Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on August 24, 2013, 10:49:16 AM
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Available Saturday evening @4:30pm.
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VILLA: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Okore, Luna, Bacuna, Westwood, Agbonlahor, Delph, Benteke, Weimann
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Subs: Steer, Clark, El Ahmadi, Helenius, Herd, Sylla, Tonev.
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Bacuna in for El Ahmadi
Okore in for Clark
Thought KEA had done well the last 2 games...maybe Bacuna offers slightly more forward thinking ideas
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Seems strange Sylla isn't playing if KEA is on the bench, does anyone know if Bacuna will be more of a 'presser' like the other two have been or if he is more likely to play as a normal AM?
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Maybe Sylla isn't fully fit yet and maybe KEA is needing a rest?
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Probably just rotation due to heavy schedule
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Seems strange Sylla isn't playing if KEA is on the bench, does anyone know if Bacuna will be more of a 'presser' like the other two have been or if he is more likely to play as a normal AM?
From what I've seen he's box to box, good shot, slightly more pace...will probably offer more going forward but not an out and out attacking midfielder.
He will score a hat trick now
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Harsh on KEA, was finally building-up some form. Chris Herd in the 18 for the first time in ages. Can't think of wh has missed out of the squad altogether from the first two games.
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Can't really argue with that 11.
Off to pub to watch it.
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I'm looking forward to getting a proper look at Bacuna.
Okore looked pretty assured when he came on v Chavski.
Come On You Lions !!!
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Seems strange Sylla isn't playing if KEA is on the bench, does anyone know if Bacuna will be more of a 'presser' like the other two have been or if he is more likely to play as a normal AM?
From what I've seen he's box to box, good shot, slightly more pace...will probably offer more going forward but not an out and out attacking midfielder.
He will score a hat trick now
Cheers, maybe Lambert reckons Liverpool will sit back a bit after what Rodgers was saying about us counter attacking in midweek, so is looking for a bit more creativity. Looking forward to seeing how he does.
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Well Bacuna did say he wants to be our Lampard...
Lets hope eh!
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I imagine Bacuna will play slightly more forward than KEA and told to put pressure in Liverpool's half when they've got possession. He will probably look to get down the right flank too.
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Looking forward to seeing Bacuna, looks promising. KEA has been very good though but it's great we finally have a half-decent squad to call on. Still worried about us playing at home. Not sure it suits us as well as away at present.
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Come on Villa!!!!
We have a strong squad now, when a player like Bacuna gets a chance they are under pressure to perform well. If they don't, there's Sylla and KEA waiting in the wings to come back into the side.
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Is it a 5 15 or 5 30 kick off?
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Harsh on KEA, was finally building-up some form. Chris Herd in the 18 for the first time in ages. Can't think of wh has missed out of the squad altogether from the first two games.
Joe Bennett
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Is it a 5 15 or 5 30 kick off?
Half past.
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Cheers Sandman
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Lovely team. Just lovely. 2-1 The Villa.
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Good that we are now getting a squad. KEA has done well, but maybe Lambert is thinking we need a bit more creativity when at home. A good bench to change things as well, Im going 3-1 Villa
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I'd like to see Sylla back in, I thought those three Delph>Westwood>Sylla looked good at the end of last season, and I'd probaly say Sylla was the best.
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Rotation is important if we want to keep players fresh. Also, we have to get used to the fact the Lambert will pick and choose based on what he's trying to achieve. The best teams rest or change up their players all the time. I hope that as the season goes on we get to rest all of our players every so often.
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KEA must be not quite 100% after two quick games because I think his performance merited another start.
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It was our home form that let us down last season. 21 points away, 20 at home. He's rotating and adapting. Love it.
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I think Bacuna might offer a more sustained attacking approach as opposed to KEA who might be more effective in the counter attacking strategy. Bacuna did say he likes to be a box to box player. We'll see today.
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Big risk throwing in Bacuna, I can only imagine his speed will help against Coutinho. I'd preferred to have seen him given a start next week, as we really need the 3 points today. Lambert is obviously comfortable with him, I'm just praying he's called it right.
Come on Villa, let's beat these gobshites and go top of the league tonight.
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I don't Bacuna think presents any more of a risk than KEA who at the end of last season looked surplus to requirements.
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This is the first game this season I want to see us having more of the ball than the opposition.
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Excited to see Bacuna involved. KEA has done well, so assume it's just rotation. Bacuna looks very handy, though. Let's hope he does well today. No worries about Okore, looked good against Chelsea, should flourish in this league.
Coutinho needs to be watched. Very dangerous player.
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It's great to have options, hopefully Bacuna will fit in well.
Come on Villa.
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Afternoon all.
Atmosphere sounds amazing. Come on Villa!
