I only ask if you have something to say because I do and I'll sum it all up with the next word; fantastic. Okay, the performance overall could be better and a victory would obviously be better, but overall, absolutely fantastic.
We didn't lose, we scored and for the first twenty minutes of the game and for moments in the second half, we dominated, looked good and when you consider the team we played, you just have to be happy.
I'm sure one or two will find reason not to be or reason to be disappointed or to question, but I'm extremely satisfied. More so when I remember the defeat last season in the same match.
The goal came early and it was a great goal. Eric Lichaj picked up the ball in his own half on the right, Heskey dropped deep to pick up the pass. As this is happening, Albrighton makes his move down the right wing and Heskey finds him inch perfect. While all this is happening, Barry Bannan is running into the box, just as Albrighton beats his man, looks up and crosses for Bannan to poke home.
If that was Neville, Rooney, Nani and Hernández, it would be hailed as magic. Well, I'm calling it magical, in case nobody else does.
After about twenty or so minutes Rapid Vienna came into the game and we went in at half time 1-1 after a cross hit nobody and bounced into the goal. The second half wasn't as good as the first, but we did exactly what we had to do to not concede - which I have a feeling was the main aim of the second forty-five minutes.
Return leg next week and I fancy we might see one or two that didn'y play tonight make an appearance and I fancy we might get through, although I am not counting my chickens yet.
Team News
Little Brad, Stephen Warnock, Eric Lichaj, Curtis Davies, Habibn Beye, Nigel Reo-Coker, Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan, Jonathan Hogg, Stewart Downing and Emile Heskey.
Subs:: Friedel, Delfouneso, Osbourne, Weimann, Clark, Lowry, Baker.
Weimann came on but went off a few minutes later injured - more on that tomorrow and The Fonz and Osbourne also came on.
FHM Love The Villa Blog
FHM have chosen their favourite football blogs and this little site wins in the category of Aston Villa. Click here to read the article on FHM.