Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on November 23, 2012, 06:56:58 PM
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Available Saturday night.
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A well earned point.
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Happy with that. Vlaar being injured is a blow, but Westwood is top drawer and our best midfielder.
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Good hard fought point. Continued signs of improvement overall.
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Well done me babbies, love ya!
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(Just) outside of the relegation zone, with that awful run of 3 very tough games behind us. I'll take that.
A couple of wins against Reading and QPR, and maybe another one against Stoke, and the table will look completely different.
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Hard earned point and a clean sheet. Got to be happy with that, even if it looked like we could have got all three. Clark and Lowton were fantastic.
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Hard fought point. Got to get points from our next few games.
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Well done lads. KEA only worry.
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A platform to build on. If we beat Reading I can see us pulling clear of the zone from here on in.
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If we had any luck we would have won it but well played.
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Good display. Bannan, Lowton, Clark and Westwood the stars for me. Holman did well when he came one an Gabby worked hard, but the front 3 never fired as they can and did not cause enough problems through pace/power or movement which was a shame. Benteke had his worst game for us IMO. In this game, the Sunderland and the United ones we have set a standard, that we have to follow through against Reading and QPR to yeild at least 4 points from the next 2 games. Big week, started very well.
Hope Ron is ok.
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Happy with the result.
I thought Westwood and Benteke had decent games. Still have no cutting edge and Im not sure Bannan should take any of the corners or freekicks as his delivery isnt good enough.
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Well done lads. KEA only worry.
KEA probably played himself out of the shirt for Reading, especially with Holmann doing pretty well when he came on.
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Reasonably happy with that. Hopefully the players have learned that if they work hard for the full 90 minutes then they stand a better chance of getting good results. Rode our luck at times but then so did the Arse.
Hard work is going to be the order of the day this season so Holman looks a better bet than KEA at the moment. No concerns about Westwood - he looks the real deal already.
Losing Concrete Ron is a problem; let's hope not a serious one.
Bent not even in the squad is a bit of a head-scratcher. Unless he picked up a very late injury it's difficult to conclude anything other than he's on his way.
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We must be the hardest working team in the league.
Great to see a second half where we improved rather than fall apart.
Well done lads.
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Ron going off and KEA the only real disappointments of the game for me.
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From stream. Good point but could have had more. We work hard, quick on the ball but do need a Merson type player to give us guile. Ireland?
Not far off a good side. We will get there. Well done lads.
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That was a real stress. Some good performances and the tactics worked. Still lacking in quality in a few areas, especially last third, though I thought the rain made it more difficult for both sides.
I thought Clark and Westwood were our best players by a country mile, closely followed by Bannan. Holman did very well when he came on. Thought he looked really bright and to have more quality than previously.
Pretty worried if Vlaar is going to miss a game or two though. Lowton is a really good right back but a less good centre back.
I imagine we'll make 2-4 changes for the Reading game. Perhaps Ireland, Holman, Lichaj and potentially Bent being the most likely to come in?
Anyway, a point more than I expected and we had some decent chances.
Pretty crap game overall, but I was happy with that.
Overall, I think we came out of our toughest spell of games of the season better than I expected. We matched Arsenal and Man U at home, no question.
7 players under 23 really is something. I would love a couple of defenders in January though. We look threadbare back there to say the least. Did Dunne have a setback?
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Not bad at all, that, and a deserved point in my opinion.
Lots of good performances, but a few thoughts; Westwood looks very comfortable in that midfield, and his work-rate and passing is very promising indeed. Bannan again was very good, and Lowton also continued his impressively reliable form.
I have to say, and I know others disagree with me on this, but I think Stevens is doing a pretty decent job at left-back, and getting better with each game. I'm not saying he's a world-beater or anything, but he's not bad so far.
As for the Bent situation...I suppose you have to recognise that it's quite likely that he'll leave, but I'm not sure we'd have done any better with him in the team, and in fact we may have been less effective. It's going to be an incredibly ballsy move from Lambert. I hope it pays off for him.
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Encouraging display and we played pretty well , 3 huge games coming up now and a chance to pull away a bit if we take our chances.
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Didn't concede in the second half for once and a real hard working performance, but where was Ireland and Bent?
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well deserved battling point - that midfield works its gonads off breaking up play and harassing the opposition - only slight concern is we have nobody in there that can create chances when we do get the ball
anyway today was a bonus point, our season starts on tuesday night
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Happy with result, but how are we ever gonna score? Ireland is the only squad player who seems to know how to set up a goal, when he can be arsed. Gutted that Bent has been pushed out.
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Loving this interview with Weimann and Lowton...our future.
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Didn't concede in the second half for once and a real hard working performance, but where was Ireland and Bent?
According to collymore bent was fit and available but wasn't picked, surprised baker wasn't on the bench either as he was sub last week.
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they worked damn hard and closed Arse down well. 2 Arse shots I would have taken that before the game.
Clean sheet ;) KEA a bit of a worry and crap decision making at times but happy with the point .
Westood man of match , hes going to be class.
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If Baker is fit you have to think he will be in for Ron if injured.
I thought we were better for not having Ireland in. Creatively he has not been pulling up trees, and Holman and KEA worked like dogs.
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Tony Adams utterly one eyed. Is he not supposed to be an impartial pundit?
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Lambo thinks we have goals in us. I thought the Directors' Box offered a GOOD view.
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Rumours MON has resigned!
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We look so much better in midfield without Ireland giving the ball away and waving his arms in frustration. A good point and the season could look very different come this time next week.
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I don't know if you'd play Clark and Baker together, as one would have to play on the right of the two. I think Lowton will play there.
I also agree that Enda Stevens is doing pretty well.
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There has to have been a fall-out with Bent surely? I'm not a massive fan, but if we're ever one down, he's got to be the best option off the bench for us to chase the game in a conventional 4-4-2 with Benteke.
Going on Lambert's signings, a promising future is waiting for us if we can just battle through this season.
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Thought we outplayed and out muscled them. Solid performance, shame we didn't really have the cutting edge to win it.
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Thought the Arsenal fans were good in their 19th minute support. Would have taken a draw beforehand.
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Have to say that the future looks bright. Lambert has spent tremendously well you have to say. No world beaters but they all look like excellent, value for money long-term prospects. Epitomised by the likes of Westwood and Lowton.
We have to hope we'll get enough points this season to stay clear of the drop but if we do, you'd have to think this young team is going to improve massively.
On a side note, perhaps Lambert thinks Bent and Ireland with their star status are actually doing more harm than good?
Not saying that's definitely the case but it's a possibility.
If Lambert can get 10-15 million for Bent and he's allowed to spend it, I think he'll unearth some more terrific players and strengthen us.
Also agree that Enda did great, for someone who's supposedly hopeless, he was pretty damn steady for us.
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Not a big fan of Gabby but thought he was man of the match worked his socks off and stopped more than what he started Westwood very good but missed creativity , why the row with Bent would have offered nothing today
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you certainly get the feeling that there is a plan which has not been the case over the last couple of seasons. I still think we will finish around 12th but the next six weeks will have a huge bearing on how nervous we all are come april.
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Another good performance by a team who was in the relegation zone but didn't play like that.
Hard working, tried to play football with some good passing, closing down their players at every chance and limited an Arsenal offense to not much action in front of goal.
OK we didn't get the win but I'm encouraged and pleased in what I saw from a team that started in the bottom 3 where there was energy and creating chances. From what I witnessed I thought we gave arsenal a tougher game than compared to norwich who got a lucky win.
I got a bit nervous with 5 minutes to go with all the goals conceded in the second half this season so good job seeing the game out till the end.
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We lack that final burst in the the last third. Bannan and Westwood were very good at finding players in space, yet they seemed unable to make a quick enough decision to do anything proactive.
Overall good, though. Thought Clark seemed to come of age when Vlaar went off - seemed to marshal what was then his back line very well. Having said that, you'd hope Big Ron will be back soon. Out of the dreaded Zone with those three games behind us, which is decent.
I think Lambert has hit upon a pretty good formula with pretty bad timing. This is the team and style which has been going since Sunderland - and you can tell he has confidence in it as he didn't ditch it after the City drubbing - but it has four points from four games as three of those were tough. If we stick with this 4-3-3 when we play the lesser lights I don't just think we'll win games, I think we might give someone an unsuspected battering.
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The next three games are massive, because after that we've got Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs . . .
I hope the players don't feel the pressure too much. We really could do with 7 points from the next three games. But with injuries at the back, a tiring performance today bound to take it out of young players, I've got a nasty feeling Reading is going to be an underwhelming game. I hope we can nick a win.
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There has to have been a fall-out with Bent surely? I'm not a massive fan, but if we're ever one down, he's got to be the best option off the bench for us to chase the game in a conventional 4-4-2 with Benteke.
In the post-match interview with Lowton, he talked about the team spirit at Villa, and how there was no room for individuals. Looks fairly terminal for Bent unless I read that wrong. Bit sad about that, but I'm not the manager (luckily for us).
