Aston Villa’s performance should frighten promotion contenders

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Aston Villa laid down the gauntlet last night during their comfortable victory over Sunderland.

Aston Villa returned to Championship action last night with a convincing victory over relegation-threatened Sunderland, and although it was a win many expected, the nature of the result is what will trouble those around them.

It would be an understatement to suggest they did not get out of first gear, as Villa resembled a side who were taking part in a pre-season friendly against a Conference North side. They were able to pass the ball fluently, play it around the back, and attack at will whenever they saw fit.

But courtesy of the inconsistency they have shown so far throughout their stay in the Championship, many thought that the results against Fulham and Preston would send them into a spiral – but their ability to bounce back with seven goals in their last two games, which led to six points from a possible six, shows how much they have been able to develop under Steve Bruce.

In terms of the performance, Villa’s attacking prowess speaks for itself, and they are starting to balance it out defensively as they were able to register their fourth clean sheet in their last nine outings.

Beyond that, though, Lewis Grabban and Jack Grealish are once again proving why they are considered to be among the best of the best in their position within this division.

Grabban has been able to adapt to Villa’s system perfectly, meanwhile, Grealish’s cameo reminded fans that he is going to be a key component in the club’s promotion charge from now until the end of the season.

Out of all of the contenders around them, it will be local rivals Wolves who should be fearing the worst right now, as not only did the Villans manage to preserve a great deal of energy last night, but they also look at the top of their game heading into this weekend’s crucial clash between the two sides.

Wolves still have to contend with a trip to Elland Road tonight, and given the current situation between the two clubs, it Is probably not going to be an easy night at the office for Nuno’s men.