Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on September 21, 2010, 08:04:35 PM
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Available Wednesday night.
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Good, a manager who uses subs that can influence a game before the 75th minute.
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Didn't follow much of the game but would be interested in people's take on:
- Heskey
- Bannan
- The formation used and any switches
- Fonz
- The youngsters at the back
- Sub use generally (can't remember last time we made subs that won us a game!)
- The style of football
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Sounds like a great second half fight back. Congratulations Emile for turning the game. Well done Gerard, welcome to the Villa!
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Emule eh? He wuz ace.
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...and we're up and running.
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Great result.
Chelsea, Citeh, Spurs, Everton, Fulham, Sunderland, Bolton all out already.
Liverpool in extra time.
Man Utd's reserves, Small Heaf and Newcastle are our biggest threats for this cup.
It could be our year!
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Great to see us come back and win a match in style!
Good work.
UTV!!!!!!!!!!!
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Chelsea....gone!!!
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How was Bannan anyone??
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Great result.
Chelsea, Citeh, Spurs, Everton, Fulham, Sunderland, Bolton all out already.
Liverpool in extra time.
Man Utd's reserves, Small Heaf and Newcastle are our biggest threats for this cup.
It could be our year!
Arsenal?
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Nice to see a manager not afraid to freshen things up when its going wrong. So far so good but we'll face much tougher opposition as the season goes on.
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Didn't follow much of the game but would be interested in people's take on:
- Heskey ACE
- Bannan SMALL
- The formation used and any switches GET INTO 'EM
- Fonz COOL
- The youngsters at the back SPOTTY
- Sub use generally (can't remember last time we made subs that won us a game!) LOTS
- The style of football CROSS BETWEEN BRAZIL AND LOZELLS ROAD PO SECOND XI
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Saw no mention of Guzan's name in a negative sentence in the match thread. Does this mean he dealt well with all of the high balls into our box? If he can improve in that area then we could have an awesome keeper on our hands.
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Great result.
Chelsea, Citeh, Spurs, Everton, Fulham, Sunderland, Bolton all out already.
Liverpool in extra time.
Man Utd's reserves, Small Heaf and Newcastle are our biggest threats for this cup.
It could be our year!
Man City still have ten minutes left of normal time. As do Liverpool.
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Fresh start for all and lay off Emile. Lets get behind them all.
Great win and a plan B.
Welcome GH and please take this competition seriously.
I think Bannan has a good future ahead of him.
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Great result.
Chelsea, Citeh, Spurs, Everton, Fulham, Sunderland, Bolton all out already.
Liverpool in extra time.
Man Utd's reserves, Small Heaf and Newcastle are our biggest threats for this cup.
It could be our year!
What about the arse and also the baggies v city is not a final result
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Great result.
Chelsea, Citeh, Spurs, Everton, Fulham, Sunderland, Bolton all out already.
Liverpool in extra time.
Man Utd's reserves, Small Heaf and Newcastle are our biggest threats for this cup.
It could be our year!
Arsenal?
Ah, we'll beat them too.
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God i have gone from depressed to excited ............
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I will lay off Emule when he starts giving a better return on investment. Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
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Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
Is he any relation to ex-Hammer, Billy?
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I will lay off Emule when he starts giving a better return on investment. Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
Lets face it i'm not going to go off and wank over him he needs to do a lot more now than that
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When is the draw?
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When is the draw ?
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I will lay off Emule when he starts giving a better return on investment. Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
I agree. When he starts earning his money and contributing to the team and our goal tally ( regularly) I will lay off him. But well done to him tonight.
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Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
Is he any relation to ex-Hammer, Billy?
I think it was his sister, Brooke
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Saturday afternoon
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Cant see the Emile loving lasting long but so be it, always been a fan of getting behind our players instead of slagging em off. Early days wether its our year for the cup but heres hoping eh!
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Great stuff from Hesk... I've always been right behi... Oh wait... Well the bloke did well and turned the game for us.
We had a plan B. So many times under MoN towards the end we didn't attack teams and as we tired we got caught by a sucker punch and lost or drew a game we should have won. Tonight wasn't like that.
With Arsenal and Man United taking this competition about as seriously as the threat of alien invasion and with luck a few other Prem teams getting put out it could be our year to win our cup.
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I will lay off Emule when he starts giving a better return on investment. Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
Lets face it i'm not going to go off and wank over him he needs to do a lot more now than that
I might have a quick tug over the Villa calendar if he gets a hat trick in the final.
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Didn't follow much of the game but would be interested in people's take on:
- Heskey
- Bannan
- The formation used and any switches
- Fonz
- The youngsters at the back
- Sub use generally (can't remember last time we made subs that won us a game!)
- The style of football
Heskey was excellent when he came on, held the ball up well, lots of running an assist and a well taken goal.
Bannan quiet first half, although lots of running and chasing, was on the left of a midfield three. Grew in confidence and was VERY good the last 35 mins when he went wide left.
Formation started with a 4-3-3 Carew, Young and Abonglahor (replaced by the Fonz) and a midfield 3 of Bannan, Sidwell and NRC looked uncertain and lacking confidence. Second Half reverted to a 4-4-2 with Bannan wide left and theFonz wide right and Young playing just off Carew (replaced by Heskey) and we looked much better, so much so, young twice made runs into the area that were untracked by Blackburn. Tactically undone I would say, as until Heskey was brought on and the formation shifted we were looking lost. (think that covers sub use too)
As for the style, definately tried to retain the ball and improved as the match went on. Played with confidence and style once we went 2-1 up.
Great start, long may it continue
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I will lay off Emule when he starts giving a better return on investment. Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
Lets face it i'm not going to go off and wank over him he needs to do a lot more now than that
I might have a quick tug over the Villa calendar if he gets a hat trick in the final.
God what a frightening mental image thats just thrown up
I won't sleep tonight
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Didn't see or hear any of the game but have to be delighted with Houllier winning his first game, with coming back from a goal down, and with getting through when a lot of big names haven't.
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I will lay off Emule when he starts giving a better return on investment. Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
Lets face it i'm not going to go off and wank over him he needs to do a lot more now than that
I might have a quick tug over the Villa calendar if he gets a hat trick in the final.
