Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Toronto Villa on October 23, 2022, 03:52:46 PM
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Well that was rather good wasn’t it. We played some superb stuff, and it felt the weight of the world was lifted from our shoulders. Special mention for Emi Buendia, Dendoncker, Leon and Luiz who I thought were superb all game. But nobody put a foot wrong in fairness. Great result and well done Mr Danks.
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Excellent all around. Well done Villa, and very well done Danks.
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Happiness.
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Excellent. The difference between that and Fulham was just unreal.
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That won't hurt when trying to attract a new manager.
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We were alright I suppose.
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Lovely stuff, looking forward to MOTD tonight. 8)
Feels like it could have been a pivotal day for the potential 'relegation' candidates. A comprehensive morale boosting win for us and worrying home defeats for Leeds and Wolves.
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Much much much improved.
Finally, that’s what joy feels like.
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Not being bored during our matches, that's all I've asked.
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A routine, causal, boring 4-0. Something tells me that this Danks has just assured his medium term future. I love it when Villa win.
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We've got our Villa back !
Awesome all round, special mention for Dendoncker.
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I've seen worse.
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We got our Villa back.
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We have our Villa back.
The big 3 from the last summer played where they should be and we’re immense.
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That won't hurt when trying to attract a new manager.
Yes, a very important win and 3 points. Gives us a bit of breathing room in the search, as well as potentially impacting the type of manager we'll go for. Still plenty of work to do before the break though.
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Just glorious. So glad we are free. UTV.
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Didn’t see that coming!
Good formation, every player knew his job and the attacking side was a thing to behold.
Well done Mr Danks
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Fabulous stuff. 4-2-3-1 is what we’ve been crying out for. A proper structure that the players believed in. Brilliant - special mention to Dendonker who has been ludicrously written off by some, did a great job.
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Hurray! We are back. Thank you lads.
UTV.
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Bloody brilliant. Every single player who started the game did superbly. It's amazing what a team can do when it has a functioning midfield. For the first time in ages, everyone looked like they knew what their job was.
I'd be interested to see the stats, as it looked to me like they clocked up a few more kilometres than they did under Gerrard.
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Fck
Only game this season that has not been live on the TV here
Listened to the commentary on AVTV , Ian Taylor "over the moon"
the background noise from the ground was awesome
Onwards and upwards
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It occurs to me that the fabled "new manager bounce" is no such thing, but is in fact a "got rid of the last useless twat bounce".
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Bloody brilliant. Every single player who started the game did superbly. It's amazing what a team can do when it has a functioning midfield. For the first time in ages, everyone looked like they knew what their job was.
I'd be interested to see the stats, as it looked to me like they clocked up a few more kilometres than they did under Gerrard.
I wondered the same, Gerrard’s tactic were errr passive which could skew it but regardless ‘busting a gut’ is still a good barometer.
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Played like we'd been let out of prison, brilliant stuff.
Best match I've seen Luiz have in a long, long time, and he was far from the only excellent performer today.
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Oh joy, deep joy. Footballers that played football. Thank you Mr Danks and you too Mr McPhee, you did yourselves credit today. Well done all you players, keep it up, please.
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Superb. Echoes of Tonys Morley and Daley with Bailey’s run for no 4. Can’t fault anyone.
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Played like we'd been let out of prison, brilliant stuff.
Best match I've seen Luiz have in a long, long time, and he was far from the only excellent performer today.
Dougie was outstanding.
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Hope Watkins didn’t hold back his goal celebration in respect to Brentford
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Hope Watkins didn’t hold back his goal celebration in respect to Brentford
He certainly didn't, he looked visibly thrilled.
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Brilliant. More controlled, composed and simple. Shackles off.
They can all take a bow.
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I think that's settled the debate as to whether the players are good enough.
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we won 4-0 against Brentwood apparently according to my misses on the phone to her mum
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A few superb performances and a few very good ones aswell while the rest were comfortable. Shout out to Buendia though, what a pain in the arse his pressing was all game to Brentfords defence and midfield.
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Let's see if Danny fuckwit Murphy can manage to put a negative spin on that performance.
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Fantastic performance but why didn't Coutinho get the brief that we have stopped playing shit?
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Hope Watkins didn’t hold back his goal celebration in respect to Brentford
Nope, he certainly did not! He looked so happy and relieved. He had 3 attempts but the keeper and the post did their best to stop him lol
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"Danks spanks 'em". You do wonder sometimes about so-called 'football people' and their views on the game. It's been obvious to many on here for some time that a change of formation was required, yet the former manager and his coaching staff either couldn't see it or were too stubborn to change.
I accept that it is only one game, but things feel different already.
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Having moaned enough on match threads when we’ve been shite, that was extremely satisfying.
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Let's see if Danny fuckwit Murphy can manage to put a negative spin on that performance.
Danny Murphy needs to be guillotined. A ******.
Up the Villa!
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I know I had mushroom soup last night for tea, but I thought I was hallucinating for the first 20 mins when we went 3-0 up!
So pleased for Ollie. Hope he keeps it up!
:D :D :D
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Such a breath of fresh air watching that.
Very much a team playing with handbrake off after being stifled in last six months.
Only disappoiment was Coutinho's cameo being worth of the MLS which is where he'll be playing in six months time.
This is also a very good win to show any manager we're interested in what this squad can do when there is a gameplan that actually wants to get the best out of our offensive players.
In an ideal world I'd like to appoint manager this week to keep the feelgood factor going into Newcastle. Danks did well today but it's only one game. Years back I remember us battering West Ham at home after O'Neill walked under McDonald. Our next match was Newcastle away and we sure got one big reality check.
Guess it depends though on which in work manager wants to stay until world cup break but I think one of them will be tempted to quit now if they watched that today as there's plenty of potential in this squad.
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Not too bad at all.
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Delighted particulary for Leon, but a great team performance, perhaps today will make Poch think again, can but hope!
Up The Villa
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I bet Leon's dad is pleased. Maybe he'll shut the fuck up now.
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Superb today, showed what we can do. Great to see Jimmy Rimmer and Morley at half-time too.
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"Danks spanks 'em". You do wonder sometimes about so-called 'football people' and their views on the game. It's been obvious to many on here for some time that a change of formation was required, yet the former manager and his coaching staff either couldn't see it or were too stubborn to change.
I accept that it is only one game, but things feel different already.
