Aston Villa 0 Chelsea 1: Bill Howell's big match verdict

Feb 23 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

THE end of not just one proud run but two completed a wretched week for Villa.

Pundits are already proclaiming that a big test of character is now awaiting Martin O’Neill’s men.

To be fair, they have been facing such challenges brought about by expectations since mid-July.

Defeat ended their longest unbeaten sequence in the top flight in 99 years, while it also ended a decade of home domination against Chelsea.

March 21, 1999 was not particularly noteworthy other than it happened to be the day that one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, Ernie Wise, died. And when Chelsea last won at Villa, it was no great surprise.

John Gregory’s wobblers had taken one point from eight matches and were sixth and sinking fast in a division where Manchester United were streaking clear of Arsenal.

Chelsea were just about holding off Leeds United for third place in the fight for what was then the final Champions League spot.

Every season, Gregory’s bottlers would falter after a brisk start. Ten games without a win following a record start in 1998/99 became nine without a win the following season.