Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on August 16, 2012, 04:31:50 PM
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Available Saturday afternoon.
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Match time is finally nearly here!
AVFC: Given, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Baker, Holman, Delph, El Ahmadi, N’Zogbia, Ireland, Bent [c]. Subs: Guzan, Herd, Weimann, Bannan, Lichaj, Burke, Gardner.
Team News: Darren Bent is skipper this afternoon. Stephen Ireland plays just behind Darren Bent. Fabian Delph and Karim El Ahmadi start in midfield. Ciaran Clark and ‘Concrete’ Ron Vlaar make up the centre-half pairing, with Matt Lowton at right-back and Nathan Baker at left-back. Four players – Brett Holman, Karim El Ahmadi, Matt Lowton and Ron Vlaar – all make their debuts.
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Up the Villa. Always exciting at the start of a new season. Team news yet?
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Cheers PWS. Attacking line-up, so he really is going to give it a go. Should be interesting! A little concerned that we may get overrun in midfield with Delph and Ahmadi in the centre but lets wait and see. Up the Villa!
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Come on you Villa boys! The wait is finally over thank god.
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Watching it through a 42'' with a beer.Life is great Come on Villa.
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Disappointed not to see Bannan and Guzan start, but the team is more than fair. Hopefully wee Bazza and Weimann will get some time.
Anyway, the system looks like a kind of 4-2-3-1, and Delph and El-Ahmadi as the deeper two will provide tenacity and ball-retention, and that is a creative attacking three behind Bent. C'mon you Lions!
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Come on you Lime Green Lions !!!
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Cheers PWS. Attacking line-up, so he really is going to give it a go. Should be interesting! A little concerned that we may get overrun in midfield with Delph and Ahmadi in the centre but lets wait and see. Up the Villa!
I think NZog and Holman will tuck in and contribute too, and for once it looks like we are going in with 2 players with energy and ability on the ball.
Baker at left back is interesting and I doubt a long term solution!
Looking at their side, we have a decent chance of getting a result, and I really hope we go for it.
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I agree how long before Delph gets booked?
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Cheers PWS. Attacking line-up, so he really is going to give it a go. Should be interesting! A little concerned that we may get overrun in midfield with Delph and Ahmadi in the centre but lets wait and see. Up the Villa!
I think NZog and Holman will tuck in and contribute too, and for once it looks like we are going in with 2 players with energy and ability on the ball.
Baker at left back is interesting and I doubt a long term solution!
Looking at their side, we have a decent chance of getting a result, and I really hope we go for it.
What is the Spammers team Ozz?
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I agree how long before Delph gets booked?
9th minute.
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WEST HAM: Jaaskelainen, Redi, McCartney, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Taylor, Vaz Te, Noble, Diame, Cole. Subs: Tomkins, Diarra, O'Neil, Henderson, Maynard, Maiga, O'Brien.
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I agree how long before Delph gets injured?
Fixed
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How much must QPR be spending on wages. I would bet more than us at our worst now....
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I agree how long before Delph gets injured?
Fixed
Very good.
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I agree how long before Delph gets injured?
Fixed
12th minute
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----------------Given---------------
Lowton--Vlaar--Clark--Baker--
---------El Ahmadi--Delph--------
---N'Zogbia--Ireland--Holman--
-----------------Bent----------------
I like that line up, I can see the sense of Baker at LB as well as Saladice like to exploit the back post. If we keep it tight for the first 20 minutes and give their crowd nothing to shout about and manage to dominate possession I think their crowd will turn and we'll hopefully go on to win.
Come on the Villa Boys!
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Very good line-up. Baker at LB is a good choice for this game but we really do need a new LB in for the rest of the season.
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Come on Villa lets get off to a winning start!
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Pretty inexperienced back four to face Allardyce's style of football, and a clear message from PL to Hutton and Warnock. Like the look of two in front of the defence then Holman,Ireland and CNZ to feed Bent. Can't remember what it was like to go away and look as though we want to attack and win the game rather than setting up not to lose (and failing)! I feel better already!
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Surprised to see Baker at left back - Lichaj would have been a safer bet unless he's concerned about their set-pieces. Baker has impressed me when he's played centre back but never when he's played left back.
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I like the look of the team,bench does show how stretched we are at the minute.
Get an early goal,let the West Ham fans turn on them,and we get a comfortable win. UTV.
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0-0 for me. Oh shit it's a new season isn't it?! No ginger one. 2-1 villa. Bent and Holman to score. Excited just a little bit. COME ON!
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Come on lads, wipe that smug grin off Tumnus' face today.
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I think Baker has got the nod on set piece ability alone knowing Allardyce.
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I think Baker has got the nod on set piece ability alone knowing Allardyce.
Even then I've seen Baker lose his man a couple of times - notably Cahill when he was at Bolton.
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Watching it through a 42'' with a beer.Life is great Come on Villa.
You watching on villastreams? I have mine running through my iPad and sent through to tv via apple tv, awesome!
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Surprised to see Baker at left back - Lichaj would have been a safer bet unless he's concerned about their set-pieces. Baker has impressed me when he's played centre back but never when he's played left back.
Lichaj has also played CB and is strong in the air so PL obviously doesn't fancy him playing on the left.
I think the team is strong although how much N'Zog is up for it remains to be seen. I'm glad to see Delph back but fear for his disciplinary record. Who's the ref?
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I wonder whether Lambert wants the option of going to a 3-5-2 with Delph moving to left wing back.
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Watching it through a 42'' with a beer.Life is great Come on Villa.
You watching on villastreams? I have mine running through my iPad and sent through to tv via apple tv, awesome!
s*****t.
Fixed sorry.
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I wonder whether Lambert wants the option of going to a 3-5-2 with Delph moving to left wing back.
Good thinking; yes, maybe.
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Surprised to see Baker at left back - Lichaj would have been a safer bet unless he's concerned about their set-pieces. Baker has impressed me when he's played centre back but never when he's played left back.
