Bruce picks out positives in ‘cruel’ loss
STEVE Bruce was content to take the positives out of Aston Villa’s performance at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night, despite slipping to a 1-0 defeat.
The boss reckons his side are now buying into his methods and taking on board the demands he’s asked of them in recent weeks.
A lapse in concentration cost Villa a share of the spoils as Tommy Smith converted the only goal from a short corner. But Bruce was pleased with what he witnessed from his side.
“That is easily the best we have played since I have been at the club, in terms of who we were playing against and how we went about it,” he said.
“It was a bit more like it. There is a bit of resilience and a bit of spirit among them. Sometimes you are unfortunate but we have an Achilles heel. We have had two or three opportunities and in a big game you have to take them.
“We are disappointed in that respect. As for the performance, I think slowly but surely we are getting to a level where we should be.
“Considering we had nine out I could not say anything more than I am pleased with what we did. Sometimes football is cruel and it is one of those horrible nights.”
Villa missed crucial chances as Conor Hourihane fired over from close range and Henri Lansbury was denied by the woodwork.
But it was the 70th-minute goal that cost the visitors.
“We’re beaten too easily on the edge of the box,’’ said Bruce. “It’s something that we pointed out, that they play that short one.
“We were anticipating the cross coming in. It’s a training ground goal that they’ve got.
“It’s their only attempt on goal and we’ve been done by it. It’s sometimes harsh. But there you go, one lapse in concentration has cost us the match.”
Bruce was pleased with the way his troops pressed the Terriers and limited them to only one notable effort on goal.
“You can only do it (press) if you have the energy,” he said.
“I thought my midfield players, well the whole team, showed it.
“As far as we’re concerned it’s a vast improvement for us, on eight or10 weeks ago.”
Asked whether Huddersfield are one of the toughest teams he’s faced this season, Bruce said: “They have bought well. They’ve gone in the right direction, quietly.
“There’s always one team which surprises you but when you see them play it’s not a surprise because they’re a good side.”