Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Dave on August 25, 2015, 10:34:04 PM
-
We should probably have one of these.
-
mmmmmhhh?
-
When's the draw?
-
Wem-ber-lee
-
Stupid team selection and seemingly lucky with the pen
Some encouraging attacking play though. Let's hope grealish, Adama and Sinclair are fit and fresh for Saturday.
-
A win is a win. And don't right joe Bennett off yet
-
Well, wasn't that fabulous?
Cracking cup game.
No fingernails left, but hey!
5 - 3!
-
When's the draw?
Tonight I think
-
Not a ringing endorsement for those who think tactics Tim is the man to lead us out of this mess. More of the same and if it were McLeish or Lambert as manager having spent £40m the abuse would be off the scale.
-
Did Sherwood just throw a few random bibs at the squad and whoever caught one was picked?
-
I wonder how Sherwood will react to Bennet's performance. If there was ever a case of taking your opportunity to perform he kind of did it.
-
Wem-ber-lee
Villa vs Arsenal final??
-
got away with it. Not a good defensive display at all, and while I can see the attraction in buying attacking players and making us good going forward, every time we got caught we looked like we could concede. PL sides scouting us will put us to the sword if we don't tidy that up. I'm really disappointed by Ayew so far also.
Jack was superb, and Traore is going to be a star.
-
Wem-ber-lee
Villa vs Arsenal final??
Too soon
-
Completely different back 5 though to be fair
-
Adama, Grealish, Sinclair and Gil were fantastic, playing one proper center midfielder was crazy but made it an exciting end to end game.
-
Completely different back 5 though to be fair
true, but it's more the gap in our midfield that we don't seem to cover very well. When we lose the ball we seem to open up too easily.
-
We got the scum at home!
COME ON 8)
-
HAHAHA
-
Aston Villa v Birmingham
-
When's the draw?
Tonight I think
Ball number 1 (Aston Villa) versus..
-
Small Heath at home, lovely
-
Can anyone provide a report on how Veretout was?
-
Oh please rip those rags a new arse
-
I'm really disappointed by Ayew so far also.
Yes but at least he costed only 9 million pounds! Probably he was confused with his brother that is good and then plays for Swansea....
-
Gobsmacked. Christ, that's a draw.
-
Get in
-
Completely different back 5 though to be fair
true, but it's more the gap in our midfield that we don't seem to cover very well. When we lose the ball we seem to open up too easily.
If Tim ever picks that midfield in the premier league he should be sacked on the spot. I'm confident he won't though.
-
Fuck me!!! Bring it on!!!
(https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.GKXCssEmsjCRZDqus83vqw&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300)
-
Cracking game, but certainly shows need for new CB.
-
Hopefully Jack and Sinclair have put an end to the ridiculous 'all fart etc' nonsense that appeared at the weekend.
-
12pm kick off on a Thursday lunchtime then!!!
-
Well done Tim. Now for the Derby!!!!
-
Shit on the City. On live TV. With a full strength team. TS offered a glory baton.
-
Shit on the City. On live TV. With a full strength team. TS offered a glory baton.
Tottenham vs Arsenal also. Lovely draw for Walsall
-
The form of our other strikers is so bad I'd consider kozak. How did he do when he came on?
-
Cracking game, but certainly shows need for new CB.
Because our fourth-choice centre-back and not-a-centre-back didn't play particularly well?
-
Cracking game, but certainly shows need for new CB.
Because our fourth-choice centre-back and not-a-centre-back didn't play particularly well?
maybe he was referring to the depth issue which is a concern if we do lose one of our established starters.
-
Sinclair is the best centre forward at the club. Stop messing about with him as a left winger who is completely right footed and play him down the middle with Jack, Gil and Adama behind him.
-
Sinclair is the best centre forward at the club. Stop messing about with him as a left winger who is completely right footed and play him down the middle with Jack, Gil and Adama behind him.
yep. This has my vote. Gil certainly now has to come in
-
Sinclair is the best centre forward at the club. Stop messing about with him as a left winger who is completely right footed and play him down the middle with Jack, Gil and Adama behind him.
You could be onto something, Oz, as Sinclair is no winger.
-
Thanks for the attendance figures
-
SSN about to show the goals I think
-
Sinclair is the best centre forward at the club. Stop messing about with him as a left winger who is completely right footed and play him down the middle with Jack, Gil and Adama behind him.
yep. This has my vote. Gil certainly now has to come in
Gil was the best player on the pitch tonight.
-
I have been impressed with Sinclair's attitude, he has an eye for goal which we severely lack.
He has to start the next game, yes I would give him a go as centre forward.
-
I have been impressed with Sinclair's attitude, he has an eye for goal which we severely lack.
He has to start the next game, yes I would give him a go as centre forward.
he gets into very good positions which I like about him. Said that last year when even if he didn't score he was in position to. You can't really teach that, it's almost instinctive.
-
Enjoyed tonight, better than some of the other cup fuck ups we've endured.
Gil, Grealish, Traore, Sinclair played well. Veretout looked ok.
Baker poor. Sanchez not a centre back obviously, Lescott would be a very decent short term deal for us.
Bennett goal was nice.
Ayew looked crap, not up to full speed of course but thought he'd look better against what is almost non league standard.
-
Sinclair is the best centre forward at the club. Stop messing about with him as a left winger who is completely right footed and play him down the middle with Jack, Gil and Adama behind him.
The form of our other strikers is so bad I'd consider kozak. How did he do when he came on?
We need someone at CF, if for no other reason than to provide a focal point. Ayew doesn't seem to be that man, not yet anyway. Get one of these pair in. Some of our approach play tonight was what I'd hoped for with the buys, but ffs somebody shoooooooot!!!!
-
I have no problem with Sinclair starting. He can finish, he works hard and has good movement. What's not to like?
I didn't see the game tonight (the highlights showed Grealish seemingly picking up where he left off last season) but people don't seem very impressed with Ayew. I can understand him lacking a scoring touch at present, but was he in any way effective?
-
I have been impressed with Sinclair's attitude, he has an eye for goal which we severely lack.
He has to start the next game, yes I would give him a go as centre forward.
he gets into very good positions which I like about him. Said that last year when even if he didn't score he was in position to. You can't really teach that, it's almost instinctive.
