Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on December 11, 2010, 10:32:51 AM
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Available Saturday evening.
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Three points. Of course we had to concede one late on again. Did you see the sign above our tunnel Houllier?
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I'll take it
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Thank christ for that. We have to stop conceding late goals. Carlos massively helped us today. Albrighton excellent and great header Emile.
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Thank God fot that. Albrighton superb again. Tips of the hat to Collins and Cuellar too.
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Why do we turn to mush on 87 minutes? Strange.
Overall, reasonably comfortable. Warnock still frightens me. Collins started shaky, but grew into it.
We looked untroubled once Coker came on a solidified the midfield. Until their goal anyway.
Carlos, that one mistake aside, was good. Lichaj impressive.
Albrighton man of match closely followed by Downing and Heskey. Ash was piss poor first half, good 2nd half.
That's more like it. Get some of the key players fitter, and sort out the weak middle and we'll improve our position. We need to win the next game for sure.
Could be better, but a wins a win and we played some good stuff in spells.
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A much needed three points, didn't care how we got them. We look better at the back with Carlos.
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A 2nd City Derby and no pitch invasion?
Well, the weekend's not over yet!
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Thank fuck for that.
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Lichaj & Cuellar very well done boys, good solid display at the back and you even began to bring Ginge back to what he does best!
Heskey looked good after being out so long, Gabby will have a real fight to get back in if we carry on 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1...
Young Marc had a great game once again and Downing looked really good too...
Fucking Chuffed to bloody bits!!
UTV
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Thank god for that, but still very nervy performance at times. If they'd have equalised at the end I would have probably torn my own head off.
I hope Carlos stays in the team, bar that error at the end he was in the right place at the right time all of the time.
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Much needed, but another late goal conceded.
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Cuellar made a huge difference, but it was an all-round better performance. Albrighton was a delight to watch at times. Both goals taken well. Defensive frailties still apparent, another late goal, but a win, and a much-needed one. Got to get three points at Wigan now.
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Had almost forgotten what a win felt like, makes such a difference to the weekend! Didn't sound that convincing though
With my 'relegation hat' on, West Ham lost and Fulham, Wigan and even Everton only got a point
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Well that was a bit better. Carlos looking the sort of defender MON refused to acknowledge, allbrighton, Downing, Lichaj, Emile all positives. Nervy performance but not surprising really - always got a chance if half your team are playing well and the others are at least trying.. WBA piss poor in truth. Least it gives us a bit of breathing space till the transfer window opens. I really hope GH has been phoning round already lining up deals because the hole in the centre of midfield is there for all to see and needs to be plugged asap. A better team would have punished us today.
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I really enjoyed that. Three points, back to winning ways and a good, hard fought local derby. Thought the kids played well and deserve a lot of credit but as Houllier mentioned in the week, he was looking for players that were up for the battle. In Downing, Collins, Carlos, Ashley and Heskey, he found them.
As I mentioned pre-match, the Baggies are far from a bad side but overall we just had too much for them. Today was about attitude as much as it was about the 3 points after Monday night, so it's wonderful to see us winning on both scores today.
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Well done, Carlos. Now, back to the bench for 6 weeks.
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Surprised more people haven't mentioned Downing. Thought he was the best player on the pitch today, slightly ahead of Albrighton. He tracked back well, caused a threat, put some good balls in and scored the opener. Gutted to have not kept a clean sheet again but a much needed 3 points.
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a lot less panick at the back, put NRC in the middle and we will have enough to stay away from trouble, Albrighton is becoming a real player, thought Ash worked his socks off.
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Agree HEITS, downing put in a good shift
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Downing was very good again and did well to get in at far post for the goal. First half they were the better side, and second half we improved a lot.
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Well that was a bit better. Carlos looking the sort of defender MON refused to acknowledge, allbrighton, Downing, Lichaj, Emile all positives. Nervy performance but not surprising really - always got a chance if half your team are playing well and the others are at least trying.. WBA piss poor in truth. Least it gives us a bit of breathing space till the transfer window opens. I really hope GH has been phoning round already lining up deals because the hole in the centre of midfield is there for all to see and needs to be plugged asap. A better team would have punished us today.
Cant agree with the Albion being piss poor Greg.
Probably the best baggies team I have seen at the Villa for a few years, which goes to show how hard the Villa lads all worked for each other today to get a result.
Never thought I would ever say this, but Heskey was for me the key player today. Albrighton was class. Downing is probably the most consistant this season.
Need a new keeper though. Brad looks all at sea when crosses come in.
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Noticed Milner used as a bit part player again maybe a loan deal for the rest of the season!?
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Well that was a bit better. Carlos looking the sort of defender MON refused to acknowledge, allbrighton, Downing, Lichaj, Emile all positives. Nervy performance but not surprising really - always got a chance if half your team are playing well and the others are at least trying.. WBA piss poor in truth. Least it gives us a bit of breathing space till the transfer window opens. I really hope GH has been phoning round already lining up deals because the hole in the centre of midfield is there for all to see and needs to be plugged asap. A better team would have punished us today.
Cant agree with the Albion being piss poor Greg.
Probably the best baggies team I have seen at the Villa for a few years, which goes to show how hard the Villa lads all worked for each other today to get a result.
Never thought I would ever say this, but Heskey was for me the key player today. Albrighton was class. Downing is probably the most consistant this season.
Need a new keeper though. Brad looks all at sea when crosses come in.
to me WBA's masterplan today was kick ashley. I thought they were supposed to be better than that. Expected a bit more from them at least given our injury problems. Can't fault the effort we put in today and maybe all the recriminations the past week have done some good. Agree that Emile was crucial - never thought i'd say that on here
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Much better- positive team selection and lichaj, cuellar and heskey fully deserve to retain their places , shame about another late goal but a good performance , downing afain outstanding and can't really fault anyone too much today, defence more solid , more service from crosses and heskey very very good- nice to see fonz come on rather than Carew too!
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Cuellar was brilliant, and the block Collins pulled off at the end was excellent. Thought Hogg played really well, worked tirelessly and never gave their ball players time. Thought the game passes Bannan by, but he's young and just come back from injury.
