Written by Damian Thursday, 14 January 2010 22:49
The match wasn´t all over after 23 minutes when James Milner created and scored, but that single goal was all that happened tonight in terms of goals and I don´t think you will find an unhappy Aston Villa fan.
You´ll find a few unhappy Blackburn Rovers fans, but not may judging by the empty seats, but the reasons for that are for a different post and a different day.
At the end of the day, to use a classic football pun, it is only half time, but we do have the advantage.
We should all be happy with the result, it is one step closer and for me, I think it is enough to see us through. Is it too early for me to book my tickets and are the club going to sort me out a couple of VIP tickets?
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Comments (79)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
VillaDude
said:
 |
... Damian. Are you now taking back all the slating you gave Milner? He look like 12m player now?? Good result by the way. |
George Templeton
said:
 |
... Very happy with the performance, disappointed that Villa aren't 2 or 3 up. I have to say that's Guzan's worst performance in a Villa shirt (admittedly didn't see the FA Cup match so I am prepared to be corrected) and still got away with it. Dunne just shades man of the match for me. Milner with a class goal. |
Philip Arkinstall
said:
 |
... Good defensive display. Milner and Downings interplay was fantastic, not just for the goal. Still don't get what Heskey offers. We really should be more goals ahead. Good overall though  |
Michael
said:
 |
... 1 goal and an away goal at that, means blackburn has to score 2 to go through (apart from penalties) |
Damian
said:
 |
... VillaDude simple answer; no he is an average winger. okay, maybe slightly above average winger because of his work rate, but i think you will find, if you search the site, that i´ve not said anything about james milner that actually isn´t justified - even me shouting from the rooftops a good 6 months before it happened, that james milner should be played in the middle |
Shane Black
said:
 |
... Why was NRC dropped after being the man of the match in the last game? and why bring sidwell on instead of him. Is Petrov guaranteed a starting place how ever he plays? |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
...he is an average winger. That's the problem Damian. You only ever looked at him as a winger, but he is much more than that. You have to at least admit you were very much in a minority in your opinion of him. Anyway I'm not bothered about that. Whilst I'm obviously happy with the result, I'm not happy overall. We should have won that by 3 clear goals, imo. And as for that fat useless lump.... I'd better leave it for tonight i think. |
Damian
said:
|
... Badger i admit, i was probably in the minority, but i also think most would now agree with me - he is an average winger, or as i said above, a slightly above average winger. a very good central midfielder and one i fancy will take the gareth barry role in south africa becasue he wont get much game time now that manchester city have viera, but i was never questioning that - like i said - go look for my negative comments towards milner and you will likely find them in the context of his position i.e. right side of midfield/winger i also banged the drum a long long time before he played in the middle to play him in the middle, so i wouldn´t bang that drum if i didn´t think he couldn´t have done a job in the middle |
Chris Parry
said:
 |
... Pleased with result but like badger thought we invited a very average blackburn team right back into the game. Oh and Gabby is Heskey in 10 years time......... |
John R
said:
 |
... Great result thought we played well and should have won by more. Jimmy M did a great job and got mon from sky. Think this may be our year because we had our slices of luck when they hit the post twice. More of the same next week and we're at Wembley. Well done tonight lads. Thought the Villa fans were great and really got behind our team. UTV |
Damian
said:
|
... VillaNick milner is better than barry ever was in the middle of the park. in fact milner is better on the right than barry ever was on the left |
VillaDude
said:
|
... Fair enough. But he's playing like a player worth far more than 12m and I remember you questioning his price tag on numerous occasions. If it related to him being a winger then fair enough. I do think he should be given more credit by yourself on this site. He's been amazing this season. Carried our attacking threat. |
Stan Balaban
said:
 |
... Villa win! 'Arry is charged! Torres, Gerrard and Benayoun all injured after Liverpoo cup exit and 'Freebie' Sturridge could cost up to £6m! Not a bad day at all I'd say! |
