Villa Suffer Gunners at Emirates

Arsene Wenger will be an incredibly relieved man after Aston Villa pressed the self-destruct button at Emirates Stadium to give Arsenal a 3-2 win in an absorbing fourth-round FA Cup tie.

With his team trailing to that of Alex McLeish by two goals at half-time in North London, Gunners boss Wenger would not have needed reminding it has been almost seven years since his club last won a trophy.

Richard Dunne and Darren Bent had piled the pressure on the Frenchman, who has been wildly condemned for a failure to act in the transfer window and last weekend was the subject of 'you don't know what you're doing' chants in the league defeat to Manchester United.

But a remarkable turnaround in seven second-half minutes ensured Arsenal remained in the world's oldest domestic knockout competition, which in 2005 provided their most recent piece of silverware.

Villa produced a calamitous, self-inflicted implosion to twice gift Robin van Persie with the chance to score from the penalty spot either side of an appalling passage of defending which saw the ball eventually ricochet into the back of the net off Theo Walcott.

A far from capacity Emirates will know problems, especially in defence, remain for injury-plagued Arsenal, but at least a fifth-round date with either Sunderland or Middlesbrough provides evidence of the strength of character of which Wenger always preaches.

Arsenal - who had lost three successive Premier League games to lose ground on the top four - started quickly.

Thomas Vermaelen lashed a 25-yard strike goalwards after being set up from a free-kick by Van Persie, though Villa goalkeeper Shay Given touched over.

On 13 minutes, Walcott collected Tomas Rosicky's pass and skipped into the Villa box, but could only blast his shot past the near post.

Despite being pegged back, Villa defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the break through Bent and Keane.

Gabriel Agbonlahor broke away for Villa down the near side, but then sent his cross too deep through the Arsenal penalty area.

It was no real surprise when the visitors took the lead on 33 minutes.

A well-worked corner saw Stiliyan Petrov's backheel release Keane, who floated the ball through the Arsenal six-yard box where Dunne got up above a static defence to power in a header.

Arsenal looked for an immediate response, with Given needing two attempts to gather a low shot from Rosicky.

Ramsey ghosted into from the left, and was blocked at the near post by Given.

The Villa stopper then beat away Oxlade-Chamberlain's low, 20-yard strike, before the visitors broke away to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

Stephen Ireland fed Bent and his angled drive was parried away by Lukasz Fabianski, but the England striker was first to the loose ball and slotted it in from the tightest of angles.

Arsenal had regrouped during the interval and were quickly back on the offensive as Per Mertesacker's header from a corner was cleared off the line by Ireland.

Another flowing Arsenal move opened up the Villa defence, but Ramsey stabbed his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

The Gunners were awarded a penalty on 54 minutes when Dunne upended Ramsey after he latched onto Alex Song's through-ball.

Van Persie made no mistake from the spot, sending Given the wrong way as he slotted into the bottom-left corner, to give the tie new life.

Within two minutes, Arsenal were level. Walcott darted into the right side of the Villa penalty area and stabbed the ball across the goal-line, where Alan Hutton smashed his clearance back against the England forward and it ricocheted into the net.

The Emirates Stadium faithful, so critical of Wenger in last weekend's 2-1 defeat by United, were now in full voice as the home side continued to sweep forwards.

Laurent Koscielny burst down the left and into the edge of the Villa box, where he was caught from behind by Bent and again referee Mike Jones pointed to the spot.

Van Persie stepped up once more, this time putting the ball into the bottom right corner for goal number 25 of the season to complete the turnaround on the hour.

Villa were left stunned, but to their credit, and roared on by a 5,000-strong travelling contingent, they looked to break quickly through Agbonlahor.

Walcott cut in from the right and Given had to be alert to beat away his angled drive, the rebound falling just behind Van Persie.

Petrov beat the offside trap, but his cutback was booted clear by Mertesacker.

Ciaran Clark glanced a header goalwards, which Fabianski held and the Gunners closed out the final 10 minutes to take their place in round five, faith in manager Wenger somewhat restored.

McLeish Adamant Right for Villa

New Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is adamant he is the right man to take the club forward.

News of the 52-year-old former Birmingham City manager's appointment led angry Villa fans to protest outside Villa Park.

But McLeish said: "Let me prove myself and I will win the fans over. I'm the man for this job.

"Am I fazed by it? No. Have I had it before? Yes. I've got thick skin and I'm ready for the challenge."

The Scot, who has managed Motherwell, Hibernian, Rangers, the Scottish national side and Birmingham, insisted it was a tough decision to leave City for their bitter rivals and thanked the Blues for their support.

