Aston Villa: Did Steve Bruce just get himself sacked in one match?

Already on thin ice after an underwhelming start, did Steve Bruce just get himself sacked in one match? Sheffield United’s 4-1 victory was an utter embarrassment and a confirmation of tactical flaws.

Aston Villa had no answer for the back three system utilized by Sheffield United. It was a horror show at Bramall Lane as the hosts netted four past Ørjan Nyland in a matter of 49 minutes.

More specifically, Steve Bruce & Co. had absolutely no answer. It took until Anwar El Ghazi’s consolation goal on the 61st-minute for Villa to register a shot-on-target. Villa’s mindless crossing never threatened Blades’ 3 imposing centre-backs. Unable to dictate play through Zone 11 and 14, the claret and blues were opened-up on the counter. A staple of the early season continued.

The defense was a mess, and Nyland wasn’t much better (worse, tbh). Jack O’Connell drifted in-between James Chester and Axel Tuanzebe for the opener, a headed goal in the back of the net. When Villa get beat on set pieces, it’s an issue. When Villa get beat on set pieces with three centre-backs and Alan Hutton (he himself good in the air) across the backline, it’s a massive issue. It’s why Mile Jedinak is in the starting XI, to mitigate aerial threats.

The onslaught continued on the 23rd-minute, when Mark Duffy ran unopposed across midfield. John McGinn and Glenn Whelan didn’t do anything, Chester/Jedinak decided not to press, and Nyland got beat diving to his left. Oliver Norwood scored an awkward free-kick later, which again, Nyland gave the entire near post. That’s his third error in the young season. Billy Sharp added Sheffield’s 4th just after the break. It was a delightful meltdown after Nyland threw the ball out and Hutton/Jedinak got beat.

Did Steve Bruce just play himself out of Villa Park in one match? After today, it’s 6/7 league matches in which Aston Villa have been out-played on expected goals. Carabao Cup disaster included, it’s been a miserable start under Steve Bruce. One that will get even worse results-wise if these types of performances continue.

Villa looked so lost, that today was not remotely watchable.

Everyone knows it in their gut that Steve Bruce will not achieve automatic promotion. Which, with this squad, would be abject failure. He likely won’t be out with Tammy Abraham and Yannick Bolasie yet to play, but his job is on razor thin ice. The ensuing international windows this fall offer an opportunity for change, should NSWE see the need.