t cope with his set pieces in the home game. Poor game management by Smith, lack of aggression & intent from both the management & players. #avfc

— Si R (@Sprawlsy) June 24, 2020

That’s why Hourihane has to play. #avfc

— Alex Berwick (@Alex_Berwick) June 24, 2020

Hourihane needs to start games, even just for his crossing. #avfc

— ⚽️Villa Fan Dan??????? (@VillaFanDan) June 24, 2020

Look, it’s the same things over & over & over again. The obsession with wingers is costing us. Need to ditch them and get the front players closer together. Samatta can’t play up top alone anyway. Hourihane should start. Need goals in the team. Subs too late. #avfc

— Alex Berwick (@Alex_Berwick) June 24, 2020

Hourihane’s deliveries are why he should be starting games more than ever right now. #avfc

— Kyle Dixon (@KyleDixon95) June 24, 2020

Swear the only time villa look even half capable of scoring is when Hourihane is on the pitch

— Tøm (@TomJ___) June 24, 2020

That was our best chance of 3 points. At least we’ll get 6 points off Small Heath next season. Luiz’s best performance in a Villa shirt, looked much better once Hourihane came on. Ah well… #AVFC

— ?? Adam Clarke ?? (@AdamClarke501) June 24, 2020

When Hourihane starts his poor… but when comes on as a sub makes an impact ? so frustrating

— Baz (@AverageBaz) June 24, 2020

Hourihane has definitely given us something.

— Kevin Hughes (@KevHughesie) June 24, 2020

Hourihane proving far more valuable than McGinn in a very short space of time.

— Graham G (@jambonvilla) June 24, 2020

Hourihane assist ??????

— Block (@DareToBlock) June 24, 2020