Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Toronto Villa on October 21, 2017, 04:54:30 PM
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We actually played pretty well and should have won by more. Up to 5th
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That'll do nicely.
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Happy days
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Good result we needed to bounce back and we did. How did Onomah do?
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Fair play to Bruce. There was a definite tactical plan to press and force errors high up the pitch. The decision to drop Davis looked a good one and JK looked much sharper. Onwards and upwards.
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31% possession? Really? Wankers. ;-)
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Fair play to Bruce. There was a definite tactical plan to press and force errors high up the pitch. The decision to drop Davis looked a good one and JK was much sharper. Onwards and upwards. All their possession was meaningless.
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Good to see us trying to play higher up the pitch.
We hung on but just about deserved it.
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We won, but taking our best players off so early? Recipe for disaster. Can tell Bruce is used to managing little shit teams.
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That was a long last half an hour.
Well done for holding on Villa.
Still think we should be playing more on that front foot at home, though.
Though a win is a win, and finally into the top 6.
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31% possession? Really? Wankers. ;-)
Not at all, 32% according to the beeb
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Happy enough with that. Onwards
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Just looked at the table, it appears we are "there or thereabouts"
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It's a good result but I still maintain that better retention of the ball would make those latter stages a lot more comfortable.
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Good win. If we'd played that way against Wolves we would have given them a proper game. Given Bruce's style, he got the tactics right today.
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31% possession? Really? Wankers. ;-)
Not at all, 32% according to the beeb
Is it some sort of Rope-a-dope strategy to make us the Greatest?
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Good result we needed to bounce back and we did. How did Onomah do?
Provided much needed energy in the midfield,has a really good engine and you can see he could be a very good player.
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We pressed higher up the pitch than we normally do which I was pleased about.
Naturally we got deeper and deeper but kept a good shape.
Great save by Johnstone to keep us in the lead.
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3 points. LWWWLW. Not all bad.
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Good result we needed to bounce back and we did. How did Onomah do?
Provided much needed energy in the midfield,has a really good engine and you can see he could be a very good player.
Good energy was needed after last week.
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Actually played well today, which is not something i've typed much since Bruce arrived.
Adomah ran his bollocks off.
Bruce still can't resist soiling himself, as shown by the two defensive subs he made. They won, so he got away with it
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One things for sure you live on your nerves with the villa
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A proper game of football at last. We really worked hard to get the result doing exactly what Preston did to Fulham last week but without conceding at the end. Our defence is far superior. I'm glad we have a week to rest before the Rags game, the lads will need it. If we maintain the same levels of effort as we did today we'll win a lot more than we lose.
Fulham for all the possession they had will continue to get turned over unless they get a couple of decent strikers. For us it's a tough one calling the MOTM as pretty much everybody put in a shift. I'll give them all a 7 and Albert an 8.
Roll on Rag Week.
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I thought it was as comfortable as a 2-1 can get. Looked a lot more organised with the 4-5-1 formation...i bet there is still a few pissed off people out there though!. Nice 2 hour trip home with the Strongbow to keep me company..UTV.
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Top 5
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We won, but taking our best players off so early? Recipe for disaster. Can tell Bruce is used to managing little shit teams.
Really?
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We won, but taking our best players off so early? Recipe for disaster. Can tell Bruce is used to managing little shit teams.
Really?
MoanerNotfan
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Woo!!! Nice!
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3 points. LWWWLW. Not all bad.
If that's league games the first L should be a W
Well done today Bruce. The formation clearly worked today. I didn't fancy us today but it sounds like we played well, although that they were a threat too
I think the first time in half a dozen games that Fulham haven't scored in the last few minutes
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Watched the match, thought Fulham were crap. Kept the ball for probably 25% of that stat between the back line going no where, lucky not to be dispossessed numerous times by Albert, Kod and Onomah. Thought we were very good, especially the first half. Still not sure on Snodgrass or Elmo but I had doubts about Albert, Johnstone and Hourihane last year and they've shut me up this season.
Hutton a new left back? Last 2 games he's played better than Taylor has since he joined. Terry can go to Chelsea and train once a week, don't care...he's vital.
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3 points. LWWWLW. Not all bad.
No shitty draws, hooray!
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Chuffed with that.
First time Bruce has achieved the minimum standard (playoff spot) since he got here. We now need to stay there and pick points off the other top six teams.
Is he finally getting to grips with the team. Hope so.
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To mount any sort of challenge we have to respond after a setback, because they will come, we won't sweep all before us so today's result was important. It stands us in good stead going into next weekends festivities.
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I thought we were good. The pressing high up was great to see. Fulham only broke on us a couple of times but nearly scored each time - teams that go hung ho against them will get caught out. You can see why they’re decent away from home.
Same side next week. Thought Onomah added some much needed craft playing between the lines. And Terry had a great game again.
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Just got back was a hard fought win Fulham ain’t a bad team at all.
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That was a bloody good game from 2 good teams. Fulham are the best we’ve played at home this season but we were worthy winners.
Well done!
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Thought we deserved it. Was worried at the start of the 2nd half as we seemed to drop 10 yards deeper like Wolves last week.
The 2nd goal coming at just the right time.
Thought Onomah worked immensely hard today and looks comfortable anywhere in the midfield.
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We won, but taking our best players off so early? Recipe for disaster. Can tell Bruce is used to managing little shit teams.
Really?
On the wind up I think.
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Highlights (http://www.skysports.com/football/a-villa-vs-fulham/374763)
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It's great to be looking up towards the top of the table instead of down. Well done to all concerned.
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Highlights (http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/competitions/championship/11092160/aston-villa-2-1-fulham)
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Much more positive performance with a quicker tempo. Onomah played very well and Johnstone made a couple of great save, but a below average performance from Snodgrass. Fulham will be around to top six so it's a good result. Roll on Sunday.
