Villa Wembley Song?
By: Ryan |
8 Comments
’)So yeah, here it is, sung by X-Factor star Niki Evans.
Gotta love it, cheese or not! Your thoughts?
Rx
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Spurs 0 – 0 Villa, a case for the defence.
By: Ryan | 5 Comments
Another goal less draw, with nothing much to report. Villa’s defence took the gold star today, like they have most of the season, we were just let down by everyone else. Wild passes, bad touches, no luck, all led to about 1 real chance on goal, which came from Milner’s strike in the first half which resulted in a great double save from Gomes. Heskey went off injured, replaced by John Carew, who failed to make any sort of impact. Tottenham had a lot more chances including a penalty decision going against them, but a draw was probably right in the end, I’m just a little disappointed we couldn’t take advantage of Man City’s loss. Liverpool on the other hand must be jumping for joy, and we are heading into another season with a typical top four.
Manchester United up next and Rooney’s on fire it’s going be a tough one, but it’s at Villa Park, and lets not forget the result from the last time we played! 
Question of the day, can we seriously challenge for a top four spot with just a solid defence? Answers on a postcard, or just leave a comment.
Rx
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Fulham 0 – 2 Villa Match Report
By: Ryan | 2 Comments
A first half brace from Gabby Agbonlahor means we are still holding onto that top 4 hope… just. In the middle of a difficult run, this is exactly what we needed, and I’m glad we won, I’m glad we kept a clean sheet, but the second half left me with a lot to think about.
Few noticeable points :
1. MON didn’t make a single substitution, this is a team we play week in week out, did we not learn from last season? If we don’t play other players, they will soon get sick of the bench and move on, like a few players already have lately. Not to mention giving the first team a break.
2. We stopped playing in the second half, I don’t know what MON said, but we had, what, 2 chances on goal the whole second half? Fulham could of easily come back into it if it wasn’t for our solid defence and the signing of the season Dunne. We are aiming to be a top 4 side, you would not see Chelsea, Man U, Arsenal take the ball into the corner, play short corners etc to run down time, they would finish them off to the point Fulham wouldn’t even bother.
3. Heskey. He’s been playing well lately I must admit, but again no goal and no real chance of getting a goal, sure he wins some important balls etc, but he has a short fuse, and we need a goalscorer, I’m getting increasingly worried about our demand of goals from Gabby, even though scored two wonderful goals today, if he has a dry spell, Villa have a dry spell, we need someone to take that weight off him, then I reckon we would see even more from the youngster, and really challenge for top 4. Our goals scored is pathetic, and its only our defence keeping the challenge up.
Spurs drew, but Liverpool won, mixed bag, but if City lose then I’ll be happy.
R x
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Villa 0 – 0 Arsenal Match Report (ps Man U beat City)
By: Ryan | 6 Comments
Goal-less draw, doesn’t exactly scream excitement does it? But in reality it was an alright game, and a bit of an eye opener for the Villa. It was very fast paced, especially in the middle of the second half, an Ashley Young ran rings around Clichy, it was a pleasure to watch. Unfortunately, we failed to capitalise on all the possession, with crosses flying in left right and centre, you would of thought we would of had at least one goal, and if Downing was to put his head through the ball when it came to him at the back post, we could have. This is a bit of a recurrence for Villa, goals aren’t coming, when they should be.
Man of the match was Young, we exploited Clichy on that right flank and Young really took him to town with some great crosses coming in, much like the Young we loved from last season. Sadly I cannot say the same for Downing, now I like Downing, but he just didn’t look like he wanted to win, and he REALLY should of scored that goal.
Talking point of the match? Tiredness, we looked VERY tired towards the end, so tired in fact that Dunne had to run from his own half towards the Arsenal goal, and to be honest done very well, fouled by old man Campbell, but wasn’t given. He had zero support, and it wasn’t because of orders from MON, we just didn’t have it left in the tank.
If you had asked me if I would of taken a point from this match, I would of said yes after the way Arsenal have been playing, but after watching that, I’m disappointed we didn’t take all 3, when we should have.
Just finished watching the Man U / City game, and I’m pleased to tell you we will be playing some real opposition in the final of the Carling Cup, Manchester United beat Manchester City 4-3 on aggregate. What’s that Gareth Barry? No you cannot come to Wembley with us
R x
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Villa youngsters put us into the FA Cup 5th round against Wolves/Crystal Palace
By: Ryan | 2 Comments
A great show of what our youngsters are capable of, Albrighton went off early through injury, which is a shame as I really rate him, great player and it showed with the first goal, making a great run and finishing it with a cross to find Nathan, who of course finished fantastically. Other goals from Young and Delph, his first goal for the club, not seen much of him since his transfer, definitely one for the future.
Game finished Aston Villa 3-2 Brighton, and we are in the 5th round of the FA Cup, along with the final of the Carling Cup, could we be seeing Wembley more than once this year?! Some big names out of the Cup already, making it a realistic thought. At what price though? Could we be giving up on top four fight in order to win some silverware? It wouldn’t be the worst, it about time for some silverware, and hey, there’s always next year!
So the draw has just taken place, and we have got Wolves or Crystal Palace away. A great tie either way, would of been nice to have it at Villa Park though! Back to normality for a while, next four matches, Arsenal, Fulham, Tottenham, and Manchester United….. DOH!
R x
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We are going to Wembley!
By: Ryan | 5 Comments
I know I’m a little late in posting this, but I have been busy celebrating! What a fantastic evening of football, and being there just made it all so much more special.
