Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on December 21, 2011, 12:55:16 PM
-
Available Wednesday night.
-
Great performance and we really did not deserve to lose that game.
Sick as a fucking parrot
-
Better performance, same fucking result...sigh.
-
Much better, but still not good enough. We make our own bad luck.
-
Well, I would have said "great game, unlucky" but Fucking Hutton has really screwed things up for the rest of the Xmas / NY games!!
What a total arsehole
-
We actually played pretty well! But still, CORNERS.
-
Big improvement let down by our defending at set pieces again.
-
Really unlucky I wasn't a fan of McCleish at all but tonights has started to change that thought even tho we lost.
-
Fuck off Arsenal you classless fucks. We didn't deserve to lose, if we play like that in future the fans will be fully behind Mcleish. N'Zog was fantastic today, Hutton was really good until his red card at the end. Dunne looked a different player and we really tried to pass the ball. Must continue to play like that in future, no Heskey or Collins please.
-
Play like that every week & we'll have no problems.
-
a lot better performance,shame we conceded another goal from a corner,feel bloody sick after that,unlucky villa!
-
So, we prove we can play against the best teams - why only start now though?
Much better from the players.
Gabby - what's going on mate? Your worst game this season ending with not tracking your man for the corner.
-
The rest of the game was good; we were unlucky to lose and there were some stand-out performances from Dunne, Bannan, Albie and to a lesser extent N'Z and Clark.
The defence looked comfortable all night ...
... except for that stupid corner.
And Hutton's rush of blood to the head.
Wanker.
-
Please don't say we have to recall Beye from Doncaster, the shame.
-
Much much better. Actually a good performance - worthy of at least a point.
But Gabby wandered of mentally second half..why? He was disinterested, and also allowed Benayoun to score :(
Dunne massive, Albrighton ditto..Guzan doing a good job in goal. But again - silly mistakes for the goals.
-
Hutton in being a complete ****** shocker.
-
Play like that every week & we'll have no problems.
This.
I am so gutted we lost that. It's typical of us. It's just so hard to take. We played really well and still lost.
-
Much, much better. Good tempo, good pressing higher up the pitch, better passing and movement. Personally I'd drop Gabby for Bent and play the same team against Stoke (Herd for Hutton if fit). That style of play is what Bent thrives on, whereas Gabby struggles to find space.
-
Well, I would have said "great game, unlucky" but Fucking Hutton has really screwed things up for the rest of the Xmas / NY games!!
What a total arsehole
Exactly - it now means Cuellar will have to play right-back and James "Playmaker" Collins will start - great!
-
Great performance by almost everyone. We didn't deserve to lose. I always feel sick after games like this.
Sadly though, another loss. They were there for the taking at 1 - 1 and we didn't do enough. It's a shame. The penalty was soft, Walcott shoulda got on with it. The second goal should never have happened. We're terrible at set pieces, and that's a huge ussie at this level.
-
Play like that and learn to defend a bit better for the rest of the season, and we will have nothing to worry about. Dunne was immense tonight by the way. Silly mistakes from Gabby and Clark cost us at least a point, which is at least what we deserved.
-
How did Ireland play?
-
Played well on the whole, but two complete and utter moments of stupidity and lack of professionalism cost.
Hutton is a complete and utter arsehole and isn't fit to wear our famous colours.
-
I thought that was a very good performance which shows that with the right set up, and with the right players in form, we actually CAN look like a decent team. Unlucky to lose tonight, but if McLeish can take the performance and build on it (and not do something utterly absurd like reverting back to a team with Heskey and Collins in it) then it might be worth it.
I thought Bannan was very good this evening, well worth a starting spot next time out, while Dunne was excellent. An overall very good team performance which was only let down by a lapse of concentratiom/effort at the eleventh corner of the half and a really daft sending off which means that the team will be different again, rather than able to build on a strong performance.
A really enjoyable game, and full of promise. Well done, lads.
-
Best performance of the season, regardless of result. Hutton should be hung drawn and quartered for that, aresehole
-
Herd for right back, anyone?
-
How did Ireland play?
Very well until he got injured.
-
Can i be the first to say, hutton did let the frustration get to him but at least he was pissed off at losing rather than not caring. he was really good today
-
The penalty was soft, Walcott shoulda got on with it.
The penalty was a penalty and we could have conceded one or two others in the second half.
But if you look at the number of chances created, Villa were way ahead of the Arse.
-
Hutton was unlucky and wound up. It wasn't thuggish, it was just late. He played well today, really well. We just lost a match we deserved something from, and I feel people are letting out their frustration on him because of a silly mistake.
-
Much better performance, shame about the way we conceded the second goal and Huttons rush of blood but a marked improvement on recent performances.
-
On the one hand Hutton was stupid for what he did, but Arsenal showed a very nasty snide side during that couple of minutes.
-
Eric Lichaj due back McCleish said in the new year any chance could be a few day's earlyer if not it's gota be Herd for me (if fit). Wouldn't change the team at all for Stoke. Clark really impressed me making some great runs into the box was unlucky a could of times.
-
Great performance and very very unlucky to lose the game. If we play the same team with the same passion and belief relegation becomes a place in Europe. Hutton was silly but I don’t think his second tackle was even a foul, he was brilliant tonight. So too was the Zog, Dunne and Marco.
Villa are back! Allo!
Over to you AM – keep the same formation and forget about bringing Emule back – please....
-
I forgot to mention, I though N'Zogba was fab tonight ( a few wayward passes aside), and Albrighton looks back to his best, thank God!
-
Played well on the whole, but two complete and utter moments of stupidity and lack of professionalism cost.
Hutton is a complete and utter arsehole and isn't fit to wear our famous colours.
Thing is, he played really well I thought. But, got wound up easily and got himself sent off in a really knobbish manner.
-
Better... but why, oh why can't a defensive-minded ex-defender get us to defend corners?
As for Hutton. Arse hole. Anyone starting to realise why he never played for Spurs?
-
Can i be the first to say, hutton did let the frustration get to him but at least he was pissed off at losing rather than not caring. he was really good today
I accept that but to be booked for mouthing off and then going out to seek retribution is rubbish for a senior player. He had a good game (and has had a few others earleri this season too) but he is a mindless thug and I hope that Lichaj comes back and wins a place ahead of him. He's not a nice character and will always have the self-destruct button close by.
-
I forgot to mention, I though N'Zogba was fab tonight ( a few wayward passes aside), and Albrighton looks back to his best, thank God!
nzogs best performance tonight
-
Night gets even worse sunderland 3-2 QPR
-
I forgot to mention, I though N'Zogba was fab tonight ( a few wayward passes aside), and Albrighton looks back to his best, thank God!
nzogs best performance tonight
True but still no end product for a guy that cost a lot of dosh.
-
Most of us have wanted Hutton out of the side so we get our wish. Gabby was terrible tonight, his petulant best and he topped it off by not covering his man in the box. Nzogs best game for us and Albrighton has some confidence back. Can see why Clark has been overlooked didn't know he was that slow. Oh and Dunne was immense.
-
Mcleish just get them playing with that style all the time, the results will come. That is all we ask.
-
Much better, needs to be maintained.
And I'd run the bollocks of Hutton on Xmas morning at training and make him shadow the squad all day Boxing Day.
-
Fuck off Arsenal you classless fucks. We didn't deserve to lose, if we play like that in future the fans will be fully behind Mcleish. N'Zog was fantastic today, Hutton was really good until his red card at the end. Dunne looked a different player and we really tried to pass the ball. Must continue to play like that in future, no Heskey or Collins please.
Thanks Paul, saved me typing. A massive improvement. Lets make sure it's not a one-off. Every player tonight deserves to keep their place. For the first time this season we actually look like a team. Long may it continue, it's long overdue.
-
At last some fight but so futile if we can't defend corners
-
Night gets even worse sunderland 3-2 QPR
Why the fuck does that matter. Move on dude
-
Massively disappointing, but can't remember the last time I felt so good after a loss. Much much better.
Even Hutton. Stupid, but at least he looked like he a gave a shit, and that's not something you could say about any of them the last few games.
Something to build on and please Eck, no more Heskey.
-
Can i be the first to say, hutton did let the frustration get to him but at least he was pissed off at losing rather than not caring. he was really good today
I accept that but to be booked for mouthing off and then going out to seek retribution is rubbish for a senior player. He had a good game (and has had a few others earleri this season too) but he is a mindless thug and I hope that Lichaj comes back and wins a place ahead of him. He's not a nice character and will always have the self-destruct button close by.
but we do need players like that. we have been a push over for a long time. even arsenal have a nasty streak in them
-
On the one hand Hutton was stupid for what he did, but Arsenal showed a very nasty snide side during that couple of minutes.
Arsenal have always had a nasty snide side, they're a bunch of horrible cheating arseholes.
-
Welcome to Aston Villa Charles N'Zogbia - awesome
Dunny - Awesome
Hutton fuck off and die you ******!!!!
hopefully a platform to build on in terms of performance if not in result
hopefully this finally puts the death nail into the rotten villa career that has been Emile "fall on the floor" Heskey - please god he will never wear the claret and blue again - please god!
-
Play like that every week and McLeish is qualified to be our manager. I still worry he'll revert to type, but if he doesn't then fine. Shame we lost, but that's the price you pay if you don't play properly against the weaker teams when the fixture list is kinder to you early the season.
-
Night gets even worse sunderland 3-2 QPR
Why the fuck does that matter. Move on dude
Well said or written
-
Lets not hang Hutton here, he played really really well. I know it was very stupid at the end, but his performance overall showed a lot of promise.
-
Can i be the first to say, hutton did let the frustration get to him but at least he was pissed off at losing rather than not caring. he was really good today
I accept that but to be booked for mouthing off and then going out to seek retribution is rubbish for a senior player. He had a good game (and has had a few others earleri this season too) but he is a mindless thug and I hope that Lichaj comes back and wins a place ahead of him. He's not a nice character and will always have the self-destruct button close by.
but we do need players like that. we have been a push over for a long time. even arsenal have a nasty streak in them
Losing your rag and getting a red during a period of high-intensity is not clever or helpful: it's just mindless. I applaud commitment; I despise stupidity. Which one does Mutton fit into?
