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!
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