Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on October 22, 2023, 06:26:58 PM
-
Brighton and West Ham were big tests of where we are as a side. 6 points and 10 goals is the answer. I rather like where we are.
-
Second top scorers, and Luton to come next week. Fucking ace.
-
Easyyyyy!!
-
Get in
-
Second top scorers, and Luton to come next week. Fucking ace.
Most Villa thing ever would be to lose at home to Luton!
But this is Emery's Villa!
-
We're a top side.
Now we have to stay together.
Come on.
-
Couple of shaky spells but football comes through
-
Great win. Looked steady all game. Nobody had a bad game. Bailey and Watkins took their goals beautifully. Onwards and upwards!
-
Unai Emery. Stone cold genius.
There will be a statue of him outside Villa Park one day.
-
After we got battered first game at Newcastle, Alex Ferguson said he was most impressed with us despite the result. Maybe he knows a thing or two about football. This is some run we are on at Villa Park and overall. Our record in 2023 is just incredible given where we were 12 months ago. What an amazing story this is turning out to be.
-
Sky Preseter
"I can barely hear you Karen, and that's not a bad thing"
-
Some lovely football and goals.
Didn’t really get out second gear.
-
Marvellous stuff - had a tough phase but came through it and won handsomely.
-
Delicious.
-
Had to work for it but comfortable in the end.
-
Magnificent.
-
Great result, a cracking early 40th Birthday present for me! UTV
-
Real cutting edge to us up front these days. Watkins brilliant up front again, rocket of a third goal finished it. Didn't let the sitter knock his confidence. Super goal by Bailey too. Kamara and Luiz dominating as per usual. Both full backs very strong. Thought Torres was iffy on ball but that aside we are flying.
-
Another shitty record that Emery has put to bed.
-
Great . Everybody played well. I have liked Kamara's performance.
Beer will taste good.
Utv
-
Real cutting edge to us up front these days. Watkins brilliant up front again, rocket of a third goal finished it. Didn't let the sitter knock his confidence. Super goal by Bailey too. Kamara and Luiz dominating as per usual. Both full backs very strong. Thought Torres was iffy on ball but that aside we are flying.
Torres distribution when he approaches the half way line is exceptional, but a bit dodgy at times around our box.
A cracking performance once again though. Against a good, physical team. We rode out their spell after their goal really well
-
I love this team and I love Unai Emery.
-
I'm not used to this. Even when they had spells on top I never felt nervous or anything, it's an odd feeling.
-
The commentator made some lovely references today - mentioned the Evening Mail, The "pink and green thing" (Sports Argus?!), said that 'the bells were ringing for Villa', kept mentioning the stand names at Villa Park, how Villa Park hosted games in 1966, 1996 and will again in the upcoming Euros, how it's a special place. Even as a fan I wouldn't have snuck that much Villa in!
Villa were so strong today. It's incredible and almost a bit emotional to see our team flying after we've been so bad for so long. 11 home wins in a row isn't something I'll ever get used to.
-
This season is giving me 1980-81 vibes.
-
Superb stuff Villa, onwards and very much upwards.
-
2nd top scorers in the league.
4 more than Man City.
Only 1 less than Man U/Chelsea combined.
Newcastle have 1 more but then we haven't played Sheff U.
-
Up the fucking Villa.
That is all.
-
This season is giving me 1980-81 vibes.
We've shortened from 125/1 to 100/1.
-
Aston Villa 4-1 West Ham United: Douglas Luiz scores twice as Villa move back to brink of top four - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67114486
-
Fackin' aaaave thaaat, laaave it!
-
https://www.skysports.com/football/a-villa-vs-west-ham/report/482671
-
Clinton Morrison bigging us up on the BBC website. Those lot down in B9 will be kicking their pitbulls and spitting into their pot noodles tonight!
-
My annual pilgrimage to VP from the US - to see the Emery revolution first hand. That was night and day better than the garbage served up prior his arrival. The interplay, pace, tricks, confidence, and killer instinct all there. Wow - the long trip home will be pleasant.
And Konza was just granite - nothing got past him - how that lad isn’t starting for England is a disgrace
-
Fabulous performance, we’re playing some of the best football I’ve seen down there for years. Got a bit dodgy for about 15 mins but we clicked again where we probably would have folded in the past. Everyone played their part but obviously special mention for Dougie, just great
-
Ha ha Unai saying in interview he was angry with Dougie for relaxing after his second.
-
A thoroughly impressive performance with plenty to work on! The Torres clearance before our 3rd goal was poor, and Zaniolo's poor backtracking contributed to their goal.
That said, I thought Diaby's movement was excellent, Luiz played a dominant role, Konsa looked masterful and McGinn is demonstrating real composure and leadership. This is all great to watch, and I hope we can carry it all forward to Thursday.
-
We have put ourselves in this position despite being without Mings, Buendia, Morena and Remsey. Unreal
-
Oh deep joy, deep joy. Long may it continue.
-
Second top scorers, and Luton to come next week. Fucking ace.
Steady! :D
Well chuffed today: thought we'd only draw!
-
Moore, Hurst, Cottee, Garnett, Sendo…”your boys took one hell of a beating”.
-
Ha ha Unai saying in interview he was angry with Dougie for relaxing after his second.
Gave away a daft free kick on the wing at one stage, Emery went mad with him. Odd missed pass but Luiz is absolute quality. Let him turn on the ball and you are in huge trouble.
-
KUMB was frothing with hubris pre-match. Reading it now with a beer.
-
Almost 20 points and the clocks havn't gone back yet
20 points has always been the target for Christmas !
-
And Konza was just granite - nothing got past him - how that lad isn’t starting for England is a disgrace
Whilst we were certainly not at our best today, too many sloppy passes creating our own problems, I'd give everybody a strong 7 out of 10 with the exception of Konsa. He gets an 8.5 as he owns Villa Park and takes no prisoners. As others have said, team spirit is there for all to see.
Fantastic goal from Bailey, Watkin's laces must have melted as he put them through with his goal, Dougie getting in among the goals again is great for him and the team. I just knew he was going to smash the ball down the middle for the pen. He puts it where he wants and no goalkeeper will have a clue where he's going to put it. Such a clever and talented footballer even if he was not right on top of his game today.
Every player deserves credit, yes it was only West Ham, pretty similar to Palace but they can both play a bit and gave us a game in parts. I'd only take Bowen off them. I read on KUMB, Antonio over Watkins? I'd have Ings over Antonio though both are past it and neither good enough for the Villa bench. As for their claims of a new rivalry between West Ham and Villa..you're having a giraffe!
I'd love to know how many goals we've score in the last few minutes of games. It seems like every week, despite having games midweek, the lads don't let up and punish teams until the ref blows up for full time.
Onwards and upwards..
-
Lovely finish from Bailey and nice to see an assist from Tielemans.
-
Fun fact. After 9 league games we now have more points than we did for the entire 38 game 2015/16 season.
-
Don’t normally watch the after show on sky sports but you can see all the players having a kick about with their kids in the background ❤️
-
This team is fuckin special!
-
Deserved the 2-0 lead and then relaxed. The good thing is that we were able to defend their high ball and pick our game up and destroy them with 2 superb goals. Bailey’s was absolutely superb. The way we saw the game out was just as good and Emery thought so too.
The only thing that will stop this team are injuries because at the moment watching us is a joy.
-
We’re a proper, proper team.
-
At times, we were quite sloppy with our passing. Good job for West Ham really, otherwise it would have been another 6-1 win. We were bloody brilliant. We are quite the team and fully deserve our top 5 position at the moment. Come on you Villa boys.
-
Moyes and Bowen both talking about us as a "top 6" team, which is nice. They both said that it shows the level you have to play at consistently to be a top 6 team and they have some way to go from today's performance. I always find it quite refreshing when post match interviews are honest and reflect reality. I don't mean that in a condescending way either.
-
Only negative is that Dougie and Digne should of taken yellows and miss Luton.
Other than that superb.
Special mention for Konsa. Just outstanding.
Talking
Tracking
Passing
Playing out of defense and winning free kicks to ease pressure
But most off all, any mug tries any beef with our lot he is first in everytime.
Southgate is a complete arrogant wanker to over look him
-
What I’ve noticed is how happy all the players look. I know it’s easy when winning at home, but there js a real togetherness that I’ve not seen since the 10 game streak under smith when we came up. We are going places.
-
Only one team came to play.
Only one team came to win.
Apart from a brief spell Villa were superior by far
Our attacking players are superb !
At home I fancy us to beat anyone
. Anyone !
Thank You Emery
Truly special.
-
The improvement in Konsa has been remarkable.
