As good as Aston Villa were in their blistering 12-minute spell that wiped out Reading’s lead in the FA Cup, the Midlands club were equally poor in the first half.

Against Championship opposition you might get away with such a dismal showing but Chelsea will be less forgiving in the semi-finals.

 

However, if you are going to have a bad day at the office then its better to respond in the manner Villa did, demonstrating character and a ruthlessness their last four opponents would be proud of.

Martin O’Neill cut a frustrated figure when his side were 2-0 down but he must have been thrilled to see everything click into place as his players took his views on board and turned the game of its head within minutes of the restart.

Instrumental in their comeback was John Carew, adding the cool finishing that Emile Heskey cannot provide. As long as Villa’s midfield continues to supply the service, the Norwegian will carry a real goal threat in the air and on the ground.

The objective for Villa now is to reproduce that form on a consistent basis – easier said than done but they have set a marker for themselves and with Liverpool losing again at Wigan on Monday, a bigger prize than another trip to Wembley awaits if they get it right. But it’s a very big if.