David Hamill

 

It was a glorious opportunity to put some daylight between themselves and Liverpool – but it was the same old story for Aston Villa as they went down to a 93rd minute Fernando Torres strike.   Instead of relishing the occasion that would have seen them move eight points clear of the Merseysiders with a win, Villa performed like a side that were more concerned with the consequences of defeat.   Fearing the situation rather than embracing it results in more unforced errors and although Liverpool scarcely deserved their late victory, allowing themselves to become overwhelmed by the importance of the fixture brought on the inevitable for Martin O’Neill’s outfit.

It was a messy error-strewn game, and the mistakes that led to goal – giving the ball away cheaply in a dangerous area – was indicative of how Villa played. The English contingent of Reo-Coker, James Milner and Warnock were particularly culpable in failing to retain possession and their composure, as well as their basic decision-making, left a lot to be desired on the night.

Villa were still licking their wounds from the lesson they received at the Emirates just a couple of days prior – but taking into account their performances over the first half of the season they have proved that with more ambition and belief they can be a serious threat for fourth place.

Unless they regain their best form soon, Villa will be seen as the pretenders who are afraid of the next step.

The arctic conditions in Britain have postponed the first-leg of their Carling Cup semi-final this week, but coping mentally in the race for a Champions League spot would be a bigger achievement than domestic cup silverware and that must be the priority for Villa.