Lichaj has also played CB and is strong in the air so PL obviously doesn't fancy him playing on the left.
I think the team is strong although how much N'Zog is up for it remains to be seen. I'm glad to see Delph back but fear for his disciplinary record. Who's the ref?
The ref is Mike Dean. Bit card happy IIRC
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Interesting line up, now if they can play as PL wants to play them then great. Now its upon us my doubts and worries of Villa from the past couple years have returned. Hopefully its only nerves!
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I wouldn't be surprised to see Clark at left-back.
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Think PL is going with a 4-2-3-1 can't wait to see how we line up and perform today.
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Surprised to see Baker at left back - Lichaj would have been a safer bet unless he's concerned about their set-pieces. Baker has impressed me when he's played centre back but never when he's played left back.
Lichaj has also played CB and is strong in the air so PL obviously doesn't fancy him playing on the left.
I think the team is strong although how much N'Zog is up for it remains to be seen. I'm glad to see Delph back but fear for his disciplinary record. Who's the ref?
The ref is Mike Dean. Bit card happy IIRC
Yes ... not so good for young Fab.
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I wouldn't be surprised to see Clark at left-back.
I would, he's definitely been seeing and playing Clark as a centre-back, and all the indications are the partnership with Vlaar.
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Soccer Saturday having a good old batter at the Villa fans for the way we treated Eck.
Fucking morons.
And please stop the streams talk, and do not post any links, they will be removed.
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Terrible the way we paid him a fortune every week just to better his career and then a big chunk to send him on his way after he failed.
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Soccer Saturday having a good old batter at the Villa fans for the way we treated Eck.
Fucking morons.
And please stop the streams talk, and do not post any links, they will be removed.
Sorry mate is that a new board rule? Streams were readily linked too last year, even by mods!
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From the Mod/Admin team:
Links to Streams: This practice is not tolerated on this site. Please refrain from posting any links to streaming sites, any posts that infringe this rule will be amended/removed and offenders will find themselves subject to warnings and potentially bans if continuing to post. The rules also extend to people pestering others for links via PM.
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Blimey, when you look at the squad you just realise how wafer thin it is - not happy with Given getting the nod especially against a Fat Sam team who will be knocking it high into the box.
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Its so bloody easy finding most games.Google is your friend.
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From the Mod/Admin team:
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Bugger.
Over to facebook so.
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New start. New back 4. I like it as its progressive and a statement of intent from PL. even if we lose we need to keep the faith. Come on Villa.
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Soccer Saturday having a good old batter at the Villa fans for the way we treated Eck.
Fucking morons.
And please stop the streams talk, and do not post any links, they will be removed.
Gabbys 'tache looks a bit dodgy.
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Fair enough re streams. As I said it wasn't a prob last year. I know it's not allowed on VT. didn't realise it wasn't here. Apologies.
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I fancy us to win this. Could be an opening day thriller. 3-2 Villa.
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Attacking line up.
Come on you Lions..
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From the Mod/Admin team:
Links to Streams: This practice is not tolerated on this site. Please refrain from posting any links to streaming sites, any posts that infringe this rule will be amended/removed and offenders will find themselves subject to warnings and potentially bans if continuing to post. The rules also extend to people pestering others for links via PM.
When did this happen?
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Soccer Saturday having a good old batter at the Villa fans for the way we treated Eck.
It is particularly moronic of them when you consider that the outburst of angst actually only really started away at Wigan on Feb 25. I think we'd been incredibly restrained prior to that; and the outburst at Wigan was because we'd been so defensive agins the worst home-team in the EPL.
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I have a bet on Vlaar anytime scorer at 12/1. Just got a feeling he's going to mark his debut with a goal.
Good to be back!
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Afternoon all
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Fair enough re streams. As I said it wasn't a prob last year. I know it's not allowed on VT. didn't realise it wasn't here. Apologies.
It is a new thing this season, and I think (scratches head) has been put in the rules and site admin. It is protecting our arses obviously, but as bertslegoflamb says, google is your friend.
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Right 5 mins to go. Slightly nervous, massively excited. Not sure whether that's the football or the high levels of dihydrocodeine haha! 2-1 villa....
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Soccer Saturday having a good old batter at the Villa fans for the way we treated Eck.
It is particularly moronic of them when you consider that the outburst of angst actually only really started away at Wigan on Feb 25. I think we'd been incredibly restrained prior to that; and the outburst at Wigan was because we'd been so defensive agins the worst home-team in the EPL.
Spot on.
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Olympic Freeloaders FC - Aston Villa .... Go Villa!!!
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I'm really nervous for this season, I feel it can either go amazingly well or fall flat on our face.
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a debut goal for someone today i reckon.
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Got a bad feeling we will lose this. Bubble burst time.
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Come on Villa!!
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Players - actual Villa players - moving around at the throw in there. This season is already better than last season.
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Nice to see Holman get an early shot away
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OOh! Decent shot from Holman, goes wide. Energetic start so far.
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Promising.
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Holman finding a bit of space.
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Zoggy looks up for it.
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Afternoon all.
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Lovely play from Ireland there, super.
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They are doing this weird thing here. Keeping the ball, working it around, moving. Who is this side???
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Blimey, we're plaing some nice stuff here! Good start from Ireland and N'Zogbia.
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The game i'm watching can't be real. I'm sure i'm seeing some passing and movement off the ball. What is this witchcraft?
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Blimey, we're plaing some nice stuff here! Good start from Ireland and N'Zogbia.
How do David, married life treating you OK?!
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The game i'm watching can't be real. I'm sure i'm seeing some passing and movement off the ball. What is this witchcraft?
It'll never catch on.
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Blimey, we're plaing some nice stuff here! Good start from Ireland and N'Zogbia.
How do David, married life treating you OK?!
Its all good so far, thanks mate! Off on honeymoon after the weekend, which should be good!
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I missed the first couple of minutes, who's at left back and who is in midfield?
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Blimey, we're plaing some nice stuff here! Good start from Ireland and N'Zogbia.
