John Terry rolled back the years with a faultless performance against Barnsley at Oakwell.
Villa supporters have certainly had to wait a while to see the best of their marquee summer signing who, at the age of 36 and on huge wages, had been questioned early in the campaign for the odd below-par display.
However, it is performances like the one at Oakwell that explains why Villa supporters expect so much from a veteran centre-back they picked up on a free after he left Chelsea at the end of last season.
Terry barely put a foot wrong against Paul Heckingbottom’s side, providing the foundation for just a second win in eight Championship games for Villa in 2017/18.
The former England skipper may have lost a yard or two of pace as the years have gone by but his positional sense remains exceptional while his willingness to put his body on the line merely highlights the winning mentality that saw Terry lead Chelsea to five Premier League titles.
And while Terry may be unlikely to add to his cavernous trophy cabinet at Villa, it is this sort of mammoth display that raises hopes that he can inspire the Midlands giants back to the top flight.
His best game yet - brilliant #PartOfThePride
— Zoe Bignell (@zoe_bignell) September 16, 2017
Totally agree, JT was superb today
— Mike Hingley (@hingley72) September 16, 2017
This first half hour is best iv seen Terry play for villa #avfc
— Patrick mooney (@patomooney9) September 16, 2017
Thought John Terry was immaculate. Class is permanent. Different gravy tonight. ⭐️
— Paul Brown (@PaulBrownAVFC) September 16, 2017
John Terry was ...#AVFC pic.twitter.com/TpWoCQJ2Wm
— Sean Langley (@seanlangley94) September 16, 2017
Terry my man of the match. A class above the opposition. #AVFC
— Villa Mad (@VillaMad3) September 16, 2017
Bar 1 or 2 little mistakes, imo John Terry has been fantastic at the back since signing. Positioning is second to none #avfc
— Kev (@Kevavfc1993) September 16, 2017
John Terry has been nothing short of world class today. #avfc
— Villa Views (@ViewsVilla) September 16, 2017
John Terry man of the match already #AVFC
— Andrew Gallier (@andygallier) September 16, 2017
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