Times are Tough

Villa was able to hang on to a 1-1 draw today vs. Swansea.  A point is positive, but we are in the midst of a long dry spell.  Many supporters seem to be getting restless with PL and the team.  Boos coming from the Villa Park stands is difficult to hear.  No doubt this is a hard time for Villa supporters.  Injuries continue to plague us.  Our depth is limited to none.  Our scoring threats are in a deep slump.  I'm hanging in there with this team and the manager.  It is hard to feel like things could be worse, but we are still not as bad off as we were last year.  Keep the faith.

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

Swansea Match Critical

After reaching a confidence "high" following the win at Anfield, the Villa has reached a new low.  I wouldn't call the Swansea game a must win, but a result would certainly help the lads regain some traction.  Confidence is subtle, but very powerful.  I get this funny feeling that we may have been a little too confident following Liverpool (incl. all of the supporters).  When the going gets tough - players begin to press, which can easily turn into an accelerated fall.  The free-flowing confident play has turned tentative, but I know that this can be turned around.  The lads need the supporters more than ever - lets stay behind them no matter what.  We need the 12th man effect like they have in Seattle for the Seahawks.

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!

More of the Same

Well, the players had the same names and they were wearing claret and blue, but it sure didn't look like the same team that beat Chelsea just days ago.  The difference?  Bent in, Albrighton out.  Seems that the team plays completely different when Bent is in.  Simon A. also pointed out that Villa is really only playing with 10 players on defense when Bent is in.  I agree.  The offensive play is focused on Bent which is really one-dimensional.  Without Bent, all the other players need to think a little more offensively and keeps the other team guessing more.  Can't figure out why AML didn't go with the same starting 11 that played against Chelsea?  We definitely could have used Albrighton's pace.  Seemed like Villa was always a step or two behind Swansea players.  Oh well...back to normal.  Villa loses 2-nil.

Congratulations Villa!

Stuart Downing scored and goal in the 33' and that was enough for Villa to capture the win over Liverpool 1-nil.  Villa finishes 9th in the table - a fantastic finish considering we were close to the relegation zone more than once this season.

Man Utd claims another Premiership crown (19th).  West Ham, Birmingham, and Blackpool are relegated to the Championship and coming up to the Premiership next season are Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and Norwich City (former team of Darren Huckerby, who played very briefly for MLS San Jose Earthquakes here in the SF bay Area.  The final team to be promoted will be determined in a playoff between Swansea City and Cardiff City (at Wembley).