Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The only team with less to play for than us: Arsenal v. Villa, 15 May 2011

Last week's dire 1-1 home draw to Wigan was really only notable for Emile Heskey's sudden inclination to care how an official was calling the match.  Heskey responded in extremis to a foul by Antolin Alcaraz (a foul which, it should be noted, referee Mike Jones had given, but for which was playing advantage to Villa) by charging into Jones, who did the lumpen striker a favor by only booking him for dissent, and not sending him off for abusive conduct toward an official.  Ashley Young scored an equalizer from a free kick in the 18th, canceling out Charles N'Zogbia's 10th minute opener.  Heskey was denied by Ali al-Habsi in the first half, while Darren Bent put a golden chance in the 84th right into Wigan's Omani keeper.

The draw leaves Villa with an outside chance of relegation, in 14th on 42 points, just six points clear of 18th placed Blackpool with two games remaining.  And in this state, we head to Arsenal, who had their title hopes dashed by a 3-1 loss to Stoke last weekend.  The Gunners are three points back of second-place Chelsea, but would want to stay ahead of  Manchester City, whom they lead by two heading into the last two matches.

Villa follow this with a visit from a very in-form Liverpool, who are scoring goals for fun at the moment and fighting for a Europa League place with Tottenham, so best to get the point that guarantees safety at the Emirates.  Capital Villans will be viewing and hoping for said minor miracle at Lucky Bar. Come join us for the match this coming Sunday at 11:00 a.m. EDT!

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