READING  2      VILLA    4           FA CUP QTR FINAL  2010

Hat-trick hero John Carew led another astonishing cup comeback as Villa sealed a quick return to Wembley.

If there was a trophy handed out for greatest comebacks, Martin O'Neill's men may just have earned it from their cup exploits this season.

Just like games against Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace earlier in the campaign, the claret and blues were forced to do it the hard way after falling behind.

Reading's FA Cup fairytale looked set to continue as Shane Long's first-half brace gave them a deserved lead.

But Ashley Young's strike two minutes into the second-half sparked a devastating 10 minute spell in which Villa scored three times.

Given the Royals' cup heroics this season, Villa needed no telling that they were in for a difficult afternoon's work at the Madejski Stadium.

They had a further reminder when Jimmy Kebe beat Brad Friedel with a thumping effort early on, although the effort was ruled out because of a foul on Stephen Warnock.

Young and James Milner probed at the home defence unsuccessfully in the opening stages as Villa were restricted to a long-range shot from Stiliyan Petrov.

Brian McDermott's battlers came into the tie with the same fearless approach which saw them knock out Liverpool, Burnley and West Brom in previous rounds.

When Long headed them in front on 26 minutes, few could argue that it was fully deserved.

Moments earlier, Jay Tabb had seen his volley deflect over. From the resulting corner, Matt Mills leapt to head Gyfli Sigurdsson's delivery into the six yard area and Long applied the finishing touch with a neat close-range header.

Villa thought they had hit back straight away when Carew smashed a low volley beyond Adam Federici from a chipped Milner free-kick, but the linesman raised his flag for offside.

As the visitors chased an equaliser, Kebe exploited some space on the right-hand side and he crossed for Long, who fired past Friedel to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

A much different Villa emerged for the second-half and the 4,000 travelling supporters witnessed their team fly out of the blocks to emphatically overhaul the deficit.

It was game on when Carew collected from Downing with his back to goal and chipped towards Young at the back post. Carlos Cuellar helped it on and Young tucked away from close range.

Five minutes later, Carew arrived in the box to head Downing's perfect inswinging ball from the right flank past Federici to restore parity.

The momentum was with Villa and on 58 minutes the popular Norwegian rounded off a splendid move by despatching Stephen Warnock's low centre.

Emile Heskey had a great chance to put the icing on the cake but the Federici stood tall to keep out the England striker, who found himself through on goal from Downing's lobbed pass.

While Reading's confidence had clearly been hit by Villa's ruthless spell, they staged a spirited fightback in the last 20 minutes.

Young cleared off the line after Ivar Ingimarsson met Sigurdsson's corner with a bullet header, while Warnock made a heroic block to deny Kebe. And Long was denied a hat-trick by Friedel before Dunne cleared.

Carew rubber-stamped Villa's place in the semi-final by blasting home a stoppage-time penalty after being fouled by Ingimarsson.

 

VILLA    1       MAN UNITED & REF      2       CARLING CUP FINAL 2010

Villa's shot at Carling Cup glory ended in disappointment, despite a brave effort against the English champions.

There was a fairytale start for Martin O'Neill's men at Wembley as James Milner put them in front from the penalty spot with five minutes gone.

But two of the country's finest finishers, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney, replied to ensure the cup went back to Manchester.

Ahead of the showpiece, the Villa chief paid tribute to the winning mentality of Manchester United, claiming they contest major trophies like the average person eats breakfast.

However, it was his own team who looked like the seasoned cup final outfit in the early stages.

Any big match nerves in the claret and blue camp were quashed emphatically when a trademark run into the penalty box from Gabby Agbonlahor was halted by Nemanja Vidic, leaving referee Phil Dowd with no option but to point to the spot.

The Serb could only grab a handful of the speedy Villa striker's shirt as he motored towards goal.

In truth, Vidic could count himself lucky to stay on the field. Nevertheless, the Villa supporters were sent into raptures as Milner stepped up to sent Tomasz Kuszczak the wrong way.

While the early goal settled Villa nerves, it served as a wake-up call to United, who hit back quickly.

Dimitar Berbatov got the better of Richard Dunne and although the defender got in a sliding challenge, Owen reacted to sweep the loose ball into the bottom corner.

Despite their advantage lasting just seven minutes, Villa continued to boss the first quarter of the match.

Kuszczak held a left-footed Milner effort from long-rage, while the midfielder curled another attempt past the post after a neat exchange between Stewart Downing and Carlos Cuellar on the right flank.

The major surprise of the day was undoubtedly Rooney's omission from the United starting line-up - although the talisman was called upon earlier than expected by Sir Alex Ferguson when Owen pulled up injured before the interval.

Rooney's presence helped the Red Devils step up a gear and Villa had to survive a scramble in their box in first-half stoppage time.

A slip from Stephen Warnock allowed Antonio Valencia to squeeze a cross into the six-yard box, only for Ji-Sung Park to side-foot off the post. It rebounded into the path of Cuellar who hacked clear.

United's pressure continued from the restart when Friedel's sprawling one-handed stop denied Michael Carrick, while Rooney curled high and wide after gathering Valencia's cross.

There was no respite in Villa's attacking persistence either, even if they couldn't quite make it count.

Downing was at the heart of their finest second-half moments. On one occasion, he weaved his way into the box and cut back just beyond Heskey.

The pair were later involved in an intricate passing move on the right hand side and forced Patrice Evra into a last-ditch block to concede a corner.

The resulting kick looked destined for the head of James Collins, only for Vidic to get a crucial interception in before Young struck the follow-up over.

Rooney's influence on the game may have been limited for long spells, but he made his mark with 15 minutes remaining.

When man-of-the-match Valencia collected Berbatov's return on the right, the England striker positioned himself perfectly to meet the cross and power a header into the top corner.

The same combination caused more problems when Rooney cannoned a second headed attempt off the post.

In the closing stages, Villa displaying their battling qualities by throwing everything at United.

O'Neill made his intent clear by sending John Carew on to bolster his strike force in place of right-back Cuellar.

The presence of two big men in the front line almost paid dividends when Heskey connected with a Downing cross but Kuzszcak got a vital touch to tip over.

In the final minute of normal time, Dunne raced into the back post in attempt to steer another Downing delivery goalwards, but he couldn't steer it goalwards.

 

 

VILLA    3    CRYSTAL  PALACE    1

Villa stormed into the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in a decade as John Carew put Crystal Palace on the spot.

The towering striker despatched two second half penalties to secure victory over a battling Eagles outfit.

Gabby Agbonlahor had opened the scoring three minutes before half-time only for Darren Ambrose to equalise with a 73rd minute spot-kick.

But Carew was twice brought down by Matthew Lawrence and on each occasion he left goalkeeper Julian Speroni helpless from 12 yards.

In truth Villa could have won even more convincingly after creating a host of good chances.

The win continued the momentum on this most important of weeks as Villa now look forward to Wembley and the cup final date with Manchester United.

In the opening period, Villa were buzzing after the weekend Burnley blitz and if one man exemplified the energy and enthusiasm in the team during the first half it was wing wonder Ashley Young.

The speedy wide man was in electrifying form, always showing for the ball and attacking the Palace rearguard with impressive regularity.

Young seems to have become the master of the cross-cum-shot and on two occasions he went close in the first 45 minutes.

His first effort, after being fed by Fabian Delph following a left wing corner, was cleared by former Leeds man Shaun Derry while his second - again from the left side - saw Speroni, in fine first half form, keep the ball out right at the angle of the crossbar.

But those certainly weren't the only chances of a claret and blue dominated opening period.

Agbonlahor couldn't find his bearings early on following a superb cross by James Milner while Speroni had to be at his best to keep out the star striker as he zoomed in on goal in a one-on-one chance.

Carew stuck his boot out following another impressive Milner centre but again Speroni was in the right place at the right time as the ball flew into his arms.

Carew had a second effort well saved by the Palace keeper later in the half, after Stewart Downing and Agbonlahor had failed to get shots away from just outside the box.

Stephen Warnock squandered a superb opportunity on the half hour mark - only because of his own unselfishness. The full-back flew into the box from the left channel but, instead of shooting, he attempted to tee up Carew but the ball into the area was too heavy.

Just as you felt Villa would finish the half without reward for their effort and endeavour, up popped Agbonlahor with a clinical header from close-range following Young's impressive corner from the left.

The second half was a fairly quiet affair before it exploded into life late on.

With just under 20 minutes remaining, Alan Lee was felled by Warnock in the box and Ambrose guided the ball home expertly past Brad Guzan from the spot.

With the prospect of extra-time a nightmare scenario for boss Martin O'Neill with the big showpiece at the weekend, Carew came up trumps for the hosts with two clinical penalties in the final 10 minutes.

Ironically he was brought down both times by Lawrence and chose power with one and placement with the other to send Villa into the last eight - with a Reading away tie the reward.

 

 

VILLA    5     BURNLEY     2

Dynamite DJ Stewart Downing turned the 'tables' on Burnley with a brilliant brace which helped him get off the mark in the top-flight goalscoring 'charts' as well as earn a comprehensive 5-2 victory for his explosive side.

The winger's quickfire double effectively ended this game as a contest and came during an unbelievable spell of three goals in five second half minutes.

Burnley started and finished well - Steven Fletcher opening the scoring and Martin Paterson tapping home in stoppage time - but in between times Villa were in dominant mood.

After that initial shock, Ashley Young restored parity with a cross-cum-shot just past the half hour mark but it was after the break when the claret and blues were at their rip-roaring best.

Downing - who likes to take to the decks in his spare time - fired home with his right then his left foot before close-range efforts from strike duo Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor earned the points.

Despite the brilliant final scoreline, it was a strange opening period for Villa.

They started well and created the main chances in the first few minutes but it was the visiting Clarets who opened the scoring against the run of play.

Villa's best chance of that initial spell saw Downing neatly feed Agbonlahor to feet. The star striker laid the ball off to Stan Petrov who fired wide of Brian Jensen's right-hand post.

Burnley made the first move in the battle of Brian Clough's former players, however. David Nugent broke down the right and fired a cracking ball into the box, Fletcher tapping home from close-range.

It was a shock to the system and Villa briefly failed to find their famous rhythm after the jolt. They eventually found their feet, however, and had three decent chances before eventually levelling the scores.

Milner fired high and handsome from the edge of the box after Nugent failed to clear a corner, Heskey headed marginally wide from a pinpoint centre by Milner while Collins blasted straight at Jensen with a fierce shot from 30 yards.

Martin O'Neill's men made their head of steam pay though and levelled the scores just after the half hour mark when Young's teasing centre evaded everyone before nestling lovingly in the Holte End goal.

The score remained deadlocked at half-time and ironically, despite a good start to the second period from the visitors, Burnley were punished in a second half onslaught.

Downing fired home brilliantly with his less-favoured right foot after great build-up play from Agbonlahor and Young. Two minutes later, the winger bagged his second with a left-foot drive from just outside the box.

Heskey got in on the act soon after with a neat finish from Agbonlahor's cross from the right. Agbonlahor, returning to the side after recovering from a foot problem, completed the five star show with another clinical near-post finish from Milner's exquisite cross from the right.

