Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on March 08, 2013, 08:32:16 PM
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Available Saturday evening.
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We are staying up, I said we are staying up.
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YEESSSS!!!!
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I am getting too old for this
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Thank fuck for that.
A surprisingly professional last few minutes by our very low standards.
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May I be the first to say, thank fuck.
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May I be the first to say, thank fuck.
Second then.
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I need a long lie down...
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Thank fuck for that I need a lie down I'm getting too old for this shit.
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nails bitten to fuck, PHEW!
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Yes we so badly needed that, such a good feeling. Baker and Lowton were absolutely terrible at full back and kept nothing out. Sylla was really impressive, looks composed and just what we need.
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never in doubt * ass dripping of sweat * ;)
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Only three points off MartinONeillsSunderland.
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I need a drink after that. Have a good evening folks.
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We had enough chances to kill the game off. They had enough chances to take a point. 3 points - all that matters
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A real shame that Norwich missed that late penalty but the most important thing is that we won.
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What a relief.
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Thank fuck.
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Thank fuck! Shame about the QPR win and the Norwich missing a last minute pen though.
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Thank fuck for that. Should have gone for the win more. Their defence is worse than ours.
Tough game next week. Perhaps the toughest match to come at home.
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huge morale boosting win ahead of QPR. It doesn't matter how at this stage, we just need to get those wins and get out of this mess by season's end.
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Massive win!! Up the Villa!
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Thank fuckety fucking fuck! I need a pint.
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We won. Won.
Don't care - we won.
The off licence awaits.
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Well earned,needed, just a pity QPRBottom won again, they`ll come to VP thinking they`re European champions.
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We looked in control of the game for large portions, which was very promising, and for once we were able to grind out the result when Reading came at us.
Get in!!!
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I sat amongst the Reading fans today, if you think Brummies moan, fuck me this lot took the biscuit, non stop.
Great result but oh my, Lowton is woeful, Bannan ran the midfield first 45 but it was only Reading.
Lambretta on the pitch now which is nice to see.
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Reading are going down, they were dreadful but already i am worried abot next week with our piss weak defence.
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Trying to un-clench my buttocks.
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When Sylla starts Villa always win.
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What a feeling, forgotten how it feels to have a weekend when we win - West Ham seems years ago! I couldn't get a ticket for this one so spent the afternoon pulling up ivy and brambles in the garden with the radio on as it seemed the fastest way for the time to pass. Yes, it has got that desperate!!!! First time I will be watching MOTD for weeks...
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Piece of piss. Don't know what you were all worried about.
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Well earned,needed, just a pity QPRBottom won again, they`ll come to VP thinking they`re European champions.
On the positive side, QPR winning keeps Sunderland well in the dogfight.
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bit of cnut luck norwich missing pen. Fucking Holt
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I sat amongst the Reading fans today, if you think Brummies moan, fuck me this lot took the biscuit, non stop.
Great result but oh my, Lowton is woeful, Bannan ran the midfield first 45 but it was only Reading.
Lambretta on the pitch now which is nice to see.
Lambert even. Damn you iPhone
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We had to win this and we did. I am a bag of jingling nerves. Tried following a stream but was too nervous. Don't like listening to radio so followed the match thread. Early second half went for a walk in the garden...tried to do a bit of clearing up but had to get back in and followed it on match thread. I did not post because my fingers had no strength to tap keyboard. What a relief.
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Has anyone else got high blood pressure after that? My head has.
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Please may I stay up and watch match of the day tonight? I will tidy my room
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Phew...feel I need a post-coital ciggie after that.
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And Norwich aren't out of it entirely having failed with that last minute penalty, I would much rather there are several teams in the mix across a spread of about 5 points than it come down to four or so teams being clear at the bottom and us being one of them...
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We've won 2 out of 3 '6 pointers' so far, very unlike Villa!
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Its because of our lack of experience,and poor results that we tend to sit back in the last half hour and invite pressure on to us. Nzogbia made a difference when he came on, and we had chances to make it three.
Its a must that we follow this up with another win next weekend, UTV.
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3 points was all that mattered and it was good how we came from behind. However Lowton and Baker were awful at full back and barely stopped any crosses coming in. Vlaar being in the defence helps and Sylla really impressed me and I wonder why he hasn't started before.
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Next week they will throw everything at us at VP, knowing we will be jittery as hell. Really hope Samba and a couple of others pick up injuries this week. As ever, Redknob spends a fortune and starts to sneak some wins.
Good result for us, but QPR winning makes it a bit less enjoyable. Still, hopefully Wigan will be totally focused on the cup now. Norwich could have stuck the pen home against Southampton to help us out too.
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After deliberately staying out pulled up at home and my son ran out with fists clenched and a huge grin - welcome home Dad!
Next week will be tense methinks...
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I sat amongst the Reading fans today, if you think Brummies moan, fuck me this lot took the biscuit, non stop.
Great result but oh my, Lowton is woeful, Bannan ran the midfield first 45 but it was only Reading.
Lambretta on the pitch now which is nice to see.
He will be at full throttle.
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Bloody hell!!!! Needed that. Still look shaky but hey 3 points!!!!!
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We had to win this and we did. I am a bag of jingling nerves. Tried following a stream but was too nervous. Don't like listening to radio so followed the match thread. Early second half went for a walk in the garden...tried to do a bit of clearing up but had to get back in and followed it on match thread. I did not post because my fingers had no strength to tap keyboard. What a relief.
We are men after the same heart, I find gardening helps to pass the time when we are ahead!
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/avr_zps7b615114.jpg)
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When Sylla starts Villa always win.
That is a fact.
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Out of the relegation zone. We wont be in t again this season either. Our relentless ascent starts here.
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Thank fuck. If we're going to stay up, we're going to do it the really hard way.
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Particularly liked the emotion showed after the game by our lot, surprised to see Bannan give a shit.
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Outside the fullback positions I thought we played well and were easily the better side. Lowton and Baker both had a terrible time though.
I thought the selection in midfield worked perfectly, Westwood, Sylla and Bannan were all a big part of us winning that and we could have made it a lot more comfortable.
I also thought Gabby, Weimann and Benteke playeed well as a unit, Gabby is a very raw player but you get the odd glimpse of how good he could be. His goal was superb and the one that went just past the post was a great effort.
No effing idea how Pearce at the back for them wasn't red carded, 3-4 blatent shirt pulls on Benteke and the ref didn't give any of them, 1 in particular denied Benteke a simple one-on-one.
Guzan was excellent as usual. Clark had a good game after Monday and looked pretty comfortable, Vlaar got caught out by the flight a few times and came underneath the ball, but otherwise did his job well.
As a team, if we can get the confidence up we are a good side when we keep the ball and have players looking to find space.
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Gabby-i love you.
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OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH yes
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That was buttock clenchingly horrible, and I suspect this season will see me into an early grave.
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Please may I stay up and watch match of the day tonight? I will tidy my room
Yes but only if you eat all your greens as well!
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Thank Christ for that!
Gabby the big game player! More next week please!
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Excellent and gives us real confidence going into the QPR game.
Looking forward to it, bring it on.
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That was buttock clenchingly horrible, and I suspect this season will see me into an early grave.
It half killed me but I loved it.
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I suspect this season will see me into an early grave.
I honestly thought about that too when I went for a fag on 80 minutes.
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That was buttock clenchingly horrible, and I suspect this season will see me into an early grave.
I bottled it completely on 68 minutes and went to look for something in the shed, fed the little one, and walked around a bit, to log back in with 90 seconds to go. I did the same when Wessam scored too. I might just turn off from the start and find out the result later next week!
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I'm not convinced i'll survive next week.
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We're only six points off 10th!
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I know the result was all that mattered but our defence is enough to give you a stomach ulcer. Reading had five reasonable chances in that second half but were not up to it. I thought Bannan played very well and the team was not improved by replacing him with NZog.
Sylla had a very decent game as well. The fight to stay up is well and truly on.
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I'm not convinced i'll survive next week.
However you will no doubt be happy RIP if Villa do?
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I suspect this season will see me into an early grave.
I honestly thought about that too when I went for a fag on 80 minutes.
I had a fag on 80 as well.
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We had to win this and we did. I am a bag of jingling nerves. Tried following a stream but was too nervous. Don't like listening to radio so followed the match thread. Early second half went for a walk in the garden...tried to do a bit of clearing up but had to get back in and followed it on match thread. I did not post because my fingers had no strength to tap keyboard. What a relief.
We are men after the same heart, I find gardening helps to pass the time when we are ahead!
2 hours at the allotment - is getting back to nature the answer to our woes? ;-)
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It is starting to look like win next week and we could do it comfortably before the last game. Lose and we are in massive trouble as QPR will be the form side and favourite to get out.
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Surprise, surprise.......Sylla played well.
Bakers not a LB, Lowton is struggling, Bannan had a good game, i wish Westwood was about 3/4 inches bigger and about a stone heavier because for all his good attributes he is a bit lightweight when we are under pressure.
Clark had a good game, and the front 3 , with a bit more composure, could get 2/3 every week.
Big game next week, if we win i think we will stop up.
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That was hard work. I am absolutely fucked.
I like the look of Sylla. Got his foot in and very tidy on the ball. If only we could have a game where all 11 show up. Next week would be nice.
Our first double of the season.
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Last time QPR won back-to-back Premiership/league games was December 1995 when I believe those gobshites Robson & Jerome were at number one with "I Believe". Hopefully only we will after next weekend.
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In 2013 Benteke has 8 in 11 games.
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Get in!!!
Look forward to the miserablists on the WM phone ins this week trying to find an excuse why we won rather than crediting the team.
Bring on QPR!!!
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Jingle bells.
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Just six points off 10th place.
Seriously, we've played at lot better than today and lost.The defence is still a shambles. Vlaar doesn't improve us, certainly not today anyway. Bannan had a decent 45 minutes as did Sylla who seemed to be playing in front of Bannan and Westwood. Going forward we never found any shape. Thank god both Benteke and Gabby can rise above it.
Great win but it will mean little if we don't beat QPR next week. If we can we should be able to keep QPR down there. Reading are gone. Sunderland, Southampton, Wigan and ourselves will be fighting to avoid the third relegation spot. I just hope after today the lads can get some confidence from today. To heir credit, they've never let their heads drop but they've had very little to celebrate either.
Well done lads.
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It seems pretty clear to me that Bannan played better today largely because of the physically-balancing presence of Sylla. That and Westwood had a good balance to it.
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Crikey thank God for that. Thought Sylla did a decent Job and a good shot which we lack in midfield.
