Post by: Footy-Vill on November 27, 2023, 01:00:56 PM
The Project for Aston Villa was to compete in ‘upper echelons’
Back when Dean Smith was coach he said the club wanted to ‘emulate and surpass’ Leicester’s progress.
It wasn't all smooth with Gerrard but it's an upward trajectory since Emery is now our man.
An elite manager taking us to elite levels. As the owners have always wanted.
Emery now has us in European Competition and in the top 4 contending for Champions League he said it was with Aston Villa "An ultimate aim of playing is to be in the Champions League"
On 26th November 2023 Villa moved to fourth place in the Prem after a statement victory.
Emery said afterwards:
“There are seven contenders to be in the top four: Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea. We are not a contender"
But he was smiling. He was playing down expectations.
And 5th place is a possibility for an expanded Champions League next season.
2 of the best performing teams from leagues in Europe 23/24 will be awarded an extra place.
So the very real discussion now that Villa are a Champions League contender?
I think and believe Villa are.
I'm honoured and thrilled to open this thread to focus on and discuss Champions League aims for this season and beyond!
Go Villa!
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 28, 2023, 07:55:16 PM
I very much hoping we'll be involved next season.
Love big European Games!
Post by: ChicagoLion on November 28, 2023, 07:57:07 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on November 28, 2023, 08:04:52 PM
Rhymes with African car reverser.
Assonance
Post by: Pete3206 on November 28, 2023, 08:06:14 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on November 28, 2023, 08:54:39 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 28, 2023, 08:57:03 PM
This thread only has an unhappy ending.
Same as most of your new player threads :P
Post by: olaftab on November 28, 2023, 08:58:12 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on November 28, 2023, 09:05:26 PM
This thread only has an unhappy ending.
Same as most of your new player threads :P
Haha I think you’ll find my new player threads are mostly fucking brilliant. And Joe Bryant is a ******.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 28, 2023, 09:43:47 PM
I believe the aim of this thread is for when people feel ready to join the discussion then they are more than welcome to chat about us , Aston Villa as contenders and our champions league aspirations.
If you don't feel ready to discuss or contribute about Villa going for Champions League and are more cautious or set in ways of thinking that's ok I do understand , but really there is no business for you in this area as it's not aiding Champions League discussion.
Don't you see this is new, it's a good opportunity to open minds to a new way of thinking
Just like Emery has with the players.
I want to and hope to watch Villa in the Champions League next season.
There I said it!
And feel better for sharing it !
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 28, 2023, 09:55:26 PM
If we're in the top 4 in April, I'll take this seriously.
This thread only has an unhappy ending.
Oh FFS.Consider that the mainstream media, including print, digital, and social and media formats, are increasingly including and discussing Villa, including discussion and acknowledgment as a prospective Champions League team!
Not having this thread about Champions League would not be honouring the progress and dreams we have for our fantastic club.
It's a disservice to everyone on H and V if I didn't start a specific Champions League section.
The Champions League aim is a present and ongoing situation for me. And the club. And I'm sure pretty much every one here. Yes It's a dream, it's somewhat optimistic, but it's also a target and possible. It's certainly far from impossible.
So I stand and say if you want to join the dream and communicate your hopes about Champions League qualifying, then go ahead. I can tell you! It feels great !
There's nothing to lose. We have hope, we have an opportunity, and why not discuss it?
Emery isn't asking his players to be hiding away or thinking not of progress and not pursuing aspirations, and neither should we on H and V
In any case, ideally, everyone wil be here come sooner rather than later.
Up The Villa!
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on November 28, 2023, 10:09:13 PM
1) Politely decline to partake on the basis that the majority of contestants are not champions.
or
2) Reluctantly accept and once we have achieved utter domination we can from a position of strength insist it reverts to a knock out format which you can only enter if you have actually won your domestic league or are the existing holders from the previous season ?
Post by: Risso on November 28, 2023, 10:18:25 PM
Post by: Beard82 on November 28, 2023, 10:19:54 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 28, 2023, 11:47:31 PM
Bumping your own thread after nobody replied and it disappeared onto page 2? Sad, very sad indeed.
Yes, I understand where the lack of comments and belief stems from, given that we have never qualified for Champions League football and have never competed in the Champions League format competition.
Perhaps we should make a new forum rule that no discussion about the Champions League should take place unless we actually officially qualify.
Oh no, Champions League talk whatever next ?! Let's leave that to the other Clubs who are serious in contending eh? Let us not be allowed to discuss our own hopes and the owners' or Emery's hopes and desires. No perhaps we should just hope Villa do not try to progress as a club. Is that more of what the thinking and tone is Risso and other people? Because that ain't what this thread is about so sorry to disappoint you !!
Because I'll tell you something.
You'll change over the course of this season. Some people will take longer than others to accept that Villa are Champions League Contenders.
Emery instilled belief to the players and I'm passing the message on here.
We can all feel proud of our club and the ambition.
Post by: Drummond on November 28, 2023, 11:57:17 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 12:07:49 AM
Why wasn't it called Title Contender?There's scope for that if we beat both Man City and Arsenal within days of each other and extending the Unbeaten Villa Park run in the process!
I imagine if we did beat them both even more people may start to believe in the Champions League qualification.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/21564/12940385/explained-how-more-than-four-premier-league-teams-can-qualify-for-next-seasons-champions-league#.
Including : Unai talking about Champions League
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 12:20:07 AM
How Unai Emery Made Aston Villa Champions League Contenders
I thought this was a good watch and discusses with a little bit of detail why we are successful. A lot of it we already realise but a few of the stats were surprising.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 12:42:09 AM
Points Total Team finish 4th and 5th Prem Last 5 Seasons.Emery 38 leagues games 77 pts
Gerrard 38 league games 44 pts
And Deano's last 38 league games - 46 pts.
Some improvement wasn't a surprise given Unai's the first time World Class manager Villa have had in my lifetime. After last season's 'miracle' run to Europe, I expected the 2+ ppg pace to drop off but that hasn't happened yet. Truly remarkable what he's achieved in a year.
4th
22/23: 71pts
21/22: 71pts
20/21: 67pts
19/20: 66pts
18/19: 71pts
5th
22/23: 67pts
21/22: 69pts
20/21: 66pts
19/20: 62pts
18/19: 70pts
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 02:55:03 PM
Its more than 10 years since Unai managed Valencia to 3 top 3 consecutive seasons since 2011/12 with the exception of his two Ligue 1 seasons at PSG, Unai has coached six clubs and he has never finished in the top four.
In that same period of these last 12 seasons Unai highest achievements are three top-five finishes (two in Spain one in England) never finished lower than eighth in England or ninth in Spain
Post by: Risso on November 29, 2023, 02:56:26 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 02:56:45 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on November 29, 2023, 03:27:26 PM
Post by: jwarry on November 29, 2023, 03:33:15 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 03:42:56 PM
Oh do go away, you horrific troll.
Giggle’sIt's not funny to mentally torment me, poking fun and it's not acceptable to name call, it's not only rude and unwelcome, but it also violates site rules.
I already suggested the aim of this particular thread and if you don't want to discuss Villas champions league quest then don't have to but there's no need to disparage others because that's seemingly the intention.
But specifically these posts in what way are they helpful or contributing to discussion?
Personally I found it fascinating from my research to discover that
since 2011/12 with the exception of his two Ligue 1 seasons at PSG, Unai has coached six clubs and he has never finished in the top four and added here as part of the discussion
It's okay if you disagree with views or ideas, but please be reasonable! Stop picking on me!
Post by: Clark W Griswold on November 29, 2023, 03:49:03 PM
Oh do go away, you horrific troll.Giggle’sStop picking on me!
The thing is, the way i see it you are picking on the rest of us by continuing on with this pointless self important waffle even though countless people have told you, time and time again to pipe the fuck down.
So for the thousandth time, could you pipe the fuck down? Specifically in this instance, there is still 2/3rds of the season to go so we really don't need a separate discussion for this currently.
Post by: Clampy on November 29, 2023, 03:56:30 PM
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on November 29, 2023, 03:58:12 PM
To lock the thread and a few more of his other pointless attempts.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 05:01:10 PM
When I haven't done anything wrong anyway.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 05:21:22 PM
Footy, if we are still there or thereabouts come maybe the end of Feb, early March, then it might be something to focus on and get excited about, not in November. It really is as simple as that.Yes that's fair. But if people do or don't before then there's the option and opportunity. Like many other football will be so it's up to the individual
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 05:22:18 PM
We need a man that can...I kindly requested for people to stop picking on me
To lock the thread and a few more of his other pointless attempts.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 05:24:52 PM
Please stop being insensitive and hostile.Oh do go away, you horrific troll.Giggle’sStop picking on me!
The thing is, the way i see it you are picking on the rest of us by continuing on with this pointless self important waffle even though countless people have told you, time and time again to pipe the fuck down.
So for the thousandth time, could you pipe the fuck down? Specifically in this instance, there is still 2/3rds of the season to go so we really don't need a separate discussion for this currently.
If you don't want to talk about the Champions League, then don't, but please stop trying to stop others if I or anyone else wants to enjoy the ambition!
Live and let live.
Reported
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 05:28:36 PM
Post by: Risso on November 29, 2023, 05:29:05 PM
Post by: Dave on November 29, 2023, 05:45:06 PM
Post by: andyh on November 29, 2023, 06:19:31 PM
I really don’t understand the personal attacks on him or any poster really.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 06:43:24 PM
Many Thanks
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 29, 2023, 07:01:43 PM
Quote from: Forum Rules
PMs
Private messages are intended to be simply that - PRIVATE. Anyone posting the contents of a private message in any forum will result in action being taken.
Post by: olaftab on November 29, 2023, 07:04:55 PM
Hi Dave I sent a message and appreciate that you have commented and I've addressed my concerns and how it's making me feeling.OK, one way to avoid feeling hurt is to not start pointless threads and then keep bumping it up when others are ignoring it. You can't chase attention and then complain about it.
Many Thanks
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 07:05:50 PM
Uh-oh!Please stop you're not funny!Quote from: Forum RulesPMs
Private messages are intended to be simply that - PRIVATE. Anyone posting the contents of a private message in any forum will result in action being taken.
I was thanking for replying here and informing I sent a message with how I'm feeling and concerns. No one has disclosed anything!
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 07:09:43 PM
Hi Dave I sent a message and appreciate that you have commented and I've addressed my concerns and how it's making me feeling.OK, one way to avoid feeling hurt is to not start pointless threads and then keep bumping it up when others are ignoring it. You can't chase attention and then complain about it.
Many Thanks
Theres no intention other than to merely attempt to encourage discussion on Champions League possiblity and I'm being lambasted and mistreated because it's not what people want to read or think about. But some do and as I keep saying media talks of Champions league so why can't we have a thread without hostility
Post by: Clark W Griswold on November 29, 2023, 07:10:03 PM
Please stop being insensitive and hostile.Oh do go away, you horrific troll.Giggle’sStop picking on me!
The thing is, the way i see it you are picking on the rest of us by continuing on with this pointless self important waffle even though countless people have told you, time and time again to pipe the fuck down.
So for the thousandth time, could you pipe the fuck down? Specifically in this instance, there is still 2/3rds of the season to go so we really don't need a separate discussion for this currently.
If you don't want to talk about the Champions League, then don't, but please stop trying to stop others if I or anyone else wants to enjoy the ambition!
Live and let live.
Reported
All I can say is that you’re getting worse. The chronic attention seeking is not a good look and regardless of rules or (if there are) breaches of the reality is that you’re just embarrassing yourself at the moment.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 07:12:52 PM
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported things and just can't take it anymore
Post by: olaftab on November 29, 2023, 07:14:10 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on November 29, 2023, 07:20:57 PM
Regardless of the content of his posts, footy is always polite and courteous.
I really don’t understand the personal attacks on him or any poster really.
Seconded.
Post by: Legion on November 29, 2023, 07:36:02 PM
Post by: paul_e on November 29, 2023, 07:45:28 PM
However, on topic I don't see any value in the stats about where Emery has finished with other teams. Even if there was any relevance to that it becomes lost when you randomly exclude him winning the title with PSG.
Post by: Mister E on November 29, 2023, 07:51:42 PM
Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 08:07:45 PM
'Unai Emery insists the Premier League remains Aston Villa’s priority as he prepares to rotate his starting XI for Thursday’s meeting with Legia Warsaw.
Yet Emery’s focus remains the league, with many at Villa believing they have a strong chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
With up to five places available to English clubs for the 2024-25 competition, fourth-placed Villa will leave nothing to chance on the domestic front:
"The most important competition for us is the Premier League
The European positions for us are very difficult for us to get this season, but we are now in. We have to be demanding in how we face each match."
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 08:11:10 PM
Oh sure . I addressed that it's not everyone's way of thinking and very mindful that some aren't ready to talk terms. Equally this is opportunity to do so .Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
. Anyway ...
The Hearld Scotland opens with :
"Even John McGinn, the least ‘follow the media training script’ Premier League footballer, isn’t too keen to talk about it. But on current trajectory, Aston Villa can only fly under the radar for so long.
A desire to remain inconspicuous isn’t really compatible with repeatedly winning important football matches, unfortunately. A highly impressive 2-1 victory over all-action Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday hoisted Unai Emery and his players above their opponents and into the top four, two points off Arsenal at the top, one behind Manchester City, and level with Liverpool. The inevitable question afterwards became – are they Champions League material?"
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 08:22:54 PM
McGinn:
It’s my job and the manager’s job to keep a lid on things, We’ve got a really important month ahead, and then after that we can maybe analyse what our ambitions are. It’s our job to just keep going, enjoy the ride and you never know
The Hearld Scotland:
They also represent the changing face of the Premier League, in which there are no longer cast-iron guarantees that the traditional powerhouses will dine eternally at the top table. Where the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have slumped, clubs such Villa have emerged. Re-emerged is perhaps the more appropriate term, given their proud history, but the point stands: their strength, and the strength of others like them, is making the Premier League’s ‘big six’ – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man United, and Tottenham – an increasingly malleable concept.
With hindsight, this was always bound to happen.
Post by: mike on November 29, 2023, 08:24:00 PM
Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
I 100% agree with this. I attribute my provenance from the wonderful City of Birmingham as a huge contributory factor in my clinical depression and my refusal to believe that what is happening right now at Villa Park is going to last. I would also attribute some neurodiversity issues to Footy's communication style. I don't think he can communicate or read social signals the way most people do. If he did, he'd have stopped posting here a long time ago. So, as the father of a 'special' boy, I'd just say go easy on him, he means no harm. And he loves the Villa.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on November 29, 2023, 08:47:29 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 10:43:20 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 10:55:55 PM
Please tell me I can root for Galatasaray tonight without hindering 5th place CL spot to muchI hope this helps.
Well, ideally, but reluctantly, we would like to see English teams advance as far as possible in the Champions League and Europa League.
Going out in the group stages is not good.
The two top performing leagues in Europe this season will receive extra Champions League slots.
The English Premier League would have received one of those in 5 of the previous 6 seasons.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 29, 2023, 10:57:56 PM
Thanks. All the best to you. And your son.Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
I 100% agree with this. I attribute my provenance from the wonderful City of Birmingham as a huge contributory factor in my clinical depression and my refusal to believe that what is happening right now at Villa Park is going to last. I would also attribute some neurodiversity issues to Footy's communication style. I don't think he can communicate or read social signals the way most people do. If he did, he'd have stopped posting here a long time ago. So, as the father of a 'special' boy, I'd just say go easy on him, he means no harm. And he loves the Villa.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on November 30, 2023, 12:50:46 AM
Please stop the post directly above thank you...Reported. sick of it.
No. No. Just no.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on November 30, 2023, 12:53:45 AM
Please stop the post directly above thank you...Reported. sick of it.
No. No. Just no.
… there’s no limits.
This is fun!
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on November 30, 2023, 12:59:53 AM
Post by: Mellin on November 30, 2023, 03:40:14 AM
I would also attribute some neurodiversity issues to Footy's communication style. I don't think he can communicate or read social signals the way most people do. If he did, he'd have stopped posting here a long time ago. So, as the father of a 'special' boy, I'd just say go easy on him, he means no harm. And he loves the Villa.Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
This is quite clearly what is going on here and has been obvious for years now. Treatment of him is quite distasteful to be honest.
How would you treat someone in person who struggles with societal norms? With a pile on?
Post by: Oklahoma on November 30, 2023, 04:30:22 AM
Please stop the post directly above thank you...Reported. sick of it.
Don't give up mate.
All the best to you and UTV.
Post by: IFWaters on November 30, 2023, 05:36:42 AM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on November 30, 2023, 07:54:03 AM
Post by: AV84 on November 30, 2023, 08:27:32 AM
Newcastle, although performing well in the CL, are feeling the strain of those extra games. Man Utd, who have a similar enough record to us this season in the league are struggling. Even Brighton are feeling the cost of Europa League on their squad now.
Obviously we're not going to turn it down if we get it, but I'd be happy enough with Europa next season.
Post by: Nelly on November 30, 2023, 08:41:11 AM
Since some people don't like the optimisim how about this, does anyone think we'd be better off in the Europa League next season and build towards Champions League?
Newcastle, although performing well in the CL, are feeling the strain of those extra games. Man Utd, who have a similar enough record to us this season in the league are struggling. Even Brighton are feeling the cost of Europa League on their squad now.
Obviously we're not going to turn it down if we get it, but I'd be happy enough with Europa next season.
If you ignore the Gerrard experiement, Villa have really overachieved, going back to Deano's time. We were promoted ahead of what could reasonably be expected by Smith, we stayed up, could have won a League Cup and now have qualified for a European competition and are pushing for Champions League contention - all of that in only a few years.
I think sack it, lets just be as good as we can be and see what happens.
Post by: AV84 on November 30, 2023, 08:46:51 AM
If you ignore the Gerrard experiement, Villa have really overachieved, going back to Deano's time. We were promoted ahead of what could reasonably be expected by Smith, we stayed up, could have won a League Cup and now have qualified for a European competition and are pushing for Champions League contention - all of that in only a few years.
I think sack it, lets just be as good as we can be and see what happens.
Well yes, that's the thing isn't it. Nobody at the club is going to say "ease off on the wins a bit lads, we're only aiming for Europa". We'll end up where we end up.
I suppose if we had Mings and Buendia back, and 2 or 3 new faces in, we'd have a decent size squad to deal with 2 competitions, one being a big step up from this season's 2nd. I think before the injuries I listed on here 2 completely different starting 11s that were, at the time, decent looking sides. Obviously there's been some ins and outs since, and some fringe players are clearly not in Emery's plans. But there's 2 more transfer windows to enjoy before next season, and I'd trust them to get those right too.
Post by: Risso on November 30, 2023, 09:32:34 AM
Since some people don't like the optimisim how about this, does anyone think we'd be better off in the Europa League next season and build towards Champions League?
Newcastle, although performing well in the CL, are feeling the strain of those extra games. Man Utd, who have a similar enough record to us this season in the league are struggling. Even Brighton are feeling the cost of Europa League on their squad now.
Obviously we're not going to turn it down if we get it, but I'd be happy enough with Europa next season.
Erm, not really. In terms of extra games it doesn’t really matter what competition it is, surely? Champions League, please. As Champions, naturally.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on November 30, 2023, 09:36:43 AM
If you ignore the Gerrard experiement, Villa have really overachieved, going back to Deano's time. We were promoted ahead of what could reasonably be expected by Smith, we stayed up, could have won a League Cup
I don't think we over achieved in Deano's time, and if anything we were at times rather fortunate during his tenure.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on November 30, 2023, 10:07:41 AM
I would also attribute some neurodiversity issues to Footy's communication style. I don't think he can communicate or read social signals the way most people do. If he did, he'd have stopped posting here a long time ago. So, as the father of a 'special' boy, I'd just say go easy on him, he means no harm. And he loves the Villa.Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
This is quite clearly what is going on here and has been obvious for years now. Treatment of him is quite distasteful to be honest.
How would you treat someone in person who struggles with societal norms? With a pile on?
Absolutely not, they'd be treated with some sympathy and a lot of respect.
The problem is, how are you supposed to tell that on an internet forum and not just see it as a wind up? Genuine question and i'm not trying to be an arse about such matters but you say that it's 'quite clearly what is going on here'. I'm very sure that all those that lose patience with him don't currently see it that way, because if they did they would treat him a lot differently.
Post by: Risso on November 30, 2023, 10:31:54 AM
If you ignore the Gerrard experiement, Villa have really overachieved, going back to Deano's time. We were promoted ahead of what could reasonably be expected by Smith, we stayed up, could have won a League Cup
I don't think we over achieved in Deano's time, and if anything we were at times rather fortunate during his tenure.
He did well in the promotion season by making up for Bruce's abysmal start, but you're right, a team with the likes of McGinn, Grealish, Abraham and Mings didn't overachieve by going up.
Post by: paul_e on November 30, 2023, 10:39:06 AM
I would also attribute some neurodiversity issues to Footy's communication style. I don't think he can communicate or read social signals the way most people do. If he did, he'd have stopped posting here a long time ago. So, as the father of a 'special' boy, I'd just say go easy on him, he means no harm. And he loves the Villa.Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
This is quite clearly what is going on here and has been obvious for years now. Treatment of him is quite distasteful to be honest.
How would you treat someone in person who struggles with societal norms? With a pile on?
Absolutely not, they'd be treated with some sympathy and a lot of respect.
The problem is, how are you supposed to tell that on an internet forum and not just see it as a wind up? Genuine question and i'm not trying to be an arse about such matters but you say that it's 'quite clearly what is going on here'. I'm very sure that all those that lose patience with him don't currently see it that way, because if they did they would treat him a lot differently.
It's also worth remembering that plenty of people have tried to engage with him and give him advice on how to avoid annoying people and it never gets taken on board.
Post by: Baldy on November 30, 2023, 10:57:35 AM
I would also attribute some neurodiversity issues to Footy's communication style. I don't think he can communicate or read social signals the way most people do. If he did, he'd have stopped posting here a long time ago. So, as the father of a 'special' boy, I'd just say go easy on him, he means no harm. And he loves the Villa.Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
This is quite clearly what is going on here and has been obvious for years now. Treatment of him is quite distasteful to be honest.
How would you treat someone in person who struggles with societal norms? With a pile on?
Absolutely not, they'd be treated with some sympathy and a lot of respect.
The problem is, how are you supposed to tell that on an internet forum and not just see it as a wind up? Genuine question and i'm not trying to be an arse about such matters but you say that it's 'quite clearly what is going on here'. I'm very sure that all those that lose patience with him don't currently see it that way, because if they did they would treat him a lot differently.
I, and guessing many others, truly appreciate Footy's dedication and passion for the Villa. He must spend ages browsing the net and other media outlets to compile a 'fountain of information' about our beloved Villa. A lot of which some of us would never see. I find his posts insightful, on occasion thought provoking and mostly interesting.
We should be grateful for his input, a top poster amongst many others and hope he keeps up the good work.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on November 30, 2023, 11:00:34 AM
Post by: KevinGage on November 30, 2023, 11:14:31 AM
Since some people don't like the optimisim how about this, does anyone think we'd be better off in the Europa League next season and build towards Champions League?
Will be harder to keep Martinez, Kamara, Luiz etc in that scenario. Esp if we have been in contention for most of the season and miss out.
Fifth this year potentially gets CL football. We have to go for it.
Post by: AV84 on November 30, 2023, 12:01:03 PM
Erm, not really. In terms of extra games it doesn’t really matter what competition it is, surely? Champions League, please. As Champions, naturally.
The level of opposition would dictate how much rotation we can have between league and midweek games. Liverpool, for example, made 11 changes to their starting lineup for their first Europa game this season. They wouldn't have done that if they'd been in Newcastle's group in the CL.
Obviously we'd have to navigate the summer transfer window with the knowledge that that's where we're playing next season, and Emery has lots of experience in that respect, unlike Howe, for example. So I wouldn't be worried if we get CL, I'm just wondering how big a step it really is.
Post by: Risso on November 30, 2023, 12:14:56 PM
Erm, not really. In terms of extra games it doesn’t really matter what competition it is, surely? Champions League, please. As Champions, naturally.
The level of opposition would dictate how much rotation we can have between league and midweek games. Liverpool, for example, made 11 changes to their starting lineup for their first Europa game this season. They wouldn't have done that if they'd been in Newcastle's group in the CL.
Obviously we'd have to navigate the summer transfer window with the knowledge that that's where we're playing next season, and Emery has lots of experience in that respect, unlike Howe, for example. So I wouldn't be worried if we get CL, I'm just wondering how big a step it really is.
I think you've answered your own question there. We've got a first team good enough to compete for the top places now, and the squad and our replacements are doing well in the Conference League. If we do qualify for the Champions League, then I expect Emery and Monchi etc to plan accordingly and make sure the squad is as ready as possible, starting this January. Also not forgetting that we'll hopefully have Mings and Buendia back for next season. With everybody fit, our squad (definite possible first teamers) is:
Martinez
Cash
Mings
Konsa
Carlos
Torres
Digne
Moreno
Kamara
Tielemans
Luiz
McGinn
Ramsey
Bailey
Watkins
Diaby
Buendia
And that's without the likes of Duran, Zaniolo, Iroegbunam or any of the other kids. A decent option at right back, a forward to rival Bailey/Diaby/Watkins and we're in pretty good shape I'd argue.
Post by: AV84 on November 30, 2023, 12:37:43 PM
Since some people don't like the optimisim how about this, does anyone think we'd be better off in the Europa League next season and build towards Champions League?
Will be harder to keep Martinez, Kamara, Luiz etc in that scenario. Esp if we have been in contention for most of the season and miss out.
Fifth this year potentially gets CL football. We have to go for it.
That's a good point. Hadn't thought of it that way. Europa is a step up from where we are now but another season of trying vs moving to a club that can offer CL immediately would make a difference.
Post by: Risso on November 30, 2023, 12:38:19 PM
Post by: mike on November 30, 2023, 01:18:31 PM
I would also attribute some neurodiversity issues to Footy's communication style. I don't think he can communicate or read social signals the way most people do. If he did, he'd have stopped posting here a long time ago. So, as the father of a 'special' boy, I'd just say go easy on him, he means no harm. And he loves the Villa.Mods please can you tell them ! Champions League discussion!if you were from Birmingham, you'd realise that pessimism is our default. Opening a thread about future success is just not going to fly.
Like it's been said let's focus on that
Please stop tormenting me. I've said it twice tonight reported tand just can't take it anymore
Cultural awareness is important ...
... That's my insight on this.
This is quite clearly what is going on here and has been obvious for years now. Treatment of him is quite distasteful to be honest.
How would you treat someone in person who struggles with societal norms? With a pile on?
Absolutely not, they'd be treated with some sympathy and a lot of respect.
The problem is, how are you supposed to tell that on an internet forum and not just see it as a wind up? Genuine question and i'm not trying to be an arse about such matters but you say that it's 'quite clearly what is going on here'. I'm very sure that all those that lose patience with him don't currently see it that way, because if they did they would treat him a lot differently.
Well, there are signs I’ve picked up but then I have my very own version of him at home so I would. Sadly, failing to understand social norms means that even when people genuinely try to engage, the response they get will often be something different to what they might expect or hope for. No one expects a football forum to be full of fluffy people who recognise and understand neurodiversity but the guy is clearly eccentric and aside from some of his ill judged sexist remarks, basically harmless so a bit of tolerance is needed. My lad is a really sweet boy but he will also say things that leave your jaw hanging and genuinely have no idea what he’s said wrong. That works well with his sister!!
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 30, 2023, 02:46:30 PM
At the start of the season, the overwhelming focus in the media was on Liverpool regaining their place in the Champions League positions. There was little to no expectation of Aston Villa's doing so by most football pundits
At the start of the season of 27 BBC Pundits only Ellen White and Stephen Warnock both tipped Villa to finish in the Champions League 4th Position.
Post by: Footy-Vill on November 30, 2023, 02:53:54 PM
Owen Hargreaves didn't see us in the top 4.
Paul Merson, Michael Dawson,Clinton Morrison all had us not to finish in the top 5
Pundits tip for 4th :
Dion Dublin, Sutton, Ferdinand, Merson, Dawson: Liverpool
Richards, Keown, Crouch, Murphy, Morrison: Man Utd
Given: Newcastle
5th & 6th
Carragher: Chelsea & Newcastle
Neville: Chelsea & Villa
Michael Owen: Villa to finish 6th
Jamie Carragher: Villa not to finish top 6
Chris Sutton: Villa's target to crack the top six but the top four is too big a step for them.
Robbie Savage: 7th
Villa are not going to win the title, but they could rattle the top six.
Darren Bent: 7th
Villa is the team to watch. I’m not saying they’re going to win the league because I don’t think they will but I think they’ll be a lot closer to Europe. Maybe even push on for the Champions League, so I’d probably say Villa are my outside bet.
Martin O’Neill said:
"When I managed the side it was my ambition to get in the Champions League, and we failed. At this moment, why not this year? Their home record is really important and it is fantastic.”
Post by: Clark W Griswold on November 30, 2023, 02:54:04 PM
If there are genuine issues along those lines with Footy then i do agree that this should be considered and there should be more tolerance.
Post by: coreyfeldman on November 30, 2023, 03:26:13 PM
Post by: GordonCowansisthegreatest on November 30, 2023, 03:42:06 PM
Post by: Jon Crofts on November 30, 2023, 03:45:12 PM
People can also chose to just ignore footy, it's not all that difficult to do
People can also choose to adapt their own style and behaviour to other peoples needs just as we do in work and life.
Post by: rougegorge on November 30, 2023, 04:04:26 PM
Yes I agree. Forums like this are faceless and also context, intonation etc. cannot always easily be gauged. Our own self-awareness plays a part, and as long as someone is not being abusive or discriminatory, having awareness and tolerance of them is really important.People can also chose to just ignore footy, it's not all that difficult to do
People can also choose to adapt their own style and behaviour to other peoples needs just as we do in work and life.
Post by: dave.woodhall on November 30, 2023, 04:14:52 PM
Post by: coreyfeldman on November 30, 2023, 04:23:01 PM
People can also chose to just ignore footy, it's not all that difficult to do
People can also choose to adapt their own style and behaviour to other peoples needs just as we do in work and life.
But you're not at work, you're choosing to read an online forum. It's also pretty clear that footy isn't going to change, so make your peace other ways would be my suggestion. He's not offensive so don't worry about it
Post by: Gareth on November 30, 2023, 04:36:39 PM
It's never too early for success. There was talk last season about how we weren't ready for Europe and our league form would suffer. That hasn't exactly happened.
Exactly this, let’s take Champions League and the associated revenues that come with it
Post by: Clark W Griswold on November 30, 2023, 04:43:37 PM
I think given the choice between winning the conference (and therefore qualifying for Europa) but finishing outside the CL places, or not winning it but finishing 4th or 5th for Champions League, i'd take the former.
Post by: AV84 on November 30, 2023, 04:50:01 PM
It's never too early for success. There was talk last season about how we weren't ready for Europe and our league form would suffer. That hasn't exactly happened.
It hasn't happened to us but arguably it has happened to Brighton and Newcastle, maybe even West Ham. Have we managed better than them, or have we just got "lucky" that our injuries came very early? Or are all 4 teams the same and it's only the level they're playing in Europe that's different?
I suppose you could look at this season in the Conference as the learning curve. Obviously Emery has experience managing in Europe, but it's new for this team on the whole. The first game against Legia was probably the most changed side we put out. People on here were convinced he wasn't bothered about the competition at all. It seems clear now that he was experimenting with the whole squad, some of which we haven't seen much of since. I think most players, bar the ones we have no replacements for, have had their minutes managed as well as possible.
So on reflection it's maybe a good thing we didn't quite reach the highest height last season, but no reason to think we couldn't make that leap next season.
Post by: Risso on November 30, 2023, 05:10:27 PM
Post by: AV84 on November 30, 2023, 05:15:47 PM
West Ham's form actually improved as the season went on and they got further into the Conference League. They finished the season with 5 wins out of 7, including winning the final.
I meant more this season, making the step up to Europa. They're not doing great in the league and don't look like competing for European places again. But of course that might just be because they've got Moyes in charge.
Post by: IFWaters on November 30, 2023, 05:31:48 PM
The manager is clearly a genius and the squad are as together as I can remember but my main concern is injuries that haven't happened yet especially with the number of games to go. I'd feel a lot happier if we had better quality cover for Emi, Cash and Ollie. If that's sorted in January then I'd be really optimistic.
Post by: Risso on November 30, 2023, 05:35:36 PM
West Ham's form actually improved as the season went on and they got further into the Conference League. They finished the season with 5 wins out of 7, including winning the final.
I meant more this season, making the step up to Europa. They're not doing great in the league and don't look like competing for European places again. But of course that might just be because they've got Moyes in charge.
They're 9th in the league, which is pretty decent for them? Comfortably top half, and behind all the teams you'd expect them to be behind. They were 16th this time last year.
Post by: AV84 on November 30, 2023, 05:54:53 PM
West Ham might actually be a good example of the idea of taking the European competitions step by step. It seems unlikely they'll make the next step up, but are they benefiting this season from the experience of last season? As you say, they're actually doing better this time around in the league, and looking alright in Europe too.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on November 30, 2023, 06:00:00 PM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on November 30, 2023, 06:27:32 PM
This is no blip, I think UCL football is more likely than not at Villa Park next season.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 06, 2023, 04:58:40 PM
On Talk Sport Today
Heard Danny Murphy say "if Villa get top 4 Emery is manager of the season"
Simon Jordan said Villa wouldn't make it despite having a lot of affection for Villa.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 06, 2023, 10:41:56 PM
Fantastic!
Let's Go Villa!
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 07, 2023, 10:37:12 AM
"There are seven teams who are contenders more than us. Now we are on game 15. We are going to play game 16 on Saturday against Arsenal and we are going to focus on it. We are happy to be third but to keep it is going to be very, very difficult.
While we are there we are going to try to keep it. If we keep progressing during the season, playing matches and winning like we are doing maybe we can be a contender but I think we need more time.
We can believe but we are not contenders. There are another seven teams and that didn’t change. It is game 15. Maybe by game 30 or 32, but not yet.”
Post by: Risso on December 07, 2023, 10:43:48 AM
Post by: OCD on December 07, 2023, 01:26:43 PM
Post by: DrGonzo on December 07, 2023, 10:24:57 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 07, 2023, 10:29:06 PM
1: Arsenal 36pts
2:Liverpool 34pts
3:Aston Villa 32pts
4:Man City 30pts
--------------------------------
5: Spurs 27pts
6: Man Utd 27pts
7: Newcastle 26pts
Weekend Matches Include 5th v 7th Spurs v Newcastle
Post by: paul_e on December 07, 2023, 10:30:44 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 07, 2023, 11:13:56 PM
As do Man Utd who will also play away boxing day.
Our Last 2 Home matches of the season
Chelsea
And final Home: Liverpool
Post by: Baldy on December 08, 2023, 11:31:37 AM
They bank so much on their home support.
Post by: Bad English on December 08, 2023, 11:58:51 AM
And final Home: LiverpoolThat will be to decide the title. Us or them.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 08, 2023, 12:01:02 PM
Newcastle's away record this season is crap. Could knock them out of top four/five contention.True
They bank so much on their home support.
In relation to Villa , I have a working hypothesis that the 5-1 humbling by Newcastle in our first encounter of the season had a significant impact on players psychology away from home. It's caused doubt and lost the confidence and belief that we show at home.
We haven't seen players' confidence in their ability to play Emery-style game away from Villa Park as effectively. Performances and results haven't been the same level.
So I conclude the psychological effect as despite having a fantastic preseason and much of adopting Emery's blueprint home and away last season it crumbled in the first game. Perhaps it caused doubt to a degree and players thinking hang on is this going to work?
I wonder too if the prep and pre match study, lectures and video analysis and our players given opponents information is a higher work load and content to study for in away matches?
In some ways, the Brentford game away is more uncertain the performance than the upcoming Arsenal match.
Similarly, with Bournemouth away and Manchester City at home, the more difficult assignment was away!
As I feel at the moment, I'm still concerned in away game performance as much as I am confident at beating anyone at Villa Park!
Post by: Risso on December 08, 2023, 12:06:32 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/qMT6Tqr/Screenshot-2023-12-08-at-12-02-53.png) (https://ibb.co/qMT6Tqr)
Post by: Baldy on December 08, 2023, 12:16:44 PM
Very true. The only slight consolation is that other than Arsenal most other teams don't have that great an away record either:
(https://i.ibb.co/qMT6Tqr/Screenshot-2023-12-08-at-12-02-53.png) (https://ibb.co/qMT6Tqr)
Bit harsh deducting Everton 10 points just for the away games. Poor sods!!!!!
Post by: paul_e on December 08, 2023, 12:24:10 PM
Very true. The only slight consolation is that other than Arsenal most other teams don't have that great an away record either:
(https://i.ibb.co/qMT6Tqr/Screenshot-2023-12-08-at-12-02-53.png) (https://ibb.co/qMT6Tqr)
For full context we're 1 poor refereeing decision (not giving a pretty clear penalty) away at Wolves away from being joint 3rd on that table.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 08, 2023, 07:41:25 PM
And final Home: Liverpool
That will be to decide the title. Us or them.
Well, if we can beat Arsenal we then have a very decent run of fixtures till the end of March. Only Yanited twice, plus Spurzzz and the Jaudis at home of the current top 7. Not that games away at Brentford, Everton are easy but it might well turn out that April will be our 'make or break' month, before facing Liverpool (to decide the title).
On a historical note, we have been League runners-up on 10 occasions (only Liverpool and Yanited more times than us) but only finished 3rd twice.
Post by: Bad English on December 08, 2023, 07:55:14 PM
Post by: Bad English on December 08, 2023, 07:56:13 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 08, 2023, 08:07:14 PM
Every year a team wins the title because they have negotiated their fixtures better than others. I'm not sure we have what it takes this year but we are doing a decent impression. And if you can't dream, what is the point? Come on you Villa boys!
Well that’s it, we’re in the race now. It might not continue - but one thing I do know is there are probably 4 sides capable of the level of performance we achieved against Citeh. That puts us in the elite, and it’s on us to sustain a level near that. Let’s dream a bit.
Post by: Smithy on December 08, 2023, 08:20:47 PM
Every year a team wins the title because they have negotiated their fixtures better than others. I'm not sure we have what it takes this year but we are doing a decent impression. And if you can't dream, what is the point? Come on you Villa boys!
Well that’s it, we’re in the race now. It might not continue - but one thing I do know is there are probably 4 sides capable of the level of performance we achieved against Citeh. That puts us in the elite, and it’s on us to sustain a level near that. Let’s dream a bit.
Whatever happens this weekend we're now genuinely in the Champions League race. But win tomorrow and we're genuinely in the title race. Maybe not for very long, but you can't have the run of fixtures we've had, and beaten who we have, without being considered contenders.
Post by: Clampy on December 08, 2023, 08:25:33 PM
Post by: Bad English on December 08, 2023, 08:34:29 PM
As boring as it sounds, just one game at a time for me.We are posting on an 'internet forum'; we don't have to worry about what people think if it doesn't happen. Why not let yourself dream a little?
Post by: Clampy on December 08, 2023, 08:41:40 PM
As boring as it sounds, just one game at a time for me.We are posting on an 'internet forum'; we don't have to worry about what people think if it doesn't happen. Why not let yourself dream a little?
It's not the case of what other people think, I couldn't care less. I just prefer taking each game as it comes.
Post by: Bad English on December 08, 2023, 09:11:31 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 09, 2023, 08:53:54 AM
But I do want to point out something coming in 3 games time.
The optimistic , planners and dreamers alike take a note of this coming up:
Friday night December 22nd Aston Villa at home to Sheffield United.
Liverpool Vs Arsenal on Saturday 23rd
Man City don't have a fixture because of the club championship
Aston Villa can be in very healthy position after those fixtures.
Feliz Navidad
I wanna wish for an Emery Christmas! From the fortress Villa Park!!
Post by: Risso on December 09, 2023, 09:13:51 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 09, 2023, 09:33:58 AM
Luiz Navidad, surely?!So demandante!
Haha very good!
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 09, 2023, 09:38:03 AM
How Villa produced one of the great Premier League wins
Post by: Goldenballs on December 09, 2023, 10:08:30 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 09, 2023, 01:12:20 PM
On comparison to Leicester City title winning team:
"It was amazing what they achieved, But it is very, very difficult. We are going to do it our way, we are going to build a team and in our style.
We must be consistent, and the mentality is important, and there is still a lot of work to do. There is another experience we will face against Arsenal.. a big test.
Of course, we have to dream always. I am dreaming and sometimes my dreams are very important for me as an aspiration to get my best.”
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 09, 2023, 01:16:16 PM
At least they have Champions League highlights.BBC TV licence fee will go up next year from an annual £159 to £169.50.
The men's Champions League is to be broadcast on BBC TV from the 2024-25 season.
Highlights will be shown from 22:00 on the Wednesday of match weeks on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, with clips for online and social media also available.
Post by: KevinGage on December 09, 2023, 02:46:54 PM
As boring as it sounds, just one game at a time for me.We are posting on an 'internet forum'; we don't have to worry about what people think if it doesn't happen. Why not let yourself dream a little?
It's not the case of what other people think, I couldn't care less. I just prefer taking each game as it comes.
Well the game is a game of two halves, the first half and the second half.
Post by: DrGonzo on December 09, 2023, 03:25:19 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on December 09, 2023, 10:03:31 PM
Post by: brontebilly on December 09, 2023, 10:17:26 PM
Presently 4/5 odds on to finish top 4.
71 points has been 4th last two seasons. 22 games to get another 36 points. Still think it's a tall ask. Really hope likes of Moreno and Ramsey can give us a boost over the next number of weeks. Bailey and Tielemans have picked it up a lot.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 09, 2023, 10:52:27 PM
Comparison after 16 gamesPresently 4/5 odds on to finish top 4.
71 points has been 4th last two seasons. 22 games to get another 36 points. Still think it's a tall ask. Really hope likes of Moreno and Ramsey can give us a boost over the next number of weeks. Bailey and Tielemans have picked it up a lot.
And final top 4
After 16 games
23/24
1.Liverpool 37pts
2.Arsenal 36pts
3.Villa 35pts
4.Man City 30pts
22/23
1. Arsenal 40pts
2. Man City 38pts
3. Newcastle 33pts
4. Spurs 29pts
End of season :
Man City won the league 89pts
2nd:Liverpool 84pts
3rd:Man Utd 75pts
4th:Newcastle 71pts
21/22
1. Man City 38pts
2. Liverpool 37pts
3. Chelsea 36pts
4. West Ham 28pts
End of season:
Man City won the league :93pts
2nd: Liverpool 92pts
3rd Chelsea 74pts
4th: Spurs 71pts
20/21
1.Liverpool 33pts
2. Man Utd 33pts
3. Man City 32pts
4.Aston Villa 29pts
End of season 20/21
Man City won the league 86pts
2nd: Man Utd 74pts
3rd : Liverpool 69pts
4th : Chelsea 67pts
2019/20
1. Liverpool 46pts
2. Leicester 38pts
3. Man City 32pts
4. Chelsea 29pts
End of season
Liverpool win the league 99pts
2nd :Man City 81pts
3rd :Man Utd 66pts
4th :Chelsea 66pts
And the Leicester City winning season:
15/16
1.Leicester 35pts
2.Arsenal 33pts
3.Man City 32pts
4.Man Utd 29pts
End of season
Leicester won the league 81pts
2nd Arsenal 71pts
3rd: Spurs 70pts
4th: Man City 66pts
Post by: Smirker on December 09, 2023, 11:22:42 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 09, 2023, 11:46:49 PM
20/21 is wrong mate. We weren't 4th after 16 games, we were 11th.But we were.
4th on 29pts after 16 matches played.
Finished the season on 55pts and 11th
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 09, 2023, 11:51:20 PM
Post by: Smirker on December 10, 2023, 06:28:31 AM
20/21 is wrong mate. We weren't 4th after 16 games, we were 11th.But we were.
4th on 29pts after 16 matches played.
Finished the season on 55pts and 11th
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020%E2%80%9321_Aston_Villa_F.C._season
You can see our position after each match day here.
https://www.football365.com/premier-league/table
20th January 2021 was the date we'd played 16 games.
Post by: Risso on December 10, 2023, 09:45:20 AM
20/21 is wrong mate. We weren't 4th after 16 games, we were 11th.But we were.
4th on 29pts after 16 matches played.
Finished the season on 55pts and 11th
Really don't know what you're looking at there Footy, we only had 26 points after 16 games, and as Smirker says we were 11th.
Post by: tomd2103 on December 10, 2023, 10:17:05 AM
As boring as it sounds, just one game at a time for me.We are posting on an 'internet forum'; we don't have to worry about what people think if it doesn't happen. Why not let yourself dream a little?
It's not the case of what other people think, I couldn't care less. I just prefer taking each game as it comes.
I'm the same, I'm not letting myself get too carried away at the moment. I've seen us be in two proper title races over the years (89/90 and 92/93) and it wasn't really until the end of January where it felt like we were really proper challengers.
The four remaining fixtures this year are pretty favourable so we could well go into 2024 top of the league.
Post by: OCD on December 10, 2023, 11:20:05 AM
Presently 4/5 odds on to finish top 4.
71 points has been 4th last two seasons. 22 games to get another 36 points. Still think it's a tall ask. Really hope likes of Moreno and Ramsey can give us a boost over the next number of weeks. Bailey and Tielemans have picked it up a lot.
We currently have a Points per Game (PPG) of 2.11, I think it is. To get 22 points from 36 games is 1.6 points per game. Emery's been averaged 2 points per game since he became manager.
Post by: OCD on December 10, 2023, 11:24:07 AM
As boring as it sounds, just one game at a time for me.We are posting on an 'internet forum'; we don't have to worry about what people think if it doesn't happen. Why not let yourself dream a little?
It's not the case of what other people think, I couldn't care less. I just prefer taking each game as it comes.
I'm the same, I'm not letting myself get too carried away at the moment. I've seen us be in two proper title races over the years (89/90 and 92/93) and it wasn't really until the end of January where it felt like we were really proper challengers.
The four remaining fixtures this year are pretty favourable so we could well go into 2024 top of the league.
Our away form is what stops me from getting carried away. That needs to improve if we want to give it a real go. Let's see how we do at Brentford and United, those will be good tests to see whether we can or not. United are a mess and a Emery tactics masterclass might be on there but we've always struggled at Brentford.
Post by: Risso on December 10, 2023, 11:44:53 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on December 10, 2023, 01:36:34 PM
Agreed OCD, even Emery mentioned this week that our away form needs to improve.
I just think we need to tighten up.in the tougher away games and have the ability to scrap out wins even when we aren't playing well.
If I was an opposition manager, I'd be telling the players to get about us at every opportunity as there are a few in the side who aren't comfortable when it comes to that kind of game. When you look at the great top flight sides over the years, they all have had that steely core of players who could mix it when the going got tough. I think that is the mindset we need to develop away from home when we are up against it a bit.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 10, 2023, 03:00:23 PM
I know that was a terrible season for ourselves but the teams up the other end were a season when it was there for the taking.
Could it be happening again?
Post by: Monty on December 10, 2023, 03:02:25 PM
I'm getting Leicester City season winning vibes.
I know that was a terrible season for ourselves but the teams up the other end were a season when it was there for the taking.
Could it be happening again?
We can but dream.
Post by: Smirker on December 10, 2023, 03:11:57 PM
I'm getting Leicester City season winning vibes.
I know that was a terrible season for ourselves but the teams up the other end were a season when it was there for the taking.
Could it be happening again?
For me it feels like the playoff season where we just kept hitting every target on that winning run and got to where we wanted to be.
I wouldn't compare us to Leicester because the 7 time champions winning their 8th is not the same as a small club winning their first. Obviously both incredible achievements considering how the game is now but I've always felt we had the potential to be at the top again. I don't think you cna say the same for Leicester.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 10, 2023, 03:23:09 PM
That is an excellent point. Just considering there's an opportunity rather than a complete comparison as clubs.I'm getting Leicester City season winning vibes.
I know that was a terrible season for ourselves but the teams up the other end were a season when it was there for the taking.
Could it be happening again?
For me it feels like the playoff season where we just kept hitting every target on that winning run and got to where we wanted to be.
I wouldn't compare us to Leicester because the 7 time champions winning their 8th is not the same as a small club winning their first. Obviously both incredible achievements considering how the game is now but I've always felt we had the potential to be at the top again. I don't think you cna say the same for Leicester.
However, I believe there was a space left by Leicester's exit from the Premier League, given they had been challenging for a top-four spot in recent seasons.
And were unlucky not to place fourth or higher a couple of times.
It eventually took its toll, they became stale, and fell.
Our structure, on the other hand, is all about the upward trajectory, long-term consistency and winning and staying at the top table.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 10, 2023, 06:27:03 PM
1898-99 - Champions
1899-00 - Champions
1910-11 - 2nd
1980-81 - Champions
Post by: DrGonzo on December 10, 2023, 08:18:06 PM
UTV
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 10, 2023, 11:05:42 PM
Definitely in contention for top 4. I'm too Villa to consider the league as realistic prospect, we need to become a better team away from home. Although the result away at Bournemouth is beginning to look better by the game. 3 wins and a draw out of that run of games is beyond my wildest expectations, never would have thought we could beat both City and Arsenal in one week. Heady times, indeed.
Same here, but there's no reason why we shouldn't be looking at the same return from the next 4 games. However, the Villa fan in me is still saying we're bound to slip up against Sheff Utd or Burnley, having won the two 'big' games.
Post by: Smithy on December 11, 2023, 12:41:14 PM
Definitely in contention for top 4. I'm too Villa to consider the league as realistic prospect, we need to become a better team away from home. Although the result away at Bournemouth is beginning to look better by the game. 3 wins and a draw out of that run of games is beyond my wildest expectations, never would have thought we could beat both City and Arsenal in one week. Heady times, indeed.
Same here, but there's no reason why we shouldn't be looking at the same return from the next 4 games. However, the Villa fan in me is still saying we're bound to slip up against Sheff Utd or Burnley, having won the two 'big' games.
My thoughts too, but that's because we're simply not used to this. I hope, in time, it will come, and we'll start looking at games like those you mention in expectation rather than hope. We are going to have a bad run between now and the end of the season, everyone will, I just hope ours remains a blip while our general trajectory remains upwards.
Fighting for the champions league places right to the end of the season would be excellent progress, and something we would all have gladly taken before a ball was kicked, but remaining in touching distance of the title fight would be lovely. It's nice to dream, but on a more practical level, it helps the club commercially, and will make Monchi's job a bit easier if the football world sees us up there in the top four and beating the regular champions league qualifiers.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 11, 2023, 06:36:25 PM
"However, talk of winning the title is sheer fantasy. There's more chance of Prince William taking charge of Villa's remaining fixtures than them winning the Premier League"
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 11, 2023, 06:41:09 PM
Aston Villa have upended the Premier League’s paradigm
Under Unai Emery, could the club turn the league title into a four-way race?
These are heady days for Aston Villa. Everybody suspected they were underperforming under former coach Steven Gerrard, but nobody perhaps quite expected the lift-off that has happened under Unai Emery. It’s not just that they sit third in the table, two points off the top, it’s the fact that in their past two games they have beaten last season’s top two.
The assumption is that, at some point, they will stumble, and talk of them being in a title race is always delivered in tones that acknowledge that, but whether that happens or not, the performance in beating Manchester City last Wednesday was one of the most striking the Premier League has ever known. It may only have finished 1-0, but Villa battered City – xG models had the hosts up 2.33 to City’s 0.86. This wasn’t about being clever and picking off their opponents on the break, or surviving a sustained spell of pressure: for all but about 15 minutes just after half-time (in which period City didn’t have a shot), Villa overwhelmed them. Nobody has ever dominated City to that extent in a Premier League match.
As such, there was a sense of paradigms shifting. It’s always been said that teams have to be almost perfect to beat City, and to hope that Pep Guardiola’s side have an off-day but Villa won despite being quite wasteful in front of goal and despite Ederson having a fine game. There is the obvious caveat that this was a City missing a number of key players, that they started the game with John Stones and Manuel Akanji as the two deep-lying midfielders, but it was an extraordinary performance nevertheless. Nobody should be overcome with sympathy if a state-run club hasn’t bought itself a big enough squad, particularly given Kalvin Phillips, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, $125m-worth of central midfielders, sat on the bench.
There comes a point in the life-cycle of every great team when opponents stop fearing them. City had drawn three in a row before the defeat to Villa and it feels like this run may have diminished some of that aura from Guardiola’s side. That doesn’t mean that they won’t go on to win a sixth league title in seven years or that they’re in some sort of terminal decline. But it does mean that, at least for a while, there may be fewer games in which opponents, even if only subconsciously, almost accept a two- or three-goal defeat before kick-off.
City have a relatively gentle run of fixtures coming up – Newcastle are the only side currently in the top half they will face before the Manchester derby at the beginning of March – but those games may be a little more competitive than they would otherwise have been. That’s especially true if Erling Haaland is out for a protracted period with an injury, although Guardiola said a “bone stress reaction” in the Norwegian’s foot did not mean a fracture. City were far from their best in beating Luton 2-1 on Sunday, but perhaps the most significant thing was the resilience they showed having fallen behind.
Although Villa beat Arsenal by the same 1-0 scoreline, the game was very different. Having taken an early lead, Villa were under pressure for long periods, but Arsenal found former goalkeeper Emi Martínez in fine form, might have had a penalty when Douglas Luiz kicked the underside of Gabriel Jesus’s boot as the two went for the same bouncing ball, and had an equaliser ruled out (correctly under the law as it currently stands) after the ball had brushed Kai Havertz’s hand. But, not for the first time away from home, they looked a little toothless, lacking in ruthlessness.
Arsenal lost the leadership of the Premier League but there was perhaps some consolation in the fact that although their trips to Villa and Luton this week ended up in the same outcome as City’s – a one-goal defeat and a one-goal win – they looked more fluent than the champions in both games.
As for Villa, amid the euphoria, there may be some concerns about just how fatigued they appeared towards the end of the Arsenal game, while if they are to sustain a title challenge, their away form needs to improve. They’ve dropped 13 points away this season, although that is a feature of top sides: Arsenal have dropped eight on the road, and Liverpool, who were far from impressive in winning at Crystal Palace on Saturday, like City, have dropped 11.
All of which is great news for the competitiveness of the Premier League. Fallibility, the sense that nothing is guaranteed, that every point must be fought for, is what sustains a league. City are three points worse off than after 16 games last season, but they are three points nearer the leaders. Last season at this stage the top five were separated by 13 points; this season it’s seven. A blanket finish is unlikely, but even to have three sides still battling for the title at the beginning of May would be a rare treat.
Could Villa be one of them? The suspicion is that their relatively slim squad will count against them, or that somebody will work out their offside trap, but that performance against City means that nobody can dismiss them.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/dec/11/aston-villa-unai-emery-premier-league-title-race
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 11, 2023, 06:42:57 PM
Midweek victory against Manchester City was followed by another against Arsenal as Villa took down the two likeliest contenders for the title in the space of four days and squared a circle: Arsenal were the last team to take league points away with them from Villa Park after two late goals sealed a 4-2 win in February. Villa’s previous home game was another 4-2 defeat to ultimately relegated Leicester. It wasn’t something that screamed ’15 consecutive wins’ but Villa under Unai Emery have become a nonsense.
Logic tells you they can’t possibly sustain a title challenge, but this is already showing hugely promising signs of being one of those rogue seasons where Manchester City aren’t quite infallible. There are unexpected opportunities out there this season; everyone has flaws. Villa’s are currently less prominent or conspicuous than most.
Unai Emery
He doesn’t seem the sort to see it remotely this way, but Emery pipping Arsenal to the Premier League title is a narrative we can get behind. We wonder if he still thinks there are seven teams with better chances of winning the Premier League, though, because we’ve looked and looked and can see, at best, maybe three. Well definitely three. But also definitely no more than three.
Source: Football365
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 11, 2023, 06:47:36 PM
If you weren’t already, it’s probably time to take Aston Villa seriously as legitimate Premier League title challengers. But Arsenal should have won that.
https://www.football365.com/news/opinion-16-conclusions-aston-villa-arsenal-emery-mcginn-odegaard
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 11, 2023, 09:37:43 PM
Anytime I hear Aston Villa now the title is mentioned!
It's progressed on from champions league talk to now levels of do you want to bet against us!
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 11, 2023, 09:38:36 PM
Aston Villa have earned 35+ points after 16 games of a top-flight campaign for the fifth time (counting 3pts per win all-time)
1898-99 - Champions
1899-00 - Champions
1910-11 - 2nd
1980-81 - Champions
I mean this says✅ it all!
Post by: Steve67 on December 11, 2023, 09:49:23 PM
Micah Richards on McGinn " It's so good for him that he doesn't need to move - he's in a team that's fighting for the title.
Anytime I hear Aston Villa now the title is mentioned!
It's progressed on from champions league talk to now levels of do you want to bet against us!
People still have that disbelief and trying to sell our players. The truth is, not even Manchester City can afford SJM.
Post by: Dave on December 12, 2023, 09:28:14 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBEpHBLXoAAxwA2?format=jpg)
Post by: maidstonevillain on December 12, 2023, 09:48:05 AM
Micah Richards on McGinn " It's so good for him that he doesn't need to move - he's in a team that's fighting for the title.
Anytime I hear Aston Villa now the title is mentioned!
It's progressed on from champions league talk to now levels of do you want to bet against us!
People still have that disbelief and trying to sell our players. The truth is, not even Manchester City can afford SJM.
In a similar vein, a recent Teamtalk article was about ManUs January transfer raid for Watkins, and how he would be the ideal striker for them.
The final paragraph was refreshing.
"Nevertheless, United are not the lure they once were and many will argue that from a purely footballing perspective, leaving Villa Park for Old Trafford would be a backwards step."
Post by: Drummond on December 12, 2023, 09:48:53 AM
Post by: Bully2345 on December 12, 2023, 09:53:22 AM
The next 16 teams contest a play off round to reach the last 16 (presumably seeded according to finishing positions).
8 teams eliminated completely from competition (no parachuting to the Europa League)
Post by: Drummond on December 12, 2023, 09:58:10 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 12, 2023, 10:19:52 AM
Get the hotels booked now I reckon
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBEpHBLXoAAxwA2?format=jpg)
We'd probably get PSG, Rangers and Atlético Madrid.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 12, 2023, 10:21:10 AM
Get the hotels booked now I reckonWhere exactly?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBEpHBLXoAAxwA2?format=jpg)
Post by: Dave on December 12, 2023, 10:22:27 AM
Get the hotels booked now I reckonWhere exactly?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBEpHBLXoAAxwA2?format=jpg)
All of them. Just to be on the safe side.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 12, 2023, 10:25:33 AM
Ok, now I need some dates. :)Get the hotels booked now I reckonWhere exactly?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBEpHBLXoAAxwA2?format=jpg)
All of them. Just to be on the safe side.
Post by: London Villan on December 12, 2023, 10:39:35 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 12, 2023, 10:43:01 AM
Happy that Spurs have snuck in there - being one of Europe's elite it makes total sense...
C'mon now, they finished 3rd in a two-horse race in 2015/16.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 11:11:26 AM
I find those co efficient tables fascinating! Great Share!
Get the hotels booked now I reckon
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GBEpHBLXoAAxwA2?format=jpg)
Post by: Martyn Smith on December 12, 2023, 11:11:59 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 11:17:56 AM
Can Aston Villa Really Win the Premier League ?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/67691412
Chris Sutton not ruling Aston Villa out of winning the Premier League.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 11:25:45 AM
https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1734132579324813623
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 11:29:32 AM
The Athletic Football Podcast
Having won 15 games in a row at home, Unai Emery has now taken Villa to within two points of the Premier League summit.
Has Emery made Aston Villa title contenders?
The Athletic Football Podcast
So what is possible for Aston Villa this season and should they be considered title contenders?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein, Aston Villa writer Jacob Tanswell and Data Writer Thom Harris to discuss Villa's remarkable transformation under Emery.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/has-emery-made-aston-villa-title-contenders/id1488521447?i=1000638217420
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on December 12, 2023, 12:04:27 PM
Post by: olaftab on December 12, 2023, 12:08:09 PM
Out of all the games coming up I reckon Brentford will be the hardest.Next game is the hardest....
Post by: Bad English on December 12, 2023, 12:08:59 PM
Out of all the games coming up I reckon Brentford will be the hardest.Is this the caption thread?
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 12:09:10 PM
The format is changing next season isn't it? It's going to be the Swiss League style so all 32 teams in one league and they play 8 games each against others in the table, with the top 8/16 (can't remember which) progressing to knockout phase.
32 teams. Top 8 qualify and advance straight to Last 16.The team that finishes ninth will play the team that finishes 24th - 10th vs 23rd, 11th vs 22nd, etc etc
The next 16 teams contest a play off round to reach the last 16 (presumably seeded according to finishing positions).
8 teams eliminated completely from competition (no parachuting to the Europa League)
As a result, two teams from the same country may face off in the play-off round.
However, UEFA will prevent teams from the same country facing each other during the group stage, with one possible exception. If one country has five Champions League teams in the group stage then it is possible that two of them could face each other during the big group league phase.
Will this be the start of constant games with , and a rivalry, Arsenal, or Man City.. incoming?
Post by: Clampy on December 12, 2023, 12:12:33 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 12:28:17 PM
Out of all the games coming up I reckon Brentford will be the hardest.
I reckon Sheff Utd will be a tough game, especially now Wilder has gone back.
17
Brentford V Aston Villa
Liverpool : Man Utd h ,
Arsenal :Brighton h
Man City: Palace h
Then 18
Friday night December 22nd Aston Villa at home to Sheffield United.
Liverpool Vs Arsenal on Saturday 23rd
Man City don't have a fixture because of the World club championship
19
Man Utd V Aston Villa
Liverpool: Burnley a
Arsenal: West Ham h
Man City: Everton a
20
Aston Villa v Burnley
Liverpool : Newcastle h
Arsenal: Fulham a
Man City: Sheffield Utd h
Post by: SamTheMouse on December 12, 2023, 12:32:17 PM
I reckon Sheff Utd will be a tough game, especially now Wilder has gone back.
Yeah, I reckon you're right there. It's now looking like the sort of away game where we've been coming unstuck lately.
Post by: Dave on December 12, 2023, 12:34:20 PM
I reckon Sheff Utd will be a tough game, especially now Wilder has gone back.
Yeah, I reckon you're right there. It's now looking like the sort of away game where we've been coming unstuck lately.
Luckily for us, it's at VP.
Post by: Dave on December 12, 2023, 12:36:22 PM
Things are different now, but I still can't shake the "Villa at Old Trafford" muscle memory coming back in, however bad they are. I imagine a last minute penalty given for them after Fernandes punches Torres full in the face.
Post by: Risso on December 12, 2023, 12:39:15 PM
At the risk of looking silly in a couple of weeks, I think the ManYoo game will be the one that messes us up.
Things are different now, but I still can't shake the "Villa at Old Trafford" muscle memory coming back in, however bad they are. I imagine a last minute penalty given for them after Fernandes punches Torres full in the face.
I feel the same but am happy to look silly if we do win. Man U away was one of our most non-descript performances last season. We turned up, did very little, and lost. Wasn't even a bad decision to get pissed off with.
Post by: Smithy on December 12, 2023, 12:55:36 PM
Post by: Dave on December 12, 2023, 01:02:06 PM
Our form is absolutely brilliant, and that simply can't continue indefinitely. At some point we will have a run of three or four bad games, and the test will be how quickly we can respond and get back into the groove. Man City have only won one in the last five. Spurs the same, having lost three of them. That will be us at some point, but it would be nice to get into the January transfer window without a big drop-off in form.
The fixture list is really kind to us in that sense - the return games against Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all in April or May.
So while that might end up derailing our eventual title push, there isn't really any run of more than a couple of matches without then finding three or four "easier" games to help play us back into form after a dodgy result.
Post by: OCD on December 12, 2023, 01:05:57 PM
In 2015-16, it took Leicester 21 games to get to the 35 point mark. We've done it in 16 games.
Post by: Smirker on December 12, 2023, 01:22:58 PM
Our form is absolutely brilliant, and that simply can't continue indefinitely. At some point we will have a run of three or four bad games, and the test will be how quickly we can respond and get back into the groove. Man City have only won one in the last five. Spurs the same, having lost three of them. That will be us at some point, but it would be nice to get into the January transfer window without a big drop-off in form.
The fixture list is really kind to us in that sense - the return games against Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all in April or May.
So while that might end up derailing our eventual title push, there isn't really any run of more than a couple of matches without then finding three or four "easier" games to help play us back into form after a dodgy result.
In my opinion having them at the end potentially puts us within touching distance when we play them, rather than a few months before so adrenaline and momentum could see us through. If we had to play MC away in two weeks or something, the context would be different.
Brentford on the weekend is massive and so is every league game from now on.
We simply cannot take our eyes off the next game and start thinking about things in front of that.
Fucking hell I can't even believe I'm talking about this shit.
Come on!!!!!!
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on December 12, 2023, 03:07:40 PM
Post by: Smithy on December 12, 2023, 03:43:09 PM
Here's a stat I like.
In 2015-16, it took Leicester 21 games to get to the 35 point mark. We've done it in 16 games.
They were also top of the league after 16 games (with fewer points than we have now), because no one was the standout team all season. Take nothing away from Leicester, they had an incredible season, one we'd all love to have, but second place that year was Arsenal with just 71 points. For context, if Leicester has the exact same points LAST season as they did in 15-16 they wouldn't have even got in the Champions League places. They'd have been 5th on goal difference.
Leicester had a standout season, and were extremely lucky no one else was particularly good that year. I'd love it to be the same for us, but frankly, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City all look like have reasonable seasons, and certainly not the sub-70 points seasons they had in 2016.
I only mention this as there have been a few people in the media saying "Can Villa do a Leicester", when the question should equally be "will the stars align with everyone else being shit to allow Villa to do a Leicester". If I thought 72 points would win the league, I'd definitely be bigging up our chances - but it won't.
Post by: OCD on December 12, 2023, 04:28:30 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 04:37:01 PM
Comparison after 16 gamesPresently 4/5 odds on to finish top 4.
71 points has been 4th last two seasons. 22 games to get another 36 points. Still think it's a tall ask. Really hope likes of Moreno and Ramsey can give us a boost over the next number of weeks. Bailey and Tielemans have picked it up a lot.
And final top 4
After 16 games
23/24
1.Liverpool 37pts
2.Arsenal 36pts
3.Villa 35pts
4.Man City 30pts
22/23
1. Arsenal 40pts
2. Man City 38pts
3. Newcastle 33pts
4. Spurs 29pts
End of season :
Man City won the league 89pts
2nd:Liverpool 84pts
3rd:Man Utd 75pts
4th:Newcastle 71pts
21/22
1. Man City 38pts
2. Liverpool 37pts
3. Chelsea 36pts
4. West Ham 28pts
End of season:
Man City won the league :93pts
2nd: Liverpool 92pts
3rd Chelsea 74pts
4th: Spurs 71pts
20/21
1.Liverpool 33pts
2. Man Utd 33pts
3. Man City 32pts
4.Aston Villa 29pts
End of season 20/21
Man City won the league 86pts
2nd: Man Utd 74pts
3rd : Liverpool 69pts
4th : Chelsea 67pts
2019/20
1. Liverpool 46pts
2. Leicester 38pts
3. Man City 32pts
4. Chelsea 29pts
End of season
Liverpool win the league 99pts
2nd :Man City 81pts
3rd :Man Utd 66pts
4th :Chelsea 66pts
And the Leicester City winning season:
15/16
1.Leicester 35pts
2.Arsenal 33pts
3.Man City 32pts
4.Man Utd 29pts
End of season
Leicester won the league 81pts
2nd Arsenal 71pts
3rd: Spurs 70pts
4th: Man City 66pts
Take note.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 04:37:48 PM
No no no no !!!!Here's a stat I like.
In 2015-16, it took Leicester 21 games to get to the 35 point mark. We've done it in 16 games.
They were also top of the league after 16 games (with fewer points than we have now), because no one was the standout team all season. Take nothing away from Leicester, they had an incredible season, one we'd all love to have, but second place that year was Arsenal with just 71 points. For context, if Leicester has the exact same points LAST season as they did in 15-16 they wouldn't have even got in the Champions League places. They'd have been 5th on goal difference.
Leicester had a standout season, and were extremely lucky no one else was particularly good that year. I'd love it to be the same for us, but frankly, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City all look like have reasonable seasons, and certainly not the sub-70 points seasons they had in 2016.
I only mention this as there have been a few people in the media saying "Can Villa do a Leicester", when the question should equally be "will the stars align with everyone else being shit to allow Villa to do a Leicester". If I thought 72 points would win the league, I'd definitely be bigging up our chances - but it won't.
This stat is grossly inaccurate.
Besides I already covered the Leicester season after 16 matches and final table
I posted the last 3 seasons top 4 and the Leicester City winning season after 16 games.
2015/16
1.Leicester 35pts
2.Arsenal 33pts
3.Man City 32pts
4.Man Utd 29pts
-------
And after 17 matches
1.Leicester 38pts
2. Arsenal 36pts
3. Man City 32pts
4.Spurs 29pts
Post by: andyh on December 12, 2023, 04:41:15 PM
https://x.com/espenstrand/status/1734489259829059690?s=20
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 04:45:34 PM
Has this been postedAH !
https://x.com/espenstrand/status/1734489259829059690?s=20
You've made my day ! Thank you for putting that up it is quite brilliant!
Most fantastic!!
Up the Villa!!
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 12, 2023, 05:11:33 PM
Garth Crooks:
"However, talk of winning the title is sheer fantasy. There's more chance of Prince William taking charge of Villa's remaining fixtures than them winning the Premier League"
If were to win the title I hope the Prince invokes royal decree and has Garth Crooks tarred, feathered and dragged through the streets of Aston by his bollocks.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 05:16:09 PM
I did wonder why he was so over the top dismissive to the possibility.Garth Crooks:
"However, talk of winning the title is sheer fantasy. There's more chance of Prince William taking charge of Villa's remaining fixtures than them winning the Premier League"
If were to win the title I hope the Prince invokes royal decree and has Garth Crooks tarred, feathered and dragged through the streets of Aston by his bollocks.
It's not completely out of the question and I know many here have said this guy Crooks often talks nonsense.
I actually had to look him up coming across him mentioned here on his infamous team of the week selections previously occasion.
I always thought he was a football journalist.
But he actually played from 1976 to 1990, for Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 12, 2023, 05:40:08 PM
If were to win the title I hope the Prince invokes royal decree and has Garth Crooks tarred, feathered and dragged through the streets of Aston by his bollocks.
Sod that, just give me a naggin of vodka and an M1895, and I'll take care of it.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on December 12, 2023, 05:42:27 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 12, 2023, 08:40:58 PM
Post by: CT Villan on December 12, 2023, 08:58:24 PM
Post by: Mister E on December 12, 2023, 09:11:32 PM
Yes, he's an ex-footballer. Which makes him a terrible pundit.I did wonder why he was so over the top dismissive to the possibility.Garth Crooks:
"However, talk of winning the title is sheer fantasy. There's more chance of Prince William taking charge of Villa's remaining fixtures than them winning the Premier League"
If were to win the title I hope the Prince invokes royal decree and has Garth Crooks tarred, feathered and dragged through the streets of Aston by his bollocks.
It's not completely out of the question and I know many here have said this guy Crooks often talks nonsense.
I actually had to look him up coming across him mentioned here on his infamous team of the week selections previously occasion.
I always thought he was a football journalist.
But he actually played from 1976 to 1990, for Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Charlton Athletic.
Post by: OCD on December 12, 2023, 09:14:23 PM
Post by: 85kota on December 12, 2023, 09:24:07 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on December 12, 2023, 09:35:47 PM
Arsenal and Liverpool have tougher games in the next 4 than Villa and they have to play each other.
2 of our remaining 22 matches are against bottom of the table Sheff U. The other 3 serious title contenders have already played and beaten them the once. If we have any serious intentions we should be getting all 6 points.
Post by: john e on December 12, 2023, 09:49:12 PM
if only for 24 hrs
Post by: darren woolley on December 13, 2023, 09:01:49 AM
Has this been posted
https://x.com/espenstrand/status/1734489259829059690?s=20
That's brilliant Andy I love it.
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 13, 2023, 10:30:43 AM
Attack
Goals
1.Man City 38
2.Liverpool 36
3.Aston Villa 35
4.Arsenal & Newcastle &Spurs& Brighton 33
Goals Scored open play
1.Brighton & Man City :27
2.Villa and Newcastle Liverpool :25
xG open play
1. Newcastle: 24.11
2. Man City
3. Liverpool
4. Spurs
5. Villa: 22.48
Shots open play
1.Spurs: 205
2.Liverpool
3.Man City
4.Man Utd
5.Aston Villa: 177
Set Play Goals
1. Arsenal 9
2. Everton 8
3. Man City 7
4. Luton &Spurs 6
10. Aston Villa 4
xSet Play Goals
1. Everton 7.84
2. Brentford
3. West Ham
4. Liverpool
11.Aston Villa xSet Play Goals 4.68
Post by: Footy-Vill on December 13, 2023, 10:05:49 PM
Brighton West Ham and ourselves could do with wins to top the group and bring in the bonus points for the co efficients and Prem having the extra champions league spot.
Post by: chrisw1 on December 14, 2023, 10:38:13 AM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on December 14, 2023, 10:51:25 AM
Post by: Drummond on December 15, 2023, 07:32:18 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/0mzL2XN/Screenshot-20231215-181915-Fot-Mob.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0mzL2XN)
Post by: olaftab on December 16, 2023, 02:37:01 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67722356
Post by: Bad English on December 16, 2023, 04:05:55 PM
Post by: lennythekad on December 16, 2023, 11:09:31 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/NmtM1Xt/IMG-7095.png) (https://ibb.co/NmtM1Xt)
Post by: Neil Hawkes on December 17, 2023, 05:45:57 PM
Post by: TaxDodger on December 17, 2023, 06:24:53 PM
Post by: andyh on December 17, 2023, 06:28:30 PM
TOP OF THE LEAGUE.
Even if it’s only for a few hours, we should bask in this.
The last decade (longer) has been one of us going backwards and downwards.
In a little over 12 months, Unai Emery and our owners have us on a massive upwards trajectory.
As I said, it may only be for a few hours, but we are on the cusp of something very, very special.
And I am loving it.
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on December 17, 2023, 06:28:54 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 17, 2023, 06:30:12 PM
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on December 17, 2023, 06:30:19 PM
Unai is the first one since 1980 who might, just might, be good enough to inherit the mantle of Sir Ron.
Post by: Smirker on December 17, 2023, 06:30:46 PM
You can quote me - or vilify me later - we are going to win this
Win what mate?
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 17, 2023, 06:32:10 PM
Mods, can we delete this thread please? I'm all tempting fate a little bit but this one threatens to ruin all our Christmases.
Yeh…while I don’t believe in jinxes this is dangerous and not needed right now.
Ah fuck it!!!! I’m with Andy. Let’s enjoy it. I’m sure this thread will be merged or deleted but drink it all in for however long it lasts.
Post by: Bad English on December 17, 2023, 06:33:23 PM
Post by: AV84 on December 17, 2023, 06:33:57 PM
Mods, can we delete this thread please? I'm all tempting fate a little bit and a smidgen of hubris, but this one threatens to ruin all our Christmases.
I'll temper it with a negative post. Martinez off injured, McGinn gets a yellow so misses Man U, and then Archer scores a late winner for them.
Post by: Proposition Joe on December 17, 2023, 06:35:04 PM
Post by: supertom on December 17, 2023, 06:41:44 PM
Up to date points rankings for additional CL spotsI do like the irony that United being so shite has potentially made it a lot more difficult for themselves to qualify for the CL because 5th is probably their absolute ceiling this season.
(https://i.ibb.co/NmtM1Xt/IMG-7095.png) (https://ibb.co/NmtM1Xt)
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 17, 2023, 06:45:14 PM
Post by: andyh on December 17, 2023, 06:54:55 PM
After 50 years of watching week in, week out, and like so many others seeing our decline over the last decade or so, I am in absolute dreamland about the way things are going.
In the darkest days, especially in the most recent past, under Dr.Tony, I really wondered whether we ever be relevant in football again (in my lifetime).
These 2 owners, and this manager has already made people see us differently.
The structure we have in place now is pretty much the dream scenario.
Sod oil money, or state sponsored clubs.
What we have right now is very, very special and we should remember where we were a few short years ago and relish the path we are on.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 17, 2023, 08:16:51 PM
Post by: Astnor on December 17, 2023, 08:29:18 PM
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on December 17, 2023, 08:41:45 PM
Obviously they've just hired a new manager I expect it will be simialar to the brenford game 2nd half defending their 18 yard line.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 17, 2023, 10:35:08 PM
Emery has said we are not title contenders. We didnt look like the best team in the league today either.I don’t think we are either. We are a couple of top players short although I don’t think any of the contenders look that convincing at the moment. Liverpool, Man Citeh and Arsenal ceilings are higher than ours.
We are closer than I thought possible a year ago.
Post by: brontebilly on December 17, 2023, 10:56:47 PM
We're now 11/1 for the title, and 4/7 on for a top 4 finish. Safe to say that we're in contention for a guaranteed CL spot next season.
Ignore the title odds but those top 4 ones look far too tight. Man United with a new coach and no Euro football, Tottenham and Newcastle out of Europe and with players coming back should all finish strong.
Post by: Olneythelonely on December 17, 2023, 11:12:55 PM
Emery has said we are not title contenders. We didnt look like the best team in the league today either.
Not did Liverpool. Nor did Man City and Arsenal against us.
Having said that, of course we won’t win the league.
Post by: saunders_heroes on December 17, 2023, 11:16:21 PM
Damn right we’re in a title challenge.
Post by: Richard on December 17, 2023, 11:17:49 PM
Post by: TonyD on December 17, 2023, 11:19:04 PM
We just need to keep winning most of our games.
Post by: Louzie0 on December 17, 2023, 11:45:23 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 17, 2023, 11:56:58 PM
We're now 11/1 for the title, and 4/7 on for a top 4 finish. Safe to say that we're in contention for a guaranteed CL spot next season.
Ignore the title odds but those top 4 ones look far too tight. Man United with a new coach and no Euro football, Tottenham and Newcastle out of Europe and with players coming back should all finish strong.
I'm most concerned by Tottenham who I see as our main threat to securing top 4. Think we'll finish above both Uniteds.
Post by: Smirker on December 18, 2023, 12:21:52 AM
I remember I said last week after we beat Arsenal, everything just seems to be falling into place for us. I had noticed that Tottenham and Newcastle were playing each other next.
Who is playing next weekend? Liverpool vs Arsenal 😂
There is a very, very real chance we could be top on Christmas Day.
I know every fan probably thinks this, but given how many false dawns we have had while other clubs have been extremely lucky, some even winning the lottery, our club and our city needs and deserves something big.
Post by: SoccerHQ on December 18, 2023, 12:43:14 AM
Possible we might not need to win another away game to achieve it but let's not overcomplicate things.
Post by: AV84 on December 18, 2023, 12:54:46 AM
Another 10 wins gets us top 4 imo.
Possible we might not need to win another away game to achieve it but let's not overcomplicate things.
If that's the case I'd rather win as many as possible before the European games come back around.
Post by: Neil Hawkes on December 18, 2023, 06:35:04 AM
Ah, I meant the premier league.You can quote me - or vilify me later - we are going to win this
Win what mate?
My wine soaked brain is still catching up.
Post by: SaddVillan on December 18, 2023, 08:19:03 AM
Here's one of today's
ARE VILLA PERFECT FOR THE NEUTRALS?
Take yourself back to the summer, think like that August You and swirl this one around your brain for a while: there’s a pretty good chance that Aston Villa will be 10 points clear of Manchester City by the time the reigning champions next play a Premier League game on December 27.
They are almost certainly going to be top of the league by the time everyone else plays, given they face last-placed Sheffield United at home on Friday evening, and if Arsenal and Liverpool should then cancel each other out at Anfield on Saturday evening, Villa will be No 1 at Christmas. They then visit Manchester United on Boxing Day, 24 hours before City resume domestic business away at Everton.
It’s pretty wild.
The best bit about all of this from a neutral’s perspective is that Villa are a pretty easy team to get behind.
They play exciting football and they score plenty of goals. They have enough underdog elements — Ollie Watkins’ journey from lower-division life with Exeter City, John McGinn having been with them since their Championship days — to make them relatable, but have also spent £50million on a single player, so they’re never going to be underdog-y enough to be irritatingly patronised.
They have a manager in Unai Emery who is nearing the apex of a pretty excellent redemption arc, in English football anyway. They have an angry cartoon villain in goal, with Emiliano Martinez having just the right amount of pantomime to make him entertaining rather than outright dislikable, and related to that is they have just a little bit of aggro in them, as their 2-1 away win against Brentford on Sunday showed: Martinez sparking the late melee that led to his team-mate Boubacar Kamara being sent off, Watkins giving it back to a home fan who had been abusing him and his family all game. It’s all good stuff.
And even if all of that wasn’t the case, it’s great to have someone truly unexpected challenging for the title. Last season we got pretty excited that Arsenal pushed Manchester City so far, but come on: they’re Arsenal. The surprise should have been that they haven’t challenged more often since their last win in 2004, not that they were challenging at all.
This is a potential nightmare scenario for Arsenal fans: with City off the pace by their lofty standards, they might have smelt a free-ish run at the title but, instead, Emery — a manager who failed with them a few years back after coming in as Arsene Wenger’s successor — might usurp them.
It also has echoes of the last time an upstart club from the English Midlands stole in when the title looked like Arsenal’s for the taking: Villa aren’t 2015-16 Leicester City, but from Arsenal’s perspective there are just enough elements of deja vu to make them shift uncomfortably.
Who knows how long this will last? Villa have shown enough times that they are vulnerable (it was only six weeks ago that they lost to Nottingham Forest, who have taken one point from the six games since) to suggest that this all might come crashing down sooner or later.
If Martinez or McGinn or Douglas Luiz get a significant injury, this could go south pretty quickly.
But then again, they could very easily keep all this up until May.
Either way, let’s enjoy it while it lasts.
Post by: SamTheMouse on December 18, 2023, 08:49:26 AM
Come on, we all know what's going to happen. This is the Villa we're taking about, after all.
Post by: Axl Rose on December 18, 2023, 08:53:09 AM
Fifteen home wins on the bounce, facing the bottom team at Fortress Villa Parktm with the chance to go top for Christmas...
Come on, we all know what's going to happen. This is the Villa we're taking about, after all.
The last time I was at Villa Park was a pre Christmas game with Sheff Utd when Bruce was in charge. 2-2.
At the final whistle, my dad turned to me and asked, 'will the good times ever return?'
6 years later. Fucking hell. Amazing times
Post by: Risso on December 18, 2023, 08:53:54 AM
Fifteen home wins on the bounce, facing the bottom team at Fortress Villa Parktm with the chance to go top for Christmas...
Come on, we all know what's going to happen. This is the Villa we're taking about, after all.
Standard 3-0 win without getting out of second gear?
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 18, 2023, 08:55:34 AM
Fifteen home wins on the bounce, facing the bottom team at Fortress Villa Parktm with the chance to go top for Christmas...
Come on, we all know what's going to happen. This is the Villa we're taking about, after all.
Exactly. Cameron Archer hattrick incoming.
Post by: brontebilly on December 18, 2023, 09:04:00 AM
We're now 11/1 for the title, and 4/7 on for a top 4 finish. Safe to say that we're in contention for a guaranteed CL spot next season.
Ignore the title odds but those top 4 ones look far too tight. Man United with a new coach and no Euro football, Tottenham and Newcastle out of Europe and with players coming back should all finish strong.
I'm most concerned by Tottenham who I see as our main threat to securing top 4. Think we'll finish above both Uniteds.
Agreed, we have a good lead on the two United's. Think Pope's injury is a huge blow for Newcastle too. Tottenham are a good team and Richarlison finally is getting going. Bentancur, Maddison and Van de Ven are key players to return too.
Post by: rooboy316 on December 18, 2023, 10:16:33 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on December 18, 2023, 10:30:57 AM
Arsenal came on at the end, but couldn't catch Leicester.
Post by: London Villan on December 18, 2023, 10:42:53 AM
We've just beaten the teams in 1st and 4th. We have the easier Christmas fixtures on paper - 7 points might see up top into the new year.
Long break until Europe starts again - with hopefully a couple of additions and Buendia ready to come back too.
I'm still think Spurs, Newcastle and maybe even Chelsea will put a run of results together and provide some tough opposition in the second half of the season.
But we couldn't do it, could we?
Post by: Smirker on December 18, 2023, 10:46:04 AM
Every Monday The Athletic discusses three of the biggest questions to arise from the weekend’s football.
Here's one of today's
ARE VILLA PERFECT FOR THE NEUTRALS?
Thought this was a bit patronising and lazy tbh. Yes it's a surprise and great that Villa appear to be title challengers but please stop treating the 7 time champions like a club who've never won anything.
Post by: Dogtanian on December 18, 2023, 10:59:01 AM
Of the current top five, Villa are the only side whose points per game has not dropped below 2 for any run of six games this season.
Our lowest was 2 points per game for the first six, which included the losses to Newcastle and Liverpool.
Our current is 2.67. Only Man City have had better over six games, winning their first six.
Post by: SaddVillan on December 18, 2023, 11:03:56 AM
After back-to-back wins against Man City and Arsenal, Villa have unexpectedly and suddenly thrust themselves into the title race.
John Percy - The Telegraph
CAN ASTON VILLA WIN THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
It is the question which continues to become more of a hot topic with each passing week, as records and opponents continue to be smashed apart in Unai Emery’s magical transformation of this famous old club.
With many of Villa’s rivals fading away like specks of dust in the rear view mirror, Emery is running out of ways to defuse the excitement surrounding their season.
Yet there was a telling moment on Sunday, after Villa’s 12th victory in 17 matches was secured away at Brentford.
The question was posed to Douglas Luiz, one of Villa’s star men this season, who was suspended for the match which ended in another statement of intent.
“Yes. We can win the league, of course,” he replied on his Twitch platform, and it perfectly captured the mood of soaring confidence in Emery’s dressing room.
If Villa can beat Sheffield United at home on Friday night, and then Liverpool draw against Arsenal the following evening, Emery’s outsiders will be top of the league on Christmas Day.
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Emery is a wily, experienced operator and will continue to be cautious.
There are still a few concerns over a lack of strength in depth, and an injury to a player such as inspirational captain John McGinn, leading scorer Ollie Watkins or – whisper it – goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, could be seriously damaging.
Boubacar Kamara is facing a three-game suspension after his dismissal at Brentford and is one of those players whose importance only becomes more stark when he is missing from the team.
Their away form also needs improvement, despite the victory at Brentford which required resilience and fortune in equal measure.
But why can’t Villa dream big? The amazing turnaround under Emery over 13 months is propelling the club forward on a tidal wave of momentum.
EMERY CONTINUES TO BREAK RECORDS
The stats are, quite frankly, ridiculous. Villa have won 15 league games in a row in front of their own supporters, for the first time in their history.
Emery has 81 points in this calendar year, which is a total surpassed only by Treble winners Manchester City. That represents another club record, after 25 league wins in 2023.
Villa are nine points above fifth-placed Newcastle.
Hell, they are even beating ‘bogey team’ Brentford away from home now, for the first time since an FA Cup tie 70 years ago when Tommy Lawton scored for their opponents.
COULD VILLA EMULATE LEICESTER IN 2016?
Villa’s emergence as title contenders has drawn some comparisons with Leicester City’s triumph in 2016, primarily because they are two clubs who have dared to gatecrash the private members’ party.
Emery’s reluctance to address winning the title is certainly reminiscent of the dotty, genial Claudio Ranieri.
It was not until April 22 when Ranieri finally admitted Leicester could win it, four games before the end of their remarkable season.
At that time they were five points ahead of nearest rivals Tottenham, yet it was very late in the campaign when Ranieri abandoned his trademark caution.
Emery has been fending off discussion over Villa’s title prospects like an opening batsman facing the first over of the Ashes at the Gabba.
Even talking about challenging for the top-four has been a stretch, pointing to the likes of more established rivals such as Newcastle and Brighton.
There are similarities between Villa and Leicester, in that they are both super-charged
from their exploits in the previous season.
It could be argued that Leicester’s title win of 2016 will always be more significant even if Villa can go the distance.
Leicester lost only three league games that season – three! – and did not have the financial backing that has been supplied by Villa’s ambitious owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
They relied on shrewd recruitment, with arguably their best two players Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez costing just £1.45 million between them.
Over the years, many have tried to belittle Leicester’s achievement by claiming that the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United were in a bad moment. Dilly-ding, dilly-wrong.
It came out of nowhere, and a club the size of Leicester may never repeat such an achievement.
EMERY IS AN ELITE COACH
Yet Emery’s revitalisation of Villa has been stirring ever since his appointment, when Manchester United were beaten at home on his debut for the first time since Alan Hansen uttered that memorable quote about not winning anything with kids.
Their results and performances, particularly against Manchester City and Arsenal in the space of four days earlier this month, mean they have to be taken seriously. Villa have blown the title race apart.
Emery is an elite coach, and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as his peers Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
He is the puzzle solver, a tactical genius who makes players better.
His most substantial challenge now is keeping a lid on expectations.
Make no mistake, though: Villa are title contenders, and he knows it.
Post by: TaxDodger on December 18, 2023, 11:18:41 AM
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
Post by: Dogtanian on December 18, 2023, 11:31:51 AM
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
I remember when I was 30 and reading I Am Legend where the main character is described as a middle aged man when he's about 32... ;D
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on December 18, 2023, 11:42:22 AM
Post by: Baldy on December 18, 2023, 11:53:27 AM
For those looking into Coefficiency, Arsenal v Porto and Man City v København in the next round of the Champion's League.
Yes, a good draw. It also gives them a very good chance of having to face at least two more very tough games in that competition. The more games they play the better for us.
Post by: Bad English on December 18, 2023, 11:56:28 AM
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
I remember when I was 30 and reading I Am Legend where the main character is described as a middle aged man when he's about 32... ;D
This reminds me of when I was in the 2nd Year at school and Debbie with the red hair in the 4th Year was only just 14 but had the most intriguing forms under her Shetland wool jumper, and seemed like a 30 year-old sex goddess.
Post by: OCD on December 18, 2023, 12:03:51 PM
Fifteen home wins on the bounce, facing the bottom team at Fortress Villa Parktm with the chance to go top for Christmas...
Come on, we all know what's going to happen. This is the Villa we're taking about, after all.
Normally I would agree with you but the rules don't seem to apply with Emery in charge.
Post by: rob_bridge on December 18, 2023, 12:09:31 PM
Just think when push comes to shove Cit-eh and 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' have a lot more depth. Could have a punch up with Arsenal and Spuds for 3rd and hope ManU and Newcastle continue to be inconsistent.
We have a high quality but small squad - if we lost Martinez or Watkins for even a month we would be diminished significantly compared to others who could lose such players.
Post by: LeeB on December 18, 2023, 12:59:28 PM
Post by: andyh on December 18, 2023, 01:04:57 PM
Post by: Richard E on December 18, 2023, 01:05:58 PM
Post by: wince on December 18, 2023, 02:59:16 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on December 18, 2023, 03:04:24 PM
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
Strange he mentioned that season and not 89/90 and 92/93 when we were genuine contenders right up.to the last few games.
Post by: darren woolley on December 18, 2023, 03:14:31 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 18, 2023, 03:25:04 PM
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
I remember when I was 30 and reading I Am Legend where the main character is described as a middle aged man when he's about 32... ;D
My dad wished me happy birthday when I was 33 and said, "well, you're middle-aged now." I'm 46 in two months and there's still no fucking way I'm middle-aged.
Post by: SamTheMouse on December 18, 2023, 03:29:33 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on December 18, 2023, 10:21:07 PM
Very salty brummie-redscouse school pal of mine FFS'ing about how we think we are all that for being considered contenders for the title and how sad it is we have won nuffink since 82..........
Always ridicule Brummie Reds. They deserve it. All of them. All of the time
Post by: Bad English on December 18, 2023, 10:49:33 PM
Post by: AV84 on December 18, 2023, 10:55:43 PM
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
I remember when I was 30 and reading I Am Legend where the main character is described as a middle aged man when he's about 32... ;D
My dad wished me happy birthday when I was 33 and said, "well, you're middle-aged now." I'm 46 in two months and there's still no fucking way I'm middle-aged.
I read Sense & Sensibility recently and the characters were talking about Colonel Brandon as a love interest. They were writing him off as an old man, close to death. Why would he marry again unless it was to have someone to nurse him in his last years of life? He was 35.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 18, 2023, 11:01:23 PM
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
I remember when I was 30 and reading I Am Legend where the main character is described as a middle aged man when he's about 32... ;D
My dad wished me happy birthday when I was 33 and said, "well, you're middle-aged now." I'm 46 in two months and there's still no fucking way I'm middle-aged.
I read Sense & Sensibility recently and the characters were talking about Colonel Brandon as a love interest. They were writing him off as an old man, close to death. Why would he marry again unless it was to have someone to nurse him in his last years of life? He was 35.
The very same father (an English and Philosophy lecturer) would always tell me, when I complained that Austen was boring, would always counter with, "it's satire, Patrick (my name is Patrick)". Doesn't make it any fucking good though dad (deceased).
Post by: mike on December 18, 2023, 11:04:34 PM
Very salty brummie-redscouse school pal of mine FFS'ing about how we think we are all that for being considered contenders for the title and how sad it is we have won nuffink since 82..........
Always ridicule Brummie Reds. They deserve it. All of them. All of the time
I would honestly rather my children supported Them than a team from 100 miles away who, coincidentally, were winning loads. I gave them that exact option, albeit when they’re 5 they only hear the bit that says ‘Daddy likes Villa’, rather than anything that comes after.
Post by: AV84 on December 18, 2023, 11:07:19 PM
The very same father (an English and Philosophy lecturer) would always tell me, when I complained that Austen was boring, would always counter with, "it's satire, Patrick (my name is Patrick)". Doesn't make it any fucking good though dad (deceased).
Emma is the only Austen I have any time for. I've listened to a few recently in the gym simply because I was told as a way to get my brain into audiobooks I should listed to some things I already know the story of. So I did a few Austen and a few Dickens, and it actually worked. But yes, generally speaking, not a huge Austen fan.
Post by: Monty on December 18, 2023, 11:12:42 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on December 18, 2023, 11:51:50 PM
Sheff Utd (H)
Man Utd (A)
Burnley (H)
Everton (A)
Newcastle (H)
Sheff Utd (A)
Man Utd (H)
Fulham (A)
Nottm Forest (H)
Luton (A)
Spurs (H)
West Ham (A)
Wolves (H)
That takes us to the end of March and only 8 games left. Not the worst run of fixtures on paper.
Post by: Martyn Smith on December 19, 2023, 12:08:24 AM
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/noel-gallagher-delivers-x-rated-28303563?utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=organic
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 19, 2023, 12:23:13 AM
I actually think Austen's brilliant, but I find her hard work because the idea that this is the totality of the horizons of women at the time (and at most other times)...I don't know, I find it airless and suffocating, which I think she's trying to do to an extent, but still. It's hard work.
I admire people like you, Monty, but I can never be one of you (I get what you're saying though).
Post by: Rory on December 19, 2023, 12:49:39 AM
I actually think Austen's brilliant, but I find her hard work because the idea that this is the totality of the horizons of women at the time (and at most other times)...I don't know, I find it airless and suffocating, which I think she's trying to do to an extent, but still. It's hard work.
I'm a fan of Austen as well, as long as I am able to read it myself rather than having it womansplained (yes, I am claiming that).
I need telling to make sure I read Austen with 'gender in mind' as much as I need some savant telling me to read Achebe with 'postcolonialism in mind'.
Post by: Bad English on December 19, 2023, 05:20:04 AM
I may be inviting a 'whoosh' but life expectancy then was half what it is now.
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
I remember when I was 30 and reading I Am Legend where the main character is described as a middle aged man when he's about 32... ;D
My dad wished me happy birthday when I was 33 and said, "well, you're middle-aged now." I'm 46 in two months and there's still no fucking way I'm middle-aged.
I read Sense & Sensibility recently and the characters were talking about Colonel Brandon as a love interest. They were writing him off as an old man, close to death. Why would he marry again unless it was to have someone to nurse him in his last years of life? He was 35.
Post by: ldavfc4eva on December 19, 2023, 06:56:42 AM
1 - Win the title
2 - Finish top 4
I think the league will be a high points one, so 93
4th - 71
Post by: paul_e on December 19, 2023, 07:19:59 AM
Any guesses for how many points we would need to:
1 - Win the title
2 - Finish top 4
I think the league will be a high points one, so 93
4th - 71
I don't think it will be that high this season, no one looks capable of the 10-12 winning run you need to get into the 90s.
86 for the league. Low 70s for the top 4 seems fair.
Post by: hipkiss92 on December 19, 2023, 07:57:05 AM
I may be inviting a 'whoosh' but life expectancy then was half what it is now.
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Well I remember the 1998/9 season so have been described as an 'older supporter' for the first time, aged 33. This is depressing.
I remember when I was 30 and reading I Am Legend where the main character is described as a middle aged man when he's about 32... ;D
My dad wished me happy birthday when I was 33 and said, "well, you're middle-aged now." I'm 46 in two months and there's still no fucking way I'm middle-aged.
I read Sense & Sensibility recently and the characters were talking about Colonel Brandon as a love interest. They were writing him off as an old man, close to death. Why would he marry again unless it was to have someone to nurse him in his last years of life? He was 35.
This is very off topic, but mainly due to the high infant mortality rate in the 1800s, whereas if you made it to 35 in the 1800s, your life expectancy would be somewhere between 65 and, rather 40 years old at birth.
Post by: SamTheMouse on December 19, 2023, 08:08:28 AM
Post by: Risso on December 19, 2023, 09:33:28 AM
Any guesses for how many points we would need to:
1 - Win the title
2 - Finish top 4
I think the league will be a high points one, so 93
4th - 71
I don't think it will be that high this season, no one looks capable of the 10-12 winning run you need to get into the 90s.
86 for the league. Low 70s for the top 4 seems fair.
Agreed Paul, it's the most competitive it's been for years. Man City have already lost as many games as they did in the entire season two years ago. Everybody in the top few places has the potential to take points off everybody else. I think it's really going to come down to consistency, which for us means maintaining the incredible home standards, and improving the away form.
Post by: Dogtanian on December 19, 2023, 09:57:48 AM
Everyone keeps talking about Man City going on a beast run in the second half of the season and sewing it up. But, if we look at their impressive second-half last season, it yielded 47 points. Assuming they win their remaining two games of this first half and repeat that mega run, they'd finish with 86 points.
Our consistency is helping us, we're the only side in the top 5 whose PPG over any six games this season has not dropped below 2 points. If we carried on our metronome impression for the rest of the season we'd get 85 points.
To hit the 90 point mark, we need 52 from the last 21 games - that's 2.48 points per game. We've averaged 2.46 points per game since the Liverpool loss, so not far off. Over the last 6-7 games we have averaged 2.7 points per game.
So the question is, can we avoid a dip and keep going? And how much better can Arsenal and Liverpool consistently get?
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 19, 2023, 10:15:45 AM
Post by: Monty on December 19, 2023, 10:20:21 AM
Post by: Rigadon on December 19, 2023, 10:29:39 AM
Post by: Smithy on December 19, 2023, 10:30:53 AM
If Doku really gets going like he's been threatening to then there's your Mahrez replacement, and they still have De Bruyne etc to come back. Not saying they'll definitely do the monster run, but you can't rule it out.
Yep, of all the teams capable of going on a crazy winning run, you have to say it's them. If we're going to be in the title fight right to the end then we need to maintain our excellent form, and hope others continue to be a bit iffy by their normal standards.
I'm going to revel in all the title talk while it's still possible, but I guess in my head I've already talked myself into this being a champions league fight. Obviously I reserve the right to switch back again after each win.
Post by: Monty on December 19, 2023, 10:34:24 AM
If Doku really gets going like he's been threatening to then there's your Mahrez replacement, and they still have De Bruyne etc to come back. Not saying they'll definitely do the monster run, but you can't rule it out.
Yep, of all the teams capable of going on a crazy winning run, you have to say it's them. If we're going to be in the title fight right to the end then we need to maintain our excellent form, and hope others continue to be a bit iffy by their normal standards.
I'm going to revel in all the title talk while it's still possible, but I guess in my head I've already talked myself into this being a champions league fight. Obviously I reserve the right to switch back again after each win.
Yeah for me every win is first, second, third and fourth about the Champions League race.
Post by: Risso on December 19, 2023, 10:45:54 AM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 19, 2023, 11:26:57 AM
We have a fantastic opportunity to go very close.
Post by: WarszaVillan on December 19, 2023, 11:45:50 AM
Any guesses for how many points we would need to:
1 - Win the title
2 - Finish top 4
I think the league will be a high points one, so 93
4th - 71
I don't think it will be that high this season, no one looks capable of the 10-12 winning run you need to get into the 90s.
86 for the league. Low 70s for the top 4 seems fair.
Agreed Paul, it's the most competitive it's been for years. Man City have already lost as many games as they did in the entire season two years ago. Everybody in the top few places has the potential to take points off everybody else. I think it's really going to come down to consistency, which for us means maintaining the incredible home standards, and improving the away form.
It would be difficult to improve on our recent away form - 7 points out of 9.
Post by: Risso on December 19, 2023, 11:55:34 AM
It would be difficult to improve on our recent away form - 7 points out of 9.
I meant improve performances then. We really haven't played very well in the away games, and have got away with it to a certain extent. Drawing and losing against Chelsea and Brentford until they both had a man sent off, and being battered first half by Spurs for example. It's the mark of a good team that they can get results without being at their best of course, but Emery realises that we're not putting in the same levels at home as we are away, and I'm sure he sees that nicking results isn't the best way to go about things. Need to start with keeping clean sheets on the road.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on December 19, 2023, 12:15:05 PM
Post by: Rigadon on December 19, 2023, 12:16:03 PM
And if we do ‘click’ away from home, we’ll probably win the league.
As mad as that is, it's probably true.
Post by: OCD on December 19, 2023, 12:42:14 PM
De Bruyne is back in training apparently, so would think he'll be back playing fairly early in the new year.
Until his Hamstring goes.
Post by: WarszaVillan on December 19, 2023, 12:59:28 PM
It would be difficult to improve on our recent away form - 7 points out of 9.
I meant improve performances then. We really haven't played very well in the away games, and have got away with it to a certain extent. Drawing and losing against Chelsea and Brentford until they both had a man sent off, and being battered first half by Spurs for example. It's the mark of a good team that they can get results without being at their best of course, but Emery realises that we're not putting in the same levels at home as we are away, and I'm sure he sees that nicking results isn't the best way to go about things. Need to start with keeping clean sheets on the road.
Yeah, I agree with that. However, games will always be tighter away and harder to get wins. I've never quite understood why the difference is so stark.
Post by: LeeB on December 19, 2023, 12:59:35 PM
De Bruyne is back in training apparently, so would think he'll be back playing fairly early in the new year.
Until his Hamstring goes.
No spring chicken these days either.
Post by: darren woolley on December 19, 2023, 01:23:21 PM
Post by: paul_e on December 19, 2023, 02:12:39 PM
For me the number of points needed to win the league is what 2nd got +1, not what the champions get.
Ditto 4th place is 5th +1 not what 4th actually got.
So last season Man City got 89 but needed 85 and Newcastle got 71 but needed 68.
I think the amount needed to win will be similar but that the amount for 4th might be a little higher because I can see 5 or 6 teams being involved in the race, which wasn't really the case last year.
Post by: Risso on December 19, 2023, 04:48:35 PM
Post by: paul_e on December 19, 2023, 04:57:16 PM
I think to win will need 85 or 86, and there will be a maximum spread between 1st and 4th of about 8 points. I think it's going to be very, very close.
I think the gap might be a bit wider than that with a couple of teams breaking away at the top but I mostly agree.
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 19, 2023, 05:36:25 PM
We need to be "lucky" with injuries.
Post by: Smithy on December 19, 2023, 07:08:14 PM
I think to win will need 85 or 86, and there will be a maximum spread between 1st and 4th of about 8 points. I think it's going to be very, very close.
That will require us to match (or just beat) our first half of the season form, which will be nigh on impossible to do at home. I can see us getting to 72-73 points, which SHOULD be enough for the top four, but I just don't see us getting over 80 points. I hope to Christ I'm completely wrong about that!
Post by: Smithy on December 19, 2023, 07:09:50 PM
We need to be "lucky" with injuries.
We lost two players for the entire season who were first 11 regulars last season, so I think we've had our fair share of bad luck already. I think it would be par for the course not to lose anyone else for anything more than a week or so at any point.
Edit: And Moreno and Ramsey for almost half a season, so in the overall scheme of things we've probably been pretty unlucky so far!
Post by: paul_e on December 19, 2023, 07:20:31 PM
Post by: OCD on December 19, 2023, 07:54:27 PM
Post by: Dave on December 19, 2023, 08:00:22 PM
We drop points in games like Forest, Wolves, Bournemouth though. Would probably have been adding Brentford if it weren't for the red card too.
Is that different to other teams? Last season Newcastle dropped points to Palace twice, Brighton, Bournemouth twice, Wolves, Leeds...
And I'm in early February on the list and can't be bothered to look further.
Post by: Clampy on December 19, 2023, 08:18:49 PM
Post by: paul_e on December 19, 2023, 08:26:59 PM
We drop points in games like Forest, Wolves, Bournemouth though. Would probably have been adding Brentford if it weren't for the red card too.
Everyone drops points in games like that, that's why it's rare to see more than about 35-40 points from away games for anyone.
Post by: john e on December 20, 2023, 12:35:24 AM
Not to mention the captain box to boxing at Old Trafford dressed in red
Post by: Drummond on December 20, 2023, 02:21:29 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on December 20, 2023, 07:34:29 AM
I agree we have been unlucky, but we have a few players that would be extremely difficult to maintain form without (just as Citeh struggle without Rodri) Ours are Ollie SJM and Martinez..
We need to be "lucky" with injuries.
We lost two players for the entire season who were first 11 regulars last season, so I think we've had our fair share of bad luck already. I think it would be par for the course not to lose anyone else for anything more than a week or so at any point.
Edit: And Moreno and Ramsey for almost half a season, so in the overall scheme of things we've probably been pretty unlucky so far!
Post by: PaulWinch again on December 20, 2023, 07:41:04 AM
Post by: itbrvilla on December 20, 2023, 07:53:56 AM
Some interesting data on injuries this season. (https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/13033280/premier-league-injuries-brentford-newcastle-and-sheffield-united-suffered-most-man-utd-suffered-most-individual-injuries)I agree we have been unlucky, but we have a few players that would be extremely difficult to maintain form without (just as Citeh struggle without Rodri) Ours are Ollie SJM and Martinez..
We need to be "lucky" with injuries.
We lost two players for the entire season who were first 11 regulars last season, so I think we've had our fair share of bad luck already. I think it would be par for the course not to lose anyone else for anything more than a week or so at any point.
Edit: And Moreno and Ramsey for almost half a season, so in the overall scheme of things we've probably been pretty unlucky so far!
Post by: Dogtanian on December 20, 2023, 08:17:16 AM
If we take the 'traditional' six, plus state-funded Champions League failures Newcastle, so far it looks like this;
| Team | Arsenal | Aston Villa | Chelsea | Liverpool | Man City | Man United | Poocastle | Spurs | Total | PPG |
| Aston Villa | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 2.00 | ||
| Poocastle | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12 | 1.71 | |
| Spurs | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 1.57 | |
| Liverpool | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 1.50 | ||
| Arsenal | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 1.33 | ||
| Man City | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 1.29 | |
| Chelsea | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 0.86 | |
| Man United | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.67 |
Post by: Nunkin1965 on December 20, 2023, 08:24:38 AM
There is an element in certain thinking that because we haven't played 17 and won 17 there's a problem.We drop points in games like Forest, Wolves, Bournemouth though. Would probably have been adding Brentford if it weren't for the red card too.
Everyone drops points in games like that, that's why it's rare to see more than about 35-40 points from away games for anyone.
Well we almost have at home!
Post by: AV84 on December 20, 2023, 10:00:35 AM
I agree we have been unlucky, but we have a few players that would be extremely difficult to maintain form without (just as Citeh struggle without Rodri) Ours are Ollie SJM and Martinez..
We need to be "lucky" with injuries.
We lost two players for the entire season who were first 11 regulars last season, so I think we've had our fair share of bad luck already. I think it would be par for the course not to lose anyone else for anything more than a week or so at any point.
Edit: And Moreno and Ramsey for almost half a season, so in the overall scheme of things we've probably been pretty unlucky so far!
I know people disagree with this but I think we were actually somewhat "lucky" with our injuries already. They happened basically preseason so we've been able to be fairly consistent with our team selection all the way through. The only changes being based on form and more recently, suspensions. Moreno and Ramsey coming back has been a bonus too.
A big injury to a key player at this point would be massively disruptive though.
Post by: Dave on December 20, 2023, 10:07:47 AM
Quote
1. Aston Villa (6)
Haha, what on earth are they playing at? Ridiculous behaviour all round from Villa, who right now really do appear to be the second best football team in the land having beaten Manchester City and Arsenal back-to-back and then showed their feistier, combative side to come back and sort out Brentford. They find themselves slap bang in the middle of a title race and do not, unlike certain other teams who have at times found themselves in such a position this season, appear to play a brand of football likely at some point to go catastrophically awry for a bit. With the flaws evident in all around them, Villa should absolutely be able to keep themselves in there.
Couple of things that make this even better. First, that they lost their first game of the season 5-1 to a team now nine points behind them. Second, that Villa fans are in the envious position of being able to simply enjoy it all because there is no expectation upon them. They are not quite, for many reasons, Leicester City at this point in 2015. They are a far bigger club coming from a stronger starting position. But the similarities are there. It is wholly unexpected to see them up there, yet suddenly with some retrofitting hindsight quite reasonable when you consider the evidence from the previous season in which relegation fears were eased by a run of form that, sustained over a season, would absolutely put you there or thereabouts.
The difference is that Villa’s run of such form started earlier and was sustained for longer. But the relegation fears were there. On November 1 last year, Villa sat outside the bottom three by a single point and were sandwiched, level on points, between two teams – Southampton and Leeds – who would eventually go. It’s a startling turnaround. And, like Leicester, they’ve done it with a manager who was ridiculed and mocked when he ‘failed’ at one of those snooty Big Six clubs.
Post by: paul_e on December 20, 2023, 10:40:46 AM
I agree we have been unlucky, but we have a few players that would be extremely difficult to maintain form without (just as Citeh struggle without Rodri) Ours are Ollie SJM and Martinez..
We need to be "lucky" with injuries.
We lost two players for the entire season who were first 11 regulars last season, so I think we've had our fair share of bad luck already. I think it would be par for the course not to lose anyone else for anything more than a week or so at any point.
Edit: And Moreno and Ramsey for almost half a season, so in the overall scheme of things we've probably been pretty unlucky so far!
I know people disagree with this but I think we were actually somewhat "lucky" with our injuries already. They happened basically preseason so we've been able to be fairly consistent with our team selection all the way through. The only changes being based on form and more recently, suspensions. Moreno and Ramsey coming back has been a bonus too.
A big injury to a key player at this point would be massively disruptive though.
Not for me, we've been been pretty much bang average in terms of injuries and have had 2 games where an early injury to a central defender had a big impact on the result. The link above backs that up as well.
Post by: Monty on December 20, 2023, 10:58:55 AM
F356's "club mood rankings":Quote1. Aston Villa (6)
Haha, what on earth are they playing at? Ridiculous behaviour all round from Villa, who right now really do appear to be the second best football team in the land having beaten Manchester City and Arsenal back-to-back and then showed their feistier, combative side to come back and sort out Brentford. They find themselves slap bang in the middle of a title race and do not, unlike certain other teams who have at times found themselves in such a position this season, appear to play a brand of football likely at some point to go catastrophically awry for a bit. With the flaws evident in all around them, Villa should absolutely be able to keep themselves in there.
Couple of things that make this even better. First, that they lost their first game of the season 5-1 to a team now nine points behind them. Second, that Villa fans are in the envious position of being able to simply enjoy it all because there is no expectation upon them. They are not quite, for many reasons, Leicester City at this point in 2015. They are a far bigger club coming from a stronger starting position. But the similarities are there. It is wholly unexpected to see them up there, yet suddenly with some retrofitting hindsight quite reasonable when you consider the evidence from the previous season in which relegation fears were eased by a run of form that, sustained over a season, would absolutely put you there or thereabouts.
The difference is that Villa’s run of such form started earlier and was sustained for longer. But the relegation fears were there. On November 1 last year, Villa sat outside the bottom three by a single point and were sandwiched, level on points, between two teams – Southampton and Leeds – who would eventually go. It’s a startling turnaround. And, like Leicester, they’ve done it with a manager who was ridiculed and mocked when he ‘failed’ at one of those snooty Big Six clubs.
'Ridiculous behaviour' made me chuckle.
Post by: Risso on December 20, 2023, 11:08:52 AM
Post by: Rigadon on December 20, 2023, 11:12:50 AM
F356's "club mood rankings":Quote1. Aston Villa (6)
Haha, what on earth are they playing at? Ridiculous behaviour all round from Villa, who right now really do appear to be the second best football team in the land having beaten Manchester City and Arsenal back-to-back and then showed their feistier, combative side to come back and sort out Brentford. They find themselves slap bang in the middle of a title race and do not, unlike certain other teams who have at times found themselves in such a position this season, appear to play a brand of football likely at some point to go catastrophically awry for a bit. With the flaws evident in all around them, Villa should absolutely be able to keep themselves in there.
Couple of things that make this even better. First, that they lost their first game of the season 5-1 to a team now nine points behind them. Second, that Villa fans are in the envious position of being able to simply enjoy it all because there is no expectation upon them. They are not quite, for many reasons, Leicester City at this point in 2015. They are a far bigger club coming from a stronger starting position. But the similarities are there. It is wholly unexpected to see them up there, yet suddenly with some retrofitting hindsight quite reasonable when you consider the evidence from the previous season in which relegation fears were eased by a run of form that, sustained over a season, would absolutely put you there or thereabouts.
The difference is that Villa’s run of such form started earlier and was sustained for longer. But the relegation fears were there. On November 1 last year, Villa sat outside the bottom three by a single point and were sandwiched, level on points, between two teams – Southampton and Leeds – who would eventually go. It’s a startling turnaround. And, like Leicester, they’ve done it with a manager who was ridiculed and mocked when he ‘failed’ at one of those snooty Big Six clubs.
Thanks for sharing that. It's the most accurate thing I've read about us all season (including clarifying the increasingly annoying 'doing a Leicester' talk).
Post by: Lastfootstamper on December 20, 2023, 11:23:54 AM
Post by: Rigadon on December 20, 2023, 11:25:23 AM
It's better than "doing a Fulham".
I prefer doing a Villa.
Post by: Drummond on December 20, 2023, 11:27:32 AM
Champions of mood rankings, you'll never sing that!
;D
Post by: OCD on December 20, 2023, 12:04:14 PM
There is an element in certain thinking that because we haven't played 17 and won 17 there's a problem.We drop points in games like Forest, Wolves, Bournemouth though. Would probably have been adding Brentford if it weren't for the red card too.
Everyone drops points in games like that, that's why it's rare to see more than about 35-40 points from away games for anyone.
Well we almost have at home!
I was countering a point about how we had played some of the most difficult away games we'll play all season. My point was that we tend to do well against the bigger sides (as shown in one of the posts above), but we're consistently struggling away to lower league, smaller clubs.
We've averaged over 2 points per game ever since Emery was appointed though so we should finish well second half of the season, it's just a question of how far that takes us and what the other clubs are able to do. Liverpool don't look like the Liverpool of a few years ago. Arsenal aren't scoring as freely as they did last season and look capable of dropping points that they shouldn't and Man City look like a side that's done the treble and doesn't have the hunger to win more trophies right now.
Post by: darren woolley on December 20, 2023, 03:50:16 PM
Post by: LeeB on December 20, 2023, 04:18:21 PM
Post by: eamonn on December 20, 2023, 04:26:59 PM
Post by: jwarry on December 22, 2023, 07:24:03 AM
How title race is being reshaped by Villa’s ‘triangle of power’
Two trusty lieutenants, fluid tactics and an unlikely talisman have helped Unai Emery turn a struggling side into potential table-toppers within 14 months
Gregor Robertson
Aston Villa can scale the summit of the Premier League table with a home victory over Sheffield United on Friday night and, if Liverpool and Arsenal draw at Anfield on Saturday, Unai Emery’s side will top the tree at Christmas.
We have yet to reach the season’s midway point, of course, but wins against Manchester City and Arsenal this month not only secured a club-record 15 consecutive top-flight victories at home but also made those forecasting a Villa fadeaway finally sit up and take notice.
Ten of the last 14 teams to top the league on December 25 went on to win the Premier League title and, as it happens, Villa have the same number of points as Leicester City had at this stage of their 2015-16 title-winning campaign.
A more substantive statistic, perhaps, is the 25 league wins and 81 points Villa have collected during 2023, which makes them the second-best team in the country this calendar year behind the champions, City.
What, then, is possible for this transformed Villa team? And how, in the space of 14 months, have they climbed from the edge of the relegation zone to, whisper it, potential title challengers?
‘I’m not here to waste my time’
From the moment Emery first addressed his players in October 2022, informing them that they were
“responsible” for his predecessor Steven Gerrard’s dismissal, and took charge of his first game, a 3-1 win that marked Villa’s first triumph over Manchester United at Villa Park for 27 years, the former Arsenal manager’s impact was profound.