How do David, married life treating you OK?!
Its all good so far, thanks mate! Off on honeymoon after the weekend, which should be good!
All downhill from there.
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We have started well and are the better of the two teams. Long may this continue.
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Isn't it great to not see TSM in the dugout!
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Blimey, we're plaing some nice stuff here! Good start from Ireland and N'Zogbia.
How do David, married life treating you OK?!
Its all good so far, thanks mate! Off on honeymoon after the weekend, which should be good!
All downhill from there.
So I hear!
It's Baker at left back, Martin, and Delph and El Ahmadi sitting in front of the defence.
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Who is our number 10? Turning people, getting forward, looks a really talented kid???
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11 mins in and we are all over them.
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Got to say I'm impressed with Given not going long all the time. I hate keepers hoofing for no reason
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WM was advertising this game, I tune in and theyve got the Baggies on?
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Swansea 1 up, and Isiah Osbourne is in the starting lineup for Blackpool. And Rangers losing at home to East Stirlingshire.
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Got to say I'm impressed with Given not going long all the time. I hate keepers hoofing for no reason
That winds me up as well. In fairness to him, he's had nothing but managers telling him to do that. Lambo appears to have got onto him about that.
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Holman looks a bit too ponderous so far.
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Holman looks a bit too ponderous so far.
Not a usual criticism of him. Suffering a bit from his injury still?
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WM was advertising this game, I tune in and theyve got the Baggies on?
it's on fm not dab.
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From the Mod/Admin team:
Links to Streams: This practice is not tolerated on this site. Please refrain from posting any links to streaming sites, any posts that infringe this rule will be amended/removed and offenders will find themselves subject to warnings and potentially bans if continuing to post. The rules also extend to people pestering others for links via PM.
When did this happen?
Why has this happened? I really don't see the harm in helping out other Villa fans who like myself are struggling to find a decent stream. Are we now that intolerent?
PM's always well received.
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We look good.
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From the Mod/Admin team:
Links to Streams: This practice is not tolerated on this site. Please refrain from posting any links to streaming sites, any posts that infringe this rule will be amended/removed and offenders will find themselves subject to warnings and potentially bans if continuing to post. The rules also extend to people pestering others for links via PM.
When did this happen?
Why has this happened? I really don't see the harm in helping out other Villa fans who like myself are struggling to find a decent stream. Are we now that intolerent?
PM's always well received.
I'd guess pressure from the club.
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Holman looks a bit too ponderous so far.
Not a usual criticism of him. Suffering a bit from his injury still?
Not really criticism, just faster paced than he thought I think.
Even Francis on the commentary has said Karim looks a special talent. He and Delph look bloody great together so far.
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From the Mod/Admin team:
Links to Streams: This practice is not tolerated on this site. Please refrain from posting any links to streaming sites, any posts that infringe this rule will be amended/removed and offenders will find themselves subject to warnings and potentially bans if continuing to post. The rules also extend to people pestering others for links via PM.
When did this happen?
Why has this happened? I really don't see the harm in helping out other Villa fans who like myself are struggling to find a decent stream. Are we now that intolerent?
PM's always well received.
Because Mac doesn't want to spend his time in a South American embassy.
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From the Mod/Admin team:
Links to Streams: This practice is not tolerated on this site. Please refrain from posting any links to streaming sites, any posts that infringe this rule will be amended/removed and offenders will find themselves subject to warnings and potentially bans if continuing to post. The rules also extend to people pestering others for links via PM.
When did this happen?
Why has this happened? I really don't see the harm in helping out other Villa fans who like myself are struggling to find a decent stream. Are we now that intolerent?
PM's always well received.
Because Mac doesn't want to spend his time in a South American embassy.
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We look the most composed I've seen us in years.
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What's all this tippy tappy shit about?! LUMP IT IN THE BOX, LADS!!
Just kidding.
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We've lost our calm completely. Need to get our heads back, because they've just gone.
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Bollocks
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Bollocks.
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The first bollocks and for fucks sake of the season!
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shit. knew we would concede from a set piece eventually.
we've lost our way last 10 minutes.
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Bollocks.
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Welcome to the new season. Much the same as last season.
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Fucking hell. How have we been playing?
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Bollox!
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Looked good for 10 minutes but have been long balled to death.
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We've lost it the last 10-15 mins. Pretty much all West Ham. Come on Villa!
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We need to stop conceding free kicks in and around our penalty area.
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Clarke has had a shit 10 minutes.
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Just totally lost our heads here, need to get calm again.
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The long balls basically have mounted up and killed us eventually.
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25-30 minutes of us passing the ball really well, but with no real penetration.
Then 15 mins of West Ham lumping it at us, and us losing our concentration.
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We certainly can not affford to gi ve away all these free kicks around our box against the crude tactics employed by an Alladyce side.
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Need a good bollocking from Lambert at half-time. We're being thoroughly Allardyced.
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I do think Holman looks the weak link going forward at the moment, and we need to work on penetration.
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we've played into their hands and big sam's tactics.
we've done nothing noticeable in their final third. no chances. nothing. need to re-structer for second half.
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I think this should dispel any false notions that we don't need to strengthen the team further.
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Depressing to see that lump 'big sam' on a premier league bench again. Fat, wet lipped purveyor of shit football that he is.
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I do think Holman looks the weak link going forward at the moment, and we need to work on penetration.
Haven't been impressed by him at all to be honest.
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An effort on goal would be nice, Ireland started well but has faded for me. N'Zog looks as infuriating as ever.
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so in a nutshell - feck all has changed -:)
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Concrete Ron with a Collins special to nobody.
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We need more from N'Zog; he's a lightweight at the moment.
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I do think Holman looks the weak link going forward at the moment, and we need to work on penetration.
Haven't been impressed by him at all to be honest.
Nor me at all.
Put someone like Adam Johnson in there and we might have created something.
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Amusingly Racist FC are losing. Sadly it's to the Bitter Birds.