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Can't believe how sunny it is in Brum today. Been tropically pissing it down here in London today. No surprise the Charlton game was abandoned...
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Great tackle Ron...this Aspas fellow looks dangerous...
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Bacuna looks very eager!
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Delph is class.
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Need to keep the ball.
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The Beast
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We haven't conceded in the first 6 minutes!
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Bacuna is a tad nervous.
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Rodgers has got them moving really well going forward. I think if they give him time, and they are clearly giving him funds, he will take them back into the top 3-4 regularly.
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We need to learn how to keep the ball.
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We need to learn how to keep the ball.
I agree. About 3 passes at the moment. We tried to pass it a lot at the start of last season, then became more functional to get results. We need a mix of the 2 to click at some point.
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I don't wanna know the possession stats.
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Doing a lot of chasing, hope we don't tire.
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Played Vlaar.
Just a bit of composure required here. Different challenge.
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Bacuna looking very nervous.
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Bacuna's role is clearly to help Lowton with Enrique and Coutinho on the right, then help with breaks when he can.
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I am hoping it is nerves. Had to give up my tickets for this one, and even at home I am nervous, so guess they are big time. We just seem a bit frantic with the ball.
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Doing a lot of chasing, hope we don't tire.
Good chasing, but they do also need to pass and keep possession as well, partly to save energy. Possession 70/ 30 after 12 mins.
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Awful passing.
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I know it's early days and all that, and I'm not saying he's a world beater or anything, but Luna is a clear improvement on Bennett, I think.
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A wardrobe on wheels would be an improvement on Bennett...
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Very very frantic Bacuna. Vlaar needs to just get them all to calm a little.
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Poor ball Gabby...
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I'm not seeing anyone out there who can really put their foot on the ball and dictate the pace...
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I know it's early days and all that, and I'm not saying he's a world beater or anything, but Luna is a clear improvement on Bennett, I think.
I partly agree. He's given possession away 3 times though.
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They have come to quieten us and get a hold on the game early.
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We are being comprehensively outplayed here.
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They look far more comfortable than us so far. Much better in possession and more dangerous going forward.
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We are being comprehensively outplayed here.
They dion't look like scoring though which is something.
And there they go and score.
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First time I have seen us since last season. I am shitting myself. 74% possession Dippers now.
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They have come to quieten us and get a hold on the game early.
I think we're also a bit paranoid about conceding early like the last 2 games.
Think we're gonna start stepping it up now.
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We don't start games well. i wonder are we trained to conserve effort for the second half? We tend to finsih strong.
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We're just too eager, and looking to get through them too quickly. This has been Lambert's winning tactic against Rodgers' teams for a while, but we need to keep the ball better now as he's sussed it out.
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It was coming.
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Shag it
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First time I have seen us since last season. I am shitting myself. 74% possession Dippers now.
See?
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clean sheet ever
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Vlaar again. Sold himself early.
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There goes the clean sheet
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Class goal.
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They do now. Bollocks. Incredible feet from Sturridge.
Vlaar misses the interception totally. How he got that in.
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Must admit they have played far better than us and that has been coming.
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I think I would have gone with sylla or kea rather than bacuna - Liverpool are running rings around us at the moment .
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Good goal, that. We have been completely outplayed, to be honest. Distinct lack of quality in possession.
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Have to say that was a great finish. Lambert may have to change this about a bit.
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easily lost possession before goal
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Bollox. We've looked like rabbits in the headlights.
Good finish but we were opened up far too easily.
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Must admit they have played far better than us and that has been coming.
Yep. No need to worry though.
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How the fuck did he get that in
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I hope we can shut these scouse rats up very soon.
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Disappointed we started with counter attacking. We are the home team.
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Also, I'm just going to say it; Westwood has been shit this first few games.
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Not a good sign that we're still not able to get possession. Our shape is all wrong for this team.
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We need to get a foot on the ball.
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I wonder what the odds are on us not keeping a clean sheet all season?
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We're not moving properly off the ball. Again. Much has changed under Lambert but, so far this season, not that.
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They pass and move through with such ease, all moving, all comfortable playing 1 touch. They look a good team to me.
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One of Vlaar or Okore must keep tabs on Sturridge and both went on headless chicken runs out of position at the critical phase.
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Can only see Liverpool scoring again unless we change things a bit - overrun in midfield.
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Hendersons a poof
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This is really bad actually. We need to sort this out or we will concede again
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Also, I'm just going to say it; Westwood has been shit this first few games.
I said it against Chelsea. Passing has been mediocre and he has been anonymous completely.
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Playing like complete strangers.
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We need Sylla on.
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men against boys at the mo
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I think we've been shocking.
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New game. How many times can we string three passes together?
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We've gone to pieces.
