Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on November 23, 2012, 06:56:22 PM
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Available Saturday evening.
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Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Stevens, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Bannan, Weimann, Gabby and Benteke
No Bent on the bench
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Subs: Given, Ireland, Albrighton, Holman, Delph, Bowery, Lichaj.
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Bent missing. Again.
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Bent not even in the squad! If he really is fit that is highly suggestive.
More solid look to that midfield - we'll need solidity against theirs! They look very strong indeed.
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Worried by Stevens at left back , sorry to Ireland on the bench and no bent in the squad- I hope lambert has got this selection right .
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Bent missing. Again.
Strange.
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Hmmm Bent not in squad is odd. The side overall I'm happy enough with, although I'm not sure about Stevens.
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Bent not even in the squad! If he really is fit that is highly suggestive.
More solid look to that midfield - we'll need solidity against theirs! They look very strong indeed.
He tweeted that he was ready , sharp and looking forward to the weekend , unless something's happened today , disappointing .
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Be interesting what Lambert says about Bent, assuming he says anything. Didn't Bent tweet he was fit earlier in the week?
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If he's fit and not in the squad it's utter madness.
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Be interesting what Lambert says about Bent, assuming he says anything. Didn't Bent tweet he was fit earlier in the week?
Yes and lambert confirmed he has trained all week .
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Can only think it has twinged in training yesterday or today, as both parties seemed to suggest he would be involved in some capacity today.
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I reckon Bent was on the grassy knoll.
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Collymore saying Bent is fit but left out of the squad. Goodbye Darren.
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I think Benteke will get some joy against their centre backs.
I don't rate either of them.
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Bent must have shat in Lambert's porridge.
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think he may remain our most expensive signing for a very long time
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Bent should have been in the squad today, we need goals...my first feeling of annoyance towards Lambert. Up the Villa-come on lads!
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think he may remain our most expensive signing for a very long time
I don't think we'll ever sign anyone for £18m+
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BBC seem to think he's fit. Got to be worth a place on the bench at least, surely, if not in the starting XI.
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Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Stevens, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Bannan, Weimann, Gabby and Benteke
No Bent on the bench
Christ the lack of experience in that side is remarkable.
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What are the odds Bent said something when finding out he wasn't starting and therefore wan't even included in the matchday squad? I support what Lambert is trying to do but this is ludicrous. Find a way to play him and get the best out of him. It has to negatively affect the squad because they know how good his is and how important he can be in their fight.
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If Bent is fit and he would rather have Bowery ahead of him ,well words fail me to be honest.
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What are the odds Bent said something when finding out he wasn't starting and therefore wan't even included in the matchday squad? I support what Lambert is trying to do but this is ludicrous. Find a way to play him and get the best out of him. It has to negatively affect the squad because they know how good his is and how important he can be in their fight.
Play him or sell him. One or the other. Having a £16M player on his wages not being used at all is madness.
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If he is genuinely fit, and there is nothing else in between yesterday and today, then something is clearly broken between them and Lambert was lying to the press. Unless the reading game is in his mind.
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It's its utter madness.
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Well, I think we should all be agreed there are no footballing reasons for him to be behind Bowery in the pecking order. If he is fit, that just leads to one conclusion really - on his way out.
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I don't know whats going on with Bent but i hope its sorted soon. We need him... probably more than he needs us actually.
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Well, I think we should all be agreed there are no footballing reasons for him to be behind Bowery in the pecking order. If he is fit, that just leads to one conclusion really - on his way out.
Hard to think otherwise if he is fit. The one thing we don't know though is how Bent may or may not be behaving in training etc. Lambert could be fully justified in not including him, or he could just be acting stubborn and cutting his nose off. We've no way of knowing for sure.
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Well, I think we should all be agreed there are no footballing reasons for him to be behind Bowery in the pecking order. If he is fit, that just leads to one conclusion really - on his way out.
If he does go it would be interesting to know whether it's Bent or Lambert behind it.
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Well, even the intransigent Houllier played Dunne and Collins at the end of the 10/11-season to get us out of trouble, even if he would have probably prefered not to. One has to wonder isn't the most important task now is to get us out of the relegation zone, and isn't that easier to do with Bent in the team (or at least on the bench)?
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Well, I think we should all be agreed there are no footballing reasons for him to be behind Bowery in the pecking order. If he is fit, that just leads to one conclusion really - on his way out.
Totally agree with that. Big test for Lambert, when you consider we are on 9 after 12 games. If Bent is not going to be used at all, he has to sell him and replace him with 2-3 first team players that can help us across the pitch.
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Oh joy on ESPN they have the genius that is Barnes and Adams. Adams is even more of a donkey intellectually than he was a defender.
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Problem is that Lambert is making an unnecessary rod for his own back.
