Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: olaftab on October 12, 2022, 04:08:35 PM
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Sunday 16 October kick off 2.00pm
Villa Park
So we take on Graham Potter's rejuvenated, in form all conquering Chelsea this Sunday. For once I will be happy for our Steven to set the team up to nullify Chelsea and bore us all rigged for 90 minutes but not sure we can extend our unbeaten to 5 games. But there is always hope.
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a good kicking and a ground full of boos.
2-0 Chelsea. Sterling and Mount.
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What's the point? Ellis Out...Dr Jo's gotta go...Gregory's gone stale...O'Neill toys and pram...Dean too nice....when are our fun-times?
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It's ridiculous that this game has been moved for TV, when there were other games already scheduled for Sunday at 2pm, on account of European midweek games, any one of which could have been televised live, thereby keeping our Saturday 3pm fixture intact. Same goes for the Brentford game now scheduled for the following Sunday.
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Maybe it will suit our new Bruceball style?
A brave loss for the boys, by 1 or 2 goals.
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Our players are an honest bunch who are never short on effort.
Forces off the pitch unfortunately are influencing performances and results on match day.
We've not managed a win vs an sl6 team since Dean was here.
I can't see anything other than a Villa loss.
UTV!
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It's getting increasingly difficult to come up with something to say really. The manager won't change his approach, it's up to the players, he's made that abundantly clear. An abdication of responsibility in itself that is worthy of the strongest possible criticism.
They will have more than enough, we will put up something of a fight but fall to a couple of second half goals as Chelsea register a straightforward victory.
0-2
I'm off to see PSB in Oxford directly afterwards so at least I have something to look forward to on Sunday.
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Got a feeling he's going to change formation, there was a lot of 5 at the back chat last week
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I think we will lose 1-0 or maybe scrape another dull draw. As an aside I’m in Paris when the games is on, so if anyone can recommend a bar that will be showing it please let me know. I’ve a feeling I’ll need the drink to get through the game.
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Seriously thinking of staying away. I just have zero faith in Gerrard and his approach.
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I can't say I'm looking forward to this one.
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I think it’ll be more like 10 at the back!
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0-3. I wish they would stop putting us on telly.
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We'll maintain our record as the most boring team to watch on tv. Lampard will score a brace and we won't have a shot on target despite finishing with 3 strikers on the pitch.
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Ok, who’s the joker that has us down to win, because to that you need to score goals!
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Seriously thinking of staying away. I just have zero faith in Gerrard and his approach.
I think if we start losing badly it could get quite entertaining. In a cabbage on the field sort of way. The VP crowd can be quite something in advesity.
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If we go five unbeaten I reckon Gerrard might bring back the death scythe meme from our Championship run. Maybe run across the pitch punching the air like mcliesh after that Stoke draw. I think we might lose though.
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Crap manager with Action Man hair 0 Good manager we should have appointed 3
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The manager who got fewer points than Gerrard over the same period last year?
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2-1 to the Villa boys! 8)
Pegged back to 1-1 after an early Mings header before Archer comes on late to score the winner in front of the Holte, and our unbeaten run is extended to 5 games.
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The manager who got fewer points than Gerrard over the same period last year?
So you keep saying, and yet one is struggling to keep his job and has one of the worst loss percentages in our history, the other is now employed by a club whose aim is to win trophies. I know which i'd rather have in our dugout.
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Should be quite comfortable for Chelsea but then again we said that about Man City.
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Hang-on, they don't have Lukaku anymore - he always did us. Maybe we can...draw!
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The manager who got fewer points than Gerrard over the same period last year?
So you keep saying, and yet one is struggling to keep his job and has one of the worst loss percentages in our history, the other is now employed by a club whose aim is to win trophies. I know which i'd rather have in our dugout.
Yes, me too.
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If the South American ten pin bowling bonding exercise goes as well this Saturday as it did last Sunday I can’t see anything else but a comfortable home win.
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The manager who got fewer points than Gerrard over the same period last year?
So you keep saying, and yet one is struggling to keep his job and has one of the worst loss percentages in our history, the other is now employed by a club whose aim is to win trophies. I know which i'd rather have in our dugout.
Yes, me too.
I strongly suspect neither of you would have been saying that around the start of April last season, when he'd just:
Taken 7 points from 11 games
Lost 6 games in a row, scoring one goal in the process.
Especially after an earlier period from September to December with no wins in 12 games.
And surely the ultimate sin, getting dicked home and away by Gerrard's Villa.
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Another way of looking at it is that Brighton only lost 4 matches until that run in February (not coincidentally after they lost Dan Burn from their defence in that transfer window). We've lost 4 already this season.
And after that run they righted the ship W5, D3, L1 (to Man City in Manchester). Including slapping Man U into next week and winning at Arsenal.
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No chance here.
3-0 to those utter ******.
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Hate Chelsea - hoping they turn up with the attitude that they have won before the game starts
1-1
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I would be quite relaxed with a thrashing.
If it means it is StevieGs last game.
There. I said it.
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The manager who got fewer points than Gerrard over the same period last year?
So you keep saying, and yet one is struggling to keep his job and has one of the worst loss percentages in our history, the other is now employed by a club whose aim is to win trophies. I know which i'd rather have in our dugout.
Yes, me too.