Well done lads, going to have a good piss up at the Bescot now for my Christmas do.
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We needed a win and got a win, can't ask for more than that. Now we need 3 points against Wigan, because we have a tough run after that.
Dunne did not look a happy bunny at all on the bench.
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Heskey really put a shift in today. A big difference to watching Carew lumber around.
Carew will not get a look in if Emile is fit and rightly so.
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We needed a win and got a win, can't ask for more than that. Now we need 3 points against Wigan, because we have a tough run after that.
Dunne did not look a happy bunny at all on the bench.
Another plus for me that. if they're not doing it they should be dropped and fairplay to GH for being brave enough
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Good performance, shame we couldn't keep a clean sheet.
Was impressed with Albrighton, Cuellar and Heskey.
Lichaj was very good, was happy with his debut.
Warnock was awful (again) first half, second half he was better, probably because he didn't have too much to do.
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PHEW!!!!!!!!!
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Apart from the first 20 mins, we never looked like losing. Nice one lads, job well done
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Much needed win.
The Olbiyun will feel a tad unlucky but fcuk 'em.
Cuellar needs to stay in the side.
That is all.
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Just back and thought we did well considering especially second half when we dominated and stopped Albion playing. Special mention to Hogg who easily had his best game, composed, hard tackling and good passing. Also a good game for Lichaj, Carlos (which brought out a better performance in Collins), Albrighton and Downing. Heskey and Ash worked tirelessley and Albion's tactic of kicking him off the pitch was what we should all expect from Smethwick Utd. Better atmosphere today - Albion shut up as soon as we scored, I thought they were the world's best?
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Gold stars: Heskey, Cuellar, Lichaj, Hogg, Albrighton.
Silver: Downing, Young
Tries hard award: Warnock.
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Dunne needs to get used to that bench under his ponderous arse
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Huge relief - must admit I was beyond stressed for the last 2-3 mins - not the best performance we have ever out in but today that was not as important. Cannot see Dunne getting back in anytime soon as I will be extremely annoyed if he does next week.
Nice feeling to win again and the beer will taste that bit nicer tonight !
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I was impressed with The Baggies until we scored, they pass it around quite well, unfortunately for them it wasn't in the important areas. Very disappointed that we conceded yet another late goal, however the plus points today far outweigh that negative, we needed a result and got one, the defence looked quite composed and I thought Hogg had an excellent game.
Heskey header to give us three points in a derby for the second time this season, hopefully he stays fit. Two great crosses from Albrighton for the goals, great to see NRC back.
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Gold stars: Heskey, Cuellar, Lichaj, Hogg, Albrighton.
Silver: Downing, Young
Tries hard award: Warnock.
Really??? Hogg better than Downing? I didn't think so. SD was MOTM for me.
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Before we scored, it looked like we were going to get thrashed, but they lost their way a little after our goal.
The second half, however, was a complete turnaround and by the end of the match I thought we thoroughyl deserved the victory. I don't recall Friedel having to do anything.
Credit to GH for turning it around and finally dropping Dunne and playing Lichaj.
Credit also to Warnock, who was ripped apart in the first half from by tall bloke (who was it?), played very well in the second half and did not let his opponent have a chance to do anything.
Hogg seems to be improving as a player. He's getting involved more.
I like the way the young players always seem to try and pass the ball, even when in defensive situations. OK, sometimes they're going to mess (and they'll be slaughtered by fans when they do), but if we want to change the way we play, we're going to have to accept a few mistakes along the way. It's obvious that's how they play in the reserves and youth sides, so it's nice they're trying to bring that into the first team.
Can we follow it up next week is the question? Certainly no reason why we can't.
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Gold stars: Heskey, Cuellar, Lichaj, Hogg, Albrighton.
Silver: Downing, Young
Tries hard award: Warnock.
Really??? Hogg better than Downing? I didn't think so. SD was MOTM for me.
Really??? First half he was pretty poor. Fair enough in the 2nd half he, finally, made some challenges and good passes, but MOTM, no way.
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Ash was named MOTM by sponsors...I sometimes think they are pissed when they do this!
Surely , Downing, Cuellar and Hogg were in front of him?
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A good game today because we played to our stengths, our defenders concentrated on defending and getting the ball out of danger, not trying to pass their way out of trouble, and we used our pace well on the counter attack. Both Cuéllar and Lihai had good games and i hope we keep that defence for the game against Wigan. Having Heskey up front allowed us to knock the ball forward quickly and retain possession, and both Downing and Albrighton had very good games. Young worked hard for the team too. I think all of the young players looked good today. But the best thing is how we worked as a team, and whilst quite a few players made mistakes, there was nearly always someone there to cover for them. Good result and a much needed three points.
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The Olbiyun will feel a tad unlucky but fcuk 'em.
Why? Other than the period of the game before we scored, they did nothing.
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Very good feeling leaving Villa Park with a smile on my face again. As I missed the Blackpool match so it was a long time ...
They played us off the park in the first half and just before we scored I had slumped back into my seat fearing the worst.
Rene made some changes on how we were playing and we closed them down more effectively. We dominated the 2nd hald till the last 5 mins but pleased we hung on.
I wish we were more clinical when in good positions and I wish Ash would stop complaining and start pressuring defenders more.
Defence much better with Carlos and very impressed with young Lichaj. They put lot of balls to their left in the first half and he stood up well.
NRC/Bannan subbing was bang on and hopefully Nige will start at Wigan next week. Jon Hogg is impressing me more and more. With him amd Reo-Coker together we will have more stability in midfield and that will free up Albrighton and Downing to attack more.
3 point were needed and we got them...nothing else matters.
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Gold stars: Heskey, Cuellar, Lichaj, Hogg, Albrighton.
Silver: Downing, Young
Tries hard award: Warnock.
How about must try harder for Warnock?
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It must be hard to take for them, the majority seemed to have convinced themselves they only needed to turn up to win, aaagh well, two cracking balls in from Marc for the goals, still not sure who scored the second? Warnock was skinned time and time again in the 1st half by Tchoyi but to his credit came out 2nd half and had him in his pocket, credit to Cuellar, Lichaj and Hogg too
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Dunne needs to get used to that bench under his ponderous arse
But will the bench carry his weight, I bet it groaned today
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after monday was just glad to see some fight. gotta keep it going though
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Has BCV appeared yet?
