News News Blog: Aston Villa

Aston Villa Transfer News: Arsenal deal close, shock Sunderland bid, move for striker

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NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest transfer news coming out of Villa Park.</h3>
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Aston Villa have <a href="http://go.ad2up.com/afu.php?id=451019" rel="tag nofollow" target="_blank">held talks with Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy</a> over a January move. </div>
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That comes from <em>The Daily Mirror</em>, who claim talks took place on Friday with a £1.5million fee being discussed. </div>
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Debuchy is keen on a move away from the Gunners after falling down the first-team pecking order and if Villa are to secure his services before deadline day they will have to match his £60,000-a-week wages. </div>
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Arsene Wenger confirmed this week the 30-year-old would be allowed to leave. </div>
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"Mathieu Debuchy might go somewhere," he said.</div>
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"But I don't know where, a decision has to be made quickly now</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mathieu Debuchy, Jordan Pickford, Gabby Agbonlahor</td></tr>
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Remi Garde is eyeing a shock move for Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, according to reports. </div>
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Villa were desperate to secure a deal for Lovre Kalinic but had their second attempt to secure a work permit blocked by the FA.</div>
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And, according to <em>The Daily Star</em>, the Premier League strugglers could now make a <a href="http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/491418/Remi-Garde-move-Premier-League-keeper-Aston-Villa-transfer-news" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">surprise move for Pickford</a>.</div>
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Pickford could be tempted into a move to secure regular minutes after Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce admitted that Vito Mannone is still his first-choice shot-stopper. </div>
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Speaking earlier this month, Allardyce said: “Jordan isn’t the No. 1 - Vito is.</div>
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“I wanted Jordan to go in for a game after his good performance in the FA Cup at Arsenal to see how he can do in the Premier League.</div>
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“But we’ve assured Vito that for the time being, he is first choice and will continue to be until such time as his performances don’t deserve that position.”</div>
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Aston Villa have attempted to offload Gabby Agbonlahor to Middle East side Al Alhi in Dubai. </div>
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That comes from <em>The Sunday People</em>, who claim that Villa wanted to get the England international off their books in order to cut their wage bill, so offered him an <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-offered-gabby-agbonlahor-7277885" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">escape route to the Dubai club</a>. </div>
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However, the striker is believed to have turned down the offer and is likely to see out the remaining two years of his contract.</div>
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Aston Villa Transfer News: Arsenal deal close, shock Sunderland bid, move for striker

NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT brings you all the latest transfer news coming out of Villa Park. Aston Villa have held talks with Arsenal de...

Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five

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THE teenager with the middle name of Promise ensured Manchester City’s quadruple isn’t a broken dream this morning with a stunning hat-trick. </h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO0U6bvRfGlRP3v889syZqkgdI6yX4t_5IWPNJq-qextQQr3J2UqpCAG_iCarKc__laBymFQflepFc1KboiHlVFqvciSP2-30gs7ATYjpO6BQJ8-oV6iRaizWTNgmylBrgFoGo7k1b5mT/s1600/Aston+Villa+0+-+Man+City+4-+Kelechi+Iheanacho+hat-trick+sends+City+into+round+five.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO0U6bvRfGlRP3v889syZqkgdI6yX4t_5IWPNJq-qextQQr3J2UqpCAG_iCarKc__laBymFQflepFc1KboiHlVFqvciSP2-30gs7ATYjpO6BQJ8-oV6iRaizWTNgmylBrgFoGo7k1b5mT/s640/Aston+Villa+0+-+Man+City+4-+Kelechi+Iheanacho+hat-trick+sends+City+into+round+five.jpg" title="Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelechi Iheanacho scored three goals as Man City hammered Villa 4-0</td></tr>
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Kelechi Iheanacho has been promising big things ever since as a raw 17-year-old straight out of the Nigerian junior teams, he was flung into a pre-season friendly by manager Manuel Pellegrini.</div>
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It was sink or swim time for Iheanacho on the prestigious 2014 USA tour because City were already aware they would have their work cut out for the striker to be granted a work permit.</div>
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A goal to confirm the stunning potential which already had a number of Premier League sides interested set the diplomatic Etihad wheels in motion, the club determined to secure his signature.</div>
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On his 18th birthday a deal was concluded and Iheanacho was on board.</div>
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Now still only 19 he is rapidly proving that maybe Pellegrini wasn’t after all suffering a brain storm when he allowed Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic  to leave.</div>
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Certainly there were no doubters at Villa Park yesterday as the emerging hit man virtually guaranteed City a place in the FA Cup fifth round by half-time.</div>
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He struck twice, one of the goals coming from the penalty spot much to the disgust of Raheem Sterling.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKDkjPrqyAba7vSDS1jOyCf5AtHFMnmJaq42PtipMx4PwvMZYlEQlu11ti6chN_MRpmX5uammZ26y_rg86Z0nEvVAGjGTjPJv6Fh7PSJFrU1Z3jiUnc2-9p6xEtW0Ov4CYIJMxJIG6efP/s1600/Aston+Villa+0+-+Man+City+4-+Kelechi+Iheanacho+hat-trick+sends+City+into+round+five+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKDkjPrqyAba7vSDS1jOyCf5AtHFMnmJaq42PtipMx4PwvMZYlEQlu11ti6chN_MRpmX5uammZ26y_rg86Z0nEvVAGjGTjPJv6Fh7PSJFrU1Z3jiUnc2-9p6xEtW0Ov4CYIJMxJIG6efP/s640/Aston+Villa+0+-+Man+City+4-+Kelechi+Iheanacho+hat-trick+sends+City+into+round+five+2.jpg" title="Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iheanacho,18, took his chance when Bony injured and Aguero on the bench</td></tr>
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With Wilfried Bony injured and the master blaster Sergio Aguero on the substitutes bench it didn’t take long for Iheanacho to confirm his presence.</div>
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To a volley of abuse from the Villa fans who had actually bothered to turn up, old boy Fabian Delph delivered a corner which was flicked on for Fernando to power in a header. Although Jordan Veretout was able to clear off the line Iheanacho smashed in the rebound.</div>
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Villa, hoping for some relief from what appears an eternal battle against the drop, looked dejected.  Only three minutes gone and 1-0 down.</div>
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Worse was to follow when Leandro Bacuna, who appeared ready to self destruct at any given moment, needlessly blocked Raheem Sterling in the box as the England forward looked to take advantage of Jesus Navas cross.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YJv6Q34kYXOnxLDkdxZ2tbRDDfeAPp6mu0tbEDJqqKoHLUFlnqh_3S769Zr6uAbqBIlfNIlCB74Rb3ebb3gKKnyY0jhj3QNaxdHjZ02sHEuBindtKNqfr1-O8NAhefGpepGmkHByNY2i/s1600/Aston+Villa+0+-+Man+City+4-+Kelechi+Iheanacho+hat-trick+sends+City+into+round+five+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YJv6Q34kYXOnxLDkdxZ2tbRDDfeAPp6mu0tbEDJqqKoHLUFlnqh_3S769Zr6uAbqBIlfNIlCB74Rb3ebb3gKKnyY0jhj3QNaxdHjZ02sHEuBindtKNqfr1-O8NAhefGpepGmkHByNY2i/s640/Aston+Villa+0+-+Man+City+4-+Kelechi+Iheanacho+hat-trick+sends+City+into+round+five+3.jpg" title="Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iheanacho sent Brad Guzan the wrong way with his penalty</td></tr>
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Sterling believed with Aguero and Yaya Toure not involved he was next in line for penalty duty.</div>
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Stand in skipper Pablo Zabaletta had other ideas insisting the ball was handed over to Iheanacho.</div>
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Sterling wasn’t too pleased, although after tossing away one of his gloves following a minor strop he did join in the celebrations when Iheanacho calmly sent Brad Guzan the wrong way from the spot.</div>
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That made it seven goals in just 18 appearances for City – with as his middle name suggests the promise of many more to come.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSnpQjMmxKe9XndXvjwzPSJEx2_hKSakcHLe7jTSjSd3rL-puIX6Oy8bb1OX8z40KjSMHjfGNX80V6fNvgMECCrgippGrkdspD_GhlJagtr4KBqy3wYQvM2-khgKakg1k1VOIn5wSrg9U/s1600/Aston+Villa+0+-+Man+City+4-+Kelechi+Iheanacho+hat-trick+sends+City+into+round+five+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSnpQjMmxKe9XndXvjwzPSJEx2_hKSakcHLe7jTSjSd3rL-puIX6Oy8bb1OX8z40KjSMHjfGNX80V6fNvgMECCrgippGrkdspD_GhlJagtr4KBqy3wYQvM2-khgKakg1k1VOIn5wSrg9U/s640/Aston+Villa+0+-+Man+City+4-+Kelechi+Iheanacho+hat-trick+sends+City+into+round+five+4.jpg" title="Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man City are a step closer to winning their first FA Cup since 2011</td></tr>
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Another followed in the 74th minute, Iheanacho calmly racing 40 yards to punish a lapse back pass from Idrissa Gana before a cool finish past Guzan.</div>
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Villa’s defensive woes continued when following an ambitious Iheanacho overhead kick Sterling pounced from close range two minutes later.</div>
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Earlier Sterling had been unfortunate to collect a yellow card after Bacuna decided to have words about the penalty incident when the pair came together.  The Villa man pushed his hand into Sterling’s face who remarkably maintained his cool only for referee Mike Jones to book both players.</div>
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Bacuna again found himself in trouble for another robust challenge, Jones calling on Villa skipper Micah Richards to listen in on a final warning.</div>
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It’s a pity the same aggression isn’t channelled into Villa’s play which is turning into a shambles.</div>
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But for City the show rolls on. A Wembley place already guaranteed via the League Cup final, progress here in the FA Cup, the Champions League still to come and the Premier League title within their considerable reach.</div>
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For Villa last May’s Final appearance must seem a million miles away with manager Remi Garde admitting: “We have a lot of respect for the competition but you can’t afford to be 1-0 down against a side like City after just a few minutes.”</div>
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<strong>Aston Villa:</strong> Guzan; Bacuna, Clark, Richards, Cissokho; Westwood (Okore 46), Gana; Veretout Sinclair (Agbonlahor 66), Gil (Grealish 80); Ayew.</div>
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<strong>Manchester City:</strong> Caballero; Zabaleta, Sagna, Otamendi (Humphreys 88), Clichy (Tasende 81); Fernando, Fernandinho (Celina 78), Delph; Navas, Iheanacho, Sterling.</div>
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Referee: M. Jones.</div>
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Att: 23,636</div>
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Man of the match: Kelechi Iheanacho. This is a mouthful of a name which you will be hearing a lot of. The real deal.</div>
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Aston Villa 0 - Man City 4: Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick sends City into round five