The pundits are even worse. Some clown on Radio 5 commentary was going on about McGinn’s position when he came on, said he’s been struggling in the number 10 role.
These people get paid to watch football and talk about it. We’ll be hearing and reading some woefully informed shite over the next couple of days.
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First League win over Brentford since 1947.
Enjoyed that and it Seend like the players did too. Almost like we have a talented squad that hated the manager
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I bet Leon's dad is pleased. Maybe he'll shut the fuck up now.
I think he’ll be even worse.
But he can rave about him every week loudly if he plays like that
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https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/12728390/aston-villa-4-0-brentford-premier-league-highlights
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First League win over Brentford since 1947.
Enjoyed that and it Seend like the players did too. Almost like we have a talented squad that hated the manager
We didn’t play them for 50 odd years to be fair.
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Danks for the memory...
I wonder if he's been sat watching the shite we've been playing all season itching to make the changes we saw today?
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I expect some of the pundits will question why the players did that and were they not "playing" for the manager. However Danks pretty much did what we have been lambasting Gerrard for not doing.
Dropped McGinn - Pretty much our last good performance attacking was the 25 minutes he was taken off against Citeh.
Playing two CM's in front of the defence:- We have stated this before but having two there makes us more solid.
Although Bailey playing in a free role and his subsequent performance was a shock and having Ings and Watkins with Watkins playing a more winger role has been tried before unsuccessfully. So maybe a couple were not into Gerrard.
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Should have been 7-0. Danks out!
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Well us supporters have talked about the double pivot and wingers all season and there you go. Shove that up your backside Gerrard an Co.
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Showed up Gerrard today. We all thought 4-2-3-1 was the way to go but he didn't.
He was a terrible manager and today's fluid, dynamic and incisive victory really underlines just how he held us back.
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Special mention for VAR which tried its best to piss on our bonfire after the first 2 goals.
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Maybe we should shoot towards Holte end more often in first half. Obviously a Brentford tactic which backfired.
It happens once or twice in a season but interested how many games we actually win when it happens.
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This squad IS good enough. Just needs playing to its strengths and take the shackles off. Dropping McGinn I think was a huge boost.
Well done all. Just one game but by fuck, that’s wiped away almost 13 months of misery. A new manager of the right calibre and we will comfortably climb the table towards where we ought be (8-10th).
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A very well judged return for Sweet Caroline at the end as well.
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I rather typically couldn't watch the majority of this game. Great to get a win. Let's hope that takes some of the pressure off the team and the new manager when they land.
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Blimey we started something, 😂
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I bet Leon's dad is pleased. Maybe he'll shut the fuck up now.
No chance. He's demanding the Villa manager's job.
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That first half Frank's boys did not know what hit them as e ran them ragged. Special mention to the class of Ashley Young. Took all the heat out the penalty arguing then once calmed down handed it Ings.
Sheer quality
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Proper leadership by Ash today.
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That first half Frank's boys did not know what hit them as e ran them ragged. Special mention to the class of Ashley Young. Took all the heat out the penalty arguing then once calmed down handed it Ings.
Sheer quality
Yeah I noticed that! Class!!!
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Oh my god! From the desperate performance against Fulham to huge roaring bounce of today’s spectacle!
Welcome back old Villa! You’ve made my day, week and season.
Thank you players for a magnificent performance and hope the shackles are off permanently and we can swashbuckle our way up the table!
Can’t wait for next week’s match!
I’m going to read the match reports from different sources and watch the highlights over and over again.
Danks a million (sorry).
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Passing at speed, pressing high up the pitch and using the whole width of it makes a massive difference.
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Danks for that, Aaron..
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Pressed from the beginning, instead of playing to the brief that they need to last for 90 minutes. With 5 subs available, they ran and pressed from the off, contested for every ball, and attacked in numbers, knowing that there are 5 players ready to come on and keep the high tempo throughout.
I hope to see this more often, as it's effectively a 16 man team if utilised correctly.
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All the players were great today. Easily the best we’ve played for a long, long time. The only player that looked poor was Coutinho when he came on and, although lots of candidates today but, I’ll give Luiz MOM.
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Bloody brilliant afternoon..... Rain cleared, sunshine came out, and Villa turned up! Can't name a man of the match, because each of the starting 11 played exceptionally!
Thought we lost a bit of grip when McGinn came on for Dendoncker, but the game was already won I guess. Only poor performance I'd say was Phil - Not sure what's going on there, didn't acknowledge the crowd at FT either, when he made a beeline for the tunnel.
Just goes to show, play to a system that compliments your players and look what happens! UTV
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A great win! 4 goals and a clean sheet!
The Villa played with unrestrained freedom. Bailey was playing on the side that suits him best. Dendoncker and Luiz interchanged nicely in the dcm role (Luiz was my motm). Buendia must have covered every blade of grass. The shackles were off the strikers.
All this after just 1 day’s training. Football can be a simple and exciting game when not managed by idiots.
Before today we played like a team whereby the manager had lost the changing room going as far back as the end of last season and certainly the pre-season.
How refreshing it was today to see our Villa team playing with smiles on their faces and no little talent. Keep up the good work boys!
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(https://i.ibb.co/W3hsnDX/Screenshot-20221023-155906-Twitter.jpg) (https://ibb.co/W3hsnDX)
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*Also a special shout out for that ball that Bailey put in for Ollie's goal... He's going to cause a tonne of trouble for opposition defenses if he stays fit! Played superbly today.
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Loads of great performances today but it was Dougie for me . Imperious is the word.
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A simple set up 4231 playing to the strengths of our squad.
Players obviously felt they had a point prove.
All players looked confident and up for it (except Coutinho).
Great use of the subs, means that players are kept happy.
Well, well, it wasn't the players after all.
Think we may see Danks in place 'til the WC now, and give the club breathing space to make the next appointment.
UTV
edit: toss-up between Buendia and Luiz for MOTM.
Crowd were brilliant showing proper support
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Also, McPhee gets some stick on here but half the team went and celebrated with him after the first. The players clearly like him.
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It was great to see Ollie Watkins playing like he enjoyed himself again. He’s a good player who’s is perfectly suited to a high press. Also seeing us play passes quickly and players running into decent positions.
We haven’t played like that since for so long. It was great to see. Obviously an early goal is a natural boost to confidence, but we didn’t look dragged down at all. It was like every player was free to play.
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Bloody brilliant afternoon..... Rain cleared, sunshine came out, and Villa turned up! Can't name a man of the match, because each of the starting 11 played exceptionally!
