Source: Team_Talk
Houllier hails 'decisive' Heskey
Gerard Houllier saluted a match-winning effort from sub Emile Heskey as Aston Villa overcame Blackburn to reach the last 16 of the Carling Cup.[LNB] Villa trailed at half-time on Wednesday night and looked out of sorts when operating with a 4-3-3 system.[LNB]But Houllier altered his formation for the second 45 minutes, brought on Heskey and saw a dramatic lift in Villa's fortunes.[LNB]Heskey scored within 60 seconds of entering the action and had a hand in the build up to both goals from Ashley Young.[LNB]Houllier said: "I know what Emile can do. He showed a few things in training to indicate he was in good form.[LNB]"He was decisive. With Emile, it's a matter of confidence. It's the same with all strikers but probably more so with him.[LNB]"He knows I like him. I signed him for Liverpool. John Carew probably tired out the Blackburn defenders.[LNB]"Emile came on and was showing freshness, scored one goal and played a part in the other two."[LNB]Houllier added: "I was not disappointed by the effort and application in the first half but there was no flow to our game.[LNB]"I changed the system for the second half and it suited the players more, the way we played."[LNB]Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce was disappointed to see his side again fail to hold on to a lead.[LNB]He said: "We've gone in front in six games out of seven and haven't been able to hold onto things.[LNB]"A game lasts 90 minutes, not 45 and it's frustrating for us.[LNB]"We couldn't cope with Villa's change in shape.[LNB]"We must be more resilient defensively and just keep working away at things."