-
Might be getting carried away and no disrespect meant to Luton and Fulham, but feels like everything is building towards that Man City and Arsenal December double header…..a bit like Xmas 1989 when we beat reigning champions Arsenal and Man Utd at home in a matter of days.
Unai is some sort of fooking Gandalf figure as far as Im concerned, its pure fooking sorcery shit going on.
-
Whisper it - is Konsa better now Mings is out of the team? Not a criticism of Tyrone at all but it seems to have made Ezri take more responsibility.
-
Ha ha Unai saying in interview he was angry with Dougie for relaxing after his second.
And that is the attitude of a winner, and a head coach who is always looking for improvement.
-
The improvement in Konsa has been remarkable.
I’m also wondering whether Ollie has had intensive training on strengthening his left foot
Even before today he seems more confident in taking on shots with his left peg
-
I was there, a great atmosphere and a pulsating game. We really look very good!
-
Whisper it - is Konsa better now Mings is out of the team? Not a criticism of Tyrone at all but it seems to have made Ezri take more responsibility.
A really good point. Erzi always seemed to look for Mings with a sideway pass. He’s a bloody colossus now, brilliant player. Still amazes me what doughnut. Southgate took from our dismantling of Brighton, was Lewis Dunk is an England CB and Konsa isn’t
-
Apart from their goal out of nowhere and then 10 minutes of some pressure mostly from Ward-Prowse set pieces, we were very good and well deserved the win.
I couldn't really fault anyone today. Considering the circumstances, Zaniolo did well until he faded, and his work and running off the ball has already improved.
-
Was worried about Digne up against Bowen pre game but thought he did well.
-
Apart from their goal out of nowhere and then 10 minutes of some pressure mostly from Ward-Prowse set pieces, we were very good and well deserved the win.
I couldn't really fault anyone today. Considering the circumstances, Zaniolo did well until he faded, and his work and running off the ball has already improved.
My only real fault with Zaniolo was the silly head injury stuff - no so much that but seemingly kicking off when the referee delayed him coming back on.
Otherwise, I thought he had an okay game given the circumstances. Very pleased overall, nothing Emi could have done for their fluke of a goal and Konsa continues to grow with every game.
Still, though, the performance and result pales in comparison to Dean Smith being there and I think it should have been given more prominence - especially on here.
-
Unai Emery. Stone cold genius.
There will be a statue of him outside Villa Park one day.
Correct, even if I have to make it myself out of papier-mache
-
Marvellous.
This Manager continues to astound. We were so much better than them and that little bit where we looked a bit suspect was a false dawn really.
It was every bit a 4-1 but you can count on the media to play it down.
"West Ham had their chances though"
Fuck off, and looking for penalties when the infringement is 20 yards away from the penalty area doesn't work either. You cheating wankers.
-
The improvement in Konsa has been remarkable.
Yes, he's really stepped up into Mings's leadership role.
-
Games that used to be hard are a fucking walk in the park now, any team that arrives with any weapons finds them inserted up their own backsides to propel them back from whence they came.
Up the fucking Villa.
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
-
Whisper it - is Konsa better now Mings is out of the team? Not a criticism of Tyrone at all but it seems to have made Ezri take more responsibility.
I mentioned at the time that injuries to leaders are also an opportunity for other players to step up. Konsa has stepped up admirably.
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
-
There we are. Just looking at the BBC report and we "held off" West Ham.
-
Some unnecessary var checks in the game. Possible penalty to them was nowhere near the penalty area. Possible handball when nobody handballed it.
-
There we are. Just looking at the BBC report and we "held off" West Ham.
Honestly, the beeb coverage is staffed by utter simpletons.
-
The longer they ignore us or write us off the better.
-
There we are. Just looking at the BBC report and we "held off" West Ham.
Honestly, the beeb coverage is staffed by utter simpletons.
Just read it, half annoyed and half what PWS just said
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
Stopping the game for every time there is a head injury
In Rugby physios just come on and the game continues
-
Next 2 home games are Luton and Fulham win those we equal 1983 record, to beat it we need to beat Man City, no problem.
-
There we are. Just looking at the BBC report and we "held off" West Ham.
Honestly, the beeb coverage is staffed by utter simpletons.
If you saw their predicted playing positions before kick-off based off the starting line-up, you are not that far off with that guess.
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
Stopping the game for every time there is a head injury
In Rugby physios just come on and the game continues
Why suddenly complain about a rule that has been around for about 20 years.
-
Had a great view from the DE Upper in line with the penalty spot, brought an Argentinian mate along for his first Villa game.
Cracking result and mostly a great performance. Would like us to handle a setback better - like with Brighton, we got jittery at 2-1 and Ollie again scored a third against the run of play at the time but overall we were good value for the win.
Was in the middle of Wham fans on the train across. One of 'em was pounding the ceiling that hard, I thought the train mightn't leave.
Thoughts and prayers for the Knees Up Mummy Brown lot.
-
That was ace!
Douglas Luiz and Ollie will rightly take the plaudits, but Kamara was MOM. I swear he did not misplace a single pass or mistime a single tackle. His sense of positioning was perfect throughout. Incredible display.
Konsa and Bailey also amazing - all of them really.
-
In the end, a not-maximally-fluent performance against a genuinely good team yielded a genuinely sound win. That's a scarcely believable situation to be in when you think about our recent history. Unai Emery is a genius,
-
I just knew he was going to smash the ball down the middle for the pen. He puts it where he wants and no goalkeeper will have a clue where he's going to put it.
Good job the opposing keepers don't have your insight.
-
Fun fact. After 9 league games we now have more points than we did for the entire 38 game 2015/16 season.
Only 5 goals shy of beating total goals scored that season as well.
-
There we are. Just looking at the BBC report and we "held off" West Ham.
Honestly, the beeb coverage is staffed by utter simpletons.
Just read it, half annoyed and half what PWS just said
I think people are being a bit unnecessarily precious here and taking things completely out of context.
"Aston Villa continued their fine form under manager Unai Emery by holding off West Ham to move back to the brink of the Premier League's top four.
Other snippets from the report:
An entertaining first half, typical of the free-flowing football Emery has encouraged at Villa Park,
Before Emery's first game in charge, Villa were 16th in the Premier League - one point off the relegation zone. But he steered them to European qualification last season and now they are back within a point of the Champions League places.
That doesn't seem like we're being written off or ignored.
-
Second top scorers, and Luton to come next week. Fucking ace.
Most Villa thing ever would be to lose at home to Luton!
But this is Emery's Villa!
This villa team is totally different. With these lads "the most villa thing" is irrelevant. Long may it continue
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
Stopping the game for every time there is a head injury
In Rugby physios just come on and the game continues
Why suddenly complain about a rule that has been around for about 20 years.
Why not? If it has been wasting lots of people's time and making games marginally less enjoyable to watch for two decades, that's no reason why it should continue to do so.
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
Stopping the game for every time there is a head injury
In Rugby physios just come on and the game continues
Why suddenly complain about a rule that has been around for about 20 years.
Well Rugby seems to have a solution to an issue that football has a problem with ?
-
Excellent performance, we were under pressure after they scored and we would have caved in under previous managers, with Emery he's on another level
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
Stopping the game for every time there is a head injury
In Rugby physios just come on and the game continues
Why suddenly complain about a rule that has been around for about 20 years.
Why not? If it has been wasting lots of people's time and making games marginally less enjoyable to watch for two decades, that's no reason why it should continue to do so.
Well for one thing, it gives all players a slight rest. Football players run an average of 10km a game, Rugby players 4.5km. Also, although the game "carries" on whilst the physios are on the pitch, it is more stop start and not exactly a game which switches wings or ends of the field with "one" kick as much as Football.
Well Rugby seems to have a solution to an issue that football has a problem with ?
Rugby has a solution to an issue that VILLA MOLE has a problem with you mean?
-
Whisper it - is Konsa better now Mings is out of the team? Not a criticism of Tyrone at all but it seems to have made Ezri take more responsibility.
A really good point. Erzi always seemed to look for Mings with a sideway pass.
Konsa has said something to this effect himself
-
This is brilliant
https://youtu.be/rj1jIdAZJ7c?si=En0cF7d3Nc96Ehjl
-
Dealt with the bogey team in emphatic style! and to think I was worried about Antonio's physical threat against Torres and Fornels getting his one goal a season!
-
Dealt with the bogey team in emphatic style! and to think I was worried about Antonio's physical threat against Torres and Fornels getting his one goal a season!
I was worried about JWP and West Ham corners against our defence?