Sub Paterson reduced arrears in stoppage time, with a prodded effort but it was too little, too late as Villa continued their impressive home form and Burnley were made to accept more away day despair.

 

C PALACE   2     VILLA    2

Stiliyan Petrov kept Villa's FA Cup dream alive with a last-gasp equaliser to take this fifth round tie to a replay.

The skipper grabbed an equaliser three minutes from time as the claret and blues were made to battle to take the contest back to Villa Park.

It looked as though Crystal Palace's cup fairytale would continue thanks to Johnny Ertl's header and a stunning free-kick from Darren Ambrose, either side of James Collins's equaliser.

The Eagles - who have been galvanised by their well-documented off-field troubles - seem to relish being the underdogs.

And there was never any question of Martin O'Neill underestimating the task ahead of this clash. That was clear from the strength of Villa's starting eleven.

The only two changes from Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United saw Stephen Warnock make a surprise return in place of Carlos Cuellar, while Emile Heskey came in for the injured Gabby Agbonlahor.

While Villa enjoyed the majority share of the early possession, they were restricted to a shot from the edge of the area from Heskey, which Julian Speroni held comfortably.

The battling qualities of Neil Warnock's outfit were clear from the outset and they managed to force a lead in the 24th minute.

Ertl climbed between two Villa defenders and headed Ambrose's corner past a helpless Brad Friedel from close range.

There was further danger moments later when Neil Danns chested down a long pass on the edge of the box before turning and firing straight at Friedel.

But Villa responded from their brief lapse to equalise with a well-executed corner of their own on 35 minutes.

Stewart Downing delivered it towards the six-yard area and Collins leapt with authority to power a header into the roof of the net.

The visitors almost repeated the feat when Petrov flicked James Milner's inswinging corner towards the far post but the skipper's header evaded Richard Dunne by inches.

Just as Villa seemed to be building up a head of steam, there was one more threat to see off before the break, as Ambrose fizzed a free-kick at goal which Friedel punched clear.

O'Neill threw on John Carew in place of the injured Heskey at the break and the Norwegian almost made the perfect entrance.

After being slotted through on goal by Downing, Carew held off a Palace defender and shot to the near post but Speroni palmed it behind.

Palace's goalkeeper proved to be Carew's bogey man - denying the Villa ace with two further stunning saves.

His opposite number had no such luck against Ambrose, however.

In fact there was absolutely nothing he could do about the spectacular 70th minute free-kick which put Palace ahead.

Ambrose smashed it into the top corner from 35 yards and the Eagles fans were sensing another major cup scalp.

Two minutes later, the former Newcastle midfielder saw a looping header bounce of the goal frame.

The travelling support would have been forgiven for thinking it was not their side's day when Speroni acrobatically tipped Carew's header over the bar after Dunne headed an Ashley Young delivery back across goal.

Another one-handed save from the Argentinean foiled Carew yet again, while in between times, Nathaniel Clyne cleared off the line from Collins as Palace held on.

But Downing was the master provider one more time as Villa's persistence finally paid off three minutes from the whistle.

Petrov arrived at the near post and converted the inswinging delivery with a diving header to set up a return clash at Villa Park.

The quarter-final draw, which took place minutes after the final whistle, handed the winners an away trip to either West Bromwich Albion or Reading.

 

VILLA    1      MAN UNITED     1

 

Villa produced a solid and determined display to clock up a 1-1 draw with Manchester United - ensuring an unbeaten league campaign against the champions.

The hosts were the better team before the break while the Red Devils were on top in the second half and a share of the spoils was probably the fairest result overall in this engaging contest.

Carlos Cuellar opened the scoring for the home side with a brilliantly-flighted header in the 20th minute but that joy was short-lived as James Collins was in the right place at the wrong time, turning in Ryan Giggs's centre from the left.

Nani - involved in the equalising goal - was dismissed for a two-foot lunge on skipper Stan Petrov just before the half hour mark.

It was deadlocked at half-time and stayed the same as the final whistle blew.

There were few chances after the break, Wayne Rooney seeing a shot well saved by Brad Friedel while Richard Dunne almost connected with Stewart Downing's well-delivered free-kick at the death.

In team news before the game, Emile Heskey was forced out of the starting line-up with a groin injury and his replacement Fabian Delph slotted in brilliantly as Villa produced incisive and intelligent football in the first period.

After a few half-chances, the claret and blue troops took the lead as stopper turned scorer. Cuellar showed great power with a header, the ball looping over Edwin Van Der Sar and into the United net to send home supporters into delirium.

But the lead only lasted three minutes as the champions hit back quickly. Nani hit a ball from the right to the backpost and evergreen Giggs fired the ball back across goal. Unfortunately Collins was powerless to get out of the way as the ball ricocheted off him and past Friedel.

No sooner had Nani celebrated his contribution to the goal than he was sent back down the tunnel after a two-foot tackle on influential central man Petrov. Referee Peter Walton had no hesitation in dismissing the midfielder just before the half hour mark.

Villa probed for the rest of the half but they couldn't breach the visitors' defence.

Despite the man disadvantage, United came on strong after the break but Villa stood resolute with yet another determined defensive display, following the heroics at White Hart Lane.

In truth, there were few clear-cut chances, however.

James Milner - all-action all night - fired in a left-foot shot which Van Der Sar collected while Rooney's curled effort was tipped over by Friedel.

Villa could have won it at the death, Downing whipping in a cracking ball in injury time - but Dunne couldn't connect with the dangerous free-kick.

 

 

TOTTENHAM   0     VILLA    0 

 

Fearless. Dependable. Absolutely heroic.

By the time this season comes to a close, us reporters will have run out of superlatives to describe Villa's defensive mean machine.

What's more, behind them they have a goalkeeper who time and time again proves he is among the very best.

For the second consecutive weekend, Villa emerged unblemished from a formidable away assignment in the capital.

This time they earned a valuable point against one of their closest rivals in the upper reaches of the Barclays Premier League.

And it was in no small part down to the brilliance of their defensive quartet along with goalkeeper Brad Friedel - all of whom were simply immense.

Richard Dunne and James Collins lead the fight once again as Villa demonstrated the defensive brilliance from which their success this season has been built on.

But Friedel will deservedly take his share of the plaudits for a magnificent display.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp predicted an open, attacking affair and there was plenty in the first 45 minutes to support his theory.

In fact, the highlights of the opening period were sensational saves from both keepers.

Friedel blocked former Villa striker Peter Crouch's close range effort on 18 minutes, after some clever interplay between the England international and Luka Modric.

At that point, Spurs were enjoying a wealth of possession and Friedel had to be alert again to keep out Tom Huddlestone's low 20-yard drive.

But it wasn't long before the home goalkeeper got in on the act. James Milner took up a threatening position on the edge of the area and teed himself up for a low, rasping shot.

It appeared destined for the bottom corner but Heurelho Gomes was at full stretch to keep it out. In a flash, the Spurs stopper jumped to his feet to charge down substitute John Carew's follow-up.

Although the White Hart Lane crowd had seen plenty of superb shot-stopping, Friedel's save four minutes before the break eclipsed everything that had preceded it.

The American quickly threw himself across goal to get a strong hand to King's instinctive flick after Crouch headed Bentley's chipped ball back into the danger area.

Having been on the back foot for long spells of the first period, Villa looked to dictate the early stages of the second and were almost rewarded when Gabby Agbonlahor was fouled on the edge of the box.

Stewart Downing went for goal with the resulting free-kick but his curling strike sailed wide of the up right.

Ten minutes later, Ashley Young produced a carbon copy effort after Ledley King fouled Carew in a similar position.

Carew used his strength later in the half to hold off King but the Norwegian couldn't get enough power in his close-range attempt.

There were some nervy moments for the claret and blue faithful to endure in the final 15 minutes.

Friedel came to the rescue to foil David Bentley when the winger twisted and turned before firing a left-foot effort across goal.

Jermain Defoe had a penalty shout waived away after a challenge from Stiliyan Petrov.

And when Huddlestone's corner was knocked into the path of Crouch, the forward produced a cheeky back-heel which trickled inches wide.

But Villa kept their composure to keep fourth straight top-flight clean sheet.

 

 

FULHAM  0      VILLA    2

How's that for style? All the talk since Wednesday night's stalemate with Arsenal has centred around the fashion in which Villa play.

If you were wondering why Martin O'Neill has so much belief in his creative players, just watch the tape of Gabby Agbonlahor's second goal at Craven Cottage.

The reading of the pass, the turn and the finish - now that was stylish.

In chalking up their first away win over Fulham since 2004, the claret and blue troops also answered any questions over their confidence in front of goal.

Agbonlahor's quickfire brace took him into double figures for the season and he is looking every bit a potent goalscoring force.

Winning at Craven Cottage is no mean feat. Roy Hodgson's men had not lost on home soil since September and had also registered an emphatic success over Manchester United.

So understandably, Villa - unchanged from their midweek encounter with the Gunners - were made to work for their breakthrough.

The first period had been a tense affair up until Agbonlahor's incredible double.

It was even in both possession and chances, although Luke Young and Stiliyan Petrov both came close to breaking the deadlock.

Young made a rare venture into the penalty box to throw himself at Ashley Young's pinpoint cross, and only Mark Schwarzer's acrobatics could deny the full-back a brilliant headed goal.

On 35 minutes, the defensive ace turned provider, squeezing an intricate pass through to Stiliyan Petrov, but the skipper fired over from a tight angle.

Before that, Brad Friedel - who had a relatively quiet afternoon - blocked Simon Davies' volley with his legs after the Welshman motored on to Richard Dunne's headed clearance.

However, the momentum was with Villa, and Petrov made up for his earlier miss with a perfect cross for Agbonlahor's 40th minute opener.

The Bulgarian collected a throw-in from Carlos Cuellar on the right and fired in to the near post. Agbonlahor gambled and powered his header past Schwarzer.

If the home fans may have felt hard done by after conceding so close to the break, few of them were arguing when Agbolnahor curled in a second moments four minutes later - not least because of the sheer quality of the strike.

Again it started on the right hand side. The striker showed wonderful awareness with his back to goal to turn Brede Hangeland before curling a left-foot strike into the far corner with great precision.

O'Neill has often stressed the importance of his team killing off matches, so he will have been impressed with manner in which they maintained their concentration in the second-half.

Bar an early effort from Stewart Downing, which saw the winger cut on to his right foot and shoot straight at Schwarzer, Fulham shaded the half in terms of chances.

Friedel stood tall to keep out substitute Zoltan Gera from a tight angle and Bobby Zamora shot over the bar after being played in by Danny Murphy.

When the Cottagers did manage to find the net, through another replacement, David Elm, the linesman quickly raised his flag.

But despite a battling effort from the Londoners, Villa never looked in too much danger.

Every one of them maintained their composure and work ethic to complete a professional job. A job that had plenty of style and lots of substance.

 

 

VILLA   0    ARSENAL   0        

How do you follow two games that have produced a combined total of 15 goals?

With Villa and Arsenal both renowned for their attacking prowess, claret and blue supporters might have turned up for this one expecting another goal-fest.

The scoreline may have suggested something of a comedown for Martin O'Neill's men, who had to settle for their second consecutive Barclays Premier League stalemate.

But it wasn't for want of trying. Both teams could argue they perhaps should have nicked this one - Arsenal just two pieces of woodwork away and Villa a couple of widths of a post.

