Bruce's MOTM

Albert Adomah might have been Aston Villa's matchwinner against Ipswich Town - but he wasn't Steve Bruce's man of the match.

That accolade went to one of the unsung heroes of Villa's season, Irish midfielder Glenn Whelan.

Whelan joined from Stoke City in the summer and has become a mainstay in Bruce's high-flying Villa side.

Bruce said: "I thought Glenn Whelan was terrific. I know he's had a few doubters but if there's any doubt then (look at) the way he goes about it, the way he plays, his attitude. He's as tough as they come, a great pro.

Opposition view

Aston Villa strengthened their grip on fourth spot in the Championship with another hard-earned three points against Ipswich Town.

The victory at Villa Park came courtesy of two Albert Adomah strikes as the flying winger hit double figures in the Championship.

Steve Bruce shuffled the pack slightly, handing Mile Jedinak just his second start of the season at the expense of Chris Samba before having to withdraw the Australian through injury after 26 minutes.

Nevertheless, Adomah once again provided the inspiration as Villa made it three wins in the space of a week. Five of the six goals scored against QPR, Sunderland and Ipswich have gone to Adomah.

Here's how the East Anglian Daily Times reported events.

Mick McCarthy said: “I thought we were the best team up until the first goal to be honest with you, but goals change games. If we had scored the first goal the place would have been very quiet – it was actually up until that goal – but then again if my auntie had you know what then she’d be my uncle.

“Aston Villa are an efficient side and once they are in front they are very difficult to play against.”

JT development

John Terry has revealed that he is “out of the boot” as he steps up his recovery from injury.

Terry, appointed captain when he arrived in the summer, suffered a broken metatarsal in the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday before the last international break and is out until around Christmas.

But his rehabilitation appears to be going smoothly; the defender regularly keeps his 3.5m followers on Instagram up to date with his progress.

One significant development is the loss of his boot, designed to keep his foot protected while his recovery is ongoing.

Terry has been swimming and cycling, and he certainly enjoyed being free of the boot.

Fan reaction

Mark Rigby: The defining month for #AVFC is December imo. Leeds, Derby & Boro away, and Shef Utd at home.

Mark Hodson: Chris Samba will most likely go down as a massive cult hero, some of the stuff he did yesterday was nothing short of comedy genius.

Daniel Ball: BIG game on Friday... If we can beat Leeds, I believe we’ll be in the top four come the end of the season...

Dan Bardell: Glenn Whelan was superb today. Always in the right place and does so much work that’s not recognised. Fabulous signing. #avfc #utv

Mylo : About time people woke up about Glen Whelan, been an unsung hero for many months. Just because he ain’t a skilful player doesn’t mean he’s not good. Without him our midfield goes missing, been quality for us, and MOTM yesterday for me!

Kevin Hughes: I slated Glen Whelan on twitter after a couple of games when I thought he was poor. How wrong I was, last few games and especially today he was superb

Leighton Castle: I ain’t the first to say it today but it’s the first time I’ve said it all season- Whelan was truly magnificent today and my MoM.

Danny Salsbury: 9 points in 8 days. 3 wins in a row even with all our injuries. Have to keep clinging on till Jan and then get players back with some new signings and promotion will happen

Jason Canham: Villa continue to win and play well. Winning is an amazing habit. Long may this carry on.

Talking points

Aston Villa continue to reel in their automatic promotion rivals with Ipswich Town their third victims of a highly productive week.

Man of the moment Albert Adomah grabbed both goals in a 2-0 win over Mick McCarthy’s side, who rarely threatened Sam Johnstone’s goal as Villa built upon wins over QPR and Sunderland.

Here are our findings from Villa’s sixth home win of the campaign:

Next week is huge

Bring on Leeds United!

Fixtures between Aston Villa and Leeds are always huge, whatever league or competition it’s played in.

But next Friday night’s clash under the lights at Elland Road feels particularly big. It will almost be a year to the day since Villa lost 2-0 at Leeds and the claret and blues’ 2016/17 campaign began to unravel.

A win at Leeds would arguably send out Villa’s biggest message to their promotion rivals yet.

Winning mentality instilled

Promotion will not be secured in November but victories against QPR, Sunderland and Ipswich is exactly what the Doctor ordered.

Bruce isn’t exactly thrilled about Villa’s hectic schedule and it’s only going to get worse with six huge games in December.

Three wins in the space of a week has kicked off a defining period in Villa’s season perfectly, though, and they go into Christmas on a high.

Maximum points from three potential banana skins shows just how far Villa have come from the side who wilted under its illustrious name last season.