It’s almost Santa time again, and it is made pretty evident when Wham’s hit “Last Christmas” seems to be polluting the airwaves of every radio station in the known world.
Now I don’t know about you, but last Christmas, it wasn’t so much that Aston Villa gave me their heart, more like they were willing to give me heart attack! Despite my love for the club, I do have to stop short of accepting a coronary as a present – maybe it should be marked “return to sender”?
Getting back to the team, and in the aftermath of a truly shambolic display against Fulham, I am finding myself more apprehensive when I gaze at the forthcoming fixture list. Why? Take a look for yourselves.
December – New Year
15th – Man United (Home)
21st – Stoke (Away)
26th – Crystal Palace (Home)
28th – Swansea (Home)
New Years Day – Sunderland (Away)
Now, at first glance (and prior to the Fulham contest and Ron Vlaar’s injury), I feel most claret & blue blooded supporters would have been fairly confident that the Villa could amass a decent point’s haul over the festive period. However, the Fulham game was worryingly reminiscent of dreadful displays I recall from this time last year.
One could argue, strongly, that Lambert’s troops have four “six pointers” in a row after the United game. Yes, the term is a little tired, but if we can’t win these games, are we not just setting ourselves up for more mediocrity?
New Year could easily see Villa firmly embroiled in yet another relegation battle, but the run of fixtures also offer the possibility to put some distance between us and the clubs just below us. The big question on everyone’s lips will be whether those points can be secured or not, and how we will react if they are or they aren’t.
The festive period, with its heavy fixture congestion, often impacts greatly on the table given that so many points are on offer in such a short space of time. In that sense, momentum can be built quite easily, though it works both ways as a team can be buoyed with success, or mercilessly forced to play several games without key players if a player is out for a few weeks.
So is this Christmas going to be full of glee down at the Villa, or is there another festive season of heartbreak in store? I have to admit I’m not sure, but I am worried as the Fulham game was supposed to be a chance to get something, but instead we came away with nothing – something I hope we don’t repeat over the next few weeks or so.
The Author
