Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: cdbearsfan on July 25, 2017, 01:23:41 PM
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As requested by Chris Harte, this game deserves its own thread rather than being lost in the "friendlies" thread.
Hopefully as many as possible turn up to pay tribute to a great man. Don't really care who wins.
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I do - I want Asvon Villa to win every game we play, in whatever format, and against whichever age level we're playing. And I certainly don't want that wanker Troy Deeney celebrating another win against us.
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I doubt anyone is going to go too mad celebrating a goal in this fixture, and he was quite complementary about Taylor and ourselves in the aftermath of his passing away.
But, yes, I'd rather we won, you're right. I just won't be particularly arsed if we don't.
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I'm not particularly fussed about the result either, it's not about that on Saturday.
I do hope it's a better turn out than anticipated, he deserves it.
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Finally got tickets. You can't get through on the phone.
The online site won't let you book unless you have your client reference... which new season ticket holders won't have as they haven't bothered to send them out yet. Twats.
The old system, where you could link to somebody by knowing their postcode and surname, was much easier.
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Got ours dead easy on the new online site, it explained how to use your current season tic ref to set it up and took a few seconds to do. May have got lucky though as did it in the middle of one of the pre season friendlies so maybe there was no traffic!
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It's probably just me being thick, then!
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I'm not particularly fussed about the result either, it's not about that on Saturday.
I do hope it's a better turn out than anticipated, he deserves it.
I agree that the main priority on Saturday is paying respects to Graham Taylor. Shame that it looks like there won't be much of a crowd there.
With that in mind, I think the performance in particular matters though. This game is the chance to look at the team that will in all probability start the first game, so it is important that there is some semblance of cohesion.
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Why was it switched from Vicarage Rd? It made more sense for me to hold it there given that Graham Taylor practically defines Watford.
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I'll be at the Goat/Moonlandingz gig in London rather than Villa Park.
However, I doubt that I'd have gone anyway. I've basically given up on friendlies until Villa start playing some big name sides again.
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Why was it switched from Vicarage Rd? It made more sense for me to hold it there given that Graham Taylor practically defines Watford.
Iirc they're laying a new pitch so couldn't host the game.
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Finally got tickets. You can't get through on the phone.
The online site won't let you book unless you have your client reference... which new season ticket holders won't have as they haven't bothered to send them out yet. Twats.
The old system, where you could link to somebody by knowing their postcode and surname, was much easier.
Pretty sure your client ref never changes. Mate bought mine a couple of days ago and linked my ref to his account fine.
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sadly unable to make it, but will be thinking of the game.
does anyone know if this is being shown anywhere ?
Graham Taylors Claret and Blue Aarrrmmmmyyyyy...AVFC...
UTV
The Doc
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Why was it switched from Vicarage Rd? It made more sense for me to hold it there given that Graham Taylor practically defines Watford.
Shame it had to be switched because as you say, he practically was that club and we would have taken a big away following as well.
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Finally got tickets. You can't get through on the phone.
The online site won't let you book unless you have your client reference... which new season ticket holders won't have as they haven't bothered to send them out yet. Twats.
The old system, where you could link to somebody by knowing their postcode and surname, was much easier.
Pretty sure your client ref never changes. Mate bought mine a couple of days ago and linked my ref to his account fine.
That's why I said "new" season ticket holders. As they wouldn't have their previous client reference.
On the old site there were a number of ways to match. So forcing fans to put the client reference is a mild extra inconvenience.
As an aside, can you sticky this thread until Saturday evening, please?
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sadly unable to make it, but will be thinking of the game.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/07/11/our-pre-season-game-screened-live-on-youtube
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sadly unable to make it, but will be thinking of the game.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/07/11/our-pre-season-game-screened-live-on-youtube
cheers mate :)
UTV
The Doc
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Sorry CD, misread it as on the bus. Although most would still have a booking history and client ref I'd imagine. And your wish is my command. You in the Bartons before the game?
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No but will be afterwards.
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Only 6000 tickets sold so far, not great. Especially when you think we'd have sold 3-4000 away tickets if the game had been at Watford!
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Anyone else concerned about lack of game time for the forthcoming season?
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I'd hope we will be playing a behind closed doors friendly to replace the cancelled one.
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Only 6000 tickets sold so far, not great. Especially when you think we'd have sold 3-4000 away tickets if the game had been at Watford!
I'd say 6,000 so far is a pretty decent number. If you get 4-5,000 walk up on the day, that's a pretty decent turn out for a friendly, even given the context of the fixture. In the 'olden' days, I doubt whether I ever saw a testimonial with more than about 10,000.
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Quite a few might have been put off by the ticket office chaos. If people are only slightly arsed to go, a 30-60 minute phone wait will likely make some people's minds up for them.
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In terms of the actual game, we should really be seeing the shape of the side who will start against Hull coming together. I think it will be something like:
Johnstone
Bree Chester Terry(c) Taylor
Elmohamady Whelan Lansbury Green
Grealish Hogan
Who will probably give way to (if fit):
Steer
Hutton Samba Baker Amavi
Adomah Jedinak Hourihane Bjarnason
Agbonlahor Kodjia
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I was thinking about getting a ticket as soon as the ground switch was announced. At that point, I had thought I had no chance with Vicarage Road being such a small ground, so I was pleased about the switch and looking forward to a full on tribute to GT at Villa Park.
Unfortunately, at that stage you couldn't buy a ticket, and by the time you could, it had got so close to the fixture that I just start to thought - 'I'll make up my mind nearer the time/on the day'.
I doubt I'm the only one.
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I was thinking about getting a ticket as soon as the ground switch was announced. At that point, I had thought I had no chance with Vicarage Road being such a small ground, so I was pleased about the switch and looking forward to a full on tribute to GT at Villa Park.
Unfortunately, at that stage you couldn't buy a ticket, and by the time you could, it had got so close to the fixture that I just start to thought - 'I'll make up my mind nearer the time/on the day'.
I doubt I'm the only one.
Indeed, with doubts about acquiring tickets for the away game I have arranged something for tomorrow involving people I rarely get a chance to have a drink with so I won't cancel. It's a shame but I don't think it has been handled particularly well.
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Good job we play Saturday then Nev!
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Good job we play Saturday then Nev!
See what I mean? The whole thing is so badly handled by each club and now me.
It's not the first time I've been accused of not knowing what day it is.
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In terms of the actual game, we should really be seeing the shape of the side who will start against Hull coming together. I think it will be something like:
Johnstone
Bree Chester Terry(c) Taylor
Elmohamady Whelan Lansbury Green
Grealish Hogan
I agree that looks to be the lineup and shape I reckon we'll start with
Though Thor could play ahead of grealish or Green (and maybe gabby could also play left)
But that's what I'd go with.
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I think we'll see Hourihane or Thor for Green.
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I was contemplating taking Charlie but am full of cold so can't be arsed with yomping over there.
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I think there may well be a few of the old un's turning up as Kevin Gage has said on Facebook he's been invited back as a guest for the match, which is nice.