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if he is leaving it makes no sense to keep him out of the squad. Surely he would be playing for a move
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The Bent money better be reinvested. I'm sure that a player that turns 29 next year may well fetch decent money being sold to the right buyer. And without doubt there a players out there that would be cheaper, younger and as productive or more so in the current system. It's a matter of finding them. Our scouts need to earn their corn between now and Jan 31st.
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Remind me what Bents scoring record is against Arsenal? Fucking ridiculous
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Bents got a good record against Arsenal too. 6 goals in 7 starts.
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Oh joy on ESPN they have the genius that is Barnes and Adams. Adams is even more of a donkey intellectually than he was a defender.
I have Merkin commentary by the sounds of it. Small blessings and all that.
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Assuming we do sell him, what do we reckon would be a fair price?
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Trouble is you knew from the rumblings that Warnock, Dunne and Collins made things tough for GED. Nothing but denials and all is fine has been said about Bent. I just get the feeling he has already asked for a move, and Lambert won't pick a player, even for the bench, he does not think is 100% committed.
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Assuming we do sell him, what do we reckon would be a fair price?
If we can get more than one suitor for him, 12-15mill probably. If there's no future at VP for him and only one club after him it could be a touch lower.
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Assuming we do sell him, what do we reckon would be a fair price?
Anything above £12m
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The Bent money better be reinvested. I'm sure that a player that turns 29 next year may well fetch decent money being sold to the right buyer. And without doubt there a players out there that would be cheaper, younger and as productive or more so in the current system. It's a matter of finding them. Our scouts need to earn their corn between now and Jan 31st.
Problem is who is going to buy him? Fulham perhaps though can't see them paying more than 10m.
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Assuming we do sell him, what do we reckon would be a fair price?
£15 million I reckon. We would not have to pay all the add ons either, so guess Sunderland would lose out too.
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Trouble is you knew from the rumblings that Warnock, Dunne and Collins made things tough for GED. Nothing but denials and all is fine has been said about Bent. I just get the feeling he has already asked for a move, and Lambert won't pick a player, even for the bench, he does not think is 100% committed.
If that is the case what would you do in Lambert's position? It's a tough one.
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Trouble is you knew from the rumblings that Warnock, Dunne and Collins made things tough for GED. Nothing but denials and all is fine has been said about Bent. I just get the feeling he has already asked for a move, and Lambert won't pick a player, even for the bench, he does not think is 100% committed.
If that is the case what would you do in Lambert's position? It's a tough one.
I think I would still pick him over Bowery, without being harsh on the kid.
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No entrance music?
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Trouble is you knew from the rumblings that Warnock, Dunne and Collins made things tough for GED. Nothing but denials and all is fine has been said about Bent. I just get the feeling he has already asked for a move, and Lambert won't pick a player, even for the bench, he does not think is 100% committed.
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I hope that's right because if Lambert is behind it then it's a very big call to say 'We don't need him' and he'll find himself under a lot of pressure.
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Trouble is you knew from the rumblings that Warnock, Dunne and Collins made things tough for GED. Nothing but denials and all is fine has been said about Bent. I just get the feeling he has already asked for a move, and Lambert won't pick a player, even for the bench, he does not think is 100% committed.
If that is the case what would you do in Lambert's position? It's a tough one.
I think I would still pick him over Bowery, without being harsh on the kid.
For me it would depend on what attitude Bent was showing in training etc, and that's the big thing we don't know.
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Right come on Villa please win.
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Can anyone PM me a way to watch this?! All the locals are showing the rugby >:(
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Trouble is you knew from the rumblings that Warnock, Dunne and Collins made things tough for GED. Nothing but denials and all is fine has been said about Bent. I just get the feeling he has already asked for a move, and Lambert won't pick a player, even for the bench, he does not think is 100% committed.
If that is the case what would you do in Lambert's position? It's a tough one.
I think I would still pick him over Bowery, without being harsh on the kid.
For me it would depend on what attitude Bent was showing in training etc, and that's the big thing we don't know.
If he wants out, then surely the team talk to him is simply go, score, get your move away.
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I've got Stewart Robson on my commentary. A name from the past!
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Trouble is you knew from the rumblings that Warnock, Dunne and Collins made things tough for GED. Nothing but denials and all is fine has been said about Bent. I just get the feeling he has already asked for a move, and Lambert won't pick a player, even for the bench, he does not think is 100% committed.
If that is the case what would you do in Lambert's position? It's a tough one.
I think I would still pick him over Bowery, without being harsh on the kid.
For me it would depend on what attitude Bent was showing in training etc, and that's the big thing we don't know.
If he wants out, then surely the team talk to him is simply go, score, get your move away.
In theory but not if he's proving a negative influence. As I said, a tough choice and one i'm glad I don't have to make.