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
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Fair play to Lambert today. I have long accused him of tactical ineptness but he got the tactics and selection spot on today. We bossed midfield most of the game. We still looked to attack in the last 10 mins too, rather then clinging on for dear life. Guzan MoTM for me. Just so reassuring and authoritative in the box. On the negative side, Weimann does seem to have lost his killer instinct recently. Lack of confidence perhaps? I'd go for the same team against QPR with Zog for Andi. Brilliant win though. If we can beat QPR, then I can't see them finishing ahead of us.
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Great result , lets hope we can do the same against qpr and get onto 30 points , well done to players, management and fans today and enjoy your weekend everyone!
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
Yes I bottled it and went and hid upstairs.
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I'm going to be an absolute wreck by May.
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
I went out to work for the afternoon. No TV, no radio, no internet, no mobile. Glorious.
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It seems pretty clear to me that Bannan played better today largely because of the physically-balancing presence of Sylla. That and Westwood had a good balance to it.
Always thought Bazza would play well next to a big man.
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Beat QPR and we are out of it however we Must not lose to them. A win would be ideal but draw would be OK.
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Guzan 8
Lowton 5
Vlaar 6
Clark 6
Baker 6
Sylla 7
Westwood 8
Bannan 7
Gabby 7
Benteke 8
Weimann 7
N'Zog 7
Bennett 6
Some really good parts in there. Our second goal was Barca-esque and would be right up there for goals of the season if Bannan had slotted it in first time rather than rebounding off the post for a Gabby wallop. Baker I thought was good aside from his OG mistake. Lowton is solid enough on the floor but let us down a bit in the air. Neither Clark or Vlaar were solid throughout. Midfield was excellent from all three, Sylla looks like a canny buy despite moans and groans from some on here about his purchase. Benteke was once again unplayable but really it's Weimann that sets things up for us. It's always him bursting into space that unlocks defences, something that Gabby rarely does these days.
All in all a good performance, Reading were second best in every department.
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We are peculiar folk.
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
I was in the car ank kept turning the radio off. I'd turn it back on a couple of minutes later to see it was still 2-1 and tun it off again. I had no idea how long was left until I turned it on to hearth momentary say, "by my watch we have 5...........seconds left................of injury time" and thn theref new te final whistle.
Great feeling.
Oh and thank fuck for that.
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
Have you got spycams in my place? Went off to make some tea - I very rarely drink the stuff. Tidied the kitchen up a bit, even thought about washing up.
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Fair play to Lambert today. I have long accused him of tactical ineptness but he got the tactics and selection spot on today. We bossed midfield most of the game. We still looked to attack in the last 10 mins too, rather then clinging on for dear life. Guzan MoTM for me. Just so reassuring and authoritative in the box. On the negative side, Weimann does seem to have lost his killer instinct recently. Lack of confidence perhaps? I'd go for the same team against QPR with Zog for Andi. Brilliant win though. If we can beat QPR, then I can't see them finishing ahead of us.
That - in bold - is the key. With the attack we have, the MF is the critical unit to keep forward momentum and break up opposition play before they have a chance torment our defence.
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Beat QPR and we are out of it however we Must not lose to them. A win would be ideal but draw would be OK.
I wouldn't say we're out of it, because we'll still need 8 points I'd say but we'd be on our way.
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Eat my goal!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/gabs_zps5ef7504d.jpg)
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Guzan 8
Lowton 5
Vlaar 6
Clark 6
Baker 6
Sylla 7
Westwood 8
Bannan 7
Gabby 7
Benteke 8
Weimann 7
N'Zog 7
Bennett 6
Some really good parts in there. Our second goal was Barca-esque and would be right up there for goals of the season if Bannan had slotted it in first time rather than rebounding off the post for a Gabby wallop. Baker I thought was good aside from his OG mistake. Lowton is solid enough on the floor but let us down a bit in the air. Neither Clark or Vlaar were solid throughout. Midfield was excellent from all three, Sylla looks like a canny buy despite moans and groans from some on here about his purchase. Benteke was once again unplayable but really it's Weimann that sets things up for us. It's always him bursting into space that unlocks defences, something that Gabby rarely does these days.
All in all a good performance, Reading were second best in every department.
I'd say Sylla 8 and Westwood 7, and I'd give Lowton and Baker 3 at most.
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Credit where it's due that is a massive win. I was too scared to watch it, so I'm particularly pleased to hear that Sylla had a good game which is an unexpected bonus. If he helps Bannan and Westwood play their natural games that would help a lot.
We must beat QPR and kill their momentum, I'm not too fussed about them winning today because it really brings Sunderland into the mix, who we still have to play at home. Ultimately it is at Villa Park where our fate will be decided, having been terrible at home for the last few seasons we really need to win three out of five because our away games look very tough.
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
That's what I did
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Sylla offered us a different dimension and allowed us to compete in midfield. His energy, passing and physicality were excellent.
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Beat QPR and we are out of it however we Must not lose to them. A win would be ideal but draw would be OK.
I certainly wouldn't say we will be out of it - we will be on 30 points if we beat qpr , promising yes but certainly still more work to be done yet.
One game at a time but lets hope we can finally get back to back wins.
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Guzan 8
Lowton 5
Vlaar 6
Clark 6
Baker 6
Sylla 7
Westwood 8
Bannan 7
Gabby 7
Benteke 8
Weimann 7
N'Zog 7
Bennett 6
Some really good parts in there. Our second goal was Barca-esque and would be right up there for goals of the season if Bannan had slotted it in first time rather than rebounding off the post for a Gabby wallop. Baker I thought was good aside from his OG mistake. Lowton is solid enough on the floor but let us down a bit in the air. Neither Clark or Vlaar were solid throughout. Midfield was excellent from all three, Sylla looks like a canny buy despite moans and groans from some on here about his purchase. Benteke was once again unplayable but really it's Weimann that sets things up for us. It's always him bursting into space that unlocks defences, something that Gabby rarely does these days.
All in all a good performance, Reading were second best in every department.
I'd say Sylla 8 and Westwood 7, and I'd give Lowton and Baker 3 at most.
I agree.
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The great thing about Villa games is I get a lot of things done. Today I put a load of stuff in the attic, did the shopping, mended the cracks in the living room ceiling and hung a picture. All with the expression of a man on death row
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Matt Lucas has just been on Skysports and seems to think they were hard done by with the refs decisions.
Fuck off Baldilocks.
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Matt Lucas.....always makes me laugh.
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Sylla had a very solid game.
Could be interesting to see him in with Westwood and Delph when he's back.
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Relieved. Simple as. Looking forward to seeing Sylla next week after all the good comments on here.
After questioning Lambert's selection earlier I have to concede that he is a tactical genius.
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Sylla had a very solid game.
Could be interesting to see him in with Westwood and Delph when he's back.
Set inside love??
Let me show you the way.....
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
Tried that before, definitely doesn't work. Had my car written off today so this has cheered me up no end.
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That's a big win for us I'm so glad we've got it I hope we can go on a run now starting with a win against QPR next week well done lads.
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There appears to have been some sort of mistake. Despite everyone telling me this was a six-pointer we only seem to have been awarded three.
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Well done to the linesman too.
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Ler's stick it up that caaannnnnnnnt Redknapp now.
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
Tried that before, definitely doesn't work. Had my car written off today so this has cheered me up no end.
Oh that's crap. Sorry about that.
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Ler's stick it up that caaannnnnnnnt Redknapp now.
I wonder how many references will be made to dropping the soap? That used to really wind him up.
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Relieved. Simple as. Looking forward to seeing Sylla next week after all the good comments on here.
After questioning Lambert's selection earlier I have to concede that he is a tactical genius.
Nothing spectacular. But tidy, played himself sensibly into the game, and made himself available all the time.
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Fucking get in!
Christ I aged ten years watching that. I felt sick from the minute I came back up after half time up until the 92nd minute where strangely I knew we had done it.
Lowton was iffy, Baker so-so, Vlaar and Clark dominant. The midfield had a nice balance, although Bannan gave the ball away on two critical occassions, we largely bossed possession.
The only really chance they had all game was where the Reading player should have squared it but put it straight down Guzans throat.
The Goose was excellent in commanding his box too although I cannot recall a meaningful save he made.
We on the other hand should have scored two or three more. Andi had chances, Charlie only needed to roll it along the deck after a Christian pull back.
All in all, we were actually pretty comfortable, with Reading being pretty abysmal.
The crowd was great! We went bloody mental when we scored, with the Reading fans having only just stopped mincing to some fruity goal music when we equalised. There was a real surge and the Reading fans wilted.
The second goal was excellent. We kept the ball so well and patiently moved it and the Gabby smashed it home.
I feel drained, but those beers tonight will taste extra sweet.
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We're only six points off 10th!
I noticed that...a salutory reminder of just how shit the Premier League is this year
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Great finish from Gabby.
Next week will be tough, time to really get behind the team. We owe 'Arry one
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Relieved. Simple as. Looking forward to seeing Sylla next week after all the good comments on here.
After questioning Lambert's selection earlier I have to concede that he is a tactical genius.
Nothing spectacular. But tidy, played himself sensibly into the game, and made himself available all the time.
Yep not spectacular but absolutely vital.
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We're only six points off 10th!
I noticed that...a salutory reminder of just how shit the Premier League is this year
Or more competitive?
Glass half full or half empty?
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Nathan Baker (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/nathan-baker-aston-villa-og-0-1-v-reading/)
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We're only six points off 10th!
I noticed that...a salutory reminder of just how shit the Premier League is this year
That is a ludicrous stat when you think about it.
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Christian Benteke (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/christian-benteke-aston-villa-1-1-v-reading/)
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Gabby Agbonlahor (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/gabby-agbonlahor-aston-villa-2-1-v-reading/)
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Excellent much needed 3pts in the bag.
We need to be looking up to see who can be pulled into this...and if we beat QPR next week then its no stretch of the imagination that Sunderland and Norwich could be dragged back into the mix with their forthcoming fixtures.
Lets worry about our own results though and another much need 3pts against QPR next week please.
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We're only six points off 10th!
I noticed that...a salutory reminder of just how shit the Premier League is this year
Or more competitive?
Glass half full or half empty?
Both..competitive and shit. Not much better up the top either, none of the top four are much to write home about though you have to hand it to Spurs who are on top of their game at the moment. Won't last...
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We're only six points off 10th!
I noticed that...a salutory reminder of just how shit the Premier League is this year
Or more competitive?
Glass half full or half empty?
Standard's declined over last 4 years IMO.
