Well, the first of 12 cup finals was lost in the first and last five minutes. Apart from that, it was a spirited effort from the Villa boys during most of the game. Dealt the blow of Crumbling Ron being injured, the young defence were guilty of ball watching at key moments yet again, but there is no doubt they are improving. Villa are back in the relegation zone though, so is there anything to be cheerful about?
1. If we play like we did against Arsenal we should escape the drop. It might also need a bit of luck too and to do something about the last ten minute conceding habit.
2. Weimann’s drive. Football fans appreciate a good grafter and Weimann plays without fear. While some of his teammates are guilty of taking the easy option – being static and just end up passing sideways, Weimann drives at the opposition. It’s no exactly a secret that defenders don’t like players that run at them; it’s how defences get opened up and space is created for others.
3. Lambert’s intention with his substitutes. When Karim El Ahmadi was warming up at 1-1, the first reaction was Lambert would take off one of the strikers and play for the point. He’s learnt that Villa can’t do this and at least kept players out there who could potentially fashion a second goal. Bringing Dawkins on for N’Zogbia in an attempt to freshen up the forward line was also a positive. The ultimate ineffectiveness of the substitutes wasn’t his fault and it was a gamble worth taking.
4. Considering he had little support and cover from the midfield, the much maligned Joe Bennett did ok. There were moments where he had Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott double-teaming him as Arsenal attacked down the right flank. The poor bast**d! He’s still learning and for now at least needs our support. We’re in this mess together.
5. We’ve saved ourselves from the shocking Wembley prices today! Enough said.
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