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Rumours MON has resigned!
On ESPN. Makes a decent night excellent. Ukraine job still going? Or Scotland?
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I think long term tricky, creative options with goals in them either side of Benteke will be bought to compete with Gabby and Weiman. Options up front are thin if you think of it as a 3 up front.
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I think long term tricky, creative options with goals in them either side of Benteke will be bought to compete with Gabby and Weiman. Options up front are thin if you think of it as a 3 up front.
I know it seems unlikely right now, but it is possible that N'Zogbia could find his form for us and fill that role, too.
Well, you never know!
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I think long term tricky, creative options with goals in them either side of Benteke will be bought to compete with Gabby and Weiman. Options up front are thin if you think of it as a 3 up front.
Not much in the way of rotation options. Apart from Holmann for Weimann it's thinner than a thin thing from Thinnerville.
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I think long term tricky, creative options with goals in them either side of Benteke will be bought to compete with Gabby and Weiman. Options up front are thin if you think of it as a 3 up front.
I know it seems unlikely right now, but it is possible that N'Zogbia could find his form for us and fill that role, too.
Well, you never know!
Work rate would be the issue though, never mind form. The system works pretty well because of the shifts Weimann and Gabby put in. I've seen little to suggest Zog would put the same kind of shit in week in week out.
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I'd probably have taken a point before the game but I thought Arsenal were under par - maybe we made them look that way. We did well to keep it tight with a very inexperienced defence after Vlaar went off and could have nicked it with a bit of luck.
I think Lambert got it wrong leaving Ireland out against a team whose defending has been far from solid. It showed with us nowhere near creative enough in the final third. I thought KEA was hopeless, way too slow, a yard off the pace, missed the ball completely a few times. I have to say I thought Gabby was poor, he worked hard but a lot of moves broke down when he came on the ball. Excellent cameo by Holman.
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We're last on MOTD tonight, I don't actually mind.
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Hard fought point and a rare clean sheet.
Very good approach to the game and good performance by Lowton and Clark, whereas in the midfield Bannan and Westwood are improving.
The only thinh that I haven't understood is the sense of KEA, that clearly is not able to play football, in the starting XI. Holman is not Maradona but is much better than KEA.
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thought we played some lovely football at times, just need to be more ruthless in last third. thought benteke played well particularly holding it up. banan some lovely balls as well
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I've seen little to suggest Zog would put the same kind of shit in week in week out.
Oh, I've seen plenty of evidence of that! ;-)
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I've seen little to suggest Zog would put the same kind of shit in week in week out.
Oh, I've seen plenty of evidence of that! ;-)
Ha! What an appropriate typo.
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Nzog of Wigan days would fit perfectly. The Villa version I live in hope.
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To be honest I'd totally forgotten about Zog.
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To be honest I'd totally forgotten about Zog.
So had I when I was thinking of different options for the front 3. I wondered if we could recall Fonz but completely forgot that we still had Zog. Probably sums up his Villa career so far.
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It was solid and a good point, but the lack of flair was typified by the corners and free kicks lofted up for Benteke. The one innovative free kick nearly brought a goal from the shot by Vlaar (and I suppose there was one in the second half when Clark peeled away) - they need to try different things in these sorts of situation since they don't have natural flair otherwise (especially when Ireland is not playing).
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Most important thing is to make sure we don't waste this point by messing up against Reading.
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.... I've seen little to suggest Zog would put the same kind of shit in week in week out.
Typo of the week.
We were much better today. There was a distinct change of emphasis from the last two games. Instead of retreating back behind the ball we got in their faces. Against arguably the best midfield we have faced in the the three games from hell we didn't really look like conceding.
KEA was part and parcel of this, despite the panning some have been giving him. He works hard and is effective, but his problem seems to be that when he gets the ball he seems to be pre-occupied with playing it the way the is facing, which often was not the best option to take. Whether that is confidence, him still getting used to the higher pace of the PL or just the way he plays it's hard to say.
I like the look of Westwood and Lowton. Holman runs with the ball like a bulldozer with a pissed driver, but was desperately unlucky with his shot.
One point is pretty good from this fixture, if either team deserved all three it was us.
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Not a big fan of Gabby but thought he was man of the match worked his socks off and stopped more than what he started Westwood very good but missed creativity , why the row with Bent would have offered nothing today
I thought Westwood was man of the match, Gabby did put in a shift and worked his socks off but I thought his touch was pretty poor all night.
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Glad we didn't concede in the second half, or all game for that matter. Slowly but slowly we can get there.
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Played fairly well against a good team (though possibly Arsensls worst team I've seen down Villa for a long time).
Bannan, Westwood, Weiman and Gabby must be shattered. They put in a real shift in today. There are signs that we're getting there and PL is starting to find out more about his players.
Time for us to take it on and beat Reading on Tuesday.
Overall, despite the position, I'm quite happy. I think there's already been more enjoyment involving Villa this season than the whole of last.
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Has lambert spoken yet regarding bents absence?
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Again the only* thing missing is the classy final ball - this week we are wondering how we didn't beat everybodies's favourite footballing team after Barcelona which can't be bad...
*OK - we need class all over the field but you know what I mean.
Bye bye Darren and thanks for the goals.
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Relief. getting a point from Arsenal will do me just fine.
Highlight? Lichaj's handlebar moustache.
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Yes an improvement as was the United game. We have seen Lowton turn in excellent performances most of the season. Westwood and Nathan Baker have impressed. Bannan has improved. Today Clark was top notch and Enda Stevens started to look good.
Not many minuses. KEA was not at all good. Benteke was not at his considerable best although his movement shows great intelligence. This however cannot apply to Agbonlahor who appears to have little technical ability and whatever he brings to the team I just cant see.
Darren Bent? I just dont know. Perhaps Lambert has been told to get his wages off the clubs expenditure sheet and Dunne too for that matter.
If he is to go in Jan we will have to pay out good money for a lower division goalscorer...it seems senseless doesnt it.
Lambert says "we have goals in us" I say we havent.
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Kendrick tweeted that when asked why bent wasn't included in the squad lambert replied"it's my choice!"
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Yes an improvement as was the United game. We have seen Lowton turn in excellent performances most of the season. Westwood and Nathan Baker have impressed. Bannan has improved. Today Clark was top notch and Enda Stevens started to look good.
Not many minuses. KEA was not at all good. Benteke was not at his considerable best although his movement shows great intelligence. This however cannot apply to Agbonlahor who appears to have little technical ability and whatever he brings to the team I just cant see.
Darren Bent? I just dont know. Perhaps Lambert has been told to get his wages off the clubs expenditure sheet and Dunne too for that matter.
If he is to go in Jan we will have to pay out good money for a lower division goalscorer...it seems senseless doesnt it.
Lambert says "we have goals in us" I say we havent.
Heaven forbid Benteke gets an injury but it would be interesting to see what Lambert does then.
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Nightmare journey but great battling performance for a hard fought point and clean sheet. Could have got all three points but for a fantastic save onto their bar, but Arsenal had a couple of chances and on balance a point was welcome. Bannan got man of the match and was pretty pivotal in the middle, but for me Benteke was outstanding. Not sure about KEA - doesn't seem to work as hard as the rest of the team and just seems to switch off at times. Was his yellow for a dive justified? Also what's the news on Vlaar?
As I said on another thread - the plot thickens as regards Bent. Apparently fit but not even on the bench? On his bike methinks
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Pleased with a point overall but Arsenal were there for the taking, they were really poor. Still let's hope we can build on it Tuesday.
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Kendrick tweeted that when asked why bent wasn't included in the squad lambert replied"it's my choice!"
In that case he is in the wrong. Second highest English Premiership scorer(after Wayne) and he doesnt even make the bench!!
Ludicrous!
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I hope he is resting bent for the Norwich game, knowing that he was going to play a pressing game against Arsenal.
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Just back, soaked. Great effort good point that.
Enjoyed the game for a 0-0.
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Bowery over Bent on the bench, astonishing, not Benteke or Gabby, but Bowery, I'm gobsmacked. Surely Baker would have been more useful on the bench than Delph as well.
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I hope he is resting bent for the Norwich game, knowing that he was going to play a pressing game against Arsenal.
Must admit I'm baffled by it , Bowery on the bench ahead of a natural goalscorer like bent , bent had said he was ready and sharp having trained all week and was looking forward to the weekend , seems lambert doesnt want him for some reason.
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Maybe Lambert doesn't want two players just back from injury involved in two matches in four days.
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Maybe Lambert doesn't want two players just back from injury involved in two matches in four days.
Can't see why that would stop him putting bent on the bench and giving him 20 minutes or so if needed, as for baker he was sub last week.
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Maybe Lambert doesn't want two players just back from injury involved in two matches in four days.
It's possible I suppose but it seems to me that everything is not hunky dory between Lambert and Bent.
