People can't say we're having played 'no one' we've taken a point away at chelsea, our only defeat is against liverpool and we seem to be beating the mid table teams...
is this just a bubble waiting to burst... cos its the same squad we had last year when we finished 15th
So what do others think? are we over achieving in this position or is it just the managerial skills of MON?
watch out chelsea! the tranfer window approaches.... and we have a billionaire owner too... lol
2006-11-15 19:49:40 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Football ➔ English Football
Has to be well-managed. That said, it's only mid-November and A LOT of clubs have been under-performing this season resulting in a see-saw table. Aston Villa are lucky to have a manager who has been able to help them achieve consistent results- something that the majority of other teams in the prem league would kill for. If O'Neill carries on this way and the team keep responding, it's quite reasonable to expect a top-six placing and qualification for Europe at the end of the season- there's a lot of football to be played between now and then though...
2006-11-15 20:36:25 · answer #1 · answered by Vic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not well managed but BRILLIANT management.
Martin O'Neil is one heck of a manager his first signing was Bulgarian captain Stylian Petrov and he has also given Agbonlahor the chance to show what he can do.
And he can do an awful lot. Villa have played awesome this season with players on form such as, Liam Ridgewell, Garteh Barry, Milan Baros, Gabriel Agonlahor and of course Stylian Petrov. Villa Park must have a fantastic vide at the moment.
Im not just saying this because I support Villa, Because I dont. I support West Ham and to be tottally honest, The hammers arn't doing to great this season.
But good luck to Villa and I hope they do really Well! I can see Martin making some new great signing in the January transfer window, but hopefully that wont break the teams vibe.
2006-11-16 00:46:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having a new (and good) manager has helped, as has a new chairman. Both those things have freshened things up at Villa Park. However, as you more than anyone knows, having led the Premiership a few years ago at christmas, only to end up no where in the league by the end of the season, there can be such a thing as a false dawn in football. I have no doubts that you will have a far, far better season this year than last, but be weary of the time when things don't necessarily go your way, it happens to every club at some point in the season, its just how long it takes for your team to stop the rot. Look at Bolton last year, did really well thoroughout the season, then in the last 8-9 games, i think they won 2? But overall, i think you have alot to look forward to as a 'Villain' this year.....
2006-11-15 21:24:51 · answer #3 · answered by ShelfSideSpur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kudos to Villa's current 4th place in the EPL.
Personally, I do not think the Villians will be among the top 3 come May. They will definitely be above mid-table, but still will not challenge the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea & ManUtd for the title.
I will not say that they are currently over-achieving, but more of, this is what the current Villa squad is capable of.
Here's my reasons to it.
1. Martin O'Neil - A master tactician. Besides Sir Alex and money rich Jose, I would say he is the top that the Premier League can offer now. Came aboard Villa when the club was in turmoil in the pre-season, he has persuaded many to stay on from last season. Despite a lack in transfer activity, MON had played all cards right - a mixutre of talented emerging youths, couple with several experience old-heads of the Premiership.
2. Defence - Thomas Sorensen had many times rescued Villa from defeat this season. Furthermore, a well marshalled defence by club captain, Olof Merlberg, and young emerging England U-21 defender - Liam Ridgewell had seen the club kept it tight at the back. 9 goals conceeded in 12 games, puts them at the top among the likes of Chelsea and ManUtd.
3. Young emerging talents.. The lists goes on…… Liam Ridgewell, Steven Davis, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Luke Moore…… If Villa can keep this lot together, a bright future holds for the club.
4. Villa Park - Averaging 40K+ attendance each week, they have yet to lose at home. 4 wins, 2 draws, and 0 losses is a very good standard, that many can be proud of. Furthermore, they have managed to pluck out away draws from home from the likes of fellow champion contenders - Chelsea and Arsenal, very much helping them to their current 4th place.
5. Gareth Barry - Has been in impresive form all season. 4 goals to his name as a left winger.
5.1 Stiliyan Petrov - Despite yet to score for Villa, his work rate and vision has been an added bonus to the Villa midfield since last season.
6. Randy Lerner - The American Billionaire - If MON continues his eye for talent, you will see Aston Villa pinching on the great talents from all around the world. I don’t believe he will spend lavishly ala. Chelsea style in the transfer market, but more on players that will fit the size and potential of the club.
It had also helped that 82 yr old Doug Ellis had finally left as chairman. In many ways, Doug has slowed down the progress of the club……
My 2 cents…. In all, I would say they are in very good hands….
/back to work………..
2006-11-15 20:55:14 · answer #4 · answered by skay_16 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is too early to judge that Aston Villa is over achieving or well managed because premier league just started.
example, last season Wigan Athletic was in 3rd in premier league after 13 games. however, the team end up in 10th place at the end of day.
premier league is about 38 matches which play in 9 months and not about several matches. the winner will not walk away as champion just in 12 games.
one thing i figure out here is Aston Villa has highest draw match compare to 1st 10 team in standing after 12 games. drawing is not a way to maintain position in EPL. winning is the way to maintain the position.
if Aston Villa wants to get a place in UEFA Cup or Champion League, Aston Villa should start winning more games.
wish you good luck
2006-11-15 23:13:46 · answer #5 · answered by macvanteh 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well managed, the reason is because Martin O' Neill is such a influential manager. Take a look back during those days that Martin O' Neill is managing Celtic F.C. . It's just the same as now. Their playing of football is good.
2006-11-15 21:07:00 · answer #6 · answered by Eric F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
aston villa deserve to be fourth in the prem only man u, chelsea, arsenal are playing better, if they can maintain this throughout the season is hard to say. villa should be up there look at the history of this club, second to none. with one of the best managers around and a few quid to spend things are looking rosy. i predict 6th place.
2006-11-16 03:02:20 · answer #7 · answered by anjodan71 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a bit of both
aston villa always have the ability o'niell just gave them the confidence to win
but when the seasons finished the best you can hope for is 5th place
2006-11-16 06:40:53 · answer #8 · answered by liam0_m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well as soon as i heard martin o'neill was taking over i placed a bet on them. at the start of the season they were given a +40 point handicap to win the league at 15/1 i think my money's safe.Martin O'Neill rates as one of the best only second to fergie,will villa be able to keep him ?
2006-11-15 20:40:07 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All i can say is im scottish and a celtic fan and i was sad to see him leave celtic as i honestly think he is one of the top 5 managers in britain. Im glad he didnt get the England job though lol.
2006-11-15 23:56:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