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Villa Park Buzzing 2-1

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So, Martin O’Neill rolls into town, and despite the best efforts of Reading, the party could not be spoilt. Reading took an early lead but Villa were not going to capitulate at Villa Park – not this season!

What a difference a manager makes, sure the squad is still the same squad, very thin on the ground and in great need of re-enforcements, but last night, for the first time in a long time, they looked like a team. Even the players on the bench looked interested as they were jumping up and down when we scored and often standing up during the game to see what was going on.

As for Martin O’Neill, he got the sort of reception you would expect and he certainly confirmed my suspicions, he has had pogo sticks implanted into his legs as he was jumping up and down like a good en. Funny, he has been here 2 minutes and he already looks and feels like a Villa manager, standing with the Villa tracksuit on, pacing the touchline (giving the fourth official plenty to do, maybe they will need to attach some elastic on him so he can only stroll so far?!) and getting totally involved. Bit different to our last manager, what was his name again?

Last night it felt to me that the soul was back at Aston Villa and the buzz and excitement was infectious. With over 37 000 fans there, it just shows what a bit of optimism can do to the Villa faithful. If DOL had remained, I would think the attendance would be 10 000 under that! Only thing we need to crack now is for the Holte End to forget about Birmingham City – who cares about them? So why sing about them?! The ground was also full of talk of Randy Lerner and the takeover, with some funds and fresh ideas, Villa Park is going to be rocking and rolling. We’ll soon have the ground full to the rafters and many of the younger fans will see what it really means being a Lion. Many won’t have been around for the European nights, lets hope they come soon and we can all forget about the politics and the past, and start to enjoy a bright future.

Reading were certainly no push over, I don’t think anyone expected them to be and our defence was caught cold in the 4th minute as Reading cut through our team and Doyle scored.

Villa weren’t to be rushed or panicked though, they played how they should, with the ball mostly on the ground, they seemed to have a better understanding and more cohesion and it was great to see the amount of forward passes had increased. The midfield still aren’t always providing the necessary through balls to Angel who gets caught off-side very often because of that. There seemed to be more patient build ups last night and it was good to see. On the 34th minute Villa quite rightly got a penalty and , Sonko saw red. Angel neatly despatched the penalty and Villa Park erupted, as did O’Neill and the bench.

The second goal was nutted in by the ever brilliant Gareth Barry from a perfectly floated cross by Peter Whittingham. So happy to see Whitts still at Villa, the fans are too quick to get on the back of the youth players, but given time these players will become regulars for Villa. He came on as sub for Jlloyd Samuel who picked up a knock.

Vital Villa did a poll on the result and 92% said we would win, only 3% that we would lose and the remaining 5% said a draw. The majority were spot on and the Lions are in dreamland. Reading huffed and puffed, with some great teamwork and crisp passing, but there was only ever going to be one winner last night and that was the mighty Villa. Our luck looks like it is on the turn, long may it continue.

Player Ratings

Thomas Sorenson: 6
not responsible for goal as far as I could see.

Olof Mellberg: 8
The bearded one was back to form and not letting much get passed him. Made some vital tackles.

Liam Ridgewell: 7
Starting to get the hang of this premiership malarkey!

Aaron Hughes: 6
In and out but contributes well and does get forward.

Jlloyd Samuel: 5
Not at the races yet, but I still say there is a good player in him and MON will bring that out. Looked like he was struggling with a niggle (injury) at times.

Gavin McCann: 7
Best I’ve seen McCann play for two seasons, some lovely touches, tough tackles + loads of determination, welcome back!

Steven Davis: 6
Some smashing touches, a few flicks that didn’t come off but would have been masterful if they had, this lad will be a star.

Gareth Barry: 9
This lad is a star! Great contribution, deserves to be captain and deserved to be on the goal sheet.

Gabriel Agbonlahor: 7
Another star in the making, scored what looked a perfectly legitimate goal (but haven’t seen the replays).

Luke Moore: 5
Patchy, got the pace, got the touches, but wasn’t fully at the races yesterday, got to start threatening and shooting.

Juan Pablo Angel: 7
I like Angel despite him having my share of hair, I think with the right service he will contribute greatly to the scoresheet. Nicely taken penalty and a few good touches. Certainly gets up and down the pitch and made a few defensive contributions.

Peter Whittingham (sub on 59th for Samuel) 7
Excellent cross for winning goal.

Manager Rating
Martin O’Neill 10 out of 10! He’ll be a Villa Park legend and looked so right on the touchline.

Opponent Rating
Steve Coppell, got a great team there, they should cause a fair few teams a problem this year, thought Seol was immense for them.

Happy days!
Great to be back at Villa Park. I think I win the record for the worlds shortest boycott and I never actuall had to miss a match. Happy days!

Match Stats
For Match Stats – Click Here

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