-
For those of you stating 'at least Hutton showed he cared/showed passion' - How the fuck is getting yourself sent off and suspended for a game when we are already woefully short helpful?
It's a complete and utter lack of professionalism, as is our piss poor ability to defend corners.
Yes, Hutton played well all game, yes it was a much improved team performance with better quality football.
However two moments where the professionalism is questioned has lost us points tonight and a player for the future.
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
what a really stupid thing to say
-
Ironic that at the end of what was by far his best performance for us, Hutton is getting torn to shreds on this board!
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
That's a fecking poor thing to say mate.
-
Well, I would have said "great game, unlucky" but Fucking Hutton has really screwed things up for the rest of the Xmas / NY games!!
What a total arsehole
Exactly - it now means Cuellar will have to play right-back and James "Playmaker" Collins will start - great!
Don't even think about it. Tonight was a Hoof Free Zone and by no coincidence we loked a thousand times better. When's Herd back?
-
He was unlucky. It wasn't as bad as it looked. It was a late tackle. Although I bet he loves wearing our famous colours when our lovely fans are calling him a ****** on an evening he gave it his all to try and win a game for us.
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
what a really stupid thing to say
Quite ironic as well, saying something that is clearly a rush of blood to the head to criticise a rush of blood to the head.
-
Herd for right back, anyone?
Yes please. Just don't bring Collins back in.
However, with Stoke being the next game and AM more worried about defending, he'll go with Collins and play Cuellar at right-back.
-
All in vain for me. would have preferred a point and another shite performance. not a good position to be in with stoke and chelsea next
-
why didnt we play like that on sunday,would of beat that Liverpool,Wigan got into them and made Liverpool look very average
-
Night gets even worse sunderland 3-2 QPR
F*ck him. We saw some 21st century football tonight. Not a hoof in sight.
-
Despite of the defeat I have no issues about the team and the manager today. All the players gave the 100% of their effort, apart from the same stupid goal conceded on setpieces. With two real wingers, Super Mark, Barry and Cjeran in the starting XI, AML selected the team that many wanted and we were right!
-
Herd for right back, anyone?
Yes please. Just don't bring Collins back in.
However, with Stoke being the next game and AM more worried about defending, he'll go with Collins and play Cuellar at right-back.
To be honest, I think i'd be inclined to do the same with what we have
-
I only saw the second half as it's early morning but I thought we were great, showed real desire and harried Arse into lots of mistakes - AMc take note what happens when you press higher up the field.
Everyone played well (including Hutton) but special mentions to Dunne, Bannan and N'Zogbia.
I thought they had a stonewall penalty when Van Persie got booked though and how we let Benyeoun in for a free header insde the 6 yard box in criminal.
Still a good performance where we'd have fully deserved a point.
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
meant figuratively not literally - thought that was a given guess not.
Put differently - please show more professionalism Mr Hutton
Happy - ffs
That's a fecking poor thing to say mate.
-
Night gets even worse sunderland 3-2 QPR
F*ck him. We saw some 21st century football tonight. Not a hoof in sight.
Exactly and it absolutely has to be the way we go forward.
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
Neither big nor clever mate, grow up
-
Heskey and Collins will both be brought back in anyway.
-
Best performance under Mcleish by a mile, I just hope they will continue to play that way with that attitude for the rest of the season Great Performance, I am gutted that we lost but thrilled by the way we played. I thought the Nanu game under Houlier was going to be a turning point, it wasnt, I hope this is
-
I know people are saying ''We conceded from a corner AGAIN!'' but fuck me, if you give away 12 in one half the chances are you'll concede at least one from them. Just a pity it was so soft. It looked like Benayoun's header actually took a nick off Gabby's arm/elbow which made all the difference as Guzan was left wrong-footed.
A much more committed and encouraging display but we still were chasing shadows a lot as Arsenal passed us to death for long spells. A real pisser that Gabby has his worst game of the season, he was a bit isolated too i guess. And N'Zogbia gave another encouraging display but he still seems to be playing on a different wavelength to the rest of the team. We're down in the bottom half now, a win at Stoke would be very welcome.
-
Oh and by the way I'd take that performance with a defeat over a point with a horrible display. The performance is far more important to our development.
-
Can't really see how playing better but still losing is moving forwards. Gimme a crap game and a 1-0 win any day of the week. Sorry chaps
-
For those of you stating 'at least Hutton showed he cared/showed passion' - How the fuck is getting yourself sent off and suspended for a game when we are already woefully short helpful?
It's a complete and utter lack of professionalism, as is our piss poor ability to defend corners.
Yes, Hutton played well all game, yes it was a much improved team performance with better quality football.
However two moments where the professionalism is questioned has lost us points tonight and a player for the future.
I'm one of them, so I'll speak for myself.
No it wasn't helpful, obviously, but I'd sooner a player show too much passion than not enough. I'd prefer just the right amount, obviously.
But after watching them settle for a 2-0 loss at WHL, as bad a night as I can remember watching the Villa (by not the worst team, far from it), I'll not condemn Hutton tonight.
And the points were already lost, sadly.
-
Herd for right back, anyone?
Yes please. Just don't bring Collins back in.
However, with Stoke being the next game and AM more worried about defending, he'll go with Collins and play Cuellar at right-back.
To be fair, if there's one fixture in the season where that decision would be tactically justifiable, it's Stoke away.
-
I'm relieved that we are actually capable of taking the game to the opposition.
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
what a really stupid thing to say
Quite ironic as well, saying something that is clearly a rush of blood to the head to criticise a rush of blood to the head.
Thank you, Mr Logic.
-
Night gets even worse sunderland 3-2 QPR
F*ck him. We saw some 21st century football tonight. Not a hoof in sight.
Seconded. We can play when we want to, Clark in midfield, Cuellar at the back and a whole new attitude. More of it please.
I had a dodgy stream but it looked like Vermaelen (?) conned the ref as to how bad the tackle from Hutton was. It's a shame because it was the best he's played for us by some distance, but he did set himself up for it.
It looked to me as if Albrighton was taken out by an Arse player when he got injured. We weren't the only team that should have finished with 10.
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
what a really stupid thing to say
Quite ironic as well, saying something that is clearly a rush of blood to the head to criticise a rush of blood to the head.
good call
-
Just got in the car, so much better, i can't believe how many balls Albrighton wizzed across the face of the box, when we have Bent playing those deliverie's never get put in, he'd thrive on them, I thought that was Huttons best game for us, we looked solid at the back until that bloody corner.
-
someone said it earlier and hit the nail on the head, people are taking their frustration out on Hutton. He has been shit but I dont think anyone can deny he had Gervinho in his pocket tonight. I dont remember him giving the ball away or getting beaten at all. He was also good going forward and over lapping Marc. Football is about developing an understanding between the players working in and around you and for the first time I think Hutton and Albrighton really clicked, both going forward and defending. The financial situation we are in is not going to change anytime soon so we need things like this to start developing if we are to move forward
-
We lost, so I don't want to be too postive. With wet piece mistakes like that we may well lose our next games too.
But it really was just so, so much better. Really determined, midfield looked really balanced, wingers both excellent and the full backs we're both good. Cuellar and dunne looked good too, dunne was absolutely outstanding.
Not sure I'd bring bent straight back in tbh. Hopefully herd can replace Hutton
-
All in all that was a good performance. Great balance to the side, just needed a good striker performance and we'd have won tonight.
Clark radiates composure in the middle. Havnt seen us (as a team) look that relaxed on the ball in a good while.
Hutton was a bit sillly at the end, but i'm not overly disapointed by the red card, he showed some guts tonight. Herd will be fine at RB.
Just hope we keep the same team/setup (injuries and suspension aside!) now.
-
I can't believe i'm gonna say this but N'zogbia should've gone down, it would've been a blatant penalty, fair play for his honesty though.
-
Much improved performance tonight, but unless we can score more goals, our defence always look like they are going to concede, so we will continue to drop points.
If we can remain in mid table it's the best we can expect. but I think we may still be a candidate for the drop unless the set piece fiasco that is our defence greatly improves.
I applaud the optimism of this thread, but it was only one game, we improved, but still lost. :(
McLose appears to be unable to get his much vaunted defensive nous across to our defenders. Villa should offer him to Blackburn. ;D
-
Much better tonight obvs. First time that - in my opinion - N'Zog has really seemed up for it and put in the sort of performance we bought him for. But my man of the match was the ref who to his great credit didn't allow van Persie to con him into a penalty - and then had the courage of his convictions and booked him for it. It was the least the c*** deserved.
Oh and Hutton just fuck off and die will ya - your a disgrace to the club and the best thing to come out of tonight is that you won't be playing at least for the next match. I've been a Villan since '74 and he's the worst 'player' I've ever seen represent us. Shameful and embarrassing. And signing him just makes me despise McLeish even more.
-
Herd for right back, anyone?
Yes please. Just don't bring Collins back in.
However, with Stoke being the next game and AM more worried about defending, he'll go with Collins and play Cuellar at right-back.
Hope not. Stoke rely on their longballs. But they aren't aiming longballs down the flanks, balls will be coming in from there with Etherington and Pennant. We need speedy closing down on the flanks and big heads in the middle.
Herd does not deserve to be dropped if he is fit. It makes sense to have him at RB as he can close down quicker than Cuellar and he can also deliver a ball from the flank into opposition box. It would allow Clark to play DM who is better aerially than Herd. Having a central (where the long balls will be coming) trio of Clark, Dunne, Cuellar will be better than Herd, Dunne, Collins.
Imo anyway.
Guzan
Herd Dunne Cuellar Warnock
Clark
Petrov Gardner
Albrighton NZogbia
Gabby
(Gardner because he needs to start somewhere and he was good physically vs Drogba when we played Chelsea. So therefore hopefully would deal with Stoke better than Bannan (small) or Ireland (lazy shit) )
-
Whatever the performance, it's a results business and the results aren't looking very good.
