[Marshall]

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By Paul Butler
Last updated: 8th of July 2008

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O'Neill Resigns as Villa Manager

Young Coach Luke Marshall annouced as new manager

It was all change at Villa Park today when Martin O'Neill resigned as Aston Villa Manager to spend more time with his family. However the club hired an instant replacement in 35 year old coach Luke Marshall.

Aston Villa's general Charles Kruluk explained the appointment by saying that "Yes we could of brought in a big name manager however we wanted a British manager who was not afraid of making tough calls about the club, as we aim to qualify for the Champions League in the coming seasons"

Marshall was quoted as saying "It is a great honour to be part of coaching team at your boyhood club but to be the manager is extra special. I will sit down with the board to see what funds I have to improve our very small side ready for our Intertoto campaign and the following League campaign. I have a few targets in mind but any news on transfers will wait until something has be done."
Marshall also was quoted as saying that he will not be making any changes to his backroom staff and that John Robertson and Steve Walford where happy to work with the new Villa Manager.

It is rumoured that Marshall has about £25 million to strengthen and add Quality to his Villa side. Rumoured signings include a striker capable of guiding Villa into the Premier League top 4

Villa fans will hope that Marshall can improve the 6th position of last season and challenge for the Champions league places, but will Marshall's youth and inexperience hinder Villa's progress or take them the next step forward.

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By Paul Butler
Last updated: 14th of July 2008

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Marshall names Laursen as Villa captain

Laursen captain while former captain Barry demoted to vice captain

New manger Luke Marshall made his first changed as Villa manager today and that was to appoint defender Martin Laursen as the new Villa captain.

Laursen will replace former captain Gareth Barry who is now the vice captain, explaining his decision Marshall said "Some people could call me old fashioned but I prefer a defender to be the captain as he can see is going on all over the pitch", Marshall added Gareth understands my decision and is still 100% committed to Villa."

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By Paul Butler
Last updated: 16th of July 2008

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Villa fans in Love with new signing

Villa sign Brazilian striker Love for club record £14 million

Just 8 days after being announced as the new Aston Villa manger, Luke Marshall has made his first signing after paying a club record £14 million for CSKA Moscow's Brazilian striker Vagner Love.

Vagner Love's goalscoring record was the main reason that Marshall has paid the £14 million for his services, In 167 league games, Love has scored 83 goals and Villa fans hope he can continue this in the Premier League.

Love (24) joins international team mates, Robinho, Jo and Elano in the Premier League and was quoted as saying that the advice of his Brazil team mates was part of the reason he moved the Premier League.

Vagner Love said "Everyone wants to be tested in the best leagues in the world and when Villa made the offer I knew it was my chance to join the best league in the world and I hope I can help Villa move forward."

Marshall was delighted to get his man and hoped Love would play a vital role in Villa's search for trophies and Champions League qualification this season.

Love will wear the number 9 shirt after Villa sold Marlon Harewood to Middlesbrough for £5 million.

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By Paul Butler
Last updated: 16th of July 2008

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Villa sell Harewood to Boro

After one season Marlon Harewood joins Middlesbrough for £5million

Marlon Harewood has signed for Middlesbrough for £5 million after a unsuccessful first season at Villa Park, where he scored 5 goals in 23 games. It was known that new manger Luke Marshall was going to look for a striker before the season and Marlon Harewood is the one that will be replaced.

The striker hopes to carrer back on track at the Riverside where former Villa player Gareth Southgate is the manager. Harewood did not want to blame Marshall for him leaving but wished he could of had the chance to show the Villa what he can do, but hoped he could now show the Boro fans the form he had when playing for West Ham United.

[White]

Nice story, well written. Never played as Villa on FM so I think I shall have to have a game with them this year. Great signing in Vagner Love. Keep the updates coming :)

This post has been edited by White: 03 March 2009 - 11:16 PM

[Beast]

Really does look good and very well presented.

Good luck (Y)

[Marshall]

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 17th of July 2008

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Finland calling for Villa

Villa draw Turun Palloseura in Intertoto Cup 3rd round

Aston Villa quest to to the UEFA will start against Finnish side Turun Palloseura after the 3rd round draw was made earlier in Nyon, Switzerland.

The first leg will take place on the 19th July at Villa Park with the 2nd leg at week later at TPS, Veritas Stadion in Finland.

Villa will be without injured Wilfred Bouma, and Vagner Love who signed too late be eligible for the tie, while Curtis Davies is a doubt with an Achilles injury.

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 19th of July 2008

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Villa get of to winning start under Marshall

Villa win but concede away goal after 2-1 victory

Aston Villa 2-1 Turun Palloseura
Intertoto Cup 3rd Round 1st leg - Villa Park - 19/07/2008

Aston Villa got to a winning start under the management Luke Marshall but had to work for it against Turun Palloseura.

Villa took the lead after an Ashley Young corner was guided in from close range by Gabriel Agbonlahor after 27 minutes. Villa had more chances to double their lead but had to wait until 4 minutes after half time when a Gareth Barry shot deflected of Urmas Rooba and past the TPS goalkeeper Juha Partanen.

Then 30 minutes from time the away side got a crucial away goal when Chris Cleaver long range shot flew past Brad Freidel in the Aston Villa goal.

Speaking after the game Villa manager Luke Marshall, "It's good to get off to a winning start no matter what game you play, we can go to Finland next week with a slight advantage and that's what you want in two legged ties. I am disappointed we conceded an away goal but if we win in Finland it wont matter", he told Sky Sports.

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young, Cuellar, Laursen, Shorey, Albrighton (Petrov 72), Barry (Heskey 90), Reo Coker, A Young (Milner 81), Carew, Agbonlahor
Subs not used: Guzan, Gardner, Knight, Sidwell


TPS (4-4-2): Partanen, Uimonen, Viljanen (Jokinen 72), Kerola, Rooba, Rasimus (Valakari 72), Cleaver, Heinanen, Heiniknagas, Sparv (Iivanainen 81), Lindgren
Subs not used: Metiainen, Kalliokoski, Luoma, Siivonen

Goalscorers
Villa: Agbonlahor 27, Barry 49
Turun Palloseura: Cleaver 60

Man of the Match: Gareth Barry 7.9 out of 10
Attendance: 34360


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By Lee Jones
Last updated: 22nd of July 2008

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Villa reject £16 million bid for Barry

Villa say no to Real's bid for England International

Aston Villa boss Luke Marshall today confirmed that the club had rejected an approach from Real Madrid for Midfielder Gareth Barry. "We have received a bid but seeing as I do not want any of my players to leave, we have decided to turn it down"

Marshall also confirmed that other clubs have been in touch about Barry and other Villa players including a rumoured £20 million rom Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan but Marshall restated his desire to keep all his players at Villa Park.

On the news on other signings to join new signing Vagner Love, Marshall remained tight lipped. "We have a few things going on at the moment and once something happens, you will be the first to know" he told Sky Sports

Marshall was talking after his side 3-1 friendly win in Strasbourg where Vagner Love started and only took 32 minutes to score his first goal. The other 2 goals come from Gareth Barry and James Milner.



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By Peter Fraser
Last updated: 26th of July 2008

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Villa through after 94 minute goal

Carew saves Villa with late goal

Turun Palloseura (2) 1-1 (3) Aston Villa
Intertoto Cup 3rd Round 2nd leg - Veritas Stadion - 26/07/2008

Aston Villa where on the verge of crashing out of Europe at the first hurdle but where saved by a 94 minute John Carew goal to win 3-2 on aggregate.

In a game where Villa had all the chances it was not until the 80th minute when a foul by Gareth Barry on Harry Kerola lead to a penalty which was converted by Kerola.

That goal meant Villa where going out due to away goal TPS scored in the first leg a week ago but it was sub John Carew who saved the day for Villa in the 94th minute when he headed a James Milner cross past Juha Partanen to send Villa through

Speaking after the game Villa manager Luke Marshall, "This is one of the games where we needed a bit of luck and we got it, I thought we did ok, We passed the ball well and amde chances, however we could not convert those chances and on another day we could of lost", he told Sky Sports.

