BallHype - Latest Aston Villa News Articles

Hull City 0-1 Aston Villa: Coming Of Age

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 22:32:33 +1900

“We are six minutes into the game here at a freezing Circle… Here comes Bernard Mendy on a typical bullocking run down the right flank… He crosses…. Zat Knight crashes into Freidel who drops the ball… GOAL! "Nick Barmby is on hand to poke it into the empty net… Freidel beats the ground in frustration…. But wait a minute… The Assistant has a message from the FA for Steve Bennett…. Remember Memo 24 dated June 2008 and re-circulated on September 22nd? “On no account are promoted Clubs allowed to score in circumstances that may constitute an established team going on to lose the game”…. The goal is rightly chalked off… Phew? For a minute Steve Claridge, I thought the Official was going to give that one, but no, Justice has been done”. This is not how Radio Five Live reported from the Circle last night (I assume), but once again, we have been done over by a referee who ...

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Villa deny making £11m bid for Upson

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:32:56 +1900

Aston Villa have denied tabling a bid for West Ham and England defender Matthew Upson. > >

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FA Cup among O'Neill's priorities - for now

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 09:57:36 +1900

Martin O'Neill insists the FA Cup is high on his priorities for Aston Villa's season for now - but may change his mind as their Champions League charge progresses. > >

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Gini In a Bottle? : Mr Aston Villa Needs To Get It Right Or Sell The Browns!

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 01:33:42 +1900

Browns Backers, I'm back!! After taking a two-week break to watch the playoffs and listen to all the nonsense of the Browns seriously considering Eric Mangini as head coach, I gotta say it is time to either storm Berea or boycott the team for turning this once proud franchise into the NFL's running punchline of incompetence. Seeing the various reports from ESPN and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns part-time owner, Randy Lerner has settled for the Jet's sloppy seconds in little E and Baltimore director of pro player personnel George Kokinis. And if the Plain Dealer is correct in that Lerner is obsessed with the "Belichick Tree", I think Mr Aston Villa had better go piss in another forest and stop acting like he's Johnny Appleseed, because the Belichick Tree tends to rot and wilt outside of Foxboro. As a lifelong Browns fan, I hate Art Modell for taking my original team(which won in Miami today) and giving me this second-rate clown outfit that I have ...

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EPL: Revising The Preseason Predictions (Part Two)

Sun, 4 Jan 2009 18:41:34 +1900

Click here for part one In part one of my review of preseason predictions, I discussed the difference between what I thought the table would look like back in August, and what it actually looks like now. Some predictions were fairly accurate, and others (such as my preseason assessment of Hull) were well off. In this segment, we'll take a look at the rest of the predictions that Jeff Harbert and I made and add some new ones to the list. Surprise package I picked: Aston Villa And...? Villa have indeed surprised many people this season. They currently sit in fourth place, three points ahead of perennial Champions League participants Arsenal. What's more, Villa have already managed to take four points against Arsenal. This could be the difference between the UEFA Cup and the Champions League for the Gunners. Villa has been successful thanks to an offense that always keeps them in the game. The defense hasn't been particularly stingy, but Villa is consistently getting two or three ...

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Gillingham 1-2 Aston Villa: Milner's cup magic

Sun, 4 Jan 2009 16:03:00 +1900

Gillingham 1-2 Aston Villa: Milner's cup magic > >

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O'Neill vows to treat FA Cup with "dignity"

Sat, 3 Jan 2009 13:39:28 +1900

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has vowed to treat the FA Cup ''with the dignity it deserves'' by fielding his strongest possible side in Sunday's third-round clash at Gillingham.

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Sunday 4th January 2009: The Day the Mighty Gillingham Take on Aston Villa

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 21:48:45 +1900

A billboard poster of the advertising campaign for the FA Cup, by ITV , for me summed up the greatest domestic competition in the world. It had a picture of Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic in an aerial challenge with a fireman. The caption beside the picture read: “Where all men are equal.” And that statement is certainly true when Aston Villa, who are currently fourth in the EPL—arguably the greatest football league in the world—visit Kent in the South East to take on Gillingham, who currently languish in the fourth tier of professional football in England, the Coca Cola League Two. The players of Aston Villa may be internationally recognised multi-millionaire superstars compared to the average wage earners at Gillingham, but for 90 minutes on that pitch, in Kent’s largest sporting arena, there will be no differences as current form and footballing status are thrown out the window, and all that matters is beating your opponent and getting through to the ...

