Aston Villa keeper Orjan Nyland kept a clean sheet last night as Steve Bruce's side picked up a much-needed three points at home against Rotherham United.

The win eases the pressure on Bruce and on Villa, who had been without a win in five Championship matches.

Goals from new signings Tammy Abraham and Yannick Bolasie snatched the win which elevates them to sixth in the table.

There was also a cherished clean sheet for keeper Orjan Nyland, his first in seven competitive matches for Villa.

The 28-year old joined in the summer from FC Ingolstadt, but has endured a rough ride in his first few matches, not least because of an unsettled defence in front of him.

He took to Instagram to register his delight at finally keeping a clean sheet, but to also thank the fans for their support. He finished his post with "Now onto the next one #ØHN1".

Villa face Sheffield Wednesday this weekend at Villa Park as they look to cement a place in the top six and doubtless Nyland will be looking for a successive shut out of his own.

The Verdict

It must be a massive relief for the Norwegian who hasn't had an easy time since he arrived in the summer. Keepers are judged on clean sheets in the way strikers are judged on goals, so this will be a boost for him.

It hasn't been straightforward though, Villa's defensive problems are well documented and that is as much to blame for the leaking of goals as anything.

[ad_pod ]