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A big welcome back to Heskey and Carlos. I said the other night we have missed Heskey, I know he is not the most popular but before he got injured he was a key player for us.
Good to see Carlos playing and also to see a player like Dunne dropped.
The players need to know if they aint good enough, out of shape or out of form they will get dropped. The problem we have had is we are so thin on the ground its been impossible to drop anyone!
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Hogg seems to be improving as a player. He's getting involved more.
I like the way the young players always seem to try and pass the ball, even when in defensive situations. OK, sometimes they're going to mess (and they'll be slaughtered by fans when they do), but if we want to change the way we play, we're going to have to accept a few mistakes along the way. It's obvious that's how they play in the reserves and youth sides, so it's nice they're trying to bring that into the first team.
I was thinking exactly the same. A few people mentioned during the week how Houllier needs time to bring in his own players to play the his style. He's landed on his feet with our kids who have been brought up to play football the right way. They really have done us proud and on todays performance, I may have to eat humble pie regarding Lichaj, who I've never been that impressed with. Today I thought he put in a solid first team debut.
Agree about Hogg too. The lad suffered a serious injury a while back that may slowed down his development but looks like he has what it takes to claim a place in the squad. It was great to have Barry Bannan back, even if he did drift out the game in the second half. As for Albrighton, I've always been a fan and although there's plenty of room for improvement, he looks like being a great player even if he's not quite ready to play the full 90 minutes. As a striker, Houllier is doing the right thing with the Fonz, giving him a few minutes here and there, building up his confidence which I thought was shot after the summer away with England U19's.
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Heskey, Downing, Albrighton and Cuellar were good.
I thought the game passed our central midfield pairing by for long spells but despite that i was impressed by Hogg today. Encouraging.
We were at our most productive when breaking quickly down the wings, same as it ever was really.
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I thought it was close to an O'Neill performance today. We got the ball forward quickly, played off Heskey, who had a fine game, got it wide and into the box quickly.
It suited the shape of the team he played. Maybe Houllier's gone back to basics a little and recognised that although he wants to play a better passing game, it shouldn't be to the exclusion of what has made this squad relatively successful in the last two or three years.
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Good performance, a long awaited win. Not sure why Warnock is getting so much criticism and Lichaj so much praise, thought they were pretty similar in terms of performance(both getting skinned at times but doing some good stuff as well). Not criticising Lichaj because I know it was his first game and he was decent but Warnock doesn't deserve some of the criticism imo.
Anyway, special mention to Carlos, Collins, Hogg, Downing and Albrighton. Onwards and upwards and hopefully 3 more points at Wigan
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Just got back and mightily pleased to get 3 points - anything less today and I think we'd have been in the brown stuff for sure. Albion played well in the first half and if the shot that hit the bar had gone in I think we may have struggled to get a result. But then we get the first goal and started to play some good football, especially in the second half. Always needed a second goal though. And why do we always panic now - when what should be game over with 10 minutes left turns into a nail biter.
Some real positives. Dunne can be dropped. And hopefully now Carlos will keep his place - he showed he is the better player at the Moulinex, and he's shown it again today. Very impressed with Lichaj - another good player in the making from our academy. Albrighton ditto - excellent performance. Bannan and Hogg good but I think we still need more steel than that in midfield - maybe Delph with NRC or Stan will look more like it, but again hats off to the academy. As for the senior players - Downing and Heskey were tremendous, and Ash had some outstanding patches in the second half, Warnock OK,and Collins all the better for having Carlos next to him.
Not a world beating performance, but 3 points were essential.
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Delighted with the result. Would echo the previous post's of Downing, Heskey, Lichaj, Cuellar and Albrighton all put in great shifts. The old man made a great point, how much of the defence's insecurities are due to Friedal's recent uncertainties?
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Your old man makes a good point about Friedal Dan
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Word is they're looking to move Friedel (and Warnock) on in Jan.
Both have played like condemned men in recent weeks, though apart from one lunge in the first half Warnock was far better today.
A shame for Brad, he's been largely solid for us during his time here.
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Well done lads, 3 points - West Brom thought they just had to turn up so did their wanky fans.
Downing and Young were on song, boy do we need Gabby back..........
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Thank fuck for that.
25 years and counting for those inbred yam yam wankers, and don't they fucking hate it!
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Someone said to me today that Friedel is moving on in Jan. I think this would be his last season for us anyway. He's been a good keeper for us but I think there's a lack of communication between him and his back four, and for me he's too slow off his line and doesn't dominate his box as much as I'd like him to. Maybe this is behind the jitters we've seen in our defence this season. Hopefully we have someone better on the horizon - Shay Given perhaps, or maybe Rene has his eye on some foreign talent. The days of scouring solely the PL or SPL for our squad are surely now over?
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It clearly isn't a coincidence and isn't rocket science that playing Cuellar means we are better in defence and have a better chance of winning the game. One piece of the puzzle has now been put together with Cuellar returning to his spot in defence... I think it gave all Villa fans and Villa players more confidence today.
You just HAVE to love Heskey... I was laughing with a buddy of mine who is a West Brom fan last night saying how we thought Heskey would score, and he did just exactly that.
Atleast we can enjoy today after a disaterous run of form... another 3 points against the Pie Eaters would be great and then we can start to look up at those European places instead of looking down at the bottom.
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Gold stars: Heskey, Cuellar, Lichaj, Hogg, Albrighton.
Silver: Downing, Young
Tries hard award: Warnock.
Really??? Hogg better than Downing? I didn't think so. SD was MOTM for me.
Me also
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Someone said to me today that Friedel is moving on in Jan. I think this would be his last season for us anyway. He's been a good keeper for us but I think there's a lack of communication between him and his back four, and for me he's too slow off his line and doesn't dominate his box as much as I'd like him to. Maybe this is behind the jitters we've seen in our defence this season. Hopefully we have someone better on the horizon - Shay Given perhaps, or maybe Rene has his eye on some foreign talent. The days of scouring solely the PL or SPL for our squad are surely now over?
