Lowly Bantams humble Villa

Updated January 09, 2013 09:55:32

Aston Villa's poor season took another downturn on Wednesday morning (AEDT) when they were beaten 3-1 by fourth-tier Bradford City in the League Cup semi-final, first leg.

The Bantams, who disposed of Wigan Athletic and Arsenal en route to the last four, took the lead when Nahki Wells scored from close range in the first half before Rory McArdle doubled the advantage after the break.

Villa squandered several good chances with substitute Darren Bent guilty of arguably the worst miss of the night heading over an open goal in the second half before Andreas Weimann pulled a goal back late on for the visitors.

It proved to be a brief ray of light on a grim evening for Villa however as Carl McHugh added gloss to the scoreline with two minutes remaining to give Bradford, who lies in eighth spot in League Two, a significant advantage ahead of the return leg at Villa Park on Thursday January 23 (AEDT).

If Villa do not overcome the first-leg deficit further pressure will be heaped on manager Paul Lambert who saw his lose three straight games over the Christmas period, conceding 15 goals without scoring.

The Villans currently lie one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Neither of Villa's two Australian players, Chris Herd and Brett Holman, were in action at Valley Parade.

Chelsea hosts Swansea in the first leg of the second semi-final tomorrow.

AFP/ABC

Tags: sport, soccer, england

First posted January 09, 2013 09:07:07

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Bent rescues point for Aston Villa

Updated October 01, 2012 06:14:32

Darren Bent came off the bench to rescue a point for Aston Villa in their 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion on Monday (AEST).

Bent, Villa's club record signing, was among the substitutes as Paul Lambert started with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Christian Benteke up front.

The England striker, with national manager and ex-Baggies coach Roy Hodgson watching from the stands at Villa Park, had only been on the pitch 11 minutes when he cancelled out Shane Long's opening goal.

"Obviously it would have been nice to play from the start, but I managed to score the goal to get a point," Bent told Sky Sports.

"It's obviously been a difficult couple of weeks, losing the captaincy first off, then finding out I wasn't playing today. But we battled all the way through and we got the point.

"The start of the season's been up and down. Obviously we had a good result against Swansea, but then we got beaten 4-1 by Southampton before getting a great result against Manchester City (in the League Cup).

"Today we showed signs that we are heading in the right direction and we've all got faith in the manager."

The under-pressure Lambert added: "Darren's a big part of (this squad) -- everybody knows he's a goalscorer.

"I decided on the lads up front but I don't value anybody higher than anybody else. To do well we need everybody."

Sunday's result left Villa two points clear of the bottom three.

Long missed a chance to give West Brom -- who have lost just once in their first six league games this term -- an early lead when he headed wide from close range.

But Villa eased their way into the match and it needed a finger-tip save from Albion goalkeeper Ben Foster to divert Brett Holman's long-range shot over the crossbar.

Foster then made another good save when he turned away a Holman shot that deflected off Billy Jones.

However, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Long turned in James Morrison's low cross for his fourth goal of the season.

Bent came on mid-way through the second half, in place of Benteke, and 10 minutes from time the striker turned in a loose ball after Ciaran Clark's volley from a Barry Bannan corner was blocked.

Albion almost won the match late on when substitute Roman Lukaku twice went close to regaining the lead for the Baggies.

The striker, on loan from Premier League leaders Chelsea, first saw a shot deflect off Clark onto a post and then saw another effort come off the legs of Villa keeper Brad Guzan.

AFP

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First posted October 01, 2012 06:14:32

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City shocked by Villa, Terry plays in Chelsea romp

Updated September 26, 2012 08:29:39

Manchester City suffered a surprise exit from the League Cup as Aston Villa clinched a 4-2 third round win at Eastlands, while Chelsea welcomed back controversial captain John Terry with a 6-0 rout of Wolves.

City manager Roberto Mancini made 11 changes from the side held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal on Sunday and the Premier League champions were not able to win with their stand-ins.

Italian striker Mario Balotelli fired City ahead in the 27th minute, but Villa equalised in the 59th minute when their former midfielder Gareth Barry deflected the ball into his own net.

City regained the lead when Aleksandar Kolarov clipped a free-kick past Shay Given in the 64th minute, but Gabriel Agbonlahor restored parity six minutes later.

And in the sixth minute of extra-time, Agbonlahor fired in a shot that City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon could not hold and Charles N'Zogbia was on hand to slot home before Agbonalahor completed the upset with seven minutes remaining.

Roberto Mancini's side have now won just two of its seven matches this season and conceded 14 goals in that run.