-
This is brilliant
https://youtu.be/rj1jIdAZJ7c?si=En0cF7d3Nc96Ehjl
Complains about the same line-up being played when, with our current injuries, the only normal change is Bailey or Zani at the moment. Obviously our "tactically superior manager" actually gets them to play differently in a match dependent on the team so even though it was the same line-up, it could be totally different style of play. So if we can do that, then Moyes..... oh, I see the failure now.
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
Stopping the game for every time there is a head injury
In Rugby physios just come on and the game continues
Why suddenly complain about a rule that has been around for about 20 years.
Well Rugby seems to have a solution to an issue that football has a problem with ?
Not for head injuries.
-
I have to say the save from the long range Luiz effort was brilliant, as good a save as you'll see all season. It was going right into the top corner with a load of swerve, but he somehow got a hand to it. Amazing.
-
This is brilliant
https://youtu.be/rj1jIdAZJ7c?si=En0cF7d3Nc96Ehjl
Watching this ATM and agree, very very funny
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
Stopping the game for every time there is a head injury
In Rugby physios just come on and the game continues
Why suddenly complain about a rule that has been around for about 20 years.
Well Rugby seems to have a solution to an issue that football has a problem with ?
Not for head injuries.
ahh ok , sorry i have seen them on when the game is in play though ?
-
I love cry-arseing Cockneys when we've just handed their arses to them.
-
The head injury rule is silly , they should just let the physio on and let them play on and if it is serious you then stop
Huh?
Stopping the game for every time there is a head injury
In Rugby physios just come on and the game continues
Why suddenly complain about a rule that has been around for about 20 years.
Well Rugby seems to have a solution to an issue that football has a problem with ?
Not for head injuries.
No and if anything the more we learn the more important it is to be very cautious with them.
-
Surprised MOTD2 is on with only one Sunday game. So are we being shown second or third?
-
There we are. Just looking at the BBC report and we "held off" West Ham.
Honestly, the beeb coverage is staffed by utter simpletons.
Just read it, half annoyed and half what PWS just said
I think people are being a bit unnecessarily precious here and taking things completely out of context.
"Aston Villa continued their fine form under manager Unai Emery by holding off West Ham to move back to the brink of the Premier League's top four.
Other snippets from the report:
An entertaining first half, typical of the free-flowing football Emery has encouraged at Villa Park,
Before Emery's first game in charge, Villa were 16th in the Premier League - one point off the relegation zone. But he steered them to European qualification last season and now they are back within a point of the Champions League places.
That doesn't seem like we're being written off or ignored.
Indeed. I'm starting to worry that we ARE being noticed. It's taken a while, but I genuinely think other teams/fans are now starting to see us as a "top 6/7" side, rather than one in a bit of temporary form, or still benefitting from an extended new manager bounce.
The next three league games are all very winnable, so we could quite easily be in the top four come the next international break in mid November. It sounds ridiculous to think like that, but we've literally been in Champions League form since the start of the year.
-
Surprised MOTD2 is on with only one Sunday game. So are we being shown second or third?
45 mins dedicated to Bobby Charlton and next weeks No Classico, then highlights from today.
-
Another great home win. Thought we were comfortable at 2-0, but then had a shaky period when they got that fortunate goal. In some ways it helped us a bit though as they pushed on meaning we could hit them on the break. If there is one marked difference this season, it's the pace we now have in attack. As a result, Ollie got away and made it 3-1 and it was game over from there. His and Bailey's finishes were superb.
Don't want to ponder on negatives after such a good win, but Zaniolo's defensive work today was really poor and they targeted the left side during that spell of pressure at 2-1. Hopefully Ramsey will be back soon as I think we could kick on even more with him in the side.
Great to see Dean Smith back at Villa Park and he got a great reception from the North Stand and Trinity. Had to laugh after the game when he was standing there with Karen Carney and Sweet Caroline came on. Needless to say they reacted a bit differently to the bridge of the chorus with Deano having a chuckle, Karen Carney was sucking lemons!
-
I have to say the save from the long range Luiz effort was brilliant, as good a save as you'll see all season. It was going right into the top corner with a load of swerve, but he somehow got a hand to it. Amazing.
I was gobsmacked he got to it
-
I love cry-arseing Cockneys when we've just handed their arses to them.
It was funny but in fairness was absolutely spot on.
-
Surprised MOTD2 is on with only one Sunday game. So are we being shown second or third?
"You've seen the Villa, now fuck off to bed"
-
Indeed. I'm starting to worry that we ARE being noticed.
I don't know, there are some or are not noticing anything as per BBC live chat sent just before the Luiz goal.
Gosh this is a poor game. Misplaced passes, build up play far too slow and few clear cut chances. These teams are where they are for a reason.
Alan
-
Dealt with the bogey team in emphatic style! and to think I was worried about Antonio's physical threat against Torres and Fornels getting his one goal a season!
I was worried about JWP and West Ham corners against our defence?
He didn't have much of an influence on the game at all, but had a few corners and free-kicks when they had their spell of pressure at 2-1. To be fair, his deliveries are good and really whipped in, but we defended them really well.
-
I was there, a great atmosphere and a pulsating game. We really look very good!
there was no atmosphere until the first goal went in, very quiet
-
I have to say the save from the long range Luiz effort was brilliant, as good a save as you'll see all season. It was going right into the top corner with a load of swerve, but he somehow got a hand to it. Amazing.
I was gobsmacked he got to it
That Spammer on Youtube stated Areola had been his MOTM for several matches this season, so whilst not in Martinez category, seems to be a good shot stopper normally.
-
Indeed. I'm starting to worry that we ARE being noticed.
I don't know, there are some or are not noticing anything as per BBC live chat sent just before the Luiz goal.
Gosh this is a poor game. Misplaced passes, build up play far too slow and few clear cut chances. These teams are where they are for a reason.
Alan
That probably says more about 'Alan' than anything else, i.e. that he's clueless.
-
Fantastic win. Felt a bit uneasy when they pulled one back but it all worked out. Ten goals in our last two home games and two points off the top. This season could get very interesting.
-
Indeed. I'm starting to worry that we ARE being noticed.
I don't know, there are some or are not noticing anything as per BBC live chat sent just before the Luiz goal.
Gosh this is a poor game. Misplaced passes, build up play far too slow and few clear cut chances. These teams are where they are for a reason.
Alan
What kind of c**t starts a sentence with 'gosh'?
-
Fantastic win. Felt a bit uneasy when they pulled one back but it all worked out. Ten goals in our last two home games and two points off the top. This season could get very interesting.
Ollie Watkins' header goes a couple inches to the right against Wolves and we'd be second tonight.
-
Indeed. I'm starting to worry that we ARE being noticed.
I don't know, there are some or are not noticing anything as per BBC live chat sent just before the Luiz goal.
Gosh this is a poor game. Misplaced passes, build up play far too slow and few clear cut chances. These teams are where they are for a reason.
Alan
What kind of c**t starts a sentence with 'gosh'?
You'd have to guess at a Tarquin.
-
Indeed. I'm starting to worry that we ARE being noticed.
I don't know, there are some or are not noticing anything as per BBC live chat sent just before the Luiz goal.
Gosh this is a poor game. Misplaced passes, build up play far too slow and few clear cut chances. These teams are where they are for a reason.
Alan
That probably says more about 'Alan' than anything else, i.e. that he's clueless.
As was the total muppet with the Grealish comment.
-
I was there, a great atmosphere and a pulsating game. We really look very good!
there was no atmosphere until the first goal went in, very quiet
Nah, very good atmos today
-
Fantastic win. Felt a bit uneasy when they pulled one back but it all worked out. Ten goals in our last two home games and two points off the top. This season could get very interesting.
It was similar to the Brighton game in that regard. Opposition get a goal back to make it a bit nervy, before we put the hammer down and blow them away.
-
As enjoyable a match I've enjoyed in the past 50 years. Excellent.
-
Indeed. I'm starting to worry that we ARE being noticed.
I don't know, there are some or are not noticing anything as per BBC live chat sent just before the Luiz goal.
Gosh this is a poor game. Misplaced passes, build up play far too slow and few clear cut chances. These teams are where they are for a reason.
Alan
That probably says more about 'Alan' than anything else, i.e. that he's clueless.
As was the total muppet with the Grealish comment.
Indeed. We're on the brink of something very, very special, the last thing we need to be thinking about is that pisshead turncoat.
-
For what it's worth I think we are now better without him.