The goals and shots on target columns may have suggested otherwise, but Villa will have been particularly buoyed by their overall performance.

When Gabby Agbonlahor's fourth minute shot was pushed away by Manuel Almunia after some excellent interplay between James Milner and Emile Heskey, you'd have been forgiven for predicting another midweek sizzler.

It set the tempo for much toing and froing at either end, even if clear-cut chances were at a premium.

The Gunners replied moments later through Denilson, who was denied by Brad Friedel at the near post.

However, it was the hosts, in the main, who dictated proceedings up until first-half stoppage time.

Emile Heskey's mazy run was halted when Thomas Vermaelen sent him tumbling 20 yards from goal. Ashley Young stepped up and curled the free-kick inches wide.

Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy has established himself as one of the best around in recent seasons, though he was run ragged by wing wonder Ashley Young.

This was none more evident that the 34th minute when Young skipped past him and crossed to the back post. Stewart Downing arrived late and thumped a volley over the bar.

Although Villa would have been happy with their work in the first 45 minutes they had to survive a stoppage time scare from that man Cesc Fabregas.

The Spaniard's wizardry dented claret and blue hopes at the Emirates in December, but on this occasion he was denied by the post after skipping past two defenders.

While the second-half was a far more cagey affair, both sides had chances to break the deadlock. Clichy crossed into the six-yard area three minutes after the restart, but Fabregas's follow-up was blocked by Friedel.

Young motored down the right once again and produced a pinpoint delivery to the back post, only for Downing to head agonisingly wide.

The woodwork came to VIlla's rescue again on the hour mark - this time Thomas Rosicky being the unlucky Gunner.

Andrey Arshavin was denied from a tight angle and then Rosicky crashed his rebound off the bar.

The game ebbed towards a draw, although James Collins got a crucial block on Sol Campbell's close-range effort in a nervy last few seconds. But, ultimately a draw was a fair result.

VILLA  3  BRIGHTON  2       FA CUP  4TH ROAD

James Milner has reigned supreme in midfield this season - but, after the 3-1 victory over Brighton, there appears to be a young pretender to his throne.

Fabian Delph was an all-action hero as he bossed the central ground with a superb range of passing as well as his usual bite in the tackle - and he even popped up with a brilliant goal too.

England hopeful Milner has been a revelation in the middle over the past few weeks but Delph showed he can also do more than a capable job when called upon by boss Martin O'Neill.

Ironically it was Milner he replaced in the side for this fourth round clash although the former Newcastle and Leeds man joined him on the field soon after the early opening goal.

Marc Albrighton, another hot prospect in claret and blue, produced a stunning centre from the right which Nathan Delfouneso expertly despatched past Michael Kuipers. But the winger's joy soon turned to desolation as he was forced to leave the field through injury.

Brighton fans will have felt relieved to watch the exit of the goal provider until they glanced at the bench to see man of the moment Milner readying himself for action.

Milner once again demonstrated that stunning versatility, popping up in the centre, wide left and wide right, while Delph excelled all afternoon in his accustomed central role.

It was another star performer who managed to head home Villa's vital second, however.

After being pegged back at the end of the first half courtesy of Tommy Elphick's prodded finish from close-range, Ashley Young proved he's as good in the air as he is on the deck with a wonderful headed goal. He rose highest in the box to nod home Stewart Downing's brilliant cross from the right just after the restart.

There was further good news soon after as defender Curtis Davies made his long-awaited return to first team action, following a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

But it was in the final third where Villa excelled and Delph went so, so close to making it 3-1 when his shot from point-blank range was brilliantly kept out by the Seagulls goalkeeper. But that was merely the starter before the main course as the midfield starlet 'did it all by his delph' a few minutes later.

Downing produced a neat pass to Milner, who in turn dinked the ball forward to Delph. After beating one man with a slick cutback, he fired wide of Kuipers and into the corner for his first claret and blue cracker.

That settled Villa's nerves and they could have bagged more - Delph just off target with another effort, Steve Sidwell seeing his close-range shot magnificently stopped by Kuipers and Delfouneso hitting a thunderbolt against the post.

The Seagulls ensured the three minutes of stoppage time were nervier than expected with a goal at the death, Nicky Forster firing home.

But Villa managed to see out the tie and enjoyed yet more Villa Park cup joy, with a fifth round tie now on the horizon.

 

 

VILLA    6      BLACKBURN ROVERS    4     CARLING SEMI 2ND LEG     (VILLA THROUGH 7-4 ON AGG)

And we all thought Villa v Tranmere in 1994 had everything?

The build-up to this semi-final deciding clash featured clips and interviews concerning that epic last four encounter 16 years ago.

Ron Atkinson - manager of that incredible side - said the game would "take some whacking".

Well this one - unbelievably - possibly eclipsed it.

Villa were serenaded on to the pitch at the start with a sea of claret and blue flags but they nearly waved goodbye to their final dream inside the opening half hour.

A two-goal deficit was not in the script as Nikola Kalinic struck a quickfire double - first with a header and then with a neat finish, both from close-range.

There were plenty of glum faces around the stadium but thankfully Stephen Warnock got Martin O'Neill's men back into the contest almost straight away with an exquisite right-foot finish from a cracking Ashley Young centre.

It levelled the tie and gave Villa fresh impetus.

Emile Heskey then hit a perfect ball through the centre and Gabby Agbonlahor raced towards goal. Chris Samba lunged to make contact but only proceeded to take down the striker in the box. Referee Martin Atkinson got it right with a spot-kick and a red card for the influential Rovers defender.

James Milner blasted home with the resulting shot from 12 yards and Villa were level in the game and one-up in the tie overall. Villa fans wished they'd bought a calculator for the second half as what followed was a plethora of goals and free-flowing attacking football.

Richard Dunne bundled the ball home soon after the restart following a delicious corner into the box from Stewart Downing.

Gabby Agbonlahor, a tireless worker throughout the match, got in on the act just before the hour mark, sneaking a touch on Milner's thunderbolt left-foot shot from 25 yards, which comfortably beat Paul Robinson.

Big Emile made it 5-2 just past the hour mark, rounding Robinson after another tremendous ball into the danger area from the all-action Milner.

A minute later, Martin Olsson made it 5-3 with a superb overhead kick finish as the game which seemingly had everything produced yet more drama. And there was still more to come.

After Benni McCarthy and Agbonlahor had both spurned good chances for their respective sides, Brett Emerton beat Guzan with a shot from just outside the box, which flew through a ruck of bodies and into the net.

That made it 5-4 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate but there was still time for one more as wing wonder Young flew forward down the left before cutting inside and blasting an unstoppable shot into the well-worn net.

The great finish finally put an end to the tie as a contest and claret and blue supporters celebrated wildly on the final whistle, singing along to Que Sera Sera, Rockin All Over the World and My Way.

Frank Sinatra got it spot on - Villa certainly did it their way and we're all off to Wembley.

 

VILLA   0      WEST HAM UTD    0       17/01/2010

 

Villa huffed and puffed but just couldn't quite hammer the door down in this one.

The claret and blue troops were always on the front foot and, despite several chances, they couldn't quite find that bit of luck they needed to nick the three points.

James Milner fired agonisingly wide for the home team just after the break in the best effort of the game while Gabby Agbonlahor had three good chances - one in the first half and two in the second - the better of those right at the death.

Milner's driven shot from just outside the box was inches away from settling in the net after stunning build-up play from Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey down the left had set the midfield star up for his rocket.

And Agbonlahor was unlucky on three occasions as he looked to break the deadlock. The first effort just before the half hour mark - a shot on the turn from outside the box - drew an impressive save from Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green.

He fired the second over the bar midway through the second period. And, undoubtedly the best of the trio - was made possible by his own pace and power. He turned Matthew Upson - a tower of strength at the back for West Ham - and raced towards goal. Unfortunately his first touch was too strong and Green came out to blast clear.

But that only told part of the story. Villa were on the attack for vast periods of this contest and created plenty of openings.

Ashley Young - a terror throughout the game - charged down the left in Villa's first real opening before producing an outrageous chipped effort, which Green did brilliantly to tip out of harm's way. Soon after, James Collins headed marginally wide from Stewart Downing's pinpoint centre.

After the break it was more of the same although to their credit West Ham produced more fizz going forward, after being largely on the defensive throughout the first period.

Milner saw his chance flash wide while Carlos Cuellar, again in the full-back role, fired one over the bar from close-range after a snappy centre from winger Young.

Collins, the man who has replaced the Spaniard in the centre, also saw a left-footed effort fly marginally wide from just outside the box.

Villa did have the ball in the net just before the hour mark - John Carew prodding home but the linesman's flag was up.

In between Agbonlahor's skied effort, Frank Nouble shot too close to Brad Friedel after getting the better of Collins down the left and unleashing a long-range drive. And Junior Stanislas's cross-cum-shot was skewed out for a corner by Collins.

With the game heading for a draw, Agbonlahor had the major chance to win it but he was unlucky to have a heavy touch at the crucial moment.

 

 

BLACKBURN ROVERS  0   VILLA  1   14/01/10  CARLING SEMI 1ST LEG

 

It was a case of so far, so good as Villa earned a first leg lead in the Carling Cup semi-final against Blackburn - and left Ewood Park with what could prove to be a vital away goal.

The first game in a two-leg contest is often a tight and cagey affair. None of that in this one as Villa played creative and expansive football throughout, with Rovers producing a spell of pressure after the break.

Pundits were wondering how Villa would react after a long sabbatical from action because of the cold snap. Would they be rusty or fresh? The answer wasn't long in arriving as Martin O'Neill's men stroked the ball around delightfully with a calm crispness.

After Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor had early efforts well saved by Paul Robinson in the Rovers goal, it was a case of third time lucky midway through the first half.

Villa were rewarded for their attacking endeveour with a stunning goal. James Milner powered forward with the ball, alongside Stewart Downing. Milner found the wing wonder down the right and Downing returned the favour, teeing up the central midfield star for a cool finish.

The game exploded into life at the end of the opening 45 minutes and Villa can feel aggrieved to have not been awarded two penalties.

First, the menacing Agbonlahor was floored in the box but Mark Clattenburg not only waved away protests but also remarkably booked the striker for simulation. Then, Pascal Chimbonda looked to have handled in the area - but again the referee favoured the home side, giving Rovers a free-kick for a foul in the build-up.

Nevertheless, the boss must have been pleased with the first half showing, with Villa looking strong in defence and so, so dangerous going forward.

The claret and blue troops began the second period on the front foot, with Heskey so close - twice - to getting an all-important touch when in on goal.

Rovers then found their feet - with the crowd getting behind the home team. And it was striker Nikola Kalinic who had the golden opportunities to get Blackburn back into the game.

He saw a header thump against the post before again cannoning the ball off the same post - this time with a close-range drive.

But Villa soon came roaring back and created a number of chances late in the game.

Ashley Young - a terror on the wing all night - couldn't stoop low enough to direct a header into the net from Downing's centre while the exciting ace then fired wide when in on goal with just the goalkeeper to beat.

It ended 1-0 to Villa but as the boss said in his post-match press conference - despite the advantage - the tie is still very much in the balance.