I'm going to have a tug now just of the thought of a hat trick in the final.
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26 goals in six games so far tonight.
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I will lay off Emule when he starts giving a better return on investment. Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
Lets face it i'm not going to go off and wank over him he needs to do a lot more now than that
I might have a quick tug over the Villa calendar if he gets a hat trick in the final.
Now your talking!!!!
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Didn't follow much of the game but would be interested in people's take on:
- Heskey ACE
- Bannan SMALL
- The formation used and any switches GET INTO 'EM
- Fonz COOL
- The youngsters at the back SPOTTY
- Sub use generally (can't remember last time we made subs that won us a game!) LOTS
- The style of football CROSS BETWEEN BRAZIL AND LOZELLS ROAD PO SECOND XI
Hey I used to play for Lozells Rd PO Second X1 !!!
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Premium bonds would have been a better bet until now.
Is he any relation to ex-Hammer, Billy?
I think it was his sister, Brooke
What was the mane of the Russ Abott spy charachter...Basildon??
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It's gonna be the Blose in the next round. At VP. Kick off at 10am on the Tuesday morning.
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Man City now definitely out.
So that's definitely Man City, Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea all out with Liverpool struggling.
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I fancy a tuesday night at home to the blues. Thats what cup footballs all about
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I fancy a tuesday night at home to the blues. Thats what cup footballs all about
Would the police allow it? If so then be a great game! Im already excited!!
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Man City now definitely out.
So that's definitely Man City, Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea all out with Liverpool struggling.
Could be worth a sneaky five-finger shuffle over the missus while she's sleeping.
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I fancy a tuesday night at home to the blues. Thats what cup footballs all about
Would the police allow it? If so then be a great game! Im already excited!!
When else could/would they play it other than a Tuesday or Wednesday night?
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Man City now definitely out.
So that's definitely Man City, Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea all out with Liverpool struggling.
Could be worth a sneaky five-finger shuffle over the missus while she's sleeping.
Jesus BE pack it in you'll go blind you know!
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I wish the draw was now
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Northampton 2-1 up at the Bindippers in extra time!!!
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I fancy a tuesday night at home to the blues. Thats what cup footballs all about
I hope Paul Tait will be playing.
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Man City now definitely out.
So that's definitely Man City, Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea all out with Liverpool struggling.
Could be worth a sneaky five-finger shuffle over the missus while she's sleeping.
Classy that! You could take her down to Canet Plage tomorrow for a pizza to make amends:)
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I fancy a tuesday night at home to the blues. Thats what cup footballs all about
Would the police allow it? If so then be a great game! Im already excited!!
When else could/would they play it other than a Tuesday or Wednesday night?
Could change it to a sat or sun, if the police say no then what can they do?
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Northampton 2-1 up at the Bindippers in extra time!!!
Yesssssss!!! :)
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So that's definitely Man City, Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea all out with Liverpool struggling.
Could be worth a sneaky five-finger shuffle over the missus while she's sleeping.
I always fall asleep first
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Next round played in w/c 25 Oct...half term here and on hols....superb !
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Great second half - bannan was superb and nice to see emile deliver the goods - maybe this will be the confidence boost he needs.
Great use of the subs and well done GED and the coaching team- let the good times roll !
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66% possession, that's the way to win games - by keeping the fucking ball.
Well done Villa.
UTV
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West Bromwich Albion
Aston Villa
Newcastle United
Wigan Athletic
Manchester United
Birmingham City
Brentford
Burnley
Ipswich Town
Swansea City
Leicester City
Stoke City
West Ham United
Arsenal
Wolverhampton
Plus either Liverpool or Northampton with NT 2-1 up. Looks good!
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I fancy a tuesday night at home to the blues. Thats what cup footballs all about
Would the police allow it? If so then be a great game! Im already excited!!
When else could/would they play it other than a Tuesday or Wednesday night?
Could change it to a sat or sun, if the police say no then what can they do?
They kept West Ham - Millwall as a midweek evening game last season.
Has a Carling Cup tie (other than the final) ever been on a weekend?
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Just seen Emiles finish on Sky Sports, was a good one.
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Arse or Manu away prob knowing our luck
Would settle for a little trip up the road away to Swans
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66% possession, that's the way to win games - by keeping the fucking ball.
Well done Villa.
UTV
I don't know how much of that was us and how much was Blackburn though. They've not had more than 38% posession in any game this season I remember reading.
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Next round played in w/c 25 Oct...half term here and on hols....superb !
If it was the Blose at home, we'd be playing them on the following Sunday too.
Ouch!
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Next round played in w/c 25 Oct...half term here and on hols....superb !
If it was the Blose at home, we'd be playing them on the following Sunday too.
Ouch!
It will go off in Boogies and Edwards...........
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Oh well, gonna relax and try to stay awake for goals at 23.30 on tv.
Goodnight all
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Next round played in w/c 25 Oct...half term here and on hols....superb !
If it was the Blose at home, we'd be playing them on the following Sunday too.
Ouch!
Double piss up
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Heskeys finish was good....
Looked like young scored with an header
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Even if it's blues it will be on a tues or weds night , no way it would played at weekend.
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Just saw the goals on SSN there. Good finish from Heskey, and a great ball from him for the third. Good cross from the Fonz for Young's first too. More of the same please!
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Sundays team selection will be interesting now GED has had a look at things - should be exciting says ahead - the feel good factor is back now.
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Great start to a new era with Houllier as manager - lots of positivity is what I like.
Whoever have been bashing Ashley Young saying ''he's not the same'' or ''one trick pony'' need a reality check, Ash is still class and he's been great so far this season. Form is temporary class is permanent...
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I fancy a tuesday night at home to the blues. Thats what cup footballs all about
Would the police allow it? If so then be a great game! Im already excited!!
When else could/would they play it other than a Tuesday or Wednesday night?
Could change it to a sat or sun, if the police say no then what can they do?
They kept West Ham - Millwall as a midweek evening game last season.
Has a Carling Cup tie (other than the final) ever been on a weekend?
Yeah fair point. Dont think it would be as bad as it was the first time we played em surely?
