Villa blogger Dave Bytheway ponders what a difference another week makes as the outlook in B6 gets a whole lot brighter.

The opening line in last weeks blog was ‘what a difference a week makes.’ That statement has been confirmed even more with our 3-1 win against Liverpool on Monday night at Anfield.

From the weak performances over the opening week against Wigan and Rapid Vienna, there was no apparent future for the current crop, the system was wrong and doom and gloom was surrounding Villa Park.

Now, a week later, we have just comprehensively beaten last year’s runners up on a ground they are undefeated for 31 games! I don’t think any Villa fan at all was expecting it to be honest, but all welcomed it with open arms.

In last week’s blog, I also said it was time for our manager Martin O’Neill to revert back to the 4-5-1 system that bought so much success last term, with a midfield threee of Sidwell, Reo-Coker and Petrov allowing Milner and Ashley Young to use the flanks as they can.

I seriously doubt he even knows what a blog is let alone reads this, but that’s the exact system and midfield line up that was used on Merseyside, and it totally took charge of the game.

The three points were totally deserved, so the bleating from the Liverpool fans on the radio directly following the game was embarassing.

The claims that Villa ‘parked the bus in front of goal’ bemused me to be honest – as we managed to score three goals. Our performance was immense, it showed determination and character.

Hopefully we can follow it up tonight in the return leg of our Europa League qualifier at home to Rapid Vienna.

Things are even starting to hot up in the transfer market, as the club have admitted a deal is close to sign Stephen Warnock from Blackburn. I personally rate Warnock very highly and his versatitilty will prove a big asset this season.

Mostly a left sided full-back, he played at Villa Park in the centre of midfield last season, scored and was undoubtably their best player on the day. Another good signing from MON.

It also looks like we’re keen on Dunne and Distin from Man City and Portsmouth respectively. Both I would take to be honest, as the depth needed for all competitions this season is increased from last year. I also expect a few little suprises in the next five days or so, it will prove to be pretty exciting come deadline day on Tuesday.

In closing my blog this week, I want to pay my respects to Bobby Thomson who passed away last week after a long brave battle with illness. Not only a Wolves and England legend, but also a friend over the years both personally and in latter years on a business level.

A true gentleman in every sense of the word, and our thoughts go out to all the family.

Up the Villa!