Aston Villa took a trip up the road today to face Manchester City in the final league match of the season. I do not blame anyone who did not give Villa much chance of winning this afternoon, but that is exactly what happened.
The first half was dreadful from a Villa point of view. Manchester City were all over us. I believe the wholesale changes played a big part in the poor performance, although somehow we only went into half-time one goal down.
The second half, however, was a completely different kettle of fish.
Matty Cash came on at the start of the second half, and then on forty-seven minutes Ollie Watkins scored the equaliser. Suddenly Villa looked like a completely different side. Whether it was the substitutions, the goal, or both together, our performance did a complete turnaround compared to the opening forty-five minutes.
Watkins grabbed his second later in the match and probably could have had even more. On one occasion, though, greedy Leon Bailey decided to shoot rather than square the ball to Watkins, who was in a perfect position for his hat-trick. Never mind.
Watkins’ second goal turned out to be the winner for Villa, although thankfully it did not ruin the send-off for Pep Guardiola from the Manchester City supporters.
His farewell was emotional. Tears were shed for the ten years he spent at City. Whatever people think of him, Guardiola is one of the great managers of the modern era, and I genuinely wish him well for the future.
But if I am being honest, I was far happier about Villa winning and being the party poopers.
If you have followed me since 2013, you will know I always want Villa to play their strongest side whenever possible in order to get the best result. I’m not saying that is the right way; it’s just my way of thinking.
Anyway, that is it for another season.
Fourth place in the league.
Champions League qualification secured.
Europa League winners.
What a season.
Thank you for the rollercoaster of emotions. Thank you to the players, to Unai Emery, to the owners, the staff, and everyone connected with Aston Villa Football Club.
But most of all. Up The Villa.