That was...not great.That was what I was going to say...
Decent point. Good first half, poor second half.Yea but one was Heskey...
PLayed 4 four forwards and barely had anyone in the box. Hope it's more positive next week.
A good point but sadly I fear it will be the first of many drab goalless draws under McLeish. We really have no creativity in the side.
Heskey should not be playing the role he did, Ireland or Bannan would be a better option and as I said Makoun has to play.
bannan and/or ireland has to start the next game-we need quality balls to unlock defences
i fear he will pick the same side next game
Wolves and Bolton in the automatic champions league places.
I'm not sure what was worse; Playing Heskey or not taking him off despite his poor performance. How was he not subbed? Not a good sign.agree 100%, getting selected in the first place is bad enough but to have to endure ANOTHER season of persisting with him will be hard to stomach.Should have gone a long time ago, there has to be a better option than him.
Yeah, I'm not going to be spending the year watching whatever that was supposed to be.
At the end of my tether.
Good. Buh-bye.
Heskey cannot play the role he did today.Neither can Gabby and I dont see anyone giving him and stick.........
Heskey cannot play the role he did today.Neither can Gabby and I dont see anyone giving him and stick.........
Heskey cannot play the role he did today.Neither can Gabby and I dont see anyone giving him and stick.........
Well Heskey played more behind Bent for a lot of the game. It was kind of a different role, but Gabby didn't suit the wing either.
I actually enjoyed that, especially the first half, where if N'Zogbia hadn't been so ineffective, we'd have been on top. Good pressing, showed ambition to try and dominate play and everybody looked for the pass.
Second half, Fulham came back into it as you'd expect and we started to look more disjointed but not as bad as we have been over the years. The big problem, apart from N'Zogbia, is the lack of creativity up front. We're relying on Luke Young getting forward on the right which leaves us vunerable in defence, Heskey can't plat effectively for 90 minutes, ditto Petrov. Gabby, despite his solid first half is playing far too wide and giving Bent no or little support. Stat of the game was 1 (one) shot on target.
MOTM without a doubt was Delph. Looked very comfortable and looks to pass forward with every ball.
I just hope the morons give McLeish a chance without referring to him as "ginger prick" before he's even finished managing us for 90 minutes. There's plenty of work to be done but on today's performance, the changes are quite obvious and if he can get the team organised with more creativity and supply to Bent, the season could be a lot more interesting than we've imagined.
Very much like watching a MON game without the crosses!
I actually enjoyed that, especially the first half, where if N'Zogbia hadn't been so ineffective, we'd have been on top. Good pressing, showed ambition to try and dominate play and everybody looked for the pass.
Second half, Fulham came back into it as you'd expect and we started to look more disjointed but not as bad as we have been over the years. The big problem, apart from N'Zogbia, is the lack of creativity up front. We're relying on Luke Young getting forward on the right which leaves us vunerable in defence, Heskey can't plat effectively for 90 minutes, ditto Petrov. Gabby, despite his solid first half is playing far too wide and giving Bent no or little support. Stat of the game was 1 (one) shot on target.
MOTM without a doubt was Delph. Looked very comfortable and looks to pass forward with every ball.
I just hope the morons give McLeish a chance without referring to him as "ginger prick" before he's even finished managing us for 90 minutes. There's plenty of work to be done but on today's performance, the changes are quite obvious and if he can get the team organised with more creativity and supply to Bent, the season could be a lot more interesting than we've imagined.
I'm sure it isn't what you mean Mark, but it does sound like you're throwing N'Zog under the bus!
Very much like watching a MON game without the crosses!
That's exactly what I thought.
People complaining about lack of creativity... if we played the right team, right formation and players playing in their positions I hope we would be more creative making more chances. McLeish didn't play the right team, neither did he play the right formation and also played players out of position... so we weren't really going to look that good going forward.
N'Zogbia in the middle and Heskey on the left wing is just baffling i'm afriad.
People complaining about lack of creativity... if we played the right team, right formation and players playing in their positions I hope we would be more creative making more chances. McLeish didn't play the right team, neither did he play the right formation and also played players out of position... so we weren't really going to look that good going forward.
