I started this type of blog post a while ago but as most of you know, this is a new place for me on the web, so while it is almost the exact same, it is a little different and it has a new name, because this one is better and deep down, we all know that, just by looking.

So, to the format. Like I said, it is almost the same, but a little different. We're going to go straight to one paragraph from some of the nationals, they'll be the player ratings and commentary from me with my man of the match, referee watch, a video if I can find it, a final analysis of the match and then a look to the next match.

What The Papers Say

Oliver Kay, The Times
Finally, in the third minute of stoppage time, they claimed their reward. And if they can win while playing like this, with half a team missing, there is only one name on this Premier League trophy — and it is not Liverpool.

Kevin McCarra, guardian.co.uk
Some steps were sensible and restored balance. Nicky Shorey, who has often been out of favour, was picked at left-back. That meant Luke Young could be stationed on the right and there was no need for the midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker to be used in defence, where he had suffered at Anfield. Elsewhere, Barry and Petrov dovetailed impressively. In attack, Carew imposed himself to such an extent that the absence of the injured Emile Heskey was forgotten. Beside him the swift Agbonalhor rediscovered the confidence that had been eluding him.

Neil Custis, The Sun
At this point Villa were all over United. They should have had more but they were happy to sit back and just let two or three go forward to try and force another goal.

Sam Wallace, The Independent
Villa were excellent until United scented blood with Ronaldo's 80th-minute equaliser, and there were times when you could not conceive of them not winning. They play Everton next week in a game in which they must arrest their decline, now six points behind Arsenal in fourth place. Martin O'Neill's team were dominant in the early stages even though they went behind on 13 minutes.

The Goals

Ronaldo (13) 1-0; Carew (29) 1-1; Agbonlahor (58) 1-2; Ronaldo (80) 2-2; Macheda (90) 3-2.

Player Ratings

The player ratings are from Badger and he's even put in a commentary on each player. Only if I've felt it absolutely necessary have I added anything and if I did, my bit is slanty text.

6Brad Friedel - I can't put my finger on it, but I'm not convinced.

6Luke Young - Looked reasonably comfortable in his proper position but got caught out once or twice. Can be forgiven.

6Nick Shorey - Did okay, got forward. I thought he did really well and he added a much needed balance.

6Curtis Davies - Summed up the defence, in my opinion.

6Carlos Cuellar - Did okay.

7Gareth Barry - Excellent first half and ran the game.

7Stan Petrov - Hard working and made some good runs.

7Ashley Young - Some good balls in the first half, but didn't look as good second half.

6James Milner - Worked hard with little product. I was very surprised to see him come off, didn't think he deserved it and when Martin O'Neill did this, he broke one of his own rules.

7John Carew - Held the ball up well, still our biggest goalscoring threat.

7Gabby Agbonlahor - Poor first touch again, but got a goal. Unlucky with offsides at least once.

Aston Villa Man of the Match

I don't think it an easy one this time but I'm going to pick Petrov, but it was a close call between him and Barry.

Referee Watch

Yesterday, the linesman gave offside for Gabby twice when replays showed he wasn't offside. Am I the only one on the planet that would like an explanation? How can a linesman give offside if it wasn't. He couldn't have seen it was offside, because it wasn't and if he's using some sort of judgement on it, then he's wrong so he's clearly not good enough.

What I mean is, if he couldn't have seen it was offside how can he raise his flag? Surely, you have to be 100% on this if you are going to stop play and if you're not then you can't raise your flag. Something has to be done about this as it is spoiling the game and we're giving to much power to people in the game that shouldn't have it.

But. that isn't the real controversy. The real controversy and Martin O'Neill summed it up, was we were not given a free kick when we clearly should have had it and Manchester United scored. He wasn't happy.

I know my contemporaries come on TV and say the same thing but it's not the point. I tell you what if it had been the other way around it would have been a foul.

