Finally, three points came from an entertaining game at Villa Park. With goals from Bent, as well as a goal and a man of the match performance from the Birmingham born Agbonlahor, Villa secured three valuable points ahead of a tough run of fixtures.
It was to be Norwich who went ahead via an Anthony Pilkington taken set piece in the 25th minute. Villa didn’t take long to get back into the action with Darren Bent displaying his trademark predatory instincts as Gabriel Agbonlahor ensured the Villa number 9 was well supplied with crosses.
It was Agbonlahor who was to take the next goal for himself, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by beating both the defence and keeper, before turning the ball into the back of the net. Shortly after, Agbonlahor was at it again, this time to secure his second assist putting Darren Bent in for his second.
The game threatened a grandstand finish as Steve Morison grabbed a late header for Norwich, but it wasn’t to be. Norwich fell at the final hurdle being unable to secure a third goal and a point.
All in all, the game displayed all of what many have wanted for recent weeks – a return to goalscoring form of Darren Bent, attacking football, and a fantastic performance by current Villa player of the season Gabriel Agbonlahor. All we can ask for now is more of the same – intent, pressing, and attacking – and to ensure Villa do all they can to ensure our talismanic number 11 is kept under lock and key for years to come.
Turvey’s Final Thought
Overall, the nature of the attacking football was a positive to be taken from the game, with an abundance of attacking intent displayed by Villa. Playing with a front four of Bent, Agbonlahor, Heskey, and N’Zogbia, and supported high up the pitch by Petrov and Herd (as well as Jenas later in the game after Petrov’s substitution), Villa displayed constant attacking threat.
Darren Bent, after recent criticism of his work rate, displayed a lot more effort in the game with two goals, and a more team focussed performance.
Agbonlahor, seemingly answering criticism of those suggesting he wasn’t able to operate as a wide player, managed to whip in crosses in order to supply Bent, as well as taking a great goal himself by beating both the Norwich defence and keeper.
So, after all the criticism, I think it is time to just sit back and enjoy the three points we picked up today. Detractors will suggest it was only Norwich, but after recent results three points, no matter who they came from, is a welcome result.
The Author