TPS (4-4-2): Partanen, Uimonen, Viljanen, Kerola, Rooba, Rasimus (Iivanainen 90) Cleaver, Heinanen, Heiniknagas, Sparv (Siivonen 82) Lindgren (Jokinen 71)
Subs not used: Metiainen, Kalliokoski, Luoma, Valakari

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young, Cuellar, Laursen, Shorey, Milner, Barry (Reo Coker 80), Petrov, A Young, Heskey (Delfouneso 62), Agbonlahor (Carew 81)
Subs not used: Guzan, Gardner, Knight, Sidwell

Goalscorers
Turun Palloseura: Keralo (pen) 80
Aston Villa: Carew 90+4

Man of the Match: James Milner 7.2 out of 10
Attendance: 8946


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Other News

* Newcastle buy Osman from Everton
* Portsmouth sign Robson from Celtic for £4 million
* Man City sign Joao Moutinho for £10 million from Sporting Lisbon
* Wigan sign Julio Cesar Caceres for £3.8 million
* Arsenal sign free agent Stephen Appiah
* Ballack returns to Munich in £4 million deal
* Man City sign Hamsik for £15 million

This post has been edited by Marshall: 04 March 2009 - 11:43 AM

[dangtfc]

Good stuff Marshall - bit lucky to progress in the UEFA Cup like but it's the result that matters and you've made it to the next stage.

Nicely written and well presented mate I look forward to the next instalment.

[Zabier]

I love the start you've made here Marshall. Keep it up. It's nice to see something take a new format in this section. It makes it feel more realistic.

[Sheppy]

I remember you doing something just like this just after FM09 came out. That was with Villa iirc. Anway, looks a great start, lucky to progress to the UEFA Cup but sure you'l quite well.

KIU matey (Y)

[Marshall]

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 1st of August 2008

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Cypriot challenge for Villa

Villa travel to Cyprus for UEFA Cup qualifying tie

Aston Villa quest to to the UEFA Cup will continue against APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus after the draw was made in Nyon earlier today.

The first leg will take place on the 14th August at Villa Park.
with the 2nd leg 2 weeks later in Cyprus

Villa will hoping to make easy passage through unlike the last round where a last minute goal was need to beat Turun Palloseura.

Elsewhere in the draw Man City also face a trip to Cyprus as they where drawn against Omonoia Nicosia.

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By Chris Burton
Last updated: 2nd of August 2008

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Villa reserves beat Walsall

Pre Season finished with 1-0 win

Walsall 0-1 Aston Villa
Friendly - The Bescot Stadium - 01/08/2008

Aston Villa ended there pre season with a 1-0 win over League 1 side at the Bescot Stadium,

Luke Marshall used the game to experiment with his team giving starts to Nathan Delfouneso, Ciaran Clarke, Nathan Baker, Marc Albrighton and Harry Forrester.

It however one of the first team players that got the only goal of the game when Nigel Reo-Coker who was captain for the game volleyed past Clayton Ince on 21 minutes.

During the second half, Villa also gave debuts to Shane Lowry, Sam Williams and Adam McGurk as they held on for the win.

Speaking after the game, Villa boss Luke Marshall told Sky Sports he was very happy with how his youngsters played. "I decided to give the youngsters ago and they did not disappoint me. I am very pleased with all of them, even the ones who came on late on, Hopefully this wont be there only first team action this season as I want to blood in the youngsters into the first team,"

Walsall (4-1-4-1): Ince, Weston (R Davies 85), Smith (Howes 85), Gerrard (Westlake 90), Zaaboub (Grigg 45), Boertien (Bradley 62), Taundry (Keenen 45), Mattis, Hughes (Craddock 62)
Deeney (C Davies 45)
Subs not used: Gilmartin, Sansera

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Guzan (Taylor 89), Gardner, Davies, Clarke (Lowry 71), Baker (L Young 90) Albrighton (Sidwell 44), Reo-Coker, Salifou (Milner 71), Forrester (A Young 60), Delfouneso (Williams 71), Love (McGurk 87)
Subs not used: Knight, Herd, Collins

Goalscorers
Walsall: None
Aston Villa: Reo-Coker 21

Man of the Match: Nigel Reo-Coker 7.6 out of 10
Attendance: 11277

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By Peter Fraser
Last updated: 14th of August 2008

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Fab Gabby runs riot against Cypriots

Agbonlahor scores hat trick as Villa win 5-0

Aston Villa 5-0 APOEL Nicosia
UEFA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round 1st leg - 14/08/2008

Aston Villa almost made certain of their passage in the UEFA Cup with a brilliant display against APOEL Nicosia.

After a nervy 2 games in the Intertoto Cup, Villa wanted to make sure this tie was won with ease and they got off to a perfect start when Gareth Barry shot past keeper Dionisis Chiotis on 32 minutes.

Villa doubled their lead on 40 minutes when Gabriel Agbonlahor shot low to score his first of his 3 goals. Agbonlahor scored his second of the game and Villa's 3rd when he found himself with an open gaol on 58 minutes.

Emile Heskey then scored his first goal for Villa when he headed in Villa's 4th on 85 minutes, however there was time for Agbonlahor to complete his hat trick when he headed in a Nickey Shorey cross.

Speaking after the game Villa boss praised Agbonlahor, he told Sky Sports "That is what Gabby can do and if he does that all season then I cant ask for much more" Marshall also confirmed that he may know rest some of his big players in the second leg.

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, L Young (Shorey 78), Milner, Petrov (Reo-Coker (69), Barry, A Young, Carew (Heskey 69), Agbonlahor
Subs not used: Taylor, Knight, Sidwell, Delfouneso

APOEL Nicosia (4-4-2): Chiotis, Elia, Christou, Solis (Haxhi 58), Florea, Charalambidis, Satsias, Michail, Koswski (Oikonomidis 58), Żewłakow, Mirosavljević (Alexandrou 45)
Subs not used: Ioannou, Christoforou, Konstantinou

Goalscorers
APOEL Nicosia : None
Aston Villa: Barry 32, Agbonlahor 40, 58, 90, Heskey, 85

Man of the Match: Gabriel Agbonalhor 9.4 out of 10
Attendance: 35194

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 15th of August 2008

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Villa ready for Premier League Kick off

Villa start next Saturday away at Bolton

Villa start to the Premier League will be after the first weekend of the season after there game against Blackburn was postpone due to International call ups in both sides, This means Villa's first game will be against Bolton on the 23rd.

However despite this, villa manager Luke Marshall is confident his Villa side are ready for the new season. Marshall said "We know it will be a tough season but as a group we are confident we can do well” 'Marshall' added on the Blackburn postponement “I know Blackburn have had a lot of International call ups due to the Olympics so we where happy to postpone the game."

The game against Blackburn will now be played on September 3rd with a 8.00 kick off.

Other News

• Distan joins Spurs from Portsmouth for £8 million
  
• Man City sign Liverpool's Kuyt for £12 million
  
• Srna joins Everton for £13 million
  
• Man Utd beat Portsmouth on Penalties to win Community Shield
  
• Arsenal and Liverpool win in Champions League
  
• Man City win 2-0 in Cyprus

This post has been edited by Marshall: 04 March 2009 - 05:29 PM

[Marshall]

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 1st of August 2008

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The Premier League Kick Off

United held to a draw as title defence begins

The first weekend of the Premier was not of short in action with 18 gaols in 9 games, including 4 for Arsenal in there 4-0 win over newly promoted Stoke. It was not such a good weekend for Man United after being held to a draw against Sunderland.

Premier League results - 16/17 August 2008
West Ham 0-1 Chelsea
Fulham 1-1 Middlesbrough
Newcastle 0-1 Tottenham
Portsmouth 0-2 Chelsea
Sunderland 1-1 Manchester United
Wigan 2-0 West Brom
Arsenal 4-0 Stoke City
Man City 1-1 Hull City
Everton 1-1 Liverpool

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By Peter Fraser
Last updated: 24th of August 2008

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Davies head gives Villa perfect start

Villa win first game of the season against Bolton

Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League - 23/08/2008

Aston Villa made the perfect start to the Premier League, but they had to work off to see of Bolton Wanderers.

In an hard fought game it was Villa who had the most possession but thanks to some brilliant defending from Bolton where frustrated for and hour

However on 60 minutes Villa finally made the break through when Curtis Davies headed a Ashley Young free kick past Jussi Jääskeläinen.