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
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At least it wasn't has bad as last season.
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I do think Holman looks the weak link going forward at the moment, and we need to work on penetration.
Haven't been impressed by him at all to be honest.
Nor me at all.
Put someone like Adam Johnson in there and we might have created something.
That will be £15m and £80k a week then.
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Played ok in patches, but not created a fat lot. Looked completely at sea for 10 minutes before they scored.
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Let's calm down a bit, plenty of time to turn it round.
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We've looked very good at times, but Allardyce scrappiness is doing for us so far. Just need to calm down, keep plugging away and I'm confident we can get something. Maybe get Bannan on for Zog or Weimann for Holman. Or both, to be honest, because they're not at it today.
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We have one game plan and that's play through the middle hope that a through ball to Bent will find it's way through eventually. Unfortunately, West Ham sussed that one straight away.
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If you do your shopping in Primark, you'll end up looking shitty.
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We're playing some nice stuff in possession, but it is the final ball that is lacking.
N'Zogbia and Holman have both been largely anonymous, I think, which explains it to a large degree.
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A half of two halves, really. Started very well, spent twentty minutes knocking the ball around with no real penetration before they started kicking lumps out of us, hoofing the ball in and causing a fair bit of panic for us.
N'Zogbia very frustrating as usual, El Ahmadi looks good, Vlaar needs to calm the hell down.
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
Are you mad? The ref is given Cole decision after decision!
As for the goal if Vaz Te isn't interfering with play then I don't understand the offside law.
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I'd also genuinely rather saw my own head off than watch an Allardyce team all season.
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Lightweight at the back, static in midfield and no penetration up front. Great start
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
Are you mad? The ref is given Cole decision after decision!
As for the goal if Vaz Te isn't interfering with play then I don't understand the offside law.
The ref thought it came off Clark last, so he can't have been offside.
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
Are you mad? The ref is given Cole decision after decision!
As for the goal if Vaz Te isn't interfering with play then I don't understand the offside law.
The ref thought it came off Clark last, so he can't have been offside.
The ball was aimed towards Vaz Te he was in an offside position doesnt matter who it hits.
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
Are you mad? The ref is given Cole decision after decision!
As for the goal if Vaz Te isn't interfering with play then I don't understand the offside law.
they are saying as the ball came off Clark he was not offside, which is still bollocks
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Fuck me West Ham are as bad to watch as Stoke ..unfortantly we are giving too many fouls away from the long balls they are pinging forward.
Holman not looking too good not sure if its from injury other night but I would be considering taking him off.
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chequebook out please Mr Lerner.
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I can't see Nzogbia getting any better this season.
Would like to see more of Holman before casting him into the sell for-peanuts-a-year-after-buying-and-playing-him-in-the-reserves bin.
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We'll win this. West Ham are pants.
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
Are you mad? The ref is given Cole decision after decision!
As for the goal if Vaz Te isn't interfering with play then I don't understand the offside law.
The ref thought it came off Clark last, so he can't have been offside.
The ball was aimed towards Vaz Te he was in an offside position doesnt matter who it hits.
correct, it looks like we have a new interpretation of the offside rule.
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
Are you mad? The ref is given Cole decision after decision!
As for the goal if Vaz Te isn't interfering with play then I don't understand the offside law.
The ref thought it came off Clark last, so he can't have been offside.
The ball was aimed towards Vaz Te he was in an offside position doesnt matter who it hits.
I've just seen it again.
The ball was aimed at Vaz Te, but he wasn't in an offisde position. When the flick forward came, he was, but it was Clark who flicked it, so it wasn't offside.
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Its the long balls, set pieces Allardyce tactics in general that have made us look a bit shaky in the last 15-20 minutes of the half. Apart from a couple of dumb fouls we've looked quite calm and OK with the ball in our own half, we just haven't penetrated them with the ball seriously when in their half getting ourselves into positions where chances can be created. The front line hasn't been there because the supporting cast hasn't given them the opportunity to be made available.
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Time for paul lambert to work his magic-west ham are nothing special but we need to be more creative , maybe bannan for holman , nice passing game but the final ball is missing , lets hope for more penetration 2nd half.
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Nzogbia looked shocking, needs a vast improvement second half.
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allardyce really does live up to his reputation. turgid anti football. but its got to be said, the scorelineproves its effective
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
Are you mad? The ref is given Cole decision after decision!
As for the goal if Vaz Te isn't interfering with play then I don't understand the offside law.
The ref thought it came off Clark last, so he can't have been offside.
The ball was aimed towards Vaz Te he was in an offside position doesnt matter who it hits.
I've just seen it again.
The ball was aimed at Vaz Te, but he wasn't in an offisde position. When the flick forward came, he was, but it was Clark who flicked it, so it wasn't offside.
If that's the case fair enough!
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Oh and Mike Dean is a fucking ******.
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allardyce really does live up to his reputation. turgid anti football. but its got to be said, the scorelineproves its effective
Yeah, it works up to a point, but imagine watching that week in, week out.
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We're keeping the ball much better. It's gonna take a while to get into the swing of things playing this way. It reminds me a little of Houllier at the minute. We keep the ball pretty well without any sort of penetration in the final third.
We've a problem with Holman and N'Zogbia right now. Holman probably isn't fit, and N'Zogbia just doesn't look confident at all. We could do with some pace out wide so we do really miss Gabby at the moment. He could be giving us an option in the channels.
I'd be more inclined to play a 4-3-3 than 4-2-3-1. I'd sacrifice one of Holman or N'Zog, and bring on Bannan to play CM. Then go three up top with Ireland floating from either wing. Bent needs support.
For me, right now we definitely look like we're missing a big man option up front, a decent wide player, a barnstorming CM player- the sort who'll burst from box to box and drive the team forward. And a decent left back obviously.
Still, in terms of keeping the ball, signs are promising. We just need 2-3 signings in the right places to help us be more penetrative. Also the options to give us a more direct option if plan A isn't working.
