Nice start... not so nice finish.

Westwoods free kick got Villa started fast, but Man Utd scored multiple times through a weak defense. The game could have been very different if Beneteke could have made at least 1 or 2 of those 3 great chances he had.  Sigh.

Benteke Signs Extension and Remains with Villa

So far it has been a very active summer for Villa with the signing of new players (Okore, Aleksander, Helenius, Bacuna, Luna) and new contracts for returning ones (Guzan, Weimann, Westwood, Clark, Lowton).  The biggest news has been the transfer request that was submitted by Benteke a couple of weeks ago which has angered many supporters.

But today, it has been reported that Benetke has signed a contract extension to stay with Villa.  This must have been asa result of a heart-to-heart with the Gaffer.  Honestly, I lost a lot of admiration for the young striker when he turned in his request for transfer.  I thought he was receiving bad advice from agents and that his head was getting too large.   This change of heart is good to hear and that he has committed himself to Villa for the time being.  Let's hope it is genuine.  He is a great player and could be on his way to becoming a Villa legend if he keeps his head straight and his feet on the ground.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2370496/Christian-Benteke-signs-new-year-Aston-Villa-contract.html

YES! Villa 6-1 over Sunderland

This was a second week of "Monday Night Football" for Villa.  I had to rely on AVTV audio feed as I was at work here in the U.S. (Noon start).  Benteke hat-trick, Weimann, Vlar, and Gabby score as Villa captures a critical 3 points (and provide some goal differential improvement too).

Still not completely out of the relegation-woods, but today's result was BIG in moving us closer to safety.

Villa win 1-3 at the Brittania

What a game today vs Stoke - a critical one for both teams.  Villa's three goals came from Gabby, Lowton, and the Beast, but special focus on Matthew Lowton's goal in the 88' break the 1-1 tie.  His volley from distance has to be the goal of the season.  The amazing thing was that he scored a similar goal, on the volley (but a little closer to goal) using his left foot vs Swansea.  Today's goal was like a mirror image where he used his right foot.  Words cannot describe this goal sufficiently.  Look at it yourself.

Today's goal vs Stoke City

Audio Boo: Villa goals vs QPR

The "Voice of the Villa", Jack Woodward, calling each of the 3 Villa goals vs. QPR.



listen to ‘Villa goals in QPR win’ on Audioboo

Says it all!    The boys are playing well - finally (with our backs up against a wall0

Great Effort

The boys played a good game on Saturday. It was just so disappointing to give up those 2 goals to allow a draw in the end.  I am definitely grateful for the 1 point, but we need a couple of wins to give us a chance (and some help from those just ahead and behind us in the table.

Christian Benteke has been the best thing that happened this season.  I hope that we can hang on to him  for as long as possible.

Villa 1-3 Win at Anfield

OMG! That was the best Villa performance in the League this year.  A complete team effort.  The defense remained solid despite being pummeled with shot after shot from Liverpool.  Brad Guzan made some great saves.  Christian Beneteke...what can you say?  HE IS MASSIVE!  The entire midfield played amazingly.

listen to ‘Villa goals in Liverpool win’ on Audioboo

First Benteke goal from range

Goal #2 Andreas Weimann

 (above) Weimann on the break

 (above) Weimann finds Benteke on the wing

 (above) Benteke back heels it ... return to Weimann

(above) Weimann SCORES

Goal #3 Benteke

(above) Benteke battles thru 2 Liverpool players to score an unassisted goal

On to the Semifinals of the League Cup!

What a match vs. Norwich City this past week.  Villa played the their best game of the season and took the League Cup match victory 1-4 at Carrow Road.  Goals from Brett Holman, Christian Benteke, and Andreas Weimann (2x).

Whew...3 points.

It wasn't very pretty for most of the match, but fortunately Christian Benteke was able to head one home with only about 10 mins remaining to help Villa come away with a 1-nil mid-week victory over Reading.  These games are critical if we are going to have a chance of finding some safety.  With Vlaar out with injury, the young defensive line, lead by Ciaran Clark, did well considering the circumstances.

listen to ‘Benteke goal against Reading’ on Audioboo

We are really missing a "field general" out there on the pitch.  So much young talent, but no one to really play the "Captain" role.

A Point is, well, a point.

Not a horrible outing against West Brom.   Down nil-1, we were able to find that equalizer late in the game from Bent.  I'm still waiting to see Benteke breakthrough.

_______

Not sure what to make of all this stuff in the news about Bent being frustrated about not being in the starting IX this past weekend.  I wonder if it is mostly the media that want to make something more of it than is really there.

Villa 2-nil over Swansea

What a game!  Holman continues to be a workhorse that never stops running.  Lowton's goal was amazing!  Big Brad was again brilliant in net. And what about Benteke??   He looked unstoppable and he definitely will help open up some things for Benty.  Things are really looking up!  UTV!