Four goals for four in a row

The Villans had the Premier League stage to themselves yesterday and made the most of it, thrashing Blackburn 4-0 on the road. I have never seen Villa finish so many chances - how often do you see this scoreline where the losing team outshoots the winners 12-5? In the first half Blackburn looked like they were dominating by the number of shots they attempted, but our defense deflected most of them, making it a very easy day for Carson.

I have to admit: the red card given to Ryan Nelsen was entirely too harsh, and Blackburn looked completely disorganized afterward. I think the fair result would have been 2-1 for Villa, but I'm happy to see such a lopsided game as it will give the boys an undoubted boost of confidence going into the Arsenal match Saturday.

The only worry from the game is Agbonlahor's ankle injury that prompted his exit. Gabby has been a favorite of mine for some time, but I was never able to think of a good nickname. This is what friends are for: his new name is Mercury, after the fleet-footed god of Roman mythology. Get well, Mercury - we'll need you this weekend.

No more soapbox

Once again AVFCBlog's Doc comes through with a great suggestion: give the lower levels of the FA more money to improve youth development programs. The "problem" in England, like any other highly developed nation, is that children have a plethora of professions to choose. Children growing up in poorer countries play soccer because they believe it is their only way out of the slums. Millions of children growing up in slums equals millions of children playing soccer their entire lives and therefore a large pool for the national team to draw from. Without the proper foundation and incentives in a nation such as England, children will find other pursuits because they're available.

Case closed (for now). A look ahead to our showdown with Arsenal coming soon. Not enough time for the Blackburn match - seems almost forgotten with all the Champions League action also going on today, yes?

Open season

I love the guys at AVFC Blog, but I feel I need to respond to Damian's post about the state of English soccer and the changes he believes should be made. Allow me to address his major concern (in italics).

We shouldn't have any more than four foreign players allowed on the field...

I've compiled a list of foreign players, including those in and out on loans. The full spreadsheet can be found here. By my (or Wikipedia's) count, the Premier League is home to more than 400 foreign players. I included anyone from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well since Damian's point is to improve the English product. While Damian is correct to point out the percentage of foreigners is higher in the Premier League than in any other major European league (and most others, I imagine), the problem is obviously not with English players not getting enough time together. According to Wikipedia's current roster of the Brazilian national team, only one, Kleber, plays for a club in his home country. Below are the totals from every other team currently ranked ahead of England in the FIFA World Rankings (England is 12th):

Argentina: 5 (6 if you count Riquelme - on loan to Boca Juniors)
Italy: 19 (with the vast majority of other call-ups also from Italy)
Germany: 22 (but somehow Michael Ballack isn't listed...hmm...)
France: 11
Spain: 18
Czech Republic: 7
Portugal: 10
Netherlands: 12
Croatia: 6
Greece: 18

England's total is, well, everyone but Beckham, including call-ups. In fact, England has the largest percentage of (major country) national team players playing on native soil while the average for the top 11 nations is roughly half.

The reason is simple: economics. The top countries with the fewest number of players playing at home - Brazil, Argentina, Czech Republic and Croatia - cannot afford to keep them in domestic leagues.

If England restricted the number of foreign-born players on the pitch at any one time, thus restricting the number of foreign-born players a team could realistically keep, these foreign-born players would be forced to look elsewhere for teams, which would artificially increase the supply of talent and depress players' wages in other countries while artificially inflating English players' salaries. The salaries would increase, but with an artifically higher demand, the extra players have to come from somewhere. Players in Championship will have to come up to the Premier League, creating a ripple affect on the rest of the leagues. As a result the quality of the Premier League will fall and the national team players might look abroad for better competition and to keep their skills sharp. This will further deteriorate the quality of the league. Combined with fewer foreign-born players, the FA will have fewer advertising opportunities for the FA Cup, which would mean the national team would have less money for training grounds and other amenities.

The players on the English national team will likely be the same players no matter how many foreigners are allowed on the pitch. By the time players are ready for the Premier League their skills are well known; I doubt any diamonds in the rough will be uncovered. When the goal is to win an open competition, restricting competition beforehand is never the answer.