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Its games like this why Benteke handed in a transfer
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New game. How many times can we string three passes together?
Ok. Too difficult. Two passes.
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I think we've been shocking.
Agree. Very disappointing, making these fucks look like world beaters.
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Strange game to have started a newbie like Bacuna.
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No league game for 3 weeks - get sylla or kea on , or both!
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The only bright side is I don't think we will play many teams as confident or well coached this season.
They could easily finish top 4.
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We look like we've been sussed...
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It's long ball stuff again. We need a link to the attackers when they're in their own half and we can't hoof it.
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they are winning every 50/50 and shrugging us off the ball easy
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The only bright side is I don't think we will play many teams as confident or well coached this season.
They could easily finish top 4.
I was saying this preseason, they're going to surprise people this year and add Suarez ...
******.
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How many games since a clean sheet?
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This is reminding me of the first home game of last season vs the blue half of merseyside, we got out played that day and lost 3-0.
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Is it me or do we look like a MON team all of a sudden
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Its games like this why Benteke handed in a transfer
Big watching the game but Collymore was just saying how benteke needs to do more. I'm not saying you're wrong of course as footballers rarely look at themselves when things are not going well.
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One of Vlaar or Okore must keep tabs on Sturridge and both went on headless chicken runs out of position at the critical phase.
Alan Smith repeating that. Do I get his fee?
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Its games like this why Benteke handed in a transfer
He has not exactly covered himself in glory here...
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get Helenius on, Helenius versus Liverpool
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Is it me or do we look like a MON team all of a sudden
Crowd getting frustrated?
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Is it me or do we look like a MON team all of a sudden
McLeish more like.
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Got to stop just hitting it long!
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"Good training game for the Reds" (French commentator on Canal+)
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I would Westwood and Lowton who were shining stars last season have looked poor in all 3 games so far.
Too much hype maybe
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A shot
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Its games like this why Benteke handed in a transfer
Big watching the game but Collymore was just saying how benteke needs to do more. I'm not saying you're wrong of course as footballers rarely look at themselves when things are not going well.
I'm reluctant to say it really, but even though he has scored three already, I think Benteke has looked distinct,y unimpressive so far, and I might even go so far as to say a little uninterested.
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Has the midfield changed dynamic with the introduction of Bacuna?
Are they forcing it too much cos they are at home.
I'd say its a mixture of the two. This is very disappointing
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We need to do something....full house at Villa Park and you could her a mouse piss
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I think the players have been reading the press and believing we're a counter attacking team. No patience with the ball. Shocking.
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Lowton played well at Chelsea I thought in fairness.
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Really poor today , we are giving Liverpool too much space - need to make a change quick before they score again.
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"Good training game for the Reds" (French commentator on Canal+)
Because it's attack against defence - when defence get it they lump it back to the attacking team.
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Know what we are missing? That playmaker everyone mentions on the transfer thread. Foot on ball, slow down tempo, link attack to (laughingly named) defence.
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Need to get to half time with only a one goal deficit, not been good but liverpool have played really well.
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Liverpool also have the advantage of not having played midweek.
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Let's not beat about the bush, we've been utter shit so far.
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Bacuna off immediately.
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Poor touch Benteke
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Liverpool have all the time in the world on the ball at the halfway line.
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At least the second 45 won't be as bad. The laws of Physics wouldn't allow it.
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Has there been a corner yet? I don't think there has!
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Get Bacuna off now. He's no where near ready.
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Benteke has been poor too summed up with that moment there. I would say only Okore and Delph have looked comfortable.
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Bacuna is having a poor game.
We need to stick with them though, they deserve it after the last week.
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It looks as if we've played 30 games in a week not 3
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Benteke has been poor too summed up with that moment there. I would say only Okore and Delph have looked comfortable.
They all look a it unsettled. They are a Jekyl and Hyde team
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3 tough games in a week, 2 away, can understand changes but they are not settling well, most of us would have settled for 3 points from this opening, but it is , as commented, not the best.
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I'd like the commentators on Sky to be less patronising about Villa, even though we are crap today
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Lambert needs to make a change now, not wait until the hour mark. We are shit and we need someone to find some space in the midfield. Bacuna and Westwood's movement when we have the ball is shocking.
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Bacuna and Weimann for Tonev and Sylla at HT for me.
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The silence is deafening.
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Liverpool also have the advantage of not having played midweek.
Then again, if we were three up, we could point to their rustiness and lack of match fitness.
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Thats better. Keep the ball.
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no one can seem to control the ball
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Unlucky there Delph. At least he is moving and showing for it.
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It seems to me that we're missing KEA's calm on the ball.
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Delph booked already
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This is bullshit.
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VP is silent. Fuck sake what an anti-climax this game is.