FOUR wins from seventeen is very very poor.
Championshit and even shitter football looms whilst McUseless is in charge.
-
Hutton put in a strong tackle and got the ball. The ref was wrong.
-
did they get applauded off at the end?
-
Can't really see how playing better but still losing is moving forwards. Gimme a crap game and a 1-0 win any day of the week. Sorry chaps
In my opinion it's because scraping a point with another appalling display won't get us anywhere in the long run. However if we start to play well the results will come and people will actually enjoy supporting Villa again and crowds will come back.
-
I can't believe i'm gonna say this but N'zogbia should've gone down, it would've been a blatant penalty, fair play for his honesty though.
Me too. I said it on the match thread. Should have dived.
-
The Big difference tonight was that we seemed to be prepared to comit to chalenges and to taking players on, we attacked Arsenal, we should have got more from that display, I just hope the penny has dropped
-
That's what I want to see when down the villa. I know we lost but that was an awesome performance. I we player like that last Sunday we might have had something from Liverpool. every player gave it their all. Stand outs were dune and N'Zogbia. Both were brilliant.
Apart from Ireland/banan swap for went bent is fit I don't see how any of those players should get dropped. As paying fans that is the entertainment we deserve. I really enjoyed tonight. The atmosphere was great too. Not a boo heard. Such a shame we lost, we didn't deserve it. But carry on playing that way and we will be fine.
The crux is if McLiesh reverts to type when certain other players are fit. But for the moment, we played lads. I'm proud of them all
-
That's the difference though. Walcott didn't go down, he just stopped and screamed at the ref - then got the pen. I still say it was soft, he could have played on.
-
Can't really see how playing better but still losing is moving forwards. Gimme a crap game and a 1-0 win any day of the week. Sorry chaps
In my opinion it's because scraping a point with another appalling display won't get us anywhere in the long run. However if we start to play well the results will come and people will actually enjoy supporting Villa again and crowds will come back.
Spot on, if they play like that every week
-
Can't really see how playing better but still losing is moving forwards. Gimme a crap game and a 1-0 win any day of the week. Sorry chaps
In my opinion it's because scraping a point with another appalling display won't get us anywhere in the long run. However if we start to play well the results will come and people will actually enjoy supporting Villa again and crowds will come back.
Spot on, if they play like that every week
Absolutely it's a starting point and has to be built on. I think it's crucial that Heskey leaves soon and Collins' involvement is minimized.
-
Well we got a performance and were very unlucky. They all played well tonight including Hutton and Gabby was probably the poorest performer. Message to Eck - build on this and we will be ok. All we ask is for passion and commitment. Dunne was great tonight.
Also great to get home with a sore throat, there was nearly a decent atmos tonight.
-
Just heard Albie on R5, 20k to Acorns for his landmark goal, Villa through and through, good lad! Proud of you! Wenger said we were unlucky not to get a point, fair play, need to get the set piece defence sorted (9 goals conceded already that way) it's killing us, but for the first time this season I have some pride in Villa and will go to bed not hating McLeish BUT, you're only as good as your next game, so pay attention AMc!!
-
Rather play crap and win some games... 19 points in 17 matches... Look at bottom half, its close. Nothing is gonna change though in january.
-
Can't really see how playing better but still losing is moving forwards. Gimme a crap game and a 1-0 win any day of the week. Sorry chaps
In my opinion it's because scraping a point with another appalling display won't get us anywhere in the long run. However if we start to play well the results will come and people will actually enjoy supporting Villa again and crowds will come back.
Spot on, if they play like that every week
Absolutely it's a starting point and has to be built on. I think it's crucial that Heskey leaves soon and Collins' involvement is minimized.
Or his style of play is changed. Collins offers alot of commitment and has his strengths but needs to be sat down and shown the error of his ways. I also think that a major problem with collins is that when paired with dunne we dont have a ball playing centre half.
-
Keep the same team with Bannan from start and Herd in for Hutton and we won't go far wrong. No Collins and no Heskey. A Clark Bannan and Gardner midfield should be the future with Marco/Zog/ and Gabby/Bent.
As somebody said will this be the turning point like after the ManU game last season. That's up to AM.
-
for the most part there is a lot of optimism on here despite a defeat. This was always going to be a very tough month and we haven't helped ourselves for a lot of it by the manner of our play. But in defeat tonight we can hope that we will now start to see shoots of green emerging. That AM is realising that we don't have to play long ball, flick on, lose possession football. That keeping the ball on the deck and going at other teams with the talented players that we have can win you games agaimst most teams in this league, and as importantly win favour with the supporters. We're not top 6 material, but if we play like we did tonight and with a better brand of football then top 8 this year will be a good achievement. It is a good foundation from which to build on.
-
I hope Eck has sat them players down in the dressing room after the game and told them they've set themselves a standard tonight. They played so bloody well, only let down by the number of corners we gave away, which eventually led to our downfall.
If we keep that level of performance and attitude up, we'll be fine.
-
did they get applauded off at the end?
Yes, they were heartily applauded off.
-
I can't believe i'm gonna say this but N'zogbia should've gone down, it would've been a blatant penalty, fair play for his honesty though.
Yes, moral dilemna there, had he waved his arms around like the Arsenal player, or dived, it would have been a penalty.
-
for the most part there is a lot of optimism on here despite a defeat. This was always going to be a very tough month and we haven't helped ourselves for a lot of it by the manner of our play. But in defeat tonight we can hope that we will now start to see shoots of green emerging. That AM is realising that we don't have to play long ball, flick on, lose possession football. That keeping the ball on the deck and going at other teams with the talented players that we have can win you games agaimst most teams in this league, and as importantly win favour with the supporters. We're not top 6 material, but if we play like we did tonight and with a better brand of football then top 8 this year will be a good achievement. It is a good foundation from which to build on.
Yawn
-
Fine performance, full of passion, desire and some bloody good football at times. The end product was lacking, Warnock got into some great positions but didn't deliver, but it was good to see him showing the determination to get there.
Really gutted that they scored from a corner, especially as it was one of the smaller guys getting the header, however if we play like that more often than not, we'll be fine this season. On Sunday I left Villa Park embarrassed at how poor we are, tonight I left the ground gutted that a decent performace had left us with no points.
-
Though it was arguably the best performance of the season, I don't share the optimism on here. This was a stupid, stupid, stupid Christmas gift. McLeish put his forefingers to his head at 1-1, something to accept if you take the lead when only minutes remain.
-
for the most part there is a lot of optimism on here despite a defeat. This was always going to be a very tough month and we haven't helped ourselves for a lot of it by the manner of our play. But in defeat tonight we can hope that we will now start to see shoots of green emerging. That AM is realising that we don't have to play long ball, flick on, lose possession football. That keeping the ball on the deck and going at other teams with the talented players that we have can win you games agaimst most teams in this league, and as importantly win favour with the supporters. We're not top 6 material, but if we play like we did tonight and with a better brand of football then top 8 this year will be a good achievement. It is a good foundation from which to build on.
Yawn
I don't really know why you're constantly trying to wind him up, hawkeye, but carry on and it will end in tears.
-
All that hardwork let down by once again not bleeding able to defend and letting one of the smallest players on the pitch ghost unmarked into the six yard box.
I did think the defence had a more settled look to it bar Warnock who was dreadful up against Warnock. Carlos and Dunne played really well so much so you have to ask why the feck Collins is an automatic pick when he's not injured.
I liked how we played in the first half, some good passing and we got plenty of crosses in so much so you ask why we don't do that when we actually have our six yard goal poacher playing, I'm sure Bent would've gobbled up one of those crosses in the first half.
Probably it's because of the high standards he's set himself over the season but I was a little disappointed in Gabby, don't think he tested the Arsenal back 4 enough.
-
I hope Eck has sat them players down in the dressing room after the game and told them they've set themselves a standard tonight. They played so bloody well, only let down by the number of corners we gave away, which eventually led to our downfall.
If we keep that level of performance and attitude up, we'll be fine.
I know the club do read this and other fan sites. I hope they read this thread. It doesn't take much to get the fans on their side. It just needs to be consistent and there has been so much volatility in the last 12 months that has been almost impossible as fans to know what's really going on. Playing a good brand of football, and show some desire to win games is such a big piece of winning over supporters. We just want to know that the team is being sent out to win games. Tonight shows that even in defeat, if the atttitude is right, then people will accept that there is a process in place. One swallow won't make this summer, so AM will need to demonstrate that this is now the path forward. If anyone at the club is reading some of this, then I hope they get the message back to Alex and the boys that this is what we want to see. People were happy. The results will come.
-
If we can play a passing game like that against arsenal then we can play and beat many of the lesser teams. The players have to believe in themselves and the manager need to believe the players can play that style of football. It was so so much better tonight.
-
That's the most enjoyable game at Villa Park for a long time.
I can't believe we didn't win, let alone draw. Everything (almost) was infinitely better. We looked solid at the back (till the end), we kept the ball much better and put dangerous crosses into the box.
What was really noticeable was how much we chased them down and won the ball. You can't just expect the right to play to fall into your lap, you have to work for it and earn it. We did that for the first 35 minutes, then worryingly stopped doing it and Arsenal had a decent spell.
Second half and we were at it again, closing them down. Much better. That allowed the creative players to play.
I thought N'Zogbia was superb this evening. Not just good, but excellent. Albrighton was not far behind.
Hopefully we also won't see too much of Collins and Heskey again, because we look far better without them. Play like that and we will win far more than we lose.
What is vitally important now is how we react at Stoke. I remember last year we put in a great performance at Chelsea then followed it up four days later with the pathetic performance at home to Sunderland.
if McLeish has any sense, he'll not make the mistake of throwing away the large steps forward we made in several departments tonight.
-
All that hardwork let down by once again not bleeding able to defend and letting one of the smallest players on the pitch ghost unmarked into the six yard box.