pepsi head
said:
 |
... why didnt blackburn give us the whole end,villa requested a extra 2,000 tickets but were only given 325 and to make matters worst they want extra tickets for the second leg even though they have 3,000 but i bet they wont even take 500 to villa park  |
jerry
said:
 |
...he is an average winger. How many better wingers are there in the PL? Wingers who play in the classic, Stanley Matthews, fashion are as rare as rocking horse shit. Modern defences make life difficult for wingers. Good ones get double teamed (where've we seen that). He took that goal well. He was in acres of space, right in front of goal and it was a delicate touch. I see Reading won last night. I know they were favourites but it was still away from home. Nothing to beat really. Did you see the waiter in the interview? I've phoned Mrs E. Windsor up to tell her there will be a vacancy soon if 'Arry is still interested. If Rednapp gets some bird he could have a choice of two jobs. Spuds is closer to home so he might prefer that one. Interesting times fellas. |
Damian
said:
|
... VillaDude he does get a lot of credit on this site and i´ve doffed my cap on quite a few occasions recently and i hope it continues but the negative comments, as this is how it will get called, were very as him as a winger and yes, the money was a factor - but that wasn´t directed at him - only because he didn´t pay it and he didn´t value himself at it .. if he becomes the player i think he can become - and i´m going to say it; the next steven gerrard - then £12mn will seem like nothing if the current market continues to develop the way it has there you go: james milner the next steven gerrard - how much more praise do you want from me? |
Chris Platt
said:
 |
... Great result, defense held firm again. I saw most people in the previous post would have taken 1-1 at the start of play, so there must be loads of happy fans tonight I envy most of you who will be able to be at Villa Park for the home leg next week. Hey Randy, can I bum a ride PLEASE  |
Jae86
said:
 |
... milner is a much superir player to barry, barry was lazy and didnt track back, left holes in front of the defence and rarely ran more than 10 yards. milner works like a dog and also has more technical ability as well as can tackle. barrys only advantage was he had a better lo,ng range pass |
Damian
said:
|
... there you go - you watch this james milner the next steven gerrard quote get picked up soon ... i tell ya - i´m predicting the future! |
Damian
said:
|
... we also have a mobile image sent in from the ground tonight: http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...he-stands/ |
Michael
said:
|
... technically milner was bought in as a winger so was definitely not worth 12million when we could have bought sw phillips or aaron lennon for the same fee who are much better wingers. but if MON bought him for 12million to play as a central midfielder then that would be money well spent. |
neil bangor
said:
 |
... My Word ! You are so negative. I watched it on Sky. I was very impressed with the way the defenders put their bodies on the line. Is this Dunne and Collins' influence ? We ruled the midfield. Young was worst of an excellent mid four. Gabby ran his socks off. MON was fuming at the booking, rightly so IMO. Heskey is so good at holding, he did miss a good chance  Look,our defence is rock solid,Guzan looked ok. We are going to Wembley. WOO HOO We should be the happiest fans on the planet. Loved the one in the last blog- Being a Liverpool fan must be like being given £100 million of cash in a suitcase only to find it's forgeries  Our fans were wild tonight. The half naked boys got some airtime COYL |
Jimbo
said:
 |
... and I quote from Damian pre season: "Moving on to James Milner and in case you had forgotten he's our most expensive signing ever and according to Martin O'Neill he's worth every penny. I don't think so myself, but you can't take anything away from the lad for effort, but is he honestly worth the £12mn we paid for him? I was asked by someone to leave my criticism of Milner until the end of the season and well, our season is over so here it is. It's not that he hasn't played well, it's that he hasn't been a £12mn. player and as for Martin O'Neill thinking he has a chance of going to South Africa next year, I'd suggest his only chance is if others are unable to. Milner works and we've seen this season that when we've been chasing a game on a couple of occasions the manager has put Milner to right back - my point is, if you pay £12mn. for a winger surely you want it to be one that can carve out chances and get good crosses in. Actions speak louder than words. The