-
I was there, a great atmosphere and a pulsating game. We really look very good!
there was no atmosphere until the first goal went in, very quiet
Nah, very good atmos today
Strange that it sounded very quiet on the telly today, wonder why that was. Not doubting that the atmosphere was great, just usually it comes across on the box
-
This is brilliant
https://youtu.be/rj1jIdAZJ7c?si=En0cF7d3Nc96Ehjl
Over 13 minutes of ranting where he didn’t come up for air and his face got visibly redder. Glorious!
-
For what it's worth I think we are now better without him.
Same, I think we're a really nicely-rounded side, without need of one talismanic figure, as Grealish was for us.
-
It's amazing how many sets of fans say their side lost because they played shit against us. It's almost as though the way we play makes them look shit.
-
This is brilliant
https://youtu.be/rj1jIdAZJ7c?si=En0cF7d3Nc96Ehjl
Over 13 minutes of ranting where he didn’t come up for air and his face got visibly redder. Glorious!
Without knowing the intricacies of the West Ham set up I thought he made some good points
-
Will the MOTD highlights be longer the ones on West Midlands news?
-
When Leicester won the league in 15-16 they were 5th after 9 games.
-
It was the first match for one of my grandson's today. Still buzzing over how much he enjoyed it.
-
Did they really make Ollie wear his sweaty kit again probably 30 mins after the match so they could interview him on the pitch?
-
When Leicester won the league in 15-16 they were 5th after 9 games.
Be nice to go in the champions league as champions.
-
It was the first match for one of my grandson's today. Still buzzing over how much he enjoyed it.
Ace. What a great first game.
-
Fucking Ben Mee. Dirty bastard.
-
What a 12 months it's been. Mad that winning games at home comfortably has become so routine. I'm with Unai on Dougie after the West Ham goal, he had a poor 10/15 mins (to be fair he wasn't the only one) and it got nervy. Cue two crackers on the break to make it safe. Happy days down the Villa right now (in the league, we've still got the midweek reserve games in the cup to keep our feet on the ground)
-
David Moyes, Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Trevor Brooking, Ray Winston, Danny Dyer, Lady Brady, Mark Noble can you hear me? Mark Noble!! your boys took a hell of a beating!
Up The Villa!
-
From our first game in the Championship.
Yes it says predicted but that was pretty our team except Gardner started in place of Tshibola and Cissokho for Amavi.
(https://e0.365dm.com/16/08/2048x1152/aston-villa-line-up-football_3757672.jpg?20160804110603)
-
Up the fucking villa!!!!!!
-
From our first game in the Championship.
Yes it says predicted but that was pretty our team except Gardner started in place of Tshibola and Cissokho for Amavi.
(https://e0.365dm.com/16/08/2048x1152/aston-villa-line-up-football_3757672.jpg?20160804110603)
oh wow.
-
Watching Villa at home is an absolute joy. Some of the best controlled performances I've ever seen..
-
From our first game in the Championship.
Yes it says predicted but that was pretty our team except Gardner started in place of Tshibola and Cissokho for Amavi.
(https://e0.365dm.com/16/08/2048x1152/aston-villa-line-up-football_3757672.jpg?20160804110603)
Even just three years ago we were still starting likes of Hourihane, Trez and El Ghazi most weeks.
They've all played big parts in our revival up the league by scoring critical goals at key moments. AEG of course with the play off goal but if Trez skies that volley v Arsenal into the North stand we go back down and we have to start afresh.
I have soft spots for all three but the quality we're now watching in final third is lightyears ahead of that.
The cool thing is Luiz and McGinn have been on the premier league journey since day 1 so that's where existing players can considerably improve under the right manager, Mings and Konsa aswell.
-
Just seen West Ham goal took a massive deflection
-
We were brilliant, nobody had a bad game. West Ham are no mugs and we stuck four goals past them without really shifting through the gears. This is a prolonged period of form/results no, it's no fluke. Sides are well aware of our home record but they aren't stopping us. Our manager is routinely outwitting his opposite number.
You can see how much the players have bought into the philosophy. The effort and skill is there but it's the concentration levels and brainpower that makes us so impressive. If the cross isn't on (i.e. it's likely to hit the first man or we don't have the sufficient movement in the box) then go backwards and start again.
It's all about percentages and picking your moments. I enjoyed the spontaneous round of applause which erupted when we went all the way back to Martinez from an advanced crossing position late on rather than just toss the ball in. I know it's easy to support them at 4-1 but the pained appeals to 'get it in the fucking box' are subsiding and the fans are fully understanding the approach now.
Seventeen goals in four league games. Pretty sure it's usually February/March before we score 17 home goals, what this manager has done continues to astound. And he's putting every home hoodoo to bed, one by one, as well. Only Man City left to go.
-
Moyes and Bowen both talking about us as a "top 6" team, which is nice. They both said that it shows the level you have to play at consistently to be a top 6 team and they have some way to go from today's performance. I always find it quite refreshing when post match interviews are honest and reflect reality. I don't mean that in a condescending way either.
Ward-Prowse made similar comments by saying "this is when you realise the gap we still have to overcome"
-
We were brilliant, nobody had a bad game. West Ham are no mugs and we stuck four goals past them without really shifting through the gears. This is a prolonged period of form/results no, it's no fluke. Sides are well aware of our home record but they aren't stopping us. Our manager is routinely outwitting his opposite number.
You can see how much the players have bought into the philosophy. The effort and skill is there but it's the concentration levels and brainpower that makes us so impressive. If the cross isn't on (i.e. it's likely to hit the first man or we don't have the sufficient movement in the box) then go backwards and start again.
It's all about percentages and picking your moments. I enjoyed the spontaneous round of applause which erupted when we went all the way back to Martinez from an advanced crossing position late on rather than just toss the ball in. I know it's easy to support them at 4-1 but the pained appeals to 'get it in the fucking box' are subsiding and the fans are fully understanding the approach now.
Seventeen goals in four league games. Pretty sure it's usually February/March before we score 17 home goals, what this manager has done continues to astound. And he's putting every home hoodoo to bed, one by one, as well. Only Man City left to go.
If we best Citeh at home I think we're properly in it, well as much as anyone else is.
And not only is he burying hoodoos, his funeraling preconceptions about our support being fickle and hard to please dreamt up by shit managers to shift the blame along the way.
-
Today was the 9th game of the season, which is just about the quarter way point, if there's such a thing. 5th in the table, 2 points off the top spot, is a fantastic place to be at this stage, especially after that opening day defeat.
-
Games that used to be hard are a fucking walk in the park now, any team that arrives with any weapons finds them inserted up their own backsides to propel them back from whence they came.
Up the fucking Villa.
Its like magic dust has been sprinkled over Villa park but Its not magic though just better players and a man who fucking sqeezes the every ounce of blood out of opposition. I remember a passage of play in the first half when we knocked it about outside their area and WH players chased shadows, the thought this is like watching man city type of domination came to mind. That play ended with Ollie screwing it wide. Just awesome.
-
Just a bit of praise here
-
This is brilliant
https://youtu.be/rj1jIdAZJ7c?si=En0cF7d3Nc96Ehjl
Over 13 minutes of ranting where he didn’t come up for air and his face got visibly redder. Glorious!
Without knowing the intricacies of the West Ham set up I thought he made some good points
The only thing he gets wrong is saying that man for man they have players of the same quality, that just isn't true in my opinion but on the whole he's right.
-
7 wins from safety.
On a separate note did you see McGinn and Emery giving Martinez pelters for going long near the end when he had a really straightforward out ball to Konsa?
-
This is brilliant
https://youtu.be/rj1jIdAZJ7c?si=En0cF7d3Nc96Ehjl
Over 13 minutes of ranting where he didn’t come up for air and his face got visibly redder. Glorious!
I thought he was pretty fair to be honest apart from the player comparable bit. You could hear the dogs barking in the background probably distressed that their owner was having a meltdown.
-
Obviously it reflected game-state, but I thought Tielemans coming on for Diaby was interesting - I don’t hate the idea of him in that 10 spot, as it negates some of his physical weaknesses and (potentially) makes use of his passing range. 🤔
-
Watching Villa at home is an absolute joy. Some of the best controlled performances I've ever seen..
I think you've hit it on the head here, I think we've played better football in one off games, especially under Smith. But we have never (in my time) had such control over games. Its fucking ace.
-
Just a bit of praise here
Praise but Hargreaves was talking out of his fucking arse.
-
I think what was most satisfying was how much better a side we looked. The result was important, but the football we play being a rung or two above what West Ham are capable of is reassuring.
-
Excellent performance and result. One of those games where it is nigh on impossible to fault overall contributions of anyone. Thought Torres and Konsa were excellent, full back smart as both created time and space for others, Luiz exceptional again, Kamara assured, McGinn everywhere, Zaniola some brilliant touches and the front 2 were excellent again with really good understanding. Tielmans and Bailey combined for 4th.