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Maybe Lambert doesn't want two players just back from injury involved in two matches in four days.
Can't see why that would stop him putting bent on the bench and giving him 20 minutes or so if needed, as for baker he was sub last week.
The old argument that he might have had to come on after thirty seconds perhaps?
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Drove past VP on the way back from Milton Keynes in some of the foulest weather imaginable just as the match was finishing. Sounds like a good, hard fought performance.
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I hope he is resting bent for the Norwich game, knowing that he was going to play a pressing game against Arsenal.
Must admit I'm baffled by it , Bowery on the bench ahead of a natural goalscorer like bent , bent had said he was ready and sharp having trained all week and was looking forward to the weekend , seems lambert doesnt want him for some reason.
We can agree though that Lambert is a pretty canny customer, his signings have been generally very shrewd so I'm sure he has a very good reason for leaving Bent out. Probably doesn't think he's worth the wages and could spend the money on a few more gems and therefore wants to start playing without him
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Worked Hard, happy enough with performance.
Quality lacking in all areas though, hence league position.
Well earned point
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Kendrick tweeted that when asked why bent wasn't included in the squad lambert replied"it's my choice!"
Astonishing - and pig headed to boot. Can see why he was not in starting line up - but should have been on bench.
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A good performance,and it seems Westwood,Clark,Lowton,Bannan are all improving,and we seem better with Holman on the pitch.
A little worried about KEA,after a good start,he's deteriorated a lot.
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Maybe Lambert doesn't want two players just back from injury involved in two matches in four days.
Can't see why that would stop him putting bent on the bench and giving him 20 minutes or so if needed, as for baker he was sub last week.
The old argument that he might have had to come on after thirty seconds perhaps?
Bent tweeted he was ready and sharp after training all week, I think he should have been on the bench .
Well Ron Saunders came on for a bit of flack when he and Andy gray had a parting of the ways and we all know what happened next- lets hope lambert has a gem lined up in January as I can't imagine bent staying.
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I'm glad of the point, that's all I'll say!
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Thought it was a good performance with Westwood being my motm, looks a quality player in the making. I have voiced my concerns about Clark, but he was excellent today and became a man when Vlaar went off. Lowton continues to improve as well. KEA was average, but can see why he was chosen for this game in a way, though would personally have had Holman in the role, saving Ireland for the next game.
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A great point, more than I expected. I was very impressed with Benteke in the second half. Some of his lay-offs were stunning.
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Good battling performance but Benteke can't be the only out ball we have to switch it up!
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Regarding Bent, now that we know he's fit and ready to play, the next few team selections will be interesting.
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The Lambert / Bent thing appears to be getting personal in my view.
Not sure I agree with what's going on but as ever we don't know the full story here.
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Regarding Bent, now that we know he's fit and ready to play, the next few team selections will be interesting.
Is it true that if he plays 2 more games we owe Scunderland another £2m?
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Said yesterday in the relegation thread that we needed to grow some balls as a team and as a club when it came to these sort of games against the 'big ' four. I think that is exactly what that young team did today typified by Westwood who looked the best midfieder on the pitch from both sides. Us fans did the same as the match progressed getting behind (encouraged by )the team and finally winning the battle serenaded by 'you don't know what you're doing' sung by the Arsenal fans to Wenger. Bit mystified by the exclusion of Bent , it's a big gamble on Lamberts part which if he loses we could pay with our status as a Premier league club but I think it's down to the way he wants us to play at the moment, for what it's worth I think Bent will play his part and won't be sold.
Some great performances today, Bannan Lowton and Stevens who has faced Valencia Silva Oxlade Chamberlain and Arshavin in quick succesion, he's pushed them all back down the pitch -great !
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I hope that whoever decided that Bannan was MOTM was having a laugh or had been drinking all day.
He was close to being the worst player on the pitch today. Bottling tackles in a way that made Downing look like Norman Hunter and generally managing to stay at least five yards away from having to engage with an opposition player.
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I hope that whoever decided that Bannan was MOTM was having a laugh or had been drinking all day.
He was close to being the worst player on the pitch today. Bottling tackles in a way that made Downing look like Norman Hunter and generally managing to stay at least five yards away from having to engage with an opposition player.
What game did you watch mate ?
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Regarding Bent, now that we know he's fit and ready to play, the next few team selections will be interesting.
Is it true that if he plays 2 more games we owe Scunderland another £2m?
Where did you hear that ?
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Westwood is beginning to look like a proper player to me
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I hope that whoever decided that Bannan was MOTM was having a laugh or had been drinking all day.
He was close to being the worst player on the pitch today. Bottling tackles in a way that made Downing look like Norman Hunter and generally managing to stay at least five yards away from having to engage with an opposition player.
I thought he was really good today. His delivery from set pieces has improved, his work rate has improved, his defensive game has improved and he doesn't spray the ball around for its own sake any more. He put in one terrific block to stop a goalbound shot at one point (late on? can't quite remember). A much better player than he was 12 months ago.
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Regarding Bent, now that we know he's fit and ready to play, the next few team selections will be interesting.
Is it true that if he plays 2 more games we owe Scunderland another £2m?
How ironic that might be his severance pay (so we pay him again) - you sometimes want to weep.
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Thought Bannan and Westwood were very good in fairness!
Oh and Clark is growing as a centre half each week in my view, really coming on.
Re Bent, if the Lambert response was straight up to Kendrick, maybe the togetherness of the group of kids is more important than what Bent brings to Lambert. To go from captain, to left out completely when fit speaks volumes.
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I am a critic of Bannan but he hit some lovely crossfield balls today and his workrate was exceptional.
Fancied us for a point and it's certainly sometime to build on. I was worried the defence would fall apart when Concrete succumbed but Clark and Lowton stood up well. First time I've seen Stevens play and he looked pretty comfortable tbh.
Fair to say tuesday is a very big game now. Hopefully Vlaar is fit but I worry a bit if he's out as Jason Roberts might not be the world's greatest forward but he'll be niggly and back into our defenders all night long if we're not careful so I'd probably start Baker.
If Wigan can score 3 against them we certainly can.
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Just back from the game. Thoroughly good team performance which gives genuine hope for the future. Thought Bannan was outstanding. Looks destined to become a hate figure like Gabby in some quarters. KEA is my biggest worry but a game well worth the long journey in foul conditions. Well done lads.
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0-0 to Arsenal is a decent result, but with another non-scoring game, we're going to need Bent sooner rather than later, so I hope it's not a case of his bridges being completely burned.
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Westwood looks tidy, doesn't he?
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I thought Bannan put in a real workmanlike performance, some good passes, though there is no denying he did bottle a couple of 50-50's
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I hope that whoever decided that Bannan was MOTM was having a laugh or had been drinking all day.
He was close to being the worst player on the pitch today. Bottling tackles in a way that made Downing look like Norman Hunter and generally managing to stay at least five yards away from having to engage with an opposition player.
I thought he was really good today. His delivery from set pieces has improved, his work rate has improved, his defensive game has improved and he doesn't spray the ball around for its own sake any more. He put in one terrific block to stop a goalbound shot at one point (late on? can't quite remember). A much better player than he was 12 months ago.
I was disappointed with his set piece delivery. No pace on the ball, making them easy to defend or impossible to turn into a threatening header.
I'll concede that he did put in an excellent block late in the game.
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I think Stevens is decent too.
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I'd quite like to see Herd in the middle with Bannan and Westwood, with either Holman and Ireland more advanced. I think it could work.
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Thought Stevens looked very slow at times.
Bannan did shirk the 50/50s but hassled well, read it well, passed it well and I thought took some intelligent free kicks, and did put some more whip on than usual.
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I'm glad of the point, that's all I'll say!
Any of the lower league garbage play well for you tonight?
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oh, and yeah, we're toss at set plays. I don't like all this high ball to the back post. Let's whip 'em in.
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The only problem I have with Stevens, and to a lesser extent Lowton, is that he offers naff all going forward, so we have no width at all.
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0-0 to Arsenal is a decent result, but with another non-scoring game, we're going to need Bent sooner rather than later, so I hope it's not a case of his bridges being completely burned.
Reading are awful defensively so if we can't score against them then I'd probably start Bent next match.
In any case I'd have him on the bench. He'll probably be leaving in January but we're still paying him atm so might aswell use him.
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I thought Bannan's delivery from set peices were very good to be honest. As for Westwood, I love the way he seems to make space to be available for a pass. Have real high hopes for this lad
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Well Gabby and Weimann provide that to be fair, which is why I think long term we will sign a couple of players that give a different style to those two.
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0-0 to Arsenal is a decent result, but with another non-scoring game, we're going to need Bent sooner rather than later, so I hope it's not a case of his bridges being completely burned.
Reading are awful defensively so if we can't score against them then I'd probably start Bent next match.
In any case I'd have him on the bench. He'll probably be leaving in January but we're still paying him atm so might aswell use him.
