Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Paul Lambert’s boys become men to stifle Reds
While Villa’s performances in their last two seasons have been generally underwhelming, they have tended to over-perform against the big players
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Your support makes all the difference.Alan Pardew was always the even-money favourite to become the first Premier League manager to lose his job but, when the season opened, Paul Lambert was among the runners and riders.
When Graham Taylor resigned as manager of Aston Villa in 2003, he said it was because the biggest sporting institution in the Midlands was “more than about finishing 16th”. Lambert’s first two seasons at Villa Park saw them finish 15th each time and when the club’s owner, Randy Lerner, put it up for sale, there were many who thought his manager was in a cul-de-sac with only one way out.
It will not last but after Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Anfield, Villa are second, having conceded one goal in four games. Lambert claimed that Lerner’s decision to sell had gelled a young squad rather than sent them scurrying for their agents.
“Everyone knows the situation and I think that has helped,” he said. “It has galvanised the supporters. Since the start of the season we have been fantastic but it’s a long, long road the Premier League.”
The next four junctions see them turn off to face Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton. But while Villa’s performances in their last two seasons have been generally underwhelming, they have tended to over-perform against the big players. Saturday’s 1-0 win at Liverpool was the third time Villa have come to Anfield under Lambert, and their tally is seven points.
Lerner may be ready to leave but the appointment of Tom Fox as chief executive has speeded up tying players down to long-term contracts. Gabby Agbonlahor has signed and the club is hopeful Fabian Delph will do the same.
The England manager, Roy Hodgson might have had a profitable afternoon here; one in which Lambert said some of his boys became men. “If you look at our midfield, we had four Englishmen out of five,” he said. “And there is Gabby Agbonlahor, so we have English lads outside the national team performing really well.”
Delph, Tom Cleverley – who showed those who had baited him on social media what he is capable of – and Ashley Westwood formed a formidable midfield.
“Delph’s come back from England and looks like he’s grown in stature,” said Lambert. “Westwood’s a very clever player who goes unnoticed. He doesn’t get talked about because he makes the game look so easy.”
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