Aston Villa got back to winning ways on Tuesday night with an easy 3-0 win over Reading at Villa Park.
If truth be told, it was actually one of the most one-sided games you will ever see in the Championship.
Villa dominated from the start and Reading’s plight was not helped when David Edwards was sent for an early bath after two bookable offences.
Despite their complete dominance, Villa went in at the break still level. However, they took a deserved in the 47th minute when Bjarnason found the net from 25 yards.
Villa continued to pile on the pressure and Conor Hourihane and Scott Hogan completed the scoring.
It could have got a lot worse for Reading, but Vito Mannone pulled off a couple of fine saves to deny Kodjia near the end.
Overall, it was a performance that would have pleased Bruce quite a lot. It leaves Villa sitting 11 points above Bristol in 7th, meaning a play-off place should be assured at least.
Here are our Villa player ratings for Tuesday’s game against Reading.
GK: Sam Johnstone - 6
This is the easiest game Johnstone has had all season. He didn’t have a single save to make.
RB: Ahmed Elmohamady
Sat deep and didn’t get forward as often as he should have.
CB: John Terry - 7
Was rarely troubled throughout the match, but did what he had to do when needed.
CB: James Chester -7
Like Terry, Chester was also rarely troubled. Did exactly what he needed to do.
LB: Neil Taylor - 6.5
Got forward as often as he could and defended well when needed.
RM: Robert Snodgrass - 8
Was a constant threat down the right and put in a number of teasing deliveries. Got two assists too.
CM: Conor Hourihane - 7.5
Scored his tenth goal of the season, passed the ball well and worked hard throughout.
CM: Birkir Bjarnason - 8.5
Completely bossed the midfield and scored a wonderful goal.
CM: Jack Grealish - 7
Made mazey runs all game and caused Reading’s defence a lot of problems.
LM: Albert Adomah - 6
Saw a lot of the ball, but wasted a number of guilt-edge opportunities.
ST: Scott Hogan - 7
Was a constant nuisance throughout and got his reward when he robbed Mannone in the box.