Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Jon Crofts on December 14, 2021, 09:43:29 PM
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Knock yourselves out
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Job done. Good first half. 2nd half we had to dig in and see the game out.
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I think it’s no coincidence that the biggest improvement in the team over the last 5 weeks or so has been the individual performances of every single midfield player.
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Disciplined and efficient.Hope we don't have any more injuries
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Cash and Ramsey were fucking brilliant. One Ashley Young back pass aside, the whole team were very comfortable throughout.
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Nothing like a nice weeknight win. It feels like being awarded a bonus three points come the weekend.
Well played lads.
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Put me in mind of Palace away, we ceded a lot of ground 2nd half but never looked in too much danger.
JJ MOTM, just ahead of Doug 'cos of the goal. Norwich looked a shadow of the side that gave Newton Heath a game.
Job done.
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Norwich were toothless, Villa did more than enough to win the game. To be honest some of the play was train pitch stuff, didn't need to get out of 2nd gear.
Dean Smith will need a miracle to avoid relegation.
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We made hard work of killing off a pretty poor team. We will not face worse this season.
But I love the way we are trying to play.
Ramsey was the best player on the pitch.
Cash has got to do more with the positions he is getting into.
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I think it’s no coincidence that the biggest improvement in the team over the last 5 weeks or so has been the individual performances of every single midfield player.
To be honest there are improvements all over the pitch. Defenders have stopped hoofing, passing is quicker, game management now exists, and yes we suddenly have top class midfield players
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Good, solid performance from the Villa. The youth are taking their chances and it’s a delight to see.
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Very efficient performance. Hope the walking wounded aren’t too wounded.
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We should be beating Norwich any season, any venue. Discounting a little bit of tension fearing a fluky equaliser, we totally dominated them and got that routine win. Gerrard really does seem to know what he's trying to do.
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Played nicely and should have killed it earlier. Well done JJ and Chuk.
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Very professional from all involved. Nice to enjoy the last few minutes of a game hoping we can break away for a third rather than shitting my pants hoping we cling on.
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Really, really good. Solid everywhere and they had 5-10 minutes in that second half where they were on top but that was it. Always a worry at only 1 up but a brilliant second gave us two great goals.
No complaints at all.
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Dominant. Wish we were a bit more clinical to put teams away but still really pleasing. Great contributions from Ramsey & Chuk.
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Gabby: “Chukuwenka”
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Emi B did well today.
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Job done. Next. Are we safe from relegation yet?
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Emi B did well today.
I though he was brilliant in the first half, playing intricate little one-two's and pulling them out of shape. Looked fucking knackered after an hour and could barely run.
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Yes dominant but allowed the game to drift a little in the second half - but I’m being picky. Delighted with the three points.
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McGinn was a monster first half. We couldn't get the ball on the floor in the second, just needed someone to take a breath and just make simple passes. Thankfully we never really looked in any trouble.
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Job done. Next. Are we safe from relegation yet?
18 points to go.
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Job done. Next. Are we safe from relegation yet?
18 points to go.
Or 6 points off top 4
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Norwich we’re always gonna have a spell. They never put us under any real danger.
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Gabby: “Chukuwenka”
i though it sounded more "chuckemwanka"
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Well done Villa very professional performance, great to see JJ in fine form and Chuk involved in the 2nd.
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JJ nervous in the interview. Bless
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Smith doesn't have much to work with at Norwich, and he must know looking at tonight he won't be keeping them up. I'm actually a little surprised at myself how little thought I gave the fact he was managing against us. We're on different trajectories, I suppose.
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Got to be pleased with any win away from home and clean sheet too. Improvements been made without a doubt and we still have several players out of the side who will make a difference when they come back. Looking so much better.
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Job done. Next. Are we safe from relegation yet?
Yes. If anyone dares to try to relegate us, we'll send Gerrard round to their house first thing to just look at them, disapprovingly, until they wilt.
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As straightforward a win as you’ll see. Bit of a flabby 20 mins in the second half, but other than that we controlled it totally. Decision making in the final 3rd needs work.
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Pleased that Ollie stayed on. UTV.
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Good first half. Kind of laboured second (perhaps a few players feeling leggy after Liverpool). All in all very comfortable. We played some nice stuff. I'm still not sure how Ings fits in and he doesn't seem too sure either.
Beundia was very good first half, but couldn't get into it second. It's better under Gerrard for him though and at least we're seeing more potential.
McGinn and Douglas were solid today.
Ramsey was man of the match for me today. Constantly driving. Sharp. At the beginning of the season I did wonder, after all the money whether he'd get much game time, but furthermore, just whether we should be relying on a 20 year old with the aspirations we had. Well, he's well worth his place and he's a hell of a player. The full backs were excellent too.
Great to see Carney positive and intelligent again. Another who I think is gonna have an impact.
A few days rest and on to the next, which I suspect will be a tougher, more aggressive game. But...we should be winning fairly comfortably.
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All good. Life is easier when results like this happen
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We just got to keep that dirty fucker Mee from crippling one.of our lads on Saturday and I think we should win that one too.
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Chukwuemeka looks the part to me. Big, strong, powerful and great control. Not surprised other teams are looking at him.
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We just got to keep that dirty fucker Mee from crippling one.of our lads on Saturday and I think we should win that one too.