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The whole thing is just very flat.
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Ah, the customary Delph booking. We're back on track.
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The strange thing is Lambert had the hold over Rodgers at Norwich.
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Bacuna and Weimann for Tonev and Sylla at HT for me.
Even before half time at this rate, before we let in another one.
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Well this is fucking shit. As bad as anything from last season. Awful.
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Better.
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I don't think Bacuna is the problem, TBH.
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I'm glad Liverpool have taken their foot off the gas.
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crap all half and then a shot ;)
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It seems to me that we're missing KEA's calm on the ball.
Harsh on bacuna but he needs to be replaced by kea or sylla - out of his depth
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Bacuna is simply over excited. Lambo needs to tell him to calm down. Flashes of skill shown when attacking, energetic when tracking back..
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Delph's been poor.
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Still in the game despite being poor....that was close.
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Bacuna has done more than Westwood.
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it won't be like this in the second half. The lads look so nervous. I'm expect a lot more fire and energy when Lambert simply reminds that we are a very good side and to just believe.
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Westword's corners a bit floaty.
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it won't be like this in the second half. The lads look so nervous. I'm expect a lot more fire and energy when Lambert simply reminds that we are a very good side and to just believe.
Yep.
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Cornalty.
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Weimann needs to do more for me. Gabby on the other side is back and getting involved, but Weimann seems to coast through at the moment.
Nothing silly from this corner.
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We've lacked probably since Merse someone in midfield with an idea....thats a long time
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Crap half. We need to learn to pass a football, and fast.
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Often played shit one half last season and well in the 2nd half - lets hope we can turn it around.
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This is bullshit.
It isn't. Spurs then Wigan at home last Christmas, that was pure shit. At least we have a team and a plan now. Just not a plan for playing a good team at home.
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We've lacked probably since Merse someone in midfield with an idea....thats a long time
Milner?
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Although they're in control, the stats show 4 shots each with one on target each. Just shows how misleading stats can be
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This is bullshit.
It isn't. Spurs then Wigan at home last Christmas, that was pure shit. At least we have a team and a plan now. Just not a plan for playing a good team at home.
No no that was mega bullshit.
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Think the last 10 minutes of the half we have worked hard and got ourselves a foothold. Couple of good attempts.
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well a bit flat wasnt we
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Do they even practise set pieces?!
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I fear we've met our old enemies again. Complacency and hubris. We think we're better than we are sometimes.
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We've finished the half better than we started it. Maybe a bit of expectation has been stifling for the lads. They're not used to it.
One thing is for certain, Liverpool are no mugs. Theyr'e not THAT good either and for all their possession, they haven't really threatened all that much. The second half will be different.
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let's not get too carried away. There's another half where we can improve. We got better as the half went on. It's a concern that we have started all three games slowly and encouraging we have ended all of them so well.
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Tonev or El Ahmadi for Bacuna please, the lad looks fucking awful.
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alan smith said they had a pen when it was a corner
he is right
their corners are like pens
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We're never quick out of the traps. Always start slowly and today is the slowest so far.
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We've lacked probably since Merse someone in midfield with an idea....thats a long time
Milner?
Are you serious!? An idea not an engine
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bit hard on El Ahmadi to be dropped . I didnt rate him last season but he had not done nothing wrong
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Looked to me as though we started 4-4-1-1, but switched back to 4-3-3 around the 40 minute mark after which we had our best spell of the half. Hopefully we stick with our usual formation in the second half and get back to doing what we do best.
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Think we look very tired and flat!
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I fear we've met our old enemies again. Complacency and hubris. We think we're better than we are sometimes.
To be honest Jimbo, I think we're the most outrageously cautious supporters in the world when it comes to blowing our proverbial trumpets. We have played very very well in the last couple of games. I reckon the difference today is the weight of expectation for a team who aren't used to it.
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Looked to me as though we started 4-4-1-1, but switched back to 4-3-3 around the 40 minute mark after which we had our best spell of the half. Hopefully we stick with our usual formation in the second half and get back to doing what we do best.
I hope so
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Looked to me as though we started 4-4-1-1, but switched back to 4-3-3 around the 40 minute mark after which we had our best spell of the half. Hopefully we stick with our usual formation in the second half and get back to doing what we do best.
I think that's a coincidence of when we have the ball - it's 4-4-1-1 (or 4-1-4-1) without the ball, 4-3-3 with. I'd rather see us have a link between midfield and attack and go proper 4-2-3-1.
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Tonev or El Ahmadi for Bacuna please, the lad looks fucking awful.
To be fair, he did improve a bit as the half went on. The whole team is playing poorly - as usual, it's the movement that's the problem. Whenever a Dippers player gets the ball, his teammates find space and give him an option. When a Villa player gets it, he's got nobody to aim for but the centre backs.
