BY JOHN TOWNLEY
BIRMINGHAM – Aston Villa fans have sent messages of support to Marvelous Nakamba after the midfielder missed a penalty during the penalty shoot-out defeat to Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
An impressive 90 minutes from a youthful and otherwise heavily rotated Villa side frustrated Premier League title challengers Chelsea on the night.
Cameron Archer’s header and fourth goal in two Carabao Cup appearances chalked off Timo Werner’s opener as the game went straight to penalties with the score 1-1 at full-time.
Nakamba took Villa’s third penalty, but his effort was saved by Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Zimbabwe international’s spot kick came after Ashley Young’s missed penalty, with the former Manchester United man hitting the crossbar, following Anwar El Ghazi’s successful strike which put Villa in a shoot-out lead.
Reece James won it for Chelsea on penalties when he converted Chelsea’s fifth and final spot-kick to win it 4-3.
Nakamba said on Twitter after the game: “I would like to apologise to all my team mates, coaching staff and most of all the fans who I have let down tonight.
“Be rest assured that I will learn from this mistake and come back stronger.”
Villa supporters have rallied around the midfielder on social media after his claim that he ‘let the fans down’ for his missed penalty.
@ simonlines : Don’t need to apologise Marv, you had a great game and it’s just a lottery when it goes to penalties. Head up mate.
@ DecPierce : Great team performance .. never any need to apologise.
@ BandanaSavos : Mr reliable, no apology is needed.
@ sammy78avfc : You haven’t let anyone down!! You played amazingly well last night. Take heart from that and let’s focus on this season
@ Grizlie81 : The only ppl you need to apologise to are the Chelsea midfielders, as you were all over the pitch and didn’t give them a chance today, for me our best player. One of the best games I seen you play.
Penalty are a lottery, but every fan went away happy with the team effort.
@ HolteJourno : No need for an apology Marvelous! You and the whole team played well and all the Villa fans are proud of the performance.
@ avfcpjr : You were superb and you’re a credit to our football club. Thank you for taking responsibility of taking a penalty. Ronaldo and Messi have missed lots of them. We’re proud of you.
@ gazswain : You have not let anyone down Marvellous. We win, we lose as one.
@ GDPDecorating : No apology necessary, you gave everything and stepped up when asked, as fans thats all we ask from our players. UTV.
@ Stuartbear7 : Marvelous, don’t be silly you’ve let no one down. Head up your a great player with a great future at a great club. UTV. – Birmingham Mail