Classy Arsenal easily past dour VilliansArsenal 3 (Gibbs 16, Walcott 25, Arteta 90) Aston Villa 0

Goals from Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott and Mikel Arteta gave Arsenal victory over Aston Villa and took their winning run to seven Premier League matches.
Gibbs exposed some poor defending and goalkeeping from Villa to put the hosts in front with a crisp low finish.
Arsenal were dominating their opponents and doubled the lead when the excellent Walcott collected Alex Song's lofted ball and slotted past Shay Given.
Arteta wrapped up the match in stoppage time with a stunning free-kick.
It was another important result for the Gunners, moving them three points above fourth-placed Tottenham - who drew 0-0 with Chelsea earlier in the day - and continuing their superb upturn in form.
For much of the season their hopes of a top-four finish looked in serious doubt, but that now looks comfortably within their grasp.
Their day did not start so well as centre-back Laurent Koscielny pulled out of the side after feeling a knee injury during the warm-up.
More trouble loomed when his replacement, Johan Djourou, required lengthy treatment after being hit in the face by Emile Heskey's arm.
But the Swiss recovered and, aside from a Marc Albrighton drive that sailed over shortly after the re-start, Arsenal were in total control.
Villa had no answer to the pace of wingers Walcott and Gervinho, and allowed Arsenal far too much time and space to pick passes to the pair.
There was an early warning when Given parried Walcott's strike after a sharp exchange between Walcott, Bacary Sagna and Robin van Persie.
Villa, who remain three places above the relegation zone, were desperately lacking the defensive leadership of injured captain Richard Dunne - never more so than when Arsenal opened the scoring.
Alan Hutton, Stilyan Petrov and Chris Herd stood still as Gibbs collected Gervinho's pass and fired in an effort that Given should have saved.
Walcott then skilfully met Thomas Vermaelen's diagonal ball and ghosted behind Stephen Warnock before Carlos Cueller arrived with vital clearance.
Villa had lost only one of their previous eight away games and they briefly threatened when Stephen Ireland broke clear and crossed towards Heskey, only for Vermaelen to intercept.
Arsenal were swiftly back on the offensive and their reward came when Song found Walcott and he stepped inside Cuellar to side-foot home.
Given saved well from a Van Persie header and Arteta's drive, while Warnock brilliantly nodded Van Persie's goalbound shot over the bar.
The second half was more even, with Djourou needing to be alert when Albrighton crossed for Gabriel Agbonlahor, while Song headed over and Tomas Rosicky tested Given from distance.
Both managers used their full quota of substitutes and one of Villa's, Andreas Weimann, benefited from an error by one of Arsenal's, Andre Santos, but dragged wide when clean through.
Arteta then had the final word, producing a magnificent set-piece with virtually the final kick.

David O'Leary sacked by Al Ahli

Former Leeds United and Aston Villa manager David O'Leary has been sacked as manager of Dubai's Al Ahli after less than a year in charge of the club.


O'Leary, 52, joined the club in July of last year but has struggled to play the kind of football to attract fans. They currently find themselves in 7th place in the UAE League 18 points behind league leaders Al Jazira winning 6 games out of their 16 matches.
This sacking shouldn't have come as a surprise as news was filtering out about the impending sacking last month but it is believed the 5-1 defeat at the hands of Al Jazira at the beginning of the month led to the Al Ahli board to decide to dispense of their manager and his assistant Roy Aitken.


O'Leary made his name as a towering center back for the Gunners where he made 722 appearances for the club between 1975 and 1993. Towards the end of his career he was transferred to Leeds United making 12 appearances before retiring in 1995.


He had a successful spell managing Leeds United between 1998-2002 where he oversaw UEFA  and Champions League semi-final defeats before the financial problems began at the club.


In 2003 O'Leary took a struggling Aston Villa side from the brink of relegation to the brink of Europe but in 2006 after an argument with then owner Doug Ellis, O'Leary has his contract terminated.


Despite being linked with various jobs over the years O'Leary had to wait 4 years to get back into work with Al Ahli but less than 12 months later the Irishman finds himself out of work again.

