Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Toronto Villa on February 15, 2015, 02:27:56 PM
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Well, the second half was a lot better and if he had a word then it had an effect. We moved a lot better and created some chances. A million miles to go off course, but nice to be in the FA Cup QF. Worried about Benteke, but there were some glimpses of a recovery there. A little unlucky with his offside goal in the first half. Still onwards and upwards as they say.
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We won were through.
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I thought we were excellent.
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Life after lambert, nice to win at first attempt, we'd have lost that under him. Much better second half, passion and bit of quality at times. Pity we can't see a game out without usual late goal but still a good start. Mr Sherwood, work your magic.
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We went again.
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Second half was the Tim effect after his half time talk
Loved Sherwoods reaction with the goals, some real passion
Onwards and upwards. Beat the boggies in the 6th round to get to Wembley
Feeling a bit of hope now
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A Lambert first half a Sherwood second half
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Tim Sherwood's celebrations for each goal was great - he genuinely looked over the moon! That was nice to see...
Second half was really enjoyable, I thought.
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Well done Tim, the difference after his team talk was marked.
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Our name is on the cup.
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Anything he said was the obvious things that had been missed by the previous incumbent and the coaching staff and was so obvious that even Pearce and Savage were stating it. Don't fanny about on the ball in the defensive and midfield thirds. Be direct and have midfield runners. Look forward sometimes.
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Small shots of recovery UTV
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A truly awful match in the first half, we were much better in the second, and - lo and behold - we start finally getting midfielders into the box occasionally, and find football is a lot easier that way.
Big up Shay Given, too, that first half save was absolutely world class.
I also thought Cleverley did well in the second half.
The way I see it, Hull and Leicester are as bad as, if not worse than, us. We shouldn't be anywhere near poking about the arse end of the table with teams like those, and we certainly shouldn't be losing to them.
Hopefully the confidence from that win will carry on to the league. It can only help.
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Sherwood's words at HT must have made a difference which bodes well.
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Was it the 'Sherwood Effect' half time talk that changed it around?
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Very good second half. Benteke should have at least got on the score sheet today.
Refreshing to see Villa play a bit of football after all these months.
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That second half was so much better than anything we have seen for ages. More passion, tracking back and most importantly moving the ball forward quicker.
Theres a real lack of quality going forward but hopefully that will improve.
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No post match interview?
The impact of our new manager was immediate, positive and successful.
So far so good.
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Also, how magnificent to see Peter McParland in that piece at half time.
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Hope to McGrath thats the last we've seen of Lambert's backwards/sideways crap. More clinical, more desire, more urgency - only blot was letting late goal in. Thought - other than that - Shay was superb. Be interesting to see if he keeps his place now.
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Just goes to show what you can do with a half time team talk that involves passion and you attack with intent. I would venture we would have lost that game with lambert still in charge. A lot to work on but that must do wonders for the confidence levels.
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A Lambert first half a Sherwood second half
Perfectly put.
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Let's hope so UTV
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Jingle bells jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the Villa win
Anytime. Ever.
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You forget how seeing Villa scoring goals makes you feel so pumped-up, especially in droughts. Sinclairs squirmer digested my lunch.
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We went again.
;D 8)
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Awful first half, much better in the second half. A fine goal keeping display and a cracking goal from Bacuna. Sinclair's goal should also help his confiderence. We did the typical Villa thing of struggling to see out the game but think we did just about enough to deserve the win. I too didn't think much to Benteke today. It wasn't just the lack of service or movement around him he wasn't doing enough to make things happen either. But job done and a win which should give the place a bit of a lift.
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After the new boss had been in the dressing room at half time we came out in the second half with a much more positive attitude.
Midfielders were making runs into the box, higher tempo and we actually made more forward passes rather than sideways. Hopefully the players will gain a lot more confidence going into the league games.
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I thought there were three or more candidates for man of the match, and that in itself is an improvement. Whatever was said, do it thirteen more times, please.
Also, Peter McParland was brilliant - "the trainer said, 'the way to shut them up is to score a goal'. So I scored two."
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I thought we were excellent.
Haha. Cannot fault the lads.
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Was it the 'Sherwood Effect' half time talk that changed it around?
Unless the players themselves decided to start playing completely differently to the shite they have served up the last couple of months, yes.
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You could see a change immediately after half time. Most importantly, better positioning. And we actually attempted getting the ball in the box. Still need to sure up that defence, though
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Vlaar looked fairly solid and, lasted ninety minutes.
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Vlaar looked fairly solid and, lasted ninety minutes.
His partneship with Okore is key to us staying up I think.
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It's amazing that we had two midfielders score today. Because we've been saying all along how we need more than just our forwards to be involved in that part of our game. It isn't anything earth shattering as a strategy, but having your midfielders flooding forward to help the strikers will only increase our chances of scoring goals.
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Vlaar looked fairly solid and, lasted ninety minutes.
His partneship with Okore is key to us staying up I think.
Harsh on Clark.
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We're still woefully short on quality with the final ball (think the overhit throughballs in the first half and the bad touches/decision-making on the counter) but the big thing is that we actually got into those positions today; and hopefully that can continue.
Honestly, I don't see how we can't play like that in our remaining home games, given that all of the top clubs have already made their trips to VP
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Att: 28,098
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Given said just that sherwood just told them to express themselves more and play to Bentekes strengths. It's simple isnt it.
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Clark was superb I thought. That tackle he put in raised the whole crowd. Delph had some shocking moments today. Overall, improved, glad to be through, glad to have scored two.
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Vlaar looked fairly solid and, lasted ninety minutes.
His partneship with Okore is key to us staying up I think.
Harsh on Clark.
Agreed. But it is one area where we are least troubled. Sherwood has to decide what his best pairing is, and stick with it.
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Given said just that sherwood just told them to express themselves more and play to Bentekes strengths. It's simple isnt it.
Benteke had 10 shots today and 5 on goal. It will come, but your right, it's not rocket science. You honestly have to wonder what Lambert said to them before and at HT that made us so timid? A scared man infecting the entire club. Sherwood, if nothing else will bring confidence and energy which is what we need immediately.
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Honestly, Sherwood has two tasks right now. One, get confidence into the players, especially Benteke. Two, make sure they try the simple pass before the riskier one. You could see as soon as a player looked up, they saw a less difficult option instead of trying to get a thirty yard pass onto the head of a pin.
One other sign of positivity in that second half was Benteke smiling at times. I'd forgotten he had teeth.
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Clark's tackle!!! Amazing.
That may sound wrong to some. haha.
As a Leicester born Villa fan, it's always sweet to beat those bastards. My dad went today and despite being a Leicester fan, he loves Villa too due to me, sat in the Holte End, took my mum(a Swansea fan, but also loves Villa) and enjoyed the match. I just got off the phone to him and he said Villa played much better second half, more energy. He actually believes Sherwood will inject some passion into the players and do a good job.
I was a bit annoyed about his appointment, but as my dad said, there's nothing we can do but get behind him now and roar the lads on. And so I will.
Up the Villa.
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Winning - it's good isn't it?
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Vlaar looked fairly solid and, lasted ninety minutes.
His partneship with Okore is key to us staying up I think.
Harsh on Clark.
It is, but Vlaar's best is better than Clark's.
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Scored two and had a further two ruled out for offside, so so encouraging
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Yeah - while it wasn't always great there is potential there. When we get a bit more belief then the decision making will improve (some awful ones today which could have seen us sew the game up well before the end)
I have more belief after today.
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Pleased with the second half performance. Whilst we still lack quality we had a purpose about us that was refreshing to see.
Given's save was fantastic and Bacuna's goal was excellent. Small shoots of growth. Let's hope we can take it forward into the league.
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Vlaar looked fairly solid and, lasted ninety minutes.
His partneship with Okore is key to us staying up I think.
Harsh on Clark.
Agreed. But it is one area where we are least troubled. Sherwood has to decide what his best pairing is, and stick with it.
To be fair I do quite like Clark too, but I just feel that Vlaar/Okore are a more natural pairing.
Am a little unconvinced about how much of an impact Sherwood's words made at the break. Its just one of those things which sounds good to report. Am sure they didn't hurt, but really it only needed changing one or two things and things couldn't get much worse anyway. The real test starts next week.
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First half was just a continuation of the whole Lambert reign really.
We need to take the second half where we at least created chances and try our best to string that over 90 minutes as best as possible. If we do we've got a chance of winning games.
Benteke's confidence looks totally shot though so Sherwood's got work to do in that area.
Apart from a 10 minute spell in the first half the defence looked solid once again.
Home draw against Reading, Blackburn or Bradford/Sunderland tomorrow please!
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Nice to see a greatly improved second half performance, we could have had 4.
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Second half looked like proper football, no more of that turgid first half Lambert inspired crap hopefully. Savage is such a prat. He was banging on about Leicester needing to swop a central defender for a forward when it was 0-0 and to go for it. He then blamed Bacuna's goal on the fact they had taken the central defender off.
Second half we made playing football look simple which it should be.
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Delighted with the win. Could be a great season yet.
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Agree with everyone else really: dire first half, Leicester on top. Second half, massive improvement: pace, positivity, threat, creativity. I still think we have one or two players who contribute very little but overall much much better. Given rolled back the years with a truly brilliant save.
Kramaric looked good for them, terrific header.
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Sherwood definatly influenced the second half so good early signs. Nice to see him showing a bit of passion as well.
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A curious game, for the most part awful, but at least there was a discernible improvement in the second half.
And I think that us staying in the FA Cup right now could be - and indeed should be - a huge boost "going forward".
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Good result ,into the next round thats all that matters. Been following the villa since the early 60s and every single time we have reached the 6th round (6 i think) we have been drawn away. Fingers crossed for a home draw tomorrow night.
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If Lambert had of been still in charge, we would have lost that.
Whatever was said at half time worked
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I'm not going to get too exited, because it doesn't take a tactical genius to figure out that getting midfielders forward and playing to the strengths of your best player are likely to get you results. But Sherwood recognised in 45 minutes what Lambert never really did in 3 years.
The second half we looked more dangerous, effective and passionate than we have in ages.
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To be fair to the Gobster he did say that football was simple. A bit like himself.
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Good result ,into the next round thats all that matters. Been following the villa since the early 60s and every single time we have reached the 6th round (6 i think) we have been drawn away. Fingers crossed for a home draw tomorrow night.
Eight times since 1960. That's 255/1.
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Vlaar looked fairly solid and, lasted ninety minutes.
His partneship with Okore is key to us staying up I think.
Harsh on Clark.
It is, but Vlaar's best is better than Clark's.
Probably. But the difference between Clark's and Okore's best is less obvious. If Sherwood is one of the many coaches who ideally like having one left-footed centre-half and one right, Clark will be in.
I can't recall much of a partnership between Okore and Vlaar up to now.
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Much improved second half more direct more positive! Good to see a spark! Using Benteke to our advantage rather than disadvantage! A lot less sideways passing!
Bacuna deserves more of a chance than he's had! Cissoko thought was poor never tight to his man! We deserved the win!!