THE teenager with the middle name of Promise ensured Manchester City’s quadruple isn’t a broken dream this morning with a stunning hat-tric...

Aston Villa 2 - Wycombe 0: Clark and Gueye goals see Villa advance as Man City await

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ASTON Villa made heavy weather of this replay against a spirited Wycombe side but two late goals ensured that the Premier League strugglers stay in the hat.</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ciaran Clark celebrates opening the scoring for Aston Villa after 75 minutes</td></tr>
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With nerves fraying and the Wycombe support growing in belief, it took the introduction of Carles Gil to unlock the tie. He set up Ashley Westwood on the right and his cross was met by Ciaran Clark who headed firmly home for the opener.</div>
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Idrissa Gueye then scored a second in the last minute to add gloss to the scoreline.</div>
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Yet this was not convincing and the prize for scraping past Wycombe at a second attempt is a clash with Manchester City, a match which could put the brakes on Villa’s gathering momentum.</div>
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That said, Remi Garde’s side have two wins and a draw from their last three matches in all competitions which is a significant improvement.</div>
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Indeed, they are gaining self-belief after a win against Crystal Palace and an important draw against leaders Leicester. And for that, Villa’s fans must be grateful.</div>
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Garde acknowledged the primacy of the Premier League when insisting a “very difficult” match against West Brom at the weekend was at the forefront of his thinking.</div>
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His team selection, making nine changes from Saturday, appeared to back up the feeling that his priority is staying up.</div>
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Wycombe, separated by 54 places in the league structure, started better. Chasing every ball in front of travelling support of around 4,000 in the North Stand, they looked the hungrier by some margin.</div>
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For all that the League Two outfit pressed and harried in the final third, they created little in the early stages but it changed after 30 minutes when Sam Wood carved out the first of two good chances.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Keeper Brad Guzan is in need of a decent performance after getting on the wrong side of some fans during the first attempt to settle this tie.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97Tr-yVV8wQWYck-nb3a5CFPRgV556uGKnVTHvdMIZ4j-wW6pR1pzAnkT_CMwzIKQV9qFktjxtjARbsooN9piL7GftD1claOLBS1ke0qM297LcZ8mlWgZ6_UjRdjoGHsHAVPiN_wxbI4j/s1600/Aston+Villa+2+-+Wycombe+0-+Clark+and+Gueye+goals+see+Villa+advance+as+Man+City+await+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 2 - Wycombe 0: Clark and Gueye goals see Villa advance as Man City await" border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97Tr-yVV8wQWYck-nb3a5CFPRgV556uGKnVTHvdMIZ4j-wW6pR1pzAnkT_CMwzIKQV9qFktjxtjARbsooN9piL7GftD1claOLBS1ke0qM297LcZ8mlWgZ6_UjRdjoGHsHAVPiN_wxbI4j/s640/Aston+Villa+2+-+Wycombe+0-+Clark+and+Gueye+goals+see+Villa+advance+as+Man+City+await+2.jpg" title="Aston Villa 2 - Wycombe 0: Clark and Gueye goals see Villa advance as Man City await" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clark heading Aston Villa into the lead at Villa Park against Wycombe</td></tr>
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</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Not only has Mark Bunn loaded pressure on him with decent performances in the league, but Villa have also attempted to lure Lovre Kalinic from Hajduk Split with £4.9million being mentioned.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Yet Guzman produced when it mattered, turning Wood’s well-struck half-volley round a post after the midfielder had latched on to Paul Hayes looping cross from the right.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
If that was a warning sign Villa did little to heed it and Wycombe carved out another good chance before the break, Joe Jacobson swinging in a superb cross from the left which Garry Thompson headed over.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Villa created very little early on, much to the annoyance of home fans who vented their frustration at the break.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
The best of their chances came when Jordan Ayew cut in from the left side only to hit his shot into the side-netting after 40 minutes.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Garde withdrew Carlos Sanchez at the break replacing him with Gueye. Villa’s trouble was they had no focus up front, with Rudi Gestede producing an inept display which appeared to characterise everything that is wrong with Villa’s season.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
The Holte End started to grow restless when Thompson had another free header which he again sent over.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Scott Sinclair forced two chances just after the hour mark, the second of which Aaron Pierre blocked.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCH8mk7eX8ccnU10J9TTuEQdNhF-fOhlUivEBRuXwW6MfHiiV2CHiiOempYTUMF5qDdG-iKn2bgASh6t8VJLi1Hc0ixjzwZvxQIiEEWgfPqt7ekdaI85TVOnotrqxs3smLbDx16dtM1jKU/s1600/Aston+Villa+2+-+Wycombe+0-+Clark+and+Gueye+goals+see+Villa+advance+as+Man+City+await+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 2 - Wycombe 0: Clark and Gueye goals see Villa advance as Man City await" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCH8mk7eX8ccnU10J9TTuEQdNhF-fOhlUivEBRuXwW6MfHiiV2CHiiOempYTUMF5qDdG-iKn2bgASh6t8VJLi1Hc0ixjzwZvxQIiEEWgfPqt7ekdaI85TVOnotrqxs3smLbDx16dtM1jKU/s640/Aston+Villa+2+-+Wycombe+0-+Clark+and+Gueye+goals+see+Villa+advance+as+Man+City+await+3.jpg" title="Aston Villa 2 - Wycombe 0: Clark and Gueye goals see Villa advance as Man City await" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Idrissa Gueye putting the tie to bed with his late goal in the FA Cup third round replay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
But Gil’s arrival for the ineffectual Jack Grealish changed the course of the tie and Gueye’s late strike from the left side of the penalty area put the replay to bed.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Following the match Remi Garde admitted he understands the frustrations of the Villa crowd but insisted he detects signs of improvement.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
“I can unerstants the frustration in the crowd. I accept and I saw also my team were very poor technically in the last hour. I am happy with the result though.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
“Am I relieved? Yes you can say that. Even if the result took a long time to come it was a fair one.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
“It took an hour for us to dominate and I was disappointed for the first hour’s play then we started to play more collectively and more quickly and more simply which put them more in trouble.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
“We are in a difficult row with four games in nine days. I wanted to rest players because I don’t want to lose players to injury. But the team I put out was good enough to win the match though and should have done better.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
“It is a big positive going forward but we need more. The last four games are important for confidence off the players and every one here bu we have to do better than we have tonight.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
“Sometimes this type of game is a trap but we have made the victory.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
"The last four games unbeaten is a good run. We have done nothing and won nothing but given the situation where we were for the last few weeks I prefer where we are now.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
"When the crowd is booing it is difficult for the players to play in this environment but we have to play better [if we are to silence it]. In the two home games we play against Leicester and Palace the crowd have been behind us because we playing better."</div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): </b>Guzan; Lyden, Richards, Clark, Richardson; Sanchez (Gueye 45), Westwood; Ayew, Grealish (Gil 73), Sinclair; Gestede. <b>Goals: </b>Clark 75, Gueye 90.</div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>WYCOMBE (4-3-2-1): </b>Ingram; McCarthy, Stewart, Pierre, Jacobson; Bloomfield (McGinn 54), O’Nien, Wood; Harriman, Hayes (Holloway 73); Thompson (Ugwu 80). <b>Booked: </b>Jacobson.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Referee: </b>C Pawson (South Yorkshire)</div>
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Aston Villa 2 - Wycombe 0: Clark and Gueye goals see Villa advance as Man City await

