Bruce has not only steadied the ship but put it on course for the top half, with Jonathan Kodjia on fire in front of goal.
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has described striker Jonathan Kodjia as a “manager’s dream” after he netted twice to secure a hard-fought 2-1 win against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, the club’s twitter account reports.
The marquee summer signing from Bristol City cancelled out Paul Gallagher’s opener with a penalty midway through the second half before netting the winner twenty minutes from time, ensuring a resurgent Villa remain unbeaten since the former Hull City boss took the reins from Roberto Di Matteo.
Kodjia also netted the winner in Villa’s last three point haul in front of their home supporters, a 1-0 win versus Fulham a fortnight ago, and his decisive brace against Owen Coyle’s struggling Rovers means he has now netted five times in his last five appearances in the Championship.
And Bruce, who admitted before the game that home form would be crucial to Villa’s hopes of pushing for promotion this season, could hardly be happier with Kodjia’s contribution.
“Jonathan Kodjia is a manager’s dream,” Bruce told the club’s official website. “You only have to come and watch him to see what a good player he really is.”
The win means Villa are now just five points behind Leeds United in the final play-off place, with the clinical finishing of Kodjia helping to salvage a season that looked destined for further disappointment prior to Bruce’s arrival.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
