There was no mistaking the optimism around Villa Park before kick-off. This was the hosts’ first Premier League home match in more than three years and, with a revamped team guided by a manager and captain who both used to be regulars in the Holte End, the locals had much to be excited about. The players were roared on to the pitch and then …. oops! Villa conceded a penalty after 46 seconds.From there things quickly got worse from the hosts. But, even though they wound up with no points, Villa performed with enough quality to suggest they should not relinquish their fresh hope. Continue readingreadfullarticle
