They are clubs of similar stature who keep failing in the domestic cups – winnable competitions – regardless of the strength of those who have dominated.
Villa and Spurs have both won the League Cup twice since 1993. That represents rank underperformance. It is not as though they have been beaten by the cup winners or finalists every season.
That is why Spurs fans were so upset by the team selection in this year’s League Cup, and why Villa’s defeats in both cup competitions this season are a huge disappointment. When you have a good team and are in the midst of an excellent season, you have to grasp the nettle.
“Lap it up because you cannot be sure how long it will last,” I wrote amid Villa’s terrific run in November, only to find myself in a social media pile-on from Villa fans.
By every measure, Villa are better than Chelsea this season. They were strong favourites going into Wednesday’s game. Realistically, how often is that going to be the case in future years? When the most powerful clubs are down, that is when the rest must take advantage.
Villa have defied expectation – but must push harder still
The same applies to Villa’s rivalry with Manchester United in the race for this season’s top four. This weekend’s meeting between them is huge for Champions League prospects. Villa’s eight-point lead over United is deserved. If they were to squander that over the last 15 games, a season of excellence will become one of underperformance.
Many will dispute that and suggest Villa, like Newcastle United a year ago, are defying expectations and overachieving based on pre-season predictions. That is true. It does not mean there should be no pressure on Villa to deliver on the foundations of the first 23 games. Unfortunately, there are question marks against them when expectations rise. Recent evidence suggests they may be a team more suited to being underdogs.
On December 22, Villa could have gone top of the league had they beaten Sheffield United at home. They drew 1-1. Since then, they have dropped a further eight points, including squandering a two-goal lead to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Emery’s thrilled reaction to the goals in the emphatic 4-0 win over Sheffield United last weekend underlined he is trying to lead the team out of a rut. The manner of the Chelsea defeat was a concern. If they fail against United, those chasing will sense they can be reeled in.
Clubs must seized moment – or they will get left behind
We hear and read a lot in football about improving teams ‘making the next step’ after a promising run. Football is about recognising a moment and seizing it. Unless you are at one of the biggest clubs, there may not be a next time for a particular group of players and manager.
When Leicester City took that extraordinary final step and actually won the league title in 2016, it was a one-off, not the beginning of a power shift. Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic fans who celebrated the FA Cup suffered relegation soon after, in Wigan’s case in the same season as their Wembley win.