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Second half looked like proper football, no more of that turgid first half Lambert inspired crap hopefully. Savage is such a prat. He was banging on about Leicester needing to swop a central defender for a forward when it was 0-0 and to go for it. He then blamed Bacuna's goal on the fact they had taken the central defender off.
Yes, I noticed that as well. What a fucking idiot Savage is.
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Decent performance and (are we going for 'Timbo' or 'Shezza'?) will have seen some stuff that pleased him and some stuff that didn't. I think I was as interested in a morale boosting win, especially as it was the new manager's first game, as I was a place in the quarters.
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I thought I was watching a different game at one point in the second half, when the ball broke to us in front of the Trinity.
Suddenly Benteke, Weimann and a midfielder broke towards the box without holding hands, whime Hutton offered an overlap.
Astounding.
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Decent performance and (are we going for 'Timbo' or 'Shezza'?) will have seen some stuff that pleased him and some stuff that didn't. I think I was as interested in a morale boosting win, especially as it was the new manager's first game, as I was a place in the quarters.
TS
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Second half looked like proper football, no more of that turgid first half Lambert inspired crap hopefully. Savage is such a prat. He was banging on about Leicester needing to swop a central defender for a forward when it was 0-0 and to go for it. He then blamed Bacuna's goal on the fact they had taken the central defender off.
Yes, I noticed that as well. What a fucking idiot Savage is.
I try not to be prejudiced against him and I try not to react, but he really is a twat.
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Sherwood Out!
We are not used to this poor quality, He needs to make us excellent ! :-)
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Better 2nd half but still frustrating that we seem unable to get quality balls into the box..listening to Leicester fans on the train back and they seem convinced their going down.
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Decent performance and (are we going for 'Timbo' or 'Shezza'?) will have seen some stuff that pleased him and some stuff that didn't. I think I was as interested in a morale boosting win, especially as it was the new manager's first game, as I was a place in the quarters.
TS
As in 'chick with a dick' or fully post op?
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Better 2nd half but still frustrating that we seem unable to get quality balls into the box..listening to Leicester fans on the train back and they seem convinced their going down.
With good reason. They're shit.
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Bring on Bradford.
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Given jokingly afterwards when asked if there was a noticeable difference, "yeah we scored 2 goals!"
The effort was clearly upped, tackles were got to that little bit faster, the second ball was competed not just conceded and we looked like a team that wanted it a bit more. Long may that continue.
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Just a thought-we don't know if Sherwood said anything at half-time. He did seemingly go into the dressing room at half time, but we don't know if he spoke at all.
Anyways, good feeling to win at home and lets see if we can beat anyone higher placed than Leicester.
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Just a thought-we don't know if Sherwood said anything at half-time. He did seemingly go into the dressing room at half time, but we don't know if he spoke at all.
Anyways, good feeling to win at home and lets see if we can beat anyone higher placed than Leicester.
Shay Given said after the match that he told the players to express themselves and to pay to Benteke's strengths
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Much improved second half more direct more positive! Good to see a spark! Using Benteke to our advantage rather than disadvantage! A lot less sideways passing!
Bacuna deserves more of a chance than he's had! Cissoko thought was poor never tight to his man! We deserved the win!!
!!!!!!!!
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Any news on the new Backroom staff?
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Back home already thanks to Mr Sox. First 10-15 mins were good, then half an hour of tripe and a great save from Given. Second half was much better, fully deserved the win even if we did have to make it a nervy last few mins. Cleverley deserves some credit, did well today. Pretty good atmosphere from us considering the KO time, Leicester fans did a good impression of Bournemouth they were so quiet.
More than once in the second half we had a midfielder in the box. What is this sorcery?
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Great to win. Name on the cup? Avoid Arsenal or Man Utd away in QF and maybe.
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Should this thread be renamed 'Marshall Twins' Epic Interview Failure'?
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Back home already thanks to Mr Sox. First 10-15 mins were good, then half an hour of tripe and a great save from Given. Second half was much better, fully deserved the win even if we did have to make it a nervy last few mins. Cleverley deserves some credit, did well today. Pretty good atmosphere from us considering the KO time, Leicester fans did a good impression of Bournemouth they were so quiet.
More than once in the second half we had a midfielder in the box. What is this sorcery?
That was a great second half performance from TC. He moved it much quicker and looked up for it. He tracked back and dug in. If he played more like that he's worth having.
We showed more urgency in getting it forward which is all we can ask for after what we have seen this season. A bit more accurate passing from the midfield going forward and we'll start scoring again.
That was so much better and I actually enjoyed that second half. I even felt confident we'd score too.
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Well we got a victory. To be honest if I had known Carles Gil was out before I left home I may have thought twice about going. Obviously a dreadful first half and a not too clever second half until Bacuna scored. Does anyone else think Delph has been very poor since his England call up. Cleverley was quite good in the second half,maybe Sherwood can do something with him.
Ron Vlaar and Clark played very well against a poor Leicester attack and Shay's save was brilliant.
Lets hope we get a good draw and Carles is back in next week.
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Sherwood's impact at HT might be overstated, I don't know.
But what I do know is we looked fired up and had more purpose second half.
In contrast to the majority of Lambert games, not just the recent bad run.
In recent seasons, whenever we've required positive start to the second half, the players usually come out and play like they've been pumped with tranquilisers at half time.
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Football is a simple game. Lambert complicated it so much that the players became confused. Sherwood only had to say 'relax, express yourselves, pass & move.'
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What is also reassuring is that he had his head in hands or shook head in disbelief at the right moments. He's going to organise this shambles, I'm sure of that.
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More goals and more possession? But, but, that's impossible, no?
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Back home already thanks to Mr Sox. First 10-15 mins were good, then half an hour of tripe and a great save from Given. Second half was much better, fully deserved the win even if we did have to make it a nervy last few mins. Cleverley deserves some credit, did well today. Pretty good atmosphere from us considering the KO time, Leicester fans did a good impression of Bournemouth they were so quiet.
More than once in the second half we had a midfielder in the box. What is this sorcery?
PWS - The man behind the welcome reintroduction of the word 'Tripe' into the English language as part of a modern day critique.
PWS: And the man who fixes quotes!
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This new fangled tactic we came up with of getting midfielders into the box is going to take a bit of getting used to.
Who's next? Hopefully another home tie, we haven't had a home QF since 1960 but I don't think we can blame Lambert for that record.
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What was wrong with Gil? Good win at last.
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^^^^ Groin strain.
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Groin strain so they said in commentary.
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OS
Scott Marshall revealed that new boss Tim Sherwood had input in the dressing room at half-time as Villa ran out 2-1 winners over Leicester.
Goals from Leandro Bacuna and Scott Sinclair ensured progress through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Marshall hailed the players for the "good achievement" of making it into the last eight of the competition against a very resilient Foxes side.
With Villa and Leicester goalless at the break, new boss Sherwood had his say at the break, handing out "good information" to the players who then went on to beat Nigel Pearson's men.
He said: "Getting into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup is a good achievement.
"It was good for the boys to get a win.
"Tim came in and made a couple of points for the lads - a couple of bits and pieces for everyone really.
"I thought the lads delivered that in the second half and were very good.
"He was there and gave some good information to the group. There's a football knowledge there that comes with experience, a lifetime in the game.
"I put across my points for the game and what I thought and what I saw. Then Tim had some input after that.
"It was a few details around the game. It was 'maybe you could try this and maybe you could try that.'
"There was a lot of individual detail there. It was not one sweeping statement.
"The group have been very professional. They have delivered on the pitch and shown a great togetherness and they know they have to take that forward in the league campaign. It starts again next week.
"I think they showed a good spirit. The result was there at the end of it."
Marshall described the last few days as "intense" as the first team coach led the team into action following the departure of Paul Lambert.
He added: "The last three days have been pretty intense.
"I'd like to say I enjoyed the match - I will probably enjoy it later on.
"But certainly it's a good feeling to come out the other end and there was a result there and the boys played very well.
"The focal point has been the game and preparing the group for the game. We've been doing that.
"Andy Marshall has contributed a lot as well as Gordon Cowans and Stuart Taylor from the development squad. It's been a proper pull together from everyone around the group."
Marshall also revealed that Gabby Agbonlahor and Carles Gil missed the game with tight hamstring and tight groin issues respectively.
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Back home already thanks to Mr Sox. First 10-15 mins were good, then half an hour of tripe and a great save from Given. Second half was much better, fully deserved the win even if we did have to make it a nervy last few mins. Cleverley deserves some credit, did well today. Pretty good atmosphere from us considering the KO time, Leicester fans did a good impression of Bournemouth they were so quiet.
More than once in the second half we had a midfielder in the box. What is this sorcery?
PWS - The man behind the welcome reintroduction of the word 'Tripe' into the English language as part of a modern day critique.
PWS: And the man who fixes quotes!
PWS - The man who does a lot of work behind the scenes fixing quotes but doesn't like to take any credit or talk about it much.
Probably does a lot of unsung work for charidee too.
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Good lord, Marshall has even less to say than Lambert did
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Villa ended an eventful week by forgetting their Barclays Premier League worries to storm into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
With new manager Tim Sherwood watching from the stand, Leandro Bacuna broke the deadlock against fellow strugglers Leicester City with a magnificent angled drive in the 68th minute.
Substitute Scott Sinclair increased the lead on 89 minutes with a shot which keeper Mark Schwarzer initially saved but then scooped into his own net - one for the Dubious Goals panel, perhaps?
But the boys in claret and blue won't be worried about that now they are just one step from a Wembley semi-final, despite a 90th-minute Andrej Kramaric header which provided a small consolation for 6,000 travelling Foxes fans.
The home side were well worth their passage to the last eight, dominating for lengthy spells and also having two other efforts disallowed.
Free from the pressure of battling for Barclays Premier League points, both sides displayed plenty of adventure from the start, although clear-cut openings were thin on the ground in the opening 20 minutes.
Alan Hutton's low cross from the right set up Andi Weimann for a right-foot effort which was well over in the sixth minute, while the visitors went close when centre-back Marcin Wasilewski ventured forward to meet a left-wing corner with a glancing header which went just past the far post.
As Villa began to increase the tempo, Christian Benteke worked his way into a shooting position just outside the penalty area, only to mar his excellent approach work by scuffing his left-foot shot.
Even so, Matthew Upson took no chances as he slid in to divert the ball for a corner.
Ashley Westwood's flag kick from the left found Ciaran Clark at the far post, although the central defender was unable to get any power behind his header, allowing Schwarzer to clutch the ball just under the bar.
Then it was Leicester's turn to enjoy a spell of possession, skipper Wes Morgan heading over before a Matty James pile-driver was brilliantly tipped away by the diving Shay Given as it headed towards the top corner.
A minute before half-time, Benteke thought he had fired Villa ahead when he drilled a low right-footer into the bottom corner, but his delight was stifled when Weimann was flagged offside following Bacuna's forward pass.
Villa resumed in positive fashion, Delph sending a header just too high from Bacuna's 47th-minute centre before another Bacuna delivery deflected for a corner.
In the 51st minute, Hutton's looping header picked out Benteke on the six yard box but a glorious chance went begging when the Belgian striker's effort cannoned off Schwarzer's legs.