I agree we just need the greatest chance of scoring more goals than the opposition, that means he has to at least be on the bench lets worry about his future when we've secured survival .
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Decent performance, impressed with Westwood in particular.
Wish our full backs offered more going forward and also there were times in the game when Gabby and Weimann were playing too deep.
And need to have the midfielders shoot more often, Holman aside.
The Bent thing is ridiculous, he needs to be involved v Reading.
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FWIW, and despite recent results, I think Guzan's performances and attitude since Given's performance against Everton merit his place in the team.
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FWIW, and despite recent results, I think Guzan's performances and attitude since Given's performance against Everton merit his place in the team.
Yup. And he's getting as good as Pat Jennings at saving with his feet!
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1 point from 9, when 0 was expected so good in that respect.
How does KEA get in the starting lineup ahead of Ireland - this is one I cannot work out.
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I haven't looked at the match thread, but who scored the disallowed goal?
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I haven't looked at the match thread, but who scored the disallowed goal?
|Weimann
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That was a good free kick by Bannan, rolled it along the 18 ard box to Clark when everyone was expecting another floated cross. Ciaran didn't connect properly and it fell to Weimann who was offside.
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1 point from 9, when 0 was expected so good in that respect.
How does KEA get in the starting lineup ahead of Ireland - this is one I cannot work out.
Maybe Ireland is being kept for the Reading game, wheras KEA offered more battling qualities against the Arsenal midfield, that said I would have thought Holman would have been the choice if Ireland being given a rest. Lets not moan though, lots of hope for the season IMHO
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Guzan - superb. Benteke - brilliant at times if a little "raw". Bannan - best I've seen him play. Great whole team performance but fully expected to see Ireland come on and disappointed he didn't. A good point today and could/should have got all three.
Must win game on Tuesday!
UTV!
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Impressed with Lowton.
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Think the players will take a lot of confidence from tonight, hopefully this is a turning point for us.
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That was a good free kick by Bannan, rolled it along the 18 ard box to Clark when everyone was expecting another floated cross. Ciaran didn't connect properly and it fell to Weimann who was offside.
There was another good one in the first half that curled in beautifully and Concrete Ron couldn't quite get on the end of it.
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A good solid performance which hopefully we can carry into, at the very least , the next three league games.
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we have lost 2 on the bounce and we were fragile, lambert bolstered the midfield with kea. ok, so not the most creative of players but needed against a team that is full of quality. i expect to see ireland start on tuesday. really pleased with the performance. some will say after the match that it was 2 dropped but i feel we needed to go after at least a point today against an arsenal team that stuck 5 past spuds last week and won in montpellier midweek. in lambert i trust! anyone know what was wrong with vlaar?
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Westwood not only kept cazorla very quiet but yet again had a pass success rate of over 90%
http://fourfourtwo.com/statszone/share.aspx?i=0fhgB
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I haven't looked at the match thread, but who scored the disallowed goal?
|Weimann
and was it offside?
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Why wasn't their goalkeeper booked for handball?
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Why wasn't their goalkeeper booked for handball?
why wasnt jenkinson booked for persistent fouling, also arteta for bringing over gabby when he split their midfield. another ref not giving decisions on merit for either side
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Good game by our lads today against a very strange Arsenal team. This Villa team with a little more confidence would have won the game easily. Some of you have praised Westwood recently but I had not noticed the same until today. I think this lad is class and will develop into a top end midfielder. MotM in my opinion by a long way.
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I haven't looked at the match thread, but who scored the disallowed goal?
|Weimann
and was it offside?
Looked it on the one replay I saw.
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Why wasn't their goalkeeper booked for handball?
why wasnt jenkinson booked for persistent fouling, also arteta for bringing over gabby when he split their midfield. another ref not giving decisions on merit for either side
Probably made allowances for the conditions that may have meant he slid further than normal. It was dubious as well if he even handled outside.
And Gabby got away with a very cynical block that should have been a yellow.
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And Gabby got away with a very cynical block that should have been a yellow.
It got a round of applause from me. He was very fired up today Gabby wasn't he.
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And Gabby got away with a very cynical block that should have been a yellow.
It got a round of applause from me. He was very fired up today Gabby wasn't he.
I liked seeing him do it, but amazed he didn't get a yellow. He put in a fair old shift today.
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Why wasn't their goalkeeper booked for handball?
why wasnt jenkinson booked for persistent fouling, also arteta for bringing over gabby when he split their midfield. another ref not giving decisions on merit for either side
Probably made allowances for the conditions that may have meant he slid further than normal. It was dubious as well if he even handled outside.
And Gabby got away with a very cynical block that should have been a yellow.
Nothing dubious about it it was definitely outside by a good yard however he was inside when he first caught it.
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Why wasn't their goalkeeper booked for handball?
why wasnt jenkinson booked for persistent fouling, also arteta for bringing over gabby when he split their midfield. another ref not giving decisions on merit for either side
Probably made allowances for the conditions that may have meant he slid further than normal. It was dubious as well if he even handled outside.
And Gabby got away with a very cynical block that should have been a yellow.
Nothing dubious about it it was definitely outside by a good yard however he was inside when he first caught it.
It was dubious enough for me and a few others on the match thread to question if he did handle it. I'm not saying he didn't but the replay I saw looked like it might have been an Oakes.
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I'm glad of the point, that's all I'll say!
Any of the lower league garbage play well for you tonight?
Oh they were stunning! The way we scraped a 0-0 draw against the Arsenal at home will go down in history. We even had a couple of shots on target!
Look, I welcome a point, but lets not get carried away. Beat Reading and QPR and we maybe on our way, but until then let's not count our chickens. We're out of the bottom 3 by the skin of our teeth. It really isn't worth gloating about.
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I'm glad of the point, that's all I'll say!
Any of the lower league garbage play well for you tonight?
Oh they were stunning! The way we scraped a 0-0 draw against the Arsenal at home will go down in history. We even had a couple of shots on target!
Look, I welcome a point, but lets not get carried away. Beat Reading and QPR and we maybe on our way, but until then let's not count our chickens. We're out of the bottom 3 by the skin of our teeth. It really isn't worth gloating about.
Nobody is getting carried away with gloating, but you've been getting a bit carried away on the "all the players are shite" front.
You're right, let's not go mental and start doing the conga, but by the same measure, let's not act like it's all doom and gloom.
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I'm glad of the point, that's all I'll say!
Any of the lower league garbage play well for you tonight?
Oh they were stunning! The way we scraped a 0-0 draw against the Arsenal at home will go down in history. We even had a couple of shots on target!
Look, I welcome a point, but lets not get carried away. Beat Reading and QPR and we maybe on our way, but until then let's not count our chickens. We're out of the bottom 3 by the skin of our teeth. It really isn't worth gloating about.
Nobody is getting carried away with gloating, but you've been getting a bit carried away on the "all the players are shite" front.
You're right, let's not go mental and start doing the conga, but by the same measure, let's not act like it's all doom and gloom.
Until we get clear of this relegation zone it'll be all doom and gloom for me. I make no apologies for my stance. I'm a Villa fanatic. Been going down to VP since the mid 70s, and I take no pleasure in our position right now. I want to be proven wrong! If we make a miraculous recovery and surge up the table i'll be the first to apologise.
Can't see it though.
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Good performance and I guess we'd all have taken a point, but needs to be backed up with 3 points against Reading. I think we missed Ireland today, was worried about where the goals would come from at times. Kevin Keegan seemed impressed with us.
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So, even if players put in a good shift and indicate there's hope, you can't acknowledge it?
I started watching at about the same time you did, so have seen it all, too, but I can at least see that this manager wants to do things the right way, and is trying to do so.
We're in an unacceptable league position, I entirely agree, but you have to look beyond that, and see where we're moving.
I'm infinitely more pleased (NB more pleased, not happy) to be in this position with this manager playing the way we are, than I was last year, under a manager who made no attempt to hide his negative outlook.
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So, even if players put in a good shift and indicate there's hope, you can't acknowledge it?
I started watching at about the same time you did, so have seen it all, too, but I can at least see that this manager wants to do things the right way, and is trying to do so.
We're in an unacceptable league position, I entirely agree, but you have to look beyond that, and see where we're moving.
I'm infinitely more pleased (NB more pleased, not happy) to be in this position with this manager playing the way we are, than I was last year, under a manager who made no attempt to hide his negative outlook.
Of course there's hope. I just don't think the players we've got at the moment are good enough. January is massive for us. Fail to invest and I think we'll be f#cked. I just don't think the players we've got now are good enough. That's not me not supporting the team, that's just my honest opinion. This is the worst Villa team I've seen in well over 30 years of supporting the club. That's just an honest opinion that I think I'm entitled too.
January is massive for us.
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Worse than 86?
