How The 'Pool Got Drowned!

It all brings back the best of memories of games against Liverpool at Villa Park, doesn't it?

Most of all, probably, the 5-1 demolition of the 'Pool in 1976-77, when a Villa side that included the very great Brian Little took them apart in one half of the game. Alas, that game was not - it would appear - filmed for posterity. Some say that was a better Villa team than the subsequent 1981 title winners, and season 1976-77 certainly had some great moments about it.

If we're talking of taking Liverpool apart in one half, we also should record a similar game against them back in 1899 (no, I was not there!), when the 'Pool came to Villa to decide the league championship. Well, Villa did precisely what they did in 1976 - scored 5 first-half goals. On that occasion, Villa became champions as a result. Villa were mesmerising that day, just as in 1976.

Then there was 1992 and a superb 4-2 win, but one game that will always stick in my mind is a mid-week tussle back in 1960, when 'Pool led 3-0 at half-time and were 4-0 up with 20 minutes to go. Villa - having mainly slumbered through most of the match to that point - suddenly came alive. Villa not only brought the score back to 4-4 in those last 20 minutes but should have scored the winner in the last minute!

Great games, great tussles - and (I hate to say it) my memory of wee Ian St. John (a wonderful Scottish inside-forward of the 1960s) running around with socks around his ankles and mesmerising the Villa defence with his skills.

Last night showed that we now have players that can really make opponents' defences think, and Watkins must surely be a leading example of that. His hold-up play - as well as his scoring ability - is really excellent. Barkley, too, will probably only improve as he gets to know his fellow team-mates. And Jack himself looked happier I thought, now having other players he can rely on more, including McGinn. My only fear is whether we have enough depth of such attacking ability in the squad. 

One match does not make a season, but what a relief such a win provides for the Villa faithful after some totally embarrassing results in that horrible 2015-16 season and before. It also provides immense hope that Villa is now able to compete equally with the so-called 'big boys' and give them a run for their money.

Next up? Oh, just Leicester City. 

UTV!