Villa made it five points from their opening five games as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Friday night.
Villa started with three at the back, but Bruce changed it to four just before the half hour mark when he realised that his side were being overrun due to the available space down the flanks.
This helped Villa out, and they started to get back into the game. However. neither side could break the deadlock before half-time.
Bristol were the better team after the break, and they got their reward when a free-kick pinged around in the box before falling nicely at the feet of Paterson, who swept home.
Bristol’s lead last only 4 minutes, before a fiercely struck Onomah shot from around 25 yards took a wicked deflection and looped in over Bristol’s keeper.
Both teams pushed to find the winner, but neither managed and they had to be content with a point each.
Here are five things that we learnt from tonight’s game at Ashton Gate:
Kodjia's return can't come soon enough
Kodjia is one of Villa’s best players and on nights like tonight, it only takes one moment of brilliance from a player of his quality to snatch all three points. This could be the difference between playing in the Premier League next year, or having another season in the Championship. Therefore, Bruce will be hoping he is back as soon as possible.
Villa need to improve their away form if they're to get out of this division
Like most away games, Villa struggled again today and were perhaps fortunate to come away with a point. Villa have struggled on the road for too long now, and if Bruce fails to address it quickly, they won’t be getting out of this league.
Glenn Whelan won't get much game time when Jedinak returns
Whelan put in a solid display today, but in my opinion he is just a poor man’s Jedinak. The Australian is better on the ball, better in the air, and gives the defence more protection. When he is back, I expect him to take Whelan’s place in the side.
Josh Onomah is going to be some player
Onomah, at just 20-years-old, was one of the best players on the pitch. He has great control and vision, reads the game well, and is extremely confident on the ball. If he keeps improving, he is going to become some player for Spurs and England.
Bruce should never play three at the back again
Bruce decided to play three at the back to begin with, and it was a decision that ultimately failed. Villa were being overrun in defence and were lucky not to be losing by the time Bruce decided enough was enough and changed it to 4 at the back. After this change, Villa were much more defensively assured, and Bruce should keep it like this in future.