crossing is a big point for me because a lot of the time it has been woeful from Milner. Often it doesn't beat the first man and I've got to be honest and tell you I'm worried he's not going to get better. But I said all this at the start of the season and some Newcastle fans came on more than happy because we paid that money for him and some of them warned us too, but my view has ultimately not changed. Milner works harder than anyone in the team but given the choice of Milner, Wright-Phillips or Lennon, I think I will confidently predict most would probably not be picking Milner, unless you were buying Milner to play at right back and were not concerned with creating chances. I want to be wrong about Milner and when we were playing five in the middle, he looked better eventually as I think he got used to how he was supposed to play, but he's struggled again going back to four in the middle and ultimately the formation the team plays doesn't have an impact on his ability to cross which has not been what you'd expect from a £12mn. winger, which is sort of my point. Milner works hard, but he's not worth every penny. Had we paid £4mn. for Milner I'd say he was worth every penny but that is who the manager wanted and that is what he had to pay, so he did. I'm not questioning the manager or his choice of player, but I'd hope he did a little bit better this summer with the money he gets given. But, the manager seems to like him and that is all that matters and he'll get games because we only have two players that like to play on the left or right hand side of midfield, so we're sort of stuck, but if we get another in this summer, which I think we have to get, then Milner will have competition and I think with that, we might see Milner struggle" Mystic Damian strikes again |
ChicoHamiltonsPants
said:
 |
... A result!!! We should have won by more but if you had asked me be4 the game 0-1 away win then i would have taken it. Oh and is Podolski on his way to Villa are the rumours true i hope so. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...there you go - you watch this james milner the next steven gerrard quote get picked up soon ... i tell ya - i´m predicting the future! You go easy Damian. You'll be sounding positive next   |
PaulMcGrathsGoneAWOL
said:
 |
... Think Barry was a more technical player, was always comfortable on the ball even in very tight circumstances, but Milner is better in every other aspect. Anyone know if the Salifou song got sung? |
neil bangor
said:
|
... Damo, nice about Milner. I have said it before, he was worshipped at Newcastle. It was the end of KK's relationship with Ashley. They loved him at Leeds. Churchill, great comments MON knew what he was getting when he bought him. Re: DJ, he is going to be really good The Sky guys were raving about our young team, they are only going to get better. Imagine if Clark and Gary Gardner ( and the Fonz) become as good as they think, we could become lethal. The goal tonight would have matched any scored by the top 4 ? Man Utd in disarray. It is wide open. I do believe chelski will win the league |
Damian
said:
|
... Jimbo i´m not sure what your point is. honestly, i am not sure. you see, from what you have copied, i have referenced the fact that he was a winger and you are either taking the piss with the ´mystic Damian strikes again´ bit or praising me and please forgive me if it is the latter, but that is sort of what it reads but i stand by what i wrote then, 100% |
neil bangor
said:
|
... Yeah, forgot to say, Gareth Barry would not suit our style of play,now. He will not be back. The boys run more than Forrest Gump |
jerry
said:
|
...there you go: james milner the next steven gerrard - how much more praise do you want from me? Whoaaa Dude. I've just got the missus to call in paramedics in case I get a heart attack. They say there's noyhing new under the sun but I've just seen it. Gotta go. they're wheeling in the oxygen tent. |
Damian
said:
|
... Jimbo I have found the post you copied from and for everyone else, it is here: http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...ball-fans/ That was from May 2nd. On June 22nd, I started talking about putting Milner into the middle here: http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/...ton-villa/ my exact quote is: Jenas coming in could be a direct replacement for Barry and Bentley coming in would be a direct replacement for Milner, who should move into a more central role with Petrov and Jenas. I think if we did that, we'd all be happy, wouldn't we?i apologise if you were praising me, but i get so little, i sort of take the defensive straight away, as it is easier as i have no issue holding my hands up when wrong, but i know my view on milner |