Thought we lost a bit of grip when McGinn came on for Dendoncker, but the game was already won I guess.
Indeed. I'm a fan of SJM, but he'll have his work cut out to get back in ahead of Dendocker on the latter's showing today. How it should be.
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Just seen on a podcast…
Happy Danksgiving :)
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It was great to see Ollie Watkins playing like he enjoyed himself again. He’s a good player who’s is perfectly suited to a high press. Also seeing us play passes quickly and players running into decent positions.
We haven’t played like that since for so long. It was great to see. Obviously an early goal is a natural boost to confidence, but we didn’t look dragged down at all. It was like every player was free to play.
The penalty came from Martinez looking up early and firing the ball into his path. The psychological difference in today's performance was staggering and Watkins was revelling in it.
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Towards the end of the match Villa did this pass and move play. Turned defense into attack in about 5 seconds playing it through the middle. I thought "where the heck did this come from?!"
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Well fuck my old boots, enjoyment, entertaining, happiness, smiling, all things that have been sadly lacking in a long time when watching the Villa. One swallow doesn’t make a summer but that was chalk and cheese with some of the dross we have had to endure.
Everyone of the starters played well, we came out like a whirlwind and they had no answer. Really impressed with Clive who gave us a great foundation, Doug got stuck in and set us on the front foot, Young continued his great form, Bailey bright and showed us what he can do with great end product, Ings poaching, Watkins typical work rate and perseverance with the goal.
Brilliant afternoon…UTV
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Interview with Aaron Danks after the game. Jack Woodward just can’t help himself with a cheesy cliche immediately.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1584218902153687041?s=46&t=syxrG55EbMFs8T7rQ8AkFw
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Beat Newcastle and the Red filth and I'd give him the job till end of season.
And when Poch then thinks we are worthy tell him to fuck off
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A week is indeed a long time in football.
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It was great to see Ollie Watkins playing like he enjoyed himself again. He’s a good player who’s is perfectly suited to a high press. Also seeing us play passes quickly and players running into decent positions.
We haven’t played like that since for so long. It was great to see. Obviously an early goal is a natural boost to confidence, but we didn’t look dragged down at all. It was like every player was free to play.
The penalty came from Martinez looking up early and firing the ball into his path. The psychological difference in today's performance was staggering and Watkins was revelling in it.
Martinez hasnt played a pass like that since Grealish was here!
Great performance, hard to single players out, but Luiz was brilliant as was Young. Young was such a leader, always encouraging Bailey. Considering he’s hardly played, Dendonker was great.
Only one game, but actually looked there was some coaching going on!
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I just needed to post how incredibly happy and grateful I am that the previous era is done with and we're looking forwards again. What a necessary victory today.
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Obviously, Gerrard should've gone at least a month ago. Players were released from his boring straight jacket style of play. This is the way forward......
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Fantastic performance without Gerrard making everyone look him in the eye. Shout out to Bailey seeing as I give him loads of stick on here I thought he was brilliant today. Sulky bastard looks like he's only interested out wide, fair enough if those are the type of performances he'll put in out there though. Just nice to have it confirmed that everyone isn't a total donkey and a good manager can get us going places. At least to safety this season anyway.
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Obviously, Gerrard should've gone at least a month ago. Players were released from his boring straight jacket style of play. This is the way forward......
Seems like they wanted to give it as long as possible to turn it around - understandable after the investment in both him and the squad.
Chelsea apart, the run of games after Citeh at home looked favourable. He pissed those chances away, obv. You do wonder how Danks may have got on in those games, rather than facing in to Newcastle away and Yanited at home.
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Great game, thought Dendonckor was really good fair play to him
Such a shame we've pissed away so many possible points by sticking with Gerrard for too long. He's been really shown up here.
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Well that was a massive fuck you to Steven. Thanks everyone.
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Who was the official motm, can't remember it being announced?
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Another thing - Anyone else think Villa Park was a little dusty pre-match!
That 'You don't choose Aston Villa, it chooses you' David Bradley video gets me every bloody time - Got me right in the mood, superb idea to play that just before kick-off! 👏
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Great game, thought Dendonckor was really good fair play to him
Such a shame we've pissed away so many possible points by sticking with Gerrard for too long. He's been really shown up here.
Insane. Not even a hint of progress.
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Brilliant performance, right from the whistle they were pressing high and on the front foot. Dougie was man of the match for me but the starting eleven gave it all, and Danks thanks for picking players for a system instead of reputation.
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Just got back
Superb energetic display
A few things
We will not be anywhere near the bottom three as the season progresses
That front three are a handful played in that formation
Bailey is not a crock he needs coaching and supporting
Luiz is absolute quality
I still love Ashley Young
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I said it on match thread but it bears saying again.
I was wrong in my premature assessment of Dendoncker. Played in his proper position he was very good today. Calm, assured and tended to be in the right place at the right time. Humble pie being eaten here, along with my celebration dinner. Belated welcome to Villa from me, Leander.
So many players had their best performances for ages but special mention to Luiz from me. And very pleased for Ollie , the way he lashed the third rebound into the net was a real "Get In " moment.
And Danny ings. And Konsa. And Ashley Young, And Tyrone. All of them.
Just very very happy to love the team again, it's just so much more fun. Did anyone else see Tyrone's smile at the end when he came up to the Holte - looked like a man with a weight off his shoulders. I'd like him to have the armband back tbh.
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The performance we all know the squad is capable of, first match I've enjoyed for a fair while. Thanks to Danks!
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Great stuff. So many players have been well below their best of late that it's refreshing to see them remind us what they can do given half a chance.
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It's the quickest from KO that we've scored 2 goals in a PL match. Off the top of my head the old record was the 2-2 after 9 mins Bolton game. Must also be a contender for our record for 3 goals as well.
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The performance we all know the squad is capable of, first match I've enjoyed for a fair while. Thanks to Danks!
Happy Danksgiving Day
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Great result and they all played well. Special mention to Luiz, Bailey, Dendonker and especially Ashley Young, who was outstanding. What a terrific signing he’s been.
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Do you think our shape was significantly different today?
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A very well judged return for Sweet Caroline at the end as well.