I strongly suspect neither of you would have been saying that around the start of April last season, when he'd just:
Taken 7 points from 11 games
Lost 6 games in a row, scoring one goal in the process.
Especially after an earlier period from September to December with no wins in 12 games.
And surely the ultimate sin, getting dicked home and away by Gerrard's Villa.
Are you saying you'd rather have Gerrard?
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3 weeks ago I would have maybe picked a bore draw
They are going to make mincemeat out of us
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What's the point? Ellis Out...Dr Jo's gotta go...Gregory's gone stale...O'Neill toys and pram...Dean too nice....when are our fun-times?
BELGIANS IN THE CONGO!
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4-0 home win
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The manager who got fewer points than Gerrard over the same period last year?
So you keep saying, and yet one is struggling to keep his job and has one of the worst loss percentages in our history, the other is now employed by a club whose aim is to win trophies. I know which i'd rather have in our dugout.
Let’s just see what happens when one starts getting a run of poor results shall we
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I get why people are saying that they can't be bothered with this one, but I think this could be one of those "I was there when..." matches. (Some of) the away fans turned on Gerrard on Monday, and that is a huge sign that the fan base, as a whole, are fed up with him. What's more, he doesn't have any goodwill in the bank really. We didn't like him as a player and he's done very little to ingratiate himself to the fans while he's been here. He's arrogant and not very good - that's not a combination that will endear yourself to many. If the gloves are off it could get quite hostile towards him, should the game go the way most of us expect.
I think we have a reputation as being quite an impatient fan base, but I really don't think that is the case. In the 30+ years I've been going, I can only think of a handful of times where there has been a proper outcry for a manager to go - when you consider how shit we've been for a lot of that time, I would say we are often far too patient! The fact that it was very late in the season before we turned on McLeish says a lot - we could see that he was clearly the wrong choice, but we gave him a chance. So what we may see on Sunday could be quite rare.
Obviously, I hope we get a result. We need to keep in touch as much as possible with the top half for when the next guy comes in, and every point makes a huge difference this season. But if they get an early goal, I have no idea how the crowd will react. My gut tells me that there is quite a lot of frustration at the moment - the summer was supposed to be the turning point where we challenge for Europe, and a lot of people feel like they've been lied to. That could all come spilling out this weekend, and it won't be pretty.
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The manager who got fewer points than Gerrard over the same period last year?
So you keep saying, and yet one is struggling to keep his job and has one of the worst loss percentages in our history, the other is now employed by a club whose aim is to win trophies. I know which i'd rather have in our dugout.
Let’s just see what happens when one starts getting a run of poor results shall we
Yep. Potter will be out the door if they have a few iffy
results or go out of Europe. Its what they do.
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If I was Gerrard, I'd be setting up something like this:
Martinez
Cash Konsa Mings Young
Luiz Chambers/Dedoncker
Buendia/Bailey Ramsey/McGinn Coutinho/Buendia
Ings/Watkins
Basically a 4-2-3-1 with the three behind the striker given more licence to attack without as much responsibility for defending as well. I think I'd start Ings over Watkins. Watkins has been in dire form, and Ings is a completely useless sub so reverse the roles for a few games. Any combination of Buendia/McGinn/Ramsey/Bailey/Coutinho you like.
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Chambers is definitely worth a go either as a stopper or in defence. He's rarely let us down.
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The manager who got fewer points than Gerrard over the same period last year?
So you keep saying, and yet one is struggling to keep his job and has one of the worst loss percentages in our history, the other is now employed by a club whose aim is to win trophies. I know which i'd rather have in our dugout.
Yes, me too.
I strongly suspect neither of you would have been saying that around the start of April last season, when he'd just:
Taken 7 points from 11 games
Lost 6 games in a row, scoring one goal in the process.
Especially after an earlier period from September to December with no wins in 12 games.
And surely the ultimate sin, getting dicked home and away by Gerrard's Villa.
I would've preferred him last April, and I absolutely would prefer him now.
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A stroll for Chelsea, fans turn against the management big style and Mr Gerrard terrorising DJ's in Southport again by student night next Wednesday.
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I don't think it will be a stroll, I think it will be a hard fought scrappy 1-0 or 2-1, allowing Gerrard to point to a particular miss or dodgy decision and blame that. He keeps getting the bare minimum results to stay on and I expect that to continue. Wouldn't be totally amazed if we sneak a draw.
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I don't think it will be a stroll, I think it will be a hard fought scrappy 1-0 or 2-1, allowing Gerrard to point to a particular miss or dodgy decision and blame that. He keeps getting the bare minimum results to stay on and I expect that to continue. Wouldn't be totally amazed if we sneak a draw.
Yep, I think you're right. Though would love to get a resounding win with lots of magic moments after all the senior players step-up.
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0-2.
Watkins to start. Ings to be brought on to replace him. Archer to have treatment for arse splinters.
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sadly a loss and booing around the ground at the end.
UTV
The Doc
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
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If Gerrard is going to keep this job, it's games like this that will turn it in his favour with the fans. It's all well and good getting a few points from the teams around us, but until we actually go out and beat the champions league teams, there will always be noises about him not being good enough. And right now those noises are pretty bloody loud.