N'Zogbia in the middle and Heskey on the left wing is just baffling i'm afriad.
People complaining about lack of creativity... if we played the right team, right formation and players playing in their positions I hope we would be more creative making more chances. McLeish didn't play the right team, neither did he play the right formation and also played players out of position... so we weren't really going to look that good going forward.
N'Zogbia in the middle and Heskey on the left wing is just baffling i'm afriad.
Time to cash in on Gabby..
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young.
Time to cash in on Gabby..
And do what with the 5mil? No, he's best off at the Villa, we have no other strikers to cover Bent as Heskey and Delfouneso are, and never will be, good enough. I thought Gabby was ok today, the oaf however......
Yeah, right.
Time to cash in on Gabby..
Yeah, right.
And do what with the 5mil? No, he's best off at the Villa, we have no other strikers to cover Bent as Heskey and Delfouneso are, and never will be, good enough. I thought Gabby was ok today, the oaf however......
Well i think AM has set his stall out. Disappointing for those who though he was going to turn us into Brazil now "he has better players to work with" (larf!). Still, excitement at a football match is overrated i say. A point away to Fulham is not to be sniffed at though.
Well i think AM has set his stall out. Disappointing for those who though he was going to turn us into Brazil now "he has better players to work with" (larf!).
Well i think AM has set his stall out. Disappointing for those who though he was going to turn us into Brazil now "he has better players to work with" (larf!). Still, excitement at a football match is overrated i say. A point away to Fulham is not to be sniffed at though.
You honestly think Heskey as an attacking midfielder, essentially, is fine when there's Bannan and Ireland on the bench, do you? Oh, and how's the anti-Delph crusade going?
Well i think AM has set his stall out. Disappointing for those who though he was going to turn us into Brazil now "he has better players to work with" (larf!). Still, excitement at a football match is overrated i say. A point away to Fulham is not to be sniffed at though.
You honestly think Heskey as an attacking midfielder, essentially, is fine when there's Bannan and Ireland on the bench, do you? Oh, and how's the anti-Delph crusade going?
not really sure what point you're trying to make Monty. Pretty sure i didn't pick the team
Well i think AM has set his stall out. Disappointing for those who though he was going to turn us into Brazil now "he has better players to work with" (larf!).
Judging and dismissing the manager after one game? (larf!) (facepalm)
Not one game , his whole managerial career. He's not known for flowing free-passing football is he and i'm not sure if it would be that good an idea if he did try to turn us into Brazil. He hasn't got the personnel for a start.
ive seen worse games under our previous 2 managers and ive seen us create less even with young, downing, milner in the side. i thought first half we were better than fulham and attempted to pass the ball around, keeping it on the floor to feet and looking to work chances that way. 2nd half fulhams extra match sharpness seemed to come into play, and although disappointingly we started to go long more often, it wasnt the camped in our own penalty box for 45 minutes and play on the break we saw at times under O'Neil. yeah the stats read 1 shot on target, but that isnt always an accurate measure of chances. i thought both heskey and collins should have at least got the ball on target from their headers (lovely crosses by nzogbia). i thought nzogbia and albrighton could have done better when they had good setups to shoot from. 2nd half heskey was 18 yards out, in the middle of the goal and had ages to line up and let fly. then he decided to pass it backwards and out wide.
the defence, in particular dunne are still unable to go 1 game without making stupid, needless fouls. and collins and warnock need to realise they do not have the ability to make the long passes they keep trying. petrov needs to pass forwards once in a while and maybe carry the ball into the opposition half. delph did this well today.
Well i think AM has set his stall out. Disappointing for those who though he was going to turn us into Brazil now "he has better players to work with" (larf!).
Judging and dismissing the manager after one game? (larf!) (facepalm)
Not one game , his whole managerial career. He's not known for flowing free-passing football is he and i'm not sure if it would be that good an idea if he did try to turn us into Brazil. He hasn't got the personnel for a start.
My only point Mark was the formation and general dullness was what i expected. i don't think that equates as a dig at the manager as such.
My only point Mark was the formation and general dullness was what i expected. i don't think that equates as a dig at the manager as such.