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QPR swoop to sign Routledge from Aston Villa

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 17:57:25 +1900

QPR have confirmed the signing of winger Wayne Routledge from Premier League side Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

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Barry: We must keep momentum in cup

Fri, 2 Jan 2009 13:37:08 +1900

Gareth Barry believes Aston Villa are in the "perfect position" to maintain their push for a Champions League spot during the second half of the season.

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The Penalty That Never Was

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 15:53:50 +1900

The match between Hull City and Aston Villa has raised a startling problem for the Premier League. During the match the referee Steve Bennett awarded an injury time penalty to Hull City for a handball by Aston Villa’s Ashley Young. The Aston Villa players, as most footballers do, crowded the officials pleading for them to rethink their decision. After consultation with his assistant, Mr. Bennett overturned his earlier decision and awarded a goal kick to Aston Villa. The controversy arises because the referee’s assistant was witnessed in conversation with an outside source prior to his conversation with Steve Bennett. This conversation was even witnessed by the Aston Villa Captain Gareth Barry who said; “So I went over and said, ‘Look, it’s hit the bar, it’s nowhere near his hands, what’s going on?’ They were making conversation but in the end, whoever he was listening to, they’ve made the right decision.” Now, this is a real problem ...

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Angry Hull demand 'handball' investigation

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 10:18:04 +1900

Hull are demanding an investigation into claims that a third party was behind Steve Bennett's decision to overturn a late penalty in Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

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English Premier League: December Winners and Losers

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:32:46 +1900

In a new series, Ryan Lynch provides a recap on the fixtures and occurances of the past month in the English Premier League which With 2008 coming to a close and the season halfway completed, December was a particularly important month for teams at both ends of the table. Who, however, proved to be the month's biggest winners and losers?

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Villa To Break The "Big Four" This Year?

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:50:39 +1900

More than half of the season gone, and Aston Villa continue to impress. Their 1-0 victory over Hull City last night confirms they'll go in to the New Year placed fourth in the Premiership. During the 16 Premiership seasons, except for Manchester United all of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal have dropped out of the top four from time to time. Last time this happened was in the 2004-05 season, when Everton finished in fourth spot ahead of bitter rivals Liverpool. Aston Villa have themselves finished in the top four on two occasions, and they certainly have the quality and spirit this time around. Using Martin O'Neill's experience, they've already made it to the UEFA Cup Last 32, and chances are bright they'll be playing in the Champions League next season. Premiership Top Four finish count (1992-92 — 2007-08) Manchester United 16 Arsenal 14 ...

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Aston Villa Leave It Late to Beat Hull

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:28:55 +1900

Aston Villa 1, Hull 0 (Premier League, Dec. 30, 2008) Martin O’Neill’s side claimed all three points when Ashley Young’s 88th minute cross was diverted into his own net by Kamil Zayatte , with Gabriel Agbonlahor waiting to pounce. At the death, Hull were awarded a penalty by referee Steve Bennett for an alleged handball against Ashley Young , but after consulting with his linesman the decision was (correctly) reversed. The defeat condemned the Tigers to a fourth home defeat in five games, while Villa moved back up to fourth. Central Coast Mariners 1, Perth Glory 0 (A-League, Dec. 31, 2008) A stunning John Hutchinson half-volley that struck both posts before hitting the back of the net in the 80th minute, sent the Mariners to the top of the league in the final match of 2008.

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Hull boss Brown rues ref's penalty U-turn

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:23:14 +1900

Hull City boss Phil Brown claimed to be bemused after being awarded then denied a late penalty in Tuesday night's defeat by Aston Villa. > >

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Hull City 0-1 Aston Villa: Late OG winner

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:12:17 +1900

Hull City 0-1 Aston Villa: Late OG winner > >

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Villa's Carew may miss most of season - Report

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:52:49 +1900

Norway and Aston Villa striker John Carew's back injury will take longer to heal than previously thought, his agent told Norwegian broadcaster NRK on Tuesday. > >

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Villa's Carew may miss most of season-report (Reuters)

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:20:41 +1900

Norway and Aston Villa striker John Carew's back injury will take longer to heal than previously thought, his agent told Norwegian broadcaster NRK on Tuesday.