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Looked to me as though we started 4-4-1-1, but switched back to 4-3-3 around the 40 minute mark after which we had our best spell of the half. Hopefully we stick with our usual formation in the second half and get back to doing what we do best.
You know that might be spot on. I wondered why Gabby was so deep on the left, maybe we were a flat 4-4-1-1.
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We've certainly got away with it a bit there. If Liverpool hadn't been trying to emulate Mowbray's Baggies side and tried to create chances with their possession they easily could have had 3 there. They were far too half arsed. Let's hope half time sorts us out.
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I reckon they are all just nervous, 1st home game and all that.
No way are we out of it
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I think he was playing 4-4-2, with Weimann playing off Benteke, and Bacuna on the right, he then reverted back, and we look slightly better.
Still think we'll score as they look quite nervous.Need to give Coutinhio a bit of a kicking though.
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Vlaar marking Sturridge terrifies me, the number of times he's been left looking like a statue as Sturridge drifts off him.
Bacuna is a rabbit in the headlights.
I'd forgotten Westwood was playing until somebody on here mentioned him.
Lowton has been very sloppy.
Weimann is still riding on last season's reputation. He needs to be more threatening and desperately needs a goal.
Delph and Gabby can't be expected to do everything.
FFS, this is Liverpool, stop showing them so much respect and get into the fuckers. We're not a counter attacking team so stop trying to be one every fucking time we get the ball.
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only coutinho
I could kick a few of them
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Delph's been poor.
I think that's a bit harsh, he actually looks one of our better players at the moment.
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Very poor until the last 5. Delph and benteke carrying us.
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Looked to me as though we started 4-4-1-1, but switched back to 4-3-3 around the 40 minute mark after which we had our best spell of the half. Hopefully we stick with our usual formation in the second half and get back to doing what we do best.
I think that's a coincidence of when we have the ball - it's 4-4-1-1 (or 4-1-4-1) without the ball, 4-3-3 with. I'd rather see us have a link between midfield and attack and go proper 4-2-3-1.
For the majority of that half it seemed to me as though we were doing this, with Weimann on Gerrard/Lucas, Bacuna on the right and Gabby left, but then towards the end I thought Weimann was definitely wide when we were defending with Bacuna in the middle with Westy and Delph, and we were letting Gerrard and Lucas have the ball a bit deeper - could be coincidence though (or I could be completely wrong!).
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My god i hope we come back and beat them just to shove it in Jamie Redknapp's smug, patronising face.
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come on Villa
treat them like you treated Arse
get the fuck into them
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Too many backwards and side way passes for me....players pushing too high against the backline and just standing there, resulting in the long ball or no ball.
I'll bite Joey Bartons hand off for a draw now.
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Lowton and Westwood have been well below last seasons form , not many on form today in that half , needs a big improvement .
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Liverpool are playing a bit like Brenda Rogers Swansea team, lots of keepy ball unfortunately Liverpool have better options up front where Swansea rarely had an end product.
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come on Villa
treat them like you treated Arse
get the fuck into them
That quote would take some explaining to a non football crowd....
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On the bright side, I reckon Okore looks a good player.
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I reckon they are all just nervous, 1st home game and all that.
No way are we out of it
We need to sort out our VP problem. How long is it since we had a good home record? other teams know that they can come to VP, keep the fans quiet and come away with something. It needs to change.
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Looked to me as though we started 4-4-1-1, but switched back to 4-3-3 around the 40 minute mark after which we had our best spell of the half. Hopefully we stick with our usual formation in the second half and get back to doing what we do best.
I think that's a coincidence of when we have the ball - it's 4-4-1-1 (or 4-1-4-1) without the ball, 4-3-3 with. I'd rather see us have a link between midfield and attack and go proper 4-2-3-1.
For the majority of that half it seemed to me as though we were doing this, with Weimann on Gerrard/Lucas, Bacuna on the right and Gabby left, but then towards the end I thought Weimann was definitely wide when we were defending with Bacuna in the middle with Westy and Delph, and we were letting Gerrard and Lucas have the ball a bit deeper - could be coincidence though (or I could be completely wrong!).
You may well be right, but when we got the ball Weimann was still high up the pitch and not linking the play as you'd expect the '1' in the 4-4-1-1 to do. The 4-3-3 has improved things but we still have no link and look a bit short of options and movement when we get the ball in midfield.
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Very poor until the last 5. Delph and benteke carrying us.
I think Benteke has looked quite sloppy tonight so far
As for Bacuna, not looked great but he's young and learning. Not sure it was a wise decision sticking him on but looked alright last 5
Sick of the wankfest of the goal. It was good footwork but talk of it being goal of the season contender is absolute bollocks. If that's one of the best goals we're going to see this season I aint watching another game.