We did this at Sunderland too, it is extremely frustrating, tonight we retained the ball well and passed well, which we generally haven't done, but yet again it's a bloody set piece that sees us undone, Arsenal did have a lot of corners to be fair but they didn't look too threatening and it should have been dealt with.
-
Can I also say the crowd were really really good tonight.
Even at 1 nil down, there was an acceptance that we were the better team and should've been the ones winning the game.
Hope that shows people that the team just needs to give the required effort and show a bit of quality and their won't be a poisonous atmosphere at VP.
-
Can i be the first to say, hutton did let the frustration get to him but at least he was pissed off at losing rather than not caring. he was really good today
I thought he had a good game until he let them wind him up. What a difference Clark made. Very composed. England Captain in the making.
-
What was really noticeable was how much we chased them down and won the ball. You can't just expect the right to play to fall into your lap, you have to work for it and earn it. We did that for the first 35 minutes, then worryingly stopped doing it and Arsenal had a decent spell.
This is what I expected from McLeish when he arrived, we'd work bloody hard, I also thought we'd be decent defensively but too cautious and that it would be a lack of goals scored that hampered us. Tonight is the first time all season I've seen us work like I thought a McLeish team would, the passing was far better than I expected from his teams, but defensively, he still hasn't sorted it but there were lots of positives tonight.
-
Except Clarke is Irish...
-
Don't get too excited fellas... One game of playing well doesn't mean a lot. I've seen us this season play real good one game, next game followed it up with a dismal performance.
There needs consistency, you need to follow up the next game with another good performance. It's encouraging that we played well tonight but I need to see more performances like that.
At the end of the day it doesn't matter how well you play if you can't keep it together when it matters the most.
I am hoping we can produce more performances like this on a consistent basis then hopefully we will get rewarded with the results we deserve.
-
That's what I want to see when down the villa. I know we lost but that was an awesome performance. I we player like that last Sunday we might have had something from Liverpool. every player gave it their all. Stand outs were dune and N'Zogbia. Both were brilliant.
Apart from Ireland/banan swap for went bent is fit I don't see how any of those players should get dropped. As paying fans that is the entertainment we deserve. I really enjoyed tonight. The atmosphere was great too. Not a boo heard. Such a shame we lost, we didn't deserve it. But carry on playing that way and we will be fine.
The crux is if McLiesh reverts to type when certain other players are fit. But for the moment, we played lads. I'm proud of them all
Good post but just wanted to highlight your last point. We've seen tonight what this team are capable of. If McLeish can't see what we all saw tonight and build on it, he doesn't deserve to be the Villa manager. For now I'll just sit back, cigar and brandy in hand and reflect on a wonderful Villa pewrformance, even if it was a defeat, it certainly didn't feel like one.
-
Don't get too excited fellas... One game of playing well doesn't mean a lot. I've seen us this season play real good one game, next game followed it up with a dismal performance.
True enough, but at least we didn't follow up that insipid embarassment on Sunday with another horror show. Far from it, in fact.
-
All that hardwork let down by once again not bleeding able to defend and letting one of the smallest players on the pitch ghost unmarked into the six yard box.
Opposition players runs aren't being tracked, I still can't believe it, Benanyon a 5ft nothing midget unmarked 6 yards from goal.
If it's zonal marking we're still doing, again you have to ask why we didn't have a player stationed in the middle of the 6 yard box.
The delivery from RVP was really good though, much better than our corners. Really can't believe we still float them to the back pass, surely it's much more effective to whip it in?
We did this at Sunderland too, it is extremely frustrating, tonight we retained the ball well and passed well, which we generally haven't done, but yet again it's a bloody set piece that sees us undone, Arsenal did have a lot of corners to be fair but they didn't look too threatening and it should have been dealt with.
-
How did Ireland play?
Very well until he got injured.
I think you were at a different game to me.
I thought he was substituted for being crap, not for being injured
-
Except Clarke is Irish...
Yes Clarke is but Clark is Half English, Half Irish. Has chosen Ireland though...but has he made his competetive debut yet? Shame as he captained England during his youth career.
-
I forgot to mention, I though N'Zogba was fab tonight ( a few wayward passes aside),
and Albrighton looks back to his best, thank God!
nzogs best performance tonight
True but still no end product for a guy that cost a lot of dosh.
It will come. Well played Charles.
-
Clark has played for Ireland.
Didn't see the game but am throughly heartened by the fact that we played so well. I really hope we take heart from and build upon the performance against Stoke and Chelsea.
-
How did Ireland play?
Very well until he got injured.
I think you were at a different game to me.
I thought he was substituted for being crap, not for being injured
Crazy statement.
Ireland was a real problem to the Arsenal defenders, as he kept making great late runs behind their back 4, narrowly missing a goal on a couple of occasions.
He never gave the ball away ever.
-
How did Ireland play?
Very well until he got injured.
I think you were at a different game to me.
I thought he was substituted for being crap, not for being injured
And you were at a different game to me then (funny how we all see the same game differently ).........I thought Ireland did well. There were loads of times when he was in space pointing to where he wanted the ball played - but the other players didn't spot it.
Much happier with them all tonight (apart from bloody Warnock - who is just embarrassing)
-
Much, much better. Didn't deserve to lose the game and showed loads of bottle and heart. We still lack a bit of quality but I can excuse that and the result. More please.
-
Played really well tonight and that in turn generated the atmosphere which also in turn upped the performance even more. Pressed them all over the field and should have taken one of our chances in the first 15 minutes. Haven't seen any highlights or heard any post-match guff but what was the penalty for? Seemed really soft. But heads didn't drop and Marcy Marc took his goal well. Just knew with the amount of corners we were conceding that we'd give it away again, but I can take losing if we play with that much conviction and passion.
Player-wise I thought most played well and that was probably N'Zogbia's best game so far. Surprising what happens when you play him in his best position.. Why was Ireland taken off just before half time? He wasn't doing great and Bannan was a huge improvement but seemed an odd time to take him off. Gabby seemed a bit lethargic in the second half. The real downsides were Warnock - got in some great positions but crossing was shocking. And Hutton is still crap. The ref did us a favour giving him a second yellow - pity it wasn't a straight red
-
Ireland was a real problem to the Arsenal defenders, as he kept making great late runs behind their back 4, narrowly missing a goal on a couple of occasions.
Well done to Stevie for his huge improvement demonstrated by "narrowly missing" goals (one of which was an air shot, I think).
When do do we finally get to see the "narrowly scoring" goals bit, I wonder?
-
Easily the best we've played this season. A point would have flattered Arsenal.
Only down points, conceding from from a corner again, and Gabby was awful. Had he been on his game i'm convinced we'd have won but tonight he turned into Savo. Arms waving all the time when passes didn't reach him, turning his back on the game when he was tackled while his own play was poor. A total lack of effort to get on the end of that one cross in the first half.
As for the plus sides, pretty much everything else. Apart from Gabby I thought everyone played well, including Hutton. N'Zogbia had a good game, but should he have gone down for the pen? And Albrighton is starting to show us what he can do again. Bannan looks a much better player when he cuts down on the hollywood passes.
Most of us feared a battering but apart from all the corners Arsenal created very little of note.
Special mention to the crowd as well, while on the low side, there was no moaning and groaning that I heard even when we were behind. Simply because the players showed the right attitude.
Credit to AM, i've had no problem giving him grief for some of the insipid stuff we've had to watch. So fair play for picking the line up and sending them out with the right attitude. Just try and do it more often and we'll get along fine.
We shown what we are capable of if we have the right attitude and line up. Now we need to show we can do it more often.
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
Ridiculous statement.
-
Its going to be hard to justify changing the team around.
Our midfield has to be a 3-man midfield. Clark/Herd, Petrov, Bannan/Gardner/Ireland. We dont have the players for a 2-man midfield or they wont create anything (Petrov, Herd) or will be shit in defence. (Petrov, Bannan/Ireland). It wont work. Have to play a 3.
But then upfront. NZogbia, Gabby and Marc dont deserve to be dropped after their recent form. But Bent would have thrived today with the chances, unfortunately he doesnt offer anything else. Its a conundrum. You either
a) drop an in-form winger (CNZ or Marc) in order to play Gabby, Bent, CNZ/MA - could piss one off
b) drop Gabby in order to gain Bents threat (play CNZ, Bent, MA) - Pisses off fans, loses our most in-form player
c) sacrifice an already shit midfield in order to play all four. But have an even shitter midfield.
It sounds like a weird conundrum but when CNZ, Marc and Gabby all look like they are playing well enough to not be dropped but we desperately need Bent it creates problems. We need Gabby to develop and become as lethal as Bent (we wish!).
If it were me I would drop Bent for the Stoke game. Play the same team as today and bring Bent on for a midfielder if we have to.
That or we start looking at formations with 3 defenders in order to get the best of everything. (would also give advantage of not having Warnock and Hutton wasting space on the field)
Guzan
Cuellar Dunne Clark
Herd
Petrov Bannan
Albrighton NZogbia
Gabby
Bent
But considering NZogbia and Albrighton aren't the best at helping defenders it could really make us get battered on the counter attack. And if we lost it would look like an absolutely shit decision to play 3 defenders when we already cant defend.. Which is why I think Bent should be dropped.
-
Also of note is 57% possession, against a team most of us would consider one of the best footballing sides in the country.
For about an hour pretty much their only shot on goal was the penalty.
-
for the most part there is a lot of optimism on here despite a defeat. This was always going to be a very tough month and we haven't helped ourselves for a lot of it by the manner of our play. But in defeat tonight we can hope that we will now start to see shoots of green emerging. That AM is realising that we don't have to play long ball, flick on, lose possession football. That keeping the ball on the deck and going at other teams with the talented players that we have can win you games agaimst most teams in this league, and as importantly win favour with the supporters. We're not top 6 material, but if we play like we did tonight and with a better brand of football then top 8 this year will be a good achievement. It is a good foundation from which to build on.
Yawn
I don't really know why you're constantly trying to wind him up, hawkeye, but carry on and it will end in tears.
Sorry it was a great post and to sugest anything else was totally out of order, my sincerist apologies
-
Hutton fuck off and die you c***!!!!