neil bangor
said:
|
... That big girl's blouse, McCarthy, should have seen red for kicking Downing. Petulant. The more i think,we will stuff them at home. Play the Fonz on sunday |
Jimbo
said:
|
... call it praise with a hint of irony...you did call the central role, but I think he is an excellent side midfielder as well and can cover pretty much anywhere. He got a hard time for a while but we are at last all in agreement. He`s a great player and one I hope we can hold onto when the rich boys come sniffing in the summer. May the praise continue. |
Michael
said:
|
... praise when praise deserved but i think it was someone else who first suggested the milner in central midfield role. and no it wasnt MON. |
Jimbo
said:
|
... well, he played centrally for Leeds plenty of times so it was probably O'Leary. The boy can play anywhere, last year we needed him wide as we were lacking wide men...meanwhile we had Petrov, Barry, Coker, Sidwell all fighting for the central role. I think if Mon had dropped Petrov or Barry at the time for Milner a few people on here would have been calling for his head. We`re lucky to have such a great utility player...top full back, side midfielder, centrally and could do a job up front if needed. Very close to world class in my opinion and one of the strongest players in the league physically. |
John Clark
said:
 |
... Fine result. Big Sam lit into them at the half after we'd dominated them. They had their chances, couldn't take them. We were under the cosh, then finished pulling away again. Not fair comparing the game to the Spuds outing. The cup is their best chance for anything meaningful at all to come of the season, it is their season, after dumping out Chelsea. Truly, we just need someone besides Carewsky (or whatever clever name someone coined the other day) up front with Gabby, and we'd have put the game out of reach early on. |
Sasa
said:
 |
... We cained them first half, should really be walking away with a few more goals. We play with 10 men with Emule in the side, Carew would've finished them off. As for Milner better than Barry, more energy yes, but Barry has better vision. Overall Milner is more of a goal threat due to his fitness rate. Downing on the other hand is a great passer and I think he is better than Barry. In fact he is a better footballer than Young that's why Capello prefers him. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
 |
... The great thing about tonight was that right from the Kick-off, you could see how much the players wanted it. Not one single player looked overawed, and you could actually taste the hunger. As far as im concerned, i think we will win this competition due to that hunger. But its not only about hunger, its about desire....the desire to be succesfull, and you could see that tonight aswell. Randy will be back at Villa Park by early next week and this could be significant. You see, we should of really finished this tie tonight. And had Blackburns two best chances not rebounded of the post then i think we will have all been talking as to the reason why we did not finish them off. And finishing off is the subject i think Martin may be having with his gaffer. We are that close, we just have to be brave now and take the risk of spending big on that one player that will make us the finshed article. What better way of having that debate with Randy, than giving him the clubs first final for ten years? Come on Randy, lets do this!!!! |
Michael
said:
 |
... Good result against a poor team. We could have scored 3 or 4 but then again could have conceded 2 or 3. Milner is better then Barry imo. The energy he posses is almost untopable (if thats even a word) Damian i agree with you abotu Milner being average on the right. Hes not quick enough and much better built to play in a central role. I prodict a 3-1 to Villa at VP in the secound leg. Then were all going to Wembley! UTV! |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
 |
... well i have read most blogs on here but i just cant see that we will finish top six if lucky, the performance tonight in the second half was nothing more that dismal we could have been mayby 2 or 3 up the first half and that might be but the 2nd half surly anyone can see we was not the same side, if mart wants to be negative like tonight and not go for 2 o win then i fear for us that game was there for the taking and we failed to take it , it proved it when we brought on sidwel for heskey that was a negitive display to keep trying to win theses games 1 0 will be our down fall, cuz in the end we was lucky to get a way with it , and the only one i trust with the ball on hes feet is james milner god bless the villa |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
