Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: Mike Field 
Date:Wednesday December 2 2009
Time: 7:50AM
UK time is: 17:29:06
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Thank God For Midfield
Cried Martin O'Neill in his verdict after we thumped Pompey 4-2 and secured ourselves a place in the Carling Cup Semi Finals.
Speaking on the official site following our successful quarter final match, the boss took time to pay tribute to Ash, Downy and Milly for not only all getting on the score sheet but for finally giving us a taste of a midfield that could run games for us.
Well we did score four - something happened to our creativity!
Milner moved into the middle which many fans have been shouting for since....oh....last season, and Downing clocked up his debut start for the club after returning from injury - but far more important we finally saw some proper rotation between the wide boys which caused merry havoc for Pompey's defence.
As for Milly, Monny said simply:
'I thought James played terrifically well. Not only did he score the goal, but it was a great performance.'
Adding that like, Ash and Downing, he had no concerns about Milly starting in the middle (and the other two slotting in when need be, because players of that talent should be able to go central.
For Downy he said:
'He was fantastic, I was really pleased and delighted and he scored a goal.'
O'Neill explained that he did want to ease Downing into games, but he always planned to start him last night and that when he is fully fit that he will be a 'proper' player for us.
Well DOL had his hungry players, I suppose O'Neill can have his proper ones.
He was also adamant that he wouldn't 'downplay' us reaching the semi's, describing it as a fantastic moment for everyone at the club.
There's very little else to add for a change from me, it's nice to see us taking Cup competitions seriously for a change and again it was an improved performance.
The only criticism of the night would be at the end of the game we were relatively comfortable, it would've been nice to see the youngsters get some time on the pitch but I think the disappointment there can be set aside for a change.
To read Monny's full quotes please Click Here
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Your Comments
As much as I'd have loved to have seen some youngsters get on last night, it seemed that MON did the right thing in not shuffling the pack...as it was they (Pompey reserves) got right back in it at 3-2...
olofthegreat
As much as I'd have loved to have seen some youngsters get on last night, it seemed that MON did the right thing in not shuffling the pack...as it was they (Pompey reserves) got right back in it at 3-2...
olofthegreat
I was well pleased with the midfield last night. Liked the energy of Milner in the middle and the switching of the flanks to add confusion. And 5-1 isn't a bad score. Yeah, that's right I'm counting Petrov's as our own. Not like he'll get a real one any time soon.
JayVFC
I was well pleased with the midfield last night. Liked the energy of Milner in the middle and the switching of the flanks to add confusion. And 5-1 isn't a bad score. Yeah, that's right I'm counting Petrov's as our own. Not like he'll get a real one any time soon.
JayVFC
I'm guessing if we were still in the UEFA Cup then we'd of put a second string out.
leelindsay
I'm guessing if we were still in the UEFA Cup then we'd of put a second string out.
leelindsay
vitalfootballadmin
vitalfootballadmin
Still - nice to know we have a squad that can cope with match demands at last.
leelindsay
Still - nice to know we have a squad that can cope with match demands at last.
leelindsay
Arsenal's in the next round for me bringing back memories of '96. Home and Away we'll have the upper hand, then the Red Manc in the final - ah the memories of '94.
bazzah
Arsenal's in the next round for me bringing back memories of '96. Home and Away we'll have the upper hand, then the Red Manc in the final - ah the memories of '94.
bazzah
Great to see that last night. Hate to say it though, but if we;re going to play Milner, Downing and Young we need another midfielder who can defend well. A Makelele kind of player and i'm not so sure Petrov can do that to the standard we're going to need. But hey, we'll see.
UTV
Jaymo_UTV
Great to see that last night. Hate to say it though, but if we;re going to play Milner, Downing and Young we need another midfielder who can defend well. A Makelele kind of player and i'm not so sure Petrov can do that to the standard we're going to need. But hey, we'll see.
UTV
Jaymo_UTV
Jaymo what about Reo Coker....
Villa 4 Ever
Jaymo what about Reo Coker....
Villa 4 Ever
Reo would be great if he could learn to win it and then give it to Milner (or whoever is right beside him), instead he runs off down the pitch like a ten year old who has just been passed the ball for the first time in his life, he just keeps running until he is tackled (otherwise known as Wright-Phillips syndrome) or even worse tries to make a 40 yard pass that ends up 40 yards from his intended spot..... but if he could win it and give it he could be brilliant for us!
ant1ant1
Reo would be great if he could learn to win it and then give it to Milner (or whoever is right beside him), instead he runs off down the pitch like a ten year old who has just been passed the ball for the first time in his life, he just keeps running until he is tackled (otherwise known as Wright-Phillips syndrome) or even worse tries to make a 40 yard pass that ends up 40 yards from his intended spot..... but if he could win it and give it he could be brilliant for us!
ant1ant1
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