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Do we get a cup for this if we win? Forest and Derby have some silverwhere for whoever wins in memory of Brian Clough.
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I think we'll see Hourihane or Thor for Green.
Haven't seen Bjarnason play wide left, but have seen Hourihane and I'm not keen on seeing it again to be honest. I'd much rather see Green or even Amavi start there.
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Do we get a cup for this if we win? Forest and Derby have some silverwhere for whoever wins in memory of Brian Clough.
The Graham Taylor trophy will be played for next weekend at Watford they're playing Real Sociedad.
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I assume you can buy a ticket on the day? I'm on a night shift on Friday so my attendance depends on when I manage to drag myself out of bed.
I want to be there but I can't do without my sleep these days!
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Come for a snifter before/after Dave!
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I was there for his first game at Ipswich and his last game at Everton and most of the ones in between first time around and got to meet him twice. I made sure I got tickets for his 'homecoming' when he brought Watford back up*, seats right behind the dug out. I wouldn't miss this game for the world and hope everyone who was around when he turned our club around will do everything they can to make it.
*People talk about his three promotions first time around at Watford and taking them to runners up in the top flight and an FA Cup final and also getting us promotion and a top flight runners up place. What doesn't get mentioned so much is his two promotions second time round at Watford, plus a Division Four title with Lincoln. Quality and class as a manager and a man.
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I was there for his first game at Ipswich and his last game at Everton and most of the ones in between first time around and got to meet him twice. I made sure I got tickets for his 'homecoming' when he brought Watford back up*, seats right behind the dug out. I wouldn't miss this game for the world and hope everyone who was around when he turned our club around will do everything they can to make it.
*People talk about his three promotions first time around at Watford and taking them to runners up in the top flight and an FA Cup final and also getting us promotion and a top flight runners up place. What doesn't get mentioned so much is his two promotions second time round at Watford, plus a Division Four title with Lincoln. Quality and class as a manager and a man.
Sums up perfectly what tomorrow will be celebrating. I still think the dignified way he dealt with the despicable abuse he received when England manager best summed up the type of man he was.
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Its currently very busy in the ticket office!
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I was there for his first game at Ipswich and his last game at Everton and most of the ones in between first time around and got to meet him twice. I made sure I got tickets for his 'homecoming' when he brought Watford back up*, seats right behind the dug out. I wouldn't miss this game for the world and hope everyone who was around when he turned our club around will do everything they can to make it.
*People talk about his three promotions first time around at Watford and taking them to runners up in the top flight and an FA Cup final and also getting us promotion and a top flight runners up place. What doesn't get mentioned so much is his two promotions second time round at Watford, plus a Division Four title with Lincoln. Quality and class as a manager and a man.
Sums up perfectly what tomorrow will be celebrating. I still think the dignified way he dealt with the despicable abuse he received when England manager best summed up the type of man he was.
I have just watched 'The impossible Job' documentary on Youtube for the first time in years. Taking over England after a World Cup semi, players who had been denied European football for the previous five years, the most senior players (Shilton and Butcher) retiring from international football and Robson past his best (even Lineker was starting to go downhill) plus players who became crucial in Euro '96 not yet at that level, Gazza's serious injury, terrible mistakes on the pitch by so called international footballers and terrible decisions by so called international officials. Looking back, did anything actually go for him as opposed to against him?
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I was there for his first game at Ipswich and his last game at Everton and most of the ones in between first time around and got to meet him twice. I made sure I got tickets for his 'homecoming' when he brought Watford back up*, seats right behind the dug out. I wouldn't miss this game for the world and hope everyone who was around when he turned our club around will do everything they can to make it.
*People talk about his three promotions first time around at Watford and taking them to runners up in the top flight and an FA Cup final and also getting us promotion and a top flight runners up place. What doesn't get mentioned so much is his two promotions second time round at Watford, plus a Division Four title with Lincoln. Quality and class as a manager and a man.
Sums up perfectly what tomorrow will be celebrating. I still think the dignified way he dealt with the despicable abuse he received when England manager best summed up the type of man he was.
I have just watched 'The impossible Job' documentary on Youtube for the first time in years. Taking over England after a World Cup semi, players who had been denied European football for the previous five years, the most senior players (Shilton and Butcher) retiring from international football and Robson past his best (even Lineker was starting to go downhill) plus players who became crucial in Euro '96 not yet at that level, Gazza's serious injury, terrible mistakes on the pitch by so called international footballers and terrible decisions by so called international officials. Looking back, did anything actually go for him as opposed to against him?
A really bad time for a great manager to take control. Salako, Thomas, Palmer? A real nadir in English football.
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i argued this point when he was manager and in the aftermath. I challenged anyone to name which players available to Taylor should he have picked that he didn't. As has been said about Lineker, its easy to forget how poor and ineffective he was at Euro 92, so it wasn't a surprise that Smith and Wright were looking more likely to be a useful strike force.
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I largely agree with that, Peter. I can think of Waddle, maybe? It didn't help that one of the best players available to him, Barnes, was roundly booed by most of the neanderthals who went to every home game back then.
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i argued this point when he was manager and in the aftermath. I challenged anyone to name which players available to Taylor should he have picked that he didn't. As has been said about Lineker, its easy to forget how poor and ineffective he was at Euro 92, so it wasn't a surprise that Smith and Wright were looking more likely to be a useful strike force.
Definitely true and he was unlucky shearer and hirst got injured.
He was too quick to jettison Beardsley and waddle though; while Venables immediately called up the likes of Anderton
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Injury to gascoigne too; plus he was the first manager to point out Gascoigne's "refuelling" issues.
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I was there for his first game at Ipswich and his last game at Everton and most of the ones in between first time around and got to meet him twice. I made sure I got tickets for his 'homecoming' when he brought Watford back up*, seats right behind the dug out. I wouldn't miss this game for the world and hope everyone who was around when he turned our club around will do everything they can to make it.
*People talk about his three promotions first time around at Watford and taking them to runners up in the top flight and an FA Cup final and also getting us promotion and a top flight runners up place. What doesn't get mentioned so much is his two promotions second time round at Watford, plus a Division Four title with Lincoln. Quality and class as a manager and a man.
Sums up perfectly what tomorrow will be celebrating. I still think the dignified way he dealt with the despicable abuse he received when England manager best summed up the type of man he was.
I have just watched 'The impossible Job' documentary on Youtube for the first time in years. Taking over England after a World Cup semi, players who had been denied European football for the previous five years, the most senior players (Shilton and Butcher) retiring from international football and Robson past his best (even Lineker was starting to go downhill) plus players who became crucial in Euro '96 not yet at that level, Gazza's serious injury, terrible mistakes on the pitch by so called international footballers and terrible decisions by so called international officials. Looking back, did anything actually go for him as opposed to against him?
The introduction of the backpass rule severely impacting on Des Walker's game didn't help either!
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Shame the weather isn't nicer to encourage a few more walk ups.
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Do you think he'll start with the side he hopes will start next week?