Ridiculous statement.
Try reading the rest of the post and taking the comment in context!
Apologies if the language was a bit colourful - but it was written pretty much at the final whistle, on reflection the comment was crass
With that said, Hutton was as unprofessional as it comes, he is an experienced international - he's been hopeless all year and blotted what was by far his best performance.
Sometimes the sanctimony on this board beggars belief it really does
-
Oh and special mention to Robin Van Persie. Who showed the world what a classless cheating wanker he is. I wonder if the media will mention?
-
Except Clarke is Irish...
Yes Clarke is but Clark is Half English, Half Irish. Has chosen Ireland though...but has he made his competetive debut yet? Shame as he captained England during his youth career.
Ok. Fair enough. Still a superb player whose presence meant a lot to us tonight. He just looks world class and he is going from strength to strength. What an asset to the club!
-
Ireland was a real problem to the Arsenal defenders, as he kept making great late runs behind their back 4, narrowly missing a goal on a couple of occasions.
Well done to Stevie for his huge improvement demonstrated by "narrowly missing" goals (one of which was an air shot, I think).
When do do we finally get to see the "narrowly scoring" goals bit, I wonder?
Well my response was to the assertion that he had been poor, which he clearly hadn't.
That is unless people believe Ireland has to score 2 or 3 in a game to qualify for a review other than poor.
As I said there were a couple of occasions where he made late runs into the box, which if the ball in would have been slightly better could have lead to a goal.
He also worked hard and rarely gave the ball away. It seems mad to me that when people have been criticising (righty) our inability to keep the ball, that one of our best passers of the ball is routinely castigated even when playing well. Our best football this season (2nd half at QPR, home to Wigan and 1st half tonight) has come with Ireland in the side.
Maybe thats a coincidence.
-
He was unlucky. It wasn't as bad as it looked. It was a late tackle. Although I bet he loves wearing our famous colours when our lovely fans are calling him a c*** on an evening he gave it his all to try and win a game for us.
You have to wonder if they were watching the same game.
-
Except Clarke is Irish...
Yes Clarke is but Clark is Half English, Half Irish. Has chosen Ireland though...but has he made his competetive debut yet? Shame as he captained England during his youth career.
Ok. Fair enough. Still a superb player whose presence meant a lot to us tonight. He just looks world class and he is going from strength to strength. What an asset to the club!
Clark has a lot of potential, buts thats a bit over the top.
-
I really enjoyed the game tonight. We certainly didn't deserve to lose.
Couldn't see the Hutton sending off so waiting for MOTD.
More of the same at stoke please. It'll make the journey and silly ko time (for boxing day) worthwhile.
-
for the most part there is a lot of optimism on here despite a defeat. This was always going to be a very tough month and we haven't helped ourselves for a lot of it by the manner of our play. But in defeat tonight we can hope that we will now start to see shoots of green emerging. That AM is realising that we don't have to play long ball, flick on, lose possession football. That keeping the ball on the deck and going at other teams with the talented players that we have can win you games agaimst most teams in this league, and as importantly win favour with the supporters. We're not top 6 material, but if we play like we did tonight and with a better brand of football then top 8 this year will be a good achievement. It is a good foundation from which to build on.
Yawn
I don't really know why you're constantly trying to wind him up, hawkeye, but carry on and it will end in tears.
Sorry it was a great post and to sugest anything else was totally out of order, my sincerist apologies
Your first reply was tedious, the 2nd was a pathetic attempt at sarcasm. Well done.
-
Play like that every week & we'll have no problems.
Correct.
Great performance. Shame about the result. Albrighton bags the 20,000th PL goal and is donating the money to acorns. Villa and proud of it.
-
Play like that every week & we'll have no problems.
Correct.
Great performance. Shame about the result. Albrighton bags the 20,000th PL goal and is donating the money to acorns. Villa and proud of it.
Brilliant.
-
Oh and Hutton just fuck off and die will ya - your a disgrace to the club and the best thing to come out of tonight is that you won't be playing at least for the next match. I've been a Villan since '74 and he's the worst 'player' I've ever seen represent us. Shameful and embarrassing. And signing him just makes me despise McLeish even more.
Hutton is the worst player you have seen since 1974? I could probably name you at least a hundred worse.
-
Just saw the MOTD 'highlights'. Clearly only Arsenal were playing in that game - other than our goal and Hutton's two acts of gross stupidity they showed practically none of our play. Disgraceful. Why am I not surprised
-
some very blinkered comments about Hutton, was I the only one pleased to see him get the ball and attack their left side? Absolutely gutted walking out of the ground listening to those arrogant cockneys celebrating , they were very quiet when Marco scored !
-
Oh and special mention to Robin Van Persie. Who showed the world what a classless cheating wanker he is. I wonder if the media will mention?
What did I miss? What did he do?
-
I have seen none of it, but why after his form in midfield last season, and looking a genuine goal threat from there, it has taken until 17 games in and injuries to get Clark in, and an injury to Donkey Collins to get Cuellar in it is beyond me. I really hope he sticks with them, and away from home I would have no issue with Herd and Clark in the midfield with Petrov, as Clark is good enough to get forward too. I am sure we discussed him in the David Platt mould last season with his timing of runs etc, and I honestly think he is as good a prospect as Jones at Man United.
-
Hutton was having a pretty good game until he lost the plot at the end
-
I can't believe i'm gonna say this but N'zogbia should've gone down, it would've been a blatant penalty, fair play for his honesty though.
Yes, moral dilemna there, had he waved his arms around like the Arsenal player, or dived, it would have been a penalty.
I'm struggling to remember when this was tbh.
I do recall an occasion though when N'zogbia broke late in the first half (think it was the Bannan free kick) when Cocquelin was tugging his shirt and I think i N'zogbia had fallen over he would've been sent off.
-
Oh and special mention to Robin Van Persie. Who showed the world what a classless cheating wanker he is. I wonder if the media will mention?
What did I miss? What did he do?
When Hutton saw red it looked like Van Persie mouthed off at Hutton and then he taunted him by waving at him as he walked off. I thought one bloke was going to go on the pitch from the North and lamp him.
-
Oh I see. Right down the other end, so I couldn't see any of that. RVP is an awesome footballer. Always have him in my dream team, but he does semm a bit of a cock.
-
Were both yellows deserved? I thought the first one was pretty innocuous and the second was more mistimed than deliberate. He was rather agitated and in-the-face of RVP after the first booking though.
-
Were both yellows deserved? I thought the first one was pretty innocuous and the second was more mistimed than deliberate. He was rather agitated and in-the-face of RVP after the first booking though.
I think the first one was harsh.
-
Well done villa everyone apart from Gabby played well but he can be excused as hes played well all season.
The pressing and effort will always get the Villa fans on your side we made Arsenal look ordinary
-
Except Clarke is Irish...
Yes Clarke is but Clark is Half English, Half Irish. Has chosen Ireland though...but has he made his competetive debut yet? Shame as he captained England during his youth career.
Ok. Fair enough. Still a superb player whose presence meant a lot to us tonight. He just looks world class and he is going from strength to strength. What an asset to the club!
Clark has a lot of potential, buts thats a bit over the top.
He 'looks' world class rather than he 'is' world class.
-
He looks like he's a decent young player. Any talk of him being (or looking) world class is completely ridiculous.
-
I can't believe i'm gonna say this but N'zogbia should've gone down, it would've been a blatant penalty, fair play for his honesty though.
Yes, moral dilemna there, had he waved his arms around like the Arsenal player, or dived, it would have been a penalty.
I'm struggling to remember when this was tbh.
I do recall an occasion though when N'zogbia broke late in the first half (think it was the Bannan free kick) when Cocquelin was tugging his shirt and I think i N'zogbia had fallen over he would've been sent off.
About half way through the second half. He beat a couple of Arses, got in the area and was pretty clearly half blocked as he went round (I think) Mertesacker - if he'd gone down think we would have got a pen.
-
He looks like he's a decent young player. Any talk of him being (or looking) world class is completely ridiculous.
Depends what vision you have got.
-
He looks like he's a decent young player. Any talk of him being (or looking) world class is completely ridiculous.
Depends what vision you have got.
The normal 20:20 unhindered by drink or drugs.
-
He's looked good pretty much every time i've seen him play. Which does the beg the question of why does he rarely get picked?
-
He's looked good pretty much every time i've seen him play. Which does the beg the question of why does he rarely get picked?
Yeah, why has it taken so long? Our midfield and defense have hardly been pulling up any trees recently.
-
Because for some absurd reason Collins is apparently undroppable unless he's injured.
Annoyed Stoke away is our next day as he'll be back in if fit.
-
Because for some absurd reason Collins is apparently undroppable unless he's injured.
Annoyed Stoke away is our next day as he'll be back in if fit.
But was he injured? He was on the bench.
-
Because for some absurd reason Collins is apparently undroppable unless he's injured.
Annoyed Stoke away is our next day as he'll be back in if fit.
But Clark played in MF and Collins was on the bench.
-
He looks like he's a decent young player. Any talk of him being (or looking) world class is completely ridiculous.
Depends what vision you have got.
The normal 20:20 unhindered by drink or drugs.
Same here. Very tough drink driving laws over here. Only 'drug' in my body is adrenaline from the game.
-
Herd is out for 2 weeks apparently. Ireland did his calf.
-
Didn't know Collins was on the bench, didn't see him warming up. He was a big doubt before the game so just assume we put him on the bench as we literally had no one else as I assume Lowry and Baker are still on loan at Millwall?
-
I made a late decision to watch the game, and used the on-line system to book a ticket in Block P4: my reasoning being that this would avail one of the balmy Westerly breezes forecast by the Weathermen. This was only the third time in my very long Villa supporting career that I have ventured to the Witton Lane: the other two times were losses against Small Heath, when Beelzebub scored, and against Oldham, when that bald wassock Ritchie scored.