Sorry to hear that, shame the day had to end on a sour note. ;)
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Danka Danks
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Danka Danks
'Vielen Danks' is probably what you're aiming for. :)
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Balance Ashley Young vs Ronaldo. Young a total credit to himself and the club. Ronaldo a fuckin charlatan. I know who I would rather have. Young a future manager maybe
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McGinn lost the ball 4 times in the 27 mins he was on. Dendoncker lost it once in 63 mins. I therein lies the difference. #avfc
https://twitter.com/Gazoaks/status/1584239696682835969?s=20&t=fUPoiGHtyRl9THGpI4YdWQ
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Do you think our shape was significantly different today?
Yes.
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A fantastic afternoon, the Italian Latin Lions were over and a great day was had by all, top guys!
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Fantastic performance but why didn't Coutinho get the brief that we have stopped playing shit?
Obviously sulking that his mate has left and I also believe he is not in the Brazilian 55. Ran straight down the tunnel on final whistle.
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Not just the shape, but that was the first time in ages I've thought the players really looked like they knew what they were being asked to do.
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I've only just found out that our football mad ten-year-old granddaughter was there today, her first game, what a match to choose.
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A fantastic afternoon, the Italian Latin Lions were over and a great day was had by all, top guys!
Saw that, and one was celebrating his anniversary with a trip to B6. Couple of Villans over from Cayman as well, they picked a good game to go to.
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Do you think our shape was significantly different today?
Yes. Another midfielder alongside Doug and full backs playing as fullbacks
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McGinn lost the ball 4 times in the 27 mins he was on. Dendoncker lost it once in 63 mins. I therein lies the difference. #avfc
https://twitter.com/Gazoaks/status/1584239696682835969?s=20&t=fUPoiGHtyRl9THGpI4YdWQ
Different type of players so it's a rubbish comparison. However McGinn is not good enough as an attacking distributor.
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I've only just found out that our football mad ten-year-old granddaughter was there today, her first game, what a match to choose.
As I walked back to the car, I was behind a bloke who had his young lad on his shoulders who said it was his first game.
They’ll think it’s always like that lol.
Superb performance from everyone today, except Coutinho who really needs to find some form.
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It was my sons first game today too. The little shite loved it, bless him.
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Hope all the pundits can now give an honest assessment of SG’s tenure at Villa…fat chance!
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No matter that Emi the First was captain in the first half and McGinn took the armband when he came on, there’s no doubt that Ashley was in charge today. Shame that he’s not ten or fifteen years younger.
Donk alongside Doug made things a lot more secure.
Emi the Second buzzed around and kept things ticking over.
Ings and Watkins looked far more up for it.
Only negatives for me were McGinn giving the ball away and Phil seemingly forgetting how to play football.
My MOTM was Bailey, followed by Ash.
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Passing at speed, pressing high up the pitch and using the whole width of it makes a massive difference.
This.
Great performance and result that speaks volumes about our apparently shite players and our ex-Head "coach"!
Bailey redeemed himself, Dougie and Dendoncker were superb (the latter doing some great defensive cover), and for the first time I believed that Watkins and Ings could play in the same team. Everyone else way above average.
Loved Ash's lingering with the ball before the penalty so that a couple of Brentford players could "put him off".....then he handed it to Ings. A touch of genius shithousery that genuinely deserves an award!
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First home game of the season. Glad I chose this one.
To me the major difference wasn't so much made by the system but by the workrate and press. We barely stood off them for a second. That and the general feeling of freedom about the play.
Of course we aren't going to win every game 4-0 and not every opponent will be as below par as Brentford were today. But if we just keep playing with that level of intensity and passion, well, that'll do me.
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Danks out!
Only ONE goal in the second half???!!!
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Of course we aren't going to win every game 4-0 and not every opponent will be as below par as Brentford were today. But if we just keep playing with that level of intensity and passion, well, that'll do me.
Indeed, Watford won their first game under Bilic 4-0 and then proceeded to lose their following 3 games. However if we can get 5 or more points from the next 3, then I'll be a lot more positive about our season heading into the World Cup break.
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I’ve not seen mention of Martinez’ brilliant kick out to Watkins. I was shouting for a quick roll out as there were a couple of players in the right back position looking to break forward but he saw Watkins on the right wing and pinged it past the defender creating a great chance.
There was also a great back heel on the edge of the area on the left hand side of the box that created a chance for someone.
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Loved Ash's lingering with the ball before the penalty so that a couple of Brentford players could "put him off".....then he handed it to Ings. A touch of genius shithousery that genuinely deserves an award!
Of all the great shithousery we’ve seen from Emi and Ash, this topped them all :)
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My only gripe that it was only four. That first 15 minutes was electric.
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I’ve not seen mention of Martinez’ brilliant kick out to Watkins. I was shouting for a quick roll out as there were a couple of players in the right back position looking to break forward but he saw Watkins on the right wing and pinged it past the defender creating a great chance.
There was also a great back heel on the edge of the area on the left hand side of the box that created a chance for someone.
Mentioned in the Ollie thread. Superb pass by Emi.
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I thought their keeper was comfortably MOTM for them....
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As for Brentford, didn’t Ivan Toney use to play for them ? Not sure who that bloke they had up front today was. Hardly touched the ball :)
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A very well judged return for Sweet Caroline at the end as well.
Sorry to hear that, shame the day had to end on a sour note. ;)
Weird. I wasn't aware Sweet Caroline was played, though I had a good singalong to Hi Ho.
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When McGinn came on he tried to keep the play moving but it still slowed us down a bit. He’s just not that type of player.
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Really difficult to pick a player of the match today as all performances were so good. It does seem though that Ashley Young has been reading some Oscar Wilde and has stored a photo of himself in his loft.
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As for Brentford, didn’t Ivan Toney use to play for them ? Not sure who that bloke they had up front today was. Hardly touched the ball :)
It looked to me that Brentford didn't play badly today, they just ran into an inspired opponent.
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As for Brentford, didn’t Ivan Toney use to play for them ? Not sure who that bloke they had up front today was. Hardly touched the ball :)
Didn’t give him a sniff and the less said about that open goal his strike partner missed the better, awful miss and got dragged immediately after.
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As for Brentford, didn’t Ivan Toney use to play for them ? Not sure who that bloke they had up front today was. Hardly touched the ball :)
Didn’t give him a sniff and the less said about that open goal his strike partner missed the better, awful miss and got dragged immediately after.
With the Holte End letting him know what they thought of his ability 😉
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Toney as not a happy man in the post match interview I heard.