Vagner Love made his Premier League for and speaking after the game the Villa boss was pleased with how his team ground out the result "It is important to get off to a good start and we had to work hard for it" Marshall added "It is great to finally see Vagner Love in a Vila shirt after he missed the European Games and I though he played well, It will take time for him to adjust but I was very pleased with how he played"

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar, C Davies, Laursen, L Young (Shorey 79), Milner, Petrov, Barry, A Young (Reo-Coker 86), Vagner Love, Agbonlahor
Subs not used: Guzan, C Gardner, Sidwell, Carew, Heskey

Bolton Wanderers 4-1-4-1: Jääskeläinen, Steinsson (Hunt 72), Cahill, Puygrenier, Taylor (Pasqual 79), Torrado, R Gardner, McCann, M Davies, Smolarek (Makukula 45), K Davies
Subs not used: Al Habsi, O' Brien, Mustapha, Shittu

Goalscorers
Bolton Wanderers : None
Aston Villa: Davies 60

Man of the Match: Curtis Davies 7.6 out of 10
Attendance: 22715

Premier League Results - 23/24 August 2008
Chelsea 2-0 West Ham
Blackburn 0-1 Wigan
Hull City 1-1 Everton
Liverpool 2-0 Sunderland
Middlesbrough 1-1 Arsenal
Stoke City 0-0 Manchester City
Tottenham 1-1 Portsmouth
Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle

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By Peter Fraser
Last updated: 28th of August 2008

Young guns win in Cyprus

Collins scored first ever goal as Villa coast into UEFA Cup

APOEL Nicosia (0) 0-1 (6) Aston Villa
UEFA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round 2nd leg - 28/08/2008

Aston Villa cruised into the UEFA Cup after winning 1-0 against APOEL Nicosia.

Villa boss decided to start his youngsters and it only took 2 minutes for one of them to score when a Marc Albrighton cross was headed by 17 year old James Collins.

It got worst for APEOL on 6 minutes when Chrysis Michael was given a straight red card for a blatant kick at Collins.

After the game, Villa boss told Sky Sports "I am very proud after today game, I siad after the Walsall game that thes boys had talent and that is what they showed me today"

APOEL Nicosia (4-4-2): Chiotis, Elia, Christou, Solis, Florea, Charalambidis, Satsias, Michail, Koswski (Haxhi 62), Żewłakow (Alexandrou 62), Mirosavljević (Oikonomidis 33)
Subs not used: Ioannou, Christoforou, Konstantinou,

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Taylor, Gardner, Knight, Clark, Baker, Albrighton (Heskey 78), Sidwell, Herd (Reo-Coker 67), Forrester, Collins, Delfouneso (A Young 55)
Subs not used: Guzan, Lowry, Laursen, Steiber

Goalscorers
APOEL Nicosia : None
Aston Villa: Collins 2

Man of the Match: Kostas Charalambidis 7.5 out of 10
Attendance: 22859

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 30th of August 2008

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Claret and Blue versus Claret and Blue

West Ham and Aston Villa meet in Round 3

Aston Villa and West Ham will meet in the Carling Cup 3rd Round after the draw which was made today.

The tie will take place at Villa Park on Wednesday 24th September,

West Ham beat Aldershot 3-0 in Round 2, while this will be Villa's first match in the competition,

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By Andrew McKenzie
Last updated: 31st of August 2008

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Chelsea exposed by Villa's sense of purpose

Villa shock Hiddink's Chelsea

Aston Villa 2-0 Chelsea
Barclays Premier League - 31/08/2008

Chelsea lost there 100% record in the Premier after being shocked by Luke Marshall's Villa side

Infact it was 2-0 to Villa last year at Villa Park the same game with the infamous Abramovich hand shake to a overjoyed Doug Ellis, Both clubs have changed Managers since them but like last year Villa scored the 1st when James Milner beat Petr Cech with a smart finish.

Also like last season Villa scored a second late on when Gareth Barry headed past a despairing Petr Cech.

After the game Luke Marshall told Sky Sports "It's a great day. Chelsea are brilliant and we're delighted that we've won.
"James goal calmed us down then Chelsea took the initiative slightly, but we kept at it and grabbed a second in injury time
"I was very, very pleased with their attitude. We have two terrific wins in a row and this should give a boost going into the rest of the season".

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar, C Davies, Laursen, L Young, Milner, Petrov, Barry, A Young (Reo Coker 59) , Vagner Love (Agbonlahor 65), Carew (Heskey 90)
Subs not used: Guzan, Gardner, Sidwell, Shorey

Chelsea 4-4-3: Cech, Bosingwa (Ferreira 65), Terry (Alex 75), Carvalho, A Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Essien, J Cole (Anelka 65), Drogba, Kalou
Subs not used: Enyeama, Deco, Di Santo, Malouda

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Milner 18, Barry 90+1
Chelsea : None

Man of the Match: Gareth Barry 78.2 out of 10
Attendance: 42115

Premier League Results - 30/31 August 2008
Bolton 0-1 Blackburn
Arsenal 2-0 West Brom
Everton 2-0 Stoke City
Fulham 1-1 Wigan
Newcastle 2-0 Liverpool
Sunderland 2-0 Hull City
Manchester City 3-1 Middlesbrough

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 2nd September 2008

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Villa and West Ham in collision over transfer

Villa tried deadline raid for West Ham's Collison

Just two days after they got drawn together in the Carling Cup, Aston Villa and West Ham have already spiced up the cup tie after a controversial transfer deadline where West ham claimed Villa manager Luke Marshall tried to tap up their youngster Jack Collison.

It was rumoured Villa offered £8 million which was rejected but also they offered a contract to Collison without West Ham permission.

Villa boss Luke Marshall has denied the claims saying it was Collison agent who wanted to see what contract Villa where offering as time was short as it was transfer deadline day.

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Other News

• Man City spend another £20 million on Blackburn's Santa Cruz
  
• Liverpool takeover complete
  
• West Ham sign Montenegro from Independiente

This post has been edited by Marshall: 05 March 2009 - 04:24 PM

[Marshall]

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By Lee Smith
Last updated: 3rd of September 2008

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Transfer window round up

Man City dominate transfer window

Yesterday the Premier League transfer window shut and it was Man City who where the most dominate club after spending £65 million on 4 players and being involved in 3 of the top 5 transfer this summer, including the £20 million acquisition of Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn Rovers.

The other 2 major signings where by Aston Villa who brought Vagner Love from CSKA Moscow for £14 million and Everton who brought Drijo Srna from Shakhtar for £13 million


Top 5 transfer - Summer 2009
1. Roque Santa Cruz - Blackburn - Man City - £20 million
2. Marek Hamsik - Napoli - Man City - £15 million
3. Vagner Love - CSKA Moscpw - Aston Villa - £14 million
4. Drijo Srna - Shakhtar - Man City - £13 million
5. Dirk Kuyt - Liverpool - Man City - £12 million

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 4th of September 2008

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Norway calling for Villa

Stabaek await for Villa in UEFA Cup 1st Round

Aston Villa will start there UEFA Cup campaign against Stabaek after the draw was made in Nyon earlier today.

The first leg will take place on the 18th September at Villa Park with the 2nd leg 2 weeks later in Norway

Villa will hoping to make the group stages of the UEFA Cup and continue there quest for Silverware

UEFA Cup 1st round Draw - English Teams only
Everton vs Debrecen
Portsmouth vs Aris
Tottenham vs Kayerispor
Germinal Beerschot vs Man City

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By Ian Thomas
Last updated: 14th of September 2008

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Top of the Pops

Slick Villa go top after 3rd win in a row

Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League - 14/09/2008

Aston Villa made it 3 wins out of the 3 and in turn become the early Premier League Leaders despite playing a game less than the other teams after a 3-2 win at White Hart Lane.

Villa took the lead on 30 minutes when Gabby Agbonlalor blasted the ball past Gomes who made a great save to deny Vagner Love which fell to Agbonlahor to make it 1-0.

Tottenham equalised just 2 minutes later when Wilson Palacios shot past Brad Friedel to score the first goal Villa have conceded in the League. Villa then retook the lead on 41 minutes when Slyvain Distin deflected an Ashley Young cross past his own keeper.

Villa then made it 3-1 on 51 minutes when Agbonlahor scored his second after volleying past Gomes after good work from James Milner.

Tottenham scored a second through Palacios with his second of the game.

After the game Luke Marshall declared how well his side played saying "The boys have done brilliantly. They found great resolve and inner strength when Spurs scored the equaliser."

