Pressure but no points

There was a weird parallel at Villa Park on Saturday as the Claret and Blue crumbled in a final home game engulfed by pressure.
Supporters who witnessed the embarrassing defeat to Wigan may relate it to the crushing 2-0 defeat against Manchester United on the last day of the season four years ago.
On that occasion Villa knew a win would secure a UEFA Cup spot ahead of Newcastle who were at Anfield to face Liverpool.
But the Villa side then managed by David O'Leary saw a season of impressive determination and desire ruined by the Red Devils.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men claimed an easy two goal victory and held on comfortably despite having Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo sent off.
Mean time Newcastle picked up the point they needed to topple O'Leary's charges.
The Villa performance lacked passion, ideas and inspiration. That summing up sounds familiar.
As home fans again trudged from Villa Park with despair etched upon their faces, the same post mortem was conducted.
Steve Bruce sent his side out to restrict and frustrate. He succeeded and Wigan stuck to their plan with rigid determination.
Villa on the other hand had no plan. They may argue that Chris Kirkland was defiant and Luis Valencia was deadly, but where were their own set of assassins.

Stress

Ashley Young was outfought and by the final whistle he looked like a boxer who had taken too many hits.
Gareth Barry, so often the driving force, seemed to be wishing he could drive to Liverpool half way through the game.
And what of big John Carew, the striker who had been so on form in the few games prior to this outing? Well, the Norwegian showed a worrying lack of composure and conviction.
The side was unrecognisable from the force which destroyed Blues with ruthless efficiency.
Of course, every team has their off games but for Villa it seems such occasions strike when the pressure is on.
As expected, Everton were shot down by the Gunners of Arsenal and Villa would now have their European destiny in hand.
But, as it stands the Claret and Blue must go to West Ham and win while hoping Newcastle spring a surprise at Goodison Park.
It looks unlikely, but if it is to happen the Geordies must leave it late.
Why? Because if Villa know there is a realistic possibility of claiming fifth the stress could crack them once more.
Maybe they should be told Everton are three up after 10 minutes to ease the strain.
Unfortunately the chance of a straight route into Europe seems to have gone, but with Villa expect the unexpected.