Away day jinx ended thanks to Christmas Angel
By James
December 20 2003
Aston Villa finally ended their appalling away record and won on their travels for the first time since the New Year. Juan Pablo Angel and co were magnificent and dominated for nearly the whole 90 minutes as Villa comfortably won 2-0.

Villa began the match in threatening mood and continued to imply that same pressure throughout the game.

Lee Hendrie should have put the Claret and Blue boys ahead on just 8 minutes; however it ended up being a great save by Blackurn’s American stopper Brad Friedel despite a goal-kick being given.

Juan Pablo Angel continued his superb form from this week with an inspiring first half display. The Colombian crossed for Peter Whittingham after 12 minutes, however the youngster struck wide. He continued to have a great spell with his every touch being put to good use.

Blackburn managed to muster a few chances of their own - within a few minutes of each other Gallagher and Emerton both blasted high and wide respectively as Blackburn were restricted to long range efforts.

Just shy of the 20 minute mark was a shaky one for Villa and especially JLloyd Samuel. The England under 21 international blocked a shot with a valiant piece of defending from an Andrew Cole blast. The chance was not over as former Villa man Dwight ‘Judas’ Yorke headed over from the resulting corner.

Blackburn continued to strike up a bit of pressure and Gallagher had yet another long shot which Mellberg managed to deflect. Villa however upped their performance and Gareth Barry was presented with a superb chance to give the team the lead. He was played in and took his time as he should of shot with his right foot, however he waited for his preferred left and the ball was cleared.

Lee Hendrie was impressing throughout the half and he linked in well with Stefan Moore, who crossed to Angel, however he failed to test Friedel. Villa continued to control the first half and further chances appeared towards the end.

Mark Delaney had been allowed to get crosses in all match and he was given that freedom once again after poor Blackburn defending. Delaney’s eventual cross fell to Angel, although he failed to do anything with it.

On the stroke of half-time Gareth Barry struck a corner in to the box, which found the head of Gavin McCann at the near post – although it drifted just wide. The first half ended as it had started and Villa were hoping they would not rue their missed chances.

HALFTIME – Blackburn 0 Villa 0

The second half took a little while longer than its predecessor to get started, however when it did, it had a very similar theme – Villa’s domination.

An unimpressive Paul Gallagher was taken off at the break to be replace by ex-Parma man – Vlatislav Gresko.

Seven minutes in to the second half Gareth Barry had a chance which he struck with his right foot; however he could have put in Angel who was in a great position. The Colombian continued to be in the right positions as Whittingham had a good run through the centre of the pitch and layed the ball off to Angel, who sliced the chance wide.

Blackburn saw a need for a change and introduced former captain Gary Flitcroft for the current one, Tugay – who had not been very effective at all.

This did not help the Lancashire club as hust after the hour mark the breakthrough finally came. Lee Hendrie did brilliantly to keep the ball in after dawdling in defence by Blackburn. Hendrie’s back header fell to Stefan Moore who found the back of the net for his second goal in a Villa shirt.

Shortly after Darius Vassell was brought on to replace Moore, who had certainly impressed in only his second start of the season. Vassell - who has not impressed so far this season – did make some kind of positive impact after his inclusion.

Vassell had a close range shot kept out well by Friedel thanks to good work from Barry leading to Darius’ effort. Two minutes later Villa’s domination was turned to justification. Once again Vassell impressed and turned provider for Juan Pablo Angel to put the icing on the cake in a match where Villa had been superb.

Late on, Hendrie went off to a standing ovation from the Villa faithful after a great display, De La Cruz came on in the time wasting exercise. Villa passed the game out after going 2-0 ahead, there was no need to waste any energy where Blackburn had been chasing around all match.

This sums up a superb week for Villa – 3 wins in 6 days, a Carling Cup semi-final to look forward to and hopefully a half decent away record as well. This week could now be the turning point in the season and full credit must go to O’Leary and the team for sticking by it. The Claret and Blue army must also be credited as they have traveled to many away matches without success and it is really rewarding to finally get 3 points on the road.

FULLTIME – Blackburn 0 Villa 2

My man of the match: Juan Pablo Angel Hard to choose as every single player played their part in the match, although Angel just shades it as he worked hard to set-up chances and deservedly scored again.

TEAMS

Aston Villa Sorensen, Delaney, Mellberg, Dublin, Samuel, Hendrie (De La Cruz), G.McCann, Whittingham, Barry (Hitzlsperger), Angel, S.Moore (Vassell). Subs Not Used: Johnsen, Postma (GK).

Blackburn Friedel, Neill, Babbel, Short, Todd (Jansen), Emerton, Tugay (Flitcroft), Ferguson, Gallagher (Gresko), Yorke, Cole. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Enckelman (GK)

Attendance: 20,722

Other News

+ The dates for the Carling Cup Sem-Final have been announced. Villa will play the first match against Bolton at the Reebok stadium on Wednesday 21 January, kick off – 8 p.m. The return leg will be at Villa Park on Tuesday 27 January, kick off – 7:45 p.m.

+ The youth team will play their FA Youth Cup fourth round match against Wimbledon at Villa Park on Thursday 22 January, kick off – 7 p.m.

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