“I’m not here to waste my time,” he told a team languishing 17th in the Premier League, perched above the relegation zone by virtue of goal difference, who had won only four of the final 22 league games of Gerrard’s tenure — and the 52-year-old has been true to his word.
The manner of Emery’s exit from Arsenal in 2019, only 18 months after succeeding Arsène Wenger, when he was mocked for his shaky grasp of English and deemed incompatible with the demands of English football, undoubtedly left the Spaniard with an itch to scratch in the Premier League.
Despite that bruising episode, Emery’s body of work — with Valencia, whom the Spaniard steered to three consecutive Champions League qualifications; Sevilla, with whom he won three consecutive Europa Leagues; Paris Saint-Germain, with whom he won every domestic honour but failed to deliver the Champions League success the Qatari owners longed for; and Villarreal, whom he guided to the Champions League semi-final stage and another Europa League title — meant his appointment by Villa was something of a coup.
It did not take Villa’s players long to realise that too, as the detail of Emery’s coaching and tactical blueprint catapulted the team to a seventh-place finish last season, securing European football for the first time since 2010-11.
“He’s amazing,” John McGinn, the Villa captain who has been reborn under Emery, said. “For someone like me who’s not really experienced that style of play, the level of where your body shape is, your positioning . . . he doesn’t miss a trick.”
“He basically taught me that I know nothing about the position that I play,” the defender Tyrone Mings, who earned an England recall after Emery’s arrival, said. “He’s opened my eyes. He’s someone who takes great pride in everything he teaches.”
“He is a manager who lives football,” Douglas Luiz, who recently earned a Brazil recall, says of Emery. “He studies every day and he coaches hard every day. He demands a lot and this has helped us.”
Triangle of power
In many ways the level of power and influence Emery holds at Villa is antithetical to the convention in modern football that says a head coach is only one specialist among many at an elite club.
At Villa, however, the structure has been shaped in Emery’s image and the club’s co-owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens — whose combined wealth is surpassed only by the owners of City, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Arsenal — have sanctioned the arrival of a raft of Emery loyalists, from the boardroom to the coaching staff to the scouting team.
Two appointments in particular — who along with Emery have been dubbed the “Triangle of Power” — underline his autonomy. Damian Vidagany, a former journalist who first worked with Emery as Valencia’s chief media officer 15 years ago, arrived as the head coach’s personal assistant but has since had his title upgraded to director of football operations. Monchi, the renowned sporting director and transfer guru alongside whom Emery won three Europa League titles with Sevilla, joined as president of football operations in June, ushering the previous sporting director, Johan Lange, towards the
exit door and a new role with Tottenham Hotspur.
Vidagany describes his role as “connecting everyone, from the owner to the academy to the kit manager”, which frees Monchi and Emery to recruit and coach the players. Vidagany also sits next to Emery in press conferences, occasionally helping with translation, which the former Arsenal manager recognised was important after struggling to articulate his thoughts in north London.
Monchi, who in 21 years with Sevilla built teams that won 11 trophies, believes everyone at the club is “completely aligned”. “Working together, in the same direction and with the same goals, is key to achieving any future success,” he said. Yet it is clear who is in charge. “What we need to do here in the club is to let Unai take the sporting decisions,” Vidagany told The Athletic in October. “Let Monchi choose the players with Unai, and all of us provide a strong structure — like a fortress.
“Unai, when he has the time and resources, will show he’s top level — if he hasn’t already. With Villa’s huge fanbase, and as long as we don’t become crazy or idiots to break this good atmosphere, we are on the
right track to have big success.”
Tactical versatility
In an era of stylistic certainties — think Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton & Hove Albion, even Vincent Kompany’s Burnley — Villa are arguably the most tactically versatile team in the Premier League. One way of plotting a team’s style on the Premier League map is Opta’s team sequence graph — a spectrum on which City’s slow and intricate build-up play sits at one end, and Luton Town’s fast and direct play sits at the other — and Villa stand bang in the middle.
In many ways they are a team of contradictions. Out of possession, they play with an expertly drilled high defensive line that, as my colleague Hamzah Khalique-Loonat pointed out recently, has provoked more offsides than any other team this season; yet unlike Postecoglou’s Spurs, for example, they adapt to different opponents and circumstances. They are one of the most dangerous teams in transitions in the league; yet they press only in targeted areas, usually when their opponent engages the middle third. They have faced fewer shots than any team other than City and Arsenal; yet (largely because of the high-risk high line) the chances they do concede tend to be big ones.
In possession, they marry patient build-up play with rapier-quick, incisive passing sequences and attacks. The role of Villa’s “inverted wingers” — usually McGinn and one other, starting from a nominal 4-4-2 formation — is key. Their positioning between the lines poses a dilemma to opposing defenders and midfielders, creates central overloads, and they are the conduits through which attacks often end with Ollie Watkins, Moussa Diaby or Leon Bailey haring into the space behind opposition defences.
Yet around them, the team’s shape is constantly evolving. Sometimes Boubacar Kamara has dropped from midfield into a back three alongside Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres when Villa have the ball, which gives both full backs, Matty Cash and either Lucas Digne or Álex Moreno, licence to push high and wide to stretch the pitch. Sometimes the shape is lopsided, with Konsa a more conservative choice at right back, and either Digne or Moreno more advanced.
Yet it is the speed and precision with which Villa slice through
opponents that is this team’s calling card. The dominance they exerted over City this month underlined the challenges they pose for even the most vaunted opponents. City’s two shots on goal in Villa’s 1-0 win were the fewest of the seven-year Pep Guardiola era; the 22 Villa registered equalled the most a Guardiola team have faced in 535 league games as manager of City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
The talisman
Villa have signed seven players across two transfer windows since Emery’s arrival but, in truth, this is a transformation that owes everything to extracting more from the players at your disposal. It should be pointed out that, between the summer of 2018 and Emery’s arrival, Villa spent £250 million net on the likes of Emi Buendía, Emi Martínez, Luiz, Watkins and Bailey. This was a team, then, that was better than their league position suggested, but the improvement in the aforementioned players, and others, has been remarkable.
Arguably, though, no one better represents Emery’s revolution than Villa’s barrelling, all-action hero, “Super John McGinn”. Having laboured badly under Gerrard, the Villa captain is now playing the best football of his career. Much like Villa, McGinn plays with a level of intensity, industry, tactical discipline and — for want of a better word — relish, which quickens the pulse of the Villa faithful.
When the Scotland midfielder arrived from Hibernian for £2.7 million in 2018, nine months before he scored in the Championship play-off final win against Derby County at Wembley, McGinn described how his running gait — back hunched, bum out, elbows flailing — sometimes makes it look as though he is
“chasing a helicopter”.
McGinn may not be the most conventional of Premier League footballers, but the 29-year-old won the most duels and tackles of any player on the pitch against both Arsenal and City — scored the winner against the former and against the latter completed the most dribbles and passes into the final third as well as creating the most chances.
His ability to take the ball on the half-turn — thrusting out his ample backside to protect the ball — drive
forward or spread the play is a potent weapon Emery has been keen to utilise. “He can play right side, left side, inside, play as a centre midfielder and as a No 10 — he’s very important for us,” Emery has said.
His trademark goal celebration — hands cupped around his eyes to mimic wearing a pair of goggles — underlines a sense of humour and everyman status that is cherished at Villa Park. “My nephew [Jack] has poor eyesight and has to wear goggles to play football so I decided it would give him a bit of support to put the goggles on when I score,” McGinn said.
McGinn has banned talk of the “T-word” for now, yet with every passing week the notion that Villa are not part of this title race feels more improbable.
Post by: Baldy on December 22, 2023, 07:49:30 AM
Post by: Martyn Smith on December 22, 2023, 09:06:18 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on December 22, 2023, 09:11:56 AM
I also hate the 'Emery has transformed the club in 14 months' lines. Not wanting to take anything away from that great man, but he seems to have been the final piece in the puzzle, rather than someone who has single-handedly taken a failing club and solved all our problems.
It's just lazy, because the majority of people talking about football in the media pay as little attention as they can get away with to anything going on outside a few top clubs.
Post by: curiousorange on December 22, 2023, 09:28:35 AM
Post by: Risso on December 22, 2023, 10:12:23 AM
I hate the old surprise package thing. It's only a real surprise if you've completely ignored the development of the club over the last five years and paid no attention to our overall form since the start of the year.
I also hate the 'Emery has transformed the club in 14 months' lines. Not wanting to take anything away from that great man, but he seems to have been the final piece in the puzzle, rather than someone who has single-handedly taken a failing club and solved all our problems.
It's just lazy, because the majority of people talking about football in the media pay as little attention as they can get away with to anything going on outside a few top clubs.
I understand where you're coming from, but he HAS transformed the club. Under Smith and Gerrard we were struggling to shake off the feeling of a recently promoted club, happy with mid-table. Smith did a good job in stabilising us, and if nothing else Gerrard helped increase our public profile temporarily. But Emery has completely changed everything. He's taken a group of players that a lot of people were fed up with, and turned them into superstars. He's got Villa Park as the most difficult ground to get a result at in all of Europe and he's got us one game away from topping the table. All of this while suffering a fair few injuries as well.
He's transformed us from making up the numbers with the likes of Fulham and Brentford, to being taken seriously as a title contender with Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City. It is a surprise and frankly, nothing short of miraculous.
Post by: Dogtanian on December 22, 2023, 10:19:13 AM
But, he has been able to do so because of the hard work that has gone on throughout the club over the last few years, the squad building, the academy, the training ground, etc. What I'm saying is that credit also needs to go to everyone involved in making the club ready for him to do his thing.
It's a bit like in F1. You can't just have a fast car or fast driver, you have to have both. Under Gerrard we were like an F1 car being driven by Maureen from Driving School.
Post by: AV82EC on December 22, 2023, 10:21:32 AM
Post by: OCD on December 22, 2023, 11:49:13 AM
The work the owners have put in since they came in has laid the groundwork for what's happening. But Emery's supercharged it. He's basically averaged 2 points per game ever since he walked in when we were outside of the bottom 3 only on goal difference. And then maintained and even increased that average as the calendar year has gone on. Even with injuries to key players and managing the Sunday/Thursday/Sunday workload that had got the best of others.
Going from relegation fodder to title chasers in a year is amazing. I thought Champions League was a realistic goal for this season but it's been becoming worst case scenario over the last few weeks.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 22, 2023, 12:16:07 PM
Post by: Drummond on December 22, 2023, 01:45:56 PM
What makes shake my head in wonder at times is that we're doing all this with a core of players that had won 4 of the last 22 league games under Gerrard.
Me too, how the fuck did he stay in the job so long?
Post by: Toronto Villa on December 22, 2023, 03:58:12 PM
Quote
He basically taught me that I know nothing about the position that I play,” the defender Tyrone Mings, who earned an England recall after Emery’s arrival, said. “He’s opened my eyes. He’s someone who takes great pride in everything he teaches.”
Post by: andyh on December 22, 2023, 04:03:04 PM
I laughed then cried with happiness at this. Because he’s likely had that impact on the rest of the squad.QuoteHe basically taught me that I know nothing about the position that I play,” the defender Tyrone Mings, who earned an England recall after Emery’s arrival, said. “He’s opened my eyes. He’s someone who takes great pride in everything he teaches.”
That is exactly the bit of that article that struck me too, TV.
When someone as intelligent and articulate as Tyrone speaks like this, you just know the impact that Unai has had is enormous.
Post by: eamonn on December 22, 2023, 04:16:02 PM
Post by: Smithy on December 22, 2023, 05:05:24 PM
Didn't Ty get well-schooled by Southgate, Smith and Gerrard? Or are they all average English men?
I suspect there is zero "coaching" from Southgate, given the time he gets with players - it'll all be about formations and adopting HIS tactics. Gerrard and Smith, I've no idea. I get the impression they coached the defence purely to stop the other team scoring, but Unai clearly has them coached to also be the first line of attack. Also, we're playing SO much higher up the pitch, that defending on the half-way line is almost an entirely different discipline to defending your 18-yard line. It's not a surprise the players have learned so much.
Unai's first year at Aston Villa is probably the best example I can think of in recent times of what a genuinely world-class coach can achieve when put in at a new club. It's always pointed out that teams tend to finish in the same position as their wage costs. The teams that pay the most, finish at the top, those that pay the least, finish at the bottom. Every now and again, a coach comes along and bucks that trend (sometimes in the wrong direction), and I think Unai has done an incredible job so far to have six or seven places higher than we should be based on wages alone.
Post by: Villan82 on December 22, 2023, 06:12:52 PM
What makes shake my head in wonder at times is that we're doing all this with a core of players that had won 4 of the last 22 league games under Gerrard.
Me too, how the fuck did he stay in the job so long?
Unai is the business and as a club I hope we have learned the lesson. The most important person is the manager, and it is bad recruitment in this area that has held us back.
Post by: Smirker on December 23, 2023, 07:33:46 PM
Fuck me the past decade of appointments. What were they thinking. Sherwood, Garde, Di Matteo, Gerrard... Lambert, Bruce and Smith you could see the logic and reasoning.
Anyway we're still in a title race.
One point off the top.
I said we'd go top on points at some point and that day is comíng.
Post by: Dave on December 23, 2023, 08:01:24 PM
Not particularly good logic in either case, and they would have been a long way down my list of preferred choices.
But they weren't completely insane choices in the circumstances.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 23, 2023, 08:11:54 PM
I reckon there was some logic in Gerrard. Arguably Di Matteo as well.
Not particularly good logic in either case, and they would have been a long way down my list of preferred choices.
But they weren't completely insane choices in the circumstances.
Strongly disagree on Gerrard. If Kevin Nolan had won one trophy in three years at an Old Firm club, in his first job, he'd rightly have been nowhere near the Villa job at that point.
Post by: Clampy on December 23, 2023, 08:14:29 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 23, 2023, 08:16:13 PM
I saw the reasoning behind Gerrard. Luckily, we got shot of him when we did
The reasoning was that he was a 'legend' as a player at Purslow's old club, which is no reasoning at all.
Post by: Clampy on December 23, 2023, 08:18:10 PM
I saw the reasoning behind Gerrard. Luckily, we got shot of him when we did
The reasoning was that he was a 'legend' as a player at Purslow's old club, which is no reasoning at all.
I think it was a bit more than that. It ended up being horribly wrong but I can see why they went for him.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 23, 2023, 08:20:02 PM
I saw the reasoning behind Gerrard. Luckily, we got shot of him when we did
The reasoning was that he was a 'legend' as a player at Purslow's old club, which is no reasoning at all.
I think it was a bit more than that. It ended up being horribly wrong but I can see why they went for him.
I think Paddy is right, it was a really blatant exercise in starfucking on Purslow's part, a terrible appointment right from the off.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 23, 2023, 08:21:45 PM
Post by: London Villan on December 23, 2023, 08:27:22 PM
Post by: Drummond on December 23, 2023, 08:45:51 PM
I saw the reasoning behind Gerrard. Luckily, we got shot of him when we did
The reasoning was that he was a 'legend' as a player at Purslow's old club, which is no reasoning at all.
I think it was a bit more than that. It ended up being horribly wrong but I can see why they went for him.
We all know why they went for him, but it doesn't stand up to any scrutiny.
Post by: LeonW on December 23, 2023, 08:46:49 PM
I saw the reasoning behind Gerrard. Luckily, we got shot of him when we did
The reasoning was that he was a 'legend' as a player at Purslow's old club, which is no reasoning at all.
I think it was a bit more than that. It ended up being horribly wrong but I can see why they went for him.
I must admit, I never saw the reason for the Gerrard appointment other than it being what Purslow wanted. I think the comparison with anyone with a different name doing the same thing in Scotland we wouldn’t be looking at them is justified. Conversely, Gerrard was able to attract players to the club that we may not have got. And those players attracted others. I think it all plays a part in where we are now.
Post by: Risso on December 23, 2023, 09:07:44 PM
Post by: LeonW on December 23, 2023, 09:42:33 PM
It didn’t work out but there was reasoning behind it. If you want to reduce appointments to trophies won, Dean Smith would never have replaced Steve Bruce and Brighton wouldn’t have appointed De Zerbi.
What was the reasoning do you think?
Post by: Risso on December 23, 2023, 09:49:47 PM
It didn’t work out but there was reasoning behind it. If you want to reduce appointments to trophies won, Dean Smith would never have replaced Steve Bruce and Brighton wouldn’t have appointed De Zerbi.
What was the reasoning do you think?
Rangers were trying to establish the sort of 'whole club' way of thinking that we were, with everything from the kids to the seniors all following the same pathway. It was a gamble on a young manager that didn't work out. He'd done quite well there, going undefeated and generally doing decent things in Europe. The whole "only won one title" thing ignores the complete mess they were in for the ten years before that. But it didn't work out, he's gone and we've got Emery. If nothing else, Gerrard left us with Kamara, so we can be thankful for that if nothing else.
Post by: Lucky Eddie on December 23, 2023, 10:17:16 PM
Re the 150 year celebration email I've received I shall be interested to see which 'former managers' they appoint to contribute. I can only think of two living who fit the bill. Most of the others are surely out of the question.
Post by: Risso on December 23, 2023, 10:41:38 PM
He was an exceptional footballer and had just broken a ten year stranglehold. It didn't work out but it was a pretty understandable appointment.
Re the 150 year celebration email I've received I shall be interested to see which 'former managers' they appoint to contribute. I can only think of two living who fit the bill. Most of the others are surely out of the question.
Brian Little will almost certainly be one, he's there at every game. Also hoping for a heroes return for David O'Leary, been gone too long that lovely man.
Post by: brontebilly on December 23, 2023, 11:04:29 PM
It didn’t work out but there was reasoning behind it. If you want to reduce appointments to trophies won, Dean Smith would never have replaced Steve Bruce and Brighton wouldn’t have appointed De Zerbi.
What was the reasoning do you think?
Rangers were trying to establish the sort of 'whole club' way of thinking that we were, with everything from the kids to the seniors all following the same pathway. It was a gamble on a young manager that didn't work out. He'd done quite well there, going undefeated and generally doing decent things in Europe. The whole "only won one title" thing ignores the complete mess they were in for the ten years before that. But it didn't work out, he's gone and we've got Emery. If nothing else, Gerrard left us with Kamara, so we can be thankful for that if nothing else.
Newcastle were also keen on Gerrard at the time, as they were on Emery. Eddie Howe was a long way down their list and obviously has done an unbelievable job getting them CL football. Gerrard did well with Rangers, to knock his record there isn't fair. Here's how Martin Samuel thought of our Gerrard appointment - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10192591/Steven-Gerrard-Aston-Villa-perfect-fit-Newcastle-blew-chance-appointing-him.html
I never thought Gerrard would work with us. Just didn't have the CV yet to warrant any PL job and we have finished many managers careers. Purslow unfortunately bought the hype hook, line and sinker. I think Deano was a goner in Purslow's eyes by the end of the previous season and that accelerated quickly post Grealish. Nothing Deano has done since Villa suggests he was PL standard unfortunately.
Emery in comparison was vastly experienced and had a real point to prove. It felt right from the first game.
Post by: LeonW on December 23, 2023, 11:46:18 PM
• As Bronte pointed out, Villa can be a managerial graveyard for managers. To put someone in with his experience level was always going to be risky, particularly when that person had never really had things go majorly wrong before and have that experience to draw on to repair them. This pretty much played itself out when we an early mini revival sprinkled with Coutinho magic halted and he had no answers to recover the situation which just got worse and worse until the day he was fired.
• On a related note, he’d only had experience working in a league where his budget dwarfed that of all but one other club. This is relevant because it would always come down to the need for smarter recruitment and tactical acumen to be able to punch above our financial weight against the super league 6. We saw little of one and nothing of the other.
• The players that we had recruited over 3/4 transfer windows did not fit the system that Gerrard played at Rangers suggesting a complete lack of joined up thinking. This is directly related to the above point because for a club in our position at that point in time, we could not just fritter away a huge turnover in players and the likely financial losses that would incur without hampering ourselves in the medium to longer term.
Post by: SoccerHQ on December 26, 2023, 02:35:42 PM
Post by: OCD on December 26, 2023, 02:46:59 PM
Post by: Scovilla on December 26, 2023, 02:52:14 PM
Post by: SoccerHQ on December 26, 2023, 03:06:46 PM
He was an exceptional footballer and had just broken a ten year stranglehold. It didn't work out but it was a pretty understandable appointment.
Re the 150 year celebration email I've received I shall be interested to see which 'former managers' they appoint to contribute. I can only think of two living who fit the bill. Most of the others are surely out of the question.
Brian Little will almost certainly be one, he's there at every game. Also hoping for a heroes return for David O'Leary, been gone too long that lovely man.
O'Neill will probably get an invite. Not like there was a mass booing when he returned with Sunderland, was a mixed reception IIRC so time a great healer and all that. Gregory will be involved aswell you'd think.
Post by: Beard82 on December 26, 2023, 03:16:39 PM
I think us being in a good place is a massive help - much easier to be forgiving from a position of strengthHe was an exceptional footballer and had just broken a ten year stranglehold. It didn't work out but it was a pretty understandable appointment.
Re the 150 year celebration email I've received I shall be interested to see which 'former managers' they appoint to contribute. I can only think of two living who fit the bill. Most of the others are surely out of the question.
Brian Little will almost certainly be one, he's there at every game. Also hoping for a heroes return for David O'Leary, been gone too long that lovely man.
O'Neill will probably get an invite. Not like there was a mass booing when he returned with Sunderland, was a mixed reception IIRC so time a great healer and all that. Gregory will be involved aswell you'd think.
Post by: Bad English on December 26, 2023, 04:18:43 PM
Long and good article (2 pages) about Villa in the French daily Newspaper L'équipe . It is mainlevée about what Unai brought...My phone does that too.
Post by: Scovilla on December 26, 2023, 05:27:25 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 26, 2023, 05:33:51 PM
Long and good article (2 pages) about Villa in the French daily Newspaper L'équipe . It is mainlevée about what Unai brought...
My phone does that too.
I blame Élan Musk.
Post by: Bad English on December 26, 2023, 05:40:40 PM
I blame Étron Musk too.Long and good article (2 pages) about Villa in the French daily Newspaper L'équipe . It is mainlevée about what Unai brought...
My phone does that too.
I blame Élan Musk.
Post by: eamonn on December 26, 2023, 06:09:46 PM
Post by: Mister E on December 26, 2023, 06:31:57 PM
I'm getting a bit worried about Bournemouth pipping us for the title. How have they got so good so quick?it's okay: after we've taken Solanke and Kelly from them in January they'll return to their expected place in the hierarchy.
Said jokingly, not 'Big Club' arrogance.
Post by: tomd2103 on December 26, 2023, 07:17:59 PM
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on December 26, 2023, 10:02:49 PM
Not after today.
Post by: itbrvilla on December 26, 2023, 10:04:05 PM
Just feels like tonight is a bit of a statement game in terms of aspirations of being in the very higher reaches of the league. We go there tonight, put in a good performance and win then I think it will give us a real boost of confidence.
Just feels like tonight is a bit of a statement game in terms of aspirations of being in the very higher reaches of the league. We go there tonight, put in a good performance and win then I think it will give us a real boost of confidence.Problem is we've had a few games like this, especially away from home. It's only a matter of time before results start to match performance.
Post by: Smirker on December 26, 2023, 10:11:49 PM
Post by: Monty on December 26, 2023, 10:14:40 PM
Post by: Villa Lew on December 29, 2023, 11:48:54 AM
Post by: LeeB on December 29, 2023, 11:54:16 AM
Post by: newryvillain on December 30, 2023, 06:51:58 PM
Surely we should be able to manage that, having averaged over 2pts per game for over a year now?
Post by: Dave on December 30, 2023, 09:21:19 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on December 30, 2023, 09:25:40 PM
Post by: Smirker on December 31, 2023, 12:27:53 PM
The next two league games are huge.
Post by: OCD on December 31, 2023, 12:30:07 PM
Post by: Astnor on December 31, 2023, 12:31:04 PM
We're still in the title race.Yes we are but I woudnt be disappointed come end of season and we came fourth.
The next two league games are huge.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on December 31, 2023, 12:36:57 PM
We're still in the title race.
The next two league games are huge.
Win the next two, and I'll believe again. Everton away will be tough though.
Post by: Rigadon on December 31, 2023, 12:42:17 PM
Post by: AV82EC on December 31, 2023, 12:42:33 PM
We're still in the title race.
The next two league games are huge.
Win the next two, and I'll believe again. Everton away will be tough though.
Yes and No. they’ve had their bounce from the points deduction but have now lost their last 4 including the Fulham League Cup penalties defeat. They’re away at Palace in the cup next week so could be welcoming us with 5 straight defeats. I’m confident we can go there and get a result.
Post by: Smirker on December 31, 2023, 12:56:03 PM
We're still in the title race.
The next two league games are huge.
Win the next two, and I'll believe again. Everton away will be tough though.
Agree the next two are going to be tough. Everton look a resilient team now and pressure is building on Newcastle. Though we are at home for that one so should be OK.
Hopefully we'll be smirking after them 8)
Post by: Risso on December 31, 2023, 01:25:44 PM
Post by: Smirker on December 31, 2023, 01:32:54 PM
Everton got smashed 3-0 by the Dingles yesterday, they're not that resilient.
Just one game. Done well this season.
Hopefully not too resilient ;)
Post by: AV82EC on December 31, 2023, 01:34:24 PM
Everton got smashed 3-0 by the Dingles yesterday, they're not that resilient.
Just one game. Done well this season.
Hopefully not too resilient ;)
They’ve lost their last 4 games!
Post by: algy on December 31, 2023, 02:09:30 PM
Which is why I've been making tentative plans to be in south London on the last day of the season, and have booked a (free cancellation) hotel in Athens :)
Post by: Smirker on December 31, 2023, 02:41:22 PM
Everton got smashed 3-0 by the Dingles yesterday, they're not that resilient.
Just one game. Done well this season.
Hopefully not too resilient ;)
They’ve lost their last 4 games!
Yeah but other than that I mean.
Post by: Smirker on December 31, 2023, 02:44:26 PM
Text me dad after every game "We're going to win the league" or variations of it. As I'd said to him, don't actually believe we will ... but if we were going to win the league we'd be doing exactly what we're doing now so may as well enjoy it whilst it lasts.
Which is why I've been making tentative plans to be in south London on the last day of the season, and have booked a (free cancellation) hotel in Athens :)
What would you actually do if we won the league?
I would definitely get a tattoo with Unai's name on.
I would give lots of abuse to everyone who ever took the piss out of the club especially when we weren't doing well.
I'd probably write a letter of thanks to the team and post it to VP.
Post by: Risso on December 31, 2023, 04:08:17 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/pKzLn52/images.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pKzLn52)
Post by: Smirker on December 31, 2023, 04:12:08 PM
Like this?!
(https://i.ibb.co/pKzLn52/images.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pKzLn52)
Yes but not his face. Just the name.
Post by: algy on December 31, 2023, 05:03:10 PM
Well I'll be in That London with my best mate and Villa will have just won the league, so I imagine in the immediate aftermath I'm going to be getting very, very drunk and attempting to dance at some late night discotheque.Text me dad after every game "We're going to win the league" or variations of it. As I'd said to him, don't actually believe we will ... but if we were going to win the league we'd be doing exactly what we're doing now so may as well enjoy it whilst it lasts.
Which is why I've been making tentative plans to be in south London on the last day of the season, and have booked a (free cancellation) hotel in Athens :)
What would you actually do if we won the league?
I would definitely get a tattoo with Unai's name on.
I would give lots of abuse to everyone who ever took the piss out of the club especially when we weren't doing well.
I'd probably write a letter of thanks to the team and post it to VP.
Then I'm planning on travelling back to Wrexham, going to my (Man Utd supporting) in-laws house and informing them of the relative position of the clubs in league table. Very loudly.
After that I expect I'll get incredibly drunk again.
Post by: Richard E on December 31, 2023, 05:05:31 PM
Post by: Smirker on December 31, 2023, 05:10:44 PM
Well I'll be in That London with my best mate and Villa will have just won the league, so I imagine in the immediate aftermath I'm going to be getting very, very drunk and attempting to dance at some late night discotheque.Text me dad after every game "We're going to win the league" or variations of it. As I'd said to him, don't actually believe we will ... but if we were going to win the league we'd be doing exactly what we're doing now so may as well enjoy it whilst it lasts.
Which is why I've been making tentative plans to be in south London on the last day of the season, and have booked a (free cancellation) hotel in Athens :)
What would you actually do if we won the league?
I would definitely get a tattoo with Unai's name on.
I would give lots of abuse to everyone who ever took the piss out of the club especially when we weren't doing well.
I'd probably write a letter of thanks to the team and post it to VP.
Then I'm planning on travelling back to Wrexham, going to my (Man Utd supporting) in-laws house and informing them of the relative position of the clubs in league table. Very loudly.
After that I expect I'll get incredibly drunk again.
I don't drink so that's not an option for me but I like the dancing. I'll probably have a dance too.
Also we are gonna do it and we need to believe now.
We're past the halfway mark and we're joint top on points. This is a title challenge now and we have just as much chance as anyone else.
Time to believe.
Post by: Demitri_C on December 31, 2023, 05:13:30 PM
We owe those bastards after 1st game of season
Post by: Stu on December 31, 2023, 05:17:09 PM
Post by: Stu on December 31, 2023, 05:19:57 PM
After Arsenal losing again today I’m starting to get this stupid idea that we’re gonna do it.
(https://i.ibb.co/Hqj8hFr/Tailgate-Cyclonus-Hope-Is-A-Lie.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Hqj8hFr)
Post by: Sexual Ealing on December 31, 2023, 05:26:57 PM
I'm a little annoyed that, if we do get CL football next year, we'll have to get a TNT Sports subscription at another £19 p/m or whatever and then if we fuck it up early on I can't even cancel that shit.
There's always the boozer till we get through the group.
Post by: Baldy on December 31, 2023, 05:28:07 PM
A lot depends on KDB, if he comes back firing on all cylinders they probably will win it.
But, if he is not firing, this title is up for grabs and we are in the race.
Post by: Stu on December 31, 2023, 05:36:06 PM
I'm a little annoyed that, if we do get CL football next year, we'll have to get a TNT Sports subscription at another £19 p/m or whatever and then if we fuck it up early on I can't even cancel that shit.
There's always the boozer till we get through the group.
That would mean going out though, ewwww
Post by: algy on December 31, 2023, 05:38:45 PM
I'm a believer, mateWell I'll be in That London with my best mate and Villa will have just won the league, so I imagine in the immediate aftermath I'm going to be getting very, very drunk and attempting to dance at some late night discotheque.Text me dad after every game "We're going to win the league" or variations of it. As I'd said to him, don't actually believe we will ... but if we were going to win the league we'd be doing exactly what we're doing now so may as well enjoy it whilst it lasts.
Which is why I've been making tentative plans to be in south London on the last day of the season, and have booked a (free cancellation) hotel in Athens :)
What would you actually do if we won the league?
I would definitely get a tattoo with Unai's name on.
I would give lots of abuse to everyone who ever took the piss out of the club especially when we weren't doing well.
I'd probably write a letter of thanks to the team and post it to VP.
Then I'm planning on travelling back to Wrexham, going to my (Man Utd supporting) in-laws house and informing them of the relative position of the clubs in league table. Very loudly.
After that I expect I'll get incredibly drunk again.
I don't drink so that's not an option for me but I like the dancing. I'll probably have a dance too.
Also we are gonna do it and we need to believe now.
We're past the halfway mark and we're joint top on points. This is a title challenge now and we have just as much chance as anyone else.
Time to believe.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on December 31, 2023, 07:30:38 PM
I asked (ill advisedly) for a sort of swooping eagle carrying the ROUND villa badge (obviously, badges last a few months these days so are always prone to change).
Then I fell asleep and when i woke up, the tattooist, who was a Blues fan, had given me the following:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eb336PRWsAkLcVC?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Woke up covered in sweat, thinking "shit, how am I going to get that tattoo removed?" followed a second later by "Oh, that was all a dream" then a millisecond after that "Ah bollocks, so we haven't really won the league, either".
I then spent a few minutes wondering if I'd accept getting the above tattoo somewhere like on my arm, so hideable but with a lot of fucking around, in return for us winning the league.
Post by: Smirker on January 01, 2024, 01:54:42 PM
Post by: LeeB on January 01, 2024, 02:17:07 PM
Nazi tattoos drawn by Blues,
You know you gotta have 'em,
You keep a long sleeve top on
Post by: Simon Page on January 01, 2024, 02:40:30 PM
I definitely would. Then just get the swastika bit covered up 8)
Or the eagle. Way too American.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on January 01, 2024, 02:45:12 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on January 01, 2024, 09:12:07 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 01, 2024, 09:19:55 PM
Post by: Dr Butler on January 02, 2024, 12:11:53 PM
UTV
The Doc
Post by: Drummond on January 02, 2024, 01:08:05 PM
I definitely would. Then just get the swastika bit covered up 8)
Or the eagle. Way too American.
(https://i.ibb.co/JjG32GF/Screenshot-20240102-130701-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JjG32GF)
Post by: Drummond on January 02, 2024, 01:09:52 PM
Post by: Monty on January 02, 2024, 03:07:58 PM
Post by: eamonn on January 03, 2024, 11:14:23 AM
Post by: Monty on January 03, 2024, 11:34:14 AM
Better than a cow sandwich from Firenze, any day.
[sound of open door being pushed]
Post by: olaftab on January 04, 2024, 01:53:48 PM
Drawing the lines saw Lucas Digne deemed offside before Diego Carlos “scored” in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, while Leon Bailey’s strike was controversially overturned for a foul on Sheffield United keeper Wes Foderingham in last month’s surprise 1-1 draw.
(https://i.ibb.co/J2KkzNF/RF-GRAPHIC-PREM-TABLE-WITHOUT-VAR-1-1.webp) (https://ibb.co/J2KkzNF)
Post by: Ads on January 04, 2024, 02:26:35 PM
Post by: olaftab on January 04, 2024, 04:05:45 PM
Post by: paul_e on January 04, 2024, 04:33:14 PM
Before seeing this data I honestly believed that Unai's offside play was far too smart for on field officials and we absolutely need VAR but apparently not so. Linesman have picked up all transgressions by the opposition and we have not had any on field decisions overturned in our favour by VAR so far this season as far as I can remember.
I saw some stats that backed that up as well every goal that's been chalked off had been flagged before the review.
Post by: OCD on January 04, 2024, 05:27:41 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 08, 2024, 11:50:16 AM
Post by: Rigadon on January 08, 2024, 11:59:03 AM
Our level has definitely dropped since the Citeh game, but in the main we’ve done well to grind out points. Hopefully the January rest will enable players to recover/get over injuries and we’ll kick on. Arsenal on the other hand are losing games as their level drops - they’re there for the taking in terms of top 4.
Agreed. I think with Arsenal, it doesn't help that their manager is a manbaby who can't seem to keep his emotions in check. Contrast that with Emery. Intestity doesn't have to be embodied by acting like a petulant child every time something goes wrong (VAR, referee, etc). Teams do embody their managers.
Post by: Risso on January 08, 2024, 12:00:55 PM
Post by: Bad English on January 08, 2024, 12:04:50 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on January 08, 2024, 12:13:10 PM
I really think Man City will run away with it now. De Bruyne coming back is massive for them, and also Doku is fit again and he's been superb this season. I do think we've got enough in us to stay in the hunt for second or third though. I've just got a slightly nervous feeling that we're going to do knack all this transfer window, while the likes of Spurs and Liverpool will throw some money at it, and that could be the difference. Liverpool's forward line has got exceptional strength in depth, whereas we've got just Ollie as main striker, and Bailey and Diaby as the ancilliary striker/wide man.Agree about Man City and also the transfer window. This is FFP protecting the '6' in all it's glory.
I think Spurs will come back strong too. I'd bite your hand off for 4th place right now.
Post by: Rigadon on January 08, 2024, 12:14:30 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on January 08, 2024, 12:20:59 PM
Does anybody actually know what our FFP position is?Nobody outside the club knows, but it's likely to be extremely tight - that's we we sold the kids off.
I did see a thread on it on Twitter. I'll see if I can find it.
<edit> - here you go. Lot's of assumptions, but it mostly makes sense to me.
https://twitter.com/mattburton72/status/1742567677023945041
Post by: Rigadon on January 08, 2024, 12:22:27 PM
Does anybody actually know what our FFP position is?Nobody outside the club knows, but it's likely to be extremely tight - that's we we sold the kids off.
I did see a thread on it on Twitter. I'll see if I can find it.
I\d be interested to see it, thanks
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 08, 2024, 01:41:53 PM
The screenshots were posted on the transfer thread.Does anybody actually know what our FFP position is?Nobody outside the club knows, but it's likely to be extremely tight - that's we we sold the kids off.
I did see a thread on it on Twitter. I'll see if I can find it.
<edit> - here you go. Lot's of assumptions, but it mostly makes sense to me.
https://twitter.com/mattburton72/status/1742567677023945041
It looks like we could do something but probably means we need to trade.
Post by: Smithy on January 08, 2024, 02:21:38 PM
I really think Man City will run away with it now. De Bruyne coming back is massive for them, and also Doku is fit again and he's been superb this season. I do think we've got enough in us to stay in the hunt for second or third though. I've just got a slightly nervous feeling that we're going to do knack all this transfer window, while the likes of Spurs and Liverpool will throw some money at it, and that could be the difference. Liverpool's forward line has got exceptional strength in depth, whereas we've got just Ollie as main striker, and Bailey and Diaby as the ancilliary striker/wide man.
I agree with all of this. Man City (with their talisman back) look like the only side capable of going on a 10-game winning run and putting everyone else in the rearview mirror. The top four still has to be our realistic aim, but one of us, Spurs or Arsenal, is likely to be the ones to miss out.
What odds on us needing to win the Conference League to bring our national coefficient high enough to secure a 5th place in the Champions League, and then us finishing in that fifth spot?
Post by: Dogtanian on January 08, 2024, 02:29:36 PM
Expectations have been raised with the first half performance, but as we are finding more teams are sitting deep against us, we need to improve even more just to keep where we are. That's my only concern with finishing top four. We are capable of it, but we need to become more effective at breaking down these teams.
Post by: Risso on January 08, 2024, 02:36:30 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on January 08, 2024, 02:44:23 PM
If we could add either cup to 4th or 5th it would be brilliant
Post by: Rigadon on January 08, 2024, 02:46:46 PM
Post by: Pat Mustard on January 08, 2024, 02:59:24 PM
We need to get in better back up for Martinez and Watkins as an absolute priority, and then if there is anyone else who could push us on then for once I can see the value is spending over the odds this window. 10 wins out of our last 18 games and Champions League would be virtually guaranteed.
Post by: Smithy on January 08, 2024, 03:00:50 PM
5th would be a big achievement all things told. ManU, Newcastle and Chelsea have much bigger squads and all things being equal shouldn't be seeing us way down the track as things stand.
If we could add either cup to 4th or 5th it would be brilliant
There is a developing gap between 5th and 6th (currently 5 points, and 8 points from 5th down to 7th place), so you would think unless our form suffers a really significant drop-off, we're in the fight for the top four, with 5th the worst case scenario.
5th was 67 points last year, that's 25 points from 18 games. I still think we'll need a points total in the low to mid-70s to guarantee Champions League football, which means maybe 30-32 points from the next 18 games.
10 wins from the last 18 games and a couple of draws. We could even afford to lose maybe five or six and still do it. We have another 9 games at home to come. It's all eminently doable.
Given the relative weakness of Chelsea and Man Utd this season, you have to think we're unlikely to have a better chance than this to break into the top four and get a foothold in there. It would be hugely disappointing not to make it now, given the incredible first-half to the season we've had.
Post by: rob_bridge on January 08, 2024, 03:53:08 PM
75 I think would guarantee Top 4. 33 points fr0m 18 games. Would need home form to continue and no injuries or loss of form for Martinez or Watkins,
Post by: SaddVillan on January 14, 2024, 08:17:54 PM
Avge points so far
Home - 2.8
Away - 1.3636
Maintain that for our remaining games and we'd end up with 79 points. Over the last 5 seasons it would have got us at least 3rd.
4th place
2022/23 3rd 71pts
2021/22 3rd 71pts
2020/21 2nd 67pts
2019/20 3rd 66pts
2018/19 3rd 71pts
All is not yet lost.
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 15, 2024, 12:35:25 AM
Post by: Smirker on January 15, 2024, 12:53:16 AM
Forest
Sheff Utd
MU
And now Everton. And before anyone says all we have to do is keep pace and we finish top 4 that isn't the point. We have very little room for error here.
Winning those two home games vs MC and Arsenal could have been a launchpad but the results since then means that we've given up any points boost we would have had, had we won the games we'd expect to win.
I'm not complaining I just want us to start taking these opportunities to gain some ground over our challengers.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on January 15, 2024, 01:13:16 AM
Post by: dcdavecollett on January 15, 2024, 01:59:51 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 15, 2024, 05:23:45 AM
Our performances have not been either.
Post by: Dave on January 15, 2024, 07:24:59 AM
8 points from the last 15 is not top 4 form.
Our performances have not been either.
Rather depends on what the other teams do.
Arsenal with four points from the last fifteen clearly have no chance.
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 15, 2024, 08:36:52 AM
8 points from the last 15 is not top 4 form.
Our performances have not been either.
Rather depends on what the other teams do.
Arsenal with four points from the last fifteen clearly have no chance.
And in November/December Man City took 3 points from 12, so assume they’re out of it too.
All clubs have ropey periods. The important thing is that we use this break to recharge and get back to some of our more sparkling displays.
Post by: Monty on January 15, 2024, 08:50:23 AM
The 'sit deep' plan is always fucked by conceding first, so let's get into them early! I have this feeling that sometimes we're a bit standoffish at the beginning of especially away games, looking to draw the sting of the home crowd etc. But you know what really draws the sting from midtable home crowds? Conceding after 4 minutes. I know because that's what top-of-the-league contenders did to Villa for who knows how many years.
Post by: Ads on January 15, 2024, 08:56:04 AM
Post by: PhilVill on January 15, 2024, 03:29:18 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 15, 2024, 03:41:30 PM
Post by: VillaTim on January 15, 2024, 03:45:24 PM
8 points from the last 15 is not top 4 form.we are running out of steam not helped by the injuries and smallish squad. I think we poured so much into part 1 of the season it's catching up a bit now which is only natural.
Our performances have not been either.
Post by: chrisw1 on January 16, 2024, 09:09:27 AM
Plus teams are playing differently against us now they know what to expect.8 points from the last 15 is not top 4 form.we are running out of steam not helped by the injuries and smallish squad. I think we poured so much into part 1 of the season it's catching up a bit now which is only natural.
Our performances have not been either.
Post by: Ads on January 16, 2024, 09:12:29 AM
1 result swing is a loss of steam over the busiest period of the year, with all our injuries? Yeah maybe.
Post by: Risso on January 16, 2024, 09:14:07 AM
Post by: Smithy on January 16, 2024, 10:01:11 AM
11 points from 6, 8th in the form table versus 14 points from 6 in Liverpool at the top of said table.
1 result swing is a loss of steam over the busiest period of the year, with all our injuries? Yeah maybe.
Our recent form isn't actually that bad. 3 wins, 2 draws and a loss from the last 6 games won't win the league, but if we did that sort of return for the rest of the season we'd be over 70 points, and almost certainly in the champions league places. And that's maintaining a level of form that people think has dropped off. It's certainly below the 2 points per game we've been used to in 2023, but still good enough to get into the high 60s across a season. We just need a couple of back-to-back wins to build some momentum again. Newcastle and Sheff Utd a great place to start, given we got one point from the reverse fixtures.
Post by: jon collett on January 16, 2024, 10:03:58 AM
This is why we need a proper alternative/backup for Watkins. He's scored 1 goal in 8 games and hasn't really looked like getting on the score sheet in that time. We need somebody better than Duran to bring on. Ollie's just reverted to whacking the ball into the defender's shins every time he gets a sniff.
There was a strange thing Sunday where he often penetrated the defence through speed and time runs but then turned backwards with the ball and the move fizzles out. Happened three or four times.
Post by: Ads on January 16, 2024, 10:08:56 AM
We have played 9 games in a month, been without some really high quality players like Torres, Yuri, Kamara etc, with JJ and Moreno not up to full speed. We've now come into January, did something we've not done in 8 years and got our first goaless draw playing the worst anti-football side in the league.
That's definitely a weakness we're finding and perhaps with Torres and Tielemans back, that better passing will help with these rank, ambitionless sides. But we're not doing badly. We don't look tired, hopefully the break helps either players coming back and we have two games to go at where we ought to find space to dismantle.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on January 16, 2024, 10:32:12 AM
Post by: LeeB on January 16, 2024, 10:34:14 AM
I think this time of year its erroneous to artifically cap form at 4, 5 or 6 games, because it lacks the context of what this period is. It is the crunch, an absolute slog, get in a dark place head down and work- get out of it as best you can.
We have played 9 games in a month, been without some really high quality players like Torres, Yuri, Kamara etc, with JJ and Moreno not up to full speed. We've now come into January, did something we've not done in 8 years and got our first goaless draw playing the worst anti-football side in the league.
That's definitely a weakness we're finding and perhaps with Torres and Tielemans back, that better passing will help with these rank, ambitionless sides. But we're not doing badly. We don't look tired, hopefully the break helps either players coming back and we have two games to go at where we ought to find space to dismantle.
I wholeheartedly agree with all of this.
Post by: Hookeysmith on January 16, 2024, 01:44:02 PM
One hack even suggested Redscum could sneak into top 4 - unfuckingbelievable.
I really hope we discover some form again and go on the march to ram it down these clowns throats
Post by: eamonn on January 16, 2024, 02:41:07 PM
Post by: Ads on January 16, 2024, 02:58:43 PM
What had we not done in eight years - a scoreless draw? Doubt it.
4th round of the Cup.
Post by: eamonn on January 16, 2024, 03:20:15 PM
Post by: Drummond on January 16, 2024, 05:14:10 PM
I think this time of year its erroneous to artifically cap form at 4, 5 or 6 games, because it lacks the context of what this period is. It is the crunch, an absolute slog, get in a dark place head down and work- get out of it as best you can.
We have played 9 games in a month, been without some really high quality players like Torres, Yuri, Kamara etc, with JJ and Moreno not up to full speed. We've now come into January, did something we've not done in 8 years and got our first goaless draw playing the worst anti-football side in the league.
That's definitely a weakness we're finding and perhaps with Torres and Tielemans back, that better passing will help with these rank, ambitionless sides. But we're not doing badly. We don't look tired, hopefully the break helps either players coming back and we have two games to go at where we ought to find space to dismantle.
I wholeheartedly agree with all of this.
I think the games against ManC and Arse really took it out of us. but both showed what we can do. With Torres, Kamara and Tielemans all being out over Xmas it really affected our ability to push games and we lost the control in the middle and the creativity and passing ability. I fully expect us to push on again now, Newcastle and then Sheffield United.
Post by: coreyfeldman on January 16, 2024, 05:16:52 PM
What had we not done in eight years - a scoreless draw? Doubt it.
They meant Emery had not overseen a goalless draw in the prem, not us
Post by: algy on January 16, 2024, 05:18:05 PM
Me too. :)I think this time of year its erroneous to artifically cap form at 4, 5 or 6 games, because it lacks the context of what this period is. It is the crunch, an absolute slog, get in a dark place head down and work- get out of it as best you can.
We have played 9 games in a month, been without some really high quality players like Torres, Yuri, Kamara etc, with JJ and Moreno not up to full speed. We've now come into January, did something we've not done in 8 years and got our first goaless draw playing the worst anti-football side in the league.
That's definitely a weakness we're finding and perhaps with Torres and Tielemans back, that better passing will help with these rank, ambitionless sides. But we're not doing badly. We don't look tired, hopefully the break helps either players coming back and we have two games to go at where we ought to find space to dismantle.
I wholeheartedly agree with all of this.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 18, 2024, 08:51:40 AM
What had we not done in eight years - a scoreless draw? Doubt it.
They meant Emery had not overseen a goalless draw in the prem, not us
Ads meant getting to the 4th round of the cup, not a scoreless draw
Post by: The Edge on January 18, 2024, 10:33:15 AM
Some of the wankfest in the gutter press, especially about Spurzzzzzz is sickeningI saw a couple of similar things on SM today saying Top 4 a straight fight between Liv, Ars, MC, Spurs and MU. Title race over now DeBruyne and Haaland are back which is probably true. Ian Wright was the only one to even mention us as "doing well" Proper vomit inducing stuff. Yeah I would really love to make top 4 and 3rd would be amazing as it would probably push the cockneys below us.Ramming it down the throats of those pricks especially the ones in the Sky cartel would be immensely satisfying.
One hack even suggested Redscum could sneak into top 4 - unfuckingbelievable.
I really hope we discover some form again and go on the march to ram it down these clowns throats
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 18, 2024, 10:36:35 AM
Post by: AV82EC on January 18, 2024, 11:40:12 AM
If people find what they read in the media sickening or vomit-inducing, perhaps they ought to avoid consuming it.
There is an element of the “Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells” about it.
Post by: The Edge on January 18, 2024, 12:51:23 PM
If people find what they read in the media sickening or vomit-inducing, perhaps they ought to avoid consuming it.Well excuse me. I watched an article about pundits predicting their top four this season. I was expecting us to be part of the conversation but we wasn't. I'll avoid all articles that could possibly involve the Villa in future just in case.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 18, 2024, 12:52:52 PM
Post by: LeeB on January 18, 2024, 12:53:10 PM
Post by: eamonn on January 18, 2024, 12:57:23 PM
Unai is different but even he couldn't shake-off the Villa curse at Old Trafford the other week. It'll be a wonderful surprise for me if we manage top four/five and Chumps League but I don't wanna dream about it cos our dreams have too often been nightmared.
Post by: chrisw1 on January 18, 2024, 01:00:19 PM
I give a pundits a pass on this one, we've rarely been up there at the top in modernz timez. They're lazy but I prefer not being talked-up. I still feel there's a bigger chance we'll plummet downwards and finish 6th to 8th which admittedly is the long-standing Villan in me Stockholm syndrome'd into having been let-down.I agree. I don't think we'll finish top 4 and I watch every game. I think it's reasonable that pundits draw the same conclusion.
Unai is different but even he couldn't shake-off the Villa curse at Old Trafford the other week. It'll be a wonderful surprise for me if we manage top four/five and Chumps League but I don't wanna dream about it cos our dreams have too often been nightmared.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 18, 2024, 01:13:58 PM
Post by: eamonn on January 18, 2024, 01:22:15 PM
Post by: cannock villa on January 18, 2024, 01:23:10 PM
Yes we drop points when we shouldn't but so have every other team around us.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on January 18, 2024, 01:25:09 PM
Our form isn't some couple of weeks fluke. We have been the second best team points wise behind Man City for 13 months now, so why is it not possible to finish in the top 4. I can understand pundits overlooking this but reading the comments on here even our own fans are.
Yes we drop points when we shouldn't but so have every other team around us.
There's no reason why we can't, but it's advisable to avoid becoming incandescent with fury if Lee Dixon or Chris Sutton don't think we will.
Post by: chrisw1 on January 18, 2024, 01:35:40 PM
Our form isn't some couple of weeks fluke. We have been the second best team points wise behind Man City for 13 months now, so why is it not possible to finish in the top 4. I can understand pundits overlooking this but reading the comments on here even our own fans are.The fact that it's possible doesn't mean that people have to think we will.
Yes we drop points when we shouldn't but so have every other team around us.
Perhaps it's just the natural scepticism of a Villa fan nurtured over the last 40 years.
Or possibly it's because some people think we've ridden our luck a bit and probably punched a bit above our weight in terms of points vs performance. Martinez alone has probably been worth 12-15 points this season. Either way, until Villa start winning stuff or qualifying for the CL regularly people will always be cautious about predicting our success.
Hopefully Emery will earn the respect we as fans want from the media in the next season or two.
Post by: The Edge on January 19, 2024, 03:17:38 PM
I doubt if any Villa fan will be furious about what a couple of useless pundits like Dixon or Sutton think. File them in the useless buffoon column along with Danny Murphy and Danny Mills.Our form isn't some couple of weeks fluke. We have been the second best team points wise behind Man City for 13 months now, so why is it not possible to finish in the top 4. I can understand pundits overlooking this but reading the comments on here even our own fans are.
Yes we drop points when we shouldn't but so have every other team around us.
There's no reason why we can't, but it's advisable to avoid becoming incandescent with fury if Lee Dixon or Chris Sutton don't think we will.
Post by: Pat Mustard on January 19, 2024, 04:11:31 PM
Our form isn't some couple of weeks fluke. We have been the second best team points wise behind Man City for 13 months now, so why is it not possible to finish in the top 4. I can understand pundits overlooking this but reading the comments on here even our own fans are.The fact that it's possible doesn't mean that people have to think we will.
Yes we drop points when we shouldn't but so have every other team around us.
Perhaps it's just the natural scepticism of a Villa fan nurtured over the last 40 years.
Or possibly it's because some people think we've ridden our luck a bit and probably punched a bit above our weight in terms of points vs performance. Martinez alone has probably been worth 12-15 points this season. Either way, until Villa start winning stuff or qualifying for the CL regularly people will always be cautious about predicting our success.
Hopefully Emery will earn the respect we as fans want from the media in the next season or two.
I don't think we have ridden our luck at all - we've lost the games where we haven't played well, but we've deservedly won the large majority of matches in the last 12 months. And, if we don't finish in the top 4 it won't be Manchester United who finish above us as we'll funeral those bastards once and for all on 11th February!
Post by: Dave P on January 19, 2024, 04:30:50 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on January 19, 2024, 05:11:30 PM
Our form isn't some couple of weeks fluke. We have been the second best team points wise behind Man City for 13 months now, so why is it not possible to finish in the top 4. I can understand pundits overlooking this but reading the comments on here even our own fans are.The fact that it's possible doesn't mean that people have to think we will.
Yes we drop points when we shouldn't but so have every other team around us.
Perhaps it's just the natural scepticism of a Villa fan nurtured over the last 40 years.
Or possibly it's because some people think we've ridden our luck a bit and probably punched a bit above our weight in terms of points vs performance. Martinez alone has probably been worth 12-15 points this season. Either way, until Villa start winning stuff or qualifying for the CL regularly people will always be cautious about predicting our success.
Hopefully Emery will earn the respect we as fans want from the media in the next season or two.
I don't think we have ridden our luck at all - we've lost the games where we haven't played well, but we've deservedly won the large majority of matches in the last 12 months. And, if we don't finish in the top 4 it won't be Manchester United who finish above us as we'll funeral those bastards once and for all on 11th February!
Fair enough. Off the top of my head I thought we were fortunate against Spurs, Chelsea, Bournemouth & Arsenal. We were probably a bit unlucky against Man U. I also think we are relying heavily on Martinez who is saving way above average one-on-ones - which I appreciate is great and reflects his ability, but doesn't feel sustainable.
I'm not belittling what Emery has done or saying we don't deserve to be where we are, but on balance I do feel we have ridden our luck and can understand why some pundits would also think that too. It may be the natural negativity of a Brummie, but I'd take 5th now if offered.
Post by: Dave on January 19, 2024, 05:14:37 PM
Our form isn't some couple of weeks fluke. We have been the second best team points wise behind Man City for 13 months now, so why is it not possible to finish in the top 4. I can understand pundits overlooking this but reading the comments on here even our own fans are.The fact that it's possible doesn't mean that people have to think we will.
Yes we drop points when we shouldn't but so have every other team around us.
Perhaps it's just the natural scepticism of a Villa fan nurtured over the last 40 years.
Or possibly it's because some people think we've ridden our luck a bit and probably punched a bit above our weight in terms of points vs performance. Martinez alone has probably been worth 12-15 points this season. Either way, until Villa start winning stuff or qualifying for the CL regularly people will always be cautious about predicting our success.
Hopefully Emery will earn the respect we as fans want from the media in the next season or two.
I don't think we have ridden our luck at all - we've lost the games where we haven't played well, but we've deservedly won the large majority of matches in the last 12 months. And, if we don't finish in the top 4 it won't be Manchester United who finish above us as we'll funeral those bastards once and for all on 11th February!
Fair enough. Off the top of my head I thought we were fortunate against Spurs, Chelsea, Bournemouth & Arsenal. We were probably a bit unlucky against Man U. I also think we are relying heavily on Martinez who is saving way above average one-on-ones - which I appreciate is great and reflects his ability, but doesn't feel sustainable.
I'm not belittling what Emery has done or saying we don't deserve to be where we are, but on balance I do feel we have ridden our luck and can understand why some pundits would also think that too. It may be the natural negativity of a Brummie, but I'd take 5th now if offered.
The ones that you cite, we could easily have dropped points in had a couple of bounces gone against us instead of for us - but then Forest, Wolves and Sheffield Utd as well as Man Utd are all matches where we could have gained points had a couple of bounces gone for us instead of against.
Post by: chrisw1 on January 19, 2024, 05:17:26 PM
Post by: Dave on January 19, 2024, 05:19:25 PM
I thought on the balance of play Wolves and Sheffield were both fair results. Forest was one of those games that we should have got something.
They were fair results, but the four that you mention were also fair results.
Post by: chrisw1 on January 19, 2024, 05:20:20 PM
ok. I personally think we were a bit lucky and understand why others would think that too.I thought on the balance of play Wolves and Sheffield were both fair results. Forest was one of those games that we should have got something.
They were fair results, but the four that you mention were also fair results.
Post by: Dave on January 19, 2024, 05:26:29 PM
ok. I personally think we were a bit lucky and understand why others would think that too.I thought on the balance of play Wolves and Sheffield were both fair results. Forest was one of those games that we should have got something.
They were fair results, but the four that you mention were also fair results.
I don't really see why they are mutually exclusive things. I think we were a bit lucky not to be 3-0 down at half-time against Spurs. We were a bit unlucky not to be 2-0 up against Sheffield Utd with five minutes to go. And a win against Spurs and a draw against Sheffield Utd were still both perfectly fair results.
Post by: Ads on January 19, 2024, 05:35:24 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on January 19, 2024, 05:35:41 PM
Fair enough. I was just trying to make a point as to why some people may think we've ridden our luck a bit. I feel we have, but I appreciate it's subjective. Equally, I've seen a stat to say we've been unlucky with VAR so I do understand it's swings and roundabouts.ok. I personally think we were a bit lucky and understand why others would think that too.I thought on the balance of play Wolves and Sheffield were both fair results. Forest was one of those games that we should have got something.
They were fair results, but the four that you mention were also fair results.
I don't really see why they are mutually exclusive things. I think we were a bit lucky not to be 3-0 down at half-time against Spurs. We were a bit unlucky not to be 2-0 up against Sheffield Utd with five minutes to go. And a win against Spurs and a draw against Sheffield Utd were still both perfectly fair results.
Post by: Dave on January 19, 2024, 05:40:50 PM
Fair enough. I was just trying to make a point as to why some people may think we've ridden our luck a bit. I feel we have, but I appreciate it's subjective. Equally, I've seen a stat to say we've been unlucky with VAR so I do understand it's swings and roundabouts.ok. I personally think we were a bit lucky and understand why others would think that too.I thought on the balance of play Wolves and Sheffield were both fair results. Forest was one of those games that we should have got something.
They were fair results, but the four that you mention were also fair results.
I don't really see why they are mutually exclusive things. I think we were a bit lucky not to be 3-0 down at half-time against Spurs. We were a bit unlucky not to be 2-0 up against Sheffield Utd with five minutes to go. And a win against Spurs and a draw against Sheffield Utd were still both perfectly fair results.
Yup - I think it probably is one of those "even themselves out over the season" things.
Post by: Ads on January 19, 2024, 05:57:38 PM
Post by: LeonW on January 19, 2024, 10:18:53 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 20, 2024, 12:02:04 AM
One thing i’ve been thinking about for awhile when I look at Spurs is whether they can they really keep up the pace with the way they’re playing all season? The load management must be extremely high. Conversely, I look at us and think there’s actually something very Italian in Emery’s approach in thinking about the road ahead over the entire season. I think our play reflects that, even in game with the way we play by often reducing the amount of physical demands we’re placing on players. We like to get a lead and then counter. This is why I think we’ll finish above spudz.
Yes, that’s something I’ve considered and decided to believe too.
Post by: London Villan on January 20, 2024, 07:42:06 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 20, 2024, 07:51:56 AM
Madison will be a huge boost to them and they have others coming back, they have a deeper squad than us.
We will do well to finish above them, the good news is they come to VP.
Post by: algy on January 20, 2024, 03:26:07 PM
Post by: mike on January 20, 2024, 03:43:44 PM
Fair enough. I was just trying to make a point as to why some people may think we've ridden our luck a bit. I feel we have, but I appreciate it's subjective. Equally, I've seen a stat to say we've been unlucky with VAR so I do understand it's swings and roundabouts.ok. I personally think we were a bit lucky and understand why others would think that too.I thought on the balance of play Wolves and Sheffield were both fair results. Forest was one of those games that we should have got something.
They were fair results, but the four that you mention were also fair results.
I don't really see why they are mutually exclusive things. I think we were a bit lucky not to be 3-0 down at half-time against Spurs. We were a bit unlucky not to be 2-0 up against Sheffield Utd with five minutes to go. And a win against Spurs and a draw against Sheffield Utd were still both perfectly fair results.
I half agree with you Chris, but Spurs have had the benefit of some outrageous VAR decisions so they have also ridden their luck.
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 20, 2024, 05:28:05 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on January 20, 2024, 06:05:06 PM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on January 20, 2024, 06:43:14 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on January 20, 2024, 07:42:37 PM
At no stage of the season have I thought we'd finish in the top three. However, I would be disappointed if we don't finish fourth, because that place has always been there for our taking.
Same here, I'll be particularly annoyed if we're pipped to 4th by Spurzzz.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on January 20, 2024, 07:53:01 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 20, 2024, 08:58:45 PM
Post by: DrGonzo on January 20, 2024, 10:56:03 PM
60 points or more would have made me happy at the start of the season. Obviously with the manner of the first half of the season we all want more, please don’t forget we are doing something none of us expected 6 months ago. We should all be very proud of our performances this season and we need to all back our team for the rest of this season.
Post by: IFWaters on January 21, 2024, 06:27:56 AM
Take 10 points from the next 5 and I think it's on.
Newcastle (h)
Sheff Utd (a)
Man Utd (h)
Fulham (a)
Forest (h)
Post by: mrfuse on January 21, 2024, 10:51:21 AM
If we can win 9 and draw a couple of our last 17 games then that's 72 points which would have got us 3rd or 4th for the last 5 seasons.
Take 10 points from the next 5 and I think it's on.
Newcastle (h)
Sheff Utd (a)
Man Utd (h)
Fulham (a)
Forest (h)
In my own mind we really have a point to prove with all those fixtures apart from Fulham. The corresponding fixtures last season were some of the most disappointing results we had.
I'm not sure if Emery lingers on past results, I suspect he just focuses on winning regardless. I'm hoping the players have a little more Motivation to put that right.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 21, 2024, 11:14:12 AM
If we can win 9 and draw a couple of our last 17 games then that's 72 points which would have got us 3rd or 4th for the last 5 seasons.
Take 10 points from the next 5 and I think it's on.
Newcastle (h)
Sheff Utd (a)
Man Utd (h)
Fulham (a)
Forest (h)
In my own mind we really have a point to prove with all those fixtures apart from Fulham. The corresponding fixtures last season were some of the most disappointing results we had.
I'm not sure if Emery lingers on past results, I suspect he just focuses on winning regardless. I'm hoping the players have a little more Motivation to put that right.
We beat Man Utd, Forest and Newcastle, and didn’t play Sheff Utd, but they were disappointing results?
Conversely, we lost to Fulham in a terrible display that got Gerrard (at last!) but that’s the one you think we haven’t got a point to prove!
Have you wandered over from SHA?
Post by: mrfuse on January 21, 2024, 12:59:28 PM
If we can win 9 and draw a couple of our last 17 games then that's 72 points which would have got us 3rd or 4th for the last 5 seasons.
Take 10 points from the next 5 and I think it's on.
Newcastle (h)
Sheff Utd (a)
Man Utd (h)
Fulham (a)
Forest (h)
In my own mind we really have a point to prove with all those fixtures apart from Fulham. The corresponding fixtures last season were some of the most disappointing results we had.
I'm not sure if Emery lingers on past results, I suspect he just focuses on winning regardless. I'm hoping the players have a little more Motivation to put that right.
We beat Man Utd, Forest and Newcastle, and didn’t play Sheff Utd, but they were disappointing results?
Conversely, we lost to Fulham in a terrible display that got Gerrard (at last!) but that’s the one you think we haven’t got a point to prove!
Have you wandered over from SHA?
Apologies I meant last year not last season. Probably corresponding isint the right term, reverse fixtures was what I was looking for.
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 21, 2024, 01:34:47 PM
Post by: N'ZMAV on January 21, 2024, 02:15:30 PM
Post by: OCD on January 21, 2024, 02:48:02 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on January 21, 2024, 03:07:17 PM
If we can win 9 and draw a couple of our last 17 games then that's 72 points which would have got us 3rd or 4th for the last 5 seasons.
Take 10 points from the next 5 and I think it's on.
Newcastle (h)
Sheff Utd (a)
Man Utd (h)
Fulham (a)
Forest (h)
In my own mind we really have a point to prove with all those fixtures apart from Fulham. The corresponding fixtures last season were some of the most disappointing results we had.
I'm not sure if Emery lingers on past results, I suspect he just focuses on winning regardless. I'm hoping the players have a little more Motivation to put that right.
We beat Man Utd, Forest and Newcastle, and didn’t play Sheff Utd, but they were disappointing results?
Conversely, we lost to Fulham in a terrible display that got Gerrard (at last!) but that’s the one you think we haven’t got a point to prove!
Have you wandered over from SHA?
Apologies I meant last year not last season. Probably corresponding isint the right term, reverse fixtures was what I was looking for.
Ah gotcha. Yeah should have worked it out myself now I look again. Wasn’t thinking about how bad those results were this season.
Post by: Footy-Vill on January 30, 2024, 06:49:37 PM
It's been encouraging so far this year with 3 games and with no goals conceded.(Granted two FA cup)
To be in title contention, we must improve the goal conceded ratio.
Clubs don't win the league if concede more than one goal per game.
I think this has been an area that has been looked at to improve and Emery has said us of not to be surrendering goals and villa are not.
This season, two fantastic wins came by 1-0, both against Manchester City and Arsenal. They were different displays but took a lot out of the players as much as it gave them belief.
The winter break came just right time because it was evident to me that the players were both mentally and physically fatigued from Emery's demands, which, although important so as to maintaining a top level and being among the top four contenders, meant that the players were in desperate need of rest and relaxation.
I believe the February matchups are fairly favourable, and we could be looking at further progressive performances that will put us in a strong position come March.
Certainly, there is ongoing excitement, and now the players have been refreshed and get back to implement Emery's instructions, with renewed energy . We can all expect Emery will expect of them and the ask to be continuing to be demanding to challenge as a contender.
Following Villa is so much fun, and it's a thrill to see how good we are at football, and I'm hopeful that the second half of the season will offer us with more joyful memories and moments in the League, the FA Cup and European Conference.
Post by: Toronto Villa on January 30, 2024, 09:33:39 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on January 30, 2024, 09:34:52 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 30, 2024, 11:03:49 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on January 30, 2024, 11:16:15 PM
Close the thread.Not at all . Do nothing of the such I amended thread heading dropping mention of the 'T'.
Things are particularly raw of course after disappointment Vs Newcastle however we are no way out of the top 4 and 5 contention and a win would have see us two points behind Liverpool for 1st place
It's each to ones own choosing if want to discuss. Plenty of twists and turns to come.
All playing at home tomorrow Man City , Spurs ,Liverpool but I suspect they won't all win.
And it's Arsenal v Liverpool on Sunday when it's Sheffield United Villa the day before.
1 Liverpool P21 48pts
2 Arsenal Pl 22 46 pts
3 Man City Pl 20 43 pts
4 Villa Pl 22 43 pts
5 Spurs Pl 21 40pts
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 31, 2024, 12:07:23 AM
Maybe down to injuries, but a CL team does not come away from Old Trafford at 2 nil up against one of the weakest Manure teams for a decade with nil points.
Unable to beat the bottom of the league team at home and then that performance against a mid table team with even more absentees than us.
It has been a miraculous turnaround since the Gerard period but we have stalled and it’s difficult to see where we go from here.
Our best X1 on form is a match for anyone, but sadly that is not enough.
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 31, 2024, 12:09:37 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 31, 2024, 12:12:11 AM
Reality is with have some key absences and a number of key players off form. We need to find our way back and scrap a couple of results and build some confidence back up.But the reality is that every team has injuries.
Post by: VillaTim on January 31, 2024, 12:22:42 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 31, 2024, 12:24:56 AM
Reality is with have some key absences and a number of key players off form. We need to find our way back and scrap a couple of results and build some confidence back up.But the reality is that every team has injuries.
Yep they do, but all the teams around us have squads that can cope better with them.
Post by: Risso on January 31, 2024, 12:46:09 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 31, 2024, 12:47:56 AM
Post by: coreyfeldman on January 31, 2024, 12:54:07 AM
Let's see how we cope with this downturn in form but we need to stick with the team and remember that if we'd have said at the start of the season we'd be 4/5 at this stage and this close to the top then we'd be delighted.
Really hoping that bailey can stay fit and that Rogers offers something as zaniolo and diaby look like Sunday league players on current form.
Torres coming back is bigger than any signing now
Post by: Ads on January 31, 2024, 12:55:13 AM
Is that 1 win in 5 now? Must be our poorest run since Emery arrived.
1 win in 4 from Sheffield United, Burnley and Newcastle- 3 sides utterly abysmal away from home and also another when 2 up at Man United, who were as atrocious in that 1st half as we were all game tonight, with a pretty toothless attack wise performance at an another dire side like Everton thrown in for the awful 5 game run.
The wheels have come off and I have absolutely no confidence we will beat Sheffield United. We need to win all our games in February and we just won't. We look abysmal. No chance of 70+ points. 60 looks a struggle.
Post by: Risso on January 31, 2024, 12:55:37 AM
Post by: Ads on January 31, 2024, 12:56:59 AM
Torres might be weeks away yet though. Is the season really going to go completely to pot because of one central defender being out?
He's a big reason why we struggle to beat the press. His passing is sensational and makes most presses look daft. We're so tediously predictable without him.
Post by: PaulWinch again on January 31, 2024, 01:07:44 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on January 31, 2024, 07:48:52 AM
Yep he’s vital and it’s been a fucking disaster of an injury - but other players have dropped off significantly at the same time.Yes it’s coincided with Diaby starting every game and wondering around aimlessly.
We have badly missed Bailey as well.
Post by: DB on January 31, 2024, 08:27:16 AM
I wonder how much Unai and Heck have gambled on getting to the CL.
Post by: eamonn on January 31, 2024, 08:54:58 AM
Post by: Rigadon on January 31, 2024, 10:32:45 AM
At least the North Stand rebuild can recommence when we miss out on the CL.
Ah yeah, happy days then.
Post by: Risso on January 31, 2024, 10:34:16 AM
Post by: ez on January 31, 2024, 09:27:37 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 03, 2024, 11:40:17 AM
4th Spurs GS 47 GA 33
5th Villa GS 44 GA 30
I think it should be on head-to-head results first and really we should be 4th.
When teams are on the same points:
Goal difference
Goals scored
Head-to-head points
Head-to-head away goals scored
The early match is Everton V Spurs this week before Sheffield Villa
Everton have kept the most clean sheets and are the sort of at home that could prove problematic to Spurs.
Sunday: Arsenal v Liverpool
Monday: Brentford v Man City
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 03, 2024, 11:49:54 AM
It would be disappointing to miss out on the top four because it's so rare that we get ourselves into it. The infuriating glass ceiling.
The good thing is we have to play Spurs in March at home and Liverpool final home game.
The tricky thing is we have to play Man City midweek in April then 10 or 11 days later and Arsenal away.
Spurs have to go away to West Ham, Chelsea, and away to Liverpool Klopp final home match
Spurs have in April play Newcastle away then Man City and Arsenal at home back to back.
(Pending any rearranged fixtures)
Champions league contention is All to play for.
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 03, 2024, 02:37:05 PM
Get the fuq in - Champions League here we come !!!!
With Spurs on 4th on 44pts a win Vs Sheffield United would put us back into 4th place and level on points with Man City and Arsenal before they play tomorrow and Monday.
Next Week we play after all rivals play
Saturday Early kick off Man City v Everton
Saturday 3pm
Spurs v Brighton
Liverpool v Burnley
Sunday :
2pm West Ham v Arsenal
4:30pm Aston Villa v Man Utd
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 03, 2024, 03:02:17 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 03, 2024, 06:03:31 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 03, 2024, 07:46:13 PM
Post by: Dave on February 03, 2024, 09:55:17 PM
We'll lose more, but as long as we keep that record up to make sure we never get in much of a rut, then we'll be in contention.
Now if Spurs could have another one-point-from-fifteen and Arsenal have another four-points-from-fifteen like they both did previously, that would be lovely.
Post by: Rigadon on February 04, 2024, 07:31:04 AM
Jenas can’t see spurs not finishing top 4. Is there a more irritating pundit? I think not.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 05, 2024, 10:13:40 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68192325I don't see why pundits get so much hate for doing their job. If you look at Footy's thread before the Sheffield game I think the majority had us 6/7th. The truth is they have a deeper squad and don't have the distraction of Europe. I'd imagine the vast majority of football followers would expect them to finish above us, probably including the majority of Villa fans. What's the problem with him saying what most people think?
Jenas can’t see spurs not finishing top 4. Is there a more irritating pundit? I think not.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 05, 2024, 10:18:50 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68192325I don't see why pundits get so much hate for doing their job. If you look at Footy's thread before the Sheffield game I think the majority had us 6/7th. The truth is they have a deeper squad and don't have the distraction of Europe. I'd imagine the vast majority of football followers would expect them to finish above us, probably including the majority of Villa fans. What's the problem with him saying what most people think?
Jenas can’t see spurs not finishing top 4. Is there a more irritating pundit? I think not.
Prepare for lots of disingenuous replies about Reithian values, as opposed to naked bias.
Post by: OCD on February 05, 2024, 10:43:16 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 05, 2024, 10:48:30 AM
Post by: The Edge on February 05, 2024, 11:04:09 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68192325It's amazing that a so called pundit can do whole article on his top 4 predictions without mentioning a team who are currently sat in the top 4. As others have said it's only his opinion but it's annoying all the same. There's only one way though to break the cosy cartel and that's to keep winning our games and getting in their faces
Jenas can’t see spurs not finishing top 4. Is there a more irritating pundit? I think not.
Post by: Holte L2 on February 05, 2024, 11:13:27 AM
Post by: Rigadon on February 05, 2024, 12:43:47 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68192325I don't see why pundits get so much hate for doing their job. If you look at Footy's thread before the Sheffield game I think the majority had us 6/7th. The truth is they have a deeper squad and don't have the distraction of Europe. I'd imagine the vast majority of football followers would expect them to finish above us, probably including the majority of Villa fans. What's the problem with him saying what most people think?
Jenas can’t see spurs not finishing top 4. Is there a more irritating pundit? I think not.
It's an irrational hatred for all things Spurs I suppose - and I find Jenas himself irritating. Good for you that you don't get as irritated - you must be calmer than me sometimes.
I listened to the BCC news on the radio and read a few things about a 3 way title race. It's that kind of stuff. You know, without doubt, that were Spurs in 4th on as many points, it would be a 4-way race.
How do you know what "most people think"? Fans always feel gloomy after a shit performance and loss. Maybe those people feel differently after the weekend than they did after the Newcastle game? If we finished lower than 5th from this position it would be off the back of a massive and total collapse. Not sure I see that happening, do you? For what it's worth, after the Newcastle game I said 4th in the (very limited) poll of pissed off Villa fans on here, and remain confident that's where we'll end up.
Finally, if anybody is still reading, not being part of 'the conversation' doesn't help the club, and so perceptions do matter. It doesn't help from a commercial revenue, or a player recruitment perspective.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 05, 2024, 01:36:24 PM
But in terms of chat about the top 4, league winners etc, I can't really get worked up about pundits saying something I agree with.
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2024, 01:39:23 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68192325I don't see why pundits get so much hate for doing their job. If you look at Footy's thread before the Sheffield game I think the majority had us 6/7th. The truth is they have a deeper squad and don't have the distraction of Europe. I'd imagine the vast majority of football followers would expect them to finish above us, probably including the majority of Villa fans. What's the problem with him saying what most people think?
Jenas can’t see spurs not finishing top 4. Is there a more irritating pundit? I think not.
I'm not sure you can say Spurs have a deeper squad. When they had 3-4 first team players and a handful of reserves unavailable they had a run of awful form getting 1 point from 5 games.
Also I'm not sure if Footys thread is worth mentioning, it's not really a shock that this forum, which skews to the negative very quickly, was down on our chances after a defeat.
Finally I'm not sure why you'd think the job of a pundit is to just say what everyone thinks, what is the point of them if they just spout the same biased cliches that you'd hear in the pub?
Post by: chrisw1 on February 05, 2024, 01:49:40 PM
2 - If a thread on a reasonably balanced forum leans towards us not making top 5, I'm not sure how you can sit there and fire shots at a pundit who thinks we probably won't get top4.
3 - I think their job is to say what they think, not appease a precious fanbase who meltdown because they're not getting the attention they think they deserve (I don't necessarily mean posters on here)
Post by: darren woolley on February 05, 2024, 01:53:24 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on February 05, 2024, 01:55:11 PM
I reckon we can get top four I think it will go to the last game of the season and I think we will nick that fourth position.That's the spirit, and I truly hope you're right Daz.
Post by: TelfordVilla on February 05, 2024, 02:02:12 PM
The FACT that we finished above Spurz last season.
The fact that we are above them this season.
The fact that we have beaten them at their place and will be favourite to beat them at our place based on our home record this season.
The FACT that we beat them twice last season.
They sometimes say "if something happens to Watkins, Villa have no options".
What if he just carries on as he has for the past 2 or 3 seasons?
Post by: KevinGage on February 05, 2024, 02:08:54 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 05, 2024, 02:09:11 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 05, 2024, 02:10:25 PM
It's an article about Spurs by a former Spurs player. There's barely a mention of anyone else in the article either so I don't know why anyone would get worked up about it.
It's probably the cumulative effect. We don't even have the local press onside, never mind the national media.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 05, 2024, 02:12:21 PM
I'm not trying to make the case that there's an evidential basis that we'll fall away, even though I suspect we will. I'm just saying it's not hard to understand why a pundit would think that way.
edit - hopefully if we progress like we all hope we will earn the right to be in the same conversations and Man City and Chelsea will be relegated.
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2024, 02:19:14 PM
1 - I think Spurs have a better and deeper squad than us, if you don't then great. Well done.
2 - If a thread on a reasonably balanced forum leans towards us not making top 5, I'm not sure how you can sit there and fire shots at a pundit who thinks we probably won't get top4.
3 - I think their job is to say what they think, not appease a precious fanbase who meltdown because they're not getting the attention they think they deserve (I don't necessarily mean posters on here)
1 - TelfordVilla has responded to this better than I can. You can believe what you like but don't forget you are the one slagging other fans off (and don't get precious or have a meltdown over my wording here) for thinking we deserve at least a mention.
2 - Reasonably balanced, maybe but I'd say that's subjective and from my perspective many of noisiest posters on here are far quicker to call someone shit than to offer any praise. However I find it interesting that you ignored my bit about it being straight after a defeat, it's almost like you know that had an impact and wanted to dodge it.
3 - You're the one that saying "what's the problem with him saying what most people think" not me. Personally I think if you're paid to talk/write about football you need to put a bit more effort in than he does (and this is true for the vast majority of pundits). People with youtube channels with a few thousand subscribers put in far more effort and are far more knowledgeable than most of the 'experts', which pisses people off.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on February 05, 2024, 02:25:33 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 05, 2024, 02:29:02 PM
After all six of our defeats this season we've won the next game.
We'll lose more, but as long as we keep that record up to make sure we never get in much of a rut, then we'll be in contention.
Now if Spurs could have another one-point-from-fifteen and Arsenal have another four-points-from-fifteen like they both did previously, that would be lovely.
I count seven. Five in the league, Everton and Legia.
Post by: Dave on February 05, 2024, 02:30:26 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on February 05, 2024, 02:34:17 PM
I haven't got much else to say on this now. Have a great day.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 05, 2024, 02:46:41 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68192325I don't see why pundits get so much hate for doing their job. If you look at Footy's thread before the Sheffield game I think the majority had us 6/7th. The truth is they have a deeper squad and don't have the distraction of Europe. I'd imagine the vast majority of football followers would expect them to finish above us, probably including the majority of Villa fans. What's the problem with him saying what most people think?
Jenas can’t see spurs not finishing top 4. Is there a more irritating pundit? I think not.
Finally, if anybody is still reading, not being part of 'the conversation' doesn't help the club, and so perceptions do matter. It doesn't help from a commercial revenue, or a player recruitment perspective.
Correct. And as our new once-removed co-owners also own Sky, I think they should exert some editorial influence.
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2024, 02:55:56 PM
Oh do go away Paul. I said I'm not sure why pundits get so much stick for thinking we won't make top 4. I imagine most football experts would agree with them. If they're wrong then great, it won't be the first time. That's it really.
I haven't got much else to say on this now. Have a great day.
Is it really so hard for you to imagine that some people don't like that we've been in and around the top 4 all season but pundits don't even mention us a lot of the time?
Personally I don't care all that much but you (in particular) moaning about other people being bothered by it is a bit sad given how often you go super defensive if anyone disagrees with you.
Post by: Rigadon on February 05, 2024, 02:56:14 PM
If Dion Dublin had done an article after our match about us I wouldn't expect him to witter on about Spurs in it.
He probably would.
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2024, 03:02:10 PM
If Dion Dublin had done an article after our match about us I wouldn't expect him to witter on about Spurs in it.
He probably would.
I don't think he would to be fair, which is why he is also a poor pundit/co-commentator.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 05, 2024, 03:10:24 PM
I don't mind people disagreeing with me. It's condescending pricks I don't really like.Oh do go away Paul. I said I'm not sure why pundits get so much stick for thinking we won't make top 4. I imagine most football experts would agree with them. If they're wrong then great, it won't be the first time. That's it really.
I haven't got much else to say on this now. Have a great day.
Is it really so hard for you to imagine that some people don't like that we've been in and around the top 4 all season but pundits don't even mention us a lot of the time?
Personally I don't care all that much but you (in particular) moaning about other people being bothered by it is a bit sad given how often you go super defensive if anyone disagrees with you.
Post by: Drummond on February 05, 2024, 03:11:37 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on February 05, 2024, 03:14:30 PM
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2024, 03:16:10 PM
I don't mind people disagreeing with me. It's condescending pricks I don't really like.Oh do go away Paul. I said I'm not sure why pundits get so much stick for thinking we won't make top 4. I imagine most football experts would agree with them. If they're wrong then great, it won't be the first time. That's it really.
I haven't got much else to say on this now. Have a great day.
Is it really so hard for you to imagine that some people don't like that we've been in and around the top 4 all season but pundits don't even mention us a lot of the time?
Personally I don't care all that much but you (in particular) moaning about other people being bothered by it is a bit sad given how often you go super defensive if anyone disagrees with you.
Exactly the sort of response I'd expect, you're so easily ruffled. Of course, you could just explain why you think it's ok for you to be condescending towards anyone who is bothered by pundits not mentioning us, you risk looking like a bit of a hypocrite otherwise.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 05, 2024, 03:24:18 PM
I don't see why pundits get so much hate for doing their job. If you look at Footy's thread before the Sheffield game I think the majority had us 6/7th. The truth is they have a deeper squad and don't have the distraction of Europe. I'd imagine the vast majority of football followers would expect them to finish above us, probably including the majority of Villa fans. What's the problem with him saying what most people think?
and
I do get annoyed how much exposure the 'so called Big 6' get and how it gets referenced even when Chelsea are floundering and Spurs' are deemed to have a rightful place in it despite never really winning anything.
But in terms of chat about the top 4, league winners etc, I can't really get worked up about pundits saying something I agree with.
I'm not sure what you found condescending about this, but apologies to anyone offended by the above.
Post by: Drummond on February 05, 2024, 03:38:43 PM
Jesus. you wouldn't think we'd won 5-0 at the weekend.
Yeah imagine if we'd lost.
Post by: Clampy on February 05, 2024, 03:45:21 PM
Post by: paul_e on February 05, 2024, 03:46:27 PM
Hi Paul, before you got involved my two posts on this were:I don't see why pundits get so much hate for doing their job. If you look at Footy's thread before the Sheffield game I think the majority had us 6/7th. The truth is they have a deeper squad and don't have the distraction of Europe. I'd imagine the vast majority of football followers would expect them to finish above us, probably including the majority of Villa fans. What's the problem with him saying what most people think?
andI do get annoyed how much exposure the 'so called Big 6' get and how it gets referenced even when Chelsea are floundering and Spurs' are deemed to have a rightful place in it despite never really winning anything.
But in terms of chat about the top 4, league winners etc, I can't really get worked up about pundits saying something I agree with.
I'm not sure what you found condescending about this, but apologies to anyone offended by the above.
1 - I think Spurs have a better and deeper squad than us, if you don't then great. Well done.
2 - If a thread on a reasonably balanced forum leans towards us not making top 5, I'm not sure how you can sit there and fire shots at a pundit who thinks we probably won't get top4.
3 - I think their job is to say what they think, not appease a precious fanbase who meltdown because they're not getting the attention they think they deserve (I don't necessarily mean posters on here)
The problem is that anytime I post you get so defensive that you instantly flip into this sort of nonsense. Even how you wrote "Before you got involved" says a lot about you, I read a comment that I disagreed with and I replied to it with nothing aggressive or personal towards you. The first line in particular is weird, I simply said they don't have much squad depth given how badly the coped with a handful of injuries to get so arsey over something that is an objective fact was just odd.
Maybe me questioning what you think the job of a pundit is could be twisted into me having a go if you really wanted to but it was more a dig at the fact that Jenas is shit at his job, just like most pundits, their job isn't to be fans of a specific club, but that gets forgotten far too often and is why people get fed up of the bullshit they come out with.
Post by: SamTheMouse on February 05, 2024, 03:53:17 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 05, 2024, 03:54:38 PM
Beat them and it starts to look like a lot closer.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on February 05, 2024, 04:32:29 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 05, 2024, 04:34:49 PM
Although it goes against my grain somewhat, when I heard what that twat of a Sky Sports (w)anchor said about it being a three horse race, I hope Citeh absolutely run away with it now so that it is all over by April.
Eh? Why not us?
Post by: The Edge on February 05, 2024, 05:57:26 PM
Please Chris, for the love of god don't reply mate. We'll be here until Christmas.Made me lol
Post by: The Edge on February 05, 2024, 06:42:17 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 05, 2024, 06:45:15 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 05, 2024, 06:47:32 PM
Post by: Lsvilla on February 05, 2024, 06:48:34 PM
Post by: The Edge on February 05, 2024, 06:49:40 PM
It's a conspiracy.Don't be silly
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 05, 2024, 06:49:52 PM
Post by: Richard E on February 05, 2024, 06:50:54 PM
Yesterday on 5 live Shay Given said that Allison and Ederson are the two best keepers in the premier league by some distance. The level of disrespect towards Emi (and in turn the club) that such a statement reveals is shocking. I just turned off.
All you need to know about Shay Given’s judgement is that he didn’t think we played too badly in the 2015 Cup Final.
Post by: The Edge on February 05, 2024, 06:56:36 PM
You should've put your foot through the radio.Why are you taking this line with me again? I'm not a conspiracy theorist far from it and it's not making me angry so I won't be putting my foot through anything. I'm merely making the point that our treatment by the Sky cartel is disrespectful. This is a Villa forum where we all come to air our views. Simple as that.
Post by: Chris Harte on February 05, 2024, 06:56:43 PM
Just listening to WM phone in and people are calling in about the total disrespect being shown to Villa in the media so its not just on here and we have every right to feel pissed off about it. The presenter (a wolves fan think) said he was shouting at the radio listening to a sky podcast talking about the PL race. Apparently they were debating about the title being a race between Liverpool Arsenal and Man City and one of them interrupted and said "hold on you should show some respect to SPURS" and we didn't get a mention. I get that for some it's a minor irritation but I'm firmly in the camp that it's a big irritation to me when people show utter disrespect and contempt for my club.Y'know, I couldn't give a monkey's toss if they aren't including us in their predictions in the title run-in. Under the radar, keep the pressure off, an' all that.
It'll make it all the sweeter if we do upset the apple cart.
Post by: Clampy on February 05, 2024, 06:57:25 PM
Yesterday on 5 live Shay Given said that Allison and Ederson are the two best keepers in the premier league by some distance. The level of disrespect towards Emi (and in turn the club) that such a statement reveals is shocking. I just turned off.
I saw him on MOTD a few weeks back and I thought he was quite good but that is just nonsense.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 05, 2024, 07:07:18 PM
You should've put your foot through the radio.Why are you taking this line with me again? I'm not a conspiracy theorist far from it and it's not making me angry so I won't be putting my foot through anything. I'm merely making the point that our treatment by the Sky cartel is disrespectful. This is a Villa forum where we all come to air our views. Simple as that.
I was responding to Lsvilla, but you have a wonderful night!
Post by: Lsvilla on February 05, 2024, 07:12:36 PM
The irony was I finished up in the garden and came in to watch Allison play like a clown !Yesterday on 5 live Shay Given said that Allison and Ederson are the two best keepers in the premier league by some distance. The level of disrespect towards Emi (and in turn the club) that such a statement reveals is shocking. I just turned off.
I saw him on MOTD a few weeks back and I thought he was quite good but that is just nonsense.
Post by: The Edge on February 05, 2024, 07:23:14 PM
Ok. You too.You should've put your foot through the radio.Why are you taking this line with me again? I'm not a conspiracy theorist far from it and it's not making me angry so I won't be putting my foot through anything. I'm merely making the point that our treatment by the Sky cartel is disrespectful. This is a Villa forum where we all come to air our views. Simple as that.
I was responding to Lsvilla, but you have a wonderful night!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 05, 2024, 07:27:12 PM
Yesterday on 5 live Shay Given said that Allison and Ederson are the two best keepers in the premier league by some distance. The level of disrespect towards Emi (and in turn the club) that such a statement reveals is shocking. I just turned off.
All you need to know about Shay Given’s judgement is that he didn’t think we played too badly in the 2015 Cup Final.
Plus he thinks it's cool to be named after an Argentine Marxist revolutionary.
Post by: eamonn on February 05, 2024, 07:54:14 PM
Yesterday on 5 live Shay Given said that Allison and Ederson are the two best keepers in the premier league by some distance. The level of disrespect towards Emi (and in turn the club) that such a statement reveals is shocking. I just turned off.
All you need to know about Shay Given’s judgement is that he didn’t think we played too badly in the 2015 Cup Final.
Was he the dipshit in goal for us that day? I've erased the game from the mind.
Post by: Chris Harte on February 05, 2024, 08:05:05 PM
I vaguely recall he had a good first half. Vaguely because I was as pissed as a f*rt and it's just as well that I wasn't sober.Yesterday on 5 live Shay Given said that Allison and Ederson are the two best keepers in the premier league by some distance. The level of disrespect towards Emi (and in turn the club) that such a statement reveals is shocking. I just turned off.All you need to know about Shay Given’s judgement is that he didn’t think we played too badly in the 2015 Cup Final.
Was he the dipshit in goal for us that day? I've erased the game from the mind.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 05, 2024, 08:12:36 PM
Post by: Dave on February 05, 2024, 09:09:00 PM
It’s not disrespect from Shay, he seems decent enough, it’s just his opinion which I happen to disagree with.
Still probably the most overrated goalkeeper in Premier League history though.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 07, 2024, 10:10:09 PM
Post by: LeonW on February 08, 2024, 07:30:00 AM
Post by: darren woolley on February 08, 2024, 08:58:51 AM
Sunday is absolutely critical now. Our last two home displays have been nothing short of an utter embarrassment. Everything that we’ve been good at disappeared in both - no intensity, no accuracy, no apparent plan, no cohesion - just awful. It needs a complete 180 against Manure, or we’ll start to drift.
Totally agree Sunday is vital for us.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 08, 2024, 08:59:59 AM
I’m beginning to think that we’re going to very Villa and blow this chance of getting into the champions league. We’ve just not been on it since mid December. The last two home games have really been shocking.It's easy to get carried away with a couple of results either way. But one win in 5 games doesn't bode well and it feels like Man U could catch us right now. But if we can pull together 2-3 wins the picture can change again. There's no doubt that Sunday is a huge game.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 08, 2024, 09:21:38 AM
Post by: DB on February 08, 2024, 06:47:53 PM
https://twitter.com/KieranMaguire/status/1755663432844521690?t=oTbaIZwTtF2a3WeRiCAU_A&s=19
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 08, 2024, 08:47:01 PM
4pts from last 3 games
7pts from last 5 games
Last 6 games we have a record of W2 D2 L2. (8pts)
Post by: john2710 on February 09, 2024, 12:51:56 PM
Post by: London Villan on February 09, 2024, 12:56:58 PM
Post by: algy on February 09, 2024, 01:22:21 PM
I see that one-eyed shite Carragher is predicting we've already peaked under Emery & the only way from here is down. The best Managers & players will always move to teams more deserving of them. So the natural order of the top 5 will be restored. I hope Liverpool implode after Klopp has gone.Honestly, for this season I think Carragher's right. The defensive injuries we've had have well & truly bollocksed up our season. Konsa's not coming back from injury straight in to being match fit again - it wouldn't surprise me if we were without him until well in to March.
Oddly, up until this last Chelsea match I was supremely confident, but it's knocked me somewhat - so soon after the Newcastle game - and I just sort of think at the moment it's going to be a struggle to keep up with the rest of the teams currently in the top 6.
Hope I'm wrong here, cos I think we're much better than 6th place. I just worry that the injuries are beginning to bite pretty badly.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 09, 2024, 01:46:30 PM
Post by: Beard82 on February 09, 2024, 02:09:23 PM
I see that one-eyed shite Carragher is predicting we've already peaked under Emery & the only way from here is down. The best Managers & players will always move to teams more deserving of them. So the natural order of the top 5 will be restored. I hope Liverpool implode after Klopp has gone.Mans an entitled dick head. I find it shocking that how ill informed pundits are about the history of the game they play and what other clubs are doing.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 09, 2024, 02:14:05 PM
I see that one-eyed shite Carragher is predicting we've already peaked under Emery & the only way from here is down. The best Managers & players will always move to teams more deserving of them. So the natural order of the top 5 will be restored. I hope Liverpool implode after Klopp has gone.Mans an entitled dick head. I find it shocking that how ill informed pundits are about the history of the game they play and what other clubs are doing.
What did he write that was ill-informed, and is there anything in his article that marks him as an entitled dickhead?
Post by: Dave on February 09, 2024, 02:39:04 PM
I see that one-eyed shite Carragher is predicting we've already peaked under Emery & the only way from here is down. The best Managers & players will always move to teams more deserving of them. So the natural order of the top 5 will be restored. I hope Liverpool implode after Klopp has gone.Mans an entitled dick head. I find it shocking that how ill informed pundits are about the history of the game they play and what other clubs are doing.
What did he write that was ill-informed, and is there anything in his article that marks him as an entitled dickhead?
Indeed. It's not completely impossible that he's correct and that the calendar years 2023 / 2024 are the high-point of the Emery era. Hopefully they're not, but it's not exactly heresy for someone to think that they might be.
Post by: Drummond on February 09, 2024, 02:50:23 PM
I see that one-eyed shite Carragher is predicting we've already peaked under Emery & the only way from here is down. The best Managers & players will always move to teams more deserving of them. So the natural order of the top 5 will be restored. I hope Liverpool implode after Klopp has gone.
I hope they implode before he's gone.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 09, 2024, 02:58:34 PM
I see that one-eyed shite Carragher is predicting we've already peaked under Emery & the only way from here is down. The best Managers & players will always move to teams more deserving of them. So the natural order of the top 5 will be restored. I hope Liverpool implode after Klopp has gone.Mans an entitled dick head. I find it shocking that how ill informed pundits are about the history of the game they play and what other clubs are doing.
What did he write that was ill-informed, and is there anything in his article that marks him as an entitled dickhead?
Indeed. It's not completely impossible that he's correct and that the calendar years 2023 / 2024 are the high-point of the Emery era. Hopefully they're not, but it's not exactly heresy for someone to think that they might be.
Quite - what we need to hope is that we can get consistency at in and around that level. But we could win a cup and the overall level of performance might not get back to what it was in 2023.
Post by: Rigadon on February 09, 2024, 03:04:43 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 09, 2024, 03:08:01 PM
It is now about how squads cope with injuries, we have proved our best X1 + is a match for most teams but once we lose a couple of Key players it weakens us significantly. We go from top to mid table -
What's mid-table? We're 8 points above 6th. 11 above 8th and 14 above 10th.
I know we're not exactly in the form of our lives, but we've lost three in the league since Thumping Brighton 6-1 on 30th September. That's despite all the injuries we've had and the fact that we've 'been found out'.
The priority is clearly the league, and whenever we've lost, we've bounced back.
Last 12 W7 D3 L2
Last 6 W2 D2 L2
It's not all doom and gloom, though we could do with a few wins over the next few games just to settle nerves, but don't give up on us yet.
Post by: dekko on February 09, 2024, 03:25:00 PM
I see that one-eyed shite Carragher is predicting we've already peaked under Emery & the only way from here is down. The best Managers & players will always move to teams more deserving of them. So the natural order of the top 5 will be restored. I hope Liverpool implode after Klopp has gone.
Not sure why people are getting wound up about that article. He makes the entirely reasonable and accurate point that teams that have a good season or unexpected champions league finish rarely or never keep doing it consistently, because the top teams are so dominant and you need several of them to keep on having off years.
I don't think it makes you a one eyed shite to think that Villa probably won't achieve something that literally no team has ever done in the current era of football.
Post by: Dave on February 09, 2024, 03:35:39 PM
I don't think it makes you a one eyed shite to think that Villa probably won't achieve something that literally no team has ever done in the current era of football.
Not sure that's true either. Spurs went from being a mid-table side, to regularly finishing in the top eight, top finishing in the top four, to regularly finishing in the top four and then a (very) short period of not winning the title being seen as failure.
Post by: Risso on February 09, 2024, 03:43:51 PM
I don't think it makes you a one eyed shite to think that Villa probably won't achieve something that literally no team has ever done in the current era of football.
Not sure that's true either. Spurs went from being a mid-table side, to regularly finishing in the top eight, top finishing in the top four, to regularly finishing in the top four and then a (very) short period of not winning the title being seen as failure.
It depends what period you're looking at I suppose. In the last 20 years they've finished lower than top 10 once, and most of the time were top 6. Before that for most of the 90s they were mid-table, but then in the 80s they had several top 4 finishes.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 09, 2024, 04:03:29 PM
I agree. If anything it highlights what a closed shop is.I see that one-eyed shite Carragher is predicting we've already peaked under Emery & the only way from here is down. The best Managers & players will always move to teams more deserving of them. So the natural order of the top 5 will be restored. I hope Liverpool implode after Klopp has gone.
Not sure why people are getting wound up about that article. He makes the entirely reasonable and accurate point that teams that have a good season or unexpected champions league finish rarely or never keep doing it consistently, because the top teams are so dominant and you need several of them to keep on having off years.
I don't think it makes you a one eyed shite to think that Villa probably won't achieve something that literally no team has ever done in the current era of football.
BUT, I think we could prove him wrong with our owners and manager. The starting point will be the 50k seater in two years time...
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 09, 2024, 04:13:15 PM
We play like a mid table team without our best players, with them we play like a Top 4 team.It is now about how squads cope with injuries, we have proved our best X1 + is a match for most teams but once we lose a couple of Key players it weakens us significantly. We go from top to mid table -
What's mid-table? We're 8 points above 6th. 11 above 8th and 14 above 10th.
I know we're not exactly in the form of our lives, but we've lost three in the league since Thumping Brighton 6-1 on 30th September. That's despite all the injuries we've had and the fact that we've 'been found out'.
The priority is clearly the league, and whenever we've lost, we've bounced back.
Last 12 W7 D3 L2
Last 6 W2 D2 L2
It's not all doom and gloom, though we could do with a few wins over the next few games just to settle nerves, but don't give up on us yet.
Post by: Risso on February 09, 2024, 04:20:56 PM
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Post by: Drummond on February 09, 2024, 04:22:08 PM
Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Do Emery teams ever go into free-fall?
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 09, 2024, 04:23:29 PM
Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.I think Sunday is pivotal, I would take draw right now and live to fight another day.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 09, 2024, 04:31:48 PM
Leicester City won the Championship in 13/14 then the Prem league in 2015/16I don't think it makes you a one eyed shite to think that Villa probably won't achieve something that literally no team has ever done in the current era of football.
Not sure that's true either. Spurs went from being a mid-table side, to regularly finishing in the top eight, top finishing in the top four, to regularly finishing in the top four and then a (very) short period of not winning the title being seen as failure.
Record since winning Prem: 12th and Quarter Finals Champions League,
9th,
9th,
5th and League Cup Semis,
5th and FA Cup Win,
8th and Semi Finals of Euro conference League
Relegated from Prem.
This season: 1st and are going to win the Championship 23/24
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 09, 2024, 04:36:04 PM
Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Do Emery teams ever go into free-fall?
Arsenal fired him for not winning in 7 games. 5 draws and 2 defeats. That kind of success would have got you a job at Villa in 2012-2016.
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 09, 2024, 04:36:34 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/68254701Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Do Emery teams ever go into free-fall?
Arsenal fired him for not winning in 7 games. 5 draws and 2 defeats. That kind of success would have got you a job at Villa in 2012-2016.
Cesc Fabregas explains why Unai Emery has been a success at Aston Villa, with the club challenging for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Post by: Risso on February 09, 2024, 04:38:14 PM
Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Do Emery teams ever go into free-fall?
I don't know. Quite a few of the players he's managing have though.
Post by: eamonn on February 09, 2024, 04:42:33 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 09, 2024, 04:44:08 PM
Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Do Emery teams ever go into free-fall?
I don't know. Quite a few of the players he's managing have though.
We didn't win on Wednesday, we did the prior weekend. We didn't win against Newcastle, but won 2 of the previous 4, the other two games being draws. That's not free fall by any definition.
Post by: Risso on February 09, 2024, 04:48:48 PM
Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Do Emery teams ever go into free-fall?
I don't know. Quite a few of the players he's managing have though.
We didn't win on Wednesday, we did the prior weekend. We didn't win against Newcastle, but won 2 of the previous 4, the other two games being draws. That's not free fall by any definition.
I didn't say it was.
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 09, 2024, 04:59:32 PM
Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
Do Emery teams ever go into free-fall?
I don't know. Quite a few of the players he's managing have though.
We didn't win on Wednesday, we did the prior weekend. We didn't win against Newcastle, but won 2 of the previous 4, the other two games being draws. That's not free fall by any definition.
I didn't say it was.
so who are the players that are in free fall? Quite a few suggests a number of the starters which again given the results, suggests none of them really. Dip in form and confidence? Absolutely. But none of them are in free fall.
Post by: Clampy on February 09, 2024, 05:30:40 PM
Post by: LeeB on February 09, 2024, 05:44:35 PM
McGinn, Watkins, Martinez, Luiz and Konza off the top of my head were all part of the team that didn't win a game in the covid season once Grealish got injured, that was pretty free-fally.
Post by: Clampy on February 09, 2024, 05:47:55 PM
I may be wrong, but I don't think either of you have read what Risso said.
McGinn, Watkins, Martinez, Luiz and Konza off the top of my head were all part of the team that didn't win a game in the covid season once Grealish got injured, that was pretty free-fally.
They were part of the team that got us into Europe though. Besides, Grealish is not here anymore.
Post by: LeeB on February 09, 2024, 05:59:15 PM
I may be wrong, but I don't think either of you have read what Risso said.
McGinn, Watkins, Martinez, Luiz and Konza off the top of my head were all part of the team that didn't win a game in the covid season once Grealish got injured, that was pretty free-fally.
They were part of the team that got us into Europe though. Besides, Grealish is not here anymore.
Yes, I had noticed that.
You however seem to have failed to notice that they were predicted to go into free fall, not actually in it, and that for some of the team it's happened before, as per example.
Post by: Clampy on February 09, 2024, 06:04:55 PM
Post by: Risso on February 09, 2024, 06:20:22 PM
Yes, I had noticed that.
You however seem to have failed to notice that they were predicted to go into free fall, not actually in it, and that for some of the team it's happened before, as per example.
Thanks god for that mate, was thinking that maybe we needed subtitles for the hard of thinking.
Post by: LeeB on February 09, 2024, 06:23:28 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 09, 2024, 06:25:05 PM
Post by: Clampy on February 09, 2024, 06:29:53 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 09, 2024, 06:32:00 PM
In ITV FA Cup commentary the other night when Matterface mentioned whatever happened to Grealish? Dixon said: he sits on the bench at Man City!I may be wrong, but I don't think either of you have read what Risso said.
McGinn, Watkins, Martinez, Luiz and Konza off the top of my head were all part of the team that didn't win a game in the covid season once Grealish got injured, that was pretty free-fally.
They were part of the team that got us into Europe though. Besides, Grealish is not here anymore.
Post by: Risso on February 09, 2024, 06:34:14 PM
He did say some players 'Emery is managing' have gone into free fall though. Still waiting to hear who they are.
In the past, as Lee has explained several times now.
Post by: LeeB on February 09, 2024, 06:36:20 PM
I know what he said and meant. The correlation is though to who is manager. None of those same players under the previous idiot would have been able to reach the heights they have if it wasn’t for Emery. So by the same token I don’t think they will be allowed to free fall either. So context of who is manager matters. Emery took a bunch of relegation haunted players to top 4 in 18 months. Just because they were in free fall before doesn’t mean they will again. Unless Emery turns into Remi Garde or Steven Look at me in the eye Gerrard all of a sudden.
Dean Smith was not an idiot, and was manager in the example given.
Christ on a fucking bike.
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 09, 2024, 06:37:59 PM
Unai Emery knows how important this is:Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.I think Sunday is pivotal, I would take draw right now and live to fight another day.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
"Our main objective is being consistent in the Premier League. We are being consistent, we are being successful in what we are doing. Each match is so special, of course the match we played before mattered, and the one on Sunday is very important.
"But against Man Utd, we are playing for six points."
Post by: Clampy on February 09, 2024, 06:39:17 PM
Post by: LeeB on February 09, 2024, 06:40:31 PM
He means Gerrard and you know it. You brought up the Grealish years which was just weird.
Righto Mystic Meg.
Post by: Clampy on February 09, 2024, 06:41:56 PM
He means Gerrard and you know it. You brought up the Grealish years which was just weird.
Righto Mystic Meg.
He said 'previous idiot'. You don't need to be Mystic Meg to read it properly.
Post by: Risso on February 09, 2024, 06:45:47 PM
Post by: LeeB on February 09, 2024, 06:50:57 PM
He means Gerrard and you know it. You brought up the Grealish years which was just weird.
Righto Mystic Meg.
He said 'previous idiot'. You don't need to be Mystic Meg to read it properly.
Yeah, he talks about the previous manager after I'd given an example that predates that, when Smith was manager, thus negating the blame being all down to Gerrard regarding players form and validating Risso's concern.
Post by: Clampy on February 09, 2024, 06:52:50 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 09, 2024, 06:53:20 PM
I know what he said and meant. The correlation is though to who is manager. None of those same players under the previous idiot would have been able to reach the heights they have if it wasn’t for Emery. So by the same token I don’t think they will be allowed to free fall either. So context of who is manager matters. Emery took a bunch of relegation haunted players to top 4 in 18 months. Just because they were in free fall before doesn’t mean they will again. Unless Emery turns into Remi Garde or Steven Look at me in the eye Gerrard all of a sudden.
Dean Smith was not an idiot, and was manager in the example given.
Christ on a fucking bike.
How on earth have you connected what I said to Dean Smith? By previous, I literally meant previous.
Post by: LeeB on February 09, 2024, 07:03:02 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 09, 2024, 07:06:57 PM
Post by: Clampy on February 09, 2024, 07:08:08 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 09, 2024, 07:10:52 PM
It's pretty obvious he didn't mean Smith. I'm laughing at the silliness of it really.
Yeh I’m leaving this one now. It’s pointless to go on about it.
Post by: LeeB on February 09, 2024, 07:13:02 PM
Post by: Ads on February 10, 2024, 08:21:04 AM
Beat Man U, then we can go into easier fixtures against Fulham, Forest and Luton full of confidence. With Spurs after that at home, a win you'd think would almost guarantee us top 4 or 5.
Lose, or even worse, take a battering, and I think we'll go into free fall. We've seen it all too often, and we still have several players left who have "been there, bought the T-shirt".
I feel this way too. We've just been here far too many times before and seen the same ending time after time. But win and while that isn't a guarantee we've cracked anything either, it opens up a really clear pathway. Digne and Torres sliding straight back into that left side of the back 4 fills my cup a great deal.
Post by: Chris Harte on February 10, 2024, 09:45:54 AM
The team has been misfiring recently, but with the potential for returning squad members, there is the potential to kick on. Whatever happens tomorrow, it won't define our season.
I think part of what I've enjoyed so much about this season is that so many of the players were signed by one of us, Dean Smith. Take away Emi Buendia and Tyrone Mings for obvious reasons and you're still left with Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Ezri Konza, Douglas Luiz, Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins. Those all have 20+ PL appearances this season, so it's not like they're bit-part players.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 10, 2024, 09:49:14 AM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 10, 2024, 09:53:10 AM
Post by: Clampy on February 10, 2024, 09:54:14 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 10, 2024, 10:17:39 AM
Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.well done you can count.
Post by: Clampy on February 10, 2024, 10:19:20 AM
Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.well done you can count.
What was the point in that? It was a fairly reasonable comment to me. He has a difference of opinion that's all.
Post by: Steve67 on February 10, 2024, 10:21:25 AM
I don't think what happens tomorrow will have too much bearing on the rest do the season. We could win and have no guarantee on how it will all pan out.
You are right Clampy, but I wonder, just because it's them, if we beat them, the confidence and belief might coming flooding back.
Post by: Risso on February 10, 2024, 10:31:07 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 10, 2024, 11:58:56 AM
Today
Man City v Everton
Spurs v Brighton
Liverpool v Burnley
Sunday
West Ham v Arsenal.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 10, 2024, 01:01:25 PM
What was the point if I haven’t given up yet?Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.well done you can count.
What was the point in that? It was a fairly reasonable comment to me. He has a difference of opinion that's all.
I haven’t either but tomorrow is crucial.
Post by: RamboandBruno on February 10, 2024, 01:59:37 PM
We lose and in particular if we lose badly again, it starts to look like it could be a wobbly last 3rd of the season.
I just hope the players don’t feel nervous and pressurised and the crowd tomorrow is more like the Arsenal game, with pure raucous emotion, than the nervy energy thats been noticeable in the last two games. I know its open to debate but i do think we have a role tomorrow.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 10, 2024, 02:05:38 PM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 10, 2024, 02:10:30 PM
Impressive response.What was the point if I haven’t given up yet?Well it isn't as there are 14 games left after tomorrow with players returning from injury so I'm not giving up just yet.well done you can count.
What was the point in that? It was a fairly reasonable comment to me. He has a difference of opinion that's all.
I haven’t either but tomorrow is crucial.
I am pretty good at counting.
14 games left and I'd say that each and every one is pivotal.
Post by: VillaTim on February 10, 2024, 03:27:30 PM
Disagree tomorrow is potentially season defining.It is, certainly in terms of staying above ManUre which is fairly critical if we want top 5
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 10, 2024, 05:14:57 PM
The others top 5 matchesAfter Saturday Results
Today
Man City v Everton
Spurs v Brighton
Liverpool v Burnley
Sunday
West Ham v Arsenal.
1.Liverpool Pl 24 54pts GD +32
2.Man City Pl 23 52pts GD +31
3.Arsenal Pl 23 49pts GD+25
4.Spurs Pl 24 47pts GD+15
5.Villa Pl 23 46pts GD +19
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 10, 2024, 05:23:06 PM
I'd be happy to end the weekend 5 clear of Spurs. Don't care what's happening above us at the moment.Not me. I'm greedy, I want top three. Let Spurs and Arsenal battle it out for forth.
Well if we get back to winning ways that could happen. I just mean I'm not concerned about Liverpool or Man City winning or losing at the moment. I'm keeping an eye on whoever Spurs are playing and hoping we can extend that gap.
I want Villa to finish as high as possible.
And keeping eyes on all in top 5.
Need to go on a nice winning run now with a decent set of fixtures.
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 10, 2024, 05:30:05 PM
Spurs face the top 3 back-to-back in late April to early May.Just have to win tomorrow. Respond: that's what Champion's League contenders do.
A point takes us back to 4th. That’s a minimum for tomorrow. We have those ****** coming Villa Park in a couple of weeks. We need to still be ahead of them when that game takes place.
3 of last 5 games of season.
Man City (H), Arsenal (H), Liverpool, (A), Burnley (H), Sheff Utd (A)
Aston Villa last 5 games of season:
Bournemouth (H), Chelsea (H), Brighton (A), Liverpool (H), Palace (A)
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 10, 2024, 08:09:01 PM
Post by: algy on February 10, 2024, 09:30:05 PM
I think it’s really really important we win tomorrow. I’m hoping the Martinez injury for them has a similar impact to what Pau’s injury has done to us.Yep, agree completely. The sides who regularly qualify for the champions league grind out result after result in the 2nd half of the season. We have to do that too if we're to stay in the company were currently keeping.
Post by: Smirker on February 10, 2024, 09:30:20 PM
Spurs face the top 3 back-to-back in late April to early May.Just have to win tomorrow. Respond: that's what Champion's League contenders do.
A point takes us back to 4th. That’s a minimum for tomorrow. We have those ****** coming Villa Park in a couple of weeks. We need to still be ahead of them when that game takes place.
3 of last 5 games of season.
Man City (H), Arsenal (H), Liverpool, (A), Burnley (H), Sheff Utd (A)
Aston Villa last 5 games of season:
Bournemouth (H), Chelsea (H), Brighton (A), Liverpool (H), Palace (A)
I like this.
Two positive results vs MU and Spurs should be enough to see them off and finish 4th.
Post by: London Villan on February 10, 2024, 10:33:21 PM
Man u, even now, would need 30 from 15…
Post by: Footy-Vill on February 11, 2024, 12:04:42 PM
It's predicted by us on H and V that we won't place lower than 8th
26% feel we'll finish in a top 4 place (either 1st, 3rd or 4th)
36% see a final league placing of 5th
1st 7%
3rd 2%
4th 17%
5th 36%
6th 21%
7th 10%
8th 7%
Post by: IFWaters on February 11, 2024, 12:55:12 PM
Post by: Smirker on February 11, 2024, 06:40:47 PM
Post by: Risso on February 11, 2024, 06:43:04 PM
Post by: Villan82 on February 11, 2024, 06:45:34 PM
Close ranks and fucking go for it
Post by: LukeJames on February 11, 2024, 06:45:50 PM
Post by: dr.chekov on February 11, 2024, 06:46:37 PM
Post by: LukeJames on February 11, 2024, 06:47:41 PM
Post by: saint13 on February 11, 2024, 06:47:43 PM
I'd get used to it now. It's not happening. The team's not good enough, and Emery doesn't seem to have any answers. 8 points from 7 games is nowhere near good enough.
I feel the same. We are carrying at least 3 players which are not good enough. Also most of our players have never won anything before and when it comes to putting down a marker, they fall short. Historically, it's what Villa players do.
Post by: Villan82 on February 11, 2024, 06:48:04 PM
I still think we have 8 wins in us
Post by: Axl Rose on February 11, 2024, 06:48:38 PM
One, we aren't good enough yet.
Two, we aren't ****** yet
Three, we need another striker that can come in and replace Ollie when he's on his runs of dodgy finishing etc
Sixth or seventh I reckon, and have a crack next year
Post by: Risso on February 11, 2024, 06:49:21 PM
Forest home - have to win that.
Luton away - depends entirely on which Luton and Villa sides turn up.
Post by: Ian. on February 11, 2024, 06:49:49 PM
There’s no way Spurs will win every game either and Man Utd certainly won’t, it’s all to play for.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 06:56:44 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 11, 2024, 06:59:13 PM
Fuck spurs. Fuck Man Utd. 4th is on and we just need to believe it.
Post by: Ads on February 11, 2024, 07:05:13 PM
It's between us and Spurs for 5th. Man United will get it. I've not seen any other side so consistently shite everytime I see them, get so many results. They're just over the top and chase it merchants. They're wank. Yet they're top 6? Fucking how? Satanic black magic. So disregard them, top 4 nailed on.
Time to bounce back. Feel like we can now.
Post by: Rigadon on February 11, 2024, 07:09:56 PM
Found the performance very encouraging and think we beat any other side in the country today that doesn't have fucking Satan in their corner.
It's between us and Spurs for 5th. Man United will get it. I've not seen any other side so consistently shite everytime I see them, get so many results. They're just over the top and chase it merchants. They're wank. Yet they're top 6? Fucking how? Satanic black magic. So disregard them, top 4 nailed on.
Time to bounce back. Feel like we can now.
This but satan will eventually get fucked. 4th.
Post by: Martyn Smith on February 11, 2024, 07:10:01 PM
Post by: LeonW on February 11, 2024, 07:10:51 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 11, 2024, 07:11:07 PM
Champions League qualification, given that we still have to play Spurs at home, remains in our hands
Yes! Fuck em.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 11, 2024, 07:11:35 PM
Hands up who thinks we won’t blow it now?Not me.