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Nathan Baker (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/nathan-baker-aston-villa-og-0-1-v-reading/)
I'm really not convinced he'll ever make it at the top level. His positioning and concentration are really poor.
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Just keep forcing the teams around you to better your results. I don't think there's much chance of surviving at a canter so the key thing is get out of the bottom three and ensure you do better than the teams in it that weekend.
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All that matters is the result, but there won't be many games over the next 2 months where we will get away with giving away a goal like that.
Next week is a must not lose game.
Reading are awful, hopefully they will take points of those around us. But I expect them to finish bottom. We need 10 points.
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Sylla had a very solid game.
Could be interesting to see him in with Westwood and Delph when he's back.
Indeed - a solid MF three would be great.
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We had to win this and we did. I am a bag of jingling nerves. Tried following a stream but was too nervous. Don't like listening to radio so followed the match thread. Early second half went for a walk in the garden...tried to do a bit of clearing up but had to get back in and followed it on match thread. I did not post because my fingers had no strength to tap keyboard. What a relief.
We are men after the same heart, I find gardening helps to pass the time when we are ahead!
i was watching untill the last 20 minutes, just couldnt take it
so took the motorbike out for a spin to calm down
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I take full credit for the win today, having avoided the whole thing. If I'd have switched on the radio during the last minute of injury time, we'd be talking about dropping two points now.
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I'm on the wonderful Cas Aboe beach in Curaçao and losing today would have made this beautiful beach look shit. Thank The Lord for the win, well done lads
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Look at Sunderlands recent form, upcoming fixtures, result today, and Martin's thing about not bothering with March.
Worth a few quid to get pulled in to it.
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I take full credit for the win today, having avoided the whole thing. If I'd have switched on the radio during the last minute of injury time, we'd be talking about dropping two points now.
What is this team doing to our nerves. No surprise we can't stand listening to the last 15 minutes with our record but that's 2 wins now so it can be done
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
Have you got spycams in my place? Went off to make some tea - I very rarely drink the stuff. Tidied the kitchen up a bit, even thought about washing up.
I've done that so much this season.
I then come on here, hit the post match thread and see how it ended. It is usually lots of people swearing.
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Look at Sunderlands recent form, upcoming fixtures, result today, and Martin's thing about not bothering with March.
Worth a few quid to get pulled in to it.
Why are they still 8 or 10 to 1 to go down? Agree with you, they must be at risk with there current form
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I take full credit for the win today, having avoided the whole thing. If I'd have switched on the radio during the last minute of injury time, we'd be talking about dropping two points now.
well done that man,
its little things like that that usually go unoticed
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Christian Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor fired Villa to a vital victory which lifted them out of the bottom three.
And the Belgium international had the distinction of netting the club's 1,000th goal in the Barclays Premier League.
His 33rd-minute equaliser cancelled out an own goal by Nathan Baker only a minute earlier - and Agbonlahor secured three crucial points with a stunning winner on the stroke of half-time.
It was a result which will give Paul Lambert's men immense confidence in the battle for top-flight survival and one which was thoroughly deserved, even though Noel Hunt had a second-half effort disallowed by a tight offside decision.
A nervy opening 10 minutes produced a chance at either end.
Brad Guzan did well to tip away Adam Le Fondre's far-post header following a deep cross from Hal Robson-Kanu, while Ciaran Clark headed over for Villa when he climbed highest in a crowded goalmouth to connect with Ashley Westwood's free-kick from the left.
But in the 11th minute,the visitors were within a whisker of taking the lead, Benteke's firm header from Baker's left-wing cross hitting the bar before Reading cleared the danger.
Barely 60 seconds later, Benteke just failed to make contact with Westwood's hard low cross, although the Berkshire outfit also went close when Robson-Kanu's low left-footer from just outside the penalty area flashed only narrowly wide.
Andreas Weimann's flicked header from inside his own half set up a promising opening on 28 minutes as Benteke went racing through the middle.
Although the striker appeared to be fouled, referee Moss allowed play to continue and Weimann dragged his left-foot shot wide.
The deadlock was finally broken when Jobi McAnuff crossed low from the left , Hope Akpan flicked on and Baker, attempting to clear at the far post, missed the ball with his right foot and saw it deflect in off his left.
It was all the more galling because the ball was going off target but Villa's disappointment quickly turned to delight.
Westwood's superb pass set up Weimann for a low cross from the right and Benteke calmly side-footed the ball past former Villa keeper Stuart Taylor from eight yards.
And on the stroke of half-time the visitors were in front. Weimann's centre from the right was partially cleared but Matt Lowton headed back into the goalmouth and Barry Bannan's angled shot came back off the inside of the post.
Agbonlahor thumped the rebound left-footed into the top corner before anyone else could react.
It was a goal which gave Villa a tremendous lift as the second half unfolded.
Benteke had a strong run halted by a well-time challenge before hitting an angled drive which struck a defender and looped over for a corner.
Then Baker was not far off target with a close-range header.
Yacouba Sylla, enjoying a fine game on his first starting appearance, also went close when his thundering 20-yard drive was only just too high.
Even so, there was a real scare on 55 minutes when Noel Hunt converted McAnuff's centre at the far post, only to be denied by a marginal offside decision.
Le Fondre was also frustrated when he fired wide from a good position 10 yards out after getting the better of Ron Vlaar, while Guzan did well to clutch a powerful header from sub Nick Blackman.
Agbonlahor almost claimed his second in the 77th minute, curling a right-footer beyond Taylor and only narrowly past the far upright after his exchange of passes with Weimann had opened up the Royals defence.
Sub Charles N'Zogbia fired over after a similar link-up with Benteke, but Robson-Kanu was only a foot wide with a skidding low effort from the edge of the box.
In the closing minutes Benteke had a close-range shot saved by Taylor while N'Zogbia's 20-yard free-kick was too high.
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Thank you Jevus.
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Paul Lambert spoke of immense pride in his players after they came from behind to see off Reading.
Lambert was thrilled with their bottle, their general play and the quality of the goals, especially the second which he called "world-class."
Lambert says Villa now have momentum with nine big battles to go and believes other teams have been drawn into the basement scrap after the huge three point haul at the Madejski Stadium.
He said: "The lads deserve so much credit. I am proud of them. They were fantastic today. I thought they were excellent.
"We thoroughly deserved to win the game and could have done by a few more.
"But some of the play was absolutely brilliant.
"It was a huge victory. I thought we were outstanding.
"We went a goal down. We had chances at the start of the first half and then to lose a goal - an own-goal - was a blow but I have to give the lads credit for the way they bounced back.
"Some of the football we played was absolutely fantastic.
"The second goal was a brilliant move and a terrific finish. It was outstanding.
"It was a total goal. It was world-class, the way the lads kept the ball and the finish.
"But the lads are playing with a lot of confidence.
"The confidence has always been there. The last few months we have been playing really well.
"There have been games where we've been two goals in front and not managed to see it through. If we hadn't done that, we wouldn't be sitting in this position.
"We are where we are but the confidence of the team is extremely high.
"I don't think it looks like a team that is down there. Look at the table now and there's not a lot of daylight between teams, it's very, very close.
"There will be a few teams looking over their shoulder.
"We have momentum at the moment. The lads have confidence and enthusiasm for the game. They have a great hunger to go and succeed."
Lambert also hailed the mental strength of Nathan Baker to put in a sterling defensive display after his unfortunate own-goal.
He added: "Nathan has been excellent for us. He's been a big, big player for us. His general play was terrific again.
"The own-goal happens but you have to give him a lot of credit. He grew into the game. He was outstanding."
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I too dodged the game by going for nap. I sneaked a bleary eyed peek at 1-2... and imagine my surprise when we hadn't thrown the game away when I woke up again at full time!
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We're only six points off 10th!
I noticed that...a salutory reminder of just how shit the Premier League is this year
Europa league here we come!
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He's wrong about Baker, but he can't really slag him off in public.
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I felt the same!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/ron_zps7939bf8e.jpg)
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I take full credit for wearing my European Cup Winner's shirt for the first time in 2013. It will stay on my body permanently until next Saturday's match.
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I take full credit for going into town, despite being at death's door with this cold, and spending some of my pre birthday money on a Champions of Europe trackie top.
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This one, I don't look such a girl in it though.
(http://images.kitbag.com/villa-64180.jpg?width=170&height=170&quality=95)
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
Have you got spycams in my place? Went off to make some tea - I very rarely drink the stuff. Tidied the kitchen up a bit, even thought about washing up.
I've done that so much this season.
I then come on here, hit the post match thread and see how it ended. It is usually lots of people swearing.
I popped to the shops with not long left. Maybe we're on to something here; next week, if we're one up with ten minutes to go, we should all calmly get up and just walk out, fingers in ears, going "la-la-la-la"
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Can only echo what others have said about the midfield - but for my the key was Bannan. Sylla played well and looks like he has a decent engine, but all our sustained periods of decent possession was orchestrated by Bannan, and when he did make a mistake he usually recovered and won the ball back - great performance by the midfield trio and they deserve a lot of credit (though it has to be said Reading are a very poor side).
Our strikers still play as individuals too much - especially Weimann. If they combine more consistently we could hammer a few sides.
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
When 4mins of injury time was raised I muted the volume and went for a piss. I have never pissed so slowly in all my life...I was even looking at my watch and managed to make the whole trip last 2mins 4seconds. It's got THAT bad...
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I take full credit for wearing my Villa hat back to front with the peak over the back of my scrawny old neck. That hat has brought us nothing but bad luck since I bought it. Now I realize I have been wearing it incorrectly.
That of course together with my match day ritual when not at the game. I locate myself in the middle of a field and go through the motions of manual work while yelling Villa stuff at passing pigeons and USAF bombers. When I know the game is over, usually at about 17.02 I walk back to the house turn on the post match thread and deduce the result from the obscenities or lack of.
Sad or what.
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Just back home now, surrounded by more moaning Reading fans on the train, I don't know what they had to moan about, they were always on a hiding to nothing coming into the Premiership & yet most of them were talking about some divine right to Premiership status. They all seem resigned to the drop now, especially when I told them the QPR result.
I stand by my earlier comments re Lowton, he's a liability at this level, at any level actually.
Vlaar looked better in patches, mis-timed a few headers.
Bannan was quite composed for Bannan.
Gabby put a shift in.
Clark & Baker looked OK apart from the goal.
Sylla looked solid, like to see him alongside Delph at some point.
Guzan was brilliant again.
Benteke blew hot & cold.
N'Zogbia looked like he should have wrapped it up with 5 to go, didn't see a lot of it I was at the opposite end.