ASTON Villa made heavy weather of this replay against a spirited Wycombe side but two late goals ensured that the Premier League strugglers...

Aston Villa 1 - Leicester 1: Gestede gives hosts hope while Foxes return to league summit

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
RUDY GESTEDE snatched a vital point for rock-bottom Aston Villa – to leave Leicester ace Riyad Mahrez cursing himself.</h2>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwxLvaMMeKLw-OWLJUCwiz9gYJ7SfkQNax9FqVh8uhRyJYWEhITGkIvVSDuNBzVyylM7rxMBbY1jiTuoqk4e8bz8UKzXd5r9YYRRxak3J-G5oEPMc8G6_HG3S41uwL68g4eUQFRvjxQeE/s1600/Aston+Villa+1+-+Leicester+1-+Gestede+gives+hosts+hope+while+Foxes+return+to+league+summit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 1 - Leicester 1: Gestede gives hosts hope while Foxes return to league summit" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwxLvaMMeKLw-OWLJUCwiz9gYJ7SfkQNax9FqVh8uhRyJYWEhITGkIvVSDuNBzVyylM7rxMBbY1jiTuoqk4e8bz8UKzXd5r9YYRRxak3J-G5oEPMc8G6_HG3S41uwL68g4eUQFRvjxQeE/s640/Aston+Villa+1+-+Leicester+1-+Gestede+gives+hosts+hope+while+Foxes+return+to+league+summit.jpg" title="Aston Villa 1 - Leicester 1: Gestede gives hosts hope while Foxes return to league summit" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shinji Okazaki celebrates after scoring the first goal for Leicester</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Had the Algerian hotshot not missed a penalty for the second time in three games, Claudio Ranieri’s Foxes would be three points clear at the top of the table. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
For Leicester, already leading through Shinji Okazaki’s fourth goal of the season, would have been out of sight in this contest but for Mahrez’s failure to convert from 12 yards. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
And that moment proved the turning point for Remi Garde’s strugglers, whose refusal to die without a fight was rewarded 15 minutes from time with Gestede’s driven equaliser. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
A draw is unlikely to be enough come the final shake-up in the relegation dogfight. Villa, after all, are still a massive NINE points from safety.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
But at least the fightback shows they have not totally abandoned hope of a great escape. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri, by contrast, will consider it a blown opportunity to rubberstamp their title credentials. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
It was the visitors, fresh from toppling Spurs, who created the first opening – Vardy’s header flashing inches wide. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The hosts’ rearguard was still fast asleep minutes later – nobody more so than Jores Okore. The centre-half was static in the 30th minute when Vardy raced clear on goal. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Though Mark Bunn brilliantly denied the England striker’s first-time lob, Okazaki was quickest to the rebound. Goal-line technology confirmed the ball had crossed the line before Bunn parried it.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>MAN OF THE MATCH:</strong> IDRISSA GANA – Villa’s Senegal playmaker kept his side ticking throughout, even when they appeared doomed. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Ref:</strong> R East </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>ASTON VILLA:</strong> Bunn; Bacuna, Okore, Lescott, Cissokho; Westwood, Gana, Veretout, Ayew (Sinclair 90), Kozak, Gil (Gestede 67). </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>LEICESTER:</strong> Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Drinkwater, Kante, Mahrez (Ulloa 69), Okazaki (De Laet 59); Albrighton (Gray 85); Vardy</div>
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Aston Villa 1 - Leicester 1: Gestede gives hosts hope while Foxes return to league summit

RUDY GESTEDE snatched a vital point for rock-bottom Aston Villa – to leave Leicester ace Riyad Mahrez cursing himself. Shinji Okaza...

Aston Villa 1 - Crystal Palace 0: Lescott boosts survival hopes as Garde finally wins