Delph was the next home player to try his luck, being presented with a shooting opportunity when Bacuna rolled a short free-kick to him on the right-hand edge of the penalty area.
Unfortunately he wasn't able to make a clean connection and his shot drifted harmlessly beyond the far post.
Benteke did much better on the hour mark, his header from Hutton's cross just clearing Schwarzer's right-hand upright - and eight minutes later Villa's dominance was rewarded.
Bacuna collected a short pass from skipper Ron Vlaar on the left and cut into the area before unleashing a superb angled right-foot drive which left Schwarzer helpless as it flew into the far corner.
In the 71st minute Weimann had the ball in the net again, following a fine build-up involving Delph and Benteke, but was ruled offside.
Benteke then raced through the middle to shoot over, although Villa then had a couple of anxious moments as the Foxes were forced to push forward.
Vlaar made a crucial block, while Given dived bravely to tip the ball away from Kramaric's feet.
Villa were close again when Benteke's low shot being held by Schwarzer following a flowing move involving but in the 89th minute it was 2-0.
Sinclair did well to win possession before hitting a low shot which Schwarzer initially saved before contriving to scoop the ball over the line.
A minute later Kramaric met Jeff Schlupp's left-wing cross to plant a header inside Given's near post, but Villa were good value for their victory.
VILLA: Given; Hutton, Vlaar, Clark, Cissokho; Westwood, Delph; Bacuna (Sinclair 76), Cleverley, Weimann (Grealish 82); Benteke. Unused subs: Guzan, Okore, Cole, Sanchez, Lowton.
LEICESTER: Schwarzer; Simpson, Wasilewski (Ulloa 62), Morgan, Upson, Konchesky; Mahrez, James, Cambiasso, Schlupp; Kramaric. Unused subs: Hamer, Hammond, Vardy, King, Albrighton, Moore.
(http://www.avfc.co.uk/javaImages/c5/f2/0,,10265~13497029,00.jpg)
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Haven't felt this good, since that second half against SUnderland, what seems like years ago now.
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Decent 2nd half.Lets hope Given has a run in the first team.Guzan must be the unhappiest man in VP at the moment
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Haven't felt this good, since that second half against SUnderland, what seems like years ago now.
It was ;D
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This new fangled tactic we came up with of getting midfielders into the box is going to take a bit of getting used to.
Who's next? Hopefully another home tie, we haven't had a home QF since 1960 but I don't think we can blame Lambert for that record.
Well if it confuses us, hopefully it will confuse those who've already scouted us for upcoming games. :o
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Much bloody better. I don't know how much of it was Sherwood, but if he can get us playing with that intensity in the league games then we should be fine. There are some good players in that team.
I hope he's not tempted to change to a 4-4-2. I thought one thing we had in the second half today was midfielders running on, which is a lot easier to do if you still have midfielders back in position as insurance - in a 4-4-2 it's harder to build momentum like that.
Great pass by Benteke for the Sinclair goal, btw. He had a shaky game but that was something.
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This new fangled tactic we came up with of getting midfielders into the box is going to take a bit of getting used to.
Who's next? Hopefully another home tie, we haven't had a home QF since 1960 but I don't think we can blame Lambert for that record.
Well if it confuses us, hopefully it will confuse those who've already scouted us for upcoming games. :o
Another bonus of a change of manager is the probability all previous scouting reports on us will be innacurate.
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Nice to see Sinclair getting on the scoresheet for us, hopefully the first of many.
Bacuna's goal was class!
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This new fangled tactic we came up with of getting midfielders into the box is going to take a bit of getting used to.
Who's next? Hopefully another home tie, we haven't had a home QF since 1960 but I don't think we can blame Lambert for that record.
Well if it confuses us, hopefully it will confuse those who've already scouted us for upcoming games. :o
Another bonus of a change of manager is the probability all previous scouting reports on us will be innacurate.
Just us attempting to pass the ball forwards will render all previous scouting null and void.
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What a nice feeling.
The first half felt like a Lambert game, although a bit more positive than usual.
But the second half was a definite change, and a much better feel about the team.
And Cleverley? Well, what a transformation.
I haven't had a good word to say about the bloke before, but today I thought he was excellent.
Onwards and upwards!
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Just been watching the BBC half time coverage. Heskey and Pat Heard
Heard was introduced as a Villa legend. Laughable. And shown on screen as 'a 1982 European Cup winner' No he wasn't!!!!
Emile was Ok though. Peter MacParland looks well . Now he is a legend. In fact the Villa Legend!
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What is also reassuring is that he had his head in hands or shook head in disbelief at the right moments. He's going to organise this shambles, I'm sure of that.
I mentioned during the match, but he seemed to be asking why we had everyone back for a freekick they had against us just inside our half.
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I just don't think Lambert would have got that 2nd half performance.
After months of sterile, timid and negative football this feels so much better.
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Heard was introduced as a Villa legend. Laughable. And shown on screen as 'a 1982 European Cup winner' No he wasn't!!!!
His winners medal says otherwise.
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Just been watching the BBC half time coverage. Heskey and Pat Heard
Heard was introduced as a Villa legend. Laughable. And shown on screen as 'a 1982 European Cup winner' No he wasn't!!!!
Emile was Ok though. Peter MacParland looks well . Now he is a legend. In fact the Villa Legend!
Emile is always OK with me. :)
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(https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/429586_382969515063946_503268929_n.jpg?oh=a90e7765099a02872fa3a12497b1464e&oe=554BE747)
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Good vibe about today.Pre match drinks in the Sacred Heart, a Wolves fan experiencing the Holte, celebrating goals like a loon.The hope is back.
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Good vibe about today.Pre match drinks in the Sacred Heart, a Wolves fan experiencing the Holte, celebrating goals like a loon.The hope is back.
That's where me and RedSox went before the game.
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(https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/429586_382969515063946_503268929_n.jpg?oh=a90e7765099a02872fa3a12497b1464e&oe=554BE747)
Correct. But legend!?
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Heard was introduced as a Villa legend. Laughable. And shown on screen as 'a 1982 European Cup winner' No he wasn't!!!!
His winners medal says otherwise.
Were you there? I was and he didn't play. Dont be so ridiculous!
I see what you are getting at but as far as I am concerned unless you played some part in the actual Final you cannot possibly be a winner.
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Heard was introduced as a Villa legend. Laughable. And shown on screen as 'a 1982 European Cup winner' No he wasn't!!!!
His winners medal says otherwise.
Were you there? I was and he didn't play. Dont be so ridiculous!
You do realise the subs got a winners medal as well don't you? You'll look pretty ridiculous if you don't.
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I didn't realise at the time but benteke's ball to Sinclair was beautiful. Poor guy would love a pass like that
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Similar to the previous round in that we went 2-0 up then had to worry after a last minute goal and the possibility of a replay. Happy though.
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Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Heard)
Pat Heard won a European Cup medal after being named as a substitute for the 1982 European Cup Final, although he was not used during the match.[6]
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Heard was introduced as a Villa legend. Laughable. And shown on screen as 'a 1982 European Cup winner' No he wasn't!!!!
His winners medal says otherwise.
Were you there? I was and he didn't play. Dont be so ridiculous!
Jimmy Rimmer has two, as does Steve Ogrizovic .
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A well deserved win. Into the quarter finals can't ask for more.
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Heard was introduced as a Villa legend. Laughable. And shown on screen as 'a 1982 European Cup winner' No he wasn't!!!!
His winners medal says otherwise.
Were you there? I was and he didn't play. Dont be so ridiculous!
You do realise the subs got a winners medal as well don't you? You'll look pretty ridiculous if you don't.
See above.
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Started off well then got back to dross for a bit, and kept in it by world class save from Given. Much better second half - notice on here people saying Sherwood gave HT team talk? Only saw a couple of close ups of him in the posh seats so didn't know he'd gone to dressing room - if so, fair play seems to have had an effect. We're not that bad a squad - just been poorly coached and motivated so hopefully Sherwood will make a difference and I'll get that order in at Tesco's for a large case of humble pie. Having said that Leicester were very poor apart from their goal and we still show a lot of naivety at times - ping pong defending, and not running the ball into the corners to see the game out. But 1 good goal and 1 which will go down in the annals of FA Cup red faces and we're in the hat for the quarter finals. Maybe, just maybe.....
Decent crowd and a lot of very attractive young women in the Upper Holte where ST holders near me usually sit (and had either relocated or stayed at home) - Valentine's presents to their other halves methinks, and certainly easier on the eye than the usual mob
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See above.
At what? You being wrong or the multiple people pointing out you're wrong?
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Second half I thought we were a totally different side to the first half.
First half was very Lambert, second half we had more tempo and were way more direct.
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When you're smiling....:)
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Whatever Timeh said to them a half time made a big difference although I hope future instructions to express themselves will not include the full back giving the ball away in a very dangerous area leading to their goal. Brilliant header though and Hutton was good otherwise.
Great goal from Bacuna although why their defender didn't force him outside onto his weak foot is a mystery. I reckon Pearson has been to distracted to instruct his players this week.
Some great defending from Vlaar and Clark.
Well done chaps and special thanks to The Marshalls who must have had a very stressful few days and acquitted themselves with aplomb.
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What is also reassuring is that he had his head in hands or shook head in disbelief at the right moments. He's going to organise this shambles, I'm sure of that.
My thoughts exactly. I often thought that Lambert appeared reluctant to upset the players by showing signs of frustration like that, but it's a good thing in my opinion.
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Missed game so can't comment.
Very delighted with the win and a place in QF
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There were a couple of stonking old school style tackles today. Well done TC and Clark.
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There were a couple of stonking old school style tackles today. Well done TC and Clark.
And the expected shit potential tendon tearing one by that tosser Konchesky.
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I must say I thought Cleverley was our best midfielder today. I know there is not a high bar but credit where credit is due. By contrast Delph has been utter shit since signing the new contract.
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Whatever Timeh said to them a half time made a big difference although I hope future instructions to express themselves will not include the full back giving the ball away in a very dangerous area leading to their goal. Brilliant header though and Hutton was good otherwise.
Great goal from Bacuna although why their defender didn't force him outside onto his weak foot is a mystery. I reckon Pearson has been to distracted to instruct his players this week.
Some great defending from Vlaar and Clark.
Well done chaps and special thanks to The Marshalls who must have had a very stressful few days and acquitted themselves with aplomb.
We now have Timbo, Shezza, TS and Timeh. We need a poll.
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There were a couple of stonking old school style tackles today. Well done TC and Clark.
And credit to Clattenberg for recognising them as such.
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We now have Timbo, Shezza, TS and Timeh. We need a poll.
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2wmxqVOTE1r1zn4oo3_250.gif)
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Thought Delphi and Westwood were poor again though. The amount of time the ball is given away is shocking and still a reluctance to drive forward.
Well done bacuna exactly the positive play we need to see. Bent eke looked good second half
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By the way great play by Ron just before he made a very clever pass to Leo rather than outside to the left as Leicester were expecting. He showed enormous determination to get possession and pick the right player.