There was nothing wrong with the formation, just the selection. As I said before the game when I saw the team, it looked like AM was trying to accomodate players rather than pick his team. As for dullness, I can't remember the last time we've taken the game to the opposition away from home like we did today, especially in the first half.
As that mentalist Chris Smith said, give AM 12 or 13 games before we start judging him. For once, he was spot on. Unless we lose to Blackburn, in which case, grab the rope and head for a tall tree.
Checks fixture list games 14-19.... I thought so.
Back to the usual last on MOTD tongithWho apart from you gives a flying fu*k about where we are in the running order for MOTD.
Lerner has made his statement and looks to me as though he wants a tidy balance sheet for a new potential buyer.Hate to say it, but that actually makes more sense than the complying with the financial fair play rules line.
Heskey and gabby aren't suited to playing the roles they held today , I'd go with -Prefer your selection to AM's eastie.
Given
Young. Dunne Collins. Warnock
Delph. Petrov. Makoun
Ireland. Nzogbia
Bent
Just back from the game, apart from a ten minute spell at the start of the second half, we looked comfortable.Hooray for a reality check. At least one Villa fan saw the same match that I did.
Albrighton for N'Zogbia made us look more threatening and we looked more solid than last season. Lots of hard work from the team, Heskey won loads in the air, and Collins still sprays long diagonal balls out for throw ins to the opposition.
I'd have taken a point before the game, so not to disapointed.
Just back from the game, apart from a ten minute spell at the start of the second half, we looked comfortable.Hooray for a reality check. At least one Villa fan saw the same match that I did.
Albrighton for N'Zogbia made us look more threatening and we looked more solid than last season. Lots of hard work from the team, Heskey won loads in the air, and Collins still sprays long diagonal balls out for throw ins to the opposition.
I'd have taken a point before the game, so not to disapointed.
Heskey and gabby aren't suited to playing the roles they held today , I'd go with -I like that except maybe swap Ireland for either Albrighton or Gabby.
Given
Young. Dunne Collins. Warnock
Delph. Petrov. Makoun
Ireland. Nzogbia
Bent
I m sorry but he has no footballing brain. In the past three seasons he hasn't developed as a player.
Heskey and gabby aren't suited to playing the roles they held today , I'd go with -I like that except maybe swap Ireland for either Albrighton or Gabby.
Given
Young. Dunne Collins. Warnock
Delph. Petrov. Makoun
Ireland. Nzogbia
Bent
Heskey and gabby aren't suited to playing the roles they held today , I'd go with -I like that except maybe swap Ireland for either Albrighton or Gabby.
Given
Young. Dunne Collins. Warnock
Delph. Petrov. Makoun
Ireland. Nzogbia
Bent
Sorry Eastie, but I have to disagree with that as a team - I think if we're going to play Ireland he has to be central, otherwise the game just seems to pass him by, he's a player who needs to see a lot of the ball to make things happen.
That aside, three defensive midfielders seems excessive even for McLeish!
Heskey and gabby aren't suited to playing the roles they held today , I'd go with -I like that except maybe swap Ireland for either Albrighton or Gabby.
Given
Young. Dunne Collins. Warnock
Delph. Petrov. Makoun
Ireland. Nzogbia
Bent
Sorry Eastie, but I have to disagree with that as a team - I think if we're going to play Ireland he has to be central, otherwise the game just seems to pass him by, he's a player who needs to see a lot of the ball to make things happen.
That aside, three defensive midfielders seems excessive even for McLeish!
I agree with what you say about Ireland, but don't see Makoun, Delph and Petrov as particularly defensive.
To be fair to him petrov put in a shift today and I doubt would be left out after his performance today.
I agree with what you say about Ireland, but don't see Makoun, Delph and Petrov as particularly defensive.
To be fair to him petrov put in a shift today and I doubt would be left out after his performance today.
Not a bad result even if we didn't show much flair.
We already have more away clean sheets than we managed last season. As you'd imagine Big 'eck will make us solid again.
I wouldn't write-off our creativity just yet. Zoggy and Albrighton are great crossers of the ball, Bananaman and Ireland have the ability to play the slide-through balls. We'll get better.