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
JOLEON LESCOTT completed a transformation from villain to hero in three days with a headed goal which gave Aston Villa a first win under Remi Garde and fresh hope in the bleakest of seasons.</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNk1dH_7fhIb_J4hQ3Ct6pQCXHt4Wgs5VeaKkOF8OnxD9Uv3MB8SCyRLxu18yxl56Ryual0fkJPESIAqFkcK0rlBNuQPFByOHQFCLXrTU-qJ3DCnMt9kx98vinkr6xNnDwuTkLVHSIKGx/s1600/Aston+Villa+1+-+Crystal+Palace+0-+Lescott+boosts+survival+hopes+as+Garde+finally+wins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 1 - Crystal Palace 0: Lescott boosts survival hopes as Garde finally wins" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNk1dH_7fhIb_J4hQ3Ct6pQCXHt4Wgs5VeaKkOF8OnxD9Uv3MB8SCyRLxu18yxl56Ryual0fkJPESIAqFkcK0rlBNuQPFByOHQFCLXrTU-qJ3DCnMt9kx98vinkr6xNnDwuTkLVHSIKGx/s640/Aston+Villa+1+-+Crystal+Palace+0-+Lescott+boosts+survival+hopes+as+Garde+finally+wins.jpg" title="Aston Villa 1 - Crystal Palace 0: Lescott boosts survival hopes as Garde finally wins" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joleon Lescott scored his second Aston Villa goal of the season to bag three points</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The central defender had been involved in an angry exchange with fans at Wycombe on Saturday after they took exception to him and Brad Guzan competing on who could spit their chewing gum farthest from the dugout. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">It was a fallout which had not been forgotten before kick-off with the captain’s name roundly booed. But by the end of a 90 minutes low on quality but high on significance, he ended it back in their affections on a night which saw Villa register their first three-point haul since the opening day of the season. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">Villa’s win against a Palace side lacking cohesion will not move them from the bottom but it will provide much-needed cheer. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">Lescott’s crucial intervention came from a set-piece, the defender getting a first header on Jordan Veretout’s corner from the left just before the hour.</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1"></span> </div>
<span class="s1"></span><div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1"><span class="s1">And it owed plenty to a horrible fumble from Wayne Hennessey in the Palace goal, the keeper letting the ball through not only his hands but somehow conspiring to let it slip it through his legs as well. </span></span></div>
<span class="s1">
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">Villa had made five changes to the side which drew with Wycombe at the weekend with Garde, above, resisting the temptation to pitch the returning Micah Richards into the centre of defence after recovering from a foot injury. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">It proved to be a fortuitous decision with Lescott looking secure against a lacklustre Palace and providing the difference at the other end of the pitch. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">Palace manager Alan Pardew’s side came into the match unbeaten on the road since October 28. They very nearly got off to the perfect start when Wilfried Zaha’s shot grazed the far post in the first minute.</span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">Damien Delaney also sent one just wide, this time past the other post, after 28 minutes, latching on to Yohan Cabaye’s floated free-kick and glancing a volley close. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">In between there was much bluster and little quality from both sides. Villa failed to create any clear-cut chances. The effort there but the quality was not. A stalemate at half-time was a fair reflection of the play. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">Villa grew in confidence after the break with Libor Kozak forcing Hennessey to tip a scuffed shot around the post. It took Lescott’s scrambled effort – with the help of the hapless Hennessey – to separate the sides. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1"><strong>ASTON VILLA (4-1-3-2):</strong> Bunn; Bacuna, Okore, Lescott, Cissokho; Westwood; Veretout, Gil (Clark 90), Gueye; Kozak, Ayew. Booked: Veretout, Gueye. Goal: Lescott 58. NEXT UP: Leicester (h), PL Sat. </span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1"><strong>CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1):</strong> Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; McArthur (Jedinak 78), Ledley (Wickham 45); Zaha, Cabaye, Puncheon; Sako (Chamakh 62). Booked: Ward. NEXT UP: Manchester City (a), PL Sat.</span></div>
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Aston Villa 1 - Crystal Palace 0: Lescott boosts survival hopes as Garde finally wins

JOLEON LESCOTT completed a transformation from villain to hero in three days with a headed goal which gave Aston Villa a first win under Re...

West Brom have £7.5m bid rejected for Aston Villa and Sunderland target

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
WEST BROM have had their £7.5m bid for Angers' Cheikh N'Doye rejected, according to reports in France.</h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N'Doye has lit up Ligue 1 this season, drawing interest from the Premier League</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The midfielder is a star player at Angers with five goals already this season and four man of the match awards.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The newly-promoted side have been flying in Ligue 1 and moved up to second last weekend with a win over Caen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But Angers' success has caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs and Tony Pulis' side have Aston Villa and Sunderland for company in the pursuit of N'Doye.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Aston%20Villa" rel="tag" target="_blank">Villa</a> manager Remi Garde has been scouring France for signings to help drag them out of the relegation zone with <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/aston-villa-close-to-completing-deal.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">Claudio Beauvue</a>, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/aston-villa-set-for-talks-with-french.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">Daniel Congre</a> and <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/aston-villa-close-to-completing-deal.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">Lamine Sane</a> all linked with the Midlands club.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunderland" rel="tag" target="_blank">Sunderland</a> have been England's most active club with Jan Kirchhoff and Dame N'Doye both already confirmed January transfers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
But according to <em>L'Equipe</em>, Angers have received no bid from Sam Allardyce despite expecting one last week.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But with the French paper also reporting the £7.5million rejection from the <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/West%20Bromwich%20Albion" rel="tag" target="_blank">Baggies</a>, it seems it will take a bid of nearly £10m to lure the player away from the club.</div>
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West Brom have £7.5m bid rejected for Aston Villa and Sunderland target

WEST BROM have had their £7.5m bid for Angers' Cheikh N'Doye rejected, according to reports in France. N'Doye has lit u...

Aston Villa close to completing deal for international defender

<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
ASTON VILLA are on the brink of singing Lamine Sane on loan for the rest of the season, according to reports.</h2>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamine Sane must choose between a move to Turkey or England</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 28-year-old has not played for Bordeaux since November after sustaining an injury but has now returned to fitness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But even so the club confirmed that Sane was left out of the French club's domestic cup quarter-final win over Lorient last night due to transfer discussions, not any injury.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to French website <a href="http://www.mercato365.com/infos-clubs/bordeaux/aston-villa-l-sane-bordeaux-attendu-1300662.shtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Foot 365</a>, the Senegalese international also has an offer from Besiktas on the table but <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Aston%20Villa" rel="tag" target="_blank">Aston Villa</a> manager Remi Garde is hoping his reputation in France from his time as Lyon boss can tempt the player to England.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sane has played centre back this season but can also slot into defensive midfield, a versatility that makes him an attractive option to Garde.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And while Villa find themselves in dire straits at the bottom of the Premier League, Bordeaux's own form means Sane is looking for a way out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Ligue 1 outfit they find themselves in 12th place just six points above the relegation zone.</div>
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 </div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If Sane needed any further encouragement to join the cause, there are signs the fightback has begun at Villa Park.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Premier League ever-presents secured their first league win since the opening day of the season last night as they beat a confident Crystal Palace side 1-0 at home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And Garde is hoping Sane will not be the only player to cross the Channel this January, with <a href="http://go.ad2up.com/afu.php?id=451019" rel="tag nofollow" target="_blank">unsettled Lyon striker Claudio Beauvue</a> and <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/aston-villa-set-for-talks-with-french.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">Montpellier defender Daniel Congre</a> also in talks with the club.</div>
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Aston Villa close to completing deal for international defender

ASTON VILLA are on the brink of singing Lamine Sane on loan for the rest of the season, according to reports. Lamine Sane must choos...

Sunderland 3 - Aston Villa 1: Gil's wonder goal not enough for rock bottom Villa

<div style="text-align: justify;">
SUNDERLAND inflicted another sorry defeat on Aston Villa as Jermain Defoe handed the Black Cats a vital three points to boost their survival efforts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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Sunderland 3 - Aston Villa 1: Gil's wonder goal not enough for rock bottom Villa

SUNDERLAND inflicted another sorry defeat on Aston Villa as Jermain Defoe handed the Black Cats a vital three points to boost their surviva...

