Some Villa Fans Need A Reality Check - For The Sake Of Their Health!

A win, partly thanks to a sending-off I feel, as I don't think there was much to choose between the teams. If 11 Chelsea men had remained on the field I think the final score could have been 5-5 without the performances put in by the two 'keepers. 

Both goalkeepers excelled themselves to keep down the number of goals. There were two thunderbolt shots from Villa and their keeper's response to both was superlative. But Emi also did his job very well, showing great anticipation.

Villa still are not quite 'there' yet, as numerous other writers would agree, but there's something satisfying about the players' commitment. Not only that but the fact that after this week-end's results, only Manchester City have won more points than the Villa this year! Yes, in the calendar year of 2023 it would seem that we have racked up 55 points - alongside Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal. We are therefore in joint second place for the year versus the steamroller that is Manchester City, on 74 points.

And yet I have just read a blog by a Villa fan that says that after the Liverpool match he did not know where to put himself and didn't view any further Villa match until Thursday just gone, in Warsaw.

If a Villa supporter can allow himself to do that having presumably experienced the hell years between 2011 and 2018 (dare I mention 2015-16 in particular?) then he surely needs a reality check. I am sorry, that is how I see it: life is far more than grumbling about the odd defeat in a general scenario that shows that the Villa is quietly 'getting there'. And thanks to Emery really. He may have some flaws but at least he owns up to his errors and generally gets things sorted pretty quickly. The fact that the players have 'bought' into his methods and decisions is a very positive sign. And I'm quite enjoying Villa's style of play.

I'm happy with the odd 'blip'.

As to today's match I'll not say anything more except mention our Belgian friend Tielemans. In the last two league matches he has come on as a sub and - for me at least - looks good. I feel he will show us some more of what he can do pretty soon.

Well, next up is a League Cup match against a resurgent Everton. But we can do it.

UTV!