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I've been very vocal about the last Manager and the problems we had but today the game spoke for itself however one thing I will say is that football is a very simple game made complicated by people like Gerrard.
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A very well judged return for Sweet Caroline at the end as well.
Sorry to hear that, shame the day had to end on a sour note. ;)
Weird. I wasn't aware Sweet Caroline was played, though I had a good singalong to Hi Ho.
Thought that too.
Stayed way after the end and did Hi Ho, but no Caroline!
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What was Danks role before SG was potted?
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Ivan Toney insists similar performances to this will be unacceptable.
"Shambles, to be honest. Shambles," he said.
"We were like a bunch of kids out there. I don't mind losing games but not like that. Embarrassing performance from the boys."
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Now, I'm not saying it was a good win today but no one's posted on the 'Next PM' thread for 8 hours.
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Do you think our shape was significantly different today?
Yes. Another midfielder alongside Doug and full backs playing as fullbacks
And critically a player linking defence and attack.
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What was Danks role before SG was potted?
He came in under Dean Smith as a coach I think. Looked like a spare part in the videos released from the early training sessions under Gerrard.
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Ive just read he was high up in the Eng u20 World Cup win but I can’t mind seeing him around the bench with the first team, mind you it was easy to be lost among them all.
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Now, I'm not saying it was a good win today but no one's posted on the 'Next PM' thread for 8 hours.
Sadly Liz Truss's chances of taking the Villa job have dwindled somewhat.
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Ivan Toney insists similar performances to this will be unacceptable.
"Shambles, to be honest. Shambles," he said.
"We were like a bunch of kids out there. I don't mind losing games but not like that. Embarrassing performance from the boys."
You were one of the worst Ivan, did fuck all for 90 minutes.
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Do you think our shape was significantly different today?
Yes. Another midfielder alongside Doug and full backs playing as fullbacks
And critically a player linking defence and attack.
It was much different players plying in there proper decisions - Bailey came wide a lot more and looked much better for it
Midfield looked really well balanced and we moved the ball much quicker
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4231 what the majority of fans have been saying for weeks. Buendia was great, finding the space and linking attacks. With Doug then able to balance with Dendonkar and push forward. Great to see.
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It was just good all round really. Half time 3-0 up, Jimmy Rimmer there at half time and Theme from an unmade silent movie blaring out (which really should be our walk out music).
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Listen! That was ace.
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Danny Ings wearing the same headphones as the autistic lad who was the mascot was my favourite bit of the day. A lovely gesture.
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Danny Ings wearing the same headphones as the autistic lad who was the mascot was my favourite bit of the day. A lovely gesture.
Yes lovely.
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Mings and Konsa look really solid with a proper midfield in front of them.
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Fantastic performance all round. Bailey was electrifying and looked good on the outside on his natural foot. Dendoncker and Luiz controlled the game. Was a great day and fantastic to finally tw*t them.
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Why were we attacking the Holte End in the first half? That created enormous cognitive dissonance. Please don't allow this to happen again.
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Why were we attacking the Holte End in the first half? That created enormous cognitive dissonance. Please don't allow this to happen again.
I was saying to my brother - Brentford making us switch ends really backfired seem to fire the crowd up even more and made for great scenes in the free scoring first 15 mins!
I also love the fact Ollie didn’t even pretend to be respectful scoring against his old club
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Why were we attacking the Holte End in the first half? That created enormous cognitive dissonance. Please don't allow this to happen again.
Brentford won the toss and that’s what they chose to do.
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I'm a sucker for the David Bradley tribute to Villa that was played just before the kick off. As he said; "the lows only make the highs higher". What a transformation from Thursday night!
The formation change (long overdue) worked a treat. It looked like round pegs in round holes. With both Bailey and Watkins playing on their "natural" side it allowed them both to get at the defence without having to cut inside. (Gerrard was obsessed with the full backs providing the width, on the dubious premiss that it worked in Scotland).
Buendia seemed to revel in the freedom of playing more centrally and, a long last, the interplay between the front players worked a treat.
I also noticed how much more frequently the players were "hunting in packs" when pressing. More energy, more effectiveness.
It's only one game but it was a pleasure to be at Villa Park today.
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Was out today and followed it on my phone. What a cracking win. The new contract for Douglas looks a clever idea now. Really pleased to read the praise for the players and great to see them unshackled from their Gerrard shaped handcuffs of the rigid 433. Great win and having seen the goals, all crackers.
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Fantastic day out, performance and result. It just shows how wrong things were under Gerrard. We have been crying out for 4231 all season. Hopefully it buys a little time to bring in the right person.
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At the end of the game Watkins shook the hand of everyone on the Brentford bench, which was a classy touch.
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At the end of the game Watkins shook the hand of everyone on the Brentford bench, which was a classy touch.
He went and gave someone a bug hug in the away end too.
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How long have we been calling for the 4231 double pivot with Buendia in the playmaker role? So frustrating it’s taken this long to see a system that suits the players we have. Everyone looked much more comfortable. I can see what Dendoncker can bring to the team now, dropping into the back line when needed and keeping things simple in the middle. Hopefully this gives us a platform to build on.
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Why were we attacking the Holte End in the first half? That created enormous cognitive dissonance. Please don't allow this to happen again.
Brentford won the toss and that’s what they chose to do.
I thought as much. It doesn't seem to happen very often. As mentioned above, it didn't do them any good so FTF!
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Really pleased with this - great way to end the weekend.
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Toney as not a happy man in the post match interview I heard.
Annoyed that he didn't get to do his zulu sign.
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Has there been a massive clamour for a 4231 with a double pivot?
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Has there been a massive clamour for a 4231 with a double pivot?
Every fucking pre-match 'thread'.
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A what?
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Luiz Young Buendia we’re outstanding today.
Pretty much every body played well until Coutinho came on.
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Has there been a massive clamour for a 4231 with a double pivot?
Every fucking pre-match 'thread'.
Well, I can’t be expected to read all this shit
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I may have been making things up though. UTFV!
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Thought we won today because we played well and not because the opposition were poor. That hasn’t happened for quite a while.
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Well that was a massive fuck you to Steven. Thanks everyone.
Can’t it just be about winning in style?
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Wow, what a day!
Some observations (and apologies if these have been made earlier; haven't read the full thread):
1. Simple changes to set-up have big dividend - the Dendoncker-Luiz double pivot worked brilliantly because both read the game well and can pass to people wearing the same-coloured shirt.
