Back down to earth with a bump. A mediocre performance at best against a direct and physical Blackburn side. You wouldn't expect anything less from an Allardyce team.
We got off to a good start with Agbonlahor completely mis-hitting a shot that crept in the far corner. But despite playing some good football on the deck for a change, we couldn't get the killer second and Blackburn were able to equalise. The game looked all set for a draw until Dunne was harshly judged to have handballed in the area when putting his hands up to protect his face from high feet. Blackburn's Dunn slotted home and it was too late for us to come back.
Deserved at least a point.
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Aston Villa 2 Portsmouth 0
A good win against a poor Portsmouth side that featured several new signings (who all look to be Championship level players). A solid performance, but not a vintage one. Goals from Agbonlahor and Milner do the damage and Portsmouth rarely threaten, apart from a short spell in the second half that forced two good saves from Friedel.
Reo-Coker sent home for the weekend after reported physical tussle with Martin O'Neill. Surely he will be sold come January.
Agbonlahor's looking strong - causing problems, holding the ball up well and scoring for fun at the moment. Could he force his way back into the England reckoning? He has a chance, along with Darren Bent at Sunderland, another free-scoring forward this season.
Reo-Coker sent home for the weekend after reported physical tussle with Martin O'Neill. Surely he will be sold come January.
Agbonlahor's looking strong - causing problems, holding the ball up well and scoring for fun at the moment. Could he force his way back into the England reckoning? He has a chance, along with Darren Bent at Sunderland, another free-scoring forward this season.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Birmingham City 0 Aston Villa 1
Agbonlahor's great scoring streak against the Blues continues!
Martin O'Neill fielded a new back four at St Andrews, with Richard Dunne and James Collins forming a new partnership in central defence, with fellow debutant Stephen Warnock replacing Shorey at left back and Carlos Cuellar moving into the right back slot at the expense of Beye. And for the first time in ages, the defence looked solid and organised. Dunne and Collins threw their bodies in front of everything, with Dunne being particulary dominant in the air.
The match itself was a dour affair with neither midfield being able to get hold of the ball and both teams resorting to long, direct balls down the flanks. Possession was fairly even with neither team creating much in front of goal.
With 20 mins to go, Carew replaced Reo Coker and the game sparked into life. Carew was unlucky when put through on goal, but gave Villa more presence up front. Shortly after his arrival, a free-kick from the left found Agbonlahor unmarked in the box and he planted a header into the bottom corner. Moments later, he was less effective, running on to a through ball but taking it slightly wide and then blasting his shot over when one-on-one. He has definitely added muscle to his frame since last season, and I'm starting to wonder if he has lost a little of his pace too. He's still quick, but doesn't seem to eat the ground up like he used to. Maybe it is just an illusion caused by his new, bulkier frame.
A poor game but good result. The defence was outstanding, midfield cumbersome (Petrov poor again and Sidwell anonymous), and forwards out of sorts.
Pompey next!
Martin O'Neill fielded a new back four at St Andrews, with Richard Dunne and James Collins forming a new partnership in central defence, with fellow debutant Stephen Warnock replacing Shorey at left back and Carlos Cuellar moving into the right back slot at the expense of Beye. And for the first time in ages, the defence looked solid and organised. Dunne and Collins threw their bodies in front of everything, with Dunne being particulary dominant in the air.
The match itself was a dour affair with neither midfield being able to get hold of the ball and both teams resorting to long, direct balls down the flanks. Possession was fairly even with neither team creating much in front of goal.
With 20 mins to go, Carew replaced Reo Coker and the game sparked into life. Carew was unlucky when put through on goal, but gave Villa more presence up front. Shortly after his arrival, a free-kick from the left found Agbonlahor unmarked in the box and he planted a header into the bottom corner. Moments later, he was less effective, running on to a through ball but taking it slightly wide and then blasting his shot over when one-on-one. He has definitely added muscle to his frame since last season, and I'm starting to wonder if he has lost a little of his pace too. He's still quick, but doesn't seem to eat the ground up like he used to. Maybe it is just an illusion caused by his new, bulkier frame.
A poor game but good result. The defence was outstanding, midfield cumbersome (Petrov poor again and Sidwell anonymous), and forwards out of sorts.
Pompey next!
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