It was all supposed to be so easy for Aston Villa this season.
Favourites to win The Championship before the season started, Steve Bruce's side have not had the strongest opening weeks to the campaign.
Signing the likes of John Terry and Glenn Whelan, the experienced duo were expected to be two of the mainstays in a team looking to get back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
Sadly it hasn't turned out like that for Villa. After a draw on the opening day of the season against Wolves, Bruce's side have lost two in a row, including tonight's game to Reading.
Jaap Stam's side would win 2-1, with Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane scoring a late consolation.Scoreless at half-time though, Whelan deflected the ball into his own net to give Reading a 1-0 lead.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5x3cg1
Signed as one of Villa's main stars for the season, after an impressive career at Stoke, the Dubliner's performances have not gone down well in Birmingham.
not even based on his OG tonight, but why the fuck is Glenn Whelan a villa player?, too slow, offers nothing and sideways player
— kieran beck (@kieranbeck_) August 15, 2017
Bruce's tactics are summed up by Glenn Whelan's performances. An undetermined retiree just looking for that pay cheque. #AVFC
— James Felipe (@Jfelipe1) August 15, 2017
Although Whelan's own goal did not help his relationship with the fans tonight. Manager Steve Bruce and John Terry were also on the end of criticism from their fans.
@Dr_TonyXia Do the right thing and relieve Steve bruce of his duties
— nathanAvFc (@brummienathan) August 15, 2017
Just the 43 league matches to go. It could be a long season in Birmingham.
