I’m not entirely sure how to start this one. The match was essentially a game of one half (the 2nd), so much so I’ve pretty much written this backwards (I don’t mean sat facing the wall behind me) so forgive the slightly lack lustre opening AN APT METAPHOR FOR HOW THIS MATCH BEGAN AND HE’S BAAACK.
New Aston Villa boss, Tim Sherwood, watched from the stands as his boys overcame equally as retarded opposition Leicester City to reach the FA Cup quarter finals.
If anyone was in any doubt as to why both sides are in the drop zone then the first half of this clash surely put an end any uncertainty. Literally nothing happened. Leicester City’s Marcin Wasilewsky - who looks like he’s escaped from prison or the set of a porno set in a prison - hit the post, while Villa’s Christian Benteke loitered in midfield possibly in an attempt to pass to himself.
Tim Sherwood, not one for keeping his opinions to himself, made an impromptu visit to the home dressing room at half time in an attempt to right a very woeful first half. While some may see Randy Lerner’s appointment of Sherwood like putting a kamikaze pilot in charge of the Titanic, Sherwood's words of wisdom appeared to have the desired effect on, well, both sides, oddly.
Villa began the half with far more conviction which forced Leicester to give a good account of themselves. Which to be fair to them they have done for most of the season, except in the scoring/not being relegated department. The rejuvenated restart proved more than hot air from Villa when in the 67’ minute Leandro Bacuna cut inside and whipped it into the right hand corner; a fantastic finish that wouldn’t look out of place coming from any team other than Villa. Or Leicester.
Leicester City responded positively; just a minute later the Foxes won a corner and Leonardo Ulloa’s header was blocked. Leicester found their gear and piled on the pressure, Riyad Majrez had his right footed shot from inside the box saved, Andrej Kramaric’s header from the left side of the box sailed just over, and Esteban Cambiasso’s 79’ minute free kicked flew embarrassingly high.
As ever, their admirable advances proved impotent and were punctuated all the while by Aston Villa counter attacks. In spite of the Foxes’ best efforts, it was Villa who looked most likely to score, a rejuvenated Benteke was playing higher up the pitch and offered several attempts, and Andreas Weimann had his goal adjudged offside. Then in the 89’ minute, assisted by Benteke, Manchester City loanee, Scott Sinclair, pinged a right footed shot that was fumbled into the net by Leicester goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer. Villa had scored their 17th goal in all competitions.
Leicester City record signing, Andrej Kramaric, replied 31” seconds later with a fantastic headed finish assisted by Jeffrey Schlupp, a 1950s Jewish sweet shop owner. But it was too little too late.
Final score: Aston Villa 2 - 1 Leicester City
What next?
Both teams lurk bottom table like two middle aged men scouring the periphery of a swingers party waiting for an ‘in.’ Who will make that leap of faith? It’s hard to say, if today’s result was anything to go by then obviously Villa. Sherwood appears to be the blue pill Villa were looking for to pep them into life. And why wouldn’t he be? His batshit style of play (see our December 2013 article: http://gitsinthegame.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/sherwood-gets-nod-as-levy-campaigns-for.html) coupled with his enthusiasm and total disregard for the party line is an exciting prospect for anyone who isn’t directly accountable of his actions.
Furthermore, Sherwood’s record at Tottenham is underrated to say the least. His win percentage of 59.09% was the highest of any Tottenham manager in the Premier League. Yet he was sacked for being too not foreign enough.
Despite the positive stuff, it’s been clear to everyone, except Lambert, that Villa are sorely lacking creativity in midfield. Tom Cleverly appears incapable of passing it anywhere but sideways (ed: he’d suit Man Utd down to the ground then.) Sherwood obviously instructed his midfielders to ping the ball at Benteke’s throat in the second half to save the forward having to come look for it, which worked to great affect in a very Sherwood-y way.
However, this make-do-and-mend approach (ed: he’s only been in charge an hour) may blag you a few results, but if Villa have any hope of keeping above water come the summer Sherwood will surely need to address his side’s creative shortcomings. Why don’t you leave suggestions for possible midfield signings in the comments section? Be nice to get at least one comment, been doing this long enough.
As for Leicester, they haven’t got a hope while that maniac is in charge.
GITG
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