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| Kevin Nolan sunk Villa hopes early in the second half. IMAGE COURTESY: Mirror.co.uk |
TheSportMatrix President Nisar Khan was in attendance for Aston Villa vs. West Ham United on Saturday 8 February 2014. Here is his report, analysis, comment and more from the stands as West Ham silenced Aston Villa with two goals from Kevin Nolan.
Initially optimistic to pick up three points after a win over the visitors, the hosts were greeted with an uproar of encouragement.
Prior to kick-off, I was fortunate to get a touch of the ball as the players got some practicing. Gabriel Agbongalhor blasted a shot over that hit my arm.
With Brad Guzan in front of the Holte End in the first half, his efforts would be enough to stop the goalnet bulging in front of the home fans – and unfortunately, the net would not bulge in the second either.
Aston Villa’s frustration was clear as the first half got into full swing. They simply were not being effective enough with the ball, each time the ball was needlessly passed back towards the defenders.
And of course, who can forget the boos for Stewart Downing. For the first forty-five minutes, the home fans indeed got the better of him, with a few mistakes forced here and there, and plenty of expletive vocabulary targeted in his direction.
It’s always interesting to see how quickly things change, from enthusiastic clapping of positive play from Villa, to progressive frustration as they seemed to cautious to put a ball through to Benteke, showing a clear lack of a creative central midfielder.
As the first half drew to a close, fans clapped seemingly subdued as the players went for a break. There was plenty to improve on, but still a performance that was somewhat promising though far-off satisfying, considering this was a game that Aston Villa definitely could have won, on paper.
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| Close to the Action: Seated four rows away from the pitch and behind the goal. PHOTO BY NISAR KHAN |
When play got back underway for the second half, things would drastically change against the hosts’ favour. With less than three minutes played into the second half, Aston Villa would find themselves down by two goals, courtesy of Kevin Nolan.
While Brad Guzan’s performance in front of the Holte End was satisfying for Villa fans, his performance on the other side in front of the North Stand was not met with as much pleasure, conceding two goals to turn the game upside down.
For fans in the Holte End, the closest they would come to seeing a goal scored was the ball rattling the woodwork, twice – first from Albrighton’s shot, then from Benteke’s floating header.
With rain pouring down on Birmingham, it seemed to reflect the attitudes of Aston Villa, with their hopes of winning dampening as full-time grew closer.
Stewart Downing may have been subject to some expletive vocabulary in the first half, but as frustration increased for the home fans, the swearing was targeted at Aston Villa’s numerous failures to create a decent chance.
Christian Benteke had a few good chances, but chances which ultimately posed no threat because they were off target. An overhead kick attempt from the Belgian was one of the most entertaining aspects of the game, despite flying over the bar.
And those attempts were when a good cross actually entered the box, with many going out for throw-ins or even goal kicks, it was a disheartening afternoon for the Lions.
And speaking of best aspects of the game, although I was unable to watch Arsenal vs. Liverpool, as I made my way to the seats I saw a screen showing the game. Having to look twice in shock of the result, it really was true, Liverpool were thumping Arsenal 5 – 1 – fantastic news for me and Liverpool fans at least.
Even the blues were experienced by myself, as the rain poured, and my Coca Cola bottles and Evian water also spilled, considering that the lids had to be taken off before entering the stadium. Oh of course, a small plastic lid is definitely going to harm someone if thrown, and if in the unlikely situation that it actually reaches the pitch…
From the eightieth minute onward, fans slowly left the stadium with the loss now looking imminent. As seats emptied, further did Aston Villa’s enthusiasm in the game, casually sitting back and not pushing for the chances as they were in the action prior.
Aston Villa’s problems were clear throughout the game, they lacked creativity, crosses were of a poor quality, they were hesitant and passed the ball back excessively, all part of a rainy day for them.
West Ham’s support could draw no faults for the time they were at least leading. Considering that the fans chanted “You’ve got [expletive] support”, and “[expletive] you scum”. Those first half chants also includes “Stuart Downing’s a [expletive]”, and many more (expletive) chants.
West Ham pick up an important win on their travels to sink a subdued Villa performance. An entertaining game to watch, at least from the neutral perspective.
– Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.
TheSportMatrix.com 