Villa could only manage a goaless draw at Villa Park today against West Ham in a game that we really should be taking all three points.
Its no secret that other clubs have sat up and took notice of whats been happening at Villa Park, as Fulham last season celebrated as if they had won the game when they drawed with us 0-0. This year it was West Hams turn to frustrate and then celebrate.
There used to be a time that the Eastend side would expect to give Villa a game, and although they did have a few chances today it was clear by Gianfranco Zolas tactics that they were here just to avoid defeat.
Villa also blew the chance to close the gap on Manchester City and Tottenham and now instead sit two points behind them after playing the same number of games.
It wasnt the most entertaining of games when there was only one chance really in the first half. Stewart Downing crossed the ball and a wonderful piece of skill sin Gabriel Agbonlahor with a spinning snap-shot only to be denied by England goalkeeper Robert Green.
In the second half Villa did get the ball in the hammers net, but John Carew was judged to of been offside.
And then Agbonlahor could of won all three points in the final minutes when Stewart Downing found him in acres of space and he broke free only to be denied once again by the West Ham goalkeeper.
Villa showed they struggle to break down a side who set out not to concede today and this route one football down the wings was once again found out. If we are to ever break the top 4 we must have more than just a plan A as its becoming obvious how Villa will attack each and every time now.