|
... milner is oursome its just a pity that some of the villa players dont play with the same guts as he plays, i know on paper it sounds a good result away win but i just feel we could a come away with a lot more tonight, the second half showing was not good and anyone who says it was is kidding them selves, why did we not come out the second half and finish them off i am not sure we no how to ,and by the way i have never seen a centre forward in my life do what heskey did tonight when he was clean through, god please give us a forward who can score goals its not to much to ask is it |
walshy
said:
 |
... damien i agree 100 percent with what you say about milner being an average winger.but i dont quite think we can say jimmy is better then barry ever was in centre mid yet.barry is a class act even if he did leave.i do think tho jimmy is the perfect foil for petrov as hes got more drive than barry. |
neil bangor
said:
|
... I knew before the match that even a one nil win would not satisfy some of you. We deserved def one, maybe two penalties. The commentators even said that another villa goal would kill the tie. How many, myself included,wanted 451 from the start ? He brings on Sidders and you are apoplectic. We are very good away,now. You are kidding yourself , if you think we won't even be top 6. Even Liverpool fans have given up Collins was awesome, never mind the rest. That back four is our strongest defensively. I think you will see us win against the lower teams. Brum will take lots of points off them too. Soccer is becoming like NFL, you need a good defence. Sorted |
Richard
said:
 |
... Some predicted that Milner would become a Villa legend when he signed. Others just huffed and puffed at the price tag and said that Sidwell was a much much better prospect. Milner (provided he doesn't have an alarming dip in form) is a nailed on cert. for the world cup. And rightly so. Surely credit must be due to MON. He often gets heavily criticised for his transfer window activity but, save for the odd exception, he has been very astute indeed. There can be few managers who enjoy the same ratio of success with their signings, even when bucket loads of dosh is available. I think (like the Milner story) some might just be beginning to realise that he is a much better manager than he has been given credit for. Roll on Wembley!! |
Graymo
said:
 |
... Can I please make a suggestion. I think it would be good to have an accumulated man of the match vote displayed on the home page so we can see who we have voted as the most consistent performers over the course of the season. |
Hamer82
said:
 |
... Quality win last night and what an atmosphere in the villa end, we sung our hearts out for the lads. Can anyone answer this question? I've been to every league cup game this season (we go on the cup runs because its difficult making the saturday games due to family commitments) with 4 of my mates. 1 of these 4 mates has the booking history for all 5 of us, if we reach the final, would all 5 tickets be guarenteed under this 1 persons booking history? I'd be gutted to miss out after following home and away all season UTV |
neil bangor
said:
|
... Milner is turning into our top class performer. Does the old bull,Barry,feel threatened by the new bull,Milner? That goal was compared to Ronaldo's last year v Arsenal Compare MON's purchases to FSW's. No contest I missed the Salifou song on sky. What tune is it? |
Damian
said:
|
... Graymo that is basically what you are doing - i'll see if there is a little script I can use to calculate and publish on the site |
John Samuels
said:
 |
... Incredibly I see that Heskey is coming in for some criticism already. I thought that was one of the best performances he's given in a while. Strong, powerful and the ball stuck to him. Admittedly he still can't hit a barn door, but at least he's having a pop and picking up dangerous positions, I honestly think he is getting better with every games he plays. We should start a campaign to raise money for a pair of glasses for Clattenberg. He was ok, but the two penalty decisions were absolutely ridiculous. How Gabby got booked for diving is mental and how they won a free kick when Chimbonda handled in the box is beyond me. Robbed. We could have had that game out of sight before the break. Massive performances all over the pitch again. Dunne, Cuellar, Milner, Petrov, Downing and Agbonlahor all deserve special credit and I thought Ash was decent too, he was running at the fullback all night and causing loads of problems. I just wish we could have converted more chances. We outplayed Blackburn for most of the game. They looked terrible at times and the only player