Aston Villa: Reaping the rewards for giving Peace a chance

Aug 13 2009 by Mat Kendrick

No problem, the boss’s outburst inspires a brave comeback which launches Villa’s brilliant run towards the final and ultimate glory.

Heskey is dismissed for an angry altercation with his marker against Porto. No problem, Villa’s makeshift defence are given added incentive to battle through the semi-final showdown with their backs to the wall.

Senior players go down like flies. No problem, because their young replacements are buzzing.

From seeing the manager listed as Martin O’Leary on the official team-sheet, to having personal belongings stolen from their hotel base in Marbella, Villa’s pre-season tour to Spain never lacked incident.

Ultimately, Villa, with their ill discipline, might have provided less harmony than the pop band which took to the field to mime the competition’s irritatingly catchy theme tune at half-time during the final in Seville.

But there’s no doubt that despite the winners’ indiscretions, Villa were worthy ambassadors for the Peace Cup in the way they triumphed in the face of adversity during an eventful and far from peaceful week in Andalucia.