Lewis Grabban the missing piece in Aston Villa’s promotion chase

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Aston Villa continued to push their claim for Premier League promotion yesterday evening as they defeated Sunderland 3-0 at the Stadium of Light. James Chester scored the second goal whilst an own goal from Bryan Oviedo tied up the result for Steve Bruce’s men. But it was the opening goalscorer who made the headlines.

Lewis Grabban netted the opener against the team he started the season with. The striker joined Sunderland on loan in the summer from Bournemouth. The 30-year-old scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for Sunderland but decided to join Aston Villa in January.

In doing so he has swapped a miserable relegation slog for a chance at promotion. For Villa, convincing him to do so has been a masterstroke.

The talented striker has now scored three goals in as many games and Villa fans have already taken to the striker.

Aston Villa have an excellent squad but one area where they have struggled is regards goals from up front. Scott Hogan has not been finding the net regularly since making his move to Villa Park last January. Jonathan Kodjia has spent most of this season on the sidelines. The goalscoring burden has laid on the likes of Albert Adomah, Robert Snodgrass and Conor Hourihane from midfield.

Bringing in Grabban, a man who was already in form, looks like being a masterstroke from Steve Bruce.

The missing piece in the puzzle for Villa has appeared to be a striker in form. A poacher who will score any manner of goal and, in Grabban, Villa have exactly that.

Given the start that Grabban has had at Villa it will not be a surprise if he continues to score regularly and can spearhead the attack that sees Villa return to the Premier League.

As Sunderland continue to suffer, Aston Villa will continue to reap the rewards from stealing away a key man to their survival hopes.