Post by: Risso on February 11, 2024, 07:12:26 PM
Hands up who thinks we won’t blow it now?
We'be blown it, too many players not good enough.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 07:14:37 PM
Champions League qualification, given that we still have to play Spurs at home, remains in our hands
It is, but Kamara’s injury status is massive to our chances. If we are to have a chance we need to get a winners mentality back - we should have won that at a canter and instead we lost it, that is mentally weak.
Post by: LeonW on February 11, 2024, 07:17:04 PM
Hands up who thinks we won’t blow it now?
We'be blown it, too many players not good enough.
We could and should have finished Man Utd off home and away from even being in contention. We could have knocked Newcastle out of contention for good. We blew all three games.
Post by: Risso on February 11, 2024, 07:18:55 PM
Post by: PhilVill on February 11, 2024, 07:21:09 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 07:22:48 PM
8 points from 7 games now, that's dreadful form.
Yep it’s crap - and the reality is we’re conceding too many soft goals and we’ve lost our edge in attack. The performance today was much better, but to have a chance we have to be much more clinical both ends of the pitch - if we can’t be, we don’t deserve top 4/5.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 11, 2024, 07:29:30 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 11, 2024, 08:02:21 PM
It could have been 11 points from 21 but it’s now 8.
This is not any where near Top 4 form now look at Spurs and Manure form.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 08:04:02 PM
5 points is nothing and the way we are playing that gojng to be wiped very soon. God how depressing
Well it’s quite a lot if we start winning games, but our ability to keep losing will eradicate it fast. We just have to fix our mentality fast - we’ve become far too easy to beat, we’re conceding too many and not scoring enough.
Post by: Hillbilly on February 11, 2024, 08:09:51 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 11, 2024, 08:12:11 PM
5 points is nothing and the way we are playing that gojng to be wiped very soon. God how depressing
Well it’s quite a lot if we start winning games, but our ability to keep losing will eradicate it fast. We just have to fix our mentality fast - we’ve become far too easy to beat, we’re conceding too many and not scoring enough.
The issue for me is that confidence is shot. The last three home games have seen three losses and lets not foeget we were fortunate not to lose the shff utd game too at home.
Its gonw from fortress villa park to nursey villa park in last few games. Its not been good at all
Post by: Risso on February 11, 2024, 08:13:27 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 08:16:46 PM
Post by: Risso on February 11, 2024, 08:19:18 PM
Yes it’s a bit tedious - if we finish 7th this season it’s a poor effort from where we’ve been. Still a par performance overall, but if that’s where we end up that is basically written in stone as our ceiling. If we can’t breakthrough after the first half of the season we never will.
And especially after spending £100m on a squad that finished 7th the season before.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 11, 2024, 08:21:26 PM
half of that on DiabyYes it’s a bit tedious - if we finish 7th this season it’s a poor effort from where we’ve been. Still a par performance overall, but if that’s where we end up that is basically written in stone as our ceiling. If we can’t breakthrough after the first half of the season we never will.
And especially after spending £100m on a squad that finished 7th the season before.
Post by: VillaTim on February 11, 2024, 08:22:19 PM
he's been a disaster in fairnesshalf of that on DiabyYes it’s a bit tedious - if we finish 7th this season it’s a poor effort from where we’ve been. Still a par performance overall, but if that’s where we end up that is basically written in stone as our ceiling. If we can’t breakthrough after the first half of the season we never will.
And especially after spending £100m on a squad that finished 7th the season before.
Post by: Chris Harte on February 11, 2024, 08:29:38 PM
Their winner was a kick in the guts and, frankly, flattered them.
It's upto us to keep going now.
Post by: VillaTim on February 11, 2024, 08:38:04 PM
I thought we played well today. We put them under a lot of pressure but ultimately didn't get the breaks that we deserved.players ball watching for the winner
Their winner was a kick in the guts and, frankly, flattered them.
It's upto us to keep going now.
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 11, 2024, 08:45:35 PM
I thought we played well today. We put them under a lot of pressure but ultimately didn't get the breaks that we deserved.Yes thought we played well today and deserved the win.
Their winner was a kick in the guts and, frankly, flattered them.
It's upto us to keep going now.
Still season isn't over and I'm still backing us for 5th at worst as I don't see United finishing above us.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 08:50:36 PM
Post by: Ads on February 11, 2024, 09:17:10 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on February 11, 2024, 09:20:22 PM
So let's win at Fulham and see where the land lies. Nobody should be disheartened from the performance today, if not the result. It was night and day from Chelsea/Newcastle. Another day its a 4-1 stroll; obviously much coalesced around the game to produce the result that we got. So we'll see.
Agree. That level.of performance will win us games. With players coming back, I think there is every chance that we could get on a roll again.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 09:20:40 PM
Post by: ez on February 11, 2024, 09:21:16 PM
Post by: VillaTim on February 11, 2024, 09:24:36 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 09:26:32 PM
We won't catch the top three. We have to keep in touch with spurs now and beat them when they come to villa park which is far from guaranteed.
Yeah I mean this is about correcting our form to ensure we finish 4th/5th. The form we’re on at the moment will have us finishing 7th/8th.
Post by: tomd2103 on February 11, 2024, 09:27:02 PM
Indeed, but in terms of results the last two months or so have been pretty piss poor. The performance was positive today, but it needs to translate into a run of positive results now. As you say Fulham is key, we cannot be so profligate in front of goal and so accommodating at the back.
So have the performances on the whole though Paul. That was a bit different today. With Ramsey and Moreno back, we had a threat down the left for the first time in a while.
Infuriating to lose, especially to them, but hopefully a sign that things are coming back.together.
Post by: LeonW on February 11, 2024, 09:40:41 PM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 11, 2024, 09:41:05 PM
We won't catch the top three. We have to keep in touch with spurs now and beat them when they come to villa park which is far from guaranteed.
Yeah I mean this is about correcting our form to ensure we finish 4th/5th. The form we’re on at the moment will have us finishing 7th/8th.
Yeah, I agree, sadly, I think we've fucked it unless something changes significantly and very quickly.
Regardless of how good performances are, we've fucked it, we're turning in way too many shit results.
Post by: Ads on February 11, 2024, 09:48:17 PM
We're de facto 6 points in front of 6th. My cup has been filled somewhat to keep it that way and as we tick off the games, the chances increase and the pressure goes up. Exciting times to tick off games in a positive way rather than wondering how we get to 39 points.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 11, 2024, 09:50:23 PM
We won't catch the top three. We have to keep in touch with spurs now and beat them when they come to villa park which is far from guaranteed.
Yeah I mean this is about correcting our form to ensure we finish 4th/5th. The form we’re on at the moment will have us finishing 7th/8th.
Yeah, I agree, sadly, I think we've fucked it unless something changes significantly and very quickly.
Regardless of how good performances are, we've fucked it, we're turning in way too many shit results.
I agree. I think we have absolutely fucked it. It was all in our hands. Would have preferred starting the season poorly and finish on a high as opposed to starting strong and finishing poorly which based on our current form seems to be the case.
We still have got to go arsenal and city
Then add in tough home games vs spurs and Liverpool. Its such a shame we fucked it today it really was a disastrous result
Post by: VillaTim on February 11, 2024, 09:52:43 PM
Post by: Ads on February 11, 2024, 09:53:37 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 09:56:46 PM
We won't catch the top three. We have to keep in touch with spurs now and beat them when they come to villa park which is far from guaranteed.
Yeah I mean this is about correcting our form to ensure we finish 4th/5th. The form we’re on at the moment will have us finishing 7th/8th.
Yeah, I agree, sadly, I think we've fucked it unless something changes significantly and very quickly.
Regardless of how good performances are, we've fucked it, we're turning in way too many shit results.
Yep, time for good performances with nothing to show for it is gone. It has to be the catalyst for good performances and results. We’ve been a mid table (possibly lower) side for two months odd in terms of our performances/returns. It’s nice we created a bit tonight, but ultimately it’s for nothing and I’ve seen plenty of performances in the past being heralded as an indicator of what’s to come. Then they’ve been followed up with fuck all.
Unai has been brilliant for the club, but this is a real test now. If we fall away I think we’ll have defined what we are. We’ve created an incredible opportunity, we’re at real risk of chucking it away. They have to step up and arrest this slide now.
Post by: Ads on February 11, 2024, 09:59:36 PM
I must have missed the other times this season where a good performance hasn't delivered a result. More levels of effort, chance creation as seen today is exactly what's needed to ensure we get back to winning on a regular basis.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 11, 2024, 10:00:13 PM
I mean, it still is in our hands. We're effectively 6 points ahead of 6th. Taking my tongue out of my cheek from earlier, I cannot for the life of me fathom how Man United can be so consistently shite everytime I see them, against absolutely anybody, be it Wigan in the Cup, us, whoever the fuck...and be top 6. They have no discernable style other than lump it high and wide to chase; properly basic counter attack. They don't even protect their own goal well, we should have had a hat full. I regularly see others pepper them. And yet. There they are. Very odd.They have some very good players and it clicks enough times to create results.
It did tonight.
Post by: Ads on February 11, 2024, 10:02:21 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 11, 2024, 10:07:45 PM
I dont see that as an explanation anymore persuasive than my joking referral to Satanic magic. In fact that seems more compelling.I do not think they were as bad as some are making out, they are a counter attacking team with pace up front which they failed to exploit except when it mattered.
Post by: ez on February 11, 2024, 10:08:26 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 11, 2024, 10:09:52 PM
We're still five points ahead of man utd. Staying ahead of them should still be achievable, in theory. Getting ahead of spurs and staying there is the issue.
They’re both an issue really - winning games is what solves that issue.
Post by: Ads on February 11, 2024, 10:11:04 PM
I dont see that as an explanation anymore persuasive than my joking referral to Satanic magic. In fact that seems more compelling.I do not think they were as bad as some are making out, they are a counter attacking team with pace up front which they failed to exploit except when it mattered.
I thought they were dross. Its seems McGuire got MotM and given they didn't protect their goal, it would be as perverse as giving it to Ollie for missing multiple sitters. Not much about Man United makes logical sense. They're always on the box, so it's not just today. Plus you have the persistent whinging of Neville to read about. I cannot believe any other team playing that way, would be as high as they are.
Post by: LeonW on February 12, 2024, 12:18:27 AM
I dont see that as an explanation anymore persuasive than my joking referral to Satanic magic. In fact that seems more compelling.I do not think they were as bad as some are making out, they are a counter attacking team with pace up front which they failed to exploit except when it mattered.
I thought they were dross. Its seems McGuire got MotM and given they didn't protect their goal, it would be as perverse as giving it to Ollie for missing multiple sitters. Not much about Man United makes logical sense. They're always on the box, so it's not just today. Plus you have the persistent whinging of Neville to read about. I cannot believe any other team playing that way, would be as high as they are.
Bizarre decision. The XG in the game was Villa 2.68 and them 1.99. Must have been Southgate making that decision.
Post by: Rory on February 12, 2024, 02:04:52 AM
I dont see that as an explanation anymore persuasive than my joking referral to Satanic magic. In fact that seems more compelling.
With the added advantage that you quoted Paulie Walnuts at the seance.
Generally (so the following isn't a response to anything you've said, Ads) if we go on to finish any lower than fifth, it'll be a balls-up, and everybody should be scrutinised, including Unai.
I'm not going along with the 'if we don't make CL this season, we're done' narrative, because that's what I hated about the Lerner era. We should not be basing our whole approach on some kind of smash-and-grab.
Unlike 2005-10, there are already more competitive clubs than there are CL places, and if we want to be part of that then it takes a longer-term vision, and a firmer commitment than hoping we have one great season then stay there by default.
I don't think our owners are that naive.
If we're serious about becoming challengers, we pull ourselves together and do our best to win the Conference League and finish as high as we can in the league, then regroup and see what moves we can make in the summer.
How strongly we finish will dictate those moves.
If the entirety of our plans were predicated on us getting CL next season then, frankly, it was built on sand the whole time.
Post by: Drummond on February 12, 2024, 10:17:09 AM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
Post by: OCD on February 12, 2024, 10:19:09 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on February 12, 2024, 10:20:20 AM
Kamara injury is another kick in the nuts though.
Post by: Drummond on February 12, 2024, 10:20:31 AM
I mean, it still is in our hands. We're effectively 6 points ahead of 6th. Taking my tongue out of my cheek from earlier, I cannot for the life of me fathom how Man United can be so consistently shite everytime I see them, against absolutely anybody, be it Wigan in the Cup, us, whoever the fuck...and be top 6. They have no discernable style other than lump it high and wide to chase; properly basic counter attack. They don't even protect their own goal well, we should have had a hat full. I regularly see others pepper them. And yet. There they are. Very odd.
That was their first away win at a Top 8 side in 2 years or something. They beat the teams below them regularly, because they have some players that are really good and can turn matches on their own.
We have had a sticky patch no doubt, but it's on the back of beating the likes of ManC and Arse.
We will hit form again soon.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 12, 2024, 10:22:32 AM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
11 points would have killed their hopes now its down to 5 which is absolutely nothing.
It was a disastrous result for us im afraid 😨
Post by: Ads on February 12, 2024, 10:23:40 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2024, 10:40:15 AM
Post by: Drummond on February 12, 2024, 10:55:06 AM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
11 points would have killed their hopes now its down to 5 which is absolutely nothing.
It was a disastrous result for us im afraid 😨
If we were 5 points behind, there's no way you'd be saying 'it's nothing'.
And how is it a disaster?
A disaster would be if the rumours about Konsa and Kamara having ACL tears were true.
Post by: Beard82 on February 12, 2024, 10:59:39 AM
I think we looked a bit “Spursy” yesterday - played well to an extent, but didn’t get the job done. Ironic given Spurs gritted out a win over the weekend.Spursy is when it really matters and they can take it to the next level they fail.
We call it Typical Villa - when it really matters we blow it somehow. Yesterday was typical Villa
Spurs regualrly get into the UCL because there threshold for when spursy comes into play is higher than when our threshold for Typical Villa comes into play
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2024, 12:14:37 PM
I think we looked a bit “Spursy” yesterday - played well to an extent, but didn’t get the job done. Ironic given Spurs gritted out a win over the weekend.Spursy is when it really matters and they can take it to the next level they fail.
We call it Typical Villa - when it really matters we blow it somehow. Yesterday was typical Villa
Spurs regualrly get into the UCL because there threshold for when spursy comes into play is higher than when our threshold for Typical Villa comes into play
Not sure I see the distinction really. The one positive - as has been highlighted - is the overall performance was much better than recent home games, we had much more intensity about us. Hopefully it is a launch pad, but there’s no getting away from the fact we’ve won three games since Christmas, and they were against Championship or Championship in waiting teams. It’s been pretty dismal for a side that is trying to fight near the top end of the table. Fingers crossed we can take the good bits from yesterday and build in a clinical edge and a bit of fortitude in defence. But we need to start stringing some wins together.
Post by: itbrvilla on February 12, 2024, 12:19:14 PM
Typical Villa to me after watching since the mid 90s is snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, or over the last 15 years being the team you need to play to end a bad run/record/drought etc.I think we looked a bit “Spursy” yesterday - played well to an extent, but didn’t get the job done. Ironic given Spurs gritted out a win over the weekend.Spursy is when it really matters and they can take it to the next level they fail.
We call it Typical Villa - when it really matters we blow it somehow. Yesterday was typical Villa
Spurs regualrly get into the UCL because there threshold for when spursy comes into play is higher than when our threshold for Typical Villa comes into play
Post by: Dave P on February 12, 2024, 12:37:09 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 12, 2024, 01:07:52 PM
It's in our hands still and for a 6 week wobble that goes to show how impressive a haul it was, the amount of points we racked up between August and December.
Torres and Ramsey are key to the run-in for me. If we can keep them fit, we'll carve teams open at will.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 12, 2024, 01:28:19 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 12, 2024, 02:21:00 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 12, 2024, 02:23:40 PM
Post by: Ads on February 12, 2024, 02:26:24 PM
Cling onto 18 goals
Cling onto Torres
Cling onto JJ
Cling onto Fulham, Forest and Luton up next
Cling onto Unai
Cling onto Leon Bailey
Cling onto anything but this mental fragility of peecieved known truths, rooted in nothing more than other teams and other managers experiences, that has neither influence nor impact on how many we're going to rack up on Saturday.
Let's fucking goooooooooo
Post by: Smithy on February 12, 2024, 02:29:17 PM
Of course everyone pointing out that there are plenty of games left and that we're in the better position are right but we've seen this show before too many times. Qualifying for the CL is what teams like Man Utd and Spurs do. Fluffing the opportunity to do so is what teams like us, West Ham and Leicester (thinking of recent examples) do.
Spurs have qualified for the CL once in the last five seasons. They were regulars in the 2015-2019 period in which Premier league football was irrelevant, but recently? Not so much. Man Utd qualified last year, but missed out the year before that.
I would much rather in our position than Man Utds. Sure, they've got more money and bigger squads, but we've got the points on the board. I'd prefer more, but even after a pretty horrendous run with only 2 wins in the last 7, we're STILL right in the mix.
Last season we lost three on the bounce around mid-Feb, and then went on a brilliant run that took us up to 7th. I still believe we're capable of putting together a similar run of results that gets us into CL. Whether that's 4th or 5th.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 12, 2024, 02:38:28 PM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
11 points would have killed their hopes now its down to 5 which is absolutely nothing.
It was a disastrous result for us im afraid 😨
If we were 5 points behind, there's no way you'd be saying 'it's nothing'.
And how is it a disaster?
A disaster would be if the rumours about Konsa and Kamara having ACL tears were true.
Ok you can claim to not be worried about it the fact is the gaps shrinking, we aint winning enough games while utd and spurs have. 5 points is nothing. Absolutely nothing. We were miles ahead of spurs at one point but guess who is now above us?
Post by: VillaTim on February 12, 2024, 02:41:30 PM
I think we looked a bit “Spursy” yesterday - played well to an extent, but didn’t get the job done. Ironic given Spurs gritted out a win over the weekend.i wonder if Spurs fans have a noun for being a bit Villa (Villary ?)
Post by: Ads on February 12, 2024, 02:43:07 PM
Post by: Ads on February 12, 2024, 02:46:33 PM
Post by: Risso on February 12, 2024, 02:55:56 PM
Luton away
Fulham home
Man City away
Everton home
Sheffield United home
Brentford away
There can't be any excuses in our games before we play Spurs, have to take maximum points and hope that they drop some along the way, because they're definitely winning the next two I reckon.
Post by: LeonW on February 12, 2024, 03:39:57 PM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
Absolutely. 11 points for that current man Utd side would be way too much psychologically for them to come back from. It would also be less pressure on us because the gap would be bigger. They’ve largely been rubbish all season and we’ve been playing out of our skin particularly at home for most of the season. Yet they’re just 5 points behind us now. As rubbish as they’ve been they’ve got the experience of qualifying for the champions league. This is new territory for us. At certain points it’s not about taking solace from a good performance but ultimately a loss. It’s about getting the job done when it matters.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 12, 2024, 04:07:09 PM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
Absolutely. 11 points for that current man Utd side would be way too much psychologically for them to come back from. It would also be less pressure on us because the gap would be bigger. They’ve largely been rubbish all season and we’ve been playing out of our skin particularly at home for most of the season. Yet they’re just 5 points behind us now. As rubbish as they’ve been they’ve got the experience of qualifying for the champions league. This is new territory for us. At certain points it’s not about taking solace from a good performance but ultimately a loss. It’s about getting the job done when it matters.
I agree leon. I dont think people realise also the psychological effect it has now too. Now we have expectant fans who want CL (me included now we dipped our toes in tol four most of season) and the added pressur of manure breathing down our necks
Post by: Duncan Shaw on February 12, 2024, 04:30:30 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on February 12, 2024, 04:31:49 PM
Unfortunately, their next fixtures, apart from Man City away, look very kind.
Luton away
Fulham home
Man City away
Everton home
Sheffield United home
Brentford away
There can't be any excuses in our games before we play Spurs, have to take maximum points and hope that they drop some along the way, because they're definitely winning the next two I reckon.
I don't think Luton away is a guarantee for them (or us).
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 12, 2024, 05:27:30 PM
Good post.I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
Absolutely. 11 points for that current man Utd side would be way too much psychologically for them to come back from. It would also be less pressure on us because the gap would be bigger. They’ve largely been rubbish all season and we’ve been playing out of our skin particularly at home for most of the season. Yet they’re just 5 points behind us now. As rubbish as they’ve been they’ve got the experience of qualifying for the champions league. This is new territory for us. At certain points it’s not about taking solace from a good performance but ultimately a loss. It’s about getting the job done when it matters.
I keep hearing but we played really well, so what? I have seen us play well against them loads of times with the same outcome.#
Playing well is irrelevant if you spurn chances and don't defend properly.
Twice we have had them on the rack and twice we let them off.
I can not help feeling we will look back on these defeats with regret.
Post by: Drummond on February 12, 2024, 05:33:48 PM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
11 points would have killed their hopes now its down to 5 which is absolutely nothing.
It was a disastrous result for us im afraid 😨
If we were 5 points behind, there's no way you'd be saying 'it's nothing'.
And how is it a disaster?
A disaster would be if the rumours about Konsa and Kamara having ACL tears were true.
Ok you can claim to not be worried about it the fact is the gaps shrinking, we aint winning enough games while utd and spurs have. 5 points is nothing. Absolutely nothing. We were miles ahead of spurs at one point but guess who is now above us?
How did we get to be 5 points ahead of them? How did we manage to perform so well for all the previous time under Emery?
Post by: Ads on February 12, 2024, 05:34:07 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2024, 05:34:31 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 12, 2024, 05:38:35 PM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
Absolutely. 11 points for that current man Utd side would be way too much psychologically for them to come back from. It would also be less pressure on us because the gap would be bigger. They’ve largely been rubbish all season and we’ve been playing out of our skin particularly at home for most of the season. Yet they’re just 5 points behind us now. As rubbish as they’ve been they’ve got the experience of qualifying for the champions league. This is new territory for us. At certain points it’s not about taking solace from a good performance but ultimately a loss. It’s about getting the job done when it matters.
I agree leon. I dont think people realise also the psychological effect it has now too. Now we have expectant fans who want CL (me included now we dipped our toes in tol four most of season) and the added pressur of manure breathing down our necks
I can see the psychological effect it's having on you.
Try and not let that show when you're at the match though, it won't help.
Post by: Clampy on February 12, 2024, 05:40:39 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on February 12, 2024, 05:54:39 PM
I'd also agree a loss like that can have a negative psychological effect on the players. Emery has a tough job on his hands.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 12, 2024, 05:55:08 PM
I got criticised for saying today was pivotal.
It was. I have no idea how anyone could say otherwise.
Really? They are still 5 points behind us. There's a point between us and Spuds.
We have Digne returning, Ramsey coming into form, Moreno getting better, Torres almost ready and Konsa to return too.
We played really well yesterday and we absolutely hammered Sheffield United last weekend.
11 points would have killed their hopes now its down to 5 which is absolutely nothing.
It was a disastrous result for us im afraid 😨
If we were 5 points behind, there's no way you'd be saying 'it's nothing'.
And how is it a disaster?
A disaster would be if the rumours about Konsa and Kamara having ACL tears were true.
Ok you can claim to not be worried about it the fact is the gaps shrinking, we aint winning enough games while utd and spurs have. 5 points is nothing. Absolutely nothing. We were miles ahead of spurs at one point but guess who is now above us?
How did we get to be 5 points ahead of them? How did we manage to perform so well for all the previous time under Emery?
Im not actually sure what point you are trying to make. This isnt a 19 game season its a 38 game season. We did well first half but 2nd half we have started poorly and need to continue where we were 1st half. 5 points is nothing as we have found out. We ahould have a more comfortable cushion. Now with kamara out for the season too are you still thinking 5 points is enough of a cushion?!
Post by: Drummond on February 12, 2024, 05:56:03 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 12, 2024, 05:56:39 PM
DC, just because you thought yesterday was a disaster, don't expect everyone to agree however much you think they should.
Clampy im not trying to persuade anyone as im not interested in that, i am just highlighting why i feel it was a disastrous result for us.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 12, 2024, 06:00:26 PM
Post by: Clampy on February 12, 2024, 06:04:27 PM
DC, just because you thought yesterday was a disaster, don't expect everyone to agree however much you think they should.
Clampy im not trying to persuade anyone as im not interested in that, i am just highlighting why i feel it was a disastrous result for us.
I know and you keep saying the same thing over and over again. Time to move on from it I think.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 12, 2024, 06:25:31 PM
DC, just because you thought yesterday was a disaster, don't expect everyone to agree however much you think they should.
Clampy im not trying to persuade anyone as im not interested in that, i am just highlighting why i feel it was a disastrous result for us.
I know and you keep saying the same thing over and over again. Time to move on from it I think.
Im really not. Im just responding to posts 🤷♂️
Post by: Nunkin1965 on February 12, 2024, 06:39:50 PM
You want it darker should do the trick.
Post by: frank black on February 12, 2024, 07:05:19 PM
The Kamara news brings yesterdays result and its impact on the points gap into even sharper focus.
Indeed it does. Even with our excellent manager it’s going to be a monumental achievement to qualify with our current squad. The other teams can carry these sort of injuries, but our squad just isn’t deep enough.
We are going to need Tim to step up like that Mainoo fella at Man U and be an instant hit. We also require a big fat slice of good luck, which we are long overdue IMO.
Post by: pelty on February 12, 2024, 07:21:31 PM
The Kamara news brings yesterdays result and its impact on the points gap into even sharper focus.
Indeed it does. Even with our excellent manager it’s going to be a monumental achievement to qualify with our current squad. The other teams can carry these sort of injuries, but our squad just isn’t deep enough.
We are going to need Tim to step up like that Mainoo fella at Man U and be an instant hit. We also require a big fat slice of good luck, which we are long overdue IMO.
Thing is, I doubt Tim gets a sniff. I wish he would, but he won’t.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 12, 2024, 07:38:08 PM
The Kamara news brings yesterdays result and its impact on the points gap into even sharper focus.
Indeed it does. Even with our excellent manager it’s going to be a monumental achievement to qualify with our current squad. The other teams can carry these sort of injuries, but our squad just isn’t deep enough.
We are going to need Tim to step up like that Mainoo fella at Man U and be an instant hit. We also require a big fat slice of good luck, which we are long overdue IMO.
Thing is, I doubt Tim gets a sniff. I wish he would, but he won’t.
Emery has rarely started youngsters in the league. Not sure why but i did think more would get opportunities.
We may need to recall some as we aimply wont be able to cope with europe and league
Post by: VillaTim on February 12, 2024, 07:45:55 PM
you're probably right it will be a reshuffle to accommodate TielemansThe Kamara news brings yesterdays result and its impact on the points gap into even sharper focus.
Indeed it does. Even with our excellent manager it’s going to be a monumental achievement to qualify with our current squad. The other teams can carry these sort of injuries, but our squad just isn’t deep enough.
We are going to need Tim to step up like that Mainoo fella at Man U and be an instant hit. We also require a big fat slice of good luck, which we are long overdue IMO.
Thing is, I doubt Tim gets a sniff. I wish he would, but he won’t.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 12, 2024, 08:23:05 PM
We can not play the same few players every week.
We have been decimated by injuries which may mean he has to change the way we play to deal with it.
The big worry now is that we have absolutely no back up.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 12, 2024, 08:31:24 PM
Post by: caster troy on February 12, 2024, 08:51:01 PM
Post by: Goldie.7 on February 13, 2024, 01:29:59 AM
It was a nice fantasy for a few months though.
Post by: Ads on February 13, 2024, 07:28:47 AM
1 out of 3 ain't bad.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 13, 2024, 07:34:03 AM
Squad doesn't look tired. We are out of form. Diamonds form under pressure- who wants to play pressure free?Worse than Meatloaf.
1 out of 3 ain't bad.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 13, 2024, 08:32:30 AM
If they get top four/five after all these injuries it will be a miracle when you see the squads our rivals have and the limited options we have
Post by: Ads on February 13, 2024, 08:51:49 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on February 13, 2024, 09:17:00 AM
After we beat Arsenal 9th Dec United were 8 points behind.
Currently United 5 points behind.
Now if we have been on a crap run since Arsenal and United have only gained 3 points on us and they have been on a hot run then let’s see how the next 14 games go. Over simplistic I know but still factual.
Post by: AV82EC on February 13, 2024, 09:21:10 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on February 13, 2024, 09:26:17 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 13, 2024, 09:26:25 AM
I’m with Ads here, top 5 is still possible but we need an uptick in form and to prioritise. It may be we have to keep our approach of “doing enough” in the ECL to stumble through but that will be harder as the opposition gets stronger. The R16 matches are either side of the Spurs game so we know what takes priority so we’ve got to hope for a kind ECL draw so we can play slightly weaker teams. If we get through, the ECL Qtr Final is either side of the Arsenal away game and in general April looks a busy month.
breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
And we have to play Legia Warsaw
A-fucking-gain.
Post by: AV82EC on February 13, 2024, 09:29:51 AM
Post by: garyellis on February 13, 2024, 09:34:13 AM
We get 110% behind the lads for the remaining matches regardless
Let’s hope Tim and Morgan make the most of any opportunities and we steer clear of any more serious injuries. UTV
Post by: Demitri_C on February 13, 2024, 09:48:21 AM
I'm not expecting a miracle, just expecting us to finish top 5.
Id say with all things considered winth poor form and injuries that would be a very very good season. I think it will be 6th now though unfortunately as i dont think we have the squad depth
Post by: MplsVilla on February 13, 2024, 10:27:51 AM
Post by: Drummond on February 13, 2024, 12:00:53 PM
Twitter post (from Love of Paul McGrath podcast) gives some perspective. I still think they'll catch us as I'm a Villa fan, but this helps calm the nerves a bit.
After we beat Arsenal 9th Dec United were 8 points behind.
Currently United 5 points behind.
Now if we have been on a crap run since Arsenal and United have only gained 3 points on us and they have been on a hot run then let’s see how the next 14 games go. Over simplistic I know but still factual.
They are on a hot streak, and they surely can't sustain it? We outplayed them on Sunday, and I'm feeling more positive about our form over the past couple of games.
It could be tight, and let's hope our injury curse starts to lift soon and we get a relatively clean bill of health to the end of the season.
Post by: achilles on February 13, 2024, 12:05:30 PM
Post by: dorsetvillian on February 13, 2024, 12:30:24 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 13, 2024, 12:39:56 PM
It’s quite possible that’s what will happen now we’ve added Kamara to the long term crocked list. But I’m not going to pretend that it will be anything other than disappointing.
Post by: Rigadon on February 13, 2024, 12:41:20 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 13, 2024, 12:56:30 PM
Injury wise, I think we'd have done well to finish there. However, the bigger point is that barring a couple of results we were going way better than that, and the drop off in form we've had feels worse than it otherwise would have.
As such, I think anything less than a Champions League place may well feel like a failure.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 13, 2024, 01:46:26 PM
At the beginning of the season we'd have taken 6th I reckon (whilst hoping for more) and in many ways that's the minimum we'd have wanted.
Injury wise, I think we'd have done well to finish there. However, the bigger point is that barring a couple of results we were going way better than that, and the drop off in form we've had feels worse than it otherwise would have.
As such, I think anything less than a Champions League place may well feel like a failure.
Yes I think it will. It would be understandable with the injuries, but from where we are a massive let-down. I also think it would lead to us losing some major players in the summer.
Post by: rougegorge on February 13, 2024, 01:53:58 PM
So we wouldn't want Chelsea to win the League Cup; that would give them the Conference League place, unless Liverpool win. Nor would we want a team outside the top 6 winning the FA Cup, so we would need Liverpool, Man City or possibly even Man Utd to win that one as otherwise the winner takes one of the two Europa League places.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 13, 2024, 02:27:32 PM
If we end up 6th or 7th, there is a chance we could miss out on European football altogether next season.
Not when we win the Conference League. 8)
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 13, 2024, 04:58:09 PM
It’s go for broke in this or the PL, pretty sure Emery will focus on the PL.If we end up 6th or 7th, there is a chance we could miss out on European football altogether next season.
Not when we win the Conference League. 8)
Expect lots of youngsters and second string to feature.
Post by: Risso on February 13, 2024, 05:04:22 PM
Post by: Jockey Randall on February 13, 2024, 05:32:44 PM
8 wins out of
Fulham
Forest
Luton
Spurs
West Ham
Wolves
Man City
Brentford
Arsenal
Bournemouth
Chelsea
Brighton
Liverpool
Palace
Could be tight but hopefully something we can still pull off even with the injuries we've suffered.
Post by: Neil Hawkes on February 13, 2024, 05:34:11 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 13, 2024, 05:36:33 PM
We are close to playing our second string; no choice with so many first team players sidelined.
To be fair once Pau is back we have two first teamers out (Ezri and Kamara), not counting Ty and Emi B as they haven’t been involved all season. The team is still strong.
Post by: LeonW on February 13, 2024, 05:49:39 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 13, 2024, 06:00:00 PM
We haven't really got a scond string as it stands.I know what you mean.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 13, 2024, 06:35:59 PM
At the beginning of the season we'd have taken 6th I reckon (whilst hoping for more) and in many ways that's the minimum we'd have wanted.
Injury wise, I think we'd have done well to finish there. However, the bigger point is that barring a couple of results we were going way better than that, and the drop off in form we've had feels worse than it otherwise would have.
As such, I think anything less than a Champions League place may well feel like a failure.
You are absolutely correct. At start we all would have been happy with 6th. But now we have tipped our toes with the big boys and had a taste of what its been like challenging the bog boys in the top 4 we want it now. It would feel like a failure if we dont achieve top 5 now even though in theory its not a failure.
Id be massively disappointed if we finished 7th and didnt at least get to semis of conference league
Post by: eamonn on February 13, 2024, 06:44:05 PM
Realistically I think if we now finish in the top 6 it would have been a good season!
Feck that for a bag of spanners
Post by: eamonn on February 13, 2024, 06:54:35 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/nRyqP8y/bigchances1-1.png) (https://ibb.co/nRyqP8y)
https://www.premierleague.com/stats/top/clubs/big_chance_missed
Big Chances Missed
1. Chelsea 47
2. Brentford 46
3. Liverpool 46
4. Aston Villa 44
5. Everton 44
6. Newcastle United 43
7. Brighton & Hove Albion 41
8. Arsenal 39
9. Manchester City 37
10. Tottenham Hotspur 34
Post by: DrGonzo on February 13, 2024, 07:00:38 PM
We are close to playing our second string; no choice with so many first team players sidelined.
To be fair once Pau is back we have two first teamers out (Ezri and Kamara), not counting Ty and Emi B as they haven’t been involved all season. The team is still strong.
That’s not really fair because we are also missing M E B and Big Tyrone, to say that they aren’t first team is a bit weird? These are all injuries that have impacted our season. If Mings has been fit we probably wouldn’t have had the other injuries in our back line as work loads would have been less.
Post by: Risso on February 13, 2024, 07:12:23 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 13, 2024, 07:32:22 PM
We are close to playing our second string; no choice with so many first team players sidelined.
To be fair once Pau is back we have two first teamers out (Ezri and Kamara), not counting Ty and Emi B as they haven’t been involved all season. The team is still strong.
That’s not really fair because we are also missing M E B and Big Tyrone, to say that they aren’t first team is a bit weird? These are all injuries that have impacted our season. If Mings has been fit we probably wouldn’t have had the other injuries in our back line as work loads would have been less.
My point was more that it’s a stretch to say we’re close to second string in the context of this season. We got to 2nd in the league with no involvement from Ty and Emi B, so in the context of our performance this season we’re missing two first teamers (assuming Pau is actually back). Doesn’t diminish the value Ty or Emi B would make, but they just haven’t been a factor.
Post by: Clampy on February 13, 2024, 07:44:12 PM
Post by: LeonW on February 13, 2024, 07:54:45 PM
On the other hand, we've had two transfer windows to do something about the strength of the squad.
Only Aston Villa could be in perhaps our strongest position ever at the start of January for qualifying for the champions league and focus more on penny pinching.
Some will see that as unfair and talk about a longer term strategy of recruitment and that good players aren’t usually available so you’d have to overpay. Some will say that if we overspend in January we have to make up for it in the summer.
But at some point, it is about going for it and making it happen with signings. If we don’t qualify for the champions league this season we’ll have to sell anyway. We’re seemingly focused on making excuses for what we have done rather than what we haven’t. Chelsea, Man Utd and Newcastle will all be stronger next season.
Post by: Clampy on February 13, 2024, 07:57:05 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 13, 2024, 08:00:38 PM
On the other hand, we've had two transfer windows to do something about the strength of the squad.
Who would you have sold to fund the players you think we need?
Post by: LeonW on February 13, 2024, 08:02:39 PM
Hardly anyone spent in January.
Case in point, 101.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 13, 2024, 08:04:35 PM
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
Post by: Clampy on February 13, 2024, 08:05:24 PM
Post by: john e on February 13, 2024, 08:23:36 PM
Think we must be close to FFP limit hence why we didnt spend. But if evertons points deduction gets reversed it will be a bit of a mockery.
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
I was no big supporter of Ellis in fact I think he held the club back over time
but I wouldn’t change the name of that stand now it would seem a bit petty and somewhat disrespectful
Post by: LeonW on February 13, 2024, 08:31:31 PM
I think penny pinching is very harsh. We can't keep stockpiling players.
We didn’t need to let Dendoncker go. A sale perhaps on the provisio we get a replacement in. Certainly not on loan. Any loan fee would likely be small from a Seria A club. Plus if he flops, a likely future sale fee will be less than if we’d have kept him (see what City will get for Kalvin Phillips now following his spell at west Ham). We were already light in defensive midfield. And Dendoncker was in our European squad. So I can’t see that deal in any other way.
Fin Azaz was on a productive loan spell with Plymouth. We call him back to sell for him for a relative pittance. What would his value have been in the summer if he’d have finished the season performing in the same vein for a championship struggler would be my question. Perhaps his contract with us was running out? I don’t know.
Even Traore was an option. An unreliable one, but a match winner on occasion for sure. We may as well have kept him and his wages for the rest of the season because with our injury record, he could have been needed at some point.
My overriding question has always been; did our business in January make us stronger or weaker for the rest of this season? It’s all well a good pointing to the future but if we have to sell a Dougie or Martinez in the summer because we didn’t qualify for the champions league, all we’ll end up being is a feeder club because we don’t take that next step. Almost all clubs are feeder clubs. Success is on how much further up that chain we are.
If we weren’t going to go for it in January in this season, with this manager, with were other opponents are and the start we gave ourselves, we never will.
Post by: Clampy on February 13, 2024, 08:37:07 PM
Post by: brontebilly on February 13, 2024, 08:39:11 PM
Post by: Ads on February 13, 2024, 08:48:21 PM
Post by: Clampy on February 13, 2024, 08:50:57 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on February 13, 2024, 09:11:04 PM
Think we must be close to FFP limit hence why we didnt spend. But if evertons points deduction gets reversed it will be a bit of a mockery.
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
I was no big supporter of Ellis in fact I think he held the club back over time
but I wouldn’t change the name of that stand now it would seem a bit petty and somewhat disrespectful
It's what he would have wanted.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 13, 2024, 11:11:53 PM
Penny pinching is bollocks when you've got Chelsea needing to sell £100m by 30th June, with their other shady financials to come home to roost, Forest to be docked points, Everton docked points and be docked them again. Man City to be punished back to the 19th century. This is football in 2024.
I’m sure I just read somewhere that Chelsea can spend £200m this summer before any sales.
Post by: Beard82 on February 13, 2024, 11:23:18 PM
If thats a case it shows the law is an arsePenny pinching is bollocks when you've got Chelsea needing to sell £100m by 30th June, with their other shady financials to come home to roost, Forest to be docked points, Everton docked points and be docked them again. Man City to be punished back to the 19th century. This is football in 2024.
I’m sure I just read somewhere that Chelsea can spend £200m this summer before any sales.
Post by: Smithy on February 14, 2024, 12:15:11 AM
Penny pinching is bollocks when you've got Chelsea needing to sell £100m by 30th June, with their other shady financials to come home to roost, Forest to be docked points, Everton docked points and be docked them again. Man City to be punished back to the 19th century. This is football in 2024.
I’m sure I just read somewhere that Chelsea can spend £200m this summer before any sales.
Chelsea might have some money to spend, but only because they have a huge commercial operation. I'd be amazed if it was £200m, but given how their spending in the last 18 months has all been on crazy long contracts (before the loophole was closed), I suspect their FFP position isn't that precarious. It's just their transfer business is going to start at about -£80m every year for the next 7 or 8 years. If they're making enough money to absorb that, lucky them.
Post by: RamboandBruno on February 14, 2024, 08:09:39 AM
Always and always will be the Witton Lane to me. Not that I sit there mind.Think we must be close to FFP limit hence why we didnt spend. But if evertons points deduction gets reversed it will be a bit of a mockery.
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
I was no big supporter of Ellis in fact I think he held the club back over time
but I wouldn’t change the name of that stand now it would seem a bit petty and somewhat disrespectful
It's what he would have wanted.
Post by: algy on February 14, 2024, 08:19:47 AM
Me too. I've yet to refer to it as anything other than the Witton Lane Stand.Always and always will be the Witton Lane to me. Not that I sit there mind.Think we must be close to FFP limit hence why we didnt spend. But if evertons points deduction gets reversed it will be a bit of a mockery.
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
I was no big supporter of Ellis in fact I think he held the club back over time
but I wouldn’t change the name of that stand now it would seem a bit petty and somewhat disrespectful
It's what he would have wanted.
However, I do tend to agree with John E here. Unless it transpires that Herbert was a war criminal or something, now that the stand's named after him it wouldn't feel right to me to remove it.
Post by: Ads on February 14, 2024, 08:39:14 AM
Penny pinching is bollocks when you've got Chelsea needing to sell £100m by 30th June, with their other shady financials to come home to roost, Forest to be docked points, Everton docked points and be docked them again. Man City to be punished back to the 19th century. This is football in 2024.
I’m sure I just read somewhere that Chelsea can spend £200m this summer before any sales.
Chelsea might have some money to spend, but only because they have a huge commercial operation. I'd be amazed if it was £200m, but given how their spending in the last 18 months has all been on crazy long contracts (before the loophole was closed), I suspect their FFP position isn't that precarious. It's just their transfer business is going to start at about -£80m every year for the next 7 or 8 years. If they're making enough money to absorb that, lucky them.
They lost £121.3m in their last set of accounts and are desperately trying to flog home grown players.
Post by: Rigadon on February 14, 2024, 09:06:11 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on February 14, 2024, 09:45:41 AM
Also, we signed Lenglet to replace Tyrone. Nowhere near as influential, but in terms of squad numbers it's something that isn't being taken into account in some of this discussion.We are close to playing our second string; no choice with so many first team players sidelined.
To be fair once Pau is back we have two first teamers out (Ezri and Kamara), not counting Ty and Emi B as they haven’t been involved all season. The team is still strong.
That’s not really fair because we are also missing M E B and Big Tyrone, to say that they aren’t first team is a bit weird? These are all injuries that have impacted our season. If Mings has been fit we probably wouldn’t have had the other injuries in our back line as work loads would have been less.
My point was more that it’s a stretch to say we’re close to second string in the context of this season. We got to 2nd in the league with no involvement from Ty and Emi B, so in the context of our performance this season we’re missing two first teamers (assuming Pau is actually back). Doesn’t diminish the value Ty or Emi B would make, but they just haven’t been a factor.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 14, 2024, 09:48:06 AM
Abiding with FFP is hardly penny pinching. We can debate the wisdom of some decions (Philogene vs Zaniolo, Rogers etc) but I'm not sure penny pinching is a fair analysis.On the other hand, we've had two transfer windows to do something about the strength of the squad.
Only Aston Villa could be in perhaps our strongest position ever at the start of January for qualifying for the champions league and focus more on penny pinching.
Some will see that as unfair and talk about a longer term strategy of recruitment and that good players aren’t usually available so you’d have to overpay. Some will say that if we overspend in January we have to make up for it in the summer.
But at some point, it is about going for it and making it happen with signings. If we don’t qualify for the champions league this season we’ll have to sell anyway. We’re seemingly focused on making excuses for what we have done rather than what we haven’t. Chelsea, Man Utd and Newcastle will all be stronger next season.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 14, 2024, 09:50:26 AM
I'd rename it without money. For some sort of sponsorship I'd be biting hands off.Think we must be close to FFP limit hence why we didnt spend. But if evertons points deduction gets reversed it will be a bit of a mockery.
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
I was no big supporter of Ellis in fact I think he held the club back over time
but I wouldn’t change the name of that stand now it would seem a bit petty and somewhat disrespectful
Post by: dicedlam on February 14, 2024, 10:41:31 AM
Think we must be close to FFP limit hence why we didnt spend. But if evertons points deduction gets reversed it will be a bit of a mockery.
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
I was no big supporter of Ellis in fact I think he held the club back over time
but I wouldn’t change the name of that stand now it would seem a bit petty and somewhat disrespectful
It's what he would have wanted.
I can't remember correctly but was the naming of the stand put to a vote? If it was, I can only think it must of been the board members only.
Post by: AV82EC on February 14, 2024, 10:42:11 AM
Think we must be close to FFP limit hence why we didnt spend. But if evertons points deduction gets reversed it will be a bit of a mockery.
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
I was no big supporter of Ellis in fact I think he held the club back over time
but I wouldn’t change the name of that stand now it would seem a bit petty and somewhat disrespectful
It's what he would have wanted.
I can't remember correctly but was the naming of the stand put to a vote? If it was, I can only think it must of been the board members only.
Put to a vote! Ha ha ha ha ha
Post by: algy on February 14, 2024, 11:03:09 AM
It was a "surprise" from the builders, wasn't it? Doug just turned up one day to see his name plastered across the Witton Lane stand, completely unbeknownst to him. He was busy teaching George Clooney how to make pancakes, I imagine.Think we must be close to FFP limit hence why we didnt spend. But if evertons points deduction gets reversed it will be a bit of a mockery.
Personally think we should look at re naming a stand for money. The Ellis one would get my vote
I was no big supporter of Ellis in fact I think he held the club back over time
but I wouldn’t change the name of that stand now it would seem a bit petty and somewhat disrespectful
It's what he would have wanted.
I can't remember correctly but was the naming of the stand put to a vote? If it was, I can only think it must of been the board members only.
Put to a vote! Ha ha ha ha ha
Post by: Risso on February 14, 2024, 11:08:44 AM
Post by: Smithy on February 14, 2024, 11:13:46 AM
Penny pinching is bollocks when you've got Chelsea needing to sell £100m by 30th June, with their other shady financials to come home to roost, Forest to be docked points, Everton docked points and be docked them again. Man City to be punished back to the 19th century. This is football in 2024.
I’m sure I just read somewhere that Chelsea can spend £200m this summer before any sales.
Chelsea might have some money to spend, but only because they have a huge commercial operation. I'd be amazed if it was £200m, but given how their spending in the last 18 months has all been on crazy long contracts (before the loophole was closed), I suspect their FFP position isn't that precarious. It's just their transfer business is going to start at about -£80m every year for the next 7 or 8 years. If they're making enough money to absorb that, lucky them.
They lost £121.3m in their last set of accounts and are desperately trying to flog home grown players.
I'm not entirely sure how it works, but I thought the FFP calculation isn't tied "directly" to your operating income? You can lose quite a lot of money in the accounts but be okay in FFP terms if your player costs are amortised over really long periods, which is what Chelsea have done? Similarly you could make a good operating profit but still be screwed on FFP based on players you signed five years ago?
My understanding is that Chelsea is a ticking timebomb for the next 6 or 7 years, but that that they don't have huge "immediate" FFP issues because although they spent loads in the last 18 months, it's spread over 7 or 8 years, whereas they've profited from the sales of players like Mount and Loftus-Cheek to the tune of £100m "immediately". So despite spending over half a billion quid, their "net" FFP spend on players in the last year or so won't be that high.
They've maxed out their credit card using a loophole that's now been closed, and they'll start every transfer window about -£80m for the foreseeable future, but I don't think they're in big trouble... yet. Another year outside Europe, and the knock-on effect that might have on commercial revenue, and sure, they could be in big trouble. But I think they can still spend a bit this year (unfortunately). And if they DO sell someone like Reece James or Gallagher, they'll have even more wiggle room in the coming window.
Post by: Ads on February 14, 2024, 11:16:14 AM
Post by: Smithy on February 14, 2024, 12:33:05 PM
You can lose £5m a year or £15m over 3 as a club or you can lose £35m a year or £105m over a 3 year period if the owner will put equity in to the tune of £90m. From what I've read they have until 30th June to make £100m or they breach FFP/PSR. With the Euros too, that's a tall order. Nobody in England is going to help and the money is only in England. They're proper fucked.
I really hope that's true! But I fear the FFP/PSR allowable losses are very different from the "operating losses". Which is the main argument Everton are making, in that they claim some of their operating losses shouldn't be included in the FFP calculation (when they clearly should).
I really hope I'm wrong, but I fear Chelsea's position isn't as bad as some believe (at least not this year, anyway). It would be great news is they were forced into a fire sale in May June and no one was willing to give them close to market value for anyone they want to sell :-)
Post by: Ads on February 14, 2024, 12:35:13 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on February 14, 2024, 12:44:16 PM
I seem to remember it was an idea put to the board by Dave Ismay for Doug's 70th birthday.I think after Doug had told him he'd really like it. Then the Board (including Ellis JR) voted on it as a 'surprise.' The pricks.
Post by: Smithy on February 14, 2024, 01:10:14 PM
I seem to remember it was an idea put to the board by Dave Ismay for Doug's 70th birthday.I think after Doug had told him he'd really like it. Then the Board (including Ellis JR) voted on it as a 'surprise.' The pricks.
It would be rather ironic if changing the name of "his" stand brought more money into the club than ever came from his pockets.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 14, 2024, 01:10:37 PM
You can lose £5m a year or £15m over 3 as a club or you can lose £35m a year or £105m over a 3 year period if the owner will put equity in to the tune of £90m. From what I've read they have until 30th June to make £100m or they breach FFP/PSR. With the Euros too, that's a tall order. Nobody in England is going to help and the money is only in England. They're proper fucked.
I really hope that's true! But I fear the FFP/PSR allowable losses are very different from the "operating losses". Which is the main argument Everton are making, in that they claim some of their operating losses shouldn't be included in the FFP calculation (when they clearly should).
I really hope I'm wrong, but I fear Chelsea's position isn't as bad as some believe (at least not this year, anyway). It would be great news is they were forced into a fire sale in May June and no one was willing to give them close to market value for anyone they want to sell :-)
Chelsea medium/long-term are in big trouble.
Post by: paul_e on February 14, 2024, 01:50:27 PM
You can lose £5m a year or £15m over 3 as a club or you can lose £35m a year or £105m over a 3 year period if the owner will put equity in to the tune of £90m. From what I've read they have until 30th June to make £100m or they breach FFP/PSR. With the Euros too, that's a tall order. Nobody in England is going to help and the money is only in England. They're proper fucked.
I really hope that's true! But I fear the FFP/PSR allowable losses are very different from the "operating losses". Which is the main argument Everton are making, in that they claim some of their operating losses shouldn't be included in the FFP calculation (when they clearly should).
I really hope I'm wrong, but I fear Chelsea's position isn't as bad as some believe (at least not this year, anyway). It would be great news is they were forced into a fire sale in May June and no one was willing to give them close to market value for anyone they want to sell :-)
The reason some losses are ring-fenced is because not doing it runs the risk of forcing clubs to choose between things like stadium maintenance and a new striker and they'd almost certainly go for the latter in most cases.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 14, 2024, 04:29:02 PM
Its just one revenue stream we could use. Rather that than re naming the stadium. It should always be villa park
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 14, 2024, 05:13:07 PM
Post by: Ads on February 14, 2024, 05:50:29 PM
With the Carlos news we just have to work out a way of grinding some results out for the foreseeable.
Why? Can't we replace him with the much better Torres and just hammer sides?
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 14, 2024, 05:53:36 PM
With the Carlos news we just have to work out a way of grinding some results out for the foreseeable.
Why? Can't we replace him with the much better Torres and just hammer sides?
I would suspect Torres and Lenglet are very much left sided centre backs, although I might be wrong.
Post by: Ads on February 14, 2024, 05:56:18 PM
Post by: paul_e on February 14, 2024, 06:03:39 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 14, 2024, 06:04:53 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 14, 2024, 06:52:23 PM
Yes that’s true as well - and we really are stretched to our absolute limit.Or maybe beyond if we are thinking CL contention.
I don’t see how the remnants of the squad can get in the top 5.
The injuries have done for us.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 14, 2024, 07:17:53 PM
Post by: The Edge on February 14, 2024, 07:47:29 PM
It really is a collosal error not giving him any minutes on sunday to torres. Now he gonna be asked to play 90 minutes after rarely playing for 2 monthsHow is it a "colossal error"? For all we know Torres isn't quite ready so why risk putting him on? We have no options left so putting him on may have been considered a last resort. How was anyone supposed to know that Carlos would get injured? We can all sit and judge and pontificate but we are not privy to all the facts.
Post by: RamboandBruno on February 14, 2024, 11:49:34 PM
It really is a collosal error not giving him any minutes on sunday to torres. Now he gonna be asked to play 90 minutes after rarely playing for 2 monthsYea Emery pulls off his mask scooby doo style to reveal he’s really Mystic Meg.
Post by: tomd2103 on February 15, 2024, 12:21:00 AM
It really is a collosal error not giving him any minutes on sunday to torres. Now he gonna be asked to play 90 minutes after rarely playing for 2 months
Think Chambers plays before Torres gets risked to be honest.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 15, 2024, 07:56:59 AM
It really is a collosal error not giving him any minutes on sunday to torres. Now he gonna be asked to play 90 minutes after rarely playing for 2 monthsHow is it a "colossal error"? For all we know Torres isn't quite ready so why risk putting him on? We have no options left so putting him on may have been considered a last resort. How was anyone supposed to know that Carlos would get injured? We can all sit and judge and pontificate but we are not privy to all the facts.
Because now none of our youngsters if (we have any left to play if torres cant play) will have absolutely zero experience playing in a villa team. Having one on the bench here ir there match day is better than having two keepers on the bench.
I love unai but lets be honest he hasnt given many youngsters a opportunity. Even in the cups. Our kids did so well against liverpool during covid. Sometimes the experience of 10 mins in a game can help.
Just hope the fans are patient and give the youngsters time if called upon
It really is a collosal error not giving him any minutes on sunday to torres. Now he gonna be asked to play 90 minutes after rarely playing for 2 monthsYea Emery pulls off his mask scooby doo style to reveal he’s really Mystic Meg.
You dont need to bw "mystic meg" to do that
Post by: Skerra on February 16, 2024, 04:09:39 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 16, 2024, 04:19:03 PM
We will see v Fulham if Torres is fit enough. If he doesn’t start then I suspect we won’t be seeing him for a few matches yet. Just have that nagging doubt that he’s been on the bench more as a confidence booster rather than him being fully fit. We shall see.I think he has been on the bench on a just in case basis, ie if we had a couple of centre back injuries then he would be risked, we didn’t so he was not risked.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 17, 2024, 12:19:32 AM
Post by: Risso on February 17, 2024, 07:42:40 AM
“We weren’t contenders and we are not contenders, because there are seven teams better than us." - appreciate there might be a language piece, but come on Unai.
He keeps saying this, over and over and over again. Obviously you can't really argue with Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal, but Chelsea? Been absolute shite for the last two years. Newcastle? Man U? Spurs? Nah. Give it a rest Unai.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 17, 2024, 08:11:34 AM
Ok to accept the 3 but then it would have been a shoot out , us Spuds and Manu until our injury plague.“We weren’t contenders and we are not contenders, because there are seven teams better than us." - appreciate there might be a language piece, but come on Unai.
He keeps saying this, over and over and over again. Obviously you can't really argue with Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal, but Chelsea? Been absolute shite for the last two years. Newcastle? Man U? Spurs? Nah. Give it a rest Unai.
Now I think we will do well to be 6th.
Post by: OCD on February 17, 2024, 08:25:22 AM
Post by: The Edge on February 17, 2024, 10:32:17 AM
Post by: Smithy on February 17, 2024, 10:46:18 AM
It really is a collosal error not giving him any minutes on sunday to torres. Now he gonna be asked to play 90 minutes after rarely playing for 2 months
I dunno. The Michael Olise situation shows EXACTLY why you shouldn't put players on the pitch from the bench unless you are 100% convinced they're back up to speed. He might have been on the bench to reintegrate him, or to cover an injury at centre-half that would necessitate a substitution.
I'd have like to see him get minutes. But catastrophic?
Post by: Monty on February 17, 2024, 05:03:03 PM
Post by: Smirker on February 17, 2024, 05:03:25 PM
Post by: Rigadon on February 17, 2024, 05:16:56 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 17, 2024, 05:59:47 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 17, 2024, 06:07:21 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 17, 2024, 06:11:42 PM
Post by: Richard on February 17, 2024, 06:14:04 PM
That game vs spurs is fucking huge. Honwstly i thibk winner gets 4th. I really hope there is no europe week before that would be horrendous
You must know there is...and we will be away
Post by: Demitri_C on February 17, 2024, 06:17:48 PM
That game vs spurs is fucking huge. Honwstly i thibk winner gets 4th. I really hope there is no europe week before that would be horrendous
You must know there is...and we will be away
Hey mate!! Long time no see its been a while =)
I just checked and yes we are playing on the thursday FFS. That really is gonna fuck us as spurs will be fresh and really up for it
Post by: eamonn on February 17, 2024, 06:18:50 PM
Post by: AV82EC on February 17, 2024, 06:31:13 PM
That game vs spurs is fucking huge. Honwstly i thibk winner gets 4th. I really hope there is no europe week before that would be horrendous
You must know there is...and we will be away
Hey mate!! Long time no see its been a while =)
I just checked and yes we are playing on the thursday FFS. That really is gonna fuck us as spurs will be fresh and really up for it
FFS Demitri, can you stop being such a miserable negative Nelly. We’ve just won a tough game away from home, have a bit of faith in the Manager and the team.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 17, 2024, 07:28:12 PM
That game vs spurs is fucking huge. Honwstly i thibk winner gets 4th. I really hope there is no europe week before that would be horrendous
You must know there is...and we will be away
Hey mate!! Long time no see its been a while =)
I just checked and yes we are playing on the thursday FFS. That really is gonna fuck us as spurs will be fresh and really up for it
FFS Demitri, can you stop being such a miserable negative Nelly. We’ve just won a tough game away from home, have a bit of faith in the Manager and the team.
Im not miserable or feeljnv negative thanks. Im just stating a valid point that we could do having a free week that week would you not agree?
Chill out
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 17, 2024, 07:34:11 PM
Being up there in the CL places has made me appreciate how fucking tough it is to be amongst the best. I get monumentally stressed before pretty much every game now, the stakes seem so high - when you're good and at the upper reaches, the margins are very thin, every dropped point means something.
I think what gets me is the thought that, if we were to let it slip and piss it all away, people would be saying "told you so", that'd royally, royally fuck me off.
For clarity, being really good is way better than being shit, but it's still quite stressful.
Post by: VillaTim on February 17, 2024, 07:35:57 PM
Fuck off spurs !! About time their luck ran out. Cheers custard bowl bums!Fuck Ci£y too , cheating wankers
Post by: Demitri_C on February 17, 2024, 07:36:49 PM
This will sound stupid, but does anyone else find, in some ways, being really good very nearly as stressful as being really bad?
Being up there in the CL places has made me appreciate how fucking tough it is to be amongst the best. I get monumentally stressed before pretty much every game now, the stakes seem so high - when you're good and at the upper reaches, the margins are very thin, every dropped point means something.
I think what gets me is the thought that, if we were to let it slip and piss it all away, people would be saying "told you so", that'd royally, royally fuck me off.
For clarity, being really good is way better than being shit, but it's still quite stressful.
Thats not stupid at all paulie as i feel the same. I feel that being so good is more stressful. When we were losing games a few years back when we were in bottom half i didnt really care so much. But now when we lose it feels more srressful and abit more anxiety as so much at stake.
I think because we havent been here since the MON days thats whats causing us to be so stressed about games like today. Feels such a relief when we deliver
Post by: Demitri_C on February 17, 2024, 07:38:50 PM
Post by: VillaTim on February 17, 2024, 07:42:40 PM
I don't think I'll find anything more stressful than the great escape season to be honest.This will sound stupid, but does anyone else find, in some ways, being really good very nearly as stressful as being really bad?
Being up there in the CL places has made me appreciate how fucking tough it is to be amongst the best. I get monumentally stressed before pretty much every game now, the stakes seem so high - when you're good and at the upper reaches, the margins are very thin, every dropped point means something.
I think what gets me is the thought that, if we were to let it slip and piss it all away, people would be saying "told you so", that'd royally, royally fuck me off.
For clarity, being really good is way better than being shit, but it's still quite stressful.
Thats not stupid at all paulie as i feel the same. I feel that being so good is more stressful. When we were losing games a few years back when we were in bottom half i didnt really care so much. But now when we lose it feels more srressful and abit more anxiety as so much at stake.
I think because we havent been here since the MON days thats whats causing us to be so stressed about games like today. Feels such a relief when we deliver
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 17, 2024, 07:42:54 PM
We did Citeh and Arsenal inside 72 hours, we can do Rapid Mashed-Potato and Spudz just the same.
Disappointing that you didn't say we'd Smash them.
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on February 17, 2024, 07:45:43 PM
This will sound stupid, but does anyone else find, in some ways, being really good very nearly as stressful as being really bad?
Being up there in the CL places has made me appreciate how fucking tough it is to be amongst the best. I get monumentally stressed before pretty much every game now, the stakes seem so high - when you're good and at the upper reaches, the margins are very thin, every dropped point means something.
I think what gets me is the thought that, if we were to let it slip and piss it all away, people would be saying "told you so", that'd royally, royally fuck me off.
For clarity, being really good is way better than being shit, but it's still quite stressful.
It's more stressful because there's something at stake.
Being shit, just endgenders a low level of constant misery rather than stress.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 17, 2024, 07:50:12 PM
I don't think I'll find anything more stressful than the great escape season to be honest.This will sound stupid, but does anyone else find, in some ways, being really good very nearly as stressful as being really bad?
Being up there in the CL places has made me appreciate how fucking tough it is to be amongst the best. I get monumentally stressed before pretty much every game now, the stakes seem so high - when you're good and at the upper reaches, the margins are very thin, every dropped point means something.
I think what gets me is the thought that, if we were to let it slip and piss it all away, people would be saying "told you so", that'd royally, royally fuck me off.
For clarity, being really good is way better than being shit, but it's still quite stressful.
Thats not stupid at all paulie as i feel the same. I feel that being so good is more stressful. When we were losing games a few years back when we were in bottom half i didnt really care so much. But now when we lose it feels more srressful and abit more anxiety as so much at stake.
I think because we havent been here since the MON days thats whats causing us to be so stressed about games like today. Feels such a relief when we deliver
Yeah good point that was. Felt abit sub due thought with no fans there though
Post by: johnc on February 17, 2024, 07:50:31 PM
You can cope with disappointment. It's the hope that kills you!This will sound stupid, but does anyone else find, in some ways, being really good very nearly as stressful as being really bad?
Being up there in the CL places has made me appreciate how fucking tough it is to be amongst the best. I get monumentally stressed before pretty much every game now, the stakes seem so high - when you're good and at the upper reaches, the margins are very thin, every dropped point means something.
I think what gets me is the thought that, if we were to let it slip and piss it all away, people would be saying "told you so", that'd royally, royally fuck me off.
For clarity, being really good is way better than being shit, but it's still quite stressful.
It's more stressful because there's something at stake.
Being shit, just endgenders a low level of constant misery rather than stress.
Post by: brontebilly on February 17, 2024, 08:29:38 PM
This will sound stupid, but does anyone else find, in some ways, being really good very nearly as stressful as being really bad?
Being up there in the CL places has made me appreciate how fucking tough it is to be amongst the best. I get monumentally stressed before pretty much every game now, the stakes seem so high - when you're good and at the upper reaches, the margins are very thin, every dropped point means something.
I think what gets me is the thought that, if we were to let it slip and piss it all away, people would be saying "told you so", that'd royally, royally fuck me off.
For clarity, being really good is way better than being shit, but it's still quite stressful.
I was stressed beyond belief watching the Man United game....not good. We played well enough that night to bury them which made it worse.
This isn't like the end of last season where you just knew we were going to win most games and nab a spot in the third rate Euro competition. This feels like a pivotal season for the club and this group of players/Emery. CL football would be some achievement.
Post by: Goldenballs on February 17, 2024, 08:40:41 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on February 17, 2024, 08:41:55 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 17, 2024, 08:45:37 PM
Im not miserable or feeljnv negative thanks. Im just stating a valid point that we could do having a free week that week would you not agree?
Chill out
We have had free weeks recently and played like shit. We haven't lost a match played after a European match so far either. We will either beat them, draw with them or lose to them. I don't think previous matches can be blamed either way.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 17, 2024, 08:47:47 PM
Im not miserable or feeljnv negative thanks. Im just stating a valid point that we could do having a free week that week would you not agree?
Chill out
We have had free weeks recently and played like shit. We haven't lost a match played after a European match so far either. We will either beat them, draw with them or lose to them. I don't think previous matches can be blamed either way.
Yeah hope your right. Its such a huge game for us rather it was a free week but it is what it is. Unai has always said priority is league so wooldnt be siprised of we bench a few regulars
Post by: AV82EC on February 17, 2024, 10:37:47 PM
Im not miserable or feeljnv negative thanks. Im just stating a valid point that we could do having a free week that week would you not agree?
Chill out
We have had free weeks recently and played like shit. We haven't lost a match played after a European match so far either. We will either beat them, draw with them or lose to them. I don't think previous matches can be blamed either way.
Yeah hope your right. Its such a huge game for us rather it was a free week but it is what it is. Unai has always said priority is league so wooldnt be siprised of we bench a few regulars
Exactly, let Unai do the worrying and the rotation and managing the resources like he’s done brilliantly so far and just enjoy it (with added stress of being competitive for the first time in years)
Post by: Smirker on February 17, 2024, 10:50:23 PM
This will sound stupid, but does anyone else find, in some ways, being really good very nearly as stressful as being really bad?
Being up there in the CL places has made me appreciate how fucking tough it is to be amongst the best. I get monumentally stressed before pretty much every game now, the stakes seem so high - when you're good and at the upper reaches, the margins are very thin, every dropped point means something.
I think what gets me is the thought that, if we were to let it slip and piss it all away, people would be saying "told you so", that'd royally, royally fuck me off.
For clarity, being really good is way better than being shit, but it's still quite stressful.
No it makes sense. It's a different kind of stress. So much riding on it.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 18, 2024, 07:58:25 AM
Separating the league into top 6, "bubbling under" next 5 (Brighton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Wolves) and bottom 9.
Our split is 4-4-5
Spurs 4-3-6
Man Utd 3-3-8
So we have marginally the hardest run in on paper. Man Utd's looks quite a bit easier, which makes last week's robbery all the more frustrating.
The only game between the three of us is us v Spurs on 10th March. We all have to play all of the top 3. Spurs and Man Utd both have Burnley, Sheff U and Luton to play, whereas we only have Luton. Spurs play the top 3 in consecutive weekends towards the end of the season before finishing against Burnley and Sheff U.
Post by: IFWaters on February 18, 2024, 08:00:21 AM
In the last 10 years 71 points was enough to get 4th in all but one season so that's a good target.
22 points from 13 games and I think we could get half of them in the next 5 :
Forest (h) : W
Luton (a) : W
Spurts (h) : D
Spam (a) : D
Wolfs (h) : W
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 18, 2024, 08:02:17 AM
This is the stress Paulie was talking about.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 18, 2024, 08:18:07 AM
Post by: AV82EC on February 18, 2024, 08:23:51 AM
We are going to have to put out a very weakened team in the Conference League, we just do not have the resources to try and get that CL spot and go further in the CL.
We’ve managed it so far but it will get harder as the teams we play in the ECL are better quality if we progress. I trust in Unai to try and pick a path. For instance the R16 is either side of the Spurs game, the Qtr final is either side of the Arsenal game and the Semis either side of the Brighton game and just before Liverpool. But it will stretch the squad hugely. Really need Konsa back asap.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 18, 2024, 09:54:20 AM
We are going to have to put out a very weakened team in the Conference League, we just do not have the resources to try and get that CL spot and go further in the CL.
We’ve managed it so far but it will get harder as the teams we play in the ECL are better quality if we progress. I trust in Unai to try and pick a path. For instance the R16 is either side of the Spurs game, the Qtr final is either side of the Arsenal game and the Semis either side of the Brighton game and just before Liverpool. But it will stretch the squad hugely. Really need Konsa back asap.
For me its key he starts using the squad. I mean rodgers has had less than 10 mins so far. Kesler has zero. Tims had virtually none. If these guys are gonna be starting cup games they need minutes or they gonna be rusty
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 18, 2024, 10:00:56 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 18, 2024, 10:11:43 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 18, 2024, 11:30:13 AM
Forest will be tough, because annoyingly Awoniyi has timed his return for us. He makes them a completely different side and gives them a focal point, and they have some dynamic players like Gibbs-White who create plenty of problems. We should expect to win, but we’ll have to be ruthless.
We were pretty poor at the city ground. If we play anywhere as bad as that we will lose again. 3 losses at home in a row this a opportunity to get back on winning ways at home. Losing 4 at home on the trot will be very very poor.
Post by: Ads on February 18, 2024, 01:02:15 PM
Post by: Mellin on February 18, 2024, 01:22:48 PM
We are going to have to put out a very weakened team in the Conference League, we just do not have the resources to try and get that CL spot and go further in the CL.
Which would mean potentially taking fifth as a CL spot away from ourselves.
Post by: tomd2103 on February 18, 2024, 01:23:19 PM
Let's just win the next two and see where we are heading into the Spurs game. Hopefully Konsa will be back by then.
Yep. Oldest cliche going, but we really are in "one game at a time" territory.
Post by: The Edge on February 18, 2024, 01:38:54 PM
We won yesterday at a tough place to go and with a much depleted squad. It's better to focus on the positives than dwell on the potential negatives. There's an awful lot to be positive about this season.Forest will be tough, because annoyingly Awoniyi has timed his return for us. He makes them a completely different side and gives them a focal point, and they have some dynamic players like Gibbs-White who create plenty of problems. We should expect to win, but we’ll have to be ruthless.
We were pretty poor at the city ground. If we play anywhere as bad as that we will lose again. 3 losses at home in a row this a opportunity to get back on winning ways at home. Losing 4 at home on the trot will be very very poor.
Post by: saint13 on February 18, 2024, 01:50:42 PM
If we can win 3 of the next 5 I think we're out of sight for Newcastle and all those below. I know teams can go on '10 game winning runs' but I don't see that happening outside the top 3.
In the last 10 years 71 points was enough to get 4th in all but one season so that's a good target.
22 points from 13 games and I think we could get half of them in the next 5 :
Forest (h) : W
Luton (a) : W
Spurts (h) : D
Spam (a) : D
Wolfs (h) : W
I did the same exercise yesterday.
My conclusion was the same, we need 7 more wins from here. My concern is that Manu Utd's run-in is pretty straight forward. We could do with them being really hit and miss like they were before Christmas. I had us at 72, Man Utd 71 and Spurs 69.
One thing for sure is it is going to be very tight and it will come down to between 1 and 3 points. Having looked at it, I am confident that we can do it, but I think we will have to beat either Liverpool or, more likely Spurs at home.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 18, 2024, 01:53:09 PM
We won yesterday at a tough place to go and with a much depleted squad. It's better to focus on the positives than dwell on the potential negatives. There's an awful lot to be positive about this season.Forest will be tough, because annoyingly Awoniyi has timed his return for us. He makes them a completely different side and gives them a focal point, and they have some dynamic players like Gibbs-White who create plenty of problems. We should expect to win, but we’ll have to be ruthless.
We were pretty poor at the city ground. If we play anywhere as bad as that we will lose again. 3 losses at home in a row this a opportunity to get back on winning ways at home. Losing 4 at home on the trot will be very very poor.
Absolutely agree. Sorry if im coming across negative. That united less really knocked the stuffing out of me. I so hope luton stuff those manure bastards today
Post by: OCD on February 18, 2024, 02:28:33 PM
We've pretty much averaged 2 points per game ever since Emery took over. The league table says pretty much the same - 49 points from 25 games. Even after a poor couple of months.
It's very achievable.
It would be very Spurs to start the season well and then have a poor second half of the season.
Man United will carry on dropping points from games people expected them to win.
Post by: Astnor on February 18, 2024, 03:03:36 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 18, 2024, 03:29:29 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 18, 2024, 04:13:13 PM
We need to beat Forest and get our home form going again. Three losses has shaken our confidence at Villa Park after almost a full year of battering pretty much everyone.
Even before that its not great we almost lost to sheff utd and just about beat Burnley. We need to get that confidence back at home starting with forest!
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 18, 2024, 04:19:52 PM
Post by: Ads on February 18, 2024, 04:35:26 PM
Post by: The Edge on February 18, 2024, 04:52:30 PM
And right on cue they get two lucky breaks in the first 5 minutes to go 2-0 up. God I hate those fekkers.We won yesterday at a tough place to go and with a much depleted squad. It's better to focus on the positives than dwell on the potential negatives. There's an awful lot to be positive about this season.Forest will be tough, because annoyingly Awoniyi has timed his return for us. He makes them a completely different side and gives them a focal point, and they have some dynamic players like Gibbs-White who create plenty of problems. We should expect to win, but we’ll have to be ruthless.
We were pretty poor at the city ground. If we play anywhere as bad as that we will lose again. 3 losses at home in a row this a opportunity to get back on winning ways at home. Losing 4 at home on the trot will be very very poor.
Absolutely agree. Sorry if im coming across negative. That united less really knocked the stuffing out of me. I so hope luton stuff those manure bastards today
Post by: Demitri_C on February 18, 2024, 05:34:13 PM
Makes me sick to my stomach
Post by: eamonn on February 19, 2024, 12:50:56 PM
Post by: London Villan on February 19, 2024, 12:52:39 PM
Post by: darren woolley on February 19, 2024, 01:31:50 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 19, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
We've got winnable games coming up win them and we can open a gap if the others drop points.
If we can get to 71 points Yanited will need 28 points from 13 games. With Citeh, Chelsea and Brighton away, plus Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal at home that's a big ask.
Post by: Somniloquism on February 19, 2024, 01:59:04 PM
Some analysis of our run in compared to Spurs and Man Utd.
Separating the league into top 6, "bubbling under" next 5 (Brighton, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham, Wolves) and bottom 9.
Our split is 4-4-5
Spurs 4-3-6
Man Utd 3-3-8
So we have marginally the hardest run in on paper. Man Utd's looks quite a bit easier, which makes last week's robbery all the more frustrating.
The only game between the three of us is us v Spurs on 10th March. We all have to play all of the top 3. Spurs and Man Utd both have Burnley, Sheff U and Luton to play, whereas we only have Luton. Spurs play the top 3 in consecutive weekends towards the end of the season before finishing against Burnley and Sheff U.
Although as the season goes into the last third, that is when the teams at the bottom can get weird results. I do expect both Burnley and Sheff U to be walkover for most of the rest of the teams but once relegated and the pressure is off them..... especially as they won't be putting Eric "Manager, what is that" Black in charge after relegation.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 19, 2024, 02:13:30 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 19, 2024, 05:01:23 PM
We've got winnable games coming up win them and we can open a gap if the others drop points.
If we can get to 71 points Yanited will need 28 points from 13 games. With Citeh, Chelsea and Brighton away, plus Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal at home that's a big ask.
Ure have all those to come? And some were saying they have a far easier run-in...
We're the only boneheads that they've managed to get points off in the top nine away in 18 months, or something ridiculous like that.
Post by: Paul.S on February 19, 2024, 05:13:27 PM
If Konsa is back when we’ve been told then we have a decent chance because our coach is better than “Ange” and the Dutch bloke.
Post by: eamonn on February 19, 2024, 05:51:25 PM
Post by: Risso on February 19, 2024, 05:53:25 PM
I don't geddit with the "Ange" love-in. In interviews he's mumbly, head-down, no eye-contact and gets very defensive with questions when they lose/play poorly.
Yep, he looks like a 15 year old boy being asked to explain himself in front of the headmaster.
Post by: Paul.S on February 19, 2024, 07:01:14 PM
I don't geddit with the "Ange" love-in. In interviews he's mumbly, head-down, no eye-contact and gets very defensive with questions when they lose/play poorly.
He calls everyone “mate” and has moved to this super club in London. The London media need no further reason. He may turn out to be a very good coach but not so long ago the same media were laying into Emery for the way he spoke.
I don’t dislike the bloke but this love in isn’t based on anything other than that. He’s playing them all and they are dancing around like kids in a sweet shop. Emery doesn’t need to play any games as he’s got the silverware to speak for him.
Post by: rob_bridge on February 20, 2024, 08:45:05 AM
Post by: brontebilly on February 20, 2024, 09:28:16 AM
I don't geddit with the "Ange" love-in. In interviews he's mumbly, head-down, no eye-contact and gets very defensive with questions when they lose/play poorly.
He calls everyone “mate” and has moved to this super club in London. The London media need no further reason. He may turn out to be a very good coach but not so long ago the same media were laying into Emery for the way he spoke.
I don’t dislike the bloke but this love in isn’t based on anything other than that. He’s playing them all and they are dancing around like kids in a sweet shop. Emery doesn’t need to play any games as he’s got the silverware to speak for him.
To be fair they do play very good football these days, that a big change from the Mourinho/Conte days. Conte did get them CL football though and were looking good for a second season of it before he had a meltdown. Kind of gets forgotten.
If we don't get CL football I wouldn't feel as bad if they pipped us, anyone but Man United really.
Post by: rob_bridge on February 20, 2024, 09:40:03 AM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 20, 2024, 09:47:40 AM
I am probably being a little bit too sensitive here - and, to reiterate, I fucking hate Spurs, I feel like I have to mention that whenever discussing them - but I do think the media attitude to him is a bit patronising at times.
"Aaah, bless, he's Australian, and he calls everyone 'mate' all the time".
Post by: Paul.S on February 20, 2024, 10:03:55 AM
I don't mind Postecoglu, got to be be impressed by what he's achieved in life, given where his family started in Australia.
I am probably being a little bit too sensitive here - and, to reiterate, I fucking hate Spurs, I feel like I have to mention that whenever discussing them - but I do think the media attitude to him is a bit patronising at times.
"Aaah, bless, he's Australian, and he calls everyone 'mate' all the time".
I just think he’s got them where he wants them.
Seems like a decent enough bloke but the fact that our media hold him in greater esteem than Emery is laughable.
I think the way Emery was mocked at Arsenal was disgraceful but we are now reaping the rewards.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 20, 2024, 11:39:21 AM
I don't mind Postecoglu, got to be be impressed by what he's achieved in life, given where his family started in Australia.
I am probably being a little bit too sensitive here - and, to reiterate, I fucking hate Spurs, I feel like I have to mention that whenever discussing them - but I do think the media attitude to him is a bit patronising at times.
"Aaah, bless, he's Australian, and he calls everyone 'mate' all the time".
I just think he’s got them where he wants them.
Seems like a decent enough bloke but the fact that our media hold him in greater esteem than Emery is laughable.
I think the way Emery was mocked at Arsenal was disgraceful but we are now reaping the rewards.
Emery mocked by thick eared twats who can barely speak their native tongue (for the most part) let alone be able to converse in another language.
Post by: jwarry on February 21, 2024, 05:36:15 PM
Post by: Paul.S on February 21, 2024, 06:07:05 PM
I don't mind Postecoglu, got to be be impressed by what he's achieved in life, given where his family started in Australia.
I am probably being a little bit too sensitive here - and, to reiterate, I fucking hate Spurs, I feel like I have to mention that whenever discussing them - but I do think the media attitude to him is a bit patronising at times.
"Aaah, bless, he's Australian, and he calls everyone 'mate' all the time".
I just think he’s got them where he wants them.
Seems like a decent enough bloke but the fact that our media hold him in greater esteem than Emery is laughable.
I think the way Emery was mocked at Arsenal was disgraceful but we are now reaping the rewards.
Emery mocked by thick eared twats who can barely speak their native tongue (for the most part) let alone be able to converse in another language.
Absolutely right. I await the next English coach thats goes to Spain and holds a press conference in Spanish.
Post by: nordenvillain on February 21, 2024, 06:08:15 PM
Anybody else getting hacked off with the media’s fauning over Ratcliffe’s bollocks today?You're lucky, I live in Greater Manchester - wall to wall media coverage of someone who owns 27.7% of a local football club.
Post by: IFWaters on February 21, 2024, 06:37:29 PM
Post by: Duncan Shaw on February 21, 2024, 07:21:19 PM
Post by: Villan82 on February 21, 2024, 07:30:21 PM
Post by: OCD on February 21, 2024, 07:44:01 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on February 21, 2024, 07:57:56 PM
And the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
True. Everybody knows it started in Derby.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 21, 2024, 08:00:05 PM
And the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on February 21, 2024, 08:06:54 PM
And the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
They've already got the museum to prove it. Same with the industrial revolution, guess where the Science and Industry museum is? I'll give you a clue, the same museum claims the industrial revolution started in Manchester.
They really have no shame. According to any Manc with a voice, they'll tell you they also invented house music. There was a reason Shameless was filmed in Manchester.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on February 21, 2024, 08:10:29 PM
And the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
You'll be telling me next they've been given a blue plaque to put up where they did it.
Post by: AV82EC on February 21, 2024, 08:18:49 PM
And the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
You'll be telling me next they've been given a blue plaque to put up where they did it.
Errr, The Midland Hotel in Manchester….runs and hides.
Post by: IFWaters on February 21, 2024, 09:46:58 PM
I'm renaming the whole sorry hole "Cuntchester"And the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
They've already got the museum to prove it. Same with the industrial revolution, guess where the Science and Industry museum is? I'll give you a clue, the same museum claims the industrial revolution started in Manchester.
They really have no shame. According to any Manc with a voice, they'll tell you they also invented house music. There was a reason Shameless was filmed in Manchester.
Post by: VillaTim on February 21, 2024, 11:12:21 PM
They'll be saying that's where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce nextAnd the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
You'll be telling me next they've been given a blue plaque to put up where they did it.
Errr, The Midland Hotel in Manchester….runs and hides.
Post by: maidstonevillain on February 22, 2024, 07:15:33 AM
They'll be saying that's where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce nextAnd the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
You'll be telling me next they've been given a blue plaque to put up where they did it.
Errr, The Midland Hotel in Manchester….runs and hides.
https://ilovemanchester.com/why-mr-rolls-and-mr-royce-probably-didnt-meet-at-the-midland-hotel
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 22, 2024, 09:07:03 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on February 22, 2024, 09:13:03 AM
Post by: Nev on February 22, 2024, 09:19:36 AM
Post by: Rigadon on February 22, 2024, 10:25:30 AM
If Man Utd did get a free stadium, it'd probably be about time to accept that the status quo is here for ever.
Anyway, 4th. The run in ahead. Exciting times.
Post by: Smirker on February 22, 2024, 05:46:17 PM
And the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
They've already got the museum to prove it. Same with the industrial revolution, guess where the Science and Industry museum is? I'll give you a clue, the same museum claims the industrial revolution started in Manchester.
They really have no shame. According to any Manc with a voice, they'll tell you they also invented house music. There was a reason Shameless was filmed in Manchester.
I've heard them say that too.
The Bee Gees is one that amuses me. They lived there for three years before they founded the band and they claim them based off that.
Post by: Dogtanian on February 22, 2024, 06:24:38 PM
Post by: frankmosswasmyuncle on February 22, 2024, 06:58:29 PM
I've seen the blast furnace. My Dad used to organise trips there as a history teacher in the 70s before all the museum stuff was there.Ha! Me too! Did an Art course thing in early 70s and one of the lecturers took us there for the day in the college minibus. Great day out and a real eye opener!
Same bloke also took us to Twycross Zoo in early January 1973...except for the animals and the staff we were the only people there. Another good but slightly weird day, made better by stopping for beer at The Curzon Arms in Twycross and The Jolly Sailor in Tamworth!
Post by: Risso on February 22, 2024, 08:05:44 PM
They can keep the Bee Gees.
The Isle of Man has first dibs on the Bee Gees, and is very proud to do so.
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 22, 2024, 08:08:45 PM
Post by: john e on February 22, 2024, 08:35:14 PM
And the daft twat said the Industrial Revolution started in Trafford Park. Talk about revisionism!
By this time next week, they'll have founded the Football League as well.
They've already got the museum to prove it. Same with the industrial revolution, guess where the Science and Industry museum is? I'll give you a clue, the same museum claims the industrial revolution started in Manchester.
They really have no shame. According to any Manc with a voice, they'll tell you they also invented house music. There was a reason Shameless was filmed in Manchester.
I've heard them say that too.
The Bee Gees is one that amuses me. They lived there for three years before they founded the band and they claim them based off that.
In fairness I always claim Christine McVie because she was in chicken shack and lived Smethwick way for a bit
Post by: pauliewalnuts on February 22, 2024, 09:31:26 PM
In the recent official pics of the players playing pong Konsa was in training gear, no knee brace etc. That’s hopefully pretty positive.
Yeah I saw that and thought the same.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 22, 2024, 09:33:08 PM
In the recent official pics of the players playing pong Konsa was in training gear, no knee brace etc. That’s hopefully pretty positive.
Yeah I saw that and thought the same.
His return would be a nice boost for the Luton game. (Don't want to be too greedy)
Post by: OCD on February 23, 2024, 10:55:41 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on February 23, 2024, 10:59:12 AM
Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since when Konsa picked up the injury so he must be close to being back. Almost 2 weeks since Carlos picked his one up too so shouldn't be far behind.
Im hopeful konsa is back for spurs we will need him
Post by: Drummond on February 23, 2024, 11:06:39 AM
France in 4th also have 6/6, and Spain, 5th, 6/8 teams left in.
Post by: eamonn on February 23, 2024, 11:10:25 AM
Post by: Drummond on February 23, 2024, 11:13:42 AM
They award points for wins, topping groups etc. The better each countries do, the more points and higher ranking. So, to get the extra place, we should want English clubs to do well, or at least better than our near rivals... The more clubs that stay in competition, the more points the country accrues.
Post by: AV82EC on February 23, 2024, 11:14:30 AM
Post by: OCD on February 23, 2024, 11:21:20 AM
Post by: Drummond on February 23, 2024, 11:28:15 AM
You would expect Man City and Liverpool to go far in the 2 comps.
And us in the Conference League. Opta are predicting England will go further than Italy and Germany in the competitions.
Post by: Drummond on February 23, 2024, 11:32:43 AM
However, all that being said, I'd rather finish 4th, qualify on our own and wish them all to lose all their games.
Post by: Demitri_C on February 23, 2024, 11:36:39 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 23, 2024, 11:37:25 AM
You would expect Man City and Liverpool to go far in the 2 comps.
And us.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 23, 2024, 11:45:56 AM
Post by: dr.chekov on February 23, 2024, 11:46:47 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 23, 2024, 11:47:44 AM
RCF?
Rudy Can't Fail, our Lisbon correspondent.
Post by: dr.chekov on February 23, 2024, 11:49:42 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 23, 2024, 12:30:11 PM
RCF?
Rudy Can't Fail, our Lisbon correspondent.
Although as he also used to go by Rangers Can't Fail, hence BV's post.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 23, 2024, 01:59:24 PM
No harm with Fulham, Citeh and Everton coming up.
Post by: OCD on February 23, 2024, 03:10:02 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on February 23, 2024, 03:38:14 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 24, 2024, 10:59:58 PM
Post by: brontebilly on February 24, 2024, 11:26:46 PM
Post by: eamonn on February 25, 2024, 12:40:13 AM
Post by: Toronto Villa on February 25, 2024, 04:25:31 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on February 25, 2024, 07:22:22 AM
Even if our points per game halved for the rest of the season, they’d need to get 25 points in those 12 games.
European qualification via the league in two consecutive seasons is fantastic.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 25, 2024, 07:25:12 AM
Not lose at Luton and beat Spurs will go along way towards securing a CL place.
Expect a very different team to take the field in Amsterdam.
Post by: Dogtanian on February 25, 2024, 07:36:51 AM
The Torres situation is a real worry, we are down to an almost bare X1 with scarce replacements and we are likely to suffer more injuries and fatigue before the season ends.
Not lose at Luton and beat Spurs will go along way towards securing a CL place.
Expect a very different team to take the field in Amsterdam.
Melchester Rovers?
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 25, 2024, 07:41:56 AM
Villa reserves.The Torres situation is a real worry, we are down to an almost bare X1 with scarce replacements and we are likely to suffer more injuries and fatigue before the season ends.
Not lose at Luton and beat Spurs will go along way towards securing a CL place.
Expect a very different team to take the field in Amsterdam.
Melchester Rovers?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 25, 2024, 12:41:36 PM
I think United are nearly gone, City will annihilate them and send them into another crisis. 6 more wins should do it. Beat Luton and we will go into that Spurs game full of confidence. Need Konsa and Torres back fit asap though.
The fact that we're 1/14 for a top 5 finish and Yanited are 10/3 suggests that many agree with you.
Post by: brontebilly on February 25, 2024, 12:46:07 PM
I think United are nearly gone, City will annihilate them and send them into another crisis. 6 more wins should do it. Beat Luton and we will go into that Spurs game full of confidence. Need Konsa and Torres back fit asap though.
The fact that we're 1/14 for a top 5 finish and Yanited are 10/3 suggests that many agree with you.
I wouldn't be backing us at that price with money borrowed from that garden centre in Kerry
Post by: Somniloquism on February 25, 2024, 12:46:48 PM
I think United are nearly gone, City will annihilate them and send them into another crisis. 6 more wins should do it. Beat Luton and we will go into that Spurs game full of confidence. Need Konsa and Torres back fit asap though.
City annihilated them in the other match (apart from actually putting the ball in the net). The only other time a club was so outplayed but the score didn't represent it was when played the Bluemanc ourselves. I'm pretty sure the media stated it showed Manure was back being as they were drawing with the big guys.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 25, 2024, 12:49:34 PM
I think United are nearly gone, City will annihilate them and send them into another crisis. 6 more wins should do it. Beat Luton and we will go into that Spurs game full of confidence. Need Konsa and Torres back fit asap though.
The fact that we're 1/14 for a top 5 finish and Yanited are 10/3 suggests that many agree with you.
I wouldn't be backing us at that price with money borrowed from that garden centre in Kerry
Agreed, you'd probably need to have sampled some of their merchandise to take those odds.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 26, 2024, 12:17:33 PM
Post by: algy on February 26, 2024, 12:36:05 PM
Right, the next person to say the industrial revolution didn't begin in Coalbrookdale is getting levelled. And a stamp on the head for anyone mentioning French weavers.Shocked and appalled that SE is the only person to mention Coalbrookdale as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, when it so clearly is.
Post by: Richard on February 26, 2024, 12:38:11 PM
I think United are nearly gone, City will annihilate them and send them into another crisis. 6 more wins should do it. Beat Luton and we will go into that Spurs game full of confidence. Need Konsa and Torres back fit asap though.
City annihilated them in the other match (apart from actually putting the ball in the net). The only other time a club was so outplayed but the score didn't represent it was when played the Bluemanc ourselves. I'm pretty sure the media stated it showed Manure was back being as they were drawing with the big guys.
Are you thinking of the Liverpool 0 Man U 0 as Citeh hammered them 3 0 earlier in the season and will do again next Sunday.
Post by: Dogtanian on February 26, 2024, 12:49:02 PM
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1762084891598922164
Aren't we currently third in the coefficients, behind Italy and Germany, and so need to buck our ideas up to get a fifth pair of trotters in the trough?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on February 26, 2024, 01:08:33 PM
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1762084891598922164
Aren't we currently third in the coefficients, behind Italy and Germany, and so need to buck our ideas up to get a fifth pair of trotters in the trough?
Yes, that 91% chance of finishing in the top 5 needs tempering with the percentage chance of England getting the 5th spot.
Post by: Hookeysmith on February 26, 2024, 01:46:50 PM
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1762084891598922164
Aren't we currently third in the coefficients, behind Italy and Germany, and so need to buck our ideas up to get a fifth pair of trotters in the trough?
Yes, that 91% chance of finishing in the top 5 needs tempering with the percentage chance of England getting the 5th spot.
But with 5 English teams ('The Mighty Reds YNWA' / Cit£h / Arsenal / Brighton / Us) still in Euro competitions and with 3 of them favourites to win the comp they are in i think that will take us above all the other leagues
Post by: Dave on February 26, 2024, 01:54:35 PM
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1762084891598922164
Aren't we currently third in the coefficients, behind Italy and Germany, and so need to buck our ideas up to get a fifth pair of trotters in the trough?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHQ2X4tWUAAnqIn?format=jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHQ2X5YXIAAnsFD?format=jpg)
So come on you Irons and Seagulls.
Post by: eamonn on February 26, 2024, 02:08:58 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 26, 2024, 02:45:37 PM
Aston Villa 59.6%
Spurs 31.1%
ManUtd 3.2%
For Top 5
Villa 91.6%
Spuds 74.1%
ManU 26.2%
Newc 4.5%
Likely for Top 7 places to get European Football, so Top 8 if one of Top 7 win the FA Cup. The chances of that are pretty big given that Newcastle, ManUtd, Liverpool, Wolves, Brighton and ManCity are still in it.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 26, 2024, 02:56:59 PM
Right, the next person to say the industrial revolution didn't begin in Coalbrookdale is getting levelled. And a stamp on the head for anyone mentioning French weavers.Shocked and appalled that SE is the only person to mention Coalbrookdale as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, when it so clearly is.
I appreciate the support, Algy. Coalbrookdale is also good because of the utilitarian nature of its name. There is coal there, there is a brook there, it is in a dale. Done.
Post by: Somniloquism on February 26, 2024, 02:59:06 PM
I think United are nearly gone, City will annihilate them and send them into another crisis. 6 more wins should do it. Beat Luton and we will go into that Spurs game full of confidence. Need Konsa and Torres back fit asap though.
City annihilated them in the other match (apart from actually putting the ball in the net). The only other time a club was so outplayed but the score didn't represent it was when played the Bluemanc ourselves. I'm pretty sure the media stated it showed Manure was back being as they were drawing with the big guys.
Are you thinking of the Liverpool 0 Man U 0 as Citeh hammered them 3 0 earlier in the season and will do again next Sunday.
Ahh yes I am, but still relevant that they seem to fluke results their on-field display definitely doesn't deserve them to have.
Post by: Risso on February 26, 2024, 03:00:16 PM
Right, the next person to say the industrial revolution didn't begin in Coalbrookdale is getting levelled. And a stamp on the head for anyone mentioning French weavers.Shocked and appalled that SE is the only person to mention Coalbrookdale as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, when it so clearly is.
I appreciate the support, Algy. Coalbrookdale is also good because of the utilitarian nature of its name. There is coal there, there is a brook there, it is in a dale. Done.
Shropshire, the home of hard work, innovation and industry. As personified perfectly by SE and me...
Post by: OCD on February 26, 2024, 03:03:04 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 26, 2024, 03:07:15 PM
Right, the next person to say the industrial revolution didn't begin in Coalbrookdale is getting levelled. And a stamp on the head for anyone mentioning French weavers.Shocked and appalled that SE is the only person to mention Coalbrookdale as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, when it so clearly is.
I appreciate the support, Algy. Coalbrookdale is also good because of the utilitarian nature of its name. There is coal there, there is a brook there, it is in a dale. Done.
Shropshire, the home of hard work, innovation and industry. As personified perfectly by SE and me...
I could probably make a case for innovation, if you squint, but hard work and industry? You've come to the wrong member of the Ealing family! My cousin, South Ealing has held down a part-time job at Wickes for the last eight days. He's your man.
Post by: Risso on February 26, 2024, 03:11:37 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 26, 2024, 03:16:38 PM
Post by: itbrvilla on February 26, 2024, 03:31:22 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on February 26, 2024, 04:00:25 PM
5th place has needed 63 points on average, with a maximum of 67 in 2018/19.
1.6 points per game for the last 12 games should see us through to the Champions League.
Post by: London Villan on February 26, 2024, 04:12:22 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on February 26, 2024, 04:19:54 PM
I just hope the 6 points we've gifted man u don't come back to haunt us.
A win for us against Luton while Man U lose to Manchester City would leave them with too steep a hill, I think.
Post by: London Villan on February 26, 2024, 04:22:30 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on February 26, 2024, 04:26:41 PM
Post by: Drummond on February 26, 2024, 04:30:07 PM
We've got 60 or more on 6 other occasions, last season obviously (61), but before that, under MON in 07/08 (60), 08/09 (62) and 09/10 (64), before that in 95/96 (63) and 96/97 (61).
Incredibly, we have amassed more points already this season, after 26 games, than we have in 14 other complete seasons. With 12 games to go, even a point a game would have us with our (equal) second best season in Premier League history.
Post by: Risso on February 26, 2024, 04:30:54 PM
I think our run is pretty tough too. We'll do well to get anywhere near 20 more points.
Luton a 3
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 1
Wolves h 3
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 3
Brighton a 1
Liverpool h 1
Palace a 3
I'd say that's a fairly reasonable guess at results, and that gives 22.
Post by: London Villan on February 26, 2024, 04:37:32 PM
Luton a 3
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 1
Wolves h 1
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 1
Brighton a 1
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 1
A pessimistic 15...
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 26, 2024, 04:43:55 PM
Luton a 3
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 1
Wolves h 1
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 1
Brighton a 1
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 1
A pessimistic 15...
3 wins from 12 games would be a pretty unexpectedly poor return from those games, especially as our performances look to have turned a corner.
Post by: Risso on February 26, 2024, 04:52:21 PM
Luton a 3
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 1
Wolves h 1
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 1
Brighton a 1
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 1
A pessimistic 15...
Fair enough, but that is unnecessarily pessimistic. That's 15 points from 12 games. If you include our recent dip in results which is our worst run under Emery, the 12 games up to and including the Man U loss yielded 21 points. I just can't see that we're only going to win 1 of our last 6 games.
Post by: Drummond on February 26, 2024, 04:53:48 PM
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 0
Wolves h 3
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 1
Brighton a 3
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 3
I have W5 D3 L4 which feels pretty pessimistic still and would give us enough to get to 70 points but would lower the average number of ppg in that run to 1.5. I could easily see us get more points in the games against Luton, Spurs, West Ham, Chelsea and perhaps even Liverpool, if they aren't fighting for the League still.
Post by: London Villan on February 26, 2024, 04:54:42 PM
Post by: Risso on February 26, 2024, 04:56:22 PM
Luton a 1
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 0
Wolves h 3
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 1
Brighton a 3
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 3
I have W5 D3 L4 which feels pretty pessimistic still and would give us enough to get to 70 points but would lower the average number of ppg in that run to 1.5. I could easily see us get more points in the games against Luton, Spurs, West Ham, Chelsea and perhaps even Liverpool, if they aren't fighting for the League still.
Obviously a lot depends on getting players like Torres and Konsa back, and not having any more serious injuries, but I could also see us getting a point at either Man City or Arsenal. None of the top 3 will be looking forward to playing us, least of all Liverpool.
Post by: Drummond on February 26, 2024, 05:00:41 PM
Luton a 1
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 0
Wolves h 3
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 1
Brighton a 3
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 3
I have W5 D3 L4 which feels pretty pessimistic still and would give us enough to get to 70 points but would lower the average number of ppg in that run to 1.5. I could easily see us get more points in the games against Luton, Spurs, West Ham, Chelsea and perhaps even Liverpool, if they aren't fighting for the League still.
Obviously a lot depends on getting players like Torres and Konsa back, and not having any more serious injuries, but I could also see us getting a point at either Man City or Arsenal. None of the top 3 will be looking forward to playing us, least of all Liverpool.
Agreed. I had a point at ManC, but then took it out trying to be more pessimistic. Liverpool could either be secure in 1st or 2nd and still have a Cup to go for, so anything could happen.
Post by: LeeB on February 26, 2024, 05:10:45 PM
Post by: Risso on February 26, 2024, 05:14:08 PM
I reckon we'll beat Arsenal, Citeh and Liverpool and get close enough to curse our bad January as costing us the title.
We'll probably go into the Palace game needing a win to guarantee the title, and get humped 4-0, Ayew hat trick. *shakes fist at the shitty universe*
Post by: OCD on February 26, 2024, 05:21:24 PM
Post by: olaftab on February 26, 2024, 05:21:25 PM
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 3
Wolves h 3
Man City a 1
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 1
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 3
Brighton a 1
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 1
23 points
Post by: PaulWinch again on February 26, 2024, 05:23:35 PM
It would be and with Torres and Konsa coming back our defence should be a lot stronger. However none of those games are a banker 3 points with the exceptions of Bournemouth and Brentford at home.
There are no such thing as “bankers” anyway (see Sheff Utd at home). But to put a more positive spin on it I see two games there that we’re more than likely to get 0 points, but all of the others I think the opposition will look at Villa and not be thrilled at the prospect of playing us. If we hit our levels, which we’ve been getting closer to of late, I can see us getting plenty of wins. We’ll probably have the odd, surprising, disappointing loss but I think we can win plenty of those.
Post by: eamonn on February 26, 2024, 05:24:50 PM
Luton a 3
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 1
Wolves h 1
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 1
Brighton a 1
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 1
A pessimistic 15...
Point of order, we don't "do" draws anymore. Thank fuck. So many boring seasons when we did. Nah, we're all-or-nothing kinda guys now.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 26, 2024, 05:31:11 PM
I reckon we'll beat Arsenal, Citeh and Liverpool and get close enough to curse our bad January as costing us the title.
We'll probably go into the Palace game needing a win to guarantee the title, and get humped 4-0, Ayew hat trick. *shakes fist at the shitty universe*
But fortunately, elsewhere a Serbian player will be having the game of his life to deny our rivals so it won't matter.
Post by: Drummond on February 26, 2024, 05:32:42 PM
Luton a 3
Spurs h 1
West Ham a 1
Wolves h 1
Man City a 0
Brentford h 3
Arsenal a 0
Bournemouth h 3
Chelsea h 1
Brighton a 1
Liverpool h 0
Palace a 1
A pessimistic 15...
Point of order, we don't "do" draws anymore. Thank fuck. So many boring seasons when we did. Nah, we're all-or-nothing kinda guys now.
That's torn it.
I think the main thing for me is that no game is to be feared any more, we can beat anyone.
Post by: chrisw1 on February 26, 2024, 05:50:06 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 26, 2024, 05:58:08 PM
2 poor results and the wobbles are back.
Post by: Dave on February 26, 2024, 06:00:03 PM
Injuries will have a big say. If Pau is struggling and we're down to Chanbers and Lenglet for a few games I do fear for us.
I'm assuming three or four more ACLs before the run-in.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 26, 2024, 06:15:20 PM
Injuries will have a big say. If Pau is struggling and we're down to Chanbers and Lenglet for a few games I do fear for us.
I'm assuming three or four more ACLs before the run-in.
Bound to be a couple of fatalities as well, knowing our luck.
Post by: Beard82 on February 26, 2024, 06:19:51 PM
Momentum is a huge factor at this stage, do not lose to Luton and beat Spurs will give us a huge lift.Win the next two and I think well finish fourth.
2 poor results and the wobbles are back.
Post by: FatSam on February 26, 2024, 06:39:41 PM
We've only breached 70 points once since the Premier League was started, and that was the first season, when we got 74 points.
That was a 42-game season. 74 points over 42 games is 1.76 points/ game, which is 67 points over 38 games.
So some of the pessimistic predictions of 15 points over the remaining 12-games would still see us match our best performance since football was invented in 1992.
Post by: FatSam on February 26, 2024, 06:50:02 PM
Post by: Hillbilly on February 27, 2024, 08:50:51 AM
I need a lie down.
Post by: Dogtanian on February 27, 2024, 08:57:19 AM
I’ve been out in the sun and I reckon we will win all our remaining league matches and end up champions. Aim high.
I need a lie down.
Alas, we are close enough to the end of the season for maximum possible points to come into play.
If Liverpool, Man City, and Arsenal continue as they have been, their PPGs will leave them with 88, 86, and 85 points respectively.
Our maximum possible points total is 88... :'(
Post by: darren woolley on February 27, 2024, 09:07:05 AM
Spurs 3
West Ham 1
Wolves 3
Man City 0
Brentford 3
Arsenal 0
Bournemouth 3
Chelsea 1
Brighton 1
Liverpool 0
Palace 1
That gives us 71 points I think that should do it.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 27, 2024, 10:13:30 AM
Spurs 3
West Ham 0
Wolves 1
Man City 0
Brentford 3
Arsenal 0
Bournemouth 3
Chelsea 3
Brighton 1
Liverpool 0
Palace 1
Post by: Clark W Griswold on February 27, 2024, 10:30:44 AM
Luton 3
Spurs 1
West Ham 1
Wolves 1
Man City 0
Brentford 3
Arsenal 0
Bournemouth 3
Chelsea 1
Brighton 1
Liverpool 1
Palace 3
So 18 points
If we do get more injury problems i'd knock 3-5 off.
Post by: ChicagoLion on February 27, 2024, 10:35:16 AM
Post by: Drummond on February 27, 2024, 11:21:14 AM
We've only breached 70 points once since the Premier League was started, and that was the first season, when we got 74 points.
That was a 42-game season. 74 points over 42 games is 1.76 points/ game, which is 67 points over 38 games.
So some of the pessimistic predictions of 15 points over the remaining 12-games would still see us match our best performance since football was invented in 1992.
Good point, hadn't remembered that!
Post by: Sexual Ealing on February 27, 2024, 11:28:12 AM
Post by: Drummond on February 27, 2024, 11:31:35 AM
Post by: Risso on February 27, 2024, 11:39:37 AM
I'm assuming three or four more ACLs before the run-in.
Most ACLs in a season, you'll never sing that.
Post by: LeeB on February 27, 2024, 11:41:08 AM
As with player ratings, do any of you think anyone is reading the points predictions?
And I thought it was just me
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 27, 2024, 11:44:20 AM
On average over the last five seasons, 68 points has been enough for top 4. The most it has taken was 71 points in 2018/19.
5th place has needed 63 points on average, with a maximum of 67 in 2018/19.
No stats to back this up, but it feels like the top 5 are winning more games than usual, and the bottom clubs fewer. Thus the points needed this season might be at the upper end of the historical range.
Post by: Dave P on February 27, 2024, 11:46:38 AM
I'm assuming three or four more ACLs before the run-in.
Most ACLs in a season, you'll never sing that.
ECL > ACL
Post by: Dogtanian on February 27, 2024, 11:57:58 AM
On average over the last five seasons, 68 points has been enough for top 4. The most it has taken was 71 points in 2018/19.
5th place has needed 63 points on average, with a maximum of 67 in 2018/19.
No stats to back this up, but it feels like the top 5 are winning more games than usual, and the bottom clubs fewer. Thus the points needed this season might be at the upper end of the historical range.
I think you may be right. Spurs PPG would currently get them 71 points, and Man U's would get 64.
If Spurs beat Palace this weekend, but lose to us next weekend, that would still only drop down to 70.
Post by: itbrvilla on February 27, 2024, 12:04:07 PM
Post by: paul_e on February 27, 2024, 12:13:54 PM
On average over the last five seasons, 68 points has been enough for top 4. The most it has taken was 71 points in 2018/19.
5th place has needed 63 points on average, with a maximum of 67 in 2018/19.
No stats to back this up, but it feels like the top 5 are winning more games than usual, and the bottom clubs fewer. Thus the points needed this season might be at the upper end of the historical range.
I think that's definitely right, Sheff Utd and Burnley are both so poor that it's skewing the whole league.
Post by: Dave P on February 27, 2024, 12:35:13 PM
So we need Man City, Arsenal, Brighton, West ham to do well and knock out any Italian teams they may come up against?
It's more the German teams we want out and West Ham have Frieburg which is a key fixture.
Post by: London Villan on February 27, 2024, 01:47:06 PM
Post by: TelfordVilla on February 27, 2024, 02:36:02 PM
So we need Man City, Arsenal, Brighton, West ham to do well and knock out any Italian teams they may come up against?I prefer to have us finish 4th and spurs miss out because 5th is only good enough for the europa league
Post by: Somniloquism on February 27, 2024, 03:26:26 PM
Post by: OCD on February 27, 2024, 05:13:37 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on February 27, 2024, 06:24:35 PM
Apparently there's only been 8 goalless draws so far this season.
All the more surprising given VAR seems intent on ruling out every goal it can.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 12:31:54 PM
1992/93
1 Norwich +2 Pts 48
2 Man Utd +19 Pts 47
3 Aston Villa +13 Pts 47
4 Ipswich +7 Pts 42
1995/1996
1 Newcastle +27 Pts 60
2 Man Utd +18 Pts 51
3 Liverpool +28 Pts 49
4 Aston Villa +17 Pts 48
1998/99
1 Man Utd +32 Pts 51
2 Chelsea +18 Pts 50
3 Arsenal +22 Pts 49
4 Aston Villa +10 Pts4
2008/209
1 Man Utd +35. Pts 62
2 Liverpool +25 Pts 55
3 Chelsea +30 Pts 52
4 Aston Villa +15 Pts 51
2009/10
1 Chelsea +39 Pts 58
2 Man Utd +41 Pts 57
3 Arsenal +31 Pts 52
4 Aston Villa +14 Pts 45
2023/24
1 Liverpool +38 Pts 60
2 Man City +33 Pts 59
3 Arsenal +39 Pts 58
4 Aston Villa +21 Pts 52
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 12:57:17 PM
On average over the last five seasons, 68 points has been enough for top 4. The most it has taken was 71 points in 2018/19.
5th place has needed 63 points on average, with a maximum of 67 in 2018/19.
No stats to back this up, but it feels like the top 5 are winning more games than usual, and the bottom clubs fewer. Thus the points needed this season might be at the upper end of the historical range.
I think that's definitely right, Sheff Utd and Burnley are both so poor that it's skewing the whole league.
Top 5 after 26 matches last 3 seasons and final 4th and 5th positions with points shown
2022/23
After 26
1 Arsenal Pts 63
2 Man City Pts 58
3 Man Utd Pts 52
4 Newcastle Pts47
5 Tottenham Pts 45
Final Table
4th Newcastle 71
5th Liverpool 67
2021/22
After 26
1 Man City Pts 63
2 Liverpool Pts 60
3 Chelsea Pts 50
4 Arsenal Pts 48
5 Man Utd Pts 46
Final Table
4th Spurs 71
5th Arsenal 69
2020/21
After 26
1 Man City Pts 62
2 Man Utd Pts 50
3 Leicester Pts 49
4 West Ham Pts 45
5 Chelsea Pts 44
Final Table
4th Chelsea 67
5th Leicester 66
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 01:07:08 PM
1 Liverpool +38 Pts 60
2 Man City +33 Pts 59
3 Arsenal +39 Pts 58
4 Aston Villa +21 Pts 52
I think it's only 4 wins if we beat Spurs.
Given the fact that Spurs have a run of Newcastle, Man City , Chelsea , Arsenal , Liverpool back to back then beat them next week and very positive indeed.
So 5 wins(include spurs) and 3 draws from 12 matches
Could have champions league more or less wrapped up before international break!
Luton Town (a)
Tottenham Hotspur (h)
West Ham United (a) 2pm
Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)
Manchester City (a)
Brentford (h)
Arsenal (a)
Bournemouth (h)
Chelsea (h)
Brighton (a)
Liverpool (h)
Crystal Palace (a)
Post by: OCD on March 02, 2024, 01:12:27 PM
6 wins for me, especially if it includes the Tottenham game, and I think we're more or less there. Win these next 2 games and if Spurs and United fail to win today and the gap would start to look insurmountable.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 03:09:18 PM
Apart from Newcastle, we've got to play all those teams too.
6 wins for me, especially if it includes the Tottenham game, and I think we're more or less there. Win these next 2 games and if Spurs and United fail to win today and the gap would start to look insurmountable.
They have to play them back to back major differences.
I always said Spurs concede too many goals to be taken seriously so it's up to Villa really for the wins.
I can see Palace getting something today at Spurs and Man City beating Man Utd .
Post by: Demitri_C on March 02, 2024, 04:47:10 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 07:35:12 PM
Massive result v Luton!
Come on !
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on March 02, 2024, 07:38:49 PM
Post by: Villan82 on March 02, 2024, 07:52:30 PM
We have just picked up 12 points from our last 5 games! Some 'slump'! One particularly haunting demon from my teenage years has just been banished. Thank you Mr Emery.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 02, 2024, 07:57:11 PM
If take a draw if offered now
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 02, 2024, 07:58:59 PM
Avoid defeat at all costs. Spurs have a game in hand so if we lose they go above us if they win both games.
If take a draw if offered now
So would I.
Keeps Spurs five points off us and they have as tough a run in as we do imo.
Essentially now we need 5 more wins and the odd draw as I can't see Spurs overhauling us if we finish on 71-72 points.
Not bad with eleven games still to play.
Post by: Bad English on March 02, 2024, 08:01:34 PM
Post by: LeonW on March 02, 2024, 08:02:23 PM
Post by: andyh on March 02, 2024, 08:07:20 PM
Avoid defeat at all costs. Spurs have a game in hand so if we lose they go above us if they win both games.Sorry, but fuck that.
If take a draw if offered now
Why are you scared of those ******.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 08:08:06 PM
"We are not contender, we are not contender maybe at game week 33 , 34 if we are still there then yes we are contender "
He also said we cannot still rule out Tottenham, Manchester United even Chelsea and Newcastle.
Post by: olaftab on March 02, 2024, 08:10:54 PM
Massive 3 consecutive wins. Was so deflated after the Man Utd game but if we beat spurs now, I think we can do it and not be Villa for a change.Even a draw against them would be a good result.
Post by: LeonW on March 02, 2024, 08:12:07 PM
Massive 3 consecutive wins. Was so deflated after the Man Utd game but if we beat spurs now, I think we can do it and not be Villa for a change.Even a draw against them would be a good result.
We just cannot lose.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 08:12:29 PM
Opta Top 4 Predictor
Aston Villa 67%
Spurs 31%
Manchester United 2%
Post by: olaftab on March 02, 2024, 08:15:30 PM
Post by: olaftab on March 02, 2024, 08:16:31 PM
Sky have shown an Opta graphic of who to finish 4th place.2% is very generous.
Opta Top 4 Predictor
Aston Villa 67%
Spurs 31%
Manchester United 2%
Post by: andyh on March 02, 2024, 08:17:24 PM
I believe the 4th is between us and our inner us. Win that and it’s ours.I agree 100%
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 08:22:07 PM
Beat them and only need 12 more pts maximum by my calculations.Massive 3 consecutive wins. Was so deflated after the Man Utd game but if we beat spurs now, I think we can do it and not be Villa for a change.Even a draw against them would be a good result.
We just cannot lose.
Can do that by just winning 3 more games after beating Spurs and then only 3 draws that would be enough.
Just beat Spurs next week makes it far easier
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 08:23:18 PM
I believe the 4th is between us and our inner us. Win that and it’s ours.That's a great statement . It very much so is in many ways.
Post by: curiousorange on March 02, 2024, 08:50:05 PM
I believe the 4th is between us and our inner us. Win that and it’s ours.
This sums it up, absolutely.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 08:53:49 PM
They also have to go away to West Ham like we do and West Ham and Spurs have a rivalry too.
Gary O'Neil and wolves has resentment towards Emery and will be a battle for us.
Following the match tonight Emery declared, "If we are there in game week 33, 34 we are contenders."
Emery is obviously aware that Spurs have these games scheduled as travel to Newcastle and then home to Man City meetings in 33 and 34, respectively.
Man City could teach the FA Cup semi final so this may force Spurs match to rescheduled and not have a game on April 20th when Villa play Bournemouth at home.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 08:59:57 PM
In chasing us, having those games to play isn't much fun.
Perhaps the Chelsea match will be rescheduled if they are not in the FA Cup semi-finals for the same weekend as Villa Bournemouth tie but Spurs do have Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool, and possibly Chelsea all in one go, as well as Man City if they lose the cup, and if not, it will be played in a midweek later in season
I believe the fixture favours us here in April. Majorly so.
Post by: curiousorange on March 02, 2024, 09:02:29 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 02, 2024, 09:34:53 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 11:42:31 PM
We’re in a great spot and just need to bring it home. I would be interested to know how we compare to other sides in terms of conceding goals within 10/15 mins of the second half starting. I could be wrong, but feels like we do it a fair bit.I know we have conceded 34% 13 goals in 46-60minutes the most for us in any quarter of match
Did you know we also have scored the most first half goals 29. We are the top scorers on first half matches and top the table
Also with Man City joint with us are the top team for leading at halftime!
Perhaps theres a relaxation period 45-60 as we are scoring so many first half goals.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 02, 2024, 11:48:01 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 02, 2024, 11:51:48 PM
I don't discount top spot but that's if we go on a Dean Smith play off winning run.
Beat Man City , Arsenal and Liverpool we could be revising out targets.
Als Man City have to play Arsenal and Liverpool so whos to say where we end up.
Post by: lovejoy on March 03, 2024, 05:36:18 PM
Post by: Monty on March 03, 2024, 05:42:55 PM
We have some tough games left but I’ve just reached the “disappointed with no champions league football” stage.
Frankly I'm still in the disbelief stage. If we at least draw with Spurs next week then I'll be quite firmly in the camp of believers.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on March 03, 2024, 05:44:41 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 03, 2024, 06:03:55 PM
Post by: The Man With A Stick on March 03, 2024, 06:12:32 PM
It’s straight in I think, but I might be wrong. So Manure have to win 4 more matches than us, that absolutely shouldn’t happen.