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Yes more solid midfiled but I do not understand why there is not space for Holman in the starting XI. In lambert I trust, though.
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Trouble is you knew from the rumblings that Warnock, Dunne and Collins made things tough for GED. Nothing but denials and all is fine has been said about Bent. I just get the feeling he has already asked for a move, and Lambert won't pick a player, even for the bench, he does not think is 100% committed.
If that is the case what would you do in Lambert's position? It's a tough one.
I think I would still pick him over Bowery, without being harsh on the kid.
For me it would depend on what attitude Bent was showing in training etc, and that's the big thing we don't know.
If he wants out, then surely the team talk to him is simply go, score, get your move away.
In theory but not if he's proving a negative influence. As I said, a tough choice and one i'm glad I don't have to make.
Ditto.
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Christ how much space for Giroud?
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Fucking hell they knock it around well
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arsenal give us the ball, arsenal arsenal give us the ball
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Gabbys got a movember
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They're getting joy down the right here.
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Is it me or is there an entire football pitch of space on their left side?
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Gabby didn't look at his fastest there? I think it looks a bit ominous in terms of them braking on our back four.
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well thats a good way of devaluing Bent If he is going to sell him.
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For a supposedly 'combative midfielder' KEA is so lightweight at times!
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I'm in Sri Lanka and I have the match on in the hostel I'm staying at - cant express how happy I am....well, for the time being anyway....UTV!!
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Someone leap!
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Weimann largely AWOL.
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That was better
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Westwood can ping a pass, can't he?
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Nice ball from Westwod that.
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7 of our starting 11 are 23 or younger.
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We're doing alright but Clark's constant launch of the hoof ball is frustrating.
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7 of our starting 11 are 23 or younger.
IF, and it appears a very large IF we can stay up this season, the side has the potential to improve and go a long way.
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We're playing football, but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
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I enjoyed that.
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Good stuff there.
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We've started well overall.
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hollywood bannan
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KEA running his socks off, looking lively so far....
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Very good start and excellent distribution by Barry Bannan.
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Bebteke's volleying and finishing off his left side leaves something to be desired doesn't it? A threat though
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Better.
On another note, we must be the only team in the league to get physically intimidated by Arsenal
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Playing some nice stuff so far.
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We have to sustain this level for the whole game and actually create chances though.
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We need to play like this against Reading though, not just against Arsenal and Man United
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7 of our starting 11 are 23 or younger.
IF, and it appears a very large IF we can stay up this season, the side has the potential to improve and go a long way.
That's the problem we're facing: players who are essentially 'ones for the future' have been dropped into a relegation struggle.
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We need to play like this against Reading though, not just against Arsenal and Man United
That's my big worry. It's sure to feel a bit low key isn't it?
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Karim you idiot.
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Stupid way to get booked.
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Oh dear. Can do without that from KEA.
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Hard to tell if that was a dive, very stupid if it was.
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I hate to see a villa player diving. Hate it
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What is the odds on him getting sent off later now?
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Well for a combative midfielder it's idiotic.
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Karim you idiot.
Looked like there was contact from the angle shown on espn?
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Get up
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Ash young is playing for us . why dive !!!!!!!!!
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What is the odds on him getting sent off later now?
High.
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Karim you idiot.
Looked like there was contact from the angle shown on espn?
The replay on Fox didn't help to show if it was a dive or not.
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Looked like there was contact from the angle shown on espn?
I think he realised the ball was going to run out of play and so he went down. Not great.
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Karim you idiot.
Looked like there was contact from the angle shown on espn?
The replay on Fox didn't help to show if it was a dive or not.
Using the same pics as ESPN surely? They only showed 1 angle replay. No doubt the other way round there would have been 6 to try and prove innocence.
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Looked like there was contact from the angle shown on espn?
I think he realised the ball was going to run out of play and so he went down. Not great.
Ah.
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Karim you idiot.
Looked like there was contact from the angle shown on espn?
The replay on Fox didn't help to show if it was a dive or not.
Using the same pics as ESPN surely? They only showed 1 angle replay. No doubt the other way round there would have been 6 to try and prove innocence.
Not sure, as others seemed more certain he had dived I thought maybe other angles had been shown on ESPN.
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Thank fook for that.
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Nearly caused our own problems then.
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Karim you idiot.
Looked like there was contact from the angle shown on espn?
There was. In the same way as there is contact when you shake someone's hand
Almost shot ourselves in the foot there.
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Save Brad.
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Stevens aint looking good
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Good stop through players that was. Lowton did well too.
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Good save with his feet there. Sliced us open too easily then though.
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Stevens is all over the place, not got a clue positionally.
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Stevens looks all at sea to me.
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Good resolute stuff at the back.
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We've lost our way here, and we need a left back.
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Just tuning in.. verdict so far?
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We've lost our tempo, arsenal seeing too much of the ball now.
