It was a game that most Villa supporters, considering Blackburn’s league position, hoped for three points from. The fact that such expectations are now being met under Steve Bruce is a bit of a revelation, compared to recent seasons. While there is much progress to be made in how the team gets results, collecting points is of utmost importance as the new Villa manager finds his way. Bruce remains unbeaten as Villa boss and a team that were in the bottom three at the start of his reign, are now finally looking upwards with intent.
As we enter the international break, here’s five reasons to be cheerful as Villa fans…
Comebackability
After a poor first half, when Villa went behind to a goal from Blackburn’s inevitable danger man, Sam Gallagher, early in the second half, it looked like the possibility of three points was very unlikely.
A quick equaliser though and the lack of any momentum in the first half, was replaced by more intent and Kodjia’s winner was the first time that Villa went on to win a game after being behind for 18 months.
Remembering back to Villa under Martin O’Neill, their never-say-die attitude and getting points from losing positions was one of that team’s strong suits. At times they topped the Premier League for it.
A return of such resilience would be welcome, after the many capitulations of recent seasons.
Tougher Than the Rest
Chalking up his third win in his first five games, Steve Bruce has already gained more wins than his immediate predecessors – namely, Remi Garde, Eric Black and Roberto Di Matteo. It’s a certain sign that he’s beginning to turn the good ship Villa around, even if we’re a long way from being the finished article at the moment.
In a period of transition it’s important to still get the points on the board, and let’s be honest, with the amount of managers coming and going, most teams are permanently in transition in the Championship.
If Bruce can get Villa cemented into the top 10 and in and around the play-off spots for Christmas, then the second-half of the season will be set up nicely.
Unbeaten Home Run
Villa’s unbeaten run so far this season at Villa Park is the highlight of the season so far. We’ve had a stuttering start, the football isn’t sexy, and there’s been way too many draws, but if Villa can go unbeaten at Villa Park throughout the whole of the season, then not only will it help us with the ultimate promotion goal, but it will go along way to installing confidence and making up for the wretched home form of recent seasons.
Jedinak Contribution
The vision shown for his assist to Kodjia’s winning goal was an obvious highlight, but it was no coincidence that Villa’s fortunes in the second-half improved as Mile Jedinak’s imposed himself more on the game.
In the last few weeks the Aussie midfielder’s performances have been a step up from when he first joined the club. The question that remains now though is with Jedinak heading off for another dose of round-the-world international duty, will he pick up from where he left off when he returns?
Games following international breaks have seen Jedinak casting a jet-lagged figure in the centre of the pack, quite literally, with the air miles no doubt taking their toll.
An earlier fixture date of Friday for the away trip to Brighton, after the international break, may see Jedinak sit that one out to give him a full week to recover for the Cardiff home game.
Nominated
I’m please to announce that My Old Man Said is one of the six nominees in ‘Best Blogger’ category of the prestigious 2016 Football Supporters Federation Awards. So Aston Villa will at least have us repping them at the awards that take place on December 5th at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London.
Many thanks to all the readers that nominated MOMS. The voting starts afresh now, so you can now vote to help us see if we can win it.
Please vote for David Michael – My Old Man Said on the easy-to-vote online form here – http://bit.ly/VoteMOMS You can also vote for your player of the year, favourite newspaper, pundit, commentator and more. You don’t have to vote in every category.
Follow MOMS on Twitter at @oldmansaid
Bruce as a player and manager who gets results from poor positions. I knew he would do the same for us. We are not playing well and winning . The sign of a good sucess full team. We just need midfielder who can put his foot on the ball find space be available and be able to do something with it. Not had one since Merston. Oh for a Sid. I cnt see a obvious contender but hopefully some one ill step up. Must be promising I bought half season ticket Saturday. first one for a few years.