Emery totally out smarted Moyes
We made the best West Ham team in decades look very ordinary.
-
Them singing ‘champions of Europe’ - are they being ironic or do they believe it? They are Champions of Europe in much the same way as Ipswich were champions of England last season for winning division 3
-
Obviously it reflected game-state, but I thought Tielemans coming on for Diaby was interesting - I don’t hate the idea of him in that 10 spot, as it negates some of his physical weaknesses and (potentially) makes use of his passing range. 🤔
He didn't really go into the 10 slot when he came on. Bailey shifted over to the right, McGinn to the left and it became a central midfield 3. Think it was just to bolster the midfield a bit in the closing stages.
-
Just watched the Sky extended highlights. Some of the comments really pricked my ears. Quoting our old songs (When You’re Smiling, The Bells are Ringing), talking about Spaghetti Junction… it’s almost as if there’s a bit of re-branding of us as one of their favourites.
-
This is brilliant
https://youtu.be/rj1jIdAZJ7c?si=En0cF7d3Nc96Ehjl
Over 13 minutes of ranting where he didn’t come up for air and his face got visibly redder. Glorious!
Without knowing the intricacies of the West Ham set up I thought he made some good points
The only thing he gets wrong is saying that man for man they have players of the same quality, that just isn't true in my opinion but on the whole he's right.
The bloke said they’d spent £400m over the past four seasons so there shouldn’t be a vast gulf in the quality (both have also sold a ‘grealish’) so comparable in many ways. The difference is clearly El Maestro.
-
SKY always have to have a team that is everyone's favourite second team, hopefully that wont be us.
The team played really well yesterday, watching Unai during injury time at the end of the 1st half, he was not happy when we gave the ball away
-
It was a magnificent result, with other teams picking up results. It's starting to look like a very open race for the CL spots and we will need to keep being consistent.
And this without Mings, Moreno and (maybe most importantly) Ramsey. Amazing.
We play some truly top drawer football too.
-
Just a bit of praise here
Praise but Hargreaves was talking out of his fucking arse.
Some of his comments were good, however we bought Luiz and Martinez before Emery showed up Owen. He has improved them since though.
-
SKY always have to have a team that is everyone's favourite second team, hopefully that wont be us.
Don't worry it's brighton.
-
Just watched the Sky extended highlights. Some of the comments really pricked my ears. Quoting our old songs (When You’re Smiling, The Bells are Ringing), talking about Spaghetti Junction… it’s almost as if there’s a bit of re-branding of us as one of their favourites.
The coverage yesterday was the sort of thing that, if we were West Ham, we'd be moaning about the "big team" bias. I prefer the under the radar approach.
-
I agree with Rigadon's comment the player we are missing most through injury is Ramsey
-
Now it's finished I can say; JWP was awful for them. Allowed us to completely overrun their midfield.
Still beat them, even with their customary jammy deflected goal.
-
Just a bit of praise here
Praise but Hargreaves was talking out of his fucking arse.
Some of his comments were good, however we bought Luiz and Martinez before Emery showed up Owen. He has improved them since though.
I turned off when he said Ramsey could be a 'top 4' player. He's right, but just not in the way he thinks.
I get why some of us like being under the radar, but I'm equally sensitive to shit like this in the Guardian's match report:
"Unai Emery can celebrate his first anniversary in charge of Aston Villa on Tuesday safe in the knowledge that he has turned his team into contenders to be considered among the best of the rest."
I think it's clear that we're already more than that.
-
got a big fucking grin on my face this morning :)
UTV
The Doc
-
got a big fucking grin on my face this morning :)
UTV
The Doc
me too , bad back or not
-
Just watched the Sky extended highlights. Some of the comments really pricked my ears. Quoting our old songs (When You’re Smiling, The Bells are Ringing), talking about Spaghetti Junction… it’s almost as if there’s a bit of re-branding of us as one of their favourites.
watching the sky highlights I noticed that that myself
-
Now it's finished I can say; JWP was awful for them. Allowed us to completely overrun their midfield.
Antonio in the first half he’d get into a great position, cut inside, then balloon the ball out of play or back to us every time.
-
I agree with Rigadon's comment the player we are missing most through injury is Ramsey
Ramsey in the form he was last season would take us up another notch in my opinion. Digne has done pretty well so far this season, but I think Moreno would add something extra as well.
-
Now it's finished I can say; JWP was awful for them. Allowed us to completely overrun their midfield.
Antonio in the first half he’d get into a great position, cut inside, then balloon the ball out of play or back to us every time.
Don't the JWP hype - type of game he should be looking to be key influencer. Set piece and flat pitch bully. Never understood what he was going to bring other than that. Kamara and Luiz are superior
-
Thing is you can look shit in midfield when you're up against a properly coached team unlike your own, as every one of our midfielders did just 12 months ago.
-
A bit of an odd game in that we won 4.1 and for all but 10-15 minutes we were on top with most players operating at 7/10 or above yet we looked a little nervy and uncomfortable.
They had very little up front with Antonio having a mare but we seemed to gift them the ball in bad positions. Also very weird that they took so long to react to the Emi > Digne outball to beat their press.
-
Now it's finished I can say; JWP was awful for them. Allowed us to completely overrun their midfield.
Antonio in the first half he’d get into a great position, cut inside, then balloon the ball out of play or back to us every time.
Don't the JWP hype - type of game he should be looking to be key influencer. Set piece and flat pitch bully. Never understood what he was going to bring other than that. Kamara and Luiz are superior
Have always said it, his set pieces are world class, no doubt but there is a reason he left bottom half (& relegated) team and moved to West Ham…if he had the ability to truly influence games the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and even us would have been all over him at the fee….he ended up trading a nonentity club for another nonentity club.
-
I’ve always thought Antonio was over rated and yesterday proved it, he was absolute mince.
-
In fairness to him his midfield colleagues left him massively exposed yesterday. He’s done pretty well for them this season, he just came up against a really strong midfield yesterday.
-
I’ve always thought Antonio was over rated and yesterday proved it, he was absolute mince.
I like him, seems a nice person and he's made the most of the talent he has. He's also getting on for 34, so it's probably about time they upgraded him.
-
We're clearly so much better coached now in every way, but I sat there yesterday and it struck me just how much better the touch of every player is now, balls are smashed into feet at pace but taken with ease.
This time last year Watkins couldn't trap a bag of spuds and he wasn't alone. I reckon the individual work that's been spoken about by some of the players in terms of body positioning is the key for the rapid improvement.
And also Watkins goal, I thought back to the Fulham debacle last season and one of the few times we had the ball in the first half McGinn had the ball in a similar postion to where he was Saturday when he played in Watkins, but the ball went about 10 yards behind Watkins into the stand, and it summed everything up about that point in time.
-
We have better players than West Ham, especially in midfield and obviously they’ve got Antonio upfront who is absolutely woeful whereas we’ve got Watkins, but they do have some decent players
But I’ll tell you something the main difference is managers, that’s where the gulf in class lies
If they had Emery for the last two years as manager and we had Moyes, with the same set of players they would be playing like us and we will be playing like them
Moyes is a typical British manager, we know all about them we’ve had enough over the years ourselves whereas Unai Emery is a football genius
Simple as that
-
I’ve always thought Antonio was over rated and yesterday proved it, he was absolute mince.
I like him, seems a nice person and he's made the most of the talent he has. He's also getting on for 34, so it's probably about time they upgraded him.
I’m sure he’s a lovely bloke but I’ve just never been convinced about this conversion from winger to striker later in his career. He’s made a fist of it to be fair in West Ham’s most successful period for decades but you’re right they do need an upgrade as hes starting to look all of those 34 years.
-
We have better players than West Ham, especially in midfield and obviously they’ve got Antonio upfront who is absolutely woeful whereas we’ve got Watkins, but they do have some decent players
But I’ll tell you something the main difference is managers, that’s where the gulf in class lies
If they had Emery for the last two years as manager and we had Moyes, with the same set of players they would be playing like us and we will be playing like them
Moyes is a typical British manager, we know all about them we’ve had enough over the years ourselves whereas Unai Emery is a football genius
Simple as that
I think we have better players because they are playing to their potential under this manager. West Ham have got some really good players and a decent squad. I reckon if you wound back 12 months and swapped the two managers over yesterdays result would more or less be reveresed and they'd look like they had much better players than us.
-
I’ve always thought Antonio was over rated and yesterday proved it, he was absolute mince.
