If Wednesday showed us anything, it showed us that Aston Villa were still not quite ready to return to the big time. And on Saturday, they showcased that once again by losing 3-0 away to a rampant Cardiff City side in Wales. Here are three thoughts from the action:
Cardiff where Villa want to be
When Villa were relegated last year, they expected to be toward the top of the Championship right away.
It didn’t work out last season, and so far this season has not turned out that way either. Villa were hoping to be one of the teams pacing the league at this stage, but instead, they are languishing with just one point from their two matches.
Cardiff City, meanwhile, are now on top of the league for now about thumping them.
Goalkeeping once again the bright point
Villa had a marvelous goalkeeping display in midweek via Jed Steer, who expertly saved a penalty. On Saturday, that trend continued somewhat.
The team may have fell by three goals in the end, but goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was on hand several times to keep them in within a chance- and to prevent embarrassment.
Chester endures horrible day
Center back James Chester had a very poor day at the office on Saturday. His defending was simply not good enough on many occasions, being beaten all ends up by the exquisite Kenneth Zohore a few times.
He was only bailed out by his goalkeeper one time in particular. That will do little for their confidence, but that wasn’t the end of his poor display. Chester also had the best chance of the match for the Villans, but it ended up going off the post and it only added up to a terrible outing for him.
