AVFC Blog - Only Manchester United score more goals than Aston Villa

The Doc's Diagnosis: Aston Villa 5 Birmingham 1

Written by Doc Bowles

Monday, 21 April 2008

There's really no point crowing or gloating about this. In terms of quality, this was a game between a strong Premier League team and an average Championship one and my guess is that the formal status of the two clubs will confirm that within a matter of weeks.

Furthermore, the shocking news that we all feared - a "supporter" being held by police on suspicion of murder - renders any of the usual banter and mockery completely out of place on this occasion. All of our thoughts should go out to the family and friends of the victim, and I very much hope that Villa are planning a minute's silence for the Wigan game.

I don't want to dwell too much on the game. Birmingham City were poor, but then they never really had much choice. Villa's new shape, with an increasingly confident Petrov holding and Young darting Beardsley-like here and there in the "hole", is bringing the best out of the players. Say what you like about poor opposition, 15 goals in three outings is some return.

It's also good to see O'Neill's judgement on some of the players sold being vindicated. Liam Ridgewell has looked nothing like a top Premier League central defender this season, and to my mind has been appalling in both derby games. Bless him.

If my maths is correct, only Manchester United have scored more goals than Villa this season. That's quite an interesting argument to present to the many who question Villa's "boring, long ball style".

It looks to me as though Ashley Young is on fire, tearing opposition defences apart and a nailed-on certainty for Capello's next squad . That's quite an interesting argument to present to the many who question Martin O'Neill's readiness to spend on new players.

It's also clear that Gareth Barry has led the team out of its form dip and into three resounding and brilliant performances, with sparkling individual displays and a clear shout for man-of-the-match in all three. That's quite an interesting argument to present to the few who would see him sold.

Villa are playing with pace, confidence and skill. Everyone wants the ball, and the ball is being zipped around pretty handily. I never thought I'd say this, but I really can't see Everton coming out of next weekend's game with anything at all. I think Villa will take nine points from the remaining three games and finish fifth.

Now that really will be a tough call for the doom-merchants, won't it?

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jaf said:

Very well put... The few who want him sold..! Lets just hope MON has a chat with Gareth this week, we need him on form again for Everton. If we beat Everton there's a chance we will win all three..

April 21, 2008

linharley said:

Can't help but agree with you. MON has proved himself over and over again and maybe the doubters will finally shut up. Ashley Young was superb yesterday as were Barry, Carew and Petrov, the team as a whole were exceptional! Confidence levels are sky high, role on Everton.

April 21, 2008

Villain of the North said:

Condonlences to the family of the deceased, i don't know what happened but is a tragedy whatever the circumstances.

I hope you're right, Doc. Would be great to look back on the end of season celebrating instead of that all too familiar uncomfortable "oh well" kinda feeling.

April 21, 2008

mossiewalsh said:

i think a draw will do at everton because they have aresnal and newcastle left 2 hard games.arsenal are good and newcatle have thier tails up aswell so if we avoid defeat at goodison we will finish 5th. 6points in our last 2 games.great result but a real shame about what happened after the game.

April 21, 2008

villaof plymouth said:

Agree on the minutes silence Doc, I for one will be thinking of him and his family

On a lighter note and with the doubters in mind, if we can finish 5th with the size of squad we have (albeit a team that MON built) where can we go next season with a bigger and stronger squad?

April 21, 2008

brett said:

ashley young wont get into the england squad next month, same old same old, although with the captaincy rotation and barry on fire...

i think the club should insist on a minutes silence at goodison next week and then have a tribute at the wigan game, im shocked, just hope the derby doesnt turn into that kind of stupidity

April 21, 2008

Howard said:

The change in formation really suits our team. Petrof has played very well in last 3 games as the holding midfield player.

I watched Porto v Benfica last night.

Right Backs for both teams were Boswinga and Neslon.

Both would be great additions to our squad. Both have great pace and are good with both feet and can pass and cross well. They are also good defenders.

Boswinga is better but would he come to us? I hope so!!

April 21, 2008

Green Villan said:

Well I think the Doc has pretty much summed up what I thought of the game and the performances of late. Yes we played three of the bottom sides but it's the manner in which we beat them that's extremly impressive. 15 goals in three games is an astonishing return for any team, this is the kinda return I expect from Utd and I have certainly seen us tripped up by these sides in the past. You've got to remember that these games are not as easy as they look, these teams are fighting for survival and if you look at Bolton they have got some good results in the last few weeks. I think we all know the real test is against Everton at the weekend, that is pretty much our cup final as far as I'm concerned and it will be a clear indication of how far we've come as a side. This is real pressure folks, this is what its all about so strap yourselves in because it's time for the real O'Neill show to begin!

April 21, 2008

Adam Hackett said:

Martin O'Neill is proving to us all now that he can bring the best out of each and every one of his players. Stylian Petrov, this time 4 weeks ago was a victim of insulting jibes and comments from the fans, and there were not many fans who had much positive comments for him. Now MON has restored his confidence and he is playing out of his skin, along with all of the other players on the pitch yesterday. All of the players wanted the ball, and all of the players once they had the ball, used it brilliantly. It was Aston Villa as they can play every week, if only we were more consistent, we would have been a threat to any team on yesterdays performance. The world is Villas oyster at the moment. If we can continue yesterdays performance to Goodison next week, and secure a european place, i am in no doubt that Gareth Barry will stay and we will attract very very good players in the summer. The funds are there, and MON knows who to buy, as it is proving out to be so far with the likes of Carew and Ashley Young. Keep the belief. Trophies are in the near future i can feel it in my claret and blue blood!!
Adam H
Villa for life!!!