Personally, I think it's too late for him now, it's just a matter of 'when' not 'if', but a win against Chelsea would almost guarantee he's here until after the World Cup. Unfortunately, I just don't see it happening. Here's hoping they score less than four, and we score more than none.
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
Agreed, for all the dirge we've seen in the last couple of months, that match wasn't part of it.
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If I was Gerrard, I'd be setting up something like this:
Martinez
Cash Konsa Mings Young
Luiz Chambers/Dedoncker
Buendia/Bailey Ramsey/McGinn Coutinho/Buendia
Ings/Watkins
Basically a 4-2-3-1 with the three behind the striker given more licence to attack without as much responsibility for defending as well. I think I'd start Ings over Watkins. Watkins has been in dire form, and Ings is a completely useless sub so reverse the roles for a few games. Any combination of Buendia/McGinn/Ramsey/Bailey/Coutinho you like.
Pretty much the formation I would play. The 2 DMs able to cover our full backs going forward and making us harder to play through.
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He has shown no intention of playing 4231 sadly. Which is crackers.
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Stroll in the park for them.
0-4
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I really really want us to win but I just can't see it.
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
Which makes you realize we actually do have players that can play to a very high level and makes you wonder why the fuck we don’t try and play like that against every team. Instead he very intentionally sets us up to slow the game down, play deep and hoof the ball long to a forward you can’t hold on to it and has no support around him. It’s bizarre. We knocked it around quite nicely against one of the top teams in the world. Yet the other night we couldn’t find a way to beat the top team in Nottingham.
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
So why he didn’t build on that performance I have no idea.
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
So why he didn’t build on that performance I have no idea.
Because it happened despite him, not because of him. I was as thrilled as anyone with the performance and the endeavour and left the ground buzzing but in the days after had the nagging feeling it was a one off.
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A battling 1-1 with the crowd bang up for it. Just enough to keep his head above water for a little while longer.
Unless they get a couple of early goals. Then it could all turn rather sour.
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A very vocal Villa Park crowd to start the game and an even more vocal Villa Park crowd after the game. Second-half collapse.
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
So why he didn’t build on that performance I have no idea.
I think part of it is down to the opposition. Man City don't set up ultra defensively, so in the 30% of the match when you have got the ball, you can hurt them, which we did. Our problem is breaking teams down. Southampton were ultra defensive and shit and we struggled but managed to get one in. Leeds first half we were OK, but after the sending off they kept everybody behind the ball for the rest of the match. Forest did that from the word go. When faced with a static wall of opposition, our players have no idea whatsoever, and just end up passing it sideways and back before hoofing it forwards.
I'm hoping that bizarrely we'll do better against Chelsea because they'll come to play. Probably a forlorn hope, but you've got to hang your hat on something.
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
So why he didn’t build on that performance I have no idea.
He said "sometimes you just have to be pragmatic."
I reckon being pragmatic for EVERY game would be a pretty good idea.
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I have a strange feeling of optimism on this one, think we will get an unexpected win. 1-0 Watkins.
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We have the full west London trio over the course of a week and I can totally see a case for thinking our best hope of a win is against Chelsea.
In truth, though, we are impotent in front of goal, devoid of confidence, there's an air of gloom about the place, our creative players appear to be wearing concrete boots, any team that can pass at speed will waltz through us and our manager appears way out of his depth. They, on the other hand, have better players, an intelligent manager, a spring in their step and the skills to turn it into a testimonial-style stroll. There's really only going to be one outcome.
Villa to win 4-0.
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I have a strange feeling of optimism on this one, think we will get an unexpected win. 1-0 Watkins.
that's real optimism about Watkins scoring
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I have a strange feeling of optimism on this one, think we will get an unexpected win. 1-0 Watkins.
that's real optimism about Watkins scoring
Yep, it was entirely plausible up to that bit.
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True disclosure of this Villa side is long overdue. The last time I was able to get to VP was for Gerrard's debut home match v Brighton last November. I am hoping that my next visit, Sunday week, will also be for a manager's home debut
0-3
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Watkins has a permanently bemused, slightly guilty look on his face similar to mine when I've promised the wife I'll do something vaguely DIYish like fixing a broken drawer, not doing it, then not having any legitimate excuse for my failure. If somebody else manages to score, he looks like I look when I'm being told about a friend's amazing holiday abroad, ie trying to fake a smile but really being pissed off that it's not me.
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Watkins has a permanently bemused, slightly guilty look on his face similar to mine when I've promised the wife I'll do something vaguely DIYish like fixing a broken drawer, not doing it, then not having any legitimate excuse for my failure. If somebody else manages to score, he looks like I look when I'm being told about a friend's amazing holiday abroad, ie trying to fake a smile but really being pissed off that it's not me.
In that instance he looks like me when my wife is volunteering information about her workplace dynamics
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
So why he didn’t build on that performance I have no idea.
He said "sometimes you just have to be pragmatic."
I reckon being pragmatic for EVERY game would be a pretty good idea.
The set up looked like he had Kamara and Luiz in a twin DM role.One of the few times this season we looked like we had a structure.
Next game he dropped Luiz and went back to 4 3 3 and bought in Coutinho and that is how he has set up all season.
