Football Update: Aston Villa beat Burnley 2-1 in Carling Cup
Aston Villa were pushed all the way by Burnley in Carlin Cup 4th round match, but the Premier League side managed to edge ahead in extra time with a 2-1 win
England international Emile Heskey got Villa the lead 5 minutes before the end, but Burnley were quickly back on level terms through a well placed header by Clarke Carlisle.
Marc Albrighton was given his marching orders during extra time for a tackle on Wade Elliott, leaving home team with just 10 men. Burnley had fought all the way but right as the penalty kicks were approaching, the championship side looked almost out of steam
and Villa made full use of it.
Aston Villa have moved into the final of League cup also known as the Carlin Cup. The Villains would be looking to win their first piece of silverware in almost 15 years. The last time they got their hands on a trophy was in 1996 when they won the same competition.
Now with the quarter finals to go in the tournament, there are 7 Premier league teams left and Ipswich town is the only team not from the top flight.
Prospects of Aston Villa going all the way look good this time, as they have the French manager Gerard Houllier is now in charge of the club. Gerard won the same tournament twice with Liverpool. Winning the Carling cup may also be their best chance of winning
something this season, obviously the main aim of the club by the end of the season is finishing in top 4. This would enable them to play in UEFA Champions’ League next season. But Houllier has made it clear that he also wants to earn his new club some silverware.
Looking back at the match, it was Burnley who started the brighter in the early exchanges. However, Villa did get themselves in the game after 10 minutes or so. It was Ashley Young leading the attack for Villa, as John Carew the recognised striker was missing
due to an injury. Stephan Ireland and Young were combining well up front and did cause Burnley number of problems.
The first clear chance for Villa came when Ashley Young went deep, and played a clever pas to Ireland. But the former Manchester City man took the shot a bit too early, and he could have gone a bit close to Burnley goal, but his shot went well wide. Ireland
then returned the favour and split open the Burnley backline to put Young through. However, the result was not much different and the keeper made an easy save.
The trend continued even in the 2nd half and the match looked destined for extra time, Villa manager decided to bring on Emile Heskey and Stuart Downing to change things. The move almost paid off instantly, as the duo combined well and Downing
was one on one with the keeper but his shot was sliced badly and went well wide.
Heskey though finally picked the lock of Burnley goal with just 5 minute to go in the 90. Lichaj played a ball to the right wing for Albrighton who slipped it to Young. The winger made his way to the by-line and quickly cut it back to Heskey who did well
to slot in a right footer in the far corner. It looked as if Aston Villa had got the winner.
But Burnley were not to give in so easily, and just couple of minutes later Ross Wallace fired in an inch perfect cross, and Carlisle did well to head it past Bred Fredel. The match headed to Extra time, the intensity did not go down even then. Stuart Downing
finally settled the tie with a goal in the 96th minute. The left winger made his way into Burnley box and did well to turn and slam the ball into the top corner.
Aston Villa now await the draw for the Carling Cup Quarter finals, where they may end up facing Manchester United, Arsenal or probably the only non Premier League team left in the competition Ipswich Town.
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