''To think I have been able to manage both of them [Villa and Birmingham] is a wonderful honour," he said.

''I would not say it was a difficult decision in my career but it was a tough one, it is not every day you get offered a job like this. There is no way I could not have been the manager of Villa.

''I thank them [Birmingham] very much for their support over the four years I have been there. Not everybody was sure of me at Birmingham and, OK, I left on relegation but we just fought one of the hardest Premier League campaigns ever.''

McLeish also added that he would have no problem looking to St Andrews in an attempt to add to the Villa squad.

"I know there are many good players there but the policy that I have always maintained is not to talk about other clubs' players," he said.

"I am getting bombarded - we are just going to assess things at the moment. If I thought a [Birmingham] player could improve Aston Villa, why not?"

Villa had been without a permanent boss since April when Gerard Houllier suffered ill health and subsequently left the club.

New Nottingham Forest manager Steve McClaren and former Fulham boss Mark Hughes had been linked with the role, while Wigan manager Roberto Martinez turned down the opportunity.

McLeish, who won the Carling Cup with Birmingham last term before leading them to relegation, admitted that he was surprised when Villa owner Randy Lerner approached him for the job.

"I was [surprised]. That's why I am so flattered to be chosen by the chairman Randy Lerner. He has seen something in my CV that has attracted me to this club.

"I take a lot of heart from that despite the furore of the past couple of days.

"I know that relegation does not look good, but there were good times at Birmingham City and in my past as a manager."

Big 'Eck is New Villan

McLeish Joins Villa

The Club are pleased to confirm that Alex McLeish has been appointed Aston Villa manager and will assume his duties with immediate effect.

The 52-year-old son of a Govan shipyard worker, McLeish began his managerial career in 1994 at Motherwell whom he guided in his first season to second place behind Rangers, then in the midst of their nine-in-a-row Scottish titles.

Following a three-year spell in charge of Hibernian, which included a Scottish Cup final appearance, he took over at Rangers where he unseated Martin O'Neill's then dominant Celtic team by winning the Scottish Cup and League Cup in his first season in 2001-02 and the Treble - including the Scottish Premier League title - in his second.

He won two championships and seven trophies in total in his five years at Ibrox before succeeding Walter Smith as Scotland boss in 2007.

Only a 2-1 win by Italy at Hampden Park in the final qualifying game prevented McLeish from leading his country to the Euro 2008 finals.

He pursued his ambition to manage in the Barclays Premier League and led Birmingham City to their highest top-flight finish in 51 years in 2009-10.

When his team beat Arsenal to win the Carling Cup four months ago at Wembley he became one of the only current managers in the Barclays Premier League who has won a major piece of silverware.

That Alex McLeish is a well-respected, well-rounded and accomplished football man is not in question.

As a formidable central defender in Sir Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen team which broke the Old Firm's stranglehold on Scottish football, he won three championships, the European Cup Winners' Cup and the European Super Cup.

He was also capped 77 times by Scotland and played at three World Cups and throughout his playing and managerial careers he has maintained an unfailing grace and humility and an unflinching will to win.

He also understands and supports the Board's vision and strategy for Aston Villa in our ongoing efforts to grow the Club and to ensure its sustainability and he is determined to confront the challenges of managing the Club.

He said: "I am honoured to have this opportunity to manage a club with such a fantastic history as Aston Villa's.

"The heritage, the history of success and the tradition of Aston Villa are compelling and irresistible. The challenge for me is to try to add my own chapter.

"Since first becoming a manager at Motherwell, my desire to succeed and my energy and drive have never waned. My objective is to impart that drive and will to win to the players and fans of Aston Villa.

"I know that some of our fans have voiced concerns and I can understand why. It will be up to me to convince you that I am the right man to drive the Club forward and I intend to give absolutely everything to prove that I can be a success at the Club."

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Aston Villa, said: "We believe we have appointed the right man for the job.

"Unquestionably, Alex meets the criteria we set out at the beginning of our search which was based on proven Premier League experience, leadership, a hard-working ethic and, most importantly, a shared vision for Aston Villa.

"Alex is someone with whom we will work close and work well together.

"With our strong squad combining the necessary virtues of experience and the exciting potential of our young players, our objective is to compete as strongly as we possibly can.

"Alex's vast experience and proven abilities demonstrate clearly that he is a strong leader and an ambitious man and we are looking forward very much to the exciting new season about to start."