News Update

Yesterday may have lacked action on the pitch but the news was still rolling. This site is a one man operation so it was a struggle to post here, but what happened yesterday?
Well Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier was admitted to hospital yesterday morning suffering from chest pains. It is expected the Frenchman will not be back on the sidelines until the new season. Until then Villa number 2 Gary McAllister will take charge of the first team.
Much was mentioned about Arsenals failure to capitalize on a two goal lead against Tottenham which saw then lead 3-1 and leave White Hart Lane with one point, and an entertaining (for the neutrals) 3-3 draw.
Norwich won the 'Old Farm Derby' beating Ipswich 5-1 at Portman Road, there biggest victory there since the second world war'
North of the border parcel bombs were intercepted by Royal Mail destined for Celtic manager Neil Lennon, Paul McBride QC and Labour politician Trish Godman (both have Celtic connections). Its not known who sent the parcels but the investigation into the incident on March 26 is ongoing.
And finally congratulations go to West Ham's Scott Parker who last night won the Footballer Of The Year by the Football Writers Association just pipping Tottenhams Gareth Bale to the award.


Quite a busy day then yesterday, I endeavour to update the site with more tales from the world of football as well as the news from the Emirates as regining 'Unofficial Premier League Champions' Arsenal are preparing for their trip north to face Bolton Wanderers.


Have a great Good Friday


Jamie

Aston Villa manager Houllier taken to hospital

Taken from BBC Sport:

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been admitted to hospital, the BBC understands.

It is thought he was taken to hospital in Birmingham during the night.

He is understood to have spoken to the club's chief executive Paul Faulkner and his condition is said to be comfortable.

Assistant manager Gary McAllister will take Thursday's training session. The club is expected to release an official statement later.

Houllier is expected to remain in hospital for a couple of days and it is anticipated McAllister will take charge of the team on Saturday for their game against Stoke at Villa Park.

Houllier had major surgery after a heart attack in 2001

WorldwideFootball would like to wish Gerard all the best and a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the touchline soon.

Rosicky going nowhere - Agent

The agent of Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has confirmed his client will not leave the Emirates in the summer.

The 30 year old has made 33 appearances for the Gunners this season in all competitions scoring just the one goal against Leyton Orient in the FA Cup and there have been rumours Aston Villa are preparing a summer bid for the man who has made 80 appearances for Czech Republic but Pavel Paska says Rosicky is staying where he is. Paska, interviewed by Tuttomercatoweb said : ""There are have been many false rumours circluating, but at the moment, there is nothing concrete. It has been quite some time since I have heard from Arsene Wenger. Therefore, there is no new news, and if there is a change, he will be the first to communicate this."

Arsenal fan, good news or bad news? Tell us your views at jaymoe26@gmail.com or twitter @jamiemason76

Stephen Ireland Joins Newcastle United Fee: Loan

WorldwideFootball can reveal Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Ireland has joined Newcastle United on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.
The 24 year old only joined Villa from Manchester City in the summer as a make weight in the James Milner deal but he hasn't managed to feature much for Villa and rumour had it Celtic were going to make an approach and take him to Celtic Park on loan but Alan Pardew has decided to make a bid which has been accepted by Randy Lerner and Gerard Houllier.
In December Villa manager Houllier stated Ireland was free to leave if the right bid come along and during Ireland's short stint at Villa his professionalism has been questioned by the manager so its no surprise to see Ireland depart for pastures new.


Stephen Irelands career:


2005-2010 - Manchester City - 138 apps (16 goals)
2010 - Aston Villa - 10 apps

Michael Bradley Joins Aston Villa

WorldwideFootball understands Aston Villa have made their fourth signing of the transfer window capturing the signature of USA international midfielder Michael Bradley on loan until the end of the season.
Bradleys Dad, Bob, was linked with the managers role when Martin O'Neill left Villa Park in August, that didn't materialize but his son has decided to make the switch.
The 23 year old joins from German side Borussia Monchengladbach and could go into the side tomorrow as Aston Villa travel to Old Trafford for a Premier League clash against Manchester United.
Although Bradley was suspended by Borussia manager Michael Frontzeck in the 2009/10 season for arguing he was still a regular for "Die Fohlen". This season Bradley had made 19 appearances for Monchengladbach scoring three goals but Bradley feels it is time to find a club in the Premier League and Aston Villa have decided to take the punt.
He follows in the footsteps of Jean Makoun, Kyle Walker and Darren Bent as the new arrivals keep on coming at Villa Park.