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That was an entertaining afternoon although as is Bruce's wont, we spent the last 20 minutes sitting back.
Fulham are a good Championship side and it was much better than the hollow showing against them at Easter.
I think the formation helped and although I'm not a great fan and he gave away the free kick for their goal, I thought Whelan did well today. JT was very good especially when they pressed towards the end.
In the first half we pushed them back, created chances and largely prevented Sessegnon and Fredericks attacking down the flanks but much less so after the break, and we'd do better with more pace in the full backs.
However, we made the much clearer chances and for all their late pressure there was only the one real save from Johnstone, albeit a tremendous one.
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Well done all involved. Good to see us beating a decent side. Is JT a bit more loved yet? :-)
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Well done all involved. Good to see us beating a decent side. Is JT a bit more loved yet? :-)
When he nets the winner in the FA CUP final next May we may consider him to be alright
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good result
played well today and could have killed it off when snodgrass on 70 minutes seem to make the wrong decision and De Laet was unlucky with the header.
would like to see us retain the ball better last 15 minutes and hope we sign the goalie in the summer.
onwards and upwards
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Sounds like Onomah makes a big difference ? His energy and drive should make him a regular.
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In the first half we pushed them back, created chances and largely prevented Sessegnon and Fredericks attacking down the flanks but much less so after the break, and we'd do better with more pace in the full backs.
Isn't Hutton one of the fastest players at the club?
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I thought Snodgrass was useful today. And it was Conor that should have shot, not Snodgrass. Can see us doing Blues quite easily if we hunt the ball down like that again. It's been ages since we've gone hunting in packs.
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Just got back in after being at the game earlier and have to say I enjoyed that game today. Fulham took some massive risks at time playing out from the back, but they were a threat going forward, so that was a good win really. It's put us in the play off spots now, so hopefully we can kick on from here.
As for us, not massively different from many of the other home games this season really. Still look more comfortable attacking on the break rather than building through the phases and again had to endure a nervy last ten minutes due to dropping a bit too deep. Thought the defence was pretty solid today and Hutton did well playing out of position at left back. I thought Hourihane, Adomah and Onomah had good games, whereas Whelan and Snodgrass were a bit off the pace. Kodjia looked a bit sharper today, but still looks like he's got a bit of a way to go.
Just a quick note, but I still can't quite understand why Bruce brings everyone back to defend set pieces. When we clear the ball, it just comes straight back because there is no one up there to challenge for it. It ends up putting us under pressure, particularly towards the end of games.
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I thought Snodgrass was useful today. And it was Conor that should have shot, not Snodgrass. Can see us doing Blues quite easily if we hunt the ball down like that again. It's been ages since we've gone hunting in packs.
Yeah I agree. Hourihane could have even put Snodgrass in as another option rather than the pass to Kodija.
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Sounds like Onomah makes a big difference ? His energy and drive should make him a regular.
Had a good game today. Still not quite sure he has got the subtlety in his game to be really effective as a "number 10", but I think he would be good alongside Hourihane.
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Terry was excellent again, as much as people don't like the guy he's a quality defender even now. Loved Alberts performance today the cross for the De Laet header was exceptional.
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Walking away from the ground, we were saying what a very good game that was. That doesn't happen very often.
I thought we played very well, great to see us pressing Fulham high up the pitch.
Both sides missed sitters in the first half. I was right in line with the one effort from them which I can not believe the guy missed.
I thought Hourihane was the best player on the pitch. I also think we look far more like creating something with Onomah in the team.
Fulham are a decent passing side and will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season
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Great result and great performance from Villa today. Needed those 3 points. Fulham dangerous going forward but we contained them well and created a good number of chances. Adomah my motm today! UTV
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Walking away from the ground, we were saying what a very good game that was. That doesn't happen very often.
I thought we played very well, great to see us pressing Fulham high up the pitch.
Both sides missed sitters in the first half. I was right in line with the one effort from them which I can not believe the guy missed.
I thought Hourihane was the best player on the pitch. I also think we look far more like creating something with Onomah in the team.
Fulham are a decent passing side and will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season
Comforting post that, glad you had a good day too.
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Thoroughly enjoyable game and good result against a decent Fulham side. Interesting to note that after the appalling refereeing by Jeremy Simpson in the Bolton game, followed by Dr Xia's comments and subsequent fine, we had a Premier League referee today in the form of Mike Jones. Co-incidence?
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Thoroughly enjoyable game and good result against a decent Fulham side. Interesting to note that after the appalling refereeing by Jeremy Simpson in the Bolton game, followed by Dr Xia's comments and subsequent fine, we had a Premier League referee today in the form of Mike Jones. Co-incidence?
I thought Jones was very picky today especially early on.
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I agree about the ref, managed the game very well, spoke to players rather than booking them and generally let the game flow.
Another highlight was us scoring from a ball into the box from a free kick. As rare as chicken teeth and long overdue.
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Walking away from the ground, we were saying what a very good game that was. That doesn't happen very often.
I thought we played very well, great to see us pressing Fulham high up the pitch.
Both sides missed sitters in the first half. I was right in line with the one effort from them which I can not believe the guy missed.
I thought Hourihane was the best player on the pitch. I also think we look far more like creating something with Onomah in the team.
Fulham are a decent passing side and will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season
Good to hear that. A high press is so important.
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Thought Adomah was superb today. It is obvious despite being a loathsome person John Terry is an outstanding footballer. I think Bruce was very negative with his substitutions and invited the pressure in the last 15 mins, more legs and running in midfield instead of 5 at the back may have been better. All in all a good win against decent opposition and a good response to the Wolves result.
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That was an entertaining afternoon although as is Bruce's wont, we spent the last 20 minutes sitting back.
Fulham are a good Championship side and it was much better than the hollow showing against them at Easter.
I think the formation helped and although I'm not a great fan and he gave away the free kick for their goal, I thought Whelan did well today. JT was very good especially when they pressed towards the end.