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First 30 min was woeful. Coutinho is totally owning Bacuna but he has no help from Weimann and precious little from Lowton.
Thats just one problem. Delph is the only one that gives us any kind of possion. Westwood is a ghost.
Luna and Okore having trouble with Sturridge who is putting pressure on that side.
At the goal he is taking Okore for a walkabout over to Vlaars area, leaving him there and embarrassingly easy moves the ball past Luna, skips it past Guzan and buries it though off balance.
Luna could have blocked the shot if he move in on the ball but instead fall back to the line and try be a makeshift keeper.
Last fifteen is better but its doesnt look like we at a full Villa Park. Need to improve alot in the 2nd.
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Delph's been poor.
I think that's a bit harsh, he actually looks one of our better players at the moment.
By his recent standards.
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I think Bakuna has done alright, to be honest. He's certainly got plenty of energy and some of his passing has been quite good. He's playing better than Westwood, anyway.
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Lets start playing like the home team please
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I wish Benteke would actually bust a gut to get in the bloody box
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Vlaar holding his hands out. No one to pass to.
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They haven't done much for a while now. They're inviting us.
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I just hate fucking cheats so much, ARRRRGHHHHHH!!
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Ref giving us nothing.
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Bentekes fallen over more this game than he did all last season
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Im going to say it but Lowton has looked awful
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I fear we've met our old enemies again. Complacency and hubris. We think we're better than we are sometimes.
To be honest Jimbo, I think we're the most outrageously cautious supporters in the world when it comes to blowing our proverbial trumpets. We have played very very well in the last couple of games. I reckon the difference today is the weight of expectation for a team who aren't used to it.
I saw it a few times last season with this team, when things were going well in a game, they lost concentration, thought they were better than they were, and paid the price.
As fans we're generally cautious, but going into this match many of us thought we'd dick Liverpool.
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Passing poor, hurried, frantic and over-eager.
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Agger shat his pants
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Oh Westwood is playing.
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Quietest I've heard the crowd
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Oh Westwood is playing.
Yeah. Badly.
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I think we have just been outplayed and out thought by a better team.
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If any of us weren't grounded, this will have done a good job.
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Why did Bacuna take that free kick in such a great position??!! Surely we have a trained specialist. Young used to wang those in to the net.
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Serious question. Has Bacuna got a Timon and Pumbaa-themed song yet?
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Piss fucking poor there.
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I think we have just been outplayed and out thought by a better team.
Outplayed, but out-thought is something we can try and help, and it very much looks like one plan at the moment - unusual for Lambert.
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Helenius will come on for Bacuna on 63.
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I think we have just been outplayed and out thought by a better team.
Exactly this, I think. Just look at the quality if their movement off the ball and passing compared to ours. I hoped we'd play a high energy game to put them off their stride, but we haven't managed to do that and, to be frank, we don't have very much else to our game in my opinion.
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Weimann is offering nothing at all to this side at the moment. Helenius and Tonev on soon for me now.
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I fear we've met our old enemies again. Complacency and hubris. We think we're better than we are sometimes.
To be honest Jimbo, I think we're the most outrageously cautious supporters in the world when it comes to blowing our proverbial trumpets. We have played very very well in the last couple of games. I reckon the difference today is the weight of expectation for a team who aren't used to it.
I saw it a few times last season with this team, when things were going well in a game, they lost concentration, thought they were better than they were, and paid the price.
As fans we're generally cautious, but going into this match many of us thought we'd dick Liverpool.
Fair enough, I don't see that in the team and the fans I know have all said, lets get a draw. Have read some less cautiously optimistic stuff though. Fan wise, I think a lot of it is to do with the nightmare of McLeash and the hideousness of a relegation battle lifting and that prompting the bravado.
We have been better this half.
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Westwood should never have shot there.
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Fans getting into it now, come on!!
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Weimann is offering nothing at all to this side at the moment. Helenius and Tonev on soon for me now.
Going forward I think I'd agree. He does a lot of tracking back though.
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Bacuna is tying the forward pass....to Liverpool
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Helenius will come on for Bacuna on 63.
Meg .... Meg ... Is that you?
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Oh and Okore is a fucking good player.
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I'd get tonev and sylla on for weimann and bacuna now.
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We've been better the last half hour and them the first.
Even game now.
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At least we stopped being polite and watch while Liverpool tosses it around....
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Okore looks a very very good prospect.
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Another booking. We have tallied up a shed load in the first week!
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Fuck off Johnson. I really can't get on with that bloke.
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We might as well go for this, they're not too brilliant in defence. I'd switch to 4-2-3-1 and send Helenius on.
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Westwood has been learning to take corners with Bannan
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Come on changes Lambert
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KEA coming on. Ball retention the name of the game then.