Michael Bradleys career:

2004-2006 - MetroStars - 30 apps (1 goal)
2006-2008 - Heerenveen - 57 apps (16 goals)
2008 - Borussia Monchengladbach - 76 apps (10 goals)

Curtis Davies Join Birmingham City Fee: £3.5

WorldwideFootball understand Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies has joined city rivals Birmingham City for a fee believed to be around £3.5m
Davies becomes the third player to make the switch from Villa to Birmingham following in the footsteps of Liam Ridgewell and Craig Gardner and although he wasn't registered in time for the FA Cup clash against Coventry City Davies could make his debut next Wednesday when Birmingham host Manchester City at St Andrews.
The 25 year old centre back becomes the League Cup Finalists second signing of the transfer windown after David Bentley joined the club on loan until the end of the season.
With the transfer window due to close in three days time it isn't known whether Davies will be Alex McLeish's last signing of the windown but if more signings are made you can be sure to find out about them right here.


Curtis Davies career:


2003-2005 - Luton Town - 56 apps (2 goals)
2005-2008 - West Bromwich Albion - 65 apps (2 goals)
2007-2008 - Aston Villa (loan) - 12 apps (1 goal)
2008-2011 - Aston Villa - 37 apps (2 goals)
2010-2011 - Leicester City (loan) - 12 apps

Aston Villa Finally Sign MakounFee: £6m

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Cameroon international Jean Makoun from Lyon in a £6million deal.

Makoun has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Villa Park after agreeing terms and passing a medical.

The 27-year-old is waiting to secure a work permit before he finalises his move so he will not be available for this weekend's Second City derby with Birmingham but could make his debut next Saturday when Villa entertain table toppers Manchester City.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier has been chasing Makoun for some time as he looks to bolster his midfield options having sold Steve Sidwell to Fulham.

Makoun will prove a valuable addition to the squad as they battle to secure survival in the Premier League.

Villa currently find themselves 19th in the Premier League and have struggled to find any form since Gerard Houllier replaced Martin O'Neill in the hotseat but this signing shows owner Randy Lerner still has faith and believes the Frenchman is the man to lead his side out of trouble.

Jean Makouns career:

2001-2008 - Lille - 165 apps (9 goals)

2008-2011 - Lyon - 76 apps (8 goals)

Sid's Off To The Cottage Fee:Undisclosed

WorldwideFootball understands Fulham have completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell on an initial six month deal with the possibility of a further 3 years.
West Ham United were also in for the midfielder as were Wolves but Sidwell has decided he would be better of playing under Mark Hughes.
The former Arsenal, Reading and Chelsea midfielder made 45 appearances for Aston Villa in three years scoring 3 goals but has struggled to cement a place in the Aston Villa starting team.
The fee has been undisclosed like most transfer fee's and although it is unlikely Sidwell will play for Fulham against Peteborough in the FA Cup he could make his debut away to Wigan next weekend.


Fulham fans, good signing or bad, let me know what you think.  Email jaymoe26@gmail.com and all "clean" posts will be posted


Steve Sidwell's career:


1999/2003 - Arsenal - 0 apps
2001/2002 - Brentford (loan) - 30 apps (4 goals)
2002 - Beveren (loan) - 0 apps
2002/2003 - Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) - 12 apps (5 goals)
2003/2007 - Reading - 168 apps (29 goals)
2007/2008 - Chelsea - 15 apps (0 goals)
2008/2011 - Aston Villa - 45 apps (3 goals)

10 Man Tottenham Keep Up Title Challenge Aston Villa 1 (Albrighton 82) Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Van Der Vaart 23,67)

Tottenham's talismanic midfielder Rafael van der Vaart ensured manager Harry Redknapp maintained his hoodoo over Aston Villa after securing a 2-1 win.  Despite a 27th-minute straight red card for Jermain Defoe, the Dutch midfielder scored either side of that to take his tally to double figures for the season, with Spurs unbeaten in each of the eight games in which he has scored.

