A frustrating afternoon saw Villa rather improbably keep a clean sheet while failing to offer virtually any threat, and the resulting 0-0 draw against visiting Brentford was a let off. And a huge letdown.
A huge sigh of relief all round as Villa showed signs of life, attacking intent, and more than enough finishing to see off the visiting Canaries 4-2. In what very well might have been a referendum on the clearly embattled and irritated Steve Bruce, the players stepped it up a gear, fluffed the usual early early scoring chance, got the goal they deserved, then added the all-important second before the half.
Aston Villa traveled to Wales for their first away match of the young Championship season, and were dismantled by a rampant Cardiff City side who will be shocked they only won by three. To say it was a bad day is being too kind.
What seemed like a very short close-season came to an end yesterday as Villa hosted relegated Hull City in the first game of a crucial campaign. It all started off well enough with Gabby Agbonlahor putting Villa up 1-0 on seven minutes, and it seemed as though Villa were going to score for fun. Alas, Villa don’t score for fun, Hull found their feet, and 30,000-some home supporters left Villa Park deflated by the final 1-1 scoreline.
Five goals in the two 45s see Villa claim an afternoon’s worth of silverware. That’s like six or seven games worth of production for Villa. And there was a lot to like about the goals.