Hmmmmm I've heard the same rumour.
Given would make a great replacement.
Also heard Lescott is coming.
UTV
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It was uncomfortable if they hadn't hit the bar could have been a different story! Was nice to see Lichaj in the team I thought he was excellent & defended very well with some solid tackles, Cuellar made a big difference the only thing that let him down was his distribution but he's never going to be that kind of player anyway.
Well done Albrighton and Heskey but I thought their right winger caused Warnock a lot of problems.
Overall happy with 3 points
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Thank fuck for that.
25 years and counting for those inbred yam yam wankers, and don't they fucking hate it!
I was walking down the witton lane and they were singing we got more points than you, NOT TODAY wankers
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Ash was named MOTM by sponsors...I sometimes think they are pissed when they do this!
Surely , Downing, Cuellar and Hogg were in front of him?
maybe because for the blokes sitting in those boxes, that didn't watch the game, sipping champers and eating cucumber sarnies, he's the only player they've heard of.
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Good game, good result. Cuellar was immense, Young (A.) was great and Albrighton had a solid game. NRC had a good cameo performance at the end. Things look bright.
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the result today was far more important than the performance. Even watching it on TV you could feel the air going out of the stadium as soon as they scored. The fact that we managed to hold on will do the players a huge favour. Going into what is a difficult 4 games, and I include Wigan away in that, we needed the maximum today.
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Although I enjoyed the game, and thought we played well, you do have to realise it was only West fucking Brom we beat, and still managed to concede a basic goal. The real test is in two weeks.
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thought that Ash was fouled a lot today, and he seemed to be getting straight back up most of the time, instead of rolling around,
i have been a big critic of his for diving about to much, so hope he's begining changed his ways
or was that just me dreaming it ?
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thought that Ash was fouled a lot today, and he seemed to be getting straight back up most of the time, instead of rolling around,
i have been a big critic of his for diving about to much, so hope he's begining changed his ways
or was that just me dreaming it ?
No I thought he did as well
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thought that Ash was fouled a lot today, and he seemed to be getting straight back up most of the time, instead of rolling around,
i have been a big critic of his for diving about to much, so hope he's begining changed his ways
or was that just me dreaming it ?
aye. thought he was kicked all of the pitch which rather played into our hands in the end tactically.
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Ash was named MOTM by sponsors...I sometimes think they are pissed when they do this!
Surely , Downing, Cuellar and Hogg were in front of him?
maybe because for the blokes sitting in those boxes, that didn't watch the game, sipping champers and eating cucumber sarnies, he's the only player they've heard of.
Must admit, I too thought Ash was the best player on the pitch second half.
You'd have expected them at one down to come out all guns blazing after the break but straight away we played to ball to Ash out left, he got taken down - then like an old pro, made the most of being injured and getting treated, delaying the game etc.
Afterwards whenever the ball was played to him he kept it, held play up and totally frustrated them because they just couldn't get the ball off him without giving a foul away - and he just kept drawing them into conceding a foul every time. Coupled with the likes of Hogg closing them down quickly in the middle of the park the Albion just couldn't get any rythym going at all.
Very pleased with Heskey too.
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Well I'll take that. Thought culler lichaj and heskey played excellent. We struggled to keep the ball once heskey went off.
Ash covered every blade of grass and albrighton only needs a half chance to cross and he can change a game.
Also a well done to the villa marketing team. We hD family over today and I ended up taking six extra people as it was only two tickets for £30. Non of them villa fans but they had a great day.
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Not long back. Nerve wracking at times, but good result.
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3 vital points. Young mom for me.
Albion fans giving it the bigun before the match too, on Witton Lane. Not anymore! :-)
Anyone else wonder why the police suddenly made their way up by Tesco and 3 riot vans too? We could only guess at their being a special offer on coffee and doughnuts!
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Tunnel Entrance (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bad-english/38729558/) by Bad English (http://www.flickr.com/people/bad-english/), on Flickr
Three points. Of course we had to concede one late on again. Did you see the sign above our tunnel Houllier?
It's changed since we changed crest.
Sorry, it was niggling me.
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Gold stars: Heskey, Cuellar, Lichaj, Hogg, Albrighton.
Silver: Downing, Young
Tries hard award: Warnock.
Really??? Hogg better than Downing? I didn't think so. SD was MOTM for me.
I also thought that Stewie was MOTM. Excellent both in attack and covering back (which he had to do a lot of first half due to Collins and Warnock looking all at sea)
Eric had a couple of bad moments but was otherwise excellent. Hogg impressed as well but Bannon had a poor game. NRC looked good in his short spell.
Emile and Ash worked tirelessly.
Hopefully we'll see Carlos get a run in the side now.
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Delighted with the win, Gerard had some big decisions to make and didn't shirk them.
Carlos made a massive difference and Hogg impresses me more every time I see him, whether he will be a first teamer at Villa or not, he will have a decent career.
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I don't really come across Albion fans. I live in Leamington and am from south Birmingham, so I've never really met any, and as a result don't share the hatred of a lot on this site.
However, listening to them on WM on the way home, what a bunch of whingey, pompous ****** they are. All this "irrayfair, we wuz the best soide in the first half" bollocks and going on about what great football they play, and how quiet Villa park was etc etc.
They really are a bunch of deluded fuckwits.
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I also thought that Stewie was MOTM. Excellent both in attack and covering back (which he had to do a lot of first half due to Collins and Warnock looking all at sea)
I think half of Warnock's problem has been the lack of cover from Downing but today there wasn't a harder working player on the pitch than Downing. I even saw him put in a tackle - and win it! He's also our highest goalscorer, which when you consider his record before joining us, is some achievement. The man can go home tonight very proud of his performance. He gave everything.
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Everything Albion supporters said after the match was the sort of thing litle club supporters say after they've played a big club - ref was against us, played well, really proud, they was all quiet. They are basically an elongated version of Walsall.
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Serves you right for listening to WM Paulie!
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Good game, good result. Cuellar was immense, Young (A.) was great and Albrighton had a solid game. NRC had a good cameo performance at the end. Things look bright.
