The Arsenal game last week was, in a sense, a microcosm of the season. They were almost good enough and almost accomplished something. In the end, Villa left the Emirates with nothing, save for a modicum of pride that they put in a good performance. Pride counts for nothing in the league table. The time when merely putting in a good showing that the team can build on will just be a case of ‘too little, too late.’
Hopefully that time does not begin on Monday. Like last week, I have zero expectations for this game. I don’t care to see how the team measures up against the defending champs. We all know what this team is, and what it isn’t. This season has been too disappointing to have any realistic hope that Villa can repeat its Capital One Cup exploits, or conjure up a scenario where Villa can take advantage of a Man City side with little to play for. Another result like last week will not be as encouraging as it would be in isolation, as it would mean Villa would likely slip further down the table.
All I am hoping for is that nobody is injured and the club don’t further worsen their goal-difference too much. If Sylla or Dawkins play – and look decent – that would be a nice plus. I do feel confident in saying that Villa will go out and try to win the game. This should be a game with plenty of goals. Unless its another drubbing like the club endured during the holidays, the fans in attendance should have a decent spectacle to watch. Neutrals watching on Monday Night should be entertained as long as the Villa midfield isn’t overrun and the defense plays with something resembling organization.
Myself, being five time zones away, couldn’t be less excited about the game. I won’t be able to watch during my workday, and couldn’t really be bothered about it, seeing as how I expect nothing from the game.
Trite as it sounds, Villa’s mini-season fight for survival begins May 9th against Reading. I don’t expect Lambert to pull a Mick McCarthy and make ten changes, but if he were to give Ron Vlaar or any of the other players not fully fit a rest on Monday, it would be understandable with the short turnaround from Monday to Saturday.
Next Saturday, I think I’ll be more enthused about the game. Either enthused or terrified, but it won’t be the indifference of the past couple of games. Counting Man City there are 33 points available; looking at the table 13-15 should be enough to stay up. Whatever the club can manage on Monday will be gravy in the big picture.
The Author