That's because he wants to score, some players find reasons not to get into those positions.
Lets hope he gets a real chance now.
-
Sinclair is Gabby's upgrade.
-
I really enjoyed that. Defence was scary at times but we really took the piss going forward at times. Adama, Gil and Jack were playing a different game to everyone else. Jack was loving it, near the end as he went to take a corner the Holte was signing "Super Jack" and he looked up at us in L2 and i've never seen a player look happier or have a bigger smile on his face.
It was actually fun and enjoyable to be there tonight. A world apart from Orient last year. Even when we were losing there were loads of positives to be seen for the future. When we click we are going to rip some decent sides apart.
-
I really enjoyed that. Defence was scary at times but we really took the piss going forward at times. Adama, Gil and Jack were playing a different game to everyone else. Jack was loving it, near the end as he went to take a corner the Holte was signing "Super Jack" and he looked up at us in L2 and i've never seen a player look happier or have a bigger smile on his face.
It was actually fun and enjoyable to be there tonight. A world apart from Orient last year. Even when we were losing there were loads of positives to be seen for the future. When we click we are going to rip some decent sides apart.
That's how I felt mate, we were always going to be rickety at the back with that side and the midfield didn't offer much protection but for getting the attacking players some game time and working together, plus a bit of entertainment it was a decent night.
-
Great fun tonight. We were comical at times though.
-
For once I agree fully ( mostly agree partially) with PWS. Great night and oh yes Orient last year was one of the most miserable nights I have ever witnessed at the Park.
-
I read on Twitter that Ayew had a goal disallowed. Fairly?
-
Can anyone provide a report on how Veretout was?
We thought he was good tonight, but then he was the on,y central midfielder playing.
He looks to be getting more settled, was nice and tidy on the ball, got forward well towards the end of the game, and had a really good shot blocked.
-
Only player I have to be a nit negative about tonight is Ayew, he's not ready yet.
-
I thought we were great going forward but always looked like we going to let one in whenever they attacked. Sanchez did really well considering he's not a defender but he should have been in midfield. It might have been an easier night had he been. Richardson had a fairly decent game and Grealish deserved a goal, he was great.
Oh and I hope we keep Kozak, he was excellent when he came on.
-
Not a ringing endorsement for those who think tactics Tim is the man to lead us out of this mess. More of the same and if it were McLeish or Lambert as manager having spent £40m the abuse would be off the scale.
I've just read that County had 18 new players this summer. I guess the scoreline was a reflection of both sides fielding so many new players. Tactics will have to earn the right to be called Tim and nights like tonight won't do him any favours. Whilst everybody is calling for a new centre forward, the best teams build from the back. We have plenty of striker options but it's the defence that really concern me. I'm really hoping the Spurs fans were wrong in their appraisal of Sherwood in that we'll have to outscore teams to win because he doesn't do defence.
Pre-match I said I wanted to see us solid at the back and defensive midfield to use this game to build on for our league form. What we got was the complete opposite with a gung-ho approach, learning nothing about how to operate defensively and supply our attack. It reminds me very much of Lambert's first season.
Still, to the few that turned up, at least they got to see an enjoyable and memorable game. For them, I'm more than happy but fear we lost a great opportunity to use the game to build on where we want to be.. other than in the next round.
-
If Gabby starts ahead of Sinclair on Saturday I'll be calling for a Sherwood to have his bumps felt.
-
Grealish, Sinclair, Gil, Adama, all very good. Sanchez played well I thought, Veretout aswell. Baker was his usual self, Hutton at fault for the first goal. Bunn I thought was flat footed for the goals despite them being great speculative shots. Richardson good in parts but generally meh. The one worry for me is Ayew. If he can't get a decent game in against Notts County it's a worry. I think he may well be an expensive dud.
-
Cracking night of kamikaze football. Play three defenders and a keeper that isn't much cop then that's what you get.
But going forward it was brilliant at time Adama could be something else if realises when to run and when to pass. Gill in the middle is a joy to watch with Jack. Need to try and shoehorne them all on on the odd occasion
I thought Sanchez did well at the back but baker was terrible.
-
The usual high standards of commentating/reporting tonight from our Jack and our Andy (Blair). Infuriating tendency to assume we are all watching the game with them so you get comments like 'this could be dangerous' but you don't know who or where. But the best bit was on Kozak's injury:
Jack: Well he's had a long layoff with injury.
Andy Blair: Yeah. What was his injury again?
Jack: I dunno, a cruciate I think, or maybe a broken leg.
I kid you not. He must be the only person connected with Villa who doesn't know the nature of his injury and his setbacks on the road to recovery. If they can't get someone to do the most basic of research of the players they're interviewing all week, then it's a poor show. Terrible terrible standards of reporting. You expect some knowledge from people within the club.
-
Well that didn't exactly go to the script. Thought Sanchez was good - did a lot of covering when others had wandered out of position and got some good challenges in, otherwise a bit shambolic at the back; thought Veretout did well; Sinclair, Adama and Jack all excellent with Gil MOTM for me - he has to start; Ayew still failing to impress I'm afraid; subs - Libor provides a focal point and holds the ball well - play him; Joe Bennett comes on and scores, what more can you say; Cole's block of a goal followed by an air-kick shot was sheer comedy gold. Could and should have run out with a lot more goals, but they should have had at least 1 more. Oh, and Jack is never going to score - even when the goal was gaping and he just had to pass it into the net he still missed. Frustrating and exhilarating in equal measure but we'll have to do a lot better against our neighbours in the next round
-
Chaotic but exciting. We did our job and reap a tidy reward.
-
Oh - and who was that Graham Burke lad who scored a fantastic goal for them. He looked somehow familiar.........
-
We could have scored 10 tonight, when was the last time you could say that about a Villa side?
-
Brilliant cup tie. Two sides with no idea how to defend going at it hammer and tongs.
We looked shit at the back, but our defence consisted of a 3rd choice CB, 2nd choice RB, a midfielder and a converted winger. Midfield was one CM behind 4 attacking midfielders and a striker. Of course we were a defensive shambles. But we won and scored lots of goals and probably should've scored lots more.