I have left my family at the sea and I have made 250 Km just to see the game on Sky TV and i have remained very disappointed.
We were very poor, and the new formation 4-2-3-1 with Bent lonely striker, Heskey in the hole and Gabby on the wing was quit inexplicable.
The fullbacks are quite unwatchable I don't remember that they made one cross.
Albrighton, Bannan, Makoun and even Irelan could claim to play in this squad.
McLeish says he has to sell before he can bring in players, the problem is, the players we don't need people won't buy because of the obscene wages O'Neill put them on. (Heskey and Beye to name but two)
Just got back. Fulham is one of the best away days on the calender, with several really good pubs to choose from.
Happy with the point if not the performance.
If we can draw our away games and win our home games we will be fine. Roll on next week.
The negatives.
Petrov - I still fail to see what he gives us (other than the laundry woman the sweatiest shirt ever)
Just got back. Fulham is one of the best away days on the calender, with several really good pubs to choose from.
Happy with the point if not the performance.
If we can draw our away games and win our home games we will be fine. Roll on next week.
Just got back. Fulham is one of the best away days on the calender, with several really good pubs to choose from.
Happy with the point if not the performance.
If we can draw our away games and win our home games we will be fine. Roll on next week.
Good to see you, and meet Fin, in the Duke's Head, Martin. Couldn't believe what you paid for the train from Stafford - a cracking deal; we had a good drive back here - got back just after 7.30 which is a record for London.
I know its only the highlights but we didnt look as bad on MOTD as some ppl have been making out on here
No conceding from a set piece. No conceding late goal. A tad boring but if it keeps us up so be it.
I thought Dunne was ok today Archie, still a little clumsy at times especially when he gave away a couple of free kicks in dangerous positions.
Staggering that is our first away clean sheet since Hull April 2010.
Point taken but I'd also take the point on the first away game of the season with a clean sheet.I know its only the highlights but we didnt look as bad on MOTD as some ppl have been making out on hereWe had 1 (one) shot on target in 90 minutes.
Important we didn't lose today. Nothing much to get excited about, it was a performance entirely in keeping with the atmosphere around the club these days.
Could be a season of attrition but if we stay organised like that we should be OK in mid-table.
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
Heskey and gabby aren't suited to playing the roles they held today , I'd go with -Prefer your selection to AM's eastie.
Given
Young. Dunne Collins. Warnock
Delph. Petrov. Makoun
Ireland. Nzogbia
Bent
Perhaps v Blackburn?
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
That's not what I said though is it? My comment was specifically about the crosses he put in today. One thing we were all frustrated about with Ash was his crosses, be they open play or set pieces. I think N'Zogbia will prove to be a better crosser than Ash and better in dead ball situations. He'll have to do much, much more than that to be a better all around player than him, and I'd be mental to suggest that his is.
...
I was surprised by how decent Warnock looked again. He still has some improving to do, but his positioning was much better than over the last year and a half and he didn't look as ready to dive in.
Staggering that is our first away clean sheet since Hull April 2010.
And finally, just a thought as to why Heskey was played (and why we might see more of him) - apart from the two centre-backs we are a very small side, and Heskey did good work defending set pieces.
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
That's not what I said though is it? My comment was specifically about the crosses he put in today. One thing we were all frustrated about with Ash was his crosses, be they open play or set pieces. I think N'Zogbia will prove to be a better crosser than Ash and better in dead ball situations. He'll have to do much, much more than that to be a better all around player than him, and I'd be mental to suggest that his is.
...
You said;
" N'Zogbia is going to be a big asset for us this season. His crossing is already a step up from Ash."
It was 30 minutes into the first game of the season and it was a silly thing to say. He had an indifferent performance with a couple of half-decent crosses, none of it was "a step up from Ash". Hopefully he will get better, I think he will.
Oh, and it looks like the police have put and end to The 8 Bells stupidity, bouncers on the door when we walked past and boards up saying nobody allowed outside.
Oh, and it looks like the police have put and end to The 8 Bells stupidity, bouncers on the door when we walked past and boards up saying nobody allowed outside.
