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It’s another derby day victory! Goals from Albert Adomah and Connor Hourihane propelled the Villans into the automatic spots as we stay unbeaten in the league in 2018. Here’s five reasons why Villa added Birmingham’s scalp to their long list of Championship wins.
1. Starting Mile Jedinak
The Aussie may not be the most glamorous of players, but Jedinak stuck in his head where it hurt today.
The midfielder won nearly every aerial duel and was the main reason why Birmingham had so little joy through the centre of the Park.
Granted, the Australians performance gives Bruce a selection headache going forward, but as the cliche goes, it’s a good headache to have.
Plus it shows the sheer quality in depth we’ve got in defensive midfield.
2. Villa starting on the front foot
Unlike last year, we didn’t start apprehensively and went at our neighbours from minute one.
Villa’s attack really didn’t give Birmingham a minute in midfield. This vicious pressing led to good chances from the likes of Scott Hogan and Jack Grealish.
Not only did Villa create chances by doing this, but they tired the away side out, causing them to weaken their defensive structure in the second-half.
3. Sam Gallaghers miss
This was a massive turning point in the game. If the former Southampton striker scores, Birmingham could’ve shut up shop and we might be looking at a different outcome.
Gallagher made the most of a rare slip from John Terry before hitting a shot across Sam Johnstone onto the inside of the post.
Fortunately for the Villa, the rebound, which was the easier opportunity to score, is fluffed over by young Gallagher.
4. Albert Adomah’s goal
Villa’s opening goal was no less than they deserved.
The Ghanaian grabbing his fourteenth of the season with a low shot off the post. In the build to the goal, Jack Grealish takes two men out with a pass inside.
Although he doesn’t touch the ball, Hourihane plays a key part in the goal. The Irishman shielding the ball from a Blues defender allowing it to reach Adomah.
After the first goal, Villa never looked like dropping points.
5. Jack Grealish
I read a tweet during the match which read, “Jack Grealish is the best footballer in Birmingham”, and it’s hard to disagree.
Grealish ran the game from the beginning, and went close with a long ranger early on.
It was unfortunate that the 22-year-old didn’t score, bit I’m sure he’ll take an assist and more importantly three points for the Villa.
Follow us on Twitter @claretandview // Words by Harry Trend (@HazaTrand)
