Villa’s dreadful start to the season continues and some sections of fans appear to be turning. The answer is not Harry Redknapp, writes Simon Bunn.
I readied myself in a Victoria pub. The time was 13:41pm; I sat eagerly looking towards a large screen whilst nursing a pint full of cider and optimism. I was fully expecting Villa to return to winning ways, with home fans basking in a scalding temperature, created due to the spiteful tension between the Norwich City board of directions and ex employee Paul Lambert.
I was wrong on both accounts. Any hatred that Lambert was expecting from the travelling Canaries went quietly unheard. Instead Norwich fans voiced support for their current manger by chanting, “There’s only one Chris Hughton.” It would have been easy to target Lambert with hate filled chants but, the away fans refrains displayed a high level of respect for a man that had done so much in reviving the fortunes of Norwich City Football Club. It was a blessing in disguise that the Holte End weren’t called upon to drown out any ugliness aimed at their manager, because Villa Park looked disappointingly empty. I for one was anticipating more to be in attendance than the 33,184 that admirably turned up, considering the significance of the fixture.
One of the largest cheers of the opening exchanges came during the mandatory ‘Petrov 19th minute’ mark, where both sets of supporters warmly got behind the Villa midfielders continuing battle with Leukaemia. Eight minutes later the ground erupted as Benteke, expertly controlled a Holman cross and, coolly curled the ball into the corner of the net. Lamberts celebrations were amongst the most animated in view, as he saw his decision to pick the Belgian ahead of Bent justified, as well as simultaneously landing a sharp jab to the rib’s Norwich chairman Bowkett.
That was about as good as it got for Villa. Home fans ironically mocked Norwich by singing, “we’re sh*t and we’re 1-0 up.” It was a chant that wasn’t so far from the truth. The Canaries had arguably been the better team throughout and, when Bennett received his marching orders early into the second half, the game changed completely. With Hoolahan and Holt causing problems it seemed like it was just a matter of time before Norwich deservedly equalised. In the 79th minute they did, via Turner from a corner.
In the end Villa were lucky to hold on with a point.Norwich had dominated them at home, 58% – 42% in terms of possession and had noticeably more shot’s at goal.
The only slight positives from a poor Villa display were Guzan, Herd, Vlaar and Benteke. The American keeper saved us on numerous occasions and showed why he is preferred to Given, Herd was incredibly committed despite being played out of position, although was lucky to stay on the pitch. Vlaar made a series of important blocks and Benteke looked dangerous whenever Villa managed to get the ball to him. He will also be boosted by that goal. When Bent replaced the big Belgian I’m not even sure if he touched the ball, although in fairness Villa were down to 10 men by that stage.
It’s now only 1 win in the last 19 Premiership games for Villa and our worst start to the season for 43 years, a time when Lambert had only just passed the curled up foetus stage of his life. But it’s not that appalling record that really worries me, it’s the fact that I am beginning to sense that some of the Villa faithful are turning, already. A few fans booed at the final whistle, and the low attendance speaks for itself. I have also heard talk, from some sections, calling for Harry Redknapp to be bought in as a replacement for Lambert. Admittedly it’s not a pretty sight at Villa at present but talk like this is comically premature.
Lambert does have a plan, people just need to realise that’s its long term rather than a quick fix. There are still reasons to be cheerful. Villa are not the worst team in the league, and if given the go ahead to try-out standing sections in English stadiums, then attendances at Villa Park will receive a sizeable boost. Lerner has also severed his ties with ‘The Browns’ so may even go crazy with his cheque book in January. It’s doubtful but you never know. Lambert is not an idiot; if we are still in a dyer situation come January then I’m sure he will do what he needs to do. But for now let’s just give the man a chance; it’s only 9 games into the season.
I may have left Victoria with an empty pint and a heavy heart, but in Lambert I still have faith… and so should you.
image: © ell brown
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