I feel strangely confident. Need to snap out of this mentality but it just doesn't sit right at all!
Post by: Olneythelonely on March 03, 2024, 06:36:28 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 03, 2024, 06:37:11 PM
Does 5th have to go into a play-off/qualifiying round or is it straight into this new-fangled group stage?
Straight into group stage
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 03, 2024, 06:37:40 PM
Opta gives us a 96% chance of finishing at least 5th. More likely to finish 3rd than 6th.
Lies, damned lies and ...
Post by: Dave P on March 03, 2024, 06:56:27 PM
I also think if we win on Sunday, another 4 wins after that will be enough to finish 4th.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 03, 2024, 07:09:10 PM
Averaging 2 points a game since he came here. That's phenomenal, just phenomenal.
I fucking love the way he sweats, loves and celebrates every single point as well.
Post by: Rory on March 03, 2024, 08:00:17 PM
What a truly remarkable turnaround in, what, a season and a bit?
Averaging 2 points a game since he came here. That's phenomenal, just phenomenal.
I fucking love the way he sweats, loves and celebrates every single point as well.
Unai doesn't sweat, he inspires the air temperature around him to suit his preference.
Post by: ez on March 03, 2024, 08:04:24 PM
Post by: lovejoy on March 03, 2024, 08:10:51 PM
Post by: TelfordVilla on March 03, 2024, 08:31:06 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 03, 2024, 08:31:35 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 03, 2024, 08:34:04 PM
Post by: Beard82 on March 03, 2024, 08:41:09 PM
Post by: Dave on March 03, 2024, 08:58:51 PM
Also - if PL gets 5 CL spots - does that have any effect on the other competitions, or does it just mean that we get more European places in total
The second one
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 03, 2024, 10:23:06 PM
I think 4 wins from here will be enough to finish 5th as I can’t see Man U winning 7 of their last 11 games.
I also think if we win on Sunday, another 4 wins after that will be enough to finish 4th.
Re Man Utd, they're playing six of the bottom eight so it's not inconceivable they win a high percentage of their games left. Having said which, they'd need to win eight to overtake us if we win another four. Only one match difference but seems a much taller order somehow.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 03, 2024, 10:34:33 PM
What a truly remarkable turnaround in, what, a season and a bit?
Averaging 2 points a game since he came here. That's phenomenal, just phenomenal.
I fucking love the way he sweats, loves and celebrates every single point as well.
Unai doesn't sweat, he inspires the air temperature around him to suit his preference.
He's always being demanding of the air.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 04, 2024, 12:37:45 AM
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1763281942588297472
Post by: Dogtanian on March 04, 2024, 08:49:17 AM
Our defence just isn't strong enough at the moment, we're conceding too many goals, a lot of them soft too. We're showing great character to hold on in some games or get winners late on, but we're making it hard for ourselves and I think it may just tip the balance in Spurs favour.
A win over Spurs on Sunday will give us a chance, but anything else and I think they'll overtake us and stay there.
It sounds pessimistic, but 5th would be a fantastic result this season. Another season in europe, year on year improvement, and still the possibility of champions league.
Post by: Risso on March 04, 2024, 09:01:33 AM
A win over Spurs on Sunday will give us a chance, but anything else and I think they'll overtake us and stay there.
A chance?! We'd be 8 points clear of them!
And while we've played a game more, we've still a) scored more goals than Spurs and b) conceded fewer goals than Spurs.
Post by: London Villan on March 04, 2024, 09:03:18 AM
15 points would see us in 4th I think.
Post by: lovejoy on March 04, 2024, 09:05:22 AM
Even with some pessimistic assumptions regarding the results for English teams, 5th place should be enough for a CL spot.
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1763281942588297472
its just predictions though, at the start of the season did they have Newcastle and Man U finishing bottom of their groups?
Post by: Dogtanian on March 04, 2024, 09:14:09 AM
A win over Spurs on Sunday will give us a chance, but anything else and I think they'll overtake us and stay there.
A chance?! We'd be 8 points clear of them!
And while we've played a game more, we've still a) scored more goals than Spurs and b) conceded fewer goals than Spurs.
Yep! A chance. I'll upgrade it to a decent chance if we beat them and then win at WHAM! and at home to Wolves.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 04, 2024, 09:26:39 AM
Even with some pessimistic assumptions regarding the results for English teams, 5th place should be enough for a CL spot.
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1763281942588297472
its just predictions though, at the start of the season did they have Newcastle and Man U finishing bottom of their groups?
And to think my support for them seemed to mean nothing. Good job you are telling me the support for them now will mean all the teams will win........
Yes it is all predictions and anything can happen. But strangely pretty much everyone in football seems to be confident that at the end of the year, it will be Italy and England in the top two places.
Post by: Dave on March 04, 2024, 09:41:27 AM
Even with some pessimistic assumptions regarding the results for English teams, 5th place should be enough for a CL spot.
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1763281942588297472
its just predictions though, at the start of the season did they have Newcastle and Man U finishing bottom of their groups?
And to think my support for them seemed to mean nothing. Good job you are telling me the support for them now will mean all the teams will win........
Yes it is all predictions and anything can happen. But strangely pretty much everyone in football seems to be confident that at the end of the year, it will be Italy and England in the top two places.
The whole thing's a bit of a footballing Butterfly Effect. Union Saint-Gilloise knocking Eintract Frankfurt out of the Conference League in February could end up being the difference for Villa or Spurs qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Post by: Rigadon on March 04, 2024, 09:46:11 AM
Post by: Monty on March 04, 2024, 09:47:59 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 04, 2024, 09:51:20 AM
Post by: Rigadon on March 04, 2024, 09:51:56 AM
It's a funny thing, it means we can't go with a weakened team against Ajax as our performances in Europe are also part of our CL push!
Yes! I thought the same thing. When we do great things, we seem to do it the hard way.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 04, 2024, 10:07:39 AM
Even with some pessimistic assumptions regarding the results for English teams, 5th place should be enough for a CL spot.
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1763281942588297472
its just predictions though, at the start of the season did they have Newcastle and Man U finishing bottom of their groups?
Obviously nothing's determined yet, but the predictions don't seem particularly outlandish. Just thought it provided an interesting benchmark for what's likely to be required, for England to overtake Germany for that second spot.
Post by: chrisw1 on March 04, 2024, 10:10:39 AM
Safe to say, if we do qualify for the CL we will have done it the hard way and Uani will have done an utterly incredible job.
Post by: itbrvilla on March 04, 2024, 10:12:07 AM
Post by: Pat Mustard on March 04, 2024, 10:24:14 AM
Post by: paul_e on March 04, 2024, 10:25:46 AM
The Ramsey injury will make this tougher if he's out for any period of time. We were already down to bare bones and the step-down in experience/quality of replacements if he is out is now pretty huge.
Safe to say, if we do qualify for the CL we will have done it the hard way and Uani will have done an utterly incredible job.
I'm not sure it's right to say we're down to bare bones, Pau was on the bench and Duran is back in training so we're only missing Mings, Buendia, Kamara and Carlos (and he is due back very soon) currently, if JJ is out that's still only 4 or 5 players. We're in a much better position than a few weeks ago when we had 8/9 missing.
Post by: AV82EC on March 04, 2024, 10:38:30 AM
We need to stop thinking of ourselves as the team in first place in a race for fourth, and start thinking as the team at the back of the pack in the race for the title - the shark just below the surface.
This is the optimism I’m here for. I’m looking at the fixtures for the top 3 clubs and how them all falling flat on their faces will hand us the League title not also rans like Spuds and Man U.
Post by: chrisw1 on March 04, 2024, 10:40:16 AM
With Kamara out and McGinn covering DM our midfield options are very limited. Likely a hopelessly out-of-form Zaniolo or the very inexperienced Rogers or Tim. We could reshuffle with Diaby & moving Tielemans which would be a compromise and leave us pretty much nothing on the bench. We were a morning fitness test away from having to start Chambers against Luton.The Ramsey injury will make this tougher if he's out for any period of time. We were already down to bare bones and the step-down in experience/quality of replacements if he is out is now pretty huge.
Safe to say, if we do qualify for the CL we will have done it the hard way and Uani will have done an utterly incredible job.
I'm not sure it's right to say we're down to bare bones, Pau was on the bench and Duran is back in training so we're only missing Mings, Buendia, Kamara and Carlos (and he is due back very soon) currently, if JJ is out that's still only 4 or 5 players. We're in a much better position than a few weeks ago when we had 8/9 missing.
I'd say the squad is incredibly stretched and with us potentially having to play 7 more games than Spurs it could be decisive.
Post by: LeeB on March 04, 2024, 10:41:17 AM
We need to stop thinking of ourselves as the team in first place in a race for fourth, and start thinking as the team at the back of the pack in the race for the title - the shark just below the surface.
This is the optimism I’m here for. I’m looking at the fixtures for the top 3 clubs and how them all falling flat on their faces will hand us the League title not also rans like Spuds and Man U.
Fuck Yeah!
We're going to win at Citeh and Arsenal then beat Liverpool at home to go top, penultimate game for the greatest title win of all time.
Post by: AV82EC on March 04, 2024, 10:42:52 AM
We need to stop thinking of ourselves as the team in first place in a race for fourth, and start thinking as the team at the back of the pack in the race for the title - the shark just below the surface.
This is the optimism I’m here for. I’m looking at the fixtures for the top 3 clubs and how them all falling flat on their faces will hand us the League title not also rans like Spuds and Man U.
Fuck Yeah!
We're going to win at Citeh and Arsenal then beat Liverpool at home to go top, penultimate game for the greatest title win of all time.
I agree with LeeB.
Post by: Baldy on March 04, 2024, 10:51:11 AM
We need to stop thinking of ourselves as the team in first place in a race for fourth, and start thinking as the team at the back of the pack in the race for the title - the shark just below the surface.
Agreed 100%.
Liverpool vs Manchester City Asterisk playing next weekend, so someones dropping points.
If we beat Spurs, you just never know!!
Post by: Risso on March 04, 2024, 10:55:46 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on March 04, 2024, 10:58:40 AM
He's a great player, and I hope Kamara will be a mainstay of our midfield for may years to come but whisper it, we've been playing better with McGinn in that role recently.Yes, McGinn is doing a great job tbf. Kamara can be excellent, but can also be a bit inconsistent.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 04, 2024, 11:00:58 AM
He's a great player, and I hope Kamara will be a mainstay of our midfield for may years to come but whisper it, we've been playing better with McGinn in that role recently.It looked to me in the second half that we were missing that defensive quality in midfield Kamara brings and why Tim was bought on.
I think SJM has been doing a great job in there though.
Post by: ez on March 04, 2024, 11:10:41 AM
Yes indeed. I have a feeling we will do the double over either Arsenal or Man City.We need to stop thinking of ourselves as the team in first place in a race for fourth, and start thinking as the team at the back of the pack in the race for the title - the shark just below the surface.
Agreed 100%.
Liverpool vs Manchester City Asterisk playing next weekend, so someones dropping points.
If we beat Spurs, you just never know!!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 04, 2024, 11:39:53 AM
We need to stop thinking of ourselves as the team in first place in a race for fourth, and start thinking as the team at the back of the pack in the race for the title - the shark just below the surface.
Agreed 100%.
Liverpool vs Manchester City Asterisk playing next weekend, so someones dropping points.
If we beat Spurs, you just never know!!
Yes indeed. I have a feeling we will do the double over either Arsenal or Man City.
I get the impression that some here have written off the games against the top 3. Think Arsenal away will be the toughest so a loss there, a draw at Citeh and home win against Liverpool, isn't beyond the realms of possibility. Doubt any of them will be looking forward to playing us.
As an aside, I think Arsenal at 4/1 for the title seems fairly generous. Still think Citeh will win it, but they're not the Citeh of old and Liverpool are getting results despite not playing brilliantly.
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 04, 2024, 12:25:54 PM
https://x.com/eurofootcom/status/1764618992973393920?s=46
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 04, 2024, 01:54:26 PM
The European competition format for next season explained.
https://x.com/eurofootcom/status/1764618992973393920?s=46
Such a shit format
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 04, 2024, 01:58:27 PM
Post by: Richard on March 04, 2024, 01:59:55 PM
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 04, 2024, 02:01:41 PM
I'm sick of both UEFA and FIFA increasing the amount of games in their competitions, where is it all going to end?
When they have all of the moneys...
Post by: LeeB on March 04, 2024, 02:03:01 PM
Call me stupid, but I don't understand the format or the point...
Everyone plays 8 games instead of 6. The point is money.
Post by: TaxDodger on March 04, 2024, 02:05:11 PM
The European competition format for next season explained.
https://x.com/eurofootcom/status/1764618992973393920?s=46
Utterly, utterly woeful.
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 04, 2024, 02:22:32 PM
Post by: AV82EC on March 04, 2024, 02:39:29 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on March 04, 2024, 02:53:24 PM
Of course it would be great to be in it and testing ourselves against that quality of opposition, but look at Newcastle this season - finished bottom of the group and out of Europe altogether. Hopefully, we can of course become a regular fixture in it, but I just wonder how much of an impact one season will actually have?
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 04, 2024, 02:56:50 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 04, 2024, 02:59:48 PM
Genuine question - is Champions League football all that really. Yes, there is significant additional revenue, but does it really make a major impact if you are only in it for one season as opposed to being in it for every season over an extended period of time?
Of course it would be great to be in it and testing ourselves against that quality of opposition, but look at Newcastle this season - finished bottom of the group and out of Europe altogether. Hopefully, we can of course become a regular fixture in it, but I just wonder how much of an impact one season will actually have?
I'm personally ambivalent to it. I'll watch it if we're playing, and certainly won't if we're not. I know it's important for income and marketing etc, but they feel like other people's jobs. I'm just a fan so I don't get too involved with that side of things.
Post by: gpbarr on March 04, 2024, 03:00:31 PM
Genuine question - is Champions League football all that really. Yes, there is significant additional revenue, but does it really make a major impact if you are only in it for one season as opposed to being in it for every season over an extended period of time?
Of course it would be great to be in it and testing ourselves against that quality of opposition, but look at Newcastle this season - finished bottom of the group and out of Europe altogether. Hopefully, we can of course become a regular fixture in it, but I just wonder how much of an impact one season will actually have?
Newcastle had Howe (no exp in Europe), we have Emery. I’d give us a fighting chance
Post by: chrisw1 on March 04, 2024, 03:29:20 PM
It’s to offset or appease those intent on a possible Super League. Money is king. It always has been.The fact we are currently above 3 of the 6 teams who declared themselves in the new Super League with drawbridge firmly pulled up just shows what a disgusting attempt it was to hijack our game forever. Despicable bastards.
Post by: Hookeysmith on March 04, 2024, 03:33:29 PM
It’s to offset or appease those intent on a possible Super League. Money is king. It always has been.The fact we are currently above 3 of the 6 teams who declared themselves in the new Super League with drawbridge firmly pulled up just shows what a disgusting attempt it was to hijack our game forever. Despicable bastards.
Very well said - funny how the mainstream media suddenly have forgotten their trecherous actions.
As for out 4th sport - i genuinely think we can catch Arsenal - they are reknown bottlers and we have to play them
Post by: paul_e on March 04, 2024, 03:38:24 PM
It’s to offset or appease those intent on a possible Super League. Money is king. It always has been.The fact we are currently above 3 of the 6 teams who declared themselves in the new Super League with drawbridge firmly pulled up just shows what a disgusting attempt it was to hijack our game forever. Despicable bastards.
Very well said - funny how the mainstream media suddenly have forgotten their trecherous actions.
As for out 4th sport - i genuinely think we can catch Arsenal - they are reknown bottlers and we have to play them
Arsenal are in a funny place right now, they've been in excellent form with 25 goals in their last 6 league games but they also bottled it completely agianst Porto and you wouldn't trust them not to fall apart again if they get a hint of catching the top 2.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 04, 2024, 03:47:02 PM
Call me stupid, but I don't understand the format or the point...
Everyone plays 8 games instead of 6. The point is money.
And hopefully we'll be benefitting. The current format has become a bit stale (I rarely watch the group stages unless Yanited are losing again) so I'm happy to see how this pans out. I also welcome the fact that CL teams won't be dropping into the Europa League.
Post by: Dave on March 04, 2024, 03:54:42 PM
Genuine question - is Champions League football all that really. Yes, there is significant additional revenue, but does it really make a major impact if you are only in it for one season as opposed to being in it for every season over an extended period of time?
Of course it would be great to be in it and testing ourselves against that quality of opposition, but look at Newcastle this season - finished bottom of the group and out of Europe altogether. Hopefully, we can of course become a regular fixture in it, but I just wonder how much of an impact one season will actually have?
Assuming we have ambitions to be finishing higher than 6th-8th more frequently than just this season, it's also a by-product of domestic success.
Even if someone couldn't care less about playing in the Champions League, it's pretty unavoidable if you are one of the best four or five teams. Which I assume is something that we would all be keen for us to be.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 04, 2024, 04:01:41 PM
Call me stupid, but I don't understand the format or the point...
More chance of the bigger teams playing each other and still getting through to the next rounds.
City could be drawn against: Barca, Bayern, Inter Milan, Porto, Lazio, PSV, Celtic and Real Sociedad (might even be other English teams as well as not sure if they geo-fence the draw). They play four of those teams at home and the other four teams away.
Then whoever is in the top 8 of the league go through and I suspect team 9 plays a knockout round against team 24 etc. (or they draw them randomly). The winners of those matches also go through, losers go down to Europa still. Anyone below team 25 are out altogether.
So as I mentioned, the setup is more to ensure teams like Arse and Manure have more of chance of progressing then being knocked out early as you suspect they might have enough to finish in the top 24 over 8 matches.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 04, 2024, 04:12:00 PM
Genuine question - is Champions League football all that really. Yes, there is significant additional revenue, but does it really make a major impact if you are only in it for one season as opposed to being in it for every season over an extended period of time?
Of course it would be great to be in it and testing ourselves against that quality of opposition, but look at Newcastle this season - finished bottom of the group and out of Europe altogether. Hopefully, we can of course become a regular fixture in it, but I just wonder how much of an impact one season will actually have?
Just to show the significant additional revenue. Newcastle got £13.5 mil just for qualifying. They then got £800k per draw (2 of them) and £2.3 for their one win which comes about £17mil for their capitulation in the competition. In comparison, our current pay-out is half that and we only get close to that figure winning it.
So even if in it for one season, that can help us land other players because of the boost to the accounts and less worry on FFP.
Post by: curiousorange on March 04, 2024, 04:24:28 PM
Post by: TelfordVilla on March 04, 2024, 04:27:23 PM
Post by: Smirker on March 04, 2024, 04:27:39 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on March 04, 2024, 04:31:09 PM
Only 17m for making the CL? I thought it'd be way more than that.
They've earned EUR 25m in prize money from UEFA this season;
https://www.football-coefficient.eu/team/248-newcastle-united/ (https://www.football-coefficient.eu/team/248-newcastle-united/)
Post by: tomd2103 on March 04, 2024, 04:50:15 PM
Is it any wonder the media have no faith in Villa.some of our own fans think we will struggle to finish 4th and even if we do they think we are a one season wonder, likely to struggle to finish top 8 next season and likely to only be in the champions league for one year. Christ on a bike. Since Unai arrived Villa have comfortably been a top 4 side. The stats speak for themselves.Villa will likely be top 4 this season and next season and every season for at least as long as we have the current managerial set up. That likely means champions league every year too.
I don't think that is a guarantee by any means to be totally honest. Not so much to do with us, but others who we could br competing with who seemingly aren't impacted too much from FFP strengthening really. That said, the landscape could change dramatically when Klopp leaves Liverpool and if Manchester City do get punished anything like proportionately.
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see us in the Champions League (even though I dislike a lot of things about that competition) and next year would be especially fitting given it's the club's 150th anniversary but was just questioning if it is going to be a 'game changer' given that it dirsnt really seem to have been for Newcastle.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 04, 2024, 04:52:12 PM
Prize money (Euros)
(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F08894996-8fed-42fb-b462-4207b32e517b_2034x1204.jpeg)
The estimation is £34mil Euros.
(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F80132378-7789-4628-bb5b-88ab2a9e6398_1992x2178.jpeg)
Post by: Dave on March 04, 2024, 05:01:28 PM
Only 17m for making the CL? I thought it'd be way more than that.
I think part of the myth around the Champions League money is that the last time we needed to care about it, it was in the context of "how do we make the step up to Liverpool / Arsenal when they're making an extra £30m per season from the Champions League? That means they get to go and spend £15m on Andrei Arshavin while we can only spend £3m on Emile Heskey"
These days the Premier League money dwarves anything that the Champions League brings in. So while having the extra cash is good (particularly in a marketing / FFP sense), the money itself is pretty incidental compares to what you make from the Premier League these days.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 04, 2024, 05:11:55 PM
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 04, 2024, 05:35:23 PM
Call me stupid, but I don't understand the format or the point...
Everyone plays 8 games instead of 6. The point is money.
And hopefully we'll be benefitting. The current format has become a bit stale (I rarely watch the group stages unless Yanited are losing again) so I'm happy to see how this pans out. I also welcome the fact that CL teams won't be dropping into the Europa League.
This. Absolutely this.
Rewarding Champs League failures with a Europa League spot absolutely undermined & lowered the value of the Ropey League.
I fucking hated this feature with a passion I would normally only reserve for Jennifer Connelly...
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 04, 2024, 05:45:08 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on March 04, 2024, 06:12:06 PM
If nothing else we play all 3 of them, so we can have a huge say in who wins it, as well as they all play each other.
Wankers
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 04, 2024, 06:17:40 PM
8pts separate us and top of the league but not a mention on sky.
If nothing else we play all 3 of them, so we can have a huge say in who wins it, as well as they all play each other.
Caught a little bit of the Mark Saggers show lon Talk TV, and he and his guest, Ian Brightwell, did include us as being in the title race.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 04, 2024, 06:19:10 PM
8pts separate us and top of the league but not a mention on sky.
If nothing else we play all 3 of them, so we can have a huge say in who wins it, as well as they all play each other.
Wankers
They don't. Arsenal have already played Liverpool twice. although they both have to play City still.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 04, 2024, 10:11:45 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on March 04, 2024, 10:16:22 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 04, 2024, 10:27:21 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 04, 2024, 11:40:52 PM
He's a great player, and I hope Kamara will be a mainstay of our midfield for may years to come but whisper it, we've been playing better with McGinn in that role recently.Yes, McGinn is doing a great job tbf. Kamara can be excellent, but can also be a bit inconsistent.
I mentioned this the other day, I went from worrying about McGinn playing the deeper role to thinking we're actually playing better with Kamara out. If Kamara wasn't injured I would rather be selling him than Luiz (if it was a straight shoot-out). I know, age, experience, will get better, etc.
Post by: Bad English on March 05, 2024, 06:17:46 AM
You must have been sleepy or dopey when you conjugated 'it dwarfs'. :-)
These days the Premier League money dwarves anything that the Champions League brings in.
Post by: johnc on March 05, 2024, 06:33:17 AM
He will be a bit Grumpy and not Happy when he sees your correctionYou must have been sleepy or dopey when you conjugated 'it dwarfs'. :-)
These days the Premier League money dwarves anything that the Champions League brings in.
Post by: Bad English on March 05, 2024, 06:56:02 AM
Post by: paul_e on March 05, 2024, 07:38:40 AM
Only 17m for making the CL? I thought it'd be way more than that.
I think part of the myth around the Champions League money is that the last time we needed to care about it, it was in the context of "how do we make the step up to Liverpool / Arsenal when they're making an extra £30m per season from the Champions League? That means they get to go and spend £15m on Andrei Arshavin while we can only spend £3m on Emile Heskey"
These days the Premier League money dwarves anything that the Champions League brings in. So while having the extra cash is good (particularly in a marketing / FFP sense), the money itself is pretty incidental compares to what you make from the Premier League these days.
I'm not sure that's true if you dig a little deeper. The average from that graph is about £45-50m in direct earnings so on that you'd be correct but what about the market rate for sponsorships, etc. I reckon you'd still be looking at £70-80m a season as a minimum once you become established, and well over £100m if you can really make the most of it. That's not to say the money in the premier league isn't insane but this is extra on top that would account for something like a third of our current turnover, that would be huge for us.
Post by: tomd2103 on March 05, 2024, 08:35:31 AM
Although it sounds like we are struggling even with that PL money. That chart shows Citeh have almost 100 mill euros extra coming in for playing the same amount of games we have played in Europe. Finishing fourth in the prem will get us an estimated £63million which is only 10 mill more then finishing 7th. But we could earn £30 mill for just saying hello to the Champions league instead of £17 mil for winning the conference.
So given the news that came out yesterday, getting into the Champions League next season is very important for the immediate future of the club by the looks of it.
Post by: Dogtanian on March 05, 2024, 08:38:00 AM
Although it sounds like we are struggling even with that PL money. That chart shows Citeh have almost 100 mill euros extra coming in for playing the same amount of games we have played in Europe. Finishing fourth in the prem will get us an estimated £63million which is only 10 mill more then finishing 7th. But we could earn £30 mill for just saying hello to the Champions league instead of £17 mil for winning the conference.
So given the news that came out yesterday, getting into the Champions League next season is very important for the immediate future of the club by the looks of it.
It won't impact this season though, which is likely to be a crunch one, aside from giving us extra prize money for finishing higher in the Prem and any sponsorship addons that creates. Winning the conference league is another way we can help this season.
Post by: Dave on March 05, 2024, 09:16:47 AM
You must have been sleepy or dopey when you conjugated 'it dwarfs'. :-)
These days the Premier League money dwarves anything that the Champions League brings in.
Thanks for the diagnosis Doc.
Post by: London Villan on March 05, 2024, 10:12:19 AM
(includes gate money, TV money, sponsors bonus and prize money)
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 05, 2024, 02:30:46 PM
I also wonder if we do qualify if Buendia and Mings would be considered surplus to requirements if we get a Champions League spot, as we have done a successful season without them.
Post by: saunders_heroes on March 05, 2024, 02:34:02 PM
I am not gonna lie. I'm concerned about what happens if we don't qualify for the Champions League anyway and what this means for major assets such as Martinez, Luiz, Watkins, Ramsey, and Kamara being sold off. But with the financial losses would expect player sales now anyway either way.
I also wonder if we do qualify if Buendia and Mings would be considered surplus to requirements if we get a Champions League spot, as we have done a successful season without them.
We’re having the best season in years and you're still worried sick. Just enjoy it.
Oh and don’t boast about not lying to us. It’s such a horrible phrase that all the kids seem to use these days.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 05, 2024, 03:03:15 PM
To be fair Villa are slaying it this season.I am not gonna lie. I'm concerned about what happens if we don't qualify for the Champions League anyway and what this means for major assets such as Martinez, Luiz, Watkins, Ramsey, and Kamara being sold off. But with the financial losses would expect player sales now anyway either way.
I also wonder if we do qualify if Buendia and Mings would be considered surplus to requirements if we get a Champions League spot, as we have done a successful season without them.
We’re having the best season in years and you're still worried sick. Just enjoy it.
Oh and don’t boast about not lying to us. It’s such a horrible phrase that all the kids seem to use these days.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 05, 2024, 03:26:37 PM
It's two places between the 3 leagues and clubs of: Italy, Germany, and England
The coefficient determine which league will get the places at the moment it's Italy and Germany.
Italy have 7 teams still competing, a top-two finish is strong possibility
Germany are second currently with England third (6 clubs competing in the round of 16 but spread across the 3 competitions)
The coefficient system is designed to assess the overall strength of leagues.
Spain have 5 but 4 are in Champions League and France only have 3 teams.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 05, 2024, 03:40:55 PM
The top 5 all have 4 fixtures against the top 6 remaining8pts separate us and top of the league but not a mention on sky.
If nothing else we play all 3 of them, so we can have a huge say in who wins it, as well as they all play each other.
Caught a little bit of the Mark Saggers show lon Talk TV, and he and his guest, Ian Brightwell, did include us as being in the title race.
These are the top 6 fixtures remaining in date order.
Villa v Spurs
Liverpool v Man City
Man City v Arsenal
Man City v Villa
Man Utd v Liverpool
Arsenal V Villa
Spurs v Man City (may be rearranged FA cup)
Spurs v Arsenal
Liverpool v Spurs
Man Utd v Arsenal
Aston Villa v Liverpool
Post by: Dave on March 05, 2024, 03:46:33 PM
So this 5th place sit.
It's two places between the 3 leagues and clubs of: Italy, Germany, and England
The coefficient determine which league will get the places at the moment it's Italy and Germany.
Italy have 7 teams still competing, a top-two finish is strong possibility
Germany are second currently with England third (6 clubs competing in the round of 16 but spread across the 3 competitions)
The coefficient system is designed to assess the overall strength of leagues.
Spain have 5 but 4 are in Champions League and France only have 3 teams.
It'll take something pretty unlikely for England not to take second place from Germany. They probably need all of Leipzig winning away at Real Madrid and knocking them out, Dortmund getting past the quarter-finals as well as Bayern and Leverkusen going pretty deep.
A lot hangs on Freiburg against West Ham - West Ham going through would probably mean enough added to the England total and stop the German total progressing to more or less make it safe.
West Ham going out though and it probably starts to get a bit uncomfortable.
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 05, 2024, 03:51:09 PM
It seemed like Man Utd and Newcastle were particularly weak participants and representatives this season in Champions League.
Post by: brontebilly on March 05, 2024, 07:34:32 PM
Genuine question - is Champions League football all that really. Yes, there is significant additional revenue, but does it really make a major impact if you are only in it for one season as opposed to being in it for every season over an extended period of time?
Of course it would be great to be in it and testing ourselves against that quality of opposition, but look at Newcastle this season - finished bottom of the group and out of Europe altogether. Hopefully, we can of course become a regular fixture in it, but I just wonder how much of an impact one season will actually have?
Newcastle didn't really invest enough to be competitive after qualifying. Their big signing Tonali got busted for gambling obviously and Barnes has been injured a lot. They are still reliant a lot on likes of Dan Burn, Dubravka and Longstaff and those that helped them avoid relegation when Howe first went in there. That only brings you so far.
I think for the likes of Newcastle and ourselves, consistently getting CL football is going to be a huge challenge. Need Man United to continue to chronically underperform relative to their revenues (likely), Man City to finally get done for breaching multiple regulations (unlikely) and Liverpool post Klopp to struggle (maybe). With Tottenham and Arsenal's revenues and recent improvements on the pitch I think they will both be very strong for next 3-5 years.
Post by: AV82EC on March 05, 2024, 08:05:07 PM
Post by: IFWaters on March 05, 2024, 08:51:12 PM
FTF !!!!
Post by: olaftab on March 05, 2024, 09:51:23 PM
Post by: olaftab on March 05, 2024, 10:05:18 PM
I say we get 4th and hope all the other English sides get knocked out as soon as possible thereby denying Spurs or Man Utd the Champions League revenue for next year.Aha…the dream scenario, I like your thoughts.
FTF !!!!
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 05, 2024, 10:09:54 PM
I say we get 4th and hope all the other English sides get knocked out as soon as possible thereby denying Spurs or Man Utd the Champions League revenue for next year.
FTF !!!!
It's the only way to be sure.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 05, 2024, 10:13:06 PM
Losing two key midfielders in the space of couple of weeks is going to hurt us. It’ll be the difference in comfortable 4th or a nail biter.It’s inevitable that we will have more injury issues and will have to try and get something out of the likes of Rogers, Zaniolo, Diaby, Tim, Chambers.
We have to hope that Martinez Watkins SJM Luiz Konsa Bailey remain fit.
We just can not afford to lose any of them.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 05, 2024, 10:16:23 PM
I say we get 4th and hope all the other English sides get knocked out as soon as possible thereby denying Spurs or Man Utd the Champions League revenue for next year.
FTF !!!!
Finish Top Four?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 06, 2024, 01:54:12 AM
Losing two key midfielders in the space of couple of weeks is going to hurt us. It’ll be the difference in comfortable 4th or a nail biter.It’s inevitable that we will have more injury issues and will have to try and get something out of the likes of Rogers, Zaniolo, Diaby, Tim, Chambers.
We have to hope that Martinez Watkins SJM Luiz Konsa Bailey remain fit.
We just can not afford to lose any of them.
More names for the ‘must stay fit’ list: Torres and at least one of Digne/Moreno. Carlos and Cash will be useful for rotation too.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 06, 2024, 05:30:53 AM
Agree, it’s critical now that we are somehow able to get them on the pitch regularly.Losing two key midfielders in the space of couple of weeks is going to hurt us. It’ll be the difference in comfortable 4th or a nail biter.It’s inevitable that we will have more injury issues and will have to try and get something out of the likes of Rogers, Zaniolo, Diaby, Tim, Chambers.
We have to hope that Martinez Watkins SJM Luiz Konsa Bailey remain fit.
We just can not afford to lose any of them.
More names for the ‘must stay fit’ list: Torres and at least one of Digne/Moreno. Carlos and Cash will be useful for rotation too.
It’s why I think that we don’t have the resources to try and get 4th and win the Conference League.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 06, 2024, 09:02:05 AM
Agree, it’s critical now that we are somehow able to get them on the pitch regularly.Losing two key midfielders in the space of couple of weeks is going to hurt us. It’ll be the difference in comfortable 4th or a nail biter.It’s inevitable that we will have more injury issues and will have to try and get something out of the likes of Rogers, Zaniolo, Diaby, Tim, Chambers.
We have to hope that Martinez Watkins SJM Luiz Konsa Bailey remain fit.
We just can not afford to lose any of them.
More names for the ‘must stay fit’ list: Torres and at least one of Digne/Moreno. Carlos and Cash will be useful for rotation too.
It’s why I think that we don’t have the resources to try and get 4th and win the Conference League.
It’s unlikely we’ll need to finish fourth.
Post by: OCD on March 06, 2024, 10:55:34 AM
Agree, it’s critical now that we are somehow able to get them on the pitch regularly.Losing two key midfielders in the space of couple of weeks is going to hurt us. It’ll be the difference in comfortable 4th or a nail biter.It’s inevitable that we will have more injury issues and will have to try and get something out of the likes of Rogers, Zaniolo, Diaby, Tim, Chambers.
We have to hope that Martinez Watkins SJM Luiz Konsa Bailey remain fit.
We just can not afford to lose any of them.
More names for the ‘must stay fit’ list: Torres and at least one of Digne/Moreno. Carlos and Cash will be useful for rotation too.
It’s why I think that we don’t have the resources to try and get 4th and win the Conference League.
It's more that we've had rotten luck with injuries this season than not having resources. If everyone's fit, we've got some decent depth.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 06, 2024, 01:22:53 PM
Right now we don't have the resources.Agree, it’s critical now that we are somehow able to get them on the pitch regularly.Losing two key midfielders in the space of couple of weeks is going to hurt us. It’ll be the difference in comfortable 4th or a nail biter.It’s inevitable that we will have more injury issues and will have to try and get something out of the likes of Rogers, Zaniolo, Diaby, Tim, Chambers.
We have to hope that Martinez Watkins SJM Luiz Konsa Bailey remain fit.
We just can not afford to lose any of them.
More names for the ‘must stay fit’ list: Torres and at least one of Digne/Moreno. Carlos and Cash will be useful for rotation too.
It’s why I think that we don’t have the resources to try and get 4th and win the Conference League.
It's more that we've had rotten luck with injuries this season than not having resources. If everyone's fit, we've got some decent depth.
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on March 06, 2024, 07:28:48 PM
That adds jeopardy and also screws with pre-season plans.
In any event, I'm looking forward to overtaking the teams above us! UTV
Post by: paul_e on March 06, 2024, 07:33:23 PM
I know lots on here think 5th is going to be good enough for a CL spot. Even if that is the case, with the new format, would 5th place have to do a qualifying round?
That adds jeopardy and also screws with pre-season plans.
In any event, I'm looking forward to overtaking the teams above us! UTV
Nope - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_UEFA_Champions_League - it's explained in the distribution section on there but basically all English teams would go straight into the group.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 06, 2024, 07:33:51 PM
I know lots on here think 5th is going to be good enough for a CL spot. Even if that is the case, with the new format, would 5th place have to do a qualifying round?
That adds jeopardy and also screws with pre-season plans.
In any event, I'm looking forward to overtaking the teams above us! UTV
No qualifying round, straight to group stage.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 06, 2024, 07:35:58 PM
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on March 06, 2024, 07:42:13 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 06, 2024, 09:22:15 PM
I'm unavailable for online activities after tomorrow until Easter.So I wish to give my forecast.
One or all of the following will happen:
We'll score four goals.
Watkins brace or Hatrick
Douglas Luiz penalty
Win.
Of course i'll take a win, but I have a feeling there's a big win coming in this match for us, and it'll be some sort of statement
Up the Villa!
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 06, 2024, 09:24:38 PM
When can we start the Villa vs. Spurs discussion pre-threat?Bugger. That’s done it.
I'm unavailable for online activities after tomorrow until Easter.So I wish to give my forecast.
One or all of the following will happen:
We'll score four goals.
Watkins brace or Hatrick
Douglas Luiz penalty
Win.
Of course i'll take a win, but I have a feeling there's a big win coming in this match for us, and it'll be some sort of statement
Up the Villa!
Post by: Footy-Vill on March 06, 2024, 09:39:34 PM
When can we start the Villa vs. Spurs discussion pre-threat?Bugger. That’s done it.
I'm unavailable for online activities after tomorrow until Easter.So I wish to give my forecast.
One or all of the following will happen:
We'll score four goals.
Watkins brace or Hatrick
Douglas Luiz penalty
Win.
Of course i'll take a win, but I have a feeling there's a big win coming in this match for us, and it'll be some sort of statement
Up the Villa!
Won the last three matches v Spurs.
They have only won one match away since October.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 06, 2024, 09:41:52 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 06, 2024, 09:55:48 PM
Post by: Risso on March 06, 2024, 10:41:29 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 06, 2024, 11:07:19 PM
What happens if England get the extra place and so have 5 teams, and then West ham or Brighton win the Europa League? Would they then get the 5th spot, or would we have 6 teams in the Champions League?
Yeah i was wondering similar.
Post by: OCD on March 06, 2024, 11:46:12 PM
Post by: Drummond on March 07, 2024, 12:36:44 AM
"In theory, there could be seven Premier League clubs in the Champions League next season, although it would require Premier League clubs to win this season's Champions League and Europa League - with both of them finishing outside the top five in the top flight"
Post by: LeeB on March 07, 2024, 12:16:50 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/12940385/five-champions-league-places-for-premier-league-how-extra-team-can-qualify-in-2024
"In theory, there could be seven Premier League clubs in the Champions League next season, although it would require Premier League clubs to win this season's Champions League and Europa League - with both of them finishing outside the top five in the top flight"
There's a fair case that both Citeh and Liverpool are favourites for each tournament, before you factor in Arsenal, Brighton or West Ham.
Post by: Risso on March 07, 2024, 12:28:42 PM
Post by: Dave on March 07, 2024, 12:30:02 PM
So if we finished 5th we'd be in come what may? (assuming England gets the extra spot)
Yup. Come on your Hammers.
Post by: algy on March 07, 2024, 12:38:52 PM
Have to say, with my father-in-law & brother-in-law supporting them, it would be funny as fuck if the current top 5 + WHam were playing Champions League football and they weren't. Funnier still if Newcastle & Brighton pip them for the UEFA Cup spots.So if we finished 5th we'd be in come what may? (assuming England gets the extra spot)
Yup. Come on your Hammers.
Post by: algy on March 07, 2024, 12:42:40 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/12940385/five-champions-league-places-for-premier-league-how-extra-team-can-qualify-in-2024Does that mean potentially you could have over half the teams in the Premier League playing in Europe?
"In theory, there could be seven Premier League clubs in the Champions League next season, although it would require Premier League clubs to win this season's Champions League and Europa League - with both of them finishing outside the top five in the top flight"
5 Champions League places via the league
+ 1 if the CL winners finish outside the top 5
+ 1 if the UEFA Cup winners also finish outside the top 5 = 7 CL places
2 places for the UEFA Cup
+ winners of the Conference league if they finish outside the UEFA Cup & Champions League places = 3 UEFA Cup places
1 place in the Conference league = 11 teams in Europe in total
I mean, you'd need a really convoluted league table to get it, but ...
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 07, 2024, 12:43:34 PM
Post by: Bad English on March 07, 2024, 01:10:17 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on March 07, 2024, 02:12:02 PM
I want 4th place so that media-types are obliged to say/ignore it.
So do i as i think it would stick in the throat of some pundits / commentators / Journos
Post by: paul_e on March 07, 2024, 02:12:14 PM
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11945/12940385/five-champions-league-places-for-premier-league-how-extra-team-can-qualify-in-2024Does that mean potentially you could have over half the teams in the Premier League playing in Europe?
"In theory, there could be seven Premier League clubs in the Champions League next season, although it would require Premier League clubs to win this season's Champions League and Europa League - with both of them finishing outside the top five in the top flight"
5 Champions League places via the league
+ 1 if the CL winners finish outside the top 5
+ 1 if the UEFA Cup winners also finish outside the top 5 = 7 CL places
2 places for the UEFA Cup
+ winners of the Conference league if they finish outside the UEFA Cup & Champions League places = 3 UEFA Cup places
1 place in the Conference league = 11 teams in Europe in total
I mean, you'd need a really convoluted league table to get it, but ...
Yep and this is exactly how it should be, taking an earned place away from the top 4/5 because the tream that finished in midtable won the Europa league would be really shit given the impact CL qualification can have on finances and player acquisition/retention.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 07, 2024, 10:19:26 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on March 07, 2024, 10:32:23 PM
I honestly think if we win 5 of the remaining 10 we qualify in 4th. 73-75pts
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 07, 2024, 10:36:58 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on March 08, 2024, 10:24:50 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 08, 2024, 10:45:28 AM
We need to beat Spuds first and foremost.If we beat them and win 4 more, -70points, Spurs will have to win 7 from 11
I honestly think if we win 5 of the remaining 10 we qualify in 4th. 73-75pts
Chelsea A TBC
Fulham A
Luton H
W Ham A
Forest H
Newc A
Citeh H
Arse H
Lpool A
Burnley H
Shett Utd A
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 08, 2024, 10:50:23 AM
Post by: Pat Mustard on March 08, 2024, 10:51:11 AM
We need to beat Spuds first and foremost.If we beat them and win 4 more, -70points, Spurs will have to win 7 from 11
I honestly think if we win 5 of the remaining 10 we qualify in 4th. 73-75pts
Chelsea A TBC
Fulham A
Luton H
W Ham A
Forest H
Newc A
Citeh H
Arse H
Lpool A
Burnley H
Shett Utd A
If we applied the same pessimistic logic to Spurs that we always apply to ourselves I would be looking at that fixture list and saying there are only 2 or 3 of those they would expect to win comfortably - all of the others are tough games for them. Lots of away games against local rivals, and an absolute bastard of a run between their home games against Forest and Burnley.
Post by: Dave on March 08, 2024, 10:55:40 AM
Post by: OCD on March 08, 2024, 10:57:57 AM
Post by: Bad English on March 08, 2024, 01:00:23 PM
Post by: Drummond on March 08, 2024, 01:01:42 PM
We could definitely use a competitive title race so that run of three match run of Man City / Arsenal / Liverpool takes it out of them.
I hope they win all three, as it helps us win the league.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 08, 2024, 01:33:23 PM
I also think if we win on Sunday, another 4 wins after that will be enough to finish 4th.
I like the sound of that, Dave P.
Post by: eamonn on March 08, 2024, 01:58:27 PM
Well there are six games there where they'll be heavy favourites. We need to keep winning.
Five at best. Wham! away will be tough for them and the top three, Newcastle and Chelsea away, they'll do well to pick-up points.
By the time they get the two byes with their last two games, we'll already be 15 points ahead. So they can frankly get fucked. A bit of eye-contact from their manager in interviews isn't too much to ask, is it?
Post by: Dave P on March 08, 2024, 03:48:24 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 08, 2024, 06:32:04 PM
Spurs' game in hand is Chelsea away. Chelsea have sort of improved a bit, plus they hate Spurs and always seem to get the better of them.
Yeah, Spurs going to Chelsea is like us going to Yanited, they've won two league games there in the last 33 years.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 02:49:18 PM
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 02:52:37 PM
We’ve played 3 (4 if you include the cup) top half sides at home this year and lost to them all - and in 3 put in entirely flat, awful displays. That’s been really poor.
Pau
Konsa
Kamara
Digne
Carlos
Ramsey
Not even mentioning the long term absences.
We have had awful luck with injuries
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 02:54:07 PM
Post by: Rigadon on March 10, 2024, 02:57:41 PM
But, you never know and we’ll see. They can celebrate and sing their smug dirge. But we will see.
Post by: DC1874 on March 10, 2024, 02:58:55 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 02:59:06 PM
It’s been a very, very shit day of football. Today it feels like our push for top 4 is done and dusted. Momentum conceded, McGinn out for 3 games, injuries etc etc.
But, you never know and we’ll see. They can celebrate and sing their smug dirge. But we will see.
They can celebrate because we have gifted them that. We were a disgrace today.
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 02:59:12 PM
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 10, 2024, 02:59:35 PM
8 goal swing on the GD. Spurs have all of Forest, Burnley and Luton left at home (and Sheffield United away) so they'll be posting at least one more big win in the season.
We'll still win games but they will be more tight.
Need minimum of four points from West Ham-Wolves, ideally six.
This is why I don't think we'll do much next season in the league even if we get CL. We'll be playing higher intensity matches than in the Europa and then playing games v teams like Spurs 70 hours later.
With FFP issues I just can't see us evolving the squad enough to be able to rotate and still put high quality 11s out.
Still let's just make it and see what happens. Not a good idea to go out on Thursday now.
Post by: DC1874 on March 10, 2024, 03:02:45 PM
Post by: Axl Rose on March 10, 2024, 03:05:06 PM
Post by: Rigadon on March 10, 2024, 03:14:29 PM
Your delusional if you think we've got the bottle and ability to make top 4
I can assure you, I am not delusional. I’m merely saying wait and see. The season has 10 games to go. They need to actually win their game in hand and they have to play all the ‘top clubs’ as Roy Kunt would call them.
Spurs aren’t a better side than us, despite today’s second half shit show. That won’t be the narrative of course, but it’s true.
Post by: Jon Crofts on March 10, 2024, 03:15:52 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2024, 03:16:51 PM
We're still 4th, but that was sobering.
On the contrary, it's the sort of result that makes people fall off the wagon.
Post by: Rigadon on March 10, 2024, 03:21:26 PM
We aren't a CL side that's clear for everyone to see hopefully Emery included, we'd be an embarrassment week in week out if that performance was anything to go by.
And spurs? And Man Utd?
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:21:56 PM
Post by: Rigadon on March 10, 2024, 03:23:29 PM
Post by: Axl Rose on March 10, 2024, 03:23:52 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 03:28:03 PM
We're still 4th, but that was sobering.
We have just got to sort our defensive structure. We didn’t today, but generally we can score goals. But we are regularly conceding 2/3 (sometimes more). It’s unsustainable if we want to finish top 4.
Post by: LukeJames on March 10, 2024, 03:35:46 PM
Post by: eamonn on March 10, 2024, 03:49:00 PM
Wolves up next at home and they'll look to frustrate us as they usually do at VP, but they're a better team now. Hopefully Neto's hammy keeps him out.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:52:37 PM
Really worried about our home form. We haven't played well at VP for 90 minutes since the Citeh game.
Wolves up next at home and they'll look to frustrate us as they usually do at VP, but they're a better team now. Hopefully Neto's hammy keeps him out.
Thats the biggest worry for me. From going from a fortress to a tree house is worrying
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 04:08:21 PM
Post by: curiousorange on March 10, 2024, 04:35:41 PM
I'd be ecstatic winning that conference league thing and getting a uefa cup place.
This is my choice now too. Too many games to go in a CL chase, and if we have to prioritise, I want the trophy.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 04:36:22 PM
We might finally get to see Diaby snd Bailey on opposite wings now as I'm not really sure what else we can do. Probably in a 4-2-3-1 kind of thing as we can't put a midfield 3 out at the moment.
Diaby doesn’t deserve to start. Even under the circumstances of today, he was piss poor. He’s our version of Man U’s Antony.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 04:36:52 PM
I'd be ecstatic winning that conference league thing and getting a uefa cup place.
This is my choice now too. Too many games to go in a CL chase, and if we have to prioritise, I want the trophy.
We'll get neither.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2024, 04:48:11 PM
I'd be ecstatic winning that conference league thing and getting a uefa cup place.
This is my choice now too. Too many games to go in a CL chase, and if we have to prioritise, I want the trophy.
Don't worry, we'll get both (if the second coefficient spot goes to England).
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 10, 2024, 05:09:33 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 06:19:16 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on March 10, 2024, 06:21:36 PM
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 10, 2024, 06:42:59 PM
I think the mini run prior to this game shows we're clearly good enough to pick up wins against the weaker teams in the league. The problem is how many of those types of game do we have left. Brentford, Bournemouth, Palace for sure. Then where do teams like West Ham, Wolves, Brighton, Chelsea sit in the scheme of things? We'll find out soon enough for two of those. Home form is a worry as you'd think we'll need to win at least 3 of those 4 and 3 are at home.
Chelsea shouldn't be written off at all. There's a reason they're in the bottom half this late in the season.
We were poor in the cup but hopefully it will be Konsa-Pau as the CBs and we'll see better defending than the gifts we gave them early on in that game.
Think Brentford will be a tricky one to win but I'm expecting wins in three more home games.
If we can win at Brighton as usual then there's still a good chance of 4th.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 10, 2024, 06:46:01 PM
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 06:47:13 PM
I genuinely think, listening to Unai’s post game comments, and watching some recent games we’ve slipped into a negative mindset against decent teams. We need to address that fast.
Doesn’t help when the manager keeps banging on about 7 teams being better than us.
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 10, 2024, 06:51:20 PM
I genuinely think, listening to Unai’s post game comments, and watching some recent games we’ve slipped into a negative mindset against decent teams. We need to address that fast.
Bailey being taken off at 1-1 v Man. United remains the most baffling tactical call of the season.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 10, 2024, 06:55:56 PM
I genuinely think, listening to Unai’s post game comments, and watching some recent games we’ve slipped into a negative mindset against decent teams. We need to address that fast.
Doesn’t help when the manager keeps banging on about 7 teams being better than us.
Perhaps that’s his way of saying that if we finish 5th or 6th he’s got us punching above our weight, and / or he wants more transfer funds this summer.
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on March 10, 2024, 07:00:31 PM
Post by: Rory on March 10, 2024, 07:02:49 PM
I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.
Sorry mate, but *vomit*
Post by: PhilVill on March 10, 2024, 07:05:32 PM
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 07:08:00 PM
I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.Spot on. This is our best chance in god knows how long to qualify.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 07:13:17 PM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on March 10, 2024, 07:14:18 PM
So what line up plays on Thursday if you're no longer bothered with Conference football?I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.Spot on. This is our best chance in god knows how long to qualify.
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on March 10, 2024, 07:16:36 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 10, 2024, 07:22:56 PM
Our success in the Conference League increases our chances of Champions League qualification. Conversely if we go out 5th is less likely to get a spot.
I can easily picture a scenario where we have to win the Conference final to get the CL place.
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 07:25:26 PM
I never was bothered with it. I'll get pelters but it's a third rate European competition. Ron Atkinson said similar in his recent interview on YouTubeSo what line up plays on Thursday if you're no longer bothered with Conference football?I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.Spot on. This is our best chance in god knows how long to qualify.
Post by: TonyD on March 10, 2024, 07:25:42 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 10, 2024, 07:29:51 PM
Post by: MalcolmP on March 10, 2024, 07:38:34 PM
You forgot Moreno who was unavailable for a lengthy period alongside |RamsayWe’ve played 3 (4 if you include the cup) top half sides at home this year and lost to them all - and in 3 put in entirely flat, awYou forgot Moreno who barelh playheddisplays. That’s been really poor.We’ve played 3 (4 if you include the cup) top half sides at home this year and lost to them all - and in 3 put in entirely flat, awful displays. That’s been really poor.
Pau
Konsa
Kamara
Digne
Carlos
Ramsey
Not even mentioning the long term absences.
We have had awful luck with injuries
Pau
Konsa
Kamara
Digne
Carlos
Ramsey
Not even mentioning the long term absences.
We have had awful luck with injuries
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 07:38:57 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 07:41:43 PM
They will be told not to bust a gut on Thursday.
That’d be a weird choice as per my point above. If we go out of the Conference League that has a direct detrimental impact on the chance of 5th place being a Champions League spot. Based on today I’d be “busting a gut” to do everything we can to influence 5th being a qualification spot.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 07:44:00 PM
Just being in the champions league would do more for our profile than winning the conference.
And again there’s a very good chance that winning that latter will give us a better chance of being in the former.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 07:47:51 PM
Post by: Dave on March 10, 2024, 07:48:21 PM
Well if us west hamd and brighton go out of europe this week that pretty much would be 5th isnt CL
No it isn't.
Post by: astonvilla82 on March 10, 2024, 07:49:18 PM
Too older supporters like me I can agree on that point, but to young supporters it a cup they would like to win and means a great deal to them, having seen Aston Villa win that great silver shiny thing,I can understand it.I never was bothered with it. I'll get pelters but it's a third rate European competition. Ron Atkinson said similar in his recent interview on YouTubeSo what line up plays on Thursday if you're no longer bothered with Conference football?I wouldn't shed a tear if we got eliminated thurs. To hear that Champions league music at Villa Park is my dream and we are still in 4th it's still in our hands. Man Utd, Newcastle, probably Chelsea and spurs are going to strengthen next year whilst Villa talk about selling players to meet FFP. The time is now. Conf league is a big deal for the likes of West Ham but it's chicken feed for Villa. I prefer to concentrate on the premier. The conf is a unwanted distraction the longer we are in it the more probability of burn out games like spurs. If we were 11th in the prem I'd go all out for the conf but we are 4th still 8 points clear of Man Utd. I don't believe Villa would embarrass themselves in the champions league, you see man city hammer the likes of young boys and leipzig, we wouldn't be far off that the way we play. The premier league is the strongest league in europe. The offer of champions league football would bring better players to Villa. League should be the focus from now on.Spot on. This is our best chance in god knows how long to qualify.
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 07:51:44 PM
Finishing 4th would definitely get us into the champions league 😉Just being in the champions league would do more for our profile than winning the conference.
And again there’s a very good chance that winning that latter will give us a better chance of being in the former.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 07:51:52 PM
Well if us west hamd and brighton go out of europe this week that pretty much would be 5th isnt CL
No it isn't.
That only leaves liverpool city and arsenal left. We would have to hope the other nations teams go out which would be unlikely. Its vital for 5th that us and west ham go through
Post by: FatSam on March 10, 2024, 07:52:01 PM
obviously Olson, Chambers, Zaniolo, couple of kids etc etcHow would that be any different to O’Neill’s Moscow moment?
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 07:52:49 PM
Finishing 4th would definitely get us into the champions league 😉Just being in the champions league would do more for our profile than winning the conference.
And again there’s a very good chance that winning that latter will give us a better chance of being in the former.
It would, but after today’s horror show I’d like some contingency!
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 10, 2024, 07:59:17 PM
We don’t have the squad to be successful in both and today proved that.
So we might as well go all out for the conference now.
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on March 10, 2024, 08:00:47 PM
obviously Olson, Chambers, Zaniolo, couple of kids etc etcHow would that be any different to O’Neill’s Moscow moment?
The UEFA cup had more kudos than the conf league as it's long established. At the time I agreed with O'Neill#s decision. The league is your bread and butter.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 08:04:13 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on March 10, 2024, 08:56:00 PM
Our squad is down to the bare bones, and our remaining players are either carrying knocks or generally knackered.
If we REALLY want Champions League football and/or a European trophy, the players need OUR help to pull them over the line. Villa Park has been absent of any atmosphere since the Man City/Arsenal games, which came to a head today with just a handful of half-hearted attempts at songs which generally fizzled out during the first verse....and then the crowd started disappearing from a midday game on 70mins?! Players walked off the pitch today to literally an empty stadium on the final whistle. 😔
I feel dirty saying it, but someone mentioned the Liverpool game today, where the crowd helped to lift the team. Was the same with Man Utd on Boxing Day.... Instead of supporting the team, we stop singing and/or go home when things aren't going well. That's not supporting, it's 'viewing'. Fans can do that from the comfort of their living rooms in front of the telly.
Don't want to start a good fans/bad fans argument, it's not about that - I'm just highlighting it as surely I can't be the only one to think that the atmosphere (and general support) at Villa Park for what is the best Villa team in decades has been mediocre at best in recent times. It triggered me today more than most match days, after witnessing the spine chilling atmosphere that Ajax built up on Thursday night - A lot of us away fans just stood there in awe. After witnessing that in person, English football ain't all it's cracked up to be.
This current Villa team and our amazing manager deserve much more. SO much more.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 11, 2024, 02:23:42 AM
Post by: Forge10 on March 11, 2024, 06:12:36 AM
Just being in the champions league would do more for our profile than winning the conference.
Maybe but imagine the damage done if we have our assess served to us on a plate in the first round? I think we’ve done amazing to still be in 4th place by March. However the standards of performance have dropped off since Christmas. In that time we’ve lost to Newcastle, Utd and Spurs, all teams we beat last season comprehensively. We’ve had terrible luck with injuries but squad depth should alleviate that somewhat. When Ollie is misfiring who can we bring in? When Kamara has been injured we struggle to cover for him. Champions league is way too soon for this squad currently.
Post by: rob_bridge on March 11, 2024, 07:03:55 AM
Just being in the champions league would do more for our profile than winning the conference.
Maybe but imagine the damage done if we have our assess served to us on a plate in the first round? I think we’ve done amazing to still be in 4th place by March. However the standards of performance have dropped off since Christmas. In that time we’ve lost to Newcastle, Utd and Spurs, all teams we beat last season comprehensively. We’ve had terrible luck with injuries but squad depth should alleviate that somewhat. When Ollie is misfiring who can we bring in? When Kamara has been injured we struggle to cover for him. Champions league is way too soon for this squad currently.
Considering Newcastle and ManU couldn't get out of a hardish and a modest group respectively, both have donn the double over us does suggest we'd be well short
Post by: Dave P on March 11, 2024, 07:04:08 AM
They will be told not to bust a gut on Thursday.
Well I expect McGinn to bust a gut considering he’s got 3 weeks off!
Post by: ez on March 11, 2024, 08:10:22 AM
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 08:19:25 AM
Post by: ez on March 11, 2024, 08:22:07 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 11, 2024, 08:53:59 AM
Just being in the champions league would do more for our profile than winning the conference.
Maybe but imagine the damage done if we have our assess served to us on a plate in the first round? I think we’ve done amazing to still be in 4th place by March. However the standards of performance have dropped off since Christmas. In that time we’ve lost to Newcastle, Utd and Spurs, all teams we beat last season comprehensively. We’ve had terrible luck with injuries but squad depth should alleviate that somewhat. When Ollie is misfiring who can we bring in? When Kamara has been injured we struggle to cover for him. Champions league is way too soon for this squad currently.
Considering Newcastle and ManU couldn't get out of a hardish and a modest group respectively, both have donn the double over us does suggest we'd be well short
I do hate when people look at things like this. The year before we beat both but they were in the Chumps places, so does that mean anything? No because it is a different time when different things were happening within the teams.
But even if we got in there, and came in the bottom 8, Newcastle got £30mil for 6 matches, we would be playing 8 matches with different money spreads so it could be worth £40-50mil. And I would be surprised if we didn't at least get into the playoff matches with the new format.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 08:59:29 AM
Shit against utd chelsea newcastle and now spurs. Unai really needs to sort this out. If we miss out on CL i think some players will be itching for a transfer. I think luiz and emi might be two of those players
Post by: Axl Rose on March 11, 2024, 09:04:47 AM
I personally feel our perfoemances against the better sides in the second half of the season have been as bad as gerrards.
Shit against utd chelsea newcastle and now spurs. Unai really needs to sort this out. If we miss out on CL i think some players will be itching for a transfer. I think luiz and emi might be two of those players
Fortunately, I think those pair both love us. Wishful thinking, but it might be enough to make them stay. Plus Emery himself must be fantastic to work under.
Post by: Rigadon on March 11, 2024, 09:19:25 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2024, 09:25:53 AM
Agree, getting there would have been huge and would help us move to the next stage.Just being in the champions league would do more for our profile than winning the conference.
Maybe but imagine the damage done if we have our assess served to us on a plate in the first round? I think we’ve done amazing to still be in 4th place by March. However the standards of performance have dropped off since Christmas. In that time we’ve lost to Newcastle, Utd and Spurs, all teams we beat last season comprehensively. We’ve had terrible luck with injuries but squad depth should alleviate that somewhat. When Ollie is misfiring who can we bring in? When Kamara has been injured we struggle to cover for him. Champions league is way too soon for this squad currently.
Considering Newcastle and ManU couldn't get out of a hardish and a modest group respectively, both have donn the double over us does suggest we'd be well short
I do hate when people look at things like this. The year before we beat both but they were in the Chumps places, so does that mean anything? No because it is a different time when different things were happening within the teams.
But even if we got in there, and came in the bottom 8, Newcastle got £30mil for 6 matches, we would be playing 8 matches with different money spreads so it could be worth £40-50mil. And I would be surprised if we didn't at least get into the playoff matches with the new format.
But I don’t think we need to worry about that now.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 11, 2024, 09:53:01 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2024, 10:28:18 AM
Are you stating not to worry because somehow losing this one match as put us below Manure in finishing at the end of the season? Or not to worry as just lets look forward and just play match by match and enjoy the wins and shrug at the downturns. Because I agree with you on the latter.I don't know if 5th will be enough and I am assuming it wont.
Manutd have a very tough run in which might save us.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 10:34:46 AM
I personally feel our perfoemances against the better sides in the second half of the season have been as bad as gerrards.
Shit against utd chelsea newcastle and now spurs. Unai really needs to sort this out. If we miss out on CL i think some players will be itching for a transfer. I think luiz and emi might be two of those players
Fortunately, I think those pair both love us. Wishful thinking, but it might be enough to make them stay. Plus Emery himself must be fantastic to work under.
Hope your right mate! After grealish i just feel no loyalty anymore.
To be honest if we dont get CL this year i wouldnt blame them if they wanted to play for a CL club esp luiz as he has been nothing short of loyal to this club and given his all
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 10:36:09 AM
Post by: Duncan Shaw on March 11, 2024, 10:41:38 AM
Well we might have to sell one of them, so if one or both of Emi or Luiz do want to leave I can't see us trying too hard to change their minds, it'll just be case of getting the biggest fee for them.
This is my thinking too, i think we'll see one of those two or Watkins leave in the summer. Maybe even if we get CL.
Just really flat this morning, as we have all seen how this story goes with Villa so often!
Post by: brontebilly on March 11, 2024, 11:07:43 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 11, 2024, 11:38:03 AM
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:39:49 AM
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:39:56 AM
Just being in the champions league would do more for our profile than winning the conference.
Maybe but imagine the damage done if we have our assess served to us on a plate in the first round? I think we’ve done amazing to still be in 4th place by March. However the standards of performance have dropped off since Christmas. In that time we’ve lost to Newcastle, Utd and Spurs, all teams we beat last season comprehensively. We’ve had terrible luck with injuries but squad depth should alleviate that somewhat. When Ollie is misfiring who can we bring in? When Kamara has been injured we struggle to cover for him. Champions league is way too soon for this squad currently.
Considering Newcastle and ManU couldn't get out of a hardish and a modest group respectively, both have donn the double over us does suggest we'd be well short
And Man City won it and we restricted them to two shots all game when we beat them.
Post by: chrisw1 on March 11, 2024, 11:42:35 AM
Both Man U and Spurs will overtake us, I guarantee it.That's how I felt after the Man U game. Then we built up an 11 point gap and things looked rosy. Starting to worry again now with the red on top of the injuries.
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:42:37 AM
Both Man U and Spurs will overtake us, I guarantee it.
Ooh, and if we lose to West Ham, they'll definitely finish above us too, and we have to play Brighton. Bottom half awaits.
Post by: chrisw1 on March 11, 2024, 11:45:29 AM
Chelsea are 19 points behind us in 11th. I know you're always negative Drummond, but that's a bit daft tbh.Both Man U and Spurs will overtake us, I guarantee it.
Ooh, and if we lose to West Ham, they'll definitely finish above us too, and we have to play Brighton. Bottom half awaits.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:46:40 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on March 11, 2024, 11:49:06 AM
We'll finish 6th, behind Man U and Spurs.5th or 6th. Losing 8 points to Man U would be a massive capitulation.
Post by: ez on March 11, 2024, 11:49:27 AM
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:55:00 AM
The west ham game has now become a massive game for us.
Every game we play is massive in the context of our season, as it is for everyone looking to win something or to qualify for Europe.
It's different this season, as it's the first time, for a very, very long time, that we've been challenging for honours (the Conference League) and for qualifying for Europe. Last season was hope over expectation, whereas this season, because of how well we've done to date, we're in the leading pack, rather than chasing them down.
I think we all shit the bed a bit yesterday, even as fans we were subdued (this is not a criticism or bigger fan than you style post) because we don't expect to be here. Yet.
Post by: LeeB on March 11, 2024, 11:56:25 AM
We'll finish 6th, behind Man U and Spurs.
I worried after the Boxing Day calamity that we'd repeat that season under Gregory when we were flying until Christmas then collapsed, and I fear this is now the case.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:57:07 AM
We'll finish 6th, behind Man U and Spurs.
I worried after the Boxing Day Captain that we'd repeat that season under Gregory when we were flying until Christmas then collapsed, and I fear this is now the case.
And every single season under O'Neill.
Post by: eamonn on March 11, 2024, 12:05:18 PM
Unfortunately, because we had a crap start to 97/98 and crap finish to 98/99, that late 90s era faded into insignificance.
I would hate if we repeat that pattern again. We've got two months to ward off the witches.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 12:13:23 PM
We'll finish 6th, behind Man U and Spurs.
Thats what i think too sadly
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 11, 2024, 12:19:32 PM
Need Ramsey back and Tielemans to step up while SJM’s out. I’d be tempted to put Ramsay back in CM if he can ever get fit.
Post by: ez on March 11, 2024, 12:24:21 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 11, 2024, 12:26:40 PM
Having thought we were doomed after the Man Utd game and been proved wrong, my coping strategy after yesterday is to be insanely optimistic. Still plenty of points to play for, do you want to bet against us etc.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 12:35:58 PM
No more than a faint hope for 4th, if we’re close to Spuds when they have that four game run we’ll have a chance. Slightly more optimistic for 5th. I thought Manure were terrible v Everton, any half-decent team would have beaten them. They’ve got to get three more wins than us in the next 11 games, and that’s if we don’t draw any while they’re winning them.
Need Ramsey back and Tielemans to step up while SJM’s out. I’d be tempted to put Ramsay back in CM if he can ever get fit.
That's the worrying thing though, Man U have mostly been shit, but they often find ways of picking up points from those games. When we're bad, we're really, really bad. I just hope we can bounce back like we have before.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 11, 2024, 12:39:41 PM
No more than a faint hope for 4th, if we’re close to Spuds when they have that four game run we’ll have a chance. Slightly more optimistic for 5th. I thought Manure were terrible v Everton, any half-decent team would have beaten them. They’ve got to get three more wins than us in the next 11 games, and that’s if we don’t draw any while they’re winning them.
Need Ramsey back and Tielemans to step up while SJM’s out. I’d be tempted to put Ramsay back in CM if he can ever get fit.
That's the worrying thing though, Man U have mostly been shit, but they often find ways of picking up points from those games. When we're bad, we're really, really bad. I just hope we can bounce back like we have before.
Yes, that is the worrying part, but the again they were only five points behind us after they beat us, and now it’s eight so that’s progress. Also on the plus side, it’s only 10 games, not eleven as I stated above.
Post by: Nunkin1965 on March 11, 2024, 12:42:51 PM
I really hope the manager and team prove that its the opposite.We'll finish 6th, behind Man U and Spurs.
Thats what i think too sadly
Going to be a bitbof a rollercoaster but I think we'll get 5th at the very least.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 12:49:34 PM
I really hope the manager and team prove that its the opposite.We'll finish 6th, behind Man U and Spurs.
Thats what i think too sadly
Going to be a bitbof a rollercoaster but I think we'll get 5th at the very least.
Id be delighted with 5th and winning the conference. I think we all would! Hopefully a statement win over ajax transforms the season.
Just wish we would be more competitive against the better sides in the 2nd half of the season. Not build it up as we know how important this game is then just implode like yesterday
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2024, 01:03:32 PM
Its ok we have Arse Citeh and Liverpool to play.I really hope the manager and team prove that its the opposite.We'll finish 6th, behind Man U and Spurs.
Thats what i think too sadly
Going to be a bitbof a rollercoaster but I think we'll get 5th at the very least.
Id be delighted with 5th and winning the conference. I think we all would! Hopefully a statement win over ajax transforms the season.
Just wish we would be more competitive against the better sides in the 2nd half of the season. Not build it up as we know how important this game is then just implode like yesterday
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 11, 2024, 01:09:36 PM
Its ok we have Arse Citeh and Liverpool to play.I really hope the manager and team prove that its the opposite.We'll finish 6th, behind Man U and Spurs.
Thats what i think too sadly
Going to be a bitbof a rollercoaster but I think we'll get 5th at the very least.
Id be delighted with 5th and winning the conference. I think we all would! Hopefully a statement win over ajax transforms the season.
Just wish we would be more competitive against the better sides in the 2nd half of the season. Not build it up as we know how important this game is then just implode like yesterday
Who have Man Utd got? Not us, thankfully.
EDIT: Brentford and Chelsea away, Liverpool at home next three. I wouldn’t fancy us in that run.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 01:26:47 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 11, 2024, 01:29:43 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 11, 2024, 01:48:51 PM
I don't fancy us in our next three either though.
Fair enough, but it’s not cut and dried how either of us will do IMO.
Post by: darren woolley on March 11, 2024, 01:50:35 PM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 11, 2024, 01:55:35 PM
League wise I said before Tottenham we’d be 5th or 6th, I can’t see too many points till the end of the season but I can’t see anyone catching us other than Tottenham and Man Utd. Based on their points average so far it’ll be tough for Man Utd but you just know the ****** will probably do it, most likely on fucking goal difference.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 11, 2024, 02:01:39 PM
we have been brilliant this season
We have Daz and we shouldn’t forget that. Finish 6th and not win a trophy and it’s still and improvement on last season which was the best we’d had for years. It would just feel like a bit of an anti climax considering how things looked when we kicked off at home to Sheff Utd halfway through the season.
Post by: chrisw1 on March 11, 2024, 02:06:22 PM
Failing to get CL next season would feel like a disaster from the position we were in, one which I think will have a fairly significant impact on squad retention.
Getting knocked out of a cup I'm not that bothered about just doesn't compare for me. Obviously if winning it secures us CL qualification from 5th it would be sweet. If it secured it for Man U in 5th I think I'd kick my TV over.
Post by: rooboy316 on March 11, 2024, 02:37:23 PM
I think Emi will be the first looking for a move this summer if we balls it up.
He’s 30, with a handful of years left at the top. I’d be gutted if he left, but wouldn’t begrudge him the move which I think he’ll want. I believe it when he says he loves it here, and feels gratitude towards the club for his opportunities and achievements. But he also comes across as extremely driven and goal oriented, and if he can’t reach his CL goals with us, will have to look elsewhere.
Football is shit.
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 02:47:02 PM
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 02:50:25 PM
Some paper mache vertebrae on here.
It was worse on the pitch mate. I've seen more backbone in a jellyfish than the manager and players demonstrated yesterday.
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 02:54:46 PM
Going to West Ham, who salvaged a point against Burnley, won't be as easy as it may have been without McGinn, but a win there is far from impossible and 15 more points would be needed. Until we lose to Man City, in which case its definitely over. Ignoring the win in between the Arsenal game and a defeat there before its definitely over again, for the 8th or 9th time.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 11, 2024, 03:04:25 PM
Some paper mache vertebrae on here.
Indeed. I've been busy this morning so have just checked back in on this thread, and it's like a Samaritans workshop.
Post by: OCD on March 11, 2024, 03:05:08 PM
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 03:05:45 PM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on March 11, 2024, 03:06:31 PM
Yep, it was really bad. And in the 3 league games before, it was really good, until Man United when it was definitely over again.Brilliant.
Going to West Ham, who salvaged a point against Burnley, won't be as easy as it may have been without McGinn, but a win there is far from impossible and 15 more points would be needed. Until we lose to Man City, in which case its definitely over. Ignoring the win in between the Arsenal game and a defeat there before its definitely over again, for the 8th or 9th time.
Nailed it Ads.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 03:20:55 PM
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 03:22:07 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on March 11, 2024, 03:44:54 PM
Yep, it was really bad. And in the 3 league games before, it was really good, until Man United when it was definitely over again.People really should get a grip. How dare anyone be disappointed by being utterly smashed by our main league rival and losing another key player for 3 games? Absolutely pathetic.
Going to West Ham, who salvaged a point against Burnley, won't be as easy as it may have been without McGinn, but a win there is far from impossible and 15 more points would be needed. Until we lose to Man City, in which case its definitely over. Ignoring the win in between the Arsenal game and a defeat there before its definitely over again, for the 8th or 9th time.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 11, 2024, 04:13:39 PM
Im pretty sure if spurs are above us last two games of season they will finish above us as they have the two easiest fixtures you could want
But if we’re above them before the last six games I’m pretty sure we’ll finish above them.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 11, 2024, 04:19:51 PM
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 04:22:18 PM
Yep, it was really bad. And in the 3 league games before, it was really good, until Man United when it was definitely over again.People really should get a grip. How dare anyone be disappointed by being utterly smashed by our main league rival and losing another key player for 3 games? Absolutely pathetic.
Going to West Ham, who salvaged a point against Burnley, won't be as easy as it may have been without McGinn, but a win there is far from impossible and 15 more points would be needed. Until we lose to Man City, in which case its definitely over. Ignoring the win in between the Arsenal game and a defeat there before its definitely over again, for the 8th or 9th time.
You say silly things.
My advice would be to stiffen your upper lip and not unman yourself further, but this is only advice. You're free to engage in as much emotional reaction as you like, I'm not stopping you or your false equivocations. Just observing them.
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 04:36:35 PM
What I have said is that each defeat is disaster in a way that each victory is not a triumph. We face adversity with McGinn out, with Kamara and so on. It's happened, we cannot fight it or change it- but we can decide how we deal with it. The greater the challenge, the greater the glory. Smile, its later than you think.
Well, there was a post there to respond to once upon a time.
24.2 awaits me and my own quest for glory, however small.
Post by: algy on March 11, 2024, 04:46:26 PM
Just thank heavens Luton drew at the weekend, making us mathematically safe from relegation. I fear for next season, though.Both Man U and Spurs will overtake us, I guarantee it.
Ooh, and if we lose to West Ham, they'll definitely finish above us too, and we have to play Brighton. Bottom half awaits.
Post by: john2710 on March 11, 2024, 04:50:31 PM
Emery has said himself, if we're in contention with 5 games to go he'll think about it. The experts will be writing us off at every opportunity & clamouring to get Man Utd into one of those champions league spots. Yesterday was a dissappointment but I'd rather be in our position than Man Utd's.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 11, 2024, 05:41:44 PM
We are ten matches from the end of the season and will be playing 30% of those matches without our captain, who plays in a part of the field where we are already decimated.
Not only that, we are playing badly and have been for ages now, just putting in the odd good 45 minutes here and there. Even when we manage a good half we then keep on having an absolute stinker of a second.
We are absolutely fuxked with injuries and have a difficult run in. The next three matches are all tricky, and I can honestly see us losing them all.
I think we will finish sixth, which will be fucking devastating after the expectation of the first two thirds of the season.
Genuinely woke up this morning feeling exactly like I did after that Stoke match, that is how bad this is. Gifting three points to our closest rivals on our own ground and throwing in an eight GD swing.
Fucking hell, I hate football.
Post by: curiousorange on March 11, 2024, 05:59:58 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 11, 2024, 06:26:48 PM
Just thank heavens Luton drew at the weekend, making us mathematically safe from relegation. I fear for next season, though.
#Sadnessinoureyes
Post by: ez on March 11, 2024, 06:32:44 PM
Post by: London Villan on March 11, 2024, 06:59:21 PM
Post by: TelfordVilla on March 11, 2024, 07:10:45 PM
Post by: Forge10 on March 11, 2024, 07:20:25 PM
We have totally fucked it now.
We are ten matches from the end of the season and will be playing 30% of those matches without our captain, who plays in a part of the field where we are already decimated.
Not only that, we are playing badly and have been for ages now, just putting in the odd good 45 minutes here and there. Even when we manage a good half we then keep on having an absolute stinker of a second.
We are absolutely fuxked with injuries and have a difficult run in. The next three matches are all tricky, and I can honestly see us losing them all.
I think we will finish sixth, which will be fucking devastating after the expectation of the first two thirds of the season.
Genuinely woke up this morning feeling exactly like I did after that Stoke match, that is how bad this is. Gifting three points to our closest rivals on our own ground and throwing in an eight GD swing.
Fucking hell, I hate football.
Wow, thats one hell of a hangover. Thats what I was like during the game and a couple of hours after. I think it helped after listening to an audiobook today about Epictetus when he said “It's not things that upset us, but our judgement about things.” Whatever happens between now and the end of the season I have no control over so fuck it, I'm not going to stress anymore.
It probably won't stop me catastrophising during match threads though :-X
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 11, 2024, 07:49:23 PM
Post by: Forge10 on March 11, 2024, 08:23:44 PM
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 08:33:10 PM
Post by: villa for life on March 11, 2024, 08:33:41 PM
Injuries?
Managers?
Transfer policy?
Luck?
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 08:34:43 PM
Post by: Forge10 on March 11, 2024, 08:40:03 PM
The inference being that I've criticised the feeling of disappointment, that we shouldn't be concerned. I've said nothing of the sort.
What I have said is that each defeat is disaster in a way that each victory is not a triumph. We face adversity with McGinn out, with Kamara and so on. It's happened, we cannot fight it or change it- but we can decide how we deal with it. The greater the challenge, the greater the glory. Smile, its later than you think.
Well, there was a post there to respond to once upon a time.
24.2 awaits me and my own quest for glory, however small.
How did you get on with 24.1?
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 08:44:54 PM
If you listen carefully, you can hear me playing the worlds smallest violin.
Post by: Forge10 on March 11, 2024, 08:49:40 PM
10:20. Did it with a cold so snot flying everywhere and made my lungs bleed, which is always fun. Lost half a stone and only trained twice in 13 days so 24.2 was the first thing I did since last Tuesday and after Amsterdam...not ideal. I hope there's some muscle ups and 100kg cleans in 24.3, but I suspect it will be more fitness/accessible bollocks.
If you listen carefully, you can hear me playing the worlds smallest violin.
I have to admit not doing any of the opens for a couple of years. I’ve owned two CrossFit Boxes and losing the last one down to Covid after spending so much money broke me. Good luck with 24.2 🙌🏼
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 08:51:53 PM
Sorry to hear about your Box- which ones did you own?
Post by: Forge10 on March 11, 2024, 08:56:07 PM
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 08:58:26 PM
Post by: Forge10 on March 11, 2024, 09:01:50 PM
Still a big loss, sorry to hear about it. A lot of time goes into creating the community as much as anything, which is a big part of why we do something that's 90% pain and 10% a lot of pain ha!
Keep pushing it hard mate 💪🏼
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 11, 2024, 09:04:16 PM
Still a big loss, sorry to hear about it. A lot of time goes into creating the community as much as anything, which is a big part of why we do something that's 90% pain and 10% a lot of pain ha!
Keep pushing it hard mate 💪🏼
(https://i.ibb.co/bdKQjmf/Kenneth-Williams.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bdKQjmf)
Post by: Forge10 on March 11, 2024, 09:14:08 PM
Still a big loss, sorry to hear about it. A lot of time goes into creating the community as much as anything, which is a big part of why we do something that's 90% pain and 10% a lot of pain ha!
Keep pushing it hard mate 💪🏼
(https://i.ibb.co/bdKQjmf/Kenneth-Williams.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bdKQjmf)
I have no idea how to embed and image so imagine (Sid James) 😂
Post by: Smirker on March 11, 2024, 09:18:52 PM
We only miss McGinn for 2 competitive games where we have a chance of getting points. Man City is an annual write off for everybody but Liverpool.
Of the three teams who've beat them at their ground the last three seasons, none of them are Liverpool (Brentford, Palace, Spurs).
Those are just the losses. Others have got draws too. Southampton (relegated), Everton (nearly relegated), Palace (could be relegated) and Chelsea.
We are better than these shit teams so shouldn't be looking at it as a write-off.
Post by: AV82EC on March 11, 2024, 09:33:21 PM
We only miss McGinn for 2 competitive games where we have a chance of getting points. Man City is an annual write off for everybody but Liverpool.
Of the three teams who've beat them at their ground the last three seasons, none of them are Liverpool (Brentford, Palace, Spurs).
Those are just the losses. Others have got draws too. Southampton (relegated), Everton (nearly relegated), Palace (could be relegated) and Chelsea.
We are better than these shit teams so shouldn't be looking at it as a write-off.
Am I allowed to post our League record there since they moved from Maine Road? Suffice it to say Ads is absolutely right to say it’s a write off.
Post by: Smirker on March 11, 2024, 09:37:09 PM
We only miss McGinn for 2 competitive games where we have a chance of getting points. Man City is an annual write off for everybody but Liverpool.
Of the three teams who've beat them at their ground the last three seasons, none of them are Liverpool (Brentford, Palace, Spurs).
Those are just the losses. Others have got draws too. Southampton (relegated), Everton (nearly relegated), Palace (could be relegated) and Chelsea.
We are better than these shit teams so shouldn't be looking at it as a write-off.
Am I allowed to post our League record there since they moved from Maine Road? Suffice it to say Ads is absolutely right to say it’s a write off.
No you are not allowed because Ads said its a write-off for everybody but Liverpool when the past three season would say that it isn't.
Maybe for us it has been but if we go into it thinking that then it's no surprise we get nothing.
We can beat them at their ground. Even Gerrard almost did it.
Post by: brontebilly on March 11, 2024, 09:56:40 PM
We have totally fucked it now.
We are ten matches from the end of the season and will be playing 30% of those matches without our captain, who plays in a part of the field where we are already decimated.
Not only that, we are playing badly and have been for ages now, just putting in the odd good 45 minutes here and there. Even when we manage a good half we then keep on having an absolute stinker of a second.
We are absolutely fuxked with injuries and have a difficult run in. The next three matches are all tricky, and I can honestly see us losing them all.
I think we will finish sixth, which will be fucking devastating after the expectation of the first two thirds of the season.
Genuinely woke up this morning feeling exactly like I did after that Stoke match, that is how bad this is. Gifting three points to our closest rivals on our own ground and throwing in an eight GD swing.
Fucking hell, I hate football.
Beat Ajax on Thursday and we will be all be full of optimism again on Sunday for West Ham. Yes that's the same West Ham who lost to Freiburg midweek and took an injury time Danny Ings goal to draw at home with Burnley at the weekend. Despite winning the ECL last season their supporters want their coach fired yesterday.
It might only take a good 45mins to win some of our remaining games. Some midtable teams and players start planning their summer holidays around now, especially with an international tournament this summer. We still have loads to play for, starting on Thursday.
Post by: caster troy on March 11, 2024, 10:00:37 PM
The only way I see us getting in the champions league would be to lose to Ajax, pull ourselves together enough to hold off Man Utd for 5th and then hope Man City and Liverpool win in Europe. Maybe that would be enough to get the extra place?
Post by: Richard on March 11, 2024, 10:05:23 PM
Post by: LeonW on March 11, 2024, 10:08:46 PM
We have totally fucked it now.
We are ten matches from the end of the season and will be playing 30% of those matches without our captain, who plays in a part of the field where we are already decimated.
Not only that, we are playing badly and have been for ages now, just putting in the odd good 45 minutes here and there. Even when we manage a good half we then keep on having an absolute stinker of a second.
We are absolutely fuxked with injuries and have a difficult run in. The next three matches are all tricky, and I can honestly see us losing them all.
I think we will finish sixth, which will be fucking devastating after the expectation of the first two thirds of the season.
Genuinely woke up this morning feeling exactly like I did after that Stoke match, that is how bad this is. Gifting three points to our closest rivals on our own ground and throwing in an eight GD swing.
Fucking hell, I hate football.
This is pretty much how I feel. Why just mess up when you can mess it up as spectacularly as we did yesterday, not only with the goal difference and toothless performance but also by our captain being an idiot meaning we lose him unnecessarily? I was actually more angry today than yesterday.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 11, 2024, 10:08:51 PM
Spurs will get 4th now, they have four nailed on wins to come and it’s hard to see them not picking up at least another couple more. Losing Bouba killed us unfortunately.
The only way I see us getting in the champions league would be to lose to Ajax, pull ourselves together enough to hold off Man Utd for 5th and then hope Man City and Liverpool win in Europe. Maybe that would be enough to get the extra place?
Bloody hell I’m pretty fed up after yesterday, but there’s plenty of potential for things to turn around. Bouba is a big loss, but Unai made a mistake and over compensated yesterday. Hopefully he’s learnt his lesson. If he has and we can get some luck with injuries - JJ playing for the rest of the season for a start - there are plenty of games we can win. Hopefully other teams will have also learned that sitting deep against Spurs is not the answer, they’re vulnerable if you actually set up to attack them.
Post by: LeonW on March 11, 2024, 10:09:24 PM
Looking at Man U fixtures and their much inferior goal difference I'd be amazed if they finish above us. I still think we will be 5th at worst come the end of the season.
You’ve cursed it now.
Post by: Richard on March 11, 2024, 10:14:59 PM
Looking at Man U fixtures and their much inferior goal difference I'd be amazed if they finish above us. I still think we will be 5th at worst come the end of the season.
You’ve cursed it now.
Ha! I'll revisit my prediction in mid May.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 11, 2024, 10:17:11 PM
I have no idea how to embed and image so imagine (Sid James) 😂
👍
Post by: LeonW on March 11, 2024, 11:05:29 PM
Looking at Man U fixtures and their much inferior goal difference I'd be amazed if they finish above us. I still think we will be 5th at worst come the end of the season.
You’ve cursed it now.
Ha! I'll revisit my prediction in mid May.
Those lot are a permanent curse on us.
If we get 5th the champions league slot won’t be available for an English team. If they get it, you bet it will happen.
Post by: Hillbilly on March 12, 2024, 12:27:11 AM
Post by: Monty on March 12, 2024, 12:28:41 AM
I'm more pissed off that we are now out of contention for being champions. A couple of stupid defeats have cost us a real shot at the title.
I like the cut of the jib of your thinking my friend.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 12, 2024, 01:15:48 AM
Looking at Man U fixtures and their much inferior goal difference I'd be amazed if they finish above us. I still think we will be 5th at worst come the end of the season.
Yeah, I'm genuinely not that worried about Man United. I get that they have been getting results whilst being shit but they are still, fundamentally, shit. It will catch up with them, they will lose a few. I don't however fancy us getting top 4 at all, which I get is pessimistic as we're currently still there, I just don't think we have the squad. I'm hanging all my hopes on English teams doing well in Europe* which I naturally think will fail.
*vomits blood.
Post by: Hillbilly on March 12, 2024, 04:55:55 AM
I'm starting to get long in the tooth. I'm not sure how many more false dawns I have in me.I'm more pissed off that we are now out of contention for being champions. A couple of stupid defeats have cost us a real shot at the title.
I like the cut of the jib of your thinking my friend.
Post by: wince on March 12, 2024, 07:48:03 AM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 12, 2024, 01:06:50 PM
Emery has been the real success story and star of the show though.
Post by: Rigadon on March 12, 2024, 01:37:06 PM
If we finished 6th now, or worse still 5th and it didn’t end up mattering, it would be a massive let down. We’d be told that we should just enjoy the dizzying heights of europa league qualification and be patronised to within an inch of our lives. It would be pretty unbearable from a football perspective.
Post by: Rigadon on March 12, 2024, 01:42:46 PM
Post by: Monty on March 12, 2024, 02:11:58 PM
Post by: Drummond on March 12, 2024, 02:13:33 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 12, 2024, 02:18:28 PM
I think the players are mentally tiring rather than physically. There are increasing expectations and demands, we're going deep in two competitions, one of which is the most demanding in the world. Let's hope that they get a second wind and that the management team get it sorted.
Agree with this. Heard on the radio that we've already played more games than Spurs can play all season so, with our injuries and fatigue, some drop-off in performances isn't that surprising.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 12, 2024, 02:31:11 PM
I am worried about our form our injury problems and the lack of quality of our back up players.
Post by: tomd2103 on March 12, 2024, 02:43:28 PM
Cold light of day - our problem is wilting. Ever since that Man It'd away game we've shown about as much mental fortitude as wet spinach. I wonder if this played a part in Emery's defensive thinking tbh, though of course that is also a vicious cycle of negativity.
I do think there is still a bit of a 'softness' about us when things aren't going well (which hasn't been too often over the past year to be fair). You look round at the players when they are up against it and you can tell from the body language of some that they aren't really up for toghing it out.
Losing Kamara hasn't helped in that respect, but even then I still think we need a physical, athletic option in there who can get about the opposition when required.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 12, 2024, 02:45:09 PM
I’m old enough to have seen some games as a little kid from 1982 onwards, but can’t remember the vibe from the title winning season before. For those that are a bit ‘wiser’, I’m curious how this compares to the run in that year. Obviously the stakes were higher (though I wonder if it felt any more intense), but from what I’ve already there were twists and turns. What was it like from a fan perspective? Nervy? Boisterous? It feels like a lot of us are sensing we’ve fucked 4th up (I’ll judge after the next 3 games starting Thursday) - was it the same in 81? When stuff didn’t go to plan? Was there an equivalent moment like the 0-4 on Sunday.The biggest difference is that team hardly suffered any injury setbacks.
We had been on a run of form for a few years, (characterised in Children of the revolution) I always believed we would win at home, that season,the Ipswich defeat which was a bit of a shock but the Rons famous words afterwards seemed to calm everyone .
I think everybody had extreme faith in the manager and the players, it only got really nervous at the end but we were used to winning and the Villa Fans I knew at that time including those a lot older than me believed we would do it.
The most amazing memories of those days was the anticipation in the ground waiting for the team to come out and then the celebration of seeing them as they came on to the pitch, it was like a goal being scored.
Post by: Risso on March 12, 2024, 02:56:17 PM
I do think there is still a bit of a 'softness' about us when things aren't going well (which hasn't been too often over the past year to be fair). You look round at the players when they are up against it and you can tell from the body language of some that they aren't really up for toghing it out.
Losing Kamara hasn't helped in that respect, but even then I still think we need a physical, athletic option in there who can get about the opposition when required.
I've noticed in recent games that there's an increased and noticeable tetchiness amongst the players. I'm sure they are all still playing for each other, but there's a definite rise in arguments on the pitch, usually between the defenders; and Emi and the defenders. The high line, set pieces and building up from the back hasn't been working nearly as well as earlier in the season as can be seen from the number of goals conceded recently.
Post by: usav on March 12, 2024, 03:01:57 PM
I do think there is still a bit of a 'softness' about us when things aren't going well (which hasn't been too often over the past year to be fair). You look round at the players when they are up against it and you can tell from the body language of some that they aren't really up for toghing it out.
Losing Kamara hasn't helped in that respect, but even then I still think we need a physical, athletic option in there who can get about the opposition when required.
I've noticed in recent games that there's an increased and noticeable tetchiness amongst the players. I'm sure they are all still playing for each other, but there's a definite rise in arguments on the pitch, usually between the defenders; and Emi and the defenders. The high line, set pieces and building up from the back hasn't been working nearly as well as earlier in the season as can be seen from the number of goals conceded recently.
Konsa as well in the last couple of games has been mouthing at someone, which is rich given he has been shite.
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on March 12, 2024, 04:25:16 PM
Post by: dekko on March 12, 2024, 04:33:22 PM
I think the players are pissed off/ rapidly coming to terms with with losing their days off in the week. Whilst elite players are used to sleep travel sound check gig, Villa players have been used to coasting around mid table doing just about enough on the pitch to have plenty days off and live the footballer lifestyle off the pitch, For years coming to Villa meant you had status to play for a big club without the circus that surrounds the likes of man utd and liverpool...and the greuling schedule.
No
Post by: Clampy on March 12, 2024, 04:39:17 PM
I think the players are pissed off/ rapidly coming to terms with with losing their days off in the week. Whilst elite players are used to sleep travel sound check gig, Villa players have been used to coasting around mid table doing just about enough on the pitch to have plenty days off and live the footballer lifestyle off the pitch, For years coming to Villa meant you had status to play for a big club without the circus that surrounds the likes of man utd and liverpool...and the greuling schedule.
That just sounds a load of nonsense, sorry.
Post by: nick harper on March 12, 2024, 04:39:38 PM
I do think there is still a bit of a 'softness' about us when things aren't going well (which hasn't been too often over the past year to be fair). You look round at the players when they are up against it and you can tell from the body language of some that they aren't really up for toghing it out.
Losing Kamara hasn't helped in that respect, but even then I still think we need a physical, athletic option in there who can get about the opposition when required.
I've noticed in recent games that there's an increased and noticeable tetchiness amongst the players. I'm sure they are all still playing for each other, but there's a definite rise in arguments on the pitch, usually between the defenders; and Emi and the defenders. The high line, set pieces and building up from the back hasn't been working nearly as well as earlier in the season as can be seen from the number of goals conceded recently.
Teams are definitely making it harder for us as well. We are not slicing through teams at home like we were for most of 2023. They are either pressing us really hard like spurs and Newcastle or they are getting into a really tight shape, making it difficult to play through. Man U did neither of course so ridiculous we didn’t win that.
Overall though, I think Emery needs to re-group and help us find ways round the new challenges.
Post by: Rigadon on March 12, 2024, 04:46:54 PM
I’m old enough to have seen some games as a little kid from 1982 onwards, but can’t remember the vibe from the title winning season before. For those that are a bit ‘wiser’, I’m curious how this compares to the run in that year. Obviously the stakes were higher (though I wonder if it felt any more intense), but from what I’ve already there were twists and turns. What was it like from a fan perspective? Nervy? Boisterous? It feels like a lot of us are sensing we’ve fucked 4th up (I’ll judge after the next 3 games starting Thursday) - was it the same in 81? When stuff didn’t go to plan? Was there an equivalent moment like the 0-4 on Sunday.The biggest difference is that team hardly suffered any injury setbacks.
We had been on a run of form for a few years, (characterised in Children of the revolution) I always believed we would win at home, that season,the Ipswich defeat which was a bit of a shock but the Rons famous words afterwards seemed to calm everyone .
I think everybody had extreme faith in the manager and the players, it only got really nervous at the end but we were used to winning and the Villa Fans I knew at that time including those a lot older than me believed we would do it.
The most amazing memories of those days was the anticipation in the ground waiting for the team to come out and then the celebration of seeing them as they came on to the pitch, it was like a goal being scored.
Cheers for this. Maybe some words from the manager will help this time (obviously not a title push but something that would be very special) too.
Or maybe today’s football is just too different to do a meaningful comparison! !
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on March 12, 2024, 06:05:14 PM
I’m old enough to have seen some games as a little kid from 1982 onwards, but can’t remember the vibe from the title winning season before. For those that are a bit ‘wiser’, I’m curious how this compares to the run in that year. Obviously the stakes were higher (though I wonder if it felt any more intense), but from what I’ve already there were twists and turns. What was it like from a fan perspective? Nervy? Boisterous? It feels like a lot of us are sensing we’ve fucked 4th up (I’ll judge after the next 3 games starting Thursday) - was it the same in 81? When stuff didn’t go to plan? Was there an equivalent moment like the 0-4 on Sunday.
To offer some recent comparisons (and also try to offer some positivity amongst the sea of doom and gloom on here);
Feb 2019 - we lost at home to WBA and that supposedly ended any lingering hopes of getting promoted that season.
Summer 2020 - we lost at home to Man U meaning any chance of staying up was now surely gone.
May 2023 - Wolves away, our 2nd consecutive PL defeat meant that despite a great run beforehand we had now surely blown our chance of finishing 7th and getting European football.
This is just another one of those moments. Keep the faith.
Post by: ez on March 12, 2024, 07:37:27 PM
Post by: Rigadon on March 12, 2024, 07:41:29 PM
I’m old enough to have seen some games as a little kid from 1982 onwards, but can’t remember the vibe from the title winning season before. For those that are a bit ‘wiser’, I’m curious how this compares to the run in that year. Obviously the stakes were higher (though I wonder if it felt any more intense), but from what I’ve already there were twists and turns. What was it like from a fan perspective? Nervy? Boisterous? It feels like a lot of us are sensing we’ve fucked 4th up (I’ll judge after the next 3 games starting Thursday) - was it the same in 81? When stuff didn’t go to plan? Was there an equivalent moment like the 0-4 on Sunday.
To offer some recent comparisons (and also try to offer some positivity amongst the sea of doom and gloom on here);
Feb 2019 - we lost at home to WBA and that supposedly ended any lingering hopes of getting promoted that season.
Summer 2020 - we lost at home to Man U meaning any chance of staying up was now surely gone.
May 2023 - Wolves away, our 2nd consecutive PL defeat meant that despite a great run beforehand we had now surely blown our chance of finishing 7th and getting European football.
This is just another one of those moments. Keep the faith.
You've nailed the reasons for my questions I suppose. I am inclined to keep the faith too, as hard as it was after the shit show on Sunday!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 12, 2024, 07:48:16 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 12, 2024, 07:53:48 PM
Cheers for this. Maybe some words from the manager will help this time (obviously not a title push but something that would be very special) too.
Or maybe today’s football is just too different to do a meaningful comparison! !
'With your usual vocal backing and a 110 per cent wage to turnover ratio for the players, I am sure we will get the right result."
Post by: OCD on March 12, 2024, 08:12:33 PM
No chance of them using heated balls now. https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1767568093729914949
Just questionable Algorithms then.
Post by: Bad English on March 12, 2024, 08:21:00 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 12, 2024, 08:21:21 PM
No chance of them using heated balls now. https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1767568093729914949
Just questionable Algorithms then.
I trust UEFA not to indulge in any shenanigans that might result in the computer generating favourable draws for the big clubs. Don't you?
Post by: Somniloquism on March 12, 2024, 08:34:12 PM
So I'm not sure how they will be able to "fix" things.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 12, 2024, 09:54:55 PM
Post by: AV82EC on March 12, 2024, 10:02:17 PM
Come on arsenal we need them to win
We may need them to win but I’ll laugh my bollocks off if they go out.
Post by: tony scott on March 12, 2024, 10:19:44 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 12, 2024, 10:25:33 PM
Come on arsenal we need them to win
Yeah but fuck that shit, I want the ****** to lose.
Post by: VillaTim on March 12, 2024, 10:34:11 PM
Come on arsenal we need them to winI'd rather they lost and we take our chances
Post by: AV82EC on March 12, 2024, 10:39:03 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 12, 2024, 10:51:33 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 12, 2024, 10:51:39 PM
Come on arsenal we need them to win
Yeah but fuck that shit, I want the ****** to lose.
No thanks. Id rather gurantee CL. They wont win it so thats all that matters
Post by: Rory on March 13, 2024, 01:11:15 AM
Come on arsenal we need them to win
Yeah but fuck that shit, I want the ****** to lose.
No thanks. Id rather gurantee CL. They wont win it so thats all that matters
Not a value judgment, purely my own bitterness, but I'll never support an English team in Europe.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 13, 2024, 03:03:36 AM
Come on arsenal we need them to win
Yeah but fuck that shit, I want the ****** to lose.
No thanks. Id rather gurantee CL. They wont win it so thats all that matters
Not a value judgment, purely my own bitterness, but I'll never support an English team in Europe.
I bet you’ll stick to that til Thursday.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 13, 2024, 09:28:49 AM
Come on arsenal we need them to win
Yeah but fuck that shit, I want the ****** to lose.
No thanks. Id rather gurantee CL. They wont win it so thats all that matters
Not a value judgment, purely my own bitterness, but I'll never support an English team in Europe.
They wont win it so as long as they get to semis then im ok with that. If they draw a spanish or german aide and knock them out it helps us
Post by: darren woolley on March 13, 2024, 09:41:55 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 13, 2024, 09:53:45 AM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 13, 2024, 10:08:56 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 13, 2024, 10:34:42 AM
I suppose i'd just slightly prefer Arsenal to do it through gritted teeth, but some of this lot certainly put the 'Arse' in Arsenal at the moment, none more than the bell end of a manager. Saying that Porto weren't much better.
Ill be honest i find spurs fans worse. They been utter pricks leading up to and post game. Flooding about pages about cash and how we deserved the loss after mcginns behaviour etc.
Such a destable club
Post by: OCD on March 13, 2024, 11:29:18 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on March 13, 2024, 12:04:03 PM
Twitter is full of pricks, but yes the Arsenal and Spurs fans on there seem to be a particular type of breed. That said, some of the Villa fans on Twitter leave a lot to be desired too.I suppose i'd just slightly prefer Arsenal to do it through gritted teeth, but some of this lot certainly put the 'Arse' in Arsenal at the moment, none more than the bell end of a manager. Saying that Porto weren't much better.
I'll be honest I find Spurs fans worse. They have been utter pricks leading up to and post-game. Flooding about pages about cash and how we deserved the loss after McGinn's behaviour etc.
Such a detestable club
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 13, 2024, 12:40:03 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on March 13, 2024, 12:44:17 PM
Twitter is full of pricks, but yes the Arsenal and Spurs fans on there seem to be a particular type of breed. That said, some of the Villa fans on Twitter leave a lot to be desired too.I suppose i'd just slightly prefer Arsenal to do it through gritted teeth, but some of this lot certainly put the 'Arse' in Arsenal at the moment, none more than the bell end of a manager. Saying that Porto weren't much better.
I'll be honest I find Spurs fans worse. They have been utter pricks leading up to and post-game. Flooding about pages about cash and how we deserved the loss after McGinn's behaviour etc.
Such a detestable club
Yep, if you're on twitter you're part of the sewage flow, to be honest.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 13, 2024, 01:16:11 PM
Twitter is full of pricks, but yes the Arsenal and Spurs fans on there seem to be a particular type of breed. That said, some of the Villa fans on Twitter leave a lot to be desired too.I suppose i'd just slightly prefer Arsenal to do it through gritted teeth, but some of this lot certainly put the 'Arse' in Arsenal at the moment, none more than the bell end of a manager. Saying that Porto weren't much better.
I'll be honest I find Spurs fans worse. They have been utter pricks leading up to and post-game. Flooding about pages about cash and how we deserved the loss after McGinn's behaviour etc.
Such a detestable club
Yep, if you're on twitter you're part of the sewage flow, to be honest.
Im not sure if that was directed at me but im not in twitter never have been.
Im talking about avfc posts on fb and instagram. Flooded full of spurs losers
Post by: Dogtanian on March 13, 2024, 01:20:57 PM
Im not sure if that was directed at me but im not in twitter never have been.
Im talking about avfc posts on fb and instagram. Flooded full of spurs losers
I didn't mean to accuse you! It's more of a general belief about social media. Relative anonymity and little accountability has always brought about the worst in human nature.
Post by: Rory on March 13, 2024, 01:24:19 PM
Come on arsenal we need them to win
Yeah but fuck that shit, I want the ****** to lose.
No thanks. Id rather gurantee CL. They wont win it so thats all that matters
Not a value judgment, purely my own bitterness, but I'll never support an English team in Europe.
I bet you’ll stick to that til Thursday.
Haha yes, I forgot to add that little caveat!
Post by: Drummond on March 13, 2024, 01:34:37 PM
Im not sure if that was directed at me but im not in twitter never have been.
Im talking about avfc posts on fb and instagram. Flooded full of spurs losers
I didn't mean to accuse you! It's more of a general belief about social media. Relative anonymity and little accountability has always brought about the worst in human nature.
Like being on here then!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 13, 2024, 02:09:48 PM
We're all PSV tonight at least
Philips make decent products, and Bingo used to manage Dortmund. Easy decision to support them. ;)
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 13, 2024, 04:34:45 PM
We're all PSV tonight at least
Philips make decent products, and Bingo used to manage Dortmund. Easy decision to support them. ;)
True, but they’re big outsiders. I think it will be a good night for the Germans tomorrow and I haven’t got much faith in the kit stealers. I’m also a bit worried about us. At least 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' are through.
We’re half a point behind at the moment. Football Rankings on twitter is the place to go, and ESPN also have a good article about it that they keep updated as we go along.
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39054486/the-race-five-places-next-seasons-champions-league
Post by: eamonn on March 13, 2024, 05:39:35 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 13, 2024, 05:56:08 PM
It's page 100 of the thread and we haven't made the Champions League yet. Someone should fall for this.
The aim is to clinch our CL spot when we're on the 150th page.
Post by: enigma on March 13, 2024, 07:51:08 PM
It's page 100 of the thread and we haven't made the Champions League yet. Someone should fall for this.Is that on mobile? Page 60 for me.
Post by: eamonn on March 13, 2024, 09:04:25 PM
Post by: DB on March 13, 2024, 11:12:08 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 13, 2024, 11:16:15 PM
Open draw for the CL QFs, ideally, Eng teams kept part.
Fingers crossed for Man City v Bayern, Real Madrid v Dortmund, Arsenal v the worst team in it, whoever that is. European football experts feel free to chime in here, because I haven’t got a clue.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 14, 2024, 12:02:26 AM
Open draw for the CL QFs, ideally, Eng teams kept part.
Fingers crossed for Man City v Bayern, Real Madrid v Dortmund, Arsenal v the worst team in it, whoever that is. European experts feel free to chime in here, because I haven’t got a clue how to dress.
FTFY
Avoid uniforms is my tip. As for qualification for the CL, may I suggest we finish in the top 4. ;)
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 14, 2024, 12:17:20 AM
Open draw for the CL QFs, ideally, Eng teams kept part.
Fingers crossed for Man City v Bayern, Real Madrid v Dortmund, Arsenal v the worst team in it, whoever that is. European experts feel free to chime in here, because I haven’t got a clue how to dress.
FTFY
Avoid uniforms is my tip. As for qualification for the CL, may I suggest we finish in the top 4. ;)
Fucking winker.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on March 14, 2024, 12:12:25 PM
Open draw for the CL QFs, ideally, Eng teams kept part.
Fingers crossed for Man City v Bayern, Real Madrid v Dortmund, Arsenal v the worst team in it, whoever that is. European experts feel free to chime in here, because I haven’t got a clue how to dress.
FTFY
Avoid uniforms is my tip. As for qualification for the CL, may I suggest we finish in the top 4. ;)
This is all that needs to be said.
Post by: Dogtanian on March 14, 2024, 12:13:31 PM
If so, then a win for us and Liverpool would increase England to 15.750, and a win for Bayer Leverkusen would get them to 16.356?
So reducing the gap would hinge on WHAM! being able to win by two goals tonight to get a maximum of 0.375 and stop Germany getting an extra 0.428?
Mind, a win on the night for Brighton would still get us 0.250, even if they're knocked out?
Or have I got the whole thing completely wrong?
Post by: Pat Mustard on March 14, 2024, 12:32:56 PM
Am I right in thinking that there are 3 points per team on offer tonight? Two points for a win and a bonus point for progression to the next round. And that those points are effectively divided by the number of teams we've had in europe this season? So, eight for us and seven for Germany.
If so, then a win for us and Liverpool would increase England to 15.750, and a win for Bayer Leverkusen would get them to 16.356?
So reducing the gap would hinge on WHAM! being able to win by two goals tonight to get a maximum of 0.375 and stop Germany getting an extra 0.428?
Mind, a win on the night for Brighton would still get us 0.250, even if they're knocked out?
Or have I got the whole thing completely wrong?
Who said football isn't as exciting as in the olden days?
Post by: paul_e on March 14, 2024, 12:39:56 PM
Am I right in thinking that there are 3 points per team on offer tonight? Two points for a win and a bonus point for progression to the next round. And that those points are effectively divided by the number of teams we've had in europe this season? So, eight for us and seven for Germany.
If so, then a win for us and Liverpool would increase England to 15.750, and a win for Bayer Leverkusen would get them to 16.356?
So reducing the gap would hinge on WHAM! being able to win by two goals tonight to get a maximum of 0.375 and stop Germany getting an extra 0.428?
Mind, a win on the night for Brighton would still get us 0.250, even if they're knocked out?
Or have I got the whole thing completely wrong?
mostly right but we can't get a bonus point tonight, that doesn't apply to this round of the conference league.
Post by: Dogtanian on March 14, 2024, 12:49:53 PM
mostly right but we can't get a bonus point tonight, that doesn't apply to this round of the conference league.
Cheers.
They've put that in specifically to annoy us, no doubt. >:(
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 14, 2024, 01:53:56 PM
mostly right but we can't get a bonus point tonight, that doesn't apply to this round of the conference league.
Cheers.
They've put that in specifically to annoy us, no doubt. >:(
It's more to help Spurs, obviously.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on March 14, 2024, 01:56:22 PM
In which case, no 5th spot would actually help us, as it means slamming the door shut behind us, not letting Spurs or Man Utd in! 😉💪🏻
Post by: Dave on March 14, 2024, 04:55:32 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 14, 2024, 05:01:16 PM
Come on then West Ham, needs must.
Indeed and ideally a few key injuries for Sunday.
Post by: Dave on March 14, 2024, 05:10:39 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 14, 2024, 06:50:13 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 14, 2024, 07:28:07 PM
Post by: OCD on March 14, 2024, 07:28:33 PM
Post by: Dave on March 14, 2024, 07:41:33 PM
Quote
🏴 West Ham are about to move England towards the extra Champions League spot!
🚨 If they eliminate Freiburg, they will add +0.375 points to England, and increase chances for extra Champions League spot from 70% to 85%!
🇩🇪 Germany would go down to 20%.
Post by: Bad English on March 14, 2024, 07:53:38 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 14, 2024, 09:57:22 PM
Qarabag have bottled that
Post by: Somniloquism on March 14, 2024, 10:22:33 PM
Bloody leukeusen score twice in injury time. Ffs
Qarabag have bottled that
I suppose that is one interpretation on a team losing late to one that hasn't lost a competitive match all season. The other one might be said undefeated team are good at no losing matches.
Of course it will be interesting when it is Highbeams v his potential replacement.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 14, 2024, 11:03:27 PM
Bloody leukeusen score twice in injury time. Ffs
Qarabag have bottled that
Being down to 10 men after a dubious red probably didn't help.
Post by: Dave on March 14, 2024, 11:07:03 PM
Quote
Italy and England are going towards securing extra Champions League spots!
🇮🇹 Italy added +1.143 points today!
🏴 England added +1.250 points today!
🇩🇪 Germany added +0.428 points today!
- Amazing comeback by Bayer Leverkusen kept Germany still alive in this race!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GIqbfJAWcAAzzyw?format=jpg)
I reckon at this point Bayern and Leverkusen pretty much need to win their tournaments or it's done.
Hard to see how all of us, Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Man City don't get more victories combined than Dortmund and the two above.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 15, 2024, 07:04:26 AM
QuoteItaly and England are going towards securing extra Champions League spots!
🇮🇹 Italy added +1.143 points today!
🏴 England added +1.250 points today!
🇩🇪 Germany added +0.428 points today!
- Amazing comeback by Bayer Leverkusen kept Germany still alive in this race!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GIqbfJAWcAAzzyw?format=jpg)
I reckon at this point Bayern and Leverkusen pretty much need to win their tournaments or it's done.
Hard to see how all of us, Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Man City don't get more victories combined than Dortmund and the two above.
We really do need liverpool and west ham to do well in europa. Same with citeh and arsenal. Hopefully the latter lose in semis and its spanish clubs in final. It was vital we won yesterday for CL 5th spot.
Post by: Dogtanian on March 15, 2024, 08:09:30 AM
It's a shame Qarabag couldn't get the result, but that was always going to be a long shot.
Post by: DB on March 15, 2024, 09:33:33 AM
Post by: AV82EC on March 15, 2024, 09:34:27 AM
I am right if Spammers win the UEFA Cup they will get the 5th CL place? Long shot I know...
No its separate and means we’d have 6 clubs in it.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 15, 2024, 10:09:43 AM
I am right if Spammers win the UEFA Cup they will get the 5th CL place? Long shot I know...
No its separate and means we’d have 6 clubs in it.
Wolves fans think that if England gets the second coefficient spot then 8th will be a UECL spot, so they were cheering on West Ham last night.
Post by: Risso on March 15, 2024, 10:13:45 AM
Wolves fans think that if England gets the second coefficient spot then 8th will be a UECL spot, so they were cheering on West Ham last night.
They said something to that effect on the TNT coverage last night, is it not the case?
Post by: eamonn on March 15, 2024, 10:13:46 AM
Post by: Dave on March 15, 2024, 10:16:07 AM
Qarabag really harshly done over by Anthony Taylor. He looked at the pitchside monitor for ages deciding if their defender was the last man denying a goal-scoring opportunity when Leverkusen counter-attacked. There was another defender getting back but Taylor must have decided he was too far away and changed the yellow to a red.
Although the video is really funny. He goes to the player and gestures that he is striking out the yellow card. The player is thrilled, thinks the whole thing has been overturned and goes to high-five Taylor in celebration.
Then Taylor pulls out the red.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 15, 2024, 10:40:27 AM
Post by: Dave on March 15, 2024, 11:13:04 AM
So that'll probably have quite a big bearing on those points.
Come on your Gunners. Urgh.
Atletico Madrid - Dortmund
Real Madrid - Man City
Atletico should do Dortmund.
Post by: Risso on March 15, 2024, 11:15:10 AM
Post by: Dave on March 15, 2024, 11:20:17 AM
I can't get too excited about the coefficients yet, we might end up hoping for all these English teams to do well only for it to be Spurs and Man U who finish 4th and 5th.
But while it feels that we are more likely to finish fifth than fourth I'm quite comfortable rooting for fifth to open up.
If ManYoo go on a sparkling run of form and we carry on with our shitting-the-bed-in-the-league strategy, then I'm happy to move away from that position.
Post by: Dogtanian on March 15, 2024, 11:23:40 AM
Post by: Ads on March 15, 2024, 11:24:38 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on March 15, 2024, 11:26:24 AM
Be funny when Fulham do them tomorrow and we beat West Ham.
Fingers crossed.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 15, 2024, 11:27:23 AM
Be funny when Fulham do them tomorrow and we beat West Ham.
Let’s hope so. It’s going to be a tough game for us with our absences and them having all their key players back.
Post by: eamonn on March 15, 2024, 11:28:20 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 15, 2024, 11:28:20 AM
Arsenal vs Bayern
So that'll probably have quite a big bearing on those points.
Come on your Gunners. Urgh.
Atletico Madrid - Dortmund
Real Madrid - Man City
Atletico should do Dortmund.
Semi Brackets are
Quote
Atletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund v Paris St-Germain or Barcelona
Arsenal or Bayern Munich v Real Madrid or Manchester City
So not an all English final but could be an all german one.
Post by: AV82EC on March 15, 2024, 11:29:13 AM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 15, 2024, 11:30:09 AM
Arsenal vs Bayern
So that'll probably have quite a big bearing on those points.
Come on your Gunners. Urgh.
Atletico Madrid - Dortmund
Real Madrid - Man City
Atletico should do Dortmund.
Semi Brackets areQuoteAtletico Madrid or Borussia Dortmund v Paris St-Germain or Barcelona
Arsenal or Bayern Munich v Real Madrid or Manchester City
So not an all English final but could be an all german one.
Yeah, the draw could have been kinder to us.
Post by: Dogtanian on March 15, 2024, 11:31:48 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 15, 2024, 11:32:33 AM
There’s no way Bayern and Dortmund are getting to the final.
I don't expect it as well, but both must fancy their chances of Semi places at least, especially with Kane going up against The Arse.
Post by: Dogtanian on March 15, 2024, 11:33:38 AM
There’s no way Bayern and Dortmund are getting to the final.
I don't expect it as well, but both must fancy their chances of Semi places at least, especially with Kane going up against The Arse.
There were people paying for that in Amsterdam.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 15, 2024, 11:37:04 AM
So we have two cracks at Bayern. If they get past Arsefull they could face Max Cheaty.
Real are probably the only team who could stop Man City though, could have done with that being the final and enjoying Man City losing.
Post by: Dave on March 15, 2024, 11:38:43 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 15, 2024, 11:42:43 AM
I can't get too excited about the coefficients yet, we might end up hoping for all these English teams to do well only for it to be Spurs and Man U who finish 4th and 5th.
But while it feels that we are more likely to finish fifth than fourth I'm quite comfortable rooting for fifth to open up.
If ManYoo go on a sparkling run of form and we carry on with our shitting-the-bed-in-the-league strategy, then I'm happy to move away from that position.
That's where I am atm, happy enough with the draw. Bet Atlético fans are even happier with it though.
Post by: Risso on March 15, 2024, 11:43:00 AM
Be funny when Fulham do them tomorrow and we beat West Ham.
Both of those would be lovely. Our lack of a midfield is going to bite us on the arse though I reckon.
Post by: OCD on March 15, 2024, 11:43:56 AM
Post by: Dave on March 15, 2024, 12:11:48 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 15, 2024, 12:12:12 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 15, 2024, 12:14:47 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 15, 2024, 12:16:10 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 15, 2024, 12:16:22 PM
In the Europa, as long as Leverkusen don't draw West Ham I think anything is fine.
