Aston Villa 1, Manchester United 2: Mat Kendrick's Carling Cup Final post match analysis
ALAS, there wont be any open-top bus parades just yet but lets hope Wembley appearances are like London double deckers you wait ages and then three come along at once.
Because as the dejected claret and blue brigade filed away following their first visit to the new home of football yesterday, they could be consoled by one thought.
It might have taken Villa almost a decade to get to Wembley but they could be back twice within the next two-and-a-half months.
Martin ONeill admitted as much as he tried to put a brave face on what became an inevitable defeat as Fergies Carling Cup holders showed their class to retain the trophy.
But FA Cup returns to Wembley in Aprils semi-final and Mays final would ease Villas pain and edge ONeill towards the dynasty-defining first trophy his Villa reign is crying out for to provide tangible proof of the clubs progress.
There was disappointment for Carling Cup goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who lost the jersey to veteran and American compatriot No.1 Brad Friedel despite playing in every round on the way to Wembley.
Otherwise it was the standard selection by ONeill with Carlos Cuellar getting the nod over Luke Young at right-back and Emile Heskey pipping John Carew to partner Gabby Agbonlahor up front.
Sir Alex Ferguson sprang a surprise by leaving 27-goal Three Lions talisman Wayne Rooney on the bench and drafting in England exile Michael Owen but both strikers were to have their say.
Many United fans were decked out in yellow and green in a throwback not only to their Newton Heath heritage in protest to their current owners but also to their 1994 League Cup final kits.
And Villa must have felt a repeat of Ron Atkinsons rip-roaring 3-1 victory of Fergusons superstars 16 years ago was possible when they stormed into the lead on five minutes.
Nemanja Vidic just couldnt live with Agbonlahor and as he accelerated on to Ashley Youngs pass down the left and into the box, the Serbian centre-half committed a blatant foul.
Phil Dowd was spot on in awarding a penalty but the Staffordshire officials failure to take any further action against Vidic was later described as a major turning point by an infuriated ONeill.
Although James Milner blasted Villa in front from 12 yards, with former Albion goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak diving the wrong way, there was a lingering feeling United hadnt truly paid the penalty with Vidic still on the pitch especially when he was eventually booked more than an hour later for another foul on Agbonlahor.