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Premiership Proves That In Management There Is No Substitute For Experience

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:07:31 +1900

In these days of big bucks and high stakes, Premiership management has become a far more pressured and treacherous environment. But, one glance at the Premiership table will tell you that those that thrive in this environment tend to have one particular thing going for them-experience. The upwardly mobile teams in the Premiership tend to be the teams which are managed by men who have garnered experience of management before their current job-and in some cases garnered a lot of it. Ignoring the obvious examples of Wenger, Benitez, Scolari and Ferguson-all of whom have managed big clubs for a large amount of time. If you examine the teams below, you can see men of experience are taking charge and leading these clubs' charge up the Premier League table. Prime example would be Martin O'Neill, who has been there and done it all with Leicester and Celtic-and Aston Villa are reaping the rewards. Or Steve Bruce, a manager performing a wonderful job on minimal resources-Wigan sit seventh in the table ...

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Villa's Davies wants to gatecrash top four party

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:48:41 +1900

Aston Villa's £10million central defender Curtis Davies has told the Premier League big guns, "we are here to stay". > >

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The Founding Clubs Of The Football League: Where Are They Now?

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:50:31 +1900

Football became a professional sport in the summer of 1885 with the very first league being contested in 1888 by just twelve clubs. An incredible 120 years later and eleven of the twelve teams are still up and running. The original set up of the league is the oldest of its kind in the world and has had 130 different clubs involved since its formation. Alongside the twelve teams of the Football League, stood the twelve clubs of the rival football association—the Football Alliance. It was created a year later and run along side the Football league for three seasons before it was decided that the two seperate associations would merge to create two divisions contended by the clubs. The Founders of The Football League Accrington(folded 1896), Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Derby, Everton, Notts. County, Preston North End, Stoke, West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Founders of The Football Alliance ...

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The Founding Clubs of the English Football League: Where Are They Now?

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:50:31 +1900

Football became a professional sport in the summer of 1885 with the very first league being contested in 1888 by just 12 clubs. An incredible 120 years later and 11 of the 12 teams are still up and running. The original set up of the league is the oldest of its kind in the world and has had 130 different clubs involved since its formation. Alongside the twelve teams of the Football League, stood the twelve clubs of the rival football association—the Football Alliance. It was created a year later and run along side the Football league for three seasons before it was decided that the two seperate associations would merge to create two divisions contended by the clubs. The Founders of The Football League Accrington(folded 1896), Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Derby, Everton, Notts. County, Preston North End, Stoke, West Bromwich Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Founders of The Football Alliance Ardwick (Man City), ...

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The Absence of Cesc Fabregas: A Blessing in Disguise for Arsenal?

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:59:44 +1900

Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} It was the 82nd minute. The score line was 1-0 at the Emirates. Manuel Almunia was standing in goal wearing the captain’s armband. Denilson and Diaby were anchoring the midfield. Cesc Fabregas wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Arsenal were winning after drawing three consecutive matches. It wasn’t pretty but former disgraced captain Gallas’ header won the match for Arsenal. From my point of view, it was an excellent header. For once, the pundits should focus on Gallas’ goal rather than James’ error. ...

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First Class Goalkeepers with Second Class Defences

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:34:21 +1900

The majority of Goalkeepers would be happy not having much work to do during a game, unfortunatly for some, 90 minutes can be spent either picking the ball out of the net or performing save after save because their defenders are not up to scratch. The league has its fair share of world class keepers who have their work load increased thanks to second class center backs. However, many a big club has been set home with nothing thanks to the displays of a lesser team's number one. But who gets your vote as the best goalkeeper out of the selection that follows...

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EPL's Five Youngsters To Watch: Half-Term Report

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:20:22 +1900

On the eve of the 2008-09 Premiership season, Alex Dimond picked a few young players who he believed were all set to make the breakthrough with their respective clubs, and make everyone sit up and take notice. Now at the half way point in the season, it is time to review how the players mentioned have got on so far… 1. Fran Merida (Arsenal) What was said then: “Arsenal’s big summer signing so far, Samir Nasri, will no doubt have a great future in North London. However, as he settles into the club, expect Merida to initially share the playing time to take the weight of the Frenchman’s shoulders. No doubt the Spaniard will take full advantage.” The story so far: Merida has been unable to progress to the first team, with the likes of Aaron Ramsey seemingly being preferred when cover is required for the team’s established stars. Once again limited only to Carling Cup appearances, the 18-year-old must be getting frustrated with the lack of ...