Really, really got my moneys worth tonight and I think with all the stressing and panicking and worrying we do, its easy to forget that football is bloody good fun. And thats what I had.
-
Just saw a link on the Villa official FB feed to 'Joe Bennett's Goal' with a big play button.
I clicked on it hoping to see the goal and was greeted with an 'audio boom' of that Woodward Wally waxing lyrical about Bennett's left foot.
Cringeworthy doesn't even come close.
-
The usual high standards of commentating/reporting tonight from our Jack and our Andy (Blair). Infuriating tendency to assume we are all watching the game with them so you get comments like 'this could be dangerous' but you don't know who or where. But the best bit was on Kozak's injury:
Jack: Well he's had a long layoff with injury.
Andy Blair: Yeah. What was his injury again?
Jack: I dunno, a cruciate I think, or maybe a broken leg.
I kid you not. He must be the only person connected with Villa who doesn't know the nature of his injury and his setbacks on the road to recovery. If they can't get someone to do the most basic of research of the players they're interviewing all week, then it's a poor show. Terrible terrible standards of reporting. You expect some knowledge from people within the club.
Beats me how anyone can listen to that buffoon Woodward. He really does sound like Alan Partridge, minus the footballing knowledge of course. Toe curling.
-
Beats me how anyone can listen to that buffoon Woodward. He really does sound like Alan Partridge, minus the footballing knowledge of course. Toe curling.
The man is a treasure.
-
That was an enjoyable night's entertainment. Yes we can all find plenty of faults but compared to some of the dire stuff we've had to watch at Villa Park in recent years it's just refreshing to see us line-up with players like Traore, Gil, Grealish, Sinclair and Veretout.
Well played Notts too.
-
Went to the game earlier and though it's already been overshadowed by the draw, it was a mixed bag. Starting with the Manager - I thought he got selection badly wrong and had it not been for a dubious penalty we could have gone out.
Gil, Grealish and Traore showed some great touches at times even if the end product wasn't always there. I thought Veretout looked more comfortable in a deeper role and once he gets a bit fitter and stronger he should be a decent addition. Sinclair drifted in and out, but gets in good positions and I thought Richardson had a steady game.
Now for the bad - I have got everything firmly crossed that we never see that Sanchez and Baker central defensive partnership again. To be fair to Sanchez, he is not a defender and apart from a few wobbles did OK. On the other hand, I just cannot see how Nathan Baker is a top flight footballer. His first two passes went straight into touch and for their penalty, he floated a ball straight to their player and then was caught out as the ball went back over his head and the player was brought down. He has played a good number of first team games now and is still making basic errors. Unfortunately, Ayew also looks out of his depth at the moment. I lost count of the number of times he was caught offside and I think he is one who is going to need a lot more time.
Finally, I'd like to say well done to Joe Bennett for his goal. The past couple of seasons can't have been easy for him, so it was good to see him get on the scoresheet.
-
Yep fair play to them, even when they took the lead they kept going for it as well. I wasn't a million miles away when I said this after seeing our starting 11!
8-4 to us is worth a fiver I reckon!
-
Well...that was all a bit mental!
From the minute I saw the team sheet, I was wondering how that selection could possibly line up and I wasn't wrong when I saw Sanchez in the back four...but I think most of you seem to be missing the rather obvious reasoning behind his team selection and looking to deep into how we performed as a team.
The back 5...all of them were given game time as they haven't kicked a ball this season. Sanchez was played at the back simply to make up the numbers and give him some minutes on the pitch. Quite clearly he isn't a CB but some game time will do him good, and I was actually impressed by him tonight...thats the first time I've ever said that about Sanchez!
The other 6...well the same applies...game time and fitness exercise in a competitive match.
Veretout: looks to be coming along slowly but surely.
Traore: excellent but needs to learn to pass and become a team player...you can't do it all yourself every time! Concerned about the kicking he took tonight and hope he isn't too badly injured from the disgraceful challenges he received.
Gil: looking good and linked up play well...probably takes one too many touches at times, and often chooses the wrong option.
Ayew: really the only one of the new guys that concerns me...I want him to do well but he just doesn't look like he's upto standard. He could be one of those players that takes a season to settle in...or never will.
Jack: played his heart out...best player on the pitch by a mile and you can see he's desperate to score. Just takes too much time when it opens up for him or decides to shoot at completely the wrong times. He probably felt the weight of the Holte on his shoulders when the open goal presented itself...but he fluffed it. His goal will come sooner rather than later.
Bring on the blue scum!
-
Just home, a really exciting Cup tie, I just enjoyed it for what it was.
Traore was just fantastic and I hope his injury isn't too bad. So many plus points, we could have scored 8 in the end and fair play to County for never giving up. Credit to League 2.
Only real negative for me was Ayew who I wanted to put in a really good effort to say to TS ...pick me ahead of Gabby on Saturday. Unfortunately after that tonight, that's still some time away.
Scott Sinclair definitely said pick me, as did Carles, and fair play to Libor and Joe Bennett too, both made statements as well. Keiron Richardson continues to make me realise that I still have a future in the top flight.
Great night and obviously great draw!
-
Now do you believe me?
WE NEED A RIGHT BACK
Nice touch from the County fans in applauding our Jack throughout the game.
And for those who missed it, he gave them his boots.
Good lad Jack
-
Now do you believe me?
WE NEED A RIGHT BACK
I certainly believe you a little more after seeing Hutton tonight.
-
Highways Agency you make the lives of travelling fans unbearable. A14 closed. 17 miles of diversion down to one lane. M1 closed then our junction on M11 closed. This country is rapidly grinding to a coned off halt. The game was like the team selection. Mental. Timmy you just got a big question mark in my black book. That game needed to be quietly put to bed with the minimum effort. Instead it was like Benny Hill meets the Keystone Kops.
-
Now that I've got home and settled down...
I was like a cat on a hot tin wotsit for about 100 mins of that game...
crazy selection but...is that Tim being "positive" or just mad...no DM (Veretout? who I thought had a great game) meant that our defence was always under pressure - result of which was - they scored 2 shitty goals.
Bunn looked fine to me and I was less nervy with him than with Guzan
Back 4 were not a unit...Hutton ok, Baker was Baker, Sanchez was played out of position but did a fantastic job, Richardson was fine and calmed a few potential attacks for them and was excellent going forward.
