Andi Opens His Account & A Cloud Lifts Over B6

On Saturday, Aston Villa avoided the ignominy of recording their longest period without a win by beating a Fulham team. That said, it wasn’t until the last kick of the game that match winner Andreas Weimann managed to bundle the ball over the net in front of the Holte.

For many of us, the feeling of relief is somewhat palpable, with a dark cloud having hung over Villa Park for extended parts of the season, our passions dulled by overly defensive football and surprising personnel choices.

You Can’t Always Get What You Want, But Sometimes You Get What You Need

Make no doubt about it, three points were a godsend for us as fans. Whilst some have muttered about the idea that poor results would get Alex McLeish bundled out the door quicker, wins are wins, and I’m glad of them. Yes, a string of poor results might mean that the unloved Glaswegian gets the boot, but it also opens up the possibility of relegation. Relegation, irrespective of the effect it might have on the current manager, is something none of us should be hoping for.

Villa controlled the game for large periods, with a pressing style, something many of us have suggested now for months, nay years, having an effect on the play. Players were closed down, rival opportunities stifled, and the football was good overall. The team felt cohesive, although they lacked a certain cutting edge, much as we have done over most of the season to date.

For some, they may suggest such a lack of finishing is down the absence of Darren Bent, as though his lack of presence in the team somehow means goals don’t get scored. However, such an analysis is rather insulting of the rest of the team given their work rate and contribution to the club, and Bent’s actual goals.

Either way, Villa scored a goal, won three points, and such a result was well needed. Whilst it may mean more of Alex McLeish, if we can start winning games, I really couldn’t care who the manager is. One win isn’t the same as a championship, so I won’t be getting too over-excited, but I am glad that Sunday morning means looking back on three points rather than one or none.

PS Apologies to those who haven’t been able to comment – it appears half of my article was missing so I’ve had to rewrite the end. I’ll be working on the comments side of thing as we speak, so hopefully this will mean normal service will be resumed.