Aston Villa Fan View: 5 bits of food for thought

Ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Millwall, Tom Waller picks out his reasons for his side’s huge improvement in recent weeks.

1. John Terry has made a massive difference

I wrote a piece about John Terry’s impact a few weeks ago, he’s been our signing of the season and its such a shame we are likely to only have him for one season. There were genuine concerns that Terry had turned up for one last pay packet, but they held no logic as I am sure Terry had other offers in sunnier places! His ball playing ability, positioning (especially at set pieces) has made Villa at the back even more reliable than last season. I am sure his presence at the training ground is really appreciated, and Terry is one of the reasons we are nestled in the playoff spots right now.

2. Relying on youth does work

Keinan Davis epitomises why managers should put faith in the academy on a more regular basis. He has been a revelation since his introduction in the 4-2 home win against Norwich. His hold up play is excellent, allowing others from midfield to join attacks(something Villa have been lacking since the Christian Benteke days). And with Jonathan Kodjia likely to be injured for the season, Davis has stepped up to the plate. Bruce has also put his faith in Josh Onomah, on loan from Spurs and Sam Johnstone from Man United, who have both performed well in a team where there is a huge amount of pressure.

3. Banishing away day blues

This has been haunting Villa for years, and one the main reasons they came nowhere near to being promoted last season. The ability at which Villa didn’t turn up to away games was incredible for all the wrong reasons. This season, apart from Wolves away Villa have looked a good prospect, and you certainly wouldn’t bet against them…

4. Villa have lost their soft underbelly

Following on from correcting the awful away form, Villa are a different beast this year, probably a nod to a Glenn Whelan and John Terry. Villa are winning winning games that last year would be drawn, and in the better cases turning losing positions into positive results, just like the very good away performance at Leeds last week.

5. Wolves are a class above

Villa won’t win the league, this Wolves team is arguably better than some Premier League teams. The investment from Wolves over the summer has been very wise, I wish Villa had links to Jorge Mendes. So this means just one automatic spot is up for grabs and with Cardiff looking solid to say the least, Villa are going to have battle really hard until May. With the team already seven points behind second place, it’s not going to be easy…