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Looking at the teams left in the competition now. The trophy is definately there for the taking. I would be gutted now if we had got knocked out tonight. Come on Villa we can do this!!!
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Bollocks - Liverpool just equalised
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We'll be going to Anfield in the next round. It's written. Houllier and all that.
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Typical
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Great result.
Some decent allround performances to increase our options over the next few games as well.
Be careful what you wish for and all that, but I wouldn't mind Manure or possibly even Arsenal in the next round. At this stage of the comp they still generally play weakened teams.
Bomb those two out and hopefully we've got a clear run at the thing.
No point getting to a semi or final only to lose to their full strength lot.
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Even if it's blues it will be on a tues or weds night , no way it would played at weekend.
After consultation with City centre Wetherspoons, Police have decided no kick off time is safe from bingeing knuckledraggers and have advised switching any potential Blues cup game to North Korea
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Theres still some tricky teams left in and every one of them will fancy their chances.
Fingers crossed for Arse vs Manure in next round to make it even more interesting.
Penalties at Anfield now...
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Man City now definitely out.
So that's definitely Man City, Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea all out with Liverpool struggling.
Could be worth a sneaky five-finger shuffle over the missus while she's sleeping.
What, and leave her looking like a plasterers stereo!
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Bannan gotta be in contention for Dowings place unless he steps his game up ........
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Pens for Liverpool in front of the Kop. The game is bent.
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come on n'ampton
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1 miss each, one scored each.
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Watching a penalty shootout on BBC teletext is a different experience.
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We'll be going to Anfield in the next round. It's written. Houllier and all that.
Or not.....
HAHA!!
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northampton win!!!!!!
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Woy must be worrying now!
MON for the job!!!!!
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cobblers
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Pass the Kleenex!!!
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Just back, in haste. From being Houllier neutral ,I am now Houllier positive. Petrov dropped- at last!And we looked so much the better for it. Young looked far better and even Heskey looked good.
We might just be back on track!
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Hodgson's rubbish
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Maybe MON really will get the Liverpool job!!
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Petrov dropped- at last!
I think you'll find that's "Petrov - rested"
In the same way that I don't think Friedel, Young or Collins have been "dropped" either.
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HAHAHA Bindippers out to League 2 Northampton ''on a famous Carling Cup night at Anfield''.
I wonder which Merseyside manager is gonna get fired first.
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BBC Radio 5 live's Jan Molby: "This was Northampton's night, it was in the stars for this to happen. But for Liverpool to lose, it was absolutely unthinkable before. They were surely always going to make sure they would win this game, weren't they? I think we are seeing the legacy of the Rafael Benitez reign right here, and it's going to take Liverpool a long time to challenge for the top four again."
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One of the worst halfs I can remember, we were shocking.
Totally different second half, GED changed it which was brilliant to see actual tactical nouse, heskey was really good and made Carew look even worse.
What happened to gabby?
I'd send Bannon on loan again, he still looks abit raw for the first team at the moment, but defiantly has a future in my opinion.
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Where will highlights of tonights games be shown ?
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BBC1 11:30pm
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bbc1 at 11.30 tonight
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ssn are showing all the games highlights at the mo
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Just back, in haste. From being Houllier neutral ,I am now Houllier positive. Petrov dropped- at last!And we looked so much the better for it. Young looked far better and even Heskey looked good.
We might just be back on track!
I will have to rely on yourself as you went. But did we look so much better first half because most of it the pundits/ reports were we were pretty bad.
But Houliier turned it around by bringing Heskey on and moving Young and Delfounso around. Is that Correct?
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Where will highlights of tonights games be shown ?
23.30 bbc 1.
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Cheers lads. Come on Villa ....
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Usually takes me a good hour and a half to get back after the game - tonight just 40 minutes, a reflection on a very low turnout (18,500?).
First half we looked a bit lost - probably so used to playing a rigid 4-4-2 and first half it kind of changed from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 with Gabby dropping to wide right when we weren't attacking. Bannan struggled to make an impact in the middle, Sidwell was pretty hopeless, and Reo seemed to give possession away. Carew and Ash made the best of a poor performance. But then, shock horror, a manager who sees things aren't working and changes it at half time! Qu'est-ce que c'est ca?! Bannan looked better wide left with Ash moving to the middle. Sidwell was still poor. Inspired substitution on 58 minutes (not the usual 70 minute Heskey-time) really turned the game and ran out a comfortable win.
Opportunity to look at some fringe players for Houllier, in the hat for the next round, and all in all a good first impression of our new manager - and I was pretty meh about him being appointed. Initial signs are that he'll prove me wrong
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Petrov dropped- at last!
I think you'll find that's "Petrov - rested"In the same way that I don't think Friedel, Young or Collins have been "dropped" either.
Well if he was simply rested then my estimation of Houllier has dropped.
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After following the match thread here I'm looking forward to our 30 seconds on BBC later to make my own opinion.
Good to see that we have made changes during a match, changes that have made a difference. Let's hope this continues.
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Usually takes me a good hour and a half to get back after the game - tonight just 40 minutes, a reflection on a very low turnout (18,500?).
18500 - was this league or Simod cup?
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Usually takes me a good hour and a half to get back after the game - tonight just 40 minutes, a reflection on a very low turnout (18,500?).
18500 - was this league or Simod cup?
18500 is bad - but still twice as many as turned out for Bloose last night apparently!
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Sidwell gets his first big chance and still fooks it then.... He needs to take a big look at Heskey...
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Heskey was excellent tonight and so were all 3 goals.
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After following the match thread here I'm looking forward to our 30 seconds on BBC later to make my own opinion.
Good to see that we have made changes during a match, changes that have made a difference. Let's hope this continues.
It may well be less than that! There are goals galore to show as well as ET and Pens from Anfield. They need a longer show, it's only on for an hour.
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Awful first half.
Pretty good second half.
Heskey did very well.
Nice to see a match-changing/winning substitution for a change.
Very poor/low attendance.
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Usually takes me a good hour and a half to get back after the game - tonight just 40 minutes, a reflection on a very low turnout (18,500?).
