Three things we learnt from Birmingham’s 1-1 derby draw with Aston Villa

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Bruce already makes mark on defence

Given the onslaught that the visitors had to survive, the Villa of recent years would surely have crumbled under yet were able to dig-in and show resilience at the back, an earlier indication that Steve Bruce’s appointment may just be the fit that turns the fortunes of the club around.

Much of that was owed to Villa’s defence, in particular Wales international James Chester, who had a magnificent game at centre-half alongside partner Nathan Baker. A porous defence has haunted the Villains for some time and even persisted into the start of this campaign, but since Bruce’s arrival at Villa Park, the defence has looked far more stable, with the Baker-Chester partnership flourishing behind the presence of Mile Jedinak, who operated as a defensive screen in midfield.

They were ultimately unable to keep Birmingham out for the full 90, but came away with a commendable point nonetheless.