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Half an hour in and we don't look anything like scoring yet.
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Clark meanwhile looks like a better centre half than the one at the start of the season.
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I know people think Clark needs to be taken out the side. But I think he's improved quite a bit as he's played more games in his best position
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I know people think Clark needs to be taken out the side. But I think he's improved quite a bit as he's played more games in his best position
Indeed.
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I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that we're going to be a side that gives the ball away a lot for the rest of my life.
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Scrappy Doo
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Benteke needs his spinach at half time.
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Not a lot of quality in midfield. But then we knew that already I guess.
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Who'd take a nil nil?
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Who'd take a nil nil?
I'm in.
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We can't bloody hold the ball.
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We need to get stronger on the ball. Lowton, El-Ahmadi and Bannan have all been brushed off it too easily.
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30/70 possession not god last few minutes. Need to get a grip again.
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Who'd take a nil nil?
All of us!
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Time to score!
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I definitely think we're capable if keeping a clean sheet here.
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After a good spell, we're struggling a bit to mount serious attacks now.
I'm not sure he actually handled that outside the box. Certainly wasn't a red card anyway!
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All the willing and running and effort is great, but an almost total inability to keep possession will get us everytime.
HArsh free-kick in our favour....
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Was it Oaks sent off at Ewood in the 90's for doing that more centrally?
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Ooohhhh, he's offside! Bollocks!
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Fuck it. Weimann sticks it in from an offside position. Just.
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Well worked free kick, unlucky but Weimann was off.
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FUCK FUCK FUCK!
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Fucking officials again.
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Unlucky boys, great idea.
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Not a pen Gabby, great challenge.
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fuck....
thought it came off the Arse defender
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Should have sent him off there. Not that i'm still bitter over that red at Blackburn all those years ago.
And nice to see a more creative free-kick there.
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Nearly in again, but a cracking tackle from Mertesacker! This is a bit more like it!
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Good job that big centre half got the ball then....
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Fucking officials again.
He was off.
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Oh gabby, if only you had a better touch you'd have been in there
We look a bit more threatening again though
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Weimann was fouled surely??
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Fucking officials again.
He was off.
I know!
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They're never wrong in a good way for us, are they?
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Not sure the ref has made any howlers. Yet.
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Arsenal flatter to deceive don't they?
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Probably should have booked Gabby for that block.
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Lovely tackle from Gabby, there.
Reminds me, I still have the Thanksgiving NFL to catch up on tonight.
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I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that we're going to be a side that gives the ball away a lot for the rest of my life.
Suicide is painless.
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Westwood has been very good again.
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Karim , that was rubbish
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The only mistake was in our favour
Kea's delivery isn't as good as I was expecting given the early signs
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5 before half time and 17 conceded after!? Worth making 2 changes each week at half time to shore up the middle?
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Let off.
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I'd get Ireland on for El-Ahmadi, mainly because of the yellow. Arsenal should have scored.
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Jebus that was a let off.
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It's getting SPICY.
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well that would have been a gutter
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That was the biggest let off since Toxteth O'Grady.
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5 before half time and 17 conceded after!? Worth making 2 changes each week at half time to shore up the middle?
Amazing stat isn't it!?
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Well, that was a let-off.
I'm really starting to have my doubts about how good El Ahmadi actually is. I'm leaning towards 'not very' at the moment.
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Bannan really is a tart.
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Was that a foul on Clark? Kea struggles with the pace and intensity of the game for me.
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Even the commentators politely saying we can't hold possession for long enough....
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Better from villa
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KEA is easily the biggest let down of the season for me. To the point I am hoping he does a Petrov, and is much better next term. In the mean time, we need someone else. Even Delph would have done more first half (although still got booked stupidly!)
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Ireland on for KEA definitely.
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Even the commentators politely saying we can't hold possession for long enough....
Although now saying our pressure has been working...
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Bannan really is a tart.
That's harsh. He's by far our most creative player. We need him.
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Overall not too bad in that half.
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KEA is easily the biggest let down of the season for me. To the point I am hoping he does a Petrov, and is much better next term. In the mean time, we need someone else. Even Delph would have done more first half (although still got booked stupidly!)
I have to agree and it's a pity because I thought he looked really useful in the first game of the season.
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Ireland on for KEA definitely.
Got to be.
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KEA def looks off the pace at the moment with his booking and the conditions I would take him off
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We did OK but don't really look like scoring from open play. This isn't a good Arsenal side and we need to get at least a point today.
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Ireland on please for KEA . He will off anyway with a late tackle , you know it.
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KEA is easily the biggest let down of the season for me. To the point I am hoping he does a Petrov, and is much better next term. In the mean time, we need someone else. Even Delph would have done more first half (although still got booked stupidly!)