I like him, seems a nice person and he's made the most of the talent he has. He's also getting on for 34, so it's probably about time they upgraded him.
They’ve tried with Scamacca and Haller (possibly cornet from Watford?). Both those strikers cost around £40m but either didn’t suit Moyes’ tactics or PL football. Every time Antonio plays it must be a reminder of the money they’ve wasted, so a double whammy for the fans. …and not Antonio’s fault.
-
I agree with Rigadon's comment the player we are missing most through injury is Ramsey
Ramsey in the form he was last season would take us up another notch in my opinion. Digne has done pretty well so far this season, but I think Moreno would add something extra as well.
I agree about Ramsey but who would you drop?
-
I agree with Rigadon's comment the player we are missing most through injury is Ramsey
Ramsey in the form he was last season would take us up another notch in my opinion. Digne has done pretty well so far this season, but I think Moreno would add something extra as well.
I agree about Ramsey but who would you drop?
Zaniolo and Digne come out if Ramsey and Moreno are fit.
I watched the highlights of last seasons Newcastle game the other night, my god those two absolutely terrorised Trippier, fair play he's done well to come back from it.
-
I agree with Rigadon's comment the player we are missing most through injury is Ramsey
Ramsey in the form he was last season would take us up another notch in my opinion. Digne has done pretty well so far this season, but I think Moreno would add something extra as well.
I agree about Ramsey but who would you drop?
Zaniola
-
Just a bit of praise here
Praise but Hargreaves was talking out of his fucking arse.
Some of his comments were good, however we bought Luiz and Martinez before Emery showed up Owen. He has improved them since though.
I turned off when he said Ramsey could be a 'top 4' player. He's right, but just not in the way he thinks.
I get why some of us like being under the radar, but I'm equally sensitive to shit like this in the Guardian's match report:
"Unai Emery can celebrate his first anniversary in charge of Aston Villa on Tuesday safe in the knowledge that he has turned his team into contenders to be considered among the best of the rest."
I think it's clear that we're already more than that.
Depends what's included with 'the rest' really. If they mean Abu Dhabi FC and then 19 others, then maybe!
-
Another thing, we've won all of these games at home now, can anyone remember being under any sustained pressure at the end hanging on for the points?
-
Currently having a walk around the fine city of Bergerac and it's full of cockney-sounding English people. I have my Aston Villa woolly hat on and my Villa golf brolly to hand.
-
Just a bit of praise here
Praise but Hargreaves was talking out of his fucking arse.
Some of his comments were good, however we bought Luiz and Martinez before Emery showed up Owen. He has improved them since though.
I turned off when he said Ramsey could be a 'top 4' player. He's right, but just not in the way he thinks.
I get why some of us like being under the radar, but I'm equally sensitive to shit like this in the Guardian's match report:
"Unai Emery can celebrate his first anniversary in charge of Aston Villa on Tuesday safe in the knowledge that he has turned his team into contenders to be considered among the best of the rest."
I think it's clear that we're already more than that.
Depends what's included with 'the rest' really. If they mean Abu Dhabi FC and then 19 others, then maybe!
They mean 7th or 8th. Maybe, if we're lucky.
-
I’ve always thought Antonio was over rated and yesterday proved it, he was absolute mince.
I like him, seems a nice person and he's made the most of the talent he has. He's also getting on for 34, so it's probably about time they upgraded him.
I don't know if Bowen through the middle and Kudus in his position would be better or worse, but definitely worth trying. However Moyes seems to be very reluctant to start Kudus. Maybe because he isn't English and a player he wanted.
-
Currently having a walk around the fine city of Bergerac and it's full of cockney-sounding English people. I have my Aston Villa woolly hat on and my Villa golf brolly to hand.
My regards to Cyrano and his big nose. A glass of Pecharmant later perhaps?
-
Just a bit of praise here
Praise but Hargreaves was talking out of his fucking arse.
Some of his comments were good, however we bought Luiz and Martinez before Emery showed up Owen. He has improved them since though.
I turned off when he said Ramsey could be a 'top 4' player. He's right, but just not in the way he thinks.
I get why some of us like being under the radar, but I'm equally sensitive to shit like this in the Guardian's match report:
"Unai Emery can celebrate his first anniversary in charge of Aston Villa on Tuesday safe in the knowledge that he has turned his team into contenders to be considered among the best of the rest."
I think it's clear that we're already more than that.
Depends what's included with 'the rest' really. If they mean Abu Dhabi FC and then 19 others, then maybe!
They mean 7th or 8th. Maybe, if we're lucky.
Contenders be 7th or 8th - best case. Or 10th-11th would be par for course if we have business as usual season?
-
I think, given the article mentions Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool in the next paragraph, that those clubs are considered the shoo-ins for top 3 by many. But it's ambiguously worded.
-
Fabulous stuff.
Apart from that flukey as fuck goal & a 15 minute spell where we wobbled a bit afterwards, we dominated that game.
Great to see Watkins score & assists. Bailey looks like he is offering something this season, compared to last. Douglas Luiz fantastic as usual.
The most interesting thing for me after the game though was Emery talking about how he wants more from Douglas Luiz. He highlighted a spell where it looked like he took his foot off the gas, to Emery.
This demanding of excellence is why Emery is an elite coach.
-
I think, given the article mentions Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool in the next paragraph, that those clubs are considered the shoo-ins for top 3 by many. But it's ambiguously worded.
I don't expect us to finish above City or Liverpool being brutally honest. If we carry on as is then we'd be in the mix with Arsenal, Spurs and the Biggies below us, depending on how they turn.
-
Just watched the Sky extended highlights. Some of the comments really pricked my ears. Quoting our old songs (When You’re Smiling, The Bells are Ringing), talking about Spaghetti Junction… it’s almost as if there’s a bit of re-branding of us as one of their favourites.
watching the sky highlights I noticed that that myself
Was it Peter Drury on commentary? I didn't realise he was with Sky. I used to find him intensely annoying back in his ITV days but I guess I don't mind if he's blowing smoke up our arse.
-
Top 3 will be Man City arsenal Liverpool imo
4/5 will be a bun fight and up for grabs for a few teams including us
-
I think, given the article mentions Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool in the next paragraph, that those clubs are considered the shoo-ins for top 3 by many. But it's ambiguously worded.
I don't expect us to finish above City or Liverpool being brutally honest. If we carry on as is then we'd be in the mix with Arsenal, Spurs and the Biggies below us, depending on how they turn.
I think it would take a big injury to Rodri or Salah to pull either of those in.
-
Not convinced about Arsenal. They spent a lot of money but haven't impoved and I think Arteta's ego is too big.
-
Top 3 will be Man City arsenal Liverpool imo
4/5 will be a bun fight and up for grabs for a few teams including us
Love a good bun fight. You want to choose one with decent density so that it hits harder on impact.
-
It was a fabulous result given that West Ham are no mugs. All over the pitch we had great play but for a spell of intermittent poor passing in the 2nd half. We executed the passing out from the back very well. It's now got to the stage that I don't have kittens when we start doing it. I might not be so confident if we have to play some of the other squad members in those back positions mind. A special shout out to Tielemans and Bailey who both played their part for the amount of time they had on. I'm still undecided which goal I liked the best between Ollie's and Bailey's. I love seeing the ball being smashed/leathered/whacked into the net in that fashion and that step over by Bailey was filth.
-
Not convinced about Arsenal. They spent a lot of money but haven't impoved and I think Arteta's ego is too big.
Same here.
-
And the almost £100m they lashed out on Havertz and Raya is just mind bogglingly bad business.
-
Currently having a walk around the fine city of Bergerac and it's full of cockney-sounding English people. I have my Aston Villa woolly hat on and my Villa golf brolly to hand.
My regards to Cyrano and his big nose. A glass of Pecharmant later perhaps?
Had two bottles* last night for starters. Today Bergerac Château La Rauly red for lunch and off to Chateau Corbiac, to taste their Pecharmant after a confit of duck with ceps sauce.
*Four of us!
-
KUMB was frothing with hubris pre-match. Reading it now with a beer.
Oh man, found a beauty:
A midfield of Kamara, McGinn and Luiz looks especially feeble...
-
Currently having a walk around the fine city of Bergerac and it's full of cockney-sounding English people. I have my Aston Villa woolly hat on and my Villa golf brolly to hand.
My regards to Cyrano and his big nose. A glass of Pecharmant later perhaps?
Had two bottles* last night for starters. Today Bergerac Château La Rauly red for lunch and off to Chateau Corbiac, to taste their Pecharmant after a confit of duck with ceps sauce.
*Four of us!
Lovely part of the world…tidy drop too
-
I don't think there is much between us and Arsenal either.
