With European success only three days ago, expectancy was high to return to winning ways in the league after Monday’s reverse at Newcastle United.
Sadly a cold wet afternoon in Aston soon became even more dreary when Steve Sidwell turned from hero to villain in the space of an hour.
The match
John Carew was withdrawn from the match day squad due to injury, leaving Gabriel Agbonlahor in a lone role upfront supported by Ashley Young and James Milner.
Villa’s early chances came from Ashley Young and Gareth Barry, although the home side were more dangerous from set-pieces with once again Laursen being the focal point.
Ashley Young’s deflected free-kick on the half-hour mark almost put the hosts ahead but was well tipped over by Ross Turnbull in the ‘Boro goal.
On 34 minutes the visitors were ahead. Stuart Downing’s innocuous cross field ball was seemingly easily waiting for the Villa defence to clear but Nicky Shorey lost concentration at the vital second and chested the ball to Tuncay who had all the time in the world to pass the ball into the net.
However, Villa were soon level three minutes later. Milner’s chipped-cross found Sidwell arriving on the back post to power the header home.
Villa lacked ideas and once again were restricted with forward options having only Agbonlahor upfront.
Middlesbrough, who looked dangerous and inventive, were unfortunate not to be ahead at half-time.
The second half started the same as the first finished with ‘Boro looking the more composed in the uncomfortable conditions.
With 20 minutes left Martin O’Neill withdrew Shorey and brought on striker Marlon Harewood.
Agbonlahor and Laursen were unlucky not to score while Harewood’s introduction made little impact.
Ashley Young saved Villa going behind with a goal-line clearance from Riggott header.
Alves, ‘Boro’s record Brazilian signing, astonishingly shot wide from 3 yards and was immediately withdrawn from proceedings.
With the game destined for a draw Sidwell produced a daft short backpass straight to Tuncay who smashed the ball past a stunned Friedel to give the visitors all 3 points.
Could this be a European hangover? True European football is a nice addition to the season but success will be judged on the league position in May. I will be severely disappointed if our league form suffers more due to UEFA Cup distractions.
The Legend’s Man of the Match: Gabriel Agbonlahor – no-one really stood out this afternoon but Gabby did what he could when once again isolated upfront due to tactics.
The perfect tonic to this disappointment will be beating Arsenal on their patch next week. Come on Villa! Up the Villa.
Match lineups, scorers, etc.
