Aston Villa fans react on Twitter with amusement as Zola loses first game in charge of Birmingham
By Amir Mir
Gianfranco Zola lost his first game in charge of Birmingham City to Brighton on Saturday evening – and Aston Villa fans on Twitter saw the funny side.
The Italian, who replaced the sacked Garry Rowett in the St Andrews dugout on Wednesday, saw his side concede a last-minute goal against the promotion chasers and lose the game 2-1.
Lukas Jutkiewicz had headed the home side into the lead after the break, but eight minutes from time Anthony Knockaert volleyed in the equaliser, before Glenn Murray snatched all three points with an 95th minute goal.
Villa supporters on Twitter, unsurprisingly, saw the funny side as they witnessed their rivals fall to their first defeat under the new manager.
Fans on Social Media likened the Chelsea legend to their former boss Roberto Di Matteo, who saw his side concede numerous late and costly goals, before being sacked by the club in mid-October.
Supporters said that it was the Italian way for Zola to see his side concede a late goal in that fashion.
Additionally, another fan wanted to know what the odds were on Zola relegating the Championship club or being sacked come this time next year.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
The win helps Chris Hughton’s side close the gap on leaders Newcastle to just one point. Both currently occupy the automatic places, with the Seagulls on 48 points from 22 games.
In other Aston Villa news, captain Tommy Elphick has praised the consistency of this player.