Villa @ Crew: DANGER lurks in the Prem!

I witnessed a first, last night.. well maybe a second.

Having watched the Villa Toronto friendly a few days prior I still went to Crew Stadium not sure what to expect. Crew had just days before minced Toronto and frankly I couldnt tell Toronto was playing any better against Villa than they had against us.
ONE thing I knew from the FSC broadcast, though... the announcers were all wet when they said TFC 'were holding their own'. Nope.. Villa were dominating them.

It was plain to see Villa knew how to find the net against Toronto, but judging from the D against Crew still didnt mean much.

Last night settled it... this was the first time a 'big team' came in for a friendly to PLAY. Villa dominated the Crew in every facet on the pitch except for shots and SOG, perhaps. They did it by using MLS' own friendly tactics against them, this time it was Villa who played 'see ball, get ball' and muscled the Crew off the ball on every part of the pitch.

If Villa werent going all out for this (and the TFC match) I think their opponents during the season are in for a huge shock. In fact, I wont be surprised if Villa seriously challenges for the top five.

 

RE: Villa @ Crew: DANGERlurks in the Prem!

We heard it here first.

Martin O'Neil is no dumby. I think AV will definitely be top 10. Top 5? That's why they play the matches.

 

RE: Villa @ Crew: DANGERlurks in the Prem!

Was unable to watch the Crew/Villa friendly, but I did watch the TFC friendly and I was thoroughly impressed. O'Neill is buidling a talented side with loads of attacking options with experience in the backline. No easy points will come off Villa this season.

Moore got a fair run out and the kid has talent... can't hid that. I know he scored a hat trick in a friendly, but still shows the desire to work his way into the starting XI. If he gets a run out is still to be determined.

Not ready to say they could be in the top 5. Spots 6-8 is probably where O'Neill's side will finish up.

 

RE: Villa @ Crew: DANGERlurks in the Prem!

Villa will NOT finish in the top 5. I will go the opposite of Pettyfog and say they will NOT even finish in the top 10. They are a decent side, but I do not think they have the quality and depth to weather the sure to come injuries most all sides face each season.

They do have a good manager in O'Neill, but that alone with a few above average players in not enough to break the top ten for them. I think Fulham has a better chance at the top ten than Villa.