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Talks about his England time here:
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Can't go today due to a mandatary wedding invitation. I hope it's a good crowd and I will follow it on this thread.
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Do you think he'll start with the side he hopes will start next week?
I would - barring injuries or match fitness.
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Team is broadly as I thought, except
- no Johnstone - must still be injured 😢
- gabby ahead of Hogan FFS
Hope Hogan gets the second half
Steer
Hutton Chester Terry Taylor
Whelan Lansbury
Elmo Grealish Green
Gabby
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Team v @WatfordFC: Steer, Hutton, Terry, Chester, Taylor, Lansbury, Whelan, Green, Elmohamady, Grealish, Agbonlahor.
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Subs v @WatfordFC: Bacuna, Hogan, Hourihane, Bree, Bjarnason, Amavi, Samba.
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Limited goal threat without Hogan for me
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No goalie on the bench?
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I hope that shape is right and Grealish is genuinely playing higher up the pitch. Last season after Bruce cam in he was played far too deep and he's just not quick enough to do what he does on the halfway line, he needs to be 20-30 yards from goal when he draws people in and leaves them, if they kick him it's an attacking set piece and if they don't he has space where it's actually useful.
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Upper holte open can pay cash on turnstile if anyone's interested. Beats queuing at ticket office which is busy.
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No goalie on the bench?
Samba can just lie down in the 6 yard box if needed
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John Terry rush goalie second half
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The new club shop looks nice in the pictures. I like some of those t-shirts too. Looking forward to going to my first games in a couple of years in September.
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Upper holte open can pay cash on turnstile if anyone's interested. Beats queuing at ticket office which is busy.
Cheers. Have told my dad.
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No goalie on the bench?
Gabby has said he will play in the goal if required for The Villa.
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He could stand next to Samba. No chance of the ball fitting into the goal.
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Going to be watching us on tinterweb and got leicester-Wolves on telly box. Will report in anything dangerous from our Yam neighbours.
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exciting front line
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Is de Laet not fit yet?
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gabby and his typical one on one
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Gabby misses a one on one.
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You just knew there was no chance he was gonna bury that
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Is de Laet not fit yet?
He's in training but he's being given time to get back to full fitness. I expect him back in some capacity around October
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Youtube not working for me ...
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I'm beginning to take a liking to Elmo
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Is de Laet not fit yet?
He's in training but he's being given time to get back to full fitness. I expect him back in some capacity around October
Ta, TV.
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Youtube not working for me ...
Go off the stream you' had up before kick off and go back to the main channel page....it's live there.
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We're playing some decent stuff
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Jesus Christ, we're passing to each other.
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Whelan isn't bad and popping the ball around.
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12 minutes of dominance. They haven't been in our half.
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Youtube not working for me ...
Refresh.
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We love a good false dawn, don't we?!
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Gabby looking sharp.
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12 minutes of dominance. They haven't been in our half.
Jinx.
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What a miss!
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Sinclair finishing like the last Sinclair that played at VP. Easy chance for them
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gabby up front for watford there
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Interesting team news, looks like Grealish will be given a go in number 10 role and Gabby is ahead of Hogan for the lone striker role.
Given it's a week to go until Hull have to think this is pretty much the team we'll go for next week.
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elmo looks alright i like him
whelan will be player of the year
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Flabs needs to get in front of his man.
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Grealish was poor there. Made wrong decisions
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what division are watford in . the defence is awful
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Gabby looking fully charged, can't see him lasting 90 though.
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grealish been hit by a fly there
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It was fly carrying lot of sh**!
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SB not in a tracksuit?
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grealish been hit by a fly there
If you've ever seen the force a fly hits a window at then I'm surprised Jack is still walking.
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Flabs needs to get in front of his man.
Gabby has got himself back in shape. Flab no longer if you care to look properly...
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ffs bacuna
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Bacuna coming on all is good.
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SB not in a tracksuit?
Still wearing last years.
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Do you know what, Gabby might just be our surprise package this year
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Bacuna??
Why not Hourihane?
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Flabs needs to get in front of his man.
Gabby has got himself back in shape. Flab no longer if you care to look properly...
I need a sideways shot with a hand on hips pose.
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Love Chester.
Quicker than people realise which will be much needed given the other personnel in defence.
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Bacuna??
Why not Hourihane?
This is Steve Bruce.
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Do you know what, Gabby might just be our surprise package this year
I'd have more faith in him in the lone striker role than Hogan tbh.
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Would've been good to see Hourihane coming on in that position. We already know what Bacuna can('t) do.
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Bacuna??
Why not Hourihane?
Because it's a friendly and maybe the manager wants to see Bacuna in a game. He's seen Hourihane a few times.
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Lansbury seems to be pushed right upfront alongside Gabby.
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Impressed with Whelan so far
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Bacuna ahead of hourihane - quite surprise by that
Good so far though. But I still worry about who'll score the goals in this lineup
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Do you know what, Gabby might just be our surprise package this year
I'd have more faith in him in the lone striker role than Hogan tbh.
Hogan was fine as the lone striker last week with good service. Gabby is limited in most things now and doesn't have the breakaway speed he possessed 7/8 years ago.
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This is quite far off a full strength Watford side I think
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Bacuna??
Why not Hourihane?
Because it's a friendly and maybe the manager wants to see Bacuna in a game. He's seen Hourihane a few times.
Yes best to checkout all new signings ;)
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This is quite far off a full strength Watford side I think
And a week behind us on preps.
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Very clever by Whelan when he got trapped
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Whelan appears to be better than any other midfielders we have.
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Bacuna??
Why not Hourihane?
Because it's a friendly and maybe the manager wants to see Bacuna in a game. He's seen Hourihane a few times.
Yes best to checkout all new signings ;)
Hasn't Bacuna been away on internationals? That's why I'm guessing he is getting a game.
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Whelan appears to be better than any other midfielders we have.
Bargain.
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Has Johnny boy touched the ball yet?
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Turning out to be a good half for us ...with a goal scorer on the pitch who know what could have happened.
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I'm struggling to see what Andre Green brings. He's a nice tidy player but I can't see what he offers in the final third. He seems very unsure of himself. A lot like Grealish.
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Whelan has been very good.
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This is quite far off a full strength Watford side I think
And a week behind us on preps.
Really?
Not sure we have a full dossier on Watfords pre season and fitness status...pretty sure the notion of a Prem team being behind a football league in fitness etc is a fallacy.
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WTF was that from Gabby?
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To be fair, Bacuna has played a couple of very good passes
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We've been wasteful in the final third.
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This is the best we've seen Taylor this pre season also.
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Good first half overall
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good half for us. I think at the moment I'd start gabby on the left next week if jack is out. His absence was noted. the other thing is that we're crying out for a kodjia. Overall a positive first half. This time last season Boro went on to score 3 in the 2nd half so let's see. Whelan and Terry look quality.
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Not bad. Look more solid with Terry and Whelan, and Elmo wastes no time in getting crosses in. I think we'll be alright this season once the confidence starts to grow
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This is quite far off a full strength Watford side I think
And a week behind us on preps.