A very long time ago, I used to work at GEC in Electric Avenue, and so I am very familiar with Lovers Lane or Walk or whatever it is called, which runs parallel to the track at Aston Station, but it never fails to amaze me with its array of depredations. This time, the first half of the walk reeked of maggots and death, and the second half was in complete blackness: a solitary lamppost providing illumination half way along this most dubious of thoroughfares. At least this time there was not a dead cat sized rat on display.
When the game started I could not believe what I was seeing: we were pinging the ball around, and using both wings. Arse were stretched and Wenger was visibly vexed. Ireland and Zog were particularly prominent. At one point Ireland closed down 3 players one after another to a roar of approval from the fans. Astonishing.
Overall: a very good performance. The biggest disappointment for me was Warnock: he seems to be very good or very bad. He fucked up several great opportunities to cross when in acres of space and under no pressure. Gabby is not used to playing in the lone striker's role now, which is my explanation for his lack of effectiveness tonight.
-
Agree with most posters, one of the best performances of the season. If we'd played like that against Liverpool and Man Utd we'd have won both comfortably. Fans got involved even when we went 1 down and I dont remember the last time we applauded like that at half time.
Keep it the same next week especially Carlos and Dunne (and I'm a Collins fan) and hope Ireland shakes off injury as he looked like a differnt player tonight. He really wanted the ball and to get involved - looked gutted when he just missed scoring in the first half.
-
I was quite impressed tonight - shock!
But Hutton is a total tosser who should be nowhere near a PL first team.
-
Well done for the performance. We showed we can play a bit. I think most of us accept that we are not going to win anything for a while and will welcome some entertainment at least.
-
Well done for the performance. We showed we can play a bit. I think most of us accept that we are not going to win anything for a while and will welcome some entertainment at least.
Yup.
-
What? I thought 2012 was our year for the cup?
And if Ireland has done his calf how long will he be out for?
-
Well done for the performance. We showed we can play a bit. I think most of us accept that we are not going to win anything for a while and will welcome some entertainment at least.
Indeed, we're quite easy to get on side in truth and more performances like tonight can turn things around. Enjoyed it and thought Albrighton was everything I want from a Villa player tonight - gutsy, energetic, committed and possessing no little skill and great composure to take his goal.
-
Not sure if it's been mentioned but I thought our fans were bloody brilliant.
-
Fuck off Arsenal you classless fucks. We didn't deserve to lose, if we play like that in future the fans will be fully behind Mcleish. N'Zog was fantastic today, Hutton was really good until his red card at the end. Dunne looked a different player and we really tried to pass the ball. Must continue to play like that in future, no Heskey or Collins please.
Walking away from VP and those were exactly my thoughts. Zoggy was brilliant and Marc full of zest. Very proud despite the defeat
-
No Collins and Heskey made such a big difference. So little hoofs were hoofed today. Clark on the pitch did that. The parts of the game I could watch he would get the ball from Cuellar and pass it forwards, the whole team was passing it and we retained possession really well. To have such high possession over an Arsenal team is fucking fantastic. If we did that with Bent or a more potent Gabby on the pitch we'd have won comfortably.
If McLeish brings Heskey and Collins in again now though and reverts to type. He will be in for a world of hurt. Because today proved he can fucking do it! I hope he can bring that out of us for the next however-many matches. He got it spot on today. (apart from set-pieces). But if he reverts back to normal it just says to me that he is scared. And PL managers cannot be scared of matches and keep their job. I get why he would be worried. But surely, surely, today showed him that we are happy enough if we attack and pass. Hopefully today he realised we aren't booing him just because its him. He was being booed because of the way we played. (prior to this match)
Please let this be a corner we've just turned.
-
I thought Cuellar really steadied the back line and he's fater than Collins. The reason Zog and Albrighton had better games was that we played high up the field instead of saturating our back line, i hope Mcleish has learnt something from this. Maybe Collins is off in January thats why Cuellar got his chance who knows.
-
Sorry lads but a defeat is a defeat. When you are on a bad run not getting reward when you have earned it is as demoralizing in its own way as getting away with a narrow defeat when you should have been stuffed.
I do not think we have bottomed out yet. I think we will get one or maybe two more wallopings then start to pick up.
A football team at Premiership level is like a Formula 1 car engine. We showed last night that it can run sweetly on full throttle for 87 minutes. There is more coughing and spluttering and stalling to come (the muscle and size of Collins and Heskey will be irresistible to McLeish against Stoke) but we have at least shown that there is power and performance there. My fear is that the end of the season will come too soon.
Basically Alex McLeish is learning how to play football in the employment of Aston Villa Football Club. I hope he appreciates it.
-
What concerns me more is how long it has taken for the penny to drop about Collins.
If Carlos is going he has to be worth more if he is playing?
-
Herd won't be fit for stoke so that almost certainly means cuellar to right back. I think we really need Clark in midfield so ironically I hope Collins is fit.
The other major challenge will be what to do if bent is fit. We can't drop any of the front 3 from yday but I'd be reluctant to change the shape given how we looked yday.
-
Collins was not dropped due to Alex realising anything, but for a knee problem.
Not sure if it was mentioned before but what annoys me is that Arsenal had score just one goal from more than 200 corners before last night.
Still I agree our performance was really good. And personally I don't think Hutton's challenge was a yellow card one.
-
You know, I came away from last nights game 'almost' as euphoric as if we'd won.
After months of watching shite, it was superb to see a Villa team play with pride, passion, determination and a bit of flair.
Sure the late goal was galling, but if we continue in that vein, we will be ok.
Special mentions to Dunne who was magnificent. Charlie actually looked like a player and Clarke MUST now be a regular starter.
Hopefully this signals the begining end of the end of Heskey and Collins.
1 game and 1 performance does not change everything, but bloody hell, they have set their standard now.
As for Gabby, I though he only looked poor in the second half, because he ran his kanackers off in the first.
-
I was allot more content with the poerformance last night, and I think the team gave it a very good go.
However....
Looking at the league table makes depressing viewing, we are now 5 points behind Stoke and only 5 points ahead of Wigan [who are in the relegation zone]
We could find ourselves 8 points behind Stoke after boxing day with Chelsea to play away.
If results go against us we could be very close to the bottom three come the Swansea game.
Last nights game was an improvement, but we need to stop the drift downwards
-
Not sure if it's been mentioned but I thought our fans were bloody brilliant.
It was certainly noticeable from the stream I was watching. We're not fickle, we just want to watch a decent side having a go at playing decent football. The result isn't usually all that important.
-
We'd have won that game with Bent playing. Albrighton provided plenty of service that he would have lapped up.
There's not a lot wrong with that side if they can perform like that week in week out. Keep Cuellar and Dunne together and employ two new quality full backs and the side would be improved immensely.
-
Just looking at it again, I think Guzan should have done better for their second. He either should have came for the corner or reacted more quickly to the header. He seems to have reacted very late and made a very awkward attempt to make a save.
I guess he has done ok since Given's injury so won't go too hard on him.
-
Half way through the first half we harried them and forced the ball to be passed back and everyone around me stood to applaud the effort. That's all it takes lads, we know we're not world beaters but a bit of honest endeavour will always be appreciated. That said, I thought we were the better side last night, some really encouraging performances. N'Zogbia was very good and I have to mention Albrighton, I've been critical of him and argued against his inclusion as he'd been so poor but firstly at Bolton and again last night he was back to his old self, well done son.
AM has made the point a number of times that work on the training pitch wasn't being translated on match days, last night it was.
-
Easily the best perfromance from us this season
Passion, pride, pace, skill, closing down, excitment - every thing but the win our game deserved.
Thought everyone was 9/10 except Gabby who lost his man badly for the 2nd goal.
Special mention to Dunne, Warnock (crossing aside) Charlie and mark
-
Hopefully it's the sign on better things to come.
As Brian Green says, it's still a defeat. And we don't want to start claiming defeats as some sort of moral victory. We can leave that to the likes of the B-lose and the Olbiyun.
But that level of performance will be enough to beat most sides in this division. They've set the bar now, we know what they're capable of. Lets hope it's not a one off. We also didn't look particularly weaker at the back without Collins (we didn't look more secure either). Food for thought for Big Eck.
-
We lost and once again showed we can't defend set pieces well enough, but aside from that they put in a great performance and you can only take positives from it.
1. Cuellar was great and it looks like him and Dunne is a better blend.
2. They look hungry and were sharop into the tackle.
3. The passing was not only good, but purposeful with us looking to get our forward players possession in dangerous areas.
4. CNZ had his best game for us.
5. Ireland did well before his injury and then Bannan was involved in everything.
Arsenal were lucky and they know they were lucky!
If I was Mcleish I'd get them in this morning and start by showing the DVD of that game. They'd then be told that that is how they play from now on with no exceptions. Any dip in performance will result in the offending party being dropped, fined, publicly flogged and then sent to East Kilbride on loan.
-
I thought Cuellar really steadied the back line and he's fater than Collins.
I dont think he looks fat . I wish I had his physique.
-
Gutted we didn't get anything from it.
-
I was gutted after the Liverpool , manure and Spurzz games , no bloody effort from anyone.
I felt alot better last night.
-
I can't believe i'm gonna say this but N'zogbia should've gone down, it would've been a blatant penalty, fair play for his honesty though.
I agree, most of the top teams do exactly that and win a fair share of points doing it. We're too naive for our own good at times
-
fook off richard Keys , trying to say the 20,000 prem goal should go to Aguero too . you cov twat .
-
fook off richard Keys , trying to say the 20,000 prem goal should go to Aguero too . you cov twat .
Ignore the prick.
-
fook off richard Keys , trying to say the 20,000 prem goal should go to Aguero too . you cov twat .
Why is he saying that?
Just saw Marc on SSN and the £20k is going to Acorns, good lad.
-
Anyone heard about how bad Ireland's injury is? Played his best game for us last night. It would be a shame if he was out for an extended period.
-
Hopefully it's the sign on better things to come.
As Brian Green says, it's still a defeat. And we don't want to start claiming defeats as some sort of moral victory. We can leave that to the likes of the B-lose and the Olbiyun.
