Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce rues missed chances after draw
Frustrated boss Steve Bruce bemoaned Villa’s inability to take their chances after being held to a goal-less draw at home by Middlesbrough.
Despite playing against ten men for an hour, the hosts were unable to find a way through at Villa Park.
Robert Snodgrass hit the bar, while Conor Hourihane saw his shot blocked on the line by team-mate Scott Hogan as Villa were held at home for the third time in four Championship games.
“Some of the chances we have had, you can’t believe they can be missed at this level,” said Bruce.
“If there is one thing which has gone against me since I have been here, it is that. The many chances we create, we don’t take them. It’s endless and it is a huge frustration.
"They were well organised but we have created enough chances. You can't ask for more chances in a game. You simply at this level have to take them."
Former Villa winger Adama Traore was dismissed on four minutes for a lunging challenge on Conor Hourihane.
The hosts then had Henri Lansbury sent-off on 64 minutes for tripping Marvin Johnson, a decision Bruce thought was harsh.
Lansbury could now face a three-game ban and Bruce said: “I thought the decision on Lansbury was a silly challenge, not a red.
“We had people behind the ball. There was no need, in my opinion, to give a red card because I didn’t think there was one.
When asked about Adama’s dismissal, Bruce replied: “If it is in the Premier League, it is a red card all day long. He has left the floor, it was reckless and dangerous. You never want to see a player sent-off but I think he deserved that.”
Villa, who also drew 0-0 at home to Brentford on Saturday, again left the field to boos. They remain 18th in the Championship, with just seven points from seven games.
Bruce said: "At times like this you have to stay strong. You have to fight the flak."
