Aston Villa got their first win in four Championship matches as they waltzed past a disappointing Reading side 3-0 on Tuesday, and fans have taken to Twitter to rave about the display of midfielder Birkir Bjarnason.
The Villans have endured a tough spell in the league recently after falling to two consecutive defeats to QPR and Bolton before a drab draw against Hull City last time out.
That run of results had left Steve Bruce’s outfit with fast-diminishing hopes of securing automatic promotion, but they got their play-off bid back on track with a big win on Tuesday evening.
Iceland international Bjarnason was deployed in a defensive midfield role and impressed throughout, scoring Villa’s first goal to set them on their way after a goalless first-half that saw David Edwards sent off for the Royals.
The 29-year-old midfielder was found by Robert Snodgrass on the edge of the box before curling a first-time strike past Vito Mannone in the Reading goal on 46 minutes.
Conor Hourihane doubled Villa’s lead with a header before the win was sealed by Scott Hogan on 70 minutes after he seized upon a terrible error from Mannone to slot home.
Fans have taken to Twitter to praise the display of Bjarnason, who has begun to impress for Villa after a disappointing start to his career in England.
This is Futbol have rounded up some of the best tweets:
One moment last night summed up why Bjarnason should always play instead of Jedi unless their are special circumstances… hoofed high ball from the keeper towards half way line Jedi would have aimlessly headed the ball.. Thor took it on his chest and calmly passed it.
— SteveAVillan (@crowhurstsr) April 4, 2018
Bjarnason had one of the best midfielder performances I’ve seen from a villa player.
— Harry (@HarryUTV_) April 4, 2018
Bjarnason was masterclass. #AVFC #UTV https://t.co/BuDUCgaHD1
— Claret Villans (@ClaretVillans) April 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/kevinhughes348/status/981306298254942209
I said Bjarnason should start tonight in the 4-1-4-1 formation. He does, he scores a cracker, and he was bloody brilliant!!
— Ellis Dennant (@EllisDennantAV) April 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/BallDanielJames/status/981287167929536512
Bjarnason is the most under rated player at the club.
— MrAstonVilla (@villa1st) April 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/Ryosjor/status/981280951543173120
I don't think Bjarnason put a foot wrong tonight ?? #avfc
— Claire (@FloppyChicken92) April 3, 2018
Bjarnason was brilliant tonight. Hands down man of the match #avfc
— Lauren (@LaurenAVFC) April 3, 2018