Update: FIFA president Sepp Blatter is now calling for a quota system, but oddly enough, he only mentions the Premier League. Maybe he has a stake in La Liga or the Bundesliga?

This can't be good

According to AVFC Blog via Daily Mail, MON is in NYC today to talk to Lerner, presumably to discuss something pretty drastic. Lerner is in England every other week at the least, so it must be pretty important. MON's name has come up as a possible successor to Steve McClaren if England don't advance to the Euro 2008 knockout rounds, but maybe McClaren's out anyway. MON seems to have a special place in his heart for international football (yeah, I'm saying it, I can't help it anymore) and a particular distaste for the rising transfer fees, so I can't say I'd be entirely surprised if he jumped at the chance. I'd be greatly disappointed, though - he's made some great strides in his short time at Villa Park and to lose him before his plan comes to fruition would mean missing out on a great deal of validation.

If MON does indeed become the new England boss Lerner has no choice but to keep Villa's momentum going. What better way to do that then by hiring...

Fabio Capello.

Yes, if MON has to go, bring in the man who was fired because, uhhh, he, well, kinda won the La Liga title. This man knows what it takes to win in both the domestic league and Champions League. MON is without a doubt my first choice, but Capello needs to be on Lerner's speed dial if Villa want to continue their climb into the elite.

Of course I know more

Welcome to American Arrogance, where I'll make some asinine comment about the previous game and make myself look like an ass in the process. Feel free to rip me apart in the comments!

It's hard to judge performances based on derbies - the emotion that pulses through players' veins doesn't allow for the same levelheadedness of play and therefore forbids us from making sweeping generalizations. But I'll say it anyway: Reo-Coker does not fit in Villa's current scheme. Nigel's talents lie in directing traffic from the middle of the pitch and controlling the flow of the game. He's not a winger who can make dashes up the side that force the defense to overcommit. With Gareth Barry as the captain and central midfielder, Reo-Coker will be forced to play second fiddle, a position I can't imagine the fiery U-21 captain accepts easily. One thought: let Reo-Coker command the middle of the field during FA Cup matches. Rest Barry for the Premier League games in order to give us a better shot at European football (ah! I did it!) next season. For a few matches Reo-Coker will have his own team, which is what it looks like he needs.

Second Half, Second City Derby

Second half. One change for City. Whatever, like it'll help.

9:05: Jerome with a fantastic opportunity, only to watch it immediately deflected by Zat Knight. Over/under for number of hours of sleep Knight got last night: 3.

9:07: How does Schmidt not get called for holding Agbonlahor like a hostage?

9:08: Muamba with a yellow for stabbing Petrov in the leg with a cleat. Ouch.

9:10: Apparently even when our reserves play City it gets heated. I love this team.

9:11: Petrov with a beautiful ball to Gabby. He's not getting a whole lot of touches, but seems to be making the most of them.

9:12: Reo-Coker with a cross to no one in particular. Where's our offense?

9:12:30: Kelly with a yellow for failing to keep up with Young and resorting to cheater's tactics.

9:14: Carew has that "flick with the head to an advancing player" thing down. Soon it's going to pay off.

9:15: City with another wasted opportunity. What a beautifully sounding broken record.

9:15:30: Bouma advances the ball into the corner...and a goal kick.

9:16: Mellberg with an interception in the box. I wonder what will happen to him when we get a pure right back in the January transfer window.

9:17: Officials blew that call. Young obviously had won a corner. His touch is getting better every game.

9:18: Well, City finally made Carson corral the ball, so there's that.

9:20: City goal. 1-1.

9:22: Gareth Barry is tired of you. He will dribble past all of you, pass to Reo-Coker, and earn a corner.

9:23: Petrov just shanked a shot from way too far out. I want to like him, I really do.

9:25: Ridgewell is trying to make up for his blunder earlier. He knows Gabby's tendencies far too well.

9:26: Jerome just about gave me a heart attack. Thankfully we have the man who will become the England keeper. Seriously, that does not get old.

9:27: City are applying way too much pressure. Time to switch out size for speed. Carew out for Moore.

9:28: Reo-Coker just blew one of the best chances he'll have all season. I want to eat my new hat.