Martin O'Neill, April 5th 2009

For the sake of the game, somebody needs to deal with the referees but saying that it's not the biggest thing that is wrong and nobody is trying to fix that, so I guess we're going to have to accept it, but please, somebody, try and fix it. How can a linesman raise his flag when he couldn't have seen anything? It truly baffles me.

Final Analysis

We were desperately unlucky to not leave Old Trafford with three points yesterday but we should feel more confident in our teams ability to match Everton when they come to Villa Park next Sunday (more on that in a minute).

We dominated the midfield, mostly because Manchester United played three up front and three in the middle and we caused them problems when going forward but when we sat back, we invited pressure and I'm sure Martin O'Neill would have seen this and while he'll not say it was his fault, nor should he, he would have learnt a lesson.

Bottom line, it was a great match, we were very unlucky but we saw why we are getting better yesterday and why we are heading in the right direction.

Up next: Everton

The only reasons why we should not change our formation for Everton is if Everton come playing three up front. We saw yesterday why we are a better team with five in midfield, or an extra man; we like the space and freedom to move quickly and it almost paid off. It actually started to go a little wrong when we took Milner off, because we changed how we played the game.

Everton is a must win and we have to take the confidence from yesterday into that game and dare I say it, Villa Park is going to have a part to play too.

If we play like we did yesterday, attack the way we did and learn from where we made mistakes, next season will be better and the one after that will be much better, but for now, we just need to carry it forward to next week. If we do play like we did yesterday and have the space, we'll beat Everton and I reckon beating Everton next Sunday will secure us fifth place; a step in the right direction.

Comments (35)

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taglor said:

... Pah, bad mood today

Comment 1, made on April 06, 2009 at 10.36 am

taglor said:

... Actually it is all Heskey's fault we are where we are and we all knew we would end up signing the donkey as soon as MoroN was appointed manager.

Comment 2, made on April 06, 2009 at 10.42 am

Ramon Maklouf said:

... Great blog Damo. I know people will complain about the length but the sub-headings made it a real pleasure to read. You gave yourself enough space to clearly explain your views, so I wouldn't shorten it, because if you do, I feel your point will not come out as clearly as they should. Not much can be said about the defeat. I'm still disappointed but still proud to support Villa. I think this could be a game that defines our season. Especially if Arse slip up again and we pounce. We need to play 5 in the middle next week. I know MON won't because we are home, Heskey will probably be back and we played well with 4, but Everton will play 4 in the middle with Cahill just in front. If we don't match it, then forget it. UTV!

Comment 3, made on April 06, 2009 at 10.43 am

Ramon Maklouf said:

... Actually it is all Heskey's fault we are where we are and we all knew we would end up signing the donkey as soon as MoroN was appointed manager. Be critical but be fuckin reasonable 'mate'. MoroN? I'd love to know what that makes you taglor? Please answer that for me taglor! And don't call yourself a realist because we all know you're not. You are a pessimisstic fool.. May the negativity you seem to live off hit you where it hurts. UTV!

Comment 4, made on April 06, 2009 at 10.47 am

Panos said:

... Am I the only one who thinks A.Young was below average yesterday??

Comment 5, made on April 06, 2009 at 10.48 am

James said:

... Great read Damian. As for the title, how about PMT in honour of Sir taglor? Yes Young was poor. He looks nervous with the ball at his feet facing the defender (even when that clown is Neville). In fact I'd go so far as to say he looks like Milner in November.