I do quite like the balance of Delph and El Ahmadi. An extra man in there with them would help at the minute.
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The linesman flagged for offside on the goal then put his flag down and said it was a goal. How does that work then? If he's not offside, why put your flag up you idiot? For what it's worth it was marginal and I think Vlaar possibly played him on.
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Vlaar is finding it tough against the donkyiest striker in the PL.
Are you mad? The ref is given Cole decision after decision!
As for the goal if Vaz Te isn't interfering with play then I don't understand the offside law.
The ref thought it came off Clark last, so he can't have been offside.
The ball was aimed towards Vaz Te he was in an offside position doesnt matter who it hits.
I've just seen it again.
The ball was aimed at Vaz Te, but he wasn't in an offisde position. When the flick forward came, he was, but it was Clark who flicked it, so it wasn't offside.
Correct not offside.
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The linesman flagged for offside on the goal then put his flag down and said it was a goal. How does that work then? If he's not offside, why put your flag up you idiot? For what it's worth it was marginal and I think Vlaar possibly played him on.
I'd imagine the referee overruled him.
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It's weird with N'Zogbia. Today he looks like he's actually trying, and is working quite hard chasing back and that, but what still surprises me is that when he gets the ball played to him, he doesn't seem to have any real skill! He is usually tackled quite easily, or he hits a poor pass. I was really quite excited when we signed him, too. Still, early days yet.
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Whether the goal was offside or not, for me the fact that we haven't had a single attempt on goal was more concerning. The goal stood so lets move on.
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If the linesman flags for offside, is it not possible that the keeper and defenders stop reacting?
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What we need to do is look at West Ham in their stolen claret and blue and imagine they're us. Then we'll know they'll squander the lead obligatorily and we'll calm down a bit. Then we'll score. It's all in the mind, you know.
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allardyce really does live up to his reputation. turgid anti football. but its got to be said, the scorelineproves its effective
Yeah, it works up to a point, but imagine watching that week in, week out.
Indeed. Four or five bad results and they will be blowing bubbles to get rid of him and he will end up down the job centre moaning about how hard done by he is
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If the linesman flags for offside, is it not possible that the keeper and defenders stop reacting?
play to the whistle!
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It's weird with N'Zogbia. Today he looks like he's actually trying, and is working quite hard chasing back and that, but what still surprises me is that when he gets the ball played to him, he doesn't seem to have any real skill! He is usually tackled quite easily, or he hits a poor pass. I was really quite excited when we signed him, too. Still, early days yet.
The thing is with N'zogbia, he's genuinely rubbish, and we were absolutely robbed by Wigan and Whelan.
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Robbie Savage spouting his opinions on BBC. I'd be annoyed if I was an out of work journalist.
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If the linesman flags for offside, is it not possible that the keeper and defenders stop reacting?
Play to the whistle is the answer to that.
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It's weird with N'Zogbia. Today he looks like he's actually trying, and is working quite hard chasing back and that, but what still surprises me is that when he gets the ball played to him, he doesn't seem to have any real skill! He is usually tackled quite easily, or he hits a poor pass. I was really quite excited when we signed him, too. Still, early days yet.
Exactly, early days. We were a fukin shambles last season. Lambert will need 6 competitive games to judge the players. He has already judged the over paid wankers.
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The linesman flagged for offside on the goal then put his flag down and said it was a goal. How does that work then? If he's not offside, why put your flag up you idiot? For what it's worth it was marginal and I think Vlaar possibly played him on.
I'd imagine the referee overruled him.
Then why did the ref even consult him? If he's overruled him, no need for consultation. If he hasn't, then the lino has obviously changed his mind.
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We're keeping the ball much better. It's gonna take a while to get into the swing of things playing this way. It reminds me a little of Houllier at the minute. We keep the ball pretty well without any sort of penetration in the final third.
We've a problem with Holman and N'Zogbia right now. Holman probably isn't fit, and N'Zogbia just doesn't look confident at all. We could do with some pace out wide so we do really miss Gabby at the moment. He could be giving us an option in the channels.
I'd be more inclined to play a 4-3-3 than 4-2-3-1. I'd sacrifice one of Holman or N'Zog, and bring on Bannan to play CM. Then go three up top with Ireland floating from either wing. Bent needs support.
For me, right now we definitely look like we're missing a big man option up front, a decent wide player, a barnstorming CM player- the sort who'll burst from box to box and drive the team forward. And a decent left back obviously.
Still, in terms of keeping the ball, signs are promising. We just need 2-3 signings in the right places to help us be more penetrative. Also the options to give us a more direct option if plan A isn't working.
I do quite like the balance of Delph and El Ahmadi. An extra man in there with them would help at the minute.
Good post, Tom. We've just watched only 45 minutes, after all; and against a team that will frustrate the hell out of a few teams this season.
I think we'll see an away goal ... whether we withstand the onslaught on our goal is another thing. Vlaar needs to calm down abit and concentrate on defending rather than simply winning his personal battle with Cole.
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If the linesman flags for offside, is it not possible that the keeper and defenders stop reacting?
I'd like to think they'd wait for the refs whistle before doing that.
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If the linesman flags for offside, is it not possible that the keeper and defenders stop reacting?
Play to the whistle.
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It's true, N'Zogbia has put in a shift and done some work, but as someone else said, when he finds himself in a position to do something dangerous, he just doesn't seem to know what to do.
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I'm not a big fan of one up front i think it's a lot easier to defend against especially as Bent isn't the greatest with the ball at his feet.
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If the linesman flags for offside, is it not possible that the keeper and defenders stop reacting?
of course it is, and it almost looked that way but i remember having the saying "play to the whistle" drummed into me from a very young age
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A little more composure needed in both final thirds... no need to rush when in possession, but more care need not to go flying in and giving silly free kicks away.
I still think we'll be ok today and get at least a point
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I too have been impressed with Delph and KEA in the middle, Ireland as well has been pretty impressive in spells.
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The annoying thing is that we are behind to a team that has carried very little threat.