Midfield was nuts! I thought Veretout looked the business and will clearly get better (Westwood watch yer back ...or create a pair of strong DMs)...imho I like the look of him - he'll be good, likes a tackle, takes no shit and has an eye for a ball. Jack was outstanding, as was Gil. Didn't realise Sinclair was playing 'til he did something after 20 mins. Got into good positions and scored 3 ffs...good for you Scott!
Traore....thank fu*k I never made it as a full-back and had to mark this thing...he clearly sees full-backs as a minor obstruction to him conquering the World by stealth, strength, speed and fuckyouweaklingness.
Ayew needs games - but not crucial ones (they all are aren't they?) as he needs to get up to speed etc.
I was incredibly impressed with Libor (but then I am a fan anyway) and I thought Bennett looked amazing in his brief appearance - looked comfy in an odd role and created/took his goal with considerable aplomb.
(always wanted to use the word "aplomb" on H&V... not had chance since the semi-final annihilation of 'The Mighty Reds YNWA')
UTV!
:D
-
Can anyone provide a report on how Veretout was?
We thought he was good tonight, but then he was the on,y central midfielder playing.
He looks to be getting more settled, was nice and tidy on the ball, got forward well towards the end of the game, and had a really good shot blocked.
He worked really hard too. Very determined chap, methinks.
Maybe physically a little weak.
Three Shredded Wheat a day required.
-
I thought Veretout was "dogged"...nothing fancy but those cu*ts who play for the other side are going nowhere!
He was clearly fu*ked after 60 mins v B'mouth and Utd.
Taking the opposition into account, he looked fitter tonight...getting fitter? perhaps he just needs time...
-
I can see the makings of a good central midfield partnership developing between Veretout and Gueye with backup from Sanchez. Its actually going to be hard to fit them all in the team when we also need to accommodate Traore, Jack, Gil and a striker...but I guess thats a nice headache for the manager to have for a change and gives us good options.
-
Midlands League Cup Attendances tonight:
Villa: 21,430
West Brom: 13,915
Blues: 9,275
Wolves: 7,384
Walsall: 2,968
All games played at home against lower league opposition except Walsall.
-
heres all the goals.
-
Good goals all round.
Bunn didn't exactly cover himself in glory though.
-
Bunn could wel have been sent off and I thought he was static for the first
Glad to hear veretout did well. The thing is we now have lots of options in central midfield that look promising but we're lacking in wide positions and the forwards all look poor so far
-
Didn't see the game, but sounds like it demonstrated that our defensive back up isn't up to it. Still pleased for Adama to get off the mark and Sinclair to show that he definitely offers something and should be in the team in front of Gabby every day of the week.
-
Beats me how anyone can listen to that buffoon Woodward. He really does sound like Alan Partridge, minus the footballing knowledge of course. Toe curling.
The man is a treasure.
J-Dub introduced one of the mascots as being from "Can-knock"
-
Beats me how anyone can listen to that buffoon Woodward. He really does sound like Alan Partridge, minus the footballing knowledge of course. Toe curling.
The man is a treasure.
I wonder where they dug him up?
-
A win is a win. And don't right joe Bennett off yet
100% pass completion and a goal.
Think Tims found a new position for young Joe :)
-
The form of our other strikers is so bad I'd consider kozak. How did he do when he came on?
He did really well.
I'll be really disappointed if he's allowed to go, as reports are suggesting
-
Looks like I missed a cracker.
-
You did mate, it was good to enjoy a genuinely exciting game where anything could happen.
I was really fortunate too as I sat next to a UEFA B Coach / psychologist / commentator. He never shut up for the entire game, answered questions which he asked himself and stood up and loudly applauded all 3 goals County scored.
He also called Scott Sinclair a "bottler" when he might have had / should have had a penalty in the first half.
Bloke was a 24 carat knob.
-
The form of our other strikers is so bad I'd consider kozak. How did he do when he came on?
He did really well.
I'll be really disappointed if he's allowed to go, as reports are suggesting
Agreed. I thought he held the ball up well and linked nicely with the attacking midfielders. Also lost his markers in the box several times.
He's the pick of the central stikers for me.
-
He seems the ideal option to play if fit ( Kozak ) intelligent, can hold the ball up,which would suit players like Sinclair and others to run in behind.
-
Excruciating is the word In would use for that game Leeg. Bunn should have got a red card and we could very easily have lost right up to extra time. The thrills, and there were plenty, masked the cock ups of which there were also plenty. The new refereeing guidelines appear to plunge the game deeper into the morass of officials discretion. Traore was chopped down mercilessly until the inevitable happened and he was injured. I would expect a manager to be furious about it but Sherwood at least for the media does his Joe Cool number and says Adama has to get used to it and presumably we have to get used to our best player taking a lease on the BH treatment room.
-
Yep, I thought the ref was way out of his depth at times Brian.
Traore was continually shirt-pulled and hacked down, yet Jack gets a booking for having a drink while a substitution is taking place. Same as you, I thought Bunn was going to get sent off too, seeing it again this morning didnt change my mind.
When they did score the penalty, one of their players was 5 yards inside the box but he missed that too.
I guess it all added to such an exciting game in the end!
-
Excrutiating? Perhaps. But excrutiating to me is losing 1-0 at home to Leyton Bloody Orient. Last night was many things: chaotic, mad, comical, turbulent, but in the end, for me, hugely enjoyable. Two penalties, comedy defending, extra time, some uplifting individual performances to get you off your seat, and in the end we finished with Joe Bennett and Joe Cole in centre midfield. You couldn't make it up. I loved it.
-
http://www.skysports.com/football/a-villa-vs-notts-co/350877
-
Yep, I thought the ref was way out of his depth at times Brian.
Traore was continually shirt-pulled and hacked down, yet Jack gets a booking for having a drink while a substitution is taking place. Same as you, I thought Bunn was going to get sent off too, seeing it again this morning didnt change my mind.
When they did score the penalty, one of their players was 5 yards inside the box but he missed that too.
I guess it all added to such an exciting game in the end!
I also thought that Jack was booked for the heinous crime of having a drink of water whilst a substitution was going on.
