Before we travelled to Tottenham, I made the argument that Spurs had become the new Aston Villa. They have. By that, I meant they had become the side that struggling teams look for on the fixture list when they need a result. They do.
Older Villa fans will know exactly what I’m talking about. For years, Aston Villa had an uncanny ability to help clubs rediscover their confidence. Teams on poor runs would suddenly find form against us. Strikers who couldn’t buy a goal would score. Managers under pressure would get a much-needed victory.
It was one of the most frustrating things about supporting Villa, because it really felt true. Fast forward to today, and I believe that role belongs to Spurs, that’s definitely true. They’ve taken the baton from us and have run away with it, disappearing over the horizon.
Not everybody agreed with me before kick-off, Gabriel Agbonlahor. Some people (Gabby) felt Spurs would simply have too much quality for a Villa side still trying to find its feet after a summer of major change.
Yes, we are finding our identity after one of the biggest squad rebuilds I can remember. New players are settling in. Partnerships are developing, And, like most football supporters looking for a confidence boost, I’m checking the fixture list for Tottenham. Everyone is. Well almost everyone. UTV