Reigning Champions Villa lose for the second time in the League under Tony Barton having not lost in the previous six games and despite taking a 2-0 first half lead at Highbury. As a result after eight League games Barton had won three, drawn three and lost twice to make it nine wins, ten draws and twelve defeats after 31 games of their title defence. Meanwhile, Terry Bullivant made his final appearance for Villa aged 25 before moving on to Charlton Athletic in July for a fee of £90,000. Bullivant played for Villa between 1979-80 and 1981-82 making 14 appearances.