I have to agree and it's a pity because I thought he looked really useful in the first game of the season.
He does show flashes of being very handy though, so perhaps he will come good. He does keep the ball moving quite nicely....it's just frequently away from our players at the moment.
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Overall not too bad in that half.
And passed by quickly too...I haven't felt the need to chain smoke yet, guess that's a good thing!
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Well, that was a let-off.
I'm really starting to have my doubts about how good El Ahmadi actually is. I'm leaning towards 'not very' at the moment.
He still looks like a Reo-Coker clone to me: plenty of energy, runs around a lot and decent at breaking up play, but gets a nosebleed when he crosses the halfway line...
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KEA is easily the biggest let down of the season for me. To the point I am hoping he does a Petrov, and is much better next term. In the mean time, we need someone else. Even Delph would have done more first half (although still got booked stupidly!)
I have to agree and it's a pity because I thought he looked really useful in the first game of the season.
Yep, for me too.
He's a bit of all jack of all trades which in such a pivotal position and in this Villa midfield, isn't what's required. We need a hard, grown up in there to win the ball and take the game by the scruff of the neck. One that can pass a ball would be a bonus. I want the moon on a stick!!
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Not too bad actually but it's worrying how weak we are on the ball. Especially when you consider we're playing the least physical side in the league probably.
Some neat and tidy stuff but we're pretty deep so not much threat. Actually feel like we could get the three points here. They have a lot of quality, just sort of looks like they can't be arsed to stick the ball in the back of the net half the time though.
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El-Ahmadi is woeful. Get Ireland on.
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You don't have to be a genius to work out what happensfromhere do you?
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We need some physical strength in the midfield. I've been very impressed by Westwood again.
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I have to say, much as I hate missing games at VP, having just hung out the window to have a smoke and i'm not quite as upset as usual to be missing this one. Weather is horrible.
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If we tire like we have done in other games so far, its going to be a long second half for the Villa defence. We can't retain possession and will be under pressure for most of it. I forecast a draw but we just don't create much going forward and the accuracy of our passing is abysmal, so if we can hang on it'll be a bonus.
Villa can't rely on the other clubs at the bottom to keep losing, they have to get some wins in December.
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Westwood has vision that our other players don't have, that pass to KEA was great but KEA cocked up the cross.
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Bannan was superb, works better with Ireland in with him though
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Westwood has vision that our other players don't have, that pass to KEA was great but KEA cocked up the cross.
Yeah, he looks a very good player I think. I wonder if he and Delph would be any good in the middle (KEA replaced by Delph)?
Then again, I'm not sure I want Delph back in the team.
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Perennial worry is that the opposition can step it up a gear in the second half whereas we tend to get worse.
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Just remembered we don't do second halfs do we :(
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well I will be disappointed If we lose this , its a very average Arse side , we are fighting for our lives and we are at home , we need minimum one point.
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Westwood has vision that our other players don't have, that pass to KEA was great but KEA cocked up the cross.
Yeah, he looks a very good player I think. I wonder if he and Delph would be any good in the middle (KEA replaced by Delph)?
Then again, I'm not sure I want Delph back in the team.
Nope no Delph in the side, it should be Ireland.
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I think Ireland has been left out because he tires in the second half. Maybe having him as an impact player will improve our second half performances?
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Is that Arse shaving on the bench?
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Ireland on for KEA, who has disappointed tonight.
Wonder if Bent is being kept for the next 2 games?
To improve we need better players than Weimann and Gabby.That was a very poor touch in the penalty area from Gabby.We need better.
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Our best chance is from a set piece or long ball to benteke, though he's been mixed so far. I would have thought Ireland or potentially Holman for kea after not too much longer. Full backs doing well, but a bit suspect positionally
I still think arsenal will get a couple at some point
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Nice to see we don't hoof from the kick off anymore.
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Ah KEA....
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Get KEA off, that is piss poor.
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So yeah, El Ahmadi is starting to annoy me a little now.
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KEA losing possession again
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KEA robbed and it nearly costs us.
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Another game that shows we need a leader in the middle. Westwood and Bannan have been fine but neither of them can boss the game, Ireland doesn't do it, Kea isn't doing it so far and Delph doesn't look like he can either. I think I'd like to see Gardner have a go in there when he's fit, and see if he can develop into the leader he has been at youth/reserve level, we do need to bring in an experienced option though.
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Another nice ball from Westwood at the start of the half. He and Bannan almost need someone behind them in front of the defence to allow them to play more forward.
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Weimann can be a bit of a warped chicken. Any obvious reason he's on the left today?
That would have all been kea's fault. He's too relaxed in possession.
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We can be too casual at times.
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Watch the sloppy passes Villa.
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Who just played that woeful back pass?
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why do our players have the touch of Jimmy Saville
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Erm, headless chicken I meant!