There were bouncers on the door last season as well, in fact there were people on the door of all the pubs we went into, apart from The Bricklayers.
How can you start with four forward players and still look that toothless?
There were so many times when Bent was in the box with the ball on his own, that's not how we want him. We need Gabby and N'Zogbia getting beyond Bent.
Same shape, Bannan in for Heskey and a reshuffle for me.Stan - Delph
Bannan
N'Zogbia - Bent - Gabby
The problem is I am no sure whether Gabby has the intelligence to play the wider attacker role. He is ok as the main outlet up front but that role is occupied by Bent, Gabby needs to learn how to play alongside Bent - when to go out wide, when to come in close etc. The big conundrum is "can he do it?" Unfortunately if he cannot then AM needs to bring in someone who can - whether that is Albrighton again I am not sure at this stage of his learning curve. I do not doubt that N'Zogbia can play this role and just needs matches to get fit and build an understanding with Bent.
Whoever has to view the anti Putney Sewage Tower petition will be surprised at how many Brummies feel strongly about the issue.I signed it, got to love middle class ladies.
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
That's not what I said though is it? My comment was specifically about the crosses he put in today. One thing we were all frustrated about with Ash was his crosses, be they open play or set pieces. I think N'Zogbia will prove to be a better crosser than Ash and better in dead ball situations. He'll have to do much, much more than that to be a better all around player than him, and I'd be mental to suggest that his is.
...
You said;
" N'Zogbia is going to be a big asset for us this season. His crossing is already a step up from Ash."
It was 30 minutes into the first game of the season and it was a silly thing to say. He had an indifferent performance with a couple of half-decent crosses, none of it was "a step up from Ash". Hopefully he will get better, I think he will.
Was it me or did I hear some booing towards the end of the game?There were some blokes behind us who booed at the end. They were also unimpressed with the applause McLeish got as he came out at the start of the second half and booed him then too. I don't think they were in their seats at the start of the first half or no doubt they'd have booed then too.
and another mate getting £2 change of out £10 for 2 pints of Fosters in The Bricklayers. Good old London.
Thats just made my blood boil reading that, talk about not giving the guy a chance ffs, I had a similar story at Sunderland last season, stood next to 3 or 4 total air heads calling Ged this, that and the other through-out the game in what was something like just his fourth or fifth game, We don't half have some knobs following us at times, although thankfully it seems that the majority got behind the boys and Mcleish yesterday.Was it me or did I hear some booing towards the end of the game?There were some blokes behind us who booed at the end. They were also unimpressed with the applause McLeish got as he came out at the start of the second half and booed him then too. I don't think they were in their seats at the start of the first half or no doubt they'd have booed then too.
Thats just made my blood boil reading that, talk about not giving the guy a chance ffs, I had a similar story at Sunderland last season, stood next to 3 or 4 total air heads calling Ged this, that and the other through-out the game in what was something like just his fourth or fifth game, We don't half have some knobs following us at times, although thankfully it seems that the majority got behind the boys and Mcleish yesterday.Was it me or did I hear some booing towards the end of the game?There were some blokes behind us who booed at the end. They were also unimpressed with the applause McLeish got as he came out at the start of the second half and booed him then too. I don't think they were in their seats at the start of the first half or no doubt they'd have booed then too.
Another slightly surreal sight was Villa fans shaking the hands of Met officers outside the ground before the game, presumably in recognition of what they've gone through over the last week.Likes
The families of the three lads killed are an absolute credit to the entire city of Birmingham. I'm glad the club showed their sympathies for them, but for all of the innocent people whose lives have been hurt by the recent events. And yes, all of the services, police, fire, rescue need to be applauded too for putting themselves in harms way.
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
That's not what I said though is it? My comment was specifically about the crosses he put in today. One thing we were all frustrated about with Ash was his crosses, be they open play or set pieces. I think N'Zogbia will prove to be a better crosser than Ash and better in dead ball situations. He'll have to do much, much more than that to be a better all around player than him, and I'd be mental to suggest that his is.
...
You said;
" N'Zogbia is going to be a big asset for us this season. His crossing is already a step up from Ash."