But that level of performance will be enough to beat most sides in this division. They've set the bar now, we know what they're capable of. Lets hope it's not a one off. We also didn't look particularly weaker at the back without Collins (we didn't look more secure either). Food for thought for Big Eck.
To be fair a constant theme on here has been about not expecting to be at the level of the top 6 but to at least put up a fight and play some entreating football. We got both last night so it seems slightly churlish to then go back to saying the result is all important.
-
I've been saying its not that we have been losing but the manner of it, so credit where its due, this loss was much more palatable.
-
fook off richard Keys , trying to say the 20,000 prem goal should go to Aguero too . you cov twat .
Why is he saying that?
Just saw Marc on SSN and the £20k is going to Acorns, good lad.
Andy Gray sticking up for us . Great charity , great young lad with his head on his shoulders . Keys going on about the timing of the goal , Gray basically saying shut up you hairy prick .
-
Anyone heard about how bad Ireland's injury is? Played his best game for us last night. It would be a shame if he was out for an extended period.
he is not having much luck . he looked good last night , we need a fit Ireland on top of his game . We havent got the money just to write off certain players . He was trying hard last night
-
A strange sensation came over me watching the came last night. I think they call it 'excitement'.
Really pleasing to see Clarke, Bannan and Cuellar come in and really bring something to the team, and also N'Zogbia and Hutton really showed the players they can be.
Hutton obviously let himself down, silly, but it can happen when you're wound up and you've given your all. Some of the comments by our 'fans' on the matter are a disgrace, but there you go.
-
Overall a much better performance, easily the best this season. He got the selection right by dropping Collins at least and no Heskey is worth a point normally. I must say Carlos getting back in is odd for someone who hasn't really got a future here presumably. Mebbe MON has bid for Collings (*prays*) or AM was putting Carlos in the shop window. Mind he bought Ireland back again which seems odd, but i suppose he could still have no idea what his best side is. Hutton, well you can't say it wasn't coming - in fact it was probably the least brutal of his challenges - sign he's getting a reputation among refs?. All in all encouraging but no points unfortunately and we've got to start picking a few up given the table.
-
MotD Highlights (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/aston-villa-1-arsenal-2-motd-2/)
-
Last night was better all round, on the pitch and in the stands.
Fast paced attacking football, neat tidy passing (no I'm not talking about Arse!) heads didn't drop when we went a goal down.
Should the Zog have gone down in the second half? I'm not sure where I stand on this one. On the one hand we would have got the pen and maybe gone on to win the match. On the other hand fair play to him for staying on his feet and trying to get a cross in.
Losing still hurts but the way we played last night helps to ease the pain.
Applauded off at half time and no booing of our own team for a change.
The Holte in full cry is still the best end in football.
More of the same please on and off the pitch.
-
A side with Ireland Charles and Albright in it is much more forward thinking. I really hope Clark gets a long run in midfield.
-
Far better performance, should have at least 1 point from the game.
N'Zog looked really up for it, and all in all, although pointless, we showed that we can at least play a bit of football for the first time in ages.
Can we please offload Heskey in January now AM ?
-
Not sure if it's been mentioned but I thought our fans were bloody brilliant.
It was certainly noticeable from the stream I was watching. We're not fickle, we just want to watch a decent side having a go at playing decent football. The result isn't usually all that important.
A Mirror Sports Writer on Talksport said our fans were great last night and that the Blackburn fans should take a leaf out of our book on supporting your team. Lets keep it up because it does make a difference.
-
That was much better - a performance like that, even if we ended up empty-handed again, does a lot for optimism.
A far few of us have been calling for Cuellar and Clark to be more involved all season, great to see them both start. I always feel much happier when we've got Clark, Albrighton and Bannan in the side, it at least feels as if we're trying to develop something longer term.
I guess concern now is the injury/suspension list, which is mounting. Real shame Ireland now injured after a promising start. Suppose v Stoke it'll have to be Cuellar RB with Collins back or Clark at CB, and Delph or Gardner into midfield with Petrov and Bannan. Squad getting very stretched now.
-
Hopefully it's the sign on better things to come.
As Brian Green says, it's still a defeat. And we don't want to start claiming defeats as some sort of moral victory. We can leave that to the likes of the B-lose and the Olbiyun.
But that level of performance will be enough to beat most sides in this division. They've set the bar now, we know what they're capable of. Lets hope it's not a one off. We also didn't look particularly weaker at the back without Collins (we didn't look more secure either). Food for thought for Big Eck.
To be fair a constant theme on here has been about not expecting to be at the level of the top 6 but to at least put up a fight and play some entreating football. We got both last night so it seems slightly churlish to then go back to saying the result is all important.
It's easily the best we've played all season, and although I was pissed off when they scored the winner, I was annoyed with how unfair it seemed rather than with the team or the manager, if that makes sense. Let's hope they're capable of replicating that form on a regular basis, and that it wasn't a false dawn. While I enjoyed the game for the first time in ages, unfortunately it was still a loss, and 12th place in the table could soon become 15th and so on. Still, it was promising. The other time we've played really well was against Wigan using similar personnel and formation, so I really hope McLeish sticks with that, and doesn't revert to the Collins/Heskey hoofathon. If he's got anything about him he'll realise that last night was the way forward and persevere.
-
Let's play like that in every game.
-
Enjoyed the game last night. Injuries pick the team not AM. Clark and Carlos made the free play possible. Clark must play again in midfield and Carlos next to Dunne. So who to cover for Hutton??? Collins and Heskey stay away.
-
Guzan
Cuellar Dunne Clark
Herd
Petrov Bannan
Albrighton NZogbia
Gabby
Bent
I like the cut of your jib!
Half our defensive problems have been the right/left backs as they can't be relied on, whereas that line-up gives us 3 bloody good defenders and an extra one in front with bags of energy - who needs a right/left back?
It would also be perfect to ease Mr Gardner into the team, when Petrov looks puffed.
Go for it Alex....................it could be an inspired choice!
-
Hopefully last night was a Eureka moment for Mccleish. Clark needs a good run of games,and ill be gutted if Cuellar is sold in Jan.
-
I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.
-
I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.
Nah. Even if he's not reffing the game you're watching, its always worth giving him a few pelters. The useless prick.
-
I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.
I've thought for years you need your eyes testing, Chris.
-
I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.
I've thought for years you need your eyes testing, Chris.
Why do you think I need my arse testing?
-
I spent much of last night castigating Mark Halsey, watching again on Football First and I think I need my eyes testing.
I've thought for years you need your eyes testing, Chris.
Why do you think I need my arse testing?
In your dreams, Chris. In your dreams.
-
Positives:
Clark and Cuellar back in the team, long overdue.
We reversed the trend of giving the 'giants' too much respect
N'Zogbia and Hutton much better
No constant hoofing the ball, better passing overall
Ireland looked good early on
Negatives:
Still didn't create many chances despite better approach play
Hutton's late red means more enforced changes
Another corner conceded from
-
Much much better last night , nzogbia, dunne albrighton all outstanding and a solid display from all, we deserved at least a point if not more but it was so nice to see the attacking intent and fight in the team and the crowd responded to them -keep up that sort of performance and attitude and we will be fine.
Well done to players staff and fans and merry christmas to everyone!
-
Hutton obviously let himself down, silly, but it can happen when you're wound up and you've given your all. Some of the comments by our 'fans' on the matter are a disgrace, but there you go.
Lee, I just revisited my alcohol-fuelled post-game comments because I was seething about Hutton. They were:
... to be booked for mouthing off and then going out to seek retribution is rubbish for a senior player. He had a good game (and has had a few others earlier this season too) but he is a mindless thug and I hope that Lichaj comes back and wins a place ahead of him. He's not a nice character and will always have the self-destruct button close by.
and Losing your rag and getting a red during a period of high-intensity is not clever or helpful: it's just mindless. I applaud commitment; I despise stupidity. Which one does Mutton fit into?
.
On reflection I think they stand the test of time (and sobriety): Hutton is a senior player who should not act as he has done on occasions this season even if he's played better than some people here give credit for. Llast night was a time for cool heads with the onset of three further games in short order. Instead, he has added to the list of those not available for some of these games.
I hope my earlier comments do not fall into your definition of "disgrace".
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
-
Enjoyed the game last night. Injuries pick the team not AM. Clark and Carlos made the free play possible. Clark must play again in midfield and Carlos next to Dunne. So who to cover for Hutton??? Collins and Heskey stay away.
When fit we should have Herd at RB - he played well there against Wolves - and keep Clark in midfield. I think Herd, Clark, Bannan and Albrighton are all ready to play in the side regularly and I'd much rather bring them through than continue with the likes of Hutton and Heskey
-
Hutton is awful, he can't dribble, pass or tackle...seems to foul more than win the ball.
-
I really enjoyed the game last night (for the first time this season) and whilst their winner was gutting I can take away so many positives.
If we keep passing and pressing and dont let Collins and Heskey any where near the first team ever agian I will be a happy chappy for the rest of the season. Not sure what changed last night but well done to AMc and the players.
-
Obviously a much better performance but to me if was just another game we lost and puts us closer to the foot of the table. We're getting sucked in!!
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
I read a Tweet from Matt Dickinson of the Times earlier today along the lines of Hutton still 'overdue a 10-match ban for his tackle on Long', which I found totally hysterical.
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
No it wasn't. Van Persie had wound him up previously so he quite obviously went in hard deliberately in an attempt to get him back. He's now unavailable to play (but almost certainly still picking up his wages). I think that deserves some criticism.
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
I agree. He was awesome coming forward, unstoppable and put in some great passes. More of that please. The second yellow was a good tackle IMO got the ball first, never a yellow card.
-
Hutton is awful, he can't dribble, pass or tackle...seems to foul more than win the ball.
Last night he (Hutton) had Gervinho in his pocket. Made him look very ordinary and eventually was taken off. Perhaps Gervinho is not very good but if he gets picked by the Arse he must have some ability.
