Well, what an entertaining game that was.
The headline score makes it seem close, but the reality is we could have had a boat-load of goals today, if it wasn’t for Max O’Leary playing an absolute blinder. He made that many close range and reaction saves that I lost count.
Hourihane spurned three chances before he finally managed to score.
This was another very good performance against a decent side, although I have to say I don’t think City offered much.
Lee Johnson quite rightly pointed out that City would have an advantage in having an extra day’s rest and I think he was right, as we did look a little leggy.
The only blot for me today was Elmohamady, who seemed to give the ball away more often than not, but it’s hard to criticise anyone when we’ve just won eight games on the trot for the first time since 1975.
The big concern today was how we would get on without Jack Grealish and while I think we missed him, we created loads of chances and scoring goals doesn’t look to be a problem. We maintained our average of 2 goals a game at home.
Even rusty Keinan Davies was unlucky and should have scored.
Given that I think we looked a little tired at times (albeit still playing well), I think the squad is going to come into play more and more as the games keep coming.
Even though we looked light in the centre of defence on paper, it proved to not be so and Jedinak did well.
Special mention should be made about Jed Steer.
I think he looks very confident when the ball is played back to him quickly and he distributes very well, even when under serious pressure.
That surely has to instill confidence in our defenders and no doubt has played a big part in the way we play at the back.
Well done lads and the Villa train keeps on rolling.
UTV!