Comment 6, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.05 am

Gregdavilla said:

... Great blog Damo. I know people will complain about the length but the sub-headings made it a real pleasure to read. You gave yourself enough space to clearly explain your views, so I wouldn't shorten it, because if you do, I feel your point will not come out as clearly as they should. Ramonicus- ur some lick arse mate, dont you know damian is married you've no chance there. Taglor, Heskey was a terrible signing, it doesnt show intent or ambition. i thought hed do a job for us he seems to be okay 4 england, but hes been pure shite for us, he looks a cumbersome oaf with no tack or guile. Hes just a bruiser who hope to get lucky flick ons etc. Carew was class again yesterday. I was never confident of the win even at 2-1 up, ive seen so many false dawns versus utd, remember the late win in the cup ruud came on with 20 mins to go...... same ol story. Bitterly dissappointed but can take heart for the everton game.... as least we look capable of scoring goals again, against city n spurs it was just toothless. We need a great push on now till the end of the season.

Comment 7, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.20 am

Paul Egan said:

... I'm very proud of the effort and encouraged by the performance. I hope it doesn't knock the lads' confidence too much because they should take a lot of heart out of that game. Up the Villa!

Comment 8, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.20 am

Leroy said:

... I dont agree with the ratings above sorry badger and damian. Shorey was a 7, as he wasnt beaten and made some incisive runs (even though nothing came from them).Ash Young was a 6 at best, but it was good to see the midfield function well without him playing that well. We were not really beaten at the back and Davies and Cueller were solid taking the no nonsense attitude at the back. We were beaten because our midfield gave a massive effort and eventually ran out of steam. This is why i said that after the second goal we should have sacrificed Carew for Reo and tried to release Gabby more as there were many spaces out wide all day long. Easy to say after ofcourse. Petrov was amazing yesterday, the amount of ground he covered was ridiculous and i would give him man of the match. Barry had his best match of the season. Gabby returned to form and Carew showed how destructive he could be for opposing defenders. I think the league protects the big sides and i agree with taglor that it feels sometimes that they let them play until the goal is scored. How many times have teams outside the top four scored late winners compared with top four teams? It would be interesting to know. I mean Liverpool get a late winner every second week it seems. Anyway, some frustration remains but the boys played a competitive game and more importantly looked up for the occasion which is more than we could say two weeks ago. The question of depth will haunt us until it is addressed. We have no impact players who can be brought on and that is the difference. It is impossible for 11-14 players to maintain such a high level of play all season long and it has cost us the last two years. It is time to address it so we can move on up....until then we will hover between 5-9

Comment 9, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.26 am

Ramon Maklouf said:

... I think the word is arse licker champ? Yeah I'm gutted he has a wife. Oh and not to mention I live half away across the world... So I enjoyed reading the blog... It's fuckin difficult finding someone who writes a good blog on consistent. Just have a look at the other site... So I'm guessin me sayin something positive, unlike some of the twat glands here makes me an arselicker? Did you bother to read it Greg? Or was it too long for you so you just watched the video and read the ratings because they were a nice big font for you ? I don't disagree Heskey has been a bad signing so far for us, but that is probably more to do with the fact that we have had to accomdate for him and change our style of play in order for him to get a start. For that, yes, MON must take responsibility. Although it would be interesting seeing either Carew or Heskey play in a 451. We won't see it though...

Comment 10, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.28 am

adam curley said:

... i hope EMULE never plays for us again. its not his fault that weve been shite since he got here, its the gaffas for continuing to play him when its obvious he doesnt work. i think the lads were fantastic for 70 minutes yesterday and if MON changes the system for everton hes mental.UTV

Comment 11, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.40 am

Tim Hillman said:

... I am still gutted about yesterday!!! The curse of Man Untied continues! Taglor I don't think you can lay the blame at Heskey's feet for the bad run we are going through. He is one of many players who has been under performing. The fact is we would have 3 points less if he didn't score the winner at Fratton park. We have had a really tough run of fixtures, so this was always going to be a sticky patch. Hey Damo, I think the article is good and the length of it seems fine to me. If you read a review in a paper it would be a similar size if not bigger. I also think it would be good to do a poll for Man of the Match where we could all vote after the game for the next days review.

Comment 12, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.42 am

Damian said:

... CSM The poll about man of the match is a good idea... for Everton, it will go up on the final whistle and remain until I'm just about to post the next autopsy.