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Lets look at the last 3 games, bossed Man Ure for 60 minutes, they were very lucky with their first two goals. Man City, could well have been ahead before they scored and then awful penalty decision. My worry is how we then folded but came back today and looked strong throughout, even when losing the captain. Things to be hopeful about. As for the lower league players, bring on more Westwoods and Lowtons IMHO
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So, even if players put in a good shift and indicate there's hope, you can't acknowledge it?
I started watching at about the same time you did, so have seen it all, too, but I can at least see that this manager wants to do things the right way, and is trying to do so.
We're in an unacceptable league position, I entirely agree, but you have to look beyond that, and see where we're moving.
I'm infinitely more pleased (NB more pleased, not happy) to be in this position with this manager playing the way we are, than I was last year, under a manager who made no attempt to hide his negative outlook.
Of course there's hope. I just don't think the players we've got at the moment are good enough. January is massive for us. Fail to invest and I think we'll be f#cked. I just don't think the players we've got now are old enough. That's not me not supporting the team, that's just my honest opinion. This is the worst Villa team I've seen in well over 30 years of supporting the club. That's just an honest opinion that I think I'm entitled too.
January is massive for us.
You never win nothing with kids
Billy Mcneills team was better than this, you are having a laugh
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Of course there's hope. I just don't think the players we've got at the moment are good enough. January is massive for us. Fail to invest and I think we'll be f#cked. I just don't think the players we've got now are old enough. That's not me not supporting the team, that's just my honest opinion. This is the worst Villa team I've seen in well over 30 years of supporting the club. That's just an honest opinion that I think I'm entitled too.
January is massive for us.
And I'm also entitled to tell you you're talking absolute nonsense. Worse than the team that got relegated? Than the others who have just about stayed up? Get a grip, and a sense of proportion.
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I like KK , always says good things about Villa , other than the knob Adams.
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Worse than 86?
Yes, I really think so. The only positive though is that we have a chance of improving the side in January. It's over to Lerner.
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Worse than 86?
Yes, I really think so. The only positive though is that we have a chance of improving the side in January. It's over to Lerner.
Have you been at the Christmas Sherry a bit early?
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Of course there's hope. I just don't think the players we've got at the moment are good enough. January is massive for us. Fail to invest and I think we'll be f#cked. I just don't think the players we've got now are old enough. That's not me not supporting the team, that's just my honest opinion. This is the worst Villa team I've seen in well over 30 years of supporting the club. That's just an honest opinion that I think I'm entitled too.
January is massive for us.
And I'm also entitled to tell you you're talking absolute nonsense. Worse than the team that got relegated? Than the others who have just about stayed up? Get a grip, and a sense of proportion.
Everytime I hear you say this sort if thing I look at the league table, and we seem to get worse by the week. When do you start to worry, Dave?
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This is exactly where we stood during the same week in 1986 (last season we were relegated). Admittedly another couple of games played. Just to interpret this table - it gives the overall home and away pwdlfa then the home and away and the pts total is at the end......Note Smethwick are the new Coventry.
1 Arsenal 16 9 4 3 23 8 5 3 0 12 2 4 1 3 11 6 +15 31
2 Nottingham Forest 16 9 2 5 35 22 6 2 0 20 6 3 0 5 15 16 +13 29
3 Liverpool 15 8 3 4 34 20 4 3 1 18 8 4 0 3 16 12 +14 27
4 West Ham United 16 7 6 3 26 23 4 1 3 14 14 3 5 0 12 9 +3 27
5 Luton Town 16 7 5 4 18 12 5 3 0 12 4 2 2 4 6 8 +6 26
6 Coventry City 16 7 5 4 16 12 6 1 1 11 4 1 4 3 5 8 +4 26
7 Norwich City 16 7 5 4 24 23 5 2 1 13 9 2 3 3 11 14 +1 26
8 Sheffield Wednesday 16 6 7 3 30 23 4 4 0 20 10 2 3 3 10 13 +7 25
9 Everton 15 7 4 4 24 17 4 2 1 13 7 3 2 3 11 10 +7 25
10 Tottenham Hotspur 16 7 4 5 19 16 3 3 2 8 7 4 1 3 11 9 +3 25
11 Watford 16 6 4 6 30 22 5 1 2 19 8 1 3 4 11 14 +8 22
12 Oxford United 16 5 6 5 17 26 4 3 1 12 8 1 3 4 5 18 -9 21
13 Southampton 16 6 2 8 30 35 4 1 3 15 13 2 1 5 15 22 -5 20
14 Wimbledon 16 6 1 9 18 22 3 1 4 10 11 3 0 5 8 11 -4 19
15 Queens Park Rangers 16 5 3 8 15 20 4 1 3 12 11 1 2 5 3 9 -5 18
16 Aston Villa 16 5 3 8 21 32 4 1 3 11 11 1 2 5 10 21 -11 18
17 Manchester United 16 4 5 7 17 18 4 1 3 13 8 0 4 4 4 10 -1 17
18 Charlton Athletic 16 5 2 9 18 28 2 2 4 9 12 3 0 5 9 16 -10 17
19 Leicester City 16 4 4 8 18 27 2 3 3 11 12 2 1 5 7 15 -9 16
20 Manchester City 16 3 6 7 15 20 3 3 2 12 9 0 3 5 3 11 -5 15
21 Chelsea 16 3 6 7 17 28 1 3 4 6 14 2 3 3 11 14 -11 15
22 Newcastle United 16 3 5 8 15 26 2 2 4 9 12 1 3 4 6 14 -11 14
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Worse than 86?
Yes, I really think so. The only positive though is that we have a chance of improving the side in January. It's over to Lerner.
I think you are very wrong
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Worse than 86?
Yes, I really think so. The only positive though is that we have a chance of improving the side in January. It's over to Lerner.
I think you are very wrong
I hope so.
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Of course there's hope. I just don't think the players we've got at the moment are good enough. January is massive for us. Fail to invest and I think we'll be f#cked. I just don't think the players we've got now are old enough. That's not me not supporting the team, that's just my honest opinion. This is the worst Villa team I've seen in well over 30 years of supporting the club. That's just an honest opinion that I think I'm entitled too.
January is massive for us.
And I'm also entitled to tell you you're talking absolute nonsense. Worse than the team that got relegated? Than the others who have just about stayed up? Get a grip, and a sense of proportion.
Everytime I hear you say this sort if thing I look at the league table, and we seem to get worse by the week. When do you start to worry, Dave?
Not in November, that's for certain.
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Of course there's hope. I just don't think the players we've got at the moment are good enough. January is massive for us. Fail to invest and I think we'll be f#cked. I just don't think the players we've got now are old enough. That's not me not supporting the team, that's just my honest opinion. This is the worst Villa team I've seen in well over 30 years of supporting the club. That's just an honest opinion that I think I'm entitled too.
January is massive for us.
And I'm also entitled to tell you you're talking absolute nonsense. Worse than the team that got relegated? Than the others who have just about stayed up? Get a grip, and a sense of proportion.
Everytime I hear you say this sort if thing I look at the league table, and we seem to get worse by the week. When do you start to worry, Dave?
Not in November, that's for certain.
Normally I'd agree with you as we've had dodgy starts in the past, but this time seems different to me. When we've had poor starts to the seasons in the past we've always had decent PL players who you'd always thought would come good. This time our squad looks like a Championship squad. If you prove me wrong i'll bow down to your superior knowledge. Honest!
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8 clubs in that table who have been lower than Championship level since.
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after conceding 8 goals in the last 2 games and with vlaar going off, we would have taken a 0-0 for sure. clean sheet hopefully will build a bit of confidence. Clark played well again. Guzan very calm in goal. bannan I thought played well though some of his deliveries werent great. Holman who I've been very critical of thus far, did well on his introduction.
Still though the lack of quality was depressing. Westwood was completely anonymous in midfield and we are badly struggling to get the ball simply from our centre halves into midfield. watched west brom earlier, they are light years ahead of us with the ball. Kea was woeful, out of position maybe but incredibly poor. didnt think benteke was really up for it today. was well held but his touch was a bit off. weimann and gabby tried hard but complete lack of quality with the ball. gabby in particular, his touch is dreadful and loses the ball now constantly just running with the ball. stevens and lowton were worrying at times but I guess both Arsenal wide players were taken off.
we just look a really poor side at the moment. The next run of games are absolutely key. I think its imperative we bring Bent back in alongside Benteke up front. Bringing on Albrighton and Lichaj sums up the lack of quality in our squad. January will be huge for Lambert.
Thought there was more than a few Arsenal players who didnt look up for it today. Thought Wenger should have made changes at the break. Struggling to think of what they created. Clark made a couple of great interceptions but they didnt put us under too much pressure really
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Worse than 86?
Yes, I really think so. The only positive though is that we have a chance of improving the side in January. It's over to Lerner.