18500 - was this league or Simod cup?
18500 is bad - but still twice as many as turned out for Bloose last night apparently!
It was a week night a lot of them are under house arrest
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A shocking first half, truly soporific stuff.
Interesting to see GM getting more and more annoyed on the touchline.
Infinitely better second half, and for me by far and away the best thing was that the manager saw the match wasn't going to plan and used his subs to change the game. Last year, we'd have carried on regardless, hoping something fell for us.
He also made a big difference switching Bannan further out wide. He was getting nothing at all in the middle, but looked much more like it out wide.
Slightly surreal being in such a small crowd.
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Awful first half.
Pretty good second half.
Heskey did very well.
Nice to see a match-changing/winning substitution for a change.
Very poor/low attendance.
I'm only asking but is that match winning substitution you mention the Heskey for Carew one that MON used to get absolutely slated for? I'm only asking cos I genuinely don't know the answer.
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Yes. Heskey was on fire, as opposed to Carew.
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The first half was so bad I went to kill myself by having a pie.
Gladly for me, there were no ill effects and I agree with Paulie - the subs came quickly and that was a good thing. It may not always work but Goddamn if it didn't work tonight. And he waved enthusiastically at the Holte as well.
Sidwell was useless as usual but I was very impressed with Lichaj again.
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Yes. Heskey was on fire, as opposed to Carew.
Ok. But it can't have been MON's fault that Heskey wasn't "on fire" when he made the exact same change in so many games. If Emile had done what he had done tonight on other occasions then would MON have been right to have brought him on?
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Usually takes me a good hour and a half to get back after the game - tonight just 40 minutes, a reflection on a very low turnout (18,500?).
18500 - was this league or Simod cup?
Only 22577 at Anfield - not much better than us from 'the best supporters in the world'. And at least our 18500 saw us win!
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Bannon was impressive, I thought he tried to move the ball along earlier whether out wide in the second half or in the middle in the first half. It wasn't until Heskey came on and Ash played off him that we had anything like enough movement. I know NRC's passing is poor but he is one of very few Villa players that actually run to the ball instead of away from it. He should play against Wulfs on Sunday.
Heskey was excellent I have to say, and he showed Carew up I thought. Carew's overall fitness and mobility is shocking. Delfonz was better in the second half, especially with Heskey's support.
Clark I thought had a good game and Lihaj was pretty solid. Guzan done ok but he scares me.
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Yes. Heskey was on fire, as opposed to Carew.
Ok. But it can't have been MON's fault that Heskey wasn't "on fire" when he made the exact same change in so many games. If Emile had done what he had done tonight on other occasions then would MON have been right to have brought him on?
The problem with MON was that Heskey for Carew was one of a very limited number of substitutions he ever made, pretty much always at the same point of the game, and almost always, it didn't work.
The contrast between tonight and MON's time was that we changed things on the pitch and influenced the course of the game. Changed it, in fact.
One of MON's biggest faults was that, had that been him managing tonight, we'd have carried on doing exactly the same thing for the rest of the game, and almost certainly got nothing.
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Usually takes me a good hour and a half to get back after the game - tonight just 40 minutes, a reflection on a very low turnout (18,500?).
18500 - was this league or Simod cup?
Only 22577 at Anfield - not much better than us from 'the best supporters in the world'. And at least our 18500 saw us win!
I'd say Northampton probably took more for their big night out too than Blackburn.
Still a shocker though.
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Northampton took 4,500 I think I read.
I'd be suprised if Blackburn brought 300.
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Northampton took 4,500 I think I read.
I'd be suprised if Blackburn brought 300.
Looked a few more than that to me, to be honest.
Reckon they had a little less than half of the top level. Probably a third, so, say 600 ish?
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I was actually quite surprised with the amount of fans that Blackburn brought to be honest. Twice as many as I expected.
Disappointed with the overall crowd. 18.000+ - very poor.
As far as the game was concerned, poor first half, much improved in the second. Players are playing for their places and rightly so.
I'm not a Heskey fan but he did well tonight.
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I'm no Petrov fan but he'll probably not be rested again. Sid and NRC were awful at times.
Bannan and Ash were superb in the second half.
Was also impressed by Lihaj and Clark
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Has a Carling Cup tie (other than the final) ever been on a weekend?
Our second leg tie against Tranmere was on a Sunday.
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Bannan gotta be in contention for Dowings place unless he steps his game up ........
Downing has been one of our best performers this season.
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I disagree, but it is not really the thread for this discussion.
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We were simply woeful for an hour, as soon as we equalised it seemed to settle us down, credit to Emile for changing the game, never joined in with The Sidwell bashing before but he really was attrocious
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The firsdt half was one of the worst i’d ever seen. I can never remember being so bored at a Villa game in all my years.
I was pleased with the tactical shake up by Ged for the second half, having Ash go more central and the impressive wee Bannan go out wide. The kid could go either way then and I thought he found himself in a lot more room when he did come inside. Heskey turned the game with his mobility up top. He scored a really good goal, set up another, looked dangerous and competed with Samba too. You can’t knock him when he plays like that.
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In response to my earlier post where I made a sarcastic reference to the likely 30 seconds of coverage we'd receive on the BBC, I apologise and thank them for the comprehensive 56 seconds we actually got. Cheers.
Thanks to all who posted on the match thread, gave a much better idea of the game.
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3 very well taken goals there.
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Guzan - the complete opposite of his performance against these in the semi - very assured, couple of excellent stops
Lichaj - did nowt wrong, love the long throw :-)
Warnock - quiet
Cuellar - in proper position, played well
Clark - very solid
Young - good last half hour, plenty of effort before that
Bannan - same as Ash
Sidwell - truly dreadful, still does that runs round 2 yards behind the ball rubbish.
NRC - same as Sidwell largely
Gabby - quiet before injury
Carew - Garbage - at least he tried I guess
Fonz - quiet introduction, as with Ash / Bannan came alive after Heskey came on
Heskey - I was there when Heskey turned a game!! :-) looks lean and put himself about.
