O'Neill calm ahead of showdown
Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of the crucial St Stephen's Day showdown against Arsenal at Villa Park.
Villa are in the lofty position of third in the table and their surge up the league has had some people questioning whether they could even be title contenders this season.
But O’Neill will not be getting carried away with any hype – even though a repeat of last month’s 2-0 win against Arsenal would move Villa six points clear of Arsene Wenger’s side.
O’Neill, who has a selection doubt over knee injury victim Martin Laursen, said: “We played very well at the Emirates and we now have to emulate that and try to surpass it.
“I wouldn’t want to start thinking that we are better than we are.
“We are doing fine and it has been a great effort by the team.
“It is a big, big game for us on Boxing Day.”
Gabriel Agbonlahor, who was on target in the win at the Emirates, will again lead the Villa attack by himself in the continued absence of the injured John Carew.
His form has been crucial to Villa moving into third place and it also caught the eye of Fabio Capello who handed him his England debut against Germany.
Agbonlahor’s pace has terrorised Premier League defences this season but Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is surprised at just how good the 22-year-old has become so quickly.
Barry said: “Gabby’s development has been surprising. His overall game has come together quicker than I would have thought.
“His pace and directness is frightening for defenders but he is picking up bits and pieces along the way and scoring lots of goals.
“He is improving all the time.”
Agbonlahor has 10 league and cup goals to his name so far this season and Barry believes he will only continue to grow in confidence now that he has got the first England cap of his career under his belt.
“Making his England debut will do him no harm at all,” added Barry.
“Coming back from that Germany game he will have taken a lot on board and been full of confidence.
“But he is a laid back person and he won’t be thinking about what he has already done because he is just enjoying his football.”
With flying winger Ashley Young also up front alongside Agbonlahor, Villa possess one of the fastest front lines in the Premier League.
It is that pace that has proved to be crucial for Villa this season and Barry said: “Gabby and Ashley get on very well together off the pitch. There is a lot of banter between the two of them.
“That can help but it is their ability, pace and skill that is allowing them to create chances for each other and to score goals.”
