EPL Round 31: Aston Villa FC vs Sunderland AFC

By: Lucas | March 22nd, 2008

Just fell out of bed, wondering who emptied their septic tank in my mouth while I was asleep. Off to the pub now to watch the match, I’ll have more to write later.

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Second half substitute Michael Chopra secured a MASSIVE 1-0 win for Sunderland with a goal in the 83rd minute today at Villa Park. Kieran Richardson played a nice long ball from his own half, and Chopra split through two Villa defenders, beat a torpid Zat Knight to the ball and dinked it over a helpless Scott Carson. Huge.

The goal was against the run of play, as Villa were doing most of the attacking in the second half. Sunderland deserve the win though, because they had lots of good possession and attack (particularly in the first half); they just couldn’t put the deadly finish on it until Chopra saved the day. Carlos Edwards started his second straight match since breaking his leg in December, and looked good until he tired in the second half and came off for Leadbitter (who then maddeningly blew a chance late on).

The back four were solid (despite a couple injury scares for Nosworthy and Collins – both appear fine), the midfield looked more cohesive than I have seen in forever (I very much like the look of Reid-Richardson-Edwards), and with Kenwyne out sick it was Murphy and O’Donovan up top.

This marks our first road win of the season, our first goal away from the Stadium of Light for three months exactly, and our first goal overall since February 9 vs Wigan. The win, possibly the biggest of the season, moves us 4 points clear of the drop zone.

Ha’Way the Lads!