Curtis - did fine
Sure GH will have been perturbed at the amount of players we have who appear to lack basic ball control and ability to pass.....in particular the two in the centre. Cant help but think the term 'holding midfielder' roughly translates to one who is of limited footballing ability
59 minutes of durge.....Que Sera Sera.....
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The game tonight changed after half time. I really felt all the way through first half and into 2nd that we were going to lose. There had been good passing football played but no threat and no chances. Introduction of Heskey, shifting Young to centre and Bannan to the left changed every thing.
I am and always been anti Emile. Tonight was an eye opener. The guy was amazing not only in scoring and setting up the 3rd goal but just competent play all around.
NRC must play in all games till we find a better alternative.
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The game tonight changed after half time. I really felt all the way through first half and into 2nd that we were going to lose. There had been good passing football played but no threat and no chances. Introduction of Heskey, shifting Young to centre and Bannan to the left changed every thing.
I am and always been anti Emile. Tonight was an eye opener. The guy was amazing not only in scoring and setting up the 3rd goal but just competent play all around.
NRC must play in all games till we find a better alternative.
I agree.
We really could use some steel in the middle. NRC isn't really it, but he's "more it" than any of our other players.
Sidwell was terrible tonight, I thought. I honestly can't believe he's the same player who was so excellent for Reading that season, even allowing for the fact it was four years ago, and that he might have had a one off good season, I still struggle to believe that he can have become quite so bad as he seems to have been with us.
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The first half was dire. The second great. The best thing tonight for me was that in most games so far this season we have faded or just seemingly given up in the second half. Tonight we got better as the second half went on. Yes, MON did often replace JC with EH but not with so long to go. And players seemed to shift around more and get motivated in the second half. There was alot of changes from our last game and a lot of youngsters out there. Blackburn had more experience and were a bigger side, yet the strengths we had, passing, playing out wide and attacking at speed were brought out. Nice.
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Inter Milan manager Sam Allardyce:
"We've gone in front in six games out of seven and haven't been able to hold onto things.
"A game lasts 90 minutes, not 45 and it's frustrating for us. We couldn't cope with Villa's change in shape.
"We must be more resilient defensively and just keep working away at things."
The bit in bold is nice to read
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The firsdt half was one of the worst i’d ever seen. I can never remember being so bored at a Villa game in all my years.
I was pleased with the tactical shake up by Ged for the second half, having Ash go more central and the impressive wee Bannan go out wide. The kid could go either way then and I thought he found himself in a lot more room when he did come inside. Heskey turned the game with his mobility up top. He scored a really good goal, set up another, looked dangerous and competed with Samba too. You can’t knock him when he plays like that.
Totally agree 101%-----also thought this was Emile,s finest 35 mins in The Claret & Blue, Good to see Lichaj, Bannan Clark & The Fonz get some actual playing time--all did their bit---a shame the gate was only 18000+
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Inter Milan manager Sam Allardyce:
"We've gone in front in six games out of seven and haven't been able to hold onto things.
"A game lasts 90 minutes, not 45 and it's frustrating for us. We couldn't cope with Villa's change in shape.
"We must be more resilient defensively and just keep working away at things."
The bit in bold is nice to read
Wow, that is not a sentence used often in recent times about us. The omens are good even if it is after just one game.
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A truly awful first half, then Heskey appears and as the the first chorus of "Heskey's Shit My Lord" echoes from the 300 or so Blackburn fans, he's won us the game.
And how much did I love those Northern monkeys having another night journey home after losing a cup game at VP. All that "Won fuck all My Lord" (we've won trophies than you can dream of, wankers) "Shit Support My Lord" and "Empty seats My Lord" (how many did you bring tonight, 300? How many for the semi last season? And how many would there have been if the tie had been played at Ewood? wankers!)
And the high point of the night?
Heskey justifying my constant defence of him? No
The sight of the Blackburn fans sloping off into the night, My Lord? Nope
The prospect of another cup run? Not even that
Spending a few minutes chatting to Dave as he relieved me and my sister of £1.50 each? You bet!
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Spending a few minutes chatting to Dave as he relieved me...
My interweb crashed, sadly and this is all I can see.
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More info on Lichaj and Del-phon-eso's performances please.
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They kept West Ham - Millwall as a midweek evening game last season.
Hmm...and look how that turned out.
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Any online links to see the goals?
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Real Madrid Triple winner, manager Sam Allardyce:
"We've gone in front in six games out of seven and haven't been able to hold onto things.
"A game lasts 90 minutes, not 45 and it's frustrating for us. We couldn't cope with Villa's change in shape.
That Fat Sam ought to keep trying. His tenure at Real Madrid will set him up for the big one, the one he really wants: The manager who brings the title and the UEFA Wankers League to the Toon. What?
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Any online links to see the goals?
Beeb website, but I doubt that's any good for you
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The game tonight changed after half time. I really felt all the way through first half and into 2nd that we were going to lose. There had been good passing football played but no threat and no chances. Introduction of Heskey, shifting Young to centre and Bannan to the left changed every thing.
I am and always been anti Emile. Tonight was an eye opener. The guy was amazing not only in scoring and setting up the 3rd goal but just competent play all around.
NRC must play in all games till we find a better alternative.
I agree.
We really could use some steel in the middle. NRC isn't really it, but he's "more it" than any of our other players.
Sidwell was terrible tonight, I thought. I honestly can't believe he's the same player who was so excellent for Reading that season, even allowing for the fact it was four years ago, and that he might have had a one off good season, I still struggle to believe that he can have become quite so bad as he seems to have been with us.
For which read almost every Reading player from that season Paulie as we have oft said on here. I am puzzled by your superfluous use of the word 'tonight' in your analysis of Sidwell though ;-)
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Guzan - the complete opposite of his performance against these in the semi - very assured, couple of excellent stops
Lichaj - did nowt wrong, love the long throw :-)
Warnock - quiet
Cuellar - in proper position, played well
Clark - very solid
Young - good last half hour, plenty of effort before that
Bannan - same as Ash
Sidwell - truly dreadful, still does that runs round 2 yards behind the ball rubbish.