I knew we were in for a hard game, but when we went 1 down, the realisation really kicked in. It was 1-1 on aggregate, and our away goal meant nothing now. Then 2-0 down, it was slipping away from us, and fast, luckily though, I or the other 40,000 Villa fans never gave up hope. I knew we have been struggling to find goals the last few games, and with Heskey under performing and lazing about the midfield I was really hoping for a quick come back, and thanks to Warnock loitering well up field, he was positioned perfectly to drill the ball home from close range. Game on.
Finally Heskey managed to do something (really disappointed with Heskey in the first half) and play Agbonlahor through on goal, only to be brought down by Samba, resulting in the penalty which Milner converted fantastically and Samba being sent off, Blackburn down to 10 men before half time! Really is game on.
Second half was much better, although may I point out that Guzan was having a REALLY bad day, which is unusual, probably three of the four Blackburn goals could have been prevented easily, and a bad defence on the night didn’t help.
Goals from Dunne (it was an O.G but my credit goes to Dunne!) Milner (superb!), and, um, HESKEY and the Villa faithful and myself, were chanting for Wembley. But this was short lived, after a /slightly/ disheartening “consolation” goal from Blackburn.
A comfortable cushion and not long left, Blackburn strike again, was this the magic of the cup coming through? Were Blackburn REALLY going to comeback from this?
Ashley Young says no. A fantastic, if not trademark strike from Ash sealed the deal, and sent us to Wembley, it was fantastic, and this is what it’s all about, best day of my life.
I must mention how well Blackburn played with only 10 men, they never gave up, but the best team are going to Wembley 
Some pictures I took on the night, I’m not a photographer.
R x
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Blackburn 0 – 1 Villa Carling Cup Semi-final 1st leg
By: Ryan | Add Comments
Does Mark Clattenberg know what hand ball is?
Great result, would of taken the scoreline if offered to me at the start. A very poor first half from Blackburn, beaten by a very good counter attacking move from the Villa, the first half ended at 1-0 to a well deserving Villa team. Milner and Downing taking it from their own half, playing a couple of one two’s with Milner passing it into the back of the net. Back to my original question, Chimbonda CLEARLY punched the ball towards his own net, should of been a penalty, what was the ref thinking?
Second half was a slightly different story, Blackburn had a great spell of possession, hit the post twice, Guzan with a couple of great saves, but didn’t capitalise, and the boys defended admirably. MON made a change around 70mins, bringing on Stevey Sidwell for Heskey, firming up the midfield, which implies MON will be happy with a one goal cushion. Backed up by the fact the boys were holding it on the corner flag past the 80 minute mark. I personally think we should of buried it there and then, it may come back to haunt us.
This will make a VERY interesting second leg, which I shall have front row seats for, and I’m thinking it will be a better turn out than just 18,000 like tonight’s match. Come on you lions!
R x
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Blackburn Vs Villa Match Preview
By: Ryan | Add Comments
Finally the snow has begun to melt and we have a scheduled match that hasn’t been cancelled. Blackburn welcome Villa to Ewood park, I’m hoping all the Villa faithful have made it to Blackburn okay to watch what is a very important game, a win here will give us a great base to build on at Villa park in the second leg.
No new injury worries for MON, and all the boys have had a rest now thanks to all the snow, although now we have three very important games in quick succession. It will be interesting to see how MON responds to this, will he field a strong side? Guzan in goal as per usual for the cup games? This is our ticket to Wembley, I will be heading off to Villa Park for the second leg, and I’m hoping we have an advantage going into that game, although even if we don’t, I’m very confident we can take them to the cleaners at home.
Jason Roberts is out with a knee injury, with Benni McCarthy and Gael Givet are doubtful. Last time out Blackburn were demolished 3-1, and we’ll be hoping for a repeat of that, although the squads tonight will be very different for both teams.
The game is live on Sky Sports 1 in the UK kick off at 8pm, detailed match report afterwards! And just a reminder, this is what were playing for :
Comments welcome, and please share with your friends using the new widgets at the top!
R x
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Snow, guns, and the demise of football.
By: Ryan | Add Comments
If it wasn’t for the mountain of snow I’d think we were in the middle of summer, seems like an age since the last Villa game, Wigan being the second cancellation due to freezing conditions in a row. In fact most premiership matches have been postponed with only the Arsenal and Manchester United games going ahead (at the moment!) It’s 2.20pm and I just don’t know what to do with myself, Saturday is match day! Boo for the snow. My Carling cup semi-final tickets came yesterday, I’m hoping the snow won’t ruin that for us as well, It’s got a couple of weeks to sort itself out.
Sadly though, the snow isn’t the worst problem involving football lately, there was an attack on the Toga international team bus in Africa. Gunmen shot at the bus injuring three players, staff members, and killing the driver. Our own Moustapha Salifou was on that bus, but thankfully wasn’t injured although was very very shaken. Adebayor of Manchester City was also on the bus, but was also not injured. I’m not sure why terrorists or anyone would want to attack a bus full of football players, it’s disgusting and puts the whole footballing world in shock and despair. Many premiership clubs are calling for their players to return to the UK, and you can understand why but would that mean canceling the competition? And ultimately letting the terrorists win? I’d like to know your thoughts, and of course my thoughts go out to the friends and family of the injured and deceased involved.
I hope to god this is a one off, and terrorists wont being targeting our sporting heroes, they have already ruined flight travel for us. Hopefully my next post will have some good news, but until then happy 2010!
Please don’t be afraid to comment.
R x
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Villa – Blackburn Carling Cup Semi-Final CALLED OFF
By: Ryan | 3 Comments
Snow snow everywhere, except where I live. But apparently it’s quite heavy in Blackburn.
Although the pitch is okay to play on, safety of the fans is at stake, especially at the end when everyone would be due to leave it would be 10pm and would be too dangerous to travel.
I was looking forward to this, and it means a more heavy schedule when the re-match comes around, not a happy chappy!
R x
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