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Anything but an embarrassing defeat. I despair supporting us sometimes and sick of us trading on our past as a big club. Bout time we acted like one went out and twat cuntish clubs like Chelsea who bought their successes and to me will always be a tinpot club. Come in villa fuck the fuckers and start acting like a club that can do more than whimper like the cowardly lion.
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Anything but an embarrassing defeat. I despair supporting us sometimes and sick of us trading on our past as a big club. Bout time we acted like one went out and twat cuntish clubs like Chelsea who bought their successes and to me will always be a tinpot club. Come in villa fuck the fuckers and start acting like a club that can do more than whimper like the cowardly lion.
To be fair, we've had a better record against Chelsea than most over the last decade plus.
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I have a strange feeling of optimism on this one, think we will get an unexpected win. 1-0 Watkins.
that's real optimism about Watkins scoring
I have funny feeling we’ll sneak something from this.
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
Man City was quite exciting though. We were the better team second half and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing.
So why he didn’t build on that performance I have no idea.
I think part of it is down to the opposition. Man City don't set up ultra defensively, so in the 30% of the match when you have got the ball, you can hurt them, which we did. Our problem is breaking teams down. Southampton were ultra defensive and shit and we struggled but managed to get one in. Leeds first half we were OK, but after the sending off they kept everybody behind the ball for the rest of the match. Forest did that from the word go. When faced with a static wall of opposition, our players have no idea whatsoever, and just end up passing it sideways and back before hoofing it forwards.
I'm hoping that bizarrely we'll do better against Chelsea because they'll come to play. Probably a forlorn hope, but you've got to hang your hat on something.
Absolutely this. It seems all a lesser team has to do against us is defend deep, and better teams just play normally. We had a good night against city, not sure it will happen on Sunday.
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A straightforward 3-0 home defeat.
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Anything but an embarrassing defeat. I despair supporting us sometimes and sick of us trading on our past as a big club. Bout time we acted like one went out and twat cuntish clubs like Chelsea who bought their successes and to me will always be a tinpot club. Come in villa fuck the fuckers and start acting like a club that can do more than whimper like the cowardly lion.
To be fair, we've had a better record against Chelsea than most over the last decade plus.
I’m haunted by 23/12/12.....
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We've won 5 of the last 33 against them. I'm not hopeful.
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we will need to be at our best and Chelsea will need to be at their worst for us to win.
Neither will happen.
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Don't worry, folks...if we lose, we've still got the exciting prospect of a new crest to look forward to.
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Nailed on defeat 0-3
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Don't worry, folks...if we lose, we've still got the exciting prospect of a new crest to look forward to.
Until it turns out to be some marketing bullshit about a lamp.
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We've won 5 of the last 33 against them. I'm not hopeful.
Surprised the record is that bad. They didn't win a single game at VP between April 1999-Feb 2009 and we had a few draws at Stamford Bridge in that period aswell. Also took 4 points off them in 20/21.
I guess the years leading up to 15/16 diminished our good record v them but even that had us winning 1-0 when they finished with 9 men and Mourinho had his touchline meltdown.
Reckon 5 wins from last 33 is still probably better than Spurs have managed in their last 33 games v Chelsea.
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It would be nice if we could show some tactical adjustments and actually look like a coherent attacking side. Get someone filling the huge gap between attack and midfield.
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The side I think that will be picked:
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Young
Luiz
Dendonker
McGinn
Buendia
Ramsey
Watkins
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One glance at the media's previews of Sunday will tell you what the reaction will be if we call for the Managers head. The Guardian in particular is so way off the mark they could be talking about a different club altogether and that Sutton preview bollocks on the BBC all but absolves him of any real responsibility.
We will, almost certainly, end up like the Newcastle fans under Bruce. Painted as ungrateful and not knowing what we are talking about.
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What are the Manchester Guardian saying? I thought Paul Doyle "got" us. I'm sure John Percy will fight for our rights, at least.
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What are the Manchester Guardian saying? I thought Paul Doyle "got" us. I'm sure John Percy will fight for our rights, at least.
It's in the "10 thing to look out for article". I've rarely seen such a misread of a situation in my life.
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The Graun bit:
"5) A lesson in the Blues for Villa
It doesn’t edify the clubs involved in it, but never has the Battle for the Top FourTM been as intense as this season. Which makes things difficult for Graham Potter who, as well as handling Todd Boehly’s multidimensional ego, must also contend with managers more experienced in life at the top end of the table. But so far, he’s doing a pretty decent job – in large part because he quickly decided that Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are his go-to attackers, so picks them in nearly every game. Villa, on the other hand, are struggling to score, and though Steven Gerrard was right to demand more from his creators, he is also part of the problem, constantly tinkering having built a strong squad with no obvious first team. Now it is time for him to settle on an XI and allow it to groove; the same wrong team playing together every week will be better than playing an altogether different team every week."
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What has happened to Chambers?
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We'll set up and play similar to how we did v Man City. It won't be pretty, it won't be exciting and we may get a point. SG will come over as mildly smug with the outcome.
You don't think he might try to play one up front, two out wide and one in the hole?
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What has happened to Chambers?
He probably ran over Gerrard's dog.
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What has happened to Chambers?
He probably ran over Gerrard's dog.
And young Cam was walking by and did nothing to help.
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I can't say that Konsa and Mings have done anything to be dropped though, the defence hasn't been the problem in the last few games. Chambers had a "small procedure" on his appendix anyway.