NRC - same as Sidwell largely
Gabby - quiet before injury
Carew - Garbage - at least he tried I guess
Fonz - quiet introduction, as with Ash / Bannan came alive after Heskey came on
Heskey - I was there when Heskey turned a game!! :-) looks lean and put himself about.
Curtis - did fine
Sure GH will have been perturbed at the amount of players we have who appear to lack basic ball control and ability to pass.....in particular the two in the centre. Cant help but think the term 'holding midfielder' roughly translates to one who is of limited footballing ability
59 minutes of durge.....Que Sera Sera.....
I thought Warnock put in some good defensive headers from their goalkicks and general down field humps.
I thought Carew was OK but had no one within yards of him to take advantage of his "hold-up" play and flick ons.
Agree with your comments about Sid and NRC. Ozzy and the bullet-proof one wouldn't have been any worse
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Fat Sam's twitter remarks on meeting Houllier.
He goes: "But we should have ze chat." I reply: "Listen Clouseau, I've got my DS on the bus & i've nearly completed 'WordJong' so BACK OFF."
about 7 hours ago via web .
So I go to his office out of curiosity, and it turns out he did actually have wine and some Scampi Fries. Made my excuses and left.
about 8 hours ago via web
Houllier comes up to me after the game and offers me "some wine and nibbles" in his office. Then winks. Fucking French fruit. I was furious.
about 8 hours ago via web
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I was impressed with Lichaj in pre season and was delighted to see him get his run last night.
GH showed his tactical prowess last night and I hope it continues. Under the previous manager there was always the sense that things had to go our way in the first hour or so and that to win we'd be hanging on for dear life near the end. We also knew that if things hadn't gone our way in the first hour there was damn all chance they would in the final half hour because we'd just keep trying what clearly wasn't working.
I feel more comfortable now that I know we have a manager who can turn a poor performance on its head by showing a bit of imagination with subs and formation!
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First note of our new manager.....he is capable of changing things around.
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1st half was terrible, Half the team looked lost and unsure as what they were supposed to be doing, I don't agree with half the crowd singing "what the fuck is going on" with 40 mins on the clock.
2nd half much much better Heskey came on and changed the game (never would have thought i'd said that before) Nice to see some changes made and early and nice to see them trying to keep the ball. Thought Sidwell tried to get a foot in but his passing was terrible.
Bannan did well as did the fonz when he came on, question is now who do we play up front against Wolves, Will be nice to see GH have a selection headache!!
Disappointed with turn out but then I saw there was 10k at Boggies & only 22k at anfield 4.5k was Northampton so that's as bad in my opinion. All round not bad start and hopefully that will give them confidence for Sunday!
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When i saw the team sheet i thought they had put all the players names in a hat and drew them out to form a team - when i saw the formation i was convinced of it.
Awful 1st half - i actually missed their goal as i was playing with my phone i was that bored!
2nd half - i am sure everyone was expecting same old same old - and when EH was getting ready you could hear the groans from the crowd.
I was stunned at the passion, fight and workrate of EH from the second he came on - have to agree with Sam fathead - they really could not cope with our formation change and what a joy it was to watch.
Guzan - assured in the air (much better than of late) bit dodgy on his calling, especially at the edge of the area - 2 very good saves - no chance with goal. Frustratingly does hold on to it a tad too long then reverts to a huge lump up field to no one.
Lichaj - positionally caught out a couple of times but looks very promising
Carlos - very assured - also gave the 100% perfect example of how to take out man and ball at same time with a superb tackle in 2nd half
Clark - very strong and composed - won almost every header
Warnock - great headers - not much support going forward
Bannan - once in wide position was fantatstic and his confidence gre - love to see the youngsters demand the ball and be confident with it - star for the future
Sidders - opening 30 mins ran round like a man possessed but if i am honest he just cannot play ina 4 - has to go and be replced with better
NRC - what he lacks in skill he makes up for in sheer workrate and bottle - has to stay in
Young - came alive in better formation - i think he loves being the main man
Carew - difficult job when played in isolation - but at the very least looked like he gave a shit and worked - much more than under MON
Gabby - not right at all - he was obviously a name that was pencilled in with MON - maybe he realises its not like that now and is having a bit of a sulk - maybe his comments in the press about GH has done him no favours - Gabby stop thinking you are billy big bollocks and go back to what you are good at
Subs:
Fonz - grew in confidence and i am sure one that is not unhappy that Kev Mac has gone
Davies - Again heart went in my mouth when he came on - but fair play looked composed and won all his headers
Heskey - i have always said............ like everyone else i wondered what they had put in his drink - play like that mate and you keep the shirt for me - top performance and hope it shuts a few of us up - especially me
GH & Team - constantly talking over game play with each other and pointing things out to players - great use of subs and tactical nous
THis could be exciting
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Really enjoyed the last half hour. Some of the passing and movement was excellent. Confidence came flooding back to the side once the first goal went in. Well done to Emile - looked like a proper centre forward last night and changed the game - maybe Gerrard can find the player in him again - would definitely play him on Sunday.
Finally a word for Sidwell. He did struggle all evening and looked like a player who hadn't played a full game for a long time. However, he and NRC gave us better bite and we looked more solid in the middle. Like everyone else in the squad, it's a fresh start for him, so let's give him a chance to find his form because there is a decent player there.
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Who'd of ever thought Emile Heskey would completely change the way a match was going. The movement and finish for his goal was great, it makes football look simple. I also thought it was extremely funny the way Heskey's goal was greeted with a cheer at first and then lots of laughter - never seen anything like that before.
When that goal went in we looked a million times better. It makes you wonder why we don't pass the ball more often because we can actually look quite good when we do. We've shown it in every game so far, but not for long enough periods.
As for the first half, the less said the better.
Everybody played much better after the goal with the exception of Sidwell, who was awful throughout.
I also noted there was a few times when Bannan passed the ball, ran past the opponent to get the ball back, but the ball was not returned and instead passed backwards when he was in an ideal position. It's not hard, just pass and move. He must get that ball back playing the reserves otherwise why would he make the move on numerous occasions which then begs the question, if the reserves can do it, why can't the first team?
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Hookey - what did gabby say bad about GED ? I haven't heard anything of this.