2. Playing Bailey on his natural left side made a transformational difference to his contribution.
3. We discovered how to use set pieces and speed-of-thought to catch the opposition off-guard - whey-hey!
4. Energy and movement from our 2 strikers meant that we could move the ball more quickly and effectively.
5. Mings is actually very good against a muscular centre-forward.
6. The crowd-atmosphere was soooo much more relaxed after a good start to the game and an absence of foreboding.
When the shackles are lifted we can see we have talent in our squad. It was good to see an interim manager unafraid to make changes to the established recent approach.
Disappointed that both Ramsey and Phil looked 'off it' when they came on.
Being Captain suited Martinez.
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Do you think our shape was significantly different today?
Yes, we had Dendonker and Luiz central midfield.
It looked like 4 2 1 3
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At the end of the game Watkins shook the hand of everyone on the Brentford bench, which was a classy touch.
He went and gave someone a bug hug in the away end too.
It was a lad with specific needs who follows Brentford with his family.
https://twitter.com/richpigg1/status/1584219099663503361?t=-I3Ul8jjWoXGCDasjnvO0g&s=19
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At the end of the game Watkins shook the hand of everyone on the Brentford bench, which was a classy touch.
He went and gave someone a bug hug in the away end too.
There’s no flies on Ollie
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Ollie Swatkins?
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He was buzzing today
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Interview with Aaron Danks after the game. Jack Woodward just can’t help himself with a cheesy cliche immediately.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1584218902153687041?s=46&t=syxrG55EbMFs8T7rQ8AkFw
Listen, was this a little dig at “Listen” Gerrard.
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Interview with Aaron Danks after the game. Jack Woodward just can’t help himself with a cheesy cliche immediately.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1584218902153687041?s=46&t=syxrG55EbMFs8T7rQ8AkFw
Listen, was this a little dig at “Listen” Gerrard.
Listen, I thought that too Ian! Quite funny if it was.
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Listen x8?
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Interview with Aaron Danks after the game. Jack Woodward just can’t help himself with a cheesy cliche immediately.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1584218902153687041?s=46&t=syxrG55EbMFs8T7rQ8AkFw
Listen, was this a little dig at “Listen” Gerrard.
Listen, I thought that too Ian! Quite funny if it was.
If it was was, the blokes a genius.
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It was as though the shackles were off. Our players were allowed to do what we think they can do. width and a high press easily enough to nullify Brentford. What was Gerrard thinking? Luiz, Young and Bondea stood out. Ings and Watkins were decent as was Bailey. The best performance since I really don’t know when. I can’t remember a really decent performance under SG, maybe there was but the last 12 months was full of such dross nothing springs to mind. Onwards and upwards.
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4-0 against Southampton at home last season was pretty good under SG
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4-0 against Southampton at home last season was pretty good under SG
It was but this was different and more positive regarding the tempo and the way we never gave Brentford any chance of getting any foothold in to the game.
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Liberation day - not just the players, but the coaches too.
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Absolutely brilliant day brilliant win and a clean sheet.
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At the end of the game Watkins shook the hand of everyone on the Brentford bench, which was a classy touch.
He went and gave someone a bug hug in the away end too.
It was a lad with specific needs who follows Brentford with his family.
https://twitter.com/richpigg1/status/1584219099663503361?t=-I3Ul8jjWoXGCDasjnvO0g&s=19
I am no fan of Watkins the striker, but fuck all that, he's a good man, and that's what matters.
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Same here but today we played to all Ollie's strengths. Boy did he put a shift in. Delighted he got a goal.
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I asked the question about shape because I was in a meeting during the game, thanks life!, but the possessiom and progression of play sounded vastly different to what we had been seeing. Just watched motd2 for the 1st time this season and what a difference 3 days makes!
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Loved Ash's lingering with the ball before the penalty so that a couple of Brentford players could "put him off".....then he handed it to Ings. A touch of genius shithousery that genuinely deserves an award!
Of all the great shithousery we’ve seen from Emi and Ash, this topped them all :)
Oh is that what they were doing? I assumed Ash stepped up and Ings had just asked to take it instead. That's brilliant.
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Well that was a nice thing to watch over Monday morning breakfast. Douglas Luiz was immense. I also loved Tyrone Mings' reaction when he made his mistake of the match putting the ball out for a corner in the second half. The little wry smile spoke volumes about his self-awareness.
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First League win over Brentford since 1947.
Enjoyed that and it Seend like the players did too. Almost like we have a talented squad that hated the manager
We didn’t play them for 50 odd years to be fair.
I suggested a lyric update to Olof's Beard after the game.
"We even conquered Brentford in 2022...".
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Just seen on a podcast…
Happy Danksgiving :)
Diwali, in't it?
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A very well judged return for Sweet Caroline at the end as well.
Sorry to hear that, shame the day had to end on a sour note. ;)
Weird. I wasn't aware Sweet Caroline was played, though I had a good singalong to Hi Ho.
I don't remember hearing that either.
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A very well judged return for Sweet Caroline at the end as well.
Sorry to hear that, shame the day had to end on a sour note. ;)
Weird. I wasn't aware Sweet Caroline was played, though I had a good singalong to Hi Ho.
I don't remember hearing that either.
Well it was, followed by Hi Ho Silver Lining.
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Ivan Toney insists similar performances to this will be unacceptable.
"Shambles, to be honest. Shambles," he said.
"We were like a bunch of kids out there. I don't mind losing games but not like that. Embarrassing performance from the boys."
You were one of the worst Ivan, did fuck all for 90 minutes.
That's exactly what I said after listening to his rant.
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Well it was, followed by Hi Ho Silver Lining.
What? Before Hi Ho... did you have a few too many gins before/during the match? :-*
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Well it was, followed by Hi Ho Silver Lining.
What? Before Hi Ho... did you have a few too many gins before/during the match? :-*
Must say, I didn't notice it either.
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Risso was delirious from seeing how good Bailey played ;D
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Has there been a massive clamour for a 4231 with a double pivot?
Every fucking pre-match 'thread'.
Look, I changed it to pre-match "fry-up" and we fried those Bees with ease.
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It's the quickest from KO that we've scored 2 goals in a PL match. Off the top of my head the old record was the 2-2 after 9 mins Bolton game. Must also be a contender for our record for 3 goals as well.