 

 

 

VILLA   3    BLACKBURN ROVERS   1      02/01/10

 

It is becoming a routine occurrence - another cup game, another penalty save.

Nathan Delfouneso, Carlos Cuellar and John Carew may have scored the all-important goals that won this FA Cup third round tie but Brad Guzan was influential in sending Villa through.

His penalty save - diving low to the left to keep out David Dunn - came at a vital moment with Villa only 1-0 up at the time.

Villa were leading courtesy of a classy headed finish from The Fonz on 12 minutes, following an exquisite ball into the box from all-action winger Ashley Young.

Little Brad then worked his magic on 31 minutes - and Villa Park half-expected it, such is the USA shot-stopper's reputation of keeping out strikes from 12 yards.

And it offered fresh impetus for Martin O'Neill's men to go and double their lead six minutes later. Again, Villa's wing wonder Young provided the delightful ball into the box from the left - this time a free-kick following Michel Salgado's clumsy challenge on Stephen Warnock.

Young floated the ball into the perfect spot and Cuellar, sporting no beard for a change, nodded home.

There was a dismissal near the end of the first period, with El-Hadji Diouf shown a straight red card after a horrendous two-foot tackle on Habib Beye.

Villa showed endeavour and enterprise at the start of the second half but the visitors were handed a lifeline on 55 minutes, against the run of play.

Substitute Morten Gamst Pedersen centred a corner from the right and Guzan collected. The ball then appeared to be bundled out of his hands by Nikola Kalinic and into the net. With the Holte End expecting a free-kick to Villa, referee Howard Webb surprised everyone by allowing the goal.

Despite this set-back, it was still the home side who went probing. Cuellar and Carew both saw headers fly over the bar before the vital third arrived courtesy of Big JC.

The giant marksman was upended in the box at the death and picked himself up to produce a cheeky finish, giving the keeper 'the eyes' before slotting low to his right.

People dubbed this game the starter ahead of the main course - a third round FA Cup tie before a two leg Carling Cup semi-final - but those who did so underestimated Martin O'Neill's desire to win a football match.

Villa may have made seven changes to the starting XI but the manager's need for FA Cup progress burnt bright as he orchestrated proceedings from the touchline.

Despite the amount of personnel adjustments, the claret and blue troops still welcomed back the likes of Emile Heskey, James Collins and Ashley Young.

Villa's wing wonder, in particular, was in imperious form, as he tormented Blackburn with a clinical attacking display. It really was a joy to watch!

 

VILLA   0   LIVERPOOL   1       29/12/09

 

Villa suffered late, late heartbreak as Fernando Torres struck in injury time to condemn the claret and blue troops to a defeat they didn't deserve.

Martin O'Neill cut a disconsolate figure at full-time and no wonder as the Reds left Villa Park with the points - despite the home side enjoying the best chances.

Stewart Downing's brilliantly volleyed effort was kept out by Pepe Reina in the main effort of the first 45 minutes.

And the Liverpool goalkeeper had to be at his best after the break to keep out Gabby Agbonlahor's close-range drive with 20 minutes remaining. From the resulting corner, John Carew's flicked header shaved the post as Villa searched for a winner in a pulsating second half.

Five minutes later, the Holte End screamed penalty as Emilano Insua appeared to handball in the box - but referee Lee Probert waved play on.

With the game looking like it was heading for a draw with two minutes of stoppage time on the clock, the ball bounced kindly for Liverpool's star striker who made no mistake, expertly and calmly slotting past Brad Friedel.

It was rough on Villa, who played with creativity and confidence throughout the game.

The first half was a tight affair, with few chances for either side.

Richard Dunne's early headed effort at the back post was kept out by Reina while it was his opposite number Friedel who had to be in top form to tip over Steven Gerrard's 20-yard drive soon after.

Carew, lively up front, worked hard to close down Glen Johnson near the touchline on the half hour mark and earned a corner. From the resulting centre, the ball fell to Downing at the far post and he struck the ball sweetly - but straight at Reina, who managed to clear.

Liverpool felt they should have had a spot-kick themselves on 37 minutes as defensive ace Dunne challenged Dirk Kuyt in the box. The visitors' protests fell on deaf ears, however.

At the end of that first period, Carlos Cuellar almost caught Friedel short with a backward header but the experienced stopper was out quickly to boot clear with Torres bearing down on goal.

The beginning of the second half was a stop-start affair - mainly stop - as the Reds backroom staff took an age to get a replacement boot for Reina from the away changing room.

But once play resumed, it was Villa who put their best foot forward.

Dunne, immaculate once again at the back, broke up a Reds attack and produced a magnificent throughball which found speed demon Agbonlahor. The striker raced clear but his final shot was too close to the Spanish keeper who managed to parry.

The resulting corner was delicious and you could almost see the paint peel off the post as Big JC's header skimmed wide.

After the late penalty shout was turned down, it looked like being honours even before Torres slotted home to earn the points.

 

ARSENAL   3   VILLA   0     27/12/09

 

It was always going to take something special to halt Villa's eight-game unbeaten run - and a match-winning cameo from Cesc Fabregas was just that.

Anyone of claret and blue persuasion may have breathed a sigh of relief when they heard that the Arsenal skipper - an injury doubt before kick-off - had only been named as a substitute.

But as long as Fabregas was ready for action, he remained a threat to Villa.

So it proved, as a fleeting appearance from the Spaniard saw him score twice to condemn Martin O'Neill's men to their first-ever loss at the Emirates Stadium.

By the time Fabregas left the field again on 84 minutes, the points were virtually secure, although there was still time for Abou Diaby to slot home a third.

Up until the stunning 65th minute deadlock breaker, Villa had looked good value for a share of the spoils.

Arsenal's brand of football has earned them the tag of 'pass-masters' down the years, and while they threatened Villa with some intricate play early on, the visitors defended stoutly.

Stephen Warnock was forced to clear from his own goalmouth when Samir Nasri's free-kick dropped at the feet of Eduardo in the opening minutes, and Denilson rifled an effort over from the edge of the box.

After withstanding that early pressure, Villa pressed forward and went close through Emile Heskey. The striker - who recovered from a groin injury to take his place in the line-up - shot wide after being teed up by Gabby Agbonlahor.

Ashley Young and Carlos Cuellar sliced efforts off target for Villa, before Cuellar was called into action at the other end to get a key touch on Nasri's volley.

The Gunners began to take control after the break. A Nasri corner caused havoc in the Villa box and Cuellar had to clear off the line to keep out William Gallas. Bar the odd routine save, there had been relatively little for Friedel to contend with until the 61st minute, when his brilliant one-handed stop denied Andrei Arshavin.

Having survived that scare, however, Villa could do little about Fabregas's threat. The substitute won a free-kick around 25 yards from goal and stepped up to expertly curl it over the wall to make the breakthrough.

Villa searched for a way back and despite enjoying a sustained spell of pressure, they were hit on the counter-attack on 81 minutes.

Another Gunners substitute, Theo Walcott broke clear down the right and Fabregas raced on to his pass to slot a second past Friedel.

To their credit, the claret and blues refused to throw-in the towel, their best chance coming when Agbonlahor made the most of a one-on-one situation with Gallas, only for Manuel Almunia to charge him down.

But in the final minute, Diaby found space on the edge of the Villa area to slot a precise low shot into the bottom corner.

 

 

VILLA   1   STOKE CITY   0       19/12/09

 

Villa's defeat of Stoke proved to be a winter warmer for freezing fans as the claret and blue troops delivered an early present with the festive season fast approaching.

In temperatures below zero, Villa supporters were positively glowing after witnessing their team's fourth top-flight win on the trot - and their fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Substitute John Carew took on the role of Santa Claus as he spread cheer across the stadium. He nodded home from close-range on the hour mark following a brilliant pinpoint cross from the right by Ashley Young.

It may not have been the prettiest win but it was probably the most satisfying so far this season - particularly considering the last-gasp devastation in the previous campaign.

Stoke certainly made it difficult with a dogged and determined display but Villa did enough to clock up another maximum haul.

The first half was a very even affair, with chances for both sides.

Richard Dunne couldn't direct his header goalwards on 10 as he met Stewart Downing's low right-side free-kick. Former Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen had to be at his best with two smart saves soon after. Following fine interplay by James Milner, Emile Heskey and Stan Petrov, the inspirational skipper fired a bullet which the Danish shot-stopper did well to parry. Gabby Agbonlahor's follow-up led to an even better save from the club's former number one.

There was a talking point just after the half hour mark as Mamady Sidibe rose to head home Tuncay's cross from the left. Stoke players and management staff celebrated wildly but it was the supporters who made the most noise as they went crazy - unfortunately for them, well after play restarted.

Big JC made his entrance - due to Emile Heskey's groin injury - on 22 minutes and just 10 minutes later he almost opened the scoring. Wing wizard Young produced yet another terrific cross from the left and Carew stretched to get his boot to the ball but it went just wide.

Downing - in full flow throughout the game - fired agonisingly wide from a clever free-kick just before the break.

Carew had his second chance to make the difference on 54 minutes. He just couldn't keep his shot down as the ball ballooned over the bar, following a fantastic chipped pass from Young.

Tuncay showed sheer endeavour soon after as he bundled aside Luke Young and Richard Dunne in the left channel before firing wide. But there was a better chance for the visitors on the hour mark, as Glenn Whelan blasted high and handsome after the ball fell to him six yards out.

It was third time lucky for fan favourite Carew as he produced a bullet header from close-range following a stunning cross by Young. It followed an exquisite crossfield pass to the winger from former Middlesbrough man Downing.

Tuncay saw his path to goal blocked by right-back Young in some tremendous defensive work and Matt Etherington blasted over in the closing stages. But Villa were the ones who should have found the net at the death.

The best of the chances saw Steve Sidwell fire marginally wide of the Stoke post after an excellent, unselfish lay-off from Gabby Agbonlahor.

It stayed 1-0 at the full-time whistle and the three points represented the best present fans could have asked for from their heroes.

 

 

SUNDERLAND    0          VILLA  2       15/12/09

Forget Joe McElderry and Cheryl Cole. Only one person could lay claim to having the X-Factor in the North East this week.

That man is James Milner. Many column inches have been written lately about the England ace flourishing in his new central role.

At Sunderland there was no sign of Milner slowing down, as he created the first goal for Emile Heskey, before unleashing a second-half thunderbolt to make sure of three points.

With Villa heading to the Stadium of Light on the back of a monumental success at Manchester United, the only real concern was how much energy Martin O'Neill's men had left in the tank.

The Villa boss had no such worries, naming the same team that toppled the champions.

Once again his claret and blue troops did him proud at both ends of the park.

Indeed, their fitness levels were tested during a first period in which Sunderland enjoyed their fair share of possession.

But Villa showed maximum concentration to limit the Black Cats, as well as carving out enough chances of their own to deservedly make a breakthrough.

Stewart Downing was unlucky not to give the visitors an early lead, seeing his sweetly-struck free-kick come back off the bar.

The Black Cats went close with a long-range effort of their own, as Jordan Henderson fired just past Brad Friedel's post from the corner of the box.

It was the opportunism of Heskey, though, that produced a deadlock-breaker. The striker slipped clear of the back line to thump home Milner's intricate pass, after the midfielder had collected from Stiliyan Petrov just outside the area.