Ah... 😀
Post by: DB on March 15, 2024, 12:16:28 PM
I was hoping Bayern and Dortmund would be drawn together.
That means 1 goes through...at least with the draw there is a chance both are knocked out.
Post by: DB on March 15, 2024, 12:16:41 PM
In the Europa, as long as Leverkusen don't draw West Ham I think anything is fine.
Ah... 😀
Oops.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 15, 2024, 12:16:42 PM
Post by: Dave on March 15, 2024, 12:20:15 PM
In the Europa, as long as Leverkusen don't draw West Ham I think anything is fine.
Ah... 😀
Oops.
West Ham will just have to do better than Qarabag then.
Post by: jwarry on March 15, 2024, 12:35:02 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 15, 2024, 12:35:39 PM
Post by: Rigadon on March 15, 2024, 12:41:38 PM
Wolves fans think that if England gets the second coefficient spot then 8th will be a UECL spot, so they were cheering on West Ham last night.
They said something to that effect on the TNT coverage last night, is it not the case?
Well, the conference league was designed initially for little clubs from developing nations, so...
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 15, 2024, 12:45:04 PM
RCF might have to cheer for Benfica again come semi-final time.
Easy tiger! Last night was an exception. Not sure I can cheer FDPSLB again.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 15, 2024, 05:09:19 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 16, 2024, 08:19:48 AM
Post by: jon collett on March 16, 2024, 09:39:40 AM
Not as confident of the fifth place coming to England as I was before the draw. West Ham underdogs, Arsenal flakey and a tough game for Man City. Tough tie for us to contribute towards it as well.
So depressing I have to want these sides to win,
It’s the 1983 Cup Final all over again!
Post by: Smirker on March 16, 2024, 07:48:41 PM
Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 16, 2024, 07:50:20 PM
Post by: Smirker on March 16, 2024, 07:52:02 PM
Let’s see if we win first.
Of course but how many saw that coming?
We're better.
Quote me on it we're finishing top 4 and the CL anthem will be ringing round VP next season.
Post by: Ads on March 16, 2024, 08:02:20 PM
Be funny when Fulham do them tomorrow and we beat West Ham.
It's funny now. Let's hope it gets funnier.
Post by: Smirker on March 16, 2024, 08:02:54 PM
Be funny when Fulham do them tomorrow and we beat West Ham.
It's funny now. Let's hope it gets funnier.
Respect 🤝
Post by: Dogtanian on March 16, 2024, 09:10:05 PM
Post by: coreyfeldman on March 16, 2024, 09:15:01 PM
I don't mean to be the annoying poster who quotes when they get things right but after the response to last week...Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
If we make up 9 points on the too 3 I'll eat a fistful of my own doings
Post by: ldavfc4eva on March 16, 2024, 09:16:16 PM
Post by: Smirker on March 16, 2024, 09:24:20 PM
I don't mean to be the annoying poster who quotes when they get things right but after the response to last week...Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
If we make up 9 points on the too 3 I'll eat a fistful of my own doings
Its 8 but I can easily see Arsenal's title challenge drifting away like a fart in the wind
Post by: algy on March 16, 2024, 09:39:21 PM
And we've still got to play them, so win that (easier said than done, but...) and it's 5pts. Which is a couple of fuck ups.I don't mean to be the annoying poster who quotes when they get things right but after the response to last week...Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
If we make up 9 points on the too 3 I'll eat a fistful of my own doings
Its 8 but I can easily see Arsenal's title challenge drifting away like a fart in the wind
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on March 16, 2024, 09:46:03 PM
And we've still got to play them, so win that (easier said than done, but...) and it's 5pts. Which is a couple of fuck ups.I don't mean to be the annoying poster who quotes when they get things right but after the response to last week...Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
If we make up 9 points on the too 3 I'll eat a fistful of my own doings
Its 8 but I can easily see Arsenal's title challenge drifting away like a fart in the wind
Also Arsenal go to Man City end of the month.
Post by: Corleone on March 16, 2024, 09:46:18 PM
I don't mean to be the annoying poster who quotes when they get things right but after the response to last week...Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
If we make up 9 points on the too 3 I'll eat a fistful of my own doings
Its 8 but I can easily see Arsenal's title challenge drifting away like a fart in the wind
If they do i can imagine Elton John writing a song about it
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 16, 2024, 09:56:01 PM
I don't mean to be the annoying poster who quotes when they get things right but after the response to last week...Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
I was stunned at the certainty that England would not be awarded the extra CL place and that we wouldn’t get it anyway. Even the betting odds are massively in our favour, but some posters on here are convinced we’ll defy them.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 16, 2024, 11:51:04 PM
I don't mean to be the annoying poster who quotes when they get things right but after the response to last week...Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
I was stunned at the certainty that England would not be awarded the extra CL place and that we wouldn’t get it anyway. Even the betting odds are massively in our favour, but some posters on here are convinced we’ll defy them.
The odds just reflect where punters are putting their money, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on that.
It's the same reason England will be favourites to win the Euros. Because hundreds of thousands of once-a-year mug punters are putting their fiver there.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 17, 2024, 05:02:42 AM
I don't mean to be the annoying poster who quotes when they get things right but after the response to last week...Writing off top 4 because of one loss is silly.
Spurs are easily capable of losing their next game.
See. I could genuinely see that coming when I saw they were away to a London PL team. Spurs aren't as good as we are. We're finishing 4th or 3rd.
I was stunned at the certainty that England would not be awarded the extra CL place and that we wouldn’t get it anyway. Even the betting odds are massively in our favour, but some posters on here are convinced we’ll defy them.
The odds just reflect where punters are putting their money, I wouldn't put too much emphasis on that.
It's the same reason England will be favourites to win the Euros. Because hundreds of thousands of once-a-year mug punters are putting their fiver there.
Fair enough. So Man Utd being 14/1 to finish top four while we were 13/8 was because our vast, worldwide army of fans/mug punters have lumped on it while the insignificant number of dyed-in-the-wool Mancs who support them have understandably failed to move the needle on their odds? Got it, thanks.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 17, 2024, 09:08:17 AM
Looking at spurs they also have a chelsea game somewhere to go. Hopefully its sandwiched inbetween that four game tough run they have coming up and not before the last two easy games which i expect they will win both
(https://i.ibb.co/jZRShjj/Screenshot-20240317-090502-Facebook.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jZRShjj)
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 17, 2024, 05:05:42 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 17, 2024, 05:29:57 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 17, 2024, 05:32:05 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 17, 2024, 05:36:31 PM
But we need to show a better level between now and the end of the season.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 17, 2024, 06:29:49 PM
We have to win as its citeh away next which we are likely to get nothing
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 17, 2024, 06:33:21 PM
That wolves game is HUGE. It's a saturday night game 5.30 ko so atmosphere should be excellent fingees crossed. The only downer is wolves will want to out that sky blose result right so i expect they will be really up for this one.
Apparently* they've won every game after losing, so time to break that run.
*Per Molineux Mix, can't be arsed checking if it's true.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 17, 2024, 06:36:16 PM
That wolves game is HUGE. It's a saturday night game 5.30 ko so atmosphere should be excellent fingees crossed. The only downer is wolves will want to out that sky blose result right so i expect they will be really up for this one.
Apparently* they've won every game after losing, so time to break that run.
*Per Molineux Mix, can't be arsed checking if it's true.
Yeah it’s not true. I’ve only checked start of the season and they lost back to back Manure and Brighton.
Post by: London Villan on March 17, 2024, 06:41:56 PM
Post by: AV82EC on March 17, 2024, 06:42:52 PM
Is netto injured?
Apparently…
Post by: Richard E on March 17, 2024, 06:47:02 PM
That wolves game is HUGE. It's a saturday night game 5.30 ko so atmosphere should be excellent fingees crossed. The only downer is wolves will want to out that sky blose result right so i expect they will be really up for this one.
Apparently* they've won every game after losing, so time to break that run.
*Per Molineux Mix, can't be arsed checking if it's true.
Yeah it’s not true. I’ve only checked start of the season and they lost back to back Manure and Brighton.
We’d won the next premier league game after losing the previous one every time until today.
Post by: Richard E on March 17, 2024, 06:47:23 PM
Is netto injured?
Apparently…
Missing the rest of the season.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 17, 2024, 06:51:43 PM
Post by: brontebilly on March 17, 2024, 06:57:55 PM
That wolves game is HUGE. Its a saturday night game 5.30 ko so atmosphere should be excellent fingees crossed. The only downer is wolves will want to out that sky blose result right so i expect they will be really up for this one.
We have to win as its citeh away next which we are likely to get nothing
They will be hugely up for it anyway and our home from has been very mixed of late. A sensible starting lineup would be a big help! Tottenham will surely beat Luton at home earlier that day.
Need Ramsey back on the left.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 17, 2024, 07:20:46 PM
NB - I do not necessarily mean tiredness through so many games (although it's been a bit tense lately), I mean I think we are suffering from feeling the mental load of maintaining our position in the top 4 over a period of time. For months we've had a situation where every point dropped is potentially extremely costly, and that's a heavy mental load to bear, it's a lot of pressure. We look guarded at times in our play, and have lost a little bit of the confidence with which we've put some brilliant moves together earlier in the season. It's like the pressure is getting to us a little, and the performances are frequently nowhere near as good as they have been.
On top of that, we're really starting to feel the injuries and now a key suspension, too. We have a good group of centre halves and full backs, but we must have been forced to play every combination of them at some point this season, due to injury. The only one who doesn't seem to have been injured is Lenglet.
We also have three players out with ACLs, which is remarkably bad luck. We were lucky we had time to get in cover for Mings and Buendia, yeah but the fact is, had Mings and Buendia not been injured in the first place, we could have used that money to strengthen elsewhere, we were forced into those moves (and we know Lenglet is very expensive).
It has been an insanely enjoyable, crazy season thus far, but I really think it is going to be a case of absolutely grinding out the points from the remaining 9 matches, and dragging ourselves over the line.
It would be gutting if we didn't get CL qualification after all this, and gutting too if we don't win the Conference League, after having done so well.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 17, 2024, 07:27:39 PM
That wolves game is HUGE. It's a saturday night game 5.30 ko so atmosphere should be excellent fingees crossed. The only downer is wolves will want to out that sky blose result right so i expect they will be really up for this one.
Apparently* they've won every game after losing, so time to break that run.
*Per Molineux Mix, can't be arsed checking if it's true.
Yeah it’s not true. I’ve only checked start of the season and they lost back to back Manure and Brighton.
They must have meant this year, which doesn't have quite the same oomph when it's mid-March.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 17, 2024, 07:29:39 PM
I think we are suffering from a form of tiredness of late.
NB - I do not necessarily mean tiredness through so many games (although it's been a bit tense lately), I mean I think we are suffering from feeling the mental load of maintaining our position in the top 4 over a period of time. For months we've had a situation where every point dropped is potentially extremely costly, and that's a heavy mental load to bear, it's a lot of pressure. We look guarded at times in our play, and have lost a little bit of the confidence with which we've put some brilliant moves together earlier in the season. It's like the pressure is getting to us a little, and the performances are frequently nowhere near as good as they have been.
TBH I think the same that it is a mental tiredness rather then physical. Same thing hit Arsenal last year as well and this year they have learnt and bounced back this season so I really hope we have a similar response next season if we manage to finish fourth. The players (and fans) might feel it is more deserved then and that mental block will be removed.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 17, 2024, 07:29:50 PM
Post by: Monty on March 17, 2024, 07:30:31 PM
I think we are suffering from a form of tiredness of late.
NB - I do not necessarily mean tiredness through so many games (although it's been a bit tense lately), I mean I think we are suffering from feeling the mental load of maintaining our position in the top 4 over a period of time. For months we've had a situation where every point dropped is potentially extremely costly, and that's a heavy mental load to bear, it's a lot of pressure. We look guarded at times in our play, and have lost a little bit of the confidence with which we've put some brilliant moves together earlier in the season. It's like the pressure is getting to us a little, and the performances are frequently nowhere near as good as they have been.
On top of that, we're really starting to feel the injuries and now a key suspension, too. We have a good group of centre halves and full backs, but we must have been forced to play every combination of them at some point this season, due to injury. The only one who doesn't seem to have been injured is Lenglet.
We also have three players out with ACLs, which is remarkably bad luck. We were lucky we had time to get in cover for Mings and Buendia, yeah but the fact is, had Mings and Buendia not been injured in the first place, we could have used that money to strengthen elsewhere, we were forced into those moves (and we know Lenglet is very expensive).
It has been an insanely enjoyable, crazy season thus far, but I really think it is going to be a case of absolutely grinding out the points from the remaining 9 matches, and dragging ourselves over the line.
It would be gutting if we didn't get CL qualification after all this, and gutting too if we don't win the Conference League, after having done so well.
Yeah I agree with all of this.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 17, 2024, 07:30:38 PM
That wolves game is HUGE. It's a saturday night game 5.30 ko so atmosphere should be excellent fingees crossed. The only downer is wolves will want to out that sky blose result right so i expect they will be really up for this one.
Apparently* they've won every game after losing, so time to break that run.
*Per Molineux Mix, can't be arsed checking if it's true.
Yeah it’s not true. I’ve only checked start of the season and they lost back to back Manure and Brighton.
I heard they're bitter small time cunts. I've checked, and it's true.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 17, 2024, 07:40:13 PM
I think we are suffering from a form of tiredness of late.
NB - I do not necessarily mean tiredness through so many games (although it's been a bit tense lately), I mean I think we are suffering from feeling the mental load of maintaining our position in the top 4 over a period of time. For months we've had a situation where every point dropped is potentially extremely costly, and that's a heavy mental load to bear, it's a lot of pressure. We look guarded at times in our play, and have lost a little bit of the confidence with which we've put some brilliant moves together earlier in the season. It's like the pressure is getting to us a little, and the performances are frequently nowhere near as good as they have been.
On top of that, we're really starting to feel the injuries and now a key suspension, too. We have a good group of centre halves and full backs, but we must have been forced to play every combination of them at some point this season, due to injury. The only one who doesn't seem to have been injured is Lenglet.
We also have three players out with ACLs, which is remarkably bad luck. We were lucky we had time to get in cover for Mings and Buendia, yeah but the fact is, had Mings and Buendia not been injured in the first place, we could have used that money to strengthen elsewhere, we were forced into those moves (and we know Lenglet is very expensive).
It has been an insanely enjoyable, crazy season thus far, but I really think it is going to be a case of absolutely grinding out the points from the remaining 9 matches, and dragging ourselves over the line.
It would be gutting if we didn't get CL qualification after all this, and gutting too if we don't win the Conference League, after having done so well.
Yeah I agree with all of this.
Me too, I think we’re mentally and physically tired and have done astoundingly well considering our injuries and how much less time we’ve had to build a squad compared to those we’re competing with.
I really didn’t think we’d do much after Mings’ injury - I woke up in the middle of the night thinking how unfair life is - but we’ve coped magnificently with his and and all the other injuries. Well done so far lads!
Post by: Villan82 on March 17, 2024, 07:49:59 PM
I think we are suffering from a form of tiredness of late.
NB - I do not necessarily mean tiredness through so many games (although it's been a bit tense lately), I mean I think we are suffering from feeling the mental load of maintaining our position in the top 4 over a period of time. For months we've had a situation where every point dropped is potentially extremely costly, and that's a heavy mental load to bear, it's a lot of pressure. We look guarded at times in our play, and have lost a little bit of the confidence with which we've put some brilliant moves together earlier in the season. It's like the pressure is getting to us a little, and the performances are frequently nowhere near as good as they have been.
On top of that, we're really starting to feel the injuries and now a key suspension, too. We have a good group of centre halves and full backs, but we must have been forced to play every combination of them at some point this season, due to injury. The only one who doesn't seem to have been injured is Lenglet.
We also have three players out with ACLs, which is remarkably bad luck. We were lucky we had time to get in cover for Mings and Buendia, yeah but the fact is, had Mings and Buendia not been injured in the first place, we could have used that money to strengthen elsewhere, we were forced into those moves (and we know Lenglet is very expensive).
It has been an insanely enjoyable, crazy season thus far, but I really think it is going to be a case of absolutely grinding out the points from the remaining 9 matches, and dragging ourselves over the line.
It would be gutting if we didn't get CL qualification after all this, and gutting too if we don't win the Conference League, after having done so well.
Yeah I agree with all of this.
Me too, I think we’re mentally and physically tired and have done astoundingly well considering our injuries and how much less time we’ve had to build a squad compared to those we’re competing with.
I really didn’t think we’d do much after Mings’ injury - I woke up in the middle of the night thinking how unfair life is - but we’ve coped magnificently with his and and all the other injuries. Well done so far lads!
I agree wholeheartedly and I think we should remember all of the above. Unai has worked miracles given the injuries.
Post by: Lsvilla on March 17, 2024, 07:50:46 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 17, 2024, 07:51:11 PM
Me too, I think we’re mentally and physically tired and have done astoundingly well considering our injuries and how much less time we’ve had to build a squad compared to those we’re competing with.
Agree with all that. I'd also say that, given his attention to detail, playing for Emery is probably more mentally draining than say Dean Smith, or even Poch. Not that I'd want Super Unai to change.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 17, 2024, 07:52:03 PM
Spurs are scheduled to play Citeh on semi final weekend so that's another game they'll have to back up. Can't even play the Chelsea game then as they're obviously also still in the cup. Although they get the weekend off they'll have to fit those two tough fixtures into a short window.
Thats great news
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on March 17, 2024, 08:11:36 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 17, 2024, 09:43:29 PM
Worth noting that although our home form as nosedived, we’re going to get to April unbeaten away from home in 2024.
Perfect as the next ones citeh. Im sure we can forgive the players if they dont win that one
Post by: OCD on March 17, 2024, 09:44:52 PM
Worth noting that although our home form as nosedived, we’re going to get to April unbeaten away from home in 2024.
Perfect as the next ones citeh. Im sure we can forgive the players if they dont win that one
Speak for yourself, I'm expecting an upset.
Post by: LeonW on March 17, 2024, 09:46:45 PM
Post by: Smirker on March 17, 2024, 10:58:12 PM
Worth noting that although our home form as nosedived, we’re going to get to April unbeaten away from home in 2024.
Perfect as the next ones citeh. Im sure we can forgive the players if they dont win that one
Speak for yourself, I'm expecting an upset.
Same here. Backing us to win that one.
Post by: Drummond on March 17, 2024, 11:15:30 PM
Is netto injured?
Apparently…
Yep, well every Lidl helps.
Post by: brontebilly on March 18, 2024, 12:09:00 AM
I think we are suffering from a form of tiredness of late.
NB - I do not necessarily mean tiredness through so many games (although it's been a bit tense lately), I mean I think we are suffering from feeling the mental load of maintaining our position in the top 4 over a period of time. For months we've had a situation where every point dropped is potentially extremely costly, and that's a heavy mental load to bear, it's a lot of pressure. We look guarded at times in our play, and have lost a little bit of the confidence with which we've put some brilliant moves together earlier in the season. It's like the pressure is getting to us a little, and the performances are frequently nowhere near as good as they have been.
On top of that, we're really starting to feel the injuries and now a key suspension, too. We have a good group of centre halves and full backs, but we must have been forced to play every combination of them at some point this season, due to injury. The only one who doesn't seem to have been injured is Lenglet.
We also have three players out with ACLs, which is remarkably bad luck. We were lucky we had time to get in cover for Mings and Buendia, yeah but the fact is, had Mings and Buendia not been injured in the first place, we could have used that money to strengthen elsewhere, we were forced into those moves (and we know Lenglet is very expensive).
It has been an insanely enjoyable, crazy season thus far, but I really think it is going to be a case of absolutely grinding out the points from the remaining 9 matches, and dragging ourselves over the line.
It would be gutting if we didn't get CL qualification after all this, and gutting too if we don't win the Conference League, after having done so well.
If the worst was to happen and we slip out of contention, I think we might look back at the failure to get in someone to challenge Ramsey for that spot on the left as key. He's been injured all season really and maybe the biggest loss of the lot. No one we have tried there has really impressed and it has impacted Moreno's form too, once he finally got fit. Even if Ramsey does come back for Wolves he tends to need a few games to find his feet after injury.
I think we need a Diaby or someone to catch fire for the rest of the season for us to finish strong. The likes of Luiz, Bailey and Watkins have carried us all season and I fear that fatigue might kick in soon. McGinn will come back strong no doubt but he will be out of position to show his very best.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 18, 2024, 07:09:30 AM
I think we are suffering from a form of tiredness of late.
NB - I do not necessarily mean tiredness through so many games (although it's been a bit tense lately), I mean I think we are suffering from feeling the mental load of maintaining our position in the top 4 over a period of time. For months we've had a situation where every point dropped is potentially extremely costly, and that's a heavy mental load to bear, it's a lot of pressure. We look guarded at times in our play, and have lost a little bit of the confidence with which we've put some brilliant moves together earlier in the season. It's like the pressure is getting to us a little, and the performances are frequently nowhere near as good as they have been.
On top of that, we're really starting to feel the injuries and now a key suspension, too. We have a good group of centre halves and full backs, but we must have been forced to play every combination of them at some point this season, due to injury. The only one who doesn't seem to have been injured is Lenglet.
We also have three players out with ACLs, which is remarkably bad luck. We were lucky we had time to get in cover for Mings and Buendia, yeah but the fact is, had Mings and Buendia not been injured in the first place, we could have used that money to strengthen elsewhere, we were forced into those moves (and we know Lenglet is very expensive).
It has been an insanely enjoyable, crazy season thus far, but I really think it is going to be a case of absolutely grinding out the points from the remaining 9 matches, and dragging ourselves over the line.
It would be gutting if we didn't get CL qualification after all this, and gutting too if we don't win the Conference League, after having done so well.
I think there is good good points there however its only going to get tougher from here next season. If we get CL we dont want to be like newcastle are now. Out and no chance to achieve CL football again next season. Furthermore the games will be a lot tougher in CL so us and the players better get use to that pressure. Thats how the top sides stay successful
Post by: Somniloquism on March 18, 2024, 08:36:01 AM
Last season Arse wilted under similar pressure and didn't even have two games a week to worry about in the second half of the season. This year they are more mentally strong and it is showing in their push for the championship.
Post by: Hillbilly on March 18, 2024, 08:39:43 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 18, 2024, 08:46:34 AM
If the worst was to happen and we slip out of contention, I think we might look back at the failure to get in someone to challenge Ramsey for that spot on the left as key. He's been injured all season really and maybe the biggest loss of the lot. No one we have tried there has really impressed and it has impacted Moreno's form too, once he finally got fit. Even if Ramsey does come back for Wolves he tends to need a few games to find his feet after injury.
Whilst we can look back at Ramsey being missing all season now, at the time he was on target to be back 6 weeks into the season. So not getting cover in for someone we thought would be back and firing for all but one month of the campaign is understandable. However not getting a right back in to improve that side all season is the bigger failure and will be looked at as Cash either had to play every game and get blown, or he has messed with solid back four for our game plan to accomodate someone else there.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 18, 2024, 08:49:40 AM
Arse also spent nearly 200 million quid in the summer which probably helps.
Advantages of being in the Chumps league. Rice has definitely improved them, Havertz less so.
Post by: Rigadon on March 18, 2024, 09:07:23 AM
From Gary O’Neil.
“Premier League games with where we are at this moment are going to be really, really difficult,” O’Neil said. “Villa will probably have Ollie Watkins, [Moussa] Diaby, [Leon] Bailey, [Jacob] Ramsey, plus [Nicolò] Zaniolo and [Jhon] Durán to come off the bench”
I find him quite irritating.
Post by: oldtimernow on March 18, 2024, 09:23:04 AM
Without a dedicated match thread to put this in, this feels as good as anywhere.
From Gary O’Neil.
“Premier League games with where we are at this moment are going to be really, really difficult,” O’Neil said. “Villa will probably have Ollie Watkins, [Moussa] Diaby, [Leon] Bailey, [Jacob] Ramsey, plus [Nicolò] Zaniolo and [Jhon] Durán to come off the bench”
I find him quite irritating.
Mind games…
Post by: Rigadon on March 18, 2024, 09:44:16 AM
Without a dedicated match thread to put this in, this feels as good as anywhere.
From Gary O’Neil.
“Premier League games with where we are at this moment are going to be really, really difficult,” O’Neil said. “Villa will probably have Ollie Watkins, [Moussa] Diaby, [Leon] Bailey, [Jacob] Ramsey, plus [Nicolò] Zaniolo and [Jhon] Durán to come off the bench”
I find him quite irritating.
Mind games…
Probably. I half remember Sean Dyche trying the same 'oh Villa have spent a load of money' line before we played them. Wolves have some injuries apparently. Glad we haven't experienced anything like that.
Post by: LeeB on March 18, 2024, 09:46:12 AM
Post by: Rigadon on March 18, 2024, 09:52:45 AM
They were ok with mis-matched squads when they were importing Champions League players into the Championship through their dodgy mate.
Exactly!
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 18, 2024, 10:26:53 AM
Post by: sid1964 on March 18, 2024, 10:36:26 AM
Post by: Ads on March 18, 2024, 10:40:03 AM
If we only win say Wolves, Brentford and Bournemouth, that's still 7 games. Add in Palace, that's 8.
If you can see that, then fair enough.
Post by: eamonn on March 18, 2024, 10:51:40 AM
You rarely get away with that against top teams and in the league they still have to play Liverpool, Arsenal and Brighton who all tend to dominate possession. They have Chelsea and Newcastle too who are more their level. It's a tough run-in.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 18, 2024, 11:04:45 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 18, 2024, 11:08:50 AM
if we allow Manu to catch us we don't deserve anything.
Indeed, we’re going to have to do appallingly for that to happen. Can’t see it.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 18, 2024, 11:42:05 AM
if we allow Manu to catch us we don't deserve anything.
Indeed, we’re going to have to do appallingly for that to happen. Can’t see it.
Uh-oh!
They'd have to gain 10 points on us which seems unlikely, but never underestimate their spawniness and ability to sicken us.
Post by: LeeB on March 18, 2024, 11:49:05 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 18, 2024, 11:57:39 AM
if we allow Manu to catch us we don't deserve anything.
You always finish where you deserve in the league. Comments like this are akin to the old "we only stayed up because there were three teams worse than us". Well yeah, that's the whole point. Come May, we'll most likely either be the 4th, 5tn or 6th best team in the league over the whole season and that will be that
Post by: Baldy on March 18, 2024, 12:00:52 PM
Two extra games, big distraction, change of focus. Can only be good for us.
Plus, United are still shite.
Post by: Sdwbvf on March 18, 2024, 12:13:41 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 18, 2024, 12:16:14 PM
Two extra games, big distraction, change of focus. Can only be good for us.
Plus, United are still shite.
Then there's the mentality that the FA Cup and a Europa League spot wouldn't be a 'disaster' of a season for them.
Post by: Drummond on March 18, 2024, 01:46:17 PM
So current form mirrors the rest of the season.
Post by: langleylions on March 18, 2024, 02:12:57 PM
Post by: Rigadon on March 18, 2024, 02:29:59 PM
if we allow Manu to catch us we don't deserve anything.
Indeed, we’re going to have to do appallingly for that to happen. Can’t see it.
Uh-oh!
They'd have to gain 10 points on us which seems unlikely, but never underestimate their spawniness and ability to sicken us.
It would be ultimate 2-3. But we've got to buck the trend and this is the time we (finally) do it.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 18, 2024, 02:31:26 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 18, 2024, 02:34:21 PM
Post by: brontebilly on March 18, 2024, 04:16:31 PM
Man Utd, after the win yesterday, will be full of confidence and I can still see them getting top 4
Liverpool should have annihilated them in normal time. I don't see Man United going on any kind of a run.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 20, 2024, 12:51:07 AM
*I will suddenly believe the nutters who think he escaped to South America and will instead book plane tickets.
Post by: eamonn on March 20, 2024, 10:13:09 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 20, 2024, 10:16:33 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on March 20, 2024, 10:23:30 AM
I don't think we will, or should, do that.Nope, goal difference could be key.
Post by: eamonn on March 20, 2024, 10:36:47 AM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 20, 2024, 10:38:47 AM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on March 20, 2024, 11:10:39 AM
I just don't want us gassed coming-up against bullyboys Toney and Mbeumo. It took us years to finally beat these bastards, the trauma lingers.
Brentford are in poor form and not because of their bully boy players you mention, no, more to do with the rest of them who are anything but.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 20, 2024, 11:27:28 AM
Post by: coreyfeldman on March 20, 2024, 02:51:43 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 20, 2024, 03:02:58 PM
brentford have won something like 2 in 16, they're shite and riddled with injuries at the back. their front line has been decimated also with form and injuries and that was what carried them through last season
It has but don’t they have all their forwards back now?
Post by: Astnor on March 24, 2024, 05:03:02 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 24, 2024, 05:34:04 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 24, 2024, 06:18:55 PM
I have had a look at ours and Tottenhams remaining fixtures in the League. I reckon we win five and loose four and that they win five and loose five. We get fourth three points ahead of them. Easy.
In Astnor we trust! 8)
*Apart from the lose/loose bit, but English isn't his first language so it's forgivable.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 28, 2024, 07:23:42 PM
Post by: ez on March 29, 2024, 12:07:46 PM
Post by: AV82EC on March 29, 2024, 12:09:23 PM
Post by: Drummond on March 29, 2024, 11:47:50 PM
If we finish 4th and win the conference league would that benefit the clubs below us in any way?
I don't care! Haha!
(though the coefficient thingy would be boosted massively by us winning the competition thereby creating a further European place by virtue of the 5th place becoming Champs League and pushing the other qualifying spots down a rung in the league)
Post by: Demitri_C on March 30, 2024, 08:11:55 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 30, 2024, 08:14:18 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 30, 2024, 09:02:08 PM
Post by: Smirker on March 30, 2024, 09:21:40 PM
5th place will almost certainly do it.
But I want 4th.
But either way, we are now firmly in Aston Villa Big 6 era.
It's been a long road back but we're finally here.
We're now better than Chelsea and Man Utd. Two clubs who dominated the previous decade.
It is our time.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 30, 2024, 09:32:16 PM
We're obviously making the CL. We're not going to fuck it up now.
5th place will almost certainly do it.
I like your youthful enthusiasm, but could you at least wait ill the end of the Yanited game?
Post by: eamonn on March 30, 2024, 09:45:00 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 30, 2024, 10:03:20 PM
Post by: Smirker on March 30, 2024, 10:03:47 PM
We're obviously making the CL. We're not going to fuck it up now.
5th place will almost certainly do it.
I like your youthful enthusiasm, but could you at least wait ill the end of the Yanited game?
hehe
Close one 8)
Post by: Demitri_C on March 30, 2024, 10:04:17 PM
That equaliser for Brentford hopefully more or less finishes Manure.
Hopefully paul! Im still not going to count my chickens yet. If it was any other club id be thinking same. But this is manure the jammiest shittest club
Post by: Demitri_C on March 30, 2024, 10:08:33 PM
However we have 20 goal difference advantage over them so its more enough 12 or 9 if they win game in hand.
Man it would be a almighty collapse if they finish above us now
Post by: Dave on March 30, 2024, 10:46:42 PM
Labouring to a stressful late home win against Luton* then seeing us flick Wolves aside without really getting out of third gear, a team that did the double over them this season.
It's the sort of evening that we would use as cast-iron proof of why, had it been the other way around, they had a stronger squad, had a better mentality etc.
*I appreciate our last game against Luton wasn't as easy as it could have been.
Post by: SaddVillan on March 30, 2024, 10:54:48 PM
Points dropped from winning positions
Aston Villa 3
Liverpool 4
Fulham 7
Wolves 7
ManU 8
BHA 9
Arsenal 9
Man City 10
Everton 12
Chelsea 13
Toon 15
Sheff U 17
Spurs 18
Luton Town 19
WHU 19
Bournemouth 19
Burnley 20
Palace 20
Forest 21
Brentford 28
Post by: tomd2103 on March 30, 2024, 11:11:34 PM
That equaliser for Brentford hopefully more or less finishes Manure.
Hopefully paul! Im still not going to count my chickens yet. If it was any other club id be thinking same. But this is manure the jammiest shittest club
If we were in their place I'm not sure how hopeful we would be!
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on March 30, 2024, 11:39:56 PM
This was in an article in The Athletic this evening, not sure if it includes today's games, but it shows the importance of taking the lead.
Points dropped from winning positions
Aston Villa 3
Liverpool 4
Fulham 7
Wolves 7
ManU 8
BHA 9
Arsenal 9
Man City 10
Everton 12
Chelsea 13
Toon 15
Sheff U 17
Spurs 18
Luton Town 19
WHU 19
Bournemouth 19
Burnley 20
Palace 20
Forest 21
Brentford 28
Would have been perfect without that Yanited game.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 31, 2024, 12:48:29 AM
This was in an article in The Athletic this evening, not sure if it includes today's games, but it shows the importance of taking the lead.
Points dropped from winning positions
Aston Villa 3
Liverpool 4
Fulham 7
Wolves 7
ManU 8
BHA 9
Arsenal 9
Man City 10
Everton 12
Chelsea 13
Toon 15
Sheff U 17
Spurs 18
Luton Town 19
WHU 19
Bournemouth 19
Burnley 20
Palace 20
Forest 21
Brentford 28
This is why I can’t get upset over having the first leg at home in UECL, like seemingly all the podcasters are.
Post by: PhilVill on March 31, 2024, 06:34:34 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 31, 2024, 07:51:29 AM
This was in an article in The Athletic this evening, not sure if it includes today's games, but it shows the importance of taking the lead.
Points dropped from winning positions
Aston Villa 3
Liverpool 4
Fulham 7
Wolves 7
ManU 8
BHA 9
Arsenal 9
Man City 10
Everton 12
Chelsea 13
Toon 15
Sheff U 17
Spurs 18
Luton Town 19
WHU 19
Bournemouth 19
Burnley 20
Palace 20
Forest 21
Brentford 28
This is why I can’t get upset over having the first leg at home in UECL, like seemingly all the podcasters are.
Lille will park the bus at VP and feel confident to beat us at their place. Rather have second leg at home for sure. We have won all our home games in europe so far
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 31, 2024, 09:26:34 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 31, 2024, 09:29:10 AM
I’ll be honest when SJM got suspended I thought there was a real chance of 0 or 1 points from these 3 games. I’m pretty happy with 4 to date. Don’t expect anything from Citeh, but means Brentford is another huge game.
The only bonus is that mcginn will be raring fit after a big break.ik expecting a lit from mcginn when he returns.
Hopefully JJ can also return giving us more options in CM as we are light in this area
Post by: Dogtanian on March 31, 2024, 10:30:54 AM
Lille will park the bus at VP and feel confident to beat us at their place. Rather have second leg at home for sure. We have won all our home games in europe so far
I think we’ve only won one game away in europe too? Aside from the qualifier.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 31, 2024, 11:06:19 AM
Four wins will do it. I don't care if they are boring shit fests, just get 12 points. I'm no massive CL fan (although it would be nice next year), it's just to piss off the Utd/Spurs media love in if we get 4th.
Top 5 could well be done and dusted by next weekend if we beat Brentford. Yanited losing to Chelsea and Liverpool would leave them 14 points + GD behind us. Couldn't see them overturning that in 7 games.
Post by: VillaTim on March 31, 2024, 11:29:30 AM
We won in Alkmaar and Bosnia.Lille will park the bus at VP and feel confident to beat us at their place. Rather have second leg at home for sure. We have won all our home games in europe so far
I think we’ve only won one game away in europe too? Aside from the qualifier.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on March 31, 2024, 11:32:52 AM
We won in Alkmaar and Bosnia.Lille will park the bus at VP and feel confident to beat us at their place. Rather have second leg at home for sure. We have won all our home games in europe so far
I think we’ve only won one game away in europe too? Aside from the qualifier.
We drew 1-1 away to Mostar.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 31, 2024, 11:32:59 AM
We won in Alkmaar and Bosnia.Lille will park the bus at VP and feel confident to beat us at their place. Rather have second leg at home for sure. We have won all our home games in europe so far
I think we’ve only won one game away in europe too? Aside from the qualifier.
We drew in Bosnia. Won in Edinburgh.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 31, 2024, 11:36:22 AM
Post by: VillaTim on March 31, 2024, 11:37:08 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 31, 2024, 11:43:55 AM
This was in an article in The Athletic this evening, not sure if it includes today's games, but it shows the importance of taking the lead.
Points dropped from winning positions
Aston Villa 3
Liverpool 4
Fulham 7
Wolves 7
ManU 8
BHA 9
Arsenal 9
Man City 10
Everton 12
Chelsea 13
Toon 15
Sheff U 17
Spurs 18
Luton Town 19
WHU 19
Bournemouth 19
Burnley 20
Palace 20
Forest 21
Brentford 28
This is why I can’t get upset over having the first leg at home in UECL, like seemingly all the podcasters are.
Lille will park the bus at VP and feel confident to beat us at their place. Rather have second leg at home for sure. We have won all our home games in europe so far
Possibly. My point is our record after going in front in games is night and day compared to our record in going behind.
Post by: SaddVillan on March 31, 2024, 02:00:42 PM
Points gained from losing positions (up to 17th March)
Liverpool 23
Man City 21
Spurs 19
West Ham 15
Brighton 14
Villa 13
Bournemouth 12
Chelsea 12
Wolves 11
Brentford 9
Crystal P 9
Luton 9
Man U 9
Arsenal 8
Forest 6
Fulham 5
Everton 3
Newcastle 3
Sheff Utd 3
Burnley 1
Post by: AV82EC on March 31, 2024, 02:02:06 PM
Percy, you wondered how we'd done when we've gone behind.
Points gained from losing positions (up to 17th March)
Liverpool 23
Man City 21
Spurs 19
West Ham 15
Brighton 14
Villa 13
Bournemouth 12
Chelsea 12
Wolves 11
Brentford 9
Crystal P 9
Luton 9
Man U 9
Arsenal 8
Forest 6
Fulham 5
Everton 3
Newcastle 3
Sheff Utd 3
Burnley 1
That’s a lot better than I perceived it to be.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 01, 2024, 02:10:43 AM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on April 01, 2024, 10:52:48 AM
Emery has seemed to set the team up for the occasion. ie. Where we've had a big Premier League game looming, he's rested a few players or got us to stay in second gear (eg. Ajax away).
I think it will be different against Lille. He's the Jedi Master of European football and I have faith that he knows what he's doing. UTV
Post by: AV82EC on April 01, 2024, 11:10:11 AM
Post by: Monty on April 01, 2024, 11:43:59 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 01, 2024, 11:47:41 AM
Post by: Monty on April 01, 2024, 11:49:07 AM
Post by: Risso on April 01, 2024, 11:56:20 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 01, 2024, 12:00:29 PM
Percy, you wondered how we'd done when we've gone behind.
Points gained from losing positions (up to 17th March)
Liverpool 23
Man City 21
Spurs 19
West Ham 15
Brighton 14
Villa 13
Bournemouth 12
Chelsea 12
Wolves 11
Brentford 9
Crystal P 9
Luton 9
Man U 9
Arsenal 8
Forest 6
Fulham 5
Everton 3
Newcastle 3
Sheff Utd 3
Burnley 1
That’s a lot better than I perceived it to be.
Me too. But we’ve lost just 3 points from winning positions.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 01, 2024, 12:04:25 PM
Post by: Monty on April 01, 2024, 02:02:43 PM
Spurs have been just as patchy as us, in fact the only time they've looked better than us, was when they of course, played us. Other than that, since the start of Feb they needed a last minute winner to beat Brighton, lost at home to Wolves, made heavy weather of it against Palace, got smashed by Fulham, and needed a late winner against Luton. I think they will finish above us because their run in is much easier, but hopefully we'll push them close.
They've blown hot and cold but they looked pretty ominous against us and even against Luton, who to be fair they absolutely battered. Hopefully they can get back to dodgy form soon, but that's the position we're in.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 01, 2024, 09:37:05 PM
Spurs have been just as patchy as us, in fact the only time they've looked better than us, was when they of course, played us. Other than that, since the start of Feb they needed a last minute winner to beat Brighton, lost at home to Wolves, made heavy weather of it against Palace, got smashed by Fulham, and needed a late winner against Luton. I think they will finish above us because their run in is much easier, but hopefully we'll push them close.
Im convinced if spurs were in europe like we are they wouldnt even be in top 8. No europes certainly benefited them.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 01, 2024, 10:15:46 PM
Spurs have been just as patchy as us, in fact the only time they've looked better than us, was when they of course, played us. Other than that, since the start of Feb they needed a last minute winner to beat Brighton, lost at home to Wolves, made heavy weather of it against Palace, got smashed by Fulham, and needed a late winner against Luton. I think they will finish above us because their run in is much easier, but hopefully we'll push them close.
Im convinced if spurs were in europe like we are they wouldnt even be in top 8. No europes certainly benefited them.
Agree but probably counted against Brighton and Ammers this year.
We have handled it pretty well albeit in a lower quality competition.
Seeing what happened to the Toon and Salford Trafford we'd need to manage resources smartly between May and August this year more than ever should we qulaify for CL.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 01, 2024, 10:51:21 PM
I fancy West Ham to get a result against Spurs.
Let’s fucking hope so. If they’re going to do that they have to keep Antonio on the pitch.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 01, 2024, 10:54:57 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 02, 2024, 09:36:46 AM
Post by: eamonn on April 02, 2024, 09:49:29 AM
They've got West Ham, Newcastle and Liverpool away, and Man City and Arsenal at home. It's not a doddle for them.
Yep, can't see how that's any easier than ours.
Post by: Dave on April 02, 2024, 10:03:51 AM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 02, 2024, 10:14:05 AM
They've got West Ham, Newcastle and Liverpool away, and Man City and Arsenal at home. It's not a doddle for them.
Yep, can't see how that's any easier than ours.
I guess the fact they've got Forest, Burnley and Sheff U makes it easier on paper. Yes we've got some bottom half teams but those three are real dross.
Incidentally, we've got 6 of our last 8 opponents in common with Man U. There are a couple of differences in terms of home and away match ups. The two not in common for us are Man Citeh and Brentford (who they played Sat of course), while the three not in common for them are Newcastle, Burnley and Sheff U (those shite twats again).
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 02, 2024, 12:26:41 PM
They've been very fortunate, outplayed and still getting results. But we are still outscored them over recent weeks.
Looked through the scores and I was ultra negative for us, giving us less than a point per game. Also gave Manure 5 wins and 3 draws from their remaining 9 games.
And this would still see them finish behind us on goal difference.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 02, 2024, 12:41:17 PM
Starting to feel fairly confident that we will finish above Manure (for the first time since 1990).
They've been very fortunate, outplayed and still getting results. But we are still outscored them over recent weeks.
Looked through the scores and I was ultra negative for us, giving us less than a point per game. Also gave Manure 5 wins and 3 draws from their remaining 9 games.
And this would still see them finish behind us on goal difference.
The home games are the ones, particularly Brentford, Bournemouth and Chelsea. Not easy, but three we should be targeting really. Then there are Brighton and Palace away, which will hopefully will yield some points as well.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 02, 2024, 12:52:30 PM
Some doing by Emery.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 02, 2024, 01:35:29 PM
I forgot to make a note of it for his thread, but that Twitter account that posts probabilities (or what they've worked them out to be) says that us and Spurs winning and Man Utd dropping two points puts our chance at Top five at 94% now, with Man Utd only 12% to finish higher than sixth.
I think it’s Football Rankings Dave.
Post by: Dave on April 02, 2024, 01:45:39 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKE9_UaWQAA6ase?format=jpg)
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 02, 2024, 02:50:53 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 02, 2024, 03:27:37 PM
Spurs 20
Villa 17
Man Utd 17
Last 6 games
Villa 13
Spurs 12
Man Utd 10
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 02, 2024, 03:41:33 PM
Post by: Rigadon on April 02, 2024, 04:03:22 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 02, 2024, 05:50:50 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 02, 2024, 08:35:45 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 02, 2024, 09:15:38 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 02, 2024, 10:11:32 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 02, 2024, 10:12:55 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 02, 2024, 10:17:23 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 02, 2024, 11:04:40 PM
Post by: Dave on April 02, 2024, 11:09:37 PM
We drew at Wham too and most thought it was a good result for us, isn't it the same for Spurs?
That's probably more due to the late equaliser and the injury time disallowed goal for them. It was a good point in the context of the game.
Had we taken the lead, let them equalise and then plodded around for sixty minutes we probably wouldn't have seen it as a good result.
Post by: eamonn on April 02, 2024, 11:37:25 PM
Post by: Villan82 on April 02, 2024, 11:41:48 PM
Post by: Axl Rose on April 02, 2024, 11:49:15 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 03, 2024, 12:00:18 AM
Sure, but before both games a 1-1 apiece would be seen as the same for both teams and that's where I am with it. It's one game less for them to gain ground on us, I just don't trust Chelsea to do the business against them in their spare game.
They could have gone above us and they failed.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 03, 2024, 12:07:05 AM
We drew at Wham too and most thought it was a good result for us, isn't it the same for Spurs?
That's probably more due to the late equaliser and the injury time disallowed goal for them. It was a good point in the context of the game.
Had we taken the lead, let them equalise and then plodded around for sixty minutes we probably wouldn't have seen it as a good result.
A win for us tomorrow night would really set the cat amongst the fighting chickens.
Post by: LeeS on April 03, 2024, 09:25:05 AM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 03, 2024, 09:32:15 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 03, 2024, 09:41:21 AM
I'm not quite sure why people are so adamant that Chelsea won't do well though, (well actually I do but it seems those people are in self denial about being downers). Chelsea raise their game against "big" teams and one off matches. They beat Spurs 4-1 at Spurs, they drew with Man City twice, and Arse /Plop once each. So they can easily get points off Spurs.
Post by: Drummond on April 03, 2024, 10:00:50 AM
Post by: Monty on April 03, 2024, 10:05:57 AM
Post by: London Villan on April 03, 2024, 10:18:04 AM
Post by: DB on April 03, 2024, 10:55:07 AM
Post by: Monty on April 03, 2024, 10:55:48 AM
Must be killing Spuds fans that they will want Arsenal to progress in the CL by beating Bayern.
At least the more sensibly bitter ones would revel in Kane's potlessness.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 03, 2024, 10:59:33 AM
They were hammered by Fulham, it doesn't matter who the oppo is.
It seems to for them being as they are a midtable* team who only play well as one-off games and then play crap against teams around them.
* Or top 4 on xG (which is still wrong looking at a table I found).
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 03, 2024, 02:48:09 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 03, 2024, 04:11:02 PM
Win today and win v Arsenal then Title will be back into the contention thread !
Very unlikely to happen but I thought the same.
Welcome back, and hope you had a good Easter.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 03, 2024, 10:19:06 PM
We need to win at the weekend and we need to win well.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 03, 2024, 10:27:00 PM
*vomits*
Post by: Demitri_C on April 03, 2024, 10:28:57 PM
4 vs spurs
4 2nite
If we want CL this has to improve next year or we will get thumped in that competition. Conceding far too many goals in single games
Post by: Richard on April 03, 2024, 10:30:02 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 03, 2024, 10:33:50 PM
Post by: Villan82 on April 03, 2024, 10:35:04 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 03, 2024, 10:50:45 PM
Post by: Ads on April 03, 2024, 10:56:06 PM
Conceding 5 vs newcastle
4 vs spurs
4 2nite
If we want CL this has to improve next year or we will get thumped in that competition. Conceding far too many goals in single games
Moaning about a competition we're not even in? That's a new one.
Post by: Paul.S on April 03, 2024, 11:13:00 PM
Conceding 5 vs newcastle
4 vs spurs
4 2nite
If we want CL this has to improve next year or we will get thumped in that competition. Conceding far too many goals in single games
It’s a good job we’ve got someone in charge who knows a little bit about the game then.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 03, 2024, 11:20:28 PM
Conceding 5 vs newcastle
4 vs spurs
4 2nite
If we want CL this has to improve next year or we will get thumped in that competition. Conceding far too many goals in single games
Moaning about a competition we're not even in? That's a new one.
I would also mention that the format is play two matches from each "pot" and 8 different teams. So the chances are we get two really good teams, two poor ones and 4 in between. And we only need to finish in the top 24 (out of 32) to progress further in Europe, either in EL or CL. But even if we do get knocked out early, it is 40mil plus in money towards players (based on Newcastle's earning this season) and would also mean we had the second half of the season free to concentrate on improving league positions further.
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 03, 2024, 11:22:22 PM
There are hopefully mitigating factors that explain the selection tonight. But shipping 8 goals in the last couple of games against teams in and around us isn’t great, acknowledging though that we’re battling at a high level.
We need to win at the weekend and we need to win well.
Pretty confident we'll give a much better account of ourselves down at Arsenal and v Liverpool right at the end.
We'd have put out a stronger team if we were playing on Sunday but we aren't and 8.15pm to Sat 3pm is a tight turnaround so while it was a bit extreme for my liking there were genuine reasons.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 03, 2024, 11:27:34 PM
Not actually that far away from achieving that as well.
However, finishing fourth is a fair reflection of where we should finish this season given our overall general performances, results, and consistency.
Post by: Paul.S on April 03, 2024, 11:28:12 PM
There are hopefully mitigating factors that explain the selection tonight. But shipping 8 goals in the last couple of games against teams in and around us isn’t great, acknowledging though that we’re battling at a high level.
We need to win at the weekend and we need to win well.
Pretty confident we'll give a much better account of ourselves down at Arsenal and v Liverpool right at the end.
We'd have put out a stronger team if we were playing on Sunday but we aren't and 8.15pm to Sat 3pm is a tight turnaround so while it was a bit extreme for my liking there were genuine reasons.
Don’t forget Torres has not long returned from injury. What we won’t hear are excuses because unlike many other coaches Emery doesn’t moan and whinge.
As you say, it’s a tight turnaround and picking up more injuries would definitely cost us in the run in. Emery is paid to make decisions and he’s not let us down so far.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 03, 2024, 11:37:07 PM
Next 3 home matches:
Brentford
Bournemouth
Chelsea
All mid table nothing to play for.
And an away game at Arsenal
So can take 9 points would take us to 72pts
Spurs April matches sees only 3 fixtures and they would only get one win
Forest home
Newcastle away
Arsenal home
Then their first match in May is Liverpool away.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 03, 2024, 11:55:52 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 04, 2024, 03:53:51 AM
April
Next 3 home matches:
Brentford
Bournemouth
Chelsea
All mid table nothing to play for.
And an away game at Arsenal
So can take 9 points would take us to 72pts
Spurs April matches sees only 3 fixtures and they would only get one win
Forest home
Newcastle away
Arsenal home
Then their first match in May is Liverpool away.
Counting not your strong point? Would you say it’s better or worse than your predictions?
Post by: PhilVill on April 04, 2024, 06:56:40 AM
Post by: Richard on April 04, 2024, 07:23:08 AM
11 points from here will do. Anything from Arse and Liberplop is a bonus. Brentford, Bournemouth and Palace are absolutely vital.
Yep. 5 of our last 7 games are against teams currently between 9th and 15th with little to play for. 70 points is very achievable.
Post by: itbrvilla on April 04, 2024, 08:24:14 AM
Post by: Dave on April 04, 2024, 08:38:13 AM
Would 5th placed team need to play any knockout games to qualify for the league stage?
Nope. Straight in.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 04, 2024, 09:22:55 AM
We have lost to city spurs newcastle and united. A return of 0 zero points in comparison to getting 6 points against those 4 sides in the first meetings this season.
I just hope we dont shate our pants vs arsenal next week like we did vs spurs and manure
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 04, 2024, 09:31:52 AM
April
Next 3 home matches:
Brentford
Bournemouth
Chelsea
All mid table nothing to play for.
And an away game at Arsenal
So can take 9 points would take us to 72pts
Spurs April matches sees only 3 fixtures and they would only get one win
Forest home
Newcastle away
Arsenal home
Then their first match in May is Liverpool away.
Counting not your strong point? Would you say it’s better or worse than your predictions?
Your predictions have a lot of strange baked in assumptions as well Footy. If we get 9 points from those games I’ll be very happy but suspect it won’t be as straightforward as you suggest. Also Spurs are more than capable of winning more than one game.
Post by: john2710 on April 04, 2024, 10:07:09 AM
With the QF draws there's no guarantee that the 5th Champions League place will come to the PL. We'll have a good idea after the QF's if 5th place will be enough. The ideal scenario is a win against Bournemouth all but guarantees 5th place.
We can then put the emphasis on winning a trophy.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 04, 2024, 10:48:01 AM
I think next season will be even more difficult getting CL with games on thursday nights. Thats also on the assumption newcastle manure and chelsea are not
better This really is our best opportunity
Post by: Lsvilla on April 04, 2024, 10:53:14 AM
Post by: curiousorange on April 04, 2024, 10:55:53 AM
Post by: Rigadon on April 04, 2024, 10:59:14 AM
With FFP/PSR the way it is, and with no clear sign that we'll have a ground which will bring in a shit-ton of revenue, we're already the poor relation. This is a massive, massive chance to put the club on a new footing and I fear if it's not now, it's never.
I think we all feel that to some extent.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 04, 2024, 11:04:12 AM
Winning the UECL is less certain, even if we look the most likely winners along with Fiorentina.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 04, 2024, 11:10:32 AM
Post by: OCD on April 04, 2024, 11:14:02 AM
Post by: curiousorange on April 04, 2024, 11:14:23 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 04, 2024, 11:16:50 AM
Post by: LeeB on April 04, 2024, 11:17:23 AM
Post by: Risso on April 04, 2024, 11:19:15 AM
I have a horrible feeling that both Arsenal and West Ham will fail to do us a favour. Could 5th still go to the PL in those circumstances?
I think it would make it very difficult. We're behind Germany and Italy, and so obviously if they both lose to German teams, then German teams will get more points from the semi finals at least. Obviously there would still be Man City, us and Liverpool earning points, but Man City have got a very hard tie against Real Madrid as well.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 04, 2024, 11:35:10 AM
Leverkusen are very good would expect them to beat west ham
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 04, 2024, 11:55:29 AM
Post by: Dave on April 04, 2024, 12:06:27 PM
The other issue is that I'd make the German teams favourites in both ties, whereas if it was Citeh v Bayern and Liverpool v Leverkusen, I think the English teams would be favourites.
The bits and pieces that I've read / listened to from people who seem to know their stuff suggest that Arsenal are exactly the sort of team (in terms of how they play) that you would expect Bayern to really struggle against.
Hopefully that's how it turns out.
Post by: curiousorange on April 04, 2024, 12:31:18 PM
Post by: Risso on April 04, 2024, 12:37:26 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 04, 2024, 12:39:49 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on April 04, 2024, 12:40:31 PM
It just depends on what West Ham team turns up. They beat Arsenal away, but got an absolute beasting at home in the reverse fixture.If it's the 65-66 team they should have a chance. Otherwise, I think it's going to be incredibly difficult against this Leverkusen team.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 04, 2024, 01:04:28 PM
Post by: curiousorange on April 04, 2024, 01:27:21 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 04, 2024, 01:32:00 PM
But of course, the Villa Way is to have our highest finish in years by getting 5th only for German teams to win 2 out of the 3 European trophies.
This is what will happen, no doubt.
Post by: eamonn on April 04, 2024, 01:34:45 PM
Post by: Risso on April 04, 2024, 01:43:58 PM
I can see Tommy Hitz cut-out for a top post-footballer career in Uefa. Maybe he can help us out.
He seems a bit too nice and honest if you ask me.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 04, 2024, 04:25:51 PM
Brentford
Bournemouth
Chelsea
Brighton
Palace
To get 4th.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on April 04, 2024, 04:29:13 PM
Obviously I'd rather finish 4th, but if we get 5th and CL football, the fume from across the city will be marvellous. "Spawny Vilers finish 5th in the first year it gets you CL football, lucky DVBs etc."
I'm far too lazy to check the records but I expect that's higher than they've ever managed to finish.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 04, 2024, 04:46:49 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 04, 2024, 05:18:32 PM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 04, 2024, 05:23:02 PM
Total guess at 15?
Post by: Risso on April 04, 2024, 06:00:47 PM
This coefficient business is doing my onion no good. I'm having to support Chelsea tonight, and then Arsenal, West Ham and Man City in Europe next week? Appalling. Just dreadful.
I remember having to support Chelsea in the Cup Winners Cup final in the year Gregory took over, it's worth it for the bigger picture.
Post by: rougegorge on April 04, 2024, 06:05:37 PM
How many times in their history have Small Heath finished above us in the pyramid?
Total guess at 15?
I think it is 18. For the other way round, I think we recently went past the century mark.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 04, 2024, 06:15:44 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 04, 2024, 06:16:12 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 04, 2024, 06:17:27 PM
Those of us of a certain age will remember wanting Man Utd to beat Brighton in 1983.
Although that was before they became what they did.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 04, 2024, 06:19:35 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 04, 2024, 06:26:40 PM
This coefficient business is doing my onion no good. I'm having to support Chelsea tonight, and then Arsenal, West Ham and Man City in Europe next week? Appalling. Just dreadful.
Easy enough to support Chelsea considering who they’re playing I’d say. And West Ham. The other two are hard to back though.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 04, 2024, 06:48:16 PM
This coefficient business is doing my onion no good. I'm having to support Chelsea tonight, and then Arsenal, West Ham and Man City in Europe next week? Appalling. Just dreadful.
Easy enough to support Chelsea considering who they’re playing I’d say. And West Ham. The other two are hard to back though.
Nah, I'd support Ranger...well, ok no...I'd support Hearts over Chelsea. And I'd be neutral if they were playing Blues. They're the worst of all in my book.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 04, 2024, 07:51:18 PM
Post by: curiousorange on April 04, 2024, 07:56:34 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 04, 2024, 08:04:56 PM
The bit I’m struggling to wrap my head is that I’m assuming we’re ahead of schedule in terms of our goal to compete for Champions League football, which is great and testament to the work Unai has done. But with the appear FFP black cloud hanging over us I struggle to see how we really kick on this summer. I suppose wheeling and dealing might work, but feels like we’re majorly hamstrung.
We're well ahead of schedule and we just need to be a bit patient. I'm pretty positive about next season, especially if we can have a bit more luck with injuries. Klopp's leaving, and Guardiola, KDB and Haaland won't be at Citeh for that much longer. Once they leave, who knows? Citeh are already not the team they were, having lost Mahrez, Gundogan, and KDB missing plenty of games.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 04, 2024, 08:34:44 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 04, 2024, 08:46:08 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 04, 2024, 08:51:35 PM
I think we need to get 4 wins from
Brentford
Bournemouth
Chelsea
Brighton
Palace
To get 4th.
Well and Arsenal and Liverpool. The latter we should be having a right go against.
Post by: manic-road on April 04, 2024, 10:29:26 PM
Post by: London Villan on April 04, 2024, 10:31:22 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 04, 2024, 10:44:58 PM
Post by: tomd2103 on April 04, 2024, 10:50:37 PM
The bit I’m struggling to wrap my head is that I’m assuming we’re ahead of schedule in terms of our goal to compete for Champions League football, which is great and testament to the work Unai has done. But with the appear FFP black cloud hanging over us I struggle to see how we really kick on this summer. I suppose wheeling and dealing might work, but feels like we’re majorly hamstrung.
Think the injuries have probably made the squad picture look a little worse than it actually is. The big thing is going to be able to keep the top players we want to. If we can do that, then I think there are few we can move to allow us to bring some in.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 04, 2024, 11:16:23 PM
Are Aston Villa ready for champions league football and why it isn't a golden ticket
Post by: Dave P on April 04, 2024, 11:19:53 PM
If we're in the top 4 in April, I'll take this seriously.
From page 1 of this thread. Hi Pete. We all thought the same yet here we are.
Post by: Villan82 on April 04, 2024, 11:49:05 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 04, 2024, 11:59:57 PM
Sat
Villa v Brentford
Sun
Liverpool v Man U
Spurs v Forest
Post by: PhilVill on April 05, 2024, 06:29:39 AM
Post by: Goldenballs on April 05, 2024, 06:52:41 AM
Last time I read it was 80% but fuck knows where I read it.
Post by: Dave P on April 05, 2024, 07:09:55 AM
Post by: Goldenballs on April 05, 2024, 07:13:14 AM
If they both lose to the German teams? I can see Kane doing a job on Arsenal.
Post by: shipscat on April 05, 2024, 07:41:38 AM
Post by: Villan82 on April 05, 2024, 07:45:52 AM
5th could well be pretty much guaranteed by the time the Conference League rolls around!
Either way, what an incredible season this has been and 18 months since he arrived
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 05, 2024, 07:55:03 AM
Hopefully my vomit bag is close to hand, when I'm cheering on the Arse, Abu Dhabi and the Spam...but needs must. If the weekend goes as planned and we have a collective( Err) good next European week and it all goes the Premiership way, I wonder if Emery will shift the big boy selection towards the Conference, knowing we're almost certainly in the Top 5 with the Champions League. Would be a rather splendid dilemma to have!
It would be negligent not to! And don’t forget it could be that our success in the UECL ensures the fifth place CL spot comes to England.
Post by: darren woolley on April 05, 2024, 08:34:37 AM
Post by: lovejoy on April 05, 2024, 08:39:50 AM
It will still be around 80% but Arsenal beating Bayern and / or West Ham beating Leverkusen should put it out of reach.
As it stands England are still third.
Post by: AV82EC on April 05, 2024, 08:43:41 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 05, 2024, 08:45:24 AM
It will still be around 80% but Arsenal beating Bayern and / or West Ham beating Leverkusen should put it out of reach.
As it stands England are still third.
But two of the three German teams would be out and not earning anymore points. So that is why it would be out of reach.
Post by: lovejoy on April 05, 2024, 08:56:28 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 05, 2024, 08:59:37 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 05, 2024, 09:32:21 AM
Post by: Dave P on April 05, 2024, 09:32:48 AM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 05, 2024, 09:35:31 AM
Post by: Monty on April 05, 2024, 09:38:56 AM
I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.
I think they're about equal to be honest.
Post by: LeeB on April 05, 2024, 09:45:51 AM
I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.
I think they're about equal to be honest.
The last couple of times Citeh have faced Real they were very unlucky and sucker punched (which was very funny mind), and then last season they just brushed them aside with ease.
Post by: Monty on April 05, 2024, 09:46:59 AM
I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.
I think they're about equal to be honest.
The last couple of times Citeh have faced Real they were very unlucky and sucker punched (which was very funny mind), and then last season they just brushed them aside with ease.
But they are a bit depleted and Madrid are in form, and Bellingham is different gravy.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 05, 2024, 09:51:37 AM
I think city madrid goes either way.
I think arsenal wont beat munich and west ham certainly wont beat Leverkusen
So its down to us liverpool and citeh
Post by: eamonn on April 05, 2024, 10:02:34 AM
Post by: LeeB on April 05, 2024, 10:12:47 AM
I'd be surprised if Man City get through the quarter finals. I fancy Arsenal's chances to beat Bayern more than Man City beating Real Madrid.
I think they're about equal to be honest.
The last couple of times Citeh have faced Real they were very unlucky and sucker punched (which was very funny mind), and then last season they just brushed them aside with ease.
But they are a bit depleted and Madrid are in form, and Bellingham is different gravy.
There is that, but he'll have his work cut out against Rodri. I also think Arsenal will batter Munich.
Post by: AV82EC on April 05, 2024, 10:25:56 AM
How are we so adrift of Italy in the co-efficient thing? None of their teams are favourites for the European competitions, are they?
Because up until the last round virtually all their teams qualified for knockouts so were picking up points. We’re being hamstrung by ManYoo and Newcastle being utter shit in the CL and Brighton fucking it up away at Roma.
Post by: Dave on April 05, 2024, 10:25:59 AM
How are we so adrift of Italy in the co-efficient thing? None of their teams are favourites for the European competitions, are they?
Just quantity of teams playing and qualifying. Three of four teams going through in the Champions (compared to our two of four), three of three teams getting to the Europa quarter-finals (compared to our two of three) and Fiorentina joining us in the Conference League.
So they probably won't win any of the competitions, but they're still in them - so by winning the matches to stay in has built up a score that will be difficult to overtake.
It was funny at the time, but if Man Utd or Newcastle had finished third in their groups instead of bottom, fifth = Champions League would probably have been sewn up by now.
Post by: MplsVilla on April 05, 2024, 10:28:03 AM
Man City are favourites to win the ECL and even favourites to win at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal are slight favourites to beat Bayern over 2 legs
West Ham are quite big underdogs against Leverkeusen, but then the winners play AC Milan/Roma
Liverpool are big favourites for the Europe League with Atalanta and then Benfica/Marseille
We are favourites to beat Lille and still outright favourites despite having a tougher draw
If the bookmakers are right there will be 3 English teams in finals and only 2 from Italy and Germany combined.
Post by: Dave on April 05, 2024, 10:32:21 AM
In terms of 5th place, I remain optimistic.
Man City are favourites to win the ECL and even favourites to win at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal are slight favourites to beat Bayern over 2 legs
West Ham are quite big underdogs against Leverkeusen, but then the winners play AC Milan/Roma
Liverpool are big favourites for the Europe League with Atalanta and then Benfica/Marseille
We are favourites to beat Lille and still outright favourites despite having a tougher draw
If the bookmakers are right there will be 3 English teams in finals and only 2 from Italy and Germany combined.
Agreed. My gut feeling is that as long as one of Arsenal or West Ham get through then it'll be fine.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 05, 2024, 11:16:06 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 05, 2024, 11:24:31 AM
So that means they have a tough home game vs arsenal then this tough game away to Chelsea then away to liverpool straight after. All those games are even before the away game at Newcastle
Then they still have city to play somewhere in that. I would imagine that would be between the burnley and sheff utd final game
Horrific run for them
Post by: AV82EC on April 05, 2024, 11:27:29 AM
Some potentially good news. Spurs have had their game with chelsea booked in for 2nd may accordingto sky
So that means they have a tough home game vs arsenal then this tough game away to Chelsea then away to liverpool straight after. All those games are even before the away game at Newcastle
Then they still have city to play somewhere in that. I would imagine that would be between the burnley and sheff utd final game
Horrific run for them
Good.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 05, 2024, 11:28:09 AM
Post by: LeeB on April 05, 2024, 11:33:07 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 05, 2024, 11:36:06 AM
After the forest match Sunday I don't think Spurs will win any of Newcastle away Arsenal home , Chelsea away Liverpool away by the time they play Burnley 11th may be over for them I hope
Post by: LeeB on April 05, 2024, 11:37:57 AM
It's a great set of fixtures.
After the forest match Sunday I don't think Spurs will win any of Newcastle away Arsenal home , Chelsea away Liverpool away.
The thing is you can never predict results at this stage of the season, there are always some batshit games that are completely unexpected, everyone is tired and injuries are taking their toll.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on April 05, 2024, 11:40:09 AM
Rather encouraged by Spurs' run of games.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 05, 2024, 11:43:11 AM
A Newcastle
H ARSENAL
A Chelsea
A Liverpool
Thats a horrific run of games. If they win all four of them they deserve 4th.
Then somewhere in there citeh
Post by: LeeB on April 05, 2024, 11:46:46 AM
Post by: TelfordVilla on April 05, 2024, 12:07:57 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 05, 2024, 12:10:01 PM
They could do with a season ending injury or two for one of their key players, rather than a couple of weeks off and candelit vigils on Fleet St.
Sounds like a Jam/Weller b-side.
Post by: Axl Rose on April 05, 2024, 12:11:44 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 05, 2024, 12:11:52 PM
Actually.If we're in the top 4 in April, I'll take this seriously.
From page 1 of this thread. Hi Pete. We all thought the same yet here we are.
I started the thread for a reason. It was a true honour.
I hope that in the next eight games, we can all be positive as everyone now believes we are in contention for the Champions League.
Over the course of this thread was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for me along the way ever since my opening post in November. I had to keep believing and fight our very clubs Villa corner . I was insulted, ridiculed and questioned.
I pushed tirelessly for this thread bumping when it was being overlooked and for when no one considered discussing and there were calls to close it!
I had to wait until more people entered the discussion and bought into the idea of Champions League contention because I could see how amazing Emery was
Looking back there's some pride, that I kept going but also with concern about some of the treatment and sadness it brought me.
It was difficult to grasp because all I wanted to do was try to spark positivity and share joy in discussing how high a level Villa could be achieving .
I always believed it was reasonable what I said and encouraged others who were interested to discuss the same, though others felt required to participate negatively or diminish discussion they just weren't ready.
Well, we are all ready now and rallying behind our men's squad to succeed!
Up the Villa!
Post by: LeeB on April 05, 2024, 12:17:26 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/bsd1t8w/5cf97a4e20d573d57fb52f69c187a80f.png) (https://ibb.co/bsd1t8w)
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 05, 2024, 12:18:27 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 05, 2024, 12:24:20 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 05, 2024, 12:31:04 PM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 05, 2024, 12:31:38 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 05, 2024, 12:34:30 PM
Not sure whose played the bigger part in this fantastic season, Footy or Unai?
We don't need to choose. Just be thankful we have both.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 05, 2024, 12:38:53 PM
Gonna be a hell of a lot of fatigue for sours during that period.
Let's hope that's an apt description for them come the end of the season.
Post by: eamonn on April 05, 2024, 12:41:39 PM
After reading about your struggle there mate, bollocks to Villa, up the Footy!
Hear, hear!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 05, 2024, 12:42:17 PM
I started the thread for a reason. It was a true honour.
I hope that in the next eight games, we can all be positive as everyone now believes we are in contention for the Champions League.
Over the course of this thread was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for me along the way ever since my opening post in November. I had to keep believing and fight our very clubs Villa corner . I was insulted, ridiculed and questioned.
I pushed tirelessly for this thread bumping when it was being overlooked and for when no one considered discussing and there were calls to close it!
I had to wait until more people entered the discussion and bought into the idea of Champions League contention because I could see how amazing Emery was
Looking back there's some pride, that I kept going but also with concern about some of the treatment and sadness it brought me.
It was difficult to grasp because all I wanted to do was try to spark positivity and share joy in discussing how high a level Villa could be achieving .
I always believed it was reasonable what I said and encouraged others who were interested to discuss the same, though others felt required to participate negatively or diminish discussion they just weren't ready.
I always believed it was reasonable what I said and encouraged others who were interested to discuss the same, though others felt required to participate negatively or diminish discussion they just weren't ready.
Footy, I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability, and I want you to know that we are with you.
Post by: manic-road on April 05, 2024, 12:46:02 PM
Post by: Risso on April 05, 2024, 12:51:21 PM
Keep positive and keep posting Footy.
Just stop making up utter, utter shite.
Post by: caster troy on April 05, 2024, 12:51:25 PM
So just to simply spurs fixtures
A Newcastle
H ARSENAL
A Chelsea
A Liverpool
Thats a horrific run of games. If they win all four of them they deserve 4th.
Then somewhere in there citeh
With just one win in those five games we'd need to find another 11 points from our remaining games. If we maintain our 2024 standards we probably won't get anything from Arsenal or Liverpool so we are talking about 11 from the other 5 games, not much margin for error.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 05, 2024, 12:58:03 PM
Next weekend - Us - Arsenal (A) / Them - Newcastle (A)
21st - Us - Bournemouth (H) / Them - no game
27th - Us Chelsea (H) / Them - Arsenal (H)
We could be clear of them at the end of that little run.
Post by: Dave P on April 05, 2024, 12:58:07 PM
Actually.If we're in the top 4 in April, I'll take this seriously.
From page 1 of this thread. Hi Pete. We all thought the same yet here we are.
I started the thread for a reason. It was a true honour.
I didn't say you didn't. I was just saying this was from page 1.
Post by: manic-road on April 05, 2024, 12:59:07 PM
Keep positive and keep posting Footy.
Just stop making up utter, utter shite.
No idea what you are going on about, how about you take a chill pill.
Post by: Risso on April 05, 2024, 01:00:37 PM
Keep positive and keep posting Footy.
Just stop making up utter, utter shite.
No idea what you are going on about, how about you take a chill pill.
Not you, Footy. The nonsense about Martinez not really being ill.
Post by: ez on April 05, 2024, 01:15:30 PM
Keep positive and keep posting Footy.
Just stop making up utter, utter shite.
No idea what you are going on about, how about you take a chill pill.
Not you, Footy. The nonsense about Martinez not really being ill.
I've seen it suggested somewhere else that Emi was never going to play we just didn't want Man City knowing until the last moment. Also we didn't want Klopp and Arteta moaning about us resting the world's number one. Probably rubbish though.
Post by: Monty on April 05, 2024, 01:17:59 PM
Keep positive and keep posting Footy.
Just stop making up utter, utter shite.
No idea what you are going on about, how about you take a chill pill.
Not you, Footy. The nonsense about Martinez not really being ill.
I've seen it suggested somewhere else that Emi was never going to play we just didn't want Man City knowing until the last moment. Also we didn't want Klopp and Arteta moaning about us resting the world's number one. Probably rubbish though.
There is no dimension of reality where this is true.
Post by: Risso on April 05, 2024, 01:21:31 PM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 05, 2024, 01:34:38 PM
So even if we got 1 point per game and they got 3, we'd still finish above them on goal difference.
Post by: AV82EC on April 05, 2024, 01:34:57 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 05, 2024, 01:57:18 PM
Villa have made half that 9 . The fourth least amount.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 05, 2024, 02:20:07 PM
In terms of 5th place, I remain optimistic.
Man City are favourites to win the ECL and even favourites to win at the Bernabeu.
Arsenal are slight favourites to beat Bayern over 2 legs
West Ham are quite big underdogs against Leverkeusen, but then the winners play AC Milan/Roma
Liverpool are big favourites for the Europe League with Atalanta and then Benfica/Marseille
We are favourites to beat Lille and still outright favourites despite having a tougher draw
If the bookmakers are right there will be 3 English teams in finals and only 2 from Italy and Germany combined.
I think we can forget Italy.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 05, 2024, 02:38:19 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 05, 2024, 05:06:01 PM
Keep positive and keep posting Footy.
Just stop making up utter, utter shite.
No idea what you are going on about, how about you take a chill pill.
Not you, Footy. The nonsense about Martinez not really being ill.
I've seen it suggested somewhere else that Emi was never going to play we just didn't want Man City knowing until the last moment. Also we didn't want Klopp and Arteta moaning about us resting the world's number one. Probably rubbish though.
I find it hard to believe a winner like emi wouldnt want to play if he was perfectly fine. You rarely rest keepers.
I do think he was genuinely ill
Post by: Somniloquism on April 05, 2024, 05:21:49 PM
Sours have made the most defensive errors along with Chelsea 18.
Villa have made half that 9 . The fourth least amount.
I'm actually surprised at that figure being as low but I suppose it depends on what a defensive error classes as.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 05, 2024, 05:23:36 PM
I've seen it suggested somewhere else that Emi was never going to play we just didn't want Man City knowing until the last moment. Also we didn't want Klopp and Arteta moaning about us resting the world's number one. Probably rubbish though.
I find it hard to believe a winner like emi wouldnt want to play if he was perfectly fine. You rarely rest keepers.
I do think he was genuinely ill
Especially as defensively, we were quite strong. The weaknesses were elsewhere. But I also don't think even Emi would have stopped many of those goals on the night.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 05, 2024, 06:02:44 PM
If we beat Brentford and Manure lose to Liverpool, I think they'd need to gain over 2 points more than us per game for the remainder of the season.
If we beat Brentford, top 5 is done. They'd need at least 15 points from 8 games, and we'd need to lose all our remaining games.
Post by: Drummond on April 05, 2024, 08:45:04 PM
Aye, need English teams to beat German teams in Europe.
Home and away
Post by: Drummond on April 05, 2024, 08:46:31 PM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on April 05, 2024, 09:45:30 PM
I think they will beat Liverpool on Sunday.They may have to score at least three so I can't see it.
United are way too open.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 05, 2024, 11:48:47 PM
Aye, need English teams to beat German teams in Europe.
Home and away
Not really. The point for going through and stopping the German teams from going through are the two biggest factors.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 06, 2024, 01:39:38 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKeXtKXWsAAKVdw?format=jpg)
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 06, 2024, 05:27:07 PM
I believe there could be further unexpected results in the battle for fourth place between us and Spurs, and I will not give up hope of finishing fourth.
The fifth-place finish and if it makes a Champions League place will become clearer in the coming weeks so it's all to play for now with 6 games to go.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 06, 2024, 05:33:22 PM
I am very unhappy not to win the match against Brentford, especially because we were leading 2-0. It all seemed so good with the game and the potential for more and improving the GD. However the result of 3-3 and a draw gives us a 3 point advantage over Spurs rather than a 5 point lead.
I believe there could be further unexpected results in the battle for fourth place between us and Spurs, and I will not give up hope of finishing fourth.
The fifth-place finish and if it makes a Champions League place will become clearer in the coming weeks so it's all to play for now with 6 games to go.
Who knew your foresight wasn’t foresight….
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 06, 2024, 05:37:32 PM
Post by: Keeno on April 06, 2024, 05:41:54 PM
For 5th place: Man United are 12 points back with 1 of their games in hand against Liverpool with 19 worse goal diff. West Ham are 12 back on the same games as us with 21 worse goal diff.
Both of these teams would need to win 5/7 or 6/6 games to even land on the same points as us if we win 1 more game this season and lost all the others. Of course in that scenario we'll still finish above them both cause of G/D. Also - fundamentally, both these teams are shit. They've jammed their way to a half decent number of wins and they're not suddenly going to turn into the Invincibles.
Barring total collapse from here on out, and basically a never-before-seen points swing, it will be Europa next season.
For CL, Spurs would go 3 clear of us, on the same games played, if they win their game in hand which is away at Chelsea - which is far from a freebie. It's still neck and neck - fully expect us to be battling it out on the final day against them. Disappointing as today was we didn't lose and it's far from done. Stressful but fun to be involved in this kind of battle at the right end of the table!
Post by: Villan82 on April 06, 2024, 05:44:44 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 06, 2024, 05:50:00 PM
Post by: IFWaters on April 06, 2024, 05:51:44 PM
2 more wins I think will be 5th at least.
Post by: Villan82 on April 06, 2024, 05:52:20 PM
Thing is our actual level of performance has been pretty poor for a while. When was the last time we played well against a good side and won? We will probably manage fifth, but we have really dropped off.
Kamara is a huge loss. Konsa hasn't been at the same level since his injury. Digne got injured when he was having a storming season
Now Cash is missing. Ramsey has only managed about 7 starts in the league. Not going to mention the two players who missed the whole season.
We have done well to stay in the top 4 given the disruption to the side.
Post by: Keeno on April 06, 2024, 05:53:11 PM
Thing is our actual level of performance has been pretty poor for a while. When was the last time we played well against a good side and won? We will probably manage fifth, but we have really dropped off.
I guess my point is, if you look at the teams we're expecting to finish around, Spurs included, it's basically the same for everyone. Most teams apart from the top 3 have been affected by injuries, inconsistent, dropping points all over the shop. I'd argue it's been a bit of a crap 2024 in terms of quality across the league because generally players are playing far too many games, constantly getting injured and outside of Man City/Arse/Liverpool you can't sustain that loss of quality.
Post by: PhilVill on April 06, 2024, 05:53:57 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 06, 2024, 05:55:07 PM
Forest H - assuming they will find a way to win this. But the next games aren’t easy.
Newcastle A
Man City H - to be confirmed
Arsenal H
Chelsea A
Liverpool A
Burnley H
Sheffield United A
Post by: Keeno on April 06, 2024, 05:57:32 PM
Spurs next few games aren’t easy at all
Forest H - assuming they will find a way to win this. But the next games aren’t easy.
Newcastle A
Man City H - to be confirmed
Arsenal H
Chelsea A
Liverpool A
Burnley H
Sheffield United A
I actually didn't realise they had that run of 4 fixtures from City to Liverpool away. That is bloody difficult. With Newcastle away to kick off that run too.
Feels very likely we could both be on 67 points going into the final day!
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 06, 2024, 05:58:48 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 06, 2024, 05:58:56 PM
Spurs next few games aren’t easy at all
Forest H - assuming they will find a way to win this. But the next games aren’t easy.
Newcastle A
Man City H - to be confirmed
Arsenal H
Chelsea A
Liverpool A
Burnley H
Sheffield United A
No they’re not, but, and I accept there is some recency bias in this, but if we’re pitching in at a level where we throw away a 2 goal lead to Brentford we can’t really go into any of our fixtures assuming a win. We’ve become really sloppy in games, and it’s as soon as any pressure comes on. We have to address that or Spurs will finish above.
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 06, 2024, 05:59:50 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 06, 2024, 06:00:03 PM
Thing is our actual level of performance has been pretty poor for a while. When was the last time we played well against a good side and won? We will probably manage fifth, but we have really dropped off.
Well Man City at home. We didn't play as well against Arsenal in the same attacking sense, but defensively when we needed to we blunted them. However we then have pretty much never had the full team who was performing in the first half since. Even the Brentford away, Luiz was suspended for the five cards.
Post by: Keeno on April 06, 2024, 06:02:55 PM
If you include the Forest game tomorrow, Spurs also have 3 of those winnable games then a lot of clearly harder matches.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 06, 2024, 06:16:08 PM
Thing is our actual level of performance has been pretty poor for a while. When was the last time we played well against a good side and won? We will probably manage fifth, but we have really dropped off.
Well Man City at home. We didn't play as well against Arsenal in the same attacking sense, but defensively when we needed to we blunted them. However we then have pretty much never had the full team who was performing in the first half since. Even the Brentford away, Luiz was suspended for the five cards.
Yes so basically months now. I realise we’ve had absences and clearly that makes an impact, but if you look at today the level of collapse with a really strong side (basically Kamara the only key absence in terms of impact on the season) it was shockingly poor.
The mentality to have these long phases where we just stop playing is really weak.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 06, 2024, 06:28:30 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 06, 2024, 06:34:26 PM
And just to be clear I am fully onboard and supportive of the brilliant job Unai has done. To get us where we are is fantastic, but it also makes it incredibly galling when our level drops so much. Absences are clearly a factor, as they are with other teams, but today the players we had available should have comfortably won, especially from the position we got into. It’s ok to acknowledge where we’ve not done what we should have without meaning you don’t believe in Unai and what he’s achieved. Personally I think he has a bit of a blind spot for these phases where we just stop playing, hopefully he’ll sort it.
Post by: curiousorange on April 06, 2024, 06:41:02 PM
Post by: Smithy on April 06, 2024, 06:42:53 PM
I'm still gutted we didn't win today from 2-0 up. I look at today, and the same with the Man Utd game, and those extra 5 points we gave away from strong winning positions would have us pretty much safe in 4th now.
However, we do lose sight of the fact we have points on the board. Games in hand are useful, and yes, Spurs might make up the ground tomorrow, but then they have a run of games with Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, with Man City rearranged to go in there somewhere. I guarantee that if WE were three points behind Spurs, with Forest tomorrow, and that run of fixtures to follow, we'd all be convinced 4th place was out of the question.
I suspect it will go right to the wire and see us needing a win on the final day to finish ahead of them.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 06, 2024, 06:44:00 PM
Post by: Keeno on April 06, 2024, 06:48:57 PM
A spurs supporting mate of mine texted me when we went 2-0 up and said, "that's it, 4th place is done. No way we make that up gap with our fixtures". The point being we're all guilty of emphasising our own faults and ignoring those of others.
I'm still gutted we didn't win today from 2-0 up. I look at today, and the same with the Man Utd game, and those extra 5 points we gave away from strong winning positions would have us pretty much safe in 4th now.
However, we do lose sight of the fact we have points on the board. Games in hand are useful, and yes, Spurs might make up the ground tomorrow, but then they have a run of games with Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, with Man City rearranged to go in there somewhere. I guarantee that if WE were three points behind Spurs, with Forest tomorrow, and that run of fixtures to follow, we'd all be convinced 4th place was out of the question.
I suspect it will go right to the wire and see us needing a win on the final day to finish ahead of them.
Really good point. If we had Spurs' fixtures, everyone would have gone home.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 06, 2024, 06:56:33 PM
Not a prediction, just manifesting. We’ll know more about where we stand on the 18th.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 06, 2024, 06:58:43 PM
I have to say the way we are defending, lille can cause us some massive problems. They have a huge cb who is really impressive in the air
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on April 06, 2024, 06:59:44 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 06, 2024, 07:08:27 PM
I would be selecting the man city 11 to play lille and prioritising the league. Without champions league players/manager might have their heads turned. Spurs don't have any distractions.
You have a cunning plan.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 06, 2024, 08:38:46 PM
I would be selecting the man city 11 to play lille and prioritising the league. Without champions league players/manager might have their heads turned. Spurs don't have any distractions.
Nah, we've got a chance to win some silverware, we've got to go for it. 5th is probably going to be good enough for a Champions League spot and we're still.in a good position for that.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 06, 2024, 09:02:15 PM
I would be selecting the man city 11 to play lille and prioritising the league. Without champions league players/manager might have their heads turned. Spurs don't have any distractions.
Nah, we've got a chance to win some silverware, we've got to go for it. 5th is probably going to be good enough for a Champions League spot and we're still.in a good position for that.
My thoughts to. We need some bloody silverware
Post by: Smirker on April 06, 2024, 09:15:57 PM
We're up against Spurs not fucking Real Madrid.
Everyone relax, have a cup of tea and watch a documentary of your choice.
Aston Villa will be in the European Cup again next year.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 06, 2024, 09:21:17 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 06, 2024, 09:56:27 PM
One thing to flag up is that if fifth is sewn up bar the shouting, Emery has got us here with half a Premier League standard squad. If we ever have any luck with injuries, we'd be in a four horse race for the title.
Yes
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 06, 2024, 10:01:51 PM
If 4th is looking out of the question come 3-4 games left the only benefit eill be we can rest players in the league as they will be pointless games and focus on the conference should we get to semis.
I have to say the way we are defending, lille can cause us some massive problems. They have a huge cb who is really impressive in the air
With 3-4 games left, it could well be that it makes no difference if we finish fourth or fifth.
Post by: Dave on April 06, 2024, 10:11:48 PM
One thing to flag up is that if fifth is sewn up bar the shouting, Emery has got us here with half a Premier League standard squad. If we ever have any luck with injuries, we'd be in a four horse race for the title.
Yes
And whatever happens we're already more or less guaranteed to finish in our highest position since the days of Freddie Bouma and Curtis Davies, and 95% sure to finish in our highest position since the days of Andy Townsend.
So, shame you fucked it a bit against Brentford. But it's still good.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 06, 2024, 10:13:51 PM
5th will be good enough but we're going to finish 4th anyway.
We're up against Spurs not fucking Real Madrid.
Everyone relax, have a cup of tea and watch a documentary of your choice.
Aston Villa will be in the European Cup again next year.
You say thia with confidence because? How do you 5th ia getting CL? None of us know for sure.
If villa arsenal and west ham go out this round its virtually going to take a miracle for 5th to get CL. If all 3 sides go throigh then ill feel abit moee optimistic like you seem to be !
Post by: Dave on April 06, 2024, 10:24:22 PM
5th will be good enough but we're going to finish 4th anyway.
We're up against Spurs not fucking Real Madrid.
Everyone relax, have a cup of tea and watch a documentary of your choice.
Aston Villa will be in the European Cup again next year.
You say thia with confidence because? How do you 5th ia getting CL? None of us know for sure.
If villa arsenal and west ham go out this round its virtually going to take a miracle for 5th to get CL. If all 3 sides go throigh then ill feel abit moee optimistic like you seem to be !
I assume because he doesn't think that all of us, Arsenal and West Ham will go out this round.
Post by: eamonn on April 06, 2024, 10:26:38 PM
I would be selecting the man city 11 to play lille and prioritising the league. Without champions league players/manager might have their heads turned. Spurs don't have any distractions.
You have a cunning plan.
It's stinkin' thinkin'.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 06, 2024, 10:33:10 PM
5th will be good enough but we're going to finish 4th anyway.
We're up against Spurs not fucking Real Madrid.
Everyone relax, have a cup of tea and watch a documentary of your choice.
Aston Villa will be in the European Cup again next year.
You say thia with confidence because? How do you 5th ia getting CL? None of us know for sure.
If villa arsenal and west ham go out this round its virtually going to take a miracle for 5th to get CL. If all 3 sides go throigh then ill feel abit moee optimistic like you seem to be !
I assume because he doesn't think that all of us, Arsenal and West Ham will go out this round.
Bold statememts especially the Leverkusen one
They are a excellent side and wsst ham are just pretty shite. Ill be stunned if they dint get destroyed by them.
Munich -arsenal can go any way but i think arsenals ability to choke could be the difference in that and also munichs experience.
Im still nlt even comvinced about lille. We are favourites but i think its going to be a very tough game. They look defensively solid and we know how hard we find it to break teams down
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 06, 2024, 10:40:30 PM
I would be selecting the man city 11 to play lille and prioritising the league. Without champions league players/manager might have their heads turned. Spurs don't have any distractions.
You have a cunning plan.
It's stinkin' thinkin'.
I didn't like to say. ;)
Post by: Somniloquism on April 06, 2024, 10:43:24 PM
Bold statememts especially the Leverkusen one
They are a excellent side and wsst ham are just pretty shite. Ill be stunned if they dint get destroyed by them.
Munich -arsenal can go any way but i think arsenals ability to choke could be the difference in that and also munichs experience.
Im still nlt even comvinced about lille. We are favourites but i think its going to be a very tough game. They look defensively solid and we know how hard we find it to break teams down
Munich's experience against English clubs is normally to lose. And as for Arse choking, they certainly don't seem that this season and Munich "choked" this weekend, actually losing 3-2 when 2-0 up.
Post by: VillaTim on April 06, 2024, 10:47:28 PM
5th will be good enough but we're going to finish 4th anyway.24 Hours in Police Custody it is then .
We're up against Spurs not fucking Real Madrid.
Everyone relax, have a cup of tea and watch a documentary of your choice.
Aston Villa will be in the European Cup again next year.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 06, 2024, 10:52:33 PM
*vomits*
Post by: tomd2103 on April 06, 2024, 11:21:51 PM
5th will be good enough but we're going to finish 4th anyway.
We're up against Spurs not fucking Real Madrid.
Everyone relax, have a cup of tea and watch a documentary of your choice.
Aston Villa will be in the European Cup again next year.
You say thia with confidence because? How do you 5th ia getting CL? None of us know for sure.
If villa arsenal and west ham go out this round its virtually going to take a miracle for 5th to get CL. If all 3 sides go throigh then ill feel abit moee optimistic like you seem to be !
I assume because he doesn't think that all of us, Arsenal and West Ham will go out this round.
Bold statememts especially the Leverkusen one
They are a excellent side and wsst ham are just pretty shite. Ill be stunned if they dint get destroyed by them.
Munich -arsenal can go any way but i think arsenals ability to choke could be the difference in that and also munichs experience.
Im still nlt even comvinced about lille. We are favourites but i think its going to be a very tough game. They look defensively solid and we know how hard we find it to break teams down
Think Lille will do on Thursday what Brentford did in the 1st half today and just sit ten men behind the ball, hoping to hit us on the break.
Hopefully they won't do what Brentford did in the 2nd half!
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on April 06, 2024, 11:56:43 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 01:20:34 AM
Man Utd v Liverpool
Spurs v Forest
Tuesday 9th April:
Arsenal v Bayern
Real Madrid v Man City
Wednesday 8th April:
Atl Madrid v Dortmund
Thursday 9th April:
Aston Villa v Lille
Leverkusen v West Ham
Liverpool v Atalanta
Saturday 13th April:
Newcastle v Spurs
Bournemouth v Man Utd
Sunday 14th April:
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Tuesday 16th April
Dortmund v Atl Madrid
Wednesday 17th April:
Bayern v Arsenal
Man City v Real Madrid
Thursday 18th April:
Lille v Aston Villa
West Ham v Leverkusen
Atalanta v Liverpool
Sunday 21st April:
Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Haven’t gone further at this stage as it might not be up in the air by then, particularly regarding the co-efficient.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 01:37:07 AM
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 08:04:13 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 07, 2024, 08:05:52 AM
Time to ignore others, as it eats you alive chewing over permutations this way and that. 12 points out of 18 is needed based on historical statistics. Let's get them as soon as possible, the Gods will decide the rest.I don’t see us getting anywhere near that.
We look on our knees.
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 08:09:18 AM
Post by: LeonW on April 07, 2024, 08:27:11 AM
Disagree. We looked in total control then one of our most reliable players had an abysmal 9 minutes. We don't look jaded, tired, we looked suddenly vulnerable to the same ball 3 times.
It’s not suddenly. We consistently concede goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half. It keeps happening and we’ve not addressed it. That’s in form, out of form or indifferent form. Tired or not tired. The amount of goals we’re shipping is alarming. We haven’t really kept clean sheets this season. It’s reoccurring and at increasing regularity. We’ve been vulnerable to the same ball in from out wide for a long time. Mctominey, Maddison, Forest at home, Newcastle at home, yesterday, etc.
Post by: Rigadon on April 07, 2024, 08:30:55 AM
Disagree. We looked in total control then one of our most reliable players had an abysmal 9 minutes. We don't look jaded, tired, we looked suddenly vulnerable to the same ball 3 times.
It’s not suddenly. We consistently concede goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half. It keeps happening and we’ve not addressed it. That’s in form, out of form or indifferent form. Tired or not tired. The amount of goals we’re shipping is alarming. We haven’t really kept clean sheets this season. It’s reoccurring and at increasing regularity. We’ve been vulnerable to the same ball in from out wide for a long time. Mctominey, Maddison, Forest at home, Newcastle at home, today, etc.
Yep. Powder puff defending. Same from corners.
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 08:34:15 AM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 07, 2024, 08:53:50 AM
5th will be good enough but we're going to finish 4th anyway.
We're up against Spurs not fucking Real Madrid.
Everyone relax, have a cup of tea and watch a documentary of your choice.
Aston Villa will be in the European Cup again next year.
You say thia with confidence because? How do you 5th ia getting CL? None of us know for sure.
If villa arsenal and west ham go out this round its virtually going to take a miracle for 5th to get CL. If all 3 sides go throigh then ill feel abit moee optimistic like you seem to be !
Take your oven gloves off before you post FFS!
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 10:11:34 AM
Disagree. We looked in total control then one of our most reliable players had an abysmal 9 minutes. We don't look jaded, tired, we looked suddenly vulnerable to the same ball 3 times.
I think I’d be inclined to agree if we hadn’t seen so many terrible phases of games where we just collapse- Manure away, Newcastle home, Chelsea home, Forest home, Luton away all jump to mind. Clearly in the latter two we still managed to get a result, but it seems like as soon as a team puts us under stress we just ship goals very easily. I don’t know if that’s tactical, fatigue, injuries, mentality, or a mix of all of those things but it keeps happening on a pretty regular basis.
Hopefully the overt references to it in post match means it’s out in the open and they are having frank discussions about it, which will ultimately address it. But the lack of game intelligence in that 9 minutes was just shocking.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 07, 2024, 10:13:35 AM
Last season we were really good at sealing games up, that ability seems to have deserted us.Disagree. We looked in total control then one of our most reliable players had an abysmal 9 minutes. We don't look jaded, tired, we looked suddenly vulnerable to the same ball 3 times.
I think I’d be inclined to agree if we hadn’t seen so many terrible phases of games where we just collapse- Manure away, Newcastle home, Chelsea home, Forest home, Luton away all jump to mind. Clearly in the latter two we still managed to get a result, but it seems like as soon as a team puts us under stress we just ship goals very easily. I don’t know if that’s tactical, fatigue, injuries, mentality, or a mix of all of those things but it keeps happening on a pretty regular basis.
Hopefully the overt references to it in post match means it’s out in the open and they are having frank discussions about it, which will ultimately address it. But the lack of game intelligence in that 9 minutes was just shocking.
As you say , slight pressure and we buckle.
Post by: caster troy on April 07, 2024, 10:24:13 AM
Historically Spurs are known for falling apart under pressure but it seems unlikely they are going to lose four games in a row, they are pretty much full strength and have no other competitions as a distraction.
Hopefully Cash will be back for Bournemouth and we can finish the season with a proper back 4 and get 5th.
Post by: Villan82 on April 07, 2024, 10:37:12 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 07, 2024, 10:37:43 AM
Post by: TelfordVilla on April 07, 2024, 10:40:43 AM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 07, 2024, 11:42:10 AM
I think we can.
On ‘shipping’ goals, i think there is a Mings hole in there.
Post by: aj2k77 on April 07, 2024, 11:44:05 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 07, 2024, 11:46:22 AM
I think we just need to ask ourselves out of all the games left, can we beat 3 of Bournemouth and Chelsea at home and Brighton and Palace away?That should be enough for 5th, but not 4th.
I think we can.
On ‘shipping’ goals, i think there is a Mings hole in there.
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 07, 2024, 11:54:53 AM
I think we just need to ask ourselves out of all the games left, can we beat 3 of Bournemouth and Chelsea at home and Brighton and Palace away?
I think we can.
On ‘shipping’ goals, i think there is a Mings hole in there.
Took 10 points from them first half of the season so that has to be the goal now.
If we can still get up to 70/71 points that still requires Spurs to do a bit of work as beating all of Forest, Burnley and Sheffield United gets them up to 66 points so they'd need two wins from their more difficult ones left.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 07, 2024, 11:59:11 AM
We are no where near our performances in the first half of the season.I think we just need to ask ourselves out of all the games left, can we beat 3 of Bournemouth and Chelsea at home and Brighton and Palace away?
I think we can.
On ‘shipping’ goals, i think there is a Mings hole in there.
Took 10 points from them first half of the season so that has to be the goal now.
If we can still get up to 70/71 points that still requires Spurs to do a bit of work as beating all of Forest, Burnley and Sheffield United gets them up to 66 points so they'd need two wins from their more difficult ones left.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 01:34:09 PM
Teams to begrudgingly support in next week or so in terms of the bigger picture and to favour Villa.
But most importantly Forest and Newcastle
Sunday:
Forest at Spurs
Liverpool at Man Utd
Tuesday
Arsenal v Bayern Munich
Man City (though I won't do that)at Real Madrid
Thursday
West Ham away at Leverkusen
Saturday
Newcastle at home to Spurs
Bournemouth at home to Man Utd
Did a comprehensive list just above, but still. Anyway, you missed Liverpool v Atalanta.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 01:37:58 PM
These are the games for us to watch out for re: the thread title:
Man Utd v Liverpool
Spurs v Forest
Tuesday 9th April:
Arsenal v Bayern
Real Madrid v Man City
Wednesday 8th April:
Atl Madrid v Dortmund
Thursday 9th April:
Aston Villa v Lille
Leverkusen v West Ham
Liverpool v Atalanta
Saturday 13th April:
Newcastle v Spurs
Bournemouth v Man Utd
Sunday 14th April:
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Tuesday 16th April
Dortmund v Atl Madrid
Wednesday 17th April:
Bayern v Arsenal
Man City v Real Madrid
Thursday 18th April:
Lille v Aston Villa
West Ham v Leverkusen
Atalanta v Liverpool
Sunday 21st April:
Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Haven’t gone further at this stage as it might not be up in the air by then, particularly regarding the co-efficient.
There you go footy.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 07, 2024, 01:45:40 PM
I think we just need to ask ourselves out of all the games left, can we beat 3 of Bournemouth and Chelsea at home and Brighton and Palace away?
I think we can.
On ‘shipping’ goals, i think there is a Mings hole in there.
Let's be honest, we've conceded sloppy goals all season. Thankfully it hasn't cost us too often.
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 01:48:14 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 07, 2024, 01:56:14 PM
Having your most aerially dominant centre halves knee ligament explode midway through the opening half of the first game of the season is unhelpful when looking to defend crosses.
I was hoping thats where carlos would fit in but fod me he hasnt
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 07, 2024, 01:59:02 PM
Oh brilliant ! Apologies!These are the games for us to watch out for re: the thread title:
Man Utd v Liverpool
Spurs v Forest
Tuesday 9th April:
Arsenal v Bayern
Real Madrid v Man City
Wednesday 8th April:
Atl Madrid v Dortmund
Thursday 9th April:
Aston Villa v Lille
Leverkusen v West Ham
Liverpool v Atalanta
Saturday 13th April:
Newcastle v Spurs
Bournemouth v Man Utd
Sunday 14th April:
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Tuesday 16th April
Dortmund v Atl Madrid
Wednesday 17th April:
Bayern v Arsenal
Man City v Real Madrid
Thursday 18th April:
Lille v Aston Villa
West Ham v Leverkusen
Atalanta v Liverpool
Sunday 21st April:
Aston Villa v Bournemouth
Haven’t gone further at this stage as it might not be up in the air by then, particularly regarding the co-efficient.
There you go footy.
Great insights!
Thanks!
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2024, 02:03:59 PM
Post by: Richard E on April 07, 2024, 02:05:47 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 07, 2024, 02:11:09 PM
Having your most aerially dominant centre halves knee ligament explode midway through the opening half of the first game of the season is unhelpful when looking to defend crosses.
True but the coaching team have had all season to train Carlos and Torres into dealing with such battles far better than they are. One plus point yesterday from a defensive point of view is that we didn't concede from a corner/free-kick where we've been Lambert-like recently.
Post by: Ian. on April 07, 2024, 02:21:00 PM
Having your most aerially dominant centre halves knee ligament explode midway through the opening half of the first game of the season is unhelpful when looking to defend crosses.
True but the coaching team have had all season to train Carlos and Torres into dealing with such battles far better than they are. One plus point yesterday from a defensive point of view is that we didn't concede from a corner/free-kick where we've been Lambert-like recently.
They just haven’t got the defensive ability of Mings.
I would hope we’re seriously looking for an upgrade this summer. Someone who can defend and impose themselves but also has the requirements to play the ball. Not easy to find, but it’s essential to how we play. On paper Carlos sounds perfect, however his positioning isn’t that great and he isn’t dominant as his size says he should be.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 02:22:23 PM
Having your most aerially dominant centre halves knee ligament explode midway through the opening half of the first game of the season is unhelpful when looking to defend crosses.
True but the coaching team have had all season to train Carlos and Torres into dealing with such battles far better than they are. One plus point yesterday from a defensive point of view is that we didn't concede from a corner/free-kick where we've been Lambert-like recently.
They just haven’t got the defensive ability of Mings.
I would hope we’re seriously looking for an upgrade this summer. Someone who can defend and impose themselves but also has the requirements to play the ball. Not easy to find, but it’s essential to how we play. On paper Carlos sounds perfect, however his positioning isn’t that great and he isn’t dominant as his size says he should be.
Hermosa (sp?).
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 07, 2024, 02:25:28 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 07, 2024, 02:44:16 PM
Post by: ez on April 07, 2024, 03:28:04 PM
One thing to flag up is that if fifth is sewn up bar the shouting, Emery has got us here with half a Premier League standard squad. If we ever have any luck with injuries, we'd be in a four horse race for the title.Indeed. And we would be hoping for a man utd win today instead of liverpool.
Post by: Drummond on April 07, 2024, 05:11:58 PM
I think they will beat Liverpool on Sunday.They may have to score at least three so I can't see it.
United are way too open.
Well, looks like you're right!
Post by: Demitri_C on April 07, 2024, 05:28:30 PM
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 05:28:39 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 07, 2024, 05:30:07 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 05:30:33 PM
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 05:30:45 PM
Post by: langleylions on April 07, 2024, 05:34:01 PM
Post by: Clampy on April 07, 2024, 05:36:28 PM
Did she just say man u are 8 points off the champs league , err excuse me sky but we are 11 points ahead of that shower ffs ,
She probably meant 5th place, even if it's not guaranteed yet.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 07, 2024, 05:52:31 PM
Did she just say man u are 8 points off the champs league , err excuse me sky but we are 11 points ahead of that shower ffs ,
Its more like 12 points if you include GD
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 07, 2024, 05:57:37 PM
They don't have the toughest run-in, and they're jammy bastards, so it's feasible that they could achieve that.
I think another win will sew up 5th. I think Spurs have more winnable games than we do, so they'll get 4th.
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 05:58:31 PM
Basically, Man U have to win 4 of their last 7 to overtake us - IF we don't pick up another point.
They don't have the toughest run-in, and they're jammy bastards, so it's feasible that they could achieve that.
I think another win will sew up 5th. I think Spurs have more winnable games than we do, so they'll get 4th.
2 points out their last 3 games, 2 of which they were battered in suggests they won't.
Post by: IFWaters on April 07, 2024, 06:42:55 PM
In fact if we do get to guarantee Champions League then I think we could go on to 4th and a European trophy, we won't have anything to lose. Nerves have dogged this team but others may take away our nerves for us.
Post by: john e on April 07, 2024, 06:58:26 PM
The rest of them and the way they are playing could drop points in any of them
We have 2 games against Arsenal and Liverpool where I doubt we’ll get anything
Every other game (4) we are capable of picking up points
So the 11 point gap might get shorter but I think it will be enough as United will run out of games
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2024, 07:02:17 PM
Post by: Martyn Smith on April 07, 2024, 07:16:58 PM
The maximum Man Utd can get is now 70 points. Of the other teams around them, the maximum, win every game is 68. I think in a couple of weeks we will only need 65 points to guarantee 5th, which depending on European results may well then be enough for Champions League next season. It should be a lot clearer after we've played Bournemouth, win that and we could be only a win away from guaranteed Champions League.
In fact if we do get to guarantee Champions League then I think we could go on to 4th and a European trophy, we won't have anything to lose. Nerves have dogged this team but others may take away our nerves for us.
Bournemouth is a massive game. They have almost unnoticed been creeping up the table of late and sit on the far fringes of European contention. Certainly they are a lot nearer to Europe than relegation. They will be up for it and we need to be at our best. Glad I've git a ticket
Post by: Richard on April 07, 2024, 07:55:34 PM
Post by: itbrvilla on April 07, 2024, 07:59:38 PM
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/tabellenachminuten/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2023&range=HT%3B60%27&time_start=HZ&time_end=60
Have a look at the table for 45-60 minutes...
Post by: Beard82 on April 07, 2024, 08:02:44 PM
Interesting tool this:Compare that to 0 - 45. Does this mean that Unai's HT team talks are awful?
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/tabellenachminuten/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2023&range=HT%3B60%27&time_start=HZ&time_end=60
Have a look at the table for 45-60 minutes...
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 07, 2024, 08:08:25 PM
Bournemouth is a massive game. They have almost unnoticed been creeping up the table of late and sit on the far fringes of European contention. Certainly they are a lot nearer to Europe than relegation. They will be up for it and we need to be at our best. Glad I've git a ticket
Just as well Yanited have to play them away next week then.
Post by: DB on April 07, 2024, 08:11:59 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 08:13:33 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 07, 2024, 08:18:33 PM
Interesting tool this:Compare that to 0 - 45. Does this mean that Unai's HT team talks are awful?
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/tabellenachminuten/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2023&range=HT%3B60%27&time_start=HZ&time_end=60
Have a look at the table for 45-60 minutes...
TBH, we know we let in too many after half time.
- We are winning so what changes should he make to the winning formula so does that breed complacency in the team?
- Does he try to talk tactics for second half based on anticipated changes and the players heads are spinning?
- Are the other managers firing up the losing team and making changes that targets the weaknesses?
I supect a combo of all three, and being as we manage to bring the results back around usually to be winning again, Emery can usually counter the HT changes.
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 08:19:05 PM
But 5th, Champions League football and a trophy? Yeah, go on then.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 07, 2024, 08:23:52 PM
4th is far from over.
But 5th, Champions League football and a trophy? Yeah, go on then.
That's where I'm at, and I'm pretty relaxed about achieving it. No win in the next 4 games would leave me feeling a bit despondent though.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 08:26:30 PM
Post by: London Villan on April 07, 2024, 08:28:25 PM
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/tabellenachminuten/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2023&range=Kickoff%3BHT&time_start=0&time_end=HZ
Clearly teams are changing things to get back in the game at half time.
Yet, we adapt and change in the game to get back in control…
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/tabellenachminuten/wettbewerb/GB1?saison_id=2023&range=75%27%3BFull+Time&time_start=76&time_end=AB
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 08:30:47 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 07, 2024, 08:33:57 PM
4th is far from over.
But 5th, Champions League football and a trophy? Yeah, go on then.
Yep i agree with that
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 07, 2024, 08:36:16 PM
Yeah yeah yeah lots of football to come, but turn the tables around and if we were ahead of them with a game in hand, we'd be cock-a-hoop.
We've absolutely blown it. We're playing poorly, too, at a time when Spurs are starting to fire more consistently.
Gutting.
Post by: SamTheMouse on April 07, 2024, 08:38:16 PM
Yesterday was pretty fucking terrible, and it's gut wrenching to look at the table and see where Spurs are after tonight.
Yeah yeah yeah lots of football to come, but turn the tables around and if we were ahead of them with a game in hand, we'd be cock-a-hoop.
We've absolutely blown it. We're playing poorly, too, at a time when Spurs are starting to fire more consistently.
Gutting.
Careful now, or you're going to get called a b*d-w****r!
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 08:43:48 PM
Yesterday was pretty fucking terrible, and it's gut wrenching to look at the table and see where Spurs are after tonight.
Yeah yeah yeah lots of football to come, but turn the tables around and if we were ahead of them with a game in hand, we'd be cock-a-hoop.
We've absolutely blown it. We're playing poorly, too, at a time when Spurs are starting to fire more consistently.
Gutting.
Couldn’t agree more and it’s the point I’ve been trying to make around these phases of games where we just stop playing. We’ve had a fantastic season, the 1st half absolutely incredible. But we’re definitely stuttering and it’s disappointing, even if you’d have taken this position at the start of the season. Hopefully we can react to yesterday’s 9 minute shambles, it seems like it’s being openly called out, and pull out some big displays in the next few games.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2024, 08:46:07 PM
Forest should have gone 2-1 up, who knows from there.
Man U should have been hammered out of sight by HT.
Brentford's first was a scuffed cross and then a complete air shot but the ball hit his standing leg and goes in. They don't jam a complete fluke, who knows.
Post by: Dave P on April 07, 2024, 08:47:24 PM
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 07, 2024, 08:49:29 PM
Given that a punch was missed shouldn’t Maddison get a post game ban?
VAR apparently reviewed it and didn’t find fault. The referee has 2 days to submit his report to FA HQ I believe but I can bet my house on it nothing will be mentioned.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 08:50:15 PM
Spurs will get 3 more wins max. No more than 70 points. I think we get 4 more wins so 72 points min. Believe.
I salute the optimism and I can see Spurs getting that return, although I suspect they’ll surprise one of the big teams. But honestly us winning 4 in 7 seems pretty unlikely to me, unless we start playing better.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 08:50:40 PM
Given that a punch was missed shouldn’t Maddison get a post game ban?
VAR apparently reviewed it and didn’t find fault. The referee has 2 days to submit his report to FA HQ I believe but I can bet my house on it nothing will be mentioned.
Typical.
Post by: Smithy on April 07, 2024, 08:51:21 PM
Yesterday was pretty fucking terrible, and it's gut wrenching to look at the table and see where Spurs are after tonight.
Yeah yeah yeah lots of football to come, but turn the tables around and if we were ahead of them with a game in hand, we'd be cock-a-hoop.
We've absolutely blown it. We're playing poorly, too, at a time when Spurs are starting to fire more consistently.
Gutting.
I absolutely guarantee that if we were level on points with Spurs, ahead of them by a goal difference of 3, but our next five games were Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City - we would NOT be cock-a-hoop. We'd be moaning that we didn't get properly in front when our fixtures were easier, and now we only have our selves to blame that with 7 games to, points look very hard to get.
They have one more game than us to play, but five of them are pretty difficult and Burnley and Sheff Utd will likely both be down by the time they play them, and how often do you see relegated sides get good results once they're already down?
I think right now Spurs are *slight* favourites for that 4th place spot. But it's still very close, and all to play for.
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 07, 2024, 08:53:07 PM
Yesterday was pretty fucking terrible, and it's gut wrenching to look at the table and see where Spurs are after tonight.
Yeah yeah yeah lots of football to come, but turn the tables around and if we were ahead of them with a game in hand, we'd be cock-a-hoop.
We've absolutely blown it. We're playing poorly, too, at a time when Spurs are starting to fire more consistently.
Gutting.
It's our poor performances that are the concerning thing. I can't shake the feeling that we've just run out of steam.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 08:54:50 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 07, 2024, 08:57:08 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 09:00:16 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 07, 2024, 09:03:02 PM
Run out of steam mainly cos we've run out of players.
Dont think the boss trusts certain players within the squad as they rarely play or start games. I think summer we need to rwally increase the squad size to cope with injuries.
I mean we already know kamaras out and have no idea if mings or buendia will be
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 07, 2024, 09:04:01 PM
Run out of steam mainly cos we've run out of players.Yes, we have had awful luck.
Post by: London Villan on April 07, 2024, 09:10:04 PM
No recognised right back
No defensive midfielder
Not hard to see why we aren’t as solid at the back.
Post by: Louzie0 on April 07, 2024, 09:10:34 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 09:20:09 PM
4th choice centre back
No recognised right back
No defensive midfielder
Not hard to see why we aren’t as solid at the back.
Yeah although in fairness we chose to go into the season with one specialist senior right back, and we loaned out our defensive midfield cover. Clearly FFP is influencing this, but we’ve left ourselves pretty exposed in both positions.
Post by: curiousorange on April 07, 2024, 09:45:18 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 09:49:29 PM
It’s 5th being confirmed as Champions League that’s key. Clearly we need to win in the Conference League, but we need West Ham, Citeh, and Arsenal to turn up.
And Liverpool.
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 09:51:59 PM
Post by: VillaTim on April 07, 2024, 09:52:32 PM
Run out of steam mainly cos we've run out of players.Emery needs to place more faith in the squad . KKH could have played RB yesterday (it's Brentford FFS !) rather than pull Konsa out and weaken the CB's .
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 07, 2024, 09:52:58 PM
It’s 5th being confirmed as Champions League that’s key. Clearly we need to win in the Conference League, but we need West Ham, Citeh, and Arsenal to turn up.
And Liverpool.
Yup very true.
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 09:53:50 PM
Post by: OCD on April 07, 2024, 09:54:30 PM
I was surprised when Ollie spoke out after the match (as he doesn’t usually) but I’m glad he did, as well as saying he was part of the team that misfired yesterday. I am hoping the problem was only yesterday!
It hasn't been though. We seem to have a weakness around defending crosses into the box. We keep conceding that type of goal.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 09:59:06 PM
Post by: Ads on April 07, 2024, 09:59:25 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2024, 10:02:14 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 10:05:18 PM
I said at the beginning that 8 teams could be an issue. Man U and Newcastle lasting a bit longer would have been a massive help.
Indeed. I really regret laughing so much at their hilarious ‘campaigns’ now. A round or two in the Europa League and we’d be looking at a virtually guaranteed CL place by now.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 07, 2024, 10:10:18 PM
Newcastle away, Arsenal, Chelsea away and Liverpool away, with Man City to be squeezed in somewhere before a final pair of gimmies. That's a bit tricky for Spurs. Blown it? Nah.
Yes but we need to win games too which is a bigger issue if we were winning games esp at home then we wouldnt have to worry what spurs are doing.
Definitely missing kamara for me as defensively we have look horrific at times
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 07, 2024, 10:30:51 PM
Newcastle away, Arsenal, Chelsea away and Liverpool away, with Man City to be squeezed in somewhere before a final pair of gimmies. That's a bit tricky for Spurs. Blown it? Nah.
You watch Sheff Utd once relegation is confirmed play sexy football without any pressure on them. That won’t be a walk in the park if Spurs actually need something at Bramall Lane.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 07, 2024, 10:32:06 PM
I said at the beginning that 8 teams could be an issue. Man U and Newcastle lasting a bit longer would have been a massive help.
Indeed. I really regret laughing so much at their hilarious ‘campaigns’ now. A round or two in the Europa League and we’d be looking at a virtually guaranteed CL place by now.
I still think these rounds will be the ones that confirm it as Bayern are bottlers at the moment and Arsenal look surprisingly strong (which is probably not good for our next league match). However we should be glad West Ham did win the Conference last year as their 20 odd points and beating Freiberg three out of four times have kept England higher.
Is this 5th place permanent or does it change each year with the Co-efficient?
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 07, 2024, 10:34:27 PM
I said at the beginning that 8 teams could be an issue. Man U and Newcastle lasting a bit longer would have been a massive help.
Indeed. I really regret laughing so much at their hilarious ‘campaigns’ now. A round or two in the Europa League and we’d be looking at a virtually guaranteed CL place by now.
I still think these rounds will be the ones that confirm it as Bayern are bottlers at the moment and Arsenal look surprisingly strong (which is probably not good for our next league match). However we should be glad West Ham did win the Conference last year as their 20 odd points and beating Freiberg three out of four times have kept England higher.
Is this 5th place permanent or does it change each year with the Co-efficient?
Changes each year with the coefficient.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2024, 10:38:06 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 07, 2024, 10:47:51 PM
We've seen weird results galore recently. Spurs were hammered by Fulham. We had a 10 minute brain fart and scraped a draw against Brentford, who in turn hammered ManU 1-1 last week.
It's the business end of the season, we're inexperienced at it. Spurs have a reputation to uphold! ManU are just inconsistent and anyone could beat them.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 10:49:35 PM
I said at the beginning that 8 teams could be an issue. Man U and Newcastle lasting a bit longer would have been a massive help.
Indeed. I really regret laughing so much at their hilarious ‘campaigns’ now. A round or two in the Europa League and we’d be looking at a virtually guaranteed CL place by now.
I still think these rounds will be the ones that confirm it as Bayern are bottlers at the moment and Arsenal look surprisingly strong (which is probably not good for our next league match). However we should be glad West Ham did win the Conference last year as their 20 odd points and beating Freiberg three out of four times have kept England higher.
Is this 5th place permanent or does it change each year with the Co-efficient?
