Complacency vs. no fear

The visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday had a nervy mixture of fear, expectation and excitement all rolled into one.

Rivalry aside, Wolves have played some incredible football this season and their lead throughout the season has clearly been no fluke and it has been completely deserved.

A fast paced, flowing, attacking style of football with flair coming from their array of foreign imports has led many to say they are potentially the best side to have graced the Championship.

However, the 4-1 thrashing dished out by Aston Villa has shown that one thing is abundantly clear going into the final ten games. Villa should fear no one.

Villa pressed down, fought and showed a heart and desire that has been missing from Villa Park for all too long. Something we have all craved and longed for as supporters. The atmosphere on Saturday was one of the best in an awful long time.

I’m going to every game along with others with a rejuvenated sense of optimism and excitement, again nothing like how I’ve felt in recent years.

It was exactly the type of statement result that sets the platform to success. Comprehensively beating a team that have rarely been beaten at all should give the entire squad and fans the confidence and belief that anything is possible right now.

To a man, everyone did their jobs. Mile Jedinak once again stepping up for the big game, Terry and Chester were resolute and organised, Grealish showed once again how far he has come after largely flattering to reach the levels we knew he was capable of and Lewis Grabban played like someone who has been with us for years.

Despite the confidence and expectancy that is growing by the week, the one thing we need to avoid is complacency.

Beating Wolves is one thing but we need to remain alert and industrious against the likes of Q.P.R. and Bolton who we face this week.

Thankfully in Steve Bruce I feel we have a man that will command effort and heart from all. The pictures of him and his backroom staff celebrating as one on Saturday and embracing the players continues to show the unity and togetherness that is so undervalued by many.

Some incredible stats came out of the Wolves game whilst watching it back the following day too.

Villa have won 19 and drew 2 of the 21 games when they have scored first. A solid backline and desire to chase the second goal has been refreshing.

Robert Snodgrass and Albert Adomah are first and third respectively in goals and assists combined since November 1st and that includes our poor December points haul.

The picture is looking better and better yet we must remain cautious with the challenge of the likes of Cardiff and Fulham too. However as said at the start, we must not get complacent but we must not fear anyone.