Villa had to be on their guard as Steve Bruce's men looked to control possession and while Friedel made a stunning save to keep out Kieran Richardson's right-foot volley, it was another near faultless display from the back four.

On the one occasion they were exposed, Andy Reid made a hash of his finish, slicing a first-time effort after racing on to Darren Bent's flick-on.

But as long as the visitors remained a threat on the counter-attack, the claret and blue faithful could sense a second goal.

They thought it had arrived when Ashley Young hit the post from a tight angle, following the most elegant of build-ups, orchestrated by Petrov in the central ground.

While that didn't quite wrap up the points, Milner's lightning bolt emphatically did so.

There seemed very little on when Milner picked up the ball nearly 30-yards from goal. One touch to control and another to set himself were all it took before the man of the moment rattled the top corner of Marton Fulop's net.

Sunderland were down and out, and down in numbers, when Lorik Carna saw red for a second booking 11 minutes from time.

To their credit, they kept probing at the Villa defence, with substitute Lee Cattermole heading over Richardson's cross late on.

By then, however, the travelling away supporters were in festive mood.

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to see the Villa win away," they sang.

It is a feeling they've become rather used to in recent weeks.

 

 

MANCHESTER UNITED  0       VILLA     1                   12/12/09

One of football's most famous venues became the Theatre of Sweet Dreams for Villa as Gabby Agbonlahor earned them a first league victory at Old Trafford since 1983.

The speedy striker has been the man for the big occasion so often this season - but the goal which downed Manchester United topped it all.

In the build up to this game, Martin O'Neill stressed his side would not sit back and defend against the champions - and he stayed true to his promise.

While Villa's defenders were nothing short of heroic, as an attacking force the claret and blues gave their all in a titanic tussle.

When the half-time whistle sounded, few could argue that they were good value for their lead.

The opening exchanges had been cagey, but Agbonlahor's 21st minute strike paved the way for a breathless contest.

Agbonlahor controlled on the edge of the box before laying off to Ashley Young on the left hand side. When the winger cut in and crossed to the near post, Agbonlahor split two defenders with an intelligent run and headed past Tomasz Kuszczak.

The deadlock breaker inevitably spurred the hosts to life. Michael Carrick drove a 25-yard shot into the arms of Brad Friedel, while Wayne Rooney's cheeky flick across goal evaded the outstretched Antonio Valencia.

But Villa had chances to double their lead. Ashley Young's corner was headed goalwards by Richard Dunne only for Patrice Evra to hack it clear in the six-yard box.

And Kuszczak foiled a certain goal, getting a hand to Agbonlahor's centre when the net was gaping for Ashley Young.

The ever-present Rooney rattled the crossbar from close range after racing past Carlos Cuellar and Ryan Giggs found the side netting, but Villa went in ahead at the break.

As any visiting team would expect at Old Trafford, MON's men were forced to survive a United onslaught after the break.

Carrick whistled a half-volley wide from the edge of the box while Rooney was teed up by Park, only for Friedel to deny him.

Emile Heskey beat the offside trap to meet a chipped ball from substitute James Collins, but his effort trickled past the far post.

The final 10 minutes saw claret and blue hearts in mouths. Stewart Downing's last act before being replaced by Nigel Reo-Coker was to clear a Nemanja header off the line, while Friedel got a hand to Dimitar Berbatov's effort three minutes from time.

But there was no repeat of last season's late heartbreak as Villa earned a historic victory.

 

VILLA   3    HULL CITY    0                  5/12/09

The claret and blue feel-good factor continued as Villa comprehensively saw off Hull.

Richard Dunne, James Milner and John Carew scored the goals as Martin O'Neill's men followed up the elation of charging into the Carling Cup semi-finals with a victory that was never really in doubt.

The manager made one change from the side which defeated Pompey in the week, with Brad Friedel replacing his young understudy between the sticks.

Stewart Downing was handed his home debut and when his name was read out by the stadium announcer just before kick-off, the home fans let him know he'll be made very much at home at Villa Park.

But the cheers turned to boos when Hull skipper Anthony Gardner took the decision to switch ends after winning the ceremonial coin-toss - ensuring no second half onslaught towards the Holte End. That frustration was almost short-lived as Villa made a red-hot start to the game.

Luke Young had a golden opportunity in the first minute to open the scoring as he darted into the box before pulling his close-range strike wide of the post. Emile Heskey - keeping his place in the side after his Pompey heroics - had another excellent chance to ensure the perfect start soon after. Like Young before him, the star striker dragged his effort wide, following a brilliant throughball from Ashley Young.

The goal wasn't long in coming, however. Richard Dunne is renowned for his brutish defensive work in the backline but he showed the composure of a silky striker on 14 minutes. James Milner this time produced the quality ball forward, slipping in Dunny who found himself in acres of space on the right side of the box before cracking home.

Jimmy Bullard - a popular figure in football, never mind at the KC Stadium - enjoyed a sympathetic round of applause after being forced out of action midway through the first period. Even the usually intense Martin O'Neill found time to pat the midfield star on the back as he was helped from the field.

Villa's generosity didn't last long, however - and the club's second goal owed much to a senior - and well-known - ballboy.

With Villa looking to attack down the right again, Hull goalkeeper Matt Duke was forced to improvise, rush out and head the ball out of play. Steve Sidwell, warming up on the touchline, used his initiative to grab hold of the ball and quickly threw it to Gabby Agbonlahor. The star striker laid it on a plate for Milner who chipped it over the keeper's head and into the empty net.

It could have been three at the break as Downing fired in an awesome 30-yard drive with his left-foot late on but it marginally cleared the bar with Duke beaten.

It was a quieter second period, no doubt, but Villa were always in charge.

Heskey had a golden opportunity to guarantee victory soon after the restart but after beating one man he looked to beat another before surrendering the chance as the crowd called for the shot.

Craig Fagan had Hull's best chance of the game on the hour mark but his 25-yard cracker crashed against the crossbar, with Villa able to clear the subsequent danger.

John Carew made his entrance on 77 minutes and it took him a mere 10 minutes to put a seal on the comprehensive victory.

Wing wonder Young darted into the box and was upended by Duke. Big JC put himself forward for spot-kick duties and made no mistake, blasting home the third and final goal.

 

 

POMPEY   2    VILLA   4      1/12/09

The million dollar question since the summer has been how Martin O'Neill would accommodate his trio of wing wonders - but they combined with devastating effect on their full first outing together.

The travelling claret and blue faithful witnessed James Milner, Stewart Downing and Ashley Young terrorise Portsmouth - with all three getting on the scoresheet as Villa marched into the Carling Cup semi-finals.

Milner went from wing wizard to centre stage, setting up Villa's first for Emile Heskey, before smashing home a thunderbolt of his own.

Summer signing Downing was thrown into the mix as one of three changes from Saturday's draw with Tottenham - and his first start proved to be a fairytale as he headed home the third.

And not to be outdone, Ashley Young rounded it all off with an 88th minute clincher.

Right up until kick-off, the debate rumbled on as to which role Downing would occupy. From the outset, he naturally took up a left-sided spot, with Young on the right and Milner in the centre.

But the flexible triumvirate regularly switched with menace, wreaking havoc among the home side's back line.

This masterful attacking display came in spite of an early setback, which saw Danny Webber's 10th minute corner fortuitously find its way into Brad Guzan's net via a bemused Stilyan Petrov, who was unfortunate to miscue a clearance at the near post.

Cue Milner, who took to the middle ground like a duck to water. No sooner had Pompey finished celebrating, than the energetic Yorkshireman teed up Heskey for a well-worked equaliser.

The timing of the striker's run was as precise as Milner's through ball, and Heskey finished the move by neatly dinking over Asmir Begovic.

It sent Villa's attacking aces into overdrive, with Luke Young firing over from Downing's cute cutback before Begovic kept out Agbonlahor's low drive.

When the second goal arrived it was courtesy of more Milner magic. He collected Ashley Young's infield pass, before turning on the edge of the box and thumping across Begovic.

While a half-time lead was the least MON's men deserved, they didn't relent after the break.

Ashley Young was denied by Begovic following an excellent counter-attack which began with a Milner slide tackle just outside his own penalty area, while Tal Ben Haim cleared from the goalmouth after Stephen Warnock had motored forward and rattled a cross into the danger zone.

Just like the man who scored it, the third goal was well worth the wait. Ashley Young, at times unplayable, latched on to Petrov's ball, delivered a teasing cross to the back post and Downing was on hand to head home.

MON's refusal to underestimate Portsmouth in the pre-match build-up proved correct, however, as Kanu offered a glimpse of the South Coast side's resilience.

The Nigerian slipped away from the Villa defence and slotted past Guzan to set up a nervy final three minutes.

But within 60 seconds, another quickfire reply saw Villa's place in the semi-finals well and truly rubber-stamped. This time Agbonlahor crossed, Heskey dummied and Ashley Young emphatically finished from close range.

 

 

VILLA  1   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR   1      28/11/09

It was honours even on a cold night at Villa Park - although both sides could have won the match at the death.

Gabby Agbonlahor gave Villa an early lead when he prodded the ball home from close-range. Carlos Cuellar's point-blank header - from James Milner's inswinging corner - was cleared off the line but Villa's pace ace used all his ingenuity and awareness to get to the rebound ahead of Wilson Palacios and Michael Dawson and fire home.

Peter Crouch was denied an equaliser soon after the opener when Villa's Spanish defensive giant managed to somehow blast clear the striker's goalbound effort.

Tottenham proved to be second half sensations last week against Wigan and they certainly upped their game in this contest after the break.

But Villa defended stoutly for long periods of that second 45 minutes.

Niko Kranjcar saw a fierce drive brilliantly palmed away by Brad Friedel while referee Phil Dowd denied the visitors when he spotted a Jermain Defoe handball on the line as the in-form sharp-shooter bundled home from close-range.

Just when you felt Martin O'Neill's men had weathered the storm, Tottenham forced an equaliser - although it took something special to beat the experienced claret and blue shot-stopper.

Centre-half Dawson brought down Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross before hammering an unstoppable 18-yard drive beyond the USA ace.

There were two superb chances to win the hard-fought contest in injury time.

Emile Heskey, a second half replacement for John Carew, so nearly pounced for Villa.

He kneeled to get on the end of Ashley Young's delightful cross but, as the Holte End gasped, his bullet header flew just over and nestled on the top of the net.

But Harry Redknapp's men also had a fantastic chance to sneak off with a maximum haul.

In-form Defoe found a bit of space in the box before seeing his well-struck drive fly marginally wide.

 

 

BURNLEY  1   VILLA   1        21/11/09

Emile Heskey warmed the cockles of Villa's travelling army with a late equaliser at a bitterly cold Turf Moor.

The super-sub's first goal of the season proved timely as Villa looked set to follow Manchester United and Everton in slipping up at Burnley's fortress.

And the claret and blue faithful were also boosted by the sight of Stewart Downing making his debut as a second-half substitute.

Martin O'Neill's team endured a frustrating first period, with Burnley demonstrating the sort of form that had seen them win five of their previous six home Barclays Premier League games.

It took just nine minute for the Clarets to take the lead, when Steve Caldwell rose above Brad Friedel to head home Robbie Blake's in-swinging free-kick.