At Stamford Bridge, Terry skippered Chelsea just hours after appearing at the second day of the FA disciplinary hearing into charges he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand last October.

It took Chelsea just four minutes to welcome Terry back as his central defensive partner Gary Cahill headed home from Juan Mata's free-kick.

Ryan Bertrand doubled Chelsea's lead with a close-range finish four minutes later and Mata increased the hosts' advantage when he slotted home in the 17th minute.

Oriol Romeu bagged his first Chelsea goal with a penalty after Victor Moses was fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Dorus de Vries in the 53rd minute.

A Fernando Torres header five minutes later piled on the misery for Wolves, who conceded for the sixth time when Victor Moses, a signing from Wigan last month, claimed his first goal for Chelsea in the 71st minute.

"We wanted John to start," Chelsea assistant manager Eddie Newton said. "We had a phone call saying he was making his way back from the FA nice and early.

"We'd covered all the bases, all the scenarios, and the best one happened."

Leeds caused another upset as the Championship club defeated Everton 2-1 at Elland Road.

Toffees boss David Moyes made six changes to the side that beat Swansea 3-0, but his reserves were not up to the task.

Aidan White rocked Everton in the fourth minute as the Republic of Ireland under 21 international weaved his way past several challenges before curling a shot past Jan Mucha.

Everton squandered several chances to equalise before Rodolph Austin poked home Danny Pugh's pass in the 70th minute and Sylvain Distin's 81st minute goal was too late to spark a comeback.

"The atmosphere and the rain made it a real old fashioned cup tie," Leeds boss Neil Warnock said. "We deserved it and we should have scored two or three other goals."

Wigan recovered from a goal down to claim an impressive 4-1 win at West Ham.

Modibo Maiga's powerful strike put West Ham ahead in the seventh minute, but Wigan striker Mauro Boselli equalised from close-range in the 14th minute.

Ivan Ramis blasted his first goal for the Latics from long range in the 38th minute.

Boselli struck again four minutes before the break and Jordi Gomez added an 84th-minute penalty.

Southampton eased to a 2-0 victory over Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday at St Mary's thanks to two goals from striker Jay Rodriguez.

Sunderland saw off League One outfit Milton Keynes Dons 2-0 despite playing over half the match with 10 men following Lee Cattermole's red card.

Craig Gardner and James McClean got the goals for the Black Cats.

Swansea avoided an embarrassing exit at League One side Crawley as Michael Laudrup's team fought back to win 3-2.

AFP

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First posted September 26, 2012 08:23:09

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Lambert named new Villa manager

Updated June 03, 2012 09:47:23

Former Norwich coach Paul Lambert was on Saturday unveiled as the new manager of Aston Villa, the Premier League club announced.

A brief statement on Villa's website read: "The board of Aston Villa are delighted to confirm that Paul Lambert has been appointed Villa manager."

Lambert joined Villa 48 hours after resigning from Norwich, amid reports the Birmingham club had paid their top flight rivals 1 million pounds ($1.6 million) in compensation for the manager.

The Scot succeeded compatriot Alex McLeish, sacked at the end of last season, after Villa -- champions of Europe in 1982 -- finished just two points above the relegation zone.

By contrast, newly promoted Norwich finished in a respectable 12th place under Lambert's guidance.

The 42-year-old, who won the Champions League as a player with German club Borussia Dortmund in 1997, is Villa's fourth manager in less than two years.

Villa have struggled since Martin O'Neill, under whom they enjoyed three successive top six finishes, resigned seemingly in protest at US-based owner Randy Lerner's reluctance to release more funds for new signings.

France's Gerard Houllier, best known in England for his time in charge of Liverpool, replaced O'Neill but had to quit before the start of the season just gone on health grounds, while former Birmingham boss McLeish was never accepted by Villa's fans, having previously been in charge of their cross-town rivals.

AFP

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First posted June 03, 2012 09:47:23

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Aston Villa sack McLeish

Updated May 15, 2012 06:26:32

Alex McLeish was sacked as manager of Aston Villa on Monday, fewer than 24 hours after the end of his first season in charge.

In a statement, the Premier League club said McLeish's contract had been "terminated with immediate effect".

The Scot was an unpopular appointment with many Villa fans after he oversaw city rivals Birmingham's relegation from the Premier League last term.

And he only narrowly avoided a similar fate with Villa this season, the club finishing just two points above the bottom three to stay in English football's top flight.

"The club has been disappointed with this season's results, performances and the general message these have sent to our fans," the Villa statement added.