Bloody hell. I've seen some miserable bleeders on this site over the years, but is that really the only positive you can see? If so, I'd suggest you get your eyes tested. You're either blind or you're just refusing to accept that things aren't as bad as you'd like to think. There are positives there, why are you so reluctant to admit that? No one's saying we're in a healthy position, but there are signs that we're making progress. It's a long haul this, the least you could do is give a bit of credit where it's due. Scrabbling around for little glimmers of hope is what's keeping most of us sane. Why don't you join us? Your negativity is wearing and not constructive - it's like you're being managed by TSM. If Lerner does open his wallet in January you'll probably criticise the velcro fastening. Worse than last season? Worse than 86? You've got to be joking.
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Maybe Lambert doesn't want two players just back from injury involved in two matches in four days.
Defend the manager by all means, but that's pushing it as justification.
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we seem to get worse by the week.
How do you work that out? Today for instance, we were much better than we were last week. A few weeks ago we beat Sunderland, and were much better than we were against Southampton for instance. You could say our form is up and down like a bride's nightie this season.
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we seem to get worse by the week.
How do you work that out? Today for instance, we were much better than we were last week. A few weeks ago we beat Sunderland, and were much better than we were against Southampton for instance. You could say our form is up and down like a bride's nightie this season.
I've seen lots of downs. Not many ups though.
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we seem to get worse by the week.
How do you work that out? Today for instance, we were much better than we were last week. A few weeks ago we beat Sunderland, and were much better than we were against Southampton for instance. You could say our form is up and down like a bride's nightie this season.
I've seen lots of downs. Not many ups though.
Can't say we've been getting worse and worse though can you? 4 days after we lost 4-1 to Southampton we beat Man City in the league cup.
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Guzan - been better than I expected
Lowtown - looks like Delaney, fine
Vlaar - Good and will get better
Clark - have had my doubts, was a man today after Vlaar went off. Needs to concentrate
Stevens - did ok, glad Walcott werent playing
Westwood - excellent
Bannan - very good, except for a couple of bottling it challenges
KEA - Average, not a playmaker
Weimann - battled hard, good team role, nothing more
Gabby - as above
Benteke- Not his best game, but he is such a threat and thought he bullied them again today
Lichaj - did fine
Holman - Should have started if resting Ireland IMHO
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we seem to get worse by the week.
How do you work that out? Today for instance, we were much better than we were last week. A few weeks ago we beat Sunderland, and were much better than we were against Southampton for instance. You could say our form is up and down like a bride's nightie this season.
I've seen lots of downs. Not many ups though.
[/quot]
Was it an up that we kept a clean sheet perhaps, even more so when the captain went off? Was Westwood and Bannan not a plus? Was Lowton not a plus?
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we seem to get worse by the week.
How do you work that out? Today for instance, we were much better than we were last week. A few weeks ago we beat Sunderland, and were much better than we were against Southampton for instance. You could say our form is up and down like a bride's nightie this season.
I've seen lots of downs. Not many ups though.
So you have seen some ups then? What were they? Come on man, name them, let's see if we can squeeze a bit of positivity out of you...
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I think it is showing that the board can trust Lambert with money and know it is not going to go down the toilet though. I would bet we would make a very decent profit on our summer dealings now despite our league position.
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As noted in the match thread I really enjoyed watched Westwood today. He didn't dally on the ball just hit some quick first time accurate passes. In particular there was one around 60-70 mins where he didn't simply hit it sideways but rather slid a quick one touch diagonal pass between two Arsenal defenders for Lichaj (maybe Weimann?) to run onto. The Villa player then slipped on the ball in the conditions but it was still sweet.
Wrt Bent I know a couple of Villa fans whose opinions I respect who have long advocated selling him as he doesn't contribute enough to the team. I don't feel strongly either way but I know I trust Lambert to spend the 10-15m we'd get wisely. Also in purely footballing terms you could criticise Fergie for selling God. But for him it was about setting the tone that the drinking culture had to be eliminated. In Lambert's case I believe his ethos is that each player has to be prepared to run their socks off for the team which many of them did today. Is Bent that type of player?
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A hard earned point and further signs of encouragement. We kept a solid and disciplined shape which kept Arsenal quiet, we just lacked a little quality in the final third to nick all three points. Huge game Tuesday.
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A hard earned point and further signs of encouragement. We kept a solid and disciplined shape which kept Arsenal quiet, we just lacked a little quality in the final third to nick all three points. Huge game Tuesday.
Agree Matt. We harried and shut them down well, but never had the cutting edge. I would have taken a 0-0 beforehand so I'm happy with the point. Win on Tuesday and we can start looking onwards and upwards.
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I was impressed. Just about worth staying up till 3.30am out here to watch it. I thought first half was okay. Second half was quite good. On the whole we kept Arsenal, Carzola in particular, very quietl. In fairness it's not the result it would be deemed a few years ago. This is the worst Arsenal side in decades to be frank. Very ordinary.
Defensively we still looked susceptable to movement and pace when they rarely upped gears. Fullback areas are weak, because of a lack of midfield cover.
Tactically we did well. Lamberts key change was bringing on Holmans energy at a point we normally start flagging, and it worked well.
Guzan- 7 Solid. Never greatly troubled but did well when called upon.
Lowton- 7 I like him. As said, reminds me of Delaney. Switched to CB comfortably too.
Vlaar- 7 Played well enough till going off.
Clark- 9 MOM for me. Thought he was excellent.
Stevens- 7 Don't think he's Premiership quality but he has equitted himself well. Did quite well yesterday. Generally kept the Arsenal wide players quiet his side and did okay going forward. In terms of our other LB options, thus far he looks no better or worse than Bennett or Lichaj in that position. One of the three needs to kick things on and become indispensible in that area. He's a 1 in 3 chance.
Westwood- 7 Quietly impressive. Very Carrickesque. He's not gonna score many or influence the final third massively, nor the defensive side, but he keeps it moving. A connective player. I like him.
Bannan- 8 One of his best games this season IMO. Kept it simple when needed and chose his long passes more wisely. His set piece delivery was very good, and should have been utilized better.
KEA- 5 Poor. His promising first month or two has faded to be honest. Needs to kick on a gear again. Dwelt on the ball far too much. His passing lacked zip and he just slowed it down too much. Awful dive too. Has to do far more.
Gabby- 8 Great work rate. Led by example. Typically frustrating end product at times, but he won us a lot of territory with set pieces and throw ins down to pace and will.
Weimann- 7 Worked hard. A yard from getting a goal. Was a typically sharp finish from him. He's started to influence games more now too.
Benteke- 6 Very good at times, and very sloppy too. Needs to keep his concentration up for more and he can be lazy. You always feel a spark though, that he might do something or make something happen. Won a few headers in their box but didn't attack them enough. Must time his runs better to attack the ball, not do standing jumps.
Lichaj- 10 For moustache alone. An awesome piece of face fuzz. Oh and he played okay when he came on.
Holman- 8 Made a big difference. For me his endeavour and energy means he should be playing. I like him in the centre too. Our midfield 3 had a great balance once Holman replaced KEA. He's one of our few midfields who creates and makes things happen. He's adapting well to the pace of the Prem now too. Rarely wastes the ball.
Alby- 5 No time.
Play like this in the next few games and we should win them. If we get the likes of Bent and N'Zog back fit it gives us strong options from the bench to nick goals and make things happen.
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Westwood was completely anonymous in midfield
Some viewpoints are matters of opinion that you may disagree with. Some are just wrong. This us the latter!
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Westwood looks classy. He doesn't get stuck in, because he doesn't need to. He is like a Carrick type player.
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Westy is something we've needed for a long time. A replacement for Barry. He's classy, comfortable has a fantastic range of passing & works hard. Bannan, who prior to this season, has normally flattered to deceive is really shining under Lambert. The discipline instilled in him is fantastic. He can pass a ball, but prior seasons he went for the hollywood pass to often, now he's smart with the ball and his workrate is brilliant. A midfield of two of Bannan & Westy - on paper - should be too lightweight and not defensive enough but they're both working so hard and reading the game well that they're really doing the job out their. Fantastic to see. They play well together.
Lowton continues to impress. Looks like he's played at this level for years.
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Westy is something we've needed for a long time. A replacement for Barry. He's classy, comfortable has a fantastic range of passing & works hard. Bannan, who prior to this season, has normally flattered to deceive is really shining under Lambert. The discipline instilled in him is fantastic. He can pass a ball, but prior seasons he went for the hollywood pass to often, now he's smart with the ball and his workrate is brilliant. A midfield of two of Bannan & Westy - on paper - should be too lightweight and not defensive enough but they're both working so hard and reading the game well that they're really doing the job out their. Fantastic to see. They play well together.
Lowton continues to impress. Looks like he's played at this level for years.
Good shout re Westwood reminding you of Barry. As he grows in confidence it will be interesting to see if he has the ability to carry the ball too. One of the great strengths of the 18-25 year old version of Barry was he would carry the ball forward when there was space and had the ability to step past opponents creating room for a pass. If Westwood has that ability in him, it will make him very exciting indeed. Plus, he has impressed against some very good midfield players since being in the side. Cattermole not easy first up, United is not easy ever, Man City have some of the best midfielders in the league and Arsenal speak for themselves. Fair play to him and Bannan, to come in for those 4, and play like they have deserves commending.
