Aston Villa manager Ron Saunders attributed his side’s surprisingly poor performance against Bristol City on Saturday to complacency after last Wednesday’s outstanding victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane.

“We were pretty awful” he said “and in fact we were luckily that City only put one goal past us. If it hadn’t been for Jimmy Rimmer in goal then we would have been finished by half-time.

“Hopefully we can learn something from this. If you are going to be a good side then you have to. It’s all part of the team’s education.”

It is baffling that a team of Villa’s undoubted ability can be so erratic. Complacency is a deadly disease as Villa found out to their cost last season.

Admittedly, they were handicapped by a series of injuries, but their start to the season was marred by it. If they are to be successful in the League, and there’s every reason to suggest that they will, then it’s the bread and butter games like this one that they have to win.

City were not that good but their manager, Alan Dickes, had done his homework. He watched Villa’s 4-1 annihilation of Spurs and had planned accordingly.

“Villa have a tremendous spirit and competitive attitude,” he said “After watching them last Wednesday I realised we has to march their aggression and not allow them any space.”

And this is just that City did. Veteran Norman Hunter, renowned for the effectiveness of his defensive craft, blunted Villa’s attack while the City midfield out manoeuvred their Midland counterparts.

The West Country pair of strikers, Tom Ritchie and Joe Royle, were a continual threat, but it was left to City defender, David Rodgers, to score the winning goal after a series of quick saves by Rimmer.

He headed home a free kick by Don Gillies in the 72nd minute.