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Villa boss denies making bid for striker Defoe

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:44:30 +1900

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has dismissed reports he has bid for Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe. > >

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Arsenal-Portsmouth: William Gallas Secures Three Points for the Gunners

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:32:48 +1900

William Gallas scored the only goal in a largely unmemorable affair, as Arsenal defeated Portsmouth, 1-0, at the Emirates Stadium to temporarily overtake Aston Villa and enter the Champions League places. Both teams had the odd chance throughout the game, with Peter Crouch hitting the post, and David James saving a shot from Samir Nasri, but Arsenal got the breakthrough on 81 minutes when Gallas headed in a free kick after James failed to collect the ball. Gallas has now scored five goals this season from the centre of defence, and he is slowly winning back the fans' trust after being stripped of the captaincy a couple of months ago for criticising his teammates publicly. More goals like this one will do Gallas wonders. Whilst the overall performance may not have been the best Arsenal fans have ever seen, they will be delighted to have picked up three points going into the break for the FA Cup, where Arsenal will host Championship side Plymouth Argyle on Jan. 3. Arsenal's next league game is ...

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Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Aston Villa

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:00:11 +1900

Manuel Almunia (5.5) Was too nervy when defending set pieces. A few good saves that kept Arsenal in the game, but overall was not that confident or strong. Needs to work on defending corners, he needs to either go out or stay in the goal, not go halfway. Bacary Sanga (8.5) A superb effort from the reliable Frenchmen who was easily Arsenal's best performer. Made a dozen or so amazing tackles, kept the talented Ashley Young quiet, and saved three certain goals. Attacked strongly as well. If Arsenal did not have their talented right-back, who knows where they would be. Kolo Toure (6) Not too bad from the Ivorian. At times defended well, but his headers and clearances were awful at times. Needs to communicate more with his fellow defenders. William Gallas (3.5) If you want to blame the draw on someone, then blame it on William Gallas. He made the most stupid tackle on Gabriel Abonglahor, which resulted in a penalty, which then resulted in a goal, which then resulted in letting Aston Villa ...

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Former Pats OL Villa accused of rape

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:30:06 +1900

Police are searching for former New England Patriots player and high school football coach Danny Villa, who is accused of raping a child.

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The Complete History Of The UWCC Title

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:18:34 +1900

On September 23, I announced the beginning of Barney Corkhill's Unofficial World Club Championship ( UWCC ). One day later, the title saw it's first defence, a 4-0 triumph for the inaugural champions Chelsea over Portsmouth. Since then I have provided match reports for every championship match, and provided a history of the tournament so far. From now on, however, due to the list getting longer and longer, I will only list the matches played by the current champions. The complete history of Barney Corkhill's UWCC can be found below, and every match report will have a link to this page instead of the usual list! History Chelsea 4-0 Portsmouth Stoke 0-2 Chelsea CFR Cluj 0-0 Chelsea Chelsea 2-0 Aston Villa Middlesbrough 0-5 Chelsea Chelsea 1-0 AS Roma Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (Liverpool become new champions) Liverpool 1-0 Portsmouth Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool (Tottenham become new champions) Tottenham 4-0 Dinamo Zagreb ...

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Fightback fuels O'Neill's belief in Villa's challenge

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:57:10 +1900

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill highlighted his side's injury-time comeback against top-four rivals Arsenal as proof of the "significant progress'' they have made in the last two seasons. > >

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Arsene Wenger Blows a Fuse After "Villains" Visit the Ref at Halftime

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:20:56 +1900

Arsene Wenger was said to be furious following their encounter with Aston Villa last night. The Villains secured a 2-2 draw with almost the last kick of the game deep into injury time. The Arsenal boss vented his fury in an outburst aimed at Aston Villa's management and the referee after it emerged that Martin O'Neill's assistant John Robertson visited the referee's dressing room at half-time to have a "chat" with the officials. Robertson has proclaimed his innocence, saying he only went to the official's room to question a decision in the first half, but Wenger has gone public on what he feels may be some shenanigans on behalf of Villa. Wenger said, "I know how it works here. At half-time the referee gets stick, and then in the second half every little 50-50 decision goes the other way. "I waited at half-time to see what happened, and I was not disappointed" He then added cryptically, "That's what happened, it's not only here..." Asked if he was implying that someone from Villa ...