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I can't say that Konsa and Mings have done anything to be dropped though, the defence hasn't been the problem in the last few games. Chambers had a "small procedure" on his appendix anyway.
That'll be the reason then.
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The side I think that will be picked:
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Young
Luiz
Dendonker
McGinn
Buendia
Ramsey
Watkins
Look at that team and the first thought that comes to mind...How is it any better than the team we put out when first promoted? Indeed is it as good.
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The side I think that will be picked:
Martinez
Cash
Konsa
Mings
Young
Luiz
Dendonker
McGinn
Buendia
Ramsey
Watkins
Look at that team and the first thought that comes to mind...How is it any better than the team we put out when first promoted? Indeed is it as good.
This was the team against Spurs:
Heaton
Elmo Engels Mings Taylor
Hourihane McGinn Grealish
Trezeguet Wesley El Ghazi
So yes, I'd say it's better.
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Grralish apart, it's loads better.
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Packing out the midfield is probably the way to go v these.
No Kante so won't be as mobile in there.
Got the feeling Ings is due a start but would actually keep Ollie in for this. Silva and Koulibaly are world class CBs but Leeds moved them about a bit and scored 3 and Southampton should've scored 4-5 v them.
Reece James injured is also a boost as he's comfortably the best English RB around and big instigator for their attacks.
So after all that we're in very good shape just to lose 0-3.
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Watkins has a permanently bemused, slightly guilty look on his face similar to mine when I've promised the wife I'll do something vaguely DIYish like fixing a broken drawer, not doing it, then not having any legitimate excuse for my failure. If somebody else manages to score, he looks like I look when I'm being told about a friend's amazing holiday abroad, ie trying to fake a smile but really being pissed off that it's not me.
In that instance he looks like me when my wife is volunteering information about her workplace dynamics
That's it! That's the look! I knew I recognised it ;)
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I would really like to see a four man midfield for this one. I don't think we'll be able to cope with their play on the flanks if we plan on playing narrow and rely on the usual three in the middle to suffice defensively. I worry Young and Cash will be neutralized since they've already been advised to stay at home more than they were, and now we're going up against a club that feasts on the wings.
We need some sort of change in our playing style. McGinn, Coutinho and Luiz are painfully slow on the ball and have absolutely no chemistry with the front three at the moment. None of them are working off the ball at the Premier League level right now. We could really use two proper wingers playing balls into two forwards.
Not to bring the doom and gloom to the party, but Wolves' next 4 games could see them pick up some points (Forest, Palace, LC and Brentford) and Southampton have a good opportunity to grab points also (WH, Bournemouth, Arsenal, Palace). If we stumble our way through the rest of October the table won't look pretty, and Purslow stating that he hasn't even considered the manager's position might be the most worrying part.
I hope the owners have more faith in themselves to make the right decision than they do the CEO - because he is quickly going from stubborn toady, spewing empty promises to an inept fool who is more concerned with the outcome of his decision than what's best for the club.
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Voted Chelsea in the poll but now I feel we can get something.
FTF.
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We've won 5 of the last 33 against them. I'm not hopeful.
Surprised the record is that bad. They didn't win a single game at VP between April 1999-Feb 2009 and we had a few draws at Stamford Bridge in that period aswell. Also took 4 points off them in 20/21.
Same here, in the late '00s I used to put a few quid on us to get a 'win or draw' against Chelsea as the odds were usually pretty generous.
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It's seemed we've often pulled out surprise results against them despite being absolutely gash at the time
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The injury to James will weaken them. He's excellent.
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Watkins has a permanently bemused, slightly guilty look on his face similar to mine when I've promised the wife I'll do something vaguely DIYish like fixing a broken drawer, not doing it, then not having any legitimate excuse for my failure. If somebody else manages to score, he looks like I look when I'm being told about a friend's amazing holiday abroad, ie trying to fake a smile but really being pissed off that it's not me.
In that instance he looks like me when my wife is volunteering information about her workplace dynamics
That's it! That's the look! I knew I recognised it ;)
Why does Lee's Mrs chat to you about her work?
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What Purslow has said is very worrying. Yes we could have had 6 points instead of 2 in the last couple of games but, by the same token, we could have had nil
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What Purslow has said is very worrying. Yes we could have had 6 points instead of 2 in the last couple of games but, by the same token, we could have had nil
What's Purslow said?
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Voted Chelsea in the poll but now I feel we can get something.
FTF.
We can. Battered.
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What Purslow has said is very worrying. Yes we could have had 6 points instead of 2 in the last couple of games but, by the same token, we could have had nil
What's Purslow said?
Purslow, meanwhile, was asked about Villa’s current form and, according to Villa blogger MOMS, stressed his side had been “unlucky” in recent games and, with a bit more fortune in the final third, it could have easily been six points instead of two against Leeds and Forest.
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What Purslow has said is very worrying. Yes we could have had 6 points instead of 2 in the last couple of games but, by the same token, we could have had nil
What's Purslow said?
Purslow, meanwhile, was asked about Villa’s current form and, according to Villa blogger MOMS, stressed his side had been “unlucky” in recent games and, with a bit more fortune in the final third, it could have easily been six points instead of two against Leeds and Forest.