9:28:30: Another City player down, but he's not faking. It's Nafti.

9:29: The City fan at the bar is explaining to the bartender that he's "the most responsible drunk in the world" and apparently has told his 11-year old daughter how much a DWI arrest will cost her. You know, that and being able to reach the pedals.

9:32: Why are we still playing long ball? Big man not in game.

9:33: Barry is applying some pressure. Not enough for a goal, but we've got 15 minutes left.

9:34: Last substitution for City...

9:35: And the new guy wins them a corner. Ridgewell gets a head on it, but wide. If Ridgewell scored the game winner I think I'd be sick, and not just from the shots I'd start doing.

9:38: Frenetic pace. No team gaining a clear advantage. I guess this really is a true rivalry game.

9:39: Mellberg is not a midfielder.

9:40: Neither is Bouma.

9:42: Corner for City. OK, fine, I'll still get worried when I see the ball crossed into the box.

9:42:45: Another corner. I'm getting chills, and not just from folks opening the door.

9:43: Ridgewell almost made me cry. Gabby with the best save of the game.

9:44: The third straight corner is cleared. I am a mess.

9:45: GABBY WITH A GOAL!! HE RUNS TO THE VILLA FANS AND THERE'S A MOB SCENE!! WHAT A PHENOMENAL HEADER!! I CAN'T STOP YELLING!!

9:46: And of course he gets a yellow for all that. Like. I. care.

9:47: More pressure, and a free kick just above the box.

9:48: Event staff are beginning to circle the field. The Villa section at St. Andrews is absolutely insane.

9:49: Four minutes of stoppage time.

9:50: City fans are leaving. Fairweather pansies.

9:50:20: Gabby is just keeping it in the corner, forcing throw-ins. The City fan here just keeps saying, "Fuck."

9:51: Gabby appears to be limping slightly. Let's hope he can walk it off.

9:53: That's it! Villa win! They head straight to the Villa section of the stadium. What a fantastic finish.

The first Second City Derby of American Villan goes to the good guys. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Finally!

Liveblog! Just me and a City fan in the bar, but there's WiFi, so I can't complain.

7:59: Carew is in the starting lineup. MON obviously doesn't read this blog. Petrov is also in the starting side. I still don't understand it, but I'm also not paid millions of dollars to lead a soccer team. I like the 4-3-3 formation, though.

8:01: Kickoff.

8:01:10: Nigel Reo-Coker already commits a foul. That boy doesn't learn.

8:03: New permanent Villa keeper Scott Carson. Damn, that sounds good.

8:05: City are dominating. We've barely played in their half yet.

8:07: Another free kick. Is it just me, or do City have loads of space with every touch?

8:09: City's keeper actually had to touch the ball! Crazy!

8:09:30: Carew has Ashley Young all alone, but double teams are never fun. Just ask your mom. Sorry, had to say it.

8:10: LIAM RIDGEWELL WITH AN OWN GOAL! Guess he still bleeds claret and blue. You can't argue with your subconscious.

8:12: Phenomenal series of passes from City but headed out at the last second by Bouma. I like him as long as he's not trying to push up and send crosses.

8:13: ManU fan enters the bar. I have no sharp objects on me.

8:16: The announcers mention the financial disparity between City and Villa, giving Ashley Young as an example. They acted like we were Manchester United.

8:17: Yellow card for Barry.

8:18: Barry intercepts a pass and sends a fantastic ball through for Carew...but no luck.

8:19: See, I told you, Bouma is not the one you want sending in crosses.

8:21: Djourou is down for City. He's faking, obviously.

8:22: Guinnesses all around. Have to give the bartender reason to open up this early again in the future.

8:25: Olof, please bring the scary beard back.

8:28: How does Barry thread those long passes?

8:32: City are terrible...as they should be.

8:33: And De Ridder gets a yellow card for diving in the box. What a cheater. Well done, Steve Bennett.

8:35: De Ridder almost deserved a second yellow for taking down Young from behind.

8:36: Barry just keeps his head down as the City scum berate him. You stay classy, Gareth Barry.

8:38: Carew just blasts one wide. I think he's a bit rusty, but that header he just flicked to Young was nice. Too bad Ashley was offside.