Teams: Huge defensive boost for Sunderland as Grealish gets Aston Villa nod up front

<div style="text-align: justify;">
JOHN O’SHEA has passed a late fitness test and will partner Wes Brown in the heart of Sunderland’s defence in a relegation crunch game against Aston Villa today (3pm).</div>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPrG9m8ieJXqoN-P0yruRWSn1-IqXccPvuSlurKqSM4VRsxi8Ctc99d6-rGiJzxYR7r0jVCB2M6SmtGpb468cqEQS4rephOTkRJ_L0m1A3BQSrcC3ukctQZBlZ0fqAwEqxHJwGFK2TGE/s1600/Teams-+Huge+defensive+boost+for+Sunderland+as+Grealish+gets+Aston+Villa+nod+up+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Teams: Huge defensive boost for Sunderland as Grealish gets Aston Villa nod up front" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPrG9m8ieJXqoN-P0yruRWSn1-IqXccPvuSlurKqSM4VRsxi8Ctc99d6-rGiJzxYR7r0jVCB2M6SmtGpb468cqEQS4rephOTkRJ_L0m1A3BQSrcC3ukctQZBlZ0fqAwEqxHJwGFK2TGE/s640/Teams-+Huge+defensive+boost+for+Sunderland+as+Grealish+gets+Aston+Villa+nod+up+front.jpg" title="Teams: Huge defensive boost for Sunderland as Grealish gets Aston Villa nod up front" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wes Brown remains in Sunderland's squad after playing against Liverpool on Wednesday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Villa, winless in the Premier League since the opening day of the season, face a Sunderland team hoping to avoid a sixth straight defeat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
O’Shea was a doubt for the game after picking up a calf strain, while veteran Brown will be tested with his second game in four days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sebastian Coates (dead leg) and Younes Kaboul (hamstring) are out, while Jermain Defoe gets the nod up front for Sam Allardyce’s men.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aly Cissokho, back from his loan at Porto, goes straight into Remi Garde’s first XI.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Sunderland</strong>: Mannone, Jones, van Aanholt, O'Shea, Brown, Cattermole, M'Vila, Johnson, Borini, Watmore, Defoe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Subs</strong>: Pantilimon, Lens, Graham, Toivonen, Coates, Yedlin, Fletcher.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Villa</strong>: Guzan, Hutton, Richards, Lescott, Cissokho, Bacuna, Gana, Veretout, Gil, Gestede, Grealish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Subs</strong>: Bunn, Okore, Clark, Sinclair, Richardson, Adama, Kozak.</div>
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Teams: Huge defensive boost for Sunderland as Grealish gets Aston Villa nod up front

JOHN O’SHEA has passed a late fitness test and will partner Wes Brown in the heart of Sunderland’s defence in a relegation crunch game agai...

Norwich 2 - Aston Villa 0: Howson and Mbokani strikes pile misery on Villa

<div style="text-align: justify;">
NORWICH scored in both halves to secure a vital win over fellow relegation battlers Aston Villa.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJg8ez_QlpVW7x5eMdMsA3xElpLR_jBZMxF1r0JQppgghb7yG2SMd57RAE4oPoXb1W51BWrPbtxwyr5ccmOI_cP1MoWNoAvw6OdQxcCIPC8cZKV6JGZlG8iPrlmj7m1p2FzsWoeZbPk4/s1600/Norwich+2+-+Aston+Villa+0-+Howson+and+Mbokani+strikes+pile+misery+on+Villa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Norwich 2 - Aston Villa 0: Howson and Mbokani strikes pile misery on Villa" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJg8ez_QlpVW7x5eMdMsA3xElpLR_jBZMxF1r0JQppgghb7yG2SMd57RAE4oPoXb1W51BWrPbtxwyr5ccmOI_cP1MoWNoAvw6OdQxcCIPC8cZKV6JGZlG8iPrlmj7m1p2FzsWoeZbPk4/s640/Norwich+2+-+Aston+Villa+0-+Howson+and+Mbokani+strikes+pile+misery+on+Villa.jpg" title="Norwich 2 - Aston Villa 0: Howson and Mbokani strikes pile misery on Villa" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny Howson grabbed the opener at Carrow Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Villa started brightly at Carrow Road, despite going into the game on the back of a 17-match winless run in the Premier League.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But it was the hosts who broke the deadlock thanks to midfielder Jonny Howson, who volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Brad Guzan at the back post from Nathan Redmond’s deflected cross.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Norwich had a number of chances to double their lead in the second half, but it took the Canaries until the 87th minute to secure the three points.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wes Hoolahan crossed for Dieumerci Mbokani to head home, sending his side three points clear of the relegation zone.</div>
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Norwich 2 - Aston Villa 0: Howson and Mbokani strikes pile misery on Villa

NORWICH scored in both halves to secure a vital win over fellow relegation battlers Aston Villa. Jonny Howson grabbed the opener at...

Aston Villa 1 - West Ham 1: Villa grab point as Hammers extend two-month winless run

<div style="text-align: justify;">
JORDAN AYEW rescued a point for battling Aston Villa as they were held by West Ham.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry2Q5TeST_t4qEfG0Onjmz8ns322UdTiS60NBuUXAQ1Qy7jyblhQq7ZSCtbEiH4RvgD5ll85lURYFK7pPUD8R1THHxHgTvQu-X5YLndGatEXGhzCIVCMTtfwQdUWR0UmFPnLsXb0jT2s/s1600/Aston+Villa+1+-+West+Ham+1-+Villa+grab+point+as+Hammers+extend+two-month+winless+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 1 - West Ham 1: Villa grab point as Hammers extend two-month winless run" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiry2Q5TeST_t4qEfG0Onjmz8ns322UdTiS60NBuUXAQ1Qy7jyblhQq7ZSCtbEiH4RvgD5ll85lURYFK7pPUD8R1THHxHgTvQu-X5YLndGatEXGhzCIVCMTtfwQdUWR0UmFPnLsXb0jT2s/s640/Aston+Villa+1+-+West+Ham+1-+Villa+grab+point+as+Hammers+extend+two-month+winless+run.jpg" title="Aston Villa 1 - West Ham 1: Villa grab point as Hammers extend two-month winless run" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ayew kept his cool to convert the penalty and win his side a share of the points</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Remi Garde is still searching for his first win as Villa boss, despite his side coming from behind to close the gap to safety.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Aaron Cresswell ended the Hammers' goal drought with their first strike in 388 minutes, but Ayew's second-half penalty levelled after Rudy Gestede went down under Angelo Ogbonna's 62nd-minute challenge.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was unhappy with referee Mike Dean's decision.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
He said: "I saw Ogbonna in front of Gestede, and Gestede came in front not because he was quicker but because he pulled his shirt. It was long enough for the referee to notice."</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Villa huffed and puffed without real quality and Gestede wasted two golden chances, while Jordan Veretout was denied by Adrian.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
A draw means Villa will have to win half of their remaining 20 games to meet boss Garde's survival target of 10 victories.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
They remain bottom and sit nine points from safety, while the disappointing Hammers are on course for a season of mediocrity.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Garde admitted this result represented two points dropped.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
He said: "I think we deserved more points but West Ham defended very well."</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
MAN of the MATCH: JORDAN AYEW - Saved the day for Villa, earning a point which may yet prove crucial.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
Ref: M Dean Att: 38,193</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
VILLA: Guzan; Hutton, Okore, Lescott, Bacuna; Sánchez (Gil 38); Westwood, Gueye; Veretout (Traore 83), Gestede, Ayew.</div>
<div class="storycopy" style="text-align: justify;">
WEST HAM: Adrian; Tomkins (Jenkinson 45), Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell (Song 75); Obiang; Noble, Kouyate; Zárate (Oxford 85); Antonio, Valencia.</div>
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Aston Villa 1 - West Ham 1: Villa grab point as Hammers extend two-month winless run

JORDAN AYEW rescued a point for battling Aston Villa as they were held by West Ham. Ayew kept his cool to convert the penalty and w...

