Villa blog: The Wanderer Returns

Wandering Villa blogger Dave Bytheway returns from his jollies to reflect on the progress of his side in recent weeks.

After a few weeks away I am finally back with my blog. It has been a strange few weeks to miss, with away European games combined with games against two of the so-called ‘big four.’

We travelled to Prague early on the Thursday morning, arriving in time for a few Czech beers with the travelling Villa fans. The atmosphere was amazing in the Old Town Square, with everyone in full voice attracting attention in many ways.

A large group of around 50 tourists stood and watched the singing, taking photos of the numerous flags and banners as well as talking with the Villa fans for at least an hour.

It was that kind of day, everyone was happy and enjoying the European experience, and at less than £1 a beer the experience was a lot less heavy on the pocket than domestic away trips!

Outside the Eden stadium things didn’t change and the Slavia fans are a credit to their club. They were keen to drink and sing with us, so when we parted company scarves and shirts were swapped. Surely this is what football is about!

The game itself was entertaining, with Slavia playing pretty football but with pretty little penetration. Our goal seemed to kill them off to be honest. They didn’t cause many problems and those they did goalkeeper Brad Guzan handled them with ease.

After getting home on the Friday, we had Middlesbrough at home to look forward to. Surely we couldn’t lose this one after beating a very good side in Slavia?

But lose we did. To be fair, respect should be given to ‘Boro as they didn’t come to defend, they played good attacking football and deserved their win, albeit from a mistake by Sidwell at the end.

After such a poor performance, with the players looking tired, we headed to the Emirates to take on a very strong Arsenal side, looking to cling on the the heels of Liverpool and Chelsea.

We went with only Gabby Agbonlahor up front, a role he has in the past been awful at, but he was absolutley immense.

He held the ball well and his pace was frightening for their defence, eventually causing Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy to head past his own goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, then his superb clincher blasting the ball low past the keeper.

A monumental win against one of the ‘big four,’ which I thought would surely set us up for the next game against Manchester United.

Another late afternoon kick off against United! Why do the police not ask for the game to be moved? Every year they play at stupid times and every year there is trouble.

Maybe if one of the West Midlands Police is reading this he may take note from the actual fans and review it for next season, or even for January 6 after we draw them in the FA Cup - for a change.

I felt we battled hard against the champions and played with a great attitude, desire and commitment. We thoroughly deserved our point, but in my own opinion should have been three if the referee hadn’t bottled giving at least a free kick against Nemanja Vidic when he clearly hauled down Agbonlahor.

Maybe he didn’t want the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson for sending off his centre-half, I don’t know, but the foul was clear enough to see.

We welcome Fulham to Villa Park on Saturday and they are a club I have always liked for various reasons. They play the game the right way, you will never hear them moan about anything and more than all are a good family club.

Although they won’t bring too many fans, those that do travel are always good fun.

Finally, before I finish, a mention has to go to the Wolves in the last bit of my blog. What an outstanding job manager Mick McCarthy is doing down there.

You have every reason to be proud at the moment, and I look forward to seeing you all down at Villa Park next season. I think a few early bird season tickets will be sold this year!

Have a good weekend.

Up the Villa!

See Also:

• Click here for our Villa Blogger’s thoughts