Really?
Not sure we have a full dossier on Watfords pre season and fitness status...pretty sure the notion of a Prem team being behind a football league in fitness etc is a fallacy.
Watford without Hughes, Prodl and Deeney from their first choice team.
I fully expecting them to be fighting relegation.
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Whelan has put through more dangerous balls in 30 minutes than I've seen Grealish do in half a season.
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We've been wasteful in the final third.
They still look more keen to show that they at least tried, rather than risking looking stupid if they go for broke in trying something to actually get the ball in the net.
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We've done well first half.
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Terry looks class. Totally in control and a good passes out of defence.
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Yep good half - the back 4 plus 2 DMs look good as does Elmo
Gabby movement good, product bad
Agree Green doesn't look ready to play week in week out
Lansbury doesn't look a 10 to me
Not enough goal threat. Hogan needs to come in for jack or gabby next week
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This is quite far off a full strength Watford side I think
And a week behind us on preps.
Really?
Not sure we have a full dossier on Watfords pre season and fitness status...pretty sure the notion of a Prem team being behind a football league in fitness etc is a fallacy.
Watford without Hughes, Prodl and Deeney from their first choice team.
I fully expecting them to be fighting relegation.
Didn't Prodl come on early and as for Deeney, he is sat in the away end.
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Have to admit having been a bit critical of Bruce's signings this year I've been impressed with the three we've seen today - especially Whelan. Still lacking in the final third, and it's a continuing concern that without Kodjia it's hard to see where the goals will come from.
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We've been wasteful in the final third.
They still look more keen to show that they at least tried, rather than risking looking stupid if they go for broke in trying something to actually get the ball in the net.
One of the key metrics from last season was just how wasteful we were in the final third and especially how few shots we got in on goal. Once again we've not tested the keeper despite having a lot of possession. That has to improve because otherwise we then become susceptible to the counter. I know it's pre season and everything but I'd like to see us being a bit more direct and decisive and take more shots on goal.
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I'm impressed with Whelan although he did give the ball away on the edge of his own box at one point.
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Who came off for Bacuna and were they injured?
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Who came off for Bacuna and were they injured?
Jack. Looked more precautionary but would have been good to see him a bit more
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I agree TV although this time I think we're too guilty of trying to be too clever with it. Gabby and green have both had chances to be a bit greedier and drive into the box towards goal and either shoot or draw a challenge. Neither has that forwards instinct. I think Hogan or Kodjia (even Davis or RHM) would be different. I think Bruce will have a word in their ears at h/t which will be along the lines of, "Have a go".
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Yep good half - the back 4 plus 2 DMs look good as does Elmo
Gabby movement good, product bad
Agree Green doesn't look ready to play week in week out
Lansbury doesn't look a 10 to me
Not enough goal threat. Hogan needs to come in for jack or gabby next week
Agree - particualrly the point about Lansbury. He is still failing to impress, for me.
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Turning out to be a good half for us ...with a goal scorer on the pitch who know what could have happened.
I'll only judge a goalscorer when we can give him decent service. Right now we're feeding him scraps. It would be nice to see a few more players getting up to support him.
Right now we look solid without looking threatening.
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I agree TV although this time I think we're too guilty of trying to be too clever with it. Gabby and green have both had chances to be a bit greedier and drive into the box towards goal and either shoot or draw a challenge. Neither has that forwards instinct. I think Hogan or Kodjia (even Davis or RHM) would be different. I think Bruce will have a word in their ears at h/t which will be along the lines of, "Have a go".
Yep. That's how I saw it also. I'm glad we are getting the ball forward and better forwards will do more with it and I hope be much more decisive.
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No changes it appears to start the second half
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Get ahogan on the pitch man!
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I'm impressed with Whelan although he did give the ball away on the edge of his own box at one point.
It was his only mistake though. Looks great and deserves the sacred Villa number 10 shirt.
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Watford disproving the saying that money cannot buy Success.
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ba-dum tish
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That's when Hutton lets himself down. Pathetic positioning
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Can't really see us scoring with the current set up
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Penalty Villa
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pen
lucky there with the crap through ball by gabby
;)
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And that's where he's good!
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saved
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FFS
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Oh dear
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Bloody hell, Angela!!
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Hogan coming on for Gabby
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I'm just glad we've had a shot on target.
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Lansbury hasn't done himself many favours today
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Lansbury hasn't done himself many favours today
Agree, he's been the one poor player so far
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I wish Silva was our manager
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Chasing shadows a bit since their substitutions
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Gone to rat shit now
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Stream gone
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What a time to lose the flipping stream, just has he pulls his foot back for a shot
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Did someone say Pravda?
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YT stream has been crap ...
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Anybody else's stream gone?
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Barney on for Green, tho I can't see anything
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I wish Silva was our manager
I'd take Phil Silver.
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Mine's also gone.
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Glad my streaming has gone down.
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ffs YT so annoying
I hate technology
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OK, who's pulled the plug?
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Lansbury and Green are absolute wank aren't they?
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shop instore or online
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Oh no Elmo injured
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Our performance has gradually worsened. I don't mind too much in a pre season game and we were v good for 25 mins
But the lack of goal threat really is a concern. Gabby just doesn't have that quality any more. A target man and a first choice left winger would be good additiona
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One of them should of buried that.
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Sadly mine is back up.
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Somebody stick a shilling in the meter at VP please?
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Barney on for a couple of minutes and already manages to get into the box. Green not managed it all game
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If this is going to be an indication of the Villa paid streaming service - if it ever happens - then I'm out.
Final ball has been truly awful today. Watford just schooled us in pass and move before the stream went down.
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In days gone by when the beam-back pictures were interrupted Doug was accused of getting second rate equipment - it still wouldn't surprise me in the stream dropping out is his fault.
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Our performance has gradually worsened. I don't mind too much in a pre season game and we were v good for 25 mins
But the lack of goal threat really is a concern. Gabby just doesn't have that quality any more. A target man and a first choice left winger would be good additiona
Gabby and Whelan best players on the pitch for us today. Would have been interesting to see how Hogan did with Gabby playing like that buzzing around him and creating space rather than having Lansbury just standing there. But he took Gabby off to bring Hogan on, I despair.
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Amavi should have buried that
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Still off
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The stream has gone in both games ive watched.
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Ffs who does this stream, firstrowsports?
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Delighted that my stream of the Watford game is now our battering vs Arsenal in the FA Cup final
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The stream I was watching stopped on 2 hours but I noticed another link in the streams down the right hand side which is OK so far. Except for the football of course
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Our performance has gradually worsened. I don't mind too much in a pre season game and we were v good for 25 mins
But the lack of goal threat really is a concern. Gabby just doesn't have that quality any more. A target man and a first choice left winger would be good additiona
Gabby and Whelan best players on the pitch for us today. Would have been interesting to see how Hogan did with Gabby playing like that buzzing around him and creating space rather than having Lansbury just standing there. But he took Gabby off to bring Hogan on, I despair.