of theirs trhat was any good was Chris Samba the man mountain. I have to admit I was nervous as hell with good reason in the second half, but another clean sheet, albeit a lucky one and I'm happy with the performance if not the result. I just wanted to give a special mention about Downings left foot. Isn't it marvellous, his deliveries were better than Youngs last night, incredible. I think we clearly have two of the best crossers of the ball in the EPL by a vit of a distance. Guzan wasn't as good as he has been, but it was still a clean sheet despite a couple of flaps. He has set the bar so high, we now expect so much from him, but hopefully just a bit of a nervous one for him and no harm done. Maybe this is why he hasn't quite dislodged Big Brad just yet. Petrov looks tired and maybe a little injured so I wouldn't be surprised to see delph or Reo Coker against Spam on sunday. Gabby is suspended so I hope Delfouneso starts. Ham are terrible at the back, esp. that Tomkins? so could be a good one to chuck him in from the start. |
robb david
said:
 |
... The result last night is obviosly a good one, but i think some analysis of the performance is in order. defensivly we looked pretty good, we have been better, but looked solid as always. Guzan will be one of the best keepers in the world, he just needs a bit of experience, i think this league cup run will serve him really well. The midfield for me are near enough as good as any in the league. Petrov holding, with brilliant distribution, milners work rate, creativity, and vision in the centre. The trickery and pace of young, and the delivery of milner, it remings me of the old united midfield, of beckham (downing), Keane (petrov), scholes (milner), giggs (young). TO MAKE A CLEAR POINT IM SUGGESTING THE BALANCE IS THE SAME, NOT THAT THE PLAYERS ARE AS GOOD. our problem lies with the front two, hesky was terrible last night, they showed a compliation on sky of villas missed chances, one was for youngs miss, the rest were heskys calamatous efforts to get the ball in the net. He was also at fault for the header that hit the post were he lost his man, and then proceeded to run away from the ball, thus leaving a free header. Gabby on the other hand has the attributes to be a top class forward, but he is so lazy, and he gives the ball away far to much. We need some class up front, and we need some one who can hold the ball up in the opponents half when we are under pressure. Anyway great win last night, one foot in wembley stadium, how can we not be happy with that, hope everyone is ready for a 0-0 stale mate at villa park, us hanging on and playing into the courner flag for the last 30 mins. |
Gavin Merriman
said:
 |
... Salifou song was probably the 2nd or 3rd most common chant. Brilliant! The atmosphere was top. The non stop bouncing and 'MON's claret & blue army' must have helped raise the teams spirits when blackburn were putting us under pressure. Was it a penatly? Looked like it but was too far away to see it clearly. Gabby isn't a driver so can't imagine him starting now, in which case the yellow card is a disagrace and should be retracted. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Kiddervilla, Ewood park is one of the hardest places to go in the league. Look at their record there over the last calender year. It was a cauldron of atmosphere and a cup tie. They threw everything at us second half and we kept a clean sheet. to keep trying to win theses games 1 0 will be our down fall, How the f**k is winning games gooing to be our downfall? Heskey looked tired and we were getting clobbered in the middle of the park. I'd argue that after Sidders came on we got hold of the game again and actually almost nicked a second late on so no I don't see what you are talking about whatsoever. |
Keith
said:
 |
... "he is an average winger. okay, maybe slightly above average winger because of his work rate" Sorry Damian but that is a pile of shit. Milner was called up to the England squad when playing on the right, he was praised in the press by Capello when playing on the right. Just because he has the ability to play central midfield as well doesn't make him any less effective as a right winger. And weren't you banging on about him being a left winger when we signed him. I know you won't believe me, but I do agree with a lot of what you say, but when you are wrong be big enough to admit it! |
bobvillian
said:
 |
... WOULD MILNER GET IN TO MAN UTD;CHEALSA;MAN UTD;LIVERPOOL;SPURS 1ST TEAMS; ANSWER-YOU BET. TOP CLASS PLAYER WITH GREAT ATITUDE FOR THE GAME.ALL VILLA NEED IS TOP GOALSCORER;PLUS CLASS PLAYMAKER AND WE WILL BE IN TOP 4. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... Sali Salifooouuuu Sali Salifooouuuu. I have to admit the atmosphere sounded incerdible guys. I wish I'd been there. Credit to everyone who got there and sang their hearts out. It sounded like we were at home. Actually we're never that loud at home, it was much much better. Well done chaps. |
