Timing is everything.
Aston Villa’s timing so far this season has been fairly lacking given that the team has the worst record in the league when it comes to conceding late goals and in turn throwing away point-earning positions.
The 6-1 demolition of Sunderland on Monday night was a veritable delight for all Villa fans, for Paul Lambert and for his players who have struggled all season long to discover the sort of phenomenal performance and vital point-procuration that saw the Villans make a huge leap towards the promised land of Premier League football for 2013/14. It seemed to all come together at the key moments and though Villa typified their season by conceding straight after Ron Vlaar’s stunning opener, the second half display was as good as had been played at Villa Park all campaign, the timing simply perfect.
Although a great deal of positivity must be and has duly been taken from this victory, Aston Villa are still not safe from the drop into the Championship – a fate suffered by QPR and Reading at the weekend after one of the least enjoyable games in history. With two relegation slots filled obligingly by those rather poor sides, it is now a battle between Aston Villa and Wigan, Newcastle, Sunderland and Norwich to avoid being the third member of that miserable and exceedingly costly party.
Importantly, Villa’s timing has been impeccable with the thrashing of Sunderland largely because it keeps the club’s fate in its own hands. With Norwich to play on Saturday, safety could well be more or less clinched with two games of the season left to play, facilitating a relaxation in tensions and an opportunity to develop the confidence with which the young team played on Monday. What’s more, it gives Paul Lambert some added time to contemplate where and how he needs to improve the team for next season, which this author believes could see the fruition of this young squad.
But all of this is far too speculative in the prelude to three potentially vital games for Aston Villa Football Club. What must be avoided at all costs is to go to the DW Stadium on the final day playing for Premier League status. The home advantage was a considerable factor in the majesty portrayed by the players on Monday and the incredible pressure of a play-off with Wigan could see the inexperience crumble.
Lambert, having arrived at Villa Park from Norwich, will have a keen sense of direction with regard to the battle at Carrow Road and this can only be a positive thing, particularly in light of the players’ confidence after a memorable win. However, this game is now just as, if not more, significant than the Sunderland game and Lambert will be well aware of such. With Chelsea away in between Norwich and Wigan, there is a sense that this weekend is the most pertinent occasion to reach safety after what has been a long and hard season.
A quick note on some of the individual players and some of their performances on Monday. Christian Benteke was once again the star of the show, grabbing a hat-trick and playing a fundamental role, as always, in Villa’s attacking unit. More has been said about his future than probably any other player in the Premier League this season and in reality, it will be difficult for Villa to hold on to such an impressive talent. All that can be hoped for is that he demonstrates some loyalty to the club but Villans must be grateful for having had his services this season. A truly inspirational signing by Paul Lambert.
Matthew Lowton was in sublime form against Sunderland, typifying a season during which he has emerged as an accomplished full back and a very useful player indeed. Not only is he diligent in defence but his capacity to get forward and supply key crosses, such as that which he played to Weimann to make it 2-1, is exceptional. One of the outstanding performances on Monday was that of Ashley Westwood who controlled the game with the composure of a player ten years his senior and the passing range of an international midfielder. I’ve not been overly taken with some of his appearances for Villa this season but he was magnificent on Monday and hopefully gave a glimpse of what he will be capable of on a regular basis in seasons to come.
Gabby Agbonlahor’s influence should not be underestimated either. Though he is now well and truly established as a senior player for Villa, his physicality, energy and hunger to succeed at the club is a real asset for Lambert given his intentions to instil such qualities in the youthful team that he has assembled. Agbonlahor’s finishing can be frustrating at times but his goal against the Black Cats was taken well and a sign that alongside Benteke, he is a grave danger for opposition defences.
So onto Norwich with the same fire in the performance and the same belief as shown in the second half of Monday night. Very rarely do we see Villa deliver a second half of such substance but the timing was just right.
Timing is everything and we can’t afford to leave it until the final day.
The Author