I'm very happy with what I've seen of Whelan, his passing is very good. Looks a better player than Jedinak.
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Hourihane's dead ball delivery must be better than what he's shown for villa
Going into today I was least sure about who should play alongside or behind hogan and who should play on the left
Still feel like that.
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Nice to see we've developed the classic SGT keeper kicking out to Ian Ormandroyd on the wing to head it move
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Decent attempt by Hourihane
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Our performance has gradually worsened. I don't mind too much in a pre season game and we were v good for 25 mins
But the lack of goal threat really is a concern. Gabby just doesn't have that quality any more. A target man and a first choice left winger would be good additiona
Gabby and Whelan best players on the pitch for us today. Would have been interesting to see how Hogan did with Gabby playing like that buzzing around him and creating space rather than having Lansbury just standing there. But he took Gabby off to bring Hogan on, I despair.
I'm very happy with what I've seen of Whelan, his passing is very good. Looks a better player than Jedinak.
Much
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Blow your whistle, ffs ref.
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Is it still 0-0?
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What do you think?
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Yep
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And that's that
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Finally!
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I'm back on hahaha final whistle.
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Another clean sheet
#lookingforasilverlining
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Another clean sheet
#lookingforasilverlining
#lookingforsilvaasmanager
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Watching that confirms to me that Bjarnasson and Lansbury are not going to be our saviours.
Bacuna was surprisingly okay, and Bree played well when he came on.
Early days ...
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Solid first half. Gut rot second.
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impotent attack...just like last season :(
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We looked less of a threat after Grealish and, strangely, Gabby went off. Whelan, on that performance, would get in before Jedinak but we still lack a cutting edge without Kodjia.
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Once again we are kings of clean sheets....at both ends.
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Going to need to find some goals from somewhere to get automatic promotion.
Just crossing our fingers and hoping Kodjia comes back soon isn't the best strategy.
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When the ball is 'played' forward, there isn't anyone to hold it up, bring others into play or dare I say it create a chance. We need some height up there otherwise it'll be the same old story.
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Couldn't score in a brothel. Attacking players needed before next week.
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I like Jedinak but I agree that we can't really play him and Whelan apart from away at Boro or similar. Whelan does look like an upgrade so Jedi on the bench. Only problem is, most of the other options are toss, no way should Lansbury or Bjarnasson be starting so it's Hourahane or Bacuna (who did ok in there today actually).
Not sure what anyone saw in Grealishs 20 mins, he was as lacklustre and half arsed as ever and couldn't keep up with the attacks. The promising start was courtesy of Gabbys running, Whelans passing and (the promising) Elhamodys outlet. We struggled to get enough men forward and that was the fault of Grealish, Green and Lansbury.
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Decent first half, second half was crap. Apart from the pen only thing of interest was a few blokes going to the back of L2 and starting some singing.
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When the ball is 'played' forward, there isn't anyone to hold it up, bring others into play or dare I say it create a chance. We need some height up there otherwise it'll be the same old story.
That could be a role for Keinan Davis. Was he on the bench today or did he play at Tamworth last night?
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I did miss the first half an hour, which sounds like the best part of the match. The lack of movement up front, the ability to get midfielders close to the forward is non existent. We do look solid, Whelan looks a good addition I just fear how and who is gonna create any chances.
The positive thing I learnt from the game,is that under 1.5 goals is gonna be the bet of the year concerning us.
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Didn't look like two teams from different leagues.
Solid at the back both halves. Gabby played better than Hogan. Bacuna and Amavi looked OK. Lansbury disappointing. Whelan very good. Elmo very good.
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If it hasn't been mentioned attendance was 10,900.
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If it hasn't been mentioned attendance was 10,900.
SGT deserved far more but then I couldn't be there either.
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Hard to tell from Lower Holte but I'd guess around 800 from Watford.
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It's not going to be pretty..but I think we will be ok.
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We look massively better than at this point last year. But I share the concerns and views on Lansbury, green, goal threat as others
Bacuna actually did well - I reckon he may start alongside whelan
Fingers crossed on the injuries
Strange that I don't think we've seen gabby and hogan alongside each other at all this pre season
Definitely up for getting in some attacking quality. Gabby played well but I never fancied him to score that one on one or pick out a pass when he broke in behind
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Thought we were much the better team first half with terry, Hutton, whelan and green all having good games Despite having a penalty 2bd half we were given a bit of a chase about
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Couldn't score in a brothel. Attacking players needed before next week.
More attacking intent from the players needed. Not having Gabby starting would help also
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First ten mins or so Whelan was playing like Pirlo! Did a few cracking passes.
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It's not going to be pretty..but I think we will be ok.
Agreed.
I don't think we'll get relegated either.
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Just a glimmer that there is some creativity or attacking potency.
But it looks the same as last season without Kodija and I am not convinced that he can make up for this shortfall on his own.
Same old sit deep and hope.
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Just a glimmer that there is some creativity or attacking potency.
But it looks the same as last season without Kodija and I am not convinced that he can make up for this shortfall on his own.
Same old sit deep and hope.
Very harsh. Gameplan was good especially first 25 - but quality not good enough
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An alternative to buying a 'big man' would be playing the ball on the floor rather than pumping high crosses to whichever isolated 5"9 striker in the box who happens to be looking up at them. We could even consider giving said shorty some support from time to time.
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It's not going to be pretty..but I think we will be ok.
Agreed.
I don't think we'll get relegated either.
Oh good finally achieving mid table mediocrity that we all have been crying out for.
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Couldn't score in a brothel. Attacking players needed before next week.
More attacking intent from the players needed. Not having Gabby starting would help also
No not more players more cohesion as a team and a plan on the pitch.
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I keep getting this feeling that how many of our squad can actually last 90 minutes. Major worry.
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This time last year we were murdered by a team that went down from the prem. This year we were a poor pen away from a tidy, and comfortable win. We're nowhere near a shoo-in, and Wolves did like bright and lively v leciester, but we should be going into the season a lot more confident than last season.
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Decided to go. Not the worst way to spend an afternoon, although 15 quid not cheap.
Watford looked pretty awful, particularly first half.
We will win more then we lose but anyone expecting entertainment can forget it.
This is the classic Bruce team.
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Did you stay for the full game?
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Thought that there was no noticeable difference in quality between the two teams. Gabby looked sharp but ineffective in front of goal. Whelan looked good. Elmo was very good. Shame Hogan didn't get the benefit of an Elmo partnership when he made an appearance due to an injury to the winger. Overall a decent run out but still concerned about lack of goals and worse than that, lack of scoring opportunities.
Finally, I was disappointed with attendance, the great man deserved more.
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Just got back in and thought it was quite encouraging really. I thought the starting team looked solid and organised, and we kept the ball pretty well at times. For all the gnashing of teeth about our signings, I thought they looked an upgrade on the players we had in their positions last season (Terry for Baker, Whelan for Jedinak and Elmohamady for Adomah), though why Johnstone wasn't playing (he was signing autographs in the car park about half an hour before kick off).