Ugh, has that prick not been arrested yet?
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We just got to keep that dirty fucker Mee from crippling one.of our lads on Saturday and I think we should win that one too.
Ugh, has that prick not been arrested yet?
Hopefully our players match his levels of shithousery
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We're the new English version of Ajax with all the homegrown talent coming through. But I might be getting a bit carried away.
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Very professional from all involved. Nice to enjoy the last few minutes of a game hoping we can break away for a third rather than shitting my pants hoping we cling on.
Yep. Over the years I have got through so many pants that it costs me more than the ticket for the game.
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The equivalent game last season was Sheff Utd away and that was a shitshow. Pleased we can swat these shit teams away in 3rd gear.
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We're the new English version of Ajax with all the homegrown talent coming through. But I might be getting a bit carried away.
You make a very valid point.
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Interesting from JJ
"In the first half we were outstanding on and off the ball so it's a good win. I saw Ollie [Watkins] knock it off, there was no-one there so I thought 'why not?'
"I've been watching clips of the gaffer [Steven Gerrard] and he was one of the best goalscoring midfielders and that's what I want to be.
Pretty sure the bold bit was stated almost word for word in the match thread by someone.
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Great win, looking more assured all the time, Gerrard and his coaches have really shaken things up, well done Villa.
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So pleased for Ollie! UTV!
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https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/12496016/ramsey-and-watkins-secure-villa-win-over-norwich
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Norwich were poor tonight
Yet against Manchester United they were fantastic in the second half so whether it was because we stop them playing and just dominated them ourselves or whether they had a rough night I don’t know but they can play a lot better than that
I didn’t think it would be an easy night certainly not as easy as it proved and maybe that’s because we were just very good
The midfield is where the big improvement is, all of them those that play tonight and those that didn’t have all improved and look like a cohesive unit
I still think we look a bit toothless upfront, Game should have been put away far earlier than that
But like Chris Sutton said we Looking like a well oiled machine at the moment With probably a new signing or 2 to look forward to in the New Year
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https://www.skysports.com/football/norwich-vs-a-villa/report/446454
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Expected the win and got it.
1st half better than the 2nd. Great goal by Ramsey.
Buendia, Cash and Dougie all played well (Dougie motm)
Great to see the back 4 and Emi as solid as they were last season; clean sheets are always welcome.
Chucky's cameo was brilliant. He's the future and needs to be in ahead of the likes of Young who was flat for his 60 mins.
Good luck Dean in your remaining fixtures except the return against us.
UTV!
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PLEASE beat those Burnley cloggers next.
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Norwich were poor tonight
Yet against Manchester United they were fantastic in the second half so whether it was because we stop them playing and just dominated them ourselves or whether they had a rough night I don’t know but they can play a lot better than that
I didn’t think it would be an easy night certainly not as easy as it proved and maybe that’s because we were just very good
The midfield is where the big improvement is, all of them those that play tonight and those that didn’t have all improved and look like a cohesive unit
I still think we look a bit toothless upfront, Game should have been put away far earlier than that
But like Chris Sutton said we Looking like a well oiled machine at the moment With probably a new signing or 2 to look forward to in the New Year
I don't think toothless is the right word John. We had plenty of attacking intent, the players just often made the wrong decision at the crucial point. Other than the goal, I thought Watkins didn't have the best of games.
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That first half performance was superb. Crisp, first time passing, good movement. Keeping the ball on the deck, everyone looking confident and assured.
Sensational goal from Ramsey but thought that Luiz was outstanding. Ran the midfield. Calmness personified.
It's looking good.
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Job done, good professional performance and 3 pts. Excellent first half, we were in total control. Second half got a bit raggedy possession wise but we were disciplined in our shape and Norwich posed little threat. We finished the game strongly and nice little Chuk cameo saw Watkins get a deserved goal. Jacob Ramsey was superb all night. Onwards to the northern clogging monkeys on Saturday. UTV!
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It's also worth remembering that, whatever we think of their quality, Norwich were the home side, with all the pressures and expectations that pretty much any home crowd brings.
We were excellent first half, got a lead, withstood their best efforts after the break and got a second. Textbook away performance, for me.
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Our midfield is better than the one Norwich faced at the weekend.
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We're the new English version of Ajax with all the homegrown talent coming through. But I might be getting a bit carried away.
This is my message to you-ou-ou : Don't worry about a thing, 'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
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Thought Buendia looked sharp first half, we might need those quick feet to open Burnley up when they inevitably put 11 men behind the ball on Saturday
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We just got to keep that dirty fucker Mee from crippling one.of our lads on Saturday and I think we should win that one too.
Ugh, has that prick not been arrested yet?
A Shaun Teale Reducer would be a thing of beauty against that twat.
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My worry was that we would gift them a goal as they created barely anything themselves and we should have been well clear by half time.
We nearly did with the Young back pass but generally we were well on top.
The stoppages for injuries coincided with and exacerbated the scrappier spell. I just hope we haven't picked up any significant injuries as Buendía and McGinn got knocks.
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Didn't realise how close McGinn came to doing a Staunton.
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One of the big changes is that Gerrard knows when and why to bring on subs, both tactically and strategically:
Young clearly struggling to get in the game and tiring - subbed.
