Carew's The Man

Last updated : 14 April 2009 By Tom Vickers
John Carew is really establishing himself as a cult hero at Villa Park.

The big Norwegian striker has heard his name ringing around the famous old stadium on plenty of recent occasions with the home faithful chanting "He's gonna score one or two - John Carew, Carew".

But, in light of Carew's recent form, maybe the Holte End inhabitants should consider changing the lyrics of their traditional terrace cry.

Maybe they should alter it to "He's gonna score one in two" because since his return from a two month lay-off at the end of January, Carew has netted six times in 12 games.

The 29 year old powerhouse, signed from Lyon in 2007, has been a shining light in the midst of Villa's gloomy recent form.

While Carew has been banging the ball into the opposition net with fearsome regularity, his defensive teammates have been letting the side down.

A Villa team missing inspirational skipper Martin Laursen has let in 17 goals in just six games and the frailties are there for all to see.

The Claret and Blue were made to pay for some sloppy marking on Sunday as a ruthless Everton side exposed Zat Knight and Curtis Davies to the full.

Golden

Marouane Fellaini and Tim Cahill both netted inside the first 25 minutes to give fifth spot challengers Everton a seemingly insurmountable advantage.

But Rudyard Kipling once said "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs...you'll be a Man my son" - and on this basis Carew is certainly a man.

He is a man that can be relied upon to hold the team together. He is a man that can bully and hassle the life out of opposition pillars. And he is a man who scores when a goal could prove golden.

Carew struck on 33 minutes and lifted the clouds of depression that were once again hovering over Villa Park.

The classy centre forward was playing the role of two men. Possibly that is to be expected of him because, after all, he is "bigger than me and you".

But Gabby Agbonlahor should have done more to help his teammates and assist help his in-form strike partner.

The static nature of the England striker really isn't winning him any friends at the moment. He looks a man totally devoid of confidence, making him a complete antithesis to Carew.

The former Lyon and Valencia goliath has occasionally been criticised for not being prolific enough but he is much more than just a goalscorer.

Appetite

Carew can at times carry the weight of the world on his broad shoulders.

His goal against Everton gave Villa a much needed lifeline and although they conceded again just after half time, the Norwegian star never let his teammates give up. Consequently a vital point was secured.

Villa have now failed to win in 10 games but during that barren run Carew has netted five times.

One particularly memorable strike came against Stoke as he hooked the ball over Tommy Sorensen from the edge of the area. It was a delight and should have won Villa the game.

Carew also netted against Manchester United in yet another game that, but for those now common defensive lapses, could have yielded maximum points for the Claret and Blue.

Going forward Villa are pretty dynamic right now. Carew linking successfully with Gareth Barry appears to strike fear into the hearts of many a centre back.

Barry provides the food on which the confident striker feeds. Carew is one hungry man right now and although he has an appetite for goals, he also has a desire for points. Surely the man who has registered 13 times so far this season will end up on the winning side soon.