I thought we got into some good some positions, but apart from Gabby's great chance early on, didn't create too much. I thought Agbonlahor looked a threat and Grealish linked things up well before he went off. I thought Lansbury was disappointing when he moved into the more advanced role and looked sluggish. Hogan didn't really make an impact when he came on and I thought Watford had their best spell then as we couldn't hold the ball up front.
Just a couple of things about VP. I thought there was some kind of work being done to the North Stand this summer to create some space for disabled fans. Has that been shelved? Also, as a general point I don't see the need for flags to be flown at sports stadiums (unless it is an international game maybe) and I accept our owner is from there, but I'm really not sure why there is a Chinese flag flying above Villa Park.
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Plus we clearly had a plan at what to do at attacking throw-ins. Got most of them wrong mind you.
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Main concern for me is the injuries to grealish, Elmo and Johnstone
Add that to Kodjia and Adomah and we might find it very hard to score next weekend
Bacuna Thor / Lansbury and green behind gabby just isn't good enough
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Main concern for me is the injuries to grealish, Elmo and Johnstone
Add that to Kodjia and Adomah and we might find it very hard to score next weekend
Bacuna Thor / Lansbury and green behind gabby just isn't good enough
Grealish will be the biggest blow as today showed that there isn't really anyone else to play that role effectively (funnily enough it is the role McCormack is most suited to but that ship has sailed). We should be able to cover the other two OK and I thought Steer looked pretty assured today. The triumvirate of Lansbury, Hourihane and Bjarnason looked fairly average and one paced.
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I thought grealish was no more than ok but as soon as he went off and Lansbury stepped into that position we had nowhere near the same mobility
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It's not going to be pretty..but I think we will be ok.
Agreed.
I don't think we'll get relegated either.
Oh good finally achieving mid table mediocrity that we all have been crying out for.
Didn't we achieve that last season?
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I think we'll be fine this year, could do with something extra up top though.
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Did you stay for the full game?
No, Peter, I rushed home to see your latest posts.
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Did you stay for the full game?
No, Peter, I rushed home to see your latest posts.
It's why I don't go anymore
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if we are looking for a striker and we need a big man upfront to score goals and play alone. We need some one similar to Ruud van Nistelrooy. How is Kodja at the moment, did he play a minute in pre season yet.
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I thought grealish was no more than ok but as soon as he went off and Lansbury stepped into that position we had nowhere near the same mobility
Agree. I thought Grealish linked the play up pretty well, but Lansbury didn't really do that at all.
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Thought all of the new signings did well and while Terry will take the headines, Whelan could be the pick of the bunch.
We're still not quite right in attack though and someone capable of holding the ball up and winning it in the air might make all the difference.
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I thought Whelan did very well, too.
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Just home. Giant raspberry to the Highways Agency.
I thought our new players were our best players. Pray to God that Bodymoor Heath does not work it's usual spell and spoil them. Terry is a class act. So technically correct. Been a long time since we had a central defender as good. Equally impressive was Whelan and Elmohamady continues to shine, showing that he can defend competently. Grealish was very good in patches and we were less dominant when he went off. Gabby tried hard but still needs to lose weight. Hogan tried to be a target man without success. Green was a disappointment. Thor worked hard without reward. Journey apart a satisfactory day.
Good to see so many mums, dad's and kids in the crowd. SGT would've like that.
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Did you stay for the full game?
No, Peter, I rushed home to see your latest posts.
I was watching the game and the commentator mentioned that 9000 or so Villa fans were there which i thought wasn't that many and thought that it would be strangely quiet on leaving the ground. then, remembering your predilection for leaving early I wondered if early leavers, even in a low gate game would still leave early.
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Did you stay for the full game?
No, Peter, I rushed home to see your latest posts.
I was watching the game and the commentator mentioned that 9000 or so Villa fans were there which i thought wasn't that many and thought that it would be strangely quiet on leaving the ground. then, remembering your predilection for leaving early I wondered if early leavers, even in a low gate game would still leave early.
I stayed till the end.
I hope that's Villa enough for you.
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Did you stay for the full game?
No, Peter, I rushed home to see your latest posts.
I was watching the game and the commentator mentioned that 9000 or so Villa fans were there which i thought wasn't that many and thought that it would be strangely quiet on leaving the ground. then, remembering your predilection for leaving early I wondered if early leavers, even in a low gate game would still leave early.
I stayed till the end.
I hope that's Villa enough for you.
Bit touchy aren't you?
Hope you enjoyed your day.
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Did you stay for the full game?
No, Peter, I rushed home to see your latest posts.
I was watching the game and the commentator mentioned that 9000 or so Villa fans were there which i thought wasn't that many and thought that it would be strangely quiet on leaving the ground. then, remembering your predilection for leaving early I wondered if early leavers, even in a low gate game would still leave early.
I stayed till the end.
I hope that's Villa enough for you.
Bit touchy aren't you?
Hope you enjoyed your day.
Not really, Peter. You're a very odd man indeed.
What a bizarre load of nonsense to resurrect.
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I thought Whelan did very well, too.
Yep. Thought he looked at home against top flight opposition and was impressed with his range of passing. Played in a two today, but looked like he would be quite comfortable in the holding role as well.
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I asked a simple question and for some reason you're taking it strangely. Then in 3 replies you are clearly looking for me to bite for some reason. No need to be insulting.
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I asked a simple question and for some reason you're taking it strangely. Then in 3 replies you are clearly looking for me to bite for some reason. No need to be insulting.
No, Peter, you're taking the piss and you know you are.
You've shown signs recently of going back to being the puerile buffoon you used to be on here before your enforced break - I am not the only moderator to notice this.
I suggest you knock it on the head now, or we'll be resurrecting something else from the past.
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Shame about the gate (only 10,900).
Hats off to the (I'm estimating) thousand or so Watford who travelled for the game.
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No, I'm really not.
And what other stuff?
And what other moderators?
So you call me odd and then threaten to ban me over a simple question simply because you decide there was more in it than there really is?
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1. Yes you are.
2. Various posts in which you've come across as an arsey child of late.
3. The other moderators who have noticed the posts mentioned in 2. above.
4. "Your predilection for leaving early".
5. Tara a bit. And that's not just for this exchange, it is for being one of the most blatant trolls we've had on here over the years.
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Nice to see our incoming players looking so fit and lean. Our new arrivals usually look like they have come to audition for the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
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Their number 33 was one of the biggest footballers I've ever seen.
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In the Middle Ages he would have been Ye Giant of Wat's Ford.
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Their number 33 was one of the biggest footballers I've ever seen.
I thought they were a big side in general. They were certainly more physical and athletic than us in a number of areas. I know Deeney was in the stands not on the pitch, but they didn't seem to have anything up front.
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What was the attendance in the end anyone?
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What was the attendance in the end anyone?
Around 10k I think? A bit peed off I couldn't make it today, Taylor is a Villa legend in my eyes and I hope we did him proud.