April 21, 2008

eoin1981 said:

As someone who well and truly spoke up against MoN a month ago - I have to say credit where credit is due - he has made some great changes and proved to me why I shouldn't be managing in the premiership!! We are still not favourites to make europe but if we did - then we would have an added attraction for players.....

I think the big difference has been the new role for petrov and young. Petrov being the 'fetcher' has allowed Barry to roam forward more and concentrate on what makes him a good player.

Also - I have been saying it all season and finally it seems that Carew is getting the praise he deserves. With the right ball - he is unplayable.

April 21, 2008

Beef said:

Recent news coverage has said that both parties in the accident were villa fans and as of yet no issue of motive has been mentioned.

My heart truly goes out to all family involved.
Dale UTV

April 21, 2008 | url

olof the other reindeer said:

Brilliant win. We've done the double on Blues and Derby, can we do the same on Everton, Wet Ham and Wigan? As it stands here's how things could pan out with 3 games to go and 4 teams potentially playing for 5th spot (I know I know Pompey should get in via FA Cup..)

Anyway, based on present standings and the remaining fixtures;

Man City 55pts 6 = 61
Portsmouth 57pts 7 = 64
Everton 61pts 4 = 65
Villa 58pts 7 = 65 (GD 1)

So if all goes to plan and we keep up the batting average of the past few games we should be home and hosed and you can stick yer Inter Hokey Cokey cup smilies/wink.gif

April 21, 2008

Woodinho said:

I echo the first paragraph of eoin1981, in that I have also doubted MON, critisized his transfers and so on... it's eat my hat time, someone pass the salt!

On the insident after the match, did anyone see The Sun this morning? They were far too quick to splash it all over the front page and claim rival fans as the reason behind it, they shown no respect to the family of the victim but instead only shown themselves for what they (the Sun Newspaper) really are... Trash!

April 21, 2008

Robbie said:

I must admit i didn't buy the actual paper edition of the paper, but this is a quote from the website, "But police today dismissed speculation that it was fuelled by team rivalry as both men were confirmed as Villa fans." I'm not a fan of The Sun but it doesn't seem to be making that assumption.

In reference to the game, it's easy to get carried away with good wins, just like it's easy to get down and critical when we don't beat Boro and Sunderland, but I think regardless of any ups and downs, the big picture of this season is just a phenomenal improvement over the last few years, and i for one am not about to criticise MON. I think it's fair to say Villa have been in similar positions before in the Prem over the years, and have never capitalised, so that is definitely the next challenge...if MON can show some shrewdness on the big scale as far as transfers then he can go down as a legend in my eyes.

April 21, 2008

kohoutek said:

It's good to hear fans reconsidering early judgments. A season is full of ups and downs, and only at the end can we really come to any meaningful conclusions.

MON really has worked wonders without breaking the bank, which I think is something he wants to prove can be done. The team does need an infusion of true quality to kick on, and I think that now is apparently the time that it will really happen.

In evaluating MON, it's important to remember that he's stuck to his guns and his plans despite criticism, given the young players the games they've needed, didn't waste time or allow bad feelings to fester by holding on to players with no future, and found a way at a critical moment to get the most out of Petrov, Young and Barry. Plus, he's always class, and I love seeing his excitement and passion on the touchline.

MON's done in two years what many other clubs have been trying to do for much longer. Villa will only get better, and may indeed be the side to finally crack the top 4. By being patient, MON should have the money to both keep his stars and sign new ones.

April 21, 2008

villafandan said:

as ever, i agree 100% with doc's analysis of the club and team, so can't add anything there.

let's not rush to judgment about the incident outside the stadium, however tragic. it's too early to be making calls for how the club should react to it. i'm sure they'll take the appropriate action at the appropriate time, when all the facts have been uncovered.

April 21, 2008

benideano said:

BIRMINGHAM CITY TODAY GAVE OUT A NUMBER TO DIAL FOR FANS DEEPLY AFFECTED BY YESTERDAYS THRASHING. ITS OBVIOUSLY FREEFONE, CALL THE HELPLINE ON 0800 51 51 51

April 21, 2008

Woodinho said:

The sub-heading on the front page of The Sun was actually "killed by rival fan"... sounds like they realised they dropped a bollock and corrected it on the website!

Like I said... Trash!

April 21, 2008

JimboVillain said:

Hi everyone, felt like basking in the glory on this wonderful Spring day so did some internet scouting, decided to check out if there was any similar small heath sites to this one, and lo and behold i found one. Its the one and only time i will ever go on it (except maybe if they're relegated again) but i think you will agree that it just feels so much better reading flattering praise of our players from the scum. Enjoy.........

http://www.birminghamcity-mad.co.uk/news/loadrprt.asp?cid=MTCH&id=388829

April 21, 2008

Pgough said:

My thoughts are with the mans family. I hope it proves to be an accident.

Had a look at Paddy Power
Everton 5 - 4
Draw 11 - 5
Aston Villa 21 - 10

That 21-10 is going to get 20 of my euros. I dare anyone to bet against us in the Everton game.
UTV

April 21, 2008

satch said:

Can't wait for the Everton match, hell I can't wait for Europe. smilies/grin.gif

April 21, 2008

sam_villa 1 said:

well done villa!
does anyone now where to get a sweden flag from for the wigan match?

April 21, 2008

Damian said:

sam_villa 1

look in the downloads section

April 21, 2008

TimC said:

What does it say on the flag?

April 21, 2008