Thursday Transfer Rumours
All the latest rumours and gossip that have been spreading around that involve Villa. Read more
Full Time: Aston Villa 6-4 Blackburn Rovers
In a match which saw ten goals, looking more like a rugby score, I think it is fair to say I couldn’t go into a great deal of detail about each goal tonight as I quite simply can’t remember!
But the important thing is, Aston Villa will be playing in a cup final at Wembley next month – something I’ve been wanting to say for a long time now.
However, things didn’t look that way early in the first half as Kalinic, someone who couldn’t find the net in the last leg, couldn’t help but score this time around, firing home twice in the first half hour.
At that point, I’ll be honest – I thought we had messed everything up.
But it was hard strike on the six-yard line by former Blackburn player, Stephen Warnock which made us a bit more optimistic.
Things were even sweeter when Gabby Agbonlahor was brought down in the box resulting in being awarded a penalty kick and Samba being sent off. And before you ask, no doubts from me, it definitely was a correct decision.
James Milner didn’t fail to impress as he struck home a powerful penalty, despite Robinso diving the right way.
Just to keep you updated, at this point it was 2-2 and stayed that way until half time.
It was the second half that killed the game off and Blackburn’s sight of a cup final was becoming forever fainter, despite netting another two goals!
On the 52nd minute, an inswinging cross from Stewart Downing found the ball deflecting off the opposing players, with Steven Nzonzi being the unlucky one, ‘scoring’ and own goal to put the Villa 3-2 up (4-2 on aggregate).
It was Agbonlahor next on the scoresheet, first blocking Milner’s shot but managing to find the net from inside the six-yard area.
Next, it was no other than Emile Heskey. Yes, you read it write, Heskey can score in a ten goal match! But credit when it’s due, Emile played very well tonight and took this finish very well, taking the ball round Paul Robinson to finish off Villa’s fith of the match.
And it didn’t stop there!
It was Blackburn’s turn this time, with unmarked Martin Olsson scoring a spectacular over-head volley leaving Brad Guzan with no chance.
We had to wait until the last 10 minutes for the next goal and it came from Rovers again. Brett Emerton this time with a shot just outside the box, finding the bottom corner of the net. And I was worried about where the next goal was going to come from!
But thankfully, it was Ashley Young who rounded off this thrilling match with a fantastic finish, bending it past Robinson.
To conclude this perculiar, but outstanding match, no player for Villa scored more than one goal.
These being Warnock, Milner, Agbonlahor, Heskey, Young and an Nzonzi own goal.
Goals from Kalinic (2), Ollson and Emerton wasn’t enough to send them through as the game finished at a staggering 6-4, surely one of the best semi-finals the competition has seen.
Despite conceding four goals at home, we can now officialy say the words that have been overdue at Villa Park:
‘We’re the famous Aston Villa and we’re going to Wembley!’
Jones on Villa radar?
According to reports in todays papers Villa have emerged as favourites to sign Kenwyne Jones from Sunderland in a fee believed to be in the region of £12million.
It was rumoured that he could be on his way to either Birmingham, Stoke or even Tottenham.
Kenwyne Jones is not this 20 goal a season player a lot of fans believe we lack, but theres no doubt when on form he can cause a lot of problems for the opposition defenders. But thats where the problem comes, ‘when hes on form’, something in which he doesnt seem to do on a consistant basis.
And then theres the fact, is he really better than what we already have? John Carew and Emile Heskey can both do jobs – the same sort that Kenwyne Jones does, and in my opinion they are bother better players. Not to forget the most important thing the two players i say are better than Jones, combined are cheaper than the Trinidad international.
One of the newspapers reporting this story says that Emile Heskey will move to Liverpool, allowing this move. But lets think about it a little. Emile Heskey removing to the sinking ship on Merseryside? For a manager whos job looks to be gone sooner rather than later? A club that probably can’t even afford the £4-5million asking price Martin O’Neill would request.
I can’t honestly see either of these deals happening. Martin O’Neill made no secret with the fact that he has no plans to get involved in the transfer window, and i’ve seen nothing to suggest otherwise.
Delfouneso rules out loan move
Villa startlet, Nathan Delfouneso has ruled out a possible loan move away from Villa Park this month, as he looks to challenge for a first team spot.
However, competition is hard as Heskey looks to prove his doubters wrong and book himself a trip to South Africa, as does Agbonlahor, and Carew wants a new contract – but ‘The Fonz’ is confident in his ability to impress, when given the chance.
I certainly like him and feel he does deserve a chance, but also respect that we do have better and more experienced players in his position currently.
His movement stands out for me, and his hardwork is evidence of his determination to be successful at Aston Villa.
Delfouneso looks set to be a part of the squad tonight in the League Cup semi-final clash at Ewood Park.
Unfortunately, I won’t be attending the match, but for those of you who are, have a good game and I ask you to cheer on the mighty Villa!
