Salut!

Another week, and I am delighted to say another goal for me, which makes it two in my last three games for Villa.

What a ding-dong battle that was with Charlton at the Valley. And how exciting! It's not often you see an own goal, a penalty, a sending off, several yellow cards, a disallowed goal, and high drama with Lee Hendrie's goal 10 seconds from the end of injury time all in one match!

The gaffer put me on at half time after Charlton had gone down to 10 men, and we went on an all-out attack to try and overturn a two-goal deficit. It was very satisfying to score the goal which got us back in the game; it was an instinctive finish when I swept the ball home from the edge of the box.

Darius Vassell and Lee Hendrie scored quality goals too, and the point gained from that game moved us into seventh spot in the Premiership, which may be good enough for a UEFA Cup place if we stay there - or hopefully climb even higher.

John Gregory has made it clear what he wants from our last four matches this season - four victories. He believes that a maximum 12 points would get us into Europe, so that must be our target.

It's back at home this weekend against Southampton. They have had a very good season and were challenging for a UEFA Cup place too under Glenn Hoddle. But now they are trying to consolidate their position after Hoddle left to take charge of Spurs, and they will be looking for their first victory under caretaker-manager Stuart Gray, so it will be another tough battle for us.

Away from football I had an enjoyable evening on Thursday when I went to see the film premiere of Captain Corelli's Mandolin in London. It was in aid of the Red Cross, and I am sure you will be aware that I am an ambassador for their anti-personnel landmines campaign, so I am always happy to support their events.

On the subject of support, thanks to all the Villa fans who responded when I scored at Charlton. Keep up your good work!

A bientôt

David Ginola.

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