Emi2 - hobbling after his knock- subbed
McGinn - tiring after a 100% effort and likely to play a loose pass or mistime a tackle resulting in a yellow and a one match ban - subbed.
Gerrard keeps a grip on things by making the right changes at the right time.
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Routine win.
Be interesting to see how we cope with the more physical challenge presented by Burnley on Saturday.
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Didn't realise how close McGinn came to doing a Staunton.
Having a massive dick?
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Norwich were missing a couple of players and with their squad makes a big difference. Great seeing Chuk come on, he is ready to play senior footy. Ash Young needs to have a rest, thought he was slow in thought and action tonight, the Ramsey highlight goal lifted the side when we needed it, he's only twenty.
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Luiz and Ramsey can't split them for MOTM. Superb.
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McGinn for me.
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I think you could make a case for motm being any of 5-6 players, mings and targett were both superb as well.
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Norwich were missing a couple of players and with their squad makes a big difference. Great seeing Chuk come on, he is ready to play senior footy. Ash Young needs to have a rest, thought he was slow in thought and action tonight, the Ramsey highlight goal lifted the side when we needed it, he's only twenty.
Young has been a disappointment so far for me. I thought it was a strange signing at the time we got him and my reservations have been confirmed up to now.
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Great first half with some football that was easy on the eye and created opportunities. 2nd half when they made it scrappy, we were resilient and never looked in any real trouble. One reservation: who told Mings he could be a number 10. Defend, Tyrone, Defend!
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I think you could make a case for motm being any of 5-6 players, mings and targett were both superb as well.
I thought we mainly bossed the game which was good to see but Norwich are probably the weakest team in the Premier League so I can't get too excited about the Steven Gerrard era just yet. Having said that there is very little if anything I could knock him for so far.
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I think you could make a case for motm being any of 5-6 players, mings and targett were both superb as well.
I thought we mainly bossed the game which was good to see but Norwich are probably the weakest team in the Premier League so I can't get too excited about the Steven Gerrard era just yet. Having said that there is very little if anything I could knock him for so far.
They looked ok against Man u ,so I thought they would test us more
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I’ve rated Aarons in the past, but his fakery today was pathetic.
Still not sure why that Byram tackle wasn’t looked at by VAR. looked a good candidate for a straight Red
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Good performance, delivered what was required and a routine win. Well done Villa boys now blast Burnley on saturday.
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Good first half, even though I thought the quality wasn't there in the final third at times. Lovely goal by Ramsey though.
Thought we weren't as good in the second half, but never really looked too troubled (apart from Young's back pass) and looked increasingly likely to hit them on the counter in the latter stages.
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Good to hear Martin Keown waxing lyrical about our academy:
"Look at the skill set!".
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Good performance, delivered what was required and a routine win. Well done Villa boys now blast Burnley on saturday.
Villa fans need to give Ben Mee a 'special' reception on Saturday....! Hopefully the same as Schmeichel got recently!
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Limited opposition but that was a textbook away performance. Lots of impressive individual performances but the difference in the midfield collective over Gerrard’s first few games is stark, massive improvement.
Glad we weren’t inclined to throw any money Norwich’s way for Cantwell.
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I thought we would get tested more than we did.
I feel a bit sorry for Deano, I can't see how they get out of the relegation picture.
Apart from that dodgy back pass from Young we were never in trouble and Emi M just had a bit of catching practice tonight.
Lovely goal by Ramsey and great cameo from Chucky.
We should have had it wrapped up by HT but hard to find fault with anything really.
Gerard has made a huge difference and is getting a tune out of all of our players.
His use of substitutions is also a major plus.
The only concern really is that our bench looked a bit thin and with all the games coming up over Christmas/New Year we can't afford any more injuries.
On to Saturday now and hopefully a win over Burnley.
UTV
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It's also worth remembering that, whatever we think of their quality, Norwich were the home side, with all the pressures and expectations that pretty much any home crowd brings.
We were excellent first half, got a lead, withstood their best efforts after the break and got a second. Textbook away performance, for me.
Agreed, especially taking into consideration Deano & Shakespeare know all the strengths and weaknesses of the players we put out.
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
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Great win and great midweek away day. UTV
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Good win, we made slightly hard work of it I thought and although they didn't really threaten us, like Gerrard said after the game, all it needs is a mistake or a slip and they are back in it.. Cash was excellent in that first half and what a sublime goal by Ramsey.
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
Oh but there was so many positive’s. Depends how you view things. First half was excellent and the performances of Ramsey, Cash and Luiz alone was so worthwhile. Also Mings and Konsa again being Rock solid. Of course not forgetting the superb cameo of Chuck.
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Glad we weren’t inclined to throw any money Norwich’s way for Cantwell.
Very much this based on that performance.
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
I enjoyed it.
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
I enjoyed it.
Me too. No atmosphere really but then it was the same at Stockport City. I've spent the best part of the last 15 years or so shitting myself for 90 minutes when we play, I relish any reduction in that feeling such as last night when, except for one or two occasions, it was all rather relaxed.
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
I'd ignore what you read then, total domination in the first half and were comfortable second half.
