The Week That Was...

Monday: Moore displays absolutely no gaucheness as he reflects on his goal against Chelsea: “It was such a thrill to see the ball in the back of the net, and a bit of a shock. But losing 2-1 takes some of the gloss off” … the startled Deer will receive £10,000 from The Sun and Betfair to donate to a charidy of his choice for becoming the first player to breach José Mourinho’s side this term.

Tuesday: No less than eight Villa players receive international call-ups for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. Aaron Hughes, Steven Davis, Wilfred Bouma (yes, really), Milan Baroš, Olof Mellberg, Ulises de la Cruz, Juan Pablo Angel and Eric Djemba-Djemba will all be in action for their respective countries … Gary Cahill gives Villa Reserves the lead against Sunderland but Kevin MacDonald’s men are pegged back by Jon Stead and held to a third successive draw. It could have been worse but for the performance of fit-again Mark Delaney.

Wednesday: Keith Chegwin announces that Moore’s charidy bounty will be going to - Hodge Hill School in Birmingham. “As soon as I heard that my old school are trying to become a Sports and Enterprise College,” Moore read, I mean, said “I knew where my money had to go. I’m going to be very proud if they name the school after me” … Tubbs reveals Villa – who have conceded 17 goals in nine games this season – are “vulnerable” at the heart of their defence … and on the flanks too after Aaron Hughes is forced to undergo a hernia operation.

Thursday: nada

Friday: “Problem with ticket sales? What problem with ticket sales?" a Villa spokesman said. His claims were only slightly negated by the whelk-munching cloth caps behind him bawling: “Roll up, roll up, get yer tickets for Burnley on 25 October – a tenner for adults, fiver’s yer kids”.

Saturday: Tubbs demands a rapid improvement from his players after their worst start to a Premiership season…

Sunday: But he will have to wait almost two weeks to see his demands satiated after an insipid performance against Boro wrought a 3-2 defeat. Yakubu Aiyegbeni was on target twice, sandwiching former Villa midfielder George Boateng’s strike as the Villa supporters’ exasperation peaked in a chorus of “What a load of rubbish”. Tubbs could not answer them, refusing to make excuses and therefore provide an explanation. The performances of Villa’s goalscorers Luke Moore and Steven Davis softened the blow. Slightly.

Monday: Gary Cahill scores his second goal in a week as Villa reserves romped to a 4-0 win at Bolton. But Shane Paul was the hero, scoring two and teeing up Sam Williams for a third before Cahill sealed victoy late on. There was further 'good' news with Eirik Bakke and Mark Delaney both completing 90 minutes but it failed to shift the gloom over Villa Park.