Thanks. I'll take it with a pinch of salt. What else is he going to say to a blogger?!
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He's more than a blogger. He's a podcaster, he's Jip Travolta, Peter Popper!
But he did apparently speak to Purslow this week at one of the badge-consultancy meetings, telling him that the negative reaction to Gerrard from the fans was spreading to CP as fans see him as being "symbiotic" to Gerrard. Purslow (whose interest must have piqued with a mere fan using such a fancy word) replied that he has been symbiotic with all his managers and added that sacking Gerrard hasn't crossed his mind.
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He's more than a blogger. He's a podcaster, he's Jip Travolta, Peter Popper!
But he did apparently speak to Purslow this week at one of the badge-consultancy meetings, telling him that the negative reaction to Gerrard from the fans was spreading to CP as fans see him as being "symbiotic" to Gerrard. Purslow (whose interest must have piqued with a mere fan using such a fancy word) replied that he has been symbiotic with all his managers and added that sacking Gerrard hasn't crossed his mind.
Personal attachments are exactly what we don't need from our CEO. This is a results driven business, and shouldn't depend on a hunch or a knack, or a friendship. I understand he's probably lying, but as a managing member of the club, if he hasn't even thought about it then he isn't fit for the job. His entire purpose is to navigate the club and be one step ahead to prepare for future uncertainty.
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Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.
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Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.
There's a specific way to go about it. Whether its reiterating expectations, saying you have a plan for scenario A or B, or that progress needs to be seen. 9 points from 9 games isn't good enough and we've struggled to win matches going back into the second half of last season, with no semblance of a playing style or progression.
It has to be addressed at some point and maybe its a little earlier in the campaign for it, but if we are in the bottom three come Nov. 1st I don't care what day it is or who we've got next, we deserve answers. Diego Carlos going down isn't an excuse to draw against Forest and a 10-man Leeds, its a cheap out. The World Cup break will either be a blessing or a curse for us, because so many players for us have ruined their chances to go to Qatar.
All in all, with the owners in the building on Sunday - I'm sure they will want some answers too. Especially if Wolves and Saints pick up points.
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He's more than a blogger. He's a podcaster, he's Jip Travolta, Peter Popper!
But he did apparently speak to Purslow this week at one of the badge-consultancy meetings, telling him that the negative reaction to Gerrard from the fans was spreading to CP as fans see him as being "symbiotic" to Gerrard. Purslow (whose interest must have piqued with a mere fan using such a fancy word) replied that he has been symbiotic with all his managers and added that sacking Gerrard hasn't crossed his mind.
Personal attachments are exactly what we don't need from our CEO. This is a results driven business, and shouldn't depend on a hunch or a knack, or a friendship. I understand he's probably lying, but as a managing member of the club, if he hasn't even thought about it then he isn't fit for the job. His entire purpose is to navigate the club and be one step ahead to prepare for future uncertainty.
The problem with what you say though, is that there are no guarantees in football and most things are based on hunches.
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He's more than a blogger. He's a podcaster, he's Jip Travolta, Peter Popper!
But he did apparently speak to Purslow this week at one of the badge-consultancy meetings, telling him that the negative reaction to Gerrard from the fans was spreading to CP as fans see him as being "symbiotic" to Gerrard. Purslow (whose interest must have piqued with a mere fan using such a fancy word) replied that he has been symbiotic with all his managers and added that sacking Gerrard hasn't crossed his mind.
Personal attachments are exactly what we don't need from our CEO. This is a results driven business, and shouldn't depend on a hunch or a knack, or a friendship. I understand he's probably lying, but as a managing member of the club, if he hasn't even thought about it then he isn't fit for the job. His entire purpose is to navigate the club and be one step ahead to prepare for future uncertainty.
The problem with what you say though, is that there are no guarantees in football and most things are based on hunches.
You can take that part out and I feel my point still stands. Having a hunch and hiring your friend is fine.. if it works. Or, if there is any semblance that its starting to work. We've seen none of it and Purslow is posturing around, "Why would I sack Steven? It hasn't even crossed my mind." There are plenty of good managers in this league and barring Dean, whatever you may think of him, we have been absolutely shit at getting that decision right for a decade now, especially when Everton were able to attract someone like Ancelotti.
This is the wrong thread for this discussion - but I hope the owners see past Purslow and evaluate the product themselves on Sunday. Does anyone know if they're already in the area?
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Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.
There's a specific way to go about it. Whether its reiterating expectations, saying you have a plan for scenario A or B, or that progress needs to be seen. 9 points from 9 games isn't good enough and we've struggled to win matches going back into the second half of last season, with no semblance of a playing style or progression.
It has to be addressed at some point and maybe its a little earlier in the campaign for it, but if we are in the bottom three come Nov. 1st I don't care what day it is or who we've got next, we deserve answers. Diego Carlos going down isn't an excuse to draw against Forest and a 10-man Leeds, its a cheap out. The World Cup break will either be a blessing or a curse for us, because so many players for us have ruined their chances to go to Qatar.
All in all, with the owners in the building on Sunday - I'm sure they will want some answers too. Especially if Wolves and Saints pick up points.
I doubt if there is anything the CEO could say that would make the situation better.
