Friday evening’s action set up a great weekend for Aston Villa as we took a thoroughly deserved victory over Bolton Wanderers at Villa Park.
With back to back defeats for new head coach Dean Smith in matches against Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City, some fans- let’s say overreacted – whilst plenty more were encouraged by what Smith was trying to get the side to do and they appreciated it would take time.
The Bolton result was a definite boost to everyone as Jack Grealish finally got on the scoresheet to open his account for 2018/19 and he was later joined by a much improved James Chester as well who wasn’t foiled by the officials for a second time.
"It's about time!" 💬@JackGrealish1 discusses his first goal of the season during Friday night's 2-0 win over Bolton.#PartOfThePride #AVFC pic.twitter.com/7avlwcSYH9
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 4, 2018
This interview and picture is exactly what it’s all about right now!!! We ❤️ you @JackGrealish1 #avfc #UTV #JG10 ????⚽️???????? pic.twitter.com/LS1d2uW681
— Adam Waters (@adamwaters23) November 4, 2018
@eganner1981 @kerryboyd24 @DarrenRedgwell ???? love seeing his cheeky smile and loving playing for #AVFC – all positives of the new regime ????????
— Maria Ganner (@mazzles78) November 4, 2018
he is not only living his dream but living my and many other villa fans dream of playing profession football for Aston Villa he must pinch himself everyday. he looks like he has his swagger back
— David Logan (@thelogan1975) November 5, 2018
Obviously, there are still improvements to be made and nobody is denying that, but a second win for Smith is a second win and the performance was another step – Smith criticising the showing and pointing out that there was a ‘distinct averageness’ to lots of our play tells its own message.
And there were some good comments from Jack I thought so feet are being kept firmly on the ground and I’m taking the positives.