To be able to say that we should have won away to the reigning Premier League champions is a massive step in the right direction for Aston Villa Football Club. Unfortunately though, when every point is precious, we were robbed by a poor decision from the linesman and a couple of completely avoidable individual errors by Villa players.
Writing yesterday afternoon for ‘The Telegraph’, John Percy suggested that Sherwood was contemplating dropping Brad Guzan and replacing him with thirty-nine-year-old Shay Given. Even if Sherwood wasn’t actually considering making that switch, he probably will be after yesterday’s trip to The Etihad…
Guzan’s error in the third minute of the game was an absolute howler and he then looked uncomfortable all evening, taking a lot of flack from the home support in the process. I think it is fair to say that Premier League goalkeepers really shouldn’t be making mistakes like Guzan’s; it was simply unforgivable. In my opinion, it is time for Given to get the chance to play in the Premier League for the rest of the season, as he has been exceptional in the FA Cup and Guzan is on a downward spiral.
I’m a big fan of Guzan’s work but it is clear that he hasn’t hit the heights of the previous two seasons, with some goals going in that I think he probably should have done better with. Given has been pushing hard with some great saves when he’s had the chance and I’m sure he’ll be vying to play in the home game against Everton next Saturday. Given has stated on several occasions that he would like to be the club’s number one so now is the time for the Republic of Ireland international to prove to the manager, a man he has known since his days at Blackburn Rovers, that he deserves the starting spot.
Despite the moments of madness yesterday, the overall performance was very pleasing. We looked the better side for periods and wanted the win more than our opponents. It was good to see the Villans causing their hosts problems all over the field. This Villa side is unrecognisable from the one we were watching two months ago. The players’ confidence is bubbling and I think we will be absolutely fine. The lads should be able to pick up at least six points from our remaining games to secure the club’s Premier League status. Let’s just hope it doesn’t go down to the last day of the season, when The Clarets visit Villa Park.
Tim Sherwood has shown that he is not afraid to make tough decisions for the greater good so it will be interesting to see who appears between the sticks for the run-in. Whatever decisions Sherwood makes, like everyone else, I hope we reach safety as quickly as possible so that we can all truly look forward to one of the biggest days out we’ve had for a very long time when we march on Wembley once again for the FA Cup final. I genuinely believe that the Villa boys stand a great chance of beating Arsenal in the final: all the omens are pointing that way with Aston Villa once again being drawn as the ‘home’ team. Aston Villa has been the home team in every round of the FA Cup so far this season – and that has worked out quite nicely!
Yes, I think its time to bring in Given, all that rolling the ball square across the goalmouth yesterday was a return to Lambert’s tactics. Get the damn ball up the park, not this tippy tappy around the box. I just hope whoever buys the club from Lerner gives Sherwood a chance because if he gets an opportunity to bring in about four of his own players (without selling Benteke to fund it) the days of worrying about relegation battles could well be history. Get Vlaar signed up and keep Delph and Benteke and the future begins to look good. Looks like Gardner’s injury problems may be over so he will be welcomed back and Cleverley now looks the business. Season ticket sales should be well up. After years in the doldrums, Lerner may well regret his timing in selling the club.
Ron Vlaar passing it back to him for no reason pissed me off far more than Guzan’s mistake. He has acres in front of him, plenty of options, and he chooses to do the most pointless thing imaginable and go back to Guzan. Why would you do that? Its just completely redundant. What is the point of passing it around the back if you don’t have the balls to even consider a forward pass? When theres glowing options ahead and not an opposition player even close to you, nonetheless. It just boils my blood. You’re a professional footballer ffs!
Guzan Richardson, must be dropped,and bacuna must be
Cautioned by TS . These are desperate times,Sanchez also
Has to acknowledge his responsibility in defence ,which allowed
Man city to score etc. This is why we are in relegation,year in year out.
Having watched Guzan `s goalkeeping efforts all season makes me wonder why he has been ever present in between the sticks. You can be assured that if he had played in the F.A.Cup we would not be where we are. As a 61 year old with dodgy pins ,some of his efforts I could have stopped if I fell to the ground ! I believe T.Sherwood has already made his mind up as to the Final keeper,(and he does not have an American accent)