‘Criminally underrated’ – Aston Villa fans hail unsung hero Conor Hourihane

Conor Hourihane scored the only goal of the game as Aston Villa beat Swansea City on the road.

Aston Villa moved within three points of the play-off zone with a 1-0 win at The Liberty Stadium.

Hourihane’s second half goal separated the sides, although Orjan Nyland did have to produce a 90th minute penalty save to deny Wilfried Bony an equaliser.

And despite receiving criticism from some Aston Villa fans, Hourihane continues to prove his doubters wrong.

The 27-year-old central midfielder took his tally to five goals for the season with his winner against Swansea.

(photo by Paul Jenkins/Action Plus via Getty Images)

And with six assists to his name as well, the Republic of Ireland international has consistently been performing for the Villans.

Hourihane’s work in midfield is often overlooked and he is a bit of an unsung hero at Villa Park.

But some fans were impressed with his display yesterday and his overall tally for the season.

The former Barnsley midfielder is starting to catch the eye with impressive end product.

Here are a selection of tweets from Aston Villa fans discussing Hourihane’s match-winning performance and influence on the team.

Hugely underrated! #AVFC #UTV #villa #partofthepride

— Jon Hayes (@jonboy_avfc) December 26, 2018

And people say he's not good enough for the first team?

— MrShafMan (@MrShafMan) December 26, 2018

though I'll give it to you that's CONSISTENT

— Kian A (@KianA51288831) December 26, 2018

And keyboard warriors who have never been to a game have a go.

— simon bailey (@simonuk103) December 26, 2018

Well done, Connor and all the lads for the way you worked your way back into the game.

— Gary O’Brien (@GaryOBr81253722) December 26, 2018

Criminally underrated

— Kieran ?? ? (@VillaPlug) December 26, 2018

Not sure if anyone else noticed it yesterday but how many times when we were under the cosh, Hourihane screaming at the lads to keep the work rate up, especially to el Ghazi and bolasie, massive team player Conor is and I imagine very important in the dressing room #avfc

— AV News (@AstonVillanewss) December 27, 2018

Great response from Aston Villa from Sunday excellent win today, hard place to go Swansea. Hourihane has been excellent this season lovely header today and Nyland the hero saving that late Bony header.

— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) December 26, 2018