In the first half we pushed them back, created chances and largely prevented Sessegnon and Fredericks attacking down the flanks but much less so after the break, and we'd do better with more pace in the full backs.
However, we made the much clearer chances and for all their late pressure there was only the one real save from Johnstone, albeit a tremendous one.
I think Whelan improved in the 2nd half, but was very poor in the 1st. He seemed 3 yards off the pace of the game at times. Jedinak is a much better option in the role for me.
Nice to get the 3 points against a reasonable team. Adomah was tremendous in the 2nd half.
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Sounds like Onomah makes a big difference ? His energy and drive should make him a regular.
Had a good game today. Still not quite sure he has got the subtlety in his game to be really effective as a "number 10", but I think he would be good alongside Hourihane.
I agree. He's not a ten in the long term. But not sure anyone trusts him to play deeper. Shame, as that would allow us to get either another striker or number ten in the side. We could be really much more fluid then
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Sounds like a good performance, as well as the much needed 3 points. Well done Bruce and the boys!
Let's beat the bastards from small heath next week, and cement our place in the top 6.
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Just got back in after being at the game earlier and have to say I enjoyed that game today. Fulham took some massive risks at time playing out from the back, but they were a threat going forward, so that was a good win really. It's put us in the play off spots now, so hopefully we can kick on from here.
As for us, not massively different from many of the other home games this season really. Still look more comfortable attacking on the break rather than building through the phases and again had to endure a nervy last ten minutes due to dropping a bit too deep. Thought the defence was pretty solid today and Hutton did well playing out of position at left back. I thought Hourihane, Adomah and Onomah had good games, whereas Whelan and Snodgrass were a bit off the pace. Kodjia looked a bit sharper today, but still looks like he's got a bit of a way to go.
Just a quick note, but I still can't quite understand why Bruce brings everyone back to defend set pieces. When we clear the ball, it just comes straight back because there is no one up there to challenge for it. It ends up putting us under pressure, particularly towards the end of games.
It's been explained dozens of times on here but here goes again - the basic idea behind it is to deny space in the box.
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I also think I read that statistically, you're more likely to form an effective break by springing from the box than by keeping a man or two on the half way line
No idea if it's true
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A really enjoyable game, with some real standout performances.
Albert was exceptional. His energy and stamina is incredible. My clear MOTM.
Kodj is getting back to his old self, and is unplayable (as well as impossible to play with).
I must say that even though he considered a bit selfish and doesn’t always see the easier pass, it’s great to have a player with so much skill and that air of unpredictability.
But, the stand out moment, and what probably won us the game was that save from Johnstone.
It was a real top, too class save and came at a really important time in the game.
That’s quite a few times he has saved our bacon this season.
Onwards and upwards.
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Just got back in after being at the game earlier and have to say I enjoyed that game today. Fulham took some massive risks at time playing out from the back, but they were a threat going forward, so that was a good win really. It's put us in the play off spots now, so hopefully we can kick on from here.
As for us, not massively different from many of the other home games this season really. Still look more comfortable attacking on the break rather than building through the phases and again had to endure a nervy last ten minutes due to dropping a bit too deep. Thought the defence was pretty solid today and Hutton did well playing out of position at left back. I thought Hourihane, Adomah and Onomah had good games, whereas Whelan and Snodgrass were a bit off the pace. Kodjia looked a bit sharper today, but still looks like he's got a bit of a way to go.
Just a quick note, but I still can't quite understand why Bruce brings everyone back to defend set pieces. When we clear the ball, it just comes straight back because there is no one up there to challenge for it. It ends up putting us under pressure, particularly towards the end of games.
It's been explained dozens of times on here but here goes again - the basic idea behind it is to deny space in the box.
Most sides do it with the idea you can break quickly, the Luna goal at Arsenal is an example. Under Bruce though it's definitely purely for the defence!
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An entertaining and enjoyable game between two decent sides, and we won. What’s not to like?
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I enjoyed the game today, Albert was superb as was Terry. Johnstone saved a certain goal from where I was sitting. We could have scored more if a couple of shots were taken rather than trying to find a pass to Kodjia.
Anyway good to be in the top 5 onwards and upwards.
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The Johnstone save won us two points today... although with my ultra critical head on he owed us those from last week.
Fulham play watchable footy, I wish we played a bit like that, but of course who cares as long as we win.
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A really enjoyable game, with some real standout performances.
Albert was exceptional. His energy and stamina is incredible. My clear MOTM.
Kodj is getting back to his old self, and is unplayable (as well as impossible to play with).
I must say that even though he considered a bit selfish and doesn’t always see the easier pass, it’s great to have a player with so much skill and that air of unpredictability.
But, the stand out moment, and what probably won us the game was that save from Johnstone.
It was a real top, too class save and came at a really important time in the game.
That’s quite a few times he has saved our bacon this season.
Onwards and upwards.
He's going to be a bloody good keeper for years to come. We should do everything to keep him here, and to be honest, as long as we get promoted he won't get a better offer.
We're a long way off perfect, but it's no nice to at least be robust again.
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I thought the Kodjia of last season would have buried that chance just before Albert scored - who was outstanding today.
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Good win. You'd think Fulham will improve as the season goes on and they'll be a major threat to the top 6 at the end of the season just like last year.
Way I see it our home form will get us top 6. Our away form will decide whether we make top 2 so up to the manager and players to be more positive on the road as the reward will be great.
Wolves are a cut above at this level, didn't play that great today yet were 3-0 up against a very decent PNE team. That second automatic spot is very much up for grabs though. We've been mediocre for large chunks of the year and we're only what 4-5 points off 2nd?
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Good result we needed to bounce back and we did. How did Onomah do?
MotM in my opinion.
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That was a bloody good game from 2 good teams. Fulham are the best we’ve played at home this season but we were worthy winners.