Fans Grief Looms for Lerner at Villa

McLeish looks likley candidate

Aston Villa club owner Randy Lerner portrayed a business like approach when he arrived in the UK last week to interview the potential candidates for the vacancy left following the departure of Gerard Houllier. Adding to the sense of urgency was former Villa manager, Graham Taylor, who encouraged a quick decision by the club following the delays associated with the appointment of Houllier last year, which saw the Frenchman miss a few weeks of the early season, 

In fairness, that was easier said than done given Martin O'Neill resigned five days before the season kicked off. All seemed on track when the focus moved to Wigan boss Roberto Martinez for a few days and 

However his decision to remain at Wigan seemed to setback Aston Villa - as they had discounted interest from Rafa Benitez and Mark Hughes during those early days. With the former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelloti stating he was not available either, given his intention to take a year off from the game, the landscape did not look as settled. 

On Sunday afternoon Alex McLeish resigned abruptly from his position with Birmingham City and became the most likely candidate almost immediately. 

On Thursday the remarks from the new Nottingham Forest manager Steve McClaren that he was approached by Aston Villa adds to a sense of confusion about the whole process, despite Lerner’s best intentions.

McClaren had originally emerged as a frontrunner to replace Houllier at Villa Park, and was due to meet with club officials before Villa had a change of heart and they turned their interests elsewhere. There were suggestions that a negative response from supporters led to Villa's decision, although McClaren insists he does not bear any grudge. 

"There was an approach, an appointment was set up that wasn't fulfilled. I moved on," he said. "At the time it was a disappointment, but I've had many highs and lows. You quickly move on." 

The former England manager, talking for the first time since being appointed by Forest, said that his experiences at international level, and managing FC Twente and Wolfsburg, would serve him well in the Championship. 

"You learn from those experiences and your philosophy always develops. Going abroad has made me a better coach and now I look forward to bringing those experiences and what I have learned here to Nottingham Forest. 

"A small number of people will concentrate on the England thing and maybe view me in a bad light but I think the majority of people will be, and have been, supportive. 

"I can't change some of those views but the people who know football know me and they have been very supportive. I don't feel I have anything to prove. I came back to England because I wanted to. I had offers to stay on the continent but the challenge of English football, and Nottingham Forest, is what brought me back." 

He added: "I wanted a new challenge in this country, a big challenge. I wouldn't be sat here if I didn't think I was the man to fulfil everybody's dream of playing the Premier League. That is the ultimate goal." 

On Wednesday fans gathered outside Villa Park to protest against the appointment., while over 17,000 have signed up to a Facebook group against the deal. 

On Tuesday graffiti was also sprayed on the entrance to the Arson Villa training ground at Bodymoor Heath outside Birmingham.

Randy Lerner in Secret London Talks

Lerner in London

Aston Villa have held talks with managerial target Alex McLeish at a secret location in London today, as their bitter battle with the Scot's former club Birmingham continued.

City are understood to be talking to their lawyers to decide what course of action to pursue against Villa, with McLeish having resigned from his post on Sunday before opening talks with their rivals.

Villa remain confident McLeish will still become Gerard Houllier's successor – despite the growing protests from sections of their fans – and he could be unveiled before the weekend.

But Birmingham have announced their intention to lodge a complaint with the Premier League, accusing Villa of "tapping up" McLeish. Villa believe McLeish is a free agent, but Birmingham are seeking £5.4m in compensation to cover the remaining two years of his contract, and have yet to formally accept his resignation.

In addition Villa may have to compensate Birmingham should McLeish's backroom team of coaches Peter Grant as well as Andy and Dave Watson follow him from St Andrew's.

The Villa owner Randy Lerner believes McLeish is the right man to revive the club's fortunes despite the backlash from supporters. A protest has been planned at Villa Park, while a spray-painted message reading "Bluenose scum not welcome" was quickly removed from the wall outside the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.

Alan Curbishley, who was playing for Birmingham when Ron Saunders moved from Villa nearly 30 years ago, is unsurprised feelings are running high.

"When Ron went from Villa to Birmingham there was uproar. I can understand the furore that is going to happen if Alex McLeish goes to Villa." he said.

"I think people outside of the city of Birmingham don't understand the rivalry between the two clubs. It is massive. Perhaps Alex, if he does go to Villa, has not thought that bit out and it is a big situation he is going into. If it does happen, there will be some tricky times ahead."

McLeish to Join Villa Manager's List

Houllier in happier times

Tommy Docherty (1968-70): 

Installed by Doug Ellis in 1968 after the local travel agent had assumed control of the club's new board of directors. Docherty saved second division Villa from relegation in his first season at the club after replacing Tommy Cummings. However, the Villans were relegated the following season Ellis sacked Docherty. 