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Pass and move. Simple game football when you do that and we can, lets hope the manager and coaches give the players confidence to do that more.
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I also noted there was a few times when Bannan passed the ball, ran past the opponent to get the ball back, but the ball was not returned and instead passed backwards when he was in an ideal position. It's not hard, just pass and move. He must get that ball back playing the reserves otherwise why would he make the move on numerous occasions which then begs the question, if the reserves can do it, why can't the first team?
I don't watch the reserves, but I'd imagine in there wee Barry is the star man/best player, so if he demands the ball he gets it. Moving up to the first team that won't be the case, mainly as they won't be fully aware of his game. But that'll come as he playes with them more.
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Hookey - what did gabby say bad about GED ? I haven't heard anything of this.
He was interviewed for either sky or a magazine / paper and was asked certain questions. One of them was along the lines of "So Gabby whats your thoughts on GH as the new Manager"
Gabby replied "Next question"
He was obviously one of the chosen few with MON due to him being a 100% effort player - maybe he sees that he is not golden bollocks anymore and will have to earn his place and maybe he does not like it
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Gabby has got to realise that he is not a nailed on starter, and get his head down, he looked way off the pace last night I'm afraid.
I can't believe iIve just heard an interview with Fat Sam in which he states we 'could'nt cope with Heskey' !!
And he was right, the big man has had plenty of stick over the years, including from me, but on that 35 minute appearance he has to be our first choice centre forward.
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Even if it's blues it will be on a tues or weds night , no way it would played at weekend.
After consultation with City centre Wetherspoons, Police have decided no kick off time is safe from bingeing knuckledraggers and have advised switching any potential Blues cup game to North Korea
They would still need a licence to Il
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As all have said - great last 30 mins. Fair play to Emile - outstanding contribution. Like the look of Lichaj, fast and decent passer. Carlos and Clark looked pretty comfortable as did wee Barry once he went wide. Ash is our best player, no doubt and he and Heskey had a great footballing understanding which makes me think they will be our front 2 in the next few games with Gabby injured and JC looking unfit/laboured. Albrighton and Downing on the wings on Sunday I suspect.
Nice to have a manager who makes tactical changes - he is a football man.
Poor crowd - but most were apart from Chelsea and Spurs. Glad I made it with the boys (kids) who were full of beans at the end compared to half-time.
We are 3rd faves for the cup - bring it on.
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Has anyone else highlighted that it was the first line-up in 4 years without 2 wingers? Just the one - and he ended up playing centrally and scoring twice. Hopefully, the end of MON means the end of 'no plan B'.
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As others have said that first half was probably the worst I have seen The Villa play for years, no passion, no forward passes, giving the ball away, playing like strangers, I even suggested to my son at half time, shall we go now? Second half so much better Bannon grew in confidence and started to go past players, he linked up well with Ashley who even let him take the odd free kick and corner. The Fonz got better once we had scored and Heskey led the line well. Sidwell looked very rusty but thats his first match for ages. An amazing turnaround once Heskey came on. We now have a level playing feild at Bodymoor Heath and everyone has a chance to shine.
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There was also a nice moment after the second goal, when McCallister and a couple of the other staff congratulated Sid on the bench. Not sure what he'd done or said, but he must of done something!
Sid being Sid, acknowledged the praise with a nod and got on with telling the team what to do.
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Yes we look better playing without the 2 winger system , more strength in midfield and better options rather than just knocking it out to the wing .
Maybe on sunday he will go heskey and ash up front with downing as the one winger and a midfield 3 of nige petrov and Ireland - I think that would be very flexible and good to see.
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First half we lacked all shape and structure. Those of you who question what Petrov provides only have to look at that for your answer.
Second half was a slight improvement to start with it and then a total transformation when Heskey came on. if that was the first time you'd seen him play you'd think we had a world beater on our hands.
Overall very encouraging the one downside being the crowd which, according to the Guardian match report, was lower than any during O'Neill's time. It's no surprise given the shaky start to the season but it is a pity that there weren't a few more there to see Gerry's first game.
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nice to see a manager with the ability and balls to change things around properly when plan a' isnt working...
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Usually takes me a good hour and a half to get back after the game - tonight just 40 minutes, a reflection on a very low turnout (18,500?).
18500 - was this league or Simod cup?
18500 is bad - but still twice as many as turned out for Bloose last night apparently!
9,450 according to BBC
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Last night's goals: http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/aston-villa-blackburn-6962297/
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Liverpool only got just over 20000and 4500 of those were from Northampton- bring on the wolves on Sunday- if heskey can get confidence from this display he could win a lot of us over in the coming months.
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Petty I know but our worst attendance in 4 years still comfortably trumps the cumulative total of the noses first two round in the competition.
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I hate the crowd we get for the early round of the cup. The season ticket holders behind me never come and I was get a load of dickheads sitting behind me.
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First half we lacked all shape and structure. Those of you who question what Petrov provides only have to look at that for your answer.
Second half was a slight improvement to start with it and then a total transformation when Heskey came on. if that was the first time you'd seen him play you'd think we had a world beater on our hands.
Don't see how you put the first half problems down to Petrov's absence when the problem was rectified without the introduction of Petrov. And we didn't exactly have an excellent shape and structure in the games against Vienna, Newcastle, Everton, and Bolton, all of which Petrov played in.
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First half we lacked all shape and structure. Those of you who question what Petrov provides only have to look at that for your answer.
Second half was a slight improvement to start with it and then a total transformation when Heskey came on. if that was the first time you'd seen him play you'd think we had a world beater on our hands.
Don't see how you put the first half problems down to Petrov's absence when the problem was rectified without the introduction of Petrov. And we didn't exactly have an excellent shape and structure in the games against Vienna, Newcastle, Everton, and Bolton, all of which Petrov played in.
It wasn't all down to his absence but it highlighted what we miss when he isn't the re. We couldn't do the simple things, we couldn't keep hold of the ball, we had nobody talking or organising, all of the things that Petrov does.
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Plan B and it worked.
Who was that centre forward who replaced Carew ?
How come Young can score a beautiful glancing header like that and miss like he did last time, in front of a near open goal.
