It wasn’t exactly a convincing display from Martin O’Neill’s men on Wednesday night, as they eventually ran out 3-2 winners against Blackburn. Perhaps Sunday’s thrilling performance at Wigan had taken its toll on some of the players, although many people remark that the sign of a good team is when you play badly and win. It also helps if your opponents are a team like Rovers!
Sir Alex Ferguson is currently in motor-mouth mode at the moment, despite the fact that he’s told the press that he’s never speaking to them again. Sky Sports reports that the Manchester United manager has sat up and taken notice of Aston Villa this season, claiming that they’re a team who could challenge for a top four place. Would it be a stright tussle between the Midlands side and Arsenal?
He said: “I do not see anyone else breaking in, other than Aston Villa. It is possible they might do it – but no-one else.”
Indeed, despite big talk from the Abu Dhabi United Group, Manchester City continue to flatter to deceive at the moment. Mark Hughes’ men look especially flakey on their travels, losing once again to Middlesbrough on Wednesday night. But are Aston Villa made of stronger stuff, that could see them catapult into the Champions League places? My main reservation would be that they don’t keep many clean sheets, something which might see them drop a few too many points to give Arsenal a scare by the end of the campaign.
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