Comment 13, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.43 am

Christian said:

... I'm so, so, so gutted. I thought we were very good value yesterday and we seemed to keep the ball on the floor for the first time in months- some really attractive stuff to watch at times. I feel Barry was MOTM, pulled all the strings and made Carrick look like a League 1 player. We're gonna miss him BADLY, I don't think we quite appreciate what he does for the team week in, week out (sorry, cliche!) Ashley was very poor. I'm all for players having a pop from outside the box, but for all the attempts he has, I can't remember the last one he stuck in (Spurs away??). He never beats the man anymore, his confidence looks shot to pieces, but he works his backside off so that's good enough for me at the moment. If Heskey EVER replaces Carew up front again it will be a criminal offence! Like everyone my biggest gripe is the shocking linesman and the added time. Some donut united 'fans' i saw the game with were telling me that cos they scored in the 3rd minute, the 5 were irrelevant. That's nonsense. The 5 minutes was like a lifeline for them and they stepped up a gear. If he hadn't bottled it and put up the 2 or 3 that should've been shown we'd have seen it through. But, heh, that's Old Trafford and it's been the same since 1993. Very proud of us though. And fair play to Gabby, who's first touch is still horrific, but played with real desire and plenty of confidence.

Comment 14, made on April 06, 2009 at 11.44 am

croni said:

... When reo went on, it really seemed to put us at a disadvantage. he just wasn't in the game at all, giving possession away far too easily, decision making was far too slow ashley young continues his poor second half of the season the off side decisions really hurt us, we would have been clear on goal and would have killed off the match referee definitely sided with utd, as they usually do. gabby, carew and barry were villa's best a mention should go out shorey as well i'm also of the opinion that friedel is not as good as people make him out to be. people seem to just jump on the bandwaggon. he made some great stops yesterday and he gives defenders confidence and communicates well with them. however he was at fault for utd's first goal, through his bad positioning, and he was very slow in diving at ronaldo's second. his diving is one of his weaknesses, he's extremely slow. secondly, he's very suspect at jumping for high balls. he also tends not to come out for crosses and corners, which belies a lack of confidence.

Comment 15, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.00 pm

Tim Hillman said:

... I feel that Friedel is being made out to be a bit of a scape goat. He had a good game, ok I admit the back pass was a bit of a screw up but I lay the blame for that at Milner's door. The actual free kick was placed in the top corner so even if he was on his line I think it was hit so hard any keeper would have struggled to save it. Friedel is getting on a bit but I still think he is a great keeper and is still better than Mini Brad. I would rather have Friedel in goal than calamity Carson!!!

Comment 16, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.27 pm

Notts Villan said:

... We're not getting closer to the top 4.... we are getting further away. 6 points away now when we should have kicked on and been substantial points ahead of Arsenal. We have thrown champs league qualification away, along with the UEFA cup (still not forgiven MON for that). Our home form is the main reason why we aren't really contenders for the Top 4 though, having only won 5 out of 16 games this season. Do you honestly see us beating in-form Everton with terrible home form like ours? 9 games without a win and we are sliding down the league... yet again another false dawn for us Villa fans.

Comment 17, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.34 pm

Damian said:

... Notts Villan Yes it is a false dawn this season, but as long as we finish fifth then we're starting to clearly see what is needed. Last year was sixth and we added nearly £40mn. worth of talent. If we add another £40mn. worth of talent this summer and I'm using the word talent as a term for player, I'm not saying they are all necessarily talented, then maybe that will be enough to get us into the top four. At the end of the day, we saw yesterday how we can play and it is a step in the right direction - maybe not as big a step as we would all have liked but nevertheless it is a step. This summer is crucial, as is next Sunday.