Nice to leave a ground with a smile.
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Good performance, not just result, we had lots of clear chances, Weimann is just on baron run.
Some of the passing was top notch, although Bannan played well, when Delph comes in for him, we have a quality midfield.
Delph-Westwood-Sylla when away from home,
Delph-Westwood behind N'Zogbia when at home.
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I'm on the wonderful Cas Aboe beach in Curaçao and losing today would have made this beautiful beach look shit. Thank The Lord for the win, well done lads
thats a place? i thought it was just some blue stuff my greek mates mom used to give us...
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I take full credit for wearing my Villa hat back to front with the peak over the back of my scrawny old neck. That hat has brought us nothing but bad luck since I bought it. Now I realize I have been wearing it incorrectly.
That of course together with my match day ritual when not at the game. I locate myself in the middle of a field and go through the motions of manual work while yelling Villa stuff at passing pigeons and USAF bombers. When I know the game is over, usually at about 17.02 I walk back to the house turn on the post match thread and deduce the result from the obscenities or lack of.
Sad or what.
Not sad at all Brian, just make sure you do it for the rest of the season.
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Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?
Have you got spycams in my place? Went off to make some tea - I very rarely drink the stuff. Tidied the kitchen up a bit, even thought about washing up.
I've done that so much this season.
I then come on here, hit the post match thread and see how it ended. It is usually lots of people swearing.
Did that today, went shopping. Couldn't face it!
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I fully intend to sit through the entire QPR game with my eyes firmly shut, wearing my European Cup winners shirt.
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I'll actually watch motd tonight. I don't even know who presents it now.
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Well done lads!!..The last five mins were an eternity..as always. Beating the syndrome is what it is about..whew!! We can go onto better things and times now!! Well done!
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well done villa, played really well throughout. well done lambert. sylla played very well, the energy was good and we looked pretty solid defensively.
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As an aside I can't remember the last time we did the double over someone. Any statos out there care to dig it out?! (Or anyone with a good memory care to have a guess)
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As an aside I can't remember the last time we did the double over someone. Any statos out there care to dig it out?! (Or anyone with a good memory care to have a guess)
Equally when was the last time we came from behind to win a league game?
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(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/23393_10200186321174526_199972800_n.jpg)
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As an aside I can't remember the last time we did the double over someone. Any statos out there care to dig it out?! (Or anyone with a good memory care to have a guess)
West Ham 2 seasons ago would be my guess?
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Just got back....a great day out
Fantastic vocal support and a solid team performance, we kept the ball extremely well at times although I thought we over played once or twice which is always a dangerous thing to do with only a one goal lead.
Sylla looked solid in the middle and allows Bannan to play his natural game
I was right up against the fence between the Villa and Reading fans...we out sang them all afternoon.
Highlight of the day was the Villa fan two rows in front who was so pissed his mates had to tie him to the fence to stop him falling over....and that was before kick off......every five minutes or so he woke up to give the Reading fans a wanker sign and then dropped off again.
I think next week will be tougher but it would be so good to beat Harry the twitch
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Particularly liked the emotion showed after the game by our lot, surprised to see Bannan give a shit.
you may not rate him, but one thing he does is damn try!
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Regarding sylla could he form a three man midfield with Westwood and Delph or do people see him replacing one of those in a defensive midfield slot?
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As an aside I can't remember the last time we did the double over someone. Any statos out there care to dig it out?! (Or anyone with a good memory care to have a guess)
West Ham 2 seasons ago would be my guess?
Bradford Park Avenue 1937-38
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We've played better than that a few times this season, and come away with nothing, or a point at the most.
Beat QPR next week and that's a giant stride in the right direction.
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Amazing what 3 points can do. Ace to see pictures of the team and manager smiling after after a game.
Win next week and I'll be confident of staying up.
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I noticed that dooms day merchants are missing tonight!
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Regarding sylla could he form a three man midfield with Westwood and Delph or do people see him replacing one of those in a defensive midfield slot?
It's early days, so let's see him a few more times first. That having been said, Delph is better getting forward, so a player of Sylla's type would allow that to happen in a three.
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Ler's stick it up that caaannnnnnnnt Redknapp now.
A burly beefeater bear? A big red London bus? Or a few scud missiles?
Decisions decisions.
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Great win today, well done to the lads
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Ler's stick it up that caaannnnnnnnt Redknapp now.
A burly beefeater bear? A big red London bus? Or a few scud missiles?
Decisions decisions.
I'd love to tear the old arsehole a new arsehole.
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Been a right miserable sod today, wandered round Swadlincote till 4.55then got the good news from the BBC-thank folk for that !
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Just got back - great result.
Guzan once again kept us in it with the save from the header early on.
Thought Baker (apart from the own goal obviously) played very well at left back , good debut from Sylla too. Vlaar played very well too - and you could see how much it meant to him at the end.
We really should have scored another couple but that wouldnt be us would it ?
Pleased Gabby scored - but apart from the goal once again found him very frustrating . But he has a knack of scoring important goals - that alone warrants a start next week but N'Zogbia is a great option from the bench.
It will be a real scrap next week - I'd take a point now.
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Stayed relatively calm until 84 mins. that's when I turned over and watched QPR-Sunderland. if you thought appy arry twitches I was like an epileptic pretending to be a shitting dog.
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Fantastic win. I avoided the game (had to really was driving back from a wedding I attended yesterday).
We will be going into the Liverpool game (a game we can get something from in my view) with a minimum of 27 points. Draw or beat QPR and you'd have to fancy us to stay ahead of them.
The games against mid-table sides like Sunderland, Fulham, Norwich look winnable and could help us drag others into the mix.
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Lovely crisp finish from Gabby.
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I was watching on ESPN or Star Sports and the host was talking about Andy Townsend and that it was good to see him sitting down - he and Curbishley were the summarisers. Apparently Townsend was nervously pacing the studio throughout the whole of the second-half. Although some may expect it I vaguely remember one or two suggesting otherwise from watching him comment on Villa. Clearly one of us.
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I was watching on ESPN or Star Sports and the host was talking about Andy Townsend and that it was good to see him sitting down - he and Curbishley were the summarisers. Apparently Townsend was nervously pacing the studio throughout the whole of the second-half. Although some may expect it I vaguely remember one or two suggesting otherwise from watching him comment on Villa. Clearly one of us.
My uncle knows him pretty well through work, and told me he is quite definitely one of us.
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I noticed that dooms day merchants are missing tonight!
I'll bite, to a certain extent.
I thought that Bannan was poor again today. He was lucky on a few occasions when loose passes weren't punished as they should have been.
I know that he tries hard and always wants the ball but he just hasn't got the skill or technical ability to be the player through which the ball always moves.
I also still worry about Vlaar. When challenging for the ball he seems to take his eye off it and almost turn his back as he jumps.
However, I was impressed by Sylla.
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I noticed that dooms day merchants are missing tonight!
I'll bite, to a certain extent.
I thought that Bannan was poor again today. He was lucky on a few occasions when loose passes weren't punished as they should have been.
I know that he tries hard and always wants the ball but he just hasn't got the skill or technical ability to be the player through which the ball always moves.
I also still worry about Vlaar. When challenging for the ball he seems to take his eye off it and almost turn his back as he jumps.
However, I was impressed by Sylla.
give them credit when they deserve it, we pretty much controlled the game and there will always be occasions when you are away from home you are going to come under some pressure. we limited them to very little.
if you cannot give credit for that then you are biting your nose off!
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I certainly wouldn't class myself as a dooms day merchant but I'm not going to get over confident about our sides ability when we've just beaten what I believe is the worst team in the division. I still feel like it could come down to the Wigan game.
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I noticed that dooms day merchants are missing tonight!
Honestly, what's the point with taking that line?
Apart from the fact that they aren't actually missing, if you look up and down the thread.
We've won a match, everyone is happy, it seems somewhat pointlessly divisive to start talking about doomsday merchants.
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I noticed that dooms day merchants are missing tonight!
I'll bite, to a certain extent.
I thought that Bannan was poor again today. He was lucky on a few occasions when loose passes weren't punished as they should have been.
I know that he tries hard and always wants the ball but he just hasn't got the skill or technical ability to be the player through which the ball always moves.
I also still worry about Vlaar. When challenging for the ball he seems to take his eye off it and almost turn his back as he jumps.
However, I was impressed by Sylla.
give them credit when they deserve it, we pretty much controlled the game and there will always be occasions when you are away from home you are going to come under some pressure. we limited them to very little.
if you cannot give credit for that then you are biting your nose off!
I think there's probably a bit of truth in UKR's points there, but really, I can think of loads of occasions this season where we've played much better than we did today and come away from the game with either nothing at all, or one point instead of all three.
Let's just take it for what it was today, we had to win, we did.
I can't speak for anyone else, but my mood is ten times as good as it usually is this time on a Saturday evening, and I may even watch Match of the Day later tonight.
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I must say I enjoy the occasional break from hating Aston Villa. And hating myself for giving a toss.
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I was watching on ESPN or Star Sports and the host was talking about Andy Townsend and that it was good to see him sitting down - he and Curbishley were the summarisers. Apparently Townsend was nervously pacing the studio throughout the whole of the second-half. Although some may expect it I vaguely remember one or two suggesting otherwise from watching him comment on Villa. Clearly one of us.
Takes his kids to Villa games apparently, the poor blighters.
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Villa won lets just enjoy it. No need to be petty and gloating over and/or taking cheap shots at the doom merchants. Plenty of time to do that all summer after we stay up and name and shame them in full page ads in all the local papers.
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A full page ad, featuring a portrait photograph and the caption: 'Look who's a doom-mongering twat!!!!'
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Particularly liked the emotion showed after the game by our lot, surprised to see Bannan give a shit.
you may not rate him, but one thing he does is damn try!
I consider myself to be one of the minority who actually rate Bannan quite highly. If he was playing in a decent, top-half side he could be such a good player.
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I've just watched the Premiership highlights show, well the Villa match anyway, over here. They focused mainly on the Reading chances and little enough on us. What they did do though was during the summarising after the highlights when showing Gabby's goal was to speed up the action to show the multiple passes leading up to it. A "football" goal in my opinion and I thought Bannan was unfortunate to hit the post as his positioning and attempt was pretty good.
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It does feel good when we win and its not often enough. Great 3 points although the game wasn't brilliant. Was pacing the room for the last 20 minutes.
Same again next week please Villa.
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A full page ad, featuring a portrait photograph and the caption: 'Look who's a doom-mongering twat!!!!'
Show some respect young man, that's your father you're talking about.
