Down a goal, up a man, with Barry Bannan and Robert Pires as options, Gerard Houllier was compelled to make a halftime change. This is no longer a match made for Jonathan Hogg. The young midfielder is out, and in his place, Houllier has brought on ... Stiliyan Petrov.
Aston Villa Vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Gerard Houllier Hates Villans, Makes Most Predictably Conservative Change Possible
Petrov has been out since October 23, but today against Spurs, he’s being brought on with the hopes he can lead the team to two goals. Petrov has three goals in the last 3.5 seasons and lacks the assist numbers to augment. The Villa captain is known as a steady, rugged, reliable central midfield option. He’s not known for cracking open a defense.
But the one virtue has has over Bannan or Pires is being risk adverse. Who besides some blogger in San Diego is going to fault Houllier for bringing on the proven committee over a pint size Scot or geriatric Frenchman? Sure, both of those players could actually pass a ball, but can they will you to victory? And they inspire? And they X-factor the hell out of this match?
I suppose it should be asked whether Petrov can, either. I’m not sure anybody’s ever thought of the Bulgarian as an X-factor. Regardless, he’s being asked by Houllier to be one today, with Villa still chasing the match, down 1-0 in the 59th minute.
If this change doesn’t work, be prepared for Villa to bring on Ciaran Clark, which will be the last piece of proof Villa fans need: Gerard Houllier doesn’t like you. Never did. That’s the best explanation for all this.
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