Aston Villa are now just a game away from getting back into the Premier League as the team claimed a 1-0 aggregate victory over Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-finals. After a 1-0 victory in the first leg, the two teams battled out for a goalless draw at Villa Park. Villa were comfortable defensively in both legs, but the team could have conceded at the death to Stewart Downing. However, the England international’s free-kick cannoned back of the woodwork and Villa held on for a draw.
Mile Jedinak’s first-leg goal ultimately proved to be the difference between the two clubs. Villa were always expected to be defensive in the second leg, despite playing at home, and Bruce will be extremely happy with the professional display from his team.
Bruce once again saw his team in a disappointing form when it comes to attack. Conor Hourihane had one of the best chances in the game, but Villa were struggling in terms of creating an end product. The upcoming final is a great chance for players to impress Gareth Southgate ahead of the World Cup 2018. England may not be one of the favourites in latest World Cup free bets, but the Three Lions are expected to make an impact.
Crucially, Villa are just one game away from returning to the Premier League. A club of Villa’s stature needs to be in the top division. Even though Bruce’s team have been far from perfect, it is invariably the professional teams who managed to sneak ahead in the play-offs.
The next 10 days gives Bruce a lot of time to work out a defensive plan in order to take on Fulham. Slavisa Jokanovic’s team have been one of the best attacking units in the Championship, while Villa have a strong defence that has been able to register clean sheets in both the play-off semi-finals. Hence, the final promises to be quite an intense game.
John Terry has praised the way in which Bruce has made Villa competitive once again, but the Midlands outfit still have a big job to do in the final against Fulham.