"The board wishes to assure supporters that we are conscious in every sense that Villa expects and deserves more and we will strive to deliver this."

Villa ended the campaign with a run of nine winless matches and for the club's US-based owner Randy Lerner, never mind fans capable of recalling the Midlands side's 1982 European Cup triumph, that was not good enough.

Its home form was especially dire, with just four wins at Villa Park representing a record low return in front of its owns fans in a single season.

Lerner, in a message on the club's website, said: "We need to be clear and candid with ourselves and with supporters about what we have lacked in recent years.

"Compelling play and results that instil a sense of confidence that Villa is on the right track have been plainly absent.

"The most immediate action that we can take is to look carefully at our options in terms of bringing in a new manager who sees the club's potential and embraces our collective expectations."

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner added: "We'd like to thank Alex for his hard work and efforts throughout this tough season.

"We are mindful of the club's need to prepare thoroughly for the new campaign and for the new manager to be able to begin working with the board so that he is quickly immersed in these preparations and also in the long-term objectives of the club.

"Our focus now will be driven by these imperatives and we will update when appropriate."

McLeish had to cope with reducing what he said was an "astronomical" wage bill and he was also deprived of several key players through injury or illness such as record signing Darren Bent and club captain Stiliyan Petrov.

Even so, it was still something of a surprise that Villa only made sure of their Premier League status on Sunday's final day of the season.

AFP

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First posted May 15, 2012 06:26:32

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Gunners pull off Cup comeback over Villa

Updated January 31, 2012 08:51:48

Arsenal scored three goals in a seven-minute burst after half-time against visitors Aston Villa, including two penalties from Robin van Persie, as it staged a dramatic comeback to win 3-2 and reach the FA Cup fifth round.

The Gunners trailed 2-0 at the break but Van Persie's spot kicks either side of a Theo Walcott equaliser spun the match on its head at The Emirates and sent Arsene Wenger's side through to a meeting away to either Sunderland or Middlesbrough.

Sunderland were earlier held 1-1 at home by Boro with half-time substitute Fraizer Campbell equalising for the Premier League side after Barry Robson had put the Championship (second division) outfit ahead early on at the Stadium of Light.

Arsenal were booed off at half-time as Villa struck twice with goals by Richard Dunne and Darren Bent.

They were given a lifeline shortly after the break when Dunne brought down midfielder Aaron Ramsey and Van Persie beat Villa goalkeeper Shay Given from the penalty spot.

Three minutes later Walcott made it 2-2 when the ball cannoned back into the net off the England winger from an attempted clearance by Alan Hutton after the Arsenal player's initial effort had been saved by Given.

The comeback was complete in the 61st minute when Bent's mistimed sliding tackle on Laurent Koscielny gave Van Persie the chance to display his penalty-taking prowess again.

In the early kick-off, Middlesbrough had threatened to shock their north-east rivals when Robson volleyed them ahead.

But Sunderland replied after the break when former Manchester United front man Campbell, playing his first match for 18 months after a serious knee injury, capitalised on a Robson error to earn his side a replay.

Reuters

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First posted January 30, 2012 07:23:58

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Villa out for five months with broken leg

Updated December 16, 2011 08:13:37

Striker David Villa will be out for up to five months after breaking his left leg in Barcelona's 4-0 Club World Cup semi-final victory over Al Sadd of Qatar.

The news is also a setback for Spain as it prepares to defend its European Championship title in Poland and Ukraine next year.

"David has fractured his leg and will return to Barcelona for an operation as soon as possible," Barca coach Pep Guardiola told reporters in Japan.

"We are all very sad for him. He's a charming personality and it's a massive blow for the team," added Guardiola after the European champions set up a final against Brazil's Santos.

Villa, Spain's all-time top scorer with 50 goals in 81 appearances, fell awkwardly in the first half and immediately signalled to the bench before being rushed to a local hospital in Yokohama.

"He will be out for a long time," said Guardiola.

"I don't know how long but it takes a long time to return after a break like this.

"All the players are very worried about David. We hope he will return as soon as possible. Our thoughts are with him and we will have to win the Club World Cup without him."

The Spanish champions later said in a statement they estimated Villa would be out for between four and five months.

Villa's absence will narrow Guardiola's options as his side pursue titles in the Club World Cup, La Liga, Champions League and King's Cup.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was also concerned about the 30-year-old.

Villa was first-choice forward when Spain won the World Cup in South Africa last year and his national team partners Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente are now struggling for form.

"It's very bad news, very unlucky for him," Del Bosque was quoted as telling Europa Press.

"Thinking ahead to the European Championship it is obviously very bad news as well.

