FA Cup: Everton 3 Aston Villa 1 - Post analysis
Feb 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Post
FA Cup fifth Round: Everton 3 Aston Villa 1
The consolation of concentrating on the league often does little to console supporters when their team’s run comes to an end in a cup they realistically dreamed of winning.
However, there was plenty to soften the blow for Aston Villa’s travelling army on their miserable return trip down the M6 motorway.
Ultimately, a break in a congested calender for Villa’s players to rest their weary legs could prove more important than a prestigious trip to Wembley.
O’Neill would never admit as much and the manager craves the one English trophy that has eluded him during a career laden with silverware.
However, the much-needed respite Villa’s FA Cup elimination brings to the Premier League’s smallest squad could yet be a blessing in disguise.
Doubts about whether this cup tie could match, in terms of excitement, the thrilling December 7 league encounter were answered emphatically during the action-packed opening exchanges.
Having led through Steve Sidwell’s goal after just 34 seconds – the top flight’s fastest strike of the season – on their previous trip to Goodison Park, Villa were stunned by a quick-fire opener.
It took Jack Rodwell a little bit longer than his midfield opponent to break the deadlock - four minutes to be precise - although it was a just reward for Everton’s energetic start.
Stiliyan Petrov thought he had rescued Villa after stretching to divert Tim Cahill’s header from a Mikel Arteta corner away from goal, only for Rodwell to smash in the rebound from a tight angle.
Replays suggested Petrov had in fact handled the ball on the line and Everton manager David Moyes later complained that the Bulgarian international should have been sent off for the offence.
Moyes’ men are unbeaten at home since Villa’s smash and grab two months ago, although any thoughts they had of protecting their slender one-goal lead were soon redundant.
A slick move through the middle released Gabriel Agbonlahor into the box and when he was tripped by Tony Hibbert referee Martin Atkinson was right to award a penalty.
James Milner, having clinically despatched a winning spot-kick at Gillingham in the third round, again made no mistake, although his effort trickled under the body of Tim Howard.
An excruciating shoulder injury to Curtis Davies, one of only two fit Villa centre-halves