It was 30 minutes into the first game of the season and it was a silly thing to say. He had an indifferent performance with a couple of half-decent crosses, none of it was "a step up from Ash". Hopefully he will get better, I think he will.
It's not a silly statement as I said it also considering his play at Wigan. Look at some of his crosses and free kick goals at Wigan as an example. Ash, given the opportunities he got with us didn't deliver the same quality. He put in some very good crosses to Heskey and Collins, both of which we should have done better on.
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
That's not what I said though is it? My comment was specifically about the crosses he put in today. One thing we were all frustrated about with Ash was his crosses, be they open play or set pieces. I think N'Zogbia will prove to be a better crosser than Ash and better in dead ball situations. He'll have to do much, much more than that to be a better all around player than him, and I'd be mental to suggest that his is.
...
You said;
" N'Zogbia is going to be a big asset for us this season. His crossing is already a step up from Ash."
It was 30 minutes into the first game of the season and it was a silly thing to say. He had an indifferent performance with a couple of half-decent crosses, none of it was "a step up from Ash". Hopefully he will get better, I think he will.
It's not a silly statement as I said it also considering his play at Wigan. Look at some of his crosses and free kick goals at Wigan as an example. Ash, given the opportunities he got with us didn't deliver the same quality. He put in some very good crosses to Heskey and Collins, both of which we should have done better on.
*rolls eyes* again.
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
That's not what I said though is it? My comment was specifically about the crosses he put in today. One thing we were all frustrated about with Ash was his crosses, be they open play or set pieces. I think N'Zogbia will prove to be a better crosser than Ash and better in dead ball situations. He'll have to do much, much more than that to be a better all around player than him, and I'd be mental to suggest that his is.
...
You said;
" N'Zogbia is going to be a big asset for us this season. His crossing is already a step up from Ash."
It was 30 minutes into the first game of the season and it was a silly thing to say. He had an indifferent performance with a couple of half-decent crosses, none of it was "a step up from Ash". Hopefully he will get better, I think he will.
It's not a silly statement as I said it also considering his play at Wigan. Look at some of his crosses and free kick goals at Wigan as an example. Ash, given the opportunities he got with us didn't deliver the same quality. He put in some very good crosses to Heskey and Collins, both of which we should have done better on.
*rolls eyes* again.
you keep rolling your eyes again. Next time the Spurs financial statement comes out and you get on your soapbox, we'll collectively roll our eyes.
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
That's not what I said though is it? My comment was specifically about the crosses he put in today. One thing we were all frustrated about with Ash was his crosses, be they open play or set pieces. I think N'Zogbia will prove to be a better crosser than Ash and better in dead ball situations. He'll have to do much, much more than that to be a better all around player than him, and I'd be mental to suggest that his is.
...
You said;
" N'Zogbia is going to be a big asset for us this season. His crossing is already a step up from Ash."
It was 30 minutes into the first game of the season and it was a silly thing to say. He had an indifferent performance with a couple of half-decent crosses, none of it was "a step up from Ash". Hopefully he will get better, I think he will.
It's not a silly statement as I said it also considering his play at Wigan. Look at some of his crosses and free kick goals at Wigan as an example. Ash, given the opportunities he got with us didn't deliver the same quality. He put in some very good crosses to Heskey and Collins, both of which we should have done better on.
*rolls eyes* again.
you keep rolling your eyes again. Next time the Spurs financial statement comes out and you get on your soapbox, we'll collectively roll our eyes.
I think Ashley Young just showed what a silly little statement yours was.
Was it me or did I hear some booing towards the end of the game?I didn't hear any booing. There was some irritation in the last 15 mins or so as fans felt that we could have won the game with a bit more aggression but overall upon leaving the ground everyone appeared happy with the point.
and another mate getting £2 change of out £10 for 2 pints of Fosters in The Bricklayers. Good old London.
Sorry TV, I'm afraid I can't agree that N'Zogbia has already shown he is a step up on A Young. He'll have to do considerably better than that for a sustained period of time.
That's not what I said though is it? My comment was specifically about the crosses he put in today. One thing we were all frustrated about with Ash was his crosses, be they open play or set pieces. I think N'Zogbia will prove to be a better crosser than Ash and better in dead ball situations. He'll have to do much, much more than that to be a better all around player than him, and I'd be mental to suggest that his is.