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Only saw the last 20 mins or so on the way to work. We were 1-0 up and looked largely in control, but then Norwich had a small bit of pressure and probed a bit without really creating anything. There was a header that was well connected, but Martinez took it easily. Another attack where Targett got done, but Mings came across smartly and dealt with it. And maybe they had a claim for a free kick on the edge of the box where Mings looked to have pushed that baldy guy in the shoulder. Apart from that Pretty comfortable for Villa. Buendia, Ramsey and McGinn were looking lively and the passing, if a little ragged at times, was positive and confident. I did think at one point we might get done by a daft mistake, but Chucky sealed the deal with that lovely cross to Watkins. Was convinced at the time it would get chalked off for offside as from the camera angle I saw I couldn’t work out how Ollie got there without being off, but it was good when viewed across the line. Good work Villa, pretty unruffled 2-0 away win.
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Some lovely passing in the game.
Watkins needs to sort some of his decision making out, but he brings so much more to the game it’s hard to criticise.
The irony of the commentator saying “there’s no way through the midfield for Norwich”…who did we go out and buy?!
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First half was as dominant a performance as you’ll see but without the score line to reflect it. The best teams are more ruthless in those situations. Dean obviously worked on Norwich to up their effort and close us down quicker in the second but we never seemed troubled.
Lovely goal from Ramsey, he’s turned from a youth to a man this season. Really enjoyed his post match interview, obviously a little nervous but spoke well and couldn’t keep the smile from his face.
Still things that can be improved on but difficult to fault the new management team so far.
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
I don't know where you read that but it wasn't a poor game. We played some excellent attacking football with some stand out performances in midfield from McGinn and Ramsey. Norwich were poor but was that down to them our just our overall superiority? Who knows but they did give Man U a really hard time three days ago.
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I’ve rated Aarons in the past, but his fakery today was pathetic.
He'd still be first on my list.
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Pleased with that one , very comfortable and a rewarding performance for the long journey.
4 from 6 with very narrow defeats against two of the best Teams in Europe . It's looking very good but with Coronavirus and Injuries over a busy Festive period we could be really tested and will need the effort we have seen so far to continue.
Let's hope the Covid 19 outbreak at the Club is contained and we can get a result against Burnley
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
I don't know where you read that but it wasn't a poor game. We played some excellent attacking football with some stand out performances in midfield from McGinn and Ramsey. Norwich were poor but was that down to them our just our overall superiority? Who knows but they did give Man U a really hard time three days ago.
Yep, really enjoyed the game. We dominated it completely, and should have had more goals first half especially.
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Very impressive performance, only disappointment was we didn't put the game to bed earlier. Top performances from Cash, SJM, Dougie and JJ, what a goal, may have the new Steven Gerrard in the making!
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
I'd ignore what you read then, total domination in the first half and were comfortable second half.
Aye, you read wrong Sid, from a Villa perspective anyway. For the neutral I guess there wasn't too much to get excited by apart from Ramsey's run and shot.
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A few comments on here about our solid midfield. Contrast that with the soggy paper towel impression the midfield was giving in the early part of the season and the cries for a defensive midfielder. Interesting that Nakamba went from weak link to MOTM on a number of occasions and now that we have lost him for a while we still seem to manage to fill the gap. With Sanson also looking good when he's fit we suddenly seem to have some depth in that department. That's good coaching and intelligent strategy. Well done SG and his team, which by the way is a nice touch as he always refers to 'we' and not 'I' in his interview and gives credit to others whenever he can.
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Very impressive performance, only disappointment was we didn't put the game to bed earlier. Top performances from Cash, SJM, Dougie and JJ, what a goal, may have the new Steven Gerrard in the making!
Cash was excellent and Targett looks like he may be getting his form back that he showed last season. Both the Matts could be even more effective if they just took a split second to look up instead of swinging the crosses in. It could make all the difference. I think Norwich must have set a record for blocking crosses just by throwing themselves in front of the ball last night.
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Routine win and justified DW's optimism ;)
Martinez - Kit man could put his away without washing it
Cash - tremendous first half only final ball let him down - superb ball to Chuck for 2ns
Konsa - that good you forget he is there sometimes - just glides through games
Mings - Towering rock of a leader - impressive again if not lost his compass a few times and was playing as a midfielder. Anyone else shit themselves when he dribbled out of the box :o
Targett - very solid game - great effort with his right foot - like Cash needs to improve final ball when in great positions.
Luiz - very good, confident (sometimes a little too casual for my heart) performance
McGinn - Terrier like and must be a nightmare to play against - faded after injury so must have been some knock
Ramsey - Just wow - if ever we needed a local lad to step up after what's his name left - he is the boy / man. Once a promising kid coming through with cameos here and there has now become a first team regular starter - and deservedly so. MOTM
Buendia - thought he was fab 1st half - his work rate goes unnoticed but his press creates many turnovers. Some lovely touches and great vision at times. Hope the knock (that was a booking every time is see it) is not too bad as will need his guile against the cloggers.
Young - think we may be asking too much of him at present - poorest on the pitch by a mile
Watkins - superb stats, great touch for Ramsay goal, great goal for himself but also frustrates the hell out of me - so many times makes the wrong decision whether it is pass, dribble , shoot etc - just tries to do too much on his own.
Subs
Ings - no real impact and hard to see how he plays with Watkins - still glad we have a natural finisher with us in case we ever need him. Much better bench option that Davis
Chuck - glides around like he owns the place and i just want to see more and more of him. Great impact and i like his first instinct is to drive at defence
Management team
Loving their work ethic, tactics and in game management - clearly the payers are as well
Supporters
Great noise at times for an away team at a god forsaken journey like that in mid week.