I’m pretty confident that it will be a lot more clear cut by the 18th. And I don’t think West Ham winning the cup last year has any bearing.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 07, 2024, 11:06:04 PM
I’m pretty confident that it will be a lot more clear cut by the 18th. And I don’t think West Ham winning the cup last year has any bearing.
I meant because it dropped them in the Europa league this year where they have added the 20 points to the co-efficient to off-set the exit of the other teams. Yes that also added 8 teams but being as they have earned so many, it has actually been beneficial. Take off their points, probably add some to the Germans and divide by 7 instead of 8 and we would be worse off.
Post by: VillaTim on April 07, 2024, 11:19:12 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 07, 2024, 11:25:47 PM
Without looking ahead too far i hope we don't become West Ham next season, or Newcastle. Or Yanited come to think of it
Appointing Moyes as manager*? Splashing all our cash on a player who gets banned for the season two months for betting? Or buying loads and loads of deadwood players?
*TBF, compared to last season Spam have done quite decent being one point behind Manure and having a decent Europa run.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 07, 2024, 11:30:11 PM
Post by: VillaTim on April 07, 2024, 11:45:15 PM
Post by: danno on April 07, 2024, 11:49:56 PM
Considering they have the Moyes drag factor West Ham are having another very good season. A 3rd consecutive European QF certainly isn't to be sniffed at.
After selling their best midfielder too.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 07, 2024, 11:55:04 PM
I’m pretty confident that it will be a lot more clear cut by the 18th. And I don’t think West Ham winning the cup last year has any bearing.
I meant because it dropped them in the Europa league this year where they have added the 20 points to the co-efficient to off-set the exit of the other teams. Yes that also added 8 teams but being as they have earned so many, it has actually been beneficial. Take off their points, probably add some to the Germans and divide by 7 instead of 8 and we would be worse off.
Ah I see what you mean. Thanks.
Post by: Hillbilly on April 08, 2024, 12:40:28 AM
to 'knocking one of that three out would be awesome'
to 'finishing fourth is a great season'
to 'we're gonna finish fifth but it won't be enough for CL'
to 'shit we're imploding and will get overtaken for fifth somehow'.
I'm a nervous wreck.
Post by: PhilVill on April 08, 2024, 06:57:17 AM
Post by: maidstonevillain on April 08, 2024, 08:19:05 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 08, 2024, 09:37:04 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 09:38:24 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 08, 2024, 10:28:30 AM
I think it’s 1 win in the last 5 league games isn’t it (2 in 6)? And more generally our performance level has definitely dipped. We really need to draw a line in the sand at that Brentford game, because that 9 minutes was pretty amateur. I hope we have it in us to hit a decent level a form, because I think we need an uptick to achieve our aims in both competitions.
Correct. After that terrible manure result we won 3 on the bounce. Since then 1 win in 5. We have scored 7 and conceded 12 in those games. So i think we know where the problem lies
A defensive midfielder is a essential priority come the summer
Post by: Dave P on April 08, 2024, 12:28:46 PM
I think it’s 1 win in the last 5 league games isn’t it (2 in 6)? And more generally our performance level has definitely dipped. We really need to draw a line in the sand at that Brentford game, because that 9 minutes was pretty amateur. I hope we have it in us to hit a decent level a form, because I think we need an uptick to achieve our aims in both competitions.
Correct. After that terrible manure result we won 3 on the bounce. Since then 1 win in 5. We have scored 7 and conceded 12 in those games. So i think we know where the problem lies
A defensive midfielder is a essential priority come the summer
So this coincides with losing Kamara and McGinn getting suspended for 3 games in there too. We have to navigate Luiz out for 2 games now too. Not saying it's an excuse but it's certainly a reason.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 08, 2024, 01:02:20 PM
I think it’s 1 win in the last 5 league games isn’t it (2 in 6)? And more generally our performance level has definitely dipped. We really need to draw a line in the sand at that Brentford game, because that 9 minutes was pretty amateur. I hope we have it in us to hit a decent level a form, because I think we need an uptick to achieve our aims in both competitions.
Correct. After that terrible manure result we won 3 on the bounce. Since then 1 win in 5. We have scored 7 and conceded 12 in those games. So i think we know where the problem lies
A defensive midfielder is a essential priority come the summer
So this coincides with losing Kamara and McGinn getting suspended for 3 games in there too. We have to navigate Luiz out for 2 games now too. Not saying it's an excuse but it's certainly a reason.
Yeah i am coming to that conclusion too dave. I think unai has to show abit more faith in timmy by starting him as he is the only proper DM we have.
I dont think its youri mcginn or luizs best position as i think they have all played there before under unai or the previous managers
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 08, 2024, 01:44:54 PM
It's the away games at Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea which they will struggle not to concede 2+ goals.
Forest could have been ahead if Chris Wood scored the tap in.
Away at Newcastle could readdress the goal difference.
6-1 last season.
Spurs haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 2018
Spurs haven't won at Anfield since 2011
Post by: LeeB on April 08, 2024, 02:21:16 PM
Consideration that Spurs are notorious for choking and against teams that can finish they could go under.
It's the away games at Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea which they will struggle not to concede 2+ goals.
Forest could have been ahead if Chris Wood scored the tap in.
Away at Newcastle could readdress the goal difference.
6-1 last season.
Spurs haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 2018
Spurs haven't won at Anfield since 2011
Christ on a bike, this is a Villa forum man, talk like this is effectively baring your arse at the football gods and demanding them to fuck us up even more.
Post by: OCD on April 08, 2024, 02:38:22 PM
I think it’s 1 win in the last 5 league games isn’t it (2 in 6)? And more generally our performance level has definitely dipped. We really need to draw a line in the sand at that Brentford game, because that 9 minutes was pretty amateur. I hope we have it in us to hit a decent level a form, because I think we need an uptick to achieve our aims in both competitions.
Correct. After that terrible manure result we won 3 on the bounce. Since then 1 win in 5. We have scored 7 and conceded 12 in those games. So i think we know where the problem lies
A defensive midfielder is a essential priority come the summer
So this coincides with losing Kamara and McGinn getting suspended for 3 games in there too. We have to navigate Luiz out for 2 games now too. Not saying it's an excuse but it's certainly a reason.
Yeah i am coming to that conclusion too dave. I think unai has to show abit more faith in timmy by starting him as he is the only proper DM we have.
I dont think its youri mcginn or luizs best position as i think they have all played there before under unai or the previous managers
Or even just bring him on when you're 2-0 up. Especially if you have a midfielder who's a booking away from a 2-game suspension.
Post by: darren woolley on April 08, 2024, 02:45:26 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 08, 2024, 02:47:42 PM
Or even just bring him on when you're 2-0 up. Especially if you have a midfielder who's a booking away from a 2-game suspension.
I can just imagine it now. "3 goals in 9 minutes, why did he take Luiz off for. That Tim has shown now why there is no trust, all Emery's fault for that change".
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 02:52:52 PM
Consideration that Spurs are notorious for choking and against teams that can finish they could go under.
It's the away games at Newcastle, Liverpool and Chelsea which they will struggle not to concede 2+ goals.
Forest could have been ahead if Chris Wood scored the tap in.
Away at Newcastle could readdress the goal difference.
6-1 last season.
Spurs haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 2018
Spurs haven't won at Anfield since 2011
Christ on a bike, this is a Villa forum man, talk like this is effectively baring your arse at the football gods and demanding them to fuck us up even more.
Don’t worry I’m sure it’ll come to pass like all of Footy’s “foresight”. Remind me Footy, was it meant to be 5 or 6 - 0 at the weekend?
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 08, 2024, 02:52:58 PM
I think it will go right down to the wire who gets fourth spot.
I think we'll know what we need to do at the latest 2 weeks before the end of the season, Spuds have a horrendous run of games, Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal and the Oil Tramps, they've then got 2 relatively easy ones to end on.
Post by: Risso on April 08, 2024, 03:02:09 PM
Post by: Ads on April 08, 2024, 03:07:14 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 08, 2024, 03:18:09 PM
Villa Park isn't a fortress anymore, we're leaking goals every time we play there and even the shit-munchers will fancy their chances.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 08, 2024, 03:23:45 PM
Post by: Ads on April 08, 2024, 03:26:04 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 08, 2024, 03:26:26 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 08, 2024, 03:35:28 PM
I think it would be remiss of us to dismiss our chances just yet. In the face of adversity we have had a brilliant season if we do not win another game.
We have all seen what a tactical genius this Manager, i like a few others thought last season was a new manager bounce and we could not keep it up - it got better and the level of consistency has been amazing
Now imagine his 2nd full year but this time with a fully fit
Mings
Buendia
Ramsay
Kamara
And that is without and new recruits
Lets not be too defeatest just yet - many surprises to happen still especially as we are head to head with the greatest bottlers of all time
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 03:51:54 PM
Yeah but you would have been denigrating Brentford similarly up until half four on Saturday.
Villa Park isn't a fortress anymore, we're leaking goals every time we play there and even the shit-munchers will fancy their chances.
This is it for me - unless we start to play better consistently we’re going to keep shipping goals and then consistency of results is out of the window. Spurs have a horrible run in up to their last couple of games, but unless we can play better and string a few wins together it’s not going to matter.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 08, 2024, 04:09:28 PM
The Chelsea that drew away at Sheffield United, the Bournemouth that lost away at Luton, that are below Dingles who we beat 9 days ago. The Brighton away who we annihilated, who have beat us once in 40+ years. The Palace away who have 30 fewer points.
Im sure most of us expected to beat brentford. It doesnt always work the way you described as we have found out.
Cant see anything against arsenal. Bournemouth we should bwat them pending how much the lille game takes out of us. Chelsea for me is a tough game. They have been better side in both games in my opinion. We edged it at SB in 1st cup game though
Post by: Drummond on April 08, 2024, 04:22:03 PM
I've got to the point where it's hard to see where our next win will come from. Arsenal up next will be a battering I suspect, but then Bournemouth at home *should* be a comfortable win. I suspect it won't be though. Brentford should have been straightforward, and if we're honest we just haven't played consistently well for ages now and Bournemouth are better than Brentford. After that it's Chelsea at home, who easily dicked us in the cup, and are unbeaten since the start of Feb. Then Brighton away, which could go either way, and Liverpool at home which will probably be a home defeat. I hope we don't therefore go to Palace needing to win because our record there is pretty crap over the years.
No it isn't. Try Thursday night.
The top 3 are in a different league at the moment, and Arsenal is a hard game for anyone, then we'll beat Bournemouth.
We were by far the better side for 80 odd minutes on Saturday, and weakened for 9 minutes when the damage was done, conceding a goal from a complete miss-kick when the ball ricocheted off his standing leg and then struggled as we lost a bit of composure. Don't focus on the 9 minutes, focus on the other 90% of the game.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 04:26:37 PM
Post by: Risso on April 08, 2024, 05:08:32 PM
Right but conceding plenty of goals in these rubbish phases keeps happening, so I’m not sure you can just ignore that 9 minutes. Yes it was particularly stark, but our level dropping and us conceding a couple of goals + in those phases isn’t that uncommon. Hopefully we won’t do it against Bournemouth, but who knows.
Exactly. It might "only" have been 9 minutes, but those 9 minutes cost us two points. We seem to have had those dodgy 10-15 minute spells in lots of game since Christmas, where we concede two or more goals in short order eg Man U away, Forest at home, Luton away, Spurs at home (twice), Man City away and now Brentford at home.
Post by: Lucky Eddie on April 08, 2024, 05:16:34 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 08, 2024, 05:41:02 PM
Right but conceding plenty of goals in these rubbish phases keeps happening, so I’m not sure you can just ignore that 9 minutes. Yes it was particularly stark, but our level dropping and us conceding a couple of goals + in those phases isn’t that uncommon. Hopefully we won’t do it against Bournemouth, but who knows.
Exactly. It might "only" have been 9 minutes, but those 9 minutes cost us two points. We seem to have had those dodgy 10-15 minute spells in lots of game since Christmas, where we concede two or more goals in short order eg Man U away, Forest at home, Luton away, Spurs at home (twice), Man City away and now Brentford at home.
That shouldn't lead to you not being able to see us winning another game, should it?
Form over the last 10 (since beginning February) is: WLWWWLDWLD
April
P2 W0 D1 L1
March
P4 W2 D1 L1
February
P4 W3 D0 L1
You'll no doubt use the last 5 rather than, say last 6 and of course that's only one win in 5.
We're not playing as well as we should be, I suspect the backroom team will be doing a lot of psychological work this week as a result, but I believe we will come out and win enough to get at least 5th, and potentially 4th, depending on Spurs next 5 games.
We're scoring goals, and just need to tighten things up a bit at the back.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 05:47:34 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 05:51:58 PM
Post by: Ads on April 08, 2024, 05:58:00 PM
It just looks like a declining trend to me though? And to be honest that’s what it feels like.
Or maybe Spurs at home, West Ham away and Man City away was as tricky a fixture set as we've had since the start if December, with further injuries and suspensions to contend with?
There's not a single chance Emery or any member of the squad think like some of you, not one. So enjoy how terrifyingly unpredictable it is and how pressure feels at the sharp end. Stop letting it break your back. You can't control it, so just ride along with a bit of starch in your lip.
Post by: jon collett on April 08, 2024, 06:03:23 PM
So it is what it is.
We just have to hope we sneak over the line!
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 06:03:37 PM
Either way though stats aside, just watching you can see we aren’t hitting the same level as consistently as we were earlier in the season. That might be for entirely justifiable reasons, but we’ve just failed to win what I reckon would have been counted by most as one of our home “bankers”. If we don’t get sharper there’s no reason why that won’t happen again against say Bournemouth.
Post by: Risso on April 08, 2024, 06:28:03 PM
It just looks like a declining trend to me though? And to be honest that’s what it feels like.
Or maybe Spurs at home, West Ham away and Man City away was as tricky a fixture set as we've had since the start if December, with further injuries and suspensions to contend with?
There's not a single chance Emery or any member of the squad think like some of you, not one. So enjoy how terrifyingly unpredictable it is and how pressure feels at the sharp end. Stop letting it break your back. You can't control it, so just ride along with a bit of starch in your lip.
There was zero starch in Emery’s lip when naming the team for Man City. Mrs Emery will have had a difficult job with the laundry the day after though.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 08, 2024, 06:44:33 PM
I think it’s 1 win in the last 5 league games isn’t it (2 in 6)? And more generally our performance level has definitely dipped. We really need to draw a line in the sand at that Brentford game, because that 9 minutes was pretty amateur. I hope we have it in us to hit a decent level a form, because I think we need an uptick to achieve our aims in both competitions.
Correct. After that terrible manure result we won 3 on the bounce. Since then 1 win in 5. We have scored 7 and conceded 12 in those games. So i think we know where the problem lies
A defensive midfielder is a essential priority come the summer
So this coincides with losing Kamara and McGinn getting suspended for 3 games in there too. We have to navigate Luiz out for 2 games now too. Not saying it's an excuse but it's certainly a reason.
Yeah i am coming to that conclusion too dave. I think unai has to show abit more faith in timmy by starting him as he is the only proper DM we have.
I dont think its youri mcginn or luizs best position as i think they have all played there before under unai or the previous managers
Or even just bring him on when you're 2-0 up. Especially if you have a midfielder who's a booking away from a 2-game suspension.
I think had the implosion not hapoener the way it did that was probablybunais plan but i think he felt relying on timmy and no luiz was a huge gamble
Post by: TelfordVilla on April 08, 2024, 06:55:45 PM
Yes, and now it's a huge gamble we have to take for 2 entire games rather than 2 minutes at the end of the Brentford game
Post by: Demitri_C on April 08, 2024, 06:58:04 PM
I think had the implosion not hapoener the way it did that was probablybunais plan but i think he felt relying on timmy and no luiz was a huge gamble
Yes, and now it's a huge gamble we have to take for 2 entire games rather than 2 minutes at the end of the Brentford game
Completely agree. But you have to sayit was just sheer stupidity fron luiz
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 07:14:39 PM
It just looks like a declining trend to me though? And to be honest that’s what it feels like.
Or maybe Spurs at home, West Ham away and Man City away was as tricky a fixture set as we've had since the start if December, with further injuries and suspensions to contend with?
There's not a single chance Emery or any member of the squad think like some of you, not one. So enjoy how terrifyingly unpredictable it is and how pressure feels at the sharp end. Stop letting it break your back. You can't control it, so just ride along with a bit of starch in your lip.
It doesn’t really matter does it? However they feel about things it’s the results that count and some of these struggles could easily be linked to pressure, who knows. I hope you’re right and it all comes good, but to do that we’re going to have to be better.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 08, 2024, 07:48:02 PM
The problem is that injury and fatigue feed each other.
And is why We don’t look anything like the team that beat Citeh and Arse ,
I am intrigued to see how Emery try’s to get through the run in and the European games.
Post by: London Villan on April 08, 2024, 07:49:42 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 08, 2024, 07:53:27 PM
I still think spurs will do well to get more than 9 more points. We could still beat that.They have 6 points gimmes, and I think they will surprise at least 1 from Arse Citeh Chels Newc Pool.
Post by: Ian. on April 08, 2024, 07:59:01 PM
Post by: brontebilly on April 08, 2024, 08:07:10 PM
Those two points dropped against Brentford given the circumstances will likely be the killer in the end. It would have kept us going for a another while but Luiz idiotic ban added to Ramsey now out for the season, no word about Cash either. No team can sustain that, fortunately for us Man United are in a similar pickle with injuries.
Post by: john e on April 08, 2024, 08:08:07 PM
Not sure why people talking about trends or dodgy spells it seems obvious to me we aren’t the same team without Kamara and don’t have central midfielders in the squad,
So it is what it is.
We just have to hope we sneak over the line!
Yep, he’s turned out to be the biggest miss for me
I know it’s hypothetical and no way of proving it, but I’m absolutely sure if he was playing against Brentford on Saturday we wouldn’t have shipped three goals in nine minutes
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 08, 2024, 08:09:26 PM
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1777410330890752266
They put the odds of England getting the additional CL spot at 71%.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 08:10:38 PM
Post by: Dave on April 08, 2024, 08:12:57 PM
The points difference between England and Germany is smaller than I thought.
https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1777410330890752266
They put the odds of England getting the additional CL spot at 71%.
It just needs fewer German sides left to gain points. If they're not there, then whichever teams are left from England will overtake them.
So Arsenal and Atletico should sort the whole thing out if everything goes as would be expected. But if Arsenal flake out or Dortmund pull off a shock, then just the German sides just being there start to make the whole thing a flip of a coin.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 08, 2024, 08:17:17 PM
So Arsenal and Atletico should sort the whole thing out if everything goes as would be expected. But Arsenal flake out or Dortmund pull off a big shock, then just the German sides just being there start to make the whole thing a flip of a coin.
Yeah, it would be nice if it meant top 5 was a guaranteed CL spot asap. Might take the tension out of the match threads of any games we fail to win.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 08, 2024, 08:45:19 PM
Not sure why people talking about trends or dodgy spells it seems obvious to me we aren’t the same team without Kamara and don’t have central midfielders in the squad,
So it is what it is.
We just have to hope we sneak over the line!
Yep, he’s turned out to be the biggest miss for me
I know it’s hypothetical and no way of proving it, but I’m absolutely sure if he was playing against Brentford on Saturday we wouldn’t have shipped three goals in nine minutes
We said same about when pau was missing, youri etc. We really dont have the squad depth we thought we did. But seriously can how can any club coupe with having 4 key players out for the season?
In my lifetime ive never seen anything like it for us
Post by: curiousorange on April 08, 2024, 08:50:31 PM
But seriously can how can any club coupe with having 4 key players out for the season?
Probably trade it in for a minibus.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 08, 2024, 08:59:27 PM
Post by: Ads on April 08, 2024, 09:22:28 PM
It just looks like a declining trend to me though? And to be honest that’s what it feels like.
Or maybe Spurs at home, West Ham away and Man City away was as tricky a fixture set as we've had since the start if December, with further injuries and suspensions to contend with?
There's not a single chance Emery or any member of the squad think like some of you, not one. So enjoy how terrifyingly unpredictable it is and how pressure feels at the sharp end. Stop letting it break your back. You can't control it, so just ride along with a bit of starch in your lip.
It doesn’t really matter does it? However they feel about things it’s the results that count and some of these struggles could easily be linked to pressure, who knows. I hope you’re right and it all comes good, but to do that we’re going to have to be better.
What we're trying to achieve is difficult. That's what makes it exciting and worthwhile. Have a bit of belief.
As a country, as a city, as a football club- the ease with which confidence drains at minor setbacks is very frustrating.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 09:33:32 PM
It just looks like a declining trend to me though? And to be honest that’s what it feels like.
Or maybe Spurs at home, West Ham away and Man City away was as tricky a fixture set as we've had since the start if December, with further injuries and suspensions to contend with?
There's not a single chance Emery or any member of the squad think like some of you, not one. So enjoy how terrifyingly unpredictable it is and how pressure feels at the sharp end. Stop letting it break your back. You can't control it, so just ride along with a bit of starch in your lip.
It doesn’t really matter does it? However they feel about things it’s the results that count and some of these struggles could easily be linked to pressure, who knows. I hope you’re right and it all comes good, but to do that we’re going to have to be better.
What we're trying to achieve is difficult. That's what makes it exciting and worthwhile. Have a bit of belief.
As a country, as a city, as a football club- the ease with which confidence drains at minor setbacks is very frustrating.
With the greatest respect mate, like probably all of us on here we’ve been supporting Villa for years/decades and we wouldn’t be here if we were quick to quit or didn’t believe in the club. This is a very good period, and there have been dark times in the recent past. I am very happy with where we are overall but I’m really keen we don’t miss the opportunity we’ve made for ourselves - which we are at risk of doing, hopefully the Brentford game is the “circuit breaker” for these lapses.
Post by: Ads on April 08, 2024, 09:38:30 PM
Post by: Smithy on April 08, 2024, 10:10:48 PM
I still think spurs will do well to get more than 9 more points. We could still beat that.They have 6 points gimmes, and I think they will surprise at least 1 from Arse Citeh Chels Newc Pool.
I’m probably guilty of looking too far for a positive here, but I’d rather play the bottom two before they are relegated. They’ll both likely be down by the time they play spurs, and how often does a recently relegated side have a sudden uptick in form? I don’t think it’s a guaranteed 6 points for them in their last two games (but I’d like to be at least 6 points clear of them by then, obviously)
Post by: andyh on April 08, 2024, 10:13:00 PM
I dunno about anyone else but I can't wait for the next few games. A European QF, games to get into the CL. Yes please!I quite agree.
It’s why we love football and what we desperately want for our club.
That said, I went through every single emotion on Saturday against Brentford.
I’m not sure how the blood pressure is going to cope with the next few weeks.
Bring it on and let’s see.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 08, 2024, 10:40:46 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 08, 2024, 10:47:29 PM
To those who feel we should go all out for CL qualification at the expense of winning an actual trophy for the first time in nearly three decades, and of any meaningful European kind in over four, do you think we'll win the CL next season, or is hearing that theme music at VP enough for you?
I’d like to ask those same people, if they realise that winning that trophy is our best chance of ensuring CL football next season?
Seems to me that lots of people aren’t getting it.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 08, 2024, 10:49:08 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on April 08, 2024, 10:54:13 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 08, 2024, 10:54:17 PM
I see us on the cusp of doing something absolutely incredible. Making history. Something I'll be talking about for decades to come. I have a hard time getting into other peoples mindsets. Pressure is a privilege. Absolutely get the concerns, the churning it over. The who could cover for player X. I've not had a shower for weeks that has not involved multiple computations of results and points- its absolutely brilliant how all consuming this is. It's what I've waited for for 14 years.
That's what a Villa coach (can't remember if it was Deano) used to say to Grealish! The "Pressure is a privilege" bit - Grealish is thick as pigshit when it comes to Geography and computations.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 08, 2024, 10:56:26 PM
Winning a trophy is something you will remember forever. Finishing 4th isn't. It would be huge for us to pick up some silverware. It's been a very, very long time.
Plus winning that trophy will probably ensure we don’t have to finish fourth.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 08, 2024, 11:06:01 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 08, 2024, 11:14:27 PM
( 31st January-February 6th )
All those participating on H and V said that we won't place lower than 8th.
In that week Villa were 4th joint level on points with Arsenal and Man City
Feb1st fell to 5th with Spurs going 4th level on points and GD(ahead goal scored)
Then Feb 6th Villa 4th. 2pts ahead of Spurs
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 08, 2024, 11:16:56 PM
1st and Win the league:
Peterwithshin , Richard E, Algy
3rd :
Louize0
4th:
Footy-Vill, AV82EC , Andy Lochhead in the Air, Rigadon, Old hill Avfc, 260475
5th:
Richard , Darren Woolley, Baldy, mpls villa, Dave P, Eammon, Aldridgeboy, Saint13, Simboy, Holte L2, ironmaiden mania, Brazilian Villain, Nunkin1965, N'Mav
6th:
Phil Vill, Chicago, Lion , Dogtanian , Taxdodger, Chrisw1, edgy satsuma 89, Skerra, diced lam 6, Rotterdam 82
7th:
Axl Rose, Towser, VillaTim, Somniloquism, Curious orange
8th:
Ads, Sid1964, Legion
Thanks again for those input.
It's likely to be 4th or 5th
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 08, 2024, 11:27:02 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 08, 2024, 11:45:49 PM
Look at ol' pessimistic Ads 😁Ads forecasted a 4th round exit of European Conference league.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 08, 2024, 11:59:51 PM
Look at ol' pessimistic Ads 😁Ads forecasted a 4th round exit of European Conference league.
Must have been a bad day, we all have them.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 09, 2024, 12:02:25 AM
Look at ol' pessimistic Ads 😁Ads forecasted a 4th round exit of European Conference league.
Does the fourth round of UECL even exist?
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 09, 2024, 12:22:38 AM
Good point.Look at ol' pessimistic Ads 😁Ads forecasted a 4th round exit of European Conference league.
Does the fourth round of UECL even exist?
Maybe it was meant to be forecasted as last 16 European Conference League and 4th round of the FA Cup. That makes sense.
Though that wasn't order instructions.
It was League, FA Cup , Conference League.
Post by: Ads on April 09, 2024, 09:04:21 AM
Look at ol' pessimistic Ads 😁
I was being a sulking mardy arse post Newcastle. Being stroppy doesn't last very long. I've had Athens booked since last year, so there's my "forecast".
Post by: Somniloquism on April 09, 2024, 09:13:19 AM
To those who feel we should go all out for CL qualification at the expense of winning an actual trophy for the first time in nearly three decades, and of any meaningful European kind in over four, do you think we'll win the CL next season, or is hearing that theme music at VP enough for you?
I’d like to ask those same people, if they realise that winning that trophy is our best chance of ensuring CL football next season?
Seems to me that lots of people aren’t getting it.
It is not as straight forward as there are other bits as well, but we could earn an extra 7 points maximum (if we win every match, draws are 0.5 points) which should add almost a point on the 5th place chase. We are currently 0.105 behind Germany. Even Italy who are 1.5 points ahead could be caught as well. It will depend on Arse/Spam (and to a lesser extent City) but yes, us continuing to get results does us no harm at all.
Post by: LeeS on April 09, 2024, 09:13:50 AM
Instead I've gone for a hedge on the coefficient. Arsenal, Man City and Villa all to be eliminated in this round is 15-1.
Post by: Ads on April 09, 2024, 09:16:40 AM
Post by: LeeS on April 09, 2024, 10:27:23 AM
I dont really bet, but the one I have made the last year was Man City, Liverpool and us to all win the European competitions we're in.
I took that too. Got 45-1. Tenner on. Current cash out is a meagre £35!
Post by: paul_e on April 09, 2024, 11:02:36 AM
My mate who bets on football a lot asked me for a few suggestions about Villa this year so I gave that and one for us to win 20 games and score more than 70 goals which is looking pretty good, not sure what odds he got on it but I think it was pretty decent.
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 09, 2024, 01:31:26 PM
2019 / 2020 - stayed in premier league by a single point
2020 / 2021 - finished 11th
2021 /2022 - finished 14th
2022 / 2023 - finished 7th (even with the hindarence of Stevie Me)
4.5 years on and we have almost maintained a top 4 place for majority of season and its not over yet
We are in a European qtr final to boot with a squad that is now threadbare and in some cases running on fumes
Lets get behind them to the end - they deserve it for a monumental season and there will be plenty of twists and turns left
Post by: eamonn on April 09, 2024, 02:21:01 PM
I don't bet but that one really tempted me as well.
My mate who bets on football a lot asked me for a few suggestions about Villa this year so I gave that and one for us to win 20 games and score more than 70 goals which is looking pretty good, not sure what odds he got on it but I think it was pretty decent.
Ooh, the 70 goals one is a very good shout. See if you can find out what the odds were.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 09, 2024, 02:26:01 PM
I dont really bet, but the one I have made the last year was Man City, Liverpool and us to all win the European competitions we're in.
I took that too. Got 45-1. Tenner on. Current cash out is a meagre £35!
The last time I had a bet was on a MON team away at Chelsea. That looks a decent punt at those odds though.
Post by: paul_e on April 09, 2024, 02:43:21 PM
I don't bet but that one really tempted me as well.
My mate who bets on football a lot asked me for a few suggestions about Villa this year so I gave that and one for us to win 20 games and score more than 70 goals which is looking pretty good, not sure what odds he got on it but I think it was pretty decent.
Ooh, the 70 goals one is a very good shout. See if you can find out what the odds were.
He's in Norway so it's not the same markets as over here but he got 30-1 on it.
Post by: Risso on April 09, 2024, 02:50:17 PM
I am a pessimist by nature but i think some perspective is required by myself and others
2019 / 2020 - stayed in premier league by a single point
2020 / 2021 - finished 11th
2021 /2022 - finished 14th
2022 / 2023 - finished 7th (even with the hindarence of Stevie Me)
4.5 years on and we have almost maintained a top 4 place for majority of season and its not over yet
We are in a European qtr final to boot with a squad that is now threadbare and in some cases running on fumes
Lets get behind them to the end - they deserve it for a monumental season and there will be plenty of twists and turns left
I just don't want us to do a Leicester, ie stay in the top 4 for the majority of the season, but then stuff it up right at the end. I think the only games where we've put two good halves together in 2024 in the league were Fulham and Sheffield United. The defence has largely been awful this calendar year, we're averaging nearly two goals against since January. It makes it very difficult to win games when you do that.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 09, 2024, 03:32:24 PM
Post by: dorsetvillian on April 09, 2024, 07:55:06 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 09, 2024, 07:56:57 PM
You just know City and Arsenal will fuck up tonight.
Well then, we'll just dust ourselves down and make sure we finish 4th and win the Conference League.
Post by: Yeltzer on April 09, 2024, 08:44:55 PM
You just know City and Arsenal will fuck up tonight.They’re doing a pretty good job so far 🤦♂️
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 09, 2024, 08:45:14 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 09, 2024, 10:03:33 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 09, 2024, 10:10:53 PM
After tonight’s results coefficient points now level between England Germany. 16.5pts each.
Hopefully us liverpool and west ham can get wins to take us further ahead
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 09, 2024, 10:11:25 PM
After tonight’s results coefficient points now level between England Germany. 16.5pts each.
Hopefully us liverpool and west ham can get wins to take us further ahead
And Athleti beating Dortmund.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 09, 2024, 10:18:56 PM
We really need munich or dortumnd or (both) to go out
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 09, 2024, 10:25:01 PM
Sadly i thinl Leverkusen are going go beat west ham heavily which is going to have a impact
We really need munich or dortumnd or (both) to go out
I fancy Atl Madrid to go through. Bayern favourites now but it should be fine as long as Man City go through and beat them in the semi-final.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 09, 2024, 10:38:45 PM
Sadly i thinl Leverkusen are going go beat west ham heavily which is going to have a impact
We really need munich or dortumnd or (both) to go out
I fancy Atl Madrid to go through. Bayern favourites now but it should be fine as long as Man City go through and beat them in the semi-final.
Hope so percry. I know there have been comments on him about prioritising league but i think the cup is more important not juat for the trophy but it couls be vital for CL spot finishing 5th
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 09, 2024, 10:52:13 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 09, 2024, 10:52:17 PM
Sadly i thinl Leverkusen are going go beat west ham heavily which is going to have a impact
We really need munich or dortumnd or (both) to go out
I fancy Atl Madrid to go through. Bayern favourites now but it should be fine as long as Man City go through and beat them in the semi-final.
Hope so percry. I know there have been comments on him about prioritising league but i think the cup is more important not juat for the trophy but it couls be vital for CL spot finishing 5th
I agree.
Post by: LeeS on April 10, 2024, 10:01:41 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 10, 2024, 10:03:45 AM
Post by: LeeS on April 10, 2024, 10:08:09 AM
Well it is on the balance all those ties are still to be decided.
Which is why I'm hedging it. Not that it matters. Denise Coates gets my money anyway. I always bet any winnings away on other silly accas. There is a reason she lives in a gold plated mansion and I dont.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 10, 2024, 10:38:39 AM
Well it is on the balance all those ties are still to be decided.
Which is why I'm hedging it. Not that it matters. Denise Coates gets my money anyway. I always bet any winnings away on other silly accas. There is a reason she lives in a gold plated mansion and I dont.
No I’m sure it doesn’t. That said, I hold Footy and Smirker entirely responsible for jinxing the results of the Brentford game and Forest vs Spurs respectively.
Post by: David_Nab on April 10, 2024, 12:32:38 PM
The worst nightmare is having to give any cheer to Manchester City. The worst club in the land.
Having to support Liverpool is not much fun either ...
Post by: langleylions on April 10, 2024, 08:35:32 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 10, 2024, 08:41:34 PM
And they have done it twice.
Post by: SaddVillan on April 10, 2024, 10:02:24 PM
And Cardiff have also helped my mood tonight.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 11, 2024, 01:52:31 AM
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39054486/the-race-five-places-next-seasons-champions-league
Post by: Baldy on April 11, 2024, 08:43:05 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on April 11, 2024, 09:00:38 AM
Here’s an article from ESPN that gets updated as the points are clocked up:
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39054486/the-race-five-places-next-seasons-champions-league
Thanks for posting, as that makes it really clear. Am I right then in thinking that we just need Arsenal or Man City to match or better the German clubs, Liverpool to match or better Leverkusen and then it will be down to us secure the spot?
Post by: stevo_st on April 11, 2024, 09:09:52 AM
Post by: Dave on April 11, 2024, 09:21:59 AM
Here’s an article from ESPN that gets updated as the points are clocked up:
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39054486/the-race-five-places-next-seasons-champions-league
Thanks for posting, as that makes it really clear. Am I right then in thinking that we just need Arsenal or Man City to match or better the German clubs, Liverpool to match or better Leverkusen and then it will be down to us secure the spot?
That's correct. But then, we've been saying exactly that on this thread since the end of the last round.
Although if by "down to us to secure the spot" you mean finish at least fifth, then yes. If you mean "do well in Europe to get England more coefficient points", we could lose both matches to Lille and as long the other three clubs do what they need to do then England will still finish ahead of Germany. Which could let France back in, but PSG's loss makes it even harder for them.
Post by: Smithy on April 11, 2024, 09:40:24 AM
Here’s an article from ESPN that gets updated as the points are clocked up:
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39054486/the-race-five-places-next-seasons-champions-league
Thanks for posting, as that makes it really clear. Am I right then in thinking that we just need Arsenal or Man City to match or better the German clubs, Liverpool to match or better Leverkusen and then it will be down to us secure the spot?
Not quite, almost, but not quite. Germany's score is divided by 7, ours is divided by 8. So English teams "matching" the German teams would actually mean Germany going ahead. A point for a win is worth more to the German coefficient than it is to the English one. How much difference it makes, depends on how far they get. I'm sure someone can do the maths on those permutations.
I don't think it will go that far, though. I think both German sides could go out of the CL this round, though I think Leverkusen could win the Europa League.
We're definitely favourites right now, but Leverkusen and Bayern putting West Ham and Arsenal out would put a very different complexion on it. If Liverpool win home and away against Atlanta, and we can get through against Lille, it will look a LOT healthier, as it's no longer matters which competition the teams are in, wins count the same across all competitions.
Post by: Drummond on April 11, 2024, 10:37:44 AM
I'm pleased we're aiming for it, as I want to finish as high as possible (obviously), but the priority for me is still actually winning something.
Post by: Smithy on April 11, 2024, 10:47:45 AM
Let's just finish top 4, win the Conference, hope English teams get to finals and semis, and lose, so we are the only ones with a European trophy.
I'm pleased we're aiming for it, as I want to finish as high as possible (obviously), but the priority for me is still actually winning something.
Can you imagine if in August someone told you we'd lose three important first-team players to ACL injuries, and still be in contention for a top-four finish, AND in the quarter-finals of the Euro conference league. I'd have snapped your hand off.
Another five weeks, that's all we need. Five weeks of injury-free, calamity-free performances, and we could be looking at a generation-defining season. It's not too much to ask for, is it?
Post by: eamonn on April 11, 2024, 10:57:11 AM
Atalanta will likely get knocked-out by Liverpool next week and one of Milan/Roma will also be eliminated as they are playing each other in the Europa QFs.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 11, 2024, 11:00:24 AM
And there's no way we can catch Italy?
Atalanta will likely get knocked-out by Liverpool next week and one of Milan/Roma will also be eliminated as they are playing each other in the Europa QFs.
The article is saying it is unlikely Italy not getting the other spot because for England to finish above them, they would need to beat the Germans, and for the Germans to finish above them, they would have knocked out the English.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 11, 2024, 11:00:56 AM
Post by: Smithy on April 11, 2024, 11:12:22 AM
And there's no way we can catch Italy?
Atalanta will likely get knocked-out by Liverpool next week and one of Milan/Roma will also be eliminated as they are playing each other in the Europa QFs.
Italy are like being top of the league by two points on the final day of the season, but with 2nd and 3rd place teams playing each other on the final day. Technically, either of those teams could overtake you and pip you to first place, but you're guaranteed a place in the top two, whatever happens (which is all Italy needs for the extra place).
So yes, we could get ahead of Italy, but we don't need to.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 11, 2024, 04:47:17 PM
Seems pretty clear to me, finish 4th and let someone else worry about the maths
We're Aston Villa and 1996 Coca Cola Cup final aside, we don't do simple!!
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 11, 2024, 10:06:34 PM
Post by: BC Villain on April 11, 2024, 10:08:55 PM
How doomed is 5th place now?
Looks a long shot now
Post by: itbrvilla on April 11, 2024, 10:09:07 PM
How doomed is 5th place now?really need arsenal to do us a favour but can't see it.
Post by: Smithy on April 11, 2024, 10:12:43 PM
How doomed is 5th place now?
It's not doomed, but our numerical advantage is all but gone. It's now down to Arsenal and Man City to do better than Bayern and Dortmund and for us to do better in our tournament than Leverkusen does in theirs.
Arsenal knocking out Bayern would be a HUGE help. I'll be a Gunner for 90 minutes the night in the return leg, definitely. Leverkusen look seriously impressive, so you'd have to think they're strong favourites in their tournament, which means we probably have to win ours, unless both Man City and Arsenal win their second legs and the Germans both go out.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 11, 2024, 10:15:39 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 11, 2024, 10:24:37 PM
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 11, 2024, 10:40:16 PM
Post by: pablo_picasso on April 11, 2024, 10:59:16 PM
C***s.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 11, 2024, 11:01:21 PM
I think Man City will be too strong at home for Madrid but think Arsenal will bottle it away at Munich.
And Leverkusen will wilt in the cauldron that is the London Stadium.
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 12, 2024, 12:41:54 AM
Christ I hate Liverpool. Whenever I want them to win, they go & suck. Whenever I want them to suck, they go & win.
C***s.
It's doubly annoying, because I'd ordinarily love to just gloat over Liverpool getting turned over 3-0 at home, but they've ruined even that.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 12, 2024, 05:57:53 AM
Christ I hate Liverpool. Whenever I want them to win, they go & suck. Whenever I want them to suck, they go & win.
C***s.
It really could not have gone worse. They are not going italy and winning by 3 or more thats for sure. West ham are out but was always going to be tough vs Leverkusen without bowen
We really need arsenal villa and city to win. The big one is also athletico Madrid if they can beat dortmund
The only positive (and for me its a veey small positive if you can call it that) of going out next week vs lille is we will have one game a wek whocle apurs will have a onslaught of fixtures for 4th
Post by: lovejoy on April 12, 2024, 07:28:39 AM
And there's no way we can catch Italy?
Atalanta will likely get knocked-out by Liverpool next week and one of Milan/Roma will also be eliminated as they are playing each other in the Europa QFs.
No, the two teams playing each other guarantees next round qualification. Assuming Atalanta don’t lose next week and Fiorentino qualify, then Italy get their extra place. It’s just England or Germany to be decided.
I think with Liverpool going out the balance is in Germany’s favour.
Post by: itbrvilla on April 12, 2024, 07:38:00 AM
We have to aim for 4th, spurs have the advantage for now but have a very difficult run of 5 games. We need to stop gifting shit goals constantly.
Post by: Clampy on April 12, 2024, 08:04:32 AM
I think Man City will be too strong at home for Madrid but think Arsenal will bottle it away at Munich.
I agree. I still wouldnt totally write Liverpool off. They seem to have a knack of coming back from the dead.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 12, 2024, 08:48:11 AM
And by the time Spurs next play we could be back in fourth.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 12, 2024, 08:56:00 AM
I think Man City will be too strong at home for Madrid but think Arsenal will bottle it away at Munich.
I agree. I still wouldnt totally write Liverpool off. They seem to have a knack of coming back from the dead.
Usually when its at anfield. But id be amazed if they turn this tie round with 2nd leg in Italy
Klopp gambled and it back fired
Post by: Drummond on April 12, 2024, 08:56:39 AM
Christ I hate Liverpool. Whenever I want them to win, they go & suck. Whenever I want them to suck, they go & win.
C***s.
Me too. What makes it worse is that I want them to win about 1% of the time.
Post by: Rigadon on April 12, 2024, 09:01:17 AM
We need to get something from Arsenal.
Post by: coreyfeldman on April 12, 2024, 09:54:28 AM
It could be that another summer of transfers and pre season, along with getting those long term injury absentees back would give us the squad for a more likely top 4 push.
Assuming I'm going to get torn to pieces now
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 12, 2024, 09:56:54 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 12, 2024, 09:57:24 AM
Assuming I'm going to get torn to pieces now
It's normally what happens when Lions sense weakness.
Post by: coreyfeldman on April 12, 2024, 09:58:08 AM
Post by: David_Nab on April 12, 2024, 09:59:05 AM
I do wonder a bit if actually getting champions league this season is a year too soon for us. Probably an unpopular opinion, and I am desperate for us to be there but Newcastle have suffered from that, and a few others before us too.
It could be that another summer of transfers and pre season, along with getting those long term injury absentees back would give us the squad for a more likely top 4 push.
Assuming I'm going to get torn to pieces now
I'm not sure the extra 6 games Newcastle played in the CL really effected them, the constant injuries and Tomali suspension is the cause of thier issues.
Post by: David_Nab on April 12, 2024, 09:59:44 AM
Let's not qualify for the CL this year, so we can have a real push for it next season instead?
Is that like lets get relegated so we can win more matches in a lower level league
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 12, 2024, 10:01:18 AM
That's not what I said though is it, I'm saying that if we didn't it might not be the worst thing in the world, that's all
Well, it kind of is.
It could be that another summer of transfers and pre season, along with getting those long term injury absentees back would give us the squad for a more likely top 4 push.
Post by: coreyfeldman on April 12, 2024, 10:05:58 AM
I'm not suggesting that we deliberately try to avoid getting champions league, I'm just debating the idea that another season of building and moving through the competitions could be better for us longer term.
I'm not being unambitious, its just a question about sustainability and squad depth/quality
You lot are so quick to jump on certain things and twist words
Post by: coreyfeldman on April 12, 2024, 10:09:44 AM
I do wonder a bit if actually getting champions league this season is a year too soon for us. Probably an unpopular opinion, and I am desperate for us to be there but Newcastle have suffered from that, and a few others before us too.
It could be that another summer of transfers and pre season, along with getting those long term injury absentees back would give us the squad for a more likely top 4 push.
Assuming I'm going to get torn to pieces now
I'm not sure the extra 6 games Newcastle played in the CL really effected them, the constant injuries and Tomali suspension is the cause of thier issues.
Yeah I'd tend to agree but had Newcastle been in europa they also probably would have gone further which means more money, and we all know the confidence that winning breeds in a team.
Post by: Risso on April 12, 2024, 10:14:28 AM
Again, that isn't what I said at all.
I'm not suggesting that we deliberately try to avoid getting champions league, I'm just debating the idea that another season of building and moving through the competitions could be better for us longer term.
I'm not being unambitious, its just a question about sustainability and squad depth/quality
You lot are so quick to jump on certain things and twist words
The trouble is, we don't exist in a vacuum, and this year we've had Newcastle, Chelsea and Man U mostly being absolutely terrible. Assuming Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City are the top three again, it only takes one of those to sort their shit out, and the job becomes much harder. If all three of them do, then it's going to be exceedingly difficult. I'd still fancy us for top 7, but top 4/5 is really difficult. Let's do it now. We've got Kamara, Mings, Ramsey and Buendia to come back, after all.
Post by: ez on April 12, 2024, 10:18:35 AM
Let's not qualify for the CL this year, so we can have a real push for it next season instead?Yeah, tell that to our best players.
Post by: Dave on April 12, 2024, 10:30:33 AM
I do wonder a bit if actually getting champions league this season is a year too soon for us. Probably an unpopular opinion, and I am desperate for us to be there but Newcastle have suffered from that, and a few others before us too.
It could be that another summer of transfers and pre season, along with getting those long term injury absentees back would give us the squad for a more likely top 4 push.
Assuming I'm going to get torn to pieces now
I'm not sure the extra 6 games Newcastle played in the CL really effected them, the constant injuries and Tomali suspension is the cause of thier issues.
Yeah I'd tend to agree but had Newcastle been in europa they also probably would have gone further which means more money, and we all know the confidence that winning breeds in a team.
If Newcastle had finished top of their hypothetical Europa League group and were still in it now, they'd have made about £9m so far from their Europa League run. If they won it, the whole thing would have brought them around £25m, plus extra match-day revenue.
Between prize money and TV revenue, they'll make around £35m from their six Champions League matches.
Post by: coreyfeldman on April 12, 2024, 10:37:23 AM
Post by: Dave on April 12, 2024, 10:38:40 AM
£35m could be the difference between having to sell someone or buying a much better player so not to be sniffed at
Yes. Which is why getting £35m for being knocked out in the group stages of the Champions League is better* than needing to win the whole competition for £25m in the Europa League.
*in terms of money, not success obviously.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 12, 2024, 10:42:30 AM
If Newcastle had finished top of their hypothetical Europa League group and were still in it now, they'd have made about £9m so far from their Europa League run. If they won it, the whole thing would have brought them around £25m, plus extra match-day revenue.
Between prize money and TV revenue, they'll make around £35m from their six Champions League matches.
This. The money at that level is massively higher then we would get even winning our competition. And it is only going up next year with the new format. If we don't go in it and Tottenham (and maybe one other) does then we are more likely to need to sell players to buy players to "push on" for the following season. Plus being able to offer CL football could also sway some of the summer signings.
Newcastle's problems, like our current ones are down to injuries, but also down to us having the better players in key positions and a better manager. The only part of the squad where they are better then us is backup striker, but then they also have both strikers made of glass as well so they need that.
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on April 12, 2024, 10:46:16 AM
Post by: Baldy on April 12, 2024, 10:59:24 AM
I do wonder a bit if actually getting champions league this season is a year too soon for us. Probably an unpopular opinion, and I am desperate for us to be there but Newcastle have suffered from that, and a few others before us too.
It could be that another summer of transfers and pre season, along with getting those long term injury absentees back would give us the squad for a more likely top 4 push.
Assuming I'm going to get torn to pieces now
I wondered the same coreyfeldman, things like 'learn to walk before you can run' and 'punching above your weight' have crossed my mind. The natural progression would be Conference League, Europa League and then Champions League.
But we have assembled a fantastic squad, have an elite manager and magnificent owners. We have proven we can compete with the big boys and the sooner we jump in the deep end the better. Sink or swim? With better luck on the injury front we will swim comfortably.
More money, recognition and glory hunters. The big teams crave it.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 12, 2024, 11:02:02 AM
Post by: Dave on April 12, 2024, 11:03:58 AM
Quote
To secure extra Champions League spot:
🇮🇹 Italy - 99.8%
🏴 England - 57.8%
🇩🇪 Germany - 41.8%
Post by: OCD on April 12, 2024, 11:29:09 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 12, 2024, 11:32:37 AM
That's quite a drop from the 87% or whatever it was. We're probably going to need the Oil Sheiks to win the Champions League.
Liverpool probably have a massive part in that drop due to the size of the defeat. And Bayern and Dortmund both play at home next leg as well. TBH, this next set of games is definitely the make / break of the extra CL spot. But City playing at home next and us winning has probably kept the slight favourite percentage in favour of England
Post by: Ads on April 12, 2024, 11:33:30 AM
Post by: OCD on April 12, 2024, 11:37:37 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 12, 2024, 11:42:24 AM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on April 12, 2024, 11:44:15 AM
Post by: OCD on April 12, 2024, 11:46:02 AM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 12, 2024, 11:47:18 AM
Can't see them turning a 0-3 home defeat around.
It depends. Liverpool had more ball, way more shots etc. But they were also relying on Nunez to do the finishing who seems to have the consistency of wet cement. I expect him to put out a lot stronger side, plus it looks like Alexander-Arnold is back (he was on the bench last night, probably to ease on when they thought they would be winning). He can be a match winner or a match loser but they are arguably going to score with him on the pitch. And with Robertson on the other side......
Post by: Rigadon on April 12, 2024, 11:47:54 AM
It could all come down to Arsenal and Atl Madrid.
It will. And I can see them both winning.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 12, 2024, 01:06:56 PM
Just a reminder that next year is one massive league and you only have to finish 24th out of 32 to progress further in Europe, either in the CL or the Europa. And we play 8 teams of varying quality 2 from each seed pot.Even more fascinating and exciting to get into the Champions League!
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 12, 2024, 01:09:27 PM
Can't see them turning a 0-3 home defeat around.
It depends. Liverpool had more ball, way more shots etc. But they were also relying on Nunez to do the finishing who seems to have the consistency of wet cement. I expect him to put out a lot stronger side, plus it looks like Alexander-Arnold is back (he was on the bench last night, probably to ease on when they thought they would be winning). He can be a match winner or a match loser but they are arguably going to score with him on the pitch. And with Robertson on the other side......
Well I would theorise that Liverpool are focusing on the league.
It's funny how it was termed their 'worst performance under Klopp' just after the announcement of Aston Villa v Liverpool being scheduled for Monday after the semi finals of Europe
Post by: eamonn on April 12, 2024, 03:16:13 PM
Post by: Smithy on April 12, 2024, 03:26:49 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 12, 2024, 04:02:38 PM
Spot on by the looks of it.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 12, 2024, 04:10:17 PM
As the lads on The Villa Podcast said last week while discussing Manure catching us in the league, ‘the only thing Man Utd can do stop us getting in the Champions League is finish bottom of a group containing Copenhagen and Galatasaray.’
Spot on by the looks of it.
Yeah, I enjoyed that line, and it's true.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 12, 2024, 04:46:06 PM
Again, that isn't what I said at all.No, I'm afraid I have to completely disagree, even if I think your argument raises worthwhile topics for discussion.
I'm not suggesting that we deliberately try to avoid getting champions league, I'm just debating the idea that another season of building and moving through the competitions could be better for us longer term.
I'm not being unambitious, its just a question about sustainability and squad depth/quality
You lot are so quick to jump on certain things and twist words
Respectfully I take your point here but have you not considered that it's of benefit for the club to be aiming to seize the chance right now.
Of course, we want to grow, but way I see it every season outside of the Champions League is a threat, a setback, and stifles progress.
In addition to its status and prominence, I believe it is important to consider the opportunity the Champions League will give Villa.
Prize money, commercial revenue, and opportunities will all be available to us in the Champions League.
Why wouldn't we try to take that!
I would even go so far as to say that every season failing to qualify for the Champions League will have an impact on profile, morale, transfer moves, wages, sales, and the FFP and PSR.
Emery hasn't come here to wait around for when the time is right. And neither are our top players. He and the owners want Aston Villa to be competitive at the top table, for me, it has to be a push for the Champions League this season.
Post by: olaftab on April 12, 2024, 07:33:13 PM
Can't see them turning a 0-3 home defeat around.They don't need to turn it around, just win the game 1-0 to helps ....Spurs.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 12, 2024, 07:40:09 PM
Can't see them turning a 0-3 home defeat around.
I mean, it's very unlikely but they could. The question is whether the coefficient points would be worth the media wankfest that would follow.
Post by: Monty on April 12, 2024, 09:14:44 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 12, 2024, 09:26:58 PM
So, maths-deficient here - have Liverpool fucked us?
Not yet, still early days.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 12, 2024, 09:47:44 PM
So, maths-deficient here - have Liverpool fucked us?
Luckily they were not playing a German team, but as we believe they might have been the only side still left to stop Leverkusen, then having them still in it was worth being dazzled by Highbeams.
But if only Leverkusen progresses to the next round from the German teams, we should hopefully get enough points still. So wins for Arse and Atletico (and us) is the only thing needed cheering on next week.
Post by: Monty on April 12, 2024, 10:09:06 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 12, 2024, 10:16:58 PM
Hm. I sense this leaves us with an uphill battle. For which I say 'fuck Liverpool'.
The best thing we can do is get through and win the UECL, but even if Leverkusen progress, West Ham beating them in the 2nd leg would help. Same with Liverpool winning in Italy.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 12, 2024, 10:19:32 PM
So, maths-deficient here - have Liverpool fucked us?
Luckily they were not playing a German team, but as we believe they might have been the only side still left to stop Leverkusen, then having them still in it was worth being dazzled by Highbeams.
But if only Leverkusen progresses to the next round from the German teams, we should hopefully get enough points still. So wins for Arse and Atletico (and us) is the only thing needed cheering on next week.
And Man City.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 12, 2024, 10:19:56 PM
Hm. I sense this leaves us with an uphill battle. For which I say 'fuck Liverpool'.
The best thing we can do is get through and win the UECL, but even if Leverkusen progress, West Ham beating them in the 2nd leg would help. Same with Liverpool winning in Italy.
Indeed.
Post by: Monty on April 12, 2024, 10:21:22 PM
Hm. I sense this leaves us with an uphill battle. For which I say 'fuck Liverpool'.
The best thing we can do is get through and win the UECL, but even if Leverkusen progress, West Ham beating them in the 2nd leg would help. Same with Liverpool winning in Italy.
It just seems like such a well-thought-through system.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 12, 2024, 10:22:13 PM
Post by: Monty on April 12, 2024, 10:23:10 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 12, 2024, 10:32:45 PM
So, maths-deficient here - have Liverpool fucked us?
Luckily they were not playing a German team, but as we believe they might have been the only side still left to stop Leverkusen, then having them still in it was worth being dazzled by Highbeams.
But if only Leverkusen progresses to the next round from the German teams, we should hopefully get enough points still. So wins for Arse and Atletico (and us) is the only thing needed cheering on next week.
And Man City.
Obviously the more through the better for the co-efficient. But if only one German team gets through to the semi finals, and two English ones do, with how close the coefficients are it should be enough. And the more important English sides for it is Arse and us.
As BV points out, the other English teams don't even need to progress to help us. But they need to win the tie on the night.
Post by: TelfordVilla on April 12, 2024, 10:58:58 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 12, 2024, 11:01:06 PM
Are we still on about this. Ffs. Finish 4th and leave crappy old spurts in the europa in 5th. I will never support arse and Man City and wetspam. Seriously, if we don't finish 4th, we don't deserve champions league
Very pure - I’ll be honest if we finish 5th I’d still quite like us to be in it.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 13, 2024, 01:01:50 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2024, 01:56:43 AM
Post by: PhilVill on April 13, 2024, 06:43:11 AM
Post by: TelfordVilla on April 13, 2024, 07:19:24 AM
5th place but Euro league. Still excellent and experience gained for many in the squad to be ready try again next yearIs the correct response....rather than the childish offerings above this.
Post by: Rigadon on April 13, 2024, 07:39:08 AM
5th place but Euro league. Still excellent and experience gained for many in the squad to be ready try again next year
Europa… if we’d come from mid table in a late surge, I’d agree. But now, after the season and calendar year would feel like a consolation prize. We really need to stop waiting about for ‘next season’ and seize the moment. The time is now.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 13, 2024, 08:28:18 AM
Signed LFS, getting on a bit.
Post by: jon collett on April 13, 2024, 08:59:17 AM
It’s time we finally moved up a gear.
The losers cups are a distraction in any case!
Post by: mrfuse on April 13, 2024, 09:23:43 AM
5th place but Euro league. Still excellent and experience gained for many in the squad to be ready try again next year
Europa… if we’d come from mid table in a late surge, I’d agree. But now, after the season and calendar year would feel like a consolation prize. We really need to stop waiting about for ‘next season’ and seize the moment. The time is now.
This would be the case if we didn't have 4 key players with season ending injuries. I would say out of all those injuries Kamara probably being the pivotal issue. This is hampering our ability to rotate players at the business end of the Season not allowing us keep a freshness and cover for suspensions.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 13, 2024, 09:47:58 AM
Well said!
It’s time we finally moved up a gear.
The losers cups are a distraction in any case!
I wouldn't use the term 'losers', they're still good competitions, and I'm thoroughly enjoying this season's continental exploits. 'Lesser lights', perhaps.
I'm not hell-bent on being in the CL, by any stretch. I've said before that I think it's an awful competition that embodies the worst in the modern game, competed for by the very ugliest clubs. And it's laughable that a full quarter of a division could qualify for something with the word "Champions" in its name.
Frankly, I just want to watch us batter every team we play and see Villa captains hoisting trophies aloft. But right now in my sometimes petty little world I'll settle for finishing above spurs. Again. And that loser's trophy.
Post by: Smithy on April 13, 2024, 11:21:34 AM
5th place but Euro league. Still excellent and experience gained for many in the squad to be ready try again next year
Indeed, it will be excellent experience for all the players who don't leave us for Champions League football.
Post by: Smirker on April 13, 2024, 01:49:26 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2024, 01:51:07 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 13, 2024, 02:02:13 PM
Post by: jon collett on April 13, 2024, 02:27:03 PM
Post by: Villan82 on April 13, 2024, 02:29:16 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 13, 2024, 02:30:31 PM
Wouldn’t get too confident yet - a. this game needs to finish yet and b. we need to start playing well and winning. But yes this would be very helpful.Have faith in that spurs defence !
Post by: Ian. on April 13, 2024, 02:30:58 PM
Post by: Baldy on April 13, 2024, 02:33:05 PM
I think spurs will beat arsenal next weekend unfortunately. Its spurs Cup final and arsenal have at tough midweek trip ro munich
They are playing Arses on 28th April!!
Post by: pelty on April 13, 2024, 02:34:46 PM
The Villa supporter in me is now worried about Newcastle catching us!
We should be! Their run-in is so easy!
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 13, 2024, 02:35:25 PM
Every chance Villa remain ahead by time spurs play again
Post by: Somniloquism on April 13, 2024, 02:42:23 PM
Sun 28th Arse, Home (They will be rested whilst Arse have us, Munich, Wolves and Chelsea leading into it).
Thu 2nd May, Chelsea, Away. (TBC)
Sun 5th May, Liverpool, Away.
Sat 11th May, Burnley, Home.
Tue 14th May, Man City, Home. (TBC)
Sun 19th May, Sheff Utd, Away.
Ours after Arsenal are.
Thurs 18th Apr Lille, Away.
Sun 21st Apr, Bournemouth, Home.
Sat 27th Apr, Chelsea, Home.
Thurs 2nd May, Potential Semi, Home.
Sat/Sun 4th/5th May, Brighton, Away.
Thurs 9th May, Potential Semi, Away.
Mon 13th May, Liverpool, Home.
Sun 19th May, Crystal Palace, Away.
Wed 29th May, Potential Final.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 13, 2024, 02:45:16 PM
The Villa supporter in me is now worried about Newcastle catching us!
We should be! Their run-in is so easy!
They would have to win 4 of their last 5, and hope we pick up no points at all.
Post by: jon collett on April 13, 2024, 02:54:05 PM
The Villa supporter in me is now worried about Newcastle catching us!
We should be! Their run-in is so easy!
They would have to win 4 of their last 5, and hope we pick up no points at all.
They’ve got six games left and every game winnable in which case we’d need 9 points to see them off from our six.
Post by: OCD on April 13, 2024, 02:59:51 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 13, 2024, 03:01:43 PM
The Villa supporter in me is now worried about Newcastle catching us!
We should be! Their run-in is so easy!
They would have to win 4 of their last 5, and hope we pick up no points at all.
They’ve got six games left and every game winnable in which case we’d need 9 points to see them off from our six.
IF Newcastle won 8 games on the trot at the end of the season, then well done and they deserve to be there. However just a reminder that only two matches ago, they played Everton at their place and drew 1-1. They have a style of play which could get goals against the more open teams (look at their games against us for example), but also like us, they can struggle against more defensive teams who put all the players behind the ball.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2024, 03:04:07 PM
Post by: DB on April 13, 2024, 05:16:20 PM
They are 10 behind, with 6 to play, so over 1.5 points per match to make up the gap.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2024, 05:22:43 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2024, 05:26:23 PM
Post by: olaftab on April 13, 2024, 05:39:21 PM
At start of today, Newcastle beating Spuds is what we wanted, now they have done that, some are worried about Newcastle!It's amazing that a result other than a barn storming win by Villa can not be enjoyed by some of our fans as they start worrying about doom and gloom in the fog. If Newcastle finish above us I will drink my own piss in front of you all.
They are 10 behind, with 6 to play, so over 1.5 points per match to make up the gap.
Post by: Richard E on April 13, 2024, 05:40:53 PM
At start of today, Newcastle beating Spuds is what we wanted, now they have done that, some are worried about Newcastle!It's amazing that a result other than a barn storming win by Villa can not be enjoyed by some of our fans as they start worrying about doom and gloom in the fog. If Newcastle finish above us I will drink my own piss in front of you all.
They are 10 behind, with 6 to play, so over 1.5 points per match to make up the gap.
If you were really sure you’d be offering to drink Heineken.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2024, 05:46:45 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2024, 05:48:40 PM
Post by: olaftab on April 13, 2024, 05:55:26 PM
Why have Spurs got 2 weeks off?!FA cup Semi finals next week and out of respect they don't play on that weekend.
Post by: olaftab on April 13, 2024, 05:56:59 PM
If you were really sure you’d be offering to drink Heineken.There really is a limit as to what a man should stick down his throat and Heineken is a big no.
Post by: Jane on April 13, 2024, 06:04:47 PM
Why have Spurs got 2 weeks off?!
Assuming they were due to play one of the semi-finalists.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 13, 2024, 06:12:12 PM
If you were really sure you’d be offering to drink Heineken.
There really is a limit as to what a man should stick down his throat and Heineken is a big no.
I'm not keen on Heineken, but it's not my biggest no-no.
Post by: SamTheMouse on April 13, 2024, 06:12:55 PM
It's amazing that a result other than a barn storming win by Villa can not be enjoyed by some of our fans as they start worrying about doom and gloom in the fog. If Newcastle finish above us I will drink my own piss in front of you all.
Screenshot saved.
I sincerely hope this doesn't come to pass, for our sake as much as yours.
Post by: London Villan on April 13, 2024, 06:23:19 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on April 13, 2024, 07:10:05 PM
It's going to be tighter than a ferret's ringpiece.
Post by: OCD on April 13, 2024, 07:25:10 PM
Post by: SaddVillan on April 13, 2024, 07:46:28 PM
Bournemouth 2
ManU + PGMOL + VAR 2
Thereby proving the immutable law of the EPL.
If a VAR decision has to be made, it MUST always go in favour of the Greedy6 team.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2024, 07:58:29 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2024, 08:04:28 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 13, 2024, 08:07:19 PM
I think spurs will beat arsenal next weekend unfortunately. Its spurs Cup final and arsenal have at tough midweek trip ro munich
They are playing Arses on 28th April!!
Wow thats great news! How the hell do they not have a game next weekend? They are going to have so many games ovee such a short space of time. If they win all three of those games they deserve 4th
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 13, 2024, 08:09:58 PM
Man U have won 1 of their last 7 league games, and that was at home to Everton. It's time to stop worrying about them.
I've been flabbergasted for weeks, months even, that people have still been worrying about their 'threat'. And looking around, it seems some still are. Smh, as the kids say.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 13, 2024, 08:12:21 PM
Man U have won 1 of their last 7 league games, and that was at home to Everton. It's time to stop worrying about them.
I've been flabbergasted for weeks, months even, that people have still been worrying about their 'threat'. And looking around, it seems some still are. Smh, as the kids say.
Cant blame them though. Manure the mist helped club by var and refs so its not suprising
Post by: Risso on April 13, 2024, 08:14:57 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on April 13, 2024, 08:16:41 PM
They'll almost certainly win the next two though, Sheff U and Burnley at home. Then Palace away isn't exactly difficult either. We've absolutely got to beat Bournemouth and not lose to Chelsea.
I could see Burnley getting a result against Mancheter PGMOL utd
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 13, 2024, 08:17:50 PM
Post by: Risso on April 13, 2024, 08:19:10 PM
They'll almost certainly win the next two though, Sheff U and Burnley at home. Then Palace away isn't exactly difficult either. We've absolutely got to beat Bournemouth and not lose to Chelsea.
I could see Burnley getting a result against Mancheter PGMOL utd
I can't, Burnley's away record is dismal.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 13, 2024, 08:21:47 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 13, 2024, 08:23:42 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2024, 08:24:53 PM
They'll almost certainly win the next two though, Sheff U and Burnley at home. Then Palace away isn't exactly difficult either. We've absolutely got to beat Bournemouth and not lose to Chelsea.
I think this is the point really. Clearly they are unlikely to catch us, but it’s on us to start winning games and being more consistent to get rid of the noise.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 13, 2024, 09:32:06 PM
Since beating us, they've managed to beat Luton and Everton. How the fuck are they still in the European mix at all?!
Because Sky, Talksport etc. are desperate for them to make a late surge to get 4th place and think everyone else in the country is willing them on as well.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 13, 2024, 09:35:45 PM
Since beating us, they've managed to beat Luton and Everton. How the fuck are they still in the European mix at all?!
Because Sky, Talksport etc. are desperate for them to make a late surge to get 4th place and think everyone else in the country is willing them on as well.
Well and us and Spurs haven’t put any chance of it to bed completely (it’s not far off that now though - but we need to fucking win!)
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 13, 2024, 09:36:09 PM
Post by: Dave on April 13, 2024, 09:54:36 PM
Since beating us, they've managed to beat Luton and Everton. How the fuck are they still in the European mix at all?!
Because Sky, Talksport etc. are desperate for them to make a late surge to get 4th place
No they're not.
Post by: Steve67 on April 13, 2024, 10:34:10 PM
Post by: olaftab on April 13, 2024, 10:49:11 PM
Post by: Steve67 on April 13, 2024, 10:52:05 PM
Agree with you a near perfect day but did you mean 5th looks assured?
I'm still looking further down the table at what is behind us. The Barcodes could technically catch us, so can Man Yew if we lost our games and they won theirs, but even a misery arse like me doesn't think that will happen, so I reckon 6th is the lowest we will finish and, yes, 5th looks very nearly assured.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 14, 2024, 01:03:08 AM
Since beating us, they've managed to beat Luton and Everton. How the fuck are they still in the European mix at all?!
Because Sky, Talksport etc. are desperate for them to make a late surge to get 4th place
No they're not.
Really? You don't think they would be constantly going on about them on there if they made a late run to finish "in that coveted Champions League spot"?
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2024, 01:35:42 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 14, 2024, 06:30:26 AM
Have to say Gordon has been one of the signings of the season. Manure our only challenge for top 5 as that game in hand. Otherwise they out of it. I think they are out of it now as they needed to win yesterday.
Post by: Smithy on April 14, 2024, 07:48:00 AM
Realistically we probably need two wins to secure 5th - but it might even be less than that.
4th? Who knows, it looks better than it did yesterday, but will still likely go down to the last game as neither us or Spurs look like putting a run of results together to pull away from the other. A surprise point or three today would be a lovely start :-)
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 14, 2024, 07:53:18 AM
Post by: Drummond on April 14, 2024, 08:52:52 AM
You're supposed to enjoy the fact we're doing well instead of being miserable about it.
Think about what Emery achieved last season with us, think of the improvements we have made as a club. It's pressure but we can't let it get to us.
Post by: Clampy on April 14, 2024, 09:08:21 AM
If we were playing the way Spurs, Man U and Newcastle are currently, and in the form they are in, and we're in their positions instead of ours, I can assure you that all of the people saying they are going to (could, might, yada yada) catch us, would be talking us down and saying there wouldn't be any fucking chance we would catch up and that we were gash etc.
You're supposed to enjoy the fact we're doing well instead of being miserable about it.
Think about what Emery achieved last season with us, think of the improvements we have made as a club. It's pressure but we can't let it get to us.
The second paragraph is spot on.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 14, 2024, 10:31:51 AM
If we were playing the way Spurs, Man U and Newcastle are currently, and in the form they are in, and we're in their positions instead of ours, I can assure you that all of the people saying they are going to (could, might, yada yada) catch us, would be talking us down and saying there wouldn't be any fucking chance we would catch up and that we were gash etc.
You're supposed to enjoy the fact we're doing well instead of being miserable about it.
Think about what Emery achieved last season with us, think of the improvements we have made as a club. It's pressure but we can't let it get to us.
I think the pressure is always felt more when you are the ones being 'chased'. The pressure to win becomes more intense and you just want the season to end. When you are the ones chasing though, you look forward to every game and you want as many as possible.
Post by: john e on April 14, 2024, 11:28:41 AM
With our injuries in key positions I can’t see us keeping them out
Then other ridiculous results in the European games the coefficient look like it was going pear-shaped as well
Don’t see us getting anything out of Arsenal today either, so I thought this season was gonna dissolve into a disappointment
However, after yesterday’s results I’ve perked up a bit
Tottenham have a very very difficult next four games and even if we lose to Arsenal today which I fully expect it won’t be the end of the world as long as we can start picking points up in our remaining games
Post by: tomd2103 on April 14, 2024, 11:55:35 AM
I was in my Boots coming away from the ground Thursday night I know we won but I wasn’t impressed with the performance and without Martinez we would have got tonked, but we have got him but he can’t save us all the time and I can see us going out next week
With our injuries in key positions I can’t see us keeping them out
Then other ridiculous results in the European games the coefficient look like it was going pear-shaped as well
Don’t see us getting anything out of Arsenal today either, so I thought this season was gonna dissolve into a disappointment
However, after yesterday’s results I’ve perked up a bit
Tottenham have a very very difficult next four games and even if we lose to Arsenal today which I fully expect it won’t be the end of the world as long as we can start picking points up in our remaining games
Whatever you got from Boots seems to have perked you up a bit by the end of that!!
Post by: john e on April 14, 2024, 12:15:01 PM
I was in my Boots coming away from the ground Thursday night I know we won but I wasn’t impressed with the performance and without Martinez we would have got tonked, but we have got him but he can’t save us all the time and I can see us going out next week
With our injuries in key positions I can’t see us keeping them out
Then other ridiculous results in the European games the coefficient look like it was going pear-shaped as well
Don’t see us getting anything out of Arsenal today either, so I thought this season was gonna dissolve into a disappointment
However, after yesterday’s results I’ve perked up a bit
Tottenham have a very very difficult next four games and even if we lose to Arsenal today which I fully expect it won’t be the end of the world as long as we can start picking points up in our remaining games
Whatever you got from Boots seems to have perked you up a bit by the end of that!!
I got them from the swings and roundabouts up and down shop
Post by: Somniloquism on April 14, 2024, 01:56:19 PM
If we were playing the way Spurs, Man U and Newcastle are currently, and in the form they are in, and we're in their positions instead of ours, I can assure you that all of the people saying they are going to (could, might, yada yada) catch us, would be talking us down and saying there wouldn't be any fucking chance we would catch up and that we were gash etc.
You're supposed to enjoy the fact we're doing well instead of being miserable about it.
Think about what Emery achieved last season with us, think of the improvements we have made as a club. It's pressure but we can't let it get to us.
I think the pressure is always felt more when you are the ones being 'chased'. The pressure to win becomes more intense and you just want the season to end. When you are the ones chasing though, you look forward to every game and you want as many as possible.
Last season I seem to remember similar people on here telling us our chase for Europe was over each time we dropped some points in a match. So no, I don't think it is whether we are being chased or doing the chasing.
Stating that, I also don't think it is solely a Villa thing either and I expect Spurs, Manure and other teams forums are also bemoaning the teams chances of finishing in the CL as well after the recent results.
Post by: brontebilly on April 14, 2024, 02:30:50 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 14, 2024, 02:52:46 PM
I was in my Boots coming away from the ground Thursday night I know we won but I wasn’t impressed with the performance and without Martinez we would have got tonked, but we have got him but he can’t save us all the time and I can see us going out next week
With our injuries in key positions I can’t see us keeping them out
Then other ridiculous results in the European games the coefficient look like it was going pear-shaped as well
Don’t see us getting anything out of Arsenal today either, so I thought this season was gonna dissolve into a disappointment
However, after yesterday’s results I’ve perked up a bit
Tottenham have a very very difficult next four games and even if we lose to Arsenal today which I fully expect it won’t be the end of the world as long as we can start picking points up in our remaining games
Whatever you got from Boots seems to have perked you up a bit by the end of that!!
https://www.boots.com/connect
Post by: LeeB on April 14, 2024, 02:53:47 PM
What has happened Spurs? That high intensity 'Angeball' catching up with them later in the season? Looking at even their bench yesterday v Newcastle, they looked far stronger on paper. But they were so flat and Newcastle bullied them at their ease. Man United are a dreadful team, no surprise with their result.
I said at Christmas they're going to be bollocksed playing like that come the run in, and that's without the additional games we've had to play.
We're going to come off the ropes like Ali and cut them down.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2024, 06:44:48 PM
Post by: Risso on April 14, 2024, 06:45:26 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2024, 06:48:05 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 14, 2024, 06:49:10 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 14, 2024, 06:49:43 PM
What has happened Spurs? That high intensity 'Angeball' catching up with them later in the season? Looking at even their bench yesterday v Newcastle, they looked far stronger on paper. But they were so flat and Newcastle bullied them at their ease. Man United are a dreadful team, no surprise with their result.
I said at Christmas they're going to be bollocksed playing like that come the run in, and that's without the additional games we've had to play.
We're going to come off the ropes like Ali and cut them down.
😂 Love this.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 14, 2024, 06:50:30 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 14, 2024, 06:51:20 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 14, 2024, 06:54:55 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 14, 2024, 07:17:14 PM
1st and Win the league:
Peterwithshin , Richard E, Algy
3rd :
Louize0
4th:
Footy-Vill, AV82EC , Andy Lochhead in the Air, Rigadon, Old hill Avfc, 260475
5th:
Richard , Darren Woolley, Baldy, mpls villa, Dave P, Eammon, Aldridgeboy, Saint13, Simboy, Holte L2, ironmaiden mania, Brazilian Villain, Nunkin1965, N'Mav
6th:
Phil Vill, Chicago, Lion , Dogtanian , Taxdodger, Chrisw1, edgy satsuma 89, Skerra, diced lam 6, Rotterdam 82
7th:
Axl Rose, Towser, VillaTim, Somniloquism, Curious orange
8th:
Ads, Sid1964, Legion
Anyone want to revise their forecast ?
Post by: Beard82 on April 14, 2024, 07:20:04 PM
We have two home league games before they play - if we could be 7 or even 9 points clear - I wouldnt be able to see them catch us.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 14, 2024, 07:25:22 PM
If and its a big if, we beat Bournemouth we go 6 points clear of spurs and bettee GD so 7 points really with spurs having such tough games
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2024, 07:28:21 PM
H Arsenal
A Chelsea
A Liverpool
H Burnley
H Man City
A Sheff Utd
Post by: Demitri_C on April 14, 2024, 07:29:15 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 14, 2024, 07:31:28 PM
Spurs remaining fixtures, potential for a lot of dropped points, especially as they've only won 2 of the last 5.
H Arsenal
A Chelsea
A Liverpool
H Burnley
H Man City
A Sheff Utd
Thats a fucking horrific run. If i was predicting i would say
Arsenal D
Chelsea W
Liverpool L
Burnley W
CITY D
Sheff utd W
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2024, 07:34:33 PM
Post by: Beard82 on April 14, 2024, 07:36:29 PM
Plus one win for the rest and I think that will be enough - assuming we have the better goal difference still.
Post by: Richard E on April 14, 2024, 07:37:10 PM
https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/top-4-struggling-to-care.49116/
‘I don’t care that she’s dumped me, I didn’t really fancy her anyway.’
Post by: Risso on April 14, 2024, 07:40:20 PM
https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/top-4-struggling-to-care.49116/
Because they've got so much else left to play for.
Post by: PhilVill on April 14, 2024, 07:46:57 PM
Post by: Ian. on April 14, 2024, 07:48:30 PM
Post by: OCD on April 14, 2024, 07:49:28 PM
Post by: eamonn on April 14, 2024, 07:51:10 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 14, 2024, 07:53:48 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 14, 2024, 07:55:24 PM
The only concern is Citeh May have the title won by the time they play them.Spurs remaining fixtures, potential for a lot of dropped points, especially as they've only won 2 of the last 5.
H Arsenal
A Chelsea
A Liverpool
H Burnley
H Man City
A Sheff Utd
Thats a fucking horrific run. If i was predicting i would say
Arsenal D
Chelsea W
Liverpool L
Burnley W
CITY D
Sheff utd W
If not I think 2 more wins and a draw gets us 4th.
Post by: Goldenballs on April 14, 2024, 07:59:55 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 14, 2024, 08:19:18 PM
Post by: Risso on April 14, 2024, 08:21:53 PM
Post by: AV82EC on April 14, 2024, 08:22:42 PM
Is it too early to hope that every English team apart from us gets knocked out of Europe this week?! :)
I would laugh my bollocks off if that happened.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 14, 2024, 08:23:10 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 14, 2024, 08:23:53 PM
Is it too early to hope that every English team apart from us gets knocked out of Europe this week?! :)
Id take city going out. Arsenal villa and west ham through and then arsenal and ammers going out. With villa being only english club who win trophy
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 14, 2024, 08:24:29 PM
Is it too early to hope that every English team apart from us gets knocked out of Europe this week?! :)
I like to retain all possible contingency!
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 14, 2024, 08:26:00 PM
The only concern is Citeh May have the title won by the time they play them.Spurs remaining fixtures, potential for a lot of dropped points, especially as they've only won 2 of the last 5.
H Arsenal
A Chelsea
A Liverpool
H Burnley
H Man City
A Sheff Utd
Thats a fucking horrific run. If i was predicting i would say
Arsenal D
Chelsea W
Liverpool L
Burnley W
CITY D
Sheff utd W
If not I think 2 more wins and a draw gets us 4th.
We need an extra point as they could easily catch up the goal difference against Burnley or Sheffield United.
Post by: London Villan on April 14, 2024, 08:31:16 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on April 14, 2024, 08:33:47 PM
Post by: Risso on April 14, 2024, 08:37:08 PM
Arse might totally shit the bed and collapse now. Can see Spurs getting something from that game.
I don't think so. I can't stand the bloke, but I do think Arteta has done a good job with a squad that isn't as good as Man City or Liverpool.
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 14, 2024, 08:46:20 PM
Post by: KevinGage on April 14, 2024, 08:48:23 PM
Wasn't much more of a believer before the Tottingham home game early March, which could have put us well clear.
But I'd be pig sick if we don't manage it from this position.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 14, 2024, 08:50:16 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 14, 2024, 09:04:36 PM
Let's just concentrate on getting 4-6 points in our next two games before Spurs play again. 7-9 points would start to look like an unassailable gap to Spurs given their run-in.I was thinking this after the game today, if we can manage to turnover Bournemouth and Chelsea, psychologically it will be a blow to spurs
Post by: Demitri_C on April 14, 2024, 09:16:37 PM
They should have zero excuses getting spanked 3-0 by fulham and 4-0 by Newcastle
Post by: Dave on April 14, 2024, 09:21:19 PM
They should have zero excuses getting spanked 3-0 by fulham and 4-0 by Newcastle
You'd have to be a right bunch of no-hopers to lose by four up at St James Park.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 14, 2024, 09:47:09 PM
They should have zero excuses getting spanked 3-0 by fulham and 4-0 by Newcastle
You'd have to be a right bunch of no-hopers to lose by four up at St James Park.
Im not sure if you implying about our game there this season but if you are i think its tad unfair as the mings injury clearly had a psychological effect on us and it was only 1st game of season.
Post by: Dave on April 14, 2024, 09:50:11 PM
The big bunch of losers.
Post by: curiousorange on April 14, 2024, 09:59:48 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 14, 2024, 10:00:38 PM
Post by: Beard82 on April 14, 2024, 10:20:27 PM
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 14, 2024, 10:27:10 PM
I have felt for a while we will beat p.lop as well
Post by: eamonn on April 15, 2024, 12:48:15 AM
What an incentive to go nine points clear of them with two home games in a row now. I think Bournemouth will be a harder test than Chelsea. Time we turned VP back into a fortress again.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 15, 2024, 12:53:12 AM
I have felt for a while we will beat p.lop as well
I thought we had more chance of getting something from the Liverpool game at home, than Arsenal away. That will be difficult now. :(
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 15, 2024, 01:27:53 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 15, 2024, 05:59:49 AM
As i said before, spurs wouldnt be anywhere near top 4 if they had europe this year
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 15, 2024, 06:54:48 AM
We do need one of Arse or Pool to stay in it so that Citeh go into the Spurs game needing a result.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 15, 2024, 07:23:06 AM
Looking at the title run in it does look like this weekend has given it to cIteh.
We do need one of Arse or Pool to stay in it so that Citeh go into the Spurs game needing a result.
I think arsenal will drop off now looking at their games chelsea spurs and manure not easy. Just hoping liverpool can go on a run and keep pressure on city for that game.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 15, 2024, 08:37:24 AM
Looks like we have exposed their soft underbelly.Looking at the title run in it does look like this weekend has given it to cIteh.
We do need one of Arse or Pool to stay in it so that Citeh go into the Spurs game needing a result.
I think arsenal will drop off now looking at their games chelsea spurs and manure not easy. Just hoping liverpool can go on a run and keep pressure on city for that game.
Those doubts about the temperament to go all the way will resurface , it was a terrible result for them and worse is the fact that they know their crowd ain’t up for the fight.
Post by: Ads on April 15, 2024, 08:46:18 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 15, 2024, 09:04:51 AM
Looks like we have exposed their soft underbelly.Looking at the title run in it does look like this weekend has given it to cIteh.
We do need one of Arse or Pool to stay in it so that Citeh go into the Spurs game needing a result.
I think arsenal will drop off now looking at their games chelsea spurs and manure not easy. Just hoping liverpool can go on a run and keep pressure on city for that game.
Those doubts about the temperament to go all the way will resurface , it was a terrible result for them and worse is the fact that they know their crowd ain’t up for the fight.
I thought artetas subs were awful. Jorginho when he came on was terrible and helped us with the 2nd goal 😂
I dont think artetas a top manager tbh.
Post by: Risso on April 15, 2024, 09:08:46 AM
I mean, they've only dropped points at Man City away so far this year, let's not undermine what we did yesterday by going overboard. They just got beat by the 4th best side in the league, who happen to be very good unsurprisingly.
Agreed. On another day against another team they could have been two or three up at half time.
Post by: Dave on April 15, 2024, 09:09:14 AM
I mean, they've only dropped points at Man City away so far this year, let's not undermine what we did yesterday by going overboard. They just got beat by the 4th best side in the league, who happen to be very good unsurprisingly.
Yup. They played fine yesterday, they were just unlucky to come up against a team that when it clicks is really good. And they played them on a day when it clicked.
They'll still win most of their rest of their games this season. And even if they finish third, it's still been a great season for them.
Post by: pablo_picasso on April 15, 2024, 09:14:58 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on April 15, 2024, 09:26:02 AM
https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/top-4-struggling-to-care.49116/I get where they're coming from.
I am absolutely desperate for us to qualify because it's the only possible way that we can even begin to start bridging the financial gap. That's less important to Spurs as they have such a strong commercial operation. Having failed to progress in the CL so often, I can see why going deeper into the UEFA cup for a season or two could be quite appealing to their fans.
I think Spurs are progressing pretty well, they've got a good squad, are having a love affair with their manager and financially they can cope with not being in the CL next season. For us, I feel it could be a transformative lifeline in terms of finance, retaining our best players and being taken more seriously as a top club.
Post by: Rigadon on April 15, 2024, 09:45:45 AM
https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/top-4-struggling-to-care.49116/I get where they're coming from.
I am absolutely desperate for us to qualify because it's the only possible way that we can even begin to start bridging the financial gap. That's less important to Spurs as they have such a strong commercial operation. Having failed to progress in the CL so often, I can see why going deeper into the UEFA cup for a season or two could be quite appealing to their fans.
I think Spurs are progressing pretty well, they've got a good squad, are having a love affair with their manager and financially they can cope with not being in the CL next season. For us, I feel it could be a transformative lifeline in terms of finance, retaining our best players and being taken more seriously as a top club.
I can understand that the novelty of playing in the CL wears off after a while. We are the only big English club to have not qualified for it (in its modern form) and that has to be out straight. It alone wouldn't transform the club - look at Newcastle - but it'd give us the chance to build rather than rebuild.
Post by: cdward on April 15, 2024, 09:58:12 AM
Momentum is massive at this stage of the season.
We really needed that style of win, to remind us of how good we have been this season, and how good we can still be.
Sets us up nicely for a clean sheet on Thursday.
Thank you Unai, for us to be even talking about qualifying for CL football, let alone be in with a real chance is brilliant.
Post by: caster troy on April 15, 2024, 10:02:52 AM
Post by: Drummond on April 15, 2024, 10:21:11 AM
ManC 11
Arse 10
Newc 10
B'Mouth 10
Chelsea 9
L'Pool 8
Villa 8
Spuds 7
Fulham 7
ManU 6
Brentford 6
Forest 6
Burnley 6
WetSpam 5
Brighton 5
Wulves 5
Palace 5
Everton 4
Luton 4
Sheff U 3
Chelsea and ManC are undefeated in 5.
Arse, L'Pool, Villa, Newcastle, ManU, B'mouth, Forest, Burnley have only lost once in those games.
So the games v Bournemouth and Chelsea especially require us to be on our guard, L'pool are obviously decent, Palace on their day are a really potent threat so we've a tough few games and the everyone needs to be on form.
Post by: Drummond on April 15, 2024, 10:22:51 AM
We're in a good place.
Post by: eamonn on April 15, 2024, 10:26:32 AM
From memory, Blackburn never made much of a dent - my only recollection from their campaigns is Batty and Le Saux having a punch-up on the pitch in Moscow or somewhere.
Everton in the mid-00s... exited immediately after a tough preliminary tie against Villareal who went all the way to the semi-finals before narrowly losing to Arsenal.
Newcastle in the late-90s and early 00s...a memorable Keith Gillespie-inspired win at home to Barca but not sure they got to the knock-outs at all.
Surprisingly, then, Leicester did really well in their one and only campaign, narrowly losing to Atleti in the quarter-finals in 2017.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 15, 2024, 10:39:58 AM
Sky Sports News waffling on about the title & very little talk of the Champions League chase. If it was ManU in our position we would need brollies for the torrential down-pouring of media spunk that would be moving in from the Sky Sports studio...
I personally love it PP when they dont talk about us. Its when we are at our best and play without pressure.
We dont need anyones plaudits just us vs the world. We can all see the unbelievable job emery is doing. Dont care what the biased clowns at sky think
Post by: Dave on April 15, 2024, 10:45:34 AM
From memory, Blackburn never made much of a dent - my only recollection from their campaigns is Batty and Le Saux having a punch-up on the pitch in Moscow or somewhere.
Also the answer to the quiz question of the first English player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League.
Post by: curiousorange on April 15, 2024, 11:11:53 AM
Post by: SaddVillan on April 15, 2024, 11:14:08 AM
"No-one expected Liverpool and Arsenal to end up both being beaten this weekend, but I've been in their situation myself and this is what happens [in a title run-in] especially in must-win games at home. If you don't score early, everyone gets very nervy.
On the pitch, players can hear the moans and the groans in the crowd after every wasted chance - or even a misplaced pass - the kind of things that no-one was too bothered about a few months ago.
It doesn't matter how strong your attack is normally, because when the ball suddenly won't go in the net it can start to feel like nothing is happening naturally or going for you in front of goal - and at the same time you get much edgier than usual every time the opposition gets into your final third.
The longer the game goes on like that the worse it gets, because you can hear more and more panic and desperation setting in. If you're the away then you feel it too, and you know your plan is working."
Very insightful.
Wonder how true it is of Villa Park, in terms of getting nervous and tense and transmitting that to the team?
Post by: Monty on April 15, 2024, 11:14:50 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 15, 2024, 11:17:17 AM
It's not just the financial gap, it avoids a rebuild at a key time. Your Watkins, Luiz and Martinez will want to play at elite level for most of their career, and if you can legitimately claim by staying at Villa they will do so, that keeps the spine of the side intact.
Yep it shows players that they can fulfill their ambitions with us. We need to take this opportunity- the defensive level from yesterday needs to be maintained.
Post by: curiousorange on April 15, 2024, 11:18:16 AM
Post by: eamonn on April 15, 2024, 11:32:26 AM
From memory, Blackburn never made much of a dent - my only recollection from their campaigns is Batty and Le Saux having a punch-up on the pitch in Moscow or somewhere.
Also the answer to the quiz question of the first English player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League.
God, I'd forgotten about that. It was the later game at home to Rosenberg, the perfect hat-trick by Mike Newell inside 9 minutes - a record that stood for 17 years according to this amusing article about Blackburn's art of falling apart following their Premier League title win in '95.
As for Jack Walker pleading with Shearer to stay after Euro'96 with an offer to become Blackburn's player-manager at 25...?!
https://thesefootballtimes.co/2016/08/13/what-not-to-do-in-the-champions-league-starring-blackburn-rovers/
Post by: Smithy on April 15, 2024, 11:44:23 AM
https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/top-4-struggling-to-care.49116/I get where they're coming from.
I am absolutely desperate for us to qualify because it's the only possible way that we can even begin to start bridging the financial gap. That's less important to Spurs as they have such a strong commercial operation. Having failed to progress in the CL so often, I can see why going deeper into the UEFA cup for a season or two could be quite appealing to their fans.
I think Spurs are progressing pretty well, they've got a good squad, are having a love affair with their manager and financially they can cope with not being in the CL next season. For us, I feel it could be a transformative lifeline in terms of finance, retaining our best players and being taken more seriously as a top club.
I can understand that the novelty of playing in the CL wears off after a while. We are the only big English club to have not qualified for it (in its modern form) and that has to be out straight. It alone wouldn't transform the club - look at Newcastle - but it'd give us the chance to build rather than rebuild.
The other thing to bear in mind is that a Spurs outside of the Champions League places would still be able to compete financially with a Villa team that was in it. But the other way round? Then the financial gap becomes an absolute chasm. We absolutely need to qualify for the Champions League in order to kick-start the necessary improvement in our commercial revenue, so that we can compete with clubs like Spurs, Chelsea and Man Utd, who still have the financial muscle to attract the best players, even if they have a year or two of being mediocre on the pitch. If we were to have have a year or two of that with our finances the way they are, we would probably lose every single good player.
Champions League qualification isn't the destination. It's just the next step towards building an infrastructure that can compete at the top end, for the long-term.
Wins against Palace and Bournemouth would probably be enough to guarantee it, but honestly, given yesterday's performance, you have to say we have a decent chance of beating every team we have left to play.
If I was Spurs, I'd be nervously looking over my shoulder at Newcastle. Their next three games are Palace, Sheff Utd and Burnley - all perfectly winnable. If Spurs lose to Arsenal, that gap could be down to 1 point with them still to play Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City.
Post by: Risso on April 15, 2024, 11:48:12 AM
Post by: curiousorange on April 15, 2024, 11:49:32 AM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
I think a backpass that gets picked up results in an indirect free kick in the area.
Post by: Dave on April 15, 2024, 11:49:41 AM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
Keeper picking the ball up from a back-pass is the common one.
Post by: Olneythelonely on April 15, 2024, 11:56:39 AM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
Yeah, him and Andy Todd throwing some proper hooks.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 15, 2024, 12:15:04 PM
Yeah I think for Spurs fans they're in a bit of a moment of disillusion. Getting Champions League is more important for us than for them - they're established at a certain level with respect to revenues and reputation, and we're trying to establish that for ourselves.
However, as mentioned a few times, the changes to the CL this season just means you can be 24th out of 36, and can still continue in Europe with a two legged match to determine either CL or Europa. So you could get the boosted money in the Champs league, and then still have the glory chase for silverware in the lower competition second half of the season.
Potential teams for next year should be:
Inter, Milan, Juventus, Roma, Bologna,
Leverkusen, Bayern, Stuttgart, Dortmund/ Leipzig, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Citeh, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa/Spurs, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Real, Barca, Girona, Athletico
PSG, brest, Monaco, Lille (although 4th place has to play a qualifying round win).
PSV, Feynoord, Twente /Alkmaar (Depending on 3rd place finish and qualifying round win)
Sporting, Benfica (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Union St Gilloise, Anderlecht, (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Celtic, Rangers (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Salzburg, SturmGraz. (runners-up plays a qualifier)
That list alone is close to 33 teams. I think we can easily finish halfway up a league containing them even only playing 8 of them once.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 15, 2024, 12:17:14 PM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
Keeper picking the ball up from a back-pass is the common one.
Might be the only one as the only other indirect freekick award I can remember used to be obstruction.
Post by: AV82EC on April 15, 2024, 12:19:32 PM
Yeah I think for Spurs fans they're in a bit of a moment of disillusion. Getting Champions League is more important for us than for them - they're established at a certain level with respect to revenues and reputation, and we're trying to establish that for ourselves.
However, as mentioned a few times, the changes to the CL this season just means you can be 24th out of 36, and can still continue in Europe with a two legged match to determine either CL or Europa. So you could get the boosted money in the Champs league, and then still have the glory chase for silverware in the lower competition second half of the season.
Potential teams for next year should be:
Inter, Milan, Juventus, Roma, Bologna,
Leverkusen, Bayern, Stuttgart, Dortmund/ Leipzig, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Citeh, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa/Spurs, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Real, Barca, Girona, Athletico
PSG, brest, Monaco, Lille (although 4th place has to play a qualifying round win).
PSV, Feynoord, Twente /Alkmaar (Depending on 3rd place finish and qualifying round win)
Sporting, Benfica (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Union St Gilloise, Anderlecht, (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Celtic, Rangers (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Salzburg, SturmGraz. (runners-up plays a qualifier)
That list alone is close to 33 teams. I think we can easily finish halfway up a league containing them even only playing 8 of them once.
Som
From
Next season there’s no dropping down into the competition below if you get knocked out in the Play Off.
Post by: Dave on April 15, 2024, 12:26:37 PM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
Keeper picking the ball up from a back-pass is the common one.
Might be the only one as the only other indirect freekick award I can remember used to be obstruction.
Similarly, I think if the keeper releases the ball from his hands and picks it up again then that's an indirect free-kick.
One that I don't recall seeing (but assume it would be), I think it's an indirect free-kick for deliberately delaying the restart of the game. So if a team had a free kick 20 yards out, decided to take it quickly by passing to someone in the box and the defender blocked the intended pass then that would presumably that would see the free-kick brought forwards to where the offence happened?
Post by: Somniloquism on April 15, 2024, 12:33:36 PM
Som
From
Next season there’s no dropping down into the competition below if you get knocked out in the Play Off.
I misread this
Quote
The top eight sides in the league will qualify automatically for the knockout stage, while the teams finishing in 9th to 24th place will compete in a two-legged play-off to secure their path to the last 16. The winners will join the top eight in that round. Meanwhile, teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated, with no access to the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League.[10]
In that the losers did get lower access and the teams below 24th were kocked straight out.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 15, 2024, 12:34:27 PM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
Keeper picking the ball up from a back-pass is the common one.
Might be the only one as the only other indirect freekick award I can remember used to be obstruction.
Similarly, I think if the keeper releases the ball from his hands and picks it up again then that's an indirect free-kick.
One that I don't recall seeing (but assume it would be), I think it's an indirect free-kick for deliberately delaying the restart of the game. So if a team had a free kick 20 yards out, decided to take it quickly by passing to someone in the box and the defender blocked the intended pass then that would presumably that would see the free-kick brought forwards to where the offence happened?
I've not seen a freekick advanced in years.
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 15, 2024, 12:56:50 PM
We had one in the late 90s at surprise surprise Old Trafford when it was a clear penalty. Had to laugh at Gregory's post match interview when he said he asked a steward when was the last time a visiting team got a penalty and the reply was "Victorian era."
Incident at 4:44. They of course got a penalty that was ridiculously soft.
Post by: Risso on April 15, 2024, 01:30:10 PM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
Keeper picking the ball up from a back-pass is the common one.
Ah yes, ta. Are they common though? As I said, I haven't seen one for many, many years.
Post by: Dave on April 15, 2024, 01:39:18 PM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
Keeper picking the ball up from a back-pass is the common one.
Ah yes, ta. Are they common though? As I said, I haven't seen one for many, many years.
Poor choice of word on my part. Common in that if you asked a hundred people in a "Pointless" style, that would be the commonest answer.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 15, 2024, 01:48:09 PM
You don't see many proper punch ups these days, I remember Collymore having a right dust up at one match, Bolton away possibly? I tell you what else you don't see these days, free kicks inside the area with the wall all bunched up on the line. Didn't we concede one like that away at Liverpool in the mid 90s? What were they given for that wouldn't have seen a penalty awarded?
Keeper picking the ball up from a back-pass is the common one.
Ah yes, ta. Are they common though? As I said, I haven't seen one for many, many years.
Most keepers have grown up with that rule in place so they and the defence don't instinctive do it, plus they also seemed to define the deliberation of the act. For example when Carlos out muscled Trossard and played the ball back, Martinez tried to stop the corner with his hands, which as the ball was a defenders intervention rather then a deliberate backpass, wouldn't have resulted in the freekick.
Post by: curiousorange on April 15, 2024, 02:07:06 PM
Post by: Risso on April 15, 2024, 02:13:42 PM
Didn't it happen to us once and Suker scored from it?
Here's the one I was thinking of away at Liverpool in 1994. Bosnich, for whom the backpass rule was just about the worst thing ever invented, stuffing things up mightily. Neil Ruddock scoring from the resulting free kick.
https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/9464897/sky-sports-vault-liverpool-3-2-aston-villa
Post by: Risso on April 15, 2024, 02:17:16 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 15, 2024, 03:39:44 PM
Another thing in that video you don't see that much these days, goalies in baseball caps.
Do you remember when kiraly use to wear track suit bottoms for us?
God what a shit keeper he was
Post by: LeeB on April 15, 2024, 03:42:54 PM
Another thing in that video you don't see that much these days, goalies in baseball caps.
Do you remember when kiraly use to wear track suit bottoms for us?
God what a shit keeper he was
I still despise that tramp.
Post by: IFWaters on April 15, 2024, 10:26:02 PM
Spurs next three matches, home to Arsenal then away to Chelsea and Liverpool.
I think if we can get 7 points from our games, putting us on 70 points, and spurs only 2 would put us 8 points ahead .....
With them needing to beat Burnley, Sheffield Utd and Man City to get more points than us even before our last 2 games against Liverpool and Palace.
It really is in our hands.
Post by: lovejoy on April 15, 2024, 10:46:11 PM
Another thing in that video you don't see that much these days, goalies in baseball caps.
The stands are much higher so shielding the sun more.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 15, 2024, 10:51:21 PM
Villas next three matches , home to Bournemouth and Chelsea and away to Brighton
Spurs next three matches, home to Arsenal then away to Chelsea and Liverpool.
I think if we can get 7 points from our games, putting us on 70 points, and spurs only 2 would put us 8 points ahead .....
With them needing to beat Burnley, Sheffield Utd and Man City to get more points than us even before our last 2 games against Liverpool and Palace.
It really is in our hands.
Spurs won only two of their last 10 away matches in the Premier League.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2024, 09:36:02 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 09:48:41 AM
Post by: Drummond on April 16, 2024, 10:03:17 AM
With spurs anyone noticed how maddsions forms dipped? He seems to be a player that thrives when teams doing well but when they doing shit he seems to go hiding and throws tantrums
I fucking hate him. He's a whiney twat who has ideas above his station. He'd be more suited to be at ManU. I'd love someone to really give him something to moan about.
Post by: Hookeysmith on April 16, 2024, 10:28:58 AM
With spurs anyone noticed how maddsions forms dipped? He seems to be a player that thrives when teams doing well but when they doing shit he seems to go hiding and throws tantrums
I fucking hate him. He's a whiney twat who has ideas above his station. He'd be more suited to be at ManU. I'd love someone to really give him something to moan about.
You mean like a fair challenge....about throat high?
Post by: curiousorange on April 16, 2024, 11:10:53 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 16, 2024, 11:40:53 AM
Post by: Axl Rose on April 16, 2024, 11:43:57 AM
With spurs anyone noticed how maddsions forms dipped? He seems to be a player that thrives when teams doing well but when they doing shit he seems to go hiding and throws tantrums
I fucking hate him. He's a whiney twat who has ideas above his station. He'd be more suited to be at ManU. I'd love someone to really give him something to moan about.
Same here.
Post by: chrisw1 on April 16, 2024, 12:03:01 PM
Post by: coreyfeldman on April 16, 2024, 12:07:37 PM
Post by: Risso on April 16, 2024, 12:15:07 PM
Strange but I like Maddison. Yes he was a bit of a prick against us this season, but mostly he's a very good player with a lively personality. I think he comes across pretty well in interviews, knowledgeable with a bit of character.
I agree, think he's a cracking player (when fit) and he always speaks very well.
Post by: Drummond on April 16, 2024, 12:16:31 PM
Strange but I like Maddison. Yes he was a bit of a prick against us this season, but mostly he's a very good player with a lively personality. I think he comes across pretty well in interviews, knowledgeable with a bit of character.
I agree, think he's a cracking player (when fit) and he always speaks very well.
Oh he's a good player, and he speaks well in interviews. On the pitch however, flailing his arms around and whining to the ref at every single opportunity. He can eff off.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 16, 2024, 12:18:32 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on April 16, 2024, 12:25:30 PM
Post by: OCD on April 16, 2024, 12:27:24 PM
Post by: Risso on April 16, 2024, 12:27:25 PM
Strange but I like Maddison. Yes he was a bit of a prick against us this season, but mostly he's a very good player with a lively personality. I think he comes across pretty well in interviews, knowledgeable with a bit of character.
I agree, think he's a cracking player (when fit) and he always speaks very well.
Oh he's a good player, and he speaks well in interviews. On the pitch however, flailing his arms around and whining to the ref at every single opportunity. He can eff off.
Also true. I guess he's the sort of player you appreciate when he plays for your own team, but can't stand if he's at one of your opponents. A bit like Martinez.
Post by: LeeS on April 16, 2024, 12:58:21 PM
Strange but I like Maddison. Yes he was a bit of a prick against us this season, but mostly he's a very good player with a lively personality. I think he comes across pretty well in interviews, knowledgeable with a bit of character.
I agree, think he's a cracking player (when fit) and he always speaks very well.
Oh he's a good player, and he speaks well in interviews. On the pitch however, flailing his arms around and whining to the ref at every single opportunity. He can eff off.
Also true. I guess he's the sort of player you appreciate when he plays for your own team, but can't stand if he's at one of your opponents. A bit like Martinez.
I accept that Martinez has a personality that only his own fans would appreciate, but he is universally acknowledged as being one of the finest players in the world. Maddison, not so much. I'd have him at the Villa though!
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 02:15:33 PM
With spurs anyone noticed how maddsions forms dipped? He seems to be a player that thrives when teams doing well but when they doing shit he seems to go hiding and throws tantrums
I fucking hate him. He's a whiney twat who has ideas above his station. He'd be more suited to be at ManU. I'd love someone to really give him something to moan about.
I cant stans that knob either. I love it when his teams doing shit because he cant hide how much it annoys him.
He seems like a bit of a weasel to me
Post by: Smithy on April 16, 2024, 02:45:54 PM
It's interesting to think that if he was available this summer I'd still be interested, but I don't think he walks into our first team. His international future is probably buggered though, as he's just an older, not quite as good Cole Palmer.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 03:50:10 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 16, 2024, 05:13:03 PM
We massively need athletico madrid to win. Theybhave a very slender lead agajnst dortmund. Veey tough place to go
Let us dream of Athletico next season . All the discipline needed and hope lessons learnt for John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Diego Carlos, Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Jhon Duran, Ezri Konsa and of course Emi Martinez when tasked with facing them!
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 16, 2024, 05:19:13 PM
Yeah I think for Spurs fans they're in a bit of a moment of disillusion. Getting Champions League is more important for us than for them - they're established at a certain level with respect to revenues and reputation, and we're trying to establish that for ourselves.
However, as mentioned a few times, the changes to the CL this season just means you can be 24th out of 36, and can still continue in Europe with a two legged match to determine either CL or Europa. So you could get the boosted money in the Champs league, and then still have the glory chase for silverware in the lower competition second half of the season.
Potential teams for next year should be:
Inter, Milan, Juventus, Roma, Bologna,
Leverkusen, Bayern, Stuttgart, Dortmund/ Leipzig, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Citeh, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa/Spurs, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Real, Barca, Girona, Athletico
PSG, brest, Monaco, Lille (although 4th place has to play a qualifying round win).
PSV, Feynoord, Twente /Alkmaar (Depending on 3rd place finish and qualifying round win)
Sporting, Benfica (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Union St Gilloise, Anderlecht, (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Celtic, Rangers (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Salzburg, SturmGraz. (runners-up plays a qualifier)
That list alone is close to 33 teams. I think we can easily finish halfway up a league containing them even only playing 8 of them once.
Thinking more about Champions League - well Villa are likely to play a league winner due to pots and seedings.
So it's fair to expect a match vs Real Madrid, PSG, or Inter Milan!
Post by: LeeB on April 16, 2024, 05:28:51 PM
With spurs anyone noticed how maddsions forms dipped? He seems to be a player that thrives when teams doing well but when they doing shit he seems to go hiding and throws tantrums
That's because he's an absolute wanker.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 05:42:26 PM
With spurs anyone noticed how maddsions forms dipped? He seems to be a player that thrives when teams doing well but when they doing shit he seems to go hiding and throws tantrums
That's because he's an absolute wanker.
😂😂😂😂😂
I love your posts lee 😂
Post by: LeeB on April 16, 2024, 05:45:07 PM
With spurs anyone noticed how maddsions forms dipped? He seems to be a player that thrives when teams doing well but when they doing shit he seems to go hiding and throws tantrums
That's because he's an absolute wanker.
😂😂😂😂😂
I love your posts lee 😂
You're too kind brother.
Post by: KevinGage on April 16, 2024, 06:41:37 PM
Not just underwhelming performances (like Yuri, in fairness). But presenting clear cut chances to the opposition.
A flake.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 16, 2024, 07:17:19 PM
Yeah I think for Spurs fans they're in a bit of a moment of disillusion. Getting Champions League is more important for us than for them - they're established at a certain level with respect to revenues and reputation, and we're trying to establish that for ourselves.
However, as mentioned a few times, the changes to the CL this season just means you can be 24th out of 36, and can still continue in Europe with a two legged match to determine either CL or Europa. So you could get the boosted money in the Champs league, and then still have the glory chase for silverware in the lower competition second half of the season.
Potential teams for next year should be:
Inter, Milan, Juventus, Roma, Bologna,
Leverkusen, Bayern, Stuttgart, Dortmund/ Leipzig, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Citeh, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa/Spurs, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Real, Barca, Girona, Athletico
PSG, brest, Monaco, Lille (although 4th place has to play a qualifying round win).
PSV, Feynoord, Twente /Alkmaar (Depending on 3rd place finish and qualifying round win)
Sporting, Benfica (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Union St Gilloise, Anderlecht, (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Celtic, Rangers (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Salzburg, SturmGraz. (runners-up plays a qualifier)
That list alone is close to 33 teams. I think we can easily finish halfway up a league containing them even only playing 8 of them once.
Thinking more about Champions League - well Villa are likely to play a league winner due to pots and seedings.
So it's fair to expect a match vs Real Madrid, PSG, or Inter Milan!
It will be two from pot one. So could be two league winners out of the 9 in there. And I'm guessing like normal, country rules stop two teams from the same country so Liverpool and Citeh would be ruled out if they were. We might be pot 3 or 4 because of the lack of European games until this year as well.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 07:21:35 PM
Post by: Pete3206 on April 16, 2024, 07:25:04 PM
Post by: Chris Harte on April 16, 2024, 07:27:17 PM
Oh, not them again!Yeah I think for Spurs fans they're in a bit of a moment of disillusion. Getting Champions League is more important for us than for them - they're established at a certain level with respect to revenues and reputation, and we're trying to establish that for ourselves.
However, as mentioned a few times, the changes to the CL this season just means you can be 24th out of 36, and can still continue in Europe with a two legged match to determine either CL or Europa. So you could get the boosted money in the Champs league, and then still have the glory chase for silverware in the lower competition second half of the season.
Potential teams for next year should be:
Inter, Milan, Juventus, Roma, Bologna,
Leverkusen, Bayern, Stuttgart, Dortmund/ Leipzig, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Citeh, Arsenal, Liverpool, Villa/Spurs, (Depends on 4th/5th finish and coefficient)
Real, Barca, Girona, Athletico
PSG, brest, Monaco, Lille (although 4th place has to play a qualifying round win).
PSV, Feynoord, Twente /Alkmaar (Depending on 3rd place finish and qualifying round win)
Sporting, Benfica (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Union St Gilloise, Anderlecht, (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Celtic, Rangers (runners-up plays a qualifier)
Salzburg, SturmGraz. (runners-up plays a qualifier)
That list alone is close to 33 teams. I think we can easily finish halfway up a league containing them even only playing 8 of them once.
Thinking more about Champions League - well Villa are likely to play a league winner due to pots and seedings.
So it's fair to expect a match vs Real Madrid, PSG, or Inter Milan!
Post by: Chris Harte on April 16, 2024, 07:30:20 PM
We massively need athletico madrid to win. Theybhave a very slender lead agajnst dortmund. Veey tough place to goWe need to beat Bournemouth and Chelsea more, in my opinion. Beat them pair and we'll be nine points clear of Spurs before they kick another ball. Imagine that.
Post by: Ads on April 16, 2024, 07:35:38 PM
We massively need athletico madrid to win. Theybhave a very slender lead agajnst dortmund. Veey tough place to goWe need to beat Bournemouth and Chelsea more, in my opinion. Beat them pair and we'll be nine points clear of Spurs before they kick another ball. Imagine that.
If we win our next two games, we'll be 9 points clear of Tottenham.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 16, 2024, 07:42:42 PM
We massively need athletico madrid to win. Theybhave a very slender lead agajnst dortmund. Veey tough place to goWe need to beat Bournemouth and Chelsea more, in my opinion. Beat them pair and we'll be nine points clear of Spurs before they kick another ball. Imagine that.
If we win our next two games, we'll be 9 points clear of Tottenham.
That’s what he said isn’t it?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 16, 2024, 07:43:12 PM
We massively need athletico madrid to win. Theybhave a very slender lead agajnst dortmund. Veey tough place to goWe need to beat Bournemouth and Chelsea more, in my opinion. Beat them pair and we'll be nine points clear of Spurs before they kick another ball. Imagine that.
If we win our next two games, we'll be 9 points clear of Tottenham.
If I were one of the site's tedious 'know-it-alls', I'd correct you and say it would only be 6. However, I realise you were referring to league games, so you're absolutely right. :)
Post by: OCD on April 16, 2024, 08:41:31 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 08:50:05 PM
Dortmund winning 2-0 now. We're going to have to make sure we get 4th spot.
Yeah it looks like 5th isnt getting CL now. Liverpool have absolutely fucked us
Need a miracle now as cant see arsenal winning now
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2024, 08:54:38 PM
Dortmund winning 2-0 now. We're going to have to make sure we get 4th spot.
Yeah it looks like 5th isnt getting CL now. Liverpool have absolutely fucked us
Need a miracle now as cant see arsenal winning now
Well not if we get 4th.
Post by: Ads on April 16, 2024, 08:57:11 PM
Post by: olaftab on April 16, 2024, 09:00:19 PM
Yes but it’s the way he said it.We massively need athletico madrid to win. Theybhave a very slender lead agajnst dortmund. Veey tough place to goWe need to beat Bournemouth and Chelsea more, in my opinion. Beat them pair and we'll be nine points clear of Spurs before they kick another ball. Imagine that.
If we win our next two games, we'll be 9 points clear of Tottenham.
That’s what he said isn’t it?
Post by: WarszaVillan on April 16, 2024, 09:01:47 PM
Post by: Beard82 on April 16, 2024, 09:02:47 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2024, 09:03:08 PM
The best thing would be if we get 4th and Spurs miss out on CL in 5th.
Well yes….
Post by: Mister E on April 16, 2024, 09:03:18 PM
Shit, didn't realise the season had ended. I really must stop taking all these drugs ...Dortmund winning 2-0 now. We're going to have to make sure we get 4th spot.Yeah it looks like 5th isnt getting CL now. Liverpool have absolutely fucked us
Need a miracle now as cant see arsenal winning now
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 09:04:58 PM
The best thing would be if we get 4th and Spurs miss out on CL in 5th.
That would be absolutely hilarious an dthey go in europa a competition they hate
Post by: paul_e on April 16, 2024, 09:05:21 PM
What I dont understand is the the PL is the bestest league in the world - so how can we not get 1 of 2 the additional spots?
because Newcastle and Man Utd were fucking shit, basic competence from the 2 of them and we'd be as clear as Italy are.
Post by: Olneythelonely on April 16, 2024, 09:05:59 PM
Dortmund winning 2-0 now. We're going to have to make sure we get 4th spot.
Yeah it looks like 5th isnt getting CL now. Liverpool have absolutely fucked Spurs.
Spurs need a miracle now as cant see arsenal winning now
Fixed
Post by: Olneythelonely on April 16, 2024, 09:11:59 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2024, 09:13:35 PM
Atleti level the tie. No need for the suicide note just yet.
Pretty crass.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 09:17:46 PM
Dortmund winning 2-0 now. We're going to have to make sure we get 4th spot.
Yeah it looks like 5th isnt getting CL now. Liverpool have absolutely fucked Spurs.
Spurs need a miracle now as cant see arsenal winning now
Fixed
Love it 😘
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 16, 2024, 09:51:39 PM
We massively need athletico madrid to win. Theybhave a very slender lead agajnst dortmund. Veey tough place to goWe need to beat Bournemouth and Chelsea more, in my opinion. Beat them pair and we'll be nine points clear of Spurs before they kick another ball. Imagine that.
If we win our next two games, we'll be 9 points clear of Tottenham.
The whole 9 yards!
I could see Newcastle catching Spurs!
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 16, 2024, 09:52:26 PM
Newcastle beat them 4-1 in group stages and look at them now!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 16, 2024, 09:53:19 PM
PSG !! Mbappe . Could this be their year ?
Let's hope not.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 16, 2024, 09:55:24 PM
So PSG V Dortmond means PSG to win for co efficient.PSG !! Mbappe . Could this be their year ?
Let's hope not!
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2024, 09:55:53 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 16, 2024, 09:57:24 PM
4th place it’s probably going to have to be.
It's really all about Arse v Bayern and West Ham v Leverkusen.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 16, 2024, 09:59:32 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 16, 2024, 10:01:23 PM
4th place it’s probably going to have to be.
It's really all about Arse v Bayern and West Ham v Leverkusen.
Well the latter have no chance.
Post by: Drummond on April 16, 2024, 10:04:36 PM
And no reason not to support Real Madrid against Man City. It would be most delightful to see Man City go out.
I'd rather they go through in the event we finish 5th.
Post by: Olneythelonely on April 16, 2024, 10:09:09 PM
Pretty crass.
Agreed.
I’ve edited it. Apologies.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 16, 2024, 10:12:52 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 16, 2024, 10:24:44 PM
What I dont understand is the the PL is the bestest league in the world - so how can we not get 1 of 2 the additional spots?
because Newcastle and Man Utd were fucking shit, basic competence from the 2 of them and we'd be as clear as Italy are.
I think there was also something about "us" having more teams in Europe this season so everything is divided by 8 instead of 6/7 or whatever the number is.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 16, 2024, 10:47:19 PM
The only time in the last 7 seasons when England didn't finish top 2, which is what's needed for a 5th spot, was the last time 8 English teams were in Europe as it means every win by an English club will be worth slightly less to the coefficient score because it's an average of eight clubs rather than seven.
Post by: AV82EC on April 16, 2024, 11:04:59 PM
I was saying about it months ago, must admit back then I wasn't convinced we'd be in the mix come April.The only time in the last 7 seasons when England didn't finish top 2, which is what's needed for a 5th spot, was the last time 8 English teams were in Europe as it means every win by an English club will be worth slightly less to the coefficient score because it's an average of eight clubs rather than seven.
And when two of those eight clubs shit the bed in the Group stages it makes it doubly difficult. That said the other 6 have done some heavy lifting and having 5 clubs in the quarters is still some going.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on April 16, 2024, 11:09:51 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 16, 2024, 11:29:14 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 17, 2024, 12:30:00 AM
And no reason not to support Real Madrid against Man City. It would be most delightful to see Man City go out.