What would be the point if applying more pressure publicly? Just like you don’t expect managers to criticise players publicly not criticising subordinates is correct or should be in any organisation or any part of an organisation.
Actions speak louder than words and if the results carry on we will see some action.
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Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.
There's a specific way to go about it. Whether its reiterating expectations, saying you have a plan for scenario A or B, or that progress needs to be seen. 9 points from 9 games isn't good enough and we've struggled to win matches going back into the second half of last season, with no semblance of a playing style or progression.
It has to be addressed at some point and maybe its a little earlier in the campaign for it, but if we are in the bottom three come Nov. 1st I don't care what day it is or who we've got next, we deserve answers. Diego Carlos going down isn't an excuse to draw against Forest and a 10-man Leeds, its a cheap out. The World Cup break will either be a blessing or a curse for us, because so many players for us have ruined their chances to go to Qatar.
All in all, with the owners in the building on Sunday - I'm sure they will want some answers too. Especially if Wolves and Saints pick up points.
I doubt if there is anything the CEO could say that would make the situation better.
What would be the point if applying more pressure publicly? Just like you don’t expect managers to criticise players publicly not criticising subordinates is correct or should be in any organisation or any part of an organisation.
Actions speak louder than words and if the results carry on we will see some action.
I don't necessarily disagree with you but it looks like someone fed the scoop to Percy today..
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Yes I think the Percy piece is significant.
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Come on Dougie, a hat trick please.
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Purslow, meanwhile, was asked about Villa’s current form and, according to Villa blogger MOMS, stressed his side had been “unlucky” in recent games and, with a bit more fortune in the final third, it could have easily been six points instead of two against Leeds and Forest.
I'm taking that as a "vote of confidence" in the manager.
He should be gone within a week :)
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Come on Dougie, a hat trick please.
You reckon we’ll get 3 corners in this match? You reckless optimist.
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What would be the point if applying more pressure publicly? Just like you don’t expect managers to criticise players publicly
Gerrard throws players under the bus after any defeat.
"Look me in the eye"
"Need more quality"
"Had to change my genius tactics and go defensive because the players are too shite to carry them out"
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What would be the point if applying more pressure publicly? Just like you don’t expect managers to criticise players publicly
Gerrard throws players under the bus after any defeat.
"Look me in the eye"
"Need more quality"
"Had to change my genius tactics and go defensive because the players are too shite to carry them out"
So the CEO should slag off the manager then?
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Purslow at this point is not going to say anything to undermine the manager a few days before a game.
And nor should he.
There's a specific way to go about it. Whether its reiterating expectations, saying you have a plan for scenario A or B, or that progress needs to be seen. 9 points from 9 games isn't good enough and we've struggled to win matches going back into the second half of last season, with no semblance of a playing style or progression.
It has to be addressed at some point and maybe its a little earlier in the campaign for it, but if we are in the bottom three come Nov. 1st I don't care what day it is or who we've got next, we deserve answers. Diego Carlos going down isn't an excuse to draw against Forest and a 10-man Leeds, its a cheap out. The World Cup break will either be a blessing or a curse for us, because so many players for us have ruined their chances to go to Qatar.
All in all, with the owners in the building on Sunday - I'm sure they will want some answers too. Especially if Wolves and Saints pick up points.
It's interesting that you only mentioned the Carlos injury but ignored the fact that Kamara, Digne and Augustisson are also out. And yes, Purslow speaking out a few days before a game would have been no help whatsoever.
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What would be the point if applying more pressure publicly? Just like you don’t expect managers to criticise players publicly
Gerrard throws players under the bus after any defeat.
"Look me in the eye"
"Need more quality"
"Had to change my genius tactics and go defensive because the players are too shite to carry them out"
So the CEO should slag off the manager then?
I'd rather hear some sort of actual answer like 'the aim was continuous improvement and that is still the case' or 'the targets of Aston Villa hasn't changed and we are committed to our long term plan' etc. He could add that they still believe Gerrard is the right man for the job, but at least it would seem to show that they are reading the room.
You only have to have a read of this forum and there are a few people who think the owners may have given up, or are happy for us to drift along aimlessly, or how many people have totally lost faith in the manager.
Something along those lines, I don't think would be disruptive.
I also wouldn't care if he called Gerrard a useless tosser though.
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The loss of both Digne and Augustinsson is being largely negated by Ashley Young playing like he's fifteen years younger. One of our season's brighter sides.
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Mason Southgate is possibly out for them.
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A bit of a long shot but if anyone's in Colombo and wants to meet up for the match tomorrow then please PM me.
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A bit of a long shot but if anyone's in Colombo and wants to meet up for the match tomorrow then please PM me.
Wish I was mate. Unfortunately, will be in Tokyo.
Have watched games here before:
http://playtrix.lk/
And also at the Cheers Pub in the Cinnamon Grand.
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What would be the point if applying more pressure publicly? Just like you don’t expect managers to criticise players publicly
Gerrard throws players under the bus after any defeat.
"Look me in the eye"
"Need more quality"
"Had to change my genius tactics and go defensive because the players are too shite to carry them out"
So the CEO should slag off the manager then?
I'd rather hear some sort of actual answer like 'the aim was continuous improvement and that is still the case' or 'the targets of Aston Villa hasn't changed and we are committed to our long term plan' etc. He could add that they still believe Gerrard is the right man for the job, but at least it would seem to show that they are reading the room.
