Villa returned to Premier League action on Saturday. In doing so, we did what we do best: conceded yet another late, late goal to make sure that we left North London with zilch, nothing, nil points. And let us not kid ourselves – we all saw it coming.
For the first time this season, I wasn’t either there to spectate, or listen to the radio, nor huddled around my laptop to watch the match via some dodgy pirated stream with ads popping up like spots sprawled across a teenager’s face. Instead, I chose to go and see my cousin in action for Flackwell Heath at Highmoor – IBIS in the Hellenic Premier League. I parted with £6 to sit alone in a stand that would seat around 300; and, by the time 90 minutes were up, I was left questioning whether or not my toes had succumbed to frost bite.
With that in mind, I can only judge what unfolded at The Emirates from the Match of the Day highlights, what I’ve read in the paper, and comments from supporters in the Twittersphere.
Villa set their stall out as we’d all expected: we defended for our lives and attempted to hit our opponents on the counter – very predictable, but astonishingly effective for the large part. We pretty much always go about it this way against the top teams.
When wee Santi scored early doors, I thought the floodgates may open, but we stuck to our guns and were rewarded in the 68th minute when the impressive Andreas Weimann struck level. We all know what happened thereafter; but, perhaps, we’ve only got ourselves to blame here. You see, this is where my opinion tends to differ with many Villans. Why not go for broke?
Arsenal were KO’d by Blackburn in the FA Cup the week prior. Barring a minor miracle, they are all but out of the Champions League. When we equalised – even by only watching the highlights – you could sense the restlessness of Arsenal supporters, and the pressure on Arsene Wenger and his players. By no means am I saying that Arsenal were there for the taking, but they were fragile, they were left licking their wounds.
Nobody expected us to go to Arsenal and come away with anything. Although a point would have been better than nothing, solitary points would do little to aide our battle for survival. I’d rather see our boys go in for the kill – a smash and grab – call it what you will. A win would certainly have given the camp a boost.
Post-match Paul Lambert spoke about how proud he was of his players; and, yet again, he insisted that confidence is high and everyone within the club believes that we can get ourselves out of this sorry mess that we find ourselves in. The fact remains that we are on a terrible run, and one win in ten games is relegation form. We’re in need of points – not just hard work, spirit, and determination. Unfortunately, in football, these things do not go hand-in-hand.
On Monday, I was bitterly disappointed to hear of the break-down in contract talks between the club and young Andi. He’s been one of the few bright sparks this term and has come on leaps and bounds. In fact, I’m very surprised that he hasn’t been linked with a move away from Villa Park. I feel it’s pivotal that we tie him down long-term, as it’s only a matter of time until clubs will sense any up-rest that there may be – and come knocking. He’s a true blood-sweat-and-tears type of player who gives his all to the cause.
This coming Monday evening, we host the blue half of Manchester in yet another game I expect to pass us by with no points added, and then it’s onto what I’d define as the ‘crunch games’ against Reading and QPR. Only after those matches will we have a better understanding of what will likely be required come the season’s end.
While it’s OK keeping it tight for the large part, being the home side in desperate times like these, I wouldn’t so much mind us having a go at City – to a certain extent. I feel that if we’re to find our way out of the relegation trap doors, then the gaffer needs to be a little bit more brazen. We have to start having a pop and trying to force wins, even though it’ll likely leave us a little bit open at the back. There comes a time during matches – unless we’re well out of sight – that Lambert asks himself, “Is now the time to stick or twist?” – and, all too often, he’s made the wrong decision. If this question happens to arise against City, then perhaps it’s time to be a tad bit bolder.
Keep the faith, and Up the Villa!
The Author
