Darren Bent's tirele s performance saw him score on his Aston Villa debut. Photo:BBC SportDarren Bent scoring on his Aston Villa debut was never in doubt, but has the 24m Strikers goal buried Man Citys title hopes in this Premier League campaign? It seemed fitting that Villas record purchase won the game despite only touching the ball 27 times in 94 minutes; demonstrating what he does best with so few touches of the ball. Brian Kidd summarised Man Citys performance as lackluster, suggesting they will bounce back from the defeat. Whilst I do not disagree with Kidds comments, I do think the title hopes that certainly were existent are now all but gone for Man City. As for Villa, the Man City win should provide them
Deion Sanders Jersey with a solid basis upon which to turn their season around.Having attended yesterdays match at Villa Park, I went into the game confident that Villa would take at least a draw. Given Villas recent form I had little grounds to base such
Raheem Mostert Jersey a prediction on, but you just got the feeling that Darren Bents arrival at the club would give every player in the side a boost.Bents timely finish gave Villa their 1-0 lead, but from that point on it was one-sided. City had the lions share of po se sion, as well as 13 corners and a total of 24 attempts at goal. Villa defended as if they were po se sed, with Richard Dunne and James Collins putting in an incredibly sturdy performance. Carlos Cuellar also showed that he can stand up to some of the Premier Leagues purest talents. Without doubt, Villas result was not without a little luck. From roughly the 60 minute mark, I was almost certain City would manage to get an equaliser despite Villas greatest efforts; but it never came.I wrote an article back in November suggesting that Man City could win this seasons Premier League title, but yesterdays performance has shown what they still lack as a teambelief. Despite a barrage of chances yesterday, none of Citys players could manage to put the ball in the net.
Jerry Rice Hoodies Sweatshirts Their was a lack of urgency you would not expect from a team that on Saturday was sitting on the same points an Man Utd at the top of the League. As I have mentioned, Villa certainly got some luck during yesterdays win, but with Man Utds 5-0 crushing of Birmingham City it was vital that City kept up the pace that would have their biggest rivals still looking over their shoulders.
For Villa, I think this could be the turning point of what has been a terrible season so far. Some fans have been calling for Gerard Houlliers sacking as Villa find themselves very much at the wrong end of the table. Yesterdays result will ensure that the fickle nature of football fans will remain intact. Houllier set up
Deebo Samuel Jersey a side with pace, hunger and determination. The likes of Mark Albrighton and Stewart Downing worked tirele sly on the wings. Ashley Young was always a threat and Gabby Agbonlahor ran himself into the ground despite seeing almost as little of the ball as Darren Bent. Apart from facing Man Utd on February 1st, Villa will not play any of the Premier Leagues current top five until they meet Arsenal of May 14th. Houllier and Villa fans alike will be hoping that yesterdays win will galvanise the side into putting points on the board. Furthermore, the signing of Jean Makoun will add further rigidity to Villas already sturdy and tirele s midfield.Man City will be licking their wounds and focusing firmly on keeping up with an unbeaten United side. On February 12th the two sides will meet at Old Trafford in potentially the seasons most important fixture. I think Man Utd will still be unbeaten heading into that fixture; and coming out of it. Roberto Mancini has undoubtedly brought happier times to Eastlands; but the fans will be craving silverware; and I think the focus will firmly switch to The FA Cup and
Reuben Foster Jersey the Europa League. With such squad depth, I do not think Februarys fixture pile up will not affect City too much.To finish with a few predictions is always nece sary but sometimes controversial. I think Man Utds consistency and refusal to be beaten will ensure the Premier League title comes to Old Trafford. I think Arsenals pace and flare will ensure a strong finish to the season; seeing them finish Second. Man City will want to bounce back from their disappointing lo s at Villa Park; and given Chelseas topsy-turvy form I think Mancinis men will secure Third spot. As for Aston Villa, Darren Bent will begin to benefit from Villas pace in wide positions; and I think Villa will end the season in 10th position. We are in for an
George Kittle T Shirts excellent finish to the season. Ian Holloways Blackpool side will be the next challengers to Man Utds unbeaten Premier League season on Tuesday. Could they cause an upset?stranger things have happened.DH
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