Yeah, it would be delightful if we finish fifth and don’t get Champions League. I’m bored of it now anyway, we’re in it every year.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 17, 2024, 12:35:26 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 17, 2024, 06:45:21 AM
On the flip side i think if we beat lille we should have too much for olympiakos or fenebache as they dont look as good as lille
Post by: olaftab on April 17, 2024, 07:31:39 AM
One of the best things about England securing the fifth place would be being able to fully focus on the UECL (fingers crossed) semi-final and final. Rest players etc.Yes however that is u likely now after Dortmund winning and both pool and WH getting knocked out tonight. We will not know till both us and man city lift the cups.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 17, 2024, 08:03:05 AM
One of the best things about England securing the fifth place would be being able to fully focus on the UECL (fingers crossed) semi-final and final. Rest players etc.Yes however that is u likely now after Dortmund winning and both pool and WH getting knocked out tonight. We will not know till both us and man city lift the cups.
Those games tomorrow its the gooners tonight. But i know what you mean
Just gotta hope liverpool do one of those incredible comebacks that tehy are capable of. If atlanta think they are through and take the game lightly liverpool are capable of battering them.
Post by: Baldy on April 17, 2024, 08:18:22 AM
Six more points (total 69) and mathematically Geordies, Man U, Hammers and Chelsea can not catch us. Only Spurs left in the race and would be surprised if they got more than 8 points from their remaining fixtures.
After Lille, Unai will be fully focused on getting the 3 points against Cherries and pushing for the 3rd spot in league. He wont settle for 6 points, he will want 15.
Post by: darren woolley on April 17, 2024, 09:03:04 AM
Post by: Risso on April 17, 2024, 09:06:25 AM
Post by: Dave on April 17, 2024, 09:12:57 AM
A win against Bournemouth at the weekend puts massive pressure on Spurs.
...and we all know what happens next.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 17, 2024, 09:16:02 AM
A win against Bournemouth at the weekend puts massive pressure on Spurs.
...and we all know what happens next.
Indeed. It would be really nice if we matched the level/standard of performance we hit against Arsenal. It’ll be a different type of game, but it’s stuff like concentration, intensity etc that are key.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 17, 2024, 09:44:06 AM
We should be aiming as high as possible but there's nothing false about it. We're only in the Conference this season because a side higher than us won the LC. We finished 5th in the Championship, 7 points behind 3rd but were still promoted instead of them, as a couple of examples. We don't make the rules, the rules exist the same for everyone, so if we benefit from them it's because we're better than the rest.
A Champs League bound team winning one of the cups is pretty much a given in the last 15 years. We finished one place above spurs last year, we can do it again.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 17, 2024, 09:45:51 AM
I was saying about it months ago, must admit back then I wasn't convinced we'd be in the mix come April.The only time in the last 7 seasons when England didn't finish top 2, which is what's needed for a 5th spot, was the last time 8 English teams were in Europe as it means every win by an English club will be worth slightly less to the coefficient score because it's an average of eight clubs rather than seven.
And when two of those eight clubs shit the bed in the Group stages it makes it doubly difficult. That said the other 6 have done some heavy lifting and having 5 clubs in the quarters is still some going.
West Ham are the 8th club, and until meeting Leverkusen, had been doing great for our points total (although they could have done with not losing to Freiburg first leg of the knockouts).
Post by: Smithy on April 17, 2024, 09:47:54 AM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 17, 2024, 09:49:09 AM
A win against Bournemouth at the weekend puts massive pressure on Spurs.
...and we all know what happens next.
Ha ha, absolutely we do.
Post by: Baldy on April 17, 2024, 09:51:07 AM
A win against Bournemouth at the weekend puts massive pressure on Spurs. 6 points clear with a minimum of +4 goals in front is huge when their next three games are Arsenal, Chelea and Liverpool.
With Man City* following shortly after.
Post by: martyn ellis on April 17, 2024, 12:02:40 PM
A very fair-minded proper Arsenal fan giving us all the credit in the first few minutes of the video instead of only whinging about Arsenal's failings. Good to see us getting proper recognition from a proper fan:
Post by: Risso on April 17, 2024, 12:08:30 PM
Post by: Monty on April 17, 2024, 12:11:39 PM
A win against Bournemouth at the weekend puts massive pressure on Spurs.
...and we all know what happens next.
Ha ha, absolutely we do.
I'm saying to my non-Villa fans telling me it's in the bag that they simply have no idea what they're dealing with. This is the Villa - a disappointment machine like no other on earth. There's no hope we can't dash, no door we can't slam our own balls in.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 17, 2024, 12:20:29 PM
I think that lot win the complete how to fcku things up Olympics.A win against Bournemouth at the weekend puts massive pressure on Spurs.
...and we all know what happens next.
Ha ha, absolutely we do.
I'm saying to my non-Villa fans telling me it's in the bag that they simply have no idea what they're dealing with. This is the Villa - a disappointment machine like no other on earth. There's no hope we can't dash, no door we can't slam our own balls in.
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 17, 2024, 12:29:37 PM
If we finish on 71 points now then Chelsea will likely have to win four of their last six so that puts real pressure on them to beat Chelsea away and then one of Arsenal/Man.City/Liverpool.
Or they could just draw all three but they're not really the sort of team to just play for draws given their default setting.
We're in pole position now compared to a week ago.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 17, 2024, 12:31:14 PM
4 points from Bournemouth-Chelsea would be alright.
If we finish on 71 points now then Chelsea will likely have to win four of their last six so that puts real pressure on them to beat Chelsea away and then one of Arsenal/Man.City/Liverpool.
Or they could just draw all three but they're not really the sort of team to just play for draws given their default setting.
We're in pole position now compared to a week ago.
I'm worried about match fixing in the Chelsea v Chelsea game.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 17, 2024, 12:33:10 PM
Post by: pablo_picasso on April 17, 2024, 01:25:48 PM
5th place might get CL. Okay, it might be the rule and we’d take it if given to us. It’s a bit false though isn’t it? We’re there for finishing 5th, even 4th is no great shakes if we’re being honest but it’s been the top 4 for a while now. We should be pushing for 3rd especially if Arsenal lose out tomorrow v B Munchen.
It's no different to any club getting into a tournament called the "Champions League", who didn't end up winning their league the season prior.
But I think the way things are going, we are going to have to finish 4th to get into it & 5th will be Europa League or whatever it is called these days.
Post by: LeeS on April 17, 2024, 01:34:31 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 17, 2024, 02:38:18 PM
I just hope we win a few and hope Spurs get battered a few times.
Post by: LeeS on April 17, 2024, 03:24:37 PM
Anything can happen now, it's pointless speculating really, but I can't help it.
I just hope we win a few and hope Spurs get battered a few times.
Its exciting though isnt it? I haven't been this nervous about the Villa since that mad run of wins we went on in the Championship.
Post by: Drummond on April 17, 2024, 03:50:08 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on April 17, 2024, 05:14:50 PM
Win-win for us, because if Chelsea win, Chelsea lose. But a draw will probably be best as both can only get 1 point.
But that means Chelsea get two points!
That's practically cheating. It's no wonder they're 4th.
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 17, 2024, 05:26:36 PM
A win against Bournemouth at the weekend puts massive pressure on Spurs. 6 points clear with a minimum of +4 goals in front is huge when their next three games are Arsenal, Chelea and Liverpool.
With Man City* following shortly after.
The worry about the Man City Game is I thinks it's now the last week of the season.If Man City have by then won the league and looking t a potential Champions League final, that might be an easier game than it looks. Equally I hope we have put to to bed by then in any case
And obvs Id rather than have Man City than a bottom three team last week
If we can beat Bournemouth it will be a huge result
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 17, 2024, 06:35:44 PM
A win against Bournemouth at the weekend puts massive pressure on Spurs. 6 points clear with a minimum of +4 goals in front is huge when their next three games are Arsenal, Chelea and Liverpool.
With Man City* following shortly after.
The worry about the Man City Game is I thinks it's now the last week of the season.If Man City have by then won the league and looking t a potential Champions League final, that might be an easier game than it looks. Equally I hope we have put to to bed by then in any case
And obvs Id rather than have Man City than a bottom three team last week
If we can beat Bournemouth it will be a huge result
Eric Dier revealed last week that he felt Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou never focused on tactical work in training
Post by: Goldenballs on April 17, 2024, 08:06:03 PM
West Ham won't beat Leverkusen, I think our game could go either way. Someone needs to make some sort of calculator.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 17, 2024, 08:10:38 PM
I know it's been done to death, but if Arse go out, is 5th likely fucked for Champions league?
Not yet, but it certainly wouldn't help. There will probably be updated percentages available after tomorrow night's games.
Post by: Dave on April 17, 2024, 08:11:59 PM
I know it's been done to death, but if Arse go out, is 5th likely fucked for Champions league?
Not completely, but it becomes extremely unlikely.
Post by: Risso on April 17, 2024, 08:15:20 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 17, 2024, 08:17:11 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 17, 2024, 08:20:38 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 17, 2024, 08:21:16 PM
Post by: KevinGage on April 17, 2024, 08:56:40 PM
I know it's been done to death, but if Arse go out, is 5th likely fucked for Champions league?
West Ham won't beat Leverkusen, I think our game could go either way. Someone needs to make some sort of calculator.
Frimpong looks like he's still out partying in his Villa kit, by the looks of it (surreal as that is).
So if a few of the other Leverkusen players are the worse for wear the Irons might not be a total write off.
Post by: Monty on April 17, 2024, 09:00:58 PM
The majority view from Spurs fans appears to be they still want Arsenal to lose. I didn't realise they were *quite* that Small Heathian in their outlook.
They know they don't really belong up there.
Post by: Smirker on April 17, 2024, 09:31:43 PM
We WILL finish fourth. Fuck 'em all.
This.
Everyone stay calm.
Post by: Bad English on April 17, 2024, 09:35:33 PM
Post by: Bad English on April 17, 2024, 09:35:48 PM
Post by: Bad English on April 17, 2024, 09:37:02 PM
Post by: Chris Harte on April 17, 2024, 09:42:01 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 17, 2024, 09:46:46 PM
Just looking at this, after tomorrow we could be the only British club left in Europe.
Good 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 17, 2024, 09:50:41 PM
Just looking at this, after tomorrow we could be the only British club left in Europe.
In which case I shall look forward to every media outlet in the land cheering us on. Who knows, even the Evening Mail might have something positive to say about us.
Post by: KevinGage on April 17, 2024, 09:51:31 PM
2. Can I have some.
Post by: Chris Harte on April 17, 2024, 09:53:44 PM
Post by: IFWaters on April 17, 2024, 09:55:00 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 17, 2024, 09:55:09 PM
Post by: Chris Harte on April 17, 2024, 09:55:50 PM
Barring a miracle that's 5th gone and it's all on 4th.We'll be fine. Spurs are fucked, mind.
Post by: Smirker on April 17, 2024, 09:57:01 PM
Barring a miracle that's 5th gone and it's all on 4th.We'll be fine. Spurs are fucked, mind.
Exactly. It's them that should be shitting themselves, not us.
Post by: Dave on April 17, 2024, 09:57:21 PM
Post by: jon collett on April 17, 2024, 09:59:35 PM
Post by: Chris Harte on April 17, 2024, 10:01:18 PM
So do I need to hope if Man Cheaty go through or not?I'm not sure it matters, so if you're wired like myself, it's Hala Madrid!
Post by: Drummond on April 17, 2024, 10:02:37 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 17, 2024, 10:03:18 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 17, 2024, 10:03:24 PM
Post by: Chris Harte on April 17, 2024, 10:04:41 PM
Yep, we'd need ManC to win and then win their Semi, us to win, but most importantly West Ham. I'm counting Liverpool out.I don't see West Ham winning tomorrow.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 17, 2024, 10:06:02 PM
A week tomorrow night, citeh play their next league game, away at Brighton. If Brighton win that, fourth is ours, because arsenal will beat spurs on the Sunday before citeh play forest.
Well we could still do with winning our games.
Post by: Drummond on April 17, 2024, 10:07:13 PM
Yep, we'd need ManC to win and then win their Semi, us to win, but most importantly West Ham. I'm counting Liverpool out.I don't see West Ham winning tomorrow.
Me either. We just need to finish 4th. Or above.
Post by: Smirker on April 17, 2024, 10:08:24 PM
I can see Arsenal crumbling now, and Spuds to beat them in the league.
Arsenal will beat Spurs and Arsenal fans will parade it like a trophy.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 17, 2024, 10:10:58 PM
Yep, we'd need ManC to win and then win their Semi, us to win, but most importantly West Ham. I'm counting Liverpool out.I don't see West Ham winning tomorrow.
Me either. We just need to finish 4th. Or above.
So with Bayern beating Arsenal I don't think it now matters about Man City
I don't want them to win anyway but they aren't playing a German team so it doesn't matter does it ?
It's a case of either Real or Man City beating Bayern and PSG beating Dortmunds.
Post by: Drummond on April 17, 2024, 10:15:11 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 17, 2024, 10:16:18 PM
So if German teams lose to any team they don't get points.
Anyway this is half time on extra time so will see.
Post by: Dave on April 17, 2024, 10:18:30 PM
But it's wins vs German teams that matter most because of the co efficient no?
It matters most because not only is is English teams getting points, it's German teams not getting points.
But German teams losing to non-English teams is still important and English teams beating non-German teams is still important.
Either way, it's probably dead now anyway.
Post by: IFWaters on April 17, 2024, 10:20:43 PM
Post by: Chris Harte on April 17, 2024, 10:21:40 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 17, 2024, 10:25:38 PM
But it's wins vs German teams that matter most because of the co efficient no?
It matters most because not only is is English teams getting points, it's German teams not getting points.
But German teams losing to non-English teams is still important and English teams beating non-German teams is still important.
Either way, it's probably dead now anyway.
Ok thanks. I going to find the points tally they give for a win as seeing that will make sense for me. I wasn't sure if it was seeded and higher points awarded to higher coefficient teams beater .well I just hope we finish 4th obviously! Thanks
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 17, 2024, 10:27:24 PM
Anything can happen now, it's pointless speculating really, but I can't help it.
I just hope we win a few and hope Spurs get battered a few times.
Its exciting though isnt it? I haven't been this nervous about the Villa since that mad run of wins we went on in the Championship.
And those last 3½ games of 19/20 from when Trez ghosted in at the back post. And that run last season post-arsenal when we started to believe again, with those two defeats thrown in in the middle just to keep the blood pressure high.
All this in no way makes up for that near-decade of utter, utter shit, but boy oh boy does that make this taste so much sweeter.
Post by: Chris Harte on April 17, 2024, 10:47:09 PM
Citeh out.
We can make the Champions League the hard way, if necesary.
In Unai we trust.
Post by: curiousorange on April 17, 2024, 10:48:19 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 17, 2024, 10:49:37 PM
Post by: Rigadon on April 17, 2024, 10:50:42 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 17, 2024, 10:51:02 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 17, 2024, 10:52:46 PM
Post by: The Edge on April 17, 2024, 10:53:21 PM
If Villa win conference league and say a non German winners for the Champions League and the Europa league then England would have the better co efficient? No ?I've given up with all that malarkey. Villa finish 4th and a Champions league spot is ours by right. Right now that's all I care about.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 17, 2024, 10:56:00 PM
League winners only.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 17, 2024, 10:56:09 PM
Post by: rob_bridge on April 17, 2024, 10:56:36 PM
If Villa win conference league and say a non German winners for the Champions League and the Europa league then England would have the better co efficient? No ?I've given up with all that malarkey. Villa finish 4th and a Champions league spot is ours by right. Right now that's all I care about.
Indeed if we finish 5th we don't deserve it knowing what we need to do. The same as every other in the last 18 years
Post by: andyh on April 17, 2024, 10:57:03 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 17, 2024, 11:06:54 PM
Why did they ever change the European Cup ?
League winners only.
The format wasn't ironic enough for the competition's new name.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 17, 2024, 11:13:13 PM
Why did they ever change the European Cup ?
League winners only.
Berlusconi and a few others.
Post by: olaftab on April 17, 2024, 11:40:03 PM
Looking more and more like we might be the last club left in Europe.After tomorrow I look forward to us being the only club with full media attention in Europe.
Post by: SaddVillan on April 17, 2024, 11:43:44 PM
Looking more and more like we might be the last club left in Europe.After tomorrow I look forward to us being the only club with full media attention in Europe.
We'll still be ignored by Fleet Street's finest, who will be paying more attention to the planning application for The Emirates bottling plant.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 18, 2024, 12:17:15 AM
Looking more and more like we might be the last club left in Europe.After tomorrow I look forward to us being the only club with full media attention in Europe.
We'll still be ignored by Fleet Street's finest, who will be paying more attention to the planning application for The Emirates bottling plant.
Yeah, I think it took them until after the 70th minute in commentary on Sunday to mention that we were playing in Europe this week as well.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 18, 2024, 05:51:26 AM
Only good thing is arsenal and city wont rest players now as they dont have a Cl to juggle with. Arsenal is spurs cup final so i expect they will put a performance in
Post by: Rigadon on April 18, 2024, 06:17:40 AM
Oh, and win the ECL too. No probs.
Post by: Dave on April 18, 2024, 07:57:10 AM
Why did they ever change the European Cup ?
League winners only.
Because they realised that it would be far more interesting and therefore make more money if there were better teams in it.
Post by: Dogtanian on April 18, 2024, 08:37:30 AM
Yeah I thought that last night. The premier league is now the only show in town for the clubs spurs have left to play. It’ll be really tough for them now. We just need to win a few more games and we’ve done it at last.
Oh, and win the ECL too. No probs.
We may have the opposite issue if we win tonight. Every single game for the rest of the season is already big, and we have to make sure we can focus on the tasks at hand and not get distracted if we get to the final.
Post by: olaftab on April 18, 2024, 08:48:12 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on April 18, 2024, 08:54:30 AM
Yeah the points things over the english teams fucked it so we know we need to finish 4th. That arsenal win was massive now.
Only good thing is arsenal and city wont rest players now as they dont have a Cl to juggle with. Arsenal is spurs cup final so i expect they will put a performance in
Yep, last weekend shifted momentum massively. If we can beat Bournemouth at home on Sunday, we're 6 points ahead of them, with them having two games in hand but those two games are away at Chelsea and against Man City.
We then move on to the following weekend where we play Chelsea and they have Arsenal. Wins for us and Arsenal would see us 9 points ahead of them and firmly in the driving seat.
They then play Chelsea and Liverpool away on the Thursday and Sunday while we play Brighton that weekend. It could pretty much be done and dusted after that.
Post by: Smithy on April 18, 2024, 09:00:31 AM
Yeah the points things over the english teams fucked it so we know we need to finish 4th. That arsenal win was massive now.
Only good thing is arsenal and city wont rest players now as they dont have a Cl to juggle with. Arsenal is spurs cup final so i expect they will put a performance in
Yep, last weekend shifted momentum massively. If we can beat Bournemouth at home on Sunday, we're 6 points ahead of them, with them having two games in hand but those two games are away at Chelsea and against Man City.
We then move on to the following weekend where we play Chelsea and they have Arsenal. Wins for us and Arsenal would see us 9 points ahead of them and firmly in the driving seat.
They then play Chelsea and Liverpool away on the Thursday and Sunday while we play Brighton that weekend. It could pretty much be done and dusted after that.
It won't be done and dusted until we are mathematically clear of Spurs because their last two games are Burnley and Sheff Utd, which you assume would be six points for them. So even being six points clear of them with two to play wouldn't be a guarantee. I still think it will go to the last day, with us needing something from Palace to guarantee fourth. I hope I'm wrong!
Post by: LeeB on April 18, 2024, 09:05:03 AM
Post by: Smithy on April 18, 2024, 09:07:16 AM
Post by: Dave on April 18, 2024, 09:09:28 AM
I still think it will go to the last day, with us needing something from Palace to guarantee fourth. I hope I'm wrong!
Urgh, imagine the stress where it's something like Spurs needing to claw back 2-3 goal difference on us and it's a straight fight of who can score more, them against Sheffield Utd or us against Palace.
Post by: Dogtanian on April 18, 2024, 09:10:54 AM
Our next three games are winnable, even though tricky. If we can do that, it leaves Spurs needing at least 12 points and goal difference from their last 6 games. Losing to Arsenal would mean they have to win four out of their last five...
If we can win those three, we put massive pressure on them.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 18, 2024, 09:17:58 AM
A week tomorrow night, citeh play their next league game, away at Brighton. If Brighton win that, fourth is ours, because arsenal will beat spurs on the Sunday before citeh play forest.
Well we could still do with winning our games.
Yes, there is that. But it wouldn't hurt to have the title hopes of arsenal and Liverpool kept alive as long as possible. Come on, Brighton, dangle that carrot.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 18, 2024, 09:19:48 AM
It's a last six game shootout, and we already have one win on the board.
Our next three games are winnable, even though tricky. If we can do that, it leaves Spurs needing at least 12 points and goal difference from their last 6 games. Losing to Arsenal would mean they have to win four out of their last five...
If we can win those three, we put massive pressure on them.
And three of the those five are Chelsea and Liverpool away and Man City at home.
Post by: LeeB on April 18, 2024, 09:22:03 AM
I was thinking last night we could end up being the only team in the upper reaches happy with their season. Citeh have lost the Big Cup and another league win won't make up for it, Liverpool and Arsenal have choked and the scouse are losing Bingo to boot, Spurs are happier but missing out on the champions league when they were champions of August will hurt.
And even below us you have Man Utd, Newcastle, Brighton, West Ham and Chelsea who have all under performed to various degrees.
The thought makes me happy
Post by: Risso on April 18, 2024, 09:24:18 AM
I still think it will go to the last day, with us needing something from Palace to guarantee fourth. I hope I'm wrong!
Urgh, imagine the stress where it's something like Spurs needing to claw back 2-3 goal difference on us and it's a straight fight of who can score more, them against Sheffield Utd or us against Palace.
I honestly don't think it will come down to that. They've got at least a couple of games where they could get a proper battering.
Post by: algy on April 18, 2024, 09:26:00 AM
And what do points mean ?????Points make prizes!
(https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Brucie.jpg)
Post by: Dogtanian on April 18, 2024, 09:34:07 AM
I think Unai's meticulous sqaud management is now going to pay off and we will finish strong, hoping now for the other two to get stuffed tonight leaving us the sole flag bearers.
I was thinking last night we could end up being the only team in the upper reaches happy with their season. Citeh have lost the Big Cup and another league win won't make up for it, Liverpool and Arsenal have choked and the scouse are losing Bingo to boot, Spurs are happier but missing out on the champions league when they were champions of August will hurt.
And even below us you have Man Utd, Newcastle, Brighton, West Ham and Chelsea who have all under performed to various degrees.
The thought makes me happy
I do like the idea of our being the lone lion, stalking europe for the kill. 8) 8)
Pundits were all talking about how Arsenal have progressed and should be better next season. We have progressed every season under this ownership, except the Smith/Gerrard season. But they don't talk about us building a platform for next season.
Not long ago, Norwich fans were asking why they were selling to a rival and Buendia making a sideways move. Last season Brighton and West Ham were talking about us not being as good as them and just having a good season. This year, the likes of Spurs are in denial that we are competing with them beyond the short term...
We will be happy with our season, whatever happens now. And we will wipe the slate clean in the summer and aim to be even better.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 18, 2024, 10:12:30 AM
Mind you, a couple of weeks ago they were also showing a >70% likelihood of England getting the extra CL spot.
Post by: LeeS on April 18, 2024, 10:41:54 AM
The hedge I did on all the German teams winning and Villa losing tonight is on the brink of paying me £400 from a £20 bet. Or, to be more accurate, its on the brink of not paying me £400. I hope
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 18, 2024, 08:48:33 PM
Post by: Drummond on April 18, 2024, 09:58:30 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 18, 2024, 10:00:59 PM
One thing I’d say - that performance tonight is why 5th place being CL football would have been nice. We can really lurch from good to bad, and Bournemouth is going to be fucking hard after the physical and mental exertion of that.
Yep im worried about sundays game now after that ET game. Definitely going to need to be a host of changes i think
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 18, 2024, 10:01:03 PM
Post by: frank black on April 18, 2024, 10:04:42 PM
One thing I’d say - that performance tonight is why 5th place being CL football would have been nice. We can really lurch from good to bad, and Bournemouth is going to be fucking hard after the physical and mental exertion of that.
Yep im worried about sundays game now after that ET game. Definitely going to need to be a host of changes i think
Dunno about that, our midfield had the night off tonight.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 18, 2024, 10:18:12 PM
Latest top 4/5 percentages. https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1780885749748973772
Mind you, a couple of weeks ago they were also showing a >70% likelihood of England getting the extra CL spot.
Perfect example of why those % things are a load of bollocks. They just assume the favourites win all the time.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 18, 2024, 10:27:21 PM
We don’t have many options left, Carlos in for Cash ? Luiz still out, Moreno out , Zaniolo hopefully available, thebench is back up players and youngsters that are making up the numbers.One thing I’d say - that performance tonight is why 5th place being CL football would have been nice. We can really lurch from good to bad, and Bournemouth is going to be fucking hard after the physical and mental exertion of that.
Yep im worried about sundays game now after that ET game. Definitely going to need to be a host of changes i think
So I can’t see a host of changes.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 18, 2024, 10:34:18 PM
Latest top 4/5 percentages. https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1780885749748973772
Mind you, a couple of weeks ago they were also showing a >70% likelihood of England getting the extra CL spot.
Perfect example of why those % things are a load of bollocks. They just assume the favourites win all the time.
Maybe not all the time, but the majority of the time they do, hence why they are the favourites, and why you don't see many poor bookmakers.
Post by: AV84 on April 18, 2024, 10:37:13 PM
We don’t have many options left, Carlos in for Cash ? Luiz still out, Moreno out , Zaniolo hopefully available, thebench is back up players and youngsters that are making up the numbers.One thing I’d say - that performance tonight is why 5th place being CL football would have been nice. We can really lurch from good to bad, and Bournemouth is going to be fucking hard after the physical and mental exertion of that.
Yep im worried about sundays game now after that ET game. Definitely going to need to be a host of changes i think
So I can’t see a host of changes.
I saw Zaniolo sort of running up behind the rest of the team when they were celebrating, so hopefully he's not too badly hurt. He's not the first name on a team sheet by any means but the more options we have the better.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 18, 2024, 10:37:49 PM
We don’t have many options left, Carlos in for Cash ? Luiz still out, Moreno out , Zaniolo hopefully available, thebench is back up players and youngsters that are making up the numbers.One thing I’d say - that performance tonight is why 5th place being CL football would have been nice. We can really lurch from good to bad, and Bournemouth is going to be fucking hard after the physical and mental exertion of that.
Yep im worried about sundays game now after that ET game. Definitely going to need to be a host of changes i think
So I can’t see a host of changes.
Gonna have to gove kesler some game time i think whether thats starting or as a sub as cash did not look match fit allt to ask him and konsa to play 90 mins
Id go pau and carlos
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 19, 2024, 01:56:33 AM
We don’t have many options left, Carlos in for Cash ? Luiz still out, Moreno out , Zaniolo hopefully available, thebench is back up players and youngsters that are making up the numbers.One thing I’d say - that performance tonight is why 5th place being CL football would have been nice. We can really lurch from good to bad, and Bournemouth is going to be fucking hard after the physical and mental exertion of that.
Yep im worried about sundays game now after that ET game. Definitely going to need to be a host of changes i think
So I can’t see a host of changes.
Gonna have to gove kesler some game time i think whether thats starting or as a sub as cash did not look match fit allt to ask him and konsa to play 90 mins
Id go pau and carlos
One more time to the well for Ezri I reckon, before our week off.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 19, 2024, 02:55:25 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 19, 2024, 03:01:24 AM
Only Villa winning the next three UECL games can make the fifth place Champions League spot possible now. Which is tough, but at least it should make it simple enough for the people who haven’t up to now been able to work out that they should be hoping for the best results for Villa.
Plus the three German sides losing all of their games I think.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 19, 2024, 04:52:24 AM
Only Villa winning the next three UECL games can make the fifth place Champions League spot possible now. Which is tough, but at least it should make it simple enough for the people who haven’t up to now been able to work out that they should be hoping for the best results for Villa.
Plus the three German sides losing all of their games I think.
Yea. I think they need two wins between them to get the spot.
Post by: lennythekad on April 19, 2024, 04:29:57 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/x3HSKkW/IMG-7652.png) (https://ibb.co/x3HSKkW)
Post by: OCD on April 19, 2024, 06:40:50 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 19, 2024, 06:52:53 PM
Post by: FatSam on April 19, 2024, 06:58:58 PM
Post by: TelfordVilla on April 19, 2024, 07:17:47 PM
Post by: OCD on April 19, 2024, 07:22:30 PM
Who the hell wants a 5th English team in the champions league? I don't want spurs, Newcastle, man ure or Chelsea getting in via the back door. Sod em. We are top 4 and we wi qualify by right of being one of the top 4.
If Man Utd and Newcastle had done better in Europe, they might not be having to feed on crumbs.
Post by: Drummond on April 19, 2024, 08:02:44 PM
Now onto Bournemouth at home on Sunday where hopefully we don't get brought back down to Earth.
Richard Sutherland can be found at"
Best season ever? I mean wtf?
Earlier he says he was one when we won the European Cup, but regardless, for a 40 year old that's bizarre!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 19, 2024, 08:41:03 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 19, 2024, 08:46:10 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 19, 2024, 08:49:57 PM
4th no. 5th yes.
Cheers. I was hoping that if we finished 4th, someone like Wolves or Yanited would have to cheer us on in the final to get into Europe themselves.
Post by: Mellin on April 19, 2024, 09:43:10 PM
Only Villa winning the next three UECL games can make the fifth place Champions League spot possible now. Which is tough, but at least it should make it simple enough for the people who haven’t up to now been able to work out that they should be hoping for the best results for Villa.
Plus the three German sides losing all of their games I think.
If they lose all six then winning both semi final games and losing in the final would do it. If German sides win two more games it's not happening. If they draw three games it's not happening. If they win one and draw one it's not happening.
Basically, it's not happening, so here's to winning the Conference League, finishing fourth and not giving a single fuck about any of it.
Post by: lovejoy on April 20, 2024, 06:15:07 AM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 20, 2024, 06:43:21 AM
Post by: N'ZMAV on April 20, 2024, 06:46:14 AM
I think we can stop worrying about coefficients now, that’s done. Supporting the other English teams didn’t really help did it?I can't bring myself to support another English club.
Post by: Axl Rose on April 20, 2024, 06:59:31 AM
I think we can stop worrying about coefficients now, that’s done. Supporting the other English teams didn’t really help did it?I can't bring myself to support another English club.
Same here.
Not the usual suspects anyway
Post by: Demitri_C on April 20, 2024, 07:20:05 AM
I think we can stop worrying about coefficients now, that’s done. Supporting the other English teams didn’t really help did it?I can't bring myself to support another English club.
Same here.
Not the usual suspects anyway
Yea in a way we know now 4th gets us CL we have it in our our hands now which is probably better because before we sort of had that comfortable blanket thinking 5th gets CL now we know anythibg less isnt getting CL
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 20, 2024, 11:39:58 AM
I think we can stop worrying about coefficients now, that’s done. Supporting the other English teams didn’t really help did it?
I can't bring myself to support another English club.
Dinas breathes a sigh of relief.
Post by: Dave on April 20, 2024, 11:06:09 PM
Post by: The Edge on April 20, 2024, 11:22:46 PM
Udogie's out for the season for Spurs. Which presumably is a bad thing for them.He's an excellent player so yes.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 20, 2024, 11:24:54 PM
Udogie's out for the season for Spurs. Which presumably is a bad thing for them.
He's an excellent player so yes.
I believe Dave may have been aware of that. :)
Post by: Demitri_C on April 21, 2024, 07:24:15 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on April 21, 2024, 12:54:47 PM
I shudder when I think about how that could happen here.
Post by: pablo_picasso on April 21, 2024, 01:02:00 PM
Spurs have porro richarldson udogie and van de ven injuted as it stands
"Stop the presses! Spurs are facing a little adversity!
Quick, get the Sky PR team to rush to the rescue!!"
Post by: OCD on April 21, 2024, 01:03:04 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 21, 2024, 01:08:00 PM
I think we can stop worrying about coefficients now, that’s done. Supporting the other English teams didn’t really help did it?
People were just supporting Villa really. I found it strange that some of us weren’t.
Post by: Axl Rose on April 21, 2024, 01:09:23 PM
Spurs have porro richarldson udogie and van de ven injuted as it stands
Good. Hopefully they don't return until the year 2279
That'll give the Spurs press something to cry about.
Horrid team, horrid fans.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 21, 2024, 01:13:21 PM
Spurs have porro richarldson udogie and van de ven injuted as it stands
Excellent.
Oh hang on… I refuse to support any clubs I dislike against Spurs.
Post by: eamonn on April 21, 2024, 01:30:44 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 21, 2024, 04:59:27 PM
We are only 2-3 wins behind still being in the title race.
Now consider the injuries we had.
Next season we're going on a title charge.
Post by: PhilVill on April 21, 2024, 05:06:36 PM
Post by: Smithy on April 21, 2024, 05:07:27 PM
Some perspective.
We are only 2-3 wins behind still being in the title race.
Now consider the injuries we had.
Next season we're going on a title charge.
We score enough goals to be in the title race, we've just conceded 15-20 goals too many compared the to the teams going for the title. Next year we either need to concede fewer, or score another 20!
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 21, 2024, 05:08:06 PM
Post by: Stu on April 21, 2024, 05:08:41 PM
Post by: Villan82 on April 21, 2024, 05:08:56 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 21, 2024, 05:09:30 PM
4 more points and job done.
How does that work? 4 more points put us beyond the most Spurs can get?
Post by: Villan82 on April 21, 2024, 05:09:40 PM
When is the last time we won 20 games in the prem/div 1?
Never done it in a 38 game season so I am guessing 1992-93.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 21, 2024, 05:14:40 PM
4 more points and job done.
How does that work? 4 more points put us beyond the most Spurs can get?
Nope. If Spurs win all their games they can get to 78. I’m sure they won’t, but 70 points is an estimate as to what is needed.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 21, 2024, 05:15:22 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 21, 2024, 05:15:26 PM
well said Smirker. I know I get pelters in match threads but I just feel this has been a special, special season and like you think we'd have been right up there for the title if we had only had some luck with injuries.
Completely agree.
We should only get stronger over the summer too. Hopefully not sell any star players but even if we do I think we'll still be OK.
Post by: Stu on April 21, 2024, 05:22:35 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 21, 2024, 05:25:22 PM
Post by: IFWaters on April 21, 2024, 05:30:41 PM
I'm still worried Man U will catch us...They can't beat Coventry....
Post by: PhilVill on April 21, 2024, 05:33:06 PM
4 more points and job done.
How does that work? 4 more points put us beyond the most Spurs can get?
Nope. If Spurs win all their games they can get to 78. I’m sure they won’t, but 70 points is an estimate as to what is needed.
Sorry, to clarify, we get 70 points, thats us 4th and in the CL (in my opinion) . I think we'll get 73 tbh.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 21, 2024, 05:40:09 PM
I'm still worried Man U will catch us...
We still need to beat Chelsea next week to take over them in fourth.
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 21, 2024, 05:40:18 PM
I'm still worried Man U will catch us...
And Newcastle
And Chelsea
Post by: Demitri_C on April 21, 2024, 05:46:49 PM
Then they have huge pressur vs spurs. Its mad spurs get such a long rest and annoying arsenal will have a game midweek. Hopefully they wont be too tired
Post by: maidstonevillain on April 21, 2024, 05:47:20 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 21, 2024, 05:50:22 PM
I have a feeling we will draw vs chelsea which puts us 8 points clear of spurs If you include GD
Then they have huge pressur vs spurs. Its mad spurs get such a long rest and annoying arsenal will have a game midweek. Hopefully they wont be too tired
8 points is a stretch in terms of GD. If Spurs won those 3 games (I don’t think they would, but) they’d have a good chance of overhauling 5 goals.
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 21, 2024, 05:54:12 PM
Arsenal (H)
Chelsea (A)
Liverpool (A)
Our next three games. And we will have two Conf league games mixed in
Chelsea (H)
Brighton (A)
Liverpool (H)
Post by: Forge10 on April 21, 2024, 05:57:47 PM
Their next three league games
Arsenal (H)
Chelsea (A)
Liverpool (A)
Our next three games. And we will have two Conf league games mixed in
Chelsea (H)
Brighton (A)
Liverpool (H)
Those are still very tough games, I’m unsure why people are saying we have the easier run in? IF we get 4th place and get to the final of the Conference then UE will have performed nothing short of a miracle with the injuries and amount of games we’ve played.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 21, 2024, 06:05:17 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 21, 2024, 06:30:02 PM
Their next three league games
Arsenal (H)
Chelsea (A)
Liverpool (A)
Our next three games. And we will have two Conf league games mixed in
Chelsea (H)
Brighton (A)
Liverpool (H)
Those are still very tough games, I’m unsure why people are saying we have the easier run in? IF we get 4th place and get to the final of the Conference then UE will have performed nothing short of a miracle with the injuries and amount of games we’ve played.
I agree its not easy at all for us.palace away wont be easy either they are playing very well at the moment. Hopefully one or two wins will do it
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 21, 2024, 06:34:43 PM
H) Arsenal
A) Chelsea
A) Liverpool
H) Man City
And that's assuming they do take 6 from Burnley (H) and Sheff U (A).
I'd much much rather be in our position.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 21, 2024, 06:41:12 PM
Post by: Dave on April 21, 2024, 06:43:11 PM
Spurs realistically need at least 4 points from
H) Arsenal
A) Chelsea
A) Liverpool
H) Man City
And that's assuming they do take 6 from Burnley (H) and Sheff U (A).
I'd much much rather be in our position.
Spurs forums seem to have pretty much written off fourth place. I appreciate that online fans are massive pant-wetters at the best of times (see minutes 30-45 of our match thread), but they seem to think that they have no chance in any of the games you mention based on how they are playing, and they're not even that confident about the Burnley game.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 21, 2024, 06:53:16 PM
Spurs realistically need at least 4 points from
H) Arsenal
A) Chelsea
A) Liverpool
H) Man City
And that's assuming they do take 6 from Burnley (H) and Sheff U (A).
I'd much much rather be in our position.
Spurs forums seem to have pretty much written off fourth place. I appreciate that online fans are massive pant-wetters at the best of times (see minutes 30-45 of our match thread), but they seem to think that they have no chance in any of the games you mention based on how they are playing, and they're not even that confident about the Burnley game.
My Spurs mate messaged "that's fourth sewn up" after the match today. I hope he's right but it's bollocks really. Doubt they'll lose all of those harder games on paper. We're in a good position but nothing decided yet.
Post by: London Villan on April 21, 2024, 07:11:05 PM
It’s a long way from over.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 21, 2024, 07:52:40 PM
Post by: Dave on April 21, 2024, 07:56:56 PM
Spurs are capable of beating those notorious bottlers arsenal
They're capable of beating all of them. They're also capable of losing to all of them.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 21, 2024, 07:57:03 PM
Spurs are capable of beating those notorious bottlers arsenal. A draw wouldnt be end of the world. Have a feeling they will beat chelsea and lose to Liverpool.
I'd like Arsenal to beat them 2 or 3-0. If we can beat Chelsea, that would effectively put us 10 points ahead (with GD) and I think that would do it.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 21, 2024, 08:09:30 PM
Post by: DeKuip on April 21, 2024, 08:12:07 PM
Nothing less than six wins and a draw (as long as it’s v Olympiakos) will do in our remaining games… is how I hope and expect Unai is thinking.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 21, 2024, 08:15:39 PM
Newcastle, Man U and Chelsea can all only reach 68 maximum and we're on 66.
Post by: Smithy on April 21, 2024, 08:18:01 PM
3 points guarantees top 5.
Newcastle, Man U and Chelsea can all only reach 68 maximum and we're on 66.
This is the main reason I'm still a little bit pissed at the English teams capitulating in Europe. We're taking care of business, and if they hadn't all shat the bed we could have been celebrating Champions League football next weekend! As it is, we'll probably have to wait another three weeks!
Post by: Somniloquism on April 21, 2024, 08:18:22 PM
3 points guarantees top 5.
Newcastle, Man U and Chelsea can all only reach 68 maximum and we're on 66.
But Chelsea are fourth!??!
Post by: Pete on April 21, 2024, 08:45:22 PM
Post by: paul_e on April 21, 2024, 08:48:49 PM
Spurs are capable of beating those notorious bottlers arsenal
They're capable of beating all of them. They're also capable of losing to all of them.
The real importance of us getting the last 2 wins is that it creates "scoreboard pressure" and spurs are at their 'spursiest' when that sort of pressure comes on. Get the 3 again next weekend and that pressure will be unbearable, no one wants to go into a run of games like they have knowing that draws aren't good enough.
Post by: Dante Lavelli on April 21, 2024, 08:52:56 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 21, 2024, 08:56:50 PM
Spurs are capable of beating those notorious bottlers arsenal
They're capable of beating all of them. They're also capable of losing to all of them.
The real importance of us getting the last 2 wins is that it creates "scoreboard pressure" and spurs are at their 'spursiest' when that sort of pressure comes on. Get the 3 again next weekend and that pressure will be unbearable, no one wants to go into a run of games like they have knowing that draws aren't good enough.
I actually wish we were playing Chelsea after them or KO the same time. We do an FA Cup replay and it takes some of the pressure off Spurs. Of course we get three points and I would take the season as wrapped.
Post by: KevinGage on April 21, 2024, 08:58:37 PM
Spurs are capable of beating those notorious bottlers arsenal
They're capable of beating all of them. They're also capable of losing to all of them.
The real importance of us getting the last 2 wins is that it creates "scoreboard pressure" and spurs are at their 'spursiest' when that sort of pressure comes on. Get the 3 again next weekend and that pressure will be unbearable, no one wants to go into a run of games like they have knowing that draws aren't good enough.
Indeed.
Post by: Risso on April 21, 2024, 09:03:07 PM
Post by: Pete on April 21, 2024, 09:16:18 PM
Post by: Ads on April 21, 2024, 09:18:52 PM
Post by: Mellin on April 21, 2024, 09:22:57 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 21, 2024, 09:28:00 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on April 21, 2024, 09:32:08 PM
Post by: Mellin on April 21, 2024, 09:36:57 PM
Games in hand:
Sheff Utd
Burnley
Equal:
Liverpool
Chelsea
Different:
City/Arsenal
Brighton/Palace
So if you presume they win their games in hand, then if we match each other's Liverpool/Chelsea results it becomes a winner takes all between those bottom games, which I'd take all day long, especially if the GD is superior.
With all that in mind, let's just beat Chelsea. Far from over anyway.
Post by: AV84 on April 21, 2024, 09:39:09 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on April 21, 2024, 09:40:30 PM
Post by: Mellin on April 21, 2024, 09:43:54 PM
^ yeah, I get what you've done and it's really helpful as a way of understanding where we all stand. I was just pointing out that having to play relegation teams at the end of the season can be quite tricky ties too.
Agreed. Hope you're right. We can draw a line through all that semi-autistic waffle if they shit the bed against Burnley and we can just lol our way over the line with four losses.
Post by: olaftab on April 21, 2024, 09:44:46 PM
3 points guarantees top 5.Yes but 5th is now safe. No way the teams in 6/7 are going to win all their remaining games.
Newcastle, Man U and Chelsea can all only reach 68 maximum and we're on 66.
Post by: Dante Lavelli on April 21, 2024, 09:45:42 PM
We'll obviously fuck it up but it's still a great season.
That’s where I am. It’s been a great ride, lets just enjoy it.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 21, 2024, 09:48:37 PM
You know what, I'm going to stick my neck out. Remember in 89/90, how we could've won the league with a week to go but ended up falling 10 points short? That's how I see this panning out, only we're the Liverpool in this scenario and spurs are the us.
Post by: Des Little on April 21, 2024, 09:49:36 PM
Post by: Risso on April 21, 2024, 09:53:32 PM
Two more wins and that will do it. No way on God’s green earth Spuds are overhauling that.
And if they do with that run in, they’ll probably deserve it.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 21, 2024, 10:03:09 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 21, 2024, 10:03:42 PM
Equal:
Liverpool
Chelsea
Different:
City/Arsenal
Brighton/Palace
Equal, except we're at home to Chelsea and Liverpool whereas they're away.
Also playing mid-table Brighton and Palace should be easier than Citeh and Arsenal, when they're both in the title race.
Post by: AV84 on April 21, 2024, 10:06:41 PM
Two more wins and that will do it. No way on God’s green earth Spuds are overhauling that.
And if they do with that run in, they’ll probably deserve it.
I'd still begrudge it to them, but you're right.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 21, 2024, 10:26:24 PM
Unless you're cheating bellends like Citeh.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 21, 2024, 10:29:48 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 21, 2024, 10:31:54 PM
Post by: Dave on April 21, 2024, 10:57:11 PM
If Spurs had two of their games this week, ie Burnley and Sheff U, they’d need to win by a combined score of 6-0 to go ahead of us. They’d then need more points from Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City than we get from Chelsea, Liverpool, Brighton and Palace.
That's a lovely, comforting, step-into-a-warm bath way of looking at the run in.
We can definitely still screw it up, but based on what we're doing at the moment we really shouldn't.
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 21, 2024, 10:59:40 PM
If Spurs had two of their games this week, ie Burnley and Sheff U, they’d need to win by a combined score of 6-0 to go ahead of us. They’d then need more points from Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City than we get from Chelsea, Liverpool, Brighton and Palace.
That's a lovely, comforting, step-into-a-warm bath way of looking at the run in.
We can definitely still screw it up, but based on what we're doing at the moment we really shouldn't.
Yeh I got a tingle in my loins from that also. Bottom line is I’d much rather be where we are than them. And if we were in their position I’d probably think it was done
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 21, 2024, 11:02:18 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 21, 2024, 11:04:14 PM
We're 4/11 to finish in the top four, they're 13/5.
We're 1/4 with Paddy Power.
Post by: KevinGage on April 21, 2024, 11:05:25 PM
Two more wins and that will do it. No way on God’s green earth Spuds are overhauling that.
And if they do with that run in, they’ll probably deserve it.
I'd still begrudge it to them, but you're right.
I hope diddy Jamie Maddison is crying himself to sleep tonight following our win and Cov's penalty heartache.
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 21, 2024, 11:18:34 PM
Post by: Dave on April 21, 2024, 11:29:20 PM
But then that's offset by how there's a thing about how they always do surprisingly badly against Chelsea?
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 21, 2024, 11:42:01 PM
W1 D2 L7 against chelsea
W5 D2 L3 against citeh
Post by: AV84 on April 21, 2024, 11:42:38 PM
Post by: Dave on April 21, 2024, 11:46:57 PM
I think it's probably good that there's still a 3 way fight for the title. Whatever about the other two, I can't see Man City slipping up.
Absolutely. Arsenal and Liverpool aren't going to win the league, but I don't want them going into a game against Spurs thinking that they can't win the league.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 22, 2024, 03:04:44 AM
We're 4/11 to finish in the top four, they're 13/5.
We're 1/4 with Paddy Power.
There were posters on here who thought Man Utd were dead certs to finish above us when they were 14/1 to finish top four and we were 13/8 or something.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 22, 2024, 06:18:33 AM
Spurs last 10 PL games vs chelsea and citeh
W1 D2 L7 against chelsea
W5 D2 L3 against citeh
Both those records are remarkable, for different reasons
Post by: Drummond on April 22, 2024, 07:31:06 AM
6 points gap feels big though at this stage of the season, more so for them I'm sure.
Post by: sid1964 on April 22, 2024, 07:42:07 AM
Hopefully our performance this Saturday will be better than the last time we played Chelsea!
Post by: Smithy on April 22, 2024, 07:54:56 AM
Post by: nigel on April 22, 2024, 08:16:57 AM
Their next three league games
Arsenal (H)
Chelsea (A)
Liverpool (A)
Our next three games. And we will have two Conf league games mixed in
Chelsea (H)
Brighton (A)
Liverpool (H)
I can see both of us getting 3pts from those fixtures
Post by: lovejoy on April 22, 2024, 08:17:13 AM
Points in the bag is always preferable.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 22, 2024, 08:58:02 AM
3 points guarantees top 5.
Newcastle, Man U and Chelsea can all only reach 68 maximum and we're on 66.
And Manure and Newcastle play each other, so can't both get 18 points.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 22, 2024, 09:00:04 AM
They're probably playing Arsenal at the right time, but Man City at the wrong time.
Post by: Smithy on April 22, 2024, 09:06:02 AM
Was thinking Tottenham are usually rubbish against Liverpool and Chelsea, but have a good record against Man City.
They're probably playing Arsenal at the right time, but Man City at the wrong time.
The worry is Man City could have the league won by game 37 (which is when they play Spurs). We really need either Liverpool or Arsenal to be within 3 or 4 points of Man City - maximum - by game 37, so they NEED the result against Spurs. If they've already won the title, and only have the FA Cup to come, you'd worry about them rotating and taking their eye off the ball.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 22, 2024, 09:09:50 AM
Post by: Risso on April 22, 2024, 09:14:04 AM
Was thinking Tottenham are usually rubbish against Liverpool and Chelsea, but have a good record against Man City.
They're probably playing Arsenal at the right time, but Man City at the wrong time.
The worry is Man City could have the league won by game 37 (which is when they play Spurs). We really need either Liverpool or Arsenal to be within 3 or 4 points of Man City - maximum - by game 37, so they NEED the result against Spurs. If they've already won the title, and only have the FA Cup to come, you'd worry about them rotating and taking their eye off the ball.
I don't think both Liverpool and Arsenal will drop off. One maybe, but I think it's going to the wire.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 22, 2024, 09:23:09 AM
Was thinking Tottenham are usually rubbish against Liverpool and Chelsea, but have a good record against Man City.
They're probably playing Arsenal at the right time, but Man City at the wrong time.
The worry is Man City could have the league won by game 37 (which is when they play Spurs). We really need either Liverpool or Arsenal to be within 3 or 4 points of Man City - maximum - by game 37, so they NEED the result against Spurs. If they've already won the title, and only have the FA Cup to come, you'd worry about them rotating and taking their eye off the ball.
I don't think both Liverpool and Arsenal will drop off. One maybe, but I think it's going to the wire.
Would prefer Liverpool to drop off, as we still have to play them.
Post by: Drummond on April 22, 2024, 10:02:08 AM
Was thinking Tottenham are usually rubbish against Liverpool and Chelsea, but have a good record against Man City.
They're probably playing Arsenal at the right time, but Man City at the wrong time.
The worry is Man City could have the league won by game 37 (which is when they play Spurs). We really need either Liverpool or Arsenal to be within 3 or 4 points of Man City - maximum - by game 37, so they NEED the result against Spurs. If they've already won the title, and only have the FA Cup to come, you'd worry about them rotating and taking their eye off the ball.
I hope it's Arsenal, because if Liverpool are still in with a shout our last home game would be harder.
Post by: Baldy on April 22, 2024, 10:10:58 AM
Would love to have seen their faces when Villa's one, two, three flew in. A right kick in their goolies.
Poor ba*tards.
Ha Ha
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 22, 2024, 12:12:22 PM
Same day as Liverpool v Spurs 430pm.
This is how Villa and Spurs matches play
27 April
Villa v Chelsea 8pm
28 April
Spurs v Arsenal 430pm
2 May
Chelsea v Spurs 730pm, Villa v Olympiacos 8pm
5 May
Brighton V Villa, Liverpool v Spurs
9 May
Olympiacos v Villa 8pm
11 May
Spurs v Burnley 3pm
13 May
Villa v Liverpool 8pm
14 May
Spurs v Man City 8pm
19 May
Palace v Villa, Sheffield Utd v Spurs both matches 4pm
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 22, 2024, 12:21:57 PM
The thing with games in hand is everyone just adds three points per game but it doesn't work like that in reality. We disaster game play with the worst case scenario. It's actually annoying it gets so far out of sync, and happens due to cup commitments as is a very English issue (i.e. not in other big leagues).
Points in the bag is always preferable.
I think people are just seeing Spurs playing Sheffield United and Burnley and still worrying. However they play both in the last week and by that time we could easily be 8-9 points clear of them so in that scenario they'd have to beat Man. City aswell to have any chance of 4th.
That would likely hand Arsenal the league which I'm sure is chasing some of their fanbase sleepless nights.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 22, 2024, 12:26:32 PM
As much as I can see Villa beating Chelsea and can see Chelsea hammering Spurs when they play !
Post by: Demitri_C on April 22, 2024, 01:21:19 PM
Brighton v Aston Villa moved from Saturday 4 May to Sunday 5 May 2pm due to Europa Conference League Semi Final
Same day as Liverpool v Spurs 430pm.
This is how Villa and Spurs matches play
27 April
Villa v Chelsea 8pm
28 April
Spurs v Arsenal 430pm
2 May
Chelsea v Spurs 730pm, Villa v Olympiacos 8pm
5 May
Brighton V Villa, Liverpool v Spurs
9 May
Olympiacos v Villa 8pm
11 May
Spurs v Burnley 3pm
13 May
Villa v Liverpool 8pm
14 May
Spurs v Man City 8pm
19 May
Palace v Villa, Sheffield Utd v Spurs both matches 4pm
Thanks for that. Its actually good news the liverpool games now a monday night ko as will be a tiring trip from greece so the extra days rest will help for a already tough game.
Hopefully we will would have gone through in conference league (fingers crossed) so the fans will be really up for it in that scenerio
Post by: Drummond on April 22, 2024, 01:26:14 PM
Chelsea home is a must win match and puts us 9 clear before Spurs even play
As much as I can see Villa beating Chelsea and can see Chelsea hammering Spurs when they play !
No it's not.
Post by: supertom on April 22, 2024, 01:32:59 PM
Post by: Rigadon on April 22, 2024, 01:35:14 PM
Chelsea home is a must win match and puts us 9 clear before Spurs even play
As much as I can see Villa beating Chelsea and can see Chelsea hammering Spurs when they play !
No it's not.
You're probably right, but I can see the sentiment behind the original statement. It does feel like another 3 points would make it really (really) hard for Spurs to chase down with their run in.
Post by: paul_e on April 22, 2024, 01:41:25 PM
Given the games they've got I reckon 70 points would be a very big ask for Spurs so getting to the brink of that with 3 games would be massive. If we don't do it though it's not going to mean the sky is falling.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 22, 2024, 01:42:36 PM
If we open up the gap to 7/9 points before Spurs next kick a ball, that puts an enormous amount of pressure on them. With who they have to play, if they ended up finishing 4th you'd have to say hats off but any points against Chelsea for us and it may just give Spurs too much to do. Games in hand or not.
73 points is target in my opinion although 71 could just be enough
Post by: Drummond on April 22, 2024, 01:44:31 PM
Chelsea home is a must win match and puts us 9 clear before Spurs even play
As much as I can see Villa beating Chelsea and can see Chelsea hammering Spurs when they play !
No it's not.
You're probably right, but I can see the sentiment behind the original statement. It does feel like another 3 points would make it really (really) hard for Spurs to chase down with their run in.
People gave in before and had us finishing 7th (I think it was that anyway) and that was only recently. Spurs have been hammered in two of their last away games and got a 1-1 draw in the other. If they were winning every game, then perhaps there would be merit in it being a 'must-win' but they aren't and there isn't.
Post by: Drummond on April 22, 2024, 01:45:26 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on April 22, 2024, 02:53:21 PM
People gave in before and had us finishing 7th (I think it was that anyway) and that was only recently. Spurs have been hammered in two of their last away games and got a 1-1 draw in the other. If they were winning every game, then perhaps there would be merit in it being a 'must-win' but they aren't and there isn't.
The Chelsea match is one of those were we could let in a lot of stupid goals ala the FA Cup match. So that is definitely something we want to stop happening as it could give Spurs the boost for their match. However if we win then the pressure will be on them to get all the points. I thought the same thing happened when Spurs were beaten badly the day before we played, the pressure was off us a bit and piled on Arsenal to must win with the Citeh and Liverpool results.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 22, 2024, 09:36:23 PM
Amazon’s limited number of games are first-pick, which the company has said guarantees they will be coveted matches featuring English teams, up until the semi-finals.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 22, 2024, 09:49:23 PM
Amazon will have 17 first-pick Champions League matches on Tuesday nights from next season.
Amazon’s limited number of games are first-pick, which the company has said guarantees they will be coveted matches featuring English teams, up until the semi-finals.
This sits in the space of jinx territory. Let’s worry about scheduling once we’re in it.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 23, 2024, 01:23:08 AM
It's not must win but a win would be huge and as I think I've said before would put Spurs under the sort of pressure that they've consistently struggled with for years.
Given the games they've got I reckon 70 points would be a very big ask for Spurs so getting to the brink of that with 3 games would be massive. If we don't do it though it's not going to mean the sky is falling.
Might not be a 'must win' but it is in the 'would be extremely handy to win' category as a 9 point gap would be significant at this stage and with the fixtures Spurs have got left.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 23, 2024, 08:50:19 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 23, 2024, 08:51:46 AM
If chelsea fans cant qualify for europe they will happily lose this game saturday if it helps us and fucks spurs for 4th. They hate spurs more than arsenal these days
I’m assuming the fans won’t be playing though. Although it is Chelsea so you never know.
Post by: DB on April 23, 2024, 09:20:08 AM
That said, we just win and do it ourselves.
Post by: Dave P on April 23, 2024, 09:40:39 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on April 23, 2024, 10:40:59 AM
Positive view, they have a very tough run-in, they have a key injuries recently, they looked pretty poor defensively in recent games vs Fulham and Newcastle - not sure the manager has plan B to the way they play. Also, Maddison looks half the player he was at the start of the season.
That said, we just win and do it ourselves.
Maddison knows all about missing out on top four from his Leicester days. Although, admittedly Leicester were actually in the top for for most of the season before the crumble, unlike Spuds.
Post by: lovejoy on April 23, 2024, 10:44:04 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on April 23, 2024, 11:09:01 AM
After they beat us I thought it was highly likely that Spurs would finish above us. But them losing to Fulham and again to Newcastle whilst we got a point at West Ham and beat Arsenal was a huge swing. I wouldn't be surprised to see similar swings over the remaining games.
But certainly, I'd far rather be in our position than theirs. Even if you give them Burnley & Sheffield, they've got Liverpool and Chelsea away and we've got them at home. Then they've got Arsenal and Man City whilst we've got Brighton and Palace.
Post by: john e on April 23, 2024, 12:05:05 PM
the way I look at it is spurs have 2 easy games Shef Utd and Burley so I’m giving them the 6 points back that we’re ahead
So it’s a shootout as to who’s best over the other 4 games
We have Chelsea, Brighton, Liverpool, palace
They have Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City
We got to be favourites
Edit- basically what Chris has said above
Post by: astonvilla82 on April 23, 2024, 12:13:19 PM
We have 4 games left spurs have 6 but we are 6 points aheadBurnley game might not be that easy depending on where thier league position is
the way I look at it is spurs have 2 easy games Shef Utd and Burley so I’m giving them the 6 points back that we’re ahead
So it’s a shootout as to who’s best over the other 4 games
We have Chelsea, Brighton, Liverpool, palace
They have Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City
We got to be favourites
Edit- basically what Chris has said above
Post by: darren woolley on April 23, 2024, 12:44:52 PM
Post by: Keeno on April 23, 2024, 12:57:34 PM
Even a win and a draw taking us to 70 might do it. But that would be a bit squeaky bum time on the final day.
Two wins to get us to 72 would put it out of reach for Spurs given their fixtures.
Post by: usav on April 23, 2024, 01:06:19 PM
We have 4 games left spurs have 6 but we are 6 points aheadBurnley game might not be that easy depending on where thier league position is
the way I look at it is spurs have 2 easy games Shef Utd and Burley so I’m giving them the 6 points back that we’re ahead
So it’s a shootout as to who’s best over the other 4 games
We have Chelsea, Brighton, Liverpool, palace
They have Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City
We got to be favourites
Edit- basically what Chris has said above
And just as important is can they get the goal difference back with those two games against Sheffield and Burnley?
Post by: Dave on April 23, 2024, 01:59:56 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 23, 2024, 05:03:31 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GL1zWS1WIAAqF7u?format=jpg&name=small)
Post by: Dogtanian on April 23, 2024, 05:15:20 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 23, 2024, 09:56:48 PM
Sunday, Arsenal
Thursday, Chelsea
Sunday, Liverpool
Saturday, Burnley
Tuesday, Man City
Sunday, Sheffield United
I know we've still got Europe in the mix, but ours does feel a little more leisurely.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 23, 2024, 10:02:18 PM
Not a must win?Chelsea home is a must win match and puts us 9 clear before Spurs even play
As much as I can see Villa beating Chelsea and can see Chelsea hammering Spurs when they play !
No it's not.
Why not ?
9pts would be quite the gap.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 23, 2024, 10:31:21 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 23, 2024, 10:33:43 PM
Post by: Richard E on April 23, 2024, 10:38:37 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 23, 2024, 10:39:14 PM
It's only a must win if not winning it mathematically costs you something. We are not at that stage yet.Ok and can it be said a must win also for when it prevents an opponent from reaching same points tally.
So in a few games will have some must win matches then.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 23, 2024, 11:23:55 PM
It's only a must win if not winning it mathematically costs you something. We are not at that stage yet.Ok and can it be said a must win also for when it prevents an opponent from reaching same points tally.
So in a few games will have some must win matches then.
It entirely depends on the points. If Spurs lose four games, and draw and win one each, we wouldn’t have a single ‘must win’ league game left. If they do better than that, we might have some.
Post by: Yeltzbagger on April 23, 2024, 11:41:46 PM
On which note, Chelsea losing tonight guarantees us European football next season.I think it guarantees us Europa League at least. Man Utd and Newcastle have to play one another. So the only way they can both reach 66 points is if they draw, but Utd.'s goal difference is so bad that they wouldn't finish above us even if we lose our last 4 games. Well, probably not.
Post by: Yeltzbagger on April 23, 2024, 11:46:23 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on April 24, 2024, 07:10:46 AM
To still be mathematically in it with only 3-4 games to go is fantastic considering where we were.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 24, 2024, 09:58:02 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 24, 2024, 09:59:32 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on April 24, 2024, 10:00:31 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 24, 2024, 10:00:31 PM
A win for Arsenal on Sunday officially puts us out the title race.
To still be mathematically in it with only 3-4 games to go is fantastic considering where we were.
I'll happily concede out title challenge if it does our 4th place challenge some good.
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 24, 2024, 10:30:22 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 24, 2024, 10:37:00 PM
I’d love for us to leapfrog Liverpool into 3rd by the end of the season. A stretch but given how they are playing 8 points with us still having to play them isn’t out of the question.
I said the same in the other games thread. They've got West Ham, Spurs, and us to play before finishing at Wolves. Three of those 4 are still pushing for European places, so they're not easy games for Liverpool by any means.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 24, 2024, 10:44:34 PM
I’d love for us to leapfrog Liverpool into 3rd by the end of the season. A stretch but given how they are playing 8 points with us still having to play them isn’t out of the question.
I said the same in the other games thread. They've got West Ham, Spurs, and us to play before finishing at Wolves. Three of those 4 are still pushing for European places, so they're not easy games for Liverpool by any means.
Man City are 3rd and I don't see them winning tomorrow so have tobe looking at overtaking them first.
And I would love it if they finished 5th !
Away at forest who are fighting for their lives Sunday.
Can see Man City only picking up couple of draws next two with no Haaland tomorrow.
They have Wolves at home after so expect them to win that one.
Before Spurs match.
Post by: Richard on April 24, 2024, 10:47:48 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 24, 2024, 10:55:17 PM
To finish 4th or 5th as now seems pretty certain and be in a European semi final is bloody brilliant considering the injuries. To be fair one or two pundits pre season did see this coming. Great time to be a Villa fan!!Indeed it's wonderful.
And BBC pundit Stephen Warnock has been a big advocate of Villas chances for Champions League all season.
He was with Villa pre season in America and came along to session, saw and spoke with Emery and was impressed.
That is excellent analysis by our former player.
"I’ve been out in the United States covering the Summer Series and I was lucky enough to go down and watch Villa train and speak to Emery. When you see what he’s about and how he works, it’s very impressive. Looking at that, and the form they were in under him last season, I think they might sneak in to fourth.”
Foresight
Post by: Dave on April 24, 2024, 11:04:47 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 25, 2024, 01:00:47 AM
I’d love for us to leapfrog Liverpool into 3rd by the end of the season. A stretch but given how they are playing 8 points with us still having to play them isn’t out of the question.
I said the same in the other games thread. They've got West Ham, Spurs, and us to play before finishing at Wolves. Three of those 4 are still pushing for European places, so they're not easy games for Liverpool by any means.
Are they at Wolves or at home? Your post in the other thread confused me.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on April 25, 2024, 01:02:42 AM
I’d love for us to leapfrog Liverpool into 3rd by the end of the season. A stretch but given how they are playing 8 points with us still having to play them isn’t out of the question.
I said the same in the other games thread. They've got West Ham, Spurs, and us to play before finishing at Wolves. Three of those 4 are still pushing for European places, so they're not easy games for Liverpool by any means.
Are they at Wolves or at home? Your post in the other thread confused me.
I'd say they're at home considering they are away at ours in the penultimate game.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 25, 2024, 01:33:01 AM
I’d love for us to leapfrog Liverpool into 3rd by the end of the season. A stretch but given how they are playing 8 points with us still having to play them isn’t out of the question.
I said the same in the other games thread. They've got West Ham, Spurs, and us to play before finishing at Wolves. Three of those 4 are still pushing for European places, so they're not easy games for Liverpool by any means.
Are they at Wolves or at home? Your post in the other thread confused me.
I'd say they're at home considering they are away at ours in the penultimate game.
Yeah, that’s my guess. In the other games thread AV84 said they finish at Wolves, but also that Wolves will be up for beating them in Klopp’s last home game. Or something.
Post by: AV84 on April 25, 2024, 07:22:13 AM
Post by: lovejoy on April 25, 2024, 09:36:43 AM
Of course if second half vs Arsenal Villa turn up we are laughing but if first half Lille Villa turn up, not so much.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 25, 2024, 09:42:50 AM
I think the Chelsea match is a pivotal one. Brighton and Palace are both tough places to go and we really don't know which Liverpool will turn up. A win vs Chelsea would take the pressure off. Remember Spurs have Sheff Utd and Burnley still to play.
Of course if second half vs Arsenal Villa turn up we are laughing but if first half Lille Villa turn up, not so much.
Psychologically huge - a win or even a draw puts massive pressure on Spurs. I think Brighton are on the beach and just hope Palace are by end of the season. Liverpool - not sure.
Post by: lovejoy on April 25, 2024, 10:07:35 AM
Post by: Monty on April 25, 2024, 10:12:47 AM
It’s a shame we aren’t in Italy as I’m sure the offer of biscutto to our opponent t with nothing to play for (3 of the 4) might come in handy. Chelsea don’t want to do Spurs a favour surely.
Spurs have more money, are shadier than we are, and are cosier with the other Superduperclubs than we are, and so would be much more likely biscuit-dealers than we are.
Post by: lovejoy on April 25, 2024, 10:23:59 AM
Post by: Monty on April 25, 2024, 10:48:34 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 25, 2024, 11:00:44 AM
As someone based in Italy, does the reference work?
If anyone performs particularly poorly against Spurs in the run-in, we would also say they're taking the biscuit.
Post by: chrisw1 on April 25, 2024, 11:01:23 AM
To finish 4th or 5th as now seems pretty certain and be in a European semi final is bloody brilliant considering the injuries. To be fair one or two pundits pre season did see this coming. Great time to be a Villa fan!!Yep, an amazing season however it finishes now. I wouldn't have dared hope for this after the Mings & Buendia injuries and the Geordie drubbing.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 25, 2024, 12:16:20 PM
To finish 4th or 5th as now seems pretty certain and be in a European semi final is bloody brilliant considering the injuries. To be fair one or two pundits pre season did see this coming. Great time to be a Villa fan!!Yep, an amazing season however it finishes now. I wouldn't have dared hope for this after the Mings & Buendia injuries and the Geordie drubbing.
It has, but if we don’t get 4th from the position we’re in now it’ll be a missed opportunity. We need to be ruthless.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 25, 2024, 04:16:38 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 25, 2024, 05:58:58 PM
It’s a shame we aren’t in Italy as I’m sure the offer of biscutto to our opponent t with nothing to play for (3 of the 4) might come in handy. Chelsea don’t want to do Spurs a favour surely.
Spurs have more money, are shadier than we are, and are cosier with the other Superduperclubs than we are, and so would be much more likely biscuit-dealers than we are.
The main issue these days seems to be who the VAR official supports !
Post by: Louzie0 on April 25, 2024, 06:35:05 PM
He's going to have egg on his face when we finish third, isn't he.
I like this 👍
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 25, 2024, 07:19:03 PM
Yeah, I meant "with Wolves" not "at Wolves".
Cheers.
Post by: Dave on April 26, 2024, 04:59:14 PM
Therefore it is pretty ridiculous how Spurs, not in any European competition, knocked out of the League Cup in August and the FA Cup in January, will go from 15 days without a match to playing six times in 21 days.
Not complaining, obviously. But if it were us I'd be pretty put out that the calendar had dealt us that hand.
Post by: olaftab on April 26, 2024, 05:10:46 PM
A win for Arsenal on Sunday officially puts us out the title race.COM'ON you SPURS. ;D
Post by: Lastfootstamper on April 26, 2024, 05:16:53 PM
Fixture congestion is obviously pretty common at this time of year, but usually it's because you've had to fit in a load of matches.
Therefore it is pretty ridiculous how Spurs, not in any European competition, knocked out of the League Cup in August and the FA Cup in January, will go from 15 days without a match to playing six times in 21 days.
Not complaining, obviously. But if it were us I'd be pretty put out that the calendar had dealt us that hand.
Orrr, I can't believe the London PL mafia have conspired to secure their beloved Tottingham a two-week rest to recharge before their final few games.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 26, 2024, 07:22:49 PM
Fixture congestion is obviously pretty common at this time of year, but usually it's because you've had to fit in a load of matches.
Therefore it is pretty ridiculous how Spurs, not in any European competition, knocked out of the League Cup in August and the FA Cup in January, will go from 15 days without a match to playing six times in 21 days.
Not complaining, obviously. But if it were us I'd be pretty put out that the calendar had dealt us that hand.
Orrr, I can't believe the London PL mafia have conspired to secure their beloved Tottingham a two-week rest to recharge before their final few games.
I think this is the 2nd time its happened to them. But even with the rest that amount of games (and tough ones) in that space of time is a big big ask. If they win all their remaining games then we can't say they dont deserve 4th
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 26, 2024, 07:25:43 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 26, 2024, 07:27:56 PM
I reckon Spurs would have preferred the games spread out rather than 15 days off and then a flurry of games.
Indeed - I suspect that is very hard to manage.
Post by: Drummond on April 26, 2024, 07:35:25 PM
Fixture congestion is obviously pretty common at this time of year, but usually it's because you've had to fit in a load of matches.
Therefore it is pretty ridiculous how Spurs, not in any European competition, knocked out of the League Cup in August and the FA Cup in January, will go from 15 days without a match to playing six times in 21 days.
Not complaining, obviously. But if it were us I'd be pretty put out that the calendar had dealt us that hand.
Orrr, I can't believe the London PL mafia have conspired to secure their beloved Tottingham a two-week rest to recharge before their final few games.
I think this is the 2nd time its happened to them. But even with the rest that amount of games (and tough ones) in that space of time is a big big ask. If they win all their remaining games then we can't say they dont deserve 4th
We definitely can if we win all ours.
Post by: OCD on April 26, 2024, 07:38:53 PM
15 days is definitely overkill.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 26, 2024, 07:53:16 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 26, 2024, 07:54:52 PM
Makes what we're doing even more impressive.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GL1zWS1WIAAqF7u?format=jpg&name=small)
Post by: Mellin on April 26, 2024, 07:57:02 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 26, 2024, 08:02:09 PM
HereMakes what we're doing even more impressive.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GL1zWS1WIAAqF7u?format=jpg&name=small)
Arsenal have had some sympathetic scheduling.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 26, 2024, 08:10:44 PM
HereMakes what we're doing even more impressive.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GL1zWS1WIAAqF7u?format=jpg&name=small)
Arsenal have had some sympathetic scheduling.
Shame Klopp didn't get his replay v Spuds.
Post by: paul_e on April 27, 2024, 10:26:30 AM
Clubs like spurs haven't got lucky to have a much longer break between games, they weren't in Europe and went out early in both cups meaning they will play 15-16 games less than us this season.
If there is any fortune/misfortune involved for them it's that they've been scheduled to play successful teams on weeks where those teams play in the latter rounds of the cups which leads to rescheduling and makes their fixtures a bit 'clumpy'.
As others have said I'm sure they'd have preferred the games too be more spread out as that would make the most of the advantage of fewer games.
Post by: Sdwbvf on April 27, 2024, 11:06:33 AM
Fixture congestion is obviously pretty common at this time of year, but usually it's because you've had to fit in a load of matches.
Therefore it is pretty ridiculous how Spurs, not in any European competition, knocked out of the League Cup in August and the FA Cup in January, will go from 15 days without a match to playing six times in 21 days.
Not complaining, obviously. But if it were us I'd be pretty put out that the calendar had dealt us that hand.
Orrr, I can't believe the London PL mafia have conspired to secure their beloved Tottingham a two-week rest to recharge before their final few games.
I think this is the 2nd time its happened to them. But even with the rest that amount of games (and tough ones) in that space of time is a big big ask. If they win all their remaining games then we can't say they dont deserve 4th
We definitely can if we win all ours.
If both win all then Wolves could send us both into the Champions League at Liverpool's expense.
Which would make me laugh ... a lot.
Post by: Smithy on April 27, 2024, 10:29:46 PM
It's not too much to expect them to lose both of those games, right? It would be nice going to Brighton knowing it's back in our own hands...
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 27, 2024, 10:29:52 PM
Arsenal tomorrow is possible of no points and dnt fancy them away at Chelsea and Liverpool.
If they get more than 3pts from those 3 games I be surprised.
So that's a 4pt lead regardless.
7pts is still 7pts.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 27, 2024, 10:33:32 PM
That he is happy we have qualified for Europa League but now we have a new challenge to be in champions league!
It's all true!
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 27, 2024, 10:35:55 PM
In his TNT interview Emery has declared we are now a champions league contender! After 35 games we are a contender!
That he is happy we have qualified for Europa League but now we have a new challenge to be in champions league!
It's all true!
What’s all true? Not claiming many “insights” tonight - you had us strolling this game right?
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 27, 2024, 10:40:03 PM
But what Emery said was all true. He said "we are happy we achieved Europa Football, and now, after 35 games, we have more points to be a Champions League contender. We are happy with a draw"
Post by: aj2k77 on April 27, 2024, 10:43:11 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 27, 2024, 10:55:16 PM
I think 2 more points does it for us. I reckon Tottenham will pick up 8 more points
I dont think thats wnough personally. I think 4 will be enough
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 27, 2024, 10:57:51 PM
Post by: taylorsworkrate on April 27, 2024, 10:59:14 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 27, 2024, 10:59:18 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 27, 2024, 11:03:15 PM
I actually think we could lose our next three games and still finish 4th.
Post by: Risso on April 27, 2024, 11:13:26 PM
“That draw keeps the door to the top four wide open for Tottenham now”
Wide open. Wiiiiiiide open. I’d say nailed on.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 27, 2024, 11:18:27 PM
We're one point closer 8)
I actually think we could lose our next three games and still finish 4th.
It's not inconceivable that tomorrow week we'll be 8-10 points clear of Spurs (with them having only 3 games left), and SHA relegated. 8) 8)
Post by: Smirker on April 27, 2024, 11:23:44 PM
We're one point closer 8)
I actually think we could lose our next three games and still finish 4th.
It's not inconceivable that tomorrow week we'll be 8-10 points clear of Spurs (with them having only 3 games left), and SHA relegated. 8) 8)
What a season.
Post by: curiousorange on April 27, 2024, 11:38:28 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 28, 2024, 12:12:33 AM
I'll feel much better about our chances if Spuds lose the next two. Thursday is going to be murder on the ticker.Chelsea v Spurs 730pm
Aston Villa v Olympicao 8pm
Two convincing home wins to settle us all would be most helpful! Pray to the Lord above.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2024, 12:16:20 AM
I'll feel much better about our chances if Spuds lose the next two. Thursday is going to be murder on the ticker.
Chelsea v Spurs 730pm
Aston Villa v Olympicao 8pm
Two convincing home wins to settle us all would be most helpful! Pray to the Lord above.
Absolutely. 🙏🏻
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2024, 12:41:29 AM
I'll feel much better about our chances if Spuds lose the next two. Thursday is going to be murder on the ticker.Chelsea v Spurs 730pm
Aston Villa v Olympicao 8pm
Two convincing home wins to settle us all would be most helpful! Pray to the Lord above.
Which one?
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2024, 12:52:27 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2024, 01:03:06 AM
I'll feel much better about our chances if Spuds lose the next two. Thursday is going to be murder on the ticker.
Chelsea v Spurs 730pm
Aston Villa v Olympicao 8pm
Two convincing home wins to settle us all would be most helpful! Pray to the Lord above.
Which one?
I'll watch Villa v Olympiacos.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 28, 2024, 01:03:27 AM
Post by: Chris Harte on April 28, 2024, 01:06:51 AM
From the impartial BBC"Chelsea come back to dent Villa top four hopes" is a better example of a more biased headline, IMO.
“That draw keeps the door to the top four wide open for Tottenham now”
Wide open. Wiiiiiiide open. I’d say nailed on.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2024, 01:12:04 AM
From the impartial BBC
“That draw keeps the door to the top four wide open for Tottenham now”
Wide open. Wiiiiiiide open. I’d say nailed on.
"Chelsea come back to dent Villa top four hopes" is a better example of a more biased headline, IMO.
I look forward to "Spurs' top four hopes now a write-off after car crash performance at Chelsea" on Thursday night.
Post by: KevinGage on April 28, 2024, 01:17:28 AM
From the impartial BBC
“That draw keeps the door to the top four wide open for Tottenham now”
Wide open. Wiiiiiiide open. I’d say nailed on.
Yaaay! Go the Lillyshites. Oh no. They've pissed the bed again.
The Beeb and TNT would absolutely love them to triumph. File it away, and remind them all of this shit at the appropriate time.
Man U felt they had shifted gears on us when they beat us in Feb. Tottingham similar in March. How's that working out.
This was the game I always had misgivings about. Glad we got a point, even if we went two goals up. Feels like a point gained.
For us, I think 70-72 points does it. Are there any teams who have missed out on CL previously with 71 points? Not that I can recall.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 28, 2024, 01:22:12 AM
You just know chelsea will not play that well vs sours. I bet they shit themselves like they did against arsenal
What worries me is that Spurs will actually try to score against Chelsea, something we didn’t try to do in the second half until they got level, and then, shock, horror, we nearly did. Twice.
Post by: Chris Harte on April 28, 2024, 01:24:11 AM
The Arse missed out on 75 points in 2016/17.From the impartial BBC
“That draw keeps the door to the top four wide open for Tottenham now”
Wide open. Wiiiiiiide open. I’d say nailed on.
Yaaay! Go the Lillyshites. Oh no. They've pissed the bed again.
The Beeb and TNT would absolutely love them to triumph. File it away, and remind them all of this shit at the appropriate time.
Man U felt they had shifted gears on us when they beat us in Feb. Tottingham similar in March. How's that working out.
This was the game I always had misgivings about. Glad we got a point, even if we went two goals up. Feels like a point gained.
For us, I think 70-72 points does it. Are there any teams who have missed out on CL previously with 71 points? Not that I can recall.
Post by: KevinGage on April 28, 2024, 01:26:44 AM
Post by: Chris Harte on April 28, 2024, 01:28:50 AM
I stand corrected, said the man in orthopedic shoes.If we get 75 points this season (or 76 or 74) we won't miss out. (we can't actually finish on 75 points now)
Post by: Rory on April 28, 2024, 02:52:22 AM
Tottenham may well be brilliant over their last six games and pip us, who knows, but we're hardly embarrassing ourselves over here.
(Not aimed at anyone.)
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 28, 2024, 02:59:24 AM
Post by: Rory on April 28, 2024, 03:07:22 AM
3 weeks ago we were apparently fucked and Man U, Newcastle, Chelsea and Barnestoneworth United were going to finish above us.
They still will, PWS. They still will.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 28, 2024, 06:54:51 AM
Post by: olaftab on April 28, 2024, 07:13:55 AM
75 is obviously an unlucky number so I am glad we can’t get 75 points as you have stated😊For us, I think 70-72 points does it. Are there any teams who have missed out on CL previously with 71 points? Not that I can recall.The Arse missed out on 75 points in 2016/17.
Post by: stubbsyandy on April 28, 2024, 07:19:51 AM
I stand corrected, said the man in orthopedic shoes.
I thank you!
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 28, 2024, 07:50:51 AM
Post by: Ian. on April 28, 2024, 08:09:48 AM
That was a huge ask and this fixture against Chelsea was never going to be easy. They certainly have their own problems and something isn’t quite right, but very much like Man Utd they still have brilliant match winning players playing in a their sides.
Post by: Risso on April 28, 2024, 08:35:15 AM
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 28, 2024, 08:48:41 AM
Last night felt very much like the Man U game over Christmas. Decent enough first half although a 2-0 lead slightly flattered us. Then lost absolutely all semblance of control second half. At least we came away with a point last night though, and we go again. Spurs aren't going to win all of their next three games, and if they do, then they probably deserve 4th anyway.Pretty much agree with this. Felt like 2-0 flattered us at half time, it felt like a goal was coming for them in the 2nd half, and once they scored it felt like they could go and win it. We rode our luck, Olsen made a couple of really good saves and we only really created one chance in the second half. Given all of that I strangely don’t feel particularly deflated that we lost a two goal lead and it feels like a good point.
I think there will be a few twists and turns yet. I don’t think for a minute spurs will beat all of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City, but to be honest I don’t think they will lose all four of those games either. Chelsea are inconsistent and Liverpool seem to be mentally going and will be out of the title race by the time spurs and us play them.
Playing like we did last night, looking knackered and with more injuries, its difficult to see us getting another win, but then Bournemouth last week was a great performance as was Arsenal two weeks ago. If we can just lift ourselves again to beat Brighton, we’d only realistically need maybe a point from the last two games.
Post by: Axl Rose on April 28, 2024, 08:49:51 AM
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2024, 08:53:35 AM
It would be very very Villa to lose to Brighton, send us into a state of panic, thrash Liverpool and seranade that Klopp wankshaft with a round of fucks, before scraping over the line at Palace thanks to a Jordan Ayew own goal from 45 yards
Whilst Spurs blow a two goal lead against Sheffield United.
Post by: caster troy on April 28, 2024, 09:01:27 AM
Today is so important because winning would not only put Spurs in a strong position but it would mean that Man City could potentially have won the title before they play Spurs? I wouldn't back Arsenal to win at Old Trafford under that kind of pressure.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 28, 2024, 09:06:38 AM
Post by: Drummond on April 28, 2024, 09:10:47 AM
That's how depleted a first team we have.
Post by: N'ZMAV on April 28, 2024, 09:11:24 AM
That's fantastic tbh.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 28, 2024, 09:13:41 AM
Spurs having cannon fodder Blades means they will probably add 6 to their GD
We have 2 games against teams in bad form coming up. Win them both and we are done and dusted
Post by: Dave P on April 28, 2024, 10:31:00 AM
We did, so we deserve it by that reckoning as I think those results will be the difference.
Post by: Monty on April 28, 2024, 11:03:05 AM
Post by: Ads on April 28, 2024, 11:09:58 AM
Post by: David_Nab on April 28, 2024, 11:12:11 AM
They of course are under pressure with league to go for but Spurs are now having to feel pressure coming off a battering in last game.
I don't think it will be easy for Arsenal but don't see them losing.They have very little injury issues also so full squad to pick from.
Post by: LeeB on April 28, 2024, 11:26:15 AM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on April 28, 2024, 11:32:04 AM
Said before we need 73 to be certain. 71 may well be enough.
Spurs having cannon fodder Blades means they will probably add 6 to their GD
We have 2 games against teams in bad form coming up. Win them both and we are done and dusted
Yeah I think 2 wins from our last 3 and Spurs are not catching us. 4 points may well do it. Last night was no disaster when you think back to the cup game and consider how many good chances we had.
Post by: Astnor on April 28, 2024, 11:38:10 AM
Post by: AV82EC on April 28, 2024, 12:03:44 PM
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on April 28, 2024, 12:04:52 PM
I’ve enjoyed the ECL and I’m hoping to enjoy the EL or the CL just as much (whichever is our destiny).
Finishing in the top 4 (a mini league within the pl) is significant for me because it means we’ve well and truly got in amongst the scab 6 and ruffled the feathers of their broadcast jerk-offs.
In 2 of the last 4 seasons a team finishing 4th has done so with 66 and 67 points. We’ve achieved those points with 3 games remaining. It’s good to know that we’re now capable of amassing those number of points (and hopefully more) to put ourselves in a position of finishing top 4. Whether we end up doing so remains to be seen, but I fancy our chances.
Post by: rob_bridge on April 28, 2024, 12:26:55 PM
People should remember that we cant win them all and even when we won the league I think we lost 8 matches of the 42.
We took 4 points off a £1bn squad and the only 3 team ahead of us are A Blatant Oil State Financial Dopers with unlimited income and 2 of the 3 most successful and larger established clubs over the last 100 years who win trophies regularly.
Post by: Billy Walker on April 28, 2024, 12:32:33 PM
Lots to be positive about, Abbey
People should remember that we cant win them all and even when we won the league I think we lost 8 matches of the 42.
We took 4 points off a £1bn squad and the only 3 team ahead of us are A Blatant Oil State Financial Dopers with unlimited income and 2 of the 3 most successful and larger established clubs over the last 100 years who win trophies regularly.
Villa had more trophies than both for the best part of a century - Liverpool didn't even win their first FA Cup until 1965 (!)
I get what you mean, though.
Post by: Villan82 on April 28, 2024, 01:26:29 PM
On last night, I was surprised by how good Chelsea were. I'd go so far as to say their performance last night is probably the best by a visitor to Villa Park in over 12 months.
Post by: TopDeck113 on April 28, 2024, 01:28:20 PM
Draw against Arsenal - local derby and all that
Win against Chelsea - Chelsea back to their inconsistent best
Lose against Liverpool - after a poor run this is when Klopp gets back to winning ways
Post by: eamonn on April 28, 2024, 01:34:07 PM
It would be very very Villa to lose to Brighton, send us into a state of panic, thrash Liverpool and seranade that Klopp wankshaft with a round of fucks, before scraping over the line at Palace thanks to a Jordan Ayew own goal from 45 yards
Apparently Netflix have ordered this scenario to play-out before committing to a 10-part £8m drama-series on our historic 23/24 campaign.
Post by: Ian. on April 28, 2024, 01:55:53 PM
Obviously, we were lucky to get the point in the end. The injuries are a complete joke at this stage, never seen anything like it and probably cost us a genuine tilt at the league title to be fair.
On last night, I was surprised by how good Chelsea were. I'd go so far as to say their performance last night is probably the best by a visitor to Villa Park in over 12 months.
I’ve seen them play well a few times and terrible as well. They have it in their locker to do so and I had a feeling they would be up for it and getting a stuffing in the week.
Post by: AV84 on April 28, 2024, 02:23:07 PM
Spurs won't get nine points from their next three games. I reckon four.
Draw against Arsenal - local derby and all that
Win against Chelsea - Chelsea back to their inconsistent best
Lose against Liverpool - after a poor run this is when Klopp gets back to winning ways
Liverpool look the most likely to lose at the moment. Probably 4 point from 9, but I'd go 0 from Arsenal, 1 from Chelsea, and 3 from Liverpool. At which point, it won't mean anything, hopefully.
Post by: Smirker on April 28, 2024, 02:29:50 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2024, 02:34:58 PM
Open the champagne.
Prosecco, Cava, and English sparkling wines are also available.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 28, 2024, 02:35:46 PM
(made with potato)
Post by: Demitri_C on April 28, 2024, 02:38:00 PM
Open the champagne.
Put it on ice ... for now.
Post by: Smithy on April 28, 2024, 02:38:42 PM
Obviously, we were lucky to get the point in the end. The injuries are a complete joke at this stage, never seen anything like it and probably cost us a genuine tilt at the league title to be fair.
On last night, I was surprised by how good Chelsea were. I'd go so far as to say their performance last night is probably the best by a visitor to Villa Park in over 12 months.
I’ve seen them play well a few times and terrible as well. They have it in their locker to do so and I had a feeling they would be up for it and getting a stuffing in the week.
When you spend a billion quid assembling a squad, you would expect it click every now and again as a minimum - even if it was being managed by Steve Bruce. Unfortunately, of the few times they've done that this season, two have been against us.
(we have the 9th most expensive squad in the league, so we're overperforming against our financial outlay, definitely)
Post by: langleylions on April 28, 2024, 02:41:49 PM
Post by: Smirker on April 28, 2024, 02:42:06 PM
Open the champagne.
Prosecco, Cava, and English sparkling wines are also available.
What's that Brazilian drink? Caiporinha or something? Anyway, time to celebrate now. No way Spurs come back from this.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2024, 02:49:46 PM
Open the champagne.
Prosecco, Cava, and English sparkling wines are also available.
What's that Brazilian drink? Caiporinha or something? Anyway, time to celebrate now. No way Spurs come back from this.
Caipirinha, but if you've no cachaça to hand, you can make a Caipiroska (vodka) or a Caipirissima (rum).
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 28, 2024, 02:54:29 PM
how is it different to rum?Open the champagne.
Prosecco, Cava, and English sparkling wines are also available.
What's that Brazilian drink? Caiporinha or something? Anyway, time to celebrate now. No way Spurs come back from this.
Caipirinha, but if you've no cachaça to hand, you can make a Caipiroska (vodka) or a Caipirissima (rum).
Post by: SaddVillan on April 28, 2024, 02:55:53 PM
Man U 3-2 Villa
Villa 3-3 Brentford
Villa 2-2 Chelsea
7 points lost from positions where proper, professional game management should have seen us over the line.
Wouldn't have changed our current league position, but 4th spot would be pretty well guaranteed and we'd be a point behind Pool.
I do think that the next step in the development of the team is for us to become tighter defensively. It's something that Unai should be working on for next season.
Obviously having a (relatively) injury free back 4 would go a long way towards achieving that goal.
Being better defensively will help in terms of the effort players need to make in order to see out games. Retaining posession, knocking the ball around whilst running diwn the clock must be better.
Improving our gamd control will have a positive knock on on terms of fitness, fatigue etc. and that might also help with injuries, bookings and suspensions.
Post by: Nunkin1965 on April 28, 2024, 02:59:28 PM
3 times this season we've been two-nil upIf we did this we'd be challenging for the title and we're way off that.
Man U 3-2 Villa
Villa 3-3 Brentford
Villa 2-2 Chelsea
7 points lost from positions where proper, professional game management should have seen us over the line.
Wouldn't have changed our current league position, but 4th spot would be pretty well guaranteed and we'd be a point behind Pool.
I do think that the next step in the development of the team is for us to become tighter defensively. It's something that Unai should be working on for next season.
Obviously having a (relatively) injury free back 4 would go a long way towards achieving that goal.
Being better defensively will help in terms of the effort players need to make in order to see out games. Retaining posession, knocking the ball around whilst running diwn the clock must be better.
Improving our gamd control will have a positive knock on on terms of fitness, fatigue etc. and that might also help with injuries, bookings and suspensions.
Isn't it possible to just enjoy the progress we've made so far?
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 28, 2024, 02:59:42 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2024, 03:05:00 PM
What's that Brazilian drink? Caiporinha or something? Anyway, time to celebrate now. No way Spurs come back from this.
Caipirinha, but if you've no cachaça to hand, you can make a Caipiroska (vodka) or a Caipirissima (rum).
how is it different to rum?
Rum is usually made from molasses whereas cachaça is made from sugar cane juice. I feel it gives you a different buzz as well.
Cachaça also works well in a batida, where it's blended with a fruit. Love a batida de maracujá (passion fruit) before dinner.
Post by: LeeB on April 28, 2024, 03:05:32 PM
Post by: Monty on April 28, 2024, 03:07:55 PM
But yes, of course, we're pretty stunning at holding leads normally.
Post by: Smithy on April 28, 2024, 03:09:34 PM
3 times this season we've been two-nil up
Man U 3-2 Villa
Villa 3-3 Brentford
Villa 2-2 Chelsea
7 points lost from positions where proper, professional game management should have seen us over the line.
Wouldn't have changed our current league position, but 4th spot would be pretty well guaranteed and we'd be a point behind Pool.
I do think that the next step in the development of the team is for us to become tighter defensively. It's something that Unai should be working on for next season.
Obviously having a (relatively) injury free back 4 would go a long way towards achieving that goal.
Being better defensively will help in terms of the effort players need to make in order to see out games. Retaining posession, knocking the ball around whilst running diwn the clock must be better.
Improving our gamd control will have a positive knock on on terms of fitness, fatigue etc. and that might also help with injuries, bookings and suspensions.
Those three are literally the only games - all season - where we've lost points from a winning position. Every other game - every single one - where we've taken the lead (23 times in total), we've ended up winning.
Not winning from 2-0 up feels like a proper kick in the balls, but we're actually VERY good at winning when we take the lead. The best in the league, in fact.
Post by: supertom on April 28, 2024, 03:29:18 PM
Yep, no team can be on it for 38 games a season (even Man City). We've been great way more often than not and we've also managed to pick up points when we've played badly.3 times this season we've been two-nil up
Man U 3-2 Villa
Villa 3-3 Brentford
Villa 2-2 Chelsea
7 points lost from positions where proper, professional game management should have seen us over the line.
Wouldn't have changed our current league position, but 4th spot would be pretty well guaranteed and we'd be a point behind Pool.
I do think that the next step in the development of the team is for us to become tighter defensively. It's something that Unai should be working on for next season.
Obviously having a (relatively) injury free back 4 would go a long way towards achieving that goal.
Being better defensively will help in terms of the effort players need to make in order to see out games. Retaining posession, knocking the ball around whilst running diwn the clock must be better.
Improving our gamd control will have a positive knock on on terms of fitness, fatigue etc. and that might also help with injuries, bookings and suspensions.
Those three are literally the only games - all season - where we've lost points from a winning position. Every other game - every single one - where we've taken the lead (23 times in total), we've ended up winning.
Not winning from 2-0 up feels like a proper kick in the balls, but we're actually VERY good at winning when we take the lead. The best in the league, in fact.
You could say our disappointing games have probably been the difference between us pushing Liverpool closer (maybe even the top spot) but there's possibly an argument to say we've been better than expected. I wouldn't go as far as to say overachieved because there's a lot of quality in the squad, but also we've dealt with big injuries better than anyone I feel.
The thing with Unai is, we tend to respond after a disappointing performance.
Our record in London has been fantastic, particularly given an aversion under previous managers (almost for as long as I can remember).
We've also had big home wins against Arsenal and Man City.
We fully deserve to finish fourth and I think we likely will. The biggest difference has been that Spurs haven't had as many big results and they've also had more disappointing performances in bankers you'd have expected them to win. I suspect by the end of the season we'll still be well clear of them precisely because teams like Fulham haven't rocked up and twotted us at home, and we've had those big results. We've rescued the odd disaster too, like Brentford and Sheff United.
Post by: AV84 on April 28, 2024, 03:35:36 PM
Post by: Smithy on April 28, 2024, 03:36:58 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 28, 2024, 03:39:40 PM
Something else I realised this weekend, Man City and Arsenal have lost just 8 games all season between them. 3 of those losses were against us.
I jokingly said around Christmas that Villa would decide who won the league and who didn't. If it comes down to Man City by 3 or less, maybe we did.
Post by: Smithy on April 28, 2024, 03:41:01 PM
Is it a case that the couple of times we've dropped points from 2-0 up were "big" games for us in terms of seeing off Spurs, so they stand out like they happened more often than they actually did?
Absolutely. Those two have also both been fairly recent (this month), which makes them appear much bigger in the mind. And because it was a while ago now, we've completely forgotten that we didn't lose a SINGLE point from winning positions until after Xmas.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 28, 2024, 03:44:08 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 28, 2024, 03:52:21 PM
Is it a case that the couple of times we've dropped points from 2-0 up were "big" games for us in terms of seeing off Spurs, so they stand out like they happened more often than they actually did?
Absolutely. Those two have also both been fairly recent (this month), which makes them appear much bigger in the mind. And because it was a while ago now, we've completely forgotten that we didn't lose a SINGLE point from winning positions until after Xmas.
Did we not lose to Man U after being 2-0 up?
Edit - just checked the date and it was Dec 26th.
Post by: Richard E on April 28, 2024, 04:00:58 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on April 28, 2024, 04:02:02 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on April 28, 2024, 04:02:34 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 28, 2024, 04:06:51 PM
Post by: olaftab on April 28, 2024, 04:09:30 PM
Post by: Smithy on April 28, 2024, 04:11:16 PM
If we win against Brighton, they've got to beat two of those three (or beat one and draw the other two) to overtake us. And that's assuming they beat Sheff Utd and Burnley.
Post by: olaftab on April 28, 2024, 04:12:09 PM
3 times this season we've been two-nil upProper professional game management through out the season sees us in 4th place with 3 games to go.
Man U 3-2 Villa
Villa 3-3 Brentford
Villa 2-2 Chelsea
7 points lost from positions where proper, professional game management should have seen us over the line.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 28, 2024, 04:12:55 PM
Post by: LeeB on April 28, 2024, 04:15:18 PM
Post by: Richard E on April 28, 2024, 04:16:43 PM
As I said, if that win is at Brighton and they lose the next two exceptionally tough away games we could be having a party thus time next week.
Especially if Delia Smith’s Yellow and Green Army can do the honours on Saturday as well.
Post by: RamboandBruno on April 28, 2024, 04:16:51 PM
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on April 28, 2024, 04:18:08 PM
Post by: Dave on April 28, 2024, 04:20:14 PM
As I said, if that win is at Brighton and they lose the next two exceptionally tough away games we could be having a party thus time next week.
And Brighton have scored one goal this month, and that was Burnley's goalkeeper doing his Enckleman impression. And conceded eleven in their last four.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 28, 2024, 04:23:34 PM
Points last 10 games
Villa 18
Spurs 16
Last 6 games
Villa 11
Spurs 7
Post by: CT Villan on April 28, 2024, 04:25:29 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2024, 04:27:16 PM
What would be great is Villa finish 4th and win the ECL and a German or Italian team claims the coefficient spot in CL.
I don't think them getting the co-efficient spots is in doubt now.
Post by: Somniloquism on April 28, 2024, 04:27:30 PM
3 times this season we've been two-nil up
We have been 2-0 up 14 times in the league this season, not three times.
Post by: Smirker on April 28, 2024, 04:31:38 PM
Andrea Pirlo picking the balls out while Emi, Unai and the boys watch in full suits and claret and blue ties.
"Number 3... Aston Villa of England, winners in 1982 of course. Back in the competition for the first time in 42 years. Will play..."
"Number 6, Bayern Munich. A rematch of the 1982 final."
Post by: Smithy on April 28, 2024, 04:32:12 PM
The much easier run in Spurs have has seen them win 2 of 6, concede 13 and the wins were laboured ones at home to Forest and Luton.
Points last 10 games
Villa 18
Spurs 16
Last 6 games
Villa 11
Spurs 7
Taking 4 points from our games against Arsenal and Chelsea has been absolutely huge. Not just in terms of the results and the obviously important points, but psychologically brilliant. It's shown we're where we are on merit, and not because of our results against the lesser teams. It also knocked the stuffing out of anyone "waiting for Villa's challenge to collapse".
The pressure is really on Spurs for their trip to Stamford Bridge on Thursday. Lose there, and I think the wheels will fall off completely and they could be caught by Man Utd/Newcastle.
Post by: Mellin on April 28, 2024, 04:32:59 PM
Post by: LeeB on April 28, 2024, 04:35:06 PM
Can't wait to watch the draw for the groups.
Andrea Pirlo picking the balls out while Emi, Unai and the boys watch in full suits and claret and blue ties.
"Number 3... Aston Villa of England, winners in 1982 of course. Back in the competition for the first time in 42 years. Will play..."
"Number 6, Bayern Munich. A rematch of the 1982 final."
There is no groups, just one big league.
Post by: Jane on April 28, 2024, 04:36:02 PM
So many losing their nerve recently. It's happening, lads. Crack a beer.
Lads?
Post by: Somniloquism on April 28, 2024, 04:36:18 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 28, 2024, 04:40:18 PM
So many losing their nerve recently. It's happening, lads. Crack a beer.
Lads?
Lads is a gender neutral term in Ireland. Or at least it can be used for groups of men, or mixed groups.
Post by: Mellin on April 28, 2024, 04:40:36 PM
So many losing their nerve recently. It's happening, lads. Crack a beer.
Lads?
An abbreviation for "ladies and gentlemen", of course.
Post by: Smirker on April 28, 2024, 04:41:31 PM
Can't wait to watch the draw for the groups.
Andrea Pirlo picking the balls out while Emi, Unai and the boys watch in full suits and claret and blue ties.
"Number 3... Aston Villa of England, winners in 1982 of course. Back in the competition for the first time in 42 years. Will play..."
"Number 6, Bayern Munich. A rematch of the 1982 final."
There is no groups, just one big league.
Oh yeah 😭
Post by: MalcolmP on April 28, 2024, 04:43:14 PM
What would be great is Villa finish 4th and win the ECL and a German or Italian team claims the coefficient spot in CL.
I don't think them getting the co-efficient spots is in doubt now.
I believe that if Villa win both semis and final, Bayern, Leverkusen and Dortmund lose both legs in Semis then England get 5th spot.
Post by: Villan82 on April 28, 2024, 04:43:20 PM
So many losing their nerve recently. It's happening, lads. Crack a beer.
It is nerve wracking while you are going through it. I have trusted the manager and the team all season - last night was a tough watch, no doubt, but we have now extended our lead by a point this weekend
Am I right and thinking it's all over if Spurs lose their next two and we beat Brighton?
Post by: mike on April 28, 2024, 04:44:05 PM
So many losing their nerve recently. It's happening, lads. Crack a beer.
Lads?
Lads is a gender neutral term in Ireland. Or at least it can be used for groups of men, or mixed groups.
I’ve never heard a woman called a lad in Britain. Although when I lived in the north east, young girls would call each other ‘man’.
Post by: Jane on April 28, 2024, 04:46:04 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 28, 2024, 04:48:16 PM
So many losing their nerve recently. It's happening, lads. Crack a beer.
It is nerve wracking while you are going through it. I have trusted the manager and the team all season - last night was a tough watch, no doubt, but we have now extended our lead by a point this weekend
Am I right and thinking it's all over if Spurs lose their next two and we beat Brighton?
Yes, do I dare get the champagne in advance for a possible Villa CL, Blues League 1 double bank holiday weekend?
Post by: Somniloquism on April 28, 2024, 04:56:30 PM
Can't wait to watch the draw for the groups.
Andrea Pirlo picking the balls out while Emi, Unai and the boys watch in full suits and claret and blue ties.
"Number 3... Aston Villa of England, winners in 1982 of course. Back in the competition for the first time in 42 years. Will play..."
"Number 6, Bayern Munich. A rematch of the 1982 final."
There is no groups, just one big league.
Oh yeah 😭
We still get drawn against 8 other teams though, 2 from each seeding pot so could still happen . It is our results in those 8 matches that determines the position we finish in the league.
Post by: Goldenballs on April 28, 2024, 05:13:27 PM
Taken from twitter. Maybe seeing like that calms the nerves a little.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2024, 05:13:36 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 28, 2024, 05:15:37 PM
Aston Villa will reach 71 points if they take four from their final three fixtures, a total which Tottenham can only better if they collect 12 points (4/5 wins) from their remaining games against Chelsea (A), Liverpool (A), Burnley (H), Man City (H) and Sheffield Utd (A).
Taken from twitter. Maybe seeing like that calms the nerves a little.
Look at it this way - is Spurs lose at Chelsea and Liverpool, and at home to Man City, which I reckon is likely let alone possible, we don't need to take a single point from our remaining games.
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on April 28, 2024, 05:18:12 PM
What would be great is Villa finish 4th and win the ECL and a German or Italian team claims the coefficient spot in CL. The media love-in with Spurs is nauseating so throwing a little salt on their spuds would be delectable.
I think the only way the 5th English team can qualify now, is if Villa win the Conference, and the German teams don't win another game, or get 3 draws between them.
It's possible Bayern and Dortmund could lose both of their legs, but Leverkusen should be favourites for the Europa now.
Post by: SaddVillan on April 28, 2024, 05:31:16 PM
3 times this season we've been two-nil upIf we did this we'd be challenging for the title and we're way off that.
Man U 3-2 Villa
Villa 3-3 Brentford
Villa 2-2 Chelsea
7 points lost from positions where proper, professional game management should have seen us over the line.
Wouldn't have changed our current league position, but 4th spot would be pretty well guaranteed and we'd be a point behind Pool.
I do think that the next step in the development of the team is for us to become tighter defensively. It's something that Unai should be working on for next season.
Obviously having a (relatively) injury free back 4 would go a long way towards achieving that goal.
Being better defensively will help in terms of the effort players need to make in order to see out games. Retaining posession, knocking the ball around whilst running diwn the clock must be better.
Improving our gamd control will have a positive knock on on terms of fitness, fatigue etc. and that might also help with injuries, bookings and suspensions.
Isn't it possible to just enjoy the progress we've made so far?
I wasn't having a pop at what we've achieved so far this season, but merely trying to shine a light on an aspect of our play that I think we cam improve.
The more successful we are, the more games we are going to play and therefore we need to develop the ability to shut down games where we've taken the lead so that we conserve physical and mental energy. Thereby cutting down on fatigue and mental exhaustion affecting us as we get to the crucial parts of the season.
You see the top continental sides doing it in European games and it's something we've tried to do on occasions.
We just need to be better at it.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 28, 2024, 05:37:39 PM
Bet they dont play anywhere near the levels they did vs us which is gonna be irritating
Post by: LeeB on April 28, 2024, 05:42:31 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 28, 2024, 05:45:46 PM
Chelsea's record against Spurs is like Man Utd with us, even when they were shit way back they used to always turn them over.
Hope so lee. I mean i cant see them beating liverpool at anfield they are still raging about what happened in game earlier this season.
So if they don't win either of those games they ahve to win the last three (they will beat Burnley and sheff utd easy)
Post by: DB on April 28, 2024, 05:50:14 PM
Post by: Dave on April 28, 2024, 05:50:51 PM
So if they don't win either of those games they ahve to win the last three (they will beat Burnley and sheff utd easy)
Burnley are currently playing better and winning more points than Spurs are.
Post by: Martyn Smith on April 28, 2024, 05:52:37 PM
Post by: David_Nab on April 28, 2024, 06:01:38 PM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 28, 2024, 06:08:07 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2024, 06:08:47 PM
In last 10 games only Luton and Shef U have taken less points that Brighton .They are one of the easiest teams on paper we could play currently ,they have scored one goal all of April as well.
You been reading the Footy playbook David?!
Post by: KevinGage on April 28, 2024, 06:19:43 PM
I realistically think that we will get 5 points from our remaining games and Spurs 8 from theirs. Those are the numbers I'd bet on. That'll leave us on 72 and Spurs on 68. Close but ultimately comfortable
That's totally plausible.
But we're getting goalkeepers missing games because of hamstring injuries now, on top of all the other fuckeries we've had to contend with.
It's all about what sort of XI we can field over the next three league games; Martinez, Torres, Bailey and the rest fully fit (or even 90% fit) and we'll be fine.
Olsen and Diego Diego Diego starting the next three league games for us and the odds will widen.
Post by: Martyn Smith on April 28, 2024, 06:20:47 PM
In last 10 games only Luton and Shef U have taken less points that Brighton .They are one of the easiest teams on paper we could play currently ,they have scored one goal all of April as well.
And taking too much notice of stats and going in thinking this will be a pushover is exactly how teams get mugged.
I think if we bring our A game then even threadbare as we are now we will win. But we must bring our A game
Post by: lovejoy on April 28, 2024, 06:24:09 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 28, 2024, 06:26:12 PM
Post by: Richard E on April 28, 2024, 06:31:46 PM
Betfair have us 1/5 to finish top 4. So 80% chance.
Bizarrely, Wolves are 14/5 according to Oddschecker.
Post by: olaftab on April 28, 2024, 06:36:06 PM
Well yes, once they get all their injured players back it's on.Betfair have us 1/5 to finish top 4. So 80% chance.Bizarrely, Wolves are 14/5 according to Oddschecker.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 28, 2024, 07:20:31 PM
Betfair have us 1/5 to finish top 4. So 80% chance.
Paddy Power have us at 1/9, with Spurs at 9/2.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 28, 2024, 07:38:12 PM
Post by: DB on April 28, 2024, 07:53:49 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 28, 2024, 07:55:46 PM
Love on X how every Villa 'guru' states how every next game is "f**king massive".
Tbf, we've all been saying that since ... Man Utd maybe?
Post by: jon collett on April 28, 2024, 08:19:03 PM
Any combination of Villa gaining points and Spurs losing points to the value of 9 gives us European Cup qualification!
Post by: SaddVillan on April 28, 2024, 08:30:46 PM
LWLDLDLL
F 3 A 16
5 pts out of a potential 24
Comforting?
Post by: Goldenballs on April 28, 2024, 08:31:36 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 28, 2024, 08:33:32 PM
Not at all, because we know how this goes...
Another L gets stuck on the end.
Post by: Goldenballs on April 28, 2024, 08:54:07 PM
"Are the current Spurs squad better than the Villa squad? I think yes. Outside of McGinn and Watkins who else would you want from Villa?"
I know all fans are deluded to a point, but that's a shocker.
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2024, 08:56:02 PM
From a Spurs forum.
"Are the current Spurs squad better than the Villa squad? I think yes. Outside of McGinn and Watkins who else would you want from Villa?"
I know all fans are deluded to a point, but that's a shocker.
Blimey.
Post by: Monty on April 28, 2024, 08:58:18 PM
From a Spurs forum.
"Are the current Spurs squad better than the Villa squad? I think yes. Outside of McGinn and Watkins who else would you want from Villa?"
I know all fans are deluded to a point, but that's a shocker.
After their goalkeeper's display today, I'd call that a bit of an oversight for a start.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 28, 2024, 08:58:47 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on April 28, 2024, 09:03:50 PM
"Who are these players keeping out of the Spurs starting 11?
Martinez is obvious but Vicario is at least his equal in my opinion."
Post by: Forge10 on April 28, 2024, 09:03:58 PM
Post by: Goldenballs on April 28, 2024, 09:05:27 PM
It's here if anyone wants a giggle. Maybe he's on the wind up.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 28, 2024, 09:28:51 PM
I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
Son looks like his best days are behind him but rest i agree ith.
That van de ven looks absolutely brilliant. But the way spurs play the rely heavily on his running back. He is going to picking up hamstring injuries quite reguarly i think. Esp when dpurs form dips
Bentacur doesnt seem same player since he came back from his injury. Id take maddison too even though he is a complete greasy prick
Post by: Monty on April 28, 2024, 09:29:07 PM
Post by: Steve67 on April 28, 2024, 09:29:18 PM
I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
That's half a side. FWIW, I agree with those players, all quality, Bentancur arguably the weakest of them, which tells you how strong the others are.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 28, 2024, 09:33:26 PM
https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/ange-postecoglou.48121/page-1054Ange is getting some stick on there.
It's here if anyone wants a giggle. Maybe he's on the wind up.
No plan B.
Talking in riddles.
Keep on making the same mistakes.
Post by: Forge10 on April 28, 2024, 09:35:47 PM
I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
That's half a side. FWIW, I agree with those players, all quality, Bentancur arguably the weakest of them, which tells you how strong the others are.
I know that’s a lot of their squad but looking at it if we want consistent Champions League football then maybe the backup has to be of a decent standard. More so if we have an injury list like this season.
Post by: Dave on April 28, 2024, 09:36:52 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2024, 09:36:52 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 28, 2024, 09:42:22 PM
https://thefightingcock.co.uk/forum/threads/ange-postecoglou.48121/page-1054Ange is getting some stick on there.
It's here if anyone wants a giggle. Maybe he's on the wind up.
No plan B.
Talking in riddles.
Keep on making the same mistakes.
I don't understand them, to be honest. The last couple of seasons they've been rubbish, didn't even get European football last season. Angeball has its flaws but its got them to 5th and back into Europe, still an outside chance of 4th and CL, with only a handful of games to go. Hire a defense coach in the summer and with a few tweaks they'll be right back in the mix. They're in a way better place than they were last season. Some fans have been spoiled for too long and now they can't enjoy what has been a good season for them.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 28, 2024, 09:46:14 PM
They’re 5th, other than us, who did they realistically expect to be above this season? I’d say their performance is at least par.
Good point. I think post Kane everyone was expecting them to drop off so not a bad season really. I imagine a lot of pre season predictions had Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle above both of us.
Post by: Forge10 on April 28, 2024, 09:46:33 PM
Pedro Porro is a better right-back than any right-back that we own.
Even if he does have an equally punchable face as Maddison? Not a big fan, each to their own though.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 28, 2024, 09:50:51 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2024, 09:56:10 PM
I can't see their money men being happy they keep missing out on the CL with a billion quid stadium to pay for.
Maybe not, but if they were banking on that they were pretty naive.
Post by: OCD on April 28, 2024, 10:00:48 PM
From a Spurs forum.
"Are the current Spurs squad better than the Villa squad? I think yes. Outside of McGinn and Watkins who else would you want from Villa?"
I know all fans are deluded to a point, but that's a shocker.
Missing the point that the sum of the parts can be better than the individual parts.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 28, 2024, 10:02:56 PM
I can't see their money men being happy they keep missing out on the CL with a billion quid stadium to pay for.
Maybe not, but if they were banking on that they were pretty naive.
I doubt they were banking on it, but they'd most likely have wanted better than once in 5 seasons,
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 28, 2024, 10:04:41 PM
Post by: CT Villan on April 28, 2024, 10:07:30 PM
Missing the point that the sum of the parts can be better than the individual parts.
Only when you have Unai Emery as manager, or Tim Sherwood (obviously).
Post by: Mellin on April 28, 2024, 10:12:59 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 28, 2024, 10:13:03 PM
I can't see their money men being happy they keep missing out on the CL with a billion quid stadium to pay for.
Maybe not, but if they were banking on that they were pretty naive.
I doubt they were banking on it, but they'd most likely have wanted better than once in 5 seasons,
Yeah but I think we’re talking in the context of what Postecoglu has done this season. I’d imagine most sensible Spurs fans would see he’s done a pretty good job.
Post by: Lsvilla on April 28, 2024, 10:28:12 PM
I think it's called coaching.From a Spurs forum.
"Are the current Spurs squad better than the Villa squad? I think yes. Outside of McGinn and Watkins who else would you want from Villa?"
I know all fans are deluded to a point, but that's a shocker.
Missing the point that the sum of the parts can be better than the individual parts.
Post by: markeeeebeeee2005 on April 28, 2024, 10:39:43 PM
Any Spurs fan who spots this would know it’s the truth.
Post by: SaddVillan on April 29, 2024, 12:44:12 AM
I can't see their money men being happy they keep missing out on the CL with a billion quid stadium to pay for.
Spurs have made an application to Haringey Council to increase the number of non-football events to 30 per year.
No longer a football club, more an entertainment business with a football team attached.
Post by: KevinGage on April 29, 2024, 01:15:28 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 29, 2024, 01:29:42 AM
Spurs have made an application to Haringey Council to increase the number of non-football events to 30 per year.
No longer a football club, more an entertainment business with a football team attached.
Just as the other Spurs are becoming more of a 'sawker' franchise. https://twitter.com/SpursCulture/status/1784686164479299788
Post by: eamonn on April 29, 2024, 01:34:31 AM
Missing the point that the sum of the parts can be better than the individual parts.
Only when you have Unai Emery as manager, or Tim Sherwood (obviously).
Us and Spurs both suffered from being managed by the latter.
Post by: KevinGage on April 29, 2024, 02:08:32 AM
For his benefit and theirs I hope they take him back.
Let him have carte blanche with transfers as well. They deserve it.
Post by: andyh on April 29, 2024, 06:35:05 AM
We can now finish no lower than 5th and therefore have already qualified for the Europa League.
Not a dicky bird from the press or the media.
I know we are chasing CL, but bloody hell, can’t we be given any ANY credit for what we have already achieved.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 29, 2024, 06:52:34 AM
It’s quite incredible really.
We can now finish no lower than 5th and therefore have already qualified for the Europa League.
Not a dicky bird from the press or the media.
I know we are chasing CL, but bloody hell, can’t we be given any ANY credit for what we have already achieved.
It iIS incredible. I couldn’t sleep after the Newcastle drubbing because I thought all my dreams for the coming season had been shattered along with Mings’ and Little Emi’s ACLs (especially Mings). And that was before I knew about long periods out for JJ, Moreno and Pau.
Unbelievable achievement.
Post by: Goldenballs on April 29, 2024, 06:54:12 AM
Our 'magic number' is 9. So any combination of Spurs dropped or Villa gained points equal to or greater than 9 will mean Champions League for us
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 29, 2024, 06:57:58 AM
Brighton’s results in the league since the beginning of March.
LWLDLDLL
F 3 A 16
5 pts out of a potential 24
We also have a great record against Brighton, they’ve beaten us once in the previous 20 fixtures.
