Aston Villa goalkeeper Mark Bunn has pinpointed the moment which helped turn his side's season around, abuse from fans following an FA Cup game last month.
Bottom of the table having only won one Premier League game all season, Villa travelled to Wycome Wanderers in the Third Round hoping to gain some confidence with a win. Especially, given that it came off the back of two huge losses to Sunderland and Norwich City.
Fan fury followed cup draw
However, things didn't quite go to plan, with Remi Garde's men drawing 1-1 at Adams Park. Micah Richards did put them ahead, before a Joe Jacobson penalty tied things up in the second half.
What followed after the game were ugly scenes, as captain Richards argued with the travelling B6 faithful, who accused their side of showing a lack of passion. Fuel was further added to the fire, when pictures emerged of Joleon Lescott and Brad Guzan having a competition to see who could spit their chewing gum further from the bench. Fans then waited outside the ground, shouting abuse at the players as the boarded the team bus.
Abuse was the final straw, says Bunn
"It was a reality check and all the lads realised that", said Bunn, who was only making his second start of the season in the draw. Adding that the team were "trapped in the stadium for an hour afterwards", the 'keeper explained that he thought it was "the lowest the team has been" this season.
Bunn commented that Villa "had to pay the fans back by performing better", and they really have been. Since visiting Wycombe, Villa have played seven, winning three and drawing two of their games, losing just twice.
Villans are on a hot streak
Two of those have been crucial Premier League wins against Norwich and Crystal Palace, whilst Bunn also saved a penalty in the 1-1 draw with league leaders Leicester City. Whilst they're still eight points from survival, the Villans are now just four from 19th place, and might not be quite as down and out as many thought they were.
Speaking about the upturn in form, Bunn described the recent run as "fantastic", saying that he believes the team have been fighting, and that "the fans can see that". Stating that he thought the team are now "stronger than ever", he was fairly assured in saying that he thinks the fans will "stick with us now".