-
Just watched the Sky extended highlights. Some of the comments really pricked my ears. Quoting our old songs (When You’re Smiling, The Bells are Ringing), talking about Spaghetti Junction… it’s almost as if there’s a bit of re-branding of us as one of their favourites.
watching the sky highlights I noticed that that myself
Was it Peter Drury on commentary? I didn't realise he was with Sky. I used to find him intensely annoying back in his ITV days but I guess I don't mind if he's blowing smoke up our arse.
He's split. He does some Sky games, but also does games for NBC so we get him for the Saturday 5:30pm game as well as "Super Sunday"
-
It was a great performance but it was a bit too easy to play through West Ham’s half-hearted press. Moyes seemed to set them up to do neither one thing nor the other. Consequently Luiz and Kamara found themselves with 20 yards to run into after two or three passes on numerous occasions.
These are special times at Villa Park. Reminds me of the swashbuckling days of 76/77 with Gray, Deehan, Little, Mortimer et al.
-
Now it's finished I can say; JWP was awful for them. Allowed us to completely overrun their midfield.
Antonio in the first half he’d get into a great position, cut inside, then balloon the ball out of play or back to us every time.
He had an absolute mare didn’t he?
-
KUMB was frothing with hubris pre-match. Reading it now with a beer.
Oh man, found a beauty:
A midfield of Kamara, McGinn and Luiz looks especially feeble...
The same clown suggests they dominated for large chunks as well. Crank.
-
KUMB was frothing with hubris pre-match. Reading it now with a beer.
Oh man, found a beauty:
A midfield of Kamara, McGinn and Luiz looks especially feeble...
The same clown suggests they dominated for large chunks as well. Crank.
To be fair the post immediately after that statement pulls it up and asks "Sorry what?"
-
We had a bit of a wobble after they scored, we did to them what they had been trying to do to us and we hit them on the break.
Great finish by Watkins and that was the game.
-
Not convinced about Arsenal. They spent a lot of money but haven't impoved and I think Arteta's ego is too big.
Although they do have Saliba back and playing who was a big miss for them for the last 3 months of last season.
-
KUMB was frothing with hubris pre-match. Reading it now with a beer.
Oh man, found a beauty:
A midfield of Kamara, McGinn and Luiz looks especially feeble...
The same clown suggests they dominated for large chunks as well. Crank.
Others talking about a rivalry also? I mean they’re our competitors I suppose. I don’t dislike WHU. Historically I think they get talked up a lot more than their achievements actually merit, presumably because of location. They seem to be dimly aware of this, or have some sort of inferiority complex as they’ve shoved “London” on their badge which is really cringe, as is that crossed arms ‘irons’ thing their fans do to the cameras when they’ve scored.
Generally though, I think they’re ok. Work with one from our Leeds office and he’s sound.
-
Haven't read all the thread so sorry if this has been covered but I watched an interview with Ollie and he said that he had a personal striker coach named Rodri who works with him in the week. He analyses the next opposition and gives Ollie a breakdown of their potential weaknesses. He tells Ollie what kind of runs to make and where to position himself for maximum effect. Such attention to detail is astounding and is clearly paying dividends.
-
Not convinced about Arsenal. They spent a lot of money but haven't impoved and I think Arteta's ego is too big.
Although they do have Saliba back and playing who was a big miss for them for the last 3 months of last season.
Very rare I watch 'other' football, but I watched the Chelsea v Arsenal game. Arsenal were outplayed for large chunks of sth game and were lucky to get back into it.
-
KUMB was frothing with hubris pre-match. Reading it now with a beer.
Oh man, found a beauty:
A midfield of Kamara, McGinn and Luiz looks especially feeble...
The same clown suggests they dominated for large chunks as well. Crank.
Haha, that clown needs to watch the first goal again…Moyes had set them up to play for set pieces…the first time that five of them jumped out to attack BANG we were in behind them…their feeble midfield cost them after 20 odd minutes sitting in deep
-
Unfortunately Chelsea are showing signs of getting their act together, which I suppose is to be expected as Posh is a good coach. They also have a squad to cope with injuries and suspensions.
-
Forget their cranky forum posts on KUMB , who heard them lot singing ....we know what we are ...CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ..we know what we are ,, i literally couldnt get my breath laughing .. mind you these same clowns actually believe west ham won the world cup ffs
-
Unfortunately Chelsea are showing signs of getting their act together, which I suppose is to be expected as Posh is a good coach. They also have a squad to cope with injuries and suspensions.
I thought that. They are a decent centre forward away from being a threat again I'd say. I think where we finish is going to come down to the results we get against the top half teams, because the bottom half looks very ordinary, certainly in comparison with the top half this year. So results against the likes of West Ham and Brighton (and Chelsea) are so important.
-
Forget their cranky forum posts on KUMB , who heard them lot singing ....we know what we are ...CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ..we know what we are ,, i literally couldnt get my breath laughing .. mind you these same clowns actually believe west ham won the world cup ffs
Technically correct, but missing context!
-
We're clearly so much better coached now in every way, but I sat there yesterday and it struck me just how much better the touch of every player is now, balls are smashed into feet at pace but taken with ease.
This time last year Watkins couldn't trap a bag of spuds and he wasn't alone. I reckon the individual work that's been spoken about by some of the players in terms of body positioning is the key for the rapid improvement.
And also Watkins goal, I thought back to the Fulham debacle last season and one of the few times we had the ball in the first half McGinn had the ball in a similar postion to where he was Saturday when he played in Watkins, but the ball went about 10 yards behind Watkins into the stand, and it summed everything up about that point in time.
Good point, you can have a tactical genius as a manager but if the players can not do the basics really well it means nothing. I would expect that the drills and training includes lots of ball and technique work. Its lovely to see players looking so assured. Just brilliant.
-
Unfortunately Chelsea are showing signs of getting their act together, which I suppose is to be expected as Posh is a good coach. They also have a squad to cope with injuries and suspensions.
They do but Gusto seems to single-handedly wish to assist opponents.
-
Also, as well as Chelsea played they ended up with one point, the kind of thing that happens to teams lacking confidence and is hard to shake off.
-
KUMB was frothing with hubris pre-match. Reading it now with a beer.
Oh man, found a beauty:
A midfield of Kamara, McGinn and Luiz looks especially feeble...
The same clown suggests they dominated for large chunks as well. Crank.
Haha, that clown needs to watch the first goal again…Moyes had set them up to play for set pieces…the first time that five of them jumped out to attack BANG we were in behind them…their feeble midfield cost them after 20 odd minutes sitting in deep
Paqueta, for that first goal, was absolutely pathetic, just ambling around on the edge of his own area letting us do what we wanted. I'd have been furious if one of our players had done that.
-
I just knew he was going to smash the ball down the middle for the pen. He puts it where he wants and no goalkeeper will have a clue where he's going to put it.
Good job the opposing keepers don't have your insight.
Insight? I wish, I've no idea where he'll put the next one. What is it, three penalties this season for Dougie. One to the left, one to the right, now one down the middle. He's so bloody confident taking them and has that Brazilian flair to calmly place it where he wants, cool as you like.
-
Forget their cranky forum posts on KUMB , who heard them lot singing ....we know what we are ...CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ..we know what we are ,, i literally couldnt get my breath laughing .. mind you these same clowns actually believe west ham won the world cup ffs
Let's not pretend we won't sing that if we win the Conference League this season.
-
West Ham are champions of Europe in the same way they won the World Cup.
-
Also, as well as Chelsea played they ended up with one point, the kind of thing that happens to teams lacking confidence and is hard to shake off.
KUMB was frothing with hubris pre-match. Reading it now with a beer.
Oh man, found a beauty:
A midfield of Kamara, McGinn and Luiz looks especially feeble...
The same clown suggests they dominated for large chunks as well. Crank.
Haha, that clown needs to watch the first goal again…Moyes had set them up to play for set pieces…the first time that five of them jumped out to attack BANG we were in behind them…their feeble midfield cost them after 20 odd minutes sitting in deep
Paqueta, for that first goal, was absolutely pathetic, just ambling around on the edge of his own area letting us do what we wanted. I'd have been furious if one of our players had done that.
He can certainly play , but he lacks discipline to play in that middle
-
Arsenal improved 15 points and 3 places (5th to 2nd), from 2021/22 to 2022/23 genuinely think we’re capable of something similar in terms of improvement.
First time since 1920 we’ve scored 3 or more in our first 4 home games. Remarkable.
-
What a brilliant win and I think we will only get better.
-
What a brilliant win and I think we will only get better.
