How Has Darren Bent's Goal Changed Aston Villa and Man City's Seasons?

Darren Bent's tireless performance saw him score on his Aston Villa debut. Photo:BBC Sport

Darren Bent scoring on his Aston Villa debut was never in doubt, but has the £24m Striker's goal buried Man City's title hopes in this Premier League campaign? It seemed fitting that Villa's record purchase won the game despite only touching the ball 27 times in 94 minutes; demonstrating what he does best with so few touches of the ball. Brian Kidd summarised Man City's performance as "lackluster", suggesting they will bounce back from the defeat. Whilst I do not disagree with Kidd's comments, I do think the title hopes that certainly were existent are now all but gone for Man City. As for Villa, the Man City win should provide them with a solid basis upon which to turn their season around.

Having attended yesterdays match at Villa Park, I went into the game confident that Villa would take at least a draw. Given Villa's recent form I had little grounds to base such a prediction on, but you just got the feeling that Darren Bent's arrival at the club would give every player in the side a boost.

Bent's timely finish gave Villa their 1-0 lead, but from that point on it was one-sided. City had the lions share of possession, as well as 13 corners and a total of 24 attempts at goal. Villa defended as if they were possessed, with Richard Dunne and James Collins putting in an incredibly sturdy performance. Carlos Cuellar also showed that he can stand up to some of the Premier League's purest talents. Without doubt, Villa's result was not without a little luck. From roughly the 60 minute mark, I was almost certain City would manage to get an equaliser despite Villa's greatest efforts; but it never came.

I wrote an article back in November suggesting that Man City could win this seasons Premier League title, but yesterdays performance has shown what they still lack as a team...belief. Despite a barrage of chances yesterday, none of City's players could manage to put the ball in the net. Their was a lack of urgency you would not expect from a team that on Saturday was sitting on the same points an Man Utd at the top of the League. As I have mentioned, Villa certainly got some luck during yesterdays win, but with Man Utd's 5-0 crushing of Birmingham City it was vital that City kept up the pace that would have their biggest rivals still looking over their shoulders.

For Villa, I think this could be the turning point of what has been a terrible season so far. Some fans have been calling for Gerard Houllier's sacking as Villa find themselves very much at the wrong end of the table. Yesterday's result will ensure that the fickle nature of football fans will remain intact. Houllier set up a side with pace, hunger and determination. The likes of Mark Albrighton and Stewart Downing worked tirelessly on the wings. Ashley Young was always a threat and Gabby Agbonlahor ran himself into the ground despite seeing almost as little of the ball as Darren Bent. Apart from facing Man Utd on February 1st, Villa will not play any of the Premier League's current top five until they meet Arsenal of May 14th. Houllier and Villa fans alike will be hoping that yesterdays win will galvanise the side into putting points on the board. Furthermore, the signing of Jean Makoun will add further rigidity to Villa's already sturdy and tireless midfield.

Man City will be licking their wounds and focusing firmly on keeping up with an unbeaten United side. On February 12th the two sides will meet at Old Trafford in potentially the season's most important fixture. I think Man Utd will still be unbeaten heading into that fixture; and coming out of it. Roberto Mancini has undoubtedly brought happier times to Eastlands; but the fans will be craving silverware; and I think the focus will firmly switch to The FA Cup and the Europa League. With such squad depth, I do not think February's fixture pile up will not affect City too much.

To finish with a few predictions is always necessary but sometimes controversial. I think Man Utd's consistency and refusal to be beaten will ensure the Premier League title comes to Old Trafford. I think Arsenal's pace and flare will ensure a strong finish to the season; seeing them finish Second. Man City will want to bounce back from their disappointing loss at Villa Park; and given Chelsea's topsy-turvy form I think Mancini's men will secure Third spot. As for Aston Villa, Darren Bent will begin to benefit from Villa's pace in wide positions; and I think Villa will end the season in 10th position. We are in for an excellent finish to the season. Ian Holloway's Blackpool side will be the next challengers to Man Utd's unbeaten Premier League season on Tuesday. Could they cause an upset?...stranger things have happened.

DH