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Whatever Timeh said to them a half time made a big difference although I hope future instructions to express themselves will not include the full back giving the ball away in a very dangerous area leading to their goal. Brilliant header though and Hutton was good otherwise.
Great goal from Bacuna although why their defender didn't force him outside onto his weak foot is a mystery. I reckon Pearson has been to distracted to instruct his players this week.
Some great defending from Vlaar and Clark.
Well done chaps and special thanks to The Marshalls who must have had a very stressful few days and acquitted themselves with aplomb.
We now have Timbo, Shezza, TS and Timeh. We need a poll.
Here is Timah in the Trinity with Paddy Cartman.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc60/jscores/Timmy/southpark-cartman-timmy.jpg)(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B95YMhDIUAECgJI.png)
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Thank fuck - A WIN!
I'd forgotten what it was like not to have my weekend ruined.
Anyone else think Given should be our number 1 for the remainder of the season?
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
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There were a couple of stonking old school style tackles today. Well done TC and Clark.
Tie saving tackle from Vlaar as well as it looked like they were through on goal at 1-0.
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The first half seemed like lamberts team
The second half seemed like Sherwoods team.
Bodes well
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
Available to UK users only :(
bastard BBC
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Positive second half. Cleverly played well, two Holte End goals!! Wahay!
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Any team asked to play as conservatively as we were is always going to have a negative effect on the players. Cleverley might just be a beneficiary of a new approach and start to show he is actually a pretty decent footballer.
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
Available to UK users only :(
bastard BBC
You can use Hola extension in Firefox or Chrome to watch those videos by using proxy.
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
Available to UK users only :(
bastard BBC
You can use Hola extension in Firefox or Chrome to watch those videos by using proxy.
Or live in a proper country!
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
Available to UK users only :(
bastard BBC
You can use Hola extension in Firefox or Chrome to watch those videos by using proxy.
What?
I need a translator or a parent. I've just been violated by some advanced language.
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
Available to UK users only :(
bastard BBC
You can use Hola extension in Firefox or Chrome to watch those videos by using proxy.
Or live in a proper country!
Yeah and pay a license fee an' all!!!
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
Available to UK users only :(
bastard BBC
You can use Hola extension in Firefox or Chrome to watch those videos by using proxy.
Or live in a proper country!
Hey, what could be better than almost eternal darkness of winter in Finland?! :P
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
Available to UK users only :(
bastard BBC
You can use Hola extension in Firefox or Chrome to watch those videos by using proxy.
Or live in a proper country!
Oh Mr Shin, you and your rapier like tongue.
Mind you it is miserable here today. I can think of a lot of places I'd rather be
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BBC Highlights (http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31479341)
Available to UK users only :(
bastard BBC
You can use Hola extension in Firefox or Chrome to watch those videos by using proxy.
What?
I need a translator or a parent. I've just been violated by some advanced language.
If you use Firefox or Chrome, you can use small program called Hola to pretend that you're browsing BBC's website from UK so it lets you view the video.
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Just got back.
JWe were much better in the second half. Played with a lovely high intensity, and quick tempo. Really positive after a stresful week on Planet Villa.
Thought Bacuna was great. Delph sloppy but great to seee him further forwards. Benteke looked motivated, and mostly importantly didnt look isolated upfront due to the midfielders drawing closer to him when he picked the ball up.
Can't wait for the Quarter Final Draw. Please make it be Reading or Blackburn at home!!
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Much better, if not convincing, second half. Phenomenal save by Given.
Midfielders getting into the box has been unseen at Villa Park for at least 4 seasons.
Benteke was more involved in the 2nd half than he has been in the last 6 matches.
Couldn't believe the stick Cleverley was getting from some of those around me, I know he hasn't covered himself in glory so far, but some of the comments were way out of perspective. He was the pick of our midfield today. Bacuna did the only thing he's good for.
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Well, the second half was a lot better and if he had a word then it had an effect. We moved a lot better and created some chances. A million miles to go off course, but nice to be in the FA Cup QF. Worried about Benteke, but there were some glimpses of a recovery there. A little unlucky with his offside goal in the first half. Still onwards and upwards as they say.
A nice move from us before Benteke finished it off. He was offside though. As you say unlucky.
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The beast was more at it today than he has been for a while, fucking Cleverley plays football, some great vision from the boy and he tackles aint seen that from him but i applauded him and that is a first , just maybe he has something to offer. Delph although in my opinion our most necessary player did mess up a bit, Hutton clark vlaar good enough, shey guvara is he our number one, i will never forget that save kept it to nil nil at the time, and his reading of game was better than guzans. westwood bit like Delph lot of good stuff but some howlers,sis looked a bit lost today. Sinclair is an asset looks hungry. Andi got motm not for me, he dont have the striker instinct , the boy wunder grealish came on with 7 minutes to go sorry but his light weight and should only come on when we are winning comfortally.
loved the fist pump from Tim when the boys scored.
Holte end good performance but we can do better and we will.
best game ive seen clattenburg have at villa park ever.
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Thank fuck - A WIN!
I'd forgotten what it was like not to have my weekend ruined.
Anyone else think Given should be our number 1 for the remainder of the season?
Yes
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We played much better second half. Players actually looked bothered. Benteke is still frustrating. Play like that second half and we won't go down.
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That first half was absolutely woeful! It was so "Lambertesque" it was embarrassing. Sideways, backwards, sidewaways....damn it...lost possession again. I thought both Delph and Westwood were particularly poor in the first half.
Second half much better tempo. Just getting the ball forward quicker really changed the game. We have some half decent players. Football is not rocket science. Move the ball forward or out to the wings. Add in a bit of pace, whip the ball into the box and bob's your uncle. I feel genuinely excited to be a Villa fan again today, and from this day forward Paul Lambert shall henceforth be known as TSM2. Never to be mentioned again...
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Listened to second half on the wireless. It actually sounded exciting.
Well done. Something to look forward to at last. Did Tim really give a HT talk or are people presuming?
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The difference in second half was massive, heard Given say the manager said to try and hit Chrstian. Not rocket science but much needed and was great to see the midfielders making forward runs in the second half. Given also said Sherwood said they should express themselves, much needed after that first half.
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Listened to second half on the wireless. It actually sounded exciting.
Well done. Something to look forward to at last. Did Tim really give a HT talk or are people presuming?
He went into the dressing room and made a few points, according to Marshall.
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The Marshall twins were about to take Bacuna off just before he scored and had to tell Sinclair to sit back down for 5 minutes.
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Thank fuck - A WIN!
I'd forgotten what it was like not to have my weekend ruined.
Anyone else think Given should be our number 1 for the remainder of the season?
Yes
I am a big Guzan fan but was thinking to myself that Given should keep his place after today. Apart from anything else it sends out a message to both the players in favour and those out of favour that nobody is guaranteed a place and nobody is ruled out.
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Probably took Marshall's phone off him! Solid performance in the second half. Home draw please, just for once in a quarter final...
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Thank fuck - A WIN!
I'd forgotten what it was like not to have my weekend ruined.
Anyone else think Given should be our number 1 for the remainder of the season?
Yes
I am a big Guzan fan but was thinking to myself that Given should keep his place after today. Apart from anything else it sends out a message to both the players in favour and those out of favour that nobody is guaranteed a place and nobody is ruled out.
Before the start of the game we were trying to figure out whether Given and Sherwood had played together at Blackburn but couldn't come to a definitive answer.
Edit: checked it now and they were both there at the same time.
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The Marshall twins were about to take Bacuna off just before he scored and had to tell Sinclair to sit back down for 5 minutes.
To be fair I dont blame them, he was poor and not his natural position
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Thank fuck - A WIN!
I'd forgotten what it was like not to have my weekend ruined.
Anyone else think Given should be our number 1 for the remainder of the season?
Yes
I am a big Guzan fan but was thinking to myself that Given should keep his place after today. Apart from anything else it sends out a message to both the players in favour and those out of favour that nobody is guaranteed a place and nobody is ruled out.
Before the start of the game we were trying to figure out whether Given and Sherwood had played together at Blackburn but couldn't come to a definitive answer.
Given was interviewed after and he did mention he knew him from Blackburn
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Very, very happy tonight. Not quite sure why Weimann was man of the match - Westwood, Given, Clark, Cleverley, and Benteke won us this game today.
Onwards and upwards, tickets for this weekend and Newcastle away sorted for the return of optimism! If the second half today was an indicator of the football we'll be playing under Tim then consider me satisfied.
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Enjoyed that. I thought Bacuna's strike , Vlaar's setup and Givens save were all of incredibly high quality.
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The Marshall twins were about to take Bacuna off just before he scored and had to tell Sinclair to sit back down for 5 minutes.
To be fair I dont blame them, he was poor and not his natural position
At that point I thought he could have taken any of the midfield off. We needed some creativity and I suppose with hindsight Bacuna would be the only one who could do what he did.
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The Marshall twins were about to take Bacuna off just before he scored and had to tell Sinclair to sit back down for 5 minutes.
To be fair I dont blame them, he was poor and not his natural position
At that point I thought he could have taken any of the midfield off. We needed some creativity and I suppose with hindsight Bacuna would be the only one who could do what he did.
He is certainly not suited to that advanced role though. Has he ever been given a chance in the central midfield position? I actaully thought Cleverley was the best of the midfield today
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I think Bacuna playing wide right is much better for the team than him playing at full-back. He can shoot, pass and is positive. He should start on Saturday.
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Second half was more like it and a step in the right direction..whatever was said at half time seemed to sink in.
More urgency to get it forward and hit Beneteke, we pressured thier back line when they had the ball, we seemed to have more ugency. We created more in that 2nd half than we had for a long long time...ok it was a poor Leicester side but I'll take it....it was encouraging and we could have had 3 or 4...
Onwards....
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It's our year.
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I think Bacuna playing wide right is much better for the team than him playing at full-back. He can shoot, pass and is positive. He should start on Saturday.
I thought he was very poor tbh, great goal though. I do not think he is a forward type player
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Grauniad Blog (http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/15/tim-sherwood-aston-villa-win-leicester)
Tim Sherwood changes reaped reward for Aston Villa at Leicester’s expense
New manager Sherwood was not in charge but he made changes at half time that turned Cup tie in Villa’s favour
Michael Cox is editor of Zonal Marking
Tim Sherwood has never been one to underplay his own influence, and the the new Aston Villa manager will be delighted to accept some of the credit for this FA Cup victory. Technically Sherwood wasn’t even in charge, yet his decision to race down from his position in the stands and deliver a half-time team talk prompted a noticeable second-half improvement.
This cup tie was dreadfully slow before half time. The Premier League’s lowest-scoring side against the Premier League’s bottom club is hardly a recipe for great entertainment, and Nigel Pearson’s defensive 5-4-1 system was not particularly helpful. Villa had plenty of possession, yet struggled to create chances.
This is a familiar problem, which originates from the fact Villa badly lack creativity in midfield. Tom Cleverley continues to frustrate with his overly-safe distribution, at one point practically playing a sideways pass when Villa had a three-on-two counter-attack, while Ashley Westwood enjoyed freedom in his deep-lying position, but rarely hit penetrative balls into attack.