Tottenham Hotspur: Gomes, Chimbonda, Woodgate (Corluka 72), Distin, Bale (Dawson 17), Bentley, Palacios, O'Hara, Modric, Keane, Defoe (Pavlychenko 89)
Subs not used: Cudicini, Lennon, Bent, Dos Santos

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Freidel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, L Young, Milner (Heskey 55), Petrov, Reo-Coker) A Young, Agbonlahor, Love (Gardner 90)
Subs not used: Guzan, Knight, Shorey, Carew, Sidwell

Goalscorers
Tottenham: Palacios 33, 56
Aston Villa: Agbonlahor 30, 51, Distin (OG) 41

Man of the Match: Wlson Palacios 8.6 out of 10
Attendance: 36285

Premier League Results - 14/15 September 2008
Manchester United 0-1 West Ham
Blackburn 1-0 Fulham
Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Hull City 1-0 Newcastle
Middlesbrough 1-2 Everton
Wigan 0-0 Arsenal
Liverpool 2-0 Portsmouth
Stoke City 0-1 Sunderland


Premier League Table - Updated 15/09/08

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[Marshall]

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By Ian Thomas
Last updated: 18th of September 2008

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Villa of to a flyer in Europe

Villa have 2 goal advantage going into the 2nd leg in Norway

Aston Villa 2-0 Stabaek
UEFA Cup 1st round 1st leg - 18/09/2008

Aston Villa took their Premier League form into the UEFA Cup after a comfortable win against Stabeak, in the first leg tie of the UEFA Cup 1st round.

In a match Villa where without Gareth Barry and Stiliyan Petrov, Villa took the lead after 48 minutes when Zat Knight headed a Nicky Shorey cross past keeper Jon Knudsen.

Villa doubled there lead when Craig Gardner who came on for the injured Steve Sidwell, pounced on a shot by Vagner Love which was only palmed out by Knudsen.

Speaking after the game Villa boss Luke Marshall told Sky Sports, That Sidwell, Barry and Petrov where left out as a precaution and should be fit for the weekend game against Manchester United. "I think Stiliyan and Steve will be fit for the United game and Gareth is about 50-50 but I am really pleased how we played tonight. It is important to keep winning no matter what game you play so you can keep up the momentum"

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young (Petrov 76), Knight, Laursen, Shorey, Milner, Sidwell (Gardner 26), Reo-Coker, A Young, Carew (Agbonlahor 67), Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Cuellar, Davies, Salifou

Stabaek (4-4-2): Knudsen, Hoiland, Sandberg, Skjonsberg (Bakke 88), Eriksen, Keller, Farnerud, Hauger, Andersson, Hoff (Paulsen 77), Nannskog (Hansen 68)
Subs not used: Aldofsen, Nygaard, Palmason, Birkelund

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Knight 48, Gardner 54
Stabaek: None

Man of the Match: Zat Knight 7.9 out of 10
Attendance: 33881

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By Jamie Hancock
Last updated: 21st of September 2009

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Champions halt Villa's run

Villa finally beaten thanks to Tevez strike

Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United
Barclays Premier League - 21/09/2008

Villa where finally beaten after winning the first 3 games of the Premier League season after Carlos Tevez scored in game that either team could of won.

Both team had good chances in the first half with Vagner Love and Wayne Rooney going close in the first 30 minutes. The goal come on 38 minutes when a Giggs corner was fired by Carlos Tevez past Bard Friedel, for his 4th goal of the season

After the Luke Game Luke Marshall told Sky Sports "Yes we are disappointed but we lost to the Champions of England and of Europe, what we need to focus on is the game in midweek against West Ham in the Cup and then the game against Liverpool next week, How we bounce back will be more important than the result today"

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, L Young, Milner (Heskey 81), Sidwell, Petrov (Gardner 61), A Young, Love, Agbonlahor (Carew 72)
Subs not used: Guzan, Knight, Shorey, Salifou

Manchester United (4-4-2): Van Der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Tevez (Berbatov 90), Rooney
Subs not used: Kuszcak, Nani, Park Ji-Sung, Hargreaves, Anderson, O'Shea

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: None
Manchester United: Tevez 39

Man of the Match: Carlos Tevez 7.5 out of 10
Attendance: 42602

Premier League Results 20/21 September 2008
Sunderland 2-2 Middlesbrough
Arsenal 2-0 Fulham
Newcastle 2-0 Stoke City
West Ham 1-3 Liverpool
Chelsea 3-2 Blackburn Rovers
Bolton Wanderers 1-2 Tottenham
Everton 1-0 West Brom
Manchester City 1-0 Wigan
Portsmouth 2-0 Hull City

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By Alan Tait
Last updated: 24th of September 2009

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Hammers hammered by Villa

Villa through to Carling Cup 4th round with 3-0 win

Aston Villa 3-0 West Ham United
Carling Cup 3rd Round - 24/09/2008

Aston Villa produced a stunning display of attacking football in them second half of ther Carling Cup 3rd tie with West Ham United to win the game 3-0.

Nothing much happened in a pretty even first half, The best chance falling to Villa transfer target Jack Collison who rattled a 30 yard shot against the bar of Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

The second half was dominated by Villa who produced some brilliant attacking football, some of which lead to the first goal on 68 minutes. Ashley Young ran 30 yards down the left wing beating the left back Molinaro before firing a low cross which was directed past Robert Green by Vagner Love, his first gaol for Villa.

The second came from the penalty spot after Upson appear to block of Vagner Love and without Gareth Barry playing it was up to Nicky Shorey who placed the ball past Robert Green who dived the right way.

The third was route one a long clearance from Bard Guzan bounced over the West Ham backline and Emile Heskey ran on it before firing past a helpless Green.

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Guzan, L Young, Cuellar, Laursen, Shorey, Milner (Agbonlahor 61), Petrov, Gardner, A Young, Love (Davies 81), Carew (Heskey 61)
Subs not used: Friedel, Knight, Sidwell, Salifou

West Ham United (4-3-2-1): Green, Behrami, Gabbidon (Neill 74), Upson, Molinaro, Noble, Parker, Collison, Montenegro, Mota (Kovac 66), Di Michele (Savio 61)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Collins, Tristan, Ilunga

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Love 65, Shorey (pen) 73, Heskey 81
West Ham United United: None

Man of the Match: Vagner Love 7.8 out of 10
Attendance: 41557

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 26th of September 2008

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Villa draw United in round 4

Villa hope for quick revenge after league defeat

Aston Villa will play Man Utd in the in the Carling Cup 4th Round hoping for revenge after the Premier league Champions beat them in the league 1-0 last week

The tie will take place at Villa Park on Wednesday 12th October 2008,

West Ham beat Peterbrough 4-2 in Round 3, while Villa beat fellow Premier league side West Ham United to reach round 4
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By Lee Harrison
Last updated: 28th of September 2009

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Shock and Awe

Villa beat second of the Premier League top 4

Liverpool 0-2 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League - 28/09/2008

Aston Villa showed the Premier League top 4 that they can be amongst them come the end of the season after beating Liverpool, to go with the win against Chelsea last month. The only blip on Villa record this season come agaisnt Man United another of the Premier so called top 4.#

Like midweek, Villa came to life in the second half after holding Liverpool in the first half, The first goal come after 58 minutes from Vagner Love who followed up his goal in midweek with his first in the Premier league after heading past Jose Reina in goal from an Ashely Young corner

Villa got the second they deserved when Ashley Young shot past Reina from 30 yards after good work from Gareth Barry in midfield.

After the game Luke Marshall was pleased with how his team responded since losing last week against United, "Last week I said I wanted a response from the lads and thats what they ahve done, 2 wins 5 goals and 2 clean sheets they is nothing wrong with that" Marshall added "I am very pleased for Vagner Love as all he has been missing is goals, and today like Wednesday he showed we I rate him so highly"

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Reina, Degen, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Lucas, Riera (El Zhar 73) Gerrard, Benayoun (N'Gog 45), Torres (Babel 45)
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Skrtel, Dossena, Plessis

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young, Davies, Laursen, Bouma, Milner, Barry, Petrov (Gardner 90), A Young (Sidwell 90), Love, Agbonlahor
Subs not used: Guzan, Cuellar, Carew, Heskey, Shorey

Goalscorers
Liverpool: None
Aston Villa: Love 52, A Young 72

Man of the Match: Ashely Young 8.2 out of 10
Attendance: 45344

Premier League Results 27/28 September 2008
Tottenham 0-3 Chelsea
Blackburn 0-3 Arsenal
Manchester United 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
Stoke City 0-0 Portsmouth
West Brom 3-0 Sunderland
Wigan 1-1 Everton
Middlesbrough 2-1 Newcastle
Hull City 2-2 West Ham
Fulham 2-1 Manchester City

Premier League Table - Updated 28/09/2008
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Other News

• Liverpool knocked out of League Cup by Blackburn
  
• Yakubu leads scoring charts with 4 goals
  
• Benitez future uncertain as rumours spread of new owners looking for a new manager.
  
