The headlines, tweets and pitchforks were primed until the 93rd minute, as Villa look destined for back-to-back defeats after a confused and ultimately lame 1-1 draw at Ewood Park.
However, Bruce’s blushes were saved, with late substitute Conor Hourihane curling home an outrageous free-kick at the death.
This though, is more than a salvaged away point.  The result keeps Bruce and the veracious debate surrounding him rolling into another week.
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Villa started brightly enough, likely wanting to banish the memory of a 4-1 mauling at Sheffield United inflicted before the international break.
Indeed, the set-up included prolific [at Championship level] loanee Tammy Abraham, making his first appearance for the club.  Kodjia, who’s had mixed success so far this term after a return from long term injury, watched on from the bench. Abraham, still hopeful of breaking into the Chelsea first team, soon cut a forlorn lonely figure up front.  Despite finding himself isolated for long periods, the full England international may be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet.
An instinctive second half header blazed past the hosts near post, but his second clear cut effort, after good interplay with Adomah was wastefully powered wide.
These were unfortunately sparse moments of threat in a game that Villa rarely commanded, nor appeared to have any lasting rhythm or flair.
John McGinn, a terrier like engine was similarly unsuccessful in the final third an...