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I think we are a target man and wide player from top 2 still. Snodgrass and Crouch into this squad and we would be flying.
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What was the attendance in the end anyone?
Around 10k I think? A bit peed off I couldn't make it today, Taylor is a Villa legend in my eyes and I hope we did him proud.
10,900.
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We REALLY need Kodjia back don't we? Toothless without him. I don't think we will concede many goals but will have lots of finger nail biting games this season unless we put sides to bed.
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Lack of goals will cost us this season. We'll have one of the top 3 defences in the league but there is a real lack of goals in that squad. Bruce's style of play doesn't help either, so cautious.
Even if we are around the play offs we will bore our way there with 1-0 wins. Zero chance of seeing exciting football and us scoring 3 or 4 goals in a game.
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Lack of goals will cost us this season. We'll have one of the top 3 defences in the league but there is a real lack of goals in that squad. Bruce's style of play doesn't help either, so cautious.
Even if we are around the play offs we will bore our way there with 1-0 wins. Zero chance of seeing exciting football and us scoring 3 or 4 goals in a game.
That's my fear too. We don't appear to have tried to address this but have made us more solid. Plenty of low scoring games and draws I reckon.
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We've got plenty of nous about us now at the back. Say what you like about John Terry but the man can defend and also play when the need arises. He'll probably have the odd poor game in the championship but sure he'll have many more when he has his cigar out given the general attacking standard I saw last year.
Whelan can read the danger like Jedinak but he has a bit more ability and range of passing. Will still be a role for Jedi but he'll be in and out and in any case isn't an option currently due to injury so he'll be eased back in the squad.
We have little trouble at the back imo bar I'd like to see Bree given a run particularly with plenty of experience to his left so they can guide him with positioning etc. Would like to see a little more quality from the FBs as Hutton dosen't have it and Taylor is more a safety first full back.
We have plenty of issues in the final third. Again Hogan struggling to get in a game. Why are some on here so convinced he's going to get 15-20? I'd like to see it but he's just too isolated in games for me.
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If Hogan can get the ball delivered into the box hard and low he will get 25 goals. If he gets the ball dropping from the sky with ice on it he will get none
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Their number 33 was one of the biggest footballers I've ever seen.
I was rather hoping to see a clash between him and Samba. Of course it would require the stream to be working
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I know it was a pre-season friendly and maybe I'm being pessimistic but I didn't see anything there today that would make me confident of a strong promotion challenge.
Having a tight defence will obviously help, but the midfield still lacks pace and creativity and without Kodjia we look fairly toothless. Still waiting for any of Bruce's January signings to convince me.
I just hope the players live up to the (somewhat cringeworthy) sound bite mantra of 'passion pride and purpose' displayed at the club shop.
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What was the attendance in the end anyone?
I would say about 15% less than the start with pauliewalnut and his sort leaving early according to you know who😟
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If Hogan can get the ball delivered into the box hard and low he will get 25 goals. If he gets the ball dropping from the sky with ice on it he will get none
See that's the problem I have. In the modern game forwards who just play the six yard box and wait for crosses are a dying breed especially as very few teams play two upfront now.
You look at the best in the premier league....Alexis, Aguero, Mane, Lukaku etc. All score their taps in but they're not limited to that as they've very dangerous from 30 odd yards out.
I prefer forwards who have unpredictability and can create their own chances. Benteke with us played in a very limited team creating chances when our counter attacking wasn't working but he still hit close to 20 most seasons as his sheer pace and power could open up defences.
Kodjia at this level can certainly do that hence why he was one off 19 when we were so low scoring and defensive last year. I thought for 14m Hogan could at least beat a defender or score a few from outside the box. From his goals at Fulham I certainly thought McCormack would do that but he turned out to be a busted flush.
If I was manager I'd avoid signing anyone upfront who was limited to the penalty area unless it was a plan b supersub (which might have to be Hogan's role in the short term). It just narrows your play so much.
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I think we are a target man and wide player from top 2 still. Snodgrass and Crouch into this squad and we would be flying.
Totally agree. Add those two and a fit Kodjia to the side today and we would be a very different proposition.
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If Hogan can get the ball delivered into the box hard and low he will get 25 goals. If he gets the ball dropping from the sky with ice on it he will get none
Ditto for Gabby and all our strikers. The service, especially second half was beyond a joke. It was bad enough they had two, three sometimes four defenders around them without having to watch the ball being hoofed up to them.
Somebody also needs to tell our midfield that the opposition penalty area isn't mined.
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It's one thing I like about Bjork. At least he gets into the box a fair bit even if his finishing isn't very good.
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I used to like the way Darren Bent 'played the percentages'. Always trying to get ahead of the defence. If he timed his run wrong he was frequently offside. On the occasions he timed it right he was usually clear on goal with just the keeper to beat.
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For me, its not just the lack of goals that is the worry.
It's the lack of creativity that is the concern. We just don't look like we can/will create many chances in a game.
From all of the pre season games I have seen, the midfield still does not get forward quick enough, in numbers, to support the strikers.
All the same issues as last year.
Let's hope that changes from next week.
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Just watched that you are the ref interview with Taylor. The man was such a likeable human being. We are lucky, very lucky as a club, that we were both in the right place at the right time for each other. What a top man he was.
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Just watched that you are the ref interview with Taylor. The man was such a likeable human being. We are lucky, very lucky as a club, that we were both in the right place at the right time for each other. What a top man he was.
Well said.
I would add Watford are generally a decent enough club as well. A likeable man who was drawn to likeable clubs.
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Going back to Hogan, I agree with everything you say SoccerHQ. My point is that Hogan needs at least one service player to enable him to be effective. The harsh truth is that we cannot afford or attract players who have the whole range of goal scoring expertise. We got lucky with Kodjia but struggle for goals without him. The days of a team being able to carry a Greaves type putter away of chances created by others are long gone. I also agree that midfielders getting into scoring positions create the broken play in which players like Hogan thrive. He is not athletic enough to create space for himself by himself.
I fear that without Kodjia and with our formidable looking defence it is going to be more nick a goal and hang on for the foreseeable future.
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Going back to Hogan, I agree with everything you say SoccerHQ. My point is that Hogan needs at least one service player to enable him to be effective. The harsh truth is that we cannot afford or attract players who have the whole range of goal scoring expertise. We got lucky with Kodjia but struggle for goals without him. The days of a team being able to carry a Greaves type putter away of chances created by others are long gone. I also agree that midfielders getting into scoring positions create the broken play in which players like Hogan thrive. He is not athletic enough to create space for himself by himself.
I fear that without Kodjia and with our formidable looking defence it is going to be more nick a goal and hang on for the foreseeable future.
I agree on Hogan. He looks like he needs a partner or lots of creative players behind him that we can play through. He played upfront by himself for Brentford and his running in behind is good but his hold up play looks weak. Although I'd have said the same about Dwight Gayle last year.
I wondered if Bruce might go outright 442, especially if jack is out, and pair hogan and gabby. But it doesn't look like it at the moment. Don't think they've been on the pitch together in pre season?