Fabian Delph is clearly capable of providing an attacking spark, but he usually excels when the opposition push up and press, allowing him to evade a challenge by receiving the ball neatly on the half-turn. With Leicester sitting very deep, those situations never arose.
Christian Benteke cut a frustrated figure, often dropping into surprisingly deep positions and wanting balls to feet. This left three Leicester defenders without anyone to mark, and only occasionally did Villa push a runner forward into that space – usually Delph or Andreas Weimann.
Villa’s best moments came down the right flank, first when Alan Hutton played a clever, measured cut-back to Weimann on the edge of the box, then when Leandro Bacuna whipped a deep cross towards Benteke’s head – the type of service the Belgian thrives on. Whenever Villa got into the box, however, there were always three Leicester defenders waiting to get their body in the way.
Leicester’s strategy was very simple – sit deep, counter-attack down the flanks and force set-pieces. The right-winger, Riyad Mahrez, was typically dangerous when he received possession, while on the other flank, Jeffrey Schlupp boasts a tremendous turn of speed and asked questions of Alan Hutton, forcing the corner which resulted in Marcin Wasilewski heading against the post.
This game desperately needed a spark, however, and both managers contributed to a surprisingly high-energy, exciting second half. Sherwood seemingly encouraged his new charges to hit longer balls to Benteke, and get midfield runners forward in close support. Within a minute, Bacuna crossed from the right on to the head of Delph, who was one of four targets in the box – which simply wouldn’t have happened in the first half.
Then came Pearson’s turn to change things, removing his centre-back, Wasilewski, introducing the centre-forward, Leonardo Ulloa, and switching to a 4-4-2. Immediately the game opened out: Leicester had another attacking option, and Villa’s attackers had more freedom. Perhaps Pearson’s move backfired, though: Bacuna might not have received such space to cut inside and curl the ball majestically around Mark Schwarzer for the long-awaited opener. Thereafter Villa had some excellent counter-attacking chances: Benteke should have done better when receiving the ball quickly in the channels, while substitute Scott Sinclair caused plenty of problems with his speed in behind, scoring the crucial second.
It was an unexpected early sighting of Sherwood’s simple, back-to-basics philosophy, and his players will be encouraged to get the ball forward quickly from the outset against Stoke City on Saturday.
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Given made one brilliant save but as we know he is not too clever on crosses. Guzan commands his area in most situations. Let Given have the cup games.
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True but to be fair that was a cracking header that beta him.
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Great tackle: https://vine.co/v/OPVmYiJ7WW3
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Just back after the M5 nightmare.
Very pleased. It felt like the shackles of Lambert have been lifted.
Watched them doing a high intensity warm up just before the start and then we came out at a really good tempo.
Loved seeing a fist-pumping Tim Sherwood - I said yesterday, despite being in the minority, he'll "get" Villa - don't worry about that.
Just seen a really dour, miserable looking Scott Marshall being interviewed, contrast to a bubbly, upbeat Sherwood.
Hopefully he brings in an experienced backroom team and then we can clear out the deadwood. Onwards and upwards - come on Villa!!
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Great tackle: https://vine.co/v/OPVmYiJ7WW3
Not shown on that, but the shock on the Leicester players face was also a picture, then he looks pleadingly at the ref...
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Great tackle: https://vine.co/v/OPVmYiJ7WW3
Agreed but I can think of a few refs (Dean, Dowd & Atkinson especially) who might very well have issued a red card for that.
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To be fair to Scott Marshall he knows he is out of work in a week or two so I don't blame him for being down. I saw his AVTV interview and he was near tears when talking about what a great club Villa is. He knows he won't be here for long and is a bit cut up about it.
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Also, how magnificent to see Peter McParland in that piece at half time.
I thought that too. It made a change to see our achievements celebrated.
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Great tackle: https://vine.co/v/OPVmYiJ7WW3
Great to see a 'proper' tackle and was just waiting for the free kick and card to be given. Fair play to Clattenburg - saw it for what it was. Thought Clattenburg had a good game tbh - just 2 yellow cards all game and not even a card when Hutton swapped handbags with Schlupp
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I think Bacuna playing wide right is much better for the team than him playing at full-back. He can shoot, pass and is positive. He should start on Saturday.
I thought he was very poor tbh, great goal though. I do not think he is a forward type player
I much prefer him in midfield rather than wing back or full back.
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He's no defender.
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I agree with Villan from Luton, Bacuna has never done anything to impress me, barring a couple of decent free kicks.
Very poor player and one for the road I would imagine
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I think in a 4-4-2, Bacuna could play left sided midfield very effectively, with the ability to cut inside and shoot as he did today.
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I think in a 4-4-2, Bacuna could play left sided midfield very effectively, with the ability to cut inside and shoot as he did today.
Now our players are allowed to pass the ball forward and shoot I'd definitely give him a go in a wide midfield position.
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I thought Bacuna did well today.
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I think in a 4-4-2, Bacuna could play left sided midfield very effectively, with the ability to cut inside and shoot as he did today.
Maybe on the opposite side to Gil cutting in from the right? It would make the 4-4-2 more compact and less vulnerable, but we'd lack width. I think today we saw how the 4-3-3 can work, giving us both width and numbers in the middle of the pitch. They just need to get bloody forward!
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I agree with Villan from Luton, Bacuna has never done anything to impress me, barring a couple of decent free kicks.
I was about to post that on the match thread and then he scored! Still, goal apart he brought nothing today.
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I dont mind him having a go as a wide midfielder, but he was often the most forward person today and is not suited to playing a forward role in 4-3-3
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There are few things you can say are 100% certain, but I can safely say that Bacuna is not a premiership footballer.
He's got a sweet right foot shot alright, but nothing else.
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To be fair the Marshall twins were about to drag him off just before he scored.
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Great tackle: https://vine.co/v/OPVmYiJ7WW3
Great to see a 'proper' tackle and was just waiting for the free kick and card to be given. Fair play to Clattenburg - saw it for what it was. Thought Clattenburg had a good game tbh - just 2 yellow cards all game and not even a card when Hutton swapped handbags with Schlupp
Goals aside that tackle was my favourite thing from today.
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I dont mind him having a go as a wide midfielder, but he was often the most forward person today and is not suited to playing a forward role in 4-3-3
He kept getting caught offside. Pissed me off. He took his goal well. I think he'd be better left midfield or centre midfield.
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Just home after the usual traffic hell. Thought we played with more dynamism, especially so in the second half. Could have been any one of three players for MOM. Pleased to see a tiny bit of sparkle from Cleverley in the second half. As for Christian I think he tried hard today, much better than of late but his confidence is low. He really needs Merse or Ginola type crosses fizzed in at pace. Too much of his service is Alan Wright type high spooned crosses. He got his head to a number of chances but he cannot get the power from slow stuff. His shot late on was a disappointment. He has the ability to curl that into the top corner not half pace and too low. Special mention for Weimann and Clark, both played well. Jack really needs game time to develop. That's about it really except to say those of you who were impressed by Peter McParland on the television would be transfixed by the great man in action. What a player he was.
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Sat behind the goal in the north stand today and myself and my daughter couldn't help but marvel at some of the 'special' characters that support the villa. I know we are having a shit season but by Christ I wouldn't miss it for the world. That's why we'll always turn up whoever manages us. It is just priceless at times.
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Someone on the three things sherwood needs to do said Clark has to go- I disagreed and really think he has been one of our better p;ayers. Is feisty in the right way as well
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I think Bacuna playing wide right is much better for the team than him playing at full-back. He can shoot, pass and is positive. He should start on Saturday.
I thought he was very poor tbh, great goal though. I do not think he is a forward type player
I much prefer him in midfield rather than wing back or full back.
Bauma was very poor up until the goal. Caught offside 3 times like he was is poor, some dreadful passing too.
Cleverley had his best game for us. He looked lively throughout.
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Good to see Benteke looking sharper in the second half and it was a good run from Sinclair for his goal. Scoring two goals is a novelty! One thing of note Grealish is going to have to up his work rate a lot to make it at the top level.
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Sat behind the goal in the north stand today and myself and my daughter couldn't help but marvel at some of the 'special' characters that support the villa. I know we are having a shit season but by Christ I wouldn't miss it for the world. That's why we'll always turn up whoever manages us. It is just priceless at times.
Hopefully we can all have a few good months now. This change really should have happened months ago.
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True but to be fair that was a cracking header that beta him.
It was indeed.
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Bacuna's such a strange player. He spends a lot of time being technically deficient and then process to show technical brilliance.
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I agree with Villan from Luton, Bacuna has never done anything to impress me, barring a couple of decent free kicks.
Very poor player and one for the road I would imagine
Bullshit! Scored about 5 goals in his first season and played out of position as a wing back. Clearly our best crosser today and good pass for our first disallowed goal. To describe him as very poor us baffling. Just the kind of player we need with our negative midfielders
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I actually like Bacuna and would like to see a few games in centre mid as he does have the appetite to get forward. He looked scated scared stiff today, but cracking goal and hope it gives him a bit of confidence
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Hopefully we can all have a few good months now. This change really should have happened months ago.
Many months ago.
I have been in exile, call me fickle, whatever you want but i cannot watch the turgid shite served up by TSM and Lambert. The cloud is lifted. I can't wait to return in hope and anticipation.
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Bacuna did OK, that stat about neither Westwood, Delph or Cleverley having an assist this season means something has to change in the personnel dept.
He was so obviously going to shoot with his right for the goal I couldn't believe the defender didn't put him the other way - did you see his left-foot cross in the first half! ;D ;D
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Bacuna is one of my favourites,allways works hard,he's strong ,decent skills and a good repertoire of goals,yes goals that commodity we forgot about under Lambert.
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Bacuna is a weird one. Its like every touch he gets there is this little mental tombola in his head that either comes up "stupid decision" or "world class touch" Its bizarre.
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The first half was the usual dreadful effort, the second half it was there, some real commitment and desire in the tackle and we should have scored more
Given 7 - World class save, should have held the cross in the second half but made up for it
Cissokho 5 - Was too slow and ponderous going forwards and his crossing was very poor again
Hutton 6 - Though for 89 minutes he defended well but tried to be too clever and let them back in the game
Clarke 8 - Thunderous tackling again
Vlaar 7 - Brought the ball out of defence well and made a cracking tackle in the second half
Westwood 6 - Thought he gave away too many silly free kicks
Delph 6 - Was rubbish for 50/60 minutes, missed a sitter of a header but came more in to it after that, started getting forward and throwing himself about
Cleverley 6 - Annonymous first half, second half helped us dominate possession and got forward, I find he lets players run too far with the ball though
Bacuna 6 - Very good goal as soon as he got it in that position I knew he'd find the bottom corner but gives the ball away a lot
Benteke 7 - I know he missed some chances but his involvement was massively improved and he showed for a lot, also class ball for Sinclairs goal
Weimann 6 - Thought he worked his arse off in the second half
How many times have we turned around a game after half time this season? Just a few very simple changes to how we played did wonder after half time. I don't know if Sherwood had any effect or not but if he did I'd take that second 45 minutes for the rest of the season. We will cause problems with Gil, Sinclair, Delph and Weimann all buzzing around Benteke.
