Aston Villa beat Derby County 1-0 at Villa Park this afternoon.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has told the club’s official website that he was delighted with Sam Johnstone’s display against Derby County this afternoon.
Villa were in torrid form heading into the game, as they had claimed just one point in eight Championship games in 2017, losing seven times since the turn of the year.
Manager Steve Bruce was under intense pressure heading into the game against Derby this afternoon, but he got the win he wanted to ease the club’s relegation fears.
Wales international James Chester scored the only goal of the game, handing Villa all three points as they claimed a win and a clean sheet, moving eight points away from the relegation zone.
After the final whistle, manager Bruce spoke to the club’s official website, and singled out goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for praise.
Johnstone has been heavily criticised by fans since his January loan move from Manchester United, but Bruce hailed him for a strong performance and a great save, suggesting that he has arrived at a difficult time for the club.
“It will do the goalkeeper the world of good,” said Bruce. “I think he’s an exceptionally good young goalkeeper. He’s come in at a difficult time. I was pleased for him too. He works tirelessly – he works and works and works. It was good to see him make the save – it was their only real effort.”
Aston Villa’s Sam Johnstone
Bruce also offered an update on the situation of midfielder Conor Hourihane, as the Irishman was notably not even in the Villa squad this afternoon.
Bruce revealed that the January arrival from Barnsley suffered a deadleg in a clash with his eventual replacement Leandro Bacuna – who was sent off against Derby – on Friday, but he could return imminently.
“Conor got a deadleg off Leandro on Friday,” said Bruce. “Both went for a header and Leandro smashed into his thigh. He smashed Conor so he got into the team. Conor could be available for Tuesday, though,” he added.
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