So here we are: Steve McClaren has resigned after losing six of 10, Owen Coyle’s Bolton are sitting bottom of the table (against a difficult run of fixtures, admittedly), and Villa have a home win against Roberto Martinez’s Wigan to remain unbeaten. McClaren said in his defense that the “parameters have changed.” Sounds a bit like someone else we know. We’ll see if he gets litigious in defense of his reputation.
The thing is, all three of these managers would likely have been preferred by the majority of Villa’s fans if given an either-or option between “any of the above” and “Alex McLeish”.
And yet, McLeish seems to be faring alright by comparison. Yes, it’s been a favorable set of fixtures. But seven-game unbeaten runs are relatively rare at Villa regardless of the competition, and along with the Mancs, Villa and Newcastle remain the only unbeaten sides in the PL. Arsenal have managed to lose four times in the same span. Liverpool have scored 10, Tottenham 11, and Villa nine. We’ve conceded five, the same as United and City. Only Newcastle have conceded fewer.
Given everything that’s preceded this season, it’s not at all bad.
Yes, City will be a test, and I will be more than happy with a result of any sort. I’ll also be happy if we don’t just get thumped, to be honest. I’m glad Alex McLeish has two weeks to think about it. Of course a surprise win would be fantastic. But really, a scoreless draw would be just as much of an achievement.
I Was Wrong
I’ll give you something. I’ve been on record as saying that I thought Gabby had potential, but his first touch and finishing ratio could be improved. In short, I was firmly in the “I want Gabby to shine, but I understand why we signed Bent” camp. And I didn’t think Gabby was going to rise to further heights.
But he has. He’s responded magnificently to the Darren Bent challenge, and although his goal was beautifully taken, never mind the assist to Bent, the chance he just narrowly missed to start the second half was an equally impressive piece of work featuring something I didn’t think he had: good close control. You could feel the confidence.
So, well done, Mr. Agbonlahor. There’s a heart of a champion in you, and as Matt and I were discussing yesterday, the challenge really has brought out the best of you. Nathan Delfouneso would do well to take note. You’re doing the shirt proud, and long may it continue. There’s nothing like seeing a true Villan digging deep, adapting for the sake of the team, and playing so well. And it’s nice the media and Capello are taking note.
Taking Stock
So where are we really? Well, I think we’re not in a bad place. McLeish has pulled the players onside. He’s found ways, with limited resources, to shore up the defense. He’s shown tactical flexibility. He’s kept faith with Delph and Bannan. He’s got Gabby buying into his new role. He made an excellent purchase with Shay Given. And he was willing to sit N’Zogbia and Heskey.
Barry Bannan is getting a good run, and is making a case. Stephen Ireland is starting to find himself. Delph has been up and down, but he needs the games and has shown lots of upside. He really hasn’t played any worse than Aaron Ramsey did on Sunday.
As we know, it’s a favorable set of fixtures, but that’s just what we needed. Of course we’ll play everyone, and the table won’t generally lie, but if there were things to be worked out, and there were, facing mediocre opposition is the sort of breathing space you need to get things sorted. No, we didn’t get all the points we could have, but we got to work through things, got points in every game, and stalled the sense of inevitable demise.
Alex McLeish has done a good job so far and has attended to the right priorities, according to Ron Atkinson, at least, and I think he deserves a grudging nod. I hope it’s the beginning of better things. If Villa needed a new foundation, the concrete might just be starting to set.
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