I didn’t make the trip to Southampton. Sorry, BT Sport, Sky etc, but I don’t do 12.45. I found myself in Nottingham town centre in the morning. With the game about to kick off and my friends fannying to find a spot for lunch, I told them I’d catch up with them, as I was off to watch the Villa game.
When I got to the bar, the first thing I saw was Benteke narrowly miss a chance with the outside of his foot. The girl behind the bar took my beer order, as she was finishing pouring another customer’s drink.
By the time she poured and served my pint, then took my money, Villa were 3-0 down.
That’s the last time I order a Peroni on draft!
Well, until the FA Cup final at Wembley, here’s five reasons to be cheerful as Aston Villa fans…
1. False Sense of Security.
I’m talking about Arsenal being led into one approaching the FA Cup Final. You want omens? Try this from MOMS reader Dave Ridler…
In 1978 Villa beat Ipswich 6-1 at Villa Park in the penultimate game of the season, that season Ipswich narrowly avoided relegation from England’s top tier, and in that same season Ipswich beat WBA in the FA Cup and went on to beat Arsenal in the final 1-0.
Put a bet on that outcome asap.
And don’t forget when Villa last won the FA Cup in 1957, Falkirk also won the Scottish Cup in the same year. Neither side have won their national cup since and guess what? Falkirk are in this year’s Scottish Cup final.
2. High Line
If Sherwood was planning on playing a defensive high-line against Arsenal in the Cup final, he got a warning against the Saints that it could be potential suicide. The same can be said of playing Hutton at left-back. You live and learn.
3. Ever Present
Villa remain as one of the ever present big boys of the Premier League. If what happened in football before 1992 is erased from the history books, which it looks like it maybe at this rate, then at least it’s important that Villa’s status as an ever present team remains in tact. Survival this season is a relief, but nothing that should be celebrated. We’re bigger than that.
4. Paper Tigers
Luckily Hull City didn’t feel in the mood to perform a miracle escape (probably due to doing too much coke 😉 ) and beat Spurs and Manchester United back-to-back. Their loss against Spurs confirmed Villa’s survival despite their ridiculous result against the Saints.
I do hope Hull beat United though to set up the possible relegation of Newcastle, after some of the Toon Army’s comments (including Carver’s) back in February about wanting Villa to go down. Let them sweat.
5. Benteke is still on the boil
Even when his 10 teammates decided to be naff, the Belgian kept his eye on the ball to keep his great scoring run going. Should he be rested against Burnley though? I’d be tempted.
Also, a shout out to Villa’s away supporter massive. Some great costumes and high jinx!
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Jeez, I watched us getting taken apart like six months ago although not quite a collapse, but worse was to come, that result made me watch the Spuds game in desperation which gave me a better perspective in that Villa were at least more exciting to watch.
Rest some players against Burnley and then beat the diving Gooners, either way I’m looking forward to next season.
Take Ron Vlaar off at 3-0 and maybe it ends up 3-1, 4-2. Mistake No. 2. Hutton at LB being the first. Lawton’s done OK in that position before. It is simply too much of a luxury to play Hutton, Bacuna and NZomnia/Gabby at the same time, period, given that Clev-Delph-Grealish-Westwood/Sanchez are pretty much nailed in right now. You can;t create a formation that works with those first three on at the same time. In the words of The New Seekers, Tim – The Carnival is Over. Viva San Juan.
I would rest a few of the key members and let the fringe players like Gil etc play. I like him and maybe he can do something to prove his worth. As I’m pretty sure he’s a victim of last one in first one out syndrome.