The Burnley barrage continued, with Andre Bikey firing over from the edge of the box.

However, Villa gradually turned things around and James Milner twice forced Burnley defenders to clear their lines.

The first instance saw him collect a pass on the right from Ashley Young and he fired it low across the danger area but Clarke Carlisle was back to clear over his own bar.

Just before the break, Graham Alexander made a hash of a clearance, almost diverting a Milner cutback into the net.

Ashley Young also curled an effort over from outside the box with Brian Jensen caught out of position.

While the hosts attacked menacingly in the first period, to Villa's frustration, they were dogged in the second.

Gabby Agbonlahor came close to bringing the scores level, showing electric pace to run clear and poke a left-foot shot across goal, but Brian Jensen produced an excellent one-handed save.

Friedel made two crucial saves - the first from Robbie Blake's 25-yard thunderbolt and later the American tipped over Stephen Fletcher's looping effort.

Just as Burnley could sense another home success, the introduction of Heskey and Downing sparked a late Villa rally.

With four minutes left, MON's men were rewarded for their resilience. Milner gathered possession on the right and Heskey was on hand to head home the winger's teasing delivery.

 

VILLA   5    BOLTON    1            7/11/09

Villa turned on the style and produced a five star performance as a quintet of claret and blue heroes sent Bolton packing.

Gary Cahill and Zat Knight had an afternoon to forget as their former team ran riot in the Trotters defence.

Ashley Young thumped home the opener early on before Gabby Agbonlahor doubled the lead just before the interval following great work from star man John Carew.

Johan Elmander tapped in right on the stroke of half-time to reduce the deficit but a fine individual goal from Big JC soon after the restart made the game safe.

Martin O'Neill's men were by no means finished as they showed flair and confidence for prolonged periods of the second half.

James Milner cracked home at the third time of asking after missing an initial penalty and Carlos Cuellar even managed to find the net for his first claret and blue goal after producing a classy backward header which gave Jussi Jaaskelainen no chance.

The signs were there from the start as Villa began in scintillating fashion. Prolonged pressure paid dividends as the claret and blue troops broke the deadlock in the fifth minute. Milner produced a classy left-footed cross and found Carew perfectly. Big JC headed goalwards but Jaaskelainen managed to parry his terrific effort. Young made no mistake with the rebound, burying with his right-foot.

Villa finally doubled their advantage - after several close-calls - in the 42nd minute and former defensive man Cahill will have wanted the ground to swallow him up. He tried to let the ball run out at the byline only to see man-of-the-match Carew keep it in and set up Agbonlahor to slot home.

But Cahill made up for his mistake two minutes later. After referee Mark Clattenburg incensed most of Villa Park by awarding a free-kick against Agbonlahor after Road Runner was judged to have fouled Robinson as he flew towards goal, the visitors went up the other end and pulled a goal back.

A long ball caused havoc in the home defence. It fell to Cahill whose shot deflected off the diving Richard Dunne and against the post, with Elmander tapping in from close range.

Bolton started the second half in positive mood as they looked for an equaliser and Brad Friedel did well to get behind Fabrice Muamba's fierce left-foot effort. Kevin Davies then tried his luck with a cheeky header from a long thrown-in but Big Brad collected.

Villa nearly restored their two-goal lead when Luke Young - restored to the starting line-up - let fly with a stunning left-foot drive from a difficult angle at the byline. Jaaskelainen managed to brilliantly save.

But the goal wasn't long in coming and it was down to the sheer power of Big JC. The star striker got the ball into feet with his back to goal in the 53rd minute. He turned and just barged through Knight and Cahill before poking home.

MON's men made it four on 72 - in amazing fashion. Young, fresh from being shoved to the floor by sub Gretar Rafn Steinsson, whipped a wonderful ball into the box. As JC looked to connect, he was blatantly pushed to the ground by Davies. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Milner was back on spot-kick duties but saw his penalty saved. Steve Sidwell's effort from the rebound fired against the post before Milner finally found the net.

And it got even better three minutes later when King Carlos produced a cracking backward header that gave Jaaskelainen no chance.

 

WEST HAM UNITED   2     VILLA   1         4/11/09

 

Zavon Hines delivered a hammer blow as Villa suffered late heartache at Upton Park.

A draw looked to be on the cards after Ashley Young's 30-yard rocket cancelled out a controversial Mark Noble penalty.

But Hines - who replaced injured striker Carlton Cole in the early stages for West Ham - had the final say to condemn Martin O'Neill's men to their third league defeat of the season.

And to make matters worse, Villa endured more red card controversy as Habib Beye - brought into the line-up for suspended Carlos Cuellar - was sent off for two bookings.

Villa will feel even more aggrieved after dominating the first period, only to find themselves trailing at the break.

Noble called Brad Friedel into action early on - the midfielder forcing Villa's keeper to palm away a shot which was heading for the bottom corner.

After that, it was all Villa, who found Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green in sparkling form.

A blistering 20-yard volley from Stiliyan Petrov would have burst the net, were it not for Green's stunning one-handed save.

And the England international came up with the goods again to thwart Gabby Agbonlahor, after the Villa forward expertly turned Matthew Upson and unleashed a left-foot drive.

But the visitors were hit with a sucker punch in first-half stoppage time when Beye was harshly adjudged to have tripped Hines in the box.

Noble had no intention of wasting this slice of good fortune and blasted the kick high into the roof of the net.

The penalty count was levelled up after the restart when Bennett penalised Manuel Da Costa for a high challenge on James Collins.

Young stepped up to the plate, but Green dived to his left to thwart the winger.

However, on 52 minutes Young more than made up for his spot kick failure when he cut in from the left flank and powered a blockbuster strike into the top corner.

Chances of a Villa winner diminished when Beye received a second yellow for a tackle on Jonathan Spector, having been booked earlier for the penalty incident.

Gianfranco Zola's side capitalised on the man advantage and Friedel had to be alert in the Villa goal to keep out stinging shots from Noble and Hines.

In injury time, Scott Parker slipped in Hines, who was able to hold off two defenders and prod home the winner from close range.

 

EVERTON    1            VILLA     1              31/10/09  

Super-sub John Carew haunted Everton as Villa bagged a well-earned draw in this fiery Halloween encounter.

The introduction of the tricky striker worked a treat for Martin O'Neill's men - as the Norwegian netted just 46 seconds after coming off the bench.

Everton had taken the lead in first-half stoppage time through Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, who was later dismissed for a rash challenge on Stiliyan Petrov.

But the numbers were evened up in the final minute of the game as Villa's Carlos Cuellar also saw red for two bookings.

Ironically, Carew's place in the starting line-up had been taken by Emile Heskey, in MON's only change from last week's draw against Wolves.

Heskey worked hard alongside Gabby Agbonlahor in a relatively uneventful first period, which the hosts shaded.

James Collins got in an excellent early block to deny Marouane Fellaini at the near post, while the fuzzy-haired Belgium international tested Brad Friedel - making his 200th consecutive top-flight appearance - with a 30-yarder.

Villa fought back in the latter part of the half and Stephen Warnock almost marked a return to his home city with a goal.

The ball dropped kindly after a game of head tennis in the Everton box and the ex-Liverpool man crashed a volley inches wide of the far post.

Collins also struck a rasping effort from the edge of the box but it hit his own team-mate, Gabby Agbonlahor.

The best piece of play of the first-half came in injury time when Yakubu helped Tim Cahill's cross into the path of Bilyaletdinov who stroked past Friedel to break the deadlock.

With his side trailing at the interval, MON threw on Carew in place of James Milner and the change paid immediate dividends.

Almost straight from the restart, Agbonlahor cut in from the right flank, shot left-footed and Tim Howard could only palm into the path of Carew, who tucked away the equaliser.

Agbonlahor came close to putting the visitors ahead but headed into the side netting, while Howard kept out Carew's cheeky back-heel.

The game looked to be petering out until three minutes from time when Bilayaletdinov's challenge on Petrov was punished with a straight red.

Two minutes later, referee Lee Probert dismissed Cuellar, handing him a second yellow for a foul on Yakubu.

 

WOLVES     1      VILLA     1              24/10/09

Four junctions of the M6 separate Villa and Wolves - but on the field there was very little between them.

A dramatic last 10 minutes of this lunchtime clash saw Gabby Agbonlahor find the net to reaffirm his status as the derby day king, only for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to level from the penalty spot.

Martin O'Neill will have been frustrated that his side were unable to hold on after Agbonlahor's 80th minute strike, though for the majority of the game a draw seemed the most likely outcome.

Heavy rain pelted down on Molineux during the first-half, but the opening minutes were anything but a damp squib.

In fact, both teams should have been on target inside the first three minutes.

A long kick from Brad Friedel cleared the Wolves back line with just seconds on the clock. Agbonlahor reacted quickest but couldn't slot his shot past Wayne Hennessy.

The hosts responded immediately when Kevin Doyle got the better of fellow Irishman Richard Dunne. As the pair tussled to win the ball, Dave Edwards followed up and forced Friedel to save with his feet.

But neither team were able to maintain such a frenetic tempo and were limited to mainly half chances.

Steve Sidwell unleashed a 30-yard pile-driver, which was high and wide, while for Wolves, a golden chance fell to Ebanks-Blake, but his close-range attempt was cleared off the line by James Milner.

If Wolves could argue that they shaded the first-half, Villa can say the same about the second.

As the sky brightened, so did the visitors' performance. MON's men were on the front foot straight away, with Ashley Young curling a shot past the far post.

The wing wonder came close to breaking the deadlock again when he sprinted past Jody Craddock and pulled the trigger, but his left-foot drive whistled past the post.

Villa's endeavour paid off ten minutes from the end when Agbonlahor started and finished a flowing four-man move to give them the lead.

He collected a centre from substitute Emile Heskey before pivoting and slotting past Wayne Hennessey.

However, the lead last only a few minutes. Sidwell felt he was unlucky to be penalised for a challenge on Michael Kightly, but referee Peter Walton pointed to the spot.

Ebanks-Blake stepped up and smashed down the middle past Friedel to ensure honours were even in the Midlands derby.

 

VILLA  2    CHELSEA  1      17/10/09

Chelsea joined Porto, Juventus and Liverpool on the claret and blue scrapheap as Villa's colossal connection headed Villa to a tremendous victory.

Referee Steve Bennett was taken ill before the game - delaying kick-off by five minutes - but it was the visitors who were left to feel sick as a dog as goals from Richard Dunne and James Collins won the early afternoon clash.

Yet Villa were smarting early on when stand-in official Kevin Friend waved away penalty protestations. Gabby Agbonlahor was ready to pull the trigger in the box after racing clear when Jose Bosingwa appeared to drag him to the floor.

But friend turned foe when the official ignored the claret and blue pleas and saved the right-back from red card hell.

Chelsea were in front soon after and it was far from a classic. Didier Drogba, the central man on virtually every away attack, tried his luck from 30 yards out and the ball unfortunately bobbled over Brad Friedel and into the net.

Martin O'Neill's mood was not helped when an off-balance Nicolas Anelka clattered into him on the touchline - flooring the gaffer. Thankfully, Villa didn't need a replacement boss for the rest of the game and the influential manager's marshalling of his troops paid dividends in the end.