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Guzan - superb. Benteke - brilliant at times if a little "raw". Bannan - best I've seen him play. Great whole team performance but fully expected to see Ireland come on and disappointed he didn't. A good point today and could/should have got all three.
Must win game on Tuesday!
UTV!
Agree with this.
I thought Lowton looked very dodgy until he moved into CB.
I thought Cieran Clark played very well.
I thought KEA was poor - I agree with comment above which wishes to see BB, Westwood and Herd in CMF.
Stevens was effective in a workmanlike sort of way.
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Westy is something we've needed for a long time. A replacement for Barry. He's classy, comfortable has a fantastic range of passing & works hard. Bannan, who prior to this season, has normally flattered to deceive is really shining under Lambert. The discipline instilled in him is fantastic. He can pass a ball, but prior seasons he went for the hollywood pass to often, now he's smart with the ball and his workrate is brilliant. A midfield of two of Bannan & Westy - on paper - should be too lightweight and not defensive enough but they're both working so hard and reading the game well that they're really doing the job out their. Fantastic to see. They play well together.
Lowton continues to impress. Looks like he's played at this level for years.
Totally agree, eastie thinks westy is a great buy.
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Westy is something we've needed for a long time. A replacement for Barry. He's classy, comfortable has a fantastic range of passing & works hard. Bannan, who prior to this season, has normally flattered to deceive is really shining under Lambert. The discipline instilled in him is fantastic. He can pass a ball, but prior seasons he went for the hollywood pass to often, now he's smart with the ball and his workrate is brilliant. A midfield of two of Bannan & Westy - on paper - should be too lightweight and not defensive enough but they're both working so hard and reading the game well that they're really doing the job out their. Fantastic to see. They play well together.
Lowton continues to impress. Looks like he's played at this level for years.
Yes. I remain convinced that our midfield is not strong enough as it doesn't protect the defence but yesterday Westwood and Bannan were classy. Now we'd need someone better than KEA for the holding role.
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I thought KEA looked very good until his yellow card and after that he seemed to take his foot off from the pedal a bit and got more careful not to get second yellow which is understandable. I was very impressed again with Westwood and Lowton. In the attack we seemed to lack Ireland, he tends to bring the necessary link-up play and could've made the difference today.
Holman was again very good after coming in and gave the lift to our players we needed at that point in the match, he isn't completely comfortable on the ball yet but for me it looks like he's gotten better with the passes and attacking play, I wonder if he could be transformed into the box-to-box central midfielder.
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To be honest Ive never concentrated on Westwoods game that much since he came in but I will do Tuesday night Yesterday I made a point of watching Lowton as much as the game allowed me. He looks confident and assured, something of the Gareth Barry about him. Doesnt panic and doesnt fall to pieces when things go wrong.
Bannan has upped his game. Still dont think he is physically strong enough to complete at a high level throughout a Premiership season but credit to him for improving over the last few games.
But we have to start winning games. To do this we need to push the midfield up the pitch and tell them to shoot on sight. Holman is capable of doing this and obviously Benteke up front needs some help. If the dour scot intends to get rid of Darren Bent in Jan and despite what he says it certainly points that way he needs to try Bowery to see if he could solve the problem in the short term.
I have said this countless times. To win a match you have to score at least a goal or even two or three.
Benteke is capable in this respect but no one else appears to be.
So it doesnt matter how well the team or individual players perform if you dont have a consistent scorer you are going to be in trouble in any division
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Thing was with KEA, the moment he got booked we effectively lost him as a tackler. Might as well have brought Holman or Ireland on then.
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Guzan - been better than I expected
Lowtown - looks like Delaney, fine
Vlaar - Good and will get better
Clark - have had my doubts, was a man today after Vlaar went off. Needs to concentrate
Stevens - did ok, glad Walcott werent playing
Westwood - excellent
Bannan - very good, except for a couple of bottling it challenges
KEA - Average, not a playmaker
Weimann - battled hard, good team role, nothing more
Gabby - as above
Benteke- Not his best game, but he is such a threat and thought he bullied them again today
Lichaj - did fine
Holman - Should have started if resting Ireland IMHO
Sums it up for me.
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Pleased with the clean sheet and the point. A ship-steadying result. Now for some wins!
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Totally agree, eastie thinks westy is a great buy.
Aha the iron curtain is lifted once again!
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I said to the chap in front of me that Westwood is Barry without the arse. A very good player who was playing in the old 4th division. Him, along with Lowton, prove that there will always be a place for lower league garbage at the top table for clubs brave enough to pick them up.
As for the game, I thoughy we were in it throughout. We did really well to limit a side to barely anything of note on goal, after they had put 5 past one of the best sides in the league last week.
There were plenty of positives to take.
Three games we need to win coming up and we're more than capable.
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What's ther verdict on Concrete Ron's injury?
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Worse than 86?
On a par for me
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What's ther verdict on Concrete Ron's injury?
I was wondering that earlier, he'll be a big miss if he's out for a while and defensively it's the last thing we need.
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I think the interesting thing over coming games will be whether we can pack enough of a punch in the final third to get some more goals and points on the board. Yesterday's team would struggle to do that, partly because KEA isn't really suited to the no 10 role and partly because Weimann and Gabby's quality on the ball was poor.
If you could find a way to get Ireland, Bannan and Holman in the side, I think the creativity and chance creation would improve. But I think that means a diamond or the sort of 4222 we saw in pre-season but not since. Given that - in my view at least - the quality of performances has improved since we moved to 4231 I'm not sure whether that's a wise move. It would allow Bent to come into the side which would also increase our goal threat, but I'm not sure what on earth is going on there!
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What's ther verdict on Concrete Ron's injury?
I was wondering that earlier, he'll be a big miss if he's out for a while and defensively it's the last thing we need.
Calf strain being assessed today, not too serious.
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I think the interesting thing over coming games will be whether we can pack enough of a punch in the final third to get some more goals and points on the board. Yesterday's team would struggle to do that, partly because KEA isn't really suited to the no 10 role and partly because Weimann and Gabby's quality on the ball was poor.
If you could find a way to get Ireland, Bannan and Holman in the side, I think the creativity and chance creation would improve. But I think that means a diamond or the sort of 4222 we saw in pre-season but not since. Given that - in my view at least - the quality of performances has improved since we moved to 4231 I'm not sure whether that's a wise move. It would allow Bent to come into the side which would also increase our goal threat, but I'm not sure what on earth is going on there!
I'd like to see Benteke playing just behind Bent in some match, in the spot where Ireland has played but a bit higher. Gabby, Weimann and N'Zogbia on the wider positions like they are now. I woudln't read too much into Lambert's comment why he didn't choose Bent to play against Arsenal ("It's my choice"), it sounds very much like he's tired of getting asked about it all the time.
He probably didn't choose Bent due we needing players more like Gabby, Weimann and Benteke against Arsenal than Bent, also pitch being wet and raining he probably didn't want to risk Bent getting injured again - one slip and his ankle gone again even if it's fine by now.
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The fact Villa could not find the killer touch to reward their efforts made manager Paul Lambert's decision not to include fit-again Darren Bent among his substitutes even more puzzling.
Bent has scored six goals in seven Premier League starts against Arsenal, but Lambert chose to ignore that superb record.
“It was just my choice,” said Lambert. “It was the squad I picked and I've got 25 or 26 guys to think about. The most important thing is this football club. The football club is my main priority.”
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I like KK , always says good things about Villa , other than the knob Adams.
I have always noticed this. Is Keegan a closet villa fan? He always seems to praise us. Didn't he commentate on a few of our bigger games in Europe down the years too?
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after conceding 8 goals in the last 2 games and with vlaar going off, we would have taken a 0-0 for sure. clean sheet hopefully will build a bit of confidence. Clark played well again. Guzan very calm in goal. bannan I thought played well though some of his deliveries werent great. Holman who I've been very critical of thus far, did well on his introduction.
Still though the lack of quality was depressing. Westwood was completely anonymous in midfield and we are badly struggling to get the ball simply from our centre halves into midfield. watched west brom earlier, they are light years ahead of us with the ball. Kea was woeful, out of position maybe but incredibly poor. didnt think benteke was really up for it today. was well held but his touch was a bit off. weimann and gabby tried hard but complete lack of quality with the ball. gabby in particular, his touch is dreadful and loses the ball now constantly just running with the ball. stevens and lowton were worrying at times but I guess both Arsenal wide players were taken off.
we just look a really poor side at the moment. The next run of games are absolutely key. I think its imperative we bring Bent back in alongside Benteke up front. Bringing on Albrighton and Lichaj sums up the lack of quality in our squad. January will be huge for Lambert.
Thought there was more than a few Arsenal players who didnt look up for it today. Thought Wenger should have made changes at the break. Struggling to think of what they created. Clark made a couple of great interceptions but they didnt put us under too much pressure really
Exsqueeze me?
