Arsenal America

” O’Leary is playing down suggestions that Villa’s aim is anything other than to avoid relegation. A safe view that doesn’t mislead Villa’s fans is diplomatic and reasonable.” Alexander Wheal–Soccernet corresponent

Alex, I couldn’t have agreed more, that is at the beginning of this season, but all of a sudden Villa is playing some excellent football. When I wrote the season preview, which appears I’ll be wrong on several accounts, I never imagined that Villa would be mentioned in the same breath as “European competition”. This club is a completely transformed group, not with new players but with new attitudes. A great deal of credit needs to be given to David O’Leary, as I see him as the reason for Villa’s new success.

When O’Leary took the job at Villa it looked to be the true test as to whether he was a real manager or not. Many expected him to fail based on players who appeared they wanted to be somewhere else. At the first few matches things looked no better, as heads where down and fans stayed away. O’Leary remained optimistic saying he saw some good in the players and would keep working hard. When the Gunners faced Villa last, O’Leary said he saw the players beginning to respond to him. Villa went into Highbury fighting but were beaten 2-0. Now the players have a new attitude as their fortunes have turned and they have begun to win. They will prove to be a much tougher opponent this time around.

As a core group they are the same players as the last few years. Hendrie, Dublin, Mellberg, Barry,Angel, Vassell, Dalaney and Samuel. With few changes, this group has found the chemistry they lost two years back. They did add Thomas Sorensen in goal, and he has been a difference maker. Clearly confident in the net he has been able to increase the level of work from the back four. At times he has saved the match and saved points with absolute brilliance.

Almost all the hype surrounds Juan Pablo Angel. When I saw him at River Plate, on FSW, it was obvious that he was born goal scorer. His transfer to Villa was full of controversy; death threats, homesickness, an inability to communicate, it all seemed to hamper him on the pitch. He did manage 16 goals in that first full season but he never really reached his full potential. Now, Angel has 9 goals in in the season and 16 overall. His luck has turned so much I recently read that Arsenal were going to shell out 20 million pounds for Angel.(I dont know what’s more humorous, Angel at 20 million or Arsenal paying 20 million.) Angel has certianly adapted to the English game. Known more for his individual efforts he now scores with his head on corners and crosses.

This match is at Villa where the Villians have a 6 win 3 draw and only one loss record. Contrast that to the 1-3-7 record they possess on the road. After 5 straight wins, Villa come off a 1-0 lose to Liverpool but dominated for much of the match. Liverpool, up to their old tricks, put everyone in defense only to get that one goal on the counter and then played the rest of the match in defense. Villa may have fallen into the Red’s trap but they match up better against the Gunners. Able to attack and counter, they remain solid in defense for the full 90. The Gunners can’t afford a draw but will have to pick it up a notch to get all 3 points.

ArseAm Predicts: Gunners lose 1-2.