THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WASN’T (From Halesowen News)

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WASN’T

7:38pm Sunday 22nd February 2009

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Even before last Sundays Fifth Round cup tie it had been a wonderful season for the top dogs in Birmingham. A club record run of away victories, manager and player of the month awards, regulars in the top four of the Premier League and eulogies from members of the London press have seen the profile of Aston Villa raised to heights not seen since the days of Big Ron. The visit to Merseyside heralded seven days that would indicate the direction of the side for the rest of the campaign.

It didn’t start well at Goodison. A 3-1 reversal that saw Villa outplayed and outmuscled by David Moyes efficient Everton. Ho hum, Villa’s record in the F.A. cup has been appalling since their last victory over 50 years ago, so this setback was quickly swept under the carpet as the visit of Zico and his CSKA Moscow side to Villa Park loomed on the horizon.

The “Round of 32” tie did not start well as a man called Love gave the slick Russians the lead. Villa rallied, and John Carew’s second half leveller ensured that the second leg is very much alive.

Finally, it was Chelsea’s turn to visit the midlands and the revitalised London side secured a narrow victory to give new boss Gus Hiddink a winning start.

So, does this mean that Villa’s season is falling apart?. Well, not really. Although playing well for the majority of the time, Martin O’Neil’s side have experienced their fair share of fortune. But luck, as ever, ebbs as it flows and those who would deride “lucky Villa” would do well to note that over the last three games, any element of fortune for the Claret and Blue team has been in short supply. The advantage given to Villa prior to Everton’s second goal, Gardner’s header against the cross bar in midweek and Ashley Youngs free kick that rattled the same frame against Chelsea were all crucial moments in the last three games and maybe a couple of weeks ago would have fallen in Villa’s favour.

But lets not kid ourselves, over the three matches, Villa have fallen well below the high standards set by themselves earlier in the season. Agbonlahor looks tired and devoid of inspiration, Carew lacks match fitness and the continued absence of Martin Laursen have all had an effect on the team and with such a small squad, O’Neil’s options are somewhat limited.

So what of the rest of the season?

Villa’s task in Moscow is unenviable. CSKA looked sharp at Villa Park, and the prospect of playing on a plastic pitch is not one that the players will relish. But the UEFA cup is the last chance of any silverware and with Villa being a better team away from B6, they should sneak it.

Remaining in the top four is an altogether different challenge. Amongst the remaining games, Aston Villa must go to Anfield and Old Trafford so the performance of Arsenal may be the key to a first ever Champions League campaign for O’Neil and his young side. Villa have a six point cushion as it stands, but if Arsene Wengers side can put together a run it could go to the wire for that all important fourth place.

I back my favourite team to break the monopoly at the top of the league, but the squad needs significant bolstering if Villa are to be taken seriously at European footballs top table.

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A definite case of good week/bad week for our local non-league sides. While a very public war of words broke out between the previous and current owners of Halesowen Town, Stourbridge reached the Birmingham Senior Cup Final with a stunning victory over Tamworth on penalties in the semi. On the same night, the Yeltz were struggling to field a team in their match against Evesham as the revolving door at The Grove threatens to spin off its axis. You can’t say it’s dull in our area.

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Now most of the trials are done and dusted, it’s time to pick some winners for the Cheltenham Festival. With race line-ups still to be confirmed, my pointers may be off mark but I’ll start with the Arkle on day one. Course winner Calgary Bay would be my choice. With A.P. on board the Henrietta Knight trained giant of a horse jumps well and should meet the challenge. Look out for the Nicholls trained I’msingingtheblues as well as Irish raider Forpaddydeplasterer as each way bets.

Richard Nevin .

Listen to Richard Nevin every week on the Friday Sports Forum between 7 and 9pm on 102.5 The Bridge and on 442, the post match football show with a difference on Beacon Radio every Saturday between 5 and 6.

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