Villa have had an impressive second season in the Championship, after a predictably difficult first year down from the Premier League. Manager Steve Bruce came under heavy criticism from Villa supporters, as money was being invested into the team but it was not matched by performances and results on the pitch. Owner Tony Xia stuck by Bruce and continued to pour cash into the team, and this loyalty has paid off with a promotion push that according to BT10 South Africa, could end in success.
We take a look at the best Villa matches from the 2017/18 season so far:
Aston Villa 5 – 0 Bristol City (H)
Villa established themselves as a top Championship side in this New Years Day thrashing. Bristol City came to Villa Park high-flying but came up against a team possessed, in the claret and blue. Jack Grealish picked up the man of the match award in this fine display. Replacing Josh Onomah in the starting eleven, this helped kick-start the Villa star’s season. There were two goals for Robert Snodgrass and a first league goal for Icelandic midfielder Birkir Bjarnason.
Aston Villa 1 – 0 Sheffield United (A)
Villa travelled to South Yorkshire knowing they were facing a tough game against promotion challengers (and newly promoted) Sheffield United. The Blades were unbeaten in five and occupied a playoff spot going into the game, meaning a win for Villa would make a statement about the quality of their side. The home team dominated the first half, putting Sam Johnstone’s goal under plenty of pressure as it looked like Villa were going to come up short. However, that man Robert Snodgrass popped up the 90th minute with his trademark finish, cutting in from the right and unleashing a left footed curler into the bottom corner. There were unbelievable scenes in the away end at Bramall Lane and it meant Villa had now won five games in a row.
Aston Villa 2 – 0 Birmingham City (H)
You can’t beat a derby win. This one was particularly special as it moved Villa up to second in the league and pushed the Blues further down towards the relegation zone. The 2-0 victory meant our second city rivals were without a goal in their last six visits to Villa Park, and to top it off they had a man sent off in the last minute.
Aston Villa 4 – 1 Wolves (H)
For a lot of Villa fans this will be their favourite result of the campaign thus far. Wolves came in to this game full of confidence, with journalists and pundits waxing lyrical about how Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were the best team to ever grace the Championship. Although it is feasible that they are one of the best teams to play in the second tier, it is a great feeling to turn your Midlands rivals over 4-1 at home.
Aston Villa 1 – 0 Cardiff City (H)
This game will be remembered for one moment and one moment only. Jack Grealish’s 85th minute volley was something to behold, and to score it against automatic promotion rivals Cardiff made the strike extra special. The Villa academy product’s goal secured the three points in a 1-0 win for Steve Bruce’s side in an otherwise uneventful game, and moved Villa to within four points of the Bluebirds.
