Carson's Blessings and Thrillers

Admitting completely it's an old cliche, but Scott Carson is wondering if our season could be made in the league now because we have no further distractions.

I do see the point and can see the reason for making this a news item, I'm just not sure I agree.

'We need to win our home games, that's the priority - hopefully starting on Saturday.

'Europe is still very much in our sights and you never know, defeat to Manchester United could be a blessing in disguise for us.

'It's the old cliché of concentrating on the league but that's the way we must look at it. We've been doing exceptionally well in the Premier League. We've got a good points total and we'll be looking to have a solid January.

'It's such a fine line. A couple of wins or a couple of defeats could mean the difference between fourth and 10th. That's why every single game is important.'

On the subject of thrillers, Villa and Saturday's opponents Reading have both had their own high scoring close encounters this season, and he's full of praise for the strikers at the club and the quality of attack on show in the Premiership in general.

'They (Reading) have scored a lot of goals and conceded a lot too. That seems to be a trend throughout the Premier League this season. We certainly got a fair share at Tottenham, too.

'I think the amount of goals has got to go down to the quality of the attacking play this season.

'There's a bit of fortune in some goals but I feel the finishing in the Premier League at the moment is second to none.

'It's so hard for a goalkeeper at the moment because it seems that strikers are scoring with every chance.

'I just need to stay positive and confident and save everything I can.'

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