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It was a game we had to win and we did what we had to!
Massive three points and hope we can take some confidence into the QPR game next week
I'm actually looking forward to MOTD for a change; this is a strange feeling!
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Particularly liked the emotion showed after the game by our lot, surprised to see Bannan give a shit.
you may not rate him, but one thing he does is damn try!
I consider myself to be one of the minority who actually rate Bannan quite highly. If he was playing in a decent, top-half side he could be such a good player.
so why would you write that when it is obvious he does give a shit??
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I was impressed with the reaction at the end from the players and from Lambert, you could tell that meant something to them today.
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Match of the Day. Can't wait! (Haven't said that much this season)
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Bannan was not poor at all today, if you watch him, he is always an option and is very tidy in possession. If he was only slighter stronger he would be some player, but the fact he can't tackle means Delph straight back in when available.
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Sylla looked like the new NRC. Everything he did reminded me of him.
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Huge win that, I knew we had an away win in us before the season was out given we score goals away from home and have come so close since the new year. I reckon we'll get another one at Norwich.
Reading are total garbage, they must be if we've just done the double over them and they'll finish bottom.
All this means nothing if we lose to QPR next week so not celebrating too wildly but will enjoy MOTD for the first time in months!
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I was sitting with the Reading fans and the Villa end sounded in very good voice! Great day, great result!
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Sylla looked like the new NRC. Everything he did reminded me of him.
Sylla had a two shots, one of which was quite good. I'm being facetious mainly because I thought NRC was absolute garbage.
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Particularly liked the emotion showed after the game by our lot, surprised to see Bannan give a shit.
you may not rate him, but one thing he does is damn try!
I'm a bit surprised to hear a comment like this. Bannan gives 100%, and is always willing to take responsibility even if it's not going right for him.
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Particularly liked the emotion showed after the game by our lot, surprised to see Bannan give a shit.
you may not rate him, but one thing he does is damn try!
I consider myself to be one of the minority who actually rate Bannan quite highly. If he was playing in a decent, top-half side he could be such a good player.
so why would you write that when it is obvious he does give a shit??
Trying hard and giving a shit about the club are different things. As I've said, I really like him, but I'd got the impression that he was a bit of a mercenary.
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Stayed up till 1am to watch this, felt they needed me.
Much needed win but my McGrath we are so vulnerable on crosses it's untrue. Benteke was magnificent as was Sylla while Westwood put himself about. The Scottish Messi did well but he's really just Vinny Samways with a few fancy flicks.
Nice to see MartinO'NeillsSunderland in the shit too. We need as many down there as possible.
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Sylla looked like the new NRC. Everything he did reminded me of him.
Ahhhhhh fuck. See? There you go having to bring the optimism down a peg or two...
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Particularly liked the emotion showed after the game by our lot, surprised to see Bannan give a shit.
you may not rate him, but one thing he does is damn try!
I consider myself to be one of the minority who actually rate Bannan quite highly. If he was playing in a decent, top-half side he could be such a good player.
so why would you write that when it is obvious he does give a shit??
Trying hard and giving a shit about the club are different things. As I've said, I really like him, but I'd got the impression that he was a bit of a mercenary.
strange retort. i would say that trying hard and giving a shit are exactly the same thing.
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Sylla looked like the new NRC. Everything he did reminded me of him.
Sylla had a two shots, one of which was quite good. I'm being facetious mainly because I thought NRC was absolute garbage.
NRC had two shots too, oh come to think about it that was in his whole time with us and one of the was at Bodymoor Heath
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This is infuriating, as one of the few people who have always liked Bannan I now feel like I'm coming across as disliking him. Lets just forget I said anything.
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This is infuriating, as one of the few people who have always liked Bannan I now feel like I'm coming across as disliking him. Lets just forget I said anything.
We have won , lets all be happy and enjoy our weekend- we are all villa fans and winning is a good feeling .
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Just back from game.
Can't believe we managed to see it out . We kept getting deeper and deeper and I thought here we go again.
But fair play the lads clung on.
Thought Bannan did well as did Sylla , Weimann 2 assists but missed a sitter .
£8 to park, £8 farkin quid.
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Lets just enjoy the win.
Although I think Chipsticks is being pretty hard on Bannan...
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£8 to park, £8 farkin quid.
on the bright side I got a drink, a pie and crisps all for £5.
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This is infuriating, as one of the few people who have always liked Bannan I now feel like I'm coming across as disliking him. Lets just forget I said anything.
We have won , lets all be happy and enjoy our weekend- we are all villa fans and winning is a good feeling .
Fucking spot on eastie. UTV.
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Lambert has rubbed of on Guzan
great result, great support! have to go again next week!
Glad of the win
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This is infuriating, as one of the few people who have always liked Bannan I now feel like I'm coming across as disliking him. Lets just forget I said anything.
Bannan hater!
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Fantastic that we won but not convinced by our performance. Reading were there for the taking and we should have pressed home our advantage.
Why on earth do we defend so deep? Should have been leading 4-1 by 70 mins.
QPR might be more tricky.
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Sylla is going to be good, in fact very good. He will be the next, after Benteke, one sold to Man City or Chelsea.
He's very tall like one of the Man City Toures brothers and well built. Raw,I accept, but in 12 months time he'll be a £20 million player
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Sylla was decent but that assessment maybe a tad OTT at this stage.
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Bannan hater is an anagram of The Banana Rat. Most relaxed I have felt on a match night for a long time. Well done lads.
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Does Jimmy Hill still do Match of the Day?
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Can we start a '' I am really drunk thread and this is what i think'' type thread, ish type thread ? I will get me coat, again.
Gnight HnV. Pissed, again.
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Sylla was decent but that assessment maybe a tad OTT at this stage.
I'm happy with my initial assessment.
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Lovely feeling coming home after having a few drinks, no drowning of sorrows tonight UP THE VILLA
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At times we looked very good and the fluent passing reminded me of Ron Saunders' side, but our finishing was poor. As has been said earlier, we should have been ahead by 2 or 3 clear goals in the second half. But it was an encouraging performance in a crucial game - in fact we've played pretty well for some weeks now, at least in the league. I'm beginning to feel quite hopeful that we can stay up
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Not a show stopper, but it was an irritant hearing the R5 summariser/commentator saying 'Guzman'. Strong suspicion this has been mentioned before.
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The improvement in both play and a bit of luck has been appreciable
It has certainly gone from us not knowing where the next point is coming from to being able to at least compete ... on this basis we have a fair chance particulary if a couple more teams are dragged in
Things are certainly a bit brighter and the preasure may just be easing a tad on all concerned which can only be a good thing
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This is infuriating, as one of the few people who have always liked Bannan I now feel like I'm coming across as disliking him. Lets just forget I said anything.
Bannan hater!
I hear they're a good source of potassium.
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Not long got back. A much needed win considering the QPR result. I thought we were poor until they scored, their goal seem to kick us into life. We made harder work of it than we should have though. I'm not sure what Lambert was doing taking Bannan off, the three in the middle of the park was working just fine. There was no need to throw on a 4th attacker when it was 2-1. Sylla got better as the game went on and hopefully we'll give him time to develop into a useful player.
Roll on next weekend, should be interesting.
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Not long got back. A much needed win considering the QPR result. I thought we were poor until they scored, their goal seem to kick us into life.
But even by that point Benteke had hit the bar and Weimann had missed a sitter so we could easily have been two goals up before they scored.
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Not long got back. A much needed win considering the QPR result. I thought we were poor until they scored, their goal seem to kick us into life.
But even by that point Benteke had hit the bar and Weimann had missed a sitter so we could easily have been two goals up before they scored.
Fair point but we did seem to step it up a gear and fair play to them for getting straight back into the game. I'd forgot about Weimann's miss. He seems to miss the easy chances he gets lately.
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Fantastic that we won but not convinced by our performance. Reading were there for the taking and we should have pressed home our advantage.
Why on earth do we defend so deep? Should have been leading 4-1 by 70 mins.
QPR might be more tricky.
Yeh they were shit. Complete waste of space!
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Fantastic that we won but not convinced by our performance. Reading were there for the taking and we should have pressed home our advantage.
Why on earth do we defend so deep? Should have been leading 4-1 by 70 mins.
QPR might be more tricky.
Yeh they were shit. Complete waste of space!
So you disagree. Why don't you just explain why rather than indulge in weak sarcasm?
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Lambert certainly deserves a lot of credit. Brought Bannan back from exile, Sylla in for his first start and dropped Nzogbia. Thought we played really well at times in the first half. Sometimes you see us going forward like for the second goal and you wonder how we are anywhere near to the drop. Weimann gets in great positions but really needs to improve his touch and technique. Harsh on a lad that was involved in both our goals but we a bit more care we could and should have scored more.
I've been calling for Lowton to be dropped for over a month now. He is incapable of defending crosses to the back post and his positioning is dire. Lichaj is limited with the ball but I'd have him starting at right back.
Still a long way to get out of it. Next week is huge but after a disastrous own goal today we did show a lot of heart and at times good football to win deservedly. Delph will come back in with Bannan likely to miss out. Gabby's goal will keep him in the side
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£8 to park, £8 farkin quid.
on the bright side I got a drink, a pie and crisps all for £5.
A mere £6 to park next week when I do the half marathon
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Extremely thankful for the win and we played some very nice stuff going forwards at times, albeit against a terrible defence. It could have been 8-8 both defences were so open. I'm just watching it on football first and my god our defence has me shitting myself even though I know the result. Absolutely all over the place at times, the commentator (Gayle?) can't believe how bad we are defending crosses. Lowton has gone from being very average to being absolutely hopeless and Baker's own goal was hilariously inept one-footedness. I'd agree with whoever said bring Lichaj back in - he's not great but he's got to be better than either FB today. Sylla looked decent enough.
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Lichaj back in at fullback really? Some people have short memories. It was only a few weeks ago that some were baying for his blood. Personally I don't think there is a lot to choose from between Lawton, Bennett and Lichaj but Lichaj was very poor around Xmas when he was in the team.
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£8 to park, £8 farkin quid.
on the bright side I got a drink, a pie and crisps all for £5.
A mere £6 to park next week when I do the half marathon
Hey me too! The half marathon that is, not the parking.
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Lichaj isn't a Premier League footballer. I think he's likeable but (very) limited. I wouldn't like to see him back. I think the back four that started today is our best bet.
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Ian Harte falling over for no reason. Splendid.
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Lowton needs to be dropped. But it shows our relative weakness trying to cover right-back. But, I think our best option would be Herd and when he has a poor games in 2or 3 games time, hopefully Lowton can come back in refreshed because he has been one of our better, more consistent performers until recently.
