Villa foggy against ten men Tyne
By James
April 29 2004
Aston Villa had been on a run of good form in the matches previously to this and fans came flocking to Villa Park in their droves following their recent performances and were unfortunate to see a bore 0-0 draw. Last time out Villa managed to overturn Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea 3-2.

Newcastle provided a different threat to the claret and blue brigade as their fast counter attacking football meant they always had the opportunities to score goals, however not in this case.

The Magpies were dealt a deserved blow in the 9th minute when defender Andy O’Brien hauled down Villa’s English international Darius Vassell and was promptly and correctly sent off. The ex-Bradford centre-back was the last man and deserved to go following the clumsy challenge.

With Villa having the upper hand the onus was very much on them to go out and break Newcastle down as their formation was now very defensive as they reverted to having only one upfront. They began the match as though they were desperate to play in the champions league next season, however as the game progressed their hunger petered out.

Villa went close in the first half from two free-kicks; one resulting from Andy O’Brien’s foul on Darius Vassell; Thomas Hitzlsperger and Nolberto Solano took the free-kicks respectively however they failed to trouble Shay Given in the Geordie goal.

The first half was mostly controlled by Newcastle who kept possession well considering their lack in numbers compared to Villa. The team in claret and blue did have the ball in the net towards the end of the first half, however Darius Vassell was judged to be offside.

Alan Shearer posed a threat upfront, however was largely unable to do too much due to a lack of strike partner as Craig Bellamy was called in to help out the midfield. Shearer’s biggest threat was of causing a physical injury to a Villa defender as he constantly flailed his arms around and held on to Johnsen and Mellberg numerous times throughout the match.

Jermaine Jenas was forced off injured 10 minutes before half-time and a similar pattern occurred for Newcastle in the second half as Craig Bellamy pulled up injured. Their Uefa Cup aspirations were now looking gloomy as was the hope of qualifying for the Champions League next season. The latter was rescued by the poor performance of David O’Leary’s men – Newcastle were for the taking, however Villa were not up for the battle of breaking them down and deserved not to take all three points.

HALFTIME - Villa 0 Newcastle 0

Marcus Allback was brought on for Villa just past the hour mark which provided a rarity for Villa fans this season to see him in action and his appearance was justified as to why the Villa faithful have not witnessed more. He did, nevertheless, have Villa’s first shot on target which came with around 20 minutes to go – a tame headed shot straight at Shay Given. This was the best the claret and blue boys could master after just over an hour of football against 10 men.

Newcastle had the best chance of the match and were foiled by a former Sunderland player – Thomas Sorensen. Hugo Viana - a first half sub on for Laurent Robert – was the culprit as he did not bury his opportunity, gift wrapped for him thanks to a lovely cross by Kieron Dyer.

The last 20 minutes summed up the sloppy nature of the game as four players were booked; incidentally all Newcastle players. Speed and Shearer became involved in some pathetic unsporting behaviour, Shearer especially as he hacked away at Olof Mellberg’s legs with no attempt to play the ball. The ex-England international was very lucky not to be sent off for the poor challenge and also found himself fortunate not to be picking up a second yellow as his previous behaviour in the game should have warranted him some discipline.

Shay Given was correctly booked for time wasting, however it came too little too late – in the last minute. The Irishman had been taking his time with his goal-kicks for a large majority of the game, even in the first half. His antics were was much noticed by the Villa faithful as a chorus of boo’s rained down on him when he failed to find any urgency.

Overall Villa were poor and unable to break Newcastle down as the mighty defending of Jonathan Woodgate really stood out. There might still be a place for him at the side of Sol Campbell when England line-up for their first game of the European Championships. All credit must be given to Sir Bobby Robson’s boys as they defended well throughout and controlled the match in large parts, despite their reduced numbers. This failure to win could signal the end of Villa’s Champions League aspirations as they face a tough next match up against Middlesbrough away from home.

FULLTIME - Villa 0 Newcastle 0

Other News The Villa youth team unfortunatley lost to Middlesbrough over the two legs of their final. The tie ended 4-0 in favour of the Cleevland youngsters, however it was still a great achievment for Villa, reaching the final for the second time in three seasons.

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