Aston Villa bounced back from last weekend’s trouncing at Stamford Bridge with a functional, if not awe-inspiring, 1-0 victory over Bolton at the Reebok today. Ashley Young’s fine goal in the 11th minute turned out to be the winner and quite fitting too.

In truth, Villa looked to be keeping plenty in reserve and against a Bolton side who had little to offer besides endlessly peppering the box with lofted crosses and throw-ins, it was never necessary to do much more. Bread and butter stuff for Dunne and Collins to mop up, ably assisted by Brad Friedel who needed to be commanding and alert. He was both, an excellent day at the office for Friedel.

MON made a few changes, crucially giving James Milner the rest he so desperately needs ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea. Perhaps a little surprisingly, Fabian Delph was recalled to the starting XI, playing alongside Petrov in the middle. I’m still not convinced, it still looks like those two need a third body in there to help out.

Downing also returned to the starting line-up, as did Cuellar at right back. I’m of the opinion that Downing’s early form at Villa flattered to deceive a little and he now looks like he hasn’t fully settled yet. A good player though, another for next season maybe, but right now he’s proving far more useful tracking back than he is with his delivery at the other end.

There isn’t a great deal more to say. ‘Functional’ seems to sum it up well enough. We did what we needed to, but no more, saving as much energy as possible for the re-match at Wembley. That’s smart.

And finally, it probably wouldn’t warrant a mention, but there was a little episode of handbags at the end that may have revealed the spirit running through the squad. Stewart Downing and Bolton’s best player today, loanee Jack Wilshere, got into a mini exchange after the final whistle. Gabby immediately got involved, followed by Ashley Young who seemed quite incensed by something that had been said. It was a scuffle, nothing more, but even MON had to get involved to help separate the players.

Obviously I’m not condoning any sort of violence, but I like to see that passion and team spirit. Especially after the week we’ve just had. Well done boys, take that attitude to Wembley too please.

Elsewhere around the league, Sunderland’s 3-1 victory at home to Tottenham definitely deserves a mention. In fact, Darren Bent missed 2 penalties in a very strange game, but you’ll certainly want to see Zenden’s sweet volley, Sunderland’s 3rd, when you get chance.

Statshack later, but it won’t be anything too inspiring I suspect. This is more a relief for me than anything, but we’re still in this season. Both Liverpool and City have weaknesses, Spurs have that triple whammy to negotiate. Don’t give up on this yet!!

And one final, final note… It took a Bendtner goal 4 minutes into injury time for Arsenal to beat 10 man Wolves at the Emirates today. Just saying.

UTV!!