To Quote SG "Will all be in vain if we do not win again on Saturday"
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Very impressive again. Amazing what a difference a bit of hard nosed proffessionalism has made. Can't wait to see what a few SG additions will add.
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Special mention to the way we rotated 'cramp' to take the sting out of the game. Proper shithousing.
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I’ve rated Aarons in the past, but his fakery today was pathetic.
He'd still be first on my list.
The bit where he went down pretending to have a head injury? It was just after he was booked for pulling at JJ, so I suspect he was worried about another booking as it was from a shot, and his hand was away from his body - so I think he stayed down hoping to avoid giving away a free-kick and/or being booked. It worked.
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Special mention to the way we rotated 'cramp' to take the sting out of the game. Proper shithousing.
Yeah, I loved that. We've never been good at that sort of thing, so it's nice to see us doing what the top clubs have been happy doing for years to get over the line.
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Thought it was a thoroughly good performance, the Young back pass aside they were pretty insignificant in the game.
Very interesting comment by Gerrard after the game where he pointed out Chukwuemeka was sent on to get around Gilmour as they thought he was getting too much of the ball…definitely did they job and assist was icing on the cake. Norwich fans aren’t big on Gilmour if you look at their forums
Cantwell was truly awful, never rated him and hope never to see his name in the transfer thread again :-)
Norwich first half were getting torn a new one down the right yet Williams was continually left on his own to deal with it, was very similar to our games against Arsenal / Southampton where it was obvious what was happening but Deano didn’t change anything in running & waited for half time….ultimately I think that stubbornness cost him his job & he must have felt gutted last night
Ramsey & Douglas MotM for me…hopefully the half hour in Ings legs will help as personally thought when he came on we lost some balance.
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So much for Smith's knowledge of our players being used to stop us!
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Work prevented me seeing any of the game but I’ve read the reports. Still puzzled that so many on the pre-match thread thought this would be a difficult game. Great result which has us one place away from 8th.
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It was the sort of game/result you'd expect from a top-half side playing the bottom side. I always fear the worst with us, but had this been the 7/8/9 team playing bottom, it went about as expected.
If we can do the same again to Burnley, then I'll start to think we could be on the verge of something really special. After our first year back, we've shown we have the ability to beat the top sides in any game (having beaten every champs league challenger bar Man City in the last 18 months), but we've rarely done it consistently well against the lower teams. If we can start regularly winning against the bottom half teams, as we seem to be doing, then I can see us pushing for Europe sooner than we thought possible.
The form table over the last six games certainly makes pleasant reading!
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Work prevented me seeing any of the game but I’ve read the reports. Still puzzled that so many on the pre-match thread thought this would be a difficult game. Great result which has us one place away from 8th.
I think most of us have still got a lot of "typical Aston Villa-itis" in us after years and years. Expecting to struggle against shit teams, thinking we're going to chuck away 1 goal leads, being certain that a striker needing a goal will break heir duck when they play us. Going to take a while to get past those deeply ingrained worries, which to be fair are a result of years of actually having to witness them!
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It was the sort of game/result you'd expect from a top-half side playing the bottom side. I always fear the worst with us, but had this been the 7/8/9 team playing bottom, it went about as expected.
If we can do the same again to Burnley, then I'll start to think we could be on the verge of something really special. After our first year back, we've shown we have the ability to beat the top sides in any game (having beaten every champs league challenger bar Man City in the last 18 months), but we've rarely done it consistently well against the lower teams. If we can start regularly winning against the bottom half teams, as we seem to be doing, then I can see us pushing for Europe sooner than we thought possible.
If we beat Burnley it will be 15 points from 7 games. I wonder when the last time was that we achieved that in the Premier League?
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Work prevented me seeing any of the game but I’ve read the reports. Still puzzled that so many on the pre-match thread thought this would be a difficult game. Great result which has us one place away from 8th.
I think most of us have still got a lot of "typical Aston Villa-itis" in us after years and years. Expecting to struggle against shit teams, thinking we're going to chuck away 1 goal leads, being certain that a striker needing a goal will break heir duck when they play us. Going to take a while to get past those deeply ingrained worries, which to be fair are a result of years of actually having to witness them!
Yes agreed, but kind of periods usually coincided with us having unimaginative managers and/or poor squads. Although initially unsure of the SG appointment, I’ve seen and heard enough so far to be confident of us beating the bottom team
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So much for Smith's knowledge of our players being used to stop us!
Well he did to keep it down to 2.
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Makes me laugh how many people calling it a routine win is if we are at the level of Man City now all of a sudden
Where we are there is no such thing as a routine win, every result has to be hard won
As poor as the opposition played last night the game was only put to bed five minutes from the end
Burnley are in the bottom three so you would expect another routine win
No chance every result has to be fought for
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Makes me laugh how many people calling it a routine win is if we are at the level of Man City now all of a sudden
Where we are there is no such thing as a routine win, every result has to be hard won
As poor as the opposition played last night the game was only put to bed five minutes from the end
Burnley are in the bottom three so you would expect another routine win
No chance every result has to be fought for
The performance felt like a routine win. Other than the Ashley Young mistake, at no point did they remotely look like threatening us, even when our performance levels dipped a bit in the second half. Normally my pulse would be similar to having run a 5K at 1-0 with 10 minutes to go, but last night was almost relaxing.
