Aston Villa: John Carew is a giant help -Gabriel Agbonlahor

Sep 25 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Post

The England Under-21 star believes the timing of Villa’s goal was vital as it put Cardiff on the attack and that suited his side.

“If they had got the first goal the crowd would have got unsettled and then it is a hard game,” he said. “To score within three minutes meant they had to come out and attack us which suited us in a way.”

While Agbonlahor was again collecting plaudits up front and ensuring another reminder to Fabio Capello’s England plans, Villa keeper Brad Guzan also felt the defence deserved some praise for a third successive clean sheet.

James Collins this time partnered Carlos Cuellar while Habib Beye was recalled at right-back and Nicky Shorey on the left for Stephen Warnock.

Guzan, making his third competitive start of the season, produced an impressive double save in the first half but also modestly praised those defenders in front of him.

“Every time you get a clean sheet, it is a testament to the hard work of the boys in front of you,” he said.

“I thought they did a great job – especially in the first-half, closing players down and blocking shots.”

Guzan was also blown away by Agbonlahor and with the performance of former Leeds midfielder Fabian Delph, who turned in an assured display.

“Gabby was very calm, very composed for his goal – it was a great finish.” Guzan said. “It is always good for him to keep the streak of goals going.”

And of Delph, the American shot-stopper said his composure had been plain for all to see.

“We can see Fabian is composed on the ball – he enjoys having the ball at his feet going forward, running at guys,” the keeper said.