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The fact Villa could not find the killer touch to reward their efforts made manager Paul Lambert's decision not to include fit-again Darren Bent among his substitutes even more puzzling.
Bent has scored six goals in seven Premier League starts against Arsenal, but Lambert chose to ignore that superb record.
“It was just my choice,” said Lambert. “It was the squad I picked and I've got 25 or 26 guys to think about. The most important thing is this football club. The football club is my main priority.”
Where did you find that? As I have said, the Lambert/Bent situation reminds me of The Secret Footballer's observation that a new manager will often target/sacrifice one of the bigger players at a club in an effort to stamp his authority on the rest.
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Language! (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/arsene-wenger-swears-on-tv-during-aston-villa-0-arsenal-0/)
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Vlaar was MoM for me..Da do Ron Ron, Da do Ron Ron..
Brilliant game and definitely moral win for us. More please and next one(s) ours..Very impressed overall. Machine is clicking into place. not much to be unhappy about!
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Language! (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/arsene-wenger-swears-on-tv-during-aston-villa-0-arsenal-0/)
Pardon his French
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Language! (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/arsene-wenger-swears-on-tv-during-aston-villa-0-arsenal-0/)
Pardon his French
I noticed that while I was watching, but thought I may have misheard as there wasn't much of a french accent there.
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Wenger's language doesn't compare to that used by Lambert against Norwich just before he kicked the medical bag.
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Language! (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/arsene-wenger-swears-on-tv-during-aston-villa-0-arsenal-0/)
I did not hear it.
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My views on the game
Guzan - considering he let in 8 goals in the last 2 games the manager obviously feels he is the future - did not have a lot to do but what he did do was good
Lowton - Really like this guy - good head on is shoulders - does need to support the wide positions and get forward more
Vlaar - overall pretty good but countless times got pulled in and Giroud turned him easily - the bench was going mental at him
Clark - dominating and cool under pressure - the block he did in the last few minutes when their player had a clear shot was superb
Stevens - offered little going forward but considering initial fears about him he aquitted himself well
Bannan - one bottling challenge aside thought he did well and at times out passed the Arsenal midfield - not easy to do
Westwood - MOTM - just terrific throughout - better at being Carrick than Carrick :)
Gabby - worked his nads off and had a great chance saved by keeper
Weinmann - Love this kids energy and clever runs into space - even though offside its good to see he is sniffing these chances out
KEA - thought he started well and was hassling their backline and midfield well until the stupid dive - should have gone off then as his presence in midfield was lost
Benteke - Does some superb things equally as much as some piss poor ones. Holds it up well and causes lots of issues across the backline - needs to attack the ball better at times, especially in the box
If you consider the average age of the starting XI was 23.81 years and if you include all 3 subs as well it is increased to 24. Let these guys blend some more and we have a cracking team coming together for the future.
Come on me babbies indeed :)
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Gabby looks unfit to me, he's certainly lost a yard of pace. That said his endeavour was never in question, although he maybe lacking in confidence.
The revelation for me has been Westwood, I thought he was outstanding yesterday.
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One point about this season which might just be me, but I feel much more connected to the team than last year. These young players are visibly running their bollocks off, as are the more experienced ones who've come in like Vlaar and Holman, and it's something to identify with. The style is getting better (yesterday wasn't the time for either side to be at their fluent best), there's something about a few of these players (Benteke, Bannan and Westwood look a great attacking spine). Obviously if we succeed at any point I'm as happy as anyone, but I don't know if I'd have ever been happier for the players if we go on and do something.
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Vlaar - overall pretty good but countless times got pulled in and Giroud turned him easily - the bench was going mental at him
I sometimes think this is due to the fact that Ron has taken it upon himself to be a exemplarily leader and he feels his presence is required everywhere. You may have noticed occasions when he has charged up the field almost trying to bulldoze his way to gaol. That scares me. May be he will calm down if say Dunne makes it back in to the team. That will help him to realign to his main task.
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On the subject of Westwood, his Dad was sat right next to us during the Man U game a couple of weeks back. He'd come down on the train from Crewe - a proper proud Dad, lovely guy - and Ashley didn't let him down.
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Westwood was completely anonymous
You should really keep out of boozers before a game...cheers!
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One point about this season which might just be me, but I feel much more connected to the team than last year. These young players are visibly running their bollocks off, as are the more experienced ones who've come in like Vlaar and Holman, and it's something to identify with. The style is getting better (yesterday wasn't the time for either side to be at their fluent best), there's something about a few of these players (Benteke, Bannan and Westwood look a great attacking spine). Obviously if we succeed at any point I'm as happy as anyone, but I don't know if I'd have ever been happier for the players if we go on and do something.
Without a doubt. When these lads go on to become successful it will be one of the best achievements any club has managed for years.
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Just booked my flights for 9 February 2013. Going to go to the West Ham game at VP. Can't wait.
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If you can't identify with this team and the way they play and are being put together you might as well go and support Man City. I'm desperately hoping for them to do well. From not good enough academy graduates to lower league shite to foreigners from shit leagues, they are, to a man, team players who are giving their all for our club.
Vive la revolution.
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. Westwood was completely anonymous in midfield
I thought he looked really good , seems more experienced than some of the older players , future top player for us.
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I thought KEA looked very good until his yellow card and after that he seemed to take his foot off from the pedal a bit and got more careful not to get second yellow which is understandable.
well lets hope that dive losing his place in the team them , embarrassing . I dont want to see divers at Villa.
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Ron stopped a certain goal early in 2nd half imo, taking the ball virtually off the forwards head..brave precise challenge.
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I'm pleased with a point although I was sitting in the Holte End soaking wet but I didn't mind Westwood looks a top player in the making.
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Westwood was completely anonymous
You should really keep out of boozers before a game...cheers!
Indeed Westwood was excellent, and is exactly what we need. If we can get a combative midfielder in to play with him, it'll help him. He's got great vision and is very controlled. He also looks like future captain material, he was doing a lot of instructing other players.
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Westwood was completely anonymous
You should really keep out of boozers before a game...cheers!
Indeed Westwood was excellent, and is exactly what we need. If we can get a combative midfielder in to play with him, it'll help him. He's got great vision and is very controlled. He also looks like future captain material, he was doing a lot of instructing other players.
I think he will be even better when he fills out a bit - the extra weight will give him more presence - if he can keep his skills and enthusiasm he will be a future star.
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One point about this season which might just be me, but I feel much more connected to the team than last year. These young players are visibly running their bollocks off, as are the more experienced ones who've come in like Vlaar and Holman, and it's something to identify with. The style is getting better (yesterday wasn't the time for either side to be at their fluent best), there's something about a few of these players (Benteke, Bannan and Westwood look a great attacking spine). Obviously if we succeed at any point I'm as happy as anyone, but I don't know if I'd have ever been happier for the players if we go on and do something.
Without a doubt. When these lads go on to become successful it will be one of the best achievements any club has managed for years.
Hopefully for us and not Man. City.
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One point about this season which might just be me, but I feel much more connected to the team than last year. These young players are visibly running their bollocks off, as are the more experienced ones who've come in like Vlaar and Holman, and it's something to identify with. The style is getting better (yesterday wasn't the time for either side to be at their fluent best), there's something about a few of these players (Benteke, Bannan and Westwood look a great attacking spine). Obviously if we succeed at any point I'm as happy as anyone, but I don't know if I'd have ever been happier for the players if we go on and do something.
Without a doubt. When these lads go on to become successful it will be one of the best achievements any club has managed for years.
Hopefully for us and not Man. City.
The way football's going I don't see Manchester City wanting many of our new players. Ashley Westwood will not sell shirts in Kuala Lumpur.
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If you can't identify with this team and the way they play and are being put together you might as well go and support Man City. I'm desperately hoping for them to do well. From not good enough academy graduates to lower league shite to foreigners from shit leagues, they are, to a man, team players who are giving their all for our club.
Vive la revolution.
Well said Comrade Percy
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Hasta la victoria siempre, Comrade.
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вперед и вверх
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Great to see a Villa team play to a man and close and block and tackle and fight. Our youngsters will see the team growing into a winning team. I think this is goIng to be a long and enjoyable period for the club. It's a nice feeling that I haven't had for while.
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If you can't identify with this team and the way they play and are being put together you might as well go and support Man City. I'm desperately hoping for them to do well. From not good enough academy graduates to lower league shite to foreigners from shit leagues, they are, to a man, team players who are giving their all for our club.
Vive la revolution.
This I too believe.
It would be helpful to stay up this year however!
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On the subject of Westwood, his Dad was sat right next to us during the Man U game a couple of weeks back. He'd come down on the train from Crewe - a proper proud Dad, lovely guy - and Ashley didn't let him down.
My Other half was chatting to him at half time.He said he had the chance to go to Everton but he wanted to come to us