Well done!
Agreed.
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Fantastic result I was absolutely convinced we would bounce back and we did.UTV
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Just got back in after being at the game earlier and have to say I enjoyed that game today. Fulham took some massive risks at time playing out from the back, but they were a threat going forward, so that was a good win really. It's put us in the play off spots now, so hopefully we can kick on from here.
As for us, not massively different from many of the other home games this season really. Still look more comfortable attacking on the break rather than building through the phases and again had to endure a nervy last ten minutes due to dropping a bit too deep. Thought the defence was pretty solid today and Hutton did well playing out of position at left back. I thought Hourihane, Adomah and Onomah had good games, whereas Whelan and Snodgrass were a bit off the pace. Kodjia looked a bit sharper today, but still looks like he's got a bit of a way to go.
Just a quick note, but I still can't quite understand why Bruce brings everyone back to defend set pieces. When we clear the ball, it just comes straight back because there is no one up there to challenge for it. It ends up putting us under pressure, particularly towards the end of games.
It's been explained dozens of times on here but here goes again - the basic idea behind it is to deny space in the box.
It doesn't though because you have players outside the box, on the post etc. Also, by having at least one player up, it means that at least two of their players need to stay back. When Davis plays or if there is a big striker in a side, I can understand bringing them back as they can offer a presence, but there isn't really a need to bring every single player back (Adomah for example could stay up). The bloke who sits next to me goes mad about it and I could see his point today. When we were clearing the ball, it was just going straight back to them and allowing them to attack again and not allowing us to push out.
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Johnstone is the best keeper we’ve had in years. I really hope we can sign him up permanent, and I pray we sign him up before Man Utd realise what a bloody talent they have on their hands.
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I thought first half they edged. They certainly looked better on the ball than us. After the goal on stroke of half time I really thought we were screwed but fair play we bossed them for first 20 mins of half. After that it was usual panic stations sit deep but we held on again so fair play. UTV
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Good win. You'd think Fulham will improve as the season goes on and they'll be a major threat to the top 6 at the end of the season just like last year.
Way I see it our home form will get us top 6. Our away form will decide whether we make top 2 so up to the manager and players to be more positive on the road as the reward will be great.
Wolves are a cut above at this level, didn't play that great today yet were 3-0 up against a very decent PNE team. That second automatic spot is very much up for grabs though. We've been mediocre for large chunks of the year and we're only what 4-5 points off 2nd?
I'm not sure, as they took a lot of risks playing out at the back which on another day could have cost them. When they got out, they were a threat in attack and I thought they also picked up when Cairney came on for them. I liked the way he came on, took the armband and started dictating in midfield. Looks a good player.
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Good win. You'd think Fulham will improve as the season goes on and they'll be a major threat to the top 6 at the end of the season just like last year.
Way I see it our home form will get us top 6. Our away form will decide whether we make top 2 so up to the manager and players to be more positive on the road as the reward will be great.
Wolves are a cut above at this level, didn't play that great today yet were 3-0 up against a very decent PNE team. That second automatic spot is very much up for grabs though. We've been mediocre for large chunks of the year and we're only what 4-5 points off 2nd?
I'm not sure, as they took a lot of risks playing out at the back which on another day could have cost them. When they got out, they were a threat in attack and I thought they also picked up when Cairney came on for them. I liked the way he came on, took the armband and started dictating in midfield. Looks a good player.
They barely crossed the halfway line at VP last season yet still comfortably finished play offs.
They're a good team at this level. Like a fair few lack that 20 goal a season striker to get automatic promotion. They'll be in the mix for play offs though.
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Great to actually enjoy a game and win it too!
I was mad they'd equalised because I felt they didn't deserve to be level at half time. They didn't look nearly as flowing as I thought they would, although 3 was a constant threat on the left. I thought we pressed well and stopped them from putting too much together. I'd whisper it quietly, but we looked like a team today.
Albert was MOTM by a mile for me today.
Get Sam Johnstone signed up in January or whenever we can too.
I knew we'd win on my birthday! 😀
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Just got back in after being at the game earlier and have to say I enjoyed that game today. Fulham took some massive risks at time playing out from the back, but they were a threat going forward, so that was a good win really. It's put us in the play off spots now, so hopefully we can kick on from here.
As for us, not massively different from many of the other home games this season really. Still look more comfortable attacking on the break rather than building through the phases and again had to endure a nervy last ten minutes due to dropping a bit too deep. Thought the defence was pretty solid today and Hutton did well playing out of position at left back. I thought Hourihane, Adomah and Onomah had good games, whereas Whelan and Snodgrass were a bit off the pace. Kodjia looked a bit sharper today, but still looks like he's got a bit of a way to go.
Just a quick note, but I still can't quite understand why Bruce brings everyone back to defend set pieces. When we clear the ball, it just comes straight back because there is no one up there to challenge for it. It ends up putting us under pressure, particularly towards the end of games.
It's been explained dozens of times on here but here goes again - the basic idea behind it is to deny space in the box.
It doesn't though because you have players outside the box, on the post etc. Also, by having at least one player up, it means that at least two of their players need to stay back. When Davis plays or if there is a big striker in a side, I can understand bringing them back as they can offer a presence, but there isn't really a need to bring every single player back (Adomah for example could stay up). The bloke who sits next to me goes mad about it and I could see his point today. When we were clearing the ball, it was just going straight back to them and allowing them to attack again and not allowing us to push out.
It does if everyone's in the box. And the attacking team leaves players back even when the defending team bring everyone back.
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A win, and an entertaining game. You can't ask for more than that.
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Good performance on the whole.
For me onamah was MOM by some distance and I thought houriane also did well.
I'm still far from convinced about playing both Snodgrass and Albert, and I know I'm in the minority here, but I thought both were poor today.
