Barclays Premier League - Reviews of News: Arsenal, Aston Villa and Birmingham City
Arsenal
After suffering a shocking defeat against newly promoted Newcastle United last weekend, Arsenal’s legendary manager admits that his team must learn how to make most of their home advantage if they are to force themselves back into title
race. At the moment the home form of Gunners is far dismissive than their away form; having lost two crucial matches. That however was not the worst part of their defeat as they occurred against the newly promoted sides of Barclays Premier League.
Last month, West Bromwich Albion managed to bag all three points at Emirates and this month The Magpies were able to repeat that stint. Along with that, Arsenal also failed to dominate other Premier League sides when they visit Emirates,
as in last fixture they scored a goal in the dying minutes to earn them all three points against West Ham United. On the issue their manager Arsene Wenger commented: “Our home form is a concern because against Birmingham and West Ham they were struggling wins.”
Arsenal is currently at the third position, five points behind league leaders Chelsea and three points behind their rivals, Manchester United. Arsenal’s next home game would be against their fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspurs next week.
Aston Villa
The new manager of Aston Villa has told his young talismanic midfielder magician Barry Bannan to keep his feet on the ground and he can be a star one day. The plaudits came flooding after an enterprising display on his first start for
Aston Villa last weekend. Barry Bannan was named the Man of the Match in a draw against Fulham last week.
Barry Bannan is a product of Aston Villa’s youth academy being considered as one of the best young prodigy’s present at Villa. He was named for the first time on bench at the start of this season and made his Barclays Premier League when
he replaced Downing in 89th minute.
Gerard Houllier was delighted with his young midfielder’s performances and said that his young gun will definitely improve. The Villains’ manager said: "He's a hard-working player. Remember his name because if he keeps his feet on the
ground - and we will make sure he does - maybe at some stage the fans will chant his name."
Aston Villa is currently on 13th position in Premier League table sharing equal points with Fulham. They will face the newly promoted side, Blackpool, tonight in a Premier League fixture.
Birmingham City
The long serving manager of Blues believes that his players are starting to take on board his demand to show more respect to match officials. Birmingham City’s central defender, Roger Johnson was specifically praised by his manager for
his exemplary attitude towards referees.
Alex McLeish also revealed that England’s most renowned referee Howard Webb, who was also in charge of FIFA World Cup final 2010, gave the thumbs up to the extraordinary self-control being shown by Birmingham recently.
McLeish said: "When I matured as a player I did learn to talk to refs in the right way. I always had a good rapport with refs later in my career and certainly I don't berate refs in the modern day. We are all aggrieved at certain decisions,
there is no doubt about it, and you can't hide that emotion, but at the same time it is a tough job the refs have got."
Birmingham City has managed to earn 12 points out of 12 games and is currently one position ahead of relegation zone.
Tags: