Bring On The Villa!

December 11th Was A Great Night For The Bantams, But What Will The Villa Tie Hold?

City will take on Aston Villa over two legs

   You can say what you want about the Aston Villa game, but it’s difficult to deny that it’s going to be an experience.

   Once again, the Sky Sports cameras will descend onto a packed Valley Parade, for what is set to be another thrilling cup clash. The tie’s already attracted much attention: for tickets, supporters gathered from as early as 6am and the queues snaked right round to the rear of the old shop, with Dynamo and the trophy itself making appearances. After the victory over Arsenal, nearly the whole country will be rooting for Bradford, desperate to see whether the underdogs can move one step closer to becoming the first League 2 team to progress to the final.

   So, can they? Well…

   City might not be on the best run of form at the moment, but neither are their opponents. Of late, Villa’s defence has left a lot to be desired: they’ve got the worst goal difference in the Premier League. I’m sure that many fancy the Bantams to take advantage of this and score a few in the home leg, and keeping a clean sheet would eliminate the away goal factor for them (The ruling would come into play if it’s a draw after both matches.). This would take the pressure off for the second game, although it’s likely that City’s tactics for this match will depend on how things are shaping up later.

   Villa seem to be confident of victory-they’ve already started promising their fans tickets to the cup final. However, Bradford won’t roll over easily. The team have got a great spirit and the whole squad is so versatile: Doyle, for example, has shown that he is capable of playing in midfield and more defensive roles, whilst Meredith is strong at the back and exerts an influence on the attacking side of things. Even when plagued by injury, the boys still put up a fight, and that’s something that Villa will need to be wary of.

   On the officiating front, having referees of the calibre of Sian Massey and Howard Webb is testament to just how far that City have come. One has had the experience of a World Cup final and both regularly referee top-flight games-it’s going to be really exciting.

   Just as Wigan and Arsenal did, Villa expect to emerge triumphant, and the away goal ruling makes it harder to get the games to penalties.

   As City have proven, though, anything is possible.

Farcenal!

Wild Celebrations Ensue, As Lionhearted City Shoot Down Premier League Giants

The City stars celebrate their victory

   What an incredible, incredible night.

   The biggest crowd in over half a century gathered to watch Bradford City take on Arsenal F.C., and, boy, was it entertained.

   From the outset, it was clear that Wenger was taking the match seriously. Wilshere, Gervinho, Vermaelen, Podolski and Ramsey all started, whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rosicky were on the bench. Three divisions of football separated the sides, but, given City’s performance, you wouldn’t have noticed.

   Both teams were evenly matched. Arsenal threatened, but Bradford looked the stronger side, with both James Hanson and Nahki Wells working Szczesny.

   Then, just 15 minutes in, it happened.

   Wells brought down a long ball from Duke and paced down the wing, although he was blocked off by an Arsenal defender. Bradford had won a free kick, and, as luck would have it, the chance to fire themselves ahead.

   An unmarked Gary Thompson reacted superbly to Will Atkinson’s header. One touch, and boom-the Bantams were ahead.

   On the half-hour mark, Arsenal were beginning to gain some composure. Excellent defending from City denied them of a goal from a corner, though the Gunners did proceed to rattle the post. Gervinho missed a great chance to put Arsenal level, and the Bantams subsequently ended the half as the game’s leaders.

   As play resumed, the Bradford team continued to show their ability, as great passing play gave Hanson the opportunity to extend the lead. At 54 minutes, Arsenal were yet to have a shot on target. Wenger, feeling the pressure, threw on Rosicky, Chamakh and Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the change in tempo was noticeable: the visitors upped the ante.

   With just three minutes of normal time left, Arsenal took the game into extra time. City’s clearance found Santi Carzola, who whipped the ball in and found Vermaelen at the back post.

   Refusing to be beaten, the City fans rallied the troops. The dream was back on, and, for the eighth cup game this season, the game had gone to extra time.

   A panic-stricken Arsenal attacked in numbers, throwing everyone forward. Chamakh, Wilshere, Gibbs and Sanga all saw their efforts denied. Oxlade-Chamberlain tore up the wing. Carzola rattled the crossbar. Still, City resisted. Arsenal constantly threatened, but the back four were on their toes and dealt with everything. McHugh and McArdle defended superbly, Meredith won every challenge and Darby was so composed on the ball: he didn’t panic, slowed the game down and ensured that he had as much time as he wanted. 

   Extra time was over. Penalties called.

   There may have been a 65-place gap between the teams, but, when it comes to penalties, Bradford are in a league of their own.

   Calmly delivered spot-kicks from Doyle, Jones and Connell, as well as a fine save from Duke, showed that City really are the penalty kings. A dysfunctional Arsenal, meanwhile, crumbled under the pressure and twice hit the woodwork.

   Wenger has never won at Valley Parade.

   That run shows little sign of ending.