1-0 Sturridge. Warnock played Mata onside in behind Lichaj and the rest of the back line, then he had an easy pass across to Torres whose shot was blocked by Warnock to Sturridge who tapped it in.
He's looked okay so far. Still likes to go into the attack, which is nice. He did get caught in no man's land between two Chelsea players in the Villa box due to a nice bit of Chelsea passing. Fortunately for him all it led to was yet another opportunity that Torres did not put away.
Hell of a save by Cech. Hard shot on the ground between the legs of Cole, who was no more than 5 yards in front of him and he keeps it out with his leg after having dived the wrong way in anticipation of a different shot. Wow.
It's nice to know you can count on some things, such as Chelsea is where high-priced strikers go to die.
Very nice throw for the assist. Very nice back post run for the goal. Hopefully leads to more starts for him. Slow to react to the unusual run from Torres off the corner, though.
Great day for Lichaj. Also, Chelsea fans, Torres has been looking very good lately (hes one of my favs although I support Arsenal)
Deep cross from Albrighton attacking up the left side. Over everyone in the center of the box but Lichaj beat Cole to slide in, just outside the far post from maybe 3 yards out.
Here are videos of both the AV goals: http://watchsocceronline.blogspot.com/2012/03/lichaj-scores-and-gets-assist-off-throw.html
I thought he did well in the parts I saw...he could've done better on the Torres flick on, but he wasn't directly at fault on any of the goals and was involved in both Villa goals and had some nice passes. I'm sure Hutton will go right back in whenever he's ready, but I don't think he's better than Eric.
I only caught Villa's/Lichaj's highlights, and can see why they were impressed. That first goal was off Lichaj's perfect long throw into the top of the 6 yard box that Cech couldn't really try to go out and intercept. And Lichaj's goal was a classic Dempseyish hustle goal to be at the right spot at the back post, at the right time. If the commentators aren't blaming Lichaj for Chelsea's subsequent goals, then I am guessing Villa coaches won;t either. So, with that spark of life to the side with Eric in the starting 11, I am guessing he gets a few more chances before the end of the season. A couple more decent performances like today's...well Eric could be in a great spot for next season, and a big asset to USMNT in qualifiers. Here's hoping!
With Chandler, Lichaj, Cherundolo, Johnson, Gatt, all of a sudden we are lokoing pretty good at otuside back.