robb david
said:
|
... bobvillian said: ... WOULD MILNER GET IN TO MAN UTD;CHEALSA;MAN UTD;LIVERPOOL;SPURS 1ST TEAMS; ANSWER-YOU BET. TOP CLASS PLAYER WITH GREAT ATITUDE FOR THE GAME.ALL VILLA NEED IS TOP GOALSCORER;PLUS CLASS PLAYMAKER AND WE WILL BE IN TOP 4. Why do we need another play maker when we have got milner who is our centre mid playmaker? we need a link forward, we have the big men, we have the pace all we need is a bit of skill and class up top and we will have a full set of options |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
 |
... JPA I agree with most of your post. I thought Heskey did well at the job he is on the pitch to do which is hold the ball up. Milner was top class. Really impressed. Really really impressed. Downing also. The interplay between both was excellent and we played some nice football on a really hard pitch which is the main positive I’m taking from last night. The first pass for the goal by Downing outside our own box was terrific and it’s been a long time since I can remember us playing passes like that. Defensively we were solid(ish). I’ve seen them play better as a unit but they got the job done. I understand the reasoning behind the Cullar at RB just to deal with the long balls in but I hope it’s only a one off. Cullar would make a great Rugby player. Great tackler and often finds touch with his kicks. Now my only half critism. I’m sorry but Young is now the weakest link in our midfield. Yes he tries hard and his pace is hard to deal with but he lacks culture on the ball. The amount of wasted opportunities in excellent positions by him last night was the reason we did not put this tie to bed. He doesn't seem to know when to take another touch or when not to take another one and he is not on the same wave length as the other 3 midfielders in ability on the ball. Milner, Downing and Petrovs close control and ability to make space for themselves is so far ahead of Young’s right now. But I think the move to the right is the best for the team. |
robb david
said:
|
... Oh and something for the blackburn fans: empty seats my lord, empty seats. WTF is going on when you cant fill a pokey 24000 seater stadium In the semi final of cup when The away team sent 5000 fans. Im no expert but is that the worst support in the league? Maybe Wigan could match them. |
Gavin Merriman
said:
|
... I'm not a big fan of sidwell, he's good squad player still trying to find top gear, so I was cursing when he came on instead of NRC or depth. But i was proved wrong as he actually played well and helped us get hold of the ball and start to control the game again. Good subsitution. MON is brilliant and deserves more credit on this blog. Week in week out the fans at the games (home and away) sing his name above all others, they give him the support and credit he deserves. Martin O'Neills claret & blue army! Martin O'Neills claret & blue army! Martin O'Neills claret & blue army! Martin O'Neills claret & blue army! |
Keith
said:
|
... ak_27 I actually agree with nearly everything you wrote then. I'm going to lie down in a dark room. The only thing I would say is that Young hasn't had a great season but he has slowly improved and hopefully his deliveries from free kicks will get better as well. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... ak, granted Ash's decision making is a bit off, but I think he is having a bit of a confidence problem at the moment. He just doesn't look entirely comfortable and seems like he feels he has something to prove constantly. I hope this changes soon. Perhaps a rest might do him some good? Although his set piece deliveries are so good I wouldn't want to risk leaving him out. Blackburn changed their left back at half time cos Ash was pi**ing on him. As with Guzan I think he has set the bar so high that when he doesn't hit nuclear form he gets criticised when he actually played pretty decently. He certainly wasn't as poor as Gamst Pedersen. I can't remember the last time I saw a performance that bad. On the whole I thought we played well and while Blackburn probably deserved a goal for their efforts I thought we were the better team overall and deserved an advantage. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...actually agree with nearly everything you wrote then  Im hoping the move to the right (once he gets used to not having to come back in on his right like he used to on the other flank) he might start being more clinical. He was getting into some great positions. |