Aston Villa Transfer Special: Garde eyes England legend, £5m Swiss star wanted, two exits

<div style="text-align: justify;">
NEWS NEWS BLOG SPORT look at what could happen at Aston Villa during the January transfer window. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCZTGwSvwrJtReMdcmckS8kGzkliL6ikN5wi0cM0mxTnGDOuioOHqno3JHv1CIT34P5p6xh3scR9DTA2bUc5Zh8nTM8PXpW5gMBMM9FXJYgfUBPc3ZFEhXh8oyvbJrDw7wR8b1XuXyEHk/s1600/Aston+Villa+Transfer+Special-+Garde+eyes+England+legend%252C+%25C2%25A35m+Swiss+star+wanted%252C+two+exits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa Transfer Special: Garde eyes England legend, £5m Swiss star wanted, two exits " border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCZTGwSvwrJtReMdcmckS8kGzkliL6ikN5wi0cM0mxTnGDOuioOHqno3JHv1CIT34P5p6xh3scR9DTA2bUc5Zh8nTM8PXpW5gMBMM9FXJYgfUBPc3ZFEhXh8oyvbJrDw7wR8b1XuXyEHk/s640/Aston+Villa+Transfer+Special-+Garde+eyes+England+legend%252C+%25C2%25A35m+Swiss+star+wanted%252C+two+exits.jpg" title="Aston Villa Transfer Special: Garde eyes England legend, £5m Swiss star wanted, two exits " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aston Villa have had a woeful season and sit bottom of the Premier League by some distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
They only have seven points and one win to their name after 17 matches and face the reality of relegation from the top flight for the first time in 28 years.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Tim Sherwood was sacked in October after an awful run of results and replaced with Frenchman Remi Garde, who has been linked with Premier League jobs in the past.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1"></span><span class="s1">Villa’s faithful have suffered desperately and they haven’t finished above 15</span><span class="s1"><sup>th</sup></span><span class="s1"> since the 2010/11 season.</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Their run to the FA Cup final last season was the only success Villa have enjoyed in recent years, with American owner Randy Lerner becoming increasingly distant from Villa Park.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What do they need?</b></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Where do you start? They concede too many goals and don’t score enough. You would think with the summer acquisitions of former England defenders Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards, Villa would have tightened up at the back.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Far from it. They’ve conceded 31 goals so far, Brad Guzan hasn’t performed as well in goal, and Villa lack a spine to their team. Their midfield is weak and vulnerable, completely exposing their shaky defence.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The biggest problem, however, is goals. Villa haven’t filled the huge Christian Benteke shaped hole in their attack. 14 goals from 17 games is a poor return. Jack Grealish needs to live up to the promise he showed towards the end of last season under Sherwood.<b> </b></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>How much can they spend?</b></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
It will be interesting to see how much Randy Lerner backs Garde come January.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Villa spent just over £50million in the summer, with £32.5m recouped from the sale of Benteke to Liverpool, but Lerner might not be so generous with Villa in such a dire position.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The club has to consider Championship football next season and desperately splashing the cash in January might not be an option at Villa Park.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Who might they sign?</b></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">Two big names have already been mentioned by Remi Garde as Villa must look to boost their squad wherever they can in January.</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The season ending injury to £9m French left-back Jordan Amavi leaves them short in defence and Garde has confirmed interest in the former Arsenal and Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole, who’s been frozen out at Roma in Serie A.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Another name linked with Villa is Switzerland captain and powerhouse midfielder Gokhan Inler, who’s desperate for more first team football ahead of Euro 2016 after finding opportunities limited at high-flying Leicester.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Who could leave?</b></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="s1">Garde found Villa in a mess when he arrived in November and has been keen to stamp down his authority in Birmingham.</span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Club captain Gabriel Agbonlahor was reportedly very unhappy at being dropped by the French boss and could seek a move away from Villa Park, with more than Villa 360 appearances to his name.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Charles N’Zogbia has been publically criticised by Garde for his lack of effort in training and matches, which could lead to friction between the two, and the former Newcastle and Wigan might want to end his laboured career at Villa Park in January.</div>
<script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>

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Newcastle 1 - Aston Villa 1: Ayew stunner snatches a point to frustrate Magpies

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Aston Villa offer short-term deal for former Arsenal and Chelsea star

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCPObMegKLzO3LaonJw6AF7hn-S-aLpk0ewtsdcXMkWUOPsXH2BWYsiMy5-XBbWxDmteEMqMRDlNl8-P-uVjVH0Rnfa7NrM8YqlSdvV-Bdp9stu-gGWc7GmXsAmrv-TT1_xmDLGWSLawN/s1600/Aston+Villa+offer+short-term+deal+for+former+Arsenal+and+Chelsea+star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa offer short-term deal for former Arsenal and Chelsea star" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCPObMegKLzO3LaonJw6AF7hn-S-aLpk0ewtsdcXMkWUOPsXH2BWYsiMy5-XBbWxDmteEMqMRDlNl8-P-uVjVH0Rnfa7NrM8YqlSdvV-Bdp9stu-gGWc7GmXsAmrv-TT1_xmDLGWSLawN/s640/Aston+Villa+offer+short-term+deal+for+former+Arsenal+and+Chelsea+star.jpg" title="Aston Villa offer short-term deal for former Arsenal and Chelsea star" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aston Vilal have made a move for Roma's Ashley Cole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
ASTON VILLA have made an approach for Roma outcast Ashley Cole.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That is according to Italian publication <em>Tuttomercatoweb</em>, who claim the Premier League strugglers have offered the 34-year-old a six-month deal.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The former <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Arsenal" rel="tag" target="_blank">Arsenal</a> and <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Chelsea" rel="tag" target="_blank">Chelsea</a> left-back is believed to be up for sale in January after failing to make a single appearance this season.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Aston%20Villa" rel="tag" target="_blank">Villa</a> are keen on landing the former England international following injury to Jordan Amavi. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 21-year-old, who signed in the summer for £9million, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/11/aston-villa-confirm-9m-signing-ruled.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">has been ruled out for the rest of the season</a> with a cruciate knee ligament damage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Villa Park boss Remi Garde, who played alongside Cole for a season at Arsenal, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/aston-villa-manager-confirms-interest.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">confirmed his side's interest</a> in the defender earlier this month.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Garde said on the speculation: “He has experience but he didn’t play for a while now. Every good player is interesting for me and Ashley is a good player.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSj7btH5JygGzEkQHAID44WQcnpUhrbLKaed_IbHqe7KbwFUjW-tCUgM8_qAVknt4KJ349P9vOyqWYXurwic4SZ4dAqrPqYocmqM1iTsgBWYlnrZNjBXrjVuyFc2WfBVNeAoGQHWYrMBD/s1600/Aston+Villa+offer+short-term+deal+for+former+Arsenal+and+Chelsea+star+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa offer short-term deal for former Arsenal and Chelsea star" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSj7btH5JygGzEkQHAID44WQcnpUhrbLKaed_IbHqe7KbwFUjW-tCUgM8_qAVknt4KJ349P9vOyqWYXurwic4SZ4dAqrPqYocmqM1iTsgBWYlnrZNjBXrjVuyFc2WfBVNeAoGQHWYrMBD/s640/Aston+Villa+offer+short-term+deal+for+former+Arsenal+and+Chelsea+star+2.jpg" title="Aston Villa offer short-term deal for former Arsenal and Chelsea star" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aston Villa want to bring Ashley Cole back to the Premier League</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cole has a wealth of experience in the Premier League, having won four top-flight titles and seven FA Cups during spells at Arsenal and Chelsea.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He spent nine years at the Gunners before controversially switching to London rivals Chelsea in 2006 for a report fee of £5million.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Roma signed Cole in last summer in a free deal after he saw out his contract at Stamford Bridge, but has struggled since the arrival of Lucas Digne.</div>

Aston Villa offer short-term deal for former Arsenal and Chelsea star

Aston Vilal have made a move for Roma's Ashley Cole ASTON VILLA have made an approach for Roma outcast Ashley Cole. That is...