Odamah scored with his first useful touch of the game and yes he supplied a cross from which de last should have scored but he wasted far far too many opportunities either side of these contributions.
I still feel the balance of the team would be better served by two up front with one wide player and a more balanced midfield.
On the plus side were on the the up and there's still plenty of scope for improvement.
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Like most others I really enjoyed the match today. Think we look so much better when we close down teams and attack quickly as we did today. So much better to get the fans excited as well. Does my head in as well with this bringing everyone back for corners. It's obvious the ball is going to come straight back plus, if we leave one up, opponents will keep two back. So glad Fulham won the toss as well as I detest this new thinking that, if we win the toss, we kick towards the Holte first. Off with their heads I say!!!
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Just got back in. Thought Adomah and Hourihane in particular were excellent, Kodjia did ok but needs to realise he can pass to someone in a claret and blue shirt once in a while, the defence was solid and Terry's celebration was a bit provocative but then they had been baiting him. On the Fulham fans, after the final there were some well bitter ones outside the ground and on the train after. One group coming down Witton Lane were baiting an older Villa fan that we were shit to the point that it nearly came to blows, and then there were two on the New Street-Euston trying to bait me by telling me we were shit and nothing special and that Terry deserved executing for the way he baited them. Bless.
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How many did Fulham bring, 100? That was pretty much what they used to bring him in their mid table prem days.
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MOM was neck and neck between Albert and Josh the spurs lad, Terry was excellent as well.
If you were a Fulham fan you’d think you should have got a draw but overall I thought we just shaded it, they had a lot of the ball and got in some great positions but we were sound defensively and held a great shape.
I cant mind anyone talking about the penno we should have had second half when their lad rugby tackled Kodja. Well done the Villa.
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MOM was neck and neck between Albert and Josh the spurs lad, Terry was excellent as well.
If you were a Fulham fan you’d think you should have got a draw but overall I thought we just shaded it, they had a lot of the ball and got in some great positions but we were sound defensively and held a great shape.
I cant mind anyone talking about the penno we should have had second half when their lad rugby tackled Kodja. Well done the Villa.
Apart from their goal and the Johnstone save, I honestly cant think of any other chances they had. On chances alone we deserved to win today. Like the fixture last season, shit loads of possession means nothing if you don't do anything with it.
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I thought they were the best side I’ve seen at VP this season, they were just missing a centre forward. I thought both of their full backs were excellent and the no 10who came on at the end.
I really expected them to equalise in the last 10 mins so well done us for holding out.
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Just got back in after being at the game earlier and have to say I enjoyed that game today. Fulham took some massive risks at time playing out from the back, but they were a threat going forward, so that was a good win really. It's put us in the play off spots now, so hopefully we can kick on from here.
As for us, not massively different from many of the other home games this season really. Still look more comfortable attacking on the break rather than building through the phases and again had to endure a nervy last ten minutes due to dropping a bit too deep. Thought the defence was pretty solid today and Hutton did well playing out of position at left back. I thought Hourihane, Adomah and Onomah had good games, whereas Whelan and Snodgrass were a bit off the pace. Kodjia looked a bit sharper today, but still looks like he's got a bit of a way to go.
Just a quick note, but I still can't quite understand why Bruce brings everyone back to defend set pieces. When we clear the ball, it just comes straight back because there is no one up there to challenge for it. It ends up putting us under pressure, particularly towards the end of games.
It's been explained dozens of times on here but here goes again - the basic idea behind it is to deny space in the box.
It doesn't though because you have players outside the box, on the post etc. Also, by having at least one player up, it means that at least two of their players need to stay back. When Davis plays or if there is a big striker in a side, I can understand bringing them back as they can offer a presence, but there isn't really a need to bring every single player back (Adomah for example could stay up). The bloke who sits next to me goes mad about it and I could see his point today. When we were clearing the ball, it was just going straight back to them and allowing them to attack again and not allowing us to push out.
It does if everyone's in the box. And the attacking team leaves players back even when the defending team bring everyone back.
You only leave one player back if all the opposition players go back to defend a set piece. In terms of what happens in the box, well it depends on what marking system is employed, as players will have different jobs depending on which system is used. Not all of them will be in the box though.
It doesn't really bother me that much (unlike the bloke who sits next to me!) but I do think it can invite pressure and sometimes doesn't let the defensive team push up. Like a number of games, we had a bit of a nervy ending to the game as we couldn't really get out.
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How many did Fulham bring, 100? That was pretty much what they used to bring him in their mid table prem days.
More than usual. They filled the bottom tier and had a handful upstairs too.
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How many did Fulham bring, 100? That was pretty much what they used to bring him in their mid table prem days.
More than usual. They filled the bottom tier and had a handful upstairs too.
Blimey they most find the championship more fun or they bring the London tourists to away games now.
Go back just over 10 years and them and Charlton used to always bring very sparse away followings to Villa Park, North stand lower would be half empty.
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Yet they have the temerity to tell us that our ground is too big for us. Cheeky rascals.
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I also think I read that statistically, you're more likely to form an effective break by springing from the box than by keeping a man or two on the half way line
No idea if it's true
Yes the favoured tactics of good "on the break" teams is to pull everyone back and have two fast outlets at the edge of the box. By pulling everyone back you also encourage opposition to leave minimum cover around centre circle.
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This happening is the idea behind it
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I also think I read that statistically, you're more likely to form an effective break by springing from the box than by keeping a man or two on the half way line
No idea if it's true
Yes the favoured tactics of good "on the break" teams is to pull everyone back and have two fast outlets at the edge of the box. By pulling everyone back you also encourage opposition to leave minimum cover around centre circle.
What about teams who tend to panic and usually just hoof the ball straight down the throat of the defender on the halfway line only for it to come straight back? Anyway, I wasn't necessarily talking about attacking teams or scoring off opposition corners, more about relieving a bit of pressure and allowing the defence to push up.