Richard Dunne pounced at the back post when Ashley Young's left-wing corner was headed into the giant defender's path by Frank Lampard. Amazingly that was really the midfield star's only contribution - and the claret and blues were happy with that.

All-even at the break - it was there for both teams to win in the second half and Villa took their chance.

James Collins, man of the match after his sterling defensive display, powered home the winner from close-range after another pinpoint Young corner.

There was plenty of effort from Chelsea at the death to restore parity but Villa defended like lions to hold out for the precious three points.

 

VILLA   1     MANCHESTER CITY  1        05/10/09

The clash of the top-four hopefuls ended all-square - but it will be best remembered for Richard Dunne's fairytale first Villa strike.

The Irish centre-back was on target against his former employers to spark magnificent scenes among both sets of supporters.

But Craig Bellamy hit back for City in the second-half to deny Martin O'Neill's men all three points.

Villa made a rampant start with Shay Given scooping Gabby Agbonlahor's cheeky back-heeled volley off the line.

And the claret and blue faithful were off their feet after 15 minutes when Dunne leapt above former Villa star Gareth Barry to head Stephen Warnock's in-swinging corner past Given.

It triggered fantastic scenes all round Villa Park - the home fans raising the roof in celebration, while the visiting supporters magnanimously applauded their former defender.

Carlos Tevez fired off target on two occasions for City, though their best chance of the first-half fell to Emmanuel Adebayor.

Barry floated in a free-kick and the Togolese striker forced Brad Friedel into a magnificent one-handed save from a header.

While Villa undoubtedly controlled the first period, the second was a much tighter affair.

The home side continued to exert their dominance at set-pieces. Dunne met a Milner corner only to see his header trickle past the post, while James Collins connected with another delivery but it deflected over.

However, on 67 minutes City substitute Stephen Ireland finally managed to carve Villa open.

The midfielder slid a cute pass into Adebayor's path, allowing the former Arsenal man to tee up Bellamy, who fired home from close range.

Both sides defended heroically in the closing stages with some crucial challenges at either end.

Milner went close with a header for Villa and Petrov had a volley charged down.

But both teams had to be content with a draw from a contest played at a pulsating tempo.

 

BLACKBURN ROVERS   2     VILLA   1         26/09/09

Villa suffered late heartache as David Dunn slotted home a penalty in the dying minutes to consign Martin O'Neill's serial winners to a rare defeat.

Referee Mark Clattenburg had no hesitation in pointing to the spot after deciding Richard Dunne had handled in the box, following Franco Di Santo's overhead kick.

It had all started so brightly for the claret and blue troops as Gabby Agbonlahor found his scoring boots early on once again. Agbonlahor came into the game with a record of three goals in as many games, and within three minutes of the kick-off he had improved that tally to four in four.

The pace ace raced forward following a flick-on and slotted home expertly past the despairing Paul Robinson.

But Rovers drew level when Chris Samba poked home in the box half-way through the first period. Ryan Nelsen lofted in a high ball from near the halfway line and defender Dunne inadvertently got his head on the ball to set it up perfectly for Samba to slot past the generally impressive Friedel.

In fact, Villa's number one pulled off a tremendous instinctive save on the half hour mark from Dunn's overheard kick.

Before that, John Carew had a great chance to double Villa's lead but he couldn't connect with a header after a terrific ball in from Ashley Young.

Vince Grella was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the second period and Villa piled forward smelling blood and a fifth successive top-flight victory.

But there was a twist at the death as defensive colossus Dunne was penalised for handling and his namesake Dunn, influential for the home side, netted the spot-kick to seal the win.

 

VILLA   1     CARDIFF  0          23/09/09

Martin O'Neill rang the changes for this Carling Cup clash - but it was a familiar face who sealed Villa's passage into round four.

The previous two seasons had seen Villa fall at this stage to Championship opposition, though Gabby Agbonlahor's fourth goal in as many games ensured there would be no hat-trick.

Five changes were made to the team who saw off Portsmouth four days earlier. However, Villa's rhythm was not affected, as the claret and blue faithful were on their feet after just three minutes.

John Carew surged down the right-hand side and picked out Agbonlahor, who executed a cheeky back-heel from just outside the six-yard box.

The early strike gave Villa a platform to dictate the pace of the contest. Two further first-half chances followed but on both occasions Peter Enckleman demonstrated exemplary handling skills.

On eight minutes, Carew controlled and laid off to James Milner, whose rasping drive was held by the ex-Villa goalkeeper and Enckleman kept out Petrov's long-range shot.

Brad Guzan also displayed some heroics early in the half, with a magnificent double save. The American readjusted his position to claw back Gavin Rae's deflected shot. Another former Villa player, Peter Whittingham followed up but Guzan blocked from close range.

The second period produced fewer chances, although once again the home side began in a positive manner - Carew heading over after fine work on the right from Milner in the early stages.

With 58 minutes gone, Villa had a golden chance to wrap up the tie with a penalty. In a repeat of the Pompey clash, Petrov won it. The captain surged into the box, before being upended by Gabor Gyepes, who was booked for his troubles.

Milner stepped up again and struck the ball with ferocious power, only to see it come back off the post.

The battling Bluebirds threw on hotshot Michael Chopra as they searched for a way back.

There was drama at the death when Jay Bothroyd wriggled free in the box to slot past Guzan, only to see his stoppage-time strike ruled out for offside.

 

VILLA  2   PORTSMOUTH  0    19/09/09

It was a numbers game at Villa Park as Martin O'Neill's men comfortably saw off the challenge of Portsmouth.

Villa bagged two against the rock-bottom strugglers, Gabby Agbonlahor scored his third goal in three games and Villa made it four wins in succession.

It wasn't a vintage game but the claret and blue troops were calm and calculating when it mattered.

After a relatively quiet opening half hour, the game suddenly exploded into life. Stan Petrov burst down the right and stormed into the box but was upended clumsily by Nadir Belhadj. Referee Stuart Atwell got it spot on, literally, and awarded a penalty to the claret and blue troops.

James Milner stepped up and made no mistake, firing low and left past David James. The club's former shot-stopper guessed right but the shot was too powerful as Villa went ahead in the 34th minute.

But Martin O'Neill's men refused to rest on their laurels and they doubled their advantage nine minutes later. And it was all about one man - Gabby Agbonlahor. Villa's answer to 'Mr Universe' responded quickest to a Milner flick on and brushed Tal Ben Haim aside like a Peter Andre loveletter to Jordan before firing expertly past James in the Pompey goal.

Pompey had a couple of half chances of their own in that first period. Frederic Piquionne headed just wide from Michael Brown's right-wing centre while Brad Friedel had to react quickly to parry Jamie O'Hara's fierce 30-yard drive.

It was a much tamer affair in the second period, with very few in the way of clear-cut chances.

Petrov had Villa's best effort, firing in a fierce shot from close-in but somehow James managed to tip the effort away. Friedel was called into action a few times but, in reality, nothing looked like bothering the formidable man between the sticks.

The only downside of the afternoon was an injury to Emile Heskey, as the powerful substitute had to be withdrawn soon after his arrival with what looked like an ankle injury.

But overall, it was mission accomplished for MON's men.

 

BIRMINGHAM CITY  0   VILLA  1              13/09/09  

The Second City bragging rights belong to Villa once again after a late strike from Gabby Agbonlahor.

Fittingly, it was a header from the local lad in the closing stages that settled a closely-fought derby clash.

While the contest saw no shortage of commitment from either side, it was cagey at times, with few clear cut chances.

In fact, it looked like being a frustrating afternoon in front of goal for the visitors - in particular James Milner.

The winger shot wide from close range twice in the first-half and forced Joe Hart to make a finger-tip save in the second with a 25-yard half-volley.

Blues had chances of their own, with Lee Bowyer and Lee Carsley forcing Brad Friedel to get down quickly for crucial saves.

But despite those efforts, Martin O'Neill's decision to field an almost completely new back-four proved a masterstroke.

New signings Richard Dunne and James Collins were towering presences in defence, with a number of key defensive headers, while full-backs Carlos Cuellar and Stephen Warnock gave faultless displays.

Agbonlahor, though, stole the show six minutes from time, applying a bullet header into the bottom corner after substitute John Carew flicked Ashley Young's free-kick into his path.

 

VILLA   2    FULHAM  0      30/08/09

Players at both ends of the pitch took the plaudits after Villa's comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham.

Ciaran Clark made his Barclays Premier League debut and excelled in central defence alongside the more experienced Carlos Cuellar.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Agbonlahor tormented the visitors from first minute to last as he displayed the kind of form that has defenders trembling in their boots.

The speedy star had a hand in the opening goal, which came as early as the third minute. Agbonlahor looked to pounce with a header at the near post and succeeded in pressurising John Pantsil to nod into his own net from Ashley Young's superb inswinging corner.

He then doubled Villa's advantage after the break - and effectively ended the game as a contest - when he dispossessed Fulham debutant Jonathan Greening before firing home from 25 yards out with his left-foot.

Clark, meanwhile, a product of the club's academy system and reserve skipper, made his long-awaited bow after Martin O'Neill decided not to risk the injured Curtis Davies.

And it proved to be a wise decision as the former England under-19 captain produced a calm and composed display at the back.

But he also proved to be a threat at the other end - nearly converting a header midway through the first half. It sailed just over the bar but the manager will not have been concerned unduly with that.

He'll have been more interested with his excellent display in leading Villa to their first clean sheet of the season.

 

 

VILLA   2     RAPID VIENNA   1        27/08/09

 

Villa suffered Europa League heartache as Martin O'Neill's men went out at the play-off stage on away goals.

The claret and blue troops won this game 2-1 but went out courtesy of Nikica Jelavic's late strike.

The omens looked good for much of the match, however, as Ashley Young and James Milner attacked Rapid from wide areas.

Young was chief tormentor and twice won first-half penalties. Helge Payer saved the first - hit by Young - with a dive to his right but could do nothing to stop Milner's superb spot-kick before the break.

That levelled the aggregate scores and John Carew - in his first appearance of the season - looked to have won it for the claret and blue troops with a great run and low strike early in the second half.

But minutes after Jelavic had missed a golden chance from close-range, the Croatian made no mistake to give the Viennese side a vital away goal 13 minutes from time.

Villa then had to find the goal that would see them to a 3-2 aggregate win but it just wasn't to be. MON's men did have chances, however, with Fabian Delph going close with a curling shot and Emile Heskey blasting over the bar.

Ironically Rapid had the best effort at the death. Jelavic got the ball stuck under his feet yards from goal and saw two efforts blocked by Brad Guzan. The second fell invitingly to Steffen Hoffmann, who blazed over from 14 yards.

It made no difference overall though as the 32-time Austrian champions progressed.

 

 

LIVERPOOL  1     VILLA    3       24/08/09

Sometimes the most outrageous superlatives don't sum up a performance - this was one of those occasions.

Villa were simply sensational as they produced a performance of class and no little composure to see off the mighty Liverpool in their own backyard.

There were plenty of heroes in the claret and blue ranks but you couldn't look past Brad Friedel, who was masterful between the sticks.

Villa took the lead just after the half hour mark, with home midfielder Lucas deflecting past Pepe Reina, under pressure from James Milner.

