Steve Bruce impressed with Aston Villa's resolve

Friday night’s 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate was the first time Villa had come from behind to earn a point after conceding first away from home since a 1-1 draw at Newcastle in December 2015.

Former Walsall winger Jamie Paterson opened the scoring for the hosts on the hour mark but Tottenham loanee Josh Onomah levelled for Bruce’s men five minutes later with a deflected long-range effort.

And the boss said: “I was delighted we had a response after all the comments a couple of weeks ago.

“We conceded an awful goal, which I felt shouldn’t have been given.

“When it goes against you like that, you need a response. Thankfully we got a little bit of luck of our own with a deflection. It was a terrific strike from Josh and the response was good.”

Last night’s draw also represented a first point on the road this season and followed back-to-back wins and four-goal hauls against Norwich and Wigan.

Bruce, who was forced to take off Chris Samba at half-time after the centre-back picked up a knee injury, added: “The players have responded in the right way. It was never going to be easy here but we’ve had a good week.”

Villa earlier completed the signing of West Ham winger Robert Snodgrass on a season-long loan, though the Scot did not join in time to feature at Ashton Gate.

“I am delighted with what we have done this window, we have had to be shrewd,” said Bruce. “I had Snodgrass at Hull. I’m delighted to work with again. Don’t forget he moved for more than £10million to West Ham a few months ago.”