Manager Steve Bruce has admitted Aston Villa’s performance was certainly off in the weekend’s draw against Burton Albion.
Travelling to the Pirelli Stadium for the game against Nigel Clough’s side, we did take the early lead through a third minute goal from Jonathan Kodjia as he kept his own form going, but once he went off injured in the 36th minute of the game we basically lost our cutting edge with Scott Hogan still building himself up and into form following his January arrival.
Add that to known problems with our performances despite the winning streak, and it was very much one of those days.
Speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media for his post game press interviews, a disappointed Bruce explained.
‘If we`re going to be really honest we didn`t play well enough, nowhere near well enough or up to the standard where we`ve been. We lacked any real sharpness, we surrendered the ball too easily. We didn`t really have any cutting edge or a threat. The basic thing was we gave the ball away too often. And that was the disappointing thing, especially after getting off to a really good start.’
Of course a positive was our bright start to the game.
‘I always knew it was going to be difficult. It`s always a difficult place to come. Even though they only have just under 7,000, it`s not an easy pitch. I don`t want to make excuses. We were nowhere near where we need to be if we`re going to be successful and also if you`re going to win away from home in the Championship because we didn`t do enough today.’
With games having come thick and fast and the international exploits of some, Bruce hinted that over the next couple of matches he might freshen the group up and give others a chance to impress as he turns eyes to next season.
‘I really thought about it long and hard today. We`ve had a few internationals and they`ve come back and played three games. It`s this one where you can find that little bit of staleness. I don`t want to make excuses, we`ve been on a really good run. We didn`t get anywhere near it today. We haven`t played well enough. We have to get on with it next week, two games in 48 hours. We`ll do our best.’
He ended with praise for the fans once more for their backing on the day.
‘I don`t know what more I can say. They`ve come here and I think if we`d have got 6,000 we`d have sold our allocation. For their support, we`re always grateful.’
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