Villa can end Chelsea run

By nhorner

WE are flying high at the moment after a good three points against Sunderland. It wasn't the best of games but the result was important.

The opening goal for Sunderland was a soft goal for the Villa defence to give away with Djibril Cisse racing clear of Martin Laursen and Curtis Davies. I am sure Martin O'Neill wasn't best pleased about losing that sort of goal.

Ashley Young scored a good free-kick for us to get the scores level, with Laursen creating a little bit of unrest in the wall. It was a very low trajectory on the free-kick and I think Cisse went missing.

John Carew then back heeled the winner in. It was a good win as Sunderland are a good side now.

Roy Keane has got his team playing well and has tried to install the sort of players similar to himself, who show commitment.

The UEFA tie should be a formality tonight after the first game being 3-1 up. But the players still have to have a positive attitude.

Although they have changed the competition around, and next year it will be called the UEFA Europa League, it is still a good competition to do well in. A good cup to have and better than the league cup.

European competitions were all knock out in my day. Home and away. The league format gives teams a chance of losing and getting through.

We have tough opponents up next with a Chelsea side that have not lost in 85 home league games.

You just never know though when Chelsea's home record will go. Somebody is going to break it at some stage and hopefully it can be us.

Visit www.thisistamworth.co.uk for more view from Des Bremner.