Aston Villa’s 4-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday propelled the club’s automatic promotion aspirations. Here are my observations and musings post-Owls clash.
Before kickoff on Sunday, Cardiff City led Aston Villa by one point for second-place in the EFL Championship table. The Bluebirds ultimately dispatched Bristol City, meaning they regained their four point cushion on second place. However, not all is lost, the claret and blues have a good chance at securing more victories with an easier slate of matches ahead.
Villa face Sunderland, Bolton, Hull City, QPR all sandwiched around a clash with league leaders Wolves. With that said, here are my thoughts following a dramatic, late win at Hillsborough Stadium.
1. Never say die attitude is infectious.
It was clearly visible against Sheffield Wednesday. Twice down, away from home, Aston Villa clawed its way back for not just a draw, but a convincing victory. This team simply won’t quit, no matter how poor things look after a pair of winless matches. It’s awesome to be good enough again where we as supporters become completely disillusioned if every match isn’t an automatic three points.
FT: #AVFC 4-2 #SWFC. Critical three points at Hillsborough. Robert Snodgrass applauding the away end and he is FIRED up.
— Claret Villans (@ClaretVillans) February 24, 2018
2. Neil Taylor’s reintroduction could service as an additional attacking outlet.
Bless Alan Hutton. The man is the epitome of Villa’s refusal to quit this season under Steve Bruce. The right back-converted-left back has largely been a resounding success this season on the opposite flank. He’s not Marcelo rampaging forward with world class inside runs – and with Albert Adomah as his usual flank partner, luckily he’s never been asked to.
That said, Neil Taylor came on for the final 40 minutes or so against Sheffield Wednesday. It sounds silly, but Taylor’s actual ability to cross with his left foot was very noticeable. Until Adomah or André Green return to full fitness, Taylor could be a better option at left back to provide a little more spark into the Aston Villa attack.
Update: Hutton’s hamstring injury will keep him out until mid-March.
3. Glenn Whelan reminded everyone he’s still here and he’s hungry.
Whelan was easily the most surprising inclusion in Saturday’s teamsheet. Not necessarily because he is a poor option, but because Mile Jedinak and Birkir Bjarnason usually occupy defensive midfield. The Republic of Ireland international had a forgetful first-half (so did 3/4 of the Villa XI), but he redeemed himself with his first league goal since 2011.
Next: Player Grades: Villa vs. Wednesday
Whelan’s performance serves as a reminder he’s still hungry for more. With so few starts to begin 2018, he might be far fresher, too.