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We might as well go for this, they're not too brilliant in defence. I'd switch to 4-2-3-1 and send Helenius on.
Take Benteke off?
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KEA to come on. I'd like to see Sylla.
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KEA coming on. Ball retention the name of the game then.
And energy hopefully.
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No I would stick Helenius off Benteke, Gabby and Tonev wide and get Bacuna and Weimann off
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3-4-3?
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Bacuna to RB.
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KEA for Lowton. Bacuna to RB.
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Now that's a bit odd.
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No I would stick Helenius off Benteke, Gabby and Tonev wide and get Bacuna and Weimann off
Fair enough.
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We might as well go for this, they're not too brilliant in defence. I'd switch to 4-2-3-1 and send Helenius on.
Take Benteke off?
I was thinking Weimann off, Bacuna off, Tonev and Gabby wide, Helenius 'in the hole' behind Benteke.
But obviously the better option is Lowton off, El Ahmadi on.....
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I think a few of us thought we were better than what we really are.
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The crosses we've had have been awful.
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We might as well go for this, they're not too brilliant in defence. I'd switch to 4-2-3-1 and send Helenius on.
Take Benteke off?
In preseason Helenius often played behind as a second striker. Not seen him with Benteke though.
Lowton has looked a little poor today, Bacuna to rightback, fair enough.
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Interesting Bacuna going to right back
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I think at home we might need this Kyotake kid
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luna should have shot
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Kea as to hit that first time there , no time for a touch beforehand.
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luna should have shot
Agreed.
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Clever by Luna but got to take the shot first time.
Much better though since about 40 minutes.
Weimann still bugging me!
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Bacuna at RB was revealed in pre season. No other cover for Lowton only Herd.
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Frustrating to buy a couple of players who have the potential to open up a defence in Helenius and Tonev, and then not use them.
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I think a few of us thought we were better than what we really are.
Yes, we're more like a team you'd imagine should finish 11th than 7th.
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I'd take a draw now i'm disappointed to say.
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Interesting Bacuna going to right back
Risky is the word I would pick :)
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I think a few of us thought we were better than what we really are.
;D
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Frustrating to buy a couple of players who have the potential to open up a defence in Helenius and Tonev, and then not use them.
[/quote
Match not over yet.
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Liverpool's tackling has been good.
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Bacunas passing makes Cuellar look like Pirlo
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We've certainly improved this half.
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I really like Okore and Luna of the signings this summer.
Close from Benteke. Playing badly we have still created some decent attempts at goal.
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Got to get Helenius and Tonev on now surely. Give them 20 to have a go.
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Come on Tonev!!
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Bacunas passing makes Cuellar look like Pirlo
He is making his debut. Give him time. Carlos was never a RB. Tonev for Weiman.
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Still shit. This is really bad. We're still crap.
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Got to get Helenius and Tonev on now surely. Give them 20 to have a go.
Have to agree. It doesn't look too likely that the current set-up will create chances and score.
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Tonev on. Good lets see what he can do.
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Finally Weimann out for Tonev
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I'd like to see Helenius on.
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Someone tell Bacuna we play in claret & blue
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How many times has Delph been kicked today?
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Delph has been fantastic again today.
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C'mon Tonev
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Another miss....we have had chances.
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Needs to be on target that Gabby.
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I would have been pleased with three draws against Arse, Chavs and the Dippers.
So three points on the board tonight is fine by me.
*measures level of liquid in receptacle*
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Totally mis hit Gabby. Close.
Come on Villa. A draw is there.
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best move of match
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Dreadful miss from Gabby.
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AHHHHHH Gabby boy
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I would have been pleased with three draws against Arse, Chavs and the Dippers.
So three points on the board tonight is fine by me.
*measures level of liquid in receptacle*
That made me chuckle.
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Bad touch again. Our control and passing has been dreadful.
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He's a cool customer, is Okore. I think he's ace already.
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Got to get crosses in sooner
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Since 30 minutes I think Liverpool have been pretty crap.
Which frustrates me more.
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Okore looks the part, don't he?
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Despite playign badly we deserve a point at least...
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COME ON GUYS.....Liverpool look crap, theres a point here for us if we want it
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Helenius on for Westwood please. 4-2-4.
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Since 30 minutes I think Liverpool have been pretty crap.
Which frustrates me more.
I'm not so sure. It pains me a bit to admit it, but I suspect they may well have decided to keep the goal lead, take it easy and be fairly secure in the knowledge that we won't be able to break them down.
But maybe I'm giving them too much chit and us a disservice, there.
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Luna has a decent cross on him
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I think we have done really well second half here. They could have gone on and done what they did to Newcastle last season but we have dusted ourselves off and really competed second half.