Although Marc Albrighton pulled one back eight minutes from time, it was not enough to spare the home side, with Redknapp unbeaten in his last ten Barclays Premier League games as a manager against Villa.

From the opening minute the suggestion was this was going to be an entertaining affair, as has often been the case between these two teams of late, and so it proved. After just 50 seconds Heurelho Gomes produced the first of a number of fine saves to deny Villa, initially from Albrighton who was then quick to pounce on the rebound, only for Gareth Bale to bravely block.

After Gabriel Agbonlahor nodded a free header wide a minute later there was perhaps the sense it was not going to be Villa's night. That view was strengthened when Villa appealed for a penalty in the ninth minute when Emile Heskey was felled by Gomes, but it was such a tight call it was no wonder referee Martin Atkinson was unmoved.

It was a challenge which left Heskey needing treatment and ultimately led to his withdrawal six minutes from the break. It was a key departure as Heskey had also played his part in two incisive Villa moves that sandwiched another moment of controversy in the 18th minute.

A minute earlier Heskey and Agbonlahor had spread play from one wing to the other where Stewart Downing strode forward, cut inside and unleashed a low drive that was picked up by Gomes. Three minutes later it was Heskey who played a delightful one-two with Agbonlahor, the latter eventually unleashing a stinging drive that bounced off a diving Gomes' knee. The ball looped up for Agbonlahor to nod goalwards, but again Gomes was on hand to push the ball around the post.

In between a strike from Younes Kaboul was ruled out by an assistant referee as he deemed a pull back from Alan Hutton had crossed the deadball line, although replays suggested otherwise.

In the 23rd minute, however, Tottenham's frustration was forgotten as a sweeping move cut Villa apart, sparked by a raking cross-field ball from Bale into the path of Hutton down the right wing. James Collins, serving as Villa's fifth skipper of the season with Ashley Young out with a knee injury, failed to cut out the right-back's low centre and Van der Vaart was in behind the centre-back to stab home from ten yards.

The visitors' joy was shortlived because just four minutes later they were contentiously down to ten men for an elbow from Defoe in the face of Collins. It appeared to be harsh because although Defoe led with his arm in jumping for a high delivery, his eyes were focused on the ball at all times. 

It left Spurs facing the final 63 minutes a man short, and for the first 18 of those through to half-time they were rarely troubled. And they could have doubled their lead prior to the interval as Van der Vaart teed up Wilson Palacios for a 20-yard effort which Brad Friedel tipped into the sidenetting.

Apart from an early second-half strike from Heskey's replacement Nathan Delfouneso, which stung the fingers of Gomes, Spurs easily held until breaking with devastating effect in the 67th minute. It was sparked by an 80-yard run down the right from Bale, who found Aaron Lennon in space on the left.The winger played a simple pass into Van der Vaart's path for a first-time left-foot shot beyond Friedel.

After Gomes had produced his save of the game from Agbonlahor nine minutes later, an 82nd-minute cross from Albrighton floated past the Spurs goalkeeper, who was arguably distracted by a diving Collins in front of him. There was no late reprieve for Villa and manager Gerard Houllier, though, who departed the field to a chorus of boos from the home fans.

Line Ups:

Aston Villa: 01-Friedel, 03-Warnock, 06-Downing, 12-Albrighton, 11-Agbonlahor, 16-Delph, 18_Heskey, 24-Cuellar, 28-Hogg, 29-Collins, 30-Lichaj SUBS USED: 08-Pires, 14-Delfouneso, 19-Petrov

Tottenham Hotspur: 01-Gomes, 02-Hutton, 03-Bale, 04-Kaboul, 07-Lennon, 11-Van der Vaart, 12-Palacios, 14-Modric, 18-Defoe, 20-Dawson, 32:Assou-Ekotto SUBS USED: 15-Crouch, 22-Corluka

Todays Other Scores:

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Stoke City: SC-Huth, Wilson

Bolton Wanderers 2-0 West Brom: BW-Taylor, Elmander

Fulham 1-3 West Ham: FU-Hughes WH-Cole (2), Piquionne

Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland: MU-Berbatov (2)

Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester City: NU-Carroll MC- Tevez (2), Barry

Wolves 1-2 Wigan Athletic: WW-Fletcher WA-Rodallega, Cleverley

Milner Finally Joins City Fee: Undisclosed

James Milner has finally completed his protracted transfer to Manchester City.