John Samuels
said:
|
... ak, yeah, I was screaming at him to deliver at times, but more often than not he'd win a corner anyway so fairs fair. I honestly had no idea quite how good a delivery Downing had on him. He might be a more complete player than Ash. So so dangerous. Cuellar at RB was the right decision too. Having him Dunne AND Collins in the box for defending set pieces probably saved us last night. Samba is great, he dwarves Heskey We should buy him, quality player. I fancy Luke will be back for the West Ham game. I love this rotating lark, it's mighty useful. |
Gavin Merriman
said:
|
... I agree about young this season. His pass completion is consistantly nearly twice and bad as the rest of our midfield. He does give the ball away far too freely. However every 4th ball into the box will be world class and create a great chance. I fancy him to find more confidence in the 2nd half of the season and be a really big player for us. Here's hoping anyway! |
Gavin Merriman
said:
|
... Downing is turning out to be good as his hype. Another great signing! Love having him, milner and young on the pitch. You know they'll attack at every opportunity. Can't pass with his right peg though, every other attempt is Sunday league standard. |
McParland
said:
 |
... Realy pleased with last nights first leg at blackburnthought we played realy well first half and scored a spectacular counter goal should have had two pens that were not given god only knows why? they were both clear enough to see.scoring one more fromthe two definate pens would have finished the tie i believe giving blackburn to much to do away from home.But with mr clatenburg giving them the impression he was clearly on their side they took heart and performed much better second half. hitting the post twice.However we also had other realy good chances from both Gabby and Ash and also a great strike from Stan .So although its only half time i expect our lads to take no prisoners second half and go for their throats from the first whistle to finish them asp.And who ever refs this game will he please inform mr Ben Mcarthy that deliberatly kicking stewart downing is usualy a straight red card just incase he does it again at villa park after not being dismissed last night.UP THE VILLA |
S
said:
 |
... Another example of Aston Villa's weak forwards in the Carling Cup. We should have won more than 1-0 had more chances to score eg. Young freekick to Agbonlahor header which got deflected but only 3 Blackburn players were around the ball and also when Heskey touched the ball backwards in the box so he had to take a shot with his weak foot and offbalance. We need another FORWARD! But Milner has improved greatly luckily. |
Write comment
Latest Aston Villa Wallpaper
The VILLA BLOG FEATURED ON FHM.COM
FHM have chosen their favourite football blogs and chosen thevillablog.co.uk as the number one blog for Aston Villa! Click the badge to read the article or head to FHM.com for the kama sutra and the UK's finest girls. Login
Follow Us
More Posts
- Hopeful and optimistic times ahead but not positive for Collymore
- Confirmed: Gérard Houllier appointed manager of Aston Villa
- Tripe and January, Sidwell and Stoke and Albrighton and Bannan
- If Houllier is appointed, he will be supported but it has to be done the Aston Villa way
- Gérard Houllier set to be named new Aston Villa manager, apparently
- Collins okay and an Aston Villa player revolt
- Something for the ladies and Gérard Houllier
- Curbs, not catch 22 and time gentlemen please
- Transfer window shut, Lerner has to invest or sell and four months of fun
- Kevin MacDonald: The new Aston Villa manager
Lucozade Sport on Facebook
Lucozade Sport loves Football as much as we do. They’ve been fuelling Aston Villa players for over 15 years and using this expertise to support amateur Footballers across the country. Visit their Facebook page for expert advice, video clips and Football chat. Latest AVFC Blog Tweets
AVFC Blog
avfcblog
- follow:
- updates:3332
- followers:639
Loading...
Last 4 tweets in past 30 days from avfcblog:
People talking about '@avfcblog':
Featured on Aston Villa Central
The Villa Blog on FourFourTwo
Leaving Comments
Only registered users can post comments without the need for it to be approved. Registration is free and takes two minutes so if you want your comments to show up straight away click here to register.
Get your online avatar
This blog is Gravatar friendly. That basically means, if you use Gravatar and leave a comment, as long as it's the same email address you registered at both sites, we'll show your avatar. It's a cool little site, we like it. Register here! The Internet is Changing