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Actually, why has Herd not been anywhere near the team?
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Injured/not very good.
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Herd has been injured.
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Lowton's doing okay. He'll be a revelation next season.
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Lowton may have made some mistakes, but I have to say by and large I have been quite impressed with him this season. Only player who has played in every game in think and maybe need a rest
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£8 to park, £8 farkin quid.
on the bright side I got a drink, a pie and crisps all for £5.
A mere £6 to park next week when I do the half marathon
I'm not sponsoring you if you're driving.
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Lichaj gets a bad rap, he's not half as bad as some make out and would look a much better player next to a couple of decent centre halves and a more solid mf. It's hard to judge alot of these players as the majority would look the part in a better collective team
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Couple of Reading perspectives from today:
Libertine wrote:
I was very impressed the way Barcelona passed and moved the ball around today...very impressive.
What? It wasn't them? It sure looked like them...
Has anyone seen Le Fondre or is he still in Clark's pocket?
Villa were absolutely dire sh!t - but still better than us and so we couldn't beat them. What else is there to say?
Ha.
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Lowton may have made some mistakes, but I have to say by and large I have been quite impressed with him this season. Only player who has played in every game in think and maybe need a rest
Given the step-up he made in coming here, and the relentless assault he's found himself under these last few months, a drop-off in performance was perhaps overdue. Hopefully he can recover in time to help see us successfully over the line
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Lowton was beyond shaky today/yesterday, but was very good against City. Stick with him, I'd say, we certainly don't have any better options out there!
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Bizarrely the match reports I've read (BBC, Guardian, Independent) have all said the offside decision was marginal/controversial - did they not see the multiple replays showing that Hunt was actually definitely offside?
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Lichaj gets a bad rap, he's not half as bad as some make out and would look a much better player next to a couple of decent centre halves and a more solid mf. It's hard to judge alot of these players as the majority would look the part in a better collective team
Agreed, I think it's a little unfair to judge him mainly on the Christmasy period when he was playing at left wing-back in our comedy formation of the time. If Lowton does need pulling out, I'd stick Eric in at right-back in a flat back four, better option than playing someone else out of position
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Bizarrely the match reports I've read (BBC, Guardian, Independent) have all said the offside decision was marginal/controversial - did they not see the multiple replays showing that Hunt was actually definitely offside?
Best one was the Reading fan on 606 that reckoned he wasn't interfering with play!!!
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I'd agree with a few that Lowton has had a drop off in form, I think he's looking worn out in all honesty. We really need the option to give him a few games out. Maybe Herd back and in the side for a game or 2 would be a good idea.
I'm glad Bannan is pretty much getting the credit he deserves after today, watching the 2nd goal all through, he was very important all through it and probably deserved it to sneak in rather than bouncing along the line. Iknow he's frustrating but there really is a good player in there and I really hope performances like today lead to fans giving him the chance to prove it.
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Bizarrely the match reports I've read (BBC, Guardian, Independent) have all said the offside decision was marginal/controversial - did they not see the multiple replays showing that Hunt was actually definitely offside?
Best one was the Reading fan on 606 that reckoned he wasn't interfering with play!!!
Haha yeah - though tbf to Savage he gave him the respect he deserved.
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The back four are an accident waiting to happen, any decent side would have taken them apart, what concerned me most was the inability to handle crosses. This was our easiest game of the season and we had to win but next week is even more important.
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The back four are an accident waiting to happen, any decent side would have taken them apart, what concerned me most was the inability to handle crosses. This was our easiest game of the season and we had to win but next week is even more important.
Any decent side such as Arsenal or Cit£h? I think you're right but they have held their own lately and seem to be improving slowly but surely...Man Utd at Old Trafford could be very painful for all concerned though.
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I take it all back, we're not completely hopeless.
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Lichaj gets a bad rap, he's not half as bad as some make out and would look a much better player next to a couple of decent centre halves and a more solid mf. It's hard to judge alot of these players as the majority would look the part in a better collective team
He is beyond inept at left back but at right back he is pretty solid. Limited player on the ball but a better defender than Lowton I reckon. That deep cross to the back post has caught Lowton out all season. Absolutely shocking for a full back to be caught under the ball like that at this level.
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Lowton may have made some mistakes, but I have to say by and large I have been quite impressed with him this season. Only player who has played in every game in think and maybe need a rest
One of only three Premiership players to have played every minute of every league game this season.
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A deserved and very welcome win.
Bulid-up to the second goal was excellent, quite amusing too as the co-commentator over here (Tony Gale?) was saying it was all very pretty but not really going anywhere. Next thing you knew Gabby was breaking the net. Kiss my face.
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To be fair Benteke was unplayable at times today. Some blatant fouling on him went unpunished but he held the ball up superbly. Hit the bar, scored and was a threat all game. Gabby too on second viewing played well, particularly in the second half. Just wide with what would have been the killer third goal. Weimann annoys me at times with his poor decision making but his movement is superb. Involved in both goals, lovely ball in the first half that Benteke probably should have got at the end of, plus had 2 decent chances himself. Nzogbia too played well on his introduction and really should have finished the game. Very disappointing that we didnt get a third really considering how dominant our attacking players were.
Midfield was much better than usual but Reading helped us here by only playing 2 in there. We murdered them at times with the extra man. Sylla was solid rather than spectacular. Bannan and particularly Westwood kept the ball really well at times. Having both of them in the midfield at the same time is a risk though as they have the little presence. Delph will have to come in ahead of Bannan for QPR. It took until the 2nd goal for the players to realise that if we kept it in midfield, Reading would find it very difficult to get it back.
Guzan was very assured again. However our back 4 were incredibly poor. Clark was by far the best of the four but even then wasnt great. Vlaar was atrocious really. Not sure if he is fit but Reading should have buried that chance in which he got caught horribly under the ball 12 yards out in front of goal. Lowton's defending wouldnt be fit for the Conference. right from the first minute he was a shambles defensively. Tony Gale was rightly giving out yards about him throughout. Simple ball played inside Baker in the second half had Reading in, not to mind an own goal that Stephen Warnock would have done well to emulate.
We were vastly superior to Reading really throughout the 90 mins but with how desperate our back four was, we were very lucky 2 goals was enough.
Guzan 7, Lowton 4, Vlaar 4, Clark 5, Baker 4, Bannan 6, Westwood 7, Sylla 7, Weimann 7, Benteke 9, Gabby 7. Nzogbia 7, Bennett 5
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There's a few on this thread saying Delphi needs to come back for QPR, but he's got a two match ban so can't!!
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I really hope that win gives them some belief and some confidence. The way QPR are playing I reckon a point against them wouldn't be a disaster.
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Did anyone count the number of passes in the lead up to Gabby's goal ?
And that's why I think Lamberts different from what's gone before, I can't remember the last time we played like that, the pasing game doesn't always work, especially with inexperienced players, but at least we are trying to go that way for a change
It's what gives me a bit of hope for the future
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Gotta love modern tellys and stuff.
GABBYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
pause, rewind,
GABBYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
pause, rewind, make a cup of tea,
GABBYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
Ace.
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I really hope that win gives them some belief and some confidence. The way QPR are playing I reckon a point against them wouldn't be a disaster.
MOTD were firing spunk at them last night. I want to spoil their party next week.
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I'd agree with a few that Lowton has had a drop off in form, I think he's looking worn out in all honesty. We really need the option to give him a few games out. Maybe Herd back and in the side for a game or 2 would be a good idea.
I'm glad Bannan is pretty much getting the credit he deserves after today, watching the 2nd goal all through, he was very important all through it and probably deserved it to sneak in rather than bouncing along the line. Iknow he's frustrating but there really is a good player in there and I really hope performances like today lead to fans giving him the chance to prove it.
Bannan had his best game for us he works well with Westwood. Pity neither of them deal with the physical side of the game too well. But Sylla looked the part and Delph is in a rich seam of form.
The forwards are no problem they are up to the job. Even Agbonlahor is playing well.
Its the defence apart from Guzan (obviously) that Lambert must concentrate on. I too would play Herd at right back and Bennet at left back.
Nathan Baker is our best stopper. Drop either Clark or Vlaar and put him back where he belongs.
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If that shot by sylla had been a few inches lower it would have been a hell of a goal, he gives us another option which is encouraging - a win over qpr would give us a 7 point cushion over them and reading and see us close in on teams above - it will be a huge game but the rewards are great .
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I really hope that win gives them some belief and some confidence. The way QPR are playing I reckon a point against them wouldn't be a disaster.
I agree. A win would be very nice but as they are below us a draw is good. Keeps the four points gap and stops their win run.
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Without getting too carried away, as Reading were bloody awful and look a bottom place team to me, what great win!
Sylla was MOTM for me, nowt spectacular (that shot aside) but always available through intelligent movement and niggly in his breaking up of play. Would like to see him paired up with Delph to see how that went maybe?
Negatives.... Still shaky and disorganized at the back, a better side than Reading would have taken advantage yesterday.
Movement up front still lacking, make no mistake - it was Wiemanns run that was the key to our first goal, why we don't do that more often baffles me. Gabby is a particular culprit, twice yesterday he laid the ball off then stood rooted to the spot when he could have pushed on and given a forward option.
Still, great 3 points going into arguably a bigger game.
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We're clearly better going forward so that's what we need to do against QPR. When we stop trying to go forward, Reading came at us and we looked a bit dodgy. Take it to them all the time and well do alright.
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The back four are an accident waiting to happen, any decent side would have taken them apart, what concerned me most was the inability to handle crosses. This was our easiest game of the season and we had to win but next week is even more important.
ROBBO. Reading may be below us and heading back but you can not describe it as our easiest game. To go away from home in a high stakes high pressure game find yourself a goal down and win is a great effort no matter who you are playing.
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Thats right Eastie the QPR match is the one that matters. Yes we won yesterday but Reading had very little to offer. QPR are a different kettle of fish. They do have players who on their day can be very effective. Holliet, Boswinga, Samba and Park come to mind.
But the one who looked really good for them yesterday was Andros Townsend. He's got something which he didnt appear to show at Spurs we will have to watch him carefully.
We really need to win but a draw isnt the end of the world.
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We're clearly better going forward so that's what we need to do against QPR. When we stop trying to go forward, Reading came at us and we looked a bit dodgy. Take it to them all the time and well do alright.
I imagine that this is exactly what the QPR fans are saying about the game against us! Should make for an exciting game, if nothing else.