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Makes me laugh how many people calling it a routine win is if we are at the level of Man City now all of a sudden
Where we are there is no such thing as a routine win, every result has to be hard won
As poor as the opposition played last night the game was only put to bed five minutes from the end
Burnley are in the bottom three so you would expect another routine win
No chance every result has to be fought for
Anyone who thinks Burnley will be a routine win needs to give their head a wobble. Their thugs will be attempting to kick us off the park. Expect Ramsey to come in for some special treatment. We will have to match their aggression to earn the right to play football. I'm hoping that Ben Mee gets a similar reception from the Holte that Schmeichel got. He's a fecking shithouse.
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Makes me laugh how many people calling it a routine win is if we are at the level of Man City now all of a sudden
Where we are there is no such thing as a routine win, every result has to be hard won
As poor as the opposition played last night the game was only put to bed five minutes from the end
Burnley are in the bottom three so you would expect another routine win
No chance every result has to be fought for
The performance felt like a routine win. Other than the Ashley Young mistake, at no point did they remotely look like threatening us, even when our performance levels dipped a bit in the second half. Normally my pulse would be similar to having run a 5K at 1-0 with 10 minutes to go, but last night was almost relaxing.
I know what you’re saying but that miss place back pass which should’ve been scored from and suddenly there is no routine at all
I’ve seen all this looking comfortable before and it not working out
But you’re right last night did and was in the end but I still don’t think there’s any routine win for us in this league at the moment
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Makes me laugh how many people calling it a routine win is if we are at the level of Man City now all of a sudden
Where we are there is no such thing as a routine win, every result has to be hard won
As poor as the opposition played last night the game was only put to bed five minutes from the end
Burnley are in the bottom three so you would expect another routine win
No chance every result has to be fought for
Anyone who thinks Burnley will be a routine win needs to give their head a wobble. Their thugs will be attempting to kick us off the park. Expect Ramsey to come in for some special treatment. We will have to match their aggression to earn the right to play football. I'm hoping that Ben Mee gets a similar reception from the Holte that Schmeichel got. He's a fecking shithouse.
Last seasons two games should be the warning, I doubt we dominated a single team more over the two games yet they walked off with 4 points.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
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Work prevented me seeing any of the game but I’ve read the reports. Still puzzled that so many on the pre-match thread thought this would be a difficult game. Great result which has us one place away from 8th.
So 9th?
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
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Work prevented me seeing any of the game but I’ve read the reports. Still puzzled that so many on the pre-match thread thought this would be a difficult game. Great result which has us one place away from 8th.
So 9th?
Or 2 away from 7th
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It was the sort of game/result you'd expect from a top-half side playing the bottom side. I always fear the worst with us, but had this been the 7/8/9 team playing bottom, it went about as expected.
If we can do the same again to Burnley, then I'll start to think we could be on the verge of something really special. After our first year back, we've shown we have the ability to beat the top sides in any game (having beaten every champs league challenger bar Man City in the last 18 months), but we've rarely done it consistently well against the lower teams. If we can start regularly winning against the bottom half teams, as we seem to be doing, then I can see us pushing for Europe sooner than we thought possible.
If we beat Burnley it will be 15 points from 7 games. I wonder when the last time was that we achieved that in the Premier League?
Only Man City and Liverpool (coincidentally the only teams to take anything from us in the last 6 games) are above us in the current form table. That will change, as tonight's fixtures get played, but we'll still be in the European places on current form.
I genuinely don't think anyone could have expected a better return from Gerrards first 6 games. Hoped for, maybe, but expected? Nah.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I watched it back thinking the defenders probably thought "No foul. He's on his own, going nowhere, do NOT give away a silly foul here in the attacking third", which made them TOO reluctant to dive in - by the time he got to the edge of the box without facing a single challenge it was too late. The central half backed off expecting the full-back to make the challenge, and the full-back didn't dive in thinking the centre-half would put a foot in. Poor defending, even worse communication, and JJ took absolutely full advantage.
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I know what you’re saying but that miss place back pass which should’ve been scored from and suddenly there is no routine at all
I’ve seen all this looking comfortable before and it not working out
But you’re right last night did and was in the end but I still don’t think there’s any routine win for us in this league at the moment
They had one real chance. Are you saying that a routine win will only beconsidered such if we limit teams to no chances whatsoever?!
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Makes me laugh how many people calling it a routine win is if we are at the level of Man City now all of a sudden
Where we are there is no such thing as a routine win, every result has to be hard won
As poor as the opposition played last night the game was only put to bed five minutes from the end
Burnley are in the bottom three so you would expect another routine win
No chance every result has to be fought for
Agreed. There is no such thing as a routine win in the pl for where we are. Every team wants to stay in the league and when dodgy refs and var are factored in there is nothing routine about a Tuesday night win at Norwich.
What has changed for me is that I now expect wins where previously I was hoping for them. Last night I expected Villa to win and Saturday will be no different.