8:39: Young and Nafti getting into it. Good to see some fire in the derby even though City haven't been in the Premier League for a few years.

8:40: Barry joins the City wall to give Young a hole in the wall...so of course Young's free kick hits Barry dead on.

8:42: Petrov makes an appearance. Shot on goal is blocked, but it's nice of him to join.

8:44: How do City beat anyone with such terrible touches in the box?

8:44: 20: Gabby with space in the box...right at Taylor. Use the left foot!

8:45: City on the counter, but shot wide. I can't help but be worried when I see the opponent down there, but since it's City maybe I'm overreacting.

8:47: Guinness is like drinking coffee in the morning, right?

8:48: Young impeded in the box, but no call.

8:49: Halftime. 1-0 Villa in MON's 50th Premier League game. A hard-fought match thus far. Back soon for the second half. Up the Villa!

Carson Makes a Home at Villa

I've just learned via Soccernet that Scott Carson is close to making his move to Villa Park permanent. I think he's been an excellent keeper this season (but I really liked Sorensen for the first half of last season, so what do I know?), and to hear that he's excited about making a name for himself with Villa is sweet, sweet music. To have the man who could become England's national goalie for the next "5 to 10 years," according to Carson, solidifies our defense and will soon attract other players. Juventus' Jonathan Zebina, perhaps (h/t to AVFC Blog)? The club is beginning to solidify under O'Neill and I'm thrilled. Let's see the energy from this announcement pour out onto the pitch tomorrow.

First feature! Friday Strategy Session! Cupcakes!*

Welcome to the first installment of the Friday Strategy Session. Each week I'll take a look at the matchup problems Villa can cause for their hapless opponents. This week I examine the possibility of using Carew as a substitute. The analysis will get better in the coming weeks, I promise.

According to the club website, it looks probable that Ashley Young and John Carew will be on the roster, if not necessarily in the starting XI, for Villa on Sunday. If Young is healthy, he will of course start but I think O'Neill would be wise to sit Carew until the second half, even if he's back to full health. With a big man like Carew, the temptation to play the long ball is often too great to ignore, but if he doesn't come in until around the 65th minute or so this could work entirely in our favor. After City have gotten a little worn down chasing after Luke Moore, Gabby and Ashley for more than an hour, suddenly we bring in the Norwegian Nightmare (come on, you know you want to call him that) and he can use his large frame to easily beat defenders to the ball. They won't have as much strength to push him off the ball or jump as high when we're on set pieces. Now if we can just convince the referees that his size does not make him immune to fouls...

*No, no cupcakes, not really. Sorry.

Mud wrestling > shootouts

Any good Villa fan knows one of the highlights of the season is watching our boys crush Birmingham City...if the Blues are even in the Premiership, that is. But it looks like we have more reasons to enjoy the Second City Derby - our American owners. Forget the standards of British decency, General Charles Krulak has referred to Blues' chairman David Gold as a 'pig in mud' and is not apologizing for it. He said he wouldn't wrestle with the pig in the mud but I'm all for owner mud wrestling. While it might not have the same appeal as watching two drunk 19-year-olds go at it, there's something to be said for grumpy old men. With that in mind, here's my dream owner mud wrestling matchup (cue the announcer):

In the baby blue corner, hailing from Manchester via Thai exile, weighing in at 138 pounds, the man who puts the 'Bang' in Bangkok, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra!

and his opponent...

In the red corner, from Columbia, Missouri, weighing in at 165 pounds, a man who really knows how to strap it on, new Arsenal owner Enos Stanley Kroenke!

Let's get it on, indeed.

Greetings from this side of the pond

Howdy! Just wanted to welcome you to the site. My name's Jason, and I've been a Villa fan since the 2006 offseason. Villa had barely escaped relegation, Deadly Doug Ellis and David O'Leary were still the men in charge, and there was plenty of room on the bandwagon. Here are my reasons for becoming a Villa fan (from my personal blog). From those random reasons, however, a passion has grown that I would never expect. Hopefully this site will serve as the epicenter for stateside Aston Villa fans. You'll see what I'm talking about in the weeks to come. Enough about me, let's get to the good stuff. Come on Villa!