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Bacuna is a weird one. Its like every touch he gets there is this little mental tombola in his head that either comes up "stupid decision" or "world class touch" Its bizarre.
I don't agree with that at all. He's one of the youngest guys out there and sometimes it seems like he is the only one that "gets it." He is one of the only players we have that can actually beat their first defender and create their own shot. Andi can't do that and he's been an out and out starter for years. I like Leo a lot. Benteke, Bacuna, Gil, Sinclair, Delph.. there's goals to be had from that bunch.
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Bacuna is a weird one. Its like every touch he gets there is this little mental tombola in his head that either comes up "stupid decision" or "world class touch" Its bizarre.
Like VD above, I don't completely agree - but very nicely phrased.
He does seem to be about 1/5 of a world-class player. He'll spend nearly a whole game doing nothing and then all of a sudden he'll do something amazing. See today, or his glorious ball to Hutton in the Bournemouth game for Weimann's goal.
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Plus an amazing free-kick the other season.
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Just prior to his goal I was just saying that I fully understood why Lambert didn't play him. Then he proceeded to grab an egg and blast me square in the face with his superb goal.
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Bacuna is one of my favourites,allways works hard,he's strong ,decent skills and a good repertoire of goals,yes goals that commodity we forgot about under Lambert.
Same for me. I like him as a free kick taker around the box too. I am happier when he is in the side so long as it isn't as a defender.
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Plus an amazing free-kick the other season.
Two of them.
Man City and Cardiff.
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Good counterpoints on Bacuna, insightful.
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The first half was the usual dreadful effort, the second half it was there, some real commitment and desire in the tackle and we should have scored more
Given 7 - World class save, should have held the cross in the second half but made up for it - 7 agree and Guzan will be worried/
Cissokho 5 - Was too slow and ponderous going forwards and his crossing was very poor again - 6 thought he was ok
Hutton 6 - Though for 89 minutes he defended well but tried to be too clever and let them back in the game -6 agree
Clarke 8 - Thunderous tackling again - 7 played well
Vlaar 7 - Brought the ball out of defence well and made a cracking tackle in the second half - 8 excellemt
Westwood 6 - Thought he gave away too many silly free kicks - 6 average
Delph 6 - Was rubbish for 50/60 minutes, missed a sitter of a header but came more in to it after that, started getting forward and throwing himself about - 6 just about, bit better second half
Cleverley 6 - Annonymous first half, second half helped us dominate possession and got forward, I find he lets players run too far with the ball though - 7 did well for me
Bacuna 6 - Very good goal as soon as he got it in that position I knew he'd find the bottom corner but gives the ball away a lot -6 cos of the goal
Benteke 7 - I know he missed some chances but his involvement was massively improved and he showed for a lot, also class ball for Sinclairs goal - 6 Sherwood willget him going
Weimann 6 - Thought he worked his arse off in the second half - 5 good effort but no product
How many times have we turned around a game after half time this season? Just a few very simple changes to how we played did wonder after half time. I don't know if Sherwood had any effect or not but if he did I'd take that second 45 minutes for the rest of the season. We will cause problems with Gil, Sinclair, Delph and Weimann all buzzing around Benteke.
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I think Bacuna playing wide right is much better for the team than him playing at full-back. He can shoot, pass and is positive. He should start on Saturday.
I thought he was very poor tbh, great goal though. I do not think he is a forward type player
He's a bit patchy, but even when he struggles he usually comes up with something of quality when he plays. It would be nice to see him get a run in a more positive side.
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Completely agree with the various comments about Bacuna. I thought he was having very little impact on the game today but then he comes up with a very classy finish. I have seen home play some wonderful passes inside the full back, a rarity from our midfield, then at other times his crossing and passing is poor. He is one of the few low cost signings that might yet develop into a top player. I don't think he merits a starting spot yet though.
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There have always been players like Leo, enigmatic and baffling. They make you want to throw your hat in the air one minute and your hair the next. We have more than our fair share of them.
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Love the Clark tackle but many a ref would have brandished a yellow there.
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Thought Cleverly had his best game in Claret and Blue today.
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Yep...The game seems to frown on tacklers these days...but if you can dive then the world's your oyster.
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Some pleasing changes second half with the midfield looking to push on and hit the box. We were unbalanced at times with nobody advanced of Cissokho, but we looked more threatening and scored two goals from midfield and one from a sub too.
Plenty to work on, but better.
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Love the Clark tackle but many a ref would have brandished a yellow there.
Almost the best moment in the game for me.
Loved it!
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Thought Cleverly had his best game in Claret and Blue today.
I thought he played ok v Chelsea too. There may be a player in there after all.
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Three little things that caught my eye today. First and obvious one, how hard Andi Weimann works. Second that Cleverley actually has a good turn of speed and that Sinclair is bloody quick.
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Only just in and I haven't read all the posts so apologise if someone has already said this but I think Sherwood would be able to see some very obvious strengths and very obvious weaknesses in today's game that he can be confident in working on.
Second half so much better than the first, but incredibly pi**ed off that we conceded a late goal - AGAIN!
Onwards and upwards...come on you Villa boys!
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Thought Cleverly had his best game in Claret and Blue today.
This.
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Love the Clark tackle but many a ref would have brandished a yellow there.
It got almost ultimate approval.
https://twitter.com/Paulmcgrath5/status/566960235311792129
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There have always been players like Leo, enigmatic and baffling. They make you want to throw your hat in the air one minute and your hair the next. We have more than our fair share of them.
Lionel Martin comes to mind.
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Thought Cleverly had his best game in Claret and Blue today.
This.
I haven't seen all of his games but it was the best of the ones I have seen.
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Thought Cleverly had his best game in Claret and Blue today.
Not exactly a high bar to clear.
TC was ok today, which combined with him also being ok against Chelsea is a definite improvement
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Given made one brilliant save but as we know he is not too clever on crosses. Guzan commands his area in most situations. Let Given have the cup games.
I know he's slightly biased as he's Shay's mate, but Kevin Kilbane has been really scathing about Guzan on Twitter.
However, I think Given deserves a run now.
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loved the game as it shut gobby cabbage up
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Given made one brilliant save but as we know he is not too clever on crosses. Guzan commands his area in most situations. Let Given have the cup games.
I know he's slightly biased as he's Shay's mate, but Kevin Kilbane has been really scathing about Guzan on Twitter.
However, I think Given deserves a run now.
Guzan for me but fair play to Given, good performance today
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I must say I thought Cleverley was our best midfielder today. I know there is not a high bar but credit where credit is due. By contrast Delph has been utter shit since signing the new contract.
Agree re Cleverly - he has been bobbins for ages but today I thought he was good....lots of good chasing back and getting stuck in.
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When was the last time you can genuinely remember Villa coming out and looking a better team after a half time team talk?
We used to genuinely wonder what the hell Lambert had said to them to make them look even worse second half.
Gregory had this philosophy of keeping things very simple when he first arrived. I get the feeling Sherwood will be taking a very similar route to things.
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I must say I thought Cleverley was our best midfielder today. I know there is not a high bar but credit where credit is due. By contrast Delph has been utter shit since signing the new contract.
Agree re Cleverly - he has been bobbins for ages but today I thought he was good....lots of good chasing back and getting stuck in.
I thought Westwood may have seen his last action for a while watching today actually. I can't see him keeping the 3 of them in there when they are so similar.
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Pleased for us, pleased for the players, pleased for the Marshalls and pleased for Sherwood.
Of all the seasons to go on a decent cup run. Let's hope it breeds confidence.
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Thought all our midfielders operated at about 75% today...that's an improvement for Cleverley, about average for Westwood and under par for Delph.
I look forward to Mr Sherwood getting a steady 90/95% out of them every game.
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Pleased for us, pleased for the players, pleased for the Marshalls and pleased for Sherwood.
Of all the seasons to go on a decent cup run. Let's hope it breeds confidence.
The Marshalls did well. No crashes, no injuries, no safety car needed.
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Beat the boggies in the 6th round to get to Wembley
Beating them at Wembley in the semi final would be better.
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Thank fuck - A WIN!
I'd forgotten what it was like not to have my weekend ruined.
Anyone else think Given should be our number 1 for the remainder of the season?
Yes
Nope, he is a great shot stopper as that save today illustrated but he still terrified me every time the opposition get a corner, he needs sat nav to get to the edge of the 6yd box - Guzan is much more active at defending set pieces.
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Beat the boggies in the 6th round to get to Wembley
Beating them at Wembley in the semi final would be better.
Oh yes followed by Yanited in the final.
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Puzzles me how Weimann got MOM yes he works hard but geez there's little quality.Benteke must still be troubled by his long lay off he has lost a yard and he can hardly jump i don't expect too much of him til next season, he did run the lines better though. The second half was down to Sherwood, we ran quicker passed quicker and got it into the box a lot better.Delph seems to avoid the easy pass and then turns himself inside out. It will be very interesting to see how we line up against Stoke.
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Given made one brilliant save but as we know he is not too clever on crosses. Guzan commands his area in most situations. Let Given have the cup games.
I know he's slightly biased as he's Shay's mate, but Kevin Kilbane has been really scathing about Guzan on Twitter.
However, I think Given deserves a run now.
Guzan for me but fair play to Given, good performance today
Given made two outstanding saves today, but still flapped at nearly every cross and had his brainfart when he tried to pass to Mahrez (I think) inside our six yard box.
Guzan still has a lot of credit in the bank to work through before we even consider bringing in Given as first choice.
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Given made one brilliant save but as we know he is not too clever on crosses. Guzan commands his area in most situations. Let Given have the cup games.
I know he's slightly biased as he's Shay's mate, but Kevin Kilbane has been really scathing about Guzan on Twitter.
However, I think Given deserves a run now.
Of all the problems we've had this season, GK hasn't been one of them.
I thought Given was extremely unlucky to lose his place after one iffy game back in 2012, but Brad has been one of our most consistent players since then.
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Might be a tad harsh but I think Guzan has been below par of late.
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No contest for me.
Brad first choice every time.
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Only just seen the given save. Simply outrageous , one of the best saves I've seen.
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Might be a tad harsh but I think Guzan has been below par of late.
Completely agree - too slow off his line - at fault for at least 3 of the goals at arsenal.
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Hutton, legend in the making.
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I think it would be harsh as hell to drop Given next game, but Stoke at home is no place for a keeper not commanding on crosses.
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Given is cup keeper. Yeah great save but no command in area plus 2 or 3 very dodgy moments with ball at feet. I hope old team mates doesn't mean name on team sheets
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Great to win today and a nice bonus of a quarter final away from the relegation dogfight.
On the goalkeeping question, I like Guzan but he hasnt been great this season.
Big call for Sherwood for Saturday but Id stick with Guzan
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Guzan next week but go for Given in the quarters.
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I hope we persist with the three-man midfield going forward, I think it gave the midfielders freedom to get forward and play aggressively. Westwood and Delph were guilty of some pretty poor give-aways, but they cleaned up a lot of Leicester's attempts to get out of their half in the second half, which allowed us to keep the pressure on instead of scrambling back for counter-attacks. Should be interesting to see who Sherwood prefers in that three between the two above, Cleverley (fairly good today), Bacuna and Sanchez.
