Bruce demands protection for Grealish after dramatic win

Posted Sunday, August 12, 2018 by PA

Steve Bruce had every reason to be relieved after watching Aston Villa scramble to a 3-2 home win over Wigan following a last-minute winner from Birkir Bjarnason.

But Bruce was far from happy with the treatment handed out to the talented Jack Grealish and is calling for more protection from referees.

“Considering the way he has conducted himself over the last few days he has been a breath of fresh air,” said Bruce.

“I thought the way he played highlights the reason why the Premier League want to buy him. He oozes that little bit of class which was evident against Wigan.

“You would come and watch him alone. But the referees need to protect him. It is a free-for-all at the minute. They are kicking lumps out of the kid.

“They are kicking lumps out of him because he is that good. He has to take it as a compliment.

“Certainly referees need to be stronger than he was against Wigan. If not, we are not going to see the talent as they will keep fouling him.

“He has run his socks off against Wigan after all the recent speculation. Afterwards I told him ‘well done.''”

Bruce, who surprisingly made six changes from the side which won the opening game at Hull, was nevertheless a little concerned with some aspects of the win over Wigan.

Bruce said: “We made some silly mistakes and let Wigan back into the game. Overall we have been behind in two big games but we showed that little bit of spirit which we need after a difficult summer.

“They put in a shift and they had to do against Wigan. There is still a lot to do but I’m pleased with the result.

“I have a huge respect for Wigan. They play some attractive football. You can see why they won the league and how they beat Manchester City.

“It’s good to get off to a decent start. We have scored six goals although we need to be better in defence.”

Villa made a fine start with skipper James Chester heading in a free-kick from new boy John McGinn. But a bad mistake by Mile Jedinak allowed Nick Powell to run through unchallenged for a 41st-minute equaliser.

Wigan, always dangerous on the break, took a 54th-minute lead when debutant Callum Connolly was on hand to score at the far post, only for Chey Dunkley to concede an own goal before Bjarnason popped up for his last-ditch winner.

Wigan boss Paul Cook said: “I was happy with all aspects of the game except the result.

“We wanted to give a good performance against Villa and I think the players did that. There were key moments in the game such as Josh Windass’s header. It was a massive chance in the game.

“But Villa have some quality players and anyone of them can pop up and get a goal. We are disappointed as I feel a draw would have been a fair result.

“The disappointment will drive us on. I cannot ask any more of the players. I thought they were excellent.”