We do at least look like we have something to work with.
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I too have been impressed with Delph and KEA in the middle, Ireland as well has been pretty impressive in spells.
Ireland for me drifts in and out too much, he needs to take the game by the scruff of the neck and stay involved.
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As an aside, clogger Collins must be loving this - the entire team is set up to feed off his shite hail mary's
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Spam taking the piss coming out for the second half.
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Yep. A couple of players who can really spark in the place of Holman and NZogbia would be very welcome.
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Spam taking the piss coming out for the second half.
How?
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I too have been impressed with Delph and KEA in the middle, Ireland as well has been pretty impressive in spells.
How I've seen it too. Delph and KEA look like they could be a good pair in the middle there, especially as they get more time together. Ireland has played some cracking passes already in that first half - if he could just mage them fifteen yards further up the pitch, I'm sure he'd play Bent in time after time.
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Here we go then, come on me babbies!!
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Ciaran Clark?? Unfair decision..come on lads show them how!
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Lucky to get away with that.
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Bloody hell, Ron! Calm down you tw*t.
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Don't think Bent is improving his recent record of touches per game.
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Not the start to the second half we hoped for.
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That looked extremely close to a penalty.
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Come on Villa ffs, you look all over the place as soon as they reach the final third.
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Charles giving the ball away again. We need more from a £10m man.
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Just seen the replay no penalty.
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Don't think that was a penalty agaisnt Vlaar having finally seen it again. Cole went down quicker than a Balsall Heath hooker offered a quid.
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Don't think that was a penalty agaisnt Vlaar having finally seen it again. Cole went down quicker than a Balsall Heath hooker offered a quid.
Agreed. Never a pen.
We need a big man to play into up front to allow others into the game.
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All gone rather flat.
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One decent attack would be great. Just one.
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We need a couple of attacking options before the window closes.
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Don't think that was a penalty agaisnt Vlaar having finally seen it again. Cole went down quicker than a Balsall Heath hooker offered a quid.
Agreed. Never a pen.
We need a big man to play into up front to allow others into the game.
What's Emile doing these days?
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Well this is a bit shit.
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Collins taking his own player out the big clumsy twat.
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Surely the most comfortable afternoon The Hammers will have all season.
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Lion witch and the wardrobe still being filmed at Upton Park
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A bit of width is what we need. An Adam Johnson style player, because, as the commentator just said, we're passing it around plenty in front of West Ham, but we don't know what to do to get through them - the result being that Bent has been as isolated as he ever was under McLeish
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We want to much time on the ball, just not penetrating or quick enough
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Holman and Nzogbia have been dreadful. One of them has to go off. The Fonz or Wiemann to come on
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It's doing my head in not being able to find a stream. Fuck facebook.
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Holman breaks down the move again.
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Lambo needs to change it for the rest of the game; now.
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Bannan and Weimann on for Zog and Holman??
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Holman has been awful. Looks to be well short of Premier League quality.
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Weimann for Holshit.
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Holman is struggling badly here.
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El Ahmado and Delph are doing their jobs pretty well, and they are keeping possession quite nicely. I think the lack of penetration is coming from the fact that neither Holman or N'Zogbia are getting right up front in support of Bent, so that Ireland only has literally one pass on, to Bent, which is easily snuffed out. I do think that, although plenty don't like it, that Gabby playing instead of N'Zogbia would address that.
That, or play 4-1-2-1-2 instead.
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It's doing my head in not being able to find a stream. Fuck facebook.
Streaming it does have its drawbacks, I'm listening to beelzebub Francis commentate.
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2 penalties given at West Brom!
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It is his first competitive game in this league, so not writing him off, but Holman has been very poor today.
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Well there's not much sign of the attacking football we were promised. Come on villa.
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It's doing my head in not being able to find a stream. Fuck facebook.
PM'd you
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I'd give Holman the benefit of the doubt as a new signing. N'zogbia is still fucking gash though. We can't put up with another season of him being a passenger.
I guess the honeymoon period is over though, we're still shit.
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Does Carew still play for West Ham?
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Weimann on for Holman, go on Andreas.
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It is his first competitive game in this league, so not writing him off, but Holman has been very poor today.
He's far better than we've seen today; I'm sure.
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It is his first competitive game in this league, so not writing him off, but Holman has been very poor today.
Indeed. Again, first game and whatnot, but it's not immediately obvious what kind of player he is, really. Not quite a winger, not quite a striker, not quite a midfielder!
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According to the BBC we are now 2-0 now Peter Odemwingie with the goal..................
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About time Holman off
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Liverpool desperately trying to get Olbiyun off to a flier.
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Better!
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Dippers down to 10 having conceded 2 penalties to the Bitter Birds, one of which was missed.
Fulham don't seem to be missing Dempsey as they go 4 up
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Good old BBC:
GOAL - West Ham 2-0 Aston Villa - Peter Odemwingie
Peter Odemwingie makes no mistake from the spot, opting for power where Shane Long went for placement. He fires his penalty past Pepe Reina. Now Liverpool are in trouble. West Brom are very comfortable.
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What's Emile doing these days?
He's got his first booking of the season. A 7 year old's birthday party, the clown car was a success.
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Weimann on for Holman, go on Andreas.
But needs service as does Bent
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Christ, I thought my stream was slow then and West Ham had signed Odemwingy......phew
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Both teams looking poor this half.
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Baker just got murdered there.
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Got away with it then. Have to say this has been poor from us since about the 20th minute.
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Poor defending there; lucky not to concede.
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So, a left-back is a priority then....
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I hope this is a below par performance. Otherwise we are really really really shit
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Build up too slow and predictable. N'Zog's passing awful
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"And finally on this week's Match Of The Day............."
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We look sooooooo slow in midfield...like italian football 20 years ago
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Left back and attacking options please.
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Left back and attacking options please.
I can't believe anyone really thinks this squad is strong enough, it's nothing like it.
Two weeks to get new bodies in, though. Hopefully he'll manage to sort it.
