There is no longer a gulf in class

Before the game, I would happily have taken a point. But in hindsight, Blues were by far the better side against, as Gary Rowett put it, an “expensively assembled” team. For 75 minutes of the game, Blues were the only team looking to attack.

Steve Bruce`s system was to sit back and take a point. They nicked the first goal against the run of play which meant they could camp inside their own half. That isn`t a knock at Bruce, it`s what he does, scrapes out points.

Clayton Donaldson was guilty of a few missed chances, Jacques Maghoma should have made better of his one-on-one situation and various other chances created by Blues were squandered.

To say that I am very happy with the players would be an understatement. We competed very well, we created all-but-one of the games chances and we moved the ball well. Yes, it is a shame that we didn`t make one more chance count, but the signs are good after our recent slump in form.

David Davis was everywhere and he took his goal excellently. Maghoma was superb despite missing a guilt edged opportunity. But Ryan Shotton was the stand out performer. He had Jonathan Kodjia in his back pocket (when he wasn`t rolling around on the floor) and was solid throughout.

Never before have I witnessed Villa`s travelling fans be so subdued. Maybe they have finally accepted that they are not superior to Blues and there is no longer a gulf in class, despite the millions they have spent on players compared to Blues` peanuts.

We remain six points ahead of them in the league and now Blues must kick on again at Huddersfield on Saturday.