What - All Word Up and Larry Blackmon like ? 8)
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And yet again we saw Adrian Fucking Chiles walking round looking for cameras. What a horrible, nauseous gobshite he is.
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Can't stand Chiles.
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I don't really come across Albion fans. I live in Leamington and am from south Birmingham, so I've never really met any, and as a result don't share the hatred of a lot on this site.
However, listening to them on WM on the way home, what a bunch of whingey, pompous c***s they are. All this "irrayfair, we wuz the best soide in the first half" bollocks and going on about what great football they play, and how quiet Villa park was etc etc.
They really are a bunch of deluded fuckwits.
They were a right bunch of mouthy morons before the match, they genuinly thought they only had to turn up to win, did'nt hear a thing out of them as soon as we scored until the last minute
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A few points:
Hogg would probably be off to Walsall or somewhere if it hadn't been for our injury crisis, now he looks like a Premier League midfielder, these are the breaks and good luck to the lad.
Albrighton didn't look match fit but came up with two excellent assists, what a future he has.
Lichaj was excellent, Collins looked like a defender again at last, Cuellar will see to it that Dunne never plays for us again hopefully.
If we had had a fit and firing Gabby alongside Heskey today we'd have had six.
Olbiyun (grudgingly) have some very good players and play very good football, if they had had Odemwingie fit they may have edged this.
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Why do we turn to mush on 87 minutes? Strange.
Overall, reasonably comfortable. Warnock still frightens me. Collins started shaky, but grew into it.
We looked untroubled once Coker came on a solidified the midfield. Until their goal anyway.
Carlos, that one mistake aside, was good. Lichaj impressive.
Albrighton man of match closely followed by Downing and Heskey. Ash was piss poor first half, good 2nd half.
That's more like it. Get some of the key players fitter, and sort out the weak middle and we'll improve our position. We need to win the next game for sure.
Could be better, but a wins a win and we played some good stuff in spells.
Pretty much how I saw it as well Tom. Other thing I wanted to mention was the commitment of the players supporting each other. Hogg I thought did a great job, covering others and harrassing the Baggie players.
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Lihaj, Cuellar, Hogg, Albrighton and Heskey were excellent, but Ashley Young was the difference between the sides, all they could do was kick him...dirty ollbeyun bastards.
Listening to them lot from Smethwick after the game it was exactly the same as it has been for the last 25 years, whinge, moan, complain, "it ay fair".
I'm actually looking forward to work on Monday as they're all ollbeyun bastards.
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You've got to hand it to Ash. Yes he whinges; yes he goes down a bit too easily; yes he sometimes makes the wrong decisions, but he seems to me the kind of player who would always put in a solid shift simply because he loves playing the game. As usual he was up and down the pitch today, tackling, finding space, beating opponents - and he's a lot tougher than a lot of people think for someone who O'Neill described as having to run round in the shower to get wet. He gets a lot of heavy challenges and in the main manages to avoid nasty injuries - when was the last time Ash had to miss a march through injury? I really thought he might have a nasty one today with the Sharmer challenge, but up he popped. Good for him and let's hope he stays and fights for the test of the year. We really noticed his absence against Liverpool.
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Ash was named MOTM by sponsors...I sometimes think they are pissed when they do this!
Surely , Downing, Cuellar and Hogg were in front of him?
maybe because for the blokes sitting in those boxes, that didn't watch the game, sipping champers and eating cucumber sarnies, he's the only player they've heard of.
Must admit, I too thought Ash was the best player on the pitch second half.
You'd have expected them at one down to come out all guns blazing after the break but straight away we played to ball to Ash out left, he got taken down - then like an old pro, made the most of being injured and getting treated, delaying the game etc.
Afterwards whenever the ball was played to him he kept it, held play up and totally frustrated them because they just couldn't get the ball off him without giving a foul away - and he just kept drawing them into conceding a foul every time. Coupled with the likes of Hogg closing them down quickly in the middle of the park the Albion just couldn't get any rythym going at all.
Very pleased with Heskey too.
Please don't take my comments as a slight against Ash. I thought he was excellent. Just that you have to wonder sometimes about sponsor's awards when they often go to the most popular or obvious players. While Ash played well, I think most would have been delighted had Albrighton or Downing got it. Not really that important though in the grand scheme of things.
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Please don't take my comments as a slight against Ash. I thought he was excellent. Just that you have to wonder sometimes about sponsor's awards when they often go to the most popular or obvious players. While Ash played well, I think most would have been delighted had Albrighton or Downing got it. Not really that important though in the grand scheme of things.
Merson Syndrome. They give it the player they want their photo taken with.
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We needed that. I saw some things different to most, i thought Lichaj was well beaten in the first half but grew as the game went on, Heskey was enormous yes he mucked up a couple of times but his effort was first rate and doesn't he look a happier player under GH. Wee Barry is the weakspot in midfield love his skills but needs to be action man to make it. Commentator said Ash to Liverpool in January this cannot happen.
We need to hang on to our good players how long before they're sniffing around Albrighton.
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Forgot to mention earlier - Lichaj has a hell of a throw on him
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Please don't take my comments as a slight against Ash. I thought he was excellent. Just that you have to wonder sometimes about sponsor's awards when they often go to the most popular or obvious players. While Ash played well, I think most would have been delighted had Albrighton or Downing got it. Not really that important though in the grand scheme of things.
Merson Syndrome. They give it the player they want their photo taken with.
That would sound more like the anti-Merson syndrome.
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Forgot to mention earlier - Lichaj has a hell of a throw on him
Yes I noticed that, could be a usefull weapon although i dont want us to turn into stoke
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Forgot to mention earlier - Lichaj has a hell of a throw on him
Yes I noticed that, could be a usefull weapon although i dont want us to turn into stoke
There's nowt wrong with how Stoke use throw ins, nobody complains about teams who take corners well, just because throw in takers who can deliver like that are in short supply, doesn't make it wrong.
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Forgot to mention earlier - Lichaj has a hell of a throw on him
Yes I noticed that, could be a usefull weapon although i dont want us to turn into stoke
There's nowt wrong with how Stoke use throw ins, nobody complains about teams who take corners well, just because throw in takers who can deliver like that are in short supply, doesn't make it wrong.
