Steve Bruce confident Aston Villa will come good despite frustrating start
Steve Bruce remains confident Villa are ready for a promotion challenge despite starting the season with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Hull.
Jarrod Bowen’s second half equaliser for the Tigers, which cancelled out Gabriel Agbonlahor’s seventh minute opener, meant Bruce had to settle for a point against his former club in Saturday's campaign curtain-raiser.
But the Villa boss took encouragement from a rousing first half display and the promising performances of several summer signings, including John Terry.
“I thought the way we played in the first half was as good as we’ve played at home for a long time, against a team that’s just come out of the Premier League,” said Bruce.
“We didn’t play with the intensity in the second half which is disappointing. But first half I’ve seen good signs of the group that mentally and physically they’re ready for the challenge.
“I think I’ve seen enough that we’ll slowly turn the corner.”
Former England skipper Terry enjoyed an impressive debut alongside James Chester in the heart of Villa’s defence.
Bruce added: “The reason I’ve brought (Terry) is what you saw. With all the pressure that’s on him and the spotlight, he’s gone and performed.
“The tackles he makes and interceptions in the box are there for all to see.
“With the expectation of this club, you need a certain experience to be able to handle it. And the ones we’ve brought in will certainly be able to do that.”
Villa had already twice gone close to breaking the deadlock before Agbonlahor’s opener and then missed several chances to extend the lead before the break.
Andre Green also squandered a glorious opportunity to win the game late on when he failed to convert from close range.
“The frustration is there after one game,” said Bruce. “We’ve done enough to win two games for me but we haven’t won it. That’s where it is.
“At any level, especially the higher up you go, you can’t expect to have more chances than what we’ve had.
“You have to make sure the game is put to bed. We’ve got a squad capable of mounting a challenge - I’m convinced of that.
“But I know what’s ahead and it’s just the start.”