• Ipswich top Championship after 8 games

This post has been edited by Marshall: 07 March 2009 - 05:09 PM

[Marshall]

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By Lee Reynolds
Last updated: 2nd of October 2008

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Sidwell Saviour

Sidwell brace saves Villa blushes

Stabaek (2) 2-2 (4) Aston Villa
UEFA Cup 1st round 2nd leg - 01/10/2008

Aston Villa progressed to the UEFA Cup group stages but had to work hard away in Norway.

It all started well for Villa when after 16 minutes when Steve Sidwell shot past Jon Knudsen from 25 yards to give Villa 3-0 on aggregate.

The Norwegians did not give up and scored an equaliser after 23 minutes when Espen Hoff shot low past Brad Freidel.

Villa restore the lead 7 minutes later when Sidwell scored his second of the night from close range, but again Stabaek scored an equaliser when Keller beat Friedel from a tight angle after 67 minutes


Stabaek (4-4-2): Knudsen, Hoiland, Sandberg (Skjonsberg 67), Bakke, Eriksen, Keller, Farnerud, Hauger, Andersson (Hansen 76), Hoff, Nannskog
Subs not used: Aldofsen, Nygaard, Palmason, Birkelund, Paulsen,

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Freidel, Gardner, Cuellar, Knight, Shorey, Milner (Agbonlahor 75), Salifou (Barry 60), Sidwell, A Young, Heskey (Davies 60), Carew
Subs not used: Guzan, L Young, Petrov, Love

Goalscorers
Stabaek: Hoff 23, Keller 67
Aston Villa: Sidwell 16, 30

Man of the Match: Steve Sidwell 8.7 out of 10
Attendance: 10621

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By Ian Bishop
Last updated: 5th of October 2008

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Villa rampant against poor Tigers

Villa score four in romp

Aston Villa 4-0 Hull City
Barclays Premier League - 05/10/2008

Aston Villa continued there brilliant start to the season after beating Hull City 4-0 at Villa Park.

Newly promoted Hull where no match for Villa who take the lead after 3 minutes when Vagner Love blasted past Boaz Myhill from 35 yards. Villa doubled there lead after 15 minutes when 2 goal hero from midweek Steve Sidwell slide the ball past Myhill.

Villa made it 3-0 on 68 minutes when Ashley Young scored from close range before Stilian Petrov scored a stunner from outside the box on 72 minutes, just after coming on for Steve Sidwell.

Speaking after the game Villa boss told Sky Sports "We created a lot of chances which we took so I am really pleased. "I thought the team played magnificently. I couldn't be more pleased for them because they have put their heart and soul into it.

"We have a lot of belief about ourselves and the team is playing excellently, really excellently."

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Freidel, L Young, Cuellar, Laursen, Shorey, Milner, Barry (C Gardner 71), Sidwell (Petrov 69), A Young, Carew (Agbonlahor 22), Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Davies, Bouma, Heskey

Hull City (4-4-20: Myhill, Mendy (Dawson 61), Turner, Zayatte, Ricketts, Giovanni, Ashbee, Marney, Halmosi, Fagan (Doyle 69), Cousin (Folan 61)
Subs not used: Duke, A Gardner, Hughes, France

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Love 3, Sidwell 15, A Young 68, Petrov 72
Hull City: None

Man of the Match: Ashley Young 8.2 out of 10
Attendance: 42419

Premier League Results - 4/5 October 2008
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Newcastle 3-0 West Brom
Sunderland 2-0 Wigan
West Ham 0-0 Stoke
Bolton 0-2 Liverpool
Everton 2-1 Fulham
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
Portsmouth 0-1 Middlesbrough
Tottenham 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

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This post has been edited by Marshall: 11 March 2009 - 10:02 PM

[Richarold]

Doing really well mate and its nicely written, hopefully you can keep going with this (Y)

[Marshall]

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 16th of October 2009

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Villa drawn in tough UEFA Cup draw

Villa to play PSG, Benfica, Dnipro and Racing in UEFA Cup group D

Aston Villa will face a tough test if they are to qualify for the next round of the UEFA Cup after the draw meant trips to Paris and Ukraine for Luke Marshall's side

The top 3 from each group progress to the last 32 along with the 8 3rd place teams from the Champions League groups.

Villa quest will begin in Paris on October 23rd and then continue against Benfica at home before the tough trip to Ukraine. Villa will then finish at home against Racing

UEFA Cup group stages - English teams only

Group C
Everton
Valencia
Feyenoord
Dortmund
Slavia Prague

Group E
AC Milan
Man City
Salzburg
Heerenven
Atletico Madrid

Group F
Portsmouth
Sampdoria
Rosenborg
Club Brugge
Sevilla

Group G
Braga
Metalist
Tottenham
Partizan Belgrade
Stuttgart

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By Ian Bishop
Last updated: 18th of October 2008

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Potters magic can not cool hot Villa

Villa continue Indian Summer at the top of the league

Stoke City 0-2 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League - 18/10/2008

Aston Villa continued there marvellous start of the season after beating Stoke City 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium.

Villa where always the favourites after 5 wins out of 6 in the league and got off the perfect start on 9 minutes when unmarked Gabriel Agbonlahor shot past former Villa player Thomas Sorenson to give Villa the lead.

However Stoke where not out of there depth and almost scored straight after half when Ricardo Fuller struck a header against Brad Freidels upright, however Villa got a second in the 3rd minute of injury time when Stiliyan Petrov hit low past Sorenson from 12 yards.

Speaking after the game Luke Marshall told Sky Sports It's the winning mentality we have embed in us that has pleased me the most we hate to lose and hopefully this will continue throughout the season".

Stoke City (4-4-2): Sorenson, Kelly (Wilkinson 61), Faye, Higginbotham, Griffin, Lawrence, Diao (Whelan 73) , Faye, Pugh, Sidibe (Beattie 61), Fuller
Subs not used: Simonsen, A Davies, Sonko, Shawcross

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Freidel, Cuellar, C Davies (Reo-Coker 90), Laursen, Bouma, Milner (Gardner 80), Barry, Sidwell, A Young (Petrov 86), Agbonlahor, Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Knight, Shorey, Heskey

Goalscorers
Stoke City: None
Aston Villa: Agbonlahor 9, Petrov 90+3

Man of the Match: Vagner Love 7.5 out of 10
Attendance: 27959

Premier League Results - 18/19 October 2008
Liverpool 4-2 Chelsea
Fulham 2-2 Sunderland
Hull 0-0 Bolton
Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham
Middlesbrough 1-0 West Ham
Wigan 1-0 Newcastle
Arsenal 0-0 Everton
West Brom 1-0 Portsmouth
Blackburn 0-0 Manchester City

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By Simon Reynolds
Last updated: 23rd of October 2008

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Villa lose out in Paris

Kezman helps Villa get off to poor start in Europe

Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 Aston Villa
UEFA Cup Group D Matchweek 1 - 18/10/2008

Aston Villa made the worst possible start to their group D campaign after losing 2-1 to PSG in Paris.

It only took 56 seconds for PSG to take the lead when Mateja Kezman headed past Villa keeper Brad Friedel. Villa pressed for a equaliser but fell 2-0 down in added time when Guillaume Hoaru put another header past Freidel.

Villa played alot better in the second half but only scored a consolation goal on 57 minutes when Gabriel Agbonlahor shot past Edel Apoula but Villa could not equalise meaning they need a win against Benfica in there next match or risk being eliminated at this early stage of the competition.

After the game Villa manager Luke Marshall told Sky Sports "I was very confident in the dressing room before the game that we could win and so were the players. "But we conceded a desperately poor goal early in the game and that was a major setback for us. It rocked us. "We lost our rhythm and couldn't find it for long periods. We are all bitterly disappointed because it was a game we really thought we could win. "We have to bounce back in the League against Wigan but it will be a difficult game".

