Funny thing, was reading Emery’s pre-match, and as I digested, “I don’t remember the last match we played against one team being very demanding against us in duels and man-to-man,” I thought, “Well, how about Newcastle?” Which is who he brought up next.
There are, at most, 13 games standing between us and the dream scenario of finally clinching a Champions League finish. There are also four games standing between Villa and European silverware.
With the FA Cup replay Wednesday, and a chance to put 11 points between them and United on Sunday, Villa picked a good time to rediscover their mojo at Bramall Lane.
So, do Villa continue their torrid run of home form, or do Newcastle end their away woes? Anyone’s guess really, but Villa history will tell us to be very nervy. And of course, it’s a very big three points.
This break thing has been a bit weird. No football, more injury setbacks. And now it’s down to London and Stamford Bridge to play a 4th-round FA Cup tie for the first time in ages. Probably not the worst thing, in the end, even if Unai has made it clear it’s not Villa’s top priority. […]