However the BBC report only list Bunn as being booked.
Bunn could easily have been sent off but the player was heading away from goal and there were two players getting back to cover.
Amevor should have been sent off for his persistent assaults on Adama
The Ref also missed a WWE style body check on McCafu
As for Joe Bennett, there's a decent footballer in there. Maybe not a left back but I'd like to see him getting some time in the reserves as a midfielder. The move worked for Gareth Barry
-
http://www.skysports.com/football/a-villa-vs-notts-co/350877
No wonder we struggled. They're saying we beat County and Burton.
-
I didn't enjoy that game as much as the scoreline suggests. They were not very good and were there for the taking. Unfortunately we let them take it to extra time.
The set-up was woefully unbalanced. I am not sure in the logic of letting Sanchez gain some match time in a position that he is clearly not suited for. Tim might as well have stuck Guzan up front. Sanchez made some fine tackles but when their attackers were running at him he gifted them too much space. Baker had a reasonable game, as did Hutton and I thought Richardson played well. Together they looked out of kilter and were not helped by the midfield. The received opinion on here and among the people I was with last night was that Veretout played well but I did not see it myself. He did not seem to be there when we needed him.
There are not many chances to experiment with formations and tactics in a season so last night was a rare opportunity to try something different. Playing Gil, Adama, Sinclair and Grealish together was bold but they often wanted to do the same thing. They all are tricky players but I did not think they linked up well at all. Individually they all had a good game, they looked exciting but they did not seem to play as a unit.
I know we scored five, I know we won, I know as Villa fans we often see the glass half empty but I just don't feel the warm glow that I would have liked.
-
I agree re Joe Bennett. I'd forgotten about him and I recall him as a lightweight liability under TSM2 but that was a nice little cameo from him last night and there may indeed be a half decent player there somewhere. I'm pleased for him that he got his goal - and a great reaction from the other players when he scored, too.
-
The stuff about "there being a decent footballer in Joe Bennett" is turning into an H&V cliche up there with Barry and penalties.
-
Highways Agency you make the lives of travelling fans unbearable. A14 closed. 17 miles of diversion down to one lane. M1 closed then our junction on M11 closed. This country is rapidly grinding to a coned off halt. The game was like the team selection. Mental. Timmy you just got a big question mark in my black book. That game needed to be quietly put to bed with the minimum effort. Instead it was like Benny Hill meets the Keystone Kops.
I fully disagree with the last point Brian. If we had a settled unit I think Sherwood either would have, or would have had a stronger argument, for putting in a team trying to keep it tight and picking them for a routine 3-0 win. As it is we've signed lots of players, attacking ones, over the summer and Gil and Grealish have only just come back from injuries. Not only do those players need to get up to full fitness but Sherwood still needs to see them competitively to see what is his best options. With that in mind he took a gamble in putting Sanchez at the back because he knew he needed to play him but didn't want to put him in midfield.
What we got was Sherwood seeing exactly what our attacking options were, who can do what, and who gets closer to the starting XI. It was an invaluable and timely game last night and I think Sherwood welcomed it. That we scored 5 should be applauded too as should some of the performances. Sherwood fancied that we would score more than them and we did; just.
-
Given the result, I thoroughly enjoyed last night. It was great to see some real flair football and some standout individual performances.
Grealish, Gil, Traore, Sanchez and Cole (despite a cockup or two) deserve their plaudits.
I thought Veretout got stronger and stronger as the game wore on, and considering he was blowing out of his arse after 30 mins against UTD, he is obviously improving and getting fitter. 120 mins last night would have done him the world of good.
Special praise for County, they made a real game of it and helped make it the enjoyable game it was.
Worries....given the level of opposition Ayew looks woefully short of well, just about everything.
And Bennett? I think he shone when he came on.
But, only because he has found his level of opposition, and they were all fucked!
-
Well I didnt go to this one due to financial restraints. I tried to find Radio Nottingham on my ageing world wide receiver but failed dismally.That left me with one terrifying option. The option that is Partridge on AVTV. Unfortunately not even his magnificent presence could help the dismal service they offer. Kept going down,buffering,coming back,going down and finally I gave up after about 20mins and watched the BBC site for
my info.
Its pointless if you were not there (or watching on a stream) to make a reasoned comment so I will desist. I am glad the fans of both clubs had some entertainment and from the goals I have seen this morning that appears to be the case.
I am assuming Tim Sherwood knows what he is doing, only time will tell if that is the case.
-
We have to agree to disagree Peter. I thought it was at best slapstick football and at its worst black comedy. We very nearly lost that game and picked up an injury to a very promising young player. In my humble, very personal opinion, that performance was to progressive table climbing football what pantomime is to drama.
-
A word in defence of Ayew- at least he does make those runs into ' the channels' and is mobile, qualities that Gabby seems to have lost. The timings of the balls through last night meant that too often he was caught offside but I applaud him for always being on the move and looking for opportunity. His time will come and there is enough quality coaching at Villa now to be optimistic that he will be a valued player. JPA had very similar problems initially but came good, the same will happen to Ayew.
-
good point both JPA and Savo looked like Bambi on Ice for a while. I'm hopeless at it but we need some patience.
-
I hope you're right re Ayew. He needs time, coaching, and for someone to tell him about the offside rule. I worry that he may not quite be up to it, and may prove to be the worst of this summer's acquisitions. I hope I'm wrong.
-
You did mate, it was good to enjoy a genuinely exciting game where anything could happen.
I was really fortunate too as I sat next to a UEFA B Coach / psychologist / commentator. He never shut up for the entire game, answered questions which he asked himself and stood up and loudly applauded all 3 goals County scored.
He also called Scott Sinclair a "bottler" when he might have had / should have had a penalty in the first half.
Bloke was a 24 carat knob.
Were you at the front of K3 CT?
-
Nope, Witton Lane Upper. Did you have someone similar by you then?
-
I've had somebody similar to that sat in front of me for the past 15 years!
-
I think Kozak deserves some praise too - he showed more movement, control and holding the ball up than Gabby has for far too long.