PSG (4-4-2): Apoula, Ceara, Bourillon (Mabiala 69), Sakho, Armand, Sessegnon (Arnuad 86), Pedretti, Chantome, Rothan, Hoarau, Kezman (Makelele 72)
Subs not used: Dauvergne, Luyindula, Giuly, Traore

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Freidel, Gardner, C Davies, Cuellar (Laursen 66), Bouma, Milner (Carew 66), Barry, Sidwell, A Young (Heskey 66), Agbonlahor, Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Knight, Sidwell, Reo-Coker

Goalscorers
PSG: Kezman 1, Hoaru 45+2
Aston Villa: Agbonlahor 57

Man of the Match: Gabriel Agbonlahor 7.6 out of 10
Attendance: 37587

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By Andy Hughes
Last updated: 26th of October 2008

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Latics Feel the full force of Villa

Wigan Defeated By Impressive Villa

Aston Villa 2-0 Wigan Athletic
Barclays Premier League - 26/10/2008

Aston Villa's fine form continued on Sunday with a comfortable 2-0 success over Wigan Athletic at The JJB, which keeps 2 points clear at the summit of the Premier League.

Villa went in front on 7 minutes when Stiliyan Petrov found the back of the net from outside the area for his 3rd league of the season

Wigan's response was encouraging but they spurned a series of half chances and it was fairly obviousthat Villa where going to score a second which come on 83 minutes when Vagner Love found the space to place a curling right-foot shot past Kirkland and into the top corner.

After the game Luke Marshall told Sky Sports It was a great performance which was needed after the lse in midweek, With us having played on Thursday night, it was a concern, but there were some terrific performances all told. I was worried about today's game so for us to win today in the manner that we did was great. We have competition for places which is something that two years ago at Villa we didn't have so that's encouraging."

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Freidel, Cuellar, C Davies, Laursen, Bouma, Milner, Barry, Petrov, A Young (Reo- Coker 84), Agbonlahor (Heskey 84), Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Knight, Shorey, Carew, Sidwell,

Wigan Athletic (4-4-1-1): Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble (Watson 82), Caceres, Figueroa (Boyce 84), Valencia, Cattermole, Scharner, N'Zogbia, Brown, Mido (Rodallega 72)
Subs not used: Nash, Koumas, De Ridder, Zaki

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Petrov 7, Vagner Love 83
Wigan Athletic: None

Man of the Match: Vagner Love 7.9 out of 10
Attendance: 41649

Premier League Results - 25/26 October 2008
Bolton 1-0 West Brom
Liverpool 0-1 Blackburn Rovers
Manchester United 2-0 Hull City
West Ham United 1-1 Fulham
Newcastle 1-1 Manchester City
Portsmouth 1-1 Arsenal
Sunderland 0-0 Everton
Tottenham 2-0 Stoke City
Chelsea 4-2 Middlesbrough

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Premier League Table
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Player Stats
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Team Stats
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This post has been edited by Marshall: 18 March 2009 - 12:07 AM

[Marshall]

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By Simon Thomas
Last updated: 29th of October 2008

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4 Star Villa keep up charge

Boro beaten 4-0 by relentless Villa

Aston Villa 4-0 Middlesbrough
Barclays Premier League - 29/10/2008

Villa kept up there seemingly never ending winning run with a show of lethal shooting against Middlesbrough.

In a first shot of no real action to talk about, Villa did take the lead with there only shot on target when Stiliyan Petrov shot past Ross Turnball to give Villa the lead.

The second half, Villa where a different class which Middlesbrough could not handle. The second goal came when Vagner Love rounded Turnbell before slotting into a empty net.

Villa got a third when Emile Heskey headed a Gareth Barry corner past the helpless Turnbull. Villa did score a 4th which they play deserved in the 92nd minute when Steve Sidwell headed past Turnbell.

After the game Luke Marshall told Sky Sports "We were scoring goals but didn't play particularly well." "We had a lot of opportunities to play a little bit better. I'm really pleased as it was a great performance but it can always be a little bit better."

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young, Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Milner (Sidwell 80), Barry, Petrov, A Young, Carew (Heskey 80), Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Knight, Gardner, Reo-Coker, Cuellar

Middlesbrough (4-4-2) : Turnbell, McMahon, Diaz, Huth (Wheater 61), Taylor, O'Neil, Walker, Denisov, Tuncay, Alves (King 72), Harewood (Aliadiere 29)
Subs not used : Jones, Riggott, Johnson, Hoyte

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Petrov 37, Vagner Love 70, Heskey 84, Sidwell 90+2
Middlesbrough: None

Man of the Match: Stiliyan Petrov 8.4 out of 10
Attendance: 41392

Premier League Results - 29th October 2008
Bolton 0-0 Stoke
Chelsea 3-0 Hull
Everton 3-1 Manchester City
Manchester United 2-2 Blackburn
Newcastle 0-1 Fulham
Portsmouth 2-0 Wigan
Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal
Tottenham 1-1 Liverpool
West Ham 1-1 West Brom

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By Alex Carter
Last updated: 1st of November 2008

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Villa derby day delight

Villa show fighting sprit to win derby

West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League - 01/11/2008

Second-Half goals from Emile Heskey and Vagner gave Aston Villa victory in the West Midlands derby, despite going behind with 20 minutes to play.

The game started like any derby with both sides 100% committed which meant to a goalless first half. However as the second half wore on both teams could sense they might be able to win the game and so the game started to open out which lead Kirk Broadfoot scoring his first Albion goal after a Jonathan Greening free-kick.

The goal however spurred on table topping Villa who only took 2 minutes to score an equaliser when Emile Heskey shot past Scott Carson for his 3rd Villa goal. Villa got the winner 6 minutes from time when Vagner Love beat Carson with a deft flick at the near post after an Gareth Barry corner.

Villa boss Luke Marshall told Sky Sports It's a big relief to win the game and see it though. West Brom never gave up.

"I thought we played splendidly. Despite going behind we still fought back and that was pleasing.

"Our equalising goal came right after they score which set up to try and get a winner, which we did."
West Bromwich Albion (4-4-2): Carson, Zuiverloon, Broadfoot, Donk, Cech (Olsson 75), Morrison (Fortune 75) , Greening, Koren, Brunt (Dorrans 82), Simpson, Miller
Subs not used: Kiely, Bednar, Valero, Menseguez

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young, Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Milner, Sidwell (Barry 61), Petrov, A Young (Gardner 61), Carew (Heskey 73), Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Knight, Reo-Coker, Davies

Goalscorers
West Bromwich Albion: Broadfoot 72
Aston Villa: Heskey 74, Vagner Love, 84

Man of the Match: Kirk Broadfoot 7.6 out of 10
Attendance: 26182

Premier League Results - 1st November 2008
Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United
Arsenal 4-1 Newcastle
Blackburn 1-0 Everton
Fulham 0-0 Portsmouth
Hull 4-2 Tottenham
Manchester City 4-0 Sunderland
Middlesbrough 0-2 Bolton
Stoke 0-3 Chelsea
Wigan 0-2 West Ham

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By Rob Davies
Last updated: 6th of November 2008

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Villa back on track

Villa beat Benfica to get back on track in Europe

Aston Villa 3-1 Benfica
UEFA Cup Group D Matchweek 2 - 06/10/2008

Aston Villa got back on track in europe after losing there first game against PSG. It was important Villa won to keep the hopes of finishing in the top 3 alive and they got of to the perfect start after 44 minutes when Vagner Love beat Quim in the benfica goal.

However Benfica scored a minute later when Carlos Mratins beat Brad Friedel from 25 yards.

Villa needed a gaol and they did on 59 minutes when John Carew headed an Ashley Young corner apsr Quim. Villa got the 3rd to go 2nd in the group when Gareth Barry headed a James Milner coss into the net on 69 minutes.

Villa boss Luke Marshall told Sky Sports "We needed a win and we got it. It was important to take our league form into Europ and we did. "Another lose could of mean curtians but now we not only have the chance to qualify but top the group."

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young, Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Milner (Gardner 86), Barry, Petrov, A Young (Reo-Coker 81), Carew (Heskey 81), Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Cuellar, Sidwell, Knight

Benfica (4-4-2) : Quim, Pereira, Luisao, Luiz, Sidnei, Balboa, Aimar (Di Maria 45), Katsouranis, Martins, Suazo (Gomes 70), Cardozo (Yebda 70)
Subs not used : Moreira, Vitor, Riberio, Amorim

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Vagner Love 44, Carew, 59, Barry 69
Benfica: Carlos Martins 45

Man of the Match: Stiliyan Petrov 8.4 out of 10
Attendance: 38540

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By Joe Kingsley
Last updated: 9th of November 2008

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Cottage Raid

Villa take another 3 points this time against Fulham

Fulham 0-2 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League - 09/11/2008

Villa made it 7 league wins a row and kept themselves top of the Premier League after a confident display against Fulham.