...
You said;
" N'Zogbia is going to be a big asset for us this season. His crossing is already a step up from Ash."
It was 30 minutes into the first game of the season and it was a silly thing to say. He had an indifferent performance with a couple of half-decent crosses, none of it was "a step up from Ash". Hopefully he will get better, I think he will.
It's not a silly statement as I said it also considering his play at Wigan. Look at some of his crosses and free kick goals at Wigan as an example. Ash, given the opportunities he got with us didn't deliver the same quality. He put in some very good crosses to Heskey and Collins, both of which we should have done better on.
*rolls eyes* again.
you keep rolling your eyes again. Next time the Spurs financial statement comes out and you get on your soapbox, we'll collectively roll our eyes.
I think Ashley Young just showed what a silly little statement yours was.
did I ever say that Ash never put in a good cross? I think you're getting a little bit carried away here by harping on about a minor statement I made based an an opinion. Isn't there something more mundane like bashing Faulkner or Randy you could be doing to death?
Rolls, baps or cobs?Rolls are long, cobs are round and baps are flat and floury.
This is a general point re AY, and not aimed at you, Toronto, but I heard a statistic yesterday regarding how many of our goals last season were either scored by, or involved Ashley Young.
I can't remember the figure, but it made me think "fucking hell" - ie it was very high.
I never for the life of me understood why some of our fans moaned and whinged about him all the time. No, his last couple of seasons weren't as good as the first two, but he was very, very important for us nonetheless.
I entirely understand why he went, we were never going to hold on to him when Man United came in (although gratifyingly, we never had to flog him to the like of Spurs or a club on a similar level to us), but we are going to find it very difficult to replace him. Incidentally, for all the brickbats we're (rightly) throwing at him, the same goes for Downing.
N'Zogbia might turn out to be a fine replacement for one of those two, and I really, really hope he is, but we had a hint yesterday of how important it is that we supply Darren Bent with ammo, and with Young and Downing both gone, it's going to take something pretty extraordinary to keep up the same level of supply.
N'Zogbia might turn out to be a fine replacement for one of those two, and I really, really hope he is, but we had a hint yesterday of how important it is that we supply Darren Bent with ammo, and with Young and Downing both gone, it's going to take something pretty extraordinary to keep up the same level of supply.
This is a general point re AY, and not aimed at you, Toronto, but I heard a statistic yesterday regarding how many of our goals last season were either scored by, or involved Ashley Young.
I can't remember the figure, but it made me think "fucking hell" - ie it was very high.
I never for the life of me understood why some of our fans moaned and whinged about him all the time. No, his last couple of seasons weren't as good as the first two, but he was very, very important for us nonetheless.
I entirely understand why he went, we were never going to hold on to him when Man United came in (although gratifyingly, we never had to flog him to the like of Spurs or a club on a similar level to us), but we are going to find it very difficult to replace him. Incidentally, for all the brickbats we're (rightly) throwing at him, the same goes for Downing.
N'Zogbia might turn out to be a fine replacement for one of those two, and I really, really hope he is, but we had a hint yesterday of how important it is that we supply Darren Bent with ammo, and with Young and Downing both gone, it's going to take something pretty extraordinary to keep up the same level of supply.
In my opinon N'Zogbia has a better delivery than Ash when he gets into the final third. I think we'll see that once he gets an understanding with Bent. What I don't know yet is whether he'll make as many opportunities as him, or work as hard. That's a long road, and Ash is a much better all round player than N'Zogbia for that reason.
In my opinon N'Zogbia has a better delivery than Ash when he gets into the final third. I think we'll see that once he gets an understanding with Bent. What I don't know yet is whether he'll make as many opportunities as him, or work as hard. That's a long road, and Ash is a much better all round player than N'Zogbia for that reason.
It's not really a like for like comparison, to be honest.
I may be wrong (not having watched CNZ that intently before) but he seems more likely to cut in and taken on his man than AY is - or at least was when playing for MON, with crosses more important.