Aston Villa 0 - Arsenal 2: Giroud scores 50th Premier League goal as Gunners go top

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7SyeoHCaEh4Wc6HPql79gSNWeR2DRx9CbG9jmRvgMlKpUDduGbpuOYLdaLQImOw-hSZaNsreMLTlnJIOoLbdbunDRr7_b9CHqwAlmLhnpm7gOXFWixbEVaVyRQoy2L1TdsUNkYHq7fot/s1600/Aston+Villa+0+-+Arsenal+2-+Giroud+scores+50th+Premier+League+goal+as+Gunners+go+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 0 - Arsenal 2: Giroud scores 50th Premier League goal as Gunners go top" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7SyeoHCaEh4Wc6HPql79gSNWeR2DRx9CbG9jmRvgMlKpUDduGbpuOYLdaLQImOw-hSZaNsreMLTlnJIOoLbdbunDRr7_b9CHqwAlmLhnpm7gOXFWixbEVaVyRQoy2L1TdsUNkYHq7fot/s640/Aston+Villa+0+-+Arsenal+2-+Giroud+scores+50th+Premier+League+goal+as+Gunners+go+top.jpg" title="Aston Villa 0 - Arsenal 2: Giroud scores 50th Premier League goal as Gunners go top" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivier Giroud piled misery on Aston Villa by scoring his 50th Arsenal goal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
SUCH has been Aston Villa’s wretched form of late that tiredness following midweek exertions looked Arsenal’s most difficult adversary at a ground where their unbeaten record stretches back to the last century.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And while the Gunners showed signs of fatigue having secured safe passage in the Champions League, a gentle stroll in such a happy hunting ground proved enough for them to retake the summit of the Premier League with ease.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Goals from Oliver Giroud, his 50th in the top flight, from the penalty spot and Aaron Ramsey, starting and finishing a rapier assault which began deep in their own territory, both in the first half, allowed the Gunners to cruise through the second.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They were not at their best, happy to soak up what pressure Villa could load on them in front of an increasingly despairing crowd. But they did not need to be at a place where they have not lost since 1998.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Giroud has had his fair share of doubters but his half-century put him in exalted company alongside Thierry Henry, Ian Wright, Robin van Persie, Dennis Bergkamp and Theo Walcott.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Olivier is at the top of his game. He is questioned sometimes but finally the numbers get people to realise that he’s a good player,” said Arsenal manager Wenger.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“He has improved technically, his link play is better. He’s not an electric pace player. He’s a player who likes to play with his back to goal and bring people in, so he’s not maybe spectacular individually.But he’s a very efficient and important player for the team, and he’s mentally very strong.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmBz-ez7kXYRYqsvddCP4diVUxGQ235Pjae-o4Up4vy_l59WpVA_EM7xT2CBLyGM-ootj-6AN3QlbFE34FH12x8vPm5WJ4ginUSCDZTjyh4kB_oD-BwRAI756n3azuzetgfrXrW11xI0W/s1600/Aston+Villa+0+-+Arsenal+2-+Giroud+scores+50th+Premier+League+goal+as+Gunners+go+top+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 0 - Arsenal 2: Giroud scores 50th Premier League goal as Gunners go top" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmBz-ez7kXYRYqsvddCP4diVUxGQ235Pjae-o4Up4vy_l59WpVA_EM7xT2CBLyGM-ootj-6AN3QlbFE34FH12x8vPm5WJ4ginUSCDZTjyh4kB_oD-BwRAI756n3azuzetgfrXrW11xI0W/s640/Aston+Villa+0+-+Arsenal+2-+Giroud+scores+50th+Premier+League+goal+as+Gunners+go+top+2.jpg" title="Aston Villa 0 - Arsenal 2: Giroud scores 50th Premier League goal as Gunners go top" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron Ramsey shoots and puts Arsenal 2-0 up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Villa are in trouble, for all that they showed some spirit in the second half. Rooted to the bottom of the league, this was a club-record 15th top-flight match without a win and a ninth without a victory at home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remi Garde wore a grim expression at the close, in stark contrast to the warm smiles exchanged with his old boss Arsene Wenger – he was one of his first signings at Arsenal in 1996 – before the kick-off. If his smile is to return he needs reinforcements up front in the January transfer window.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Garde maintained the next fortnight could shape Villa’s season with games against three teams directly above them in the league table in Newcastle, Sunderland and Norwich.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Of course the games are very important for us – they are must-win games for us,” he said. “But I see them more as an opportunity than a problem. They could define our season though so we have to be ready.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz6GsGXGZ_twTFQ8_og3YPmD7ZmN4lzToTqSJqZ931XCgbOcMvyiQoZgXIHIKwKuTvF6WEANdz_QogF-LbSNmMflyrq3URsLx7B_rsUicXQ_sd5woZYv7ZWIcB5ynk3BRYll7xdt37Bqg/s1600/Aston+Villa+0+-+Arsenal+2-+Giroud+scores+50th+Premier+League+goal+as+Gunners+go+top+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 0 - Arsenal 2: Giroud scores 50th Premier League goal as Gunners go top" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtz6GsGXGZ_twTFQ8_og3YPmD7ZmN4lzToTqSJqZ931XCgbOcMvyiQoZgXIHIKwKuTvF6WEANdz_QogF-LbSNmMflyrq3URsLx7B_rsUicXQ_sd5woZYv7ZWIcB5ynk3BRYll7xdt37Bqg/s640/Aston+Villa+0+-+Arsenal+2-+Giroud+scores+50th+Premier+League+goal+as+Gunners+go+top+3.jpg" title="Aston Villa 0 - Arsenal 2: Giroud scores 50th Premier League goal as Gunners go top" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan Ayew controls the ball for Aston Villa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wenger could not have planned this better. With Manchester City next up at home a week today the squad will have a chance to get rest into tired limbs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first goal came from the spot after Alan Hutton pulled down Theo Walcott as he raced on to a ball from Mathieu Flamini with the match just seven minutes old.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Referee Kevin Friend hesitated before pointing to the spot but, as Garde conceded graciously afterwards, there is little wrong in taking time to reach the right decision.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Giroud, fresh from finishing off his hat-trick against Olympiakos from 12 yards, made no mistake with a 14th goal of the season, rolling the ball calmly away from the dive of Brad Guzan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second came at the end of a typically rapid counter-punch seven minutes before the break. Ramsey started it with a toe-tip tackle to steal the ball from Idrissa Gana midway inside their half. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The midfielder pushed the ball to Mesut Ozil, who laid it off for Walcott. His raking 40-yard through-ball returned the favour and the German squared selflessly for Ramsey to slot home unchallenged.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Villa left the pitch with boos ringing in their ears – quite understandable for a side with just one win under their belts (away at Bournemouth on the opening day) and none since here since they beat West Ham last May.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They returned after the break with a more attacking mindset and could have halved the deficit on three occasions. Rudy Gestede and Scott Sinclair both had chances to convert headers after being picked out with decent crosses from Hutton, but the former glanced the better of the two chances wide and the latter could not keep his down.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shortly after, Leandro Bacuna had Petr Cech beaten with a 25-yard effort from the left flank only for the ball to refuse to dip enough in time, landing on the top of the net.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside from that there was precious little to cheer the restless natives. Wenger insisted Garde will be a success if he is “given time” in the Premier League, but both that and hope look to be in short supply round these parts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Guzan 5; Hutton 6, Okore 7, Lescott 6, Bacuna 6; Sanchez 6, Gana 6 (Grealish 78, 5); Sinclair 7 (Adama 87), Veretout 6, Ayew 5; Gestede 4 (Gil 57, 5). NEXT UP: Newcastle (a), Sat PL.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Cech 5; Bellerin 5, Mertesacker 5, Koscielny 6, Monreal 5; Ramsey 8, Flamini 7; Campbell 6 (Gibbs 64, 6), Ozil 7 (Chambers 86), Walcott 7 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 64, 6); Giroud 7. Goals: Giroud 8 pen, Ramsey 38. NEXT UP: Manchester City (h), Dec 21 PL.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Referee: K Friend (Leics).</div>

Aston Villa 0 - Arsenal 2: Giroud scores 50th Premier League goal as Gunners go top

Olivier Giroud piled misery on Aston Villa by scoring his 50th Arsenal goal SUCH has been Aston Villa’s wretched form of late that tire...