The number one priority when defending set pieces is not to concede though and to be fair we've looked pretty solid defending them this season and did so again today.
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This happening is the idea behind it
I love that goal so much. That fact that Arsenal are such graceless losers makes it all the better :)
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"Spend some fackin' money"
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Onamah allowed Whelan to have his best game for us. Whelan was being asked to do too much and Onamah in a 4-5-1 allows Whelan to be the clean up man as opposed to creator and clean up which he just doesn’t have the legs for.
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I thought they were the best side I’ve seen at VP this season, they were just missing a centre forward. I thought both of their full backs were excellent and the no 10who came on at the end.
I really expected them to equalise in the last 10 mins so well done us for holding out.
Good players. Cairney at 10. But the real star is gonna be the left back Sessegnon. He's still only 18 I think
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Strong boy. He did well to grab and wrestle Kodjia to the ground for a stick on penalty.
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Apart from the last ten minutes when we invited them on to us I thought we were in their face and pressed them very well. Their possession game is all very well but they didn't actually create a fat lot and they take a lot of risks the way they play it around in their own final third.
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they played exactly as they did at VP last season, only this time they scored.
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Strong boy. He did well to grab and wrestle Kodjia to the ground for a stick on penalty.
It should never have got to that as the ball should have been flicked to Snodgrass who was positioned well for a shot. I like Kodja but he needs to think and think more as a team player.
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Just got back in after being at the game earlier and have to say I enjoyed that game today. Fulham took some massive risks at time playing out from the back, but they were a threat going forward, so that was a good win really. It's put us in the play off spots now, so hopefully we can kick on from here.
As for us, not massively different from many of the other home games this season really. Still look more comfortable attacking on the break rather than building through the phases and again had to endure a nervy last ten minutes due to dropping a bit too deep. Thought the defence was pretty solid today and Hutton did well playing out of position at left back. I thought Hourihane, Adomah and Onomah had good games, whereas Whelan and Snodgrass were a bit off the pace. Kodjia looked a bit sharper today, but still looks like he's got a bit of a way to go.
Just a quick note, but I still can't quite understand why Bruce brings everyone back to defend set pieces. When we clear the ball, it just comes straight back because there is no one up there to challenge for it. It ends up putting us under pressure, particularly towards the end of games.
It's been explained dozens of times on here but here goes again - the basic idea behind it is to deny space in the box.
It doesn't though because you have players outside the box, on the post etc. Also, by having at least one player up, it means that at least two of their players need to stay back. When Davis plays or if there is a big striker in a side, I can understand bringing them back as they can offer a presence, but there isn't really a need to bring every single player back (Adomah for example could stay up). The bloke who sits next to me goes mad about it and I could see his point today. When we were clearing the ball, it was just going straight back to them and allowing them to attack again and not allowing us to push out.
It does if everyone's in the box. And the attacking team leaves players back even when the defending team bring everyone back.
You only leave one player back if all the opposition players go back to defend a set piece. In terms of what happens in the box, well it depends on what marking system is employed, as players will have different jobs depending on which system is used. Not all of them will be in the box though.
It doesn't really bother me that much (unlike the bloke who sits next to me!) but I do think it can invite pressure and sometimes doesn't let the defensive team push up. Like a number of games, we had a bit of a nervy ending to the game as we couldn't really get out.
You don't sit in L7 do you Tom?
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Good game overall and pleased that we hung on to the lead having scored so early in the 2nd half. Never in a million years did I think the game would finish 2-1 such was Fulham's ability to carve us open on both sides. Fulham play very good football to a point, the main point.
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A good win and the perfect response after last week. I thought Onomah and Hourihane were great but I can't say I was too impressed with the idea of taking off of all three forwards near the end, it was too nervy to watch.
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I thought the Kodjia of last season would have buried that chance just before Albert scored - who was outstanding today.
Hopefully it's a case of him taking time to get back to the force he was before his injury. It does concern me that he still doesn't appear to be at the races, mind - especially with Davis dipping & Hogan still attempting to make an impact.
On a brighter tip, SB certainly got a tune out of the team yesterday & it sounded like he got his tic-tacs right against a very handy Fulham outfit. I was sceptical after last weekend's debacle, but it's great to see that we showed the bounce-back-ability that'll be vital to get us out of this division. It sets us up nicely for the rapidly approaching showdown with the Sty-Dwellers, so let's hope us finally moving into the Play Off places bodes well for a dominant display next weekend. UTV
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I thought Kodj looked a lot more himself today. Lacked a goal but had some good movement and was a thorn in their side.
For those claiming Fulham looked good, take a listen to this. Their fans reckon they were crap and deserved nothing.
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/10/21/16513130/cottage-talk-podcast-aston-villa-vs-fulham-post-match-show (https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/10/21/16513130/cottage-talk-podcast-aston-villa-vs-fulham-post-match-show)
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Onamah allowed Whelan to have his best game for us. Whelan was being asked to do too much and Onamah in a 4-5-1 allows Whelan to be the clean up man as opposed to creator and clean up which he just doesn’t have the legs for.
Big problem is a few poor results and everyone will be demanding 4-4-2 again, it's always the same when we play 4-5-1 and are too negative playing it (maybe next week).
I agree Whelan needs more legs around him. Onomah is a class act and should be starting in any case so I'd probably take Snodgrass out of the 11.
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Bruce said the squad got together at the start of the season to discuss the factors that they needed to change to improve our chances of promotion. Away form was one of them, and there are signs of improvement there even if we still have a long way to go.
But the biggest and most significant so far is our new found ability to get goals from different areas of the pitch. Last year, we had Kodjia on 19 goals and then Grealish was the only other player to make 5 goals for the season, something he achieved on the final day.