-
A word in defence of Ayew- at least he does make those runs into ' the channels' and is mobile, qualities that Gabby seems to have lost. The timings of the balls through last night meant that too often he was caught offside but I applaud him for always being on the move and looking for opportunity. His time will come and there is enough quality coaching at Villa now to be optimistic that he will be a valued player. JPA had very similar problems initially but came good, the same will happen to Ayew.
Thats the straw I clutched at last night, the timings of his runs were slightly off but at least he see's them, the rest of his game was pretty ropey. I think we'll need to be patient with him.
A crazy game, both teams looked like they could score every time we went forward, the gaps between the defenders were huge at times, i think we could have looked a lot more secure by bringing in a 'proper' Centre Half and pushing the dominant Sanchez into midfield. Some great performances though with mentions in dispatches for Grealish, Richardson, Sinclaire and Gil who I thought was quite superb, Traore looked exciting and raw in equal measures.
County did very well indeed and it was only when they faded very badly in Extra Time that we became comfortable.
-
Can anyone provide a report on how Veretout was?
Stated pretty shakily but got better and better as the game went on and they tired, I think he'll be pretty pleased with himself overall and rightly so, didn't see much of him going forward but in that team, another attacker was the last thing we needed!
-
Can anyone provide a report on how Veretout was?
Stated pretty shakily but got better and better as the game went on and they tired, I think he'll be pretty pleased with himself overall and rightly so, didn't see much of him going forward but in that team, another attacker was the last thing we needed!
Considering that at times the formation was 4-1-5, Veretout had his work cut out.
Gil tracked back well.
As much as we'd like to see SirClive, Grealish, Gil and Adama in the same side, they're going to have to link up a lot better for it to work.
There were spells last night when they took turns in running at Notts County without much thought of passing (Adama was worryingly Zog-like on occasion).
Jack seamed to learn pretty quick that this approach wouldn't work and started looking for more passes.
-
The stuff about "there being a decent footballer in Joe Bennett" is turning into an H&V cliche up there with Barry and penalties.
I'm one who would be inclined to be a little more patient with Bennett for a little longer but its probably worth mentioning that when he came on County, to a man, were absolutely out on their feet. He did ok and scored a nice goal but it was only against a knackered fourth division side.
-
A bit like Forest had forgotten about Franz Carr before he popped up with the winning goal for us against them I had pretty much forgotten about Bennett! Wow! Did not see that scoreline coming.
Am really pleased for Sinclair. Thought it was a good move when Lambert brought him in for the second half of last season and was a bit concerned about the lack of games he was getting but this should really help him establish himself in the team, and another goal for Traore can only be good for him.
Of course its classic Villa making life so hard for ourselves but at least its better than going through the mentions, and after a pretty flat start maybe this will start bringing the season to life. And its nice to see that we have an easy draw for the next round ;)
-
Having the vocalist from Slipknot / Stone Sour on the bench is surely a boost too?
-
I've had somebody similar to that sat in front of me for the past 15 years!
Wow, you must some self control Ads. 15 years of that bloke last night would get me 15 years.
-
Crazy game. I hope we never set up like that in the Premier League!
-
You did mate, it was good to enjoy a genuinely exciting game where anything could happen.
I was really fortunate too as I sat next to a UEFA B Coach / psychologist / commentator. He never shut up for the entire game, answered questions which he asked himself and stood up and loudly applauded all 3 goals County scored.
He also called Scott Sinclair a "bottler" when he might have had / should have had a penalty in the first half.
Bloke was a 24 carat knob.
Were you at the front of K3 CT?
There was a clown in the middle of K3 wouldn't sit down.
Every time he stood up he was blocking the view of at least 5 behind them. When he eventually heard me asking him to sit down, he spouted off until my son suggested he was setting a bad example to his kids (my son is 6'2" & plays rugby) so he managed to sit for a bit.
He almost spoiled a cracking game for us.
-
Crazy game. I hope we never set up like that in the Premier League!
Good point. I think there was a sense of we could get away with it because we are playing a league one club and that with it being a one off cup game than there wasn't much to lose if we did go out. Don't think he would do it in the league.
-
Bunn - Flat footed for first but was badly exposed by Hutton losing the ball in a dangerous position. Penalty always a 50/50 choice of whether you get it or player first. 3rd goal - no one would have stopped it
Hutton - Did not see what the fuss was about him when he played last year and cannot see it now - RB definitely a weakness in the team
Baker - Did his obligatory rash / well timed / dangerous (delete as necessary) tackle but over all did ok - he is always going to be a "stopper" rather than a cultured CB
Sanchez - must admit was pretty impressed with him in CB - I do however thought it was a ploy to a) give him a workout b) letting the board know we need a 4th CB - come on down JL
Richardson - I think he is a great player to have to fill a variety of positions - I would have personally taken off Hutton, swapped him to RB and dropped Bennett in at LB
Vertout - I though he took a while to get his rhythm but once in the game showed he is a very talented footballer indeed - hope to see move of him
Grealish - Outstanding - apart from a goal MMOTM
Gil - at times sublime at times makes me a nervous wreck when he turns away from trouble - very gifted footballer
Sinclair - actually 18 mins on clock until he had any touch of note - but in the two out of the four games he has played from the start he has scored 2 hatricks - that's not going to happen for as long as Gabby has a hole in his arse - make way son
Adama - close up he is as wide as he is almost tall - looks like a prize fighter with a 100 mtre sprinters pace. I think if used correctly he will frighten defenders to death or they will kick lumps out of him in trying to
Ayew - Not his game to be the front man on his own - time will tell but I hope they find a formula to utilise him as I think there is a good player in there
Subs:
Kozak - Game changed when he came on as he held the ball that fraction allowing our midfield to exploit their tiredness - looks very awkward but is deceiving - hope he starts against Sunderland then bring Rudy on
Cole - first 10 mins I was livid with him - he then got the pace of the game and looked very confident - several saving tackles from Joe Cole!!!!!!! Great assist for goal
Bennett - Been at the club nearly 3 years yet still looks only 12 - could be an excellent back up to when we eventually lose Amavi - definitely a player to keep
TS - people getting on their horse about tactics - and yes he is not the best but considering the shite we have had to endure watching last night is like being released from purgatory
He has some very good ingredients - with some skill and a little luck he will find the right mix and we will be back
-
Crazy game. I hope we never set up like that in the Premier League!
