The Player That Has to ‘Pick Themselves Up and Go Again’
Aly Cissokho
It was a very disappointing display from the usually reliable full-back for Villa. He switched off twice in the penalty area which you can’t do at this level and as a result led to two goals. Adding to these two mistakes, his delivery when going forward was severely lacking the quality he normally demonstrates, which was doubly annoying with Big Ben now lurking in the box ready to pounce. So, Big Al, you need to step up your game next week.
The surprise of the week was the emergence of Randy Lerner at the game. I have to admit when his face was shown I had to rub my eyes and slap myself to see if I was dreaming, but it was definitely him. The reason for his appearance is yet unclear and could be a whole host of explanations from; finalising Vlaar’s apparent transfer, or wrapping up the contract of Delph, to his continuing u-turn in his feelings for the club. Whatever the reason, it is good to see the American showing his support for the club.
Aston Villa Star Players of the Week Vs Chelsea and Man City
As the last couple of games were missed, here is a quick look who got the Star Player awards in those fixtures.
Chelsea
The game at Stamford Bridge was another almost nothing performance from the Villans where not much was created or happened. The early goal meant the game was killed and the counter-attacking style of Villa was thwarted before it even began. There was a sprinkling of Villa chances (Baker’s comes to mind) but we never looked like we were going to be clinical enough to score.
3rd Place – Ashley Westwood (1pt)
He held his own against, arguably, the best midfield in the league and still managed to keep possession when finally given it.
2nd Place – Aly Cissokho (3pts)
He was unfazed by the waves of attacks coming his way down the right. Showed his pace many times and never got outrun by the very quick Chelsea wingers.
1st Place – Fabian Delph (5pts)
The standout performer again, always driving forward and trying to ignite Villa attacks. The England international still managed to cause problems when having the ball at his feet even with the lack of possession.
Man City
A much more promising performance from the Villans against one of the main title contenders. The team defended like lions throughout and did cause the champions problems going forward. The backing off for the Toure goal was disappointing and if Richardson would have slotted home that one-on-one, it could have been whole different story. So it was just a case of what might have been when exiting the Villa Park turnstiles.
3rd place – Nathan Baker (1pt)
The continuing improvement of the Viking-look-a-like is very exciting for the Villa especially amid claims of a Vlaar exit. Yet another never say die game in defence typified by an amazing block from a Toure shot and a last-ditch tackle when it looked like Dzeko was through on goal.
2nd place – Charles Nzogbia (3pts)
Seems to growing in confidence as the season goes on and getting back some of the swagger we love to see. A lung-busting 50-yard run from his own penalty area was one of the highlights of the game.
1st place – Brad Guzan (5pts)
By far his best game of the season and looked unbeatable throughout. There was nothing he could do about the two goals and pulled off a couple of worldie saves to keep the champions at bay. No matter what, you know Guzan will be that commanding general behind the defence.
With these poor run of results, the QPR game has become all the more important.
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Not that good, but far too good for Villa
oh and everton were not that great,, at times they played keep ball well as delph missing and sat deep
so we couldnt counter but we just never turned up,,
and every team has that now an again,, i just hope the awful goals we conceaded wakes the team up
we beat ourselves against everton,,,the players in question will put it right,,
but need to see more attacking,,, agbong nzog benteke all very poor
and very poor service,,
start grealish,, give him a chance,,