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Needed a better ball from Gabby after all that effort.
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Unlucky gabby, battled well there, shame about the final ball.
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Erm, headless chicken I meant!
Haha, prefer warped!
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Arsenal's passing under pressure is light years ahead of ours. I know that's not news, but still.
Vlaar going off. Not good.
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Who just played that woeful back pass?
Lowton I think got caught out.
Lichaz on for Vlaar. Oh. Fuckity. Fuck. Fuck.
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fuck thats all we need .
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we are shagged now
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Fuck Vlaar injured, now we are massively massively fucked.
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oh no Vlaar off
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Vlaar off, Lichaj on...you can see where this is heading can't you!
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Vlaar for lichaj?
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I reallu hope it's not serious.
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We're fucked now. The one and only player we could not afford to lose. Cocknobs...!
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Oh dear. Can see this being a problem in defence. Think we really need an experienced alternative to come in in January.
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And now we're fucked.
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With the week ahead, the one player I fear losing the most is Ron. fucked.
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Benteke just shinned the ball back to our newly weakened centre back area. Very lucky not to get punished.
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I'll say it again, time for a goal!
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Another nice idea from the free kick.
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Well, at least we're seeing some slightly new ideas at free kicks today.
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Anyone under the impression Craig Burley hates Arsenal and kinda likes Villa?
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Nice to see Gabby with the armband
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Oh for 2-3 experienced players to spring from the bench now!
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Oh well.
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I'm hoping it's not too serious or he wouldn't have come out for the second half.
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What happened with Vlaar? I missed it as I was on the phone.
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Do not look anything like scoring. Bring Bent on... Oh, yeah. FFS.
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Lambert not wired to the bench? That is weird....
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What happened with Vlaar? I missed it as I was on the phone.
No idea, nothing obvious.
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What happened with Vlaar? I missed it as I was on the phone.
Suspected calf problem, hobbled down the tunnel.
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Wipes sweat from brow.
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Do not look anything like scoring. Bring Bent on... Oh, yeah. FFS.
Bent would likely not see the ball more than twice. Our problems run deeper than somebody finishing moves off.
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I do think Westwood has done exceptionally well given where he's come from
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Missed that as I was having stream problems. Did it look a bad one?
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What was that for then? I tell you the 50/50 decisions are starting to go their way now, just like they did the past 2 weeks.
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Nice to see Gabby with the armband
Is it? Really?
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So, what do you think> Take KEA off for Ireland and try to win? Or keep it as it is, with KEA doing his defensive work and try to hold on for the point?
I think I'd go for it, they are beatable today, I think.
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going to concede shortly
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Missed that as I was having stream problems. Did it look a bad one?
He just hobbled off.
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Come on you LIONS!!!!!
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Westwood has been excellent.
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Missed that as I was having stream problems. Did it look a bad one?
Could of gone worse for us.
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Thanks for the Vlaar info chaps.
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Missed that as I was having stream problems. Did it look a bad one?
He just hobbled off.
Ta. Jesus wept. Talk about your bad luck.
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Good pressure.
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Good spell of pressure....someone score!!
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Westwood is going to be class
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Holman coming on
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Has there ever been a team worse at corners?
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Holman coming on, for......
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Don't want to put the mockers on anything but there's not a lot between the two sides at the moment.
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Westwood is going to class
I know he's young but bloody hell!
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Westwood has been excellent.
He tends to make the choice you want him to with the benefit of television almost every time
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...El Ahmadi.
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Holman warming up?....
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Fuck we lose too many headers in the box.
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Great atmosphere at Villa Park.
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Holman for KEA then.... hope he can pass to a Villa man a few times!
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This is anyone's game.
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Holman on for KEA that's a good call.
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Westwood is going to be class
Well he is in shorts.
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Nice to see Gabby with the armband
Is it? Really?
Yep, yes it is.
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How on Earth did Westwood and Bannan conspire to not get that ball?!
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We seem to give goals away right after Holman comes on....I hope I am imagining that!
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They just mde us look a bit silly with their movement.
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This game is there for the taking
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Bannan shirks another tackle....
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Nice to see Gabby with the armband
Is it? Really?
Yep, yes it is.
I guess it depends on one's definition of 'nice'!!!
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Excellent pressing from Villa there, need a bit more of that now.
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Great work villa...
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we need to press more like that
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Gabby playing well
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Working so hard, great running from Gabby there
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Gabby WTF
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Gabby playing well
Then he does that...
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Weimann's decision making is not the best sometimes.
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*shakes head sadly* Dear oh dear.
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Blues level at Derby....sorry to swear
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weimann should have had a crack then . its wet out there , you never know
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Virtually everything we do is almost very good.
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FFS gabby clip it in, don't wave your arms about...
Too stretched now.
Is it me or is Stevens very slow?
