Claret and Blue fail to wrap up perfect Christmas present
Last updated : 22 December 2007 By Tom Vickers
Santa didn't come early to Villa park as scrooge Sven saw his Man City men deny the Villans all three points. Villa promised to deliver a great gift to the home faithful but eventually flattered to deceive.
The home side even feel behind inside 11 minutes as Juan Pablo Angel's alter-ego, Rolando Bianchi, slid in the opener. The ball was put on a plate by Martin Petrov and Italian Bianchi capitalised on slack marking in the middle.
It was an early festive treat from the Villa back line who stood as still as four decorated Christmas trees.
The bells were ringing in the Villa ranks but big John Carew didn't hear them. He quickly made amends as just four minutes later he powered through the City defence and struck a low finish past the despairing Joe Hart.
The Holte were soon singing a chorus of Claret and Blue carols and they sensed a much needed win. What they were to witness was one of the most frustrating 75 minutes in Villa Park history.
The Villa dominated the remainder of the game as they huffed and puffed but without reward.
First, Gabby Agbonlahor had his effort cleared off the line by Elano from Ashley Young's corner. It was debatable whether it was a goal but Villa received no Christmas cheer from the officials.
Then the towering Carew almost claimed his second of the afternoon, as his fierce drive was tipped brilliantly onto the post by Hart. It was a great save from the rookie stopper as the Norwegian targetman was almost wheeling away in celebration.
Martin O'Neill's men continued to sparkle after the break and retained possession at will. The Villa Park faithful urged their side on but there was no potency as Carew and Co failed to forge clear cut opportunities.
That was until the final ten minutes as Gabby Agbonlahor ran through only to be denied by Hart once again. The on-rushing keeper stopped the pacy striker's goal bound effort even though he was outside of his own area.
Moments earlier Nigel Reo-Coker had broken down a City attack and surged over the half-way line only to delay too long with what would have probably been a goal assist for Agbonlahor.
Sven's Grinches nearly had the audacity to steal Christmas at the end as Martin Petrov missed a glorious chance to take the three points back to Manchester. He shot wide though, and a draw was the least Villa deserved.
But, the ghost of Christmas past visited Villa again today as their atrocious December record continued and so did their gloomy form against Manchester sides. It's now just seven wins from 53 games in the Premier League against sides from the dreaded city.
Villa fans will be hoping for a belated gift from Santa's alias O'Neill and his team of elves when they take on Chelsea on Boxing Day. Many wont leave the mince pies and cup of milk out that long.