Vic Crowe (1970-74): 

In Crowe's first season at the club Villa reached the League Cup Final but missed out on promotion to Division Two. The following year they were Division Three champions but Crowe's failure to take them any further up the League saw Ellis in action for the second time. 

Ron Saunders (1974-82): 

The longest surviving Ellis appointment, which may have been due to Sir William Dugdale taking change in 1975. Under Saunders, Villa returned to Division One, won two League cups, and a League Championship in 1980-81. Saunders resigned in 1982. 

Tony Barton (1982-84): 

Ron's assistant was promoted into the job and took over where Saunder's left off, presiding over the winning of the European Cup in 1981-82. But was ultimately sacked as well by Elli. 

Graham Turner (1984-86): 

Appointed on the strength of his reputation for miracles at Shrewsbury. But found the pace of the top-flight tougher and with Villa bottom of the table in the autumn of 1986 Ellis made the call yet again. 

Billy McNeil (1986-87): 

The Scottish legend could not halt the slide that begun under Turner and Villa were relegated with handed his marching orders in 1987. 

Graham Taylor (1987-90): 

Taylor led Villa back to the top-flight, whereupon they were nearly relegated immediately. However he steadied the ship with the purchase of Paul McGrath and the emergence of David Platt, finishing championship runners-up in 1990. Taylor then left to manage England. 

Jozef Venglos (1990-91): 

Impressed by the studious Czech's stewardship of his national side at Italia'90 Ellis hired him, and earned him the Nickname “Dr No” with the fans due to his reluctance to sign anyone. Venglos resigned after just one season at the club in which Villa came 17th. 

Ron Atkinson (1991-94): 

Left with no manager Doug played safe and went for an old hand and the partnership lasted three years with a second place League finish and a League Cup win - 3-1 over Manchester United. But not enough to save Big Ron from the sack from Ellis. 

Brian Little (1994-98): 

A short-lived revival under the stewardship of the former Holte End favourite, including a League Cup win over Leeds at Wembley. But the pressure became too great and Little resigned after a miserable run of results. 

John Gregory (1998-Jan 2002): 

Gregory failed to win any silverware but did enjoy a protracted spell at the top of the premiership in 1998/99 and again briefly in 2001/02. In December 2000 he publicly criticised Ellis as being "stuck in a time-warp", adding "the chairman's door is always open but his wallet is firmly closed". Gregory then walked out. 

Graham Taylor (Feb 2002 to May 2003). 

Taylor came down from his job as Director of Football to take temporary charge to the end of the season. Villa missed out on UEFA by a couple of places and went into the Intertoto. And reached the first round of the UEFA Cup. Taylor accepted a two year tenure and presided over an inconsistent side that finished 16th in 02/03 after which he called it a day of his own accord – leaving behind a strong set of youth teams. 

David O'Leary (May 2003 - July 2006) 

Only took two weeks after Taylor's O’Leary took up the job finishing sixth and missing out on Europe by goal difference the first season. The following two seasons saw finishes in 10th and 16 place. 

Martin O'Neill (July 2006 - 2010 ) 

With a new chairman, Randy Lerner, there were high hopes with O’Neill, and he was introduced to press in August 2006. 

It started well and for a while Villa had the year's longest unbeaten start of any Premier League side in 2006–07 (9 games). In the end the club finished 11th, 5 places higher than the previous season. The club  missed out on a UEFA Cup spot on the final day of the 2007–08 season. In the 2008–09 season the club finished 6th, repeating the same in 2009–10. 

Aston Villa reached a final under Martin O'Neill, the first in 10 years, in February 2010 against Manchester United in the Carling Cup- losing 2–1. 

On 9th August 2010, Martin O'Neill resigned reportedly unhappy about the funds available for transfers, departing five days before the start of the new season. 

Gerard Houllier September 2010 – June 2011 

Aston Villa appointed Houllier as their new full-time manager on 15th September, with his first match in-charge the League Cup a week later. In April, Houllier was admitted to hospital after falling ill during the night, where his condition was said to be stable. 

When he was not able to attend any subsequent matches, Gary McAllister took charge of all first team affairs. On 1 June, Gerard Houllier stepped down as manager of Aston Villa by mutual consent.

On Tuesday Aston Villa confirmed they will meet the former Birmingham City manager, Alex McLeish, for talks on the current vacancy.

With thanks to www.brown.co.uk