Villa’s draw at Fulham exaggerates their desperate need for a striker

Amongst the neat and pretty surroundings of Fulham on the tree lined banks of the River Thames, Villa set about ending a goalless run of games and securing their first away win of the season and for much of the game they looked like doing this.

A sublime Barry Bannan cross-field ball found Marc Albrighton who coolly finished just before half-time and continued opportunities throughout the second half should have been enough to secure that elusive away win.

However, an organised performance was ultimately punished for a lack of a clinical edge in front of goal by a last gasp equaliser.

Nathan Delfouneso was deservedly given his first league start after a series of enthusiastic and energetic substitute appearances, but the youngster struggled to make an impact on the game and was guilty of missing a host of chances.

His inclusion was a result of injuries to Emile Heskey, John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor, which could explain the drought of league goals at Villa recently.

However, thanks to absences and inconsistent form, only Heskey has managed to find the back of the net in the league and even he has only managed to do so on one occasion.

Big Em’s resurgence ion form and confidence under Houllier has been a pleasure to behold, as his enthusiasm has been an unexpected pleasure.

Muscling Tottenham’s Sebastian Bassong off the ball to set up Albrighton for his first league goal last month was a welcome characteristic that Villa fans have rarely seen from him during his time at the club.

Unfortunately though, Heskey’s return to form has seemingly been at the expense of Carew, who has struggled under the stewardship of Houllier.

Having previously been sold by the Frenchman during his time at Lyon, Carew’s chances of earning a contract extension at the end of the season look slim, which is exaggerated by the fact that when he does make an appearance he looks slow and cumbersome, as if he’s pulling a trailer whilst simultaneously wading through treacle.

The return of Agbonlahor will be keenly anticipated by all at Villa due to his goalscoring threat and evidence of this was present at Craven Cottage on Saturday, when Villa’s attacking line was led by Delfoneso, who for most of the game was unfortunately camouflaged against the motionless home support.

When chances did fall his way they were spurned. Two first half headers were followed by a scuffed effort that fell kindly into the hands of Mark Schwarzer when the striker was through on goal and a near post chance that wasn’t anticipated in time.

Perhaps though best opportunity of the game was wasted by Stewart Downing, whose performance wasn’t that of the clubs leading goalscorer, but that of someone who’s fearful of making a mistake, as he continually played the safe pass in favour of anything positive.

Midway through the second-half he found himself alone on the edge of the Fulham box, but the cautious winger seemingly didn’t enjoy the isolation and elected to pass to Albrighton, to the disbelieving consternation of the raucous home support in the Putney End.

The fact that Downing is the Villa’s leading scorer is perhaps a testament to him, but also an indictment of the clubs lack of attacking power and exaggerates their need for a striker.

Only Wigan and West ham have scored fewer goals than Villa, as Houllier’s team have only managed ten league goals from eleven league games so far.

Thankfully though for Villa fans they can take solace in the emergence of Barry Bannan and Ciaran Clark, whose performances humbled their oppositions experienced midfield and the continued rise of Alrighton is a pleasure to behold.

If only one of them was a striker.

Posted By Dan Mobbs - Monday November 8, 2010.
Tags: Aston Villa, Premier League