On another note, Hourihane obviously has quality in this league - I'm hoping it's more than his shooting. He's looked one footed, one paced, weak in the tackle and not great at passing this pre season. It comes to something when Bacuna looks a lot better.
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I'm afraid that Lansbury was very disappointing for me.
Not a fast runner, seemed to amble around a lot , doesn't tackle that effectively, he runs toward his opponent too slowly and then doesn't offer a tackle.....so what's the point. Looked a bit like going through the motions.
Bit of a prima donna too when gets tackled
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Enjoyed yesterday but was disappointed with the turn out, he deserved better. Putting it on you tube was a silly idea.
As for game, I know it's early days but Whelan looks like the kind of player we've missed since we lost Petrov. Gabby has lost some timber but I still think he's past it. Elmo is quite decent in the air for a winger and I like Bjork a lot. The jury is still out on Lansbury though.
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Very pleased with Whelan, I've never really noticed him at Stoke but he looks great for this level, he seems to do everything pretty well.
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Enjoyed yesterday but was disappointed with the turn out, he deserved better. Putting it on you tube was a silly idea.
As for game, I know it's early days but Whelan looks like the kind of player we've missed since we lost Petrov. Gabby has lost some timber but I still think he's past it. Elmo is quite decent in the air for a winger and I like Bjork a lot. The jury is still out on Lansbury though.
He really has got a good leap. It was noticeable that every goal kick went in his direction.
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I keep seeing people saying they like Bjork a lot
I don't get it. I like his work rate and movement but he's shown nowt on the ball do us at all so far
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Me neither.
He and Lansbury are starting to worry me a little
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Hourihane, Lansbury and Bjarnasson have the makings of another crap midfield. Grealish is going to have to have a stellar season if we are going up this year.
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Whelan looks very good though and Jedinak offers protection
But I'd prioritise a player who can score and create from the left or no 10 position if we can get someone else in
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Whelan looks very good though and Jedinak offers protection
But I'd prioritise a player who can score and create from the left or no 10 position if we can get someone else in
A left sided player (as others have said Green might be better being used here and there as opposed to starting every week) and a target man striker for me. The 'number 10' point is an interesting one because it looks like we might look to play with one but have let two players who play that role (Gil and McCormack) leave the club.
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If we got a classy player who could play 10 or wide left it would mean green and grealish can both play but not every game and we don't need to play Lansbury there
I worry Bruce thinks Bjorn is that man. Maybe I'm wrong but so far he looks technically poor which isn't great for a number ten!
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If we got a classy player who could play 10 or wide left it would mean green and grealish can both play but not every game and we don't need to play Lansbury there
I worry Bruce thinks Bjorn is that man. Maybe I'm wrong but so far he looks technically poor which isn't great for a number ten!
It points to a bit of poor planning if we are short in the 'number 10' role, for as I made the point earlier, we've already discarded two players who play that position. He might not have wanted to stay, but for me that is Gil's best position, but we hardly saw him play there.
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Was talking to a stoke fan yesterday and he was raving about Whelan. ..reckons he'll do a great job for us
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I keep seeing people saying they like Bjork a lot
I don't get it. I like his work rate and movement but he's shown nowt on the ball do us at all so far
Agree. Not seen anything to suggest he's going to be good enough. Will give him time as he's been injured but underwhelmed thus far.
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He badly needs a goal. It's quite the skill to continuously get into good positions. Then again maybe the opposition know that they can allow him into those positions because his finishing is Tonev-esque.
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I keep seeing people saying they like Bjork a lot
I don't get it. I like his work rate and movement but he's shown nowt on the ball do us at all so far
Agree. Not seen anything to suggest he's going to be good enough. Will give him time as he's been injured but underwhelmed thus far.
he's very limited, and I've seen nothing to suggest he will suddenly find a mojo I suspect he doesn't have.
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I keep seeing people saying they like Bjork a lot
I don't get it. I like his work rate and movement but he's shown nowt on the ball do us at all so far
Agree. Not seen anything to suggest he's going to be good enough. Will give him time as he's been injured but underwhelmed thus far.
he's very limited, and I've seen nothing to suggest he will suddenly find a mojo I suspect he doesn't have.
I don't think he even needs to show any particular "mojo". If he can get 6-8 scrappy goals from midfield, and have his running make things easier for others, he's an asset without having to do all the things you typically associate with a midfielder.
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I think he probably will score a few given the chance
I'm more concerned about the number of attacks that will break down when he gets the ball
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Going back to Hogan, I agree with everything you say SoccerHQ. My point is that Hogan needs at least one service player to enable him to be effective. The harsh truth is that we cannot afford or attract players who have the whole range of goal scoring expertise. We got lucky with Kodjia but struggle for goals without him. The days of a team being able to carry a Greaves type putter away of chances created by others are long gone. I also agree that midfielders getting into scoring positions create the broken play in which players like Hogan thrive. He is not athletic enough to create space for himself by himself.
I fear that without Kodjia and with our formidable looking defence it is going to be more nick a goal and hang on for the foreseeable future.
I agree on Hogan. He looks like he needs a partner or lots of creative players behind him that we can play through. He played upfront by himself for Brentford and his running in behind is good but his hold up play looks weak. Although I'd have said the same about Dwight Gayle last year.
I wondered if Bruce might go outright 442, especially if jack is out, and pair hogan and gabby. But it doesn't look like it at the moment. Don't think they've been on the pitch together in pre season?
On another note, Hourihane obviously has quality in this league - I'm hoping it's more than his shooting. He's looked one footed, one paced, weak in the tackle and not great at passing this pre season. It comes to something when Bacuna looks a lot better.
It's worrying that a tinpot outfit like Brentford could build a midfield that fed him - and continued to score after he left - but we, £X0,000,000 later, seem to have no clue as to how to do the same.
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Brentford were the most impressive team I saw play against us last year
Jota would be a lovely signing - though again tends to play on the right
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They battered us so hard that I couldn't even see what we'd done wrong. They were just better than us on every level. Brentford.
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Why are we even talking about last season, it's irrelevant.
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Why are we even talking about last season, it's irrelevant.
You don't have to if you don't want to.
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Why are we even talking about last season, it's irrelevant.
Yep, us struggling to create and take chances last season and then not really doing much to address it other than sign a replacement for the guy who created the most chances isn't something worth talking about. Much better to just act like anyone being worried about it is taking the easy option and troll them.
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We do need to become less reliant upon Kodjia scoring goals, and that includes players scoring goals from all over the pitch...we'll probably score a few more with Terry at set pieces, but we really need the midfield to not only create more but contribute more themselves with goals.
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As I said somewhere else, Brighton and Newcastle both had wingers who got over a dozen league goals last season. Can't see any of our lot getting anywhere near that, which is why I'd prioritise an attacking midfielder like Snodgrass if we can
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If money was no object I'd be after Helder Costa from Wolves. Think he'll be one of the stand out attacking players in the league this season in the absence of Knockeart.
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Yes please! Can't see it though
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Especially at manager level.