Dreaming, but imagine if we had players in every position good enough for us to be able do it. It'd be fookin brilliant!
-
I think the only reason we set up like that, especially at the back, was to give players a start. As mentioned, he probably figured we could get away with it against a division 4 side.
-
Bunn - Flat footed for first but was badly exposed by Hutton losing the ball in a dangerous position. Penalty always a 50/50 choice of whether you get it or player first. 3rd goal - no one would have stopped it
Hutton - Did not see what the fuss was about him when he played last year and cannot see it now - RB definitely a weakness in the team
Baker - Did his obligatory rash / well timed / dangerous (delete as necessary) tackle but over all did ok - he is always going to be a "stopper" rather than a cultured CB
Sanchez - must admit was pretty impressed with him in CB - I do however thought it was a ploy to a) give him a workout b) letting the board know we need a 4th CB - come on down JL
Richardson - I think he is a great player to have to fill a variety of positions - I would have personally taken off Hutton, swapped him to RB and dropped Bennett in at LB
Vertout - I though he took a while to get his rhythm but once in the game showed he is a very talented footballer indeed - hope to see move of him
Grealish - Outstanding - apart from a goal MMOTM
Gil - at times sublime at times makes me a nervous wreck when he turns away from trouble - very gifted footballer
Sinclair - actually 18 mins on clock until he had any touch of note - but in the two out of the four games he has played from the start he has scored 2 hatricks - that's not going to happen for as long as Gabby has a hole in his arse - make way son
Adama - close up he is as wide as he is almost tall - looks like a prize fighter with a 100 mtre sprinters pace. I think if used correctly he will frighten defenders to death or they will kick lumps out of him in trying to
Ayew - Not his game to be the front man on his own - time will tell but I hope they find a formula to utilise him as I think there is a good player in there
Subs:
Kozak - Game changed when he came on as he held the ball that fraction allowing our midfield to exploit their tiredness - looks very awkward but is deceiving - hope he starts against Sunderland then bring Rudy on
Cole - first 10 mins I was livid with him - he then got the pace of the game and looked very confident - several saving tackles from Joe Cole!!!!!!! Great assist for goal
Bennett - Been at the club nearly 3 years yet still looks only 12 - could be an excellent back up to when we eventually lose Amavi - definitely a player to keep
TS - people getting on their horse about tactics - and yes he is not the best but considering the shite we have had to endure watching last night is like being released from purgatory
He has some very good ingredients - with some skill and a little luck he will find the right mix and we will be back
Pretty accurate summary, although in fairness to Bunn the first goal took a big deflection.
From my point of view Gill was disappointing given the supposed quality of the opposition. Ayew was simply abysmal.
-
Has there been any official explanation as to why Grealish was booked? It seemed to me that he took a drink whilst a County player was receiving treatment; County delayed kicking off after the fourth goal as they wanted said player to return to the pitch-there was no County player near the centre circle yet it seemed to my eye that Jack had been booked for time wasting!
-
Having the vocalist from Slipknot / Stone Sour on the bench is surely a boost too?
I pointed that out to Mrs Exile last night!
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/11896891_760005767455330_1624300524_n_zpssm6srpid.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/11903332_760005844121989_479520849_n_zpsyznnchbv.jpg)
-
Took my 3 yr old lad to his first game last night.
Great night, really good game with a surprisingly decent atmosphere for a 2nd rd cup tie against a lower league side!
Best part of the night though, in the car en route driving through Stechford my son asks "is that the Blues ground dad?" as we drive passed Jewson's Building supplies. I Laughed all the way to VP.
-
Took my 3 yr old lad to his first game last night.
Great night, really good game with a surprisingly decent atmosphere for a 2nd rd cup tie against a lower league side!
Best part of the night though, in the car en route driving through Stechford my son asks "is that the Blues ground dad?" as we drive passed Jewson's Building supplies. I Laughed all the way to VP.
My 3 year-old enjoyed it too. My 5 year-old daughter didn't like it though (too loud) so her and the missus left at half-time.
-
Superb stuff.
Good choice of game in hindsight, certainly won't be attending the next round with him though!
-
Superb stuff.
Good choice of game in hindsight, certainly won't be attending the next round with him though!
Not unless you and He are dressed as Robocop
-
We have to agree to disagree Peter. I thought it was at best slapstick football and at its worst black comedy. We very nearly lost that game and picked up an injury to a very promising young player. In my humble, very personal opinion, that performance was to progressive table climbing football what pantomime is to drama.
Well if we can have a successful run over Christmas then I'll take that after the misery of the last few seasons.
-
I think the only reason we set up like that, especially at the back, was to give players a start. As mentioned, he probably figured we could get away with it against a division 4 side.
Great that we got through and fans got a game with plenty of goals
But surely conceding three at home to Notts County and being taken to extra time is a bit of a shambles all things considered?
The lineup looked like something a couple of guys in a pub put together on a back of a beer mat.
Bomb squad or not, surely Senderos or even a youth centre half would have been a better bet with Sanchez sitting in front.
The least Sherwood ought be doing is put in place a shape to the team that the first team intends playing with.
This learning on the job effort might get worse before it gets better, particularly if any more attacking midfielders are brought in.
Sunderland is absolutely massive
-
I think the only reason we set up like that, especially at the back, was to give players a start. As mentioned, he probably figured we could get away with it against a division 4 side.
Great that we got through and fans got a game with plenty of goals
But surely conceding three at home to Notts County and being taken to extra time is a bit of a shambles all things considered?
The lineup looked like something a couple of guys in a pub put together on a back of a beer mat.
Bomb squad or not, surely Senderos or even a youth centre half would have been a better bet with Sanchez sitting in front.
The least Sherwood ought be doing is put in place a shape to the team that the first team intends playing with.
This learning on the job effort might get worse before it gets better, particularly if any more attacking midfielders are brought in.
Sunderland is absolutely massive
Did you watch the game? Not trying to be rude, but their first was a Hutton error followed by a deflection, their second was Bunn being a dumbass and there 3rd was a wondergoal that not many keepers on the planet would have saved. And honestly, we could have scored 10. 5-3 is a pretty flattering scoreline for Notts.
-
I thought Sanchez was very good, really composed.