The England midfielder, 24, has joined the big-spending Blues after a summer of speculation over his future, although Eastlands always seemed likely to be his ultimate destination.

Milner has signed a five-year contract and midfielder Stephen Ireland has joined Villa from City as part of the deal.

Milner, who completed his medical late on Tuesday, could make his City debut in their Premier League clash with Liverpool at Eastlands on Monday.

City boss Roberto Mancini told mcfc.co.uk: "I am very happy to have James with us, everybody knows we have admired him for some time.

"He is an excellent midfielder who can play in a number of positions. This is important for the team and I am looking forward to seeing him play for us. We have a very strong squad and this signing is a very important one for us.

"James is already a very good player who has proved he can play at the very top level. But he is also young and a good character, I think he can also improve and be a great player for Manchester City for a long time."

Milner replaces Ireland as City's number seven, and Mancini added of the departing midfielder: "I hope things go well for Stevie at Villa.

"He is also a very good player and he has played a big part in City's history. I think he will enjoy the change of being at another club and I hope he does well for Aston Villa."

Milner's future had been the subject of ongoing speculation since Villa rejected a bid of around £20million from City in May.

Then Villa boss Martin O'Neill revealed last month that the midfielder had asked for a move away from Villa Park and had refused to sign a new contract.

Villa's decision to sell Milner and how much of the fee O'Neill would be able to reinvest in the transfer market were rumoured to be key factors in the Northern Irishman's shock resignation last week.

Under O'Neill, Milner developed into one of England's top midfielders last season, proving a revelation after moving from the wing into the centre.

He was the principal figure behind Villa's ultimately unsuccessful push for a Champions League spot and his form earned him a starting spot in three of England's four World Cup games in South Africa.

Indeed, Milner was one of the few players to emerge with his reputation intact from a disappointing tournament and City continued their pursuit on his return.

The two clubs finally agreed a fee but the deal was held up still further by the involvement of Ireland, who reportedly demanded a £2million pay-off from City.

Milner played in Villa's opening Barclays Premier League game of the season against West Ham last Saturday and scored in a 3-0 win, earning a standing ovation as he bade his farewell.

But the transfer has now finally gone through, bringing an end to two years at Villa Park for Milner and eight years with City for Ireland.

Ireland, now 23, looked set for a great future at Eastlands after breaking into the first team as a teenager and then picking up the club's player of the year award for the 2008/09 season.

But his opportunities dried up once Mancini replaced Mark Hughes last autumn and the Italian made it clear Ireland's future lay elsewhere.

Milner began his career with Leeds and became the Premier League's then youngest scorer when he netted against Sunderland on Boxing Day 2002, nine days before his 17th birthday.

Leeds' relegation saw Milner sold to Newcastle in 2004 but he was on the move again a year later when a clause in the deal that took Nolberto Solano from Villa to St James' Park sent Milner on loan in the other direction.

A permanent deal seemed on the cards the following summer but Newcastle eventually decided to keep the midfielder, and he stayed with the Magpies for another two seasons before joining Villa for a reported £12million in 2008.

Milner becomes City's eighth signing of the transfer window and follows in the footsteps of former Villa team-mate Gareth Barry, who moved to Eastlands last summer.

James Milners Career:

2002-2004 - Leeds United - 48 apps (5 goals)

2003 - Swindon Town (loan) - 6 apps (2 goals)

2004-2008 - Newcastle United - 94 apps (6 goals)

2005-2006 - Aston Villa (loan) - 27 apps (1 goal)

2008-2010 - Aston Villa - 73 apps (11 goals)

England - 12 apps