Just need an extra bit of invention.
Did I mention of my love for Luna?
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Why can't we keep it on the ground in those positions?
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Much better 2nd half - overall 3 points from these fixtures with an even goal diff is not a bad return
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Since 30 minutes I think Liverpool have been pretty crap.
Which frustrates me more.
I'm not so sure. It pains me a bit to admit it, but I suspect they may well have decided to keep the goal lead, take it easy and be fairly secure in the knowledge that we won't be able to break them down.
But maybe I'm giving them too much chit and us a disservice, there.
If they were so good they'd have pushed for a second.
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Going for it, what's the formation now?
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He is making the right subs in my opinion
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Helenius on for Westwood please. 4-2-4.
8)
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Westwood for Helenius. Good move. Rather lose 2 and die trying than surrender meekly.
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Helenius on for Westwood please. 4-2-4.
Your wish...
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Helenius. Gotta hand it to Lambert, he goes for it.
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We will score now! We not Stoke....
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Okores looks good for me
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Since 30 minutes I think Liverpool have been pretty crap.
Which frustrates me more.
I'm not so sure. It pains me a bit to admit it, but I suspect they may well have decided to keep the goal lead, take it easy and be fairly secure in the knowledge that we won't be able to break them down.
But maybe I'm giving them too much chit and us a disservice, there.
If they were so good they'd have pushed for a second.
But then they'd have been open to the break, which is playing to our strength.
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Since 30 minutes I think Liverpool have been pretty crap.
Which frustrates me more.
I'm not so sure. It pains me a bit to admit it, but I suspect they may well have decided to keep the goal lead, take it easy and be fairly secure in the knowledge that we won't be able to break them down.
But maybe I'm giving them too much chit and us a disservice, there.
If they were so good they'd have pushed for a second.
But then they'd have been open to the break, which is playing to our strength.
Hmmmmmm
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Okore is the fucking dogs.
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We've been the much better side this half. There isn't much between these two sides actually. 6th and 7th I reckon.
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Another debut goal?
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Great stop that
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Bloody hell Benteke.
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Cracking save.
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Rodgers has made a hell of a signing there.
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thought that was the one
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Big chance there
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Oh no. Mignolet to be tossed off by Lawro on Football Focus for a 3rd time running after that save.
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We've not played well, but have had more than enough chances for the equaliser. Funny old game.
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Should have smashed it across goal Tekkers...... says Captain Hindsight.
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He couldnt save 6 fro us last season though
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I still think he is wobbly on the high ball Mingolet.
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We've been the much better side this half. There isn't much between these two sides actually. 6th and 7th I reckon.
Not until we start picking up points in games like this.
We keep lamenting taking no points from games we play well in, we won't be finishing top seven.
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WASTE!
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What a fucking waste.
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I still think he is wobbly on the high ball Mingolet.
I think so too. Surprised we haven't gone more direct, Benteke has the beating of pretty much anyone in the air.
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Stupid Tonev. That free kick should have been stood up in the area for our big men.
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Total waste. Tonev seems to want to prove he can belt a ball hard.
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We've been the much better side this half. There isn't much between these two sides actually. 6th and 7th I reckon.
Not until we start picking up points in games like this.
Know what you mean, but we will pick points up.
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Sheesh. You, er, you have to admire his confidence, eh?
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Smith is blind, Guzan got 2 hands on it to knock it away!
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We've been the much better side this half. There isn't much between these two sides actually. 6th and 7th I reckon.
Not until we start picking up points in games like this.
Know what you mean, but we will pick points up.
Edited my original to explain.
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We're lacking real quality in between midfield and attack. We need something extra.
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Much as I hate him, Gerrard has been excellent today.
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Bacuna man of match on tannoy ? How do they make that out?
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Sky commentator needs to take his Liverpool shirt off
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Not the best start to the season at home is it really...
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Shame because today was a great opportunity to round off what would have been a brilliant first week. If anything it will show Lambert that when at home we need players that can press and unlock a defence. This isn't a new problem. It's been this way for a good number of years.
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Finally got Tonev isolated out wide.
Definitely need a creative player though.
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Liverpool are nothing. We should have at least a draw.
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never off side
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Dry as old bones.
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Liverpool are nothing. We should have at least a draw.
Agreed which is why top eight is beyond us. Should have made sure we got a point today with those chances.
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just like last season at home no cutting edge , not enough quality
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Sky commentator needs to take his Liverpool shirt off
He's a Villa fan
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Guzan getting two hands on the ball there seemingly making up for the refs decisions against Chelsea.
I WANT TO FUCKING NUT SMITH
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Just home. We played well but the tired stressed legs told in the first half. We will play much much worse at villa park this season and win. Baby steps ktf