John Gregory, in self-imposed exile from the touchline in response to a revival which coincides with his shuddering exhortations being out of earshot, can be quietly proud of another effective performance from his improving team. And it could have been a whole lot better had a possible goal not been apparently missed by the officials.

It was the match’s first significant moment. Casual defending on Chelsea’s part would have gifted Villa the lead had the men in charge concluded that Ed De Goey apparently dragged the ball over his line as he clumsily controlled a backpass from Emerson Thome.

Only later was the referee’s interpretation seen to be vindicated. Only the over-sympathetic would blame the swirling wind which cut through Villa Park.

It was an almighty let-off, yet De Goey seemed more rocked than relieved. He was not enjoying himself, flinging jumpy, hopeful punches as Villa thrust a series of dangerous balls at the heart of the frazzled Dutchman’s box. Every time he was under the cosh, the Holte End buzzed with mocking anticipation.

Another vulnerable flap conceded a needless corner from which Villa again came close, Ugo Ehiogu’s instinctive snapshot hooked off the line by young defender John Harley. The home side had only themselves to blame when their third golden chance went begging. After Paul Merson’s fizzing drive was blocked, Benito Carbone steered the rebound wide.

Chelsea were not without opportunities of their own, as George Weah showed glimpses of his scintillating skill and brilliance upon which his global reputation is based. Twice Villa were bamboozled as he twisted past his markers like a salsa dancer in his silver boots. The finishing, however, failed to match the approach work. In between, an ambitious Harley lob from 30 yards skimmed the crossbar.

Gianluca Vialli chose Chris Sutton as the Liberian’s partner. He spent most of the afternoon toiling to little effect, although he felt he had earned a penalty when his drive cannoned off Gareth Barry’s arm.

His vehement protests were waved away, perhaps unfairly, by referee Alan Wilkie. True to the new Premier League advice, Wilkie erred on the side of caution all afternoon. In fairness he was probably right to turn down a penalty claim for Villa late on when Taylor collapsed with Morris in close attention.

This never quite looked like Villa’s day and was com pounded when half-time substitute Darius Vassell, brought on in place of a subdued Julian Joachim, was taken off on a stretcher after 15 minutes.

The game closed up again. Taut, tight, tense. Free headers landing perfectly for Steve Watson and Ehiogu were squandered. A sublime touch from Merson almost unpicked the deadlock, as he flicked over Thome and into the box before lashing the ball over the bar.

Vialli made a late bid to steal the game by introducing Gianfranco Zola and Tore Andre Flo to join Weah, who had two invitations to seal the points for Chelsea in the dying moments. But David James, with an athletic tip over and a brave smother, ensured Villa got the very least they deserved. For Chelsea, domestic bliss remains impossibly elusive.

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*The Guardian*
Monday, 24 January 2000

Chelsea were a curious mixture here, not least because they fielded as many as four Englishmen. They opened with some unworldly touches by the silver-booted George Weah and finished with impressive gusto. In between, the multinationals muddled along.

Aston Villa manfully tried to fill in the gaps with a rejuvenated Paul Merson increasingly imposing his creative abilities on the match. It was a measure of Villa’s own rehabilitation that he and his colleagues treated this draw almost like a defeat afterwards. They should not be disheartened; more important games lie ahead.

However much Gianluca Vialli and, more improbably, John Gregory press for a European place via a high league placing, it is knockout silverware that is really exercising their minds. Villa and Chelsea have a common enemy - Leicester - and, if this dread- nought can be outmanoeuvred, Wembley beckons.

On this evidence Chelsea will be relying as much on Weah, who is eligible for Sunday’s FA Cup tie, as Villa do on Merson for progress. The first full pairing of Liberian and £10m signing could not be deemed a success. Chris Sutton was substituted after 74 minutes but not before Weah, on more than one occasion, pointed to the ground only to see his co-striker respond by lofting the ball vaguely in his direction.

The reborn Merson may now have to become Renaissance Man since Villa’s shortage of strikers points to an out-and-out attacking role in the Worthington semi-final first leg against Leicester tomorrow night. Here he produced virtually all Villa’s opportunities with crosses and free-kicks, quite apart from his side’s most enterprising moment when he chipped Emerson Thome with one foot and then volleyed just over with the other.

Merson, according to Gregory, is now coming off the pitch “with nothing left in the tank” - but for all the right reasons. “He’s been totally committed - his fitness level is up - and reminded me that he’s first choice. And he’s certainly commanded a lot of respect in the dressing room for the way he’s playing.”

One of several curving free-kicks from Merson offered Villa’s best opportunity, an unchallenged header squandered by Ugo Ehiogu after 75 minutes. Much earlier Merson induced panic in Chelsea’s penalty area that ultimately saw the impressive Jon Harley clear off the line before Benito Carbone shot wildly.

But no one, not even Merson, could match Weah’s early silver standard. On one occasion the Liberian appeared to defy geometry in turning past George Boateng; then he demonstrated an extraordinary feat of dexterity to outmanoeuvre the bewildered Ehiogu before grazing a post.

Chelsea threw on Tore Andre Flo and Gianfranco Zola but the last word almost lay with Weah. A twisting back-header brought an equally agile tip-over from David James, who then matched the save from his point-blank shot. Weah is not yet match-fit but, ominously, he says: “I’m getting there. I think I’m going to have a very good time in England.”