I reckon Young will do excellently at Man United. I hope he does, too. He was good four us, gave us four years, didn't fuck the club around, scored some memorable goals, and seemed to connect with the club.
Interesting view of the match (and other things) from across the pond.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110813/ZNYT03/108133018/-1/news03?Title=In-Britain-Soccer-Crowds-Are-Welcome-Sights
Interesting view of the match (and other things) from across the pond.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110813/ZNYT03/108133018/-1/news03?Title=In-Britain-Soccer-Crowds-Are-Welcome-Sights
I note they came across Dave: "...the bellowing fanzine sellers..." certainly doesn't describe Steve.
Just got back.
Had fantastic weekend and actually enjoyed the game. In the neutral end surrounded by Americans who were all rooting for Villa come second half. Great pub before and after the game at Wetherspoons by the Thames.Signed some petition regarding sewerage pipe and playing field ???? Walked past Eight bells at aprox 7pm surrounded by riot police and police vans anyone know what that was about ??
That's good.Was worried that it may have kicked off which would have been disappointingJust got back.
Had fantastic weekend and actually enjoyed the game. In the neutral end surrounded by Americans who were all rooting for Villa come second half. Great pub before and after the game at Wetherspoons by the Thames.Signed some petition regarding sewerage pipe and playing field ???? Walked past Eight bells at aprox 7pm surrounded by riot police and police vans anyone know what that was about ??
Standard practice they've been there every time I've been, I think it's just the easiest spot for them to park up and they know that most fans will pass that way on the way back to the tube. This is also the first year they've stopped fans standing outside so I guess they weren't sure what the upshot would be.
I didn't go yesterday, but have been before, and Fulham is the best away trip of the lot (although with so many nice places to drink, why anyone uses the Eight Bells is beyond me).
Last time, walking through the park pre-match and buying a warm, ciabatta-based snack from a stall manned by a couple of middle class housewives, it struck me that that is about as
different as you can get from the match-going experience of Villa Park (botulism burgers from fat blokes in caravans under the Expressway)
It's a lovely day out, everything about it. The
neutral end is ace, you get the most surreal mix
of people in there, and if the match is crap you
can watch the planes coming in over the Thames.
Anyone who hasn't been should definitely make
the effort.
My first visit yesterday and my first away game since I was a child.I didn't go yesterday, but have been before, and Fulham is the best away trip of the lot (although with so many nice places to drink, why anyone uses the Eight Bells is beyond me).
Last time, walking through the park pre-match and buying a warm, ciabatta-based snack from a stall manned by a couple of middle class housewives, it struck me that that is about as
different as you can get from the match-going experience of Villa Park (botulism burgers from fat blokes in caravans under the Expressway)
It's a lovely day out, everything about it. The
neutral end is ace, you get the most surreal mix
of people in there, and if the match is crap you
can watch the planes coming in over the Thames.
Anyone who hasn't been should definitely make
the effort.
I only live 20 minutes away. I'd consider going to non villa games more regularly actually as and when I have a little lad of my own especially. Really pleasant few hours every time I go.
Interesting view of the match (and other things) from across the pond.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110813/ZNYT03/108133018/-1/news03?Title=In-Britain-Soccer-Crowds-Are-Welcome-Sights
What I would say in praise of AM is that the first time since before DOL I saw evidence of work on the training ground. The defence were extremely well organised.
I didn't like the team AM picked, mainly the inclusion of Heskey and Gabby in deeper roles. Although they worked hard and had attributes that troubled the opposition, their lack of vision and creativity left us a little blunt and meant Bent was feeding on scraps.
I know it's a bit silly but...
I use Barry B in the 'just behind the stikers' role in Fifa11-his astute little passes etc work wonders(seeing as he's too slow to outpace full backs in the LM role)
I thought we were crying out for him to come on against Fulham to unlock the 3 or 4 forwards(depending on your view of N'z) we had on the pitch
just a thought
It is a bit silly, but I agree about Bannan.
I'd be playing Ireland to try and get the best out of him, but if/when he sticks his underpants on his head, two pencils up his nose and starts saying "Wibble" then I'd then fuck him off and play wee Barry in his position.