Remi Garde reveals his Aston Villa squad plans for Arsenal visit

<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7t-ZA_8QqJa4kINJsoHKI1sV9LEcyY301RPSBc1TxYQtMCrEx7ZkgdtNGI87qk4NKKFXwHsPdXn0BGSX_-pKQooECX05Ofe2qNPfyNsxvgt-61T4L3uoGKeqLOzf0NbphcoRnuewrpgx/s1600/Remi+Garde+reveals+his+Aston+Villa+squad+plans+for+Arsenal+visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Remi Garde reveals his Aston Villa squad plans for Arsenal visit" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7t-ZA_8QqJa4kINJsoHKI1sV9LEcyY301RPSBc1TxYQtMCrEx7ZkgdtNGI87qk4NKKFXwHsPdXn0BGSX_-pKQooECX05Ofe2qNPfyNsxvgt-61T4L3uoGKeqLOzf0NbphcoRnuewrpgx/s640/Remi+Garde+reveals+his+Aston+Villa+squad+plans+for+Arsenal+visit.jpg" title="Remi Garde reveals his Aston Villa squad plans for Arsenal visit" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grealish had been training with the youth team after being spotted on a night out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ASTON VILLA manager Remi Garde has thrown the gauntlet down to Jack Grealish to prove he has learnt his lesson following his recent punishment for his off-field behavior.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Grealish has been restored to the first-team squad for Sunday’s visit of <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Arsenal" rel="tag" target="_blank">Arsenal</a> after being banished to the youth team after being pictured in a Manchester nightclub following a 4-0 thrashing by Everton.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having sat out the Premier League matches with Watford and Southampton, the 20-year-old played in Monday’s Under-21s’ victory over Derby and is in contention to face the Gunners.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Like the rest of players he’s back and available for selection,” Garde said of Grealish, who was spoken to by the club in the summer after pictures emerged of him sprawled in the street during a night out while on holiday in Tenerife.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Has he learned? Only Jack knows that, of course he’s a talented young player, but only Jack has the answer to that question.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I’ll still be closely watching him.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Garde says he wants to see more tactical discipline from the creative midfielder.</div>
<div class="p402_hide htmlappend" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<section class="text-description"><div style="display: none;">
</div>
</section><section class="text-description">
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 </div>
<section class="text-description">"I have the feeling Jack needs to be more disciplined, not going everywhere on the pitch but to be more efficient," he added.<br />
"This is the way I feel Jack can improve his game. Sometimes you run everywhere but are not efficient on the pitch."<br />
Rock-bottom <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Aston%20Villa" rel="tag" target="_blank">Villa</a> face a Gunners side certain to be high on confidence after their midweek 3-0 win at Olympiakos which completed a Champions League great escape and secured their place in the knockout stages.</section><div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<section class="text-description">Ex-Arsenal player Garde, who was Arsene Wenger’s first signing, insists it will take more than his inside knowledge for Villa to pull off an upset against a side he believes can win the Premier League title.<br />
“They are very comfortable away from home and have scored more away from home which shows how dangerous they are," Garde said.<br />
“It's long time ago since I was there. I know very well the team and the players but we'll need more than to get points from them.<br />
“They can win the title of course. Now they're qualified for the Champions League they will have to concentrate on both targets which not easy. Maybe it's the year they can fight for the title until the end.”<br />
Villa will again be without skipper Micah Richards (knee).</section>

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Aston Villa 2 - Watford 3: Ighalo and Deeney pile more misery on Garde

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC0WnY7RKd5eqDJPqHzqJqk2AapVxF6f-o9xUXxErK7BK7YU0vz9thIrj8cnCuvc4BoU_v9gUIQAaksY_6MSglOnZXX8Yl5Kfv7bK6kepcakL1WHRaL4ZV9OhUmbp-7ATfz0-NhTu_8A/s1600/Aston+Villa+2+-+Watford+3-+Ighalo+and+Deeney+pile+more+misery+on+Garde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aston Villa 2 - Watford 3: Ighalo and Deeney pile more misery on Garde" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxC0WnY7RKd5eqDJPqHzqJqk2AapVxF6f-o9xUXxErK7BK7YU0vz9thIrj8cnCuvc4BoU_v9gUIQAaksY_6MSglOnZXX8Yl5Kfv7bK6kepcakL1WHRaL4ZV9OhUmbp-7ATfz0-NhTu_8A/s640/Aston+Villa+2+-+Watford+3-+Ighalo+and+Deeney+pile+more+misery+on+Garde.jpg" title="Aston Villa 2 - Watford 3: Ighalo and Deeney pile more misery on Garde" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odion Ighalo celebrates after scoring Watford's first goal</td></tr>
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REMI GARDE should have just one instruction to Aston Villa’s scouts: find me the next Odion Ighalo.</div>
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Or, after another Villa Park nightmare, he’d probably settle for another Troy Deeney!</div>
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The new boss needs another five or six January signings to have a realistic chance of avoiding the drop.</div>
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And Garde said: “Before I came I heard we were finished and if we carry on that way it will be over.”</div>
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Three first-half minutes highlighted the difference between promoted Watford and a team that has spent the last 28 seasons in the top-flight.</div>
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Ighalo, picked up for a pittance via the Pozzo family’s ownership of the Hornets, Italian side Udinese and Spain’s Granada, put Watford ahead. </div>
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But £8million Jordan Ayew, who did grab a consolation late on, missed an easier opportunity to level.</div>
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Ighalo’s eye for a goal – that’s eight for the season and 24 in 33 games this year – allowed him to pounce after Ben Watson’s shot clattered off Ciaran Clark.</div>
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A virtually identical build-up at the other end saw the ball fall to Ayew but he screwed his shot hopelessly wide.</div>
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Villa defender Micah Richards showed his team-mates how it should be done with a towering header to make it 1-1.</div>
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Then Deeney, a Birmingham City fan and loudly booed throughout, tried to slip Ighalo through but Alan Hutton pushed it wide of his own keeper Brad Guzan to make it 2-1.</div>
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Deeney – who as a teenager failed to show up for a trial at Villa to go out with his girlfriend – then rubbed salt into the wounds with a late header in front of the Holte End.</div>
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And the Watford skipper defended his over-exuberant celebrations.</div>
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He said: “I can’t explain how good that was. Their fans gave me stick all the way through. It’s football, we get caught up in the emotion.”</div>
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<strong>Aston Villa:</strong> Guzan; Hutton, Richards, Clark, Richardson; Gil (Adama 67), Veretout, Gana (Gestede 82), Sanchez, Sinclair; Ayew.</div>
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<strong>Watford:</strong> Gomes (Arlauskis 67); Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Ake; Paredes (Anya 67), Watson, Capoue, Abdi (Guedioura 80); Ighalo, Deeney.</div>
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<strong>Ref:</strong> L Mason.</div>

Aston Villa 2 - Watford 3: Ighalo and Deeney pile more misery on Garde

Odion Ighalo celebrates after scoring Watford's first goal REMI GARDE should have just one instruction to Aston Villa’s scouts: f...

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