Comment 18, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.39 pm

Gregdavilla said:

... ... I think the word is arse licker champ? Yeah I'm gutted he has a wife. Oh and not to mention I live half away across the world... No 'Pal' the word was lickarse and you'll find your take on it (arse licker is two words) so for a guy who trys to bring my reading ability into disrepute I find that laughable. And i'll have you know i read at a 6th grade level which is probably 5 grades above you!! Anyway i just wanted to point out that this is a blog to discuss villa and yes its run very well and you need only look at the o*****e site now to see it has drastically gone downhill with little or no comments being left. And we all know why that is. But I find it amusing as i've read a lot of your comments that you just like to brown nose the blogger and often are quick to critise other users. Your approach to me seems arrogant as it does ignorant. This blog is for all fans and they have a right to leave their views which are just as bit as valuable as your own 2 cents. So maybe a little respect from your side and instead of being an oaf try to communicate with some intellectual debate. If you dont like what other people leave on the site you dont need to swear at them or call them names, that my son is just pure childish. I thought a little taste of your own medicine might help you see things this way. Up the villa

Comment 19, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.44 pm

Damian said:

... Now, can we leave this please? Thanks

Comment 20, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.47 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Ratings are a bit harsh, I'd give Carew and Barry an 8 at least, possibley even Petrov. Shorey deserves more than a 6, he played better than Davies and Cuellar. Cuellar especially probably only warranted 6.

Comment 21, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.47 pm

Notts Villan said:

... The difference between us and the top 4 is that the likes of Man Utd can leave over 100m worth of players out of their squad and still beat us. We are years away from getting in that top 4 because even if we add another £40m worth of players next season, the top 4 will double that amount and keep the gulf as wide as possible... oh and they'll cherry pick from the other clubs in the Premier League too to stop them progressing, just like Liverpool or Arsenal will do to us with Gareth Barry at the end of this season.

Comment 22, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.52 pm

Michael AVFC said:

... If we had Laursen thoose clean sheets would've kept on coming and we would've secured champions league football already and maybe even have a slight title shot

Comment 23, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.57 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Notts Villan... clubs don't just spend more money and keep getting better and better. The best teams in the league are always just as good year on year, the challenging is not getting better, it's staying just as good. Villa's job is match that level. The gap isn't going to double over the space of a season, we just need to get the right players in. At the moment our squad simply isn't good enough to breach the top 4, simple as. Far too many average players.

Comment 24, made on April 06, 2009 at 12.58 pm

Christian said:

... Notts Villan, I share your concern about the big 4 'cherrypicking' the best players. They raided Spurs recently, and we'll be targeted for Barry and Young (well, not on current form). And if Arteta carries on playing well they'll have him from Everton too- just enough to knock us all down a peg as we close the gap. Plus Man City can join in the poaching based on wages alone, we'll see what players sell their soul this summer I guess. Vivavilla, I agree. The Top 4 don't necessarily get 'better' each year, they just continue to buy and churn out 'more of the same', and the chasing pack do too. I really hope Barry stays, I don't think for a second he will, but he's one of the players needed to break the top 4. If not, we'll have to replace him, taking time and by then someone else will leave and the cycle continues.

Comment 25, made on April 06, 2009 at 1.07 pm

vijay said:

... We should play 451, if not i would start with the same team as yesterday, Carew and Gabby together are real good, but more importantly this is a real BIG summer for us, otherwise its a waste of time

Comment 26, made on April 06, 2009 at 1.35 pm

James said:

... Would you sell Young to Chelsea for say £25m? I'd be tempted at the moment.

Comment 27, made on April 06, 2009 at 1.45 pm

Damian said:

... Nanwasafan I'd sell any player if they indicated they wanted to leave .. but I think we could get more than £25mn. for Young ..