Richardson showed why we should be to hasty in getting rid.
Kozak, I'll be disappointed if he's allowed to go.
Joe 'Messi' Bennett, 100% pass completion and a goal, too.
-
Bunn - Flat footed for first but was badly exposed by Hutton losing the ball in a dangerous position.
Sanchez - must admit was pretty impressed with him in CB
Kozak - Game changed when he came on as he held the ball that fraction allowing our midfield to exploit their tiredness - looks very awkward but is deceiving - hope he starts against Sunderland then bring Rudy on
Pretty accurate summary, although in fairness to Bunn the first goal took a big deflection.
I was in line with the first goal (in the Holte) and I was surprised no-one else seems to have thought there was a deflection. I was sure there was.
-
I just watched the extended highlights. Sanchez may have done a lot of good stuff but I can't believe the amount of people saying he was one of our better players after watching that. He was all over the place. They could have doubled their score easily. They missed some great chances. Possibly more than we did.
I know they were playing in slightly different positions but grealish completely outperformed Gil. I'm sure there were a few saying Gil has impressed them more than jack, which I just can't see at all.
-
Couldn't really notice it from the Upper Holte but apparently the County fans were very appreciative of Jack - and of course I saw the clip of him giving his boots to a County lad after the game. Was there any particular reason for their adulation of Jack other than a proper football fans' recognition of young genius?
-
Couldn't really notice it from the Upper Holte but apparently the County fans were very appreciative of Jack - and of course I saw the clip of him giving his boots to a County lad after the game. Was there any particular reason for their adulation of Jack other than a proper football fans' recognition of young genius?
He was on loan there.
-
Every time his name was mentioned in the warm up he was getting a full ovation from them.
-
Wasn't he on loan there two seasons ago and, proved himself a class above what they had there at the time? Scored a coup;e too IIRC. He appreciated the support they gave him and they reciprocated. Mutual love.
-
Couldn't really notice it from the Upper Holte but apparently the County fans were very appreciative of Jack - and of course I saw the clip of him giving his boots to a County lad after the game. Was there any particular reason for their adulation of Jack other than a proper football fans' recognition of young genius?
He was on loan there.
Ah, that explains it! For some reason that had passed me by
-
Reading all these negative comments about the team selection last night is getting boring already...the game served a purpose simply as a tool to give certain players much needed match time. From the OS (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4958302,00.html):
Tim Sherwood faced the press after the win over Notts County.
Find his thoughts below.
On the game itself…
I got cramp watching it!
When you pick a side with Carles Gil, Jack Grealish and Jordan Veretout in it, I think you're going to be open. We knew that.
But those guys needed the game time. I thought we had enough on the pitch to win the game.
We have to give a lot of credit to Notts County for the way they played and the way they conducted themselves. They came out to play football and did very, very well.
I hope we win every game - but I hope they're not all like that.
You don't want to sit through too many of them. The fans might. They might be entertained.
But to be quite honest, we wouldn't be that open in a Premier League game. We would balance off the squad a lot more.
But the reason those players were picked was because they needed the minutes on the pitch.
They probably got a few more minutes than I would have liked.
-
sanchez was all over the place because he kept having to cover for the other 3, in particular baker who went charging out of position regularly to try and win a header that was not his to win. He was very good, and he was also the one communicating and organising, hutton, baker and richardson were far too quiet.
and if they could have doubled their score, we could have trebled ours. we created way more. sinclair got a hatrick and still managed to miss a practically open goal from 3 yards, a one on one, and had a couple of other good shots saved. Baker had a goal bound header blocked a yard out by joe coles backside (which also meant the follow up into the net by ayew was disallowed for offside). Grealish had a load of shots blocked and managed to miss an open goal (not an easy chance but easily within his abilities)
it was a crazy game, which everton and barnsley appear to be trying to replicate tonight
it was a crazy game,
-
Re the line up, especially the back 4, if he wanted to give Richards and Clark a rest then Baker was the obvious replacement on the left, but with Okore and Crespo still injured and Senderos AWOL/Still on holiday/hiding in a broom cupboard Sanchez was the only option.
The alternative was a back 3 with Baker playing as the libero. Now there's a thought to give you nightmares.
-
Every time his name was mentioned in the warm up he was getting a full ovation from them.
Kinda shows that the kid has class. Others have been out on loan, been mediocre, yet still made it. The Notts County fans seem to recognise that he's a class above the normal. He's the best kid I have seen since Barry.
-
Re the line up, especially the back 4, if he wanted to give Richards and Clark a rest then Baker was the obvious replacement on the left, but with Okore and Crespo still injured and Senderos AWOL/Still on holiday/hiding in a broom cupboard Sanchez was the only option.
The alternative was a back 3 with Baker playing as the libero. Now there's a thought to give you nightmares.
All true. It's a shame that we're having to manipulate a player like Sanchez, who is still in transition, rather than promote a kid.
Credit to Sanchez in some ways, a more precious player could have thrown his toys by now.
-
Every time his name was mentioned in the warm up he was getting a full ovation from them.
Kinda shows that the kid has class. Others have been out on loan, been mediocre, yet still made it. The Notts County fans seem to recognise that he's a class above the normal. He's the best kid I have seen since Barry.
Whydidntgrealishtakethepenalty
-
Every time his name was mentioned in the warm up he was getting a full ovation from them.
Kinda shows that the kid has class. Others have been out on loan, been mediocre, yet still made it. The Notts County fans seem to recognise that he's a class above the normal. He's the best kid I have seen since Barry.
I think it was also something to do that he was a big part of them staying up that season. The last couple of months, it seemed like he'd either scored or set up a goal every match.
-
I'm sure they were singing "Wanker..! Wanker..! Wanker..!" to him in the first half. Was I mistaken... or was it to someone else?
-
Sanchez news superb individually but piss poor as a component of the defensive. If that doesn't sound too Irish
-
Highlights of the game are on Channel 5 next.
-
Their was a moment in extra time when Sinclair should have had his 4th which started a conversation over who was,the last Villa player to score 4 in a game? I have no idea.
-
Their was a moment in extra time when Sinclair should have had his 4th which started a conversation over who was,the last Villa player to score 4 in a game? I have no idea.
The one, the only Simon Stainrod ?