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I really hope that win gives them some belief and some confidence. The way QPR are playing I reckon a point against them wouldn't be a disaster.
I agree. A win would be very nice but as they are below us a draw is good. Keeps the four points gap and stops their win run.
Me too. I think the first goal could be very important. If we get it, it could give us the confidence to go on and get another.
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We're clearly better going forward so that's what we need to do against QPR. When we stop trying to go forward, Reading came at us and we looked a bit dodgy. Take it to them all the time and well do alright.
This is absolutely key. Controlled offensive play will keep QPR at bay because their defence ain't marvellous.
I agree with others that Lowton should be rested; I think he looks shot (and has done for a while, TBH). Herd would be a good option for me, if he's now fit again.
Vlaar may not be the player we thought he was, but he does bring a little calm to the proceedings and - certainly if Pinky and Perky on MOTD are to be believed - Baker had an excellent game yesterday, one second excepted. It's at R & L fullback that Lambert really needs to weave some magic.
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To be fair Benteke was unplayable at times today. Some blatant fouling on him went unpunished but he held the ball up superbly.
There were at least two occasions when the defender was hanging onto Chris' shirt for dear life.
Shirt pulling is never accidental, so why don't refs start booking players at the first sight of it ?
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The one should've been a red card not yellow. Benteke was clean through on goal if he hasn't been tugged back.
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
There's an english pub called The Crown and Anchor just off the strip (in fact there's two Crown and Anchors over there). You could always give them both a ring and see if they'll have it on.
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
There's an english pub called The Crown and Anchor just off the strip (in fact there's two Crown and Anchors over there). You could always give them both a ring and see if they'll have it on.
Cheers Clampy. Stopping at Planet Hollywood. So it should be reasonably close ..........
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From The Mail
In truth, Villa deserved victory. In Gabby Agbonlahor, Ashley Westwood, Andy Weimann and Yacouba Sylla, playing his full Premier League game, Lambert had the best players on the field. Yet Villa made life difficult for themselves by conceding the daftest of own goals imaginable.
Sums us up really. I thought Vlaar looked sluggish but I'm not sure if he's not as good in the air as he should be or if he's struggling with injury. Next 10 games will show me.
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I'd agree with a few that Lowton has had a drop off in form, I think he's looking worn out in all honesty. We really need the option to give him a few games out. Maybe Herd back and in the side for a game or 2 would be a good idea.
I'm glad Bannan is pretty much getting the credit he deserves after today, watching the 2nd goal all through, he was very important all through it and probably deserved it to sneak in rather than bouncing along the line. Iknow he's frustrating but there really is a good player in there and I really hope performances like today lead to fans giving him the chance to prove it.
Bannan for me over Delph all day long. He creates.
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I think I saw Dave Woodhall yesterday selling something outside the away end ?
Oh and Ian Harte falling over was hilarious everyone was in stitches near us when that happened, just a shame we didn't score from the resultant attack !
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
There's an english pub called The Crown and Anchor just off the strip (in fact there's two Crown and Anchors over there). You could always give them both a ring and see if they'll have it on.
Cheers Clampy. Stopping at Planet Hollywood. So it should be reasonably close ..........
I can't place where Planet Hollywood was now but yeah the one pub was'nt far off the Strip at all. Jump in a cab and you'll be there in 5 minutes.
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Lowton reached 9 bookings yesterday didn't he. One more before April 1st and he'll be taking an enforced two game break anyway.
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
There's an english pub called The Crown and Anchor just off the strip (in fact there's two Crown and Anchors over there). You could always give them both a ring and see if they'll have it on.
Cheers Clampy. Stopping at Planet Hollywood. So it should be reasonably close ..........
I can't place where Planet Hollywood was now but yeah the one pub was'nt far off the Strip at all. Jump in a cab and you'll be there in 5 minutes.
Appreciated ......
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Rest him now then.
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
Fox Sports seem to show most matches. I was lucky enough to see all of our Xmas batterings on TV when I was in New York.
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
Fox Sports seem to show most matches. I was lucky enough to see all of our Xmas batterings on TV when I was in New York.
Ye i thought that. But i think it will be 7am Sat am. So i want to find out now as i am leaving Friday .......
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I watch fox sports regularly when I'm not at the game and it seems to have all premier games available .you will have no problem!
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To be fair Benteke was unplayable at times today. Some blatant fouling on him went unpunished but he held the ball up superbly.
There were at least two occasions when the defender was hanging onto Chris' shirt for dear life.
Shirt pulling is never accidental, so why don't refs start booking players at the first sight of it ?
The one occasion was highlighted on MOTD and the commentator said it was the worst shirt pulling offence of the season unfortunately the ref was watching the player with the ball and saw none of it.
Benteke was fantastic again in the air, winning all those knocks is fantastic just a shame Weimann and Gabby don't seem to get on the end of them.
I did think he was slightly lucky with the goal but at the moment we'll take them however they come!
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I thought he was unlucky to be booked as well, like he was last week.
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I watch fox sports regularly when I'm not at the game and it seems to have all premier games available .you will have no problem!
Cheers eastie. I have got to see this game its crucial ........
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I thought he was unlucky to be booked as well, like he was last week.
The showed it in slow mo on the Setanta stream and it wasn't a foul in my eyes.
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Bizarrely the match reports I've read (BBC, Guardian, Independent) have all said the offside decision was marginal/controversial - did they not see the multiple replays showing that Hunt was actually definitely offside?
Best one was the Reading fan on 606 that reckoned he wasn't interfering with play!!!
Yep heard that one - he scored but wasn't interfering with play. It is astonishing the stupity of some people. Well ignorance really
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I also heard that caller. He made Robbie Savage sound really knowledgeable.
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£8 to park, £8 farkin quid.
on the bright side I got a drink, a pie and crisps all for £5.
A mere £6 to park next week when I do the half marathon
Hey me too! The half marathon that is, not the parking.
No 8527 (Red Zone Start) FWIW. Looking forward to the noise as enter the stadium
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The Reading game showed once again that our strikers are very good.
Weimann will not be Messi but he did the hard work with pace and committment, and Gabby and Benteke could score more than twice.
Our problem is that the too often the midfield is not able to serve the strikers, and that the defence commits comic, comic blunders every game.
In these conditions is not easy for the strikers, but we are improving game after game.
If we had even only a Rosicky, fantastic player that is a regular Arsenal reserve, our strikers would score every game.
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Midfield did look better yesterday . Sylla made a big difference I thought and with Delph improving recently it might be enough . But we need a top midfielder bought in the summer .
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Bizarrely the match reports I've read (BBC, Guardian, Independent) have all said the offside decision was marginal/controversial - did they not see the multiple replays showing that Hunt was actually definitely offside?
Best one was the Reading fan on 606 that reckoned he wasn't interfering with play!!!
Yep heard that one - he scored but wasn't interfering with play. It is astonishing the stupity of some people. Well ignorance really
Now be careful our Emile did that now and than!
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Thanks to PL & the lads who played their part in a massive result yesterday "I'm a believer" after being a doom and
gloom merchant the last few weeks - onwards and upwards I don't want it to be decided on the final day at Wigan.
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I asked the question of what it was like in the last 10 minutes against Byern, as yesterday was horrendous.
Not under pressure, but just stood there feeling sick. In the 20 odd years I have been going down the Villa I can honestly say I have never felt so nerously sick fot an entire 45 minutes as I did yesterday.
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Speaking of 10 bookings and a 2 game suspension are Benteke or anyone else besides Lowton walking a tightrope?
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I was more nervous when we beat The Shit 1-0 in, I think 2005, at their place after we hadn't beaten them since they got back up.
(You may remember the theme back then. They were just about to ride the crest of the wave to become Birmingham's biggest club.Just before they were about to become Britain's biggest club with all their Chinese support).
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I was more nervous when we beat The Shit 1-0 in, I think 2005, at their place after we hadn't beaten them since they got back up.
(You may remember the theme back then. They were just about to ride the crest of the wave to become Birmingham's biggest club.Just before they were about to become Britain's biggest club with all their Chinese support).
They were actually about to become Kings of the Universe.
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That was it.
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I asked the question of what it was like in the last 10 minutes against Byern, as yesterday was horrendous.
Not under pressure, but just stood there feeling sick. In the 20 odd years I have been going down the Villa I can honestly say I have never felt so nerously sick fot an entire 45 minutes as I did yesterday.
Yesterday was bad but bayern was far more nerve wracking - in fact the most nerve wracking last 10 minutes for me since bayern was the 0-0 at Swindon in 1988 when we clinched promotion.
I hope the wigan away game doesnt surpass the lot!
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I was fairly chilled out during the last few minutes but my mate next to me could'nt watch and stood reading my H&V.
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I asked the question of what it was like in the last 10 minutes against Byern, as yesterday was horrendous.
Not under pressure, but just stood there feeling sick. In the 20 odd years I have been going down the Villa I can honestly say I have never felt so nerously sick fot an entire 45 minutes as I did yesterday.
Yesterday was bad but bayern was far more nerve wracking - in fact the most nerve wracking last 10 minutes for me since bayern was the 0-0 at Swindon in 1988 when we clinched promotion.
I hope the wigan away game doesnt surpass the lot!
That was terrible especially as Leicester were 2 up at Boro and cruising, Boro got one back and the ref decided there should be about 6 minutes injury time in the days when a minute or two was the norm.
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I asked the question of what it was like in the last 10 minutes against Byern, as yesterday was horrendous.
Not under pressure, but just stood there feeling sick. In the 20 odd years I have been going down the Villa I can honestly say I have never felt so nerously sick fot an entire 45 minutes as I did yesterday.
Yesterday was bad but bayern was far more nerve wracking - in fact the most nerve wracking last 10 minutes for me since bayern was the 0-0 at Swindon in 1988 when we clinched promotion.
I hope the wigan away game doesnt surpass the lot!
That was terrible especially as Leicester were 2 up at Boro and cruising, Boro got one back and the ref decided there should be about 6 minutes injury time in the days when a minute or two was the norm.
Yep and remember who got the leicester goal that sealed our promotion- Garry Mcallister!
Hard to believe it was 25 yrs ago as it seems so vivid in the memory.
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I was more of a wreck at the West Ham game as it was my fifth visit to Villa Park at a time when I have never been more skint and the game being changed to the Sunday had already cost me an additional €100 quid on a change of flight. Also on my three previous visits I'd seen us lose 1-0 to Blackburn, draw 1-1 with Spurs and lose 1-0 to Sunderland so I was sure the Hammers would get an equaliser as they bombarded the goal in stoppage time.