I've only been to Villa Park at most a couple of dozen times so tend to have a decent memory on all the games I've seen there (except for a 0-0 with Charlton under O'Leary in April 2005...boring boring) but today reminded me of another game under Dolly - a 3-1 win over Leicester at the beginning of 2003/04 when the beginning of Angel's best season had us 3-0 up early doors too. Just checked and our third went in on 15 minutes.
Today, the trains were crap at Tamworth and New Street. Thanks to the latter departing almost 10 minutes later than scheduled we missed the first goal. The funny thing was, from outside the Doug Ellis, it sounded like the away fans were celebrating. So imagine my confusion/delight emerging onto the upper tier at Witton Lane and fans were singing Leon Bailey's name.
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It's the quickest from KO that we've scored 2 goals in a PL match. Off the top of my head the old record was the 2-2 after 9 mins Bolton game. Must also be a contender for our record for 3 goals as well.
I've only been to Villa Park at most a couple of dozen times so tend to have a decent memory on all the games I've seen there (except for a 0-0 with Charlton under O'Leary in April 2005...boring boring) but today reminded me of another game under Dolly - a 3-1 win over Leicester at the beginning of 2003/04 when the beginning of Angel's best season had us 3-0 up early doors too. Just checked and our third went in on 15 minutes.
Today, the trains were crap at Tamworth and New Street. Thanks to the latter departing almost 10 minutes later than scheduled we missed the first goal. The funny thing was, from outside the Doug Ellis, it sounded like the away fans were celebrating. So imagine my confusion/delight emerging onto the upper tier at Witton Lane and fans were singing Leon Bailey's name.
The two times I've arrived after an away goal were both in '07-'08, against Man City and Newcastle. On both occasions I was walking behind the Witton towards the Holte when the goals went in, and I thought both were corners or throw-ins. Hardly any noise at all, and both brought a good following.
I can't remember when the decision was made, but since we moved the away fans into the Witton, I think it's been very difficult to hear them unless you're sat in the North.
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A fantastic afternoon, the Italian Latin Lions were over and a great day was had by all, top guys!
Love that.
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Rather pleasant afternoon all told
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A very well judged return for Sweet Caroline at the end as well.
Sorry to hear that, shame the day had to end on a sour note. ;)
Weird. I wasn't aware Sweet Caroline was played, though I had a good singalong to Hi Ho.
I don't remember hearing that either.
Well it was, followed by Hi Ho Silver Lining.
Not sure what ground you were at Risso, but Sweet Caroline wasn’t played at Villa Park yesterday. I specifically noticed that we’d ditched it as the post win song.
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Has there been a massive clamour for a 4231 with a double pivot?
It has, myself and many others wanted two sitting, especially after purchasing Dendonka. I didn’t know it was called a double pivot until learning this somewhere on this site. I’m sure it then lead on to a debate what a crap name double pivot is.
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Villa unchained. Having two holding midfielders, off form players rested and Bailey played as a left winger and suddenly a team is setup to exploit its strengths. I don’t think there could have been a more stark demonstration of how a manager was actively holding us back.
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Villa unchained. Having two holding midfielders, off form players rested and Bailey played as a left winger and suddenly a team is setup to exploit its strengths. I don’t think there could have been a more stark demonstration of how a manager was actively holding us back.
Absolutely. It was simply joyous to witness our boys playing with dynamism and verve and intensity.
It felt like the players and the fans had finally been woken up from a nightmare.
A cathartic letting go of pent up frustrations and grievances.
Exhilarating.
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I can't express how much I want to beat Newcastle, and it's nice to be going there in a bit of form.
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A fantastic afternoon, the Italian Latin Lions were over and a great day was had by all, top guys!
Love that.
I got drinking with the Seattle Villa fans before the game. They were top lads too. They've been here for the Chelsea and Fulham games. They were desperate to be able to celebrate a Villa goal. They got their wish. I bet they're buzzing this morning.
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A fantastic afternoon, the Italian Latin Lions were over and a great day was had by all, top guys!
Love that.
I got drinking with the Seattle Villa fans before the game. They were top lads too. They've been here for the Chelsea and Fulham games. They were desperate to be able to celebrate a Villa goal. They got their wish. I bet they're buzzing this morning.
The Latin Lions are superb chaps! Archie is a legend.
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Yesterday showed we have the squad. We just need a manager and coaches that know what they are doing
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Really great atmosphere in the upper Holte yesterday, complete opposite to the mood at Fulham 3 days earlier. Incredible turnaround. And we even walked straight onto a train at Witton afterwards.
And me and Pat had the pleasure of bumping into Gary Shaw before kick off. I hear he was in the Barton’s after as well?
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Well it was, followed by Hi Ho Silver Lining.
What? Before Hi Ho... did you have a few too many gins before/during the match? :-*
Maybe they only pipe it into the posh boxes. Us plebs have to miss out.
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Anyone notice Shearer painfully trying to blame the players for Gerrard leaving on MotD last night?
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I can't express how much I want to beat Newcastle, and it's nice to be going there in a bit of form.
I'm over them a while ago. I was actually pleased to see them bet Spuds yesterday.
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I can't express how much I want to beat Newcastle, and it's nice to be going there in a bit of form.
I'm over them a while ago. I was actually pleased to see them bet Spuds yesterday.
Yeah I'm not going to get over Mohammad bin Salman trying to buy the league, it literally makes me sick.
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I can't express how much I want to beat Newcastle, and it's nice to be going there in a bit of form.
I'm over them a while ago. I was actually pleased to see them bet Spuds yesterday.
Yeah I'm not going to get over Mohammad bin Salman trying to buy the league, it literally makes me sick.
Same.
Also, Newcastle away is giving me nightmares about Kevin MacDonald’s second game as caretaker manager after an impressive home win.
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Thankfully we won't sell our best player in between this time
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A fantastic afternoon, the Italian Latin Lions were over and a great day was had by all, top guys!
Love that.
I got drinking with the Seattle Villa fans before the game. They were top lads too. They've been here for the Chelsea and Fulham games. They were desperate to be able to celebrate a Villa goal. They got their wish. I bet they're buzzing this morning.
The Latin Lions are superb chaps! Archie is a legend.
Yeah I think I've met them. Top lads. They gave me one of their Villa badges it's on a Burberry design which is quite unique.
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Interview with Aaron Danks after the game. Jack Woodward just can’t help himself with a cheesy cliche immediately.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1584218902153687041?s=46&t=syxrG55EbMFs8T7rQ8AkFw
Listen, was this a little dig at “Listen” Gerrard.
