HEROES AND VILLANS
Aston Villa is a well-respected club with a rich history. As one of the original 12 teams in the Football League, they have always maintained a traditional style compared to the more trendy teams. Their home stadium, Villa Park, is a grand and iconic venue that has witnessed their 126-year journey. In the past, Aston Villa has achieved great success, winning both the English and European championships. However, in recent years, they have faced struggles with relegation and inconsistent performances. Despite this, their loyal fans continue to hope for an end to their nearly 30-year drought of major trophies (excluding the 2001 Intertoto Cup). While the number of trophies a club has does not define its worth (just look at Newcastle), it certainly adds to its prestige.
It may sound odd, but Aston Villa could actually be contenders for the title. This is supported by the fact that they have won 10 out of 15 league matches this season, their best record at this point in a season since 1980-81 – the year they last won the title. They are currently four points behind the top spot and have the opportunity to close the gap to just one point if they defeat leaders Arsenal at their home ground, Villa Park. It is worth noting that Villa Park is often referred to as a “fortress” due to the team’s impressive record of 14 consecutive home league victories, which matches a club record set back in 1903.
If you have not been paying attention, Villa is currently performing well. Under the leadership of Unai Emery, they have won 31 games out of their first 50. This is two more wins than Pep Guardiola had in his first 50 games with Manchester City. In their recent match at Villa Park on Wednesday, City was dominated and lost 1-0. This is not a common occurrence for Guardiola’s teams, but Villa completely outplayed them. Leon Bailey scored a somewhat scrappy goal for Villa, but they could have easily scored four more. Villa had 20 more shots than City in the game, with a final score of 22-2. This is the largest margin by which a Guardiola team has been outplayed in 535 league matches. Even with key players Rodri (suspended) and Kevin De Bruyne (injured), Villa was able to secure a convincing victory.
Emi Martínez is currently considered the top goalkeeper in the world. Super John McGinn not only has the best celebration in the Premier League, but also possesses one of the strongest left feet in the game. Ollie Watkins is currently the most in-form striker in the league and could potentially lead England’s attack at Euro 2024 if Harry Kane is unavailable. Villa’s success can be attributed to their successful recruitment strategies, including signing bargains and wisely spending money. Players like Youri Tielemens and Boubacar Kamara were acquired on free transfers, while others like Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres were signed for substantial fees. However, it is ultimately Emery’s coaching that has been the foundation of Villa’s rise. This has been a gradual process, rather than a sudden transformation – six of the players who started against City also played in Steven Gerrard’s final match as manager 14 months ago. Now Villa has a top-tier manager, a strong team, and great momentum, similar to our eccentric uncle who slides down the ice sculpture at the annual Big Website Christmas party. If Mikel Arteta thought Arsenal’s game against Luton was challenging, he will have quite a task ahead of him to outperform his predecessor on Saturday.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“It was a disappointing evening for us. The reason for the boos is because expectations were high. However, our fans have been accustomed to seeing us perform well at home and get positive results. Unfortunately, this year we have not been able to meet those expectations. I hope our fans will continue to support us during difficult times.” – Roy Hodgson’s comments may not have satisfied the Crystal Palace fans who were demanding his resignation after a humbling 2-0 loss at home to Bournemouth.
FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS
Regarding Jimmy O’Brien’s email regarding being a specific number of points ahead (from yesterday’s Football Daily letters), I commend him for introducing me to a new form of nitpicking that will now arise every time I hear someone say that a team is “two points ahead”. I also have an issue with a phrase commonly used towards the end of a season when goal difference becomes important, stating that a team needs to defeat their opponent “by two clear goals”. What distinguishes beating a team by two goals and beating them by two clear goals? What makes the latter “clear”? – Brendan Mac Carron.
I suggest that lexicographers enforce strict punishments for using phrases that are far from acceptable English, specifically the phrase “to the good” when referring to a lead in a game. I wanted to express my frustration before attending a Christmas party, where I will likely consume multiple drinks and become quite drunk. – Tim Clarke
The latest edition of yesterday’s email is a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane, featuring Pat Nevin sporting his iconic Gregory’s Girl fashion. Were hats and flicked fringes a must-have for everyone in Scotland at that time, or just for those of us who loved them the most? – Colin Reed (and others).
Never mind Pat Nevin. When I think of pure rizz on a park bench, I always think of Wilson and Glendenning” – Jim Hearson.
Could it be that VAR and referees lack the presence of rizz? A touch of charm. None of the referees currently in the game, with the exception of Michael Oliver, possess the rizz that Pierluigi Collina had. His bug-like eyes, intense gaze, and sly grin made him both your fiercest enemy and closest ally. VAR is certainly causing animosity, perhaps it’s time to cultivate some friendships with a dash of rizz – Stephen Jackson.
Please email all correspondence to [email protected]. Congratulations to Jim Hearson, who has been chosen as today’s letter of the day winner and will receive a copy of Pretty Polly: The History of the Football Shirt, published by Pitch Publishing. Be sure to check out their amazing football book store!
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Source: theguardian.com