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Aston Villa draws with Arsenal

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:15:33 +1900

Defender Zat Knight scored in injury time to earn Aston Villa a 2-2 draw in the English Premier League with Arsenal, its nearest ...

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The Way For Arsenal and Arsene Wenger To Gain Profit: Spend! Spend! Spend!

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:59:55 +1900

As 2008 comes to a close, Arsenal find themselves in a worrying position: they are outside of the top four. Currently, the Champions League positions are occupied by Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. Today, Villa met Arsenal and, in a match considered by many to be pivotal in the race for fourth place, Arsenal were unable to win, thanks to a late goal from Zat Knight to make it 2-2. The result means that Villa remain three points clear of the Gunners in the race for Champions League football next season. This gap, coupled with some poor performances, a long list of injuries, and dropped points to teams like Fulham, Hull, and Middlesbrough, has led to most Arsenal fans pleading, and at times demanding, for the chequebook to be opened in the upcoming January transfer window. Another spell of Wenger opting for youth and money-saving instead of splashing out is likely to be met with the fury of the Arsenal faithful. More dropped points today saw them fall further behind ...

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How Arsene Wenger and Arsenal Will Gain Profit: Spend, Spend, Spend!

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:59:55 +1900

As 2008 comes to a close, Arsenal find themselves in a worrying position: They are outside of the top four. Currently, the Champions League positions are occupied by Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Aston Villa. Today, Villa met Arsenal and, in a match considered by many to be pivotal in the race for fourth place, Arsenal were unable to win thanks to a late goal from Zat Knight to make it 2-2. The result means that Villa remain three points clear of the Gunners in the race for Champions League football next season. This gap, coupled with some poor performances, a long list of injuries, and dropped points to teams like Fulham, Hull, and Middlesbrough, has led to most Arsenal fans pleading, and at times demanding, for the chequebook to be opened in the upcoming January transfer window. Another spell of Arsene Wenger opting for youth and money-saving instead of splashing out is likely to be met with the fury of the Arsenal faithful. More dropped points today saw them fall further ...

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Aston Villa-Arsenal: The Shining Knight on Boxing Day

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:44:44 +1900

Action Former Rushall Olympic FC (Eighth tier of English football) defender Zat Knight was the hero for Aston Villa, as the two time English international hit a last-gasp equaliser to deny Arsenal three points at Villa Park. The Gunners looked on course to perform a smash-and-grab raid. They weathered an early storm from the home side before taking the lead just before the break, as Denilson netted on 40 minutes, before Abou Diaby doubled their advantage nine minutes after the re-start. Martin O'Neill's side were left dumbfounded, having hit the woodwork three times in the opening half through Steve Sidwell, James Milner, and Curtis Davies, while Bacary Sagna produced a brilliant acrobatic clearance off his own line. Villa reduced the deficit with 25 minutes remaining as Gareth Barry rammed home a penalty. This after William Gallas felled Gabriel Agbonlahor, and before O'Neill and Arsene Wenger were involved in a heated confrontation on the touchline, where referee Lee ...

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Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal: A Knight's tale

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:00:52 +1900

Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal: A Knight's tale > >

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Aston Villa 2-2 Arsenal: Gunners Drop Two More Points at Villa Park

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:23:46 +1900

Despite goals from Denilson and Abou Diaby, Arsenal failed to hold on to their lead, and a penalty from Gareth Barry and a last minute equaliser from Zat Knight saw Aston Villa rescue a point at Villa Park. Villa hit the woodwork three times in the first half and dominated the first 45 minutes, but it was Arsenal who went into the break ahead, after Denilson slotted home on 40 minutes. Diaby added to Arsenal's lead on 49 minutes with a great link-up with Emmanuel Eboue, but the main talking point came on 66 minutes, as William Gallas was adjudged to have brought down Gabriel Agbonlahor in the penalty area, despite the linesman giving it when he was blinded from the ball. Regardless of whether it was a penalty, Barry put the spot kick away confidently. Villa took control of the game from then on, and in stoppage time, Villa outnumbered Arsenal in the visitors' penalty area, and the ball fell to Knight to give Villa a point that keeps them above their opponents in fourth place and the final ...

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Agbonlahor gunning to set Arsenal adrift

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:36:00 +1900

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has set his sights on pulling off a top-class double against Arsenal at Villa Park. > >

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