Bruce’s sixy side as Brewers droop
Wiedwald; Berardi, Pennington, Jansson (Dallas 30th), De Bock; Forshaw, Vieira (Grot 86th), Alioski, Roofe, Hernandez; Lasogga (Sacko 74th) conceded 12 goals in the process – but they played with plenty of heart.
Albion’s main attacking threat came from Lloyd Dyer, born within a stone’s throw of Villa Park. He indicated his potential danger early on when he worked his way upfield and forced Sam Johnstone into a decent save at his near post.
With Villa struggling to find their attacking form, it was Burton’s Lucas Atkins who went closest to breaking the deadlock when he fired straight at Johnstone.
Grealish eventually began to make an impact as Burton’s early flourish began to subside – creating several promising attacks that forced the Brewers to mount a defensive blockade.
And Villa demonstrated their class when they took a 33rd-minute lead.
Grealish found Robert Snodgrass and he
Etheridge; Ecuele Manga, Morrison, Bamba; Paterson, Grujic (Halford
82nd), Ralls, Traore, Wildschut (Pilkington
55th), Hoilett; Madine (Zohore 72nd) moved to the left before slipping a superb pass into the path of Adomah who flicked in a high cross which Hogan headed home.
Only a fine save prevented him from adding to his tally when the stocky striker produced a vicious long-range shot from outside the penalty area.
Burton gave a creditable account of themselves, but in the 63rd minute their defensive problems were exposed again when Villa increased their lead.
Snodgrass was the provider once more when his high cross from the right was missed completely by Tom Naylor and Adomah nodded in at the far post.
Villa made a double substitution, sending on loan signing Axel Tuanzebe and Joshua Onomah.
But four minutes later Elmohamady scored Callum Paterson G Scott an own goal following a save by Johnstone. Grealish gave Villa breathing space when he hooked home a cross from Elmohamady two minutes from time, only for Boyce to make it 3-2 and force Villa to cling on.
Burton boss Nigel Clough said: “Given our present circumstances I do not think the team could have done any better. I think it was a brilliant performance.
“What we will try to do for the next 16 games is to play as we did against Villa.
“We will try and play with a smile on our face even if we are bottom of the league.”