Posted by John Meyerwitz

Alex McLeish’s home debut could not have gone much better than a 3-1 victory over Blackburn that showed the Scot a willing accomplice to an attack mentality.

Goals from Emile Heskey, Gabriel Agbonlahor, and Darren Bent helped Villa go top of the table, albeit for less than 24 hours.

Playing only one half of the fixture, Agbonlahor, who also contributed an assist, showed he could still menace defenders from a wide position.  His rocket into the top corner in the 12th minute may be the goal of the weekend.  He may have had another in the 39th minute, but Paul Robinson’s bear hug of a tackle prevented him from turning his header into the net. 

Despite his usual poor first touch, Heskey continues to impress.  His stumbling roller from an Agbonlahor pass just slipped past the outstretched arms of Paul Robinson.  The Ponce de Leon of the Premiership, Heskey appears to have found the fountain of youth at age 33.  How long this spark will last, however, may determine whether some of the youngsters see the pitch this season.

Darren Bent was his usual predatory self, poaching a goal on a well-angled shot from a ball that should have been intercepted.  He must be given credit for always being in position, and his striker’s composure in front of goal make him the top English forward.

The Villa defense closed down space quickly for the second game in a row and Shay Given, despite giving up a goal, was not called on to be a hero this week.

Positive feelings emanated from the slightly disappointing crowd of 32,319, many apparently dressed as empty seats at Villa Park on this opening home fixture, but a win at home against Blackburn should be expected even with this Villa squad.  Next week’s home fixture against surprising Wolverhampton, who have claimed all six points from a similar schedule to Villa, may be a better indicator of how life in the Premiership will be without Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.

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