Aston Villa: Gabby Agbonlahor on why Premier League is tighter than ever

Oct 20 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

Gabby Agbonlahor

Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor is convinced this season’s Premier League title won’t be a two-horse race.

Villa’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday, coupled with Liverpool’s defeat to Sunderland, has once again given evidence that this season’s top flight won’t just be about the dominant top four.

Impressive early-season form from Chelsea and Manchester United saw many predicting that the Premier League crown would end up at either Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford in May.

However, England man Agbonlahor is convinced otherwise.

And the 23-year-old Brummie is hoping Villa’s recent success will send out a message that Martin O’Neill’s troops are serious about breaking the top four this time around.

“It is going to be a different league this year,” said Agbonlahor.

“I don’t think one or two teams are going to run away with it. There are going to be a few teams up there with a chance of breaking into the top four.

“Hopefully that has sent out a message to the other clubs. We have got a chance of getting into the top four.

‘‘That was our target last season and we missed out, but looking at the way we played against Chelsea, there is no reason why.

“Liverpool have lost more games than last season but we are concentrating on trying to be up there and giving ourselves another chance for this season.”

Villa have now claimed an impressive seven points from Liverpool, Chelsea and moneybags Manchester City, seen as a new contender for the top-of-the-table tussle.

Agbonlahor has been pleased with his own form against the league’s top sides and the striker also believes that Villa’s set-piece stunners will also prove to be more than a match for anyone.

He added: “In these big games I think I put in at least 100 per cent, even more. Every one of the team worked for each other and we got the result.

“The way we are at set-pieces we have a chance of scoring against any team and we were lucky against Chelsea to get those two chances to do that.”