A look at the teams around Villa

January 13, 2009 by betfair.ie
Filed under: Aston Villa 

0pic16Villa’s victory over West Brom might not have been the most convincing display I’ve seen in my life but three points is three points and an important step closer to Champions League qualification.

Another team who just about managed to take the spoils were Arsenal in their 1-0 win over Bolton.  I’m sure most people would agree that Arsenal represent the biggest threat to Villa taking fourth spot, but their lackluster display at the weekend will not have filled the Gunners faithful with much confidence.  Granted they managed to see off Bolton, eventually, but the Bolton side in question was decimated by injuries and suspension.

The Trotters were without Gary Cahill, Gretar Steinsson and Kevin Nolan, who would all have normally started the game.  They also lost Johan Elmander just before half time and were forced to give a starting debut to 21-year-old Chris Basham at right-back.  To compound Bolton’s woes their squad is so small that Gary Megson could only name four substitutes, with just three outfield players on the bench. With that in mind you would have expected Arsenal to see off Bolton with ease, they didn’t and it took them until the 84th minute before they managed to score.

Through most of the game Arsenal looked as if they had run out of ideas against a Bolton side who were quite happy to just sit back and soak up the pressure.  I doubt whether it would have taken so long to break down their defence had Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor been marauding down the flanks.  I’ve watched Arsenal quite a lot this season and I’m less than impressed, they’ve been fantastic against the teams around them but keep slipping up against the smaller sides and I can see this trend continuing.

The other teams pushing for fourth spot – Everton and er Hull City, came face to face at the weekend.  Everton ran out 2-0 winners and in truth it was fairly easy for the Toffees.  I think that Hull’s bubble might have burst now, so to speak, and I have a feeling they’ll be looking over their shoulders more and more as the season progresses, rather than aiming for European qualification.  Everton looked a competent outfit but they’re lacking firepower and it doesn’t look like David Moyes will be adding to his squad in January.  Without reinforcements I can’t envisage Everton mounting a decent attempt to get into the top four and I think the battle is now between Villa and Arsenal.  On the other hand Chelsea put in a shocker of a display at the weekend, but it’s probably just wishful thinking on my part that they could slip out of the Champions League places…

by Gareth Freeman, a sports writer who writes about football betting for betting.betfair.ie


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