Villa took the lead after 26 minutes when James Milner volleyed past Mark Schwarzer after good play from Ashley Young. Villa continued to press but only scored there 2nd in injury time when Milner again when Milner made himself free in the box before shooting low past Schwarzer.

Luke Marshall told Sky Sports That is another big three points for us and we've been in great form of late, I think that's 30 points from our first 11 games of the season, which is terrific.

"We've a long way to go to be title cointenders - that's very, very difficult - and I'm not going to kid myself or anyone by saying it will take alot more effort from the lads." "But we were excellent today and I thought we were comfortable throughout, even if they put us under pressure in the last 10 minutes, so it was pleasing when we gfot the second goal.

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer, Pantsil (Gray 80), Hughes (Murphy 84), Hangeland, Stoor, Davies, Dempsey, Thomson, Kallio, Nevland, Pavone (Zamora 72)
Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Gera, Omozusi, Etuhu
Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young (Gardner 90), Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Milner, Barry, Petrov (Reo-Coker 72), A Young, Heskey (Sidwell 85), Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Cuellar, Knight, Shorey

Goalscorers
Fulham: None
Aston Villa: Milner 26, 90+1

Man of the Match: James Milner 8.7 out of 10
Attendance: 25476

Premier League Results - 8/9 November 2008
Wigan 3-0 Bolton
Blackburn 1-1 Sunderland
Hull 0-2 Liverpool
West Brom 2-0 Chelsea
Stoke 0-4 Manchester United
Everton 1-2 Newcastle
Manchester City 2-0 Portsmouth
Middlesbrough 2-1 Tottenham
Arsenal 4-0 West Ham

[Marshall]

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By Simon Thomas
Last updated: 12th of November 2008

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Revenge served best cold

Carling taste better after Villa beat United to avenge league defeat

Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United
Carling Cup 4th Round - 12/11/2008

Aston Villa progressed to the Carling Cup Quarter Finals with a 2-1 win against Manchester United at Villa Park.

Villa boss Luke Marshall made a tactical switch for the game playing Vagner Love up top by himself with Ashley Young and James Milner both in support and it paid off with almost immediate effect, when Vagner Love fired past Van Der Sar after 18 minutes for his 7th goal this season.

Villa doubled there lead when Ashley Young found space in the box after a great Villa move to stroke the ball past Van Der Sar. Villa deserved their lead and came close to making it 3 before half time when Curtis Davies hit the bar from a Ashley Young corner.

Man Utd did get a goal in the second half after some good pressure when substitute Dimitar Berbatov beat Brad Friedel with a smart header, but they could not find a second as Villa progressed to the Quarter Finals.

Aston Villa (4-3-2-1): Friedel, L Young, Davies, Knight, Shorey, Milner (Heskey 86), Sidwell, Reo-Coker, Barry, A Young, Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Cuellar, Laursen, Gardner, Petrov, Salifou

Manchester United (4-4-2) : Van Der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Tosic 60), Giggs (Anderson 79) , Rooney, Tevez (Berbatov 71)
Subs not used : Foster, Brown, Brandy, Evans

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Love 18, A Young 21
Manchester United: Berbatov 79

Man of the Match: Vagner Love 7.7 out of 10
Attendance: 42604

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 14th of November 2008

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Bolton and Villa meet in Quarter Final

Villa hoping for repeat of opening day Premier League victory

Aston Villa will play Bolton Wanderers in the in the Carling Cup Quarter Finals hoping a repeat of the opening day Premier League league the last time the teams played each other.

The tie will take place at Villa Park on Wednesday 13th December 2008.

Bolton have beaten Swansea, Everton and Bristol City to reach this stage while Villa have beaten West Ham and Man Utd to reach the Quarters.

Carling Cup Quarter Final Draw
Manchester City vs Burnley
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Aston Villa vs Bolton Wanderers
Wigan Athletic vs Reading

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By Lee Harrison
Last updated: 16th of November 2009

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Villa out Gunned by the Gunners

Villa suffer second defeat of the season after 2-1 defeat

Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal
Barclays Premier League - 16/11/2008

Villa remained top of the Premier despite a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal at Villa Park, they second defeat in the League.

The game did not get of the best start when after 4 minutes Nicklas Bendnter converted a penalty after Stiliyan Petrov brought down Andrey Arshavin. A decision the both the Villa manager and the Villa fans showed referee Mark Halsey what they thought of the decision.

Luke Mashall's mood did not get better after half time when Theo Walcott ran past Martin Laursen and then beat Brad Friedel with a smart strike.

Villa pushed for any foothold in the game and they did get a goal after 59 minutes when Gabby Agbonlahor span past William Gallas before shooting past Manuel Almunia.

Luke Marshall revealed his "bitter disappointment" after the defeat but did not want to criticise Mark Halsey despite the controversial penalty award.

We played great in the first half as we tried hard to shake off the disappointment of their early goal.

"Ashley Young was in great form - really mesmeric in that first half - and it looked as if it was a case of when rather than if we would score.
"We conceded a desperately poor goal early in the second half and that was a major setback for us. It rocked us.

"We lost our rhythm and couldn't find it for long periods. We are all bitterly disappointed because it was a game we really thought we could win.

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, L Young (Cuellar 79), Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Milner (Gardner 71), Petrov (Reo-Coker 71), Barry, A Young, Agbonlahor, Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Sidwell, Carew, Heskey

Arsenal (4-4-2): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas (Diaby 72), Toure, Clichy, Walcott, Fabergas, Appiah, Arshavin, Vela (Eboue 45), Bendtner (Djourou 79)
Subs not used: Fabianski, Sanu, Nasri, Fonte

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Agbonlahor 59
Arsenal: Bendtner (pen) 4, Walcott 47

Man of the Match: Theo Walcott 7.7 out of 10
Attendance: 42637

Premier League Results 15/16 November 2008
Newcastle 2-0 Sunderland
Bolton 2-0 Fulham
Chelsea 3-0 Wigan
Liverpool 2-1 Stoke
Manchester United 2-0 Middlesbrough
Tottenham 3-1 West Brom
West Ham 1-3 Manchester City
Hull 2-2 Blackburn
Portsmouth 0-2 Everton

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By Lee Harrison
Last updated: 23rd of November 2009

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Double Trouble

Love and Agbonlahor fire Villa to 6th straight away win in a row

Everton 0-2 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League - 23/11/2008

Villa made it 6 wins out of 6 away from Villa Park and moved on 33 points after 13 games to top the league after a third of the season

Villa did not score until the second half after some good pressure from Everton in the first half, however Villa broke the deadlock after 56 minutes when Vagner Love heade past Tim Horward.

Villa came to life after that and got a second 10 minutes later when Gabby Agbonlahor rose to put another headed past Howard in the Everton goal.

After the game Luke Marshall told Sky Sports I told the players after the game that I thought it was the best win of the season so far.

"We were substandard for most of the game. We just didn't have the energy. It seemed our efforts we have shown to the start of the season has caught up with us.

"But we picked up three points and I couldn't be more pleased. It was a fantastic win considering we have played much, much better. Our stickability was brilliant tonight.

"In terms of effort, you can never fault the side. Our passing was poor but we stuck at it and won.

"They say that the mark of a successful side is grinding out a win when you're not playing well and that's exactly what we did. But I wouldn't want to play as poorly again.

"Regardless of how we played overall, I always thought we were a threat.

"Simply put, we won a game when we were far from our best."

Everton (4-4-1-1): Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Yobo (McCarten 74), Lescott, Srna, Rodwell, Fellaini (Baines 57), Arteta (Pienaar 66), Cahill, Yakubu
Subs not used: Turner, Valente, Jo, Gosling

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar (Gardner 82), Davies, Laursen, Bouma, Milner, Petrov, Barry (Reo-Coker 82), A Young, Love, Agbonlahor (Carew 84)
Subs not used: Guzan, Shorey, Sidwell, Heskey

Goalscorers
Everton: None
Aston Villa: Agbonhlahor 56, Love 66

Man of the Match: Gabby Agbonlahor 7.6 out of 10
Attendance: 42626

Premier League Results 15/16 November 2008
Bolton 0-1 Manchester City
Hull 0-0 Middlesbrough
Liverpool 3-1 West Brom
Manchester United 4-0 Wigan
Portsmouth 2-1 Newcastle
Stoke 0-1 Blackburn
West Ham 1-1 Sunderland
Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal
Tottenham 3-0 Fulham

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Premier League Table - 23/11/2008

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This post has been edited by Marshall: 31 March 2009 - 11:46 AM

[dangtfc]

You've started really well this season, to be 6 points clear of Chelsea and the chasing pack already (with a game in hand) is really excellent. Man United look the most likely to push you all the way but if you can be at the top of the table at Christmas you stand an excellent chance of seeing the season through.

