Aston Villa 4, Bolton 2: Villa climb to fourth
Gabriel Agbonlahor took his goal tally for the season into double figures as Aston Villa climbed above Arsenal into fourth place in the Barclays Premier League with this resounding victory.
Agbonlahor netted twice as Martin O’Neill’s side took advantage of the Gunners being held at Middlesbrough in the lunch-time kick-off to move a point clear.
Victory extended Villa’s unbeaten league run to five games but this was only their second home top flight win since September.
O’Neill’s team have had problems breaking down teams in front of their own supporters and there were danger signs when Johan Elmander put the Trotters in front.
But this only seemed to act as a kick up the backside and they dominated the remaining three quarters of the game.
Agbonlahor is revelling in the role as lone striker in the absence of back injury victim John Carew and Bolton struggled to contain the England player.
O’Neill has described Ashley Young as a “world class player” and he gave further evidence of that glowing reference with a mesmeric performance on the left flank.
It will surely be only a matter of time before England head coach Fabio Capello takes notice of his form after overlooking his claims so far this season.
Skipper Martin Laursen was a rock solid performer as Bolton fizzled out after their promising start although Kevin Davies was always competitive.
After 18 minutes Bolton stunned the home fans by going ahead through Elmander’s fifth goal of the season.
Kevin Davies did well to supply a low cross from near the by-line and Elmander’s back heel at the near post was enough to beat Brad Friedel even though he got some of his body to the ball.
Bolton came close to doubling their lead when Gretar Steinsson thumped a fierce header against the crossbar from a corner by ex Villa midfielder Gavin McCann.
Villa retaliated and Curtis Davies was guilty of a glaring miss when he headed wide when completely unmarked at the far post from an inswinging Gareth Barry free-kick.
