The Big Man is Back!
By: irish_steve | January 13th, 2008John Carew netted returned to the scoring column for Villa today scoring 2 in Villa’s 3-1 hammering of Reading. Ashley Young set up the first 2 goals, both from set plays as Reading failed to defend convincingly. Villa only made one change to last week’s lineup with Gardener replacing Mellberg who was feeling ill during the warm-up. Gardener was rock solid throughout the whole match defending well and getting up to join the attack whenever possible. On one Villa counter attack, Gardener made a brilliant saving tackle on Stephen Hunt after coming in from his right back position to provide cover for the other defenders.
The 3 man wrecking crew of Agbonlahor, Young and Carew were on fire today linking very well with each other as well as the midfield duo of Barry and Reo Coker. Agbonlahor used his pace to great affect causing De La Cruz all sorts of problems in the first half. His runs behind the defense caused Reading problems all game preventing them from pushing their backline up too much resulting in them being hemmed in for large parts of the game. The first goal came from a set play which has been so typical of Villa, a brilliant cross by Young which was redirected with flick header from Carew.
At one point early in the game anyone watching on TV got a glimpse of how big Carew really is. He squared up to the referee Uriah Rennie, towering over the man in black who is widely considered to be the biggest ref in the Prem. 10 minutes into the second half, Villa got their second on another set piece after some shocking marking. Martin Laursen headed home the Young cross to double the lead. After the second goal, Reading pressed for the next 15 minutes but Villa held firm with Carson making one brilliant save. The 3rd goal came with 2 minutes left through the best move of the game. Young broke down the left and played it to Agbonlahor who burst into the box but instead of shooting, cut the ball across the 6 yard box for Carew to tap in his second. Reading’s defenders and keeper were fooled by Agbonlahor who could have easily taken a shot but chose instead to set up the big man. Carew thanked Agbonlahor by gesturing to the crowd while pointing at Agbonlahor.
Villa immediately made triple sub allowing the crowd to give a standing ovation to Carew, Young and Agbonlahor. Salifou came on to make his debut but seconds after he walked on the pitch, Reading score to slightly spoil the occasion. Carson will be disappointed with not keeping a clean sheet but overall Villa fully deserved their win. It was a very pleasing result for Villa fans who expected a win today and their team full obliged. Villa now have a 9 day break facing the difficult task of going to Anfield to face Liverpool a week from Monday.
Category: Match Reports
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share
      |
Comments are closed
Home 
