Europa League: Aston Villa 2 Rapid Vienna 1 (agg:2-2) - Post report
Villa’s dalliance wih Europe was brought to an abrupt halt last night before it had even really begun when, despite a 2-1 win on the night, Martin O’Neill’s youngsters crashed out in the second leg of their qualifier to visitors Rapid Vienna.
Villa’s failure to qualify for the Europa League proper came despite a 2-1 win on the night and despite the incredible heroics of second choice keeper Brad Guzan whose string of top class saves were not quite enough to stifle the Viennese.
Villa had taken the lead through a James Milner penalty in the 32nd minute after Ashley Young had missed from the same spot and looked to be heading for the hat and the draw for the first round proper after cult hero John Carew reaffirmed his love affair wiht the Villa Park faithful in the 52nd minute with his first goal of the season.
But the home side were never really comfortable and even Guzan’s heroics, in the end, were unable to deny that man Nikica Jelavic whose 74th minute away goal ensured his side the spoils. It was the same man who had broken Villa hearts with a goal in the first leg with his strike after just 17 seconds.
The Rapid star’s goal gave the 2,000 strong “Green-Whites” supporters reason to ensure their support after thta away goal helped their team hold on to the final whistle.
It had all been so different for Villa in the first half despite the threat of the Austrian Bundesliga giantswho really brought the game to their hosts.
The sight of £6 million Steven Warnock being unveiled as a Villa signing before the game had ensured an air of optimism among the home supporters.
But the fans were less enamoured to see Martin O’Neill had chosen to revert to a 4-4-2 formation despite the success of his use of 4-5-1 in Monday’s incredible 3-1 Premier League win over Liverpool at Anfield.
Emile Heskey was back up front with John Carew returning from a virus but there was no place for the heroes of Monday’s win, Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwellwho were both on the bench.
Young midfielder Fabian Delph was recalled to the squad while James Milner and Ashley Young played out wide.
Villa, who are also set to seal a move for Manchester City defender Richard Dunne today, saw their first real chance come in ths eventh minute after Milner found Heskey wide on the left only for the England striker to slice the ball wide with keeper Helge Payer beaten.
In the 21st minute Steffen Hoffman had Villa hearts in mouths however when his long range shot flew just a whisker wide - his effort cheered loudly by the visiting fans who stood stripped and barechested in the stands.