-
Hutton has deserved criticism this season. He hasn't been good. Last night, as much as the tackle wasn't the worst thing we'd ever seen he should have been aware of the situation. He was stupid to get the first booking. He should have just walked away and ended being dragged away. It was a booking that was totally avoidable. The second was completely needless in that there was no need to put in that tackle at that point in the game in that part of the pitch. He was walking a tightrope and he let his emotions get the better of him.
He had by far his best game last night, but his "dark" side so to speak has let the club the down.
-
I haven't read this thread.
But for me the only player not at it yesterday was Gabby, but I'm putting that down to just an off day though.
Wasn't it Gabby that lost Yossinfor their winner?
-
Good to hear supporters singing loud & proud last night ..........
With couple of exceptions the players were 'at it' and deserved at least a share of the points -
I predicted Hutton would be red carded by Xmas and he has proved me correct - has he apologised ?
Provided we play in similar fashion between now and May and sort out defending corners there is
a comfortable top ten finish
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
I read a Tweet from Matt Dickinson of the Times earlier today along the lines of Hutton still 'overdue a 10-match ban for his tackle on Long', which I found totally hysterical.
I heard Pat Murphy still going on about that on the radio last night. I bet he'll still be bringing it up in twenty-years time the way he goes on about it.
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
No it wasn't. Van Persie had wound him up previously so he quite obviously went in hard deliberately in an attempt to get him back. He's now unavailable to play (but almost certainly still picking up his wages). I think that deserves some criticism.
He does deserve criticism. He doesn't deserve to be told to "fuck off and die".
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
No it wasn't. Van Persie had wound him up previously so he quite obviously went in hard deliberately in an attempt to get him back. He's now unavailable to play (but almost certainly still picking up his wages). I think that deserves some criticism.
He does deserve criticism. He doesn't deserve to be told to "fuck off and die".
That isn't criticism, is it? That's just abuse. There's a difference.
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
No it wasn't. Van Persie had wound him up previously so he quite obviously went in hard deliberately in an attempt to get him back. He's now unavailable to play (but almost certainly still picking up his wages). I think that deserves some criticism.
I'm pretty sure that the tackle wasn't on RVP, in any case the player was going past him and he had to make the challenge.
However, it's your understanding if the written word that is letting you down. I said the criticism was disproportionate, not that he didn't deserve any. Things like that happen all the time, if it had been a favourite player doing it you'd be backing him, because it's Hutton he gets the dog's abuse.
-
The tackle which got him sent off was on Vermaelen - 1 min 20 secs after getting booked for dissent after his foul on Van Persie. Getting 2 yellow cards in added time must be some sort of record
-
It was a slightly mistimed tackle, the criticism of him from many has been disproportionate.
No it wasn't. Van Persie had wound him up previously so he quite obviously went in hard deliberately in an attempt to get him back. He's now unavailable to play (but almost certainly still picking up his wages). I think that deserves some criticism.
I'm pretty sure that the tackle wasn't on RVP, in any case the player was going past him and he had to make the challenge.
However, it's your understanding if the written word that is letting you down. I said the criticism was disproportionate, not that he didn't deserve any. Things like that happen all the time, if it had been a favourite player doing it you'd be backing him, because it's Hutton he gets the dog's abuse.
My understanding of the written word is perfectly adequate thank you. Once again it's a shame that you have to resort to personal remarks and digs.
I wasn't arguing with the comment that the criticism was disproportionate. I was arguing with the comment that the tackle was 'slightly mistimed'. It wasn't, it was a deliberate attempt at revenge. There were two clauses in your sentence. I was arguing with the first, not the second.
You are right that the tackle wasn't on Van Persie, according to the BBC it was Vermaelen. However, Hutton had been wound up and he just wanted to kick someone.
As for your assertion that if it was someone else I'd be backing them, how the hell do you know what I think about Hutton? I actually thought he played quite well last night.
Once again, please leave aside the pathetic snide remarks, it does you no credit at all.
-
Definite improvement but still some worrying signs. We definitely need to be a bit more ruthless and I thought in the second half we at times resembled a lower league team trying to beat the big-time charlies in the FA Cup only to lose. not sure if I'm being unfair on the back of a defeat but ultimately, again, that;s all we have to show for it. it resonated of Villa-Liverpool in the FA cup in 87-88, and to a lesser degree Villa-Forest 0-0 around January 87. As I remember we pumped them for most of the game - they were good then young uns! - had something like 20 shots, came away with the plaudits, and that was it. The rest we know about.
Yes, it was better, but our soft side still worries me. Plus we need to be a lot more ruthless up front. I guess that's what Bent is for.
-
Good to hear supporters singing loud & proud last night ..........
You sure you didn't stay at home and watch a Tom Robinson Band video?
-
I thought the ref over-reacted a bit cos he'd just booked him for having a go at Van Persie, who deserved it for going down like he'd been shot and had earlier been booked for diving.
At least Hutton just took it and walked off.
-
It wasn't a personal remark, it was an observation that you hadn't understood my post. I chose my words carefully, I said it was disproportionate you said he deserved criticism.
The point about different treatment was a general point, "you" meaning those who had given him the over the top criticism.
You also claimed it was a revenge tackle when it clearly wasn't. I've seen it again of Football First and it's a foul but not dangerous and in no way deserves the reaction he has received.
-
It wasn't a personal remark, it was an observation that you hadn't understood my post. I chose my words carefully, I said it was disproportionate you said he deserved criticism.
The point about different treatment was a general point, "you" meaning those who had given him the over the top criticism.
You also claimed it was a revenge tackle when it clearly wasn't. I've seen it again of Football First and it's a foul but not dangerous and in no way deserves the reaction he has received.
It came across as personal. You didn't say "you misunderstood what I said", you said "your understanding of the written word is letting you down". The first refers to a specific misunderstanding while the second is a comment on general ability to understand. If it wasn't meant as such, then fine, no problems.
As for it not being a revenge tackle, well, we'll have to disagree on that.
-
You raise a valid and interesting point Chris. The perceived level of wrong doing is always in inverse proportion to the popularity of the player.
Suarez is a classic case in point (aplologies if there is a separate thread on this topic). He is very popular with Liverpool fans and is in their eyes a very good player. So the club in general and the players in particular overlook every aspect of the fact that he has been racist and by being racist has prejudiced the performances of the team for eight games. The club is aided and abetted in this calumny by the tabloid media, the back page of the Mirror carrying a huge picture of Suarez grinning like a Cheshire cat and the banner headline about never walking alone.
The very same newspaper lauded to the skies the decision of the FA to bust his arse two days ago.
What would have been the reaction if the Villa squad had all worn Bannan tee shirts? There would have been outrage and rightly so. So why no outrage at Liverpool putting their racist player on a pedestal? I will tell you why. Because racism is endemic in our society and any attempt to stamp it out is only honoured in the breach. Liverpudlians love to see themselves simultanously as superior and victimized because of their innate superiority.
Say for argument's sake that there are 60,000 hardcore Liverpool fans who believe Suarez has been "crucified" (his team mate's word). Suppose also that there is a population of 60,000,000 in the UK. That is one tenth of one percent who are blind to the offence committed by Suarez. That does not justify full page pictures of him grinning from ear to ear in our mass circulation newspapers.
-
Want to draw a line under the "fuck off and die comment" re Hutton - I made it initially last night - and made it a couple of minutes after the final whistle after watching him royally blot his copy book after producing the best display for us by a country mile.
Overreaction by me - definitely, abusive - definitely, sign of a frustrated Villa fan not covering himself in glory - definitely.
For the delicate flowers on here who found my language a little colourful - I apologise, wasn't meant to offend just frustration - a Hutton challenge of a post if you will. If as has been posted the post and the abusive nature of it makes me "less of a fan" then I can handle that - I know what I am opposite Villa and i'm comfortable
With the above said - I still reserve the right to believe that Hutton is not good enough for Villa
-
Want to draw a line under the "fuck off and die comment" re Hutton - I made it initially last night - and made it a couple of minutes after the final whistle after watching him royally blot his copy book after producing the best display for us by a country mile.
Overreaction by me - definitely, abusive - definitely, sign of a frustrated Villa fan not covering himself in glory - definitely.
For the delicate flowers on here who found my language a little colourful - I apologise, wasn't meant to offend just frustration - a Hutton challenge of a post if you will. If as has been posted the post and the abusive nature of it makes me "less of a fan" then I can handle that - I know what I am opposite Villa and i'm comfortable
With the above said - I still reserve the right to believe that Hutton is not good enough for Villa
Well said sir. That's good enough for me. I was also thinking what you had said, and indeed, spare of the moment.
Hutton's been a total liability all season though and could easily have had 2-3 more reds. We need to get rid.
-
Want to draw a line under the "fuck off and die comment" re Hutton - I made it initially last night - and made it a couple of minutes after the final whistle after watching him royally blot his copy book after producing the best display for us by a country mile.
Overreaction by me - definitely, abusive - definitely, sign of a frustrated Villa fan not covering himself in glory - definitely.
For the delicate flowers on here who found my language a little colourful - I apologise, wasn't meant to offend just frustration - a Hutton challenge of a post if you will. If as has been posted the post and the abusive nature of it makes me "less of a fan" then I can handle that - I know what I am opposite Villa and i'm comfortable
With the above said - I still reserve the right to believe that Hutton is not good enough for Villa
Appreciated.
-
Hutton is awful, he can't dribble, pass or tackle...seems to foul more than win the ball.
Who told you that?
-
I had a quick look on the Guardian chalkboard. Some interesting stuff (I've got the day off!)
Our general passing stats seemed pretty high:
- Bannan made 27 passes despite playing only half a game (74% success, unsuccessful ones seem to be crosses into the box mostly)
- Clark 22 in total (75%) and only 1 interception, 2 tackles (lots of headers I recall). I thought he'd been more influential.
- Petrov 33 (76%)
- Albrighton 39 (65%) often crosses
- Gabby just 32 (27%) confirming he had a poor game (though I presume many touches were the result of innaccurate balls)
- Cuellar and Dunne had high stats too
- Ireland 16 (75%)