‘We got beaten up pretty badly from start to finish. The lads know themselves it wasn’t acceptable’ – Paul Lambert after 8-0 defeat
In getting beat 8-0 by Chelsea, Villa fans have witnessed the worst top flight loss the club has ever experienced. A result that further proves 2012 is Villa’s annus horribilis. We’ve seen Villa’s worst home record ever, their worst Premiership points total, the team’s worst start in the top flight in 54 years, and not to mention the club’s most unwelcome manager in Alex McLeish. But talk about having an iron chin…. We’ve taken all these hits and more, yet we’re still standing. 2013 can’t get any worse… can it? A bit of a mission impossible, but here’s five reasons why Chelsea’s demolition job shouldn’t ruin your Christmas…
1. Villa fans often complain of being last on Match of the Day. If your team is involved in an eight goal classic, there’s fat chance of that happening.
2. Spurs have been totally led into a false sense of security for the Boxing Day clash at Villa Park. Suckers. It’s virtually a guaranteed three points for the Villa!
3. At least there’s one team left in the League Cup that are capable of beating Chelsea. If Swansea step up to the plate, Villa might not have to play Chelsea in the final, if they can navigate Bradford City in the other semi (the Bantams must now be favourites!)
4. Maybe it’s good such a reality check came now. After the draw for the semi-final of the League Cup in 1994 was made, Villa took their foot off the gas in the league. They had a team that arguably could and should have won the league title the year before, yet their league form the season that followed became patchy at best. They also got caught with their pants around their ankles vs Tranmere Rovers in the first leg of the semi, being 3-0 down before Dalian Atkinson’s consolation goal at the death turned the tie. As we know, they pulled it together for the second leg and the final. Having a wake-up call now is better than having it against Bradford City.
5. Playing against the Champion’s of Europe, it was three points Villa were never banking on, so in the bigger picture, we’ve only lost a bit of pride.
PS – To get over the result, concentrate on the getting merry bit of ‘Merry Christmas’ and you’ll be fine. UTV
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