February 2009 Archives

ALTHOUGH I thought Chelsea were deserved winners on Saturday, the result doesn't now mean that Villa aren't worthy occupants of a top four place.

There's no doubt in my mind that Villa are a special team this season and they are still more than capable of earning their place in next season's Champions League.

However, I do think that Martin O'Neill is beginning to pay the price for not investing in his side during the January transfer window.

In the past week we have lost two games and drawn one. Frankly though our level of performance has not really changed. What has changed and as a result had a dramatic effect on our results is the fact we are missing chances at crucial times during matches where as before these chances were being taken.

We all know goals change games and in the last three matches that could not have been more true.

The chief culprit for these missed opportunities is Gabriel Agbonlahor. Against Everton he missed a header from three yards when the game was finely balanced at 2-1. Against Moscow he missed two header's when we were 0-1 down and against Chelsea on Saturday he missed a one on one opportunity early in the second half which a top goalscorer would have buried.

If he had taken these chances I am confident we would have been now discussing still being in the FA Cup, having a good advantage over Moscow going into the second leg of the Uefa tie and having at least drawn against Chelsea hence maintaining 3rd position in the Premiership.

I know he alone is not responsible for the bad week we have had but I am sure few can argue that if he had done his job properly in the last week ie score goals, then we would have had a much better time of it.

The trouble is he knows full well he will be picked no matter what as the manager simply does not fancy the alternatives for his position.

Anyway all is not lost. We are still a very effective team and still have a wonderful opportunity to finish in the elusive top 4. Its still very much in our hands.

However we must rediscover our killer touch in front of goal starting on Thursday night in Moscow.

That's right folks, Bill Howell our man at the Villa will be taking part in a live Q&A with Villa fans this Thursday at 1pm.

If you want to quiz Bill on what's going at Villa Park then log on this Thursday and chat away.
Our man at the Villa Bill Howell will be live on our website at 1pm on Thursday to answer your questions...

Find out more right here...

http://www.sundaymercury.net/midlands-sport/aston-villa-fc/2009/02/03/chat-live-with-aston-villa-writer-bill-howell-97319-22843140/