MON's men doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time - Curtis Davies bulleting home a header from close-range. Villa deserved it too, as they defended and attacked as a team throughout the game.

Liverpool came roaring back after the break as they searched for a lifeline. Villa survived the early onslaught but Fernando Torres appeared to have set up a grandstand finish with a clinical finish from close-range with 15 minutes remaining.

But that flicker of hope was snuffed out three minutes later when Nigel Reo-Coker - brilliant in the central ground - earned a penalty for the away side after being hacked down in the box by Steven Gerrard.

Ashley Young sent the Liverpool goalkeeper the wrong way to give Villa that two-goal cushion - an advantage they managed to maintain at the final whistle.

It was a great night for Villa and one that will live long in the memory.

 

 

RAPID VIENNA 1    VILLA  0      20/08/2009

On an evening when Usain Bolt shocked the globe by breaking the world 200 metre record, it was a fast start from Rapid which saw off Villa.

Martin O'Neill's men are down - but not out - after a Nikica Jelavic goal on just 16 seconds separated the teams after the first leg tie in the Hanappi Stadium. The Bosnian headed home from close range to give the Peter Pacult's side a narrow advantage ahead of the return leg at Villa Park on August 27.

Villa's best moments came after the break as they searched for an equaliser but the frustrating fact was they failed to seriously test opposing goalkeeper Helge Payer.

At the other end Christopher Drazan saw an effort cleared off the line by Curtis Davies, who was later forced out of action with a shoulder injury.

Villa boss O'Neill made four changes to the starting line-up which went down to Wigan at the weekend, with one difference seeing Brad Guzan replace Brad Friedel between the sticks. Unfortunately, his first task was to pick the ball out of the net as Rapid made the perfect start.

After that initial shock, Villa settled down to play some good football - although they struggled to make any real impact in the final third.

Craig Gardner fired over while the Rapid keeper was on hand to deal with dangerous crosses from Ashley Young and James Milner. Emile Heskey - who started as a lone striker - also saw a header flash over the bar.

Villa looked more cohesive after the break and MON threw down the gauntlet when he brought on Gabby Agbonlahor. The substitution had the desired effect as the speedy star caused problems in the opposition half.

Villa's best chance fell on the hour mark but Davies - generally impressive at the back - couldn't direct his header goalwards when well placed.

Despite this improved display in the second 45 minutes, Rapid could have made it 2-0 but 18-year-old striker Christopher Drazan saw two efforts cleared from harm's way.

So Villa go into the second leg 1-0 down. It was a fast start from Rapid but it's not Goodnight Vienna for Villa.

 

VILLA 0  WIGAN ATHLETIC  2      15/08/2009

Hugo Rodallega and Jason Koumas were on target as Wigan prolonged their unbeaten Barclays Premier League record at Villa Park.

On a frustrating afternoon for Martin O'Neill's men, a goal in each half ensured an opening day defeat.

An unstoppable half-volley from Rodallega on 30 minutes gave the Latics the lead. He reacted first to a flick on before thumping past Brad Friedel from 25-yards.

Ashley Young and James Milner had long-range efforts before the break but found Chris Kirkland in fine form in the Wigan goal.

Villa survived a further let-off when N'Zogbia squeezed a shot across Friedel's goal only to see it come back off the post.

Nine minutes after the restart Rodallega slipped in Koumas, who cut in from the left and poked it past Friedel from close range.

Young had a chance to pull one back for the hosts in the final minute when Emile Heskey charged down Kirkland's clearance.

However, Villa's afternoon was summed up when Bramble raced back to scoop the winger's shot over the bar.

 

VILLA  1    FIORENTINA  0      08/08/09

Martin O'Neill's men were shouting 'Golaccio!' again after conquering Italian opposition for the second time in a week.

Having seen off Juventus on penalties in last Sunday's Peace Cup final, a goal from Emile Heskey was enough to beat Serie A's fourth best side, Fiorentina.

In a further repeat of Seville, there was more Italian spot-kick woe as Alberto Gilardino saw his second-half penalty cannon off the post.

Although it was a glaring chance for La Viola to earn a share of the spoils, MON will have been happy with his side's performance in the final dress rehearsal before the Barclays Premier League campaign.

New signing Fabian Delph had a particularly pleasing debut, while England under-21 trio Gabby Agbonlahor, James Milner and Craig Gardner gained valuable playing time on their return.

Milner played a huge part in the winning strike, threading fellow winger Ashley Young clear on the left-hand side.

Young sent a firm, low cross to the near post and Heskey raced into the box to thump past Sebastien Frey on 14 minutes.

The visiting goalkeeper had a busy first-half, twice denying Young as well as holding Milner's rasping half-volley.

There was also a moment of brilliance from Frey's opposite number Brad Friedel, who produced a stunning one-handed save from Steven Jovetic.

Both sides rang the changes in the second-half, with Villa's substitute goalkeeper Brad Guzan called into action early on to deny Gilardino at the near post.

Nathan Delfouneso and Marc Albrighton both had lively cameos, the former twice heading over from the latter's crosses.

Jovetic headed against the crossbar for the Italians before Gilardino failed from the spot, but Villa held on for a confidence-boosting victory.

 

 

OXFORD UNITED  2   VILLA  0    04/08/09

A young Villa side slipped to a pre-season friendly defeat at Oxford United.

Two first half goals from Alfie Potter handed the Blue Square Premier outfit victory at the Kassam Stadium.

Villa started brightly with a James Collins volley forcing Oxford keeper Ryan Clarke to make a brilliant save.

But Potter opened the scoring on 37 minutes when he met Alex Rhodes' cross.

He latched on to a long ball from the back seven minutes later to put the hosts two goals ahead.

Villa came close to scoring in the second half from a swirling Chris Herd free-kick but they were unable to find a way back.

 

VILLA 0  JUVENTUS  0  (AET 0-0, VILLA WON 4-3 ON PENS)   02/08/09

Villa reigned in Spain as Martin O'Neill's men lifted the Peace Cup trophy after a spectacular penalty shoot-out triumph over Italian powerhouses Juventus.

Barry Bannan, Shane Lowry, Ashley Young and Carlos Cuellar stroked home the decisive spot-kicks as the claret and blue troops emerged victorious 4-3 in the fantastic finale.

Brad Guzan - immense during the entire tournament - was in sparkling form at the other end as he saved penalties from Vincenzo Iaquinta and legendary forward Alessandro Del Piero.

Villa and the two-time Champions League winners had previously played out 120 minutes of end-to-end football without a goal being scored.

Nigel Reo-Coker and Bannan went close for Villa during the match while David Trezeguet, Del Pierro and Iaquinta were all guilty of misses in front of goal for Italy's Old Lady.

The terrific triumph represents the club's first piece of silverware this season - and Villa's Barclays Premier League campaign hasn't even started yet.

Here's to a tremendous 2009-10 season for the claret and blue troops.

 

VILLA  2   PORTO  1   31/07/09

Villa stormed to a Peace Cup final date with Juventus - after a performance full of class, composure and craft against Porto.

Martin O'Neill's men face the Italian giants in the showpiece final on Sunday at 9pm BST after seeing off the challenge of the Portuguese giants.

Emile Heskey gave Villa the lead on 14 minutes - drilling home from close-range after a terrific Marc Albrighton cross from the right.

Steve Sidwell, excelling in central midfield alongside Nigel Reo-Coker, prodded home in the box to double the lead just before the break. And it no more than Villa deserved after a terrific first half performance by the claret and blue troops.

Goal hero Heskey was red carded on 69 minutes after an altercation while Brad Guzan made a series of tremendous saves soon after to keep Villa on top.

Hulk converted a late penalty for the former European champions but it was too little, too late as MON's men celebrated the terrific victory on the final whistle.

 

VILLA 3  ATLANTE 1   29/07/09 

Villa came roaring back after going a goal behind to charge into the semi-finals of the Peace Cup.

But the night was marred when Stiliyan Petrov was forced off early on in the action with a dislocated shoulder.

Martin O'Neill's men went behind soon after Petrov's exit as Curtis Davies deflected a cross past Brad Guzan on 20 minutes.

With Villa needing to win by two clear goals, the odds didn't look favourable at that point. But you can't keep a good team down and the claret and blue troops were immense as they came steaming back.

Marc Albrighton scored his first senior goal just before the break when he slammed home a thumping shot on the back post after John Carew's initial header was parried.

Big JC put Villa ahead three minutes after the break when he calmly slotted home and Ashley Young - a menace all night - produced an awesome header on the hour mark to win the game for MON's team and see Villa through to the latter stages of the competition.

The night also saw the manager sent to the stands in the first half.

 

MALAGA 1-0 VILLA     25/07/09  

Villa were left with a mountain to climb in the Peace Cup as they went down to Malaga in the first game of the pre-season tournament.

If Malaga now avoid defeat on Monday night against Atlante, MON's men will be out of the competition.

In this game - a match of very few chances, the hosts landed the decisive blow on 80 minutes. Fernando drilled home the rebound for the La Liga team after Brad Friedel had parried Luque's cross from the left.

Villa's best effort fell to Isaiah Osbourne two minutes before the winning goal. He fired over the bar from a Curtis Davies flick on.

On the positive side, it was a night of firsts - as Eric Lichaj made his senior debut for Villa. The 21-year-old USA ace looked assured at right-back while Marc Albrighton also impressed after coming on early in the game for Emile Heskey, who was stretchered off with mild concussion. MON's men also wore the newly-launched home kit for the first time.

 

COLCHESTER UNITED  2-2 VILLA    21/07/09

Villa bagged a draw after a tough pre-season workout against a spirited Colchester side.

The League One outfit provided stiff opposition for Martin O'Neill's men and went into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Scott Vernon and Ashley Vincent.

But Villa's Premier League quality told in the end and they fought back through Steve Sidwell and substitute Adam McGurk.

Vernon headed the hosts into the lead on 25 minutes when he met Dean Hammond's free-kick at the back post.

Colchester continued to cause Villa problems early in the second-half and were rewarded with a second from Vincent, who rifled a shot into the bottom corner from close range.

But Villa Sidwell pulled one back when he met Barry Bannan's cross with a powerful, low left-foot strike on 64 minutes.

A mix-up at the back saw Villa level proceedings on 72 minutes. Another substitute Andreas Weimann forced Mark Cousins to parry a powerful shot and youngster McGurk applied the simplest of final touches as the home defence failed to clear.

 

PETERBROUGH UNITED   0-3  VILLA    18/07/09

Villa started their pre-season schedule with an assured and accomplished victory over Peterborough.

Goals from Andreas Weimann, Curtis Davies and Steve Sidwell earned the claret and blue troops the win at London Road. 

Austrian forward Weimann opened the scoring with a neat headed finish in the 25th minute - in what could be considered Villa's first chance of the half.

That was enough to earn an interval lead and if Posh dominated the opening 45 minutes, MON's men were in total control after the break.

Curtis Davies showed impeccable skill in an unknown area for him as he charged forward, played a one-two with Marlon Harewood before calmly slotting home past James McKeown on 53 minutes.

Steve Sidwell, busy alongside Nigel Reo-Coker in the central ground, rounded off the scoring in the 71st minute with a neat finish from just inside the box.