"There are still six months to go. Let's see how he recovers. Some return quickly, others take a little longer. First we need to listen to what the medics say."

Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes said: "It's negative news on what should have been a special and historic day. We will try to dedicate the cup to him in the final."

AFP

Tags: soccer, sport, spain, spain, japan

First posted December 16, 2011 07:26:35

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McLeish appointed Villa manager

Posted June 17, 2011 19:00:00

Aston Villa has confirmed the appointment of Alex McLeish as its new manager with immediate effect.

The 52-year-old makes the move across Birmingham just five days after resigning from his post at Birmingham City, whom he could not save from relegation from the English Premier League last season.

Villa pressed ahead with the appointment despite protests from supporters and a row with the Blues.

"I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa's," McLeish said.

"The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible. The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter."

Villa has not yet confirmed the length of McLeish's contract but the club has said the Scot will commence duties immediately.

The Blues were angered when it became apparent McLeish was a contender for the Villa vacancy and accused their rivals of tapping up the former Rangers and Scotland boss.

They also demanded 5.4 million pounds ($8.2m) in compensation to cover the remaining two years of McLeish's contract but threats to report Villa to the Premier League or take out an injunction to block the move were not carried out.

McLeish becomes Villa's third full-time manager in nine months.

Martin O'Neill resigned just five days before the 2010-11 campaign began and his successor Gerard Houllier stepped down at the end of the season for health reasons.

McLeish added: "I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why.

"It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success at the club."

- AFP

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Hughes quits Fulham, denies Villa approach

Updated June 3, 2011 07:06:00

Mark Hughes resigned as manager of Fulham on Thursday and immediately brushed off speculation linking him with the vacancy at Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Birmingham club Villa was left without a manager after former France boss Gerard Houllier stepped down on Wednesday following a heart scare.

Fulham finished eighth, one place above Villa, last season and Hughes was immediately touted as the man to replace Houllier.

However the former Manchester United, Barcelona and Wales striker said in a statement: "I hope the supporters and all those connected with the club will understand I wish to move on to further my experiences.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that neither myself nor my representative have approached or have been approached by another club."

"This decision to leave Fulham has not been influenced by any outside party," added Hughes, who began his managerial career with Wales before spells with Premier League sides Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City.

However, it would be astonishing if Hughes had quit Fulham with absolutely no plans of any kind for another job.

The 47-year-old enjoyed a successful first season at Fulham that also saw the London club earn a return to Europe via the Fair Play League and was understood to have a good relationship with chairman Mohamed Al Fayed.

He said: "I would like to thank the chairman, directors, players and fans of Fulham Football Club for their support over the last 12 months and wish them every success in the future.

"I believe my management team and I have done a good job and the club has a strong foundation from which they can go forward.

"I have especially enjoyed our excellent relationship with the chairman and chief executive (Alastair Mackintosh).

"I sincerely wish Fulham a successful campaign in the Europa League next season and for their continued progress on and off the field."

A brief Fulham statement said: "Fulham Football Club can confirm that Mark Hughes has provided notice, under the terms of his contract, to leave the club at the end of June.

"After discussions with Mark the club has agreed to accept this notice."

- AFP

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First posted June 3, 2011 06:53:00

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Houllier set to leave Villa: reports

Posted June 1, 2011 06:40:00

Gerard Houllier is set to stand down as manager of English Premier League club Aston Villa following his latest health scare, press reports have said.

"Houllier and Villa have reluctantly decided the 63-year-old should vacate his position with immediate effect following his recent heart scare," the Birmingham Mail reported.

The Frenchman, who underwent heart surgery when Liverpool manager a decade ago, missed the final month of last season with the latest setback.

Caretaker boss Gary McAllister has said he was confident Houllier would return to his post and the 63-year-old has played his part in drawing up Villa's plans for next season.

But Villa insisted medical tests conducted on the manager before the weekend would determine Houllier's future.

The results have been studied by Villa owner Randy Lerner and medical staff and an official announcement was expected soon.

But Villa forward Ashley Young, called up for England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday, said the players had yet to be informed of the latest situation regarding Houllier's health.

"To be honest, I've not heard anything out of the club, officially. I'm not too sure what's been going on," Young told reporters at England's hotel on Tuesday.

"I'm away with England and that's what I'm concentrating on. We've got a massive game on Saturday and that's where my thoughts are."

Asked if he wanted Houllier to stay at Villa Park, Young said: "Of course. He's done great.

"It's been a difficult season, but fingers crossed things can get sorted and he'll get back to full health."

- AFP

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