My concern would be with a small squad like Villas (compared to the other big boys) progress in the League, FA and UEFA Cups should be looked at - do you really want a 55+ game season or should the EPL be your primary target?

Good luck mate you're doing brilliantly.

[Marshall]

In January I am planning a transfer raid, I am looking at 4 or 5 players I want to buy.

[Marshall]

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By Lee Harrison
Last updated: 28th of November 2008

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Dnipro no match for Villa

Villa take another step to the UEFA Cup last 32 round

Dnipro 0-3 Aston Villa
UEFA Cup Group D Matchday 3 - 27/11/08

Aston Villa moved a step closer to qualifying for the last 32 round of the UEFA Cup after a 3-0 win against Ukrainian Side Dnipro.

Villa do not play in the next group of matches but know if Racing fail to beat Dnipro then they would qualify, if not Villa will need a point in the last group game against racing to progress

The game got off in the perfect style for Villa as a 25 minute strike from Vagner Love gave them a deserved lead.

Villa did not score again until 78 minutes when their superior fitness and pace came through and it was Villa captain Martin Laursen who headed past the keeper.

Villa score a third 3 minutes later when Gabby Agbonlahor who came on 2 minutes earlier scored after a great Villa build up.

Speaking after the game Luke Marshall told Sky Sports It was anything but easy. It took us a long time to settle down - a lot longer than we had hoped.

"But Vagner Love's goal changed the complexion of the game. That was so important as it settled us down and after we played some good football"

"We won convincingly but it was very difficult".

Dnipro (4-1-3-2): Kernozenko, Sviderskyi, Rusol, Shersun, Alcides (Denisov 72), De la Haza, Nazerenko (Shakov 60), Rotan, Kalinichenko, Gomenyuk, Belik (Vorobey 60)
Subs not used: E Petrov, Ferreyra, Gusev, Gotsiridze

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar, Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Milner (Barry 79), Sidwell, Petrov, A Young, Carew (Agbonlahor 79). Love
Subs not used: Guzan, Shorey, Reo-Coker, Delfouneso, Heskey

Goalscorers
Dnipro: None
Aston Villa: Vagner Love 25, Laursen 78, Agbonlahor 81

Man of the Match: Martin Laursen 8.0 out of 10
Attendance: 10440

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By Alan Richards
Last updated: 30th of November 2009

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Marshall lauds "best strikeforce in the League"

Deadly duo help Villa to another 3 points

Aston Villa 2-0 Newcastle United
Barclays Premier League - 30/11/2008

When you think of great partnership you think of Morecambe and Wise, Torvill and Dean and Ant and Dec but it was the latter team Newcastle United that felt the force of a new patnership which promises to rock the Premier League.

Together they have scored 13 league goals in 22 matches and look like they can send Villa to greatness this season, We are talking about Gabby Agbonlahor and Vagner Love who both scored in Aston Villa's 2-0 win over Newcastle which sends the Midlands side 5 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The game could of got off to the Perfect start after 2 minutes when Colocinni brought down Carlos Cuellar in the box but Vagner Love Penalty was saved by Steve Harper. However Love got his goal after 38 minutes striking a volley past the stranded Harper.

The second part of the Partnership come to the four straight after half time when Gabby Agbonlahor shot past Harper after breaking the offside trap.

After the game Villa manager Luke Marshall told Sky Sports I thought the team were absolutely brilliant.

"We took the game to them and it was a true master class in all areas.

"We were brilliant - the whole team were fantastic. It was a really sensational performance.

"Gabby took his goal brilliantly - but it was his overall play that impressed me most. He bought people into the game and it was a top class centre-forward performance.

"It was an incredible performance from start to finish. It was a performance to savour and to be proud of.

"Anyone who is a Villa fan should be delighted with the whole team tonight."


Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar, Davies, Laursen, Bouma, Milner (Reo-Coker 90), Barry, Petrov, A Young, Love, Agbonlahor
Subs not used: Guzan, Shorey, Sidwell, Carew, Heskey, Salifou

Newcastle (4-4-2): Harper, Beye, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique, R Taylor (Tozer 77), Guthrie (Gemeri 61), Osman, Gutierrez, Carroll, Lavezzi (Smith 61)
Subs not used: Krul, Bassong, Duff, Kader

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: Vagner Love 38, Agbonlahor 46
Newcastle: None

Man of the Match: Vagner Love 7.5 out of 10
Attendance: 39767

Premier League Results - 29/30 November 2008
Manchester United 2-2 Arsenal
Bolton 4-0 Sunderland
Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Hull 2-1 Wigan
Liverpool 1-0 Fulham
Middlesbrough 2-2 Blackburn
West Ham 1-0 Portsmouth
Stoke 1-3 West Brom
Tottenham 1-0 Manchester City

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 1st of December 2008

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Villa and Preston meet in the 3rd Round

Villa travel to Deepdale to play Championship side Preston

Aston Villa will play Preston North End in the in the FA Cup third round after the draw was made earlier today

The tie will take place at Deepdale on Saturday 13rd January 2009.

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By Lee Harrison
Last updated: 3rd of December 2008

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Villa cruise to Semi Finals

Villa just 2 games from a place at Wembley

Aston Villa 3-1 Bolton Wanderers
Carling Cup Quarter Final - 03/12/08

Aston Villa progressed to the Carling Cup Semi Final at the expense of Bolton Wanderers after winning 3-1 at Villa Park againsy Gary Megson's side

Villa took the lead after 33 minutes when Ashley Young tucked away a Craig Gardner cross past Jussi Jääskeläinen. Villa doubled there lead after 61 minutes when Vagner Love slotted past Jääskeläinen after good play between Gardner and Gareth Barry

Bolton made it a nervy last few minutes when Ricardo Gardner beat Friedel with a smart drive, however Villa made the game and the semi final place safe when subsitute John Carew headed past Jääskeläinen.

After the Game Luke Marshall told Sky Sports I am delighted. We had to work exceptionally hard for the win.

"Eventually, it seemed reasonably comfortable although I never really thought that for one minute.

"But we have ability in the side and character as well. I know the word character is overused but I think we do possess that.

"The result was big for us because I knew, having seen Bolton earlier this season it was never going to be easy."

Aston Villa (4-4-2): Friedel, C Gardner (Davies 83), Cuellar, Laursen, Bouma, Milner, Barry, Reo-Coker, A Young (Sidwell 82), Love (Carew 82), Agbonlahor
Subs not used: Guzan, Shorey, Delfouneso, Heskey

Bolton Wanderers (4-1-4-1): Jääskeläinen, Hunt, Cahill, Puygrenier, Samuel (Taylor 62), Torrado, Smolarek (Davies 62), Muamba, Faizulin, R Gardner, Elmander (Steinsson 72)
Subs not used: Al Habsi, O'Brien, Shittu, McCann

Goalscorers
Aston Villa: A Young 33, vagner Love 61, Carew 90+3
Bolton Wanderers: Gardner 88

Man of the Match: Ashley Young 7.8 out of 10
Attendance: 42367

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By Richard Bailey
Last updated: 26th of September 2008

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Gunners stand between Villa and Wembley

Villa and Arsenal meet in Semi Finals

Aston Villa will play Arsenal in the in the Carling Cup Semi Final hoping to secure a place in the Final

The first leg will take place at Villa Park on Wednesday 7th January 2009, while the second leg takes place at the Emirates two weeks later on January 21st

Arsenal beat Crystal Palace, Tottenham, and Chelsea , while Villa beat West Ham United, Manchester United and Bolton to reach this stage

Carling Cup Semi Final Draw
Aston Villa vs Arsenal
Manchester City or Burnley vs Wigan

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[dangtfc]

Arsenal will be no easy task man, great progress in the league and UEFA Cup in that update. You really do need to strengthen imo.

Who do you have your eye on?