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Aghhhhhh! there were men in the box!
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Ample chances to set up a goal. All messed up. Sheesh.
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Need to make more of the opportunities otherwise we'll pay the price
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It's getting to THAT time when they score and we don't look as if we have enough in the tank or any luck to get back into it...
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Gabby looks out on his feet
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Delayed too long...
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Ah Gabby, unlucky.
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That was a great chance on the break. But weimann and gabby's quality on the ball was a bit embarrassing really
I think we will get one or two decent opportunities yet through our pressing
Lichaj definitely isn't good enough. I've decided
Good move that one!
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Some really lovely stuff there, just that final pass. As it ever was.
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FFS....we can win this.
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No stupid errors please defence.
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FFS....we can win this.
We can, but we keep getting into those positions to score and not getting the final pass right. Arsenal may inly get one of those chances, but I bet they'll make it count.
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Yep, nearly, almost, never quite, no luck, if only, just need the run of the ball......seems to have been the story for ever and a day now
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Crowd at VP sound in good voice.
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Fucking hell air shot from Lowton.
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Why is it that when you try to go for a really quick piss, it takes SODDING ages?
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Yep, nearly, almost, never quite, no luck, if only, just need the run of the ball......seems to have been the story for ever and a day now
Indeed, and to repeat my point (sorry!), that's because of a lack of real quality to make those 'nearlys' into 'somethings'.
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Bannan is much stronger these days which is good.
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People say Bannan is a Hollywood player but this season his workrate and defensive play has been tremendous.
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Why is it that when you try to go for a really quick piss, it takes SODDING ages?
Because you've been holding it in.....always the case (at my age anyway!)
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FFS....we can win this.
We can, but we keep getting into those positions to score and not getting the final pass right. Arsenal may inly get one of those chances, but I bet they'll make it count.
Benteke the beast is going to score.
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Unlucky Westwood, another top pass that but Weeman too little to get to it!
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Blues now losing....order has been resumed
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This is our fading period now.
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Bannan is our most improved player.
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Class Westwood
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There's a lot to be proud of in todays performance whatever the result. Can't fault the work rate
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I've rarely been Bannan's biggest fan but he's looking much more of a player this season.
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Again, almost, so close but not quite. Jesus
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Ahhhh fuck Weimann.
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Fuck, my nerves are starting to rattle now.
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Bannan is our most improved player.
True but he doesn't do 50-50s
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2-2 at Derby/Small Heath
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There's a lot to be proud of in todays performance whatever the result. Can't fault the work rate
Hear Hear
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Holmans looked lively since he's been on
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Some of the balls from Westwood have been delightful. Still think he'll end up being our signing of the summer.
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I'm already imagining typing a sentence of frustration as we concede in the last 5 minutes
Holman has done well since he came on
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Bannan is our most improved player.
He is a quality footballer, and has added strength and industry.
Westwood is a class act though. Top player in the making.
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There's a lot to be proud of in todays performance whatever the result. Can't fault the work rate
Hear Hear
Sorry lads, we need a point today. Lots to admire for sure, but we're bottom 3.
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Holman has been much better than KEA.
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Westwood will play for England. There, I've said it.
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Ahhhh fuck Weimann.
There are times when he looks such a good player, but then he does something which is really just poor. Still, he's young and he'll only get better I think.
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There's a lot to be proud of in todays performance whatever the result. Can't fault the work rate
If we can play like this for the rest of the season...and keep improving, we'll definitely stay up.
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Some of the balls from Westwood have been delightful. Still think he'll end up being our signing of the summer.
Him, Benteke and Lowton are certainly heading that short list...
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There's a lot to be proud of in todays performance whatever the result. Can't fault the work rate
Are you Lambo in disguise? I'd settle for Irelandesque laziness and goals and points.
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heart in mouth moment
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Bannan is our most improved player.
True but he doesn't do 50-50s
Give you that one, he bottles them. But will come.
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Ahhhh fuck Weimann.
There are times when he looks such a good player, but then he does something which is really just poor. Still, he's young and he'll only get better I think.
As I said in the Man Utd match thread, he has probably played less than 20 full games (though someone will set me right on that and tell me I am way out!)
Derby 3-2 up now!
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Some of the balls from Westwood have been delightful. Still think he'll end up being our signing of the summer.
Him, Benteke and Lowton are certainly heading that short list...
And Vlaar for the money. Or the free Guzan. Leaving Bennett who the jury is out on, Holman who was not Lambert and only KEA who has disappointed. He, on early signs, buys bloody well.
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If we don't get anything it's because we're not good enough. Cant blame them for that.
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What a shot Holman
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Fucks sake
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Holman unlucky.
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OOOHHHHh Shit! Great effort from Holman, really good save!
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Unlucky holman!
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Shit...nearly woke the hostel up with that one.
