Abby Brammell

By Neil Moxley

Making Emile of it: Heskey produces a dire finish on the rebound after Petrov's penalty miss


Your nightmare returns.

That was the message on a huge banner unfurled by travelling Vienna supporters before kick-off and Aston Villa went on to suffer a sickening case of deja vu last night.

Rapid’s visiting contingent were quick to remind home fans of their triumph at the exactly the same stage of this competition 12 months ago. A staggering second-half collapse once more ensured Villa’s demise.

The hosts were undone by a glaring inability to defend from the flanks and even contributed to their own downfall, with skipper Stiliyan Petrov lamely missing a second-half penalty.

With Kevin MacDonald’s job application hanging in the balance, this was the worst possible result for the club who appear to be lurching towards an early-season crisis following Martin O’Neill’s sudden departure and a six-goal thumping at Newcastle.

Few had seen it coming at the halfway stage last night.

Gabriel Agbonlahor ensured a perfect start to the second leg with a trademark finish from six yards to leave his side in front at halftime, against a limited side, on the night and in the tie.


Hot shot: Ashley Young


But the evening turned sour within seven minutes of the re-start when the Austrians scored with their first attack of note as Veli Kavlak’s cross was powered in by striker Atdhe Nuhiu.

That was the catalyst for Villa to lose their heads and the tie.

First, Emile Heskey was sent sprawling, earning a penalty. However, Petrov took a twostep run-up and Raimund Hedl guessed correctly, making a save to his right. Even then the rebound fell to Heskey who amazingly fired over an open goal from six yards.


Aerial threat: Emile Heskey challenges Sorna


All was not lost, though, and when Beye smashed a volley that was going wide Heskey chested the ball into the net.

But two minutes later, Mario Sonnleiter headed past Brad Guzan. That left Villa needing to score. But Rapid scored again, this time with the American at fault as Christopher Trimmel’s cross slipped through his hands and Rene Gartler provided a finishing touch.

Such was the deflation that surrounded Villa Park it would be difficult for Randy Lerner to appoint MacDonald now. ‘I thought we were in control,’ said the Scot.


Head over heels: Agbonlahor stumbles after scoring


‘But it was three silly mistakes. You cannot legislate for top international players making errors like that. It feels worse than Sunday’s result at Newcastle.

'It’s a big thing for Villa to be in Europe. And it’s a big thing for the club to go out.’

Asked about his chances of landing the job, he said: ‘I think it’s getting to the stage where the whole club needs to know.’


source :dailymail