WHEN Villa’s big players hit top form they’re almost unstoppable – and against Blackburn it finally clicked.
Far too often this season their so-called superstars have gone un-noticed when Villa have needed them the most.
But there was nothing of the kind on Saturday as their top earners pulled together to produce the goods in a crushing 4-1 victory over their Lancashire opponents.
Ashley Young was immense throughout and thoroughly deserved his man-of-the-match award for a stunning performance which included two goals, one coming from the penalty spot.
Closely behind was the inspirational Stewart Downing who scared the life out of Rovers’ backline.
He was also worthy of having his name on the score sheet, which also included an unfortunate Grant Hanley own goal, and an equally-as-fortunate Nikola Kalinic consolation.
With the England duo in such fine form it even allowed Villa to run riot without relying on record signing Darren Bent, who had a quiet day.
Robert Pires also showed flashes of his old self, and had arguably his best game in a Villa shirt, but 90 minutes was still too much for the French veteran.
It’s easy to pick out individuals, though, and unfair not to give the team the credit they fully deserved.
Before the game all the talk was about relegation and how close Villa were to slipping back down into the position that left everyone associated with the club so nervous around the festive period. But full credit to the players who rose above it to out-battle and out-class a Rovers side who are now facing the stark reality of a fight to survive in the division.
To make matters worse for Steve Kean’s men, captain Ryan Nelsen was given his marching orders in stoppage time for a second bookable offence
Very little happened in the opening 40 minutes of the game, not that Nathan Baker will remember as he was forced off after 36 minutes with blurred vision. The 19-year-old left-back, who was making only his second Premier League start, collided head-to-head with Marc Albrighton early in the game but shook off the knock to continue.
Sadly, he was unable to recover from a second blow to the head after Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson appeared to accidentally punch him while trying to clear a Downing cross.
On came Fabian Delph and just minutes later the game burst into life as Villa had four chances in as many minutes.