Good way to start Houllier man, now we need a nice home draw next round
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First half we lacked all shape and structure. Those of you who question what Petrov provides only have to look at that for your answer.
Second half was a slight improvement to start with it and then a total transformation when Heskey came on. if that was the first time you'd seen him play you'd think we had a world beater on our hands.
Don't see how you put the first half problems down to Petrov's absence when the problem was rectified without the introduction of Petrov. And we didn't exactly have an excellent shape and structure in the games against Vienna, Newcastle, Everton, and Bolton, all of which Petrov played in.
It wasn't all down to his absence but it highlighted what we miss when he isn't the re. We couldn't do the simple things, we couldn't keep hold of the ball, we had nobody talking or organising, all of the things that Petrov does.
We've rarely been able to keep hold of the ball well, with or without Petrov - and 66% possesion suggests we actually did much better than we normally do last night. And talking and organising? Are you sure you are thinking of Petrov?
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First half we lacked all shape and structure. Those of you who question what Petrov provides only have to look at that for your answer.
Second half was a slight improvement to start with it and then a total transformation when Heskey came on. if that was the first time you'd seen him play you'd think we had a world beater on our hands.
Don't see how you put the first half problems down to Petrov's absence when the problem was rectified without the introduction of Petrov. And we didn't exactly have an excellent shape and structure in the games against Vienna, Newcastle, Everton, and Bolton, all of which Petrov played in.
It wasn't all down to his absence but it highlighted what we miss when he isn't the re. We couldn't do the simple things, we couldn't keep hold of the ball, we had nobody talking or organising, all of the things that Petrov does.
We've rarely been able to keep hold of the ball well, with or without Petrov - and 66% possesion suggests we actually did much better than we normally do last night. And talking and organising? Are you sure you are thinking of Petrov?
I thought the same - he doesn't seem to do any organising a far as I can see.
I think Chris has a point, though, in that we were lacklustre in the centre of midfield. What we needed is a player of Petrov's type, but ideally better than him.
Until we can get that, he'll have to do.
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I hate the crowd we get for the early round of the cup. The season ticket holders behind me never come and I was get a load of dickheads sitting behind me.
Same by us. I was the only season ticket holder in my row and I didn't recognise any of the people in the two rows in front.
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Didn't think I would ever write this on H&V .............but well done Emile Heskey !
There were some amazed looks on faces in L6 when he stroked the ball across
the face of the goal for the equaliser but he well deserved motm for his 30minute
cameo performance that won us the game and a place in the next round
Disappointed by lack of Gerard or Gary Mc in the techinical area until after the
Heskey goal, then both of them were like 'jack in the box' (perhaps they are
feeling their feet and getting to know the players)
Good to see that brains beats brawns ................wee Barry deserved a goal
with two excellent strikes on target in the second half
Neither Lichaj or Clark did themselves any harm either for the future
Can't recall such a physically large team at VP in ages - caused a few
laughs when our wee Scotsman was stood alongside them !
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I cant make out who played the ball through to Heskey for the goal?
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Young.
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I cant make out who played the ball through to Heskey for the goal?
Fair weather fan
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I think Chris has a point, though, in that we were lacklustre in the centre of midfield. What we needed is a player of Petrov's type, but ideally better than him.
Until we can get that, he'll have to do.
I think we already potentially have that player but he's crocked at the moment.
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I think Chris has a point, though, in that we were lacklustre in the centre of midfield. What we needed is a player of Petrov's type, but ideally better than him.
Until we can get that, he'll have to do.
I think we already potentially have that player but he's crocked at the moment.
I too see Delph as the long-term replacement for Petrov. He has energy and aggression, as well as a really good range of passing. Needs to improve his right foot, though he has fairly smacked a few shots with it.
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I cant make out who played the ball through to Heskey for the goal?
Fair weather fan
My sock drawer needed tidying out, and I've had a bit of a sniffle.
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Fat Sam's twitter remarks on meeting Houllier.
He goes: "But we should have ze chat." I reply: "Listen Clouseau, I've got my DS on the bus & i've nearly completed 'WordJong' so BACK OFF."
about 7 hours ago via web .
So I go to his office out of curiosity, and it turns out he did actually have wine and some Scampi Fries. Made my excuses and left.
about 8 hours ago via web
Houllier comes up to me after the game and offers me "some wine and nibbles" in his office. Then winks. Fucking French fruit. I was furious.
about 8 hours ago via web
Fat Sam's comments almost justify signing up to Twitter.
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Man City now definitely out.
So that's definitely Man City, Tottenham, Everton and Chelsea all out with Liverpool struggling.
Could be worth a sneaky five-finger shuffle over the missus while she's sleeping.
I'm up for that.
Are you sure she won't mind?
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This Delph must be a genius, and not the over excitable, kid who gives away dangerous free kicks too often for the teams health. He also fades in and out of games too and its no wonder he gets injured the way he tackles.
Still build him up, even when he's done little to justify it.
GH played a far better tactical system in the second half and considering by Mon's rules it was more than our reserve side , he got lucky.
I thought Young was superb and I still can't work out who that replacement for Carew was, amazing stuff.
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You must have seen a lot of Delph.
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To be fair, from what I've seen of Delph he's been fantastic (apart from the Wigan game). He absolutely bossed Juventus (I think, might have been Porto) in the peace cup, made them look very foolish. Obviously he's not quite ready for the Prem yet (how many 20 year old CMs are??), and injuries haven't helped, but I think he'll be fantastic given a couple of seasons of development under McAllister and Sid.
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This Delph must be a genius, and not the over excitable, kid who gives away dangerous free kicks too often for the teams health. He also fades in and out of games too and its no wonder he gets injured the way he tackles.
Still build him up, even when he's done little to justify it.
What's he done to upset you? Sure he's still a bit raw, which is why I said potentially the player to replace Petrov, but as Monty said he's got a good range of passing and good energy. Plus he's comfortable running out with the ball at his feet and isn't afraid to play quick potential killer balls out of defence. I've been very impressed with what little I've seen of him, like a cross between NRC and Petrov. Write him off if you like but Ithink you are wrong and I'd have him in now if fit.