Rem acu tetigisti. It's not just that we look good - it's the feeling you constantly get that this is just the beginning.
-
Forget their cranky forum posts on KUMB , who heard them lot singing ....we know what we are ...CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ..we know what we are ,, i literally couldnt get my breath laughing .. mind you these same clowns actually believe west ham won the world cup ffs
Let's not pretend we won't sing that if we win the Conference League this season.
'Champions of Europe, you shouldn't sing that'.
Will they sing it to Man City?
-
Forget their cranky forum posts on KUMB , who heard them lot singing ....we know what we are ...CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ..we know what we are ,, i literally couldnt get my breath laughing .. mind you these same clowns actually believe west ham won the world cup ffs
I think you're missing the element of self-deprecating humour contained in that to be honest mate.
-
Forget their cranky forum posts on KUMB , who heard them lot singing ....we know what we are ...CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ..we know what we are ,, i literally couldnt get my breath laughing .. mind you these same clowns actually believe west ham won the world cup ffs
Let's not pretend we won't sing that if we win the Conference League this season.
'Champions of Europe, you shouldn't sing that'.
Will they sing it to Man City?
No we wont need to as we have been champions of europe
-
Forget their cranky forum posts on KUMB , who heard them lot singing ....we know what we are ...CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ..we know what we are ,, i literally couldnt get my breath laughing .. mind you these same clowns actually believe west ham won the world cup ffs
I think you're missing the element of self-deprecating humour contained in that to be honest mate.
Not a chance were they being self depreciating ...they actually believe it ..just like they sing that they won the world cup , absolute clowns
-
If we had the number of players they did in that final, including the captain and the guy who scored a hattrick, there's absolutely zero chance that we wouldn't be singing that song to this day. We'd be crowing about it like nobody's business.
-
I remember being in the away end at Plymouth and Villa singing we are the champions. We eventually came runners up.
-
Anyone seen Sendo?
-
MIA!
-
I'll be honest, I can remember the days when I used to set off to VP with an air of resignation. Nowadays, I can't wait for the next game. We're playing fluent, exciting football with everyone knowing their role. The transformation under Unai is quite remarkable. As someone said earlier, it does remind me of 76/77 under Sir Ron. Happy days.
-
I just had the strangest thought. I was thinking that I hope Fulham win tonight against Spurs because it's better for our top four chances! I think I might be going crazy. All your fault Unai.
-
I just had the strangest thought. I was thinking that I hope Fulham win tonight against Spurs because it's better for our top four chances! I think I might be going crazy. All your fault Unai.
Yep keep it tight. We don't wanna have to wait until Christmas to hitntop spot
-
I just had the strangest thought. I was thinking that I hope Fulham win tonight against Spurs because it's better for our top four chances! I think I might be going crazy. All your fault Unai.
That's perfectly logical, plus it's Spurzz.
The fact that we'll be hoping Yanited beat Citeh next weekend, because it's better for our title chances, is Unai's fault. ;)
-
It's nice not to be supporting the baddies again to help our chances of staying up
-
I just had the strangest thought. I was thinking that I hope Fulham win tonight against Spurs because it's better for our top four chances! I think I might be going crazy. All your fault Unai.
Yep keep it tight. We don't wanna have to wait until Christmas to hitntop spot
Fulham beat Spurs and then we beat Fulham in a couple of weeks to go top. Perfect.
-
Anyone seen Sendo?
I had a quick scan of KUMB earlier and he was telling them how much we lived him on here. Mind you that was before kick off yesterday.
-
And the almost £100m they lashed out on Havertz and Raya is just mind bogglingly bad business.
Raya is on loan from Brentford and has not been bought by Arsenal.
-
And the almost £100m they lashed out on Havertz and Raya is just mind bogglingly bad business.
Raya is on loan from Brentford and has not been bought by Arsenal.
Apparently the loan fee is £3m with an obligation for another £27m
-
Raya might have had a ropey couple of games, but he’s an excellent player. I’m also pretty sure Havertz has immense potential - those signings might not look odd in a few months.
-
Watching Villa at home is an absolute joy. Some of the best controlled performances I've ever seen..
I often think about fans like yourself travelling a long way to watch the Villa at home. You have my total respect and I am so pleased that your journey back nowadays is full of joy.
The 1983 run must have passed me by as I can't remember ever Villa consistently being this good and that includes 1981/82, 1989/90 and BFR's team in 93. UTFV.
-
Havertz has had 'massive potential' for the last 4 years at least and I'm still yet to see anything really, he's the German Mason Mount.
-
Havertz has had 'massive potential' for the last 4 years at least and I'm still yet to see anything really, he's the German Mason Mount.
technically very good though a good coach would get more out of them
They would both be Ballers under Emery
I don’t want them I’m just saying
-
Havertz has had 'massive potential' for the last 4 years at least and I'm still yet to see anything really, he's the German Mason Mount.
Agreed, he's shit.
Not even sure what he's supposed to be trying to do half the time, a terrible signing.
-
Havertz has had 'massive potential' for the last 4 years at least and I'm still yet to see anything really, he's the German Mason Mount.
Agreed, he's shit.
Not even sure what he's supposed to be trying to do half the time, a terrible signing.
Two of the Chelsea midfield they beat last season were in the team for Arsenal this season (one starter, one sub).
-
I think Havertz has the potential be more than decent but I'm hoping he stays the flop that he currently is. We can then pick him up in the summer in the bargain bin.
-
Maybe if he has a few good dinners he might liven up a bit.
-
I think Havertz has the potential be more than decent but I'm hoping he stays the flop that he currently is. We can then pick him up in the summer in the bargain bin.
Do we really want a 'Kai' in our team? It's not even short for 'Kaiser'.
-
Sky Preseter
"I can barely hear you Karen, and that's not a bad thing"
I cracked up at that when he said it... 😂
-
Havertz has had 'massive potential' for the last 4 years at least and I'm still yet to see anything really, he's the German Mason Mount.
technically very good though a good coach would get more out of them
They would both be Ballers under Emery
I don’t want them I’m just saying
Would they be taking Cinderella and dancing a Waltz or Foxtrot?
-
Havertz has had 'massive potential' for the last 4 years at least and I'm still yet to see anything really, he's the German Mason Mount.
Champions league winning goal? They were both very good under Tuchel at Chelsea but have lost their way since. Both very odd signings for their current clubs. Mount is effectively competing with Fernandez and Havertz with Odegaard.
-
Havertz has had 'massive potential' for the last 4 years at least and I'm still yet to see anything really, he's the German Mason Mount.
technically very good though a good coach would get more out of them
They would both be Ballers under Emery
I don’t want them I’m just saying
Would they be taking Cinderella and dancing a Waltz or Foxtrot?
Argentinian tango with Emi
-
Havertz has had 'massive potential' for the last 4 years at least and I'm still yet to see anything really, he's the German Mason Mount.
Spot on.
-
I think Havertz has the potential be more than decent but I'm hoping he stays the flop that he currently is. We can then pick him up in the summer in the bargain bin.
Do we really want a 'Kai' in our team? It's not even short for 'Kaiser'.
Hadn't thought of that, we'd have to change his name as well as the way he plays the game.
-
I think Havertz has the potential be more than decent but I'm hoping he stays the flop that he currently is. We can then pick him up in the summer in the bargain bin.
Do we really want a 'Kai' in our team? It's not even short for 'Kaiser'.
Hadn't thought of that, we'd have to change his name as well as the way he plays the game.
Speak of names Adolf Hütter the Monaco coach calls himself Adi.
-
I'll bet he does.
-
Never wanted the shirt number 18 in his playing days either.
-
I think Havertz has the potential be more than decent but I'm hoping he stays the flop that he currently is. We can then pick him up in the summer in the bargain bin.
Do we really want a 'Kai' in our team? It's not even short for 'Kaiser'.
Hadn't thought of that, we'd have to change his name as well as the way he plays the game.
Indeed, Kai is only acceptable in footballing circles if it's preceded by 'Dave Mac'.
-
I think Havertz has the potential be more than decent but I'm hoping he stays the flop that he currently is. We can then pick him up in the summer in the bargain bin.
Do we really want a 'Kai' in our team? It's not even short for 'Kaiser'.
Kai is a Maori word for food apparently. Did you ever eat Here (https://www.kairestaurant.ie/). Sea Road Galway City. We did once, well worth the experience, expensive though.
-
Well worth it, if a bit biased as i'm pals with the owners. Deep in Deacy country too.
-
Well worth it, if a bit biased as i'm pals with the owners. Deep in Deacy country too.
A lovely spot isn't it. We also had a coffee in there when it was a florist!