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

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

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.

The First Point of the Season!

Villa played a much better game yesterday to draw with Newcastle 1-1.  Overall - the passing game, possession, defensive aggressiveness, and attack is night an day compared to last year (and the last 2 weeks).  Hoping for much more of this in the coming weeks.  Guzan looked good in goal and nice connection between Bannan and Clark for the lone Villa goal.  Stephen Ireland is playing well as the central playmaker.