The defeat at Elland Road in early December, Bruce’s first whilst in charge, reinforced the dawning reality that getting Villa out of The Championship (this season at least), wouldn’t be straightforward.
Following this, a defeat at Norwich and low-key performances against Wigan, QPR & Burton (albeit welcome victories) bring a difficult tie with in-form Leeds into focus.
Whilst few would argue that wins, by any means, are a positive, Villa must start to control and dictate games. Our stop-start season can only see a meagre mid-table finish otherwise.
The Landscape
Wigan, a poor Championship side, was a victory to which the side laboured. Indeed, had it not been for a singular moment of class from Grealish, the fixture would have been a drab 0-0 where questions would rightly have been asked.
Similarly QPR, struggling for form and direction despite the injection of Ian Holloway’s personality, saw us bizarrely opt for Gabby & miss a penalty. Again, had it not been for Kodjia’s persistence, the game could easily have petered out against a side unable to muster a shot on goal.
Most recently, Burton on Boxing Day was a chore to watch. Despite seizing an early lead, even this was surrendered too easily amidst a game where the opposition appeared limited. Until the introduction of Grealish & Ayew, there was no urgency or purpose to our play.
On each occasion Bruce has cut a frustrated figure on the touchline and repeatedly apologetic in post-match interviews.
The facts are frighteningly simple however; if Villa are to have any hope of getting into the playoffs this season, we have to be beating sides like Leeds, especially at home.
Key Leeds Stats
- 5th in Championship
- 3rd in Form Table
- Beat us 2-0 in reverse
- Won 8 of last 10 games.
- 5 of 8 defeats away from home.
Prediction
1-0 to Villa – Home advantage & we are due a big performance…right?
Beating sides like ‘Leeds’ no respect at all.
Sleeping giant is stirring, tread quietly…
Badly phrased perhaps…as in “beating the likes of Leeds”…you are up there….we need to be beating you in order to get up there as well. Our record against the better sides in the division this season isn’t very clever.
I’ve been a Leeds fan for 38 years. And who predicted 1/0 to villa. Come on. We have scored in nearly every game this year. And recently away record is awesome. Your man to watch is hadi sacko (60mil £ release clause sporting Lisbon. He is on fire at moment. I’d love to win. But my gut feeling is a 1/1 draw) rememember where you heard it first. Guaranteed sacko will either assist or score tommorow mr Bruce. Looking forwards to a cracking game. Between two sides. Which to be fair should both be in the premiership.
Hi Mark – Thanks for the heads up on Sacko…he looks a talent…..should be a good game….but still hoping for a 1-0 to Villa!