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We're much the better side and whatever the result this will do the youngster's confidence no harm at all.
Going down? No. Chicken Lickens take a night off.
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Shit! Unlucky, loving Westwood
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We're much the better side and whatever the result this will do the youngster's confidence no harm at all.
Going down? No. Chicken Lickens take a night off.
Talkshite giving us a very good write up on the live commentary in terms of future potential given how young the team is - 'potential is there, no doubt about that'
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Holman has done so much better than KEA.
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Please let's not be brave again. C'mon we can get this one!
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Last 10 minutes, now i'm getting stressed.
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This is good, arse are looking rattled.
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This is going to be bloody tragic when we lose again. Kids have done us bloody proud.
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Holman doing a good job of ,well, being Holman here, really making himself a nuisance for them.
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Last 10 minutes, now i'm getting stressed.
Me too
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Got that horrible feeling. Please not...
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Seven recent meetings between the two have produced a goal after the 87th minute...
Bit tactless of me to mention that, sorry!
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One of these days one of Holman's 30 yarders will go in, and it'll be amazing
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Wtf, playing out of defence?!!
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Don't score yet Villa, only want us to hang on for about 5 seconds, can't cope with anymore
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Seven recent meetings between the two have produced a goal after the 87th minute...
Bit tactless of me to mention that, sorry!
And it'll be us that scores it.
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Seven recent meetings between the two have produced a goal after the 87th minute...
Bit tactless of me to mention that, sorry!
And it'll be us that scores it.
What a change that would make eh, the sort of thing that could totally turn our season around but which we never seem to manage to do
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I've already factored in the assumption we will lose in the last three minutes so I will treat a draw lie a win.
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I honestly think losing this 1-0 will piss me off more than 5-0!
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Keep the heads villa....
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Thank McGrath for that air shot.
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Gabby ball watching then
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Heart rate through roof.
Come on Villa.
Benteke has to get hold of it now, especially if we hit him from our own box. Make it stick.
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I honestly think losing this 1-0 will piss me off more than 5-0!
Me too, we've without a doubt been the better team.
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Betting on Arshavin creating a goal for Coquelin, two of their players who hardly ever perform!
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Sooooo...play for the point or throw caution to the wind and go for the win?
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Uurrggh
Feel sick
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34,000, oh dear!
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Clark hero
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That is very well done Ciaran Clark.
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Thank fuck for Clark there
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Clark what a hero
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Jesus, thought was us one down, brilliant defending by Ciaran. They are turning the screw now
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Oh Lord......
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Important from Clark. Come on Villa ffs, this is killing me.
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Clark you fucking dancer. There,s arse's 87th minute chance gone. Now it's our turn.
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Goal kick! Phew!
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Derby beat Blues 3-2
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Great defending Ciaran.
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Worth getting another midfielder on now??
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Hmmm. Composure seems to have suddenly deserted us....
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We look knackered. Best off holding out for the point, now.
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Clark playing well.
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Don't fuck it up Albrighton.
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Oh for...Benteke really shouldn't be offside there.
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God, Albrighton on, oh dear
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dont be giving free kicks away Marc
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Hard working performance from Weimann again.
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Albrighton on then. Don't give it away Marc, and no silly free kicks by the box.
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Albrighton?! That should mean a dangerous free kick for them in the next minute or two, then.
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3 minutes of added on time...
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3 minutes, come on Villa
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Please villa. Just please
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Don't sit back too much! Great play Clark. Will give us belief even a draw like this where weve played so well
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This is agony now...
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Wenger looks like a man that having fucked his 4x4 by driving through a swollen ford is just waiting for the AA man to say something that smacks of the smart-arsed.
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I really hoped it would be us throwing everything in for the win today. Sitting back like this is asking for trouble.
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1 minute from a very decent result. Come on Villa.
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a minute
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I really hoped it would be us throwing everything in for the win today. Sitting back like this is asking for trouble.
I think it's more they are starting to look knackered.
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Bit of momentum if we can hold out now and confidence restored after last week
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Benteke had his worst game for us that I have seen IMO. Nothing has stuck second half.
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Phew, over! Pleased with that, haven't lost out to teams around us for the most part
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Well done Villa, good team performance overall.
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Thank God for that! A really good point for us, that, and lifts us out of the bottom three too. Lots of positives in that, well done lads.
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Well played.
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Thank fuck for that....agonising last ten minutes but a very good performance from the team as far as I,m concerned.
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Could've won that but a MUCH better performance. Everyone played pretty well.
Westwood and Clark stand out for me
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Better second half than I expected. They worked hard and was better than Le Arse overall, but we don't break and attack quickly enough, so we get closed down too easily. But at least a well earned point. Although Albrighton on in the 89th minute !! what was all that about?
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Good point lads, 3 more against Reading please.