Comment 28, made on April 06, 2009 at 1.46 pm

Gregdavilla said:

... id take 25 million, i dont think young will ever get too much phisically stronger, and now hes a marked man i think he finds it difficult to beat his man. Remember the skinny 18 year old Ronaldo? well he got phisically stronger and was able to use his new strngth and pace, i dont think young will ever get these attributes at his age he had more or less matured. Its a pity without the aerial threat of Laursen and Mellberg this year the ashley young assist stat has fallen dramatically. 25 million good business if we have decent targets in mind, if not the money is useless to us

Comment 29, made on April 06, 2009 at 2.07 pm

vijay said:

... We need 5 players this summer, with Barry leaving: 2 Centre back - My first choices are Richards and Lescott, they can also play right back and left back respectively so thats good also, they are English, i think Lescott (a big villa fan) would be great. I also like the look of Hangelaand of Fulham and he would be cheaper and there's David Wheater of Boro. If we can get any 2 of this 4 i would be happy, but we really need to sort out our central defence. Midfield - I would be happy with Bentley, i think he needs a manager like MON, for him to be told that this is his last chance, he would be great on the right side, allowing Milner to play down the middle if needed, replacing Barry is a big thing, there's Defour and maybe Jenas, i dont think either is as good as Barry. Ideally i would go for Downing and Bentley, allowing Young and Miner to play down the middle in a 5 man midfield. Attack - We need a big hitter, and perhaps i think Owen could be the one to do a job. I cant see MON going for a big money foreign striker, its just not his style, and in England for me there's no one that really sticks out. Whoever MON goes for it has to be players who are better than what we have, players who can improve our First 11, not squad players, i think at the moment we've got enough players in our first 11 who shouldnt even be in our squad!! Then looms the big question, do we have the money?? Unfortunately i think not......

Comment 30, made on April 06, 2009 at 2.22 pm

Rich Clark said:

... buy: lescott, richards, onuoha, moutinho, bentley, sturridge, owen?? flog: harewood, heskey, salifou i think if this happened our squad as a whole would be twice as good as it is currently. with alot of english players, alot of youngsters, and a little bit of experience, owen can play 15 games a season, and he'd probably get atleast 8-10 goals from those games we desperately need some more technically gifted players, moutinho would add that talent, he'd get us passing around on the floor nicely hopefulyl we'd keep barry but if he does go moutinho would replace him nicely im remaining confident that atleast 50% of the players mentioned will be coming to villa aprk this summer, it HAS to happen, weve made the world sit up and take notice now its time for MON to buy properly. (instead of the fuckin shtie hes bought thus far)

Comment 31, made on April 06, 2009 at 4.23 pm | url

taglor said:

... OOh well said Gregdavilla old chap.

Comment 32, made on April 06, 2009 at 4.54 pm

Nick said:

... I think Ashley Young has been poor for a few months now. His final ball and decision making has not been the same. With that said, he is still normally one of the better attacking players on the field. But I dont think that is good enough for him, he has the ability to be one of the best attacking players in this league.

Comment 33, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.04 am

Martin Banks said:

... Damo, I have to agree with you that this blog is better than at o*****e. I think it became obvious something was wrong towards the end but now you are freer, and clearly happier, you are back to your best. Good work, this blog is excellent. I know what you mean about 'Post-mortem', though it works well right now, but won't work so well when we are winning games (whenever that ever happens again!). Maybe you could stick with 'post-mortem' for losses, maybe 'dissection' for draws and errr I dunno, summat more positive for wins. Anyway, nice work, Mart UTV

Comment 34, made on April 07, 2009 at 7.23 am | url

rockyvilla said:

... POST-MORTEM was good title for this post Damien.You could hopefully use WINNING-POST for next weeks.Blog was right length because you obviously had a lot you wanted to say and explain. I liked the formation and thought they all played well but for a few mistakes that punished us.Shorey had a good game imo and the back four looked better balanced.Think Friedel should have concentrated more on the ball than their player as was hoplessly out of position for free kick.The lads all worked hard but you have to remember this is man u and maybe chanpions, we matched them for perfomance even if not in result.

Comment 35, made on April 07, 2009 at 1.52 pm

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