Listen, I thought that too Ian! Quite funny if it was.
I don't think it was, more than likely just something that he's picked up after being around Gerrard for the last year. He seemed quite nervous in the interview and mentally shattered, bless him, and I think having a dig at Gerrard was almost certainly the last thing on his mind.
While we're talking about managers' post match interviews, I thought Frank's was a bit classless, and he was being quite snide with the female reporter.
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Anyone notice Shearer painfully trying to blame the players for Gerrard leaving on MotD last night?
Hendrie was the same on foreign comms. Really don't get why no-one in the press is willing to tell it like it is with him. The Athletic coverage, who I think are normally a bit better than the normal rabble, has been embarrassing, too. (Although, not a surprise as it's Gregg Evans there, I suppose)
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Just read a mad stat from the Express & Star's Matt Maher on Twitter. Probably not worthy of a new thread, but I'll repeat it on a couple so that it's seen cos this is nuts...
Yesterday was the first time that Bailey, Ings and Buendia have all started together for Villa since they joined!
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Just read a mad stat from the Express & Star's Matt Maher on Twitter. Probably not worthy of a new thread, but I'll repeat it on a couple so that it's seen cos this is nuts...
Yesterday was the first time that Bailey, Ings and Buendia have all started together for Villa since they joined!
Not surprised because he SG has hardly ever started Buendia.
Again we saw what Buendia can bring to the team and one of the reasons slippy lost his job.
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Just read a mad stat from the Express & Star's Matt Maher on Twitter. Probably not worthy of a new thread, but I'll repeat it on a couple so that it's seen cos this is nuts...
Yesterday was the first time that Bailey, Ings and Buendia have all started together for Villa since they joined!
So they were good signings! haha
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True and obviously Bailey has had his injuries but it smacks of a waste of resources and an inflexibility in changing thing when they don't work.
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Interview with Aaron Danks after the game. Jack Woodward just can’t help himself with a cheesy cliche immediately.
https://twitter.com/avfcofficial/status/1584218902153687041?s=46&t=syxrG55EbMFs8T7rQ8AkFw
Listen, was this a little dig at “Listen” Gerrard.
Listen, I thought that too Ian! Quite funny if it was.
I don't think it was, more than likely just something that he's picked up after being around Gerrard for the last year. He seemed quite nervous in the interview and mentally shattered, bless him, and I think having a dig at Gerrard was almost certainly the last thing on his mind.
While we're talking about managers' post match interviews, I thought Frank's was a bit classless, and he was being quite snide with the female reporter.
Thomas Frank is bit up his own arse. No doubt he’s done a good job but he’s starting to revel in it a bit. Loves himself in a Phil Brown sort of way and can come across at times as a bit condescending. That never ends well.
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Like quite a few others on here, I was convinced that Ings and Watkins could not play in the same team. Aaron Banks just showed us that they can! And be VERY effective!
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Like quite a few others on here, I was convinced that Ings and Watkins could not play in the same team. Aaron Banks just showed us that they can! And be VERY effective!
I am still not convinced, but it definitely worked yesterday.
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Watkins on the right, rather than the left seemed to suit him.
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Aston Villa scored two goals after 6 minutes and 41 seconds, the earliest they have ever scored two goals in a Premier League game, with this their 1,050th match in the competition.
-
Just read a mad stat from the Express & Star's Matt Maher on Twitter. Probably not worthy of a new thread, but I'll repeat it on a couple so that it's seen cos this is nuts...
Yesterday was the first time that Bailey, Ings and Buendia have all started together for Villa since they joined!
So they were good signings! haha
It would be great if they could prove that the Ratboy money wasn’t wasted. I’ve always been a big fan of little Emi but even I was starting to doubt him.
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When Dean was sacked he said they'd played 35 minutes together.
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Bailey got injured very early on. And then both Smith and Gerrard seemed to want to play with both Watkins and Ings as a front two which left little room for more than one creative player, so it seemed to be two of the three at any one time.
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If I were Lange, I'd be reminding everyone of this fact. I might even but it in my email signature.
.
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Lee, where does your H&V signature come from? It often bugs me. Fight Club?
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Lee, where does your H&V signature come from? It often bugs me. Fight Club?
I always thought it was from Caddyshack?
It's also the first thing that comes up if you put it into Google.
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Lee, where does your H&V signature come from? It often bugs me. Fight Club?
I always thought it was from Caddyshack?
It's also the first thing that comes up if you put it into Google.
Yes, it's Rodney Dangerfield insulting the judge's hat
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Have just noticed that Mee didn't play. No idea who I was abusing all game, then...
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Have just noticed that Mee didn't play. No idea who I was abusing all game, then...
I was giving their blonde centre back pelters thinking it was Pontus Jansson
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Have just noticed that Mee didn't play. No idea who I was abusing all game, then...
I was giving there blonde centre back pelters thinking it was Pontus Jansson
Equally worthy of abuse,
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Ajer came in for Mee and was terrible.
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Ajer came in for Mee and was terrible.
It was him who blatantly dragged back Mings wasn't it? A game to forget for him to be sure.
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Have just noticed that Mee didn't play. No idea who I was abusing all game, then...
Quite funny when that happens. Think I did it v Leeds once when it was Brian Deane not Carlton Palmer playing.
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Toney needed to pull his socks up, both literally and figuratively.
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The only surprise about Toney yesterday was that he didn’t get a round of “if Toney plays for England then so do I”. He was absolute garbage.
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We always base our judgement on a player on how he plays against us which must mean every single one of our players are Blues in the eyes of most Prem fans.
Toney didn't have a great game, neither did his teammates. He's still a decent player though.
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Ajer came in for Mee and was terrible.
It was him who blatantly dragged back Mings wasn't it? A game to forget for him to be sure.
It was. Thankfully he had a ‘mare.
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Was a fantastic performance. Not just a win but how hungry everyone looked.
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Toney ne
eded to pull his socks up, both literally and figuratively.
No shin pads either which I thought were mandatory
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He will have been wearing some. Maybe just small like Grealish's.
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More talk about Danny Ings please.
Less about Brentford strikers.
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My first full game back since Covid and what a great choice. I'd expected to lose this one, my Derby-supporting mate backed Villa.
Oh, ye of little faith!
What a marvellous performance, at it straight from the off. The pace relented after the break, but at three-nil just keeping solid and looking to break was enough.