Aston Villa

Aston Villa

Aston Villa's superb 1-0 win over United at Old Trafford on Saturday proved that Martin O'Neills side are now ready to compete amongst the elite clubs.

O'Neill has shaped a very strong Villa side over the years, and his patience along with the fantastic support of his board seem to have come to fruition this season, with the squad looking stronger than ever. All this despite off loading argubaly their best player in the off season.

Villa have really grown on me once again. I disliked them somewhat when they threatened us for 4th last season before bottling it at the death. Now that they no longer pose that same threat to us I have tremendous respect for the club as a whole and in the manner in which they have achieved their success.

Can they push on as title contenders? Time will tell. One thing is for certain, Villa are relishing their newfound success in recent years and will not let it slip without a fight.

I wish them all the best.



Buffon II2009-12-14 22:59:55

Copy and Paste?

No. All my own material. Except the photos. I took them off avfc.co.uk

Thoughts? Any Villa fans lurking around here?

Anyway. I like Ashley Young. Hes a good player. Not as good as last season but still quality.

Agbonlahor(spelling?) is also having a good season for them. Definitely in top 4 contention, will be good to see how they go.

Agbonlahor has been solid up front for Villa once again this season, and his record in big matches is second to none.

But for me it has been the defence which has impressed most. Richard Dunne has added plenty to the back four this season, and Carlos Cuellar continues to impress week in week out.

The only slight problem is the midfield can look weak at times. However, Stilyan Petrov is amongst the best holding midfielders in the world this season and is the perfect foil for players such as Milner and Young.

Their remaining December fixtures are Sunderland (a), Stoke (h), Arsenal (a) and Liverpool (h). I can see them gaining at least 9 points from those fixtures.

I'm glad we don't start a thread every time someone beats the Arse...

They have knocked over three of the big four teams haven't they ? Liverpool, United and Chelsea. I think they can get in top four. With their biggest rivals being Liverpool. Don't know a lot about them but they're looking good this year.

Cannot stand O'Neill and it makes me laugh when people suggest him for Liverpool manager. However, I do have a lot of respect for the work he's done. Made them a very tidy side. Not going to wish them luck though, as we could be in an almighty scramble with them (Yip, delusional I know, but I'm refusing to believe that Birmingham are our main challengers just yet!!).

I would much rather they came fourth than manchester city or tottenham if those are the alternatives.

Villa are playing Sunderland tommorow. I wish the game was live but unfortunately it's on delay so i may watch it online instead.

It will be a very stern test for the Villans at the Stadium of Light but i think they are up to the task and will return back to Birmingham in the evening with 3 points to celebrate.

They are a top side, maybe miss Gareth Barry a bit but I enjoy watching Ashley Young,James Milner and Agbonlahor  the fact they field a generally British side is to be commended as well, O'Neil has done wonders for them since coming in, he lives every kick of the game, huge respect for him I have.  giddyup2009-12-15 20:19:36

I find O'Neill's goal celebrations quite amusing, seems to enjoy them more than the players and fans

Half time at the Stadium of Light. Villa lead 1-0 through an Emile Heskey goal halfway though the firt half. Milner has been inspirational in midfield for Villa. Friedel has also come up with some top saves to keep Villa in front.

Off to make some brekky, then return for the second half. Gotta love midweek footy!!!

Cheating on the Arse Buffy?

It'll be interesting to see if they can keep up their good form this year.

Full time. 2-0. Efficient second half performance from Villa. Milner scored an absolute screamer to seal the three points. Sunderland never really looked in it.

Heskey goal

Milner goal

Villa now move up to 3rd in the table, just 5 points behind leaders Chelsea.


Disclaimer: I am not an Aston Villa fan, however recently i have found them very likeable. I can't help it, it's becoming a guilty pleasure. I'm slightly attracted to Villa, but i still love my Arsenal.

I think Villa will have a better crack at the top four this season than last, where they epically capitulated (and Arsenal went on a very strong unbeaten run). Plus Liverpool are much worse this season than Arsenal were at the start of last season.

Of the three 'maybes' Villa have to be favourite to break the stronghold - Spurs' decline has already begun and they are playing with no confidence, while Citeh can't defend for shit (40m GBP spent brilliantly, Wenger and Moyes say thanks) and even if they strengthen in January it will take time for the team to gel.

I would love to see the top four stranglehold broken (with one obvious caveat ). Arsenal2009-12-16 12:09:34

That was a ripper from Milner, watching the replay now. Excellent goal.

Yeah they travel to Arsenal end of the month too, which won't be easy for them.

Yeah. Come on you Gunners!!

Another day. Another Villa win.

The Villians comfortably dispatched of Stoke 1-0 to maintain their winning strike and further underline thier top four credentials. Unfortunately both of their top four challengers also won, although one of them has been thrown into a bit of turmoil off the pitch with the sacking of their manager and backroom staff.

Villa now sit on 35 points in 4th, just two points adrift of 2nd placed Manchester United, and still within touching distance of leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand overnight.

They travel to face the mighty Arsenal just after Xmas. So far they are 3 from 3 against the Big Four this season. Martin O'Neill will back his side to make it 4 from 4, and who can blame him?

Aston Villa head into tomorrow mornings blockbuster clash with Arsenal full of confidence. They have won their last four matches and in gaining 14 points from 6 games top the form table. They also are yet to lose to Arsenal since the Gunners made the move to their new stadium at Ashburton Grove in 2006.

I think (and hope!!!) Arsenal will pull through this with three points. It certainly promises to be an exicting match between two title contenders.

After suffering a heavy defeat away to fellow title contenders Arsenal yesterday, Villa will be keen to bounce back into form with a victory over mid table battlers Liverpool.

Earlier in the season the Villans of course went to Anfield and came away with all three points following a smash and grab 3-1 win. Martin O'Neills side will no doubt be looking to complete their first double of the season here.

Villa also need all three points to reclaim fourth spot, after Tottenham jumped ahead of them following their 2-0 win against West Ham in the derby overnight.

Villa need not bother about Tottenham, it's as sure as eggs they will capitulate spectacularly, it's MCFC and Liverpool they need to sort.
so big 3 points tomorrow
Heskey to get the winner 

heskey is rubbish and i would play carew before him

Fernando Torres to net the winner, actually