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I know what you’re saying but that miss place back pass which should’ve been scored from and suddenly there is no routine at all
I’ve seen all this looking comfortable before and it not working out
But you’re right last night did and was in the end but I still don’t think there’s any routine win for us in this league at the moment
They had one real chance. Are you saying that a routine win will only beconsidered such if we limit teams to no chances whatsoever?!
Can kinda see where John is coming from. Set-pieces are often 50/50 as to who wins the first header or the knock-down. They had a few corners in the second half last night and until our second goal I wasn't counting any chickens.
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I know what you’re saying but that miss place back pass which should’ve been scored from and suddenly there is no routine at all
I’ve seen all this looking comfortable before and it not working out
But you’re right last night did and was in the end but I still don’t think there’s any routine win for us in this league at the moment
They had one real chance. Are you saying that a routine win will only beconsidered such if we limit teams to no chances whatsoever?!
Routine wins are when you are at the level of Man City Chelsea Liverpool and are expected to batter every team you play
until they play each other
We are nowhere near that level yet
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I know what you’re saying but that miss place back pass which should’ve been scored from and suddenly there is no routine at all
I’ve seen all this looking comfortable before and it not working out
But you’re right last night did and was in the end but I still don’t think there’s any routine win for us in this league at the moment
They had one real chance. Are you saying that a routine win will only beconsidered such if we limit teams to no chances whatsoever?!
Routine wins are when you are at the level of Man City Chelsea Liverpool and are expected to batter every team you play
until they play each other
We are nowhere near that level yet
I agree mate, it looked routine because of the hard work we did to make it that way, as against Palace too. It was an excellent performance and win.
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After Wolves I'll be nervous for a while. Though in that game they always looked a threat. Last night we deserved it.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
The bunch of silly-billys.
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People do bleat a lot about both goals.
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Work prevented me seeing any of the game but I’ve read the reports. Still puzzled that so many on the pre-match thread thought this would be a difficult game. Great result which has us one place away from 8th.
So 9th?
Hmm why the question mark?? Are you not sure of the maths??? My point was that 8th was a realistic target this season even before SG and the so called “war chest” in January. Early days but it’s looking good so far
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
The bunch of silly-billys.
I'd say Maradona was the goat.
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Good win, we made slightly hard work of it I thought and although they didn't really threaten us, like Gerrard said after the game, all it needs is a mistake or a slip and they are back in it.. Cash was excellent in that first half and what a sublime goal by Ramsey.
Have to disagree slightly about Cash Clampy. Thought he did well to get into some good positions last night, but his delivery was pretty poor. Time after time he hit the first defender.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
The bunch of silly-billys.
I'd say Maradona was the goat.
I'd say he was a cheating bastard.
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The Ramsey goal was great.
I was saying as he ran towards their goals" there is no one with him, so he will have to do it on his own" and boy he did :)
UTV
The Doc
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From what I have read it was a very poor game, good win, hopefully we will get another win on Saturday
Oh but there was so many positive’s. Depends how you view things. First half was excellent and the performances of Ramsey, Cash and Luiz alone was so worthwhile. Also Mings and Konsa again being Rock solid. Of course not forgetting the superb cameo of Chuck.
Another celebrity fan. The copper out of Allo Allo.
Damn, you changed it.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
I'd be disappointed with Aarons, worked really hard to get in front of Ramsey and then sold himself very cheaply. That doesn't mean it wasn't an excellent goal or that Ramsey didn't force Aarons into the mistake but it did show why Aarons isn't (yet) the player that a lot of people thought he'd be a few years ago.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
The bunch of silly-billys.
I'd say Maradona was the goat.
I'd say he was a cheating bastard.
So would I. I meant that goal in particular I just worded it badly.
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I’ve rated Aarons in the past, but his fakery today was pathetic.
He'd still be first on my list.
The bit where he went down pretending to have a head injury?
I was waxing alphabetical about him.
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I’ve rated Aarons in the past, but his fakery today was pathetic.
He'd still be first on my list.
The bit where he went down pretending to have a head injury?
I was waxing alphabetical about him.
He's first on everyone's list.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
Erm, read your other post again.
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One thing I noticed yesterday. Mings had a very similar challenge on Pukki as the Salah one. A tangle of legs. Pukki went down. Pukki didn't 'sell' it quite as well, but I think it'd be fair to say that what goes down as a 50/50 and the ref playing on for a Pukki at Carrow, is treated differently when a ref sees more or less the same thing on Salah at Anfield.
And for what it's worth, the Pukki outcome is the correct decision, but there's certainly no consistency for every side. Thing is, for Pukki it wasn't even a consideration, and not even much complaining from their players because there's not that same sense of entitlement that 5-6 teams in this league naturally have any time their player drops in the opposition box.
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When you appeal for a penalty 15-20 times a game, you're likely to get at least 1.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
100% David Seaman fault
He literally crouches down for the ball to go directly over his head
such bad keeping I thought he was match fixing at the time
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I'd have loved us to have had that killer instinct and do what City or Liverpool would have done in that game last night and put 5 or 6 past them. We need to be more ruthless.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
Erm, read your other post again.
I was being facetious about the England players not tackling Maradona. There's no way anyone could have tackled him such was his ability in that moment.The other poster was saying that Norwich should have tackled Ramsey I'm making the point (not very well) that sometimes a skilfull player in full flight is almost impossible to stop and credit should be given to Ramsey in this case rather than focus on Norwich's failure to stop him.