You only have to have a read of this forum and there are a few people who think the owners may have given up, or are happy for us to drift along aimlessly, or how many people have totally lost faith in the manager.
Something along those lines, I don't think would be disruptive.
I also wouldn't care if he called Gerrard a useless tosser though.
If he came out and said all that (not the useless tosser bit) then he would still get stick.
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Good news Bailey is fit again, would put him in for Coutinho. I would also start with Cam, but unfortunately that's very unlikely to happen, but hopefully he will get at least 20 mins this time.
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To avoid a quoteathon..
I don't think it would, I think it would alleviate the concerns of a lot of fans. To say that he hasn't even considered Gerrard's future (even if he has) just adds more reasons for the fans who are concerned, to carry on being concerned. To reiterate that the owners are still fully committed to their original aims would calm a lot of supporters concerns. I suppose it's one of those where he can't really win whatever he says.
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A CEO is always chief scapegoat. That's football.
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A bit of a long shot but if anyone's in Colombo and wants to meet up for the match tomorrow then please PM me.
I'm just hoping I'd rather not have been watching Columbo.
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Good news Bailey is fit again, would put him in for Coutinho. I would also start with Cam, but unfortunately that's very unlikely to happen, but hopefully he will get at least 20 mins this time.
Unless a divine miracle occurs he will be on the bench for the vast majority of the game.
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A CEO is always chief scapegoat. That's football.
The CEO should always be accountable for the performance of any business.
This CEO appears to be failing in meeting the stated objectives of the owners and should be judged against that.
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I don’t see how any CEO can’t be held accountable for the performance of a business. The club is underperforming and the CEO’s appointments haven’t stopped the decline. The heat should be on him big time.
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Chelsea will likely wipe the floor with us.
3-0 to them. Boos all around Villa Park and a firing to follow.
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A bit of a long shot but if anyone's in Colombo and wants to meet up for the match tomorrow then please PM me.
Wish I was mate. Unfortunately, will be in Tokyo.
Have watched games here before:
http://playtrix.lk/
And also at the Cheers Pub in the Cinnamon Grand.
Cheers. One of our staff recommended Cheers so I checked it out earlier. I'll scout playtrix tomorrow. I'm a long way from Yorkswood :)
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Lose and his interview today will not be forgotten for a long time. Plays a similar way to man City we might get a point. Time to drop McGinn and Watkins though.
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He won’t. McGinn will be captain, Watkins will be up front. Buendia will be dropped. Coutinho will be utter shit stranded on the left wing.
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Apparantely our players don't run as much as other teams.
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We've been outrun by all our opponents so far, apart from Man City.
The players should be fired up for today though, after the cracking motivational speech from Gerrard.
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We've been outrun by all our opponents so far, apart from Man City.
The players should be fired up for today though, after the cracking motivational speech from Gerrard.
Running is overrated. I can't remember the last time I ran anywhere, for anything :)
Would definitely like to see a bit of pace in our team though.
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We've been outrun by all our opponents so far, apart from Man City.
The players should be fired up for today though, after the cracking motivational speech from Gerrard.
Running is overrated. I can't remember the last time I ran anywhere, for anything :)
Would definitely like to see a bit of pace in our team though.
I sometimes run to the toilet after eating my own body weight in pizza.
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We've been outrun by all our opponents so far, apart from Man City.
The players should be fired up for today though, after the cracking motivational speech from Gerrard.
Running is overrated. I can't remember the last time I ran anywhere, for anything :)
Would definitely like to see a bit of pace in our team though.
I sometimes run to the toilet after eating my own body weight in pizza.
Ha! Yes mate, I take back what I said about never running. It was obviously complete nonsense.
When in desperate need for a poo, I almost never walk to a toilet.
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The running stat is a weird one, but does invariably come up as the team gets worse.
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Nowhere else to put this but I thought I'd mention it. Sky have now taken to showing the top 11 instead of top 10. Guess who's 11th.
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It tolls for thee Stevie!
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The running stat is a weird one, but does invariably come up as the team gets worse.
Is it running, or is it distance covered? The latter would make so much more sense given our lack of movement, other than sideways and backwards. Our movement off the ball is dreadful.
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Nowhere else to put this but I thought I'd mention it. Sky have now taken to showing the top 11 instead of top 10. Guess who's 11th.
Our cuddly friends from Anfield?
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Speaking of which, I've just been told that the boxing day game against them is now 8pm kick off.....
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Is it now? Fucking hell. That'll be a 5am Tokyo time kick off.
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Speaking of which, I've just been told that the boxing day game against them is now 8pm kick off.....
Of course it is. Fuck the fans.
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Not sure why any of us should be surprised as football sold its soul in 1992. Look at the rolling amazon fixtures, Sunday evening KO's. They do the give a shit about supporters
Is there any public transport on boxing day? Imagine whole day off on the piss....thr scummy fans on both sides will think its hilariously funny to act like twats
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A schooling. Gerrard out coached (again).
But hopefully the last time that chancer ever gets anywhere near our club again.
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Same midfield, Ings back in with Watkins up front. Tried and tested that.
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It's a strange side he's picked for this. Three up top, but no-one to get the ball to them unless we go long from the back?