Charles N'Zogbia has returned to the Aston Villa side to great effect in recent weeks, collecting three assists and one goal in five games, for a Villa side that lacked inspiration and creativity. Deployed in a 'number ten' position behind Christian Benteke, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann providing pace on the flanks, N'Zogbia's direct…

It wasn't much, was it? A chortle at the neighbours and two signings so low-key, it probably came as a shock to their mothers when they were born. It's certainly not what Villa fans needed or wanted to see on the first of February. The day was always going to be dominated by 'Arry Redknapp and his driver's elbow,…

If there was a representative image to take back from the Etihad, it was Paul Lambert turning to Mark Halsey after Manchester City were awarded their second penalty, shaking his head and smiling ruefully. The officials as good as put Aston Villa into the bottom three this evening, and we must forget the breathtaking incompetence…