It’s fair to say 31-year-old Ahmed Elmohamady does split the Aston Villa fanbase, but having often come in for criticism, it was time for the Egyptian to get some praise following his performance against Swansea City last weekend.
With new head coach Dean Smith raising some eyebrows as he selected Albert Adomah and Elmo for the wide positions (both still had their critics for their efforts on Saturday) the general consensus in large parts seemed to be that Smith had made the right call and both players had done the job asked of them.
With Elmo being replaced by Yannick Bolasie in the 64th minute, and the on-loan Everton man not having the impact he’d have liked, praise for Elmo was boosted on the back of that but it was still deserved as he registered his fourth assist of the 2018/19 campaign so far – as well as his two goals in the Championship.
Think that was a good win. Good pressing game, crisp passing, high tempo. Chester and Axel mostly very good, McGinn MOM. Tammy took his goal well, but wasteful. Elmo with his fourth assist. Birkir very useful in that DM role. delighted by the start! #utv #avfc
— Chrsmo (@Chrsmo) October 20, 2018
Elmo been great. Shouldn't have criticised him #AVFC
— Dean Smith: STILL unbeaten at Villa Park (@dvtavfc) October 20, 2018
I initially named my account this as a joke but in all honesty Elmo has been one of our best players this season. I’m impressed so far. #avfc
— UnrealElmo (@ElmoUnreal) October 20, 2018
Smith was vindicated in his choice of Elmo and Adomah on the wings. Both know their role and put a real shift in despite not carrying much threat. Kodjia and Bolasie were lazy tarts and need to fix up! #avfc
— Harry (@HarryWR19) October 20, 2018
Another assist from Elmo already???? ????????????????????????????????????????
— Matty (@VillaMatt91) October 20, 2018
There’s Elmo with an assist. Can’t see anyone moaning now…
— Joe (@Theotopia) October 20, 2018
Another Elmo assist and people will still moan about him ????
— James Lloyd (@LloydyAVFC) October 20, 2018
It’ll come as no surprise that reactions were also mixed when it came to the job that Birkir Bjarnason did on Saturday, but social media can be a funny place at times and I’m almost convinced people contradict each other just so they have something to do.