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Guzan next week but go for Given in the quarters.
Agree. But Guzan now knows he has competition.
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The second half, there was a period of where we were first to every loose ball, flew in to the tackle, won all the 50/50 challenges and completely dominated the middle of the park, I know it was against Leicester but I loved it, a definite re-awakening for some of them about what's required to grab hold of a game.
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The second half, there was a period of where we were first to every loose ball, flew in to the tackle, won all the 50/50 challenges and completely dominated the middle of the park, I know it was against Leicester but I loved it, a definite re-awakening for some of them about what's required to grab hold of a game.
That's what I don't get about Lambert.
In his first year, we used to be like that frequently. If we didn't have the ball, we'd chase like fuck to get it back. Not unlike Dortmund's way of playing.
I think that's a good reason why after that first season he still had so much support. Last season and this, though, it just sort of disappeared. I never really understood why.
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Hutton, legend in the making.
I'm excited for Sherwood but I think he may rustle a few players, hoping Alan continues to play at a high level.
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Hutton, legend in the making.
Not if he continues to cock up like he did in the 90th minute today. He must however, be a contender for player of the season. Not that there's much competition.
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The second half, there was a period of where we were first to every loose ball, flew in to the tackle, won all the 50/50 challenges and completely dominated the middle of the park, I know it was against Leicester but I loved it, a definite re-awakening for some of them about what's required to grab hold of a game.
That's what I don't get about Lambert.
In his first year, we used to be like that frequently. If we didn't have the ball, we'd chase like fuck to get it back. Not unlike Dortmund's way of playing.
I think that's a good reason why after that first season he still had so much support. Last season and this, though, it just sort of disappeared. I never really understood why.
Yup. Its very odd. Two other data points
1.) Historically he changes formation a lot, did so at Norwich and did so with us for a while. So maybe that exciting high pressing game was just one of his phases, much like the 4-2-2-2 one he went through.
2.) Backroom staff changes. I do wonder how much changing the back room staff impacted him. They may have had different ideas and Lambert seems very flexible in his thinking. After all he openly said he came back from seeing Bayern train and switched our system based on it.
But yeah, odd.
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Hutton, legend in the making.
Not of he continues to cock up like he did in the 90th minute today.
There was definitely a bit of naivety the last couple of minutes, first Hutton trying to do too much instead of twatting it in to row z and secondly Benteke trying the 30 yard shot when he should have ran the ball in to the corner to waste time.
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With Lambert, I think it was a simple case of losing the plot. Unfortunately, the plot was already adrift with that Bradford game 2 years ago.
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Hutton, legend in the making.
Not of he continues to cock up like he did in the 90th minute today.
There was definitely a bit of naivety the last couple of minutes, first Hutton trying to do too much instead of twatting it in to row z and secondly Benteke trying the 30 yard shot when he should have ran the ball in to the corner to waste time.
Another bit of praise I will give Clark. Ever since he did that stupid give away months ago he has been a changed man. You could almost see him say to himself "I am never doing that again" and he has been true to it. Now he just twats it away now, doesn't care if someone is shouting for it or if maybe if he gets clever he could do a risky pass, always a no nonsense clearance. I appreciate that.
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I went to the Super League egg-chasing in Perpignan yesterday (Catalan Dragons vs Castleford Tigers FT 13-12).
I was wearing my Villa scarf (as you do) and was approached by a bloke from Leicester who told me he lived down here and what did I think the score would be. "2-1 to us" I said. "Either that or you'll do us 0-3 or something".
So fucking have that, duck!
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With Lambert, I think it was a simple case of losing the plot. Unfortunately, the plot was already adrift with that Bradford game 2 years ago.
We should have done better against Bradford, especially with a second leg to recover from the surprise, however I think Bradford showed that year, and now this one, that they have a hoodoo over PL clubs in cup competition.
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Hurrah a win and two goals scored. I recorded the game and have only seen the first half so far, so have something to look forward to later.
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Poor first half, but much more like it in the second. Getting through was the main thing though having the ball in the net 4 times was also a highlight.
Bradford, Reading or Blackburn pretty please.
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The second half, there was a period of where we were first to every loose ball, flew in to the tackle, won all the 50/50 challenges and completely dominated the middle of the park, I know it was against Leicester but I loved it, a definite re-awakening for some of them about what's required to grab hold of a game.
That's what I don't get about Lambert.
In his first year, we used to be like that frequently. If we didn't have the ball, we'd chase like fuck to get it back. Not unlike Dortmund's way of playing.
I think that's a good reason why after that first season he still had so much support. Last season and this, though, it just sort of disappeared. I never really understood why.
exactly my thinking Paulie
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With Lambert, I think it was a simple case of losing the plot. Unfortunately, the plot was already adrift with that Bradford game 2 years ago.
We should have done better against Bradford, especially with a second leg to recover from the surprise, however I think Bradford showed that year, and now this one, that they have a hoodoo over PL clubs in cup competition.
I think they half expect to beat PL clubs now. To be fair they had belief by the time they played us after knocking out Wigan and Arsenal.
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The second half, there was a period of where we were first to every loose ball, flew in to the tackle, won all the 50/50 challenges and completely dominated the middle of the park, I know it was against Leicester but I loved it, a definite re-awakening for some of them about what's required to grab hold of a game.
That's what I don't get about Lambert.
In his first year, we used to be like that frequently. If we didn't have the ball, we'd chase like fuck to get it back. Not unlike Dortmund's way of playing.
I think that's a good reason why after that first season he still had so much support. Last season and this, though, it just sort of disappeared. I never really understood why.
exactly my thinking Paulie
Same here.
We could see the green shoots at the end of that first season, started well v Arse and Chelsea(cheating twats!) and then it all started going tits-up.
If you do something that works well you carry on doing it don't you?
Not us!
That harrying and closing down returned for a good chunk of the second half yesterday and even Pearson said in his post-match interview that they (Leics) couldn't keep the ball.
More please!
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With Lambert, I think it was a simple case of losing the plot. Unfortunately, the plot was already adrift with that Bradford game 2 years ago.
We should have done better against Bradford, especially with a second leg to recover from the surprise, however I think Bradford showed that year, and now this one, that they have a hoodoo over PL clubs in cup competition.
There's an interesting interview here (http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9712409/How-To-Prepare-For-A-Cup-Shock...) with Bradford's head of sports science explaining how they prepare for matches again teams much better than them.
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Hutton, legend in the making.
Not of he continues to cock up like he did in the 90th minute today.
There was definitely a bit of naivety the last couple of minutes, first Hutton trying to do too much instead of twatting it in to row z and secondly Benteke trying the 30 yard shot when he should have ran the ball in to the corner to waste time.
Whilst it was a bit naive from Benteke I found it encouraging as well. Him having a go from 30 yards indicated he was getting confident again.
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With Lambert, I think it was a simple case of losing the plot. Unfortunately, the plot was already adrift with that Bradford game 2 years ago.
We should have done better against Bradford, especially with a second leg to recover from the surprise, however I think Bradford showed that year, and now this one, that they have a hoodoo over PL clubs in cup competition.
There's an interesting interview here (http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9712409/How-To-Prepare-For-A-Cup-Shock...) with Bradford's head of sports science explaining how they prepare for matches again teams much better than them.
Preparation? Planning? Tactics? Pah! If you're heading out of the cup at the hands of Bradford City, what you want to do is lump every striker or attacking player you've got, get them right up the pitch in the last 20 minutes. That ought to do it.
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Lambert first half, hopefully the future style for the second half. The players seem to understand what was required of them, that is, it does not take 8 passes across the pitch before looking to get it forward and also if players move forward of the player in possession there are more options.
The pressing part of our game also allowed us to give Leicester less options, thus making them play at our pace not theirs.
Would like to see Delph be pressed forward as the most forward player off either a 3 or 4 man midfield (diamond) and Sanchez rather than Westwood as the holding point of the diamond.
Bacuna I think if given more game time could yet make it here, all in all a dam sight better than when Mr. Clueless was in charge.
Scott Marshall thanks but no thanks, he showed in the first half he has been infected by Lamberts cluelessness.(if that is a word)
But my did it feel good at the end of that game.
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One thing I really like about Bacuna is when the play is broken and we are attacking at pace he's a real threat and can beat a man and score a goal.
Westwood disappointed me yesterday and gave away 2/3 free kicks around the area. Sanchez, Westwood, Cleveley, Delph, Gil, Sinclair and Bacuna. There are options there.
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1st half shite, 2nd much better, Cleverly had his best match, however I thought Delph was poor. Sinclair goal lucky but if you buy a ticket you just might win the raffle, only my 3rd home game of the season and we won, won 2 lost one now, Think I need to go more often
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No contest for me.
Brad first choice every time.
Me too
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I loved the 2nd half and especially when we were breaking forward as the midfield seemed to be racing each other to get in the box :)
Cleverley's best game so far....and what a save form Shay
UTV
The Doc
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The second half, there was a period of where we were first to every loose ball, flew in to the tackle, won all the 50/50 challenges and completely dominated the middle of the park, I know it was against Leicester but I loved it, a definite re-awakening for some of them about what's required to grab hold of a game.
That's what I don't get about Lambert.
In his first year, we used to be like that frequently. If we didn't have the ball, we'd chase like fuck to get it back. Not unlike Dortmund's way of playing.
I think that's a good reason why after that first season he still had so much support. Last season and this, though, it just sort of disappeared. I never really understood why.
I remember reading a match report after we lost 2-1 at Chelsea after the Arsenal win. Whoever was the journalist said that Villa looked battled hardened after the previous season. We then lost at home against liverpool and have never looked the same since.
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It's funny with the cup. I'd love a home draw against Blackburn or reading etc, but, as shit as the last few seasons have been (and they have been terrible) we have still managed to beat all of the top sides on occasion, with the exception of Utd. If we can avoid them til the final then fucking game on at wembley. We shouldn't fear anyone in the qtrs.
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Much better 2nd half. Asking Delph to try and play that extra 10 yards further forward made an enormous difference to our play and drew Leicester out a little more.
Hope we can get a good (home) draw tonight.
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One thing I really like about Bacuna is when the play is broken and we are attacking at pace he's a real threat and can beat a man and score a goal.
Westwood disappointed me yesterday and gave away 2/3 free kicks around the area. Sanchez, Westwood, Cleveley, Delph, Gil, Sinclair and Bacuna. There are options there.
I have become obsessed with us defending too deeply, especially when we go a goal up...we need to defend 10 yards further up the pitch. Had we done that Westwood would not need to make the clumsy, desperate tackles he did yesterday...or if he did, they wouldn't be in such dangerous positions.
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I liked the analysis on MOTD last night where the graphic showed clearly in the 2nd half how we had our midfield getting into forward positions, at times there were up to 3 of them in the box when we attacked.
Intetesting how this was seen by TS from a seat in the stands. I have always thought how limiting it must be for Managers to watch from pitch level and am surprised that more dont view from on high.