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Woosh
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
Erm, read your other post again.
I was being facetious about the England players not tackling Maradona. There's no way anyone could have tackled him such was his ability in that moment.The other poster was saying that Norwich should have tackled Ramsey I'm making the point (not very well) that sometimes a skilfull player in full flight is almost impossible to stop and credit should be given to Ramsey in this case rather than focus on Norwich's failure to stop him.
Jesus mate. You typed 'goat' instead of 'goal' and all of the responses have been puns on that!
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Funny shit.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
Erm, read your other post again.
I was being facetious about the England players not tackling Maradona. There's no way anyone could have tackled him such was his ability in that moment.The other poster was saying that Norwich should have tackled Ramsey I'm making the point (not very well) that sometimes a skilfull player in full flight is almost impossible to stop and credit should be given to Ramsey in this case rather than focus on Norwich's failure to stop him.
Jesus mate. You typed 'goat' instead of 'goal' and all of the responses have been puns on that!
Is there any need to be so gruff?
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Is there any need to be so gruff?
Bloody nanny state.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
100% David Seaman fault
He literally crouches down for the ball to go directly over his head
such bad keeping I thought he was match fixing at the time
Alan Hutton v Blues. In a local Derby how none of them tramps didn’t just hack him down is criminal. Never mind.
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The ever-neutral Paul Franks said they should have.
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Is there any need to be so gruff?
Bloody nanny state.
Not sure how to respond to this
I’m on the horns of a dilemma
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Ooh, yer dirty mare .
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Think you should all stop trolling.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
Erm, read your other post again.
I was being facetious about the England players not tackling Maradona. There's no way anyone could have tackled him such was his ability in that moment.The other poster was saying that Norwich should have tackled Ramsey I'm making the point (not very well) that sometimes a skilfull player in full flight is almost impossible to stop and credit should be given to Ramsey in this case rather than focus on Norwich's failure to stop him.
Jesus mate. You typed 'goat' instead of 'goal' and all of the responses have been puns on that!
Is there any need to be so gruff?
We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. The grass isn't always greener you know.
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Hard cheese.
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Just about to watch last night's MOTD including Tuesday night's games and, in the studio, heart sinks like a stone.. it's Danny Murphy...
Ok, time to hear about how awful Villa are...
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Actually Villa got a double-whammy of analysis - their love for Matty Cash and eulogising over Ramsey's goal. So...respect.
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Just about to watch last night's MOTD including Tuesday night's games and, in the studio, heart sinks like a stone.. it's Danny Murphy...
Ok, time to hear about how awful Villa are...
He'll probably start praising us more now that his mate Stevie is in charge.
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Just about to watch last night's MOTD including Tuesday night's games and, in the studio, heart sinks like a stone.. it's Danny Murphy...
Ok, time to hear about how awful Villa are...
He'll probably start praising us more now that his mate Stevie is in charge.
Yeah...
But fair play. I mean, DD saying nice things about us when due could be taken for granted. But DM was rightful in his praise of Ramsey, so fair enough.
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Ramsey's goal was a cracker, and well done the referee for playing the advantage after Watkins was fouled - it would have been understandable if he'd blown, having seen no-one near in support of Ramsey and on the half way line.
It was a lovely goal and well done Ramsey for having the confidence to make that run. Having said that, if you were anything to do with Norwich you'd be furious that those players around him didn't get anything like a tackle in on him. That was very poor at this level.
I'm still seething with the England players for not putting in a challenge on Maradona when he scored that half decent goat in the World Cup.
Who you trying to kid?
Nobody. I'm just making the point that sometimes players go on a run that's top drawer and should be appreciated for it. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about the defending for the brilliant solo run that Giggs went on in that semi final at Villa Park. It's just accepted as a wonderful iconic goal.
Erm, read your other post again.
I was being facetious about the England players not tackling Maradona. There's no way anyone could have tackled him such was his ability in that moment.The other poster was saying that Norwich should have tackled Ramsey I'm making the point (not very well) that sometimes a skilfull player in full flight is almost impossible to stop and credit should be given to Ramsey in this case rather than focus on Norwich's failure to stop him.
It's one of the those irregular verbs. The Man U player scores a brilliant solo goal, the Villa player should have been tackled
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I don't see the need for disagreement here a goal can be both brilliant skill and bad defending, many of the best goals I've ever seen are qite clearly both. The ability to put defenders in a position to make mistakes is probably the biggest 'x' factor in football, Salah is brilliant at it for example.
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The shoulder drop and smooth direction change just before the strike put me in mind of Bobby Charlton, of all people.
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The shoulder drop and smooth direction change just before the strike put me in mind of Bobby Charlton, of all people.
That’s one heck of a complement to be mentioned along with the great Bobby Charlton.
It was also JJs awareness, too. He had the composure to look up and around for support, then the confidence to go it alone.
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In the Spring of our promotion year, I remember watching Liverpool and thinking, "Christ! How will we ever compete with these if we go up?"
I was especially struck by 'The Mighty Reds YNWA''s full-backs getting up and down the channels all match. Cash is now so energised, he is performing this role perfectly. The other Matt isn't quite there yet, but he's back to the level of last season and defending very well.
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Oh, and a first.
Villa have finally beaten a Dean Smith team, though it took a Dean Smith team to do it!