As a tactic, I agree, but when it becomes a strategy you end up kicking for position, like in the game with the egg-shaped ball. That's fucked up innit.
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Phew... I had to go out for the last few minutes as I couldn't take it. Still we hung on and the injured players are coming back!
Positives... the kids are playing well and Cuellar should keep his place now!
Negatives... The next 5 games or so, can someone show Warnock video's of last season and show him what he can do?
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However, listening to them on WM on the way home, what a bunch of whingey, pompous c***s they are. All this "irrayfair, we wuz the best soide in the first half" bollocks and going on about what great football they play, and how quiet Villa park was etc etc.
They really are a bunch of deluded fuckwits.
And they've never been any different, you could replay that after every game we've played against them since 1985 and they'd be saying the same thing, over and over and over zzzzzzzzzzzz.
It gives us a good laugh though.
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Sweet win.
Dean Sturridge is annoying.
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Everything Albion supporters said after the match was the sort of thing litle club supporters say after they've played a big club - ref was against us, played well, really proud, they was all quiet
Hmm, a bit like us after the Chelsea semi-final!
Didn't see the game. But I think there's probably something in others' views that going back to basics, and trying to manage the transition over a bit more time, is going to be more sensible.
Am I right to think Bannan has started to struggle a tad in centre midfield? Perhaps Hogg and NRC should be the central partnership until Delph and Petrov are fit.
Downing has been easily our best player this season, rivalled only by Heskey and Albrighton. Emile hasn't played enough games, but if he can actually score goals he's well suited to the lone frontman role.
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[/quote
Downing has been easily our best player this season, rivalled only by Heskey and Albrighton.
Other than an honourable mention for some very encouraging signs from Ashley Young, what he said.
Downing has been easily our best player this season, rivalled only by Heskey and Albrighton. Emile hasn't played enough games, but if he can actually score goals he's well suited to the lone frontman role.
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Downing has been easily our best player this season, rivalled only by Heskey and Albrighton.
Other than an honourable mention for some very encouraging signs from Ashley Young, what he said.
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I'm just glad we got the win i think we were much better in the second half and Downing played really well again so did Carlos, Heskey, Albrighton and Collins who redeemed himself and looks better with Carlos alongside him keep Dunne on the bench GH and i am an happy Villa fan for a change.
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This win was so sweet i told you lot i HATE the TESCO-BAGS :)
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great result bearable performance, well done Heskey, lichja, Albrighton , Cuellar and Downing, still our man of the season for me. Young did well if he could be as direct and as effective a crosser of the ball as Albrighton he'd be some player.
Thought the Baggies looked really good so was pleased Brad only conceded 1 late on. The midfield kids looked tired they surrendered possession with too many bad passes. Still with options returning daily now, here's hoping the corner has nearly been turned.
The Xmas fixtures might change that but then a good win areal good win in one of them could change the whole season.
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We defended so much better as a team, not just the back 4 but we harried and closed down and made them work hard for everything all over the pitch. Heskey made a big difference and it was noticeable that they came back into the game when he went off. Hogg really looked the part today as did Lichaj. Young was probably the right choice for motm but Cuellar, Downing and Albrighton all ran him close.
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A win, by hook or by crook, was what we needed, although a clean sheet would have been nice as well.
To be fair, I thought the Baggies were the better team going forward and I can see why they've done well on their travels.
Having said that, there were some positives to take out of the match, not least Heskey and NRC coming back: we just now need to follow it up with a win next week...
One final thing. Was it me, or was the atmosphere really flat for large parts of the game? From the crowd noise alone, I'd never have known it was a local derby.
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Really pleased wiht the win.
Friedel - 7 - Not much to do but solid in what he did. Seemed to be more decisive with through balls into the box.
Lichaj - 7 - Was up against a tricky fucker of a winger and coped very well, really grew in the second half.
Cuellar - 7 - Solid and all the usual things from carlos, keep him in we've missed having a row Z defender
Collins - 7 - shaky first half but grew into the game and was back to the collins of old by the end
Warnock - 6 - ropey first half when Tchoyi (he's a fucking beast) ripped him a new one but second half he had him in his pocket!
Bannan - 5 - Game seemed to pass Barry by today I felt but he never gave up
Hogg - 7 - Terrier today and despite being outgunned his ground coverage and in your face attitude more than made up for other shortcomings
Albrighton - 7 - Good performance, 2 assists, still not quite fit either so more to come
Young - 8 - Slow start in the first half but second half showed why we will miss him if he goes, top quality premiership play
Downing - 8 - Superb, mr Consistency this season, fits superbly into our style of play
Heskey - 7 - the Football genius that is Mr Em returns and he worked his bollocks off for the team, a goal to round a of a super display
NRC - 7 - shored things up in midfield and a nice little cameo
Delfo - not on long enough but seemed to work hard
Houllier - 8 - made the big decisions in this game at the right time i.e before the match dropping Dunne
Fans - 3 - We're becoming a joke. Has the Lower Holte become the upper Trinity?
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Heskey, Downing and Ashley were brilliant.
Cuellar was assured and solid, dealt with everything.
Collins and Warnock were poor, although I suspect Collins' performance was down to getting dragged out to LB by the ever-calamatous Warnock.
Lichaj did well, but his sliding tackles were often due to poor positioning. Didn't realise he was so tall though. Think he can be an asset... His throw is quality too.
Does make you wonder what on earth we're doing paying Habib Beye 40k a week for when a reserve debutant can offer that.
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We defended so much better as a team, not just the back 4 but we harried and closed down and made them work hard for everything all over the pitch. Heskey made a big difference and it was noticeable that they came back into the game when he went off. Hogg really looked the part today as did Lichaj. Young was probably the right choice for motm but Cuellar, Downing and Albrighton all ran him close.
That saving block from Collins towards the end summed it up, haven't seen that effort for some time, Cuellar must have filled Collins with so much confidence.
I'm guessing that we won't see Dunne in a Villa shirt again.
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Hogg doesn't look the most gifted technically, but in terms of offering something to the team I think he's ahead of Delfouneso.
His work rate is excellent and he harrasses other players, a bit like Fletcher at Man Yanighted.
