The Week In Villa #57 (18/9/09 - 24/9/09)

Friday, 18th September

DRAMA! According to the Sun, MON & NRC had a FIGHT on the training ground yesterday! Unsurprisingly, it turns out to be nothing more than a verbal jousting. Even less surprisingly, NRC is pulled from the Pompey squad. MON gives an interview later in the day where he reminds everyone he is the boss; I don`t mean to sound like a Sky pundit but the look in his eyes suggests that he means business.

Saturday, 19th September

Villa 2-0 Pompey. It was a relative stroll in the park. Pompey played some nice stuff and had a few efforts but over the course of the game we were comfortable, certainly not at full pelt and the win was relatively easy when all else is said and done. A well-taken pen from James Milner and a great strike from Gabby Agbonlahor sealed the points.

Earlier in the day, the Academy boys beat Norwich 5-1, with goals coming from Durrell Berry (2), Kofi Poyser, Ryan Simmonds and Jason Lampkin.

Sunday, 20th September

Other than the tabloids suggesting that NRC is off in January, there is little else going on today. MON states his belief that Gabby could and should be going to the World Cup with England next summer.

Monday, 21st September

NRC is back in training. He apologises to MON, who accepts his apology. Good, now let`s all move on.

Our reserves beat Coventry in a behind-closed doors friendly by seven goals to one. Just like the old days, eh! ;-)

Tuesday, 22nd September

Stilyian Petrov says it is time for us to start winning some silverware. That`s easier said than done, but I concur nonetheless.

Stewart Downing has the pin taken out of his foot and MON states he is making good progress. On the subject of injuries, both Ashley Young and Emile Heskey will be missing tomorrow night with minor knocks. Luke Young will also be missing due to attending a funeral.

Finally, John Carew follows MON in suggesting Gabby should be in England`s squad for the World Cup. In all honesty, I actually agree.

Wednesday, 23rd September

Villa 1 - 0 Cardiff. Much like Saturday, this game was much more comfortable in hindsight than it felt at the time. I thought we may score a few after an early goal from Gabby, finished with a nice backheel after some good work by Carew down the right. Cardiff did okay and had a goal ruled out in injury time; looking at the replay, it was the right decision but boy was it close! Earlier in the game, James Milner missed a pen - I would have been a lot more comfortable had that gone in! Still, we`re through and as I believe this competition represents our best chance of a trophy this season, I must say that I am delighted.

Thursday, 24th September

Marlon Harewood heads to Newcastle on a loan move. I genuinely wish him a lot of success there personally; of course, the ideal scenario is that he does well there but Newcastle still lose a lot of games!

Marc Albrighton signs a new three year deal. As many of you know, I am a massive fan of this lad so see this as very good news.

That`s your lot then. We had a good week, with two more wins, two more clean sheets and two more goals for Gabby. Blackburn up next, can we carry on this winning run? I am heartbroken that I am unable to go to Ewood Park tomorrow as that is one of my favourite trips to make. So if you are going, give the boys a shout for me!

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