Anyway 1st half was a bit sterile but still a tad better than last few games under PL. 2nd half their goal apart, which we should never allowed the cross great header or not, i thought we dominated
recorded as 17 attempts on goal, 7 on target
Much much better
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Thought all our midfielders operated at about 75% today...that's an improvement for Cleverley, about average for Westwood and under par for Delph.
I look forward to Mr Sherwood getting a steady 90/95% out of them every game.
I'd hope when he sees them in training he'll be able to see who fits with the style of play he wants. Yesterday, in the second half it was great to see mid fielders breaking forward and pressing the defenders, haven't seen that very often this season.
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I liked the analysis on MOTD last night where the graphic showed clearly in the 2nd half how we had our midfield getting into forward positions, at times there were up to 3 of them in the box when we attacked.
Intetesting how this was seen by TS from a seat in the stands. I have always thought how limiting it must be for Managers to watch from pitch level and am surprised that more dont view from on high.
Anyway 1st half was a bit sterile but still a tad better than last few games under PL. 2nd half their goal apart, which we should never allowed the cross great header or not, i thought we dominated
recorded as 17 attempts on goal, 7 on target
Much much better
I was encouraged by yesterday too but actually the game didn't pan out very differently from when we played them at home in December. Sterile first half then but Clark did get that well worked equaliser. Second half we went on to win and could have scored more. 16 shots, 7 on target. That second half under Lambert was as good as it got, normally the second half was as dull as the first.
One conclusion you can draw, Leicester are crap.
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One conclusion you can draw, Leicester are crap.
They weren't crap, at least in the part I saw the week before away against Palace. They really should have been out of sight by half time. There are loads of crap teams this season, ourselves included, so I wouldn't dismiss them completely. The big difference was we wanted to win it more (and we obviously have a far better team, not that you'd have it for most of this season).
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One conclusion you can draw, Leicester are crap.
They weren't crap, at least in the part I saw the week before away against Palace. They really should have been out of sight by half time. There are loads of crap teams this season, ourselves included, so I wouldn't dismiss them completely. The big difference was we wanted to win it more (and we obviously have a far better team, not that you'd have it for most of this season).
I think the two worst sides I've seen this season are Leicester and Hull. Of course, both teams who have beaten us this season.
That's our problem - losing to sides we should beat, frequently in matches where we have been better than them. Hull were a great example. They were utterly crap, truly shit, yet still managed to beat us.
I thought Leicester were truly awful yesterday. The difference was that, in the second half at least, we started to look like we were playing, if not at our best, much better than we have done for ages.
Although they were horrific to watch, it wasn't the likes of the recent defeat at Arsenal or even shipping eight goals at Chelsea that did for Lambert, it was the frequency with which we'd play awful teams (like that lot yesterday) and manage to come away with nothing.
That was why the "but he's not had much money" argument never really did it for me - too many poor, poor results against awful sides.
I said this the other day, but under Lambert we managed to be both "almost a really good team" and "pretty awful" at the same time as he could never dot the i's or cross the t's to get us looking more like the completed article.
For all the months and months of awful results, Sherwood is in a good position, as it really won't take much to massively improve this side, he just needs to identify the problem (ie the midfield issue, which, frankly, a one-eyed man on a galloping horse could spot) and fix it. The second half yesterday was a great example of how one not particularly mind blowing change can see us dispatching awful sides like Leicester, rather than making them look decent.
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The midfield not getting forward enough, Benteke off form and lacking confidence plus two other forwards who haven't been great, using full backs as wingers are all major reasons as to why we have such a horrible goals total. By just getting wingers into the game, and encouraging the midfield to attack the box he'll have gone a long way to solving the problem. Get Benteke one goal and a bit of belief and all of sudden things look really different. Add in a fit Vlaar (insert joke here) to what is already a pretty good defence and keeper and we'll get out of this situation. Oh and a manager that is positive and confident. Important too.
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Sinclair was stripped ready to come on a minute before Bacuna scored but the sat down. Then when he did come on got the second. It was like the Gods were smiling on us for a change.
Much changed atmosphere in the Holte too, even during the sterile first half.
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I do like it that Vlaar carries the ball forward on occasion into the other half.
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One conclusion you can draw, Leicester are crap.
They weren't crap, at least in the part I saw the week before away against Palace. They really should have been out of sight by half time. There are loads of crap teams this season, ourselves included, so I wouldn't dismiss them completely. The big difference was we wanted to win it more (and we obviously have a far better team, not that you'd have it for most of this season).
I think the two worst sides I've seen this season are Leicester and Hull. Of course, both teams who have beaten us this season.
That's our problem - losing to sides we should beat, frequently in matches where we have been better than them. Hull were a great example. They were utterly crap, truly shit, yet still managed to beat us.
I thought Leicester were truly awful yesterday. The difference was that, in the second half at least, we started to look like we were playing, if not at our best, much better than we have done for ages.
Although they were horrific to watch, it wasn't the likes of the recent defeat at Arsenal or even shipping eight goals at Chelsea that did for Lambert, it was the frequency with which we'd play awful teams (like that lot yesterday) and manage to come away with nothing.
That was why the "but he's not had much money" argument never really did it for me - too many poor, poor results against awful sides.
I said this the other day, but under Lambert we managed to be both "almost a really good team" and "pretty awful" at the same time as he could never dot the i's or cross the t's to get us looking more like the completed article.
For all the months and months of awful results, Sherwood is in a good position, as it really won't take much to massively improve this side, he just needs to identify the problem (ie the midfield issue, which, frankly, a one-eyed man on a galloping horse could spot) and fix it. The second half yesterday was a great example of how one not particularly mind blowing change can see us dispatching awful sides like Leicester, rather than making them look decent.
100% agree.
Bold bit - So Lambert must have been living in Sleepy Hollow then?
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Sinclair was stripped ready to come on a minute before Bacuna scored but the sat down. Then when he did come on got the second. It was like the Gods were smiling on us for a change.
Much changed atmosphere in the Holte too, even during the sterile first half.
Probably because I was in there for the first time in 4 years. I'm the Russ Abbot of Villa Park, me.
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One conclusion you can draw, Leicester are crap.
They weren't crap, at least in the part I saw the week before away against Palace. They really should have been out of sight by half time. There are loads of crap teams this season, ourselves included, so I wouldn't dismiss them completely. The big difference was we wanted to win it more (and we obviously have a far better team, not that you'd have it for most of this season).
Out of sight with one shot on target? From my view we were their equal in the first period and that only because we had that tendency to gift them the ball on plenty of occasions. It would be easier to list those of ours who didn't pass the ball to the opposition. 2nd half was more like how I like seeing us play. Continually pressing and getting forward even though the midfield did better than normal in this respect they still don't make enough movement for my liking. I'm sure Gil will improve this and I'm equally sure Delph will have more effective games too.
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One conclusion you can draw, Leicester are crap.
They weren't crap, at least in the part I saw the week before away against Palace. They really should have been out of sight by half time. There are loads of crap teams this season, ourselves included, so I wouldn't dismiss them completely. The big difference was we wanted to win it more (and we obviously have a far better team, not that you'd have it for most of this season).
Out of sight with one shot on target? From my view we were their equal in the first period and that only because we had that tendency to gift them the ball on plenty of occasions. It would be easier to list those of ours who didn't pass the ball to the opposition. 2nd half was more like how I like seeing us play. Continually pressing and getting forward even though the midfield did better than normal in this respect they still don't make enough movement for my liking. I'm sure Gil will improve this and I'm equally sure Delph will have more effective games too.
I was referring to their first half game against Palace, Bren. Agree with the rest though.
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Hutton, legend in the making.
Just needs to improve his crossing.
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I do like it that Vlaar carries the ball forward on occasion into the other half.
Not that he's really shown much of it but that was real leadership from Vlaar setting up Bacuna and I was more than delighted it resulted in a goal. It annoys me so much when we have a player near the half way line with 15/20 yards of space in front of him and he looks for the easiest sideways pass available. Bring it you bastards!
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Yikes!
(http://i3.birminghammail.co.uk/incoming/article8650172.ece/alternates/s1227b/JS56921183.png)
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Bacuna screams in sheer horror as Cleverley moves in for a smooch. Delph seeing the danger, and as a future captain jumps in to rescue Leo. Cleverley simply claimed afterwards he's finally discovered his love for the club and wanted to display it publicly.
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I thought it was Weimann at first until I looked at the number on his shorts.
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I thought it was Weimann at first until I looked at the number on his shorts.
I get those two mixed up all the time.
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Tesco-bags at home
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Some of our efforts on goal going by the highlights were awful. Weimann in the first half simply has to hit that cutback from Hutton low and on target.
He gets in good positions at times Weimann but he has skied quite a few cutbacks this season.
Great to see Delph in the box at the end of a cross, but his technique for the header was absymal, seemed to hit his shoulder.
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To be fair, most of our players needed an A to Z to find the opposition penalty area after the last 6 months, no wonder they didn't know what to do when they got there.
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Is it just me or is Delph looking a bit old and chubby?
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Is it just me or is Delph looking a bit old and chubby?
Just you. He was definitely poor yesterday but old and chubby?
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Classic game of two halves. Sherwood seems to have made the right noises at half time as we looked a lot sharper in the second half. Just wish Benteke could have scored to give him a boost.
Thought Clark was immense today and deserved man of the match for that tackle alone. Vlaar looked good as well. Even Cleverley had one of his better games.
Well worth the ten hours on the M5. We missed the first few minutes because of the congestion at J4 which was even worse on the way back.
We owe a big thanks to the guy looking after the car park next to the Wharf Diner on Lichfield Road who opened the gates to let us in. Without him we would have missed a lot more. Cheers mate!
So we'll now be playing Baggies twice in 5 days if the cup game is on the Saturday and the last time we played them in the cup was 1957. This is going to be a massive few weeks. Can't wait.
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Is it just me or is Delph looking a bit old and chubby?
Just you. He was definitely poor yesterday but old and chubby?
Well he's definitely balding and there looks to be more than one chin on show also.
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Well done devilla.
That's commitment mate!
UTV!
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Is it just me or is Delph looking a bit old and chubby?
Just you. He was definitely poor yesterday but old and chubby?
Well he's definitely balding and there looks to be more than one chin on show also.
Hope he hasn't caught the Gabby virus!
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Love rewatching bacuna's goal, very reminiscent of his finish vs Albion at home last season.
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Love rewatching bacuna's goal, very reminiscent of his finish vs Albion at home last season.
The one where he nearly missed from a yard?
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He meant Norwich....which was on his left foot. ;)
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He meant Norwich....which was on his left foot. ;)
yup, Norwich, the counter-attacking goal. The finish was very similar but .... ok, I forgot it was on the other foot!
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There's a propa player in Bacuna ... just a case of unlocking it...
Impressed by Sherwoods half time words and the improvement it brought but in all honesty after watching villa for the last 2 seasons its not exactly rocket science that using the wings running at playing an playing early ball into the box to the strikers and midfielders making runs would result in more chances and goals.
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I like Bacuna and always have done. Be interesting what we do this summer as he'll only have a year left