John McGinn’s first goal for the club wasn’t enough to prevent Villa from slipping to their first Championship home defeat of the season.
After a low-key first half the game exploded into life in the opening eight minutes of the second period.
The visitors were ahead when Marco Da Silva fired low and hard into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area, but four minutes later McGinn opened his claret-and-blue account in spectacular fashion.
Ahmed Elmohamady’ s deep cross was only partially cleared, and when the ball fell to McGinn a couple of yards outside the area the Scottish midfielder unleashed a superb volley which flew in off the underside of the bar.
But Wednesday were back in front on 67 minutes, Steven Fletcher heading in a cross from the right.
The Scottish Cafu
Not for the first time this season, Alan Hutton’s performance was top drawer.
The left-back’s outstanding contribution included a bit of everything.
He alternated his usual solid defending with some fine crosses and passes – none better than a perfect through ball which sent Jonathan Kodjia racing down the left in the opening period.
And, as if to justify his nickname, he even threw in a cheeky back-heel for good measure.
Here was a player who certainly didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Sheffield steel
For the second consecutive season, Villa’s first Championship home setback was inflicted by the Hillsborough club.
And with Steve Bruce’s men having also suffered their first league setback at the hands of Sheffield United a few weeks ago, there’s little affection for the steel city down Witton way right now.
What next?
After two consecutive home fixtures, Villa are back on the road next Friday, heading down the M5 to take on Bristol City at Ashton Gate.
Villa have lost 3-1 and drawn 1-1 on their two previous visits to the West Country. Hopefully this trip will yield three points.