Aston Villa 0-0 Manchester City: Delph Thanks Fans

This week much was made of Fabian Delph's return to Villa Park. Nobody was truly surprised by the venom displayed toward Delph by Villa fans, from the pregame introductions of the subs bench, to when he began to warm up early in the second half, to when checked into the match, culminating with jeers on every touch. One could question the wisdom of Manuel Pellegrini introducing him late in this match as it gave the Villains faithful an extra burst of energy in the crowd, but Manchester City's traveling fans made Delph feel comfortable as he told the official club website:

"The fans gave me great support. They had my back - it was always going to interesting coming back."

"This is the first time in about four years that I've picked up a niggle and it's been frustrating but finally back now and back fit. The medical team here have been unbelievable with me and I'm ready to push on now.

"I'm not 100 per cent obviously - I've been coming on in the last couple of games but I'd Like to say that, with the international break, hopefully I'll get a couple of games in there, come back and be firing, ready to go."

Delph's return to fitness is welcome news for a Blues side that has been ravaged by injuries thus far this season.