Now we already have Hourihane and Adomah on that mark, with Davis, Onomah, Snodgrass and the centre halves all capable of chipping in. If we assume that Kodjia will start scoring at some point, we should have stay in the top 6 and push for the top 2 given the improved defensive resilience.
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
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agree we need more up front and I would be looking to move Hogan on in January. That sounds harsh I know, but I genuinely think it's not going to work out for him here.
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
I'd like to have seen us get a third but 2-1 gets us the three points so i'm not complaining.
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I generally enjoyed yesterday's game, and thought most of the team had a decent game against good oposition. Fulham are very easy on the eye and their confidence on the ball even in defence was incredible considering their keeper had a poor right foot.
Top marks to Adomah for the goal and general work rate. Defence was solid all through, backed by an in form Johnston, with that excellent 2nd half save . I thought the much maligned Whelan was decent , though once the opposition get behind him he is never going to catch them.
Points to improve: Kodjia really needs to learn to pass when other players are in better positions; Snodgrass was below par, and my biggest bugbear, our brainlessness in the last few minutes when each of the midfielders had the chance to play a measured ball out of defence for Keinan to chase but just wildly hoofed it upfield. We just invited pressure on to ourselves.
Outside the game I bumped into 2 French women. We started a conversation and they were there to meet Kodjia as they are Ivoirian friends from Paris and it is his birthday weekend. I asked why they weren't in the VIP area and they said they had been offered the full treatment but had gone shopping instead! What was impressive was that they had come from Paris to meet a millionaire footballer but had raided Primark in Brum....
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
So weve gone from wins against the lower teams not being proper wins to wins by only one goal not being proper wins
It was an excellent win against a good side. Be happy
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One final point. I was in the North Stand for the first time in ages ( great to see Aftab again) and the Holte seemed very quiet.
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One final point. I was in the North Stand for the first time in ages ( great to see Aftab again) and the Holte seemed very quiet.
It was. A very subdued atmosphere all round I thought, I sit in the Lower Holte and didn’t hear anything from either the North Stand or away fans either.
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The acoustics at VP have never been great. It's just a stadium where the noise from any part of the crowd just dosen't carry well.
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Because I was not there (no transport). I account for 44.3% of the noise from the Holte Lower and 77.6% of the swearing.
South Cambridgeshire was noiser than usual though.
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Onamah allowed Whelan to have his best game for us. Whelan was being asked to do too much and Onamah in a 4-5-1 allows Whelan to be the clean up man as opposed to creator and clean up which he just doesn’t have the legs for.
Him and Hourihane played with Onomah more advanced really. Whelan did get caught out a couple of times, including when he gave away the free kick for their goal. I think he would be fine in a genuine holding role with two players in front of him, but if we continue with the system we played yesterday then I wonder if Onomah and Hourihane might be better together with Grealish. O'Hare or maybe even Snodgrass in front of them.
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I'd said mid week that I thought Onomah and Hourihane were our best two centrally and that we need Onomah's pace in particular.
Both were excellent and we really should have had a few more. Excellent save from Johnstone, although Hutton wanted shooting for drifting so high up and failing to commit with a challenge.
We pressed well, played at a tempo and forced errors as well as created plenty of chances.
We look very strong at home.
Very pleased.
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
Is it four points if we win by more than one?
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Extended highlights
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Happy with the win a good day out I also thought we played well Albert on top form again.
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Happy with the win, not so happy about that poor squirrel by the Holte End.
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One final point. I was in the North Stand for the first time in ages ( great to see Aftab again) and the Holte seemed very quiet.
It was. A very subdued atmosphere all round I thought, I sit in the Lower Holte and didn’t hear anything from either the North Stand or away fans either.
Fulham support was decent in the first half. The North stand lower was occasionally noisy, more so in the 2nd half.
Agree re not hearing away fans from the Holte. I usually sit upstairs and rarely hear them or the Villa fans next to them. It's like watching tv
with the sound tuned off.
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Happy with the win, not so happy about that poor squirrel by the Holte End.
I didn't know Hogan was playing.
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I thought Snodgrass was useful today. And it was Conor that should have shot, not Snodgrass. Can see us doing Blues quite easily if we hunt the ball down like that again. It's been ages since we've gone hunting in packs.
Yeah I agree. Hourihane could have even put Snodgrass in as another option rather than the pass to Kodija.
thats the one I meant .. should have played snodgrass in then .
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
Is it four points if we win by more than one?
No smart arse, but teams that get promoted and stay successful tend to win matches by more than a one goal margin.
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
Is it four points if we win by more than one?
No smart arse, but teams that get promoted and stay successful tend to win matches by more than a one goal margin.
So its unacceptable to win a game 2-1 against a very good Fulham side.it was an excellent result no two ways about it
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
Is it four points if we win by more than one?
No smart arse, but teams that get promoted and stay successful tend to win matches by more than a one goal margin.
So it won't be good enough if we win every game from now on by a one goal margin?
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
Is it four points if we win by more than one?
No smart arse, but teams that get promoted and stay successful tend to win matches by more than a one goal margin.
Like we did against Norwich, Barnsley and Burton? Teams that get promoted will win some games convincingly and win lots more games by the odd goal.
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Fulham have lost by more than 1 goal twice in the league in over a year, it's hardly a disgrace beating them 'only' 2-1.
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I wonder if anything will be done about the coin a Fulham fan threw at our players as they celebrated the first goal?
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Fulham have lost by more than 1 goal twice in the league in over a year, it's hardly a disgrace beating them 'only' 2-1.
Indeed. We didn't create many chances but we took ours. That for me is another good sign.
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I wonder if anything will be done about the coin a Fulham fan threw at our players as they celebrated the first goal?
Well nothing was done about the blizzard of crap Barnsley threw at our players so I would assume not for Fulham either.
If our fans did it on the other hand, it would be a "disgrace" or a "return to the dark ages".
I am sure Xia would be fined if he pointed this out.
