I'm still in the Bruce out camp as it feels like this is an anomaly (despite him rather than because of him) rather than a new norm BUT:
Grealish was excellent. MOTM. Playing him in central midfield means he's far more involved and having Hourihane alongside him and Jedinak behind works well. It makes it feel like a much more attacking 4-1-4-1. Plus, when he opens up and is running into space, he looks nowhere near as slow as people seem to think.
Also not a Hutton fan in any sense but I thought he was excellent today. On that showing, I prefer him to Taylor at LB by some distance.
Elphick has also done really well since he's been back in the side. It makes previous decisions to play Jedi or even Samba there look stupid.
Great to see O'Hare and RHM come on, even if they didn't see loads of the ball.
Why boo Nathan Baker? For years of good service, trying his best, throwing his body on the line for the Villa time and time again? We should show a little more class than that. He's not a villain, and deserves respect and a better welcome home.
If we play like this for the rest of the season then I'm happy to see Bruce stick around. However, does anyone doubt that we'll regress again?