If he keeps that level up, he can definitely be a squad player here. As a third man in midfield getting about the pitch and getting stuck in I think he's perfect.
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I've not been a fan of Hogg to be honest, but yesterday was his best game for us by a mile, he was very good. Also very impressed with Lichaj. Stuck to his position well unlike Warnock, who seems to be going downhill a bit. Heskey made a difference for us as well, it's good to have him back.
Overall a much needed win, but we need to follow it up against Wigan next week before we think we've turned the corner.
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Sweet win.
Dean Sturridge is annoying.
Oh good, I thought that it was just me!
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Collins and Warnock were poor,
Warnock did well enough, some of his clearances were superb and his distribution from defence better than all but Lichja. He was up against their most in form player and only when Downing covered back properly and Hogg started to get some grip in midfield their threat through Tchoyi ceased.
Our midfield was the weak spot their majority over all possession stats proved
Why continually making Warnock an escape goat rocks your boat I've no idea.
When we learn to take control of the midfield something we rarely did even under Mon, all the defenders will get better.
To do that of course we need real midfield players, not inexperienced kids or overpriced, overpaid dilettantes and cry babies
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Fans - 3 - We're becoming a joke. Has the Lower Holte become the upper Trinity?
Scheeeeeeeeeee.. y-o-u b-e c-a-r-e-f-u-l n-o-w....n-o n-e-e-d t-o w-a-k-e e-m u-p
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I think to be fair to Warnock, the guy he was marking, is their best player, and you did'nt see him 2nd half, so Warnock deserves some credit for that.
MOM for me was Heskey, he was key to our performance/result yday.Worked hard, won nearly every flick on, held the ball up, and at one time an emergency RB in the 1st half.Cuellar come a very close 2nd.......our best defender, and playing in his best position.
Licjah........yed, i would perserve with him, strong , quick, likes a tackle, good passer.Over enthusiastic sometimes but worth a run, far better than LYoung anyway.
Hogg, and Bannan.........thought Baz struggled yday, did'nt get enough of the ball, but when he does get it looks real quality.Not sure a 4 man midfield suits him.Hogg, for me looks a very decent player, not sure he is going to be a 1st teamer, but for me, i would rather keep Hogg and see how hedevelops, than give NRC a wage rise.
Albrighton, and Downing.....Marc is becoming our most important player, can develop to be a really good player, needs to get his head up sometimes, but his crossing is top, top quality, and we always look like creating something when he gets on the ball.Downing, still our player of the season, lovely pass, getting goals, probably our most creative player, i think we have to accept he will never be a strong tackler.
AYoung, worked really hard yday, as he aleays does, held the ball up, tries to play that link role.....indespensable?....not sure he is that effective tbh in this role.
What happened to Ireland yday?
Olbiyon........a bit like us, pretty, but did'nt really look like scoring.
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My MOM is Downing due to the 1st goal and the deliver quality.
Look good to see the hard work rate of our players.
Warnock - Some problem with their Winger but it is OK
Cuellar and Collin - Many Nice Block
Albrighton - Nice Cross and Pace
Young - Nice Pace (Anyway I still thinking that he will be better in the wing position)
Heskey - Give us a muscle up front. Good to see him back.
Still wait for the arrival of Central midfield and Striker.
Villa Forever
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(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/38729558_08679d415a.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bad-english/38729558/)
Tunnel Entrance (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bad-english/38729558/) by Bad English (http://www.flickr.com/people/bad-english/), on Flickr
Three points. Of course we had to concede one late on again. Did you see the sign above our tunnel Houllier?
It's changed since we changed crest.
Sorry, it was niggling me.
I know, sorry. I like to call it a 'badge'. And I haven't been back on the tour since we changed 'badges', so I haven't got another photo. Houllier can still genuflect while pretending it's Anfield though.
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Collins and Warnock were poor,
Warnock did well enough, some of his clearances were superb and his distribution from defence better than all but Lichja. He was up against their most in form player and only when Downing covered back properly and Hogg started to get some grip in midfield their threat through Tchoyi ceased.
Our midfield was the weak spot their majority over all possession stats proved
Why continually making Warnock an escape goat rocks your boat I've no idea.
When we learn to take control of the midfield something we rarely did even under Mon, all the defenders will get better.
To do that of course we need real midfield players, not inexperienced kids or overpriced, overpaid dilettantes and cry babies
I thought the problem down that side was Warnock, he still hasn't found his form yet. He got better as the game went on, when he seemed to take on board the rollickings that both Collins and Downing were rightly dishing out.
We still seemed panic stricken at times when balls were launched into our box but it was a good performance and the right result. A great deal of relief being expresed in the bars afterwards.
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I think to be fair to Warnock, the guy he was marking, is their best player, and you did'nt see him 2nd half, so Warnock deserves some credit for that.
MOM for me was Heskey, he was key to our performance/result yday.Worked hard, won nearly every flick on, held the ball up, and at one time an emergency RB in the 1st half.Cuellar come a very close 2nd.......our best defender, and playing in his best position.
Licjah........yed, i would perserve with him, strong , quick, likes a tackle, good passer.Over enthusiastic sometimes but worth a run, far better than LYoung anyway.
Hogg, and Bannan.........thought Baz struggled yday, did'nt get enough of the ball, but when he does get it looks real quality.Not sure a 4 man midfield suits him.Hogg, for me looks a very decent player, not sure he is going to be a 1st teamer, but for me, i would rather keep Hogg and see how hedevelops, than give NRC a wage rise.
Totally agree. Hogg is already as good nrc and will get better. So why give him 50k a week for 3 years when we already have a player who is already in the same mould ??
Albrighton, and Downing.....Marc is becoming our most important player, can develop to be a really good player, needs to get his head up sometimes, but his crossing is top, top quality, and we always look like creating something when he gets on the ball.Downing, still our player of the season, lovely pass, getting goals, probably our most creative player, i think we have to accept he will never be a strong tackler.
AYoung, worked really hard yday, as he aleays does, held the ball up, tries to play that link role.....indespensable?....not sure he is that effective tbh in this role.
What happened to Ireland yday?
Olbiyon........a bit like us, pretty, but did'nt really look like scoring.