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C'mon Lambert, you're supposed to be able to adapt when things aren't working.
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Well....
At least we are not QPR losing 4-0 at home to Swansea.
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On the plus side we won't be bottom.
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I hope this is a below par performance. Otherwise we are really really really shit
We are. Time and patience needed. Norwich missing Lambert today.
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From the sounds of it our lack of quality is blatantly obvious. Being comfortably beaten by a promoted team isn't a good omen for the season ahead.
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Left back and attacking options please.
I can't believe anyone really thinks this squad is strong enough, it's nothing like it.
Two weeks to get new bodies in, though. Hopefully he'll manage to sort it.
Unfortunately, there's still no sign of Lerner really putting any proper money in.
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It's very hot out there so difficult to raise intensity when you're behind, but boy we look laboured.
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Is it wrong to be pleased at Albion winning 2-0?
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And after all this, maybe it was never McLeish's fault...maybe we're just a rubbish team!!
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Left back and attacking options please.
I can't believe anyone really thinks this squad is strong enough, it's nothing like it.
Two weeks to get new bodies in, though. Hopefully he'll manage to sort it.
Couple of loans and a couple of signings. Someone like that kid from Rennes for a million or so to at least give us options. I would alos be sorely tempted, playing like this, to offer the 5 million Liverpool want for Charlie Adam.
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That was actually a bit better, Delph running at them from midfield.
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According to the BBC we are now 2-0 now Peter Odemwingie with the goal..................
I saw that, they quite often mess our scores up.
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If Delph is ever considered a top Premier League footballer I'll eat my laptop.
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Not wanting to jump to any conclusions.....
We are fielding 4 new players today, we are still using a fair few of the same players who under performed last season, and we have not spent any money in real terms....
But we definitely need a few more decent signings before the end of the window.... and we need the chance for the new signings to settle...
Would be nice to get something out of this today though.
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We still can't score from corners :(
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Villa had a corner then... we didn't score, shock!
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Delph showing what i've always thought, that he looks a lot better when allowed to get forward.
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Twenty minutes to go. We're surely good enough to grab a goal, but we're also ragged enough to let another one in. Hmm....
I wonder if playing Delph deep like today means missing out on some of the more explosive side of his game? That run forward a few minutes ago was just what we need.
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Is it wrong to be pleased at Albion winning 2-0?
Not against Liverpool, perked me up too.
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I really like Nathan Dyer, and he has 2 today....I would rather stay at Swansea myself though!
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Pressing a bit more now.
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N'Zogbia...... The black Nigel Callaghan.
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3 - 0 Tesco Bags......Lukaku
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I know it shouldn't, but Liverpool losing 3-0 does cheer me up quite a lot.
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Come on Gardner, save us.
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Gardner for Charles, thank god!
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GG on for Zog. Come on Villa!
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And after all this, maybe it was never McLeish's fault...maybe we're just a rubbish team!!
Well, I've seen more today to give some optimism than any game last season.
The three from the Dutch league will get better through the season; Baker and Lowton haven't looked too troubled. KEA and Delph have played okay. We just need a more attacking profile.
And playing a newly-promoted team at their place would not be my choice of a first game.
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If we are going to play like this, we have to get a couple of players who are more penetrative.
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Am I alone in thinking Delph is playing okay.
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Come on Villa, ffs. One goal will really lift our confidence and there's still time to get a second. West Ham's poor defence hasn't even been tested yet.
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I hope we turn this round, if only to avoid the smugness of savage come the final whistle!
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Am I alone in thinking Delph is playing okay.
I reckon he's done very well.
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Reasonable dig from CR then.
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Decent effort Ron.
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More shots on target than WHU; just all from 20+ yards out.
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Am I alone in thinking Delph is playing okay.
Nope, still think he looks at his best when he's allowed to break forward.
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Am I alone in thinking Delph is playing okay.
No, I think a few of us have said that he's doing well and playing his role well enough. I'm just wondering if it's a role that gets the best out of him. I suppose as he gets better at it he'll learn when to get forward, when to hang back etc
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Am I alone in thinking Delph is playing okay.
I reckon he's done very well.
Seriously? I think he's been crap.
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Thank fuck Can't Control is still shit.
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Swansea 5 up at QPR. Maybe QPR should try spending some money .....
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Am I alone in thinking Delph is playing okay.
I reckon he's done very well.
Seriously? I think he's been crap.
Yes.
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I hope we turn this round, if only to avoid the smugness of savage come the final whistle!
That tedious fucker gregnash will be logging on within seconds of the final whistle.
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well at least we aren't hoofing it anymore
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Quicken things up guys...pre season has ended now
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We're playing like we're 3 nil up, knocking it around at the back , come on ffs!!
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Am I alone in thinking Delph is playing okay.
I reckon he's done very well.
Seriously? I think he's been crap.
Yes.
The three from the Dutch league will get better through the season; Baker and Lowton haven't looked too troubled. KEA and Delph have played okay. We just need a more attacking profile.
And playing a newly-promoted team at their place would not be my choice of a first game.
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well at least we aren't hoofing it anymore
Its getting close to that time of the match....
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We're playing like we're 3 nil up, knocking it around at the back , come on ffs!!
Are you T Francis in disguise? :-)
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FFS
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Petric has scored twice today for Fulham. I guess Jol snapped him up as he played for him at Hamburg.
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We aren't scoring here.
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We aren't scoring here.
I don't think we'll score if we play till midnight, to be honest.
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I wonder if Bent is wondering what that round thing is that everyone else is kicking?
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Petric has scored twice today for Fulham. I guess Jol snapped him up as he played for him at Hamburg.
We look almost a week undercooked.
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We're playing like we're 3 nil up, knocking it around at the back , come on ffs!!
Are you T Francis in disguise? :-)
Haha no but it was a fair point!
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Thanks *uck someone called Leon Cort has scored at sty.
