The Aston Villa revival under Steve Bruce continued this weekend as his side grabbed a 2-1 home victory over Blackburn Rovers.

In a game which Villa fell behind in, it was another showing of resolve as the Midlanders successfully picked up more points in their pursuit to get up the table.

Steve Bruce has been there and done this on many an occasion and you wouldn’t put it past him to guide his side to the play-offs come the end of the season, if their form continues.

Bruce has revolutionised this Villa side since inheriting a struggling squad from the hapless Roberto di Matteo and now they are providing the platform to launch a late promotion push.

Villa are unbeaten under Bruce with three wins and two draws in his five games so far.

After the game, it was clear once again that there was a plethora of key players that ensured the game finished the way it did.

But who were the key figures that saw Villa win once again and Blackburn struggle to maintain their lead?

With that in mind, here are three key players from the Aston Villa vs. Blackburn game on Saturday afternoon…

Jonathan Kodjia

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The first must be eventual match-winner Jonathan Kodjia, who once again showed how important his goals will be in this Aston Villa team moving forward.

The former Bristol City man got both goals as Villa turned things around in the second half and they were two important strikes which sees his side rise in the table once again.

Whilst Ross McCormack continues to struggle, Kodjia is really taking the bull by the horns and deserves all the success he is achieving.

Pierluigi Gollini

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Italian goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini had come under fire for some poor displays earlier on this campaign but Villa have him to thank for the three points picked up on Saturday.

He made a string of good saves throughout, including a one-handed stop to prevent a Sam Gallagher header whilst he also tipped over a vicious Ben Marshall free-kick.

Performances like this should really help him going forward- if Villa are to challenge for the promotion places come the end of the season, they’re going to need a sturdy man between the sticks.

Gary Gardner

Gardner is set to join Forest

Local lad Gary Gardner is continuing to justify why he is part of Steve Bruce’s first-team plans after another strong performance against Blackburn.

The former Nottingham Forest loanee had struggled to get into the first-team for a couple of years but once again showed why he continues to be in the starting lineup.

He’s a real threat going forward and his ability to move the ball quickly and positively is a big part of this Villa resurgence.