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Warnock and Collins much better.
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Whilst I agree Ashley Young did some good things, is he really the answer to the second striker/No.10 position?
Imo the person who plays there should be scoring on a fairly consistent basis. How many attempts on goal did Ashley have yesterday?
His natural instinct when he receives the ball is to try and beat a defender (or two) and run with the ball, he rarely moves the ball immediately on to some one else whilst moving into space for the return ball.
If we are going to play the present system then I do not think he is the person to play there. If the rumours about Robbie Keane are correct, then surely he will play in this position, leaving Ashley to fight out the wide positions with Downing and Albrighton.
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Hogg reminded me of Dennis Wise yesterday.
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You think he's a wanker?
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Got drunk and smashed up a taxi?
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Hogg reminded me of Dennis Wise yesterday.
I said exactly the same to my mate.
And he replied with something similar to this:
You think he's a wanker?
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My MOM is Downing due to the 1st goal and the deliver quality.
Look good to see the hard work rate of our players.
Warnock - Some problem with their Winger but it is OK
Cuellar and Collin - Many Nice Block
Albrighton - Nice Cross and Pace
Young - Nice Pace (Anyway I still thinking that he will be better in the wing position)
Heskey - Give us a muscle up front. Good to see him back.
Still wait for the arrival of Central midfield and Striker.
Villa Forever
Top Post Mate Funeral the Throstles
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after all the doom and gloom, if we win next week we could go 8th I believe.
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and if we lose we'll be possibly 1 point from the bottom 3. Half glass type thing.
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Much better. A game we had to win for numerous reasons and did...just about.
Baggies were better first 20 minutes but once we scored they really didn't offer that much until that late show so it was as comfortablish as you usually get in a derby.
Great to see Carlos back and playing well, I wasn't happy with Houllier on monday so time to givve him credit by dropping Dunney which the previous manager wouldn't have done imo. He also made some good subs at key times.
Young was better yesterday in the second half but still not convinced with him directly through the middle.
Going back to him being captain, interesting move. Don't think it will convince him to sign a new deal anytime soon but watching him and he does appear to relish being the proper "leader" out there so hopeully we'll see some more decisive performances for however long he remains here.
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Whilst I agree Ashley Young did some good things, is he really the answer to the second striker/No.10 position?
Imo the person who plays there should be scoring on a fairly consistent basis. How many attempts on goal did Ashley have yesterday?
His natural instinct when he receives the ball is to try and beat a defender (or two) and run with the ball, he rarely moves the ball immediately on to some one else whilst moving into space for the return ball.
If we are going to play the present system then I do not think he is the person to play there.
Only once yesterday did Ashley play direct, when the Baggies centre half ballsed up and Ashley took the ball off him, went to the byline and put a cross in that almost led to Heskey scoring. It's what he used to do a couple of seasons back, terrorising defences and getting the ball in the box. I'd certainly like to see him play that way more than he currently does. He's extremely skillfull but we don't need a demonstration every time he has the ball. Ronaldo used to do a similar thing when he first joined Man Utd until Fergie told him to stop pissing about and move the ball into the danger zone. The rest as they say, is history.
I can't fault Ashley's commitment but I think he certainly could be more effective.
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I just wish he could cross and take a decent corner, more often than the 1 in 20 he completes at the moment.
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My MOM is Downing due to the 1st goal and the deliver quality.
Look good to see the hard work rate of our players.
Warnock - Some problem with their Winger but it is OK
Cuellar and Collin - Many Nice Block
Albrighton - Nice Cross and Pace
Young - Nice Pace (Anyway I still thinking that he will be better in the wing position)
Heskey - Give us a muscle up front. Good to see him back.
Still wait for the arrival of Central midfield and Striker.
Villa Forever
Top Post Mate Funeral the Throstles
Indeed. Good to see you back Saranyu.
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Have to say I'm more in the glass half empty brigade about the game. The result was needed and we got it just about. Cuellar made a difference at the back and he anticipated everything but made a horrific mistake at the end that thankfully wasnt punished. Our wide players finally showed a bit of application and that was key in the second half as West Brom couldnt get their wide duo into the game. Hogg was combative, Heskey was good in the first half, Young brilliant in the second half. Lichaj showed some promise too.
But there were many negatives. Bannan was a total passenger in midfield. Lost really and needs a spell out of the side. Maybe booting Ireland out was required but I felt he did enough in Anfield to be selected ahead of the Scottish Xavi. Hogg is so limited with the ball and as a result Ashley Young found it difficult to get in the game as they couldnt find him. That is what made his second half performance so good as it was mostly his industry that got him the ball and he used it excellently. Lichaj's dive in first ask questions later approach got him by ok generally but Cuellar had to do a lot of cleaning up behind him. Thought he looked a good athlete anyway and was decent on the ball but felt Thomas troubled him too. Warnock was pathetic in the first half. West Brom targetted him and he was exposed badly. In the second half he made a few decent interceptions but dont know why West Brom didnt get the ball out there more often. Collins improved too after a very shaky start but I still didnt think he was great. Heskey was hopeless in the second half. Fitness hopefully the issue. Thought Friedel was shaky again and how we didnt see out the clean sheet was worrying. West Brom had a glorious chance to equalise too. Dont get me wrong those three points were badly needed but Wigan is as crucial really. If Luke Young is back Id certainly put him in there ahead of Warnock as Nzogbia will surely target that flank. Id bring Clark in next to Reo Coker in midfield for height alone as we are being destroyed at set pieces. Heskey ahead of Gabby too for the moment.
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I thought Hogg did a very good job
A future anchor role in midfield
Heskey stepped up to the plate as did Ash & Downing
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relieved...
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Highlights (http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/aston-villa-west-brom-motd-7834616/)
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Anyone notice the clown in the lower holte (L4) who started shouting abuse towards GH (think he called him a "big-nosed French wanker"), except he waited until I'm fairly sure Houllier was gone down the tunnel. He was with his son and all. Embarrassing.
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Highlights (http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/aston-villa-west-brom-motd-7834616/)
Thanks. Was away last weekend and missed all the action.
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Watching that I have just realised that it's the first time I've actually heard GH speak since he took over.