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Christ, that was a terrible ball
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not over but I feel a bit let down and deflated.
didn't have any major expectations today, didn't think we would win either and was not expecting us to look completely transformed from last season... however I hoped we would give ourselves some chances in front of goal and at least look we might score testing their defence.
oh well, on and upwards I guess... just annoying how the season has started with this performance.
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Not being funny here but our so called midfield of passers, Ireland, Bannan, KEA and Gardener havent even managed 1 pass to Bent yet....what's going on here!?
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Pink FC 0 Charlton 1
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This is pretty dire. West Ham are pushing us back and the midfield are just static. We need a good LB because there is just no penetration down this left side.
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Bloody hell Gardner, two dismal passes in a row.
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Its not good to have played 87 minutes of a game with only long shots and non really testing the keeper against West Ham. Need to be much much better than this...
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SSN just said they can't recall seeing Bent touching the ball.
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We have been weird. Kept it well, passed it well much of the game, but had no idea in the final third.
Give it a few games, but think we will be ok long term
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Has to be said, this is actually quite shit.
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We aren't scoring here.
I don't think we'll score if we play till midnight, to be honest.
On which day? We have one goal scorer in that side and I can't recall us passing to him. Most odd. I'd have thought we'd have tried varying it.
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rags are losing to Charlton, hehehe
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Reminds me of the opening game against Wigan when we lost 2-0 at Villa Park...we we're shocking but we had a pretty good season after that.
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Can we snatch a point, come on!!
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Sorry but we've been shit, saying anything else is kidding ourselves. Gladly we can only get better. Need some new players.
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I thought we were going to take the game to the opposition and not wait 40 mins for a shot.
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Collins MOTM just to rub it in a bit more.
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Has to be said, this is actually quite shit.
That is very generous.
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James Collins motm, bollocks
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I actually don't think Darren Bent's playing that well either. Compare him to the way Cole came deep and moved off the ball. He's essentially helped make himself anonymous today.
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very very dissappointing display , we look like we think its still pre season - needs new signings and fast, left back , creative midfield and striker .
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It's injury time and we're losing, stop fucking around and get it forward!
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McLeish out!
Oh, er...
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Sit down Allardyce you fat fuck.
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Trevor Francis has been spot on but we look crap and still on holiday
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I actually don't think Darren Bent's playing that well either. Compare him to the way Cole came deep and moved off the ball. He's essentially helped make himself anonymous today.
But therein lies the 'Bent conundrum'!
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I actually don't think Darren Bent's playing that well either. Compare him to the way Cole came deep and moved off the ball. He's essentially helped make himself anonymous today.
Hasn't he been injured for 6 months? Bloody hell give him a few games
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Must be Lambert's plan to get more money
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Hugely disappointing.
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Predictably, collins MOTM for WHU. They end up with four CB on the pitch; says it all really.
well played Baker.
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Has to be said, this is actually quite shit.
That is very generous.
Did we really expect anything more? A change of manager isn't enough to turn a turd into gold.
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Lowton needs to work on his crosses
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Poor. Desperately need 5 or 6 players.
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Ist half acceptable to a point. 2nd half just awful.
-
well that was shit.
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Just shit. No better than any game last season.
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Absolutely dire. Sell them all.
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Work in progress but these players are just not up to it on today's showing... early doors lets see how we get on against Everton next week.
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at no point did i think we would score.not once
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SSN just said they can't recall seeing Bent touching the ball.
What, ever?
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Not too good really ..was nailed on Collins would have one of his good games ...
Lack of invention in midfield and no width.We will need more players or that gobshite Savage predication of us goin down might be correct
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I actually don't think Darren Bent's playing that well either. Compare him to the way Cole came deep and moved off the ball. He's essentially helped make himself anonymous today.
Hasn't he been injured for 6 months? Bloody hell give him a few games
Doesn't mean he's played well. It's a valid reason, but a lot of people will be bashing the midfield for not getting the ball to him, and it's worth mentioning that he hasn't helped himself.
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Bit of an anti-climax, still could be worse. Could be liverpool, QPR, or Norwich.
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A few words spring to mind, some of them unmentionable, but here are the rest;
Strangers, Unfit, Clueless, Lathargic, Poor, Slow, Leaderless.
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SSN just said they can't recall seeing Bent touching the ball.
What, ever?
Pretty much think I counted 3 times the whole game.
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We need a few more options
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has anything changed since last season ?
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All of you who put on that lime green shirt on today and have 6 digit bank balances....you should be fucking ashamed to put it on again and give the club your wages back...disgusting, half hearted, lazy piss poor performance. Sort your fucking selves out or get lost!
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Mid to lower table on this display at best.
Short passing is OK if you move the ball quick enough and control it. Villa can't do this at present, so they are predictable and the passing and crosses are poor in delivery.
We have a good striker in Bent but he hardly saw the ball all game.
PL needs to get them raising their game or it's going to be a another frustrating season.
Surely Savage can't be right :-[
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evolution not revolution, long hard season to come possibly?
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Disappointed. Annoyed. No attacking threat going forward. No penetration with the ball. Didn't create chances in front of goal. The front line isolated with the supporting cast not providing or even at least being made available to get into good positions. We looked like we lacked togetherness not knowing what we should be doing as a team. Silly fouls given away. Looked too relaxed out there not playing like this is the opening game of the season. A lackluster performance against a team who are promoted and didn't look anything special out there but it just looked easy for them because we looked so poor, our own downfalls in the game is why we lost, we created our own problems in this game and we didn't know how to adapt or change. After 20 minutes in the first half we just shut off. Not encouraging to see your team start the season like that.
Blurgh.
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Bit of an anti-climax, still could be worse. Could be liverpool, QPR, or Norwich.
Agreed.
Its still the first game of the season, heres hoping we can improve and also make so signings that our going to benefit this team because we do still need to make a couple more obvious signings.
Just got to think positive, put this game behind us and move on.
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My post match analysis is that players able to pass very slowly to one another from about 10 yards from one another but no one with the ability to go past a player and create from width or cross. Might get a tad frustrating for Darren.