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I wonder if anything will be done about the coin a Fulham fan threw at our players as they celebrated the first goal?
If we didn't give it him or her back does that count as a fine?
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Villa singing really didn't happen until we scored and second half it was quite constant. Lower North was noisy yesterday, up in the Upper I was wondering where it was coming from as the Holte wasn't singing at that point and you can't see the Lower from where I was sat. it was fun teasing the Fulham keeper every time he took a kick yesterday.
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
Is it four points if we win by more than one?
No smart arse, but teams that get promoted and stay successful tend to win matches by more than a one goal margin.
Like we did against Norwich, Barnsley and Burton? Teams that get promoted will win some games convincingly and win lots more games by the odd goal.
🤔
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Fulham have lost by more than 1 goal twice in the league in over a year, it's hardly a disgrace beating them 'only' 2-1.
News to me but not surprised. I liked the way they tried to play, always building from the back although it’s a high risk strategy. I was pleasantly surprised that we seemed to know this and used tactics to upset their rhythm by pressing high. I have moaned all week since Wolves that our manager can’t do tactics, looks like he can when he wants to.
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Need to be winning matches like that by more than 1 goal.
Is it four points if we win by more than one?
No smart arse, but teams that get promoted and stay successful tend to win matches by more than a one goal margin.
Like we did against Norwich, Barnsley and Burton? Teams that get promoted will win some games convincingly and win lots more games by the odd goal.
Agree, but quite a few of the home games have followed a similar pattern - we seem to lose all ambition of getting another goal in the last 15 minutes and drop deeper and deeper ensuring a torrid last 10 minutes or so. I think Samba coming on in the latter stages and going to a three at the back is something we will see a bit of going forward.
We are getting the wins but I'm not sure if my nerves are going to hold out for the rest of the season.
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One final point. I was in the North Stand for the first time in ages ( great to see Aftab again) and the Holte seemed very quiet.
And Paul I thought you were we're going to diss me after mentioning the French ladies but how could I under estimate you😊Next time let me know and I will make more time for a orange juice or something😅
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Have we let in a single killer late goal all season?
I don't remember one
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Pretty sure Norwich is the only league goal we've conceded in the last 15 mins, none in the last 10. 45-75 seems to be the time we concede a fair few. Pretty sure it's something like 9 or 10 of the 13 we've conceded have been in that half hour period.
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Have we let in a single killer late goal all season?
I don't remember one
I wish you hadn’t posted that. It could all be your fault on Sunday!
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Have we let in a single killer late goal all season?
I don't remember one
Bloody hell Matt, watch the 93rd minute losing goals start flying in now.
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If we all agree to sacrifice Matt, I'm pretty sure that cancels out the bad juju he has just inflicted on us.
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Have we let in a single killer late goal all season?
I don't remember one
We haven't yet this season (touch wood!), but the memories of last season are enough to ensure that we've endured some nervy endings to games.
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Decided some time ago not to post a " knee jerk assessment. " I thought that Fulham were a quick and entertaining team. A fair result would have been a draw or even an away win. So a win against a top six end of season finisher was a great result. I thought Bruce was spot on with the line up and substitutions. Upcoming fixtures and results are crucial next month. On the whole a very successful month. (Wolves deserved to win but it's a marathon not a knock out tournament!)
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Wes agree with most of your post other than its main point where you say a fairer result would have been a draw or a win for Fulham. I don't see that at all. Yes they are a neat little team but how many chances did they create? They got lucky with the free kick but other than that I can only remember two. The one where Johnstone gathered easily to his right in the first 20 minutes and his wonderful save just after we had retaken the lead. We had three good chances at 2-1 to extend out lead so no I don't think Fulham deserved anything more than they got.
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Fulham deseved nothing and were duly rewarded with nothing.
All the penetration of a butter knife.
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Wes agree with most of your post other than its main point where you say a fairer result would have been a draw or a win for Fulham. I don't see that at all. Yes they are a neat little team but how many chances did they create? They got lucky with the free kick but other than that I can only remember two. The one where Johnstone gathered easily to his right in the first 20 minutes and his wonderful save just after we had retaken the lead. We had three good chances at 2-1 to extend out lead so no I don't think Fulham deserved anything more than they got.
Just felt that they missed of guilt- edged opportunities across the box inthe first half. You're probably right mate
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I liked Fulhams style, thought they moved the ball around quickly and in a FORWARD direction,
* crazy thoughts, but ha , it's my birthday!
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Happy birthday fella. Have a great day tomorrow.
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I liked Fulhams style, thought they moved the ball around quickly and in a FORWARD direction,
* crazy thoughts, but ha , it's my birthday!
You must have confused the Trinity for the Holte. They can go forwards, just not as well as they go sideways.
I am at a loss as to how anybody can suggest they deserved something from the game to be honest.
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We were the better side and we deserved the win. We actually played well in both halves which is not something you can always say about us.
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We were the better side and we deserved the win. We actually played well in both halves which is not something you can always say about us.
Absolutely.
..and yes, we should sacrifice Matt. It's the only way.
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I liked Fulhams style, thought they moved the ball around quickly and in a FORWARD direction,
* crazy thoughts, but ha , it's my birthday!
Happy birthday.
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If we all agree to sacrifice Matt, I'm pretty sure that cancels out the bad juju he has just inflicted on us.
Perhaps Wicker Man style in Aston Park before the next home game.
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(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kancolle/images/c/c1/Torches-and-pitchforks.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170213122958)
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Happy with the win, not so happy about that poor squirrel by the Holte End.
I thought it was a rat.
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It had a fluffy tail.
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It had a fluffy tail.
And not much else !
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Much better performance -with variety!
Pressed for the first fifty-odd minutes, then dropped deep to defend that lead, something that SB teams tend to do well.
Still wish we would pass it out from the back, like Terry does.
Maybe Brucie is finally getting the hang of this management lark!!