Aston Villa Still Have Much To Prove

Looking at Aston Villa’s team sheet on Boxing Day one could argue that Martin O’Neill’s squad was ready to turn the ‘Big Four’ into a ‘Big Five’. Man to man they were arguably equal to or better than Arsenal at every position. But as in years before, they disappointed and were fortunate to come away with a draw.

And yes, Aston Villa remain three points in front of Arsenal in fourth place, but their inability to open up even more distance between themselves and the Gunners could prove to be an immense turning point not only this season, but for years to come.

Over the years, several clubs (Manchester City, Everton, Portsmouth, etc.) have taken baby steps towards the top tier of English football, the so-called Big Four. And each of them has fallen short, not only to players with greater skill but more importantly to clubs with the experience, maturity, and mental toughness to fend off all challengers.

On Friday, Aston Villa faced an Arsenal squad as vulnerable as they’ll ever be. They had already lost to Villa at the Emirates, were without Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott, and poor form (one win in their last six matches) and internal bickering had left the club teetering on collapse. And Arsenal’s defense outside of Bacaray Sagna, is a shambles.

But instead of seizing their opportunity, Villa proved they were not quite ready. Yes, they hit the post three times in the first half, but one could argue that just means three more shots were off target. They didn’t seem to settle the entire match, which could end up being their demise. Their lack of composure cancelled out their frenetic pace.

Though Aston Villa do have experience in players like Gareth Barry, Brad Freidel, and Martin Laursen, they still play like a team that is one or two years away from being taken seriously. But with Barry openly stating that his future depends on whether Villa make the Champions League and Real Madrid sniffing around midfielder Ashley Young, it remains to be seen whether the core of this squad will be around to live up to their potential.