Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa 1 Stoke 0: Carew maintains Villa's Champions League challenge
The wry way in which Martin O'Neill often talks about John Carew suggests the Aston Villa manager is as bemused as anyone by the Norwegian's cult status. [LNB]But O'Neill owed Carew some gratitude on this occasion after the tall but often ineffective striker scored the only goal just as Villa looked likely to fluff the opportunity to confirm their top four credentials. [LNB]Although Villa's recent form had encouraged the view they, more than Tottenham or Manchester City, are best equipped to become the first club since Everton in 2005 to break the glass ceiling between fifth and fourth, questions remained about the depth of their squad. [LNB]Crucial strike: John Carew nods the winner[LNB]Those doubts linger, but yesterday Carew delivered, heading in Ashley Young's cross just after the hour to claim his fourth league goal of the season and send Villa to within two points of Manchester United. [LNB]'You can't not like John,' said O'Neill with a smile. 'He's always popular with me. Norwegians celebrate Christmas the day before. I always give him time off and he's always back for Boxing Day. He loves me.[LNB] [LNB][LNB] [LNB]In form: Martin O'Neill's Villa go third [LNB]'I have three centre forwards at this moment and I'm delighted with all three.' [LNB]Carew's arrival midway through the first half in place of the injured Emile Heskey stopped in its tracks Villa's best period.[LNB] 'The big disappointment was that we created lots of chances and never hit the target,' said Stoke manager Tony Pulis. 'I thought we played well enough even to win the game, not draw.' [LNB]Pulis was referring to a period in the second half during which Tuncay led the Stoke charge. An artist among artisans, the Turk pulled a shot across goal after a good run and then teed up Dean Whitehead, only for Carlos Cuellar to make one of many important last-ditch Villa tackles.[LNB]Glenn Whelan shot over when well placed and punishment came quickly, Ashley Young's delicious delivery demanding Carew headed in from six yards. [LNB]Carew kicked a corner flag into the crowd in his excitement, apologising immediately and later presenting his shirt to a young fan.[LNB][LNB] Crunch time: James Milner and Matthew Etherington collide[LNB]Stoke were far from finished. Luke Young was left on his backside by Tuncay but recovered to block, Matthew Etherington shot wide and, in the dying moments, substitute Ricardo Fuller shot over.[LNB] 'It may be our best victory of the season,' said O'Neill, reflecting on wins at Manchester United and Sunderland. 'We got the goal and through last-ditch tackles, we got over the line.' [LNB]For Villa it is four wins in a row, four clean sheets and fourth place in their sights.[LNB] [LNB] PREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: All Saturday's action as it happenedDefender Davies returns to training after three month Villa absenceAndy Townsend's Boot Room: Zola doesn't need executive stressASTON VILLA FC