We may look back in years to come at the draw with Everton as the point that kept us up. If we were on 26 points today, three points ahead of QPR and Reading it would all look even more depressing.
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I asked the question of what it was like in the last 10 minutes against Byern, as yesterday was horrendous.
Not under pressure, but just stood there feeling sick. In the 20 odd years I have been going down the Villa I can honestly say I have never felt so nerously sick fot an entire 45 minutes as I did yesterday.
Yesterday was bad but bayern was far more nerve wracking - in fact the most nerve wracking last 10 minutes for me since bayern was the 0-0 at Swindon in 1988 when we clinched promotion.
I hope the wigan away game doesnt surpass the lot!
That was terrible especially as Leicester were 2 up at Boro and cruising, Boro got one back and the ref decided there should be about 6 minutes injury time in the days when a minute or two was the norm.
Didn't they kick-off 9 minutes late or something?
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
There's an english pub called The Crown and Anchor just off the strip (in fact there's two Crown and Anchors over there). You could always give them both a ring and see if they'll have it on.
Cheers Clampy. Stopping at Planet Hollywood. So it should be reasonably close ..........
I can't place where Planet Hollywood was now but yeah the one pub was'nt far off the Strip at all. Jump in a cab and you'll be there in 5 minutes.
Appreciated ......
It is one of the games being shown on delay next weekend - 12:30pm on Fox Soccer.
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Speaking of 10 bookings and a 2 game suspension are Benteke or anyone else besides Lowton walking a tightrope?
By my reckoning, Clark 7, Benteke 6, Lichaj 6.
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Speaking of 10 bookings and a 2 game suspension are Benteke or anyone else besides Lowton walking a tightrope?
By my reckoning, Clark 7, Benteke 6, Lichaj 6.
Benteke's last two bookings have been ridiculous.
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Yesterday's especially.
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Yesterday's especially.
What did he get booked for yesterday?
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Yesterday's especially.
What did he get booked for yesterday?
Winning the ball.
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I enjoyed the build up to Gabby's goal, we passed the ball around very well for 30 or so passes.
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Another from yesterday, its ok to use the arm/elbow if the striker (Weimann) is in an offside position.
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Yesterday's especially.
What did he get booked for yesterday?
Breathing.
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I was more of a wreck at the West Ham game as it was my fifth visit to Villa Park at a time when I have never been more skint and the game being changed to the Sunday had already cost me an additional €100 quid on a change of flight. Also on my three previous visits I'd seen us lose 1-0 to Blackburn, draw 1-1 with Spurs and lose 1-0 to Sunderland so I was sure the Hammers would get an equaliser as they bombarded the goal in stoppage time.
We may look back in years to come at the draw with Everton as the point that kept us up. If we were on 26 points today, three points ahead of QPR and Reading it would all look even more depressing.
Draws against Everton and Swansea were as frustrating as hell at the time- considering the position we had worked ourselves into in both games.
But come the end of the season, those two points could be absolutely crucial. When you look at our rivals (and God, how I hate saying that about pish like Wargwarn, Reading and co) I don't think they've got much out of those games.
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Speaking of 10 bookings and a 2 game suspension are Benteke or anyone else besides Lowton walking a tightrope?
Possibly Clark but no one else and I think Clark is only on 8 so he's ok for now.
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Did the ghost get a yellow for taking Ian Harte out ? ;D
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Did the ghost get a yellow for taking Ian Harte out ? ;D
Unfortunately the referee didn't see that!
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
There's an english pub called The Crown and Anchor just off the strip (in fact there's two Crown and Anchors over there). You could always give them both a ring and see if they'll have it on.
Cheers Clampy. Stopping at Planet Hollywood. So it should be reasonably close ..........
I can't place where Planet Hollywood was now but yeah the one pub was'nt far off the Strip at all. Jump in a cab and you'll be there in 5 minutes.
Appreciated ......
It is one of the games being shown on delay next weekend - 12:30pm on Fox Soccer.
What 12.30pm local time ?
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Yes. It's the third game on next weekend.
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Cheers Matt C thats great news ........
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£8 to park, £8 farkin quid.
on the bright side I got a drink, a pie and crisps all for £5.
A mere £6 to park next week when I do the half marathon
Hey me too! The half marathon that is, not the parking.
No 8527 (Red Zone Start) FWIW. Looking forward to the noise as enter the stadium
I'm in the Red Zone too! No 9996! I'll be the bald guy with the green Reading Roadrunners t-shirt!
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I was more of a wreck at the West Ham game as it was my fifth visit to Villa Park at a time when I have never been more skint and the game being changed to the Sunday had already cost me an additional €100 quid on a change of flight. Also on my three previous visits I'd seen us lose 1-0 to Blackburn, draw 1-1 with Spurs and lose 1-0 to Sunderland so I was sure the Hammers would get an equaliser as they bombarded the goal in stoppage time.
We may look back in years to come at the draw with Everton as the point that kept us up. If we were on 26 points today, three points ahead of QPR and Reading it would all look even more depressing.
Draws against Everton and Swansea were as frustrating as hell at the time- considering the position we had worked ourselves into in both games.
But come the end of the season, those two points could be absolutely crucial. When you look at our rivals (and God, how I hate saying that about pish like Wargwarn, Reading and co) I don't think they've got much out of those games.
Don't forget the Albion game as well!!
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£8 to park, £8 farkin quid.
on the bright side I got a drink, a pie and crisps all for £5.
A mere £6 to park next week when I do the half marathon
Hey me too! The half marathon that is, not the parking.
No 8527 (Red Zone Start) FWIW. Looking forward to the noise as enter the stadium
My missus is doing that half marathon next week as well. She'll probably stop half way to do a shit up the kerb like Paula Radcliffe.
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Lichaj back in at fullback really? Some people have short memories. It was only a few weeks ago that some were baying for his blood. Personally I don't think there is a lot to choose from between Lawton, Bennett and Lichaj but Lichaj was very poor around Xmas when he was in the team.
No short memory at all, like I said Lichaj isn't great, but I don't think he was "very poor" either. His worst fault is he gives needless free kicks away but so does Baker, and so did Lowton today. I don't recall him ever playing as badly as either FB did today. Lowton is really being found out, especially for lack of pace and poor positioning. Milner's not that quick but practically strolled past him a few times last week. I can't see Lichaj being as bad as Lowton's been recently.
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lowton's form has tailed off, and he is a bit weak defensively. But he's still miles better than Lichaj and Herd. Miles better.
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
Fox Sports seem to show most matches. I was lucky enough to see all of our Xmas batterings on TV when I was in New York.
Ye i thought that. But i think it will be 7am Sat am. So i want to find out now as i am leaving Friday .......
The game will kick off at 8am Vegas time as the clocks went forward in the USA this weekend so they are now only 7 hours behind UK time in Vegas right now until we put ours forward in 3 weeks time.
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Watching the game again on Football First, Lowton really was pretty shocking. He looks like he could really do with a break. Other than the obvious, I thought Baker did pretty well.
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Watching the game again on Football First, Lowton really was pretty shocking. He looks like he could really do with a break. Other than the obvious, I thought Baker did pretty well.
Lowton's been poor for ages now. The good result shouldn't hide the fact that the defence, especially the full backs still looked dodgy.
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Very nervy game. But confidence was restored after our equaliser. Good debut for Sylla. (he will get better) But Guzan was my MOM. Positive trampling anyone out the way to get the ball and encouraging defenders all the time. PS. In Las Vegas next Sat. Will i be able to watch the match. Fox TV ?
Fox Sports seem to show most matches. I was lucky enough to see all of our Xmas batterings on TV when I was in New York.
Ye i thought that. But i think it will be 7am Sat am. So i want to find out now as i am leaving Friday .......
The game will kick off at 8am Vegas time as the clocks went forward in the USA this weekend so they are now only 7 hours behind UK time in Vegas right now until we put ours forward in 3 weeks time.
Thanks Mr-Villa i have had some great advice on here. Really grateful .......
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Watching the game again on Football First, Lowton really was pretty shocking. He looks like he could really do with a break. Other than the obvious, I thought Baker did pretty well.
Lowton's been poor for ages now. The good result shouldn't hide the fact that the defence, especially the full backs still looked dodgy.
I doubt anyone would be under that particular illusion. The defence is still frequently terrifying.
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That's the thing. We played a very poor team on saturday and could have lost it due to some very very poor defending from crosses. Reading could easily have scored a couple more. yes, we could have also, but our problem has been that the other teams that we have played do score those goals and we haven't been.
As like paulie I thought Baker did well defensively apart from that moment. Rubbish on the ball which is a problem for him but as a defender he is the best one we have at the moment. Still has a tendency to rush in and leave himself open to be beaten, but with no-one next to him to learn from that will come with age and experience. I still think we have a chance of being good at the back with another experienced centre-half coming in and Baker as 3rd choice. Clark looked away to be fair to him on saturday and was good on the ball as you'd expect. Still needs to be dropped though.
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Lichaj back in at fullback really? Some people have short memories. It was only a few weeks ago that some were baying for his blood. Personally I don't think there is a lot to choose from between Lawton, Bennett and Lichaj but Lichaj was very poor around Xmas when he was in the team.
No short memory at all, like I said Lichaj isn't great, but I don't think he was "very poor" either. His worst fault is he gives needless free kicks away but so does Baker, and so did Lowton today. I don't recall him ever playing as badly as either FB did today. Lowton is really being found out, especially for lack of pace and poor positioning. Milner's not that quick but practically strolled past him a few times last week. I can't see Lichaj being as bad as Lowton's been recently.
Disagree. I'd say Lichaj's worst fault is that he is poor on the ball and when you factor in that he is not a particularly great defender either, I would have Lowton and Herd in the side before him.
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Watching the game again on Football First, Lowton really was pretty shocking. He looks like he could really do with a break. Other than the obvious, I thought Baker did pretty well.
Lowton's been poor for ages now. The good result shouldn't hide the fact that the defence, especially the full backs still looked dodgy.
I doubt anyone would be under that particular illusion. The defence is still frequently terrifying.
You will find people who don't accept the moon landings, people who don't accept the holocaust happened and people who don't accept a great number of scientifically proven facts. The one thing you won't find is someone who doesn't accept the Villa defence is ropey.
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I don't think Lichaj is as bad as some are making out, but then there are those who think Lowton has been a good signing whereas I don't think he's been much cop even when on form. It's all about opinions, but Lowton was awful on Saturday and has been below par for a few games. To be fair our shape does ask an awful lot of the full backs especially against 4-4-2 with two wide players attacking, but they need to do/be better.