PHOTOS: Aston Villa fans bring out the snakes to welcome back Fabian Delph

Aston Villa fans had to wait almost 80 minutes to finally see Fabian Delph back to the Midlands.

His appearance late in Sunday's match was his first time back at Villa Park since ditching the club in the summer for a spot with title contender Manchester City.

Fans likely wouldn't have welcomed Delph with the venom displayed during the scoreless draw had he not expressed his love and commitment to Villa in the days and weeks before signing with City.

Since the controversial move, he's been widely referred to as a snake by the Villa faithful, with images of the reptile - including a fantastic homage to The Simpsons - popping up around the stadium up as a chorus of boos greeted the English midfielder.

Unfortunately for Delph, he was unable to help City slither out of Villa Park with a victory.