Jack Grealish wasn’t at Ashton Gate but it felt like he was as Aston Villa supporters chanted his name throughout.
By the time 19-year-old Jaden Bidace broke the deadlock in the sixth minute, the 1,500 visiting fans still pouring into the ground were already loudly chanting ‘super Jack Grealish’ in honour of their hero.
The chants – supplemented by ‘You can shove your £100million up you’re a****’ – continued, but their efforts might well be in vain.
Manchester City’s £100million bid for Villa’s captain is still to be accepted.