Ugo Ehiogu headed a late winner to send Aston Villa back to the top of the
Premiership and finally end the brave resistance of 10-man Sheffield Wednesday.
Ehiogu struck with just five minutes to go after John Gregory's side had
applied relentless pressure in the second half.
The player who won his only England cap two years ago rose to head in a corner
from Alan Wright - and send Villa three points clear of Chelsea who entertain
Manchester United on Tuesday.
Wednesday had been reduced to 10 men after 21 minutes when Dejan Stefanovic
received his second yellow card for chopping down Julian Joachim.
But The Owls refused to buckle and showed the determination and commitment
which had already seen them defeat Manchester United and Arsenal and draw at
Chelsea in an otherwise disappointing season.
Goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek was in inspired form with a series of fine saves and
he was admirably backed up by his defenders as Villa could not find a way
through.
But then up stepped Ehiogu to settle the issue and the final whistle was
greeted by a huge roar of relief from the 39,000 crowd which had been strangely
subdued for most of the afternoon.
Villa deserved their win but seldom fired on all cylinders despite the threat
of Julian Joachim's pace, the aerial threat of Dion Dublin and the menace of
wing back Steve Watson.
But points in the bag at this stage of the season is the most important factor
and Villa head into the New Year with their title credentials intact.
The game got off to an explosive start with two goals in the first eight
minutes after Villa had come out of the blocks in a positive mood.
Srnicek was forced to tip over an inswinging free-kick from Wright and then
Stefanovic picked up the first of his yellow cards.
The home side broke the deadlock in the seventh minute with Southgate's first
goal of the campaign.
Srnicek could only parry a Lee Hendrie free-kick when under pressure from
Dublin and the ball broke into the path of the England defender who stroked home
a low drive from 12 yards out.
But The Owls roared back and within barely a minute were back on level terms.
Andy Hinchcliffe's cross was headed back across goal by Andy Booth then Ehiogu
mistimed his jump and missed the ball completely.
It left Carbone, back after suspension, in acres of space in front of goal and
he gave Michael Oakes no chance to score his fourth goal in four games.
Villa tried to retaliate and it was the pace of Joachim which led to
Stefanovic receiving his marching orders in the 21st minute.
He was unable to keep pace and a tackle just outside the area on the Villa
striker was always a risky option unless timed to perfection.
Joachim tried to regain his balance but eventually went sprawling to the
ground and Stefanovic was heading for an early bath.
But Villa struggled to take advantage of their numerical superiority in the
remainder of the half and were out of sorts in midfield.
Niclas Alexandersson was picked out by a chip from Petter Rudi but he elected
to volley first time when well placed and fired wide.
Hendrie sent a chip just over the bar and Ehiogu was only just too high with a
header but the their best chance to regain the lead before the interval fell to
Dublin.
Wright's chip fell invitingly into his path at the far post but Des Walker
blocked his first shot and the rebound cannoned clear off Srnicek's legs.
The Owls best threat lay with Carbone and his chip had Oakes back-pedalling
but was inches too high.
Villa piled on the pressure at the start of the second half and after
53minutes Stan Collymore was introduced as the home side reverted to a 4-3-3
system.
Ehiogu headed in a 59th minute corner from Hendrie but his effort was ruled
out for pushing.
Then Srnicek produced a fine reflex save to keep out a near post Dublin header
following a cross from substitute Mark Draper.
He then tipped over a 25 yard rocket shot from Collymore as Villa started to
turn the screw.
Villa then had appeals for a penalty rejected against Joachim after a
challenge by Hinchcliffe.
It looked as if it was not going to be Villa's day when Joachim thundered a 20
yarder against a post but then up stepped Ehiogu to settle the issue.
Teams:
Aston Villa: Oakes, Wright, Southgate, Ehiogu, Watson,
Taylor (Draper 53), Joachim, Dublin, Barry, Hendrie,
Scimeca (Collymore 53).
Subs Not Used: Charles, Grayson, Rachel.
Goals: Southgate 7, Ehiogu 85.
Sheff Wed: Srnicek, Atherton, Jonk, Walker, Carbone, Booth,
Stefanovic, Hinchcliffe, Thome, Rudi (Humphreys 88),
Alexandersson (Briscoe 88).
Subs Not Used: Magilton, Sonner, Pressman.
Sent Off: Stefanovic (21).
Booked: Stefanovic, Rudi, Walker, Hinchcliffe.
Goals: Carbone 8.
Att: 39,217
Ref: G Barber (Pyrford).
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