Post by: Perthvillan on April 29, 2024, 07:12:23 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 29, 2024, 08:01:08 AM
Obviously hoping Spurs will fall to Chelsea while we are chasing our European dream. Then hopefully, Liverpool can stop feeling sorry for themselves enough to turn it on against Spurs at Anfield on the weekend. So if we can get the win at Brighton (so very much on the beach for the last month or so) we could have 4th spot wrapped up on the weekend. We would be on 70 points and Spurs could only get a maximum of 69 points if they lose the next two. Here's hoping anyway.
That would be ideal scenerio so we can rest some players if we make it to the final. Also a good opportunity to guve starts to some youngsters like kesler and kellyman. See how they do. As they ahve been given very minimal opportunities
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 08:02:27 AM
Brighton’s results in the league since the beginning of March.
LWLDLDLL
F 3 A 16
5 pts out of a potential 24
Comforting?
We also have a great record against Brighton, they’ve beaten us once in the previous 20 fixtures.
Not at all, because we know how this goes...Good insight !
Further insight and context to historical record.
Away record v Brighton- one defeat was 43 years ago !
Never lost at the amex
Never lost in the Premier League at Amex
Won the last two at the amex
The overall record of playing away at Brighton current and past grounds 13 matches played 1 lost.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 08:31:44 AM
Quite right LeeB Chelsea don't lose to Spurs at the bridgeChelsea's record against Spurs is like Man Utd with us, even when they were shit way back they used to always turn them over.
Hope so lee. I mean i cant see them beating liverpool at anfield they are still raging about what happened in game earlier this season.
So if they don't win either of those games they ahve to win the last three (they will beat Burnley and sheff utd easy)
There's no hope about it Demitri_C It's a fact!
They also rarely win at Anfield.
And I think need to give some further insight here because Chelsea and Spurs have a rivalry!
Chelsea can't stand spurs there is a historical rivalry and they would never ever take it easy at Stamford Bridge against them
There is the added factor of former boss Pochettino
Plus the denying of any 'success' in getting 4th place.
But the facts are :
It's extremely rare for Spurs to win at Chelsea (or Liverpool)
In history of the entire 31 Premier League Matches at Stamford Bridge Spurs have won only once.
6 years ago.
DLDLL is the Recent form of the last 5 years in league.
They rarely win at Anfield and Bramall lane as well.
They have never lost to Burnley in the Prem at home though!
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2024, 08:41:17 AM
Another game played by both teams and we gain a point, it's in our hands, a satisfactory weekend.
Precisely. A good weekend indeed.
Post by: Dogtanian on April 29, 2024, 08:45:29 AM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on April 29, 2024, 08:53:29 AM
I think Spurs will beat Chelsea. :-X
DROWN THE HERETIC!
Post by: lovejoy on April 29, 2024, 08:55:04 AM
Another way of looking at it. Also taken from Twitter, also not checked
Our 'magic number' is 9. So any combination of Spurs dropped or Villa gained points equal to or greater than 9 will mean Champions League for us
We’ve only got 3 matches left, how do we generate more than 9?
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 08:56:21 AM
I think Spurs will beat Chelsea. :-XThat's not logical thinking.
Chelsea V Spurs in Premier League
31 matches played
19 Chelsea wins
11 draws
1 spurs win
Post by: Vegas on April 29, 2024, 08:56:30 AM
By the way - I think those “X haven’t won at Y for 43 years” stats are the most pointless in football. And there’s some stiff competition.
Post by: LeeS on April 29, 2024, 09:00:07 AM
Post by: Smithy on April 29, 2024, 09:00:53 AM
I think Spurs will beat Chelsea. :-X
It's certainly possible, if unlikely. The way I'm looking at it is like this: If we can beat Brighton, Spurs would need to beat TWO of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool to go ahead of us (or beat one, and draw with the other two). And that's assuming we lose to both Liverpool and Palace, and they beat both Burnley and Sheff Utd. There is a reason the bookies have us as the red-hot favourite for 4th.
An awful lot has to go right for them to get ahead of us. It's not impossible, but it's in our own hands, which I much prefer to relying on them to lose. Win 3 games, we're guaranteed 4th.
If the situations were reversed, 90% of the people on this forum would have written off our chances of 4th, and rightly so. And you know what, if they do the unthinkable and win all five games from now to the end of the season, they'd probably deserve 4th.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 09:20:15 AM
My guess is we’ll need to win at Palace on the last day of the season. But we could do ourselves a massive favour at Brighton, and Chelsea and Liverpool could do us a massive favour too.Oh it won't be necessary to last game of season I know my forecast and basing on Prem history that Villa qualify before then.
By the way - I think those “X haven’t won at Y for 43 years” stats are the most pointless in football. And there’s some stiff competition.
I don't know why you readily dismiss the facts.
By the way our record at Selhurst park
Premier League 11 games 2 Wins 2 draws and 7 defeats
And with Brighton away and having never lost in Prem that's at least a point. Rather than pointless!
Chelsea and Liverpool will be doing the usual V Spurs
Spurs unlikely to win at either ground. As it's already been said they win rarely at the bridge
Also at Anfield it's the same
Spurs form since last winning 13 years ago at Anfield !
LDLLLDLDLLLD form at
In 31 Matches
Liverpool 20 wins
9 draws
2 defeats.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 09:25:28 AM
So you can get 40-1 on Spurs to beat Chelsea and Liverpool plus we lose to Brighton. Or swap the Brighton loss for a draw and it is 50-1. As emotional hedges go, those are both very tasty.
I think Spurs will beat Chelsea. :-X
It's certainly possible, if unlikely. The way I'm looking at it is like this: If we can beat Brighton, Spurs would need to beat TWO of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool to go ahead of us (or beat one, and draw with the other two). And that's assuming we lose to both Liverpool and Palace, and they beat both Burnley and Sheff Utd. There is a reason the bookies have us as the red-hot favourite for 4th.
An awful lot has to go right for them to get ahead of us. It's not impossible, but it's in our own hands, which I much prefer to relying on them to lose. Win 3 games, we're guaranteed 4th.
If the situations were reversed, 90% of the people on this forum would have written off our chances of 4th, and rightly so. And you know what, if they do the unthinkable and win all five games from now to the end of the season, they'd probably deserve 4th.
History says
Spurs will draw or lose those matches
And Villa win or draw at Brighton
I forecast Villa will match or better Spurs from one game v Brighton compared to their 2 games against Chelsea and Liverpool.
I not interested in telling the I told you so come this time next week and that Spurs who defence and tactics and goal keeper can't be taken seriously will not win either of those games.
If I'm wrong I won't post till after Villa v Liverpool 13th May.
I backing the facts. And the comfort and joy they bring me.
Because our record is so poor at Palace going to last away match be too much to take !
I respect views who think Spurs will win against Chelsea I just disagree with the posts and backing up with hard facts as well as my own forecasting that they will not win either matches v Chelsea or Liverpool
The reason I started the Champions League thread because I could see that it was time and now as Emery says we are contender and I always thought we would obtain champions league this season hence I started the discussion
You're either with Villa or why still go against !
Let's do this !
That is all I have to say till Friday.
Up the Villa
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2024, 09:27:48 AM
Another way of looking at it. Also taken from Twitter, also not checked
Our 'magic number' is 9. So any combination of Spurs dropped or Villa gained points equal to or greater than 9 will mean Champions League for us
We’ve only got 3 matches left, how do we generate more than 9?
We don't. But us gaining four points and Spurs dropping six is still an example of a combination of the above that is greater than nine.
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2024, 09:39:17 AM
From a Spurs forum.
"Are the current Spurs squad better than the Villa squad? I think yes. Outside of McGinn and Watkins who else would you want from Villa?"
I know all fans are deluded to a point, but that's a shocker.
Missing the point that the sum of the parts can be better than the individual parts.
They probably have got a good few players who would improve our squad, but that's not the point. Our squad is massively more than the sum of its parts and that's predominantly down to the genius of Emery.
Indeed. They're a good team, with a lot of very good players and a decent manager. But I imagine if you gave Emery the Spurs squad and Postecoglou the Villa squad, they'd be above us.
To put it another way, given I think everyone would say that Emery is a much better manager than Postecoglou, if nearly of all our players are so much better than all of theirs, why does it look likely that they are going to finish within a few points of our best season in twenty five years and still have an outside chance of finishing above us?
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on April 29, 2024, 09:46:25 AM
My guess is we’ll need to win at Palace on the last day of the season. But we could do ourselves a massive favour at Brighton, and Chelsea and Liverpool could do us a massive favour too.
By the way - I think those “X haven’t won at Y for 43 years” stats are the most pointless in football. And there’s some stiff competition.
It’s a strange one indeed that these historical trends play out with entirely different squads and managers over generations, but play out they do.
Can I explain it? No.
Post by: chrisw1 on April 29, 2024, 09:47:38 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 29, 2024, 09:53:19 AM
Spurs recent form has been poir. I mean they have had 2 weeks off they should have had no excuses for being so bad in that 1st half
Post by: lovejoy on April 29, 2024, 10:04:08 AM
Post by: johnc on April 29, 2024, 10:19:28 AM
If we can get 3 points saturday i think it all but ends spurs hopes for 4th of they fail to beat chelseaI dont think they have gone pear shaped yet!
Spurs recent form has been poir. I mean they have had 2 weeks off they should have had no excuses for being so bad in that 1st half
Post by: PaulWinch again on April 29, 2024, 10:31:59 AM
If we can get 3 points saturday i think it all but ends spurs hopes for 4th of they fail to beat chelsea
Spurs recent form has been poir. I mean they have had 2 weeks off they should have had no excuses for being so bad in that 1st half
If they’re dishing out 3 points to us on Saturday that’ll be something…
Post by: KRS on April 29, 2024, 11:03:17 AM
I haven’t checked all the combinations or permutations, but basically this theory holds true based on Villa points gained and Spurs points dropped.Another way of looking at it. Also taken from Twitter, also not checked
Our 'magic number' is 9. So any combination of Spurs dropped or Villa gained points equal to or greater than 9 will mean Champions League for us
We’ve only got 3 matches left, how do we generate more than 9?
As an example:
If Villa win one [3] of remaining 3 games, then we finish on 70pts…meaning Spurs must lose 2 [6] of their remaining 5 games against so the most they could finish on would be 69pts.
If Villa get 1 draw [1] then we finish on 68pts, then Spurs would need to lose 2 and draw 1 [8] to finish on 67pts.
Worst case scenario is that if we lose all 3 games (0) and finish on 67pts, then Spurs would need to lose 3 [9] or lose 1 and draw 3 [9] to finish on 66pts.
The maths do check out, but ultimately the more points we bank ourselves simply means that there is more leeway in good results allowable for Spurs…but it could be all over by Sunday evening if we beat Brighton and they lose to both Chelsea (Thursday) and Liverpool (Sunday).
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2024, 12:19:57 PM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on April 29, 2024, 12:36:13 PM
So you can get 40-1 on Spurs to beat Chelsea and Liverpool plus we lose to Brighton. Or swap the Brighton loss for a draw and it is 50-1. As emotional hedges go, those are both very tasty.I think Spurs will beat Chelsea. :-X
It's certainly possible, if unlikely. The way I'm looking at it is like this: If we can beat Brighton, Spurs would need to beat TWO of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool to go ahead of us (or beat one, and draw with the other two). And that's assuming we lose to both Liverpool and Palace, and they beat both Burnley and Sheff Utd. There is a reason the bookies have us as the red-hot favourite for 4th.
An awful lot has to go right for them to get ahead of us. It's not impossible, but it's in our own hands, which I much prefer to relying on them to lose. Win 3 games, we're guaranteed 4th.
If the situations were reversed, 90% of the people on this forum would have written off our chances of 4th, and rightly so. And you know what, if they do the unthinkable and win all five games from now to the end of the season, they'd probably deserve 4th.
That is all I have to say till Friday.
Friday 3rd May 2030...?
Post by: Meanwood Villa on April 29, 2024, 12:48:28 PM
I like this magic number way of looking at it, hopefully it's lower come Thursday night.
Post by: pablo_picasso on April 29, 2024, 12:53:01 PM
I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
Bissouma is inconsistent as fuck according to one of my Spurs supporting mates. Drifts in & out of games & not a patch on any of our central midfielders.
I would have Son for the LM, Pedro Porro for RB, Udogie for LB & maybe Van de Ven as the RCB... At a push.
The rest? All Villa...
Post by: Chris Smith on April 29, 2024, 01:00:37 PM
From a Spurs forum.
"Are the current Spurs squad better than the Villa squad? I think yes. Outside of McGinn and Watkins who else would you want from Villa?"
I know all fans are deluded to a point, but that's a shocker.
Missing the point that the sum of the parts can be better than the individual parts.They probably have got a good few players who would improve our squad, but that's not the point. Our squad is massively more than the sum of its parts and that's predominantly down to the genius of Emery.
Indeed. They're a good team, with a lot of very good players and a decent manager. But I imagine if you gave Emery the Spurs squad and Postecoglou the Villa squad, they'd be above us.
To put it another way, given I think everyone would say that Emery is a much better manager than Postecoglou, if nearly of all our players are so much better than all of theirs, why does it look likely that they are going to finish within a few points of our best season in twenty five years and still have an outside chance of finishing above us?
I reckon long term injuries and additional games played are mitigating factors in why we are not further ahead.
Post by: SoccerHQ on April 29, 2024, 01:02:49 PM
I think Udogie has had a great season personally and would have him in team of the year. But then Digne has been brilliant himself.
Porro and Cash about the same and we've certainly got the better keeper.
Bissouma has dropped off just like Luiz in recent months and Werner hasn't worked for them.
The difference is we've managed to combine reasonably consistent league form with a european run. We'd played more cup games this season than Spurs by the middle of September so you feel with their style they will really struggle with three high intensity games a week next year.
Interesting how both clubs go now as they will have plenty to spend in the summer. Was last this close in the late 2000s and they just pipped us to CL and both clubs went in rapidly opposite directions in the next decade, they were playing a CL final five days after our play off final in 2019.
Post by: Bad English on April 29, 2024, 01:03:10 PM
Saying water boils at 100 degrees every time is different to saying Spurs lose to Chelsea every time.Actually it isn't really because, for example, water boils at around 90-92⁰C or less here in the Pyrenees when you are 2400-2900 m say, and would boil at about 68⁰ C up on Everest.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 29, 2024, 01:04:39 PM
Their GungHo attitude to defending is a problem and why they have not got more points.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 01:08:45 PM
No, I'd like to comment on Friday as Spurs won't get three points, but not in an I told you so manner.So you can get 40-1 on Spurs to beat Chelsea and Liverpool plus we lose to Brighton. Or swap the Brighton loss for a draw and it is 50-1. As emotional hedges go, those are both very tasty.I think Spurs will beat Chelsea. :-X
It's certainly possible, if unlikely. The way I'm looking at it is like this: If we can beat Brighton, Spurs would need to beat TWO of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool to go ahead of us (or beat one, and draw with the other two). And that's assuming we lose to both Liverpool and Palace, and they beat both Burnley and Sheff Utd. There is a reason the bookies have us as the red-hot favourite for 4th.
An awful lot has to go right for them to get ahead of us. It's not impossible, but it's in our own hands, which I much prefer to relying on them to lose. Win 3 games, we're guaranteed 4th.
If the situations were reversed, 90% of the people on this forum would have written off our chances of 4th, and rightly so. And you know what, if they do the unthinkable and win all five games from now to the end of the season, they'd probably deserve 4th.
That is all I have to say till Friday.
Friday 3rd May 2030...?
I have enlightened that Spurs have won once at the bridge in 31 Premier League games
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 01:12:30 PM
Saying water boils at 100 degrees every time is different to saying Spurs lose to Chelsea every time.Actually it isn't really because, for example, water boils at around 90-92⁰C or less here in the Pyrenees when you are 2400-2900 m say, and would boil at about 68⁰ C up on Everest.
There is not much in it, They have greater (more quality) in depth.
Their GungHo attitude to defending is a problem and why they have not got more points.
It will be interesting to see if the relationship between theory and fact persists, and wise theories are correct.
The Spurs defence and tactics cannot be taken seriously in my view as they will concede 3+ goals to Chelsea and Liverpool
I already predicted they would to Arsenal and predicted they would 4+ goals against Newcastle.
I know tactical acumen and they don't have it in defence against such attacking players from these teams.
I suspect it will be case Chelsea won't lose.
The last time Spurs won was 6 years ago, and they don't have better players than they did then or a better team and minus Harry Kane. It would be unlucky for us if they managed to collect all three points.
Chelsea demolished Spurs 4-1 at Spurs, therefore all signs lead to a Chelsea victory based on form and history.
Post by: Proposition Joe on April 29, 2024, 01:13:48 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMUvMIbWoAAUXpf?format=jpg)
Yeah but Opta hasn't been following Villa for as long as we have. Those percentages would hold true for any other club, but Villa ... :)
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 01:14:34 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 01:16:59 PM
And yes following Villa never had it so good for a long time but Emery is guiding us.(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMUvMIbWoAAUXpf?format=jpg)
Yeah but Opta hasn't been following Villa for as long as we have. Those percentages would hold true for any other club, but Villa ... :)
And El Mastero knows the deal said we are now a contender which is code for we are champion league material!
Post by: itbrvilla on April 29, 2024, 01:18:17 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMUvMIbWoAAUXpf?format=jpg)If supporting the Villa for 30 years has taught me anything, its that if any club could fuck it up, it'd be us.
Post by: paul_e on April 29, 2024, 01:22:54 PM
I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
Bissouma is inconsistent as fuck according to one of my Spurs supporting mates. Drifts in & out of games & not a patch on any of our central midfielders.
I would have Son for the LM, Pedro Porro for RB, Udogie for LB & maybe Van de Ven as the RCB... At a push.
The rest? All Villa...
I never rated Bissouma when loads on here thought we should be signing him. He's ok but as you say drifts in and out of games too much.
I'd also say no to Udogie, he's a good player but no better than what we have really. Porro on the other hand would add depth in one of our weakest positions and is a lot better than Cash (even though I don't think Cash is as bad as a lot make him out to be).
Van de Ven has a similar problem to Udogie, he's very good but with Torres and Mings I think we're well covered there.
In general I don't think there are many players in their squad that are significantly better (or worse) than we have in the same position.
Watkins is clearly the best centre forward across the squads, Son is clearly the best left winger, Porro is clearly the best right back and Konsa is clearly the best right centre back. After that is probably mostly personal preference, we all think Emi is miles better than Vicario but given they're probably the 2 best keepers in the league right now I think it's fine to say wither would be a fantastic option for any team.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 29, 2024, 01:44:19 PM
Post by: LeeB on April 29, 2024, 01:46:02 PM
I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
Bissouma is inconsistent as fuck according to one of my Spurs supporting mates. Drifts in & out of games & not a patch on any of our central midfielders.
I would have Son for the LM, Pedro Porro for RB, Udogie for LB & maybe Van de Ven as the RCB... At a push.
The rest? All Villa...
I never rated Bissouma when loads on here thought we should be signing him. He's ok but as you say drifts in and out of games too much.
I'd also say no to Udogie, he's a good player but no better than what we have really. Porro on the other hand would add depth in one of our weakest positions and is a lot better than Cash (even though I don't think Cash is as bad as a lot make him out to be).
Van de Ven has a similar problem to Udogie, he's very good but with Torres and Mings I think we're well covered there.
In general I don't think there are many players in their squad that are significantly better (or worse) than we have in the same position.
Watkins is clearly the best centre forward across the squads, Son is clearly the best left winger, Porro is clearly the best right back and Konsa is clearly the best right centre back. After that is probably mostly personal preference, we all think Emi is miles better than Vicario but given they're probably the 2 best keepers in the league right now I think it's fine to say wither would be a fantastic option for any team.
I'm sorry I must take issue with that Paul, I think Vicario is shite.
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2024, 02:30:28 PM
No, I'd like to comment on Friday as Spurs won't get three points, but not in an I told you so manner.So you can get 40-1 on Spurs to beat Chelsea and Liverpool plus we lose to Brighton. Or swap the Brighton loss for a draw and it is 50-1. As emotional hedges go, those are both very tasty.I think Spurs will beat Chelsea. :-X
It's certainly possible, if unlikely. The way I'm looking at it is like this: If we can beat Brighton, Spurs would need to beat TWO of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool to go ahead of us (or beat one, and draw with the other two). And that's assuming we lose to both Liverpool and Palace, and they beat both Burnley and Sheff Utd. There is a reason the bookies have us as the red-hot favourite for 4th.
An awful lot has to go right for them to get ahead of us. It's not impossible, but it's in our own hands, which I much prefer to relying on them to lose. Win 3 games, we're guaranteed 4th.
If the situations were reversed, 90% of the people on this forum would have written off our chances of 4th, and rightly so. And you know what, if they do the unthinkable and win all five games from now to the end of the season, they'd probably deserve 4th.
That is all I have to say till Friday.
Friday 3rd May 2030...?
I have enlightened that Spurs have won once at the bridge in 31 Premier League games
Oh, that was a quick week!
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2024, 02:32:08 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMUvMIbWoAAUXpf?format=jpg)If supporting the Villa for 30 years has taught me anything, its that if any club could fuck it up, it'd be us.
And Spurs fans across the country (well, some of London, and Korea) will be saying the same thing.
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2024, 02:51:28 PM
I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
Bissouma is inconsistent as fuck according to one of my Spurs supporting mates. Drifts in & out of games & not a patch on any of our central midfielders.
I would have Son for the LM, Pedro Porro for RB, Udogie for LB & maybe Van de Ven as the RCB... At a push.
The rest? All Villa...
I never rated Bissouma when loads on here thought we should be signing him. He's ok but as you say drifts in and out of games too much.
I'd also say no to Udogie, he's a good player but no better than what we have really. Porro on the other hand would add depth in one of our weakest positions and is a lot better than Cash (even though I don't think Cash is as bad as a lot make him out to be).
Van de Ven has a similar problem to Udogie, he's very good but with Torres and Mings I think we're well covered there.
In general I don't think there are many players in their squad that are significantly better (or worse) than we have in the same position.
Watkins is clearly the best centre forward across the squads, Son is clearly the best left winger, Porro is clearly the best right back and Konsa is clearly the best right centre back. After that is probably mostly personal preference, we all think Emi is miles better than Vicario but given they're probably the 2 best keepers in the league right now I think it's fine to say wither would be a fantastic option for any team.
I'm sorry I must take issue with that Paul, I think Vicario is shite.
Nah, he's decent. Bit ropey on set pieces, but excellent at pretty much everything else. For what Spurs paid he's been a bargain.
Post by: DB on April 29, 2024, 02:57:05 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMUvMIbWoAAUXpf?format=jpg)If supporting the Villa for 30 years has taught me anything, its that if any club could fuck it up, it'd be us.
And Spurs fans across the country (well, some of London, and Korea) will be saying the same thing.
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 29, 2024, 02:59:16 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on April 29, 2024, 03:11:08 PM
I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
Bissouma is inconsistent as fuck according to one of my Spurs supporting mates. Drifts in & out of games & not a patch on any of our central midfielders.
I would have Son for the LM, Pedro Porro for RB, Udogie for LB & maybe Van de Ven as the RCB... At a push.
The rest? All Villa...
I never rated Bissouma when loads on here thought we should be signing him. He's ok but as you say drifts in and out of games too much.
I'd also say no to Udogie, he's a good player but no better than what we have really. Porro on the other hand would add depth in one of our weakest positions and is a lot better than Cash (even though I don't think Cash is as bad as a lot make him out to be).
Van de Ven has a similar problem to Udogie, he's very good but with Torres and Mings I think we're well covered there.
In general I don't think there are many players in their squad that are significantly better (or worse) than we have in the same position.
Watkins is clearly the best centre forward across the squads, Son is clearly the best left winger, Porro is clearly the best right back and Konsa is clearly the best right centre back. After that is probably mostly personal preference, we all think Emi is miles better than Vicario but given they're probably the 2 best keepers in the league right now I think it's fine to say wither would be a fantastic option for any team.
I'm sorry I must take issue with that Paul, I think Vicario is shite.
Nah, he's decent. Bit ropey on set pieces, but excellent at pretty much everything else. For what Spurs paid he's been a bargain.
And from their perspective, whatever his flaws a massive upgrade on the tail end of Lloris' career.
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2024, 03:16:29 PM
And from their perspective, whatever his flaws a massive upgrade on the tail end of Lloris' career.
True, also that.
Which I think is also why we took to Emi so quickly given the cavalcade of Nylands, Gollinis, Guzans, Kalinics etc that preceded him.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on April 29, 2024, 03:44:01 PM
No, I'd like to comment on Friday as Spurs won't get three points, but not in an I told you so manner.So you can get 40-1 on Spurs to beat Chelsea and Liverpool plus we lose to Brighton. Or swap the Brighton loss for a draw and it is 50-1. As emotional hedges go, those are both very tasty.I think Spurs will beat Chelsea. :-X
It's certainly possible, if unlikely. The way I'm looking at it is like this: If we can beat Brighton, Spurs would need to beat TWO of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool to go ahead of us (or beat one, and draw with the other two). And that's assuming we lose to both Liverpool and Palace, and they beat both Burnley and Sheff Utd. There is a reason the bookies have us as the red-hot favourite for 4th.
An awful lot has to go right for them to get ahead of us. It's not impossible, but it's in our own hands, which I much prefer to relying on them to lose. Win 3 games, we're guaranteed 4th.
If the situations were reversed, 90% of the people on this forum would have written off our chances of 4th, and rightly so. And you know what, if they do the unthinkable and win all five games from now to the end of the season, they'd probably deserve 4th.
That is all I have to say till Friday.
Friday 3rd May 2030...?
I have enlightened that Spurs have won once at the bridge in 31 Premier League games
If anyone wanted to be 'enlightened' by that fact they could just go to 11v11 and work it out themselves.
But, to be fair to you if Spurs once again get fuck all at Chelsea feel free to come on here and blather on about it as much as you like as i'll be delighted and won't really care.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 29, 2024, 03:49:01 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMUvMIbWoAAUXpf?format=jpg)If supporting the Villa for 30 years has taught me anything, its that if any club could fuck it up, it'd be us.
And Spurs fans across the country (well, some of London, and Korea) will be saying the same thing.
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
I have a lot of spurs mates and i can confirm they would rather miss 4th if it meant arsenal didn't win league.
Very blose like.
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2024, 04:08:02 PM
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
Post by: Monty on April 29, 2024, 04:09:31 PM
[devil's advocate]
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
That, plus some disaffection with the club's higher-ups, is I think the big story for them yeah.
Post by: LeeB on April 29, 2024, 04:14:09 PM
Just try and imagine it for a moment, without laughing.
Post by: Risso on April 29, 2024, 04:16:31 PM
[devil's advocate]
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
On the other hand...I get why Small Heath fans are why they are. They've had their entire history of being vastly inferior to us in every conceivable way. Shit club, shit ground, shit owners, shit fans and they've won as close to fuck all as makes no difference. Deep down they know that they'll always be shit, and forever destined to never win anything again. So they're jealous of us, with our fancy players, intelligent manager and the fact we're on the cusp of winning things and being in the top 4 again.
Spurs on the other hand are supposed to be a similarly sized club to Arsenal, with similar hopes and ambitions. But they'd honestly rather lose even if it damages them than see Arsenal do well. I don't get it, at all.
Post by: ez on April 29, 2024, 04:23:35 PM
[devil's advocate]Amazingly I've heard villa fans say they'd rather us win the conference league than finish top 4.
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
Post by: Dave on April 29, 2024, 04:26:04 PM
Spurs on the other hand are supposed to be a similarly sized club to Arsenal, with similar hopes and ambitions. But they'd honestly rather lose even if it damages them than see Arsenal do well. I don't get it, at all.
As Lee says though, we don't have that frame of reference of needing to be bothered about it. Spurs have spent most of the last hundred being nearly, but not quite as good as their main rivals. And for the last two - three years have been watching one of their rare spells of being the better side coming to an end.
Given we've never known such a scenario and probably never will, it's hard to judge how we might react if we found ourselves in the space that Spurs fans are in.
I also imagine Spurs fans hoping they lose to Man City are in a minority.
Post by: Olneythelonely on April 29, 2024, 04:34:09 PM
[devil's advocate]Amazingly I've heard villa fans say they'd rather us win the conference league than finish top 4.
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
Amazing. Villa fans want to win a trophy ahead of finishing behind 3 other teams? Mad.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 29, 2024, 04:38:29 PM
Post by: ez on April 29, 2024, 04:40:10 PM
If it were merely finishing behind 3 other teams I would agree but as you know it isn't just that.[devil's advocate]Amazingly I've heard villa fans say they'd rather us win the conference league than finish top 4.
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
Amazing. Villa fans want to win a trophy ahead of finishing behind 3 other teams? Mad.
Post by: Olneythelonely on April 29, 2024, 04:46:49 PM
If it were merely finishing behind 3 other teams I would agree but as you know it isn't just that.[devil's advocate]Amazingly I've heard villa fans say they'd rather us win the conference league than finish top 4.
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
Amazing. Villa fans want to win a trophy ahead of finishing behind 3 other teams? Mad.
I know it’s not going to lead to adding to our trophy haul, in all likelihood.
I want both, badly. But I don’t think people preferring a trophy is as weird as you made out.
Post by: LeeB on April 29, 2024, 04:54:20 PM
If it were merely finishing behind 3 other teams I would agree but as you know it isn't just that.[devil's advocate]Amazingly I've heard villa fans say they'd rather us win the conference league than finish top 4.
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
Amazing. Villa fans want to win a trophy ahead of finishing behind 3 other teams? Mad.
I know it’s not going to lead to adding to our trophy haul, in all likelihood.
I want both, badly. But I don’t think people preferring a trophy is as weird as you made out.
Yeah, surely the weird thing is the other way around?
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 29, 2024, 05:10:10 PM
Neither opinion makes you a better or worse supporter.
Post by: ez on April 29, 2024, 05:10:29 PM
If we were in mid table then fair enough but this is the closest I've ever seen us get to qualifying for the champions league. I'd be gutted to see us miss out this time. Much more gutted than not winning the conference league. But yes hopefully we'll achieve both and everyone will be happy.If it were merely finishing behind 3 other teams I would agree but as you know it isn't just that.[devil's advocate]Amazingly I've heard villa fans say they'd rather us win the conference league than finish top 4.
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
Amazing. Villa fans want to win a trophy ahead of finishing behind 3 other teams? Mad.
I know it’s not going to lead to adding to our trophy haul, in all likelihood.
I want both, badly. But I don’t think people preferring a trophy is as weird as you made out.
Yeah, surely the weird thing is the other way around?
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 05:22:39 PM
Is correct.I’d have Son, Udogie, Van De Ven, maybe Bissouma and Bentancur in our squad. That is all I reckon.
Bissouma is inconsistent as fuck according to one of my Spurs supporting mates. Drifts in & out of games & not a patch on any of our central midfielders.
I would have Son for the LM, Pedro Porro for RB, Udogie for LB & maybe Van de Ven as the RCB... At a push.
The rest? All Villa...
I never rated Bissouma when loads on here thought we should be signing him. He's ok but as you say drifts in and out of games too much.
I'd also say no to Udogie, he's a good player but no better than what we have really. Porro on the other hand would add depth in one of our weakest positions and is a lot better than Cash (even though I don't think Cash is as bad as a lot make him out to be).
Van de Ven has a similar problem to Udogie, he's very good but with Torres and Mings I think we're well covered there.
In general I don't think there are many players in their squad that are significantly better (or worse) than we have in the same position.
Watkins is clearly the best centre forward across the squads, Son is clearly the best left winger, Porro is clearly the best right back and Konsa is clearly the best right centre back. After that is probably mostly personal preference, we all think Emi is miles better than Vicario but given they're probably the 2 best keepers in the league right now I think it's fine to say wither would be a fantastic option for any team.
I'm sorry I must take issue with that Paul, I think Vicario is shite.
Alison and Ederson and Ortega are miles better.
Pickford is better, Raya is better than Vicario and even Onana.
Vicario is a liability and is a weak link!
That's a lack of insight to suggest he's top two keepers poor form Paule
Post by: paul_e on April 29, 2024, 05:24:21 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 05:27:35 PM
Neither position is wrong but I think 4th is more important for the short-term future of the club than winning the conference league. Either way I think missing out on 4th would take a massive fuck up from here when you consider who Spurs have left to play, even a win and draw from our last 3 makes it very tough for them.That
Yes 4th is the preference and Champions league football. With that it is the key to the club moving forward, bringing in better players and becoming the true great team.
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2024, 05:58:09 PM
Post by: ez on April 29, 2024, 06:02:42 PM
Agree. Also important for keeping our best players.Neither position is wrong but I think 4th is more important for the short-term future of the club than winning the conference league. Either way I think missing out on 4th would take a massive fuck up from here when you consider who Spurs have left to play, even a win and draw from our last 3 makes it very tough for them.That
Yes 4th is the preference and Champions league football. With that it is the key to the club moving forward, bringing in better players and becoming the true great team.
Post by: paul_e on April 29, 2024, 06:06:37 PM
Nope. Trophies. League position means nothing.
It means a huge amount of extra revenue, it means a better pool of players we can sign and it means we're in a better position to keep our best players.
Post by: Clampy on April 29, 2024, 06:21:29 PM
Nope. Trophies. League position means nothing.
Like Paul said, in terms of Champions League it could make a difference but I get the trophy argument.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on April 29, 2024, 06:25:50 PM
Nope. Trophies. League position means nothing.
Tell that to Chris Heck. I'd certainly agree with you if our comercial revenue was anywhere close to those we're challenging against. £35m for the CL is not to be sniffed at. That said, I want both.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on April 29, 2024, 06:34:38 PM
We'll do both anyway so we'll all be happy.
Post by: lovejoy on April 29, 2024, 06:37:26 PM
Saying water boils at 100 degrees every time is different to saying Spurs lose to Chelsea every time.Actually it isn't really because, for example, water boils at around 90-92⁰C or less here in the Pyrenees when you are 2400-2900 m say, and would boil at about 68⁰ C up on Everest.
Ok when spurs play Chelsea at altitude the result may differ
Post by: Risso on April 29, 2024, 06:38:48 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 29, 2024, 06:41:43 PM
The whole "choose one or the other" argument is nonsense anyway.
It is, because we're getting both. 8)
Post by: Risso on April 29, 2024, 06:43:32 PM
The whole "choose one or the other" argument is nonsense anyway.
It is, because we're getting both. 8)
Exactly. Three if you include Emery's "Manager of the Season" award.
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2024, 06:45:56 PM
The whole "choose one or the other" argument is nonsense anyway. Because there's no way of knowing for sure if decisions taken in one competition affect the outcome of the other one. The only concrete example we've got in recent times was Moscow, and we ended up with neither a trophy OR top 4.
Well we've qualified for the Europa League now so we may as well fuck the Conference off (or play the kids) and protect players for the League games.
Post by: Risso on April 29, 2024, 06:50:44 PM
The whole "choose one or the other" argument is nonsense anyway. Because there's no way of knowing for sure if decisions taken in one competition affect the outcome of the other one. The only concrete example we've got in recent times was Moscow, and we ended up with neither a trophy OR top 4.
Well we've qualified for the Europa League now so we may as well fuck the Conference off (or play the kids) and protect players for the League games.
I honetly can't tell if you're on a wind up or what?
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 06:57:16 PM
The whole "choose one or the other" argument is nonsense anyway. Because there's no way of knowing for sure if decisions taken in one competition affect the outcome of the other one. The only concrete example we've got in recent times was Moscow, and we ended up with neither a trophy OR top 4.Speaking of Moscow Morgan Roger Dads took him to the game at Villa park
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on April 29, 2024, 07:00:08 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 29, 2024, 07:07:58 PM
Speaking of Moscow Morgan Rogers Dads took him to the game at Villa park
Less of that smut, please.
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 07:17:10 PM
The main point was really Roger and his Dad went to the game. You're trying to get some rude things that aren't even there!
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 07:17:51 PM
Moscow Morgan and his inflatable organ.Distasteful! Inflatable or otherwise! Because you're making fun of the rhymes to make it sound rude. Unnecessary.
Post by: Steve67 on April 29, 2024, 07:20:30 PM
Moscow Morgan and his inflatable organ.Distasteful! Inflatable or otherwise! Because you're making fun of the rhymes to make it sound rude. Unnecessary.
But fucking hilarious.
Post by: The Moose on April 29, 2024, 07:21:51 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on April 29, 2024, 07:23:03 PM
The whole "choose one or the other" argument is nonsense anyway. Because there's no way of knowing for sure if decisions taken in one competition affect the outcome of the other one. The only concrete example we've got in recent times was Moscow, and we ended up with neither a trophy OR top 4.
Well we've qualified for the Europa League now so we may as well fuck the Conference off (or play the kids) and protect players for the League games.
Surely you are joking
Post by: olaftab on April 29, 2024, 08:14:57 PM
To paraphrase the great SGT Do I not like stats like that!Brighton’s results in the league since the beginning of March.We also have a great record against Brighton, they’ve beaten us once in the previous 20 fixtures.
LWLDLDLL
F 3 A 16
5 pts out of a potential 24
Post by: Footy-Vill on April 29, 2024, 08:29:42 PM
Have lost once away in 43 years !To paraphrase the great SGT Do I not like stats like that!Brighton’s results in the league since the beginning of March.We also have a great record against Brighton, they’ve beaten us once in the previous 20 fixtures.
LWLDLDLL
F 3 A 16
5 pts out of a potential 24
The overall record of playing away at Brighton current and past grounds 13 matches played 1 lost.
Away record v Brighton:
Never lost at the amex
Never lost in the Premier League at Amex
Won the last two at the amex
Deal with it.
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 29, 2024, 09:02:52 PM
Hopefully we have Emi,Zani. Moreno, Tielemans back.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 29, 2024, 09:04:01 PM
The Brighton game is heavily contingent on what team we can put out and in what state they are in.
Hopefully we have Emi,Zani. Moreno, Tielemans back.
Youri is out for two games witba groin injury apparently according to reports.
Kind of stuffed for weekend
Post by: john e on April 29, 2024, 09:04:40 PM
The Brighton game is heavily contingent on what team we can put out and in what state they are in.
Hopefully we have Emi,Zani. Moreno, Tielemans back.
Being pessimistic I bet none of them are available
Post by: Brazilian Villain on April 29, 2024, 09:21:06 PM
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Post by: ChicagoLion on April 29, 2024, 09:45:01 PM
Then we will do well to get anything from the game.The Brighton game is heavily contingent on what team we can put out and in what state they are in.
Hopefully we have Emi,Zani. Moreno, Tielemans back.
Being pessimistic I bet none of them are available
Post by: Somniloquism on April 29, 2024, 09:58:37 PM
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Love the "Won a trophy at Spurs. AN ACTUAL TROPHY"
Post by: Drummond on April 29, 2024, 10:02:51 PM
The whole "choose one or the other" argument is nonsense anyway. Because there's no way of knowing for sure if decisions taken in one competition affect the outcome of the other one. The only concrete example we've got in recent times was Moscow, and we ended up with neither a trophy OR top 4.
Well we've qualified for the Europa League now so we may as well fuck the Conference off (or play the kids) and protect players for the League games.
I honetly can't tell if you're on a wind up or what?
I know, right? That's how it comes across with some people some times. Of course I'm joking. I want the trophy.
But if it's European qualification etc, some people say they want Champions League more than the Conference. If that's true, why not play a weakened side to aid the cause of the league?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 30, 2024, 12:14:40 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMUvMIbWoAAUXpf?format=jpg)
Don’t do it Dave. Those numbers with us winning the co-efficient added are making me cry. We could rest everybody for all the league games if Arsenal and Man City had got their act together.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on April 30, 2024, 12:25:38 AM
[devil's advocate]
Their feelings towards Champions League qualification are probably a bit more blasé than ours. They've played in it, what, six times over the last decade or so, including a run to the final?
So while I'm sure they'd much rather be in it than not, it would be understandable if they don't see it as quite as big a deal as we do.
[/devil's advocate]
That, plus some disaffection with the club's higher-ups, is I think the big story for them yeah.
The fact that they don’t need the money anything like as much as we do plays into it as well I think.
Post by: tomd2103 on April 30, 2024, 01:30:59 AM
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on April 30, 2024, 06:46:08 AM
So being a Villa fan, I've had a bet on them to win both matches and us to lose at at Brighton.
Post by: Demitri_C on April 30, 2024, 06:49:19 AM
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Thats so cringe and not funny from PP. Some of their recent stuff has been so lame
Post by: Axl Rose on April 30, 2024, 07:42:16 AM
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Thats so cringe and not funny from PP. Some of their recent stuff has been so lame
I'm struggling to think of anything funny from them. I'm sure there's been the occasional gem, though.
Too much bantz type, lads on tour, innit bullshit
Post by: Nev on April 30, 2024, 07:47:44 AM
Post by: Smithy on April 30, 2024, 07:52:18 AM
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Thats so cringe and not funny from PP. Some of their recent stuff has been so lame
I'm struggling to think of anything funny from them. I'm sure there's been the occasional gem, though.
Too much bantz type, lads on tour, innit bullshit
They know their audience, and if you’re the sort of person who might bet on football with Paddy Power, then you probably thought it was brilliant…
Post by: Demitri_C on April 30, 2024, 07:56:49 AM
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Thats so cringe and not funny from PP. Some of their recent stuff has been so lame
I'm struggling to think of anything funny from them. I'm sure there's been the occasional gem, though.
Too much bantz type, lads on tour, innit bullshit
Yep other than a occasional tweet they really are not that funny
Post by: Axl Rose on April 30, 2024, 08:01:44 AM
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Thats so cringe and not funny from PP. Some of their recent stuff has been so lame
I'm struggling to think of anything funny from them. I'm sure there's been the occasional gem, though.
Too much bantz type, lads on tour, innit bullshit
They know their audience, and if you’re the sort of person who might bet on football with Paddy Power, then you probably thought it was brilliant…
😂
I've made a mental note to stay well away from them!
Post by: LeeS on April 30, 2024, 09:08:55 AM
2 losses for Spurs and a win at Brighton and I think we're in!
So being a Villa fan, I've had a bet on them to win both matches and us to lose at at Brighton.
Same here - 40-1
Also had the same bet with a Villa draw - 50-1
Post by: lovejoy on April 30, 2024, 09:19:52 AM
Post by: LeeS on April 30, 2024, 10:33:14 AM
Thing is throw some draws in there and it’s lose lose.
That's the beauty of it. Spurs are 7 points behind with 2 games in hand. They need wins, not draws. Even if we lose to Brighton they'd be a minimum of 3 points behind (with a win and a draw) with one game in hand and (probably) worse goal difference. That game in hand is Man City. We'd probably need a win against either Liverpool or Palace but it would still be a great position.
Get a tenner on
Post by: mike on April 30, 2024, 11:03:13 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on April 30, 2024, 11:12:05 AM
I think a lot of what they do is pretty funny. That one is a pretty old, but it was funny the first time they did it. They mostly just take the piss and I'm ok with that.Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Thats so cringe and not funny from PP. Some of their recent stuff has been so lame
I'm struggling to think of anything funny from them. I'm sure there's been the occasional gem, though.
Too much bantz type, lads on tour, innit bullshit
Post by: eamonn on April 30, 2024, 04:23:40 PM
Spuds fans are also saying they want to lose vs City to help them win the league. They are not as bothered as us, seem to be more bothered that Arsenal being champions
On that note. https://twitter.com/paddypower/status/1784858403128438800
Thats so cringe and not funny from PP. Some of their recent stuff has been so lame
I'm struggling to think of anything funny from them. I'm sure there's been the occasional gem, though.
Too much bantz type, lads on tour, innit bullshit
They know their audience, and if you’re the sort of person who might bet on football with Paddy Power, then you probably thought it was brilliant…
I didn't think BV was their audience, he's far too bright for their baloney, Irish-links or not.
Post by: lovejoy on April 30, 2024, 04:29:22 PM
Thing is throw some draws in there and it’s lose lose.
That's the beauty of it. Spurs are 7 points behind with 2 games in hand. They need wins, not draws. Even if we lose to Brighton they'd be a minimum of 3 points behind (with a win and a draw) with one game in hand and (probably) worse goal difference. That game in hand is Man City. We'd probably need a win against either Liverpool or Palace but it would still be a great position.
Get a tenner on
if youve bet on brighton and we draw and Spurs win both they are within 2 with a game in hand (still having to play Sheff Utd) and you've lost your bet. lose, lose.
Post by: LeeS on April 30, 2024, 04:30:47 PM
Thing is throw some draws in there and it’s lose lose.
That's the beauty of it. Spurs are 7 points behind with 2 games in hand. They need wins, not draws. Even if we lose to Brighton they'd be a minimum of 3 points behind (with a win and a draw) with one game in hand and (probably) worse goal difference. That game in hand is Man City. We'd probably need a win against either Liverpool or Palace but it would still be a great position.
Get a tenner on
if youve bet on brighton and we draw and Spurs win both they are within 2 with a game in hand (still having to play Sheff Utd) and you've lost your bet. lose, lose.
I’ve bet on both. Us lose is 40/1 and us draw is 50-1
Post by: Jon Crofts on April 30, 2024, 09:15:31 PM
Post by: AV84 on April 30, 2024, 09:26:23 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on April 30, 2024, 10:28:40 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 01, 2024, 06:49:41 AM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2024, 08:56:01 AM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
Sheff Utd yes, but I wouldn’t say Burnley is quite the banker you think it is. Especially as they will very likely be in with a shout of staying up.
Post by: Ads on May 01, 2024, 09:06:00 AM
Post by: LeeS on May 01, 2024, 09:31:53 AM
Post by: Risso on May 01, 2024, 09:35:07 AM
The most important thing is that the Chelsea who played us must turn up against Spurs tomorrow. I cant remember the last time our season climax was this exciting.
For differing reasons, but staying up under Smith.
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 01, 2024, 09:35:55 AM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
If Spurs are getting 6 points from Burnley and Sheff Utd, there’s no reason to think we won’t get 6 from Brighton and Palace. If we’re just assuming better teams automatically get points from less good ones, that is.
How would you feel if we were in Spurs position? I’m guessing you’d be thinking it was all over for us.
Post by: LeeS on May 01, 2024, 09:37:22 AM
The most important thing is that the Chelsea who played us must turn up against Spurs tomorrow. I cant remember the last time our season climax was this exciting.
For differing reasons, but staying up under Smith.
Yes, those final 4 games and overhauling Waatford were a little bit tense.
Post by: jon collett on May 01, 2024, 09:42:18 AM
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 09:46:26 AM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
If Spurs are getting 6 points from Burnley and Sheff Utd, there’s no reason to think we won’t get 6 from Brighton and Palace. If we’re just assuming better teams automatically get points from less good ones, that is.
How would you feel if we were in Spurs position? I’m guessing you’d be thinking it was all over for us.
Brighton have been decent at least recently, and Palace have improved a lot under Glasner. Meanwhile Burnley are probably going down (quite possibly down by the time they play Spurs), and Sheffield United are probably the leakiest side I've seen in this league since our own relegation year. Not comparable.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2024, 09:48:43 AM
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 09:51:30 AM
By “recently” do you mean over the last few seasons? Because if we mean last month or so they’ve been terrible.
I did. They're on a horrible run of late, sure - but all that means is Villa's Third Law of Form (every terrible run will eventually meet an equal and opposite Villa).
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2024, 09:56:51 AM
By “recently” do you mean over the last few seasons? Because if we mean last month or so they’ve been terrible. Palace have been good of late.
Yeah. They won five of their first six this season, have won six of twenty-eight since then, none since early March, and the only goal they've scored since March was a comedy own-goal that had nothing to do with any of their players.
Post by: chrisw1 on May 01, 2024, 10:03:17 AM
So really the comparison is Brighton and Palace (and Liverpool at home) vs Man City and Chelsea (and Liverpool at away). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to decipher which of those is the more favourable.
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 10:05:49 AM
Brighton and Palace is a lot harder than Burnley & Sheffield. But the point is we already effectively have the equivalent of Burnley and Sheffield points in the bag even IF Spurs do roll over them (Burnley won't be that straightforward)
So really the comparison is Brighton and Palace (and Liverpool at home) vs Man City and Chelsea (and Liverpool at away). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to decipher which of those is the more favourable.
We drew with Sheffield United though!
Post by: chrisw1 on May 01, 2024, 10:10:11 AM
Post by: eamonn on May 01, 2024, 10:11:46 AM
By “recently” do you mean over the last few seasons? Because if we mean last month or so they’ve been terrible. Palace have been good of late.
Yeah. They won five of their first six this season, have won six of twenty-eight since then, none since early March, and the only goal they've scored since March was a comedy own-goal that had nothing to do with any of their players.
I think Roberto has checked-out mentally.
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 10:14:11 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on May 01, 2024, 10:15:34 AM
He's in danger of wrecking his career that's for sure. He's hardly going to be in the mix for the top jobs he was previously being touted for now.By “recently” do you mean over the last few seasons? Because if we mean last month or so they’ve been terrible. Palace have been good of late.
Yeah. They won five of their first six this season, have won six of twenty-eight since then, none since early March, and the only goal they've scored since March was a comedy own-goal that had nothing to do with any of their players.
I think Roberto has checked-out mentally.
Post by: chrisw1 on May 01, 2024, 10:17:44 AM
Well look, I mean, obviously we're favourites after their defeat at the weekend. What I'm saying is I don't think we ought to be favourites by as much as the bookies say. I thought Spurs actually played pretty well and are perfectly capable of getting two results from Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool, while we really looked abysmal and, most worryingly, tired. It's really not over yet.Yes, it's nervy. Spurs still look a good team to me. But it would be incredibly careless for us to blow up from where we are now. Spursy, even.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 01, 2024, 10:27:30 AM
Chelsea win, we beat Brighton and it will be very difficult to lose 4th spot.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on May 01, 2024, 10:28:47 AM
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2024, 10:31:28 AM
Well look, I mean, obviously we're favourites after their defeat at the weekend. What I'm saying is I don't think we ought to be favourites by as much as the bookies say. I thought Spurs actually played pretty well and are perfectly capable of getting two results from Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool, while we really looked abysmal and, most worryingly, tired. It's really not over yet.Yes, it's nervy. Spurs still look a good team to me. But it would be incredibly careless for us to blow up from where we are now. Spursy, even.
I reckon we'll know for more or less definite by the end of the weekend. 4-6 points for Spurs and 0-1 for us and I reckon momentum will probably push them to it. Anything else and we're probably fine.
But as others have said, if they do beat Chelsea and Liverpool while we lose to Brighton it's probably hard to argue that they don't deserve to overtake us.
Post by: dekko on May 01, 2024, 10:32:01 AM
Well look, I mean, obviously we're favourites after their defeat at the weekend. What I'm saying is I don't think we ought to be favourites by as much as the bookies say. I thought Spurs actually played pretty well and are perfectly capable of getting two results from Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool, while we really looked abysmal and, most worryingly, tired. It's really not over yet.
This is where I'm at. Spurs are more than capable of winning their games, and we're more than capable of dropping points (and vice versa).
We just need to drag ourselves over the line somehow. I'm sure 'old villa' would find a way to screw it up, but this is a different beast - even at our worst under Emery we tend to follow up a poor showing with a better one, or at least find a way to get some kind of result.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 01, 2024, 10:39:13 AM
So we go into tomorrow nights game light and then Brighton.
I doubt we win both.
Post by: Drummond on May 01, 2024, 10:57:35 AM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
Sheff Utd yes, but I wouldn’t say Burnley is quite the banker you think it is. Especially as they will very likely be in with a shout of staying up.
Sheffield Utd will beat Spurs.
Post by: paul_e on May 01, 2024, 10:58:33 AM
Well look, I mean, obviously we're favourites after their defeat at the weekend. What I'm saying is I don't think we ought to be favourites by as much as the bookies say. I thought Spurs actually played pretty well and are perfectly capable of getting two results from Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool, while we really looked abysmal and, most worryingly, tired. It's really not over yet.
but of course we played better against the same opponents a couple of weeks ago. I get that the non-performace in the 2nd half agianst Chelsea has had lots of people convince themselves that everything is going to fall apart but spurs aren't suddenly going to turn their own poor form around and we're not on the brink of a run of defeats, we're favourites because we've been better than spurs for most of the last 8-9months and the table proves it.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2024, 11:02:38 AM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
Sheff Utd yes, but I wouldn’t say Burnley is quite the banker you think it is. Especially as they will very likely be in with a shout of staying up.
Sheffield Utd will beat Spurs.
Don’t see it, they have nothing about them and concede far too many.
Post by: Drummond on May 01, 2024, 11:03:07 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 01, 2024, 11:03:59 AM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
Sheff Utd yes, but I wouldn’t say Burnley is quite the banker you think it is. Especially as they will very likely be in with a shout of staying up.
Sheffield Utd will beat Spurs.
Don’t see it, they have nothing about them and concede far too many.
That's a description for both teams! ;-)
Post by: Smithy on May 01, 2024, 12:16:41 PM
Well look, I mean, obviously we're favourites after their defeat at the weekend. What I'm saying is I don't think we ought to be favourites by as much as the bookies say. I thought Spurs actually played pretty well and are perfectly capable of getting two results from Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool, while we really looked abysmal and, most worryingly, tired. It's really not over yet.
The question you have to ask yourself is this: have ALL the bookmakers, every single one of them, and their dispassionate assessment of every team's chances, "got it wrong". Or have you, as a Villa fan worried about the next three weeks, slighty over-estimated the chances of our nearest rivals and the only team who can take Champions League away from us?
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 12:18:29 PM
Post by: Smithy on May 01, 2024, 12:20:43 PM
Bookmakers are guessing what people will bet on then responding to the bets they've encouraged. They're not psychic football octopuses!
Then you should definitely bet against them. You'll make a fortune!
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 12:23:19 PM
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2024, 12:23:55 PM
Well look, I mean, obviously we're favourites after their defeat at the weekend. What I'm saying is I don't think we ought to be favourites by as much as the bookies say. I thought Spurs actually played pretty well and are perfectly capable of getting two results from Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool, while we really looked abysmal and, most worryingly, tired. It's really not over yet.
The question you have to ask yourself is this: have ALL the bookmakers, every single one of them, and their dispassionate assessment of every team's chances, "got it wrong". Or have you, as a Villa fan worried about the next three weeks, slighty over-estimated the chances of our nearest rivals and the only team who can take Champions League away from us?
As a counterpoint, the likelihood of England getting the extra Champions League place was seen by the bookmakers as about the same as our chances of getting fourth place in the league.
It just take a couple of things to not quite go as expected and things change.
Post by: Exeter 77 on May 01, 2024, 12:25:39 PM
Post by: Risso on May 01, 2024, 12:35:49 PM
Well look, I mean, obviously we're favourites after their defeat at the weekend. What I'm saying is I don't think we ought to be favourites by as much as the bookies say. I thought Spurs actually played pretty well and are perfectly capable of getting two results from Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool, while we really looked abysmal and, most worryingly, tired. It's really not over yet.
The question you have to ask yourself is this: have ALL the bookmakers, every single one of them, and their dispassionate assessment of every team's chances, "got it wrong". Or have you, as a Villa fan worried about the next three weeks, slighty over-estimated the chances of our nearest rivals and the only team who can take Champions League away from us?
However, until the last round of matches, the bookmakers had very strong odds that it would be England getting the 5th Champions League spot. Then everybody except us shit the bed, and the likely outcome and odds span on their head.
With so few games left, and neither us or Spurs being exactly consistent, anything is still possible. I expect us to do it, and think we will. But a win for Spurs tonight and a loss for us at the weekend, and things and (bookmakers odds) would look very different. Anything other than a win for Spurs combined with a win for us, and we'll be even stronger favourites.
edit: beaten to exactly the same point by Dave.
Post by: CT Villan on May 01, 2024, 12:43:48 PM
Football is the chaos dimension with a ball in it
Except Newton's little-known Fourth Law of Entropy states that "Chaos can never exist if Emery potential is present". As such, we will finish 4th and Spurs will disappear up their own arseholes.
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 12:45:21 PM
Football is the chaos dimension with a ball in it
Except Newton's little-known Fourth Law of Entropy states that "Chaos can never exist if Emery potential is present". As such, we will finish 4th and Spurs will disappear up their own arseholes.
Newton was very demanding in imposing his idea.
Post by: Richard E on May 01, 2024, 01:20:22 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 01, 2024, 01:45:31 PM
Does Bayern Munich's draw last night finally kill off 5th being a Champions League place?
No but one more win, or two draws, by German teams does. And that's assuming we win every match.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 01, 2024, 01:49:30 PM
Don't bet, but if I did, yeah, I'd put some money against us. Not because (for what must be the twelfth time by now) I don't think we're favourites, but I don't think we're as nailed on as some think. Football is the chaos dimension with a ball in it, it's so much closer than it looks, and the weekend performances - particularly thinking about tiredness - weren't as favourable to us as the results (which were marginally favourable).
I completely agree, Monty. We're very obviously favourites, but I wouldn't bet on either side. If we didn't look so shattered (mentally/physically) I'd agree with the bookies. I've got a feeling some of the chaos will come with Burnley doing us a favour.
Post by: Smithy on May 01, 2024, 01:50:49 PM
I still think the bookies have got it about right, with us at about 87% chance of finishing in the top 4. Of COURSE there is the 13% chance that Spurs somehow beat Chelsea, Liverpool AND Man City, or that we entirely shit the bed and they beat one of them AND both Sheff Utd and Burnley, but it feels like an awful lot has to go right for them, and an awful lot has to go wrong for us.
Until it's mathematically impossible for us to be caught, I'll still have those nagging doubts in my mind, but right now I'm feeling pretty positive - because I believe that regardless of what Spurs do, Unai can wring a couple more results out of this squad - if we need them.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 01, 2024, 01:56:38 PM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
Remind me - how many times have we played Liverpool at home since then, and how many of them were with a team this good?
Post by: LeeS on May 01, 2024, 01:57:42 PM
Its all too much for my nerves as it is.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 01, 2024, 02:01:36 PM
Post by: Risso on May 01, 2024, 02:02:58 PM
Post by: Smirker on May 01, 2024, 02:08:10 PM
It's entirely possible that Spurs won't beat the points total we've got now.
They won't. Said exactly this after the Arsenal game they lost. We could lose every game from now until the end of the season and still finish 4th.
Post by: Risso on May 01, 2024, 02:09:06 PM
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2024, 02:12:13 PM
Let's not do that though.
It would be rotten for the nerves, but *could* be worth it in the long run for what it would do for Spurs' mental state knowing they'd have been fine had they not completely collapsed.
Post by: paul_e on May 01, 2024, 02:14:50 PM
Post by: itbrvilla on May 01, 2024, 02:17:11 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on May 01, 2024, 02:18:03 PM
The Brighton game is huge. Of the 3 games we have left it represents the best chance of 3 points. I really don't want to be going to Crystal Palace needing to better the Spurs result at an already beached Sheffield United.
Its all too much for my nerves as it is.
I disagree. With the players temporarily* missing for this weekend, I reckon Liverpool will be our easiest win.
*hopefully
Post by: eamonn on May 01, 2024, 02:34:39 PM
That would mean we need up to 4 points from our last 3 games if Spurs overhaul our goal difference which is possible given they have to play t'Blades.
And given that we're close to running on empty, I don't find it hard to believe that we get draws with Brighton/Palace and nothing against Liverpool. The Brighton game this weekend is our best chance of a win and that could all but seal it for us.
Post by: Ads on May 01, 2024, 02:39:22 PM
Post by: paul_e on May 01, 2024, 02:40:31 PM
I can see us having 4th secured by Sunday night. I don't have to contort myself to imagine it either.
Yep, that's how i see it as well.
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 02:41:47 PM
Post by: Ads on May 01, 2024, 02:43:19 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 01, 2024, 02:45:09 PM
I can see us having 4th secured by Sunday night. I don't have to contort myself to imagine it either.
Good. Contorting is reserved for Tory MPs.
Post by: Monty on May 01, 2024, 02:45:23 PM
Chelsea beating Spurs tomorrow, would be such huge motivation to go an muller a really insipid Brighton. Then it's a 3 point game, with Liverpool away? Hard graft that when they know its all over bar the shouting and it's do or die rime for the Kopites.
Spurs can be sure of a frosty reception.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 01, 2024, 02:50:34 PM
We're talking about a team with a one-trick pony as their manager, who are also famous for coming third in a two-horse race! They are seasoned bottlers, now with seasoned bottler 'James Maddison' in their ranks. They won't get anything against Chelsea, Liverpool or Man City, so we pretty much have it done and dusted already. UTV
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 01, 2024, 02:53:22 PM
Post by: Ads on May 01, 2024, 02:54:43 PM
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2024, 02:58:45 PM
I can see us having 4th secured by Sunday night. I don't have to contort myself to imagine it either.
Yep, that's how i see it as well.
Yup. Chelsea are favourites to beat Spurs. We are favourites to beat Brighton. Liverpool are favourites to beat Spurs.
It's improbable that all three of those on-their-own-terms-likely events happen, but all the things that we want are seen as the thing most likely to happen.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 01, 2024, 03:01:42 PM
We'll be celebrating Champions League qualification by Sunday evening. 😉
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 01, 2024, 03:02:10 PM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
If Spurs are getting 6 points from Burnley and Sheff Utd, there’s no reason to think we won’t get 6 from Brighton and Palace. If we’re just assuming better teams automatically get points from less good ones, that is.
How would you feel if we were in Spurs position? I’m guessing you’d be thinking it was all over for us.
Brighton have been decent at least recently, and Palace have improved a lot under Glasner. Meanwhile Burnley are probably going down (quite possibly down by the time they play Spurs), and Sheffield United are probably the leakiest side I've seen in this league since our own relegation year. Not comparable.
The whole point is that you can’t just say Spurs will get 6 points. It’s probable, but not a banker. They only beat Sheff U 2-1 earlier in the season, with two goals after 8 mins of injury time. We beat Brighton 6-1.
Post by: Ads on May 01, 2024, 03:08:38 PM
Post by: caster troy on May 01, 2024, 03:10:24 PM
Post by: Smirker on May 01, 2024, 03:12:19 PM
I have imagined every possible eventuality and I wondered how we would feel about you know who scoring a late goal for Man City on the 14th of May to send us to the Champions League. Not the most likely scenario but perhaps the most ironic.
I'd rather that didn't happen. The club would post something embarrassing on Twitter and our fans would worship him for it.
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2024, 03:17:15 PM
We're 1/6 to finish in the top four. Spurs are 9/2.
If spurs beat chelsea you will see those odds slash drastically
4 points is very small when you consider they would get 6 from burnley amd sheff utd. We will need to win at least one more game to make sure we do it
Cant see us beating liverpool as we havent beaten them at villa paek since that 7-2 with no fans. Its been a while since we beat them with fans at villa park.
That leaves brighton and palace one win out of those two and i think we should be good for CL
If Spurs are getting 6 points from Burnley and Sheff Utd, there’s no reason to think we won’t get 6 from Brighton and Palace. If we’re just assuming better teams automatically get points from less good ones, that is.
How would you feel if we were in Spurs position? I’m guessing you’d be thinking it was all over for us.
Brighton have been decent at least recently, and Palace have improved a lot under Glasner. Meanwhile Burnley are probably going down (quite possibly down by the time they play Spurs), and Sheffield United are probably the leakiest side I've seen in this league since our own relegation year. Not comparable.
The whole point is that you can’t just say Spurs will get 6 points. It’s probable, but not a banker. They only beat Sheff U 2-1 earlier in the season, with two goals after 8 mins of injury time. We beat Brighton 6-1.
I reckon you could argue that we broke Brighton's season. They'd won five of the first six games before they came to us in September. Only won six league games in seven months since then. Spurs being one of the six, happily enough.
Post by: LeeS on May 01, 2024, 03:41:55 PM
Spurs, Brighton, Spurs (£210) 67, 66
Spurs, Draw, Spurs (£289) 68, 66
Spurs, Brighton, Draw (£262) 67, 64
Spurs, Draw, Draw (£339) 68, 64
Draw, Brighton, Spurs (£317) 67, 64
Draw, Draw, Spurs (£411) 68, 64
I've got all of them. There are others but my budget ran out.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 01, 2024, 03:46:37 PM
My betting patterns over the next few days will consist of a Spurs W v Chelsea, Spurs W v Liverpool and Brighton W against us.
We'll be celebrating Champions League qualification by Sunday evening. 😉
Good lad. Save me doing it.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 01, 2024, 04:00:54 PM
Post by: Risso on May 01, 2024, 04:03:17 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 01, 2024, 04:03:20 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 01, 2024, 04:04:46 PM
I like the way people are still saying "out for the season" when really there's just over two weeks left. Not having a go or owt, it just makes me smile.
Haha, this is true. It’s what it says on the Sky ticker I think.
Post by: Richard E on May 01, 2024, 04:07:47 PM
Post by: paul_e on May 01, 2024, 04:31:23 PM
I can see us having 4th secured by Sunday night. I don't have to contort myself to imagine it either.
Yep, that's how i see it as well.
Yup. Chelsea are favourites to beat Spurs. We are favourites to beat Brighton. Liverpool are favourites to beat Spurs.
It's improbable that all three of those on-their-own-terms-likely events happen, but all the things that we want are seen as the thing most likely to happen.
Most importantly even if 1 or 2 of those don't happen we'd still be in a strong position. It's only if all 3 of those games flip completely that they suddenly look like favourites.
Post by: David_Nab on May 01, 2024, 04:32:13 PM
Post by: Smithy on May 01, 2024, 05:29:24 PM
Chelsea have a few players returning to training but Silva and Disasi are out , pretty bare bones in defence.
I have a chelsea supporting mate who seems think the back four they've not been able to play all season is the one that will play next year, and it'll be miles better. Chilwell, Fofana, Colwill, James. It's definitely pretty good on paper, but I've no idea if it'll be any good on the pitch. Fofana in particular looked excellent before his ACL injury.
Post by: pablo_picasso on May 01, 2024, 05:37:05 PM
I like the way people are still saying "out for the season" when really there's just over two weeks left. Not having a go or owt, it just makes me smile.
I had a chuckle at that earlier too.
Post by: OCD on May 01, 2024, 05:43:42 PM
I like the way people are still saying "out for the season" when really there's just over two weeks left. Not having a go or owt, it just makes me smile.
I had a chuckle at that earlier too.
It's been that way as long as I can remember. It does take a different tone of irony with the problems we've had this season though.
Post by: Mellin on May 01, 2024, 05:56:27 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 01, 2024, 06:01:35 PM
I had a coffee with a Spurs fan earlier and was explaining how some of our fans are worried and he looked at me and said, ."....but we've been thrashed by Newcastle and Fulham and can't string results together. I'd much rather be in your position than ours'
I assume his was a flat white.
Post by: Rory on May 01, 2024, 06:21:19 PM
I like the way people are still saying "out for the season" when really there's just over two weeks left. Not having a go or owt, it just makes me smile.
I had a chuckle at that earlier too.
Like a story Ricky Gervais told years ago when he was on the radio about a newsagent who sold him a local newspaper. On the front page was an awful story about a 92-year old woman who had been attacked.
The newsagent said, "terrible isn't it? 92 years old. Scarred for life."
Post by: Dave on May 01, 2024, 10:18:13 PM
Post by: Bad English on May 01, 2024, 10:22:46 PM
Post by: MalcolmP on May 01, 2024, 11:29:40 PM
...and with Dortmund's win, now the fifth = Champions League thing is officially over.it was officially over when Bayern didnt lose last night
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 02, 2024, 12:02:29 AM
...and with Dortmund's win, now the fifth = Champions League thing is officially over.it was officially over when Bayern didnt lose last night
It wasn’t. England still could have got the place if we won both semis and the final, with only 2 legs drawn for German teams.
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 02, 2024, 06:25:09 AM
All the better if we finish 4th as well
Post by: algy on May 02, 2024, 07:39:07 AM
Nope. Trophies. League position means nothing.100%. We still talk about winning the Inter Toto cup FFS, yet you can pretty much guarantee that nobody can remember our League position from the same season without looking it up. And that's the Inter Toto Cup.
Post by: LeeB on May 02, 2024, 07:49:42 AM
Post by: Chris Harte on May 02, 2024, 07:55:17 AM
Absolutely.Nope. Trophies. League position means nothing.100%. We still talk about winning the Inter Toto cup FFS, yet you can pretty much guarantee that nobody can remember our League position from the same season without looking it up. And that's the Inter Toto Cup.
For me it's the silverware that's important. And I'm sure for the players having winners medals is too.
It's been too long since we won silverware, even if you count the Intertoto (which I don't).
Post by: Monty on May 02, 2024, 08:00:12 AM
Post by: Yeltzer on May 02, 2024, 09:30:57 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on May 02, 2024, 09:31:59 AM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 02, 2024, 10:05:10 AM
I'd take Europa and 5th over nothing and 4th
With the 'nothing and 4th' would you accept the losing of one or, even all of Luiz, Watkins and Martinez to CL clubs as a consequence? Not saying that will definitely happen but there's a good chance of it.
Post by: LeeB on May 02, 2024, 10:07:14 AM
Winning trophies is a different matter.
Post by: chrisw1 on May 02, 2024, 10:09:32 AM
And that's the rub. 4th is about long-term progress and starting to bridge the financial gap.I'd take Europa and 5th over nothing and 4th
With the 'nothing and 4th' would you accept the losing of one or, even all of Luiz, Watkins and Martinez to CL clubs as a consequence? Not saying that will definitely happen but there's a good chance of it.
But we don't get to choose, so I'll take whatever we get and even if we get neither it will have been an excellent season of progress.
Post by: Nev on May 02, 2024, 10:10:11 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 02, 2024, 10:13:02 AM
At least we can support who we want in Europe now. Come on Dortmund!
Agreed, they're the least worst option, plus Paul Lambert would be pleased.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 02, 2024, 10:14:09 AM
Post by: Brend'Watkins on May 02, 2024, 11:12:31 AM
There isn’t a choice to make - it’s achieve both objectives. There isn’t that many games left. Yes we have to cope with injuries but that’s not really a rotation point. All this talk of either/or is pretty defeatist. We should finish 4th and win the Conference League, if we don’t achieve both from this position it’s a disappointment.
Agree with that. Mad really that at the beginning of the season 5th and Europa qualification would have been seen as massive progress in it's own right. Now, we are looking at games where points have been squandered and are left thinking "if only".
If there's news of a favourable result at Stamford Bridge later there should be a massive buzz in the crowd.
Post by: LeeS on May 02, 2024, 11:26:29 AM
Post by: lovejoy on May 02, 2024, 11:26:30 AM
I'd take Europa and 5th over nothing and 4th
One of the most ridiculous posts ever. Rather win a third tier trophy that West Ham won and have to sell some top players to bridge FFP, than get on the gravy train. Seriously give your head a wobble.
Post by: Duncan Shaw on May 02, 2024, 11:29:00 AM
We’re all Chelsea fans tonight
I know what you mean, but we're Villa fans tonight as we are playing in a European semi-final. The other game will be what it is and no focus on it until we've cheered the boys over the line!
Post by: LeeB on May 02, 2024, 11:31:59 AM
I'd take Europa and 5th over nothing and 4th
One of the most ridiculous posts ever. Rather win a third tier trophy that West Ham won and have to see some top players to bridge FFP, than get on the gravy train. Seriously give your head a wobble.
You should be giving your head a wobble mate, we won't have a civic reception for a fucking bank balance.
Post by: Monty on May 02, 2024, 11:35:24 AM
But as it is, this should be about setting Villa up as a force in the coming years. If we finish 5th there's a greater chance we lose key players, have another transition year, give the incompetent behemoths another chance to get their act together, all that. I'd absolutely love a trophy, but I want us to be realistic contenders for years to come now.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 02, 2024, 11:35:55 AM
I'd take Europa and 5th over nothing and 4th
One of the most ridiculous posts ever. Rather win a third tier trophy that West Ham won and have to see some top players to bridge FFP, than get on the gravy train. Seriously give your head a wobble.
It's absolutely not! It's you that needs to give your head a wobble. O'Neill sacrificed our last chance of a trophy for league position and look where we ended up.
Look how we all celebrated last May at the thought of a European adventure, and you're saying throw that all away 2 games from a final in Athens for the sake of a few quid and the thought of some of our players being picked off. Utter garbage mate.
Aston Villa FC and Unai Emery are here to stay, and every player is replaceable - Trophies in the cabinet and memories with friends and family are not.
*EDIT - But we won't have to make that choice, as we're in a one-horse race for 4th. No way Emery reliquinshes our position to Ange-notGotAPostAClue.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 02, 2024, 11:39:46 AM
I'm getting old and I don't to trade glory now, for glory later.
This sums it up well, there’s no guarantee of being around for future glories that may or may not happen in the future.
Post by: LeeB on May 02, 2024, 11:44:27 AM
For fucks sake we were in the Championship 5 years ago and I never thought we'd get back to anything near where we are now, but we have. Newcastle made 4th last year but it's not been life changing for them has it? I reckon they'd swap it now in a heartbeat for having won the league cup instead.
We haven't won a trophy for nearly 30 years, and this is a European trophy.
Christ, I think people really struggle to actually live in the moment sometimes.
Post by: Monty on May 02, 2024, 11:49:33 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 02, 2024, 11:53:14 AM
Post by: Risso on May 02, 2024, 11:54:36 AM
Post by: Rigadon on May 02, 2024, 11:54:56 AM
[Shrug] I just think it would be better for winning bigger trophies in future. I don't want the Conference League to be our peak. I don't want to be West Ham!
I know what you mean. If we can finish top 4 and win the Conference League it will have been the best season we've had since the early 80s in my opinion (when you add all the factors together I mean, such as the modern game and the stacked dice, the ascent from the depths of the Championship, being so shit when Emery took over etc etc). Finishing 5th and winning the conference wouldn't feel as amazing (to me at least), but it would still, obviously, be a great season.
Actually, we have 2 glass ceilings to break. CL qualification and winning something. I just happen to feel that the former is a harder thing to do in the modern game and is more important to out medium/long term future as a club.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 02, 2024, 11:55:08 AM
[Shrug] I just think it would be better for winning bigger trophies in future. I don't want the Conference League to be our peak. I don't want to be West Ham!
It won't be, it'll be more like Liverpool winning a couple of UEFA Cups before lifting the European Cup.
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2024, 11:55:22 AM
[Shrug] I just think it would be better for winning bigger trophies in future. I don't want the Conference League to be our peak. I don't want to be West Ham!
It might be better for winning bigger trophies. Or we might get knocked out in the first round next season, finish ninth and lose four of our best players. It's just as possible that qualifying for the Champions League once is our peak, as winning the Conference League is our peak.
Post by: Monty on May 02, 2024, 11:56:04 AM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on May 02, 2024, 12:04:13 PM
I'd take Europa and 5th over nothing and 4th
One of the most ridiculous posts ever. Rather win a third tier trophy that West Ham won and have to see some top players to bridge FFP, than get on the gravy train. Seriously give your head a wobble.
This is all hypothetical, a bit pointless really and i can see the argument both ways but fucking hell what kind of bullshit is this?
Post by: LeeB on May 02, 2024, 12:07:50 PM
And c**t night.
Post by: Monty on May 02, 2024, 12:09:24 PM
I think it's right up there as one of the worst posts ever, outside of social or political abominations.
And c**t night.
C**t night??
Post by: Rigadon on May 02, 2024, 12:10:32 PM
I think it's right up there as one of the worst posts ever, outside of social or political abominations.
And c**t night.
C**t night??
03/03/03
Post by: Monty on May 02, 2024, 12:12:24 PM
I think it's right up there as one of the worst posts ever, outside of social or political abominations.
And c**t night.
C**t night??
03/03/03
Uff.
Post by: Drummond on May 02, 2024, 12:51:09 PM
Post by: paul_e on May 02, 2024, 12:55:32 PM
[Shrug] I just think it would be better for winning bigger trophies in future. I don't want the Conference League to be our peak. I don't want to be West Ham!
It might be better for winning bigger trophies. Or we might get knocked out in the first round next season, finish ninth and lose four of our best players. It's just as possible that qualifying for the Champions League once is our peak, as winning the Conference League is our peak.
What it will mean is more money and whether we like it or not we won't become established as a clubn that regularly challenges for trophies if we can't increase our turnover to close the gap on the richest clubs in Europe.
I don't think anyone on here is suggesting that they don't want to win the conference league, just that finishing in the top 4 will have a bigger impact on the club, that's just how it is when so much of the wealth in the sport is concentrated at the top.
Post by: eamonn on May 02, 2024, 12:57:34 PM
I think it's right up there as one of the worst posts ever, outside of social or political abominations.
And c**t night.
C**t night??
03/03/03
Uff.
You were too young and yet too wise to experience such profanity. Or is that FootyVill ?
Post by: Risso on May 02, 2024, 12:58:13 PM
I think the pressure is getting to some people.
Same here.
We'll batter them 4-0 tonight and everybody will feel better tomorrow. We can them play some kids in the return leg and make sure we give finishing 3rd ahead of Liverpool our full attention.
Post by: eamonn on May 02, 2024, 01:01:12 PM
We’re all Chelsea fans tonight
We're all bourgeois now
Post by: lovejoy on May 02, 2024, 01:12:48 PM
Basically the hypothetical question I’m answering is, do we want to be Portsmouth, win the cup but boom then bust under Redknapp or Brighton, gradual sensible progression to establish yourself but not winning the cup.
I choose Brighton, but other opinions are welcome. And no need for profanity.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 02, 2024, 01:20:45 PM
Post by: olaftab on May 02, 2024, 01:25:36 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 02, 2024, 01:33:29 PM
I want this trophy so much. Less prestigious than the Carabou? My arse. You only really need to win a couple of tough games to win the League Cup. This competition is a marathon.
Post by: eamonn on May 02, 2024, 01:52:14 PM
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2024, 01:56:38 PM
It’s all just conjecture I appreciate but surely a long term ambition is preferable to a minor cup and loss of revenue/opportunity. I’m assuming the 5th doesn’t then get followed by endless years of top4 as it’s not often many of the wealthy clubs are in such a state.
Basically the hypothetical question I’m answering is, do we want to be Portsmouth, win the cup but boom then bust under Redknapp or Brighton, gradual sensible progression to establish yourself but not winning the cup.
I choose Brighton, but other opinions are welcome. And no need for profanity.
Slightly odd examples. You'd rather be Brighton, winning nothing and now sliding back down the league while losing your best players to bigger sides, ahead of winning the FA Cup?
We did the first one under O'Neill, and I imagine you'd be in a very small minority of believing that the O'Neill years were better than a hypothetical FA Cup win.
Post by: LeeS on May 02, 2024, 01:58:35 PM
It’s all just conjecture I appreciate but surely a long term ambition is preferable to a minor cup and loss of revenue/opportunity. I’m assuming the 5th doesn’t then get followed by endless years of top4 as it’s not often many of the wealthy clubs are in such a state.
Basically the hypothetical question I’m answering is, do we want to be Portsmouth, win the cup but boom then bust under Redknapp or Brighton, gradual sensible progression to establish yourself but not winning the cup.
I choose Brighton, but other opinions are welcome. And no need for profanity.
Slightly odd examples. You'd rather be Brighton, winning nothing and now sliding back down the league while losing your best players to bigger sides, ahead of winning the FA Cup?
We did the first one under O'Neill, and I imagine you'd be in a very small minority of believing that the O'Neill years were better than a hypothetical FA Cup win.
We are still owed that League Cup from 2010. Cheating bar stewards.
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2024, 02:02:17 PM
It’s all just conjecture I appreciate but surely a long term ambition is preferable to a minor cup and loss of revenue/opportunity. I’m assuming the 5th doesn’t then get followed by endless years of top4 as it’s not often many of the wealthy clubs are in such a state.
Basically the hypothetical question I’m answering is, do we want to be Portsmouth, win the cup but boom then bust under Redknapp or Brighton, gradual sensible progression to establish yourself but not winning the cup.
I choose Brighton, but other opinions are welcome. And no need for profanity.
Slightly odd examples. You'd rather be Brighton, winning nothing and now sliding back down the league while losing your best players to bigger sides, ahead of winning the FA Cup?
We did the first one under O'Neill, and I imagine you'd be in a very small minority of believing that the O'Neill years were better than a hypothetical FA Cup win.
We are still owed that League Cup from 2010. Cheating bar stewards.
It's think easier to rationalise by accepting that we probably would still have lost to ten, nine or even eight-man Man Utd. Given that's what the universe has decided is going to be the case for the rest of time.
Post by: Smithy on May 02, 2024, 02:12:56 PM
It’s all just conjecture I appreciate but surely a long term ambition is preferable to a minor cup and loss of revenue/opportunity. I’m assuming the 5th doesn’t then get followed by endless years of top4 as it’s not often many of the wealthy clubs are in such a state.
Basically the hypothetical question I’m answering is, do we want to be Portsmouth, win the cup but boom then bust under Redknapp or Brighton, gradual sensible progression to establish yourself but not winning the cup.
I choose Brighton, but other opinions are welcome. And no need for profanity.
I totally empathise with this position, even if I don't 100% agree with it. I've said before, my head says 4th is more important, but my heart says "trophy" every single time. I can't help but look at Newcastle this season, and see that Champions League for one season doesn't guarantee anything, even though I know it's best for our long-term development as a club.
If you asked 100 Geordies if they would have preferred to have been in the Europa League this season and have added a trophy to their cabinet last year, what do you think the responses would be?
As many others have said, I don't believe it's a case of either/or - and I don't think Unai will be prioritising one competition over the other. I genuinely believe he will be going all out to win every single game we play from here on in, whether it's 5 more games, or 6.
Now, whether we have enough in the tank, I don't know. But in line with his zero-excuses culture, let's focus on winning the whole lot!
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 02, 2024, 04:04:37 PM
That's Palmer, Madueke tonight and Salah on Sunday looking to enjoy themselves!
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 02, 2024, 04:10:15 PM
In this hypothetical, I would rather a trophy and the Europa as I believe Unai will continue to build regardless of what competition we are in. I understand the logic of wanting top 4 more though. Do I think we'll do both anyway? Yes.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 02, 2024, 04:13:21 PM
Spurs don't have a recognised fit left back as Davies and Undogi are out for the season.
That's Palmer, Madueke tonight and Salah on Sunday looking to enjoy themselves!
Cue those players to go down with injury.
Post by: Smirker on May 02, 2024, 09:11:17 PM
It's entirely possible that Spurs won't beat the points total we've got now.
They won't. Said exactly this after the Arsenal game they lost. We could lose every game from now until the end of the season and still finish 4th.
hehehehehehe
Post by: rob_bridge on May 02, 2024, 09:31:09 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 02, 2024, 09:31:40 PM
Wrong thread
Post by: Risso on May 02, 2024, 09:31:46 PM
I think win v Seagulls Sunday and it really is all over
Defend like this and we've no chance.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 02, 2024, 09:45:01 PM
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 02, 2024, 09:48:13 PM
I think win v Seagulls Sunday and it really is all over
Defend like this and we've no chance.
We've generally been poorer in the European games than the league ones though. We have go all out for the win in Brighton.
Post by: OzVilla on May 02, 2024, 09:58:19 PM
Post by: Monty on May 02, 2024, 10:01:39 PM
Ah well. Guess we did Arsenal after Lille.
Post by: Bad English on May 02, 2024, 10:01:55 PM
Post by: ez on May 02, 2024, 10:10:41 PM
Post by: Small Rodent on May 02, 2024, 10:11:57 PM
Post by: Risso on May 02, 2024, 10:13:27 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 02, 2024, 10:18:32 PM
Thanks chelsea
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 02, 2024, 10:19:43 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 02, 2024, 10:21:31 PM
Post by: ez on May 02, 2024, 10:21:38 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on May 02, 2024, 10:31:47 PM
If we have normal injury luck next year, instead of the really shit luck we've had this season, we're going to fuck everyone up.
Post by: mike on May 02, 2024, 10:40:43 PM
It's entirely possible that Spurs won't beat the points total we've got now.
They won't. Said exactly this after the Arsenal game they lost. We could lose every game from now until the end of the season and still finish 4th.
hehehehehehe
If we play like tonight, we might be relying on that!
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2024, 10:55:21 PM
Doesn't feel like the mentality of a club about to win a load of games to overtake us.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 02, 2024, 10:59:59 PM
Chelsea V Spurs in Premier League nowSaying water boils at 100 degrees every time is different to saying Spurs lose to Chelsea every time.Actually it isn't really because, for example, water boils at around 90-92⁰C or less here in the Pyrenees when you are 2400-2900 m say, and would boil at about 68⁰ C up on Everest.There is not much in it, They have greater (more quality) in depth.
Their GungHo attitude to defending is a problem and why they have not got more points.
It will be interesting to see if the relationship between theory and fact persists, and wise theories are correct.
The Spurs defence and tactics cannot be taken seriously in my view as they will concede 3+ goals to Chelsea and Liverpool
I already predicted they would to Arsenal and predicted they would 4+ goals against Newcastle.
I know tactical acumen and they don't have it in defence against such attacking players from these teams.
I suspect it will be case Chelsea won't lose.
The last time Spurs won was 6 years ago, and they don't have better players than they did then or a better team and minus Harry Kane. It would be unlucky for us if they managed to collect all three points.
Chelsea demolished Spurs 4-1 at Spurs, therefore all signs lead to a Chelsea victory based on form and history.
32 matches played
20 Chelsea wins
11 draws
1 spurs win
Put the kettle on!
Post by: Risso on May 02, 2024, 11:03:08 PM
If anyone is worried about how confident Spurs fans are of taking fourth place from us, the busiest thread on their main forum is called "Would you take relegation if it meant new owners and a fresh start?"
Doesn't feel like the mentality of a club about to win a load of games to overtake us.
Ange, never one to exactly look an interviewer in the eye after a defeat, was staring at his feet so intently tonight you could literally only see the top of his head.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 02, 2024, 11:06:08 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 02, 2024, 11:07:17 PM
He reminds me of the joke about how can you tell a Finish extrovert from a Finish introvert?If anyone is worried about how confident Spurs fans are of taking fourth place from us, the busiest thread on their main forum is called "Would you take relegation if it meant new owners and a fresh start?"
Doesn't feel like the mentality of a club about to win a load of games to overtake us.
Ange, never one to exactly look an interviewer in the eye after a defeat, was staring at his feet so intently tonight you could literally only see the top of his head.
The Finish extrovert stares at your feet when he is talking to you.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 02, 2024, 11:07:52 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 02, 2024, 11:09:16 PM
Spurs have taken 7 points from their last 7 games, not keeping a clean sheet and the 2 wins were laboured home wins over Luton and Forest. It's not impossible they win their last 3 but they'd give anything to swap positions with us.We win Sunday and it’s done.
Post by: Risso on May 02, 2024, 11:11:53 PM
Spurs have taken 7 points from their last 7 games, not keeping a clean sheet and the 2 wins were laboured home wins over Luton and Forest. It's not impossible they win their last 3 but they'd give anything to swap positions with us.We win Sunday and it’s done.
If we win and they lose, that's it, properly done and dusted.
Post by: paul_e on May 02, 2024, 11:13:40 PM
He reminds me of the joke about how can you tell a Finish extrovert from a Finish introvert?If anyone is worried about how confident Spurs fans are of taking fourth place from us, the busiest thread on their main forum is called "Would you take relegation if it meant new owners and a fresh start?"
Doesn't feel like the mentality of a club about to win a load of games to overtake us.
Ange, never one to exactly look an interviewer in the eye after a defeat, was staring at his feet so intently tonight you could literally only see the top of his head.
The Finish extrovert stares at your feet when he is talking to you.
If you like this it's worth googling for images of finnish people at bus stops, they're fucking brilliant. Natural queueing over there looks like peak covid restrictions to most of the rest of the world.
Post by: Dave on May 02, 2024, 11:16:09 PM
If anyone really wants to hedge against potential disappointment.
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on May 02, 2024, 11:20:11 PM
He reminds me of the joke about how can you tell a Finish extrovert from a Finish introvert?If anyone is worried about how confident Spurs fans are of taking fourth place from us, the busiest thread on their main forum is called "Would you take relegation if it meant new owners and a fresh start?"
Doesn't feel like the mentality of a club about to win a load of games to overtake us.
Ange, never one to exactly look an interviewer in the eye after a defeat, was staring at his feet so intently tonight you could literally only see the top of his head.
The Finish extrovert stares at your feet when he is talking to you.
If you like this it's worth googling for images of finnish people at bus stops, they're fucking brilliant. Natural queueing over there looks like peak covid restrictions to most of the rest of the world.
Sounds amazing, maybe I should move to Finland. Also it has Moominland. Autistic paradise.
Post by: Risso on May 02, 2024, 11:21:45 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 02, 2024, 11:34:08 PM
Villa 18
Spurs 13
Last 6 games
Villa 11
Spurs 7
Post by: Somniloquism on May 02, 2024, 11:39:20 PM
We still miss Mings. I'm convinced we would have conceded less goals if he didn't get injured. Can't wait to see him back.
We might not have scored as many if he was playing instead of Torres. But having them both available and getting minutes would have helped overall.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 02, 2024, 11:48:33 PM
Brighton V Aston Villa
Brighton’s results in the league since the beginning of March.
LWLDLDLL
F 3 A 16
5 pts out of a potential 24
Comforting?
One defeat 43 years ago !
Unbeaten at the Amex and won the last two.
Historical facts of playing away at Brighton 13 matches played 1 defeat.
Liverpool v Spurs
Spurs last won 13 years ago at Anfield
Last 12 matches:
LDLLLDLDLLLD
Overall record
31 Matches
Liverpool 20 wins
9 draws
2 defeats.
Post by: Keeno on May 02, 2024, 11:50:47 PM
Post by: KRS on May 03, 2024, 12:46:03 AM
Post by: Ads on May 03, 2024, 12:53:55 AM
If anyone is worried about how confident Spurs fans are of taking fourth place from us, the busiest thread on their main forum is called "Would you take relegation if it meant new owners and a fresh start?"
Doesn't feel like the mentality of a club about to win a load of games to overtake us.
Good to see talking bollocks is universal amongst online fans.
Post by: Monty on May 03, 2024, 12:59:11 AM
If anyone is worried about how confident Spurs fans are of taking fourth place from us, the busiest thread on their main forum is called "Would you take relegation if it meant new owners and a fresh start?"
Doesn't feel like the mentality of a club about to win a load of games to overtake us.
Good to see talking bollocks is universal amongst online fans.
They are utterly delightful drama queens.
Post by: Ads on May 03, 2024, 01:04:22 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 03, 2024, 01:06:49 AM
If anyone is worried about how confident Spurs fans are of taking fourth place from us, the busiest thread on their main forum is called "Would you take relegation if it meant new owners and a fresh start?"
Doesn't feel like the mentality of a club about to win a load of games to overtake us.
Good to see talking bollocks is universal amongst online fans.
You only have to look on a Yanited forum or RAWK and see them complaining about the ref's bias against them, to know that.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 03, 2024, 01:18:07 AM
There’s not much point in calculating the permutations, predicting or worrying about their or our results…the only thing that matters now is that the “magic number” has reduced to 6 after the Spurs defeat at Chelsea. With that being said, it could be all over on Sunday, the magic number further reduced…or stay the same if they win and we lose.
Yeah, just came to the thread to post the new magic number.
8 better on the goal difference as well.
Post by: Monty on May 03, 2024, 01:20:40 AM
Post by: Ads on May 03, 2024, 01:28:19 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 03, 2024, 01:33:54 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c51n5nz05pro
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 03, 2024, 03:26:02 AM
Post by: KRS on May 03, 2024, 05:13:12 AM
Post by: Villafirst on May 03, 2024, 06:07:59 AM
Post by: Lsvilla on May 03, 2024, 07:25:56 AM
Inspiring from AngeStraight from the Stevie Me handbook - comments like "it's on me" and "hard work mate".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c51n5nz05pro
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 07:30:52 AM
Post by: rob_bridge on May 03, 2024, 07:52:41 AM
It would be great to get it done this weekend. Because we need 1000% focus next Thursday on turning around the game in Greece.
I think we win v Brighton it is as good as over. Spurs had a good run at start of season but since then not put 4 performances together
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 03, 2024, 07:56:14 AM
It’s pretty much out of our hands to get it done this weekend…if we beat Brighton then Liverpool still need to do the business against Spurs. Even if both Villa and Spurs draw then that equates to 3pts off the “magic number” of 6, so would just need 1x Villa win or 1x Spurs defeat out of the remaining games to push the CL spot over the line.If we beat Brighton, then Spurs need to win their last 4 games or win 3 and draw 1 whilst turning over an 8 goal deficit. That is assuming we don’t pick up any points against Pool or Palace.
They have won 3 from their last 7 and just lost 3 on the bounce.
Not happening.
Post by: colin69 on May 03, 2024, 08:01:28 AM
Post by: IFWaters on May 03, 2024, 08:05:16 AM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 03, 2024, 08:09:28 AM
Realistically, if we go on form, Champions League qualification should be secured before we tuck ourselves into bed on Sunday evening. I'm more interested in next Thursday tbh....
I think pulling off a result out in Greece depends on ONE thing - Having Tielemans fit. Our midfield without either him or Kamara just does not work. No surprise our best midfield performances in recent times were against Arsenal and Bournemouth (*this one without Dougie too).
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 03, 2024, 08:09:41 AM
If through whatever combo of results we can get 4th by close of play Sunday and get Emi back I think we will get through in Athens.And score first and early.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 03, 2024, 08:12:42 AM
Post by: Dave on May 03, 2024, 08:37:01 AM
Quote
It really is starting to look like an absolutely terrible end to the season for Spurs. They’ve collapsed entirely in recent weeks, and it’s going wrong all over the pitch. Having gone 39 games without failing to score in a Premier League game, they have now been effortlessly shut out in three of their last four away games by Fulham, Newcastle and Chelsea. These are not teams with conspicuously good defences. All have shipped 50-something goals this season. All have, somehow, conceded more goals than Spurs.
And yet all have been able to shut Spurs down with indecent ease in quick succession. It’s now just a single goal and a single point on the road for Postecoglou’s side in four game since so spectacularly dismantling Aston Villa in March.
Back then, it really did look like advantage Spurs in the race for fourth. The Sky commentators were even tonight still pretending that Spurs had Champions League ambitions and would need a win to boost said ambitions here. Adorable, really. No Spurs fan is still looking up at Villa after their recent efforts; they are all looking down at Newcastle, Manchester United and now also Chelsea with a rising and familiar feeling of nausea.
None of the three teams below them should be giving it up just yet, not on this and other recent evidence.
If you wanted an example of Spurs’ current confusion and uncertainty, you didn’t have to look far. They could be seen all over the pitch, from the ramshackle attempts at defending set-pieces to the desperate lack of imagination in the final third against Chelsea’s own rejigged and makeshift defence.
But the clearest one of all was the sight of a team that has worn white shorts all season deciding to chuck on some blue ones to play against a team in blue. Such a profoundly nonserious football club that even wearing their traditional colours becomes an act of unfathomable idiocy.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 03, 2024, 08:40:05 AM
The levels have at times been among the finest in the last 150 years, both at home and away.
What Emery and Villa are doing is joy and I'm so thrilled, and there may be times when things have been difficult and performance struggles, but the bigger picture is that on the cusp of officially saying Champions League football is coming to Villa Park!!
Post by: Somniloquism on May 03, 2024, 08:41:14 AM
If through whatever combo of results we can get 4th by close of play Sunday and get Emi back I think we will get through in Athens.And score first and early.
We did last night. Unfortunately it was ruled out.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 08:52:43 AM
The majority of the season and Emery's tenure has seen the club be a top four performer. Villa have show some of the best team and player performances at Villa Park in Premier League history.
The levels have at times been among the finest in the last 150 years, both at home and away.
What Emery and Villa are doing is joy and I'm so thrilled, and there may be times when things have been difficult and performance struggles, but the bigger picture is that on the cusp of officially saying Champions League football is coming to Villa Park!!
I dont think anyone is going to say unai is doing anad job as we can all see we have had a wonderful season.
But its mainly been the first halfs been good. 2nd has been quite frankly average to poor.
The disappointing thing for me is that this was our best chance of silverware and i cant believe we look like we have blown it
Post by: PeterWithe on May 03, 2024, 08:54:34 AM
Post by: PeterWithe on May 03, 2024, 08:58:44 AM
Post by: Dave on May 03, 2024, 09:02:32 AM
Out of nothing but interest, is that coefficient thingy still live, ie does last nights result have any baring on the year after nexts CL places or does it all reset next season?
It has an impact on the overall rankings - but that's more about keeping the normal European places. The annual rankings (so the thing we've been look at for the last three months) will reset.
England is miles ahead in first on the overall rankings, but I think Italy will overtake Spain into second place after this season. Czechia knocked Scotland out of the top ten this season so Scotland lose their Champions League place from season after next.
Post by: Goldie.7 on May 03, 2024, 09:06:31 AM
You can now get odds of 18/1 on Spurs to finish in the top four.
If anyone really wants to hedge against potential disappointment.
They say history always repeats itself...
Honestly, not a horrible punt. Spuds haven't lost four Premier League matches in a row since November 2004. They came close to it in October 2021 and guess what club they beat to avoid it? Again in December 2023 drawing away at city 3-3 in the 90th minute.
Brighton's form since the end of January has been dire but they can play with complete freedom knowing they have nothing to lose or gain.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 03, 2024, 09:13:26 AM
Yes it will repeat itself like I have repeatYou can now get odds of 18/1 on Spurs to finish in the top four.
If anyone really wants to hedge against potential disappointment.
They say history always repeats itself...
Honestly, not a horrible punt. Spuds haven't lost four Premier League matches in a row since November 2004. They came close to it in October 2021 and guess what club they beat to avoid it? Again in December 2023 drawing away at city 3-3 in the 90th minute.
Brighton's form since the end of January has been dire but they can play with complete freedom knowing they have nothing to lose or gain.
The history Villa never lost to Brighton away in the Premier League and once in 43 years away.
The history
Spurs last won 13 years ago at Anfield they have won twice in 31 years.
Last 12 matches:
LDLLLDLDLLLD
Overall record
31 Matches
Liverpool 20 wins
9 draws
2 defeats.
Those are the facts.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 03, 2024, 09:22:12 AM
Post by: Ads on May 03, 2024, 09:38:21 AM
The majority of the season and Emery's tenure has seen the club be a top four performer. Villa have show some of the best team and player performances at Villa Park in Premier League history.
The levels have at times been among the finest in the last 150 years, both at home and away.
What Emery and Villa are doing is joy and I'm so thrilled, and there may be times when things have been difficult and performance struggles, but the bigger picture is that on the cusp of officially saying Champions League football is coming to Villa Park!!
I dont think anyone is going to say unai is doing anad job as we can all see we have had a wonderful season.
But its mainly been the first halfs been good. 2nd has been quite frankly average to poor.
The disappointing thing for me is that this was our best chance of silverware and i cant believe we look like we have blown it
We haven't been poor at all 2nd half of the season.
We've payed 16, won 8, drawn 4 and lost 4. That's 1.75 points per game, which if extrapolated over 38 games would have us on 66.5, so 67. What we have now, which will probably turn out to be enough for 4th.
That points per game has been achieved largely without our defensive midfielder, with significantly more cup games than anybody bar the 3 teams above us, with the 2nd lowest turn around time for games, and on and on and on.
You have a strange definition of "average and poor".
Post by: Ads on May 03, 2024, 09:39:11 AM
You can now get odds of 18/1 on Spurs to finish in the top four.
If anyone really wants to hedge against potential disappointment.
They say history always repeats itself...
Honestly, not a horrible punt. Spuds haven't lost four Premier League matches in a row since November 2004. They came close to it in October 2021 and guess what club they beat to avoid it? Again in December 2023 drawing away at city 3-3 in the 90th minute.
Brighton's form since the end of January has been dire but they can play with complete freedom knowing they have nothing to lose or gain.
Christ. "When the fun stops, stop".
Post by: Drummond on May 03, 2024, 10:12:34 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 03, 2024, 10:13:12 AM
Spurs fans have given up now. If you can't enjoy the fact we are 7 points clear in 4th place with 3 games to go (4 for them), when can you?
When they’ve got two games left.
Post by: paul_e on May 03, 2024, 10:24:48 AM
The majority of the season and Emery's tenure has seen the club be a top four performer. Villa have show some of the best team and player performances at Villa Park in Premier League history.
The levels have at times been among the finest in the last 150 years, both at home and away.
What Emery and Villa are doing is joy and I'm so thrilled, and there may be times when things have been difficult and performance struggles, but the bigger picture is that on the cusp of officially saying Champions League football is coming to Villa Park!!
I dont think anyone is going to say unai is doing anad job as we can all see we have had a wonderful season.
But its mainly been the first halfs been good. 2nd has been quite frankly average to poor.
The disappointing thing for me is that this was our best chance of silverware and i cant believe we look like we have blown it
It really hasn't.
After 19 games we were 3rd place in the league in the table as of boxing day.
In a league table starting 27/12 we're 4th. Yes we've not kept up the level we were at but there's nothing "average to poor" about being top 4 over that period.
Post by: chrisw1 on May 03, 2024, 10:30:09 AM
We have all but finished 4th and got to a European semi-final.
That's fucking fantastic. Unbelievable progress, the future is so bright it's glaring.
We've got super Unai Emery and we're coming for you.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 10:30:19 AM
The majority of the season and Emery's tenure has seen the club be a top four performer. Villa have show some of the best team and player performances at Villa Park in Premier League history.
The levels have at times been among the finest in the last 150 years, both at home and away.
What Emery and Villa are doing is joy and I'm so thrilled, and there may be times when things have been difficult and performance struggles, but the bigger picture is that on the cusp of officially saying Champions League football is coming to Villa Park!!
I dont think anyone is going to say unai is doing anad job as we can all see we have had a wonderful season.
But its mainly been the first halfs been good. 2nd has been quite frankly average to poor.
The disappointing thing for me is that this was our best chance of silverware and i cant believe we look like we have blown it
We haven't been poor at all 2nd half of the season.
We've payed 16, won 8, drawn 4 and lost 4. That's 1.75 points per game, which if extrapolated over 38 games would have us on 66.5, so 67. What we have now, which will probably turn out to be enough for 4th.
That points per game has been achieved largely without our defensive midfielder, with significantly more cup games than anybody bar the 3 teams above us, with the 2nd lowest turn around time for games, and on and on and on.
You have a strange definition of "average and poor".
Im talking about performances. Its not "strange" anyone can see we have played bettee first half of the season in comparison to the 2nd half.
If its strange tell how many did we lose at villa park in 1st half of season compared to now? Teams like olympiakos come to us and spank us. In first half of season we were destroying teams at villa park
I should have said performances as thats what i was alluding to
Post by: Ads on May 03, 2024, 10:31:04 AM
Post by: Dave on May 03, 2024, 10:34:44 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
Yup. Get Brighton sorted, write off the rest of the league season and all the eggs go into next Thursday's basket.
Get Emi and Youri back for Greece and coast to a satisfying 0-4 win.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 03, 2024, 10:37:59 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
I’m the same. This CL thing has been like an itch that you can’t quite reach, what with watching the coefficient fall away and little stumbles like the Spurs and Brentford results.
So close now, and it will be such a relief if and when we make it, not least as it will lead to a much more settled summer regarding our star players I would hope.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 10:42:06 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
This i agree with. I think if doug scored thw pen would have given me more hope. Just cant see us over turning a 2-0 deficit I desperately wanted this trophy 😔
Post by: Smithy on May 03, 2024, 10:45:33 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
This i agree with. I think if doug scored thw pen would have given me more hope. Just cant see us over turning a 2-0 deficit I desperately wanted this trophy 😔
We’ve already come back from 2-0 down against this lot once, we can do it again :-)
Post by: LeeS on May 03, 2024, 10:56:34 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
I’m the same. This CL thing has been like an itch that you can’t quite reach, what with watching the coefficient fall away and little stumbles like the Spurs and Brentford results.
So close now, and it will be such a relief if and when we make it, not least as it will lead to a much more settled summer regarding our star players I would hope.
Same for me. I’ve been obsessing about all the combinations of results that might see us lose 4th. The relief when we get over the line will be immense.
I find the fans who don’t seem to be nervous about it quite odd. Anyone following Villa for the last 40 years should have an inbuilt and reflexive aversion to any sort of confidence. It’s the same as supporting the England cricket team.
Post by: Drummond on May 03, 2024, 10:59:41 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
This i agree with. I think if doug scored thw pen would have given me more hope. Just cant see us over turning a 2-0 deficit I desperately wanted this trophy 😔
We’ve already come back from 2-0 down against this lot once, we can do it again :-)
Exactly.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 03, 2024, 11:01:45 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
I’m the same. This CL thing has been like an itch that you can’t quite reach, what with watching the coefficient fall away and little stumbles like the Spurs and Brentford results.
So close now, and it will be such a relief if and when we make it, not least as it will lead to a much more settled summer regarding our star players I would hope.
Same for me. I’ve been obsessing about all the combinations of results that might see us lose 4th. The relief when we get over the line will be immense.
I find the fans who don’t seem to be nervous about it quite odd. Anyone following Villa for the last 40 years should have an inbuilt and reflexive aversion to any sort of confidence. It’s the same as supporting the England cricket team.
Don’t get me wrong - I found some of the ‘we’ve blown it’ posts after the Spurs and Brentford games laughably hysterical and pessimistic.
Some people were predicting sixth for fuck’s sake!
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 11:12:28 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
This i agree with. I think if doug scored thw pen would have given me more hope. Just cant see us over turning a 2-0 deficit I desperately wanted this trophy 😔
We’ve already come back from 2-0 down against this lot once, we can do it again :-)
I hope so mate. Im so deflated after last night. I never saw that result coming even following greek football.
I said in post match thread - olympiakos have crumbled before. They were crushing 3-0 against fenebache and then almost drew the game 3-2.
Honestly if we show up and play a fast paced attacking game we could destroy them. But we havebt seen this in european games at all consistently for a whole game or even a half.
Next weeks the time to change that but its gonna be bloody tough. Their fans are incredible as we saw yesterday. Add another 28k and if our players cant handle it its gonna be another long night.
The key is score early and make them nervous. Its happened before so i dont see why we cabt
Post by: LeeS on May 03, 2024, 11:14:10 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
I’m the same. This CL thing has been like an itch that you can’t quite reach, what with watching the coefficient fall away and little stumbles like the Spurs and Brentford results.
So close now, and it will be such a relief if and when we make it, not least as it will lead to a much more settled summer regarding our star players I would hope.
Same for me. I’ve been obsessing about all the combinations of results that might see us lose 4th. The relief when we get over the line will be immense.
I find the fans who don’t seem to be nervous about it quite odd. Anyone following Villa for the last 40 years should have an inbuilt and reflexive aversion to any sort of confidence. It’s the same as supporting the England cricket team.
Don’t get me wrong - I found some of the ‘we’ve blown it’ posts after the Spurs and Brentford games laughably hysterical and pessimistic.
Some people were predicting sixth for fuck’s sake!
On reflection, this is fair comment. But where else can a chap go to air these primal fears in the spur of the moment? My wife has absolutely no interest in football and all my mates support the “big 6”. They think life has ended if they don’t win the Champions League.
Post by: Keeno on May 03, 2024, 11:17:47 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 03, 2024, 11:18:01 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
I’m the same. This CL thing has been like an itch that you can’t quite reach, what with watching the coefficient fall away and little stumbles like the Spurs and Brentford results.
So close now, and it will be such a relief if and when we make it, not least as it will lead to a much more settled summer regarding our star players I would hope.
Same for me. I’ve been obsessing about all the combinations of results that might see us lose 4th. The relief when we get over the line will be immense.
I find the fans who don’t seem to be nervous about it quite odd. Anyone following Villa for the last 40 years should have an inbuilt and reflexive aversion to any sort of confidence. It’s the same as supporting the England cricket team.
Don’t get me wrong - I found some of the ‘we’ve blown it’ posts after the Spurs and Brentford games laughably hysterical and pessimistic.
Some people were predicting sixth for fuck’s sake!
On reflection, this is fair comment. But where else can a chap go to air these primal fears in the spur of the moment? My wife has absolutely no interest in football and all my mates support the “big 6”. They think life has ended if they don’t win the Champions League.
Haha, sorry mate, I had no idea if you were one of them! I did save a couple in my phone notes but didn’t take note of who posted them. I thought at the time they might come in handy for the Samaritans.
Post by: Nunkin1965 on May 03, 2024, 11:18:47 AM
I'm really confident that if we grab the first goal next week we'll make the final.Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
This i agree with. I think if doug scored thw pen would have given me more hope. Just cant see us over turning a 2-0 deficit I desperately wanted this trophy 😔
We’ve already come back from 2-0 down against this lot once, we can do it again :-)
I hope so mate. Im so deflated after last night. I never saw that result coming even following greek football.
I said in post match thread - olympiakos have crumbled before. They were crushing 3-0 against fenebache and then almost drew the game 3-2.
Honestly if we show up and play a fast paced attacking game we could destroy them. But we havebt seen this in european games at all consistently for a whole game or even a half.
Next weeks the time to change that but its gonna be bloody tough. Their fans are incredible as we saw yesterday. Add another 28k and if our players cant handle it its gonna be another long night.
The key is score early and make them nervous. Its happened before so i dont see why we cabt
All is definitely not lost.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on May 03, 2024, 11:20:12 AM
Need to finish the job at Brighton. 8)
Yes hopefully they will have their deckchairs out for the beach as its Brighton. I think we will win . Is a draw a bad result especially if Spurzz dont win against p lop .
Post by: Luffbralion on May 03, 2024, 11:21:16 AM
The majority of the season and Emery's tenure has seen the club be a top four performer. Villa have show some of the best team and player performances at Villa Park in Premier League history.
The levels have at times been among the finest in the last 150 years, both at home and away.
What Emery and Villa are doing is joy and I'm so thrilled, and there may be times when things have been difficult and performance struggles, but the bigger picture is that on the cusp of officially saying Champions League football is coming to Villa Park!!
I dont think anyone is going to say unai is doing anad job as we can all see we have had a wonderful season.
But its mainly been the first halfs been good. 2nd has been quite frankly average to poor.
The disappointing thing for me is that this was our best chance of silverware and i cant believe we look like we have blown it
We haven't been poor at all 2nd half of the season.
We've payed 16, won 8, drawn 4 and lost 4. That's 1.75 points per game, which if extrapolated over 38 games would have us on 66.5, so 67. What we have now, which will probably turn out to be enough for 4th.
That points per game has been achieved largely without our defensive midfielder, with significantly more cup games than anybody bar the 3 teams above us, with the 2nd lowest turn around time for games, and on and on and on.
You have a strange definition of "average and poor".
I've been aware of a drop off in home performances. After the amazing 15 consecutive home Premier League victories, culminating in that marvellous week against Man City and Arsenal, our home league record is: W 4 D 3 L 3 and we have also lost to Chelsea and now Olympiakos in the cups at Villa Park
Meanwhile our away league record is W 5 D2 L2 (against the two Manchester clubs)
It's our home form that has dropped a bit ,..but our away performances have largely been excellent.
Given we have two more away league fixtures let's look on the bright side!
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 03, 2024, 11:22:34 AM
Need to finish the job at Brighton. 8)
Yes hopefully they will have their deckchairs out for the beach as its Brighton. I think we will win . Is a draw a bad result especially if Spurzz dont win against p lop .
Not a bad combination, but would drag it out. I don’t want it dragged out any more. Draws for both clubs would bring the magic number down to 3.
Post by: paul_e on May 03, 2024, 11:23:43 AM
Haha, sorry mate, I had no idea if you were one of them! I did save a couple in my phone notes but didn’t take note of who posted them. I thought at the time they might come in handy for the Samaritans.
I've never gone to keeping notes but I do keep a mental tally of the people who seem to post significantly more after a defeat than they do after a win. For some I do worry that if they didn't have this forum they'd end up punching a wall or worse, the undirected anger is insane, especially given the context of where we are and how we got here.
Post by: OCD on May 03, 2024, 11:25:18 AM
Even a point against Brighton would leave Spurs needing to win 3 of 4 to better our total. Their loss last night and the manner in which they did it, with Postecoglou furious and the body language really poor, makes me think they might struggle to get to the total we're currently on. Not out of the question they could be caught by Newcastle for 5th place tbh.
They're in full-on implosion mode, in a way that only Spurs can do.
Then there's talk that Chelsea are getting rid of Pochetino so they can give Conte the job. So that would put them back to square one again.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 11:29:38 AM
The majority of the season and Emery's tenure has seen the club be a top four performer. Villa have show some of the best team and player performances at Villa Park in Premier League history.
The levels have at times been among the finest in the last 150 years, both at home and away.
What Emery and Villa are doing is joy and I'm so thrilled, and there may be times when things have been difficult and performance struggles, but the bigger picture is that on the cusp of officially saying Champions League football is coming to Villa Park!!
I dont think anyone is going to say unai is doing anad job as we can all see we have had a wonderful season.
But its mainly been the first halfs been good. 2nd has been quite frankly average to poor.
The disappointing thing for me is that this was our best chance of silverware and i cant believe we look like we have blown it
We haven't been poor at all 2nd half of the season.
We've payed 16, won 8, drawn 4 and lost 4. That's 1.75 points per game, which if extrapolated over 38 games would have us on 66.5, so 67. What we have now, which will probably turn out to be enough for 4th.
That points per game has been achieved largely without our defensive midfielder, with significantly more cup games than anybody bar the 3 teams above us, with the 2nd lowest turn around time for games, and on and on and on.
You have a strange definition of "average and poor".
I've been aware of a drop off in home performances. After the amazing 15 consecutive home Premier League victories, culminating in that marvellous week against Man City and Arsenal, our home league record is: W 4 D 3 L 3 and we have also lost to Chelsea and now Olympiakos in the cups at Villa Park
Meanwhile our away league record is W 5 D2 L2 (against the two Manchester clubs)
It's our home form that has dropped a bit ,..but our away performances have largely been excellent.
Given we have two more away league fixtures let's look on the bright side!
Thanks for providing the data. Its interesting how its changed. We looked unbeatable at home then after beating citeh and arsenal back to back we had a really bad one vs sheff utd then it seems to ahve been where it started going wrong.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 11:33:34 AM
Haha, sorry mate, I had no idea if you were one of them! I did save a couple in my phone notes but didn’t take note of who posted them. I thought at the time they might come in handy for the Samaritans.
I've never gone to keeping notes but I do keep a mental tally of the people who seem to post significantly more after a defeat than they do after a win. For some I do worry that if they didn't have this forum they'd end up punching a wall or worse, the undirected anger is insane, especially given the context of where we are and how we got here.
What people need to understand is not every football fan is the same. Some are calm even when you lose ( i wish i was like this) other are more emotional and it helps to vent on a forum. Others might punch walls who knows. As long as you are not abusing anyone i dont care how people respond to a defeat.you are going to always going to get OTT reactions especially from the ones who have not seen us win anything
Post by: paul_e on May 03, 2024, 11:42:36 AM
Haha, sorry mate, I had no idea if you were one of them! I did save a couple in my phone notes but didn’t take note of who posted them. I thought at the time they might come in handy for the Samaritans.
I've never gone to keeping notes but I do keep a mental tally of the people who seem to post significantly more after a defeat than they do after a win. For some I do worry that if they didn't have this forum they'd end up punching a wall or worse, the undirected anger is insane, especially given the context of where we are and how we got here.
What people need to understand is not every football fan is the same. Some are calm even when you lose ( i wish i was like this) other are more emotional and it helps to vent on a forum. Others might punch walls who knows. As long as you are not abusing anyone i dont care how people respond to a defeat.you are going to always going to get OTT reactions especially from the ones who have not seen us win anything
That's true but why does everyone else have to accept people like you posting a fresh rant about hoew shit everything is every few posts but you don't have to accept them asking you to reign it in a bit? As you say some people feel the need to vent their frustration about the game but for others seeing abuse thrown out about our players every time we're not winning comfortably pisses them off. What you're asking is for the latter group to get over it because you won't change and then acting like a victim when they do the same.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 03, 2024, 11:44:44 AM
Haha, sorry mate, I had no idea if you were one of them! I did save a couple in my phone notes but didn’t take note of who posted them. I thought at the time they might come in handy for the Samaritans.
I've never gone to keeping notes but I do keep a mental tally of the people who seem to post significantly more after a defeat than they do after a win. For some I do worry that if they didn't have this forum they'd end up punching a wall or worse, the undirected anger is insane, especially given the context of where we are and how we got here.
What people need to understand is not every football fan is the same. Some are calm even when you lose ( i wish i was like this) other are more emotional and it helps to vent on a forum. Others might punch walls who knows. As long as you are not abusing anyone i dont care how people respond to a defeat.you are going to always going to get OTT reactions especially from the ones who have not seen us win anything
That's true but why does everyone else have to accept people like you posting a fresh rant about hoew shit everything is every few posts but you don't have to accept them asking you to reign it in a bit? As you say some people feel the need to vent their frustration about the game but for others seeing abuse thrown out about our players every time we're not winning comfortably pisses them off. What you're asking is for the latter group to get over it because you won't change and then acting like a victim when they do the same.
There’s a lot of it about.
Post by: AV82EC on May 03, 2024, 11:57:35 AM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
This i agree with. I think if doug scored thw pen would have given me more hope. Just cant see us over turning a 2-0 deficit I desperately wanted this trophy 😔
We’ve already come back from 2-0 down against this lot once, we can do it again :-)
I hope so mate. Im so deflated after last night. I never saw that result coming even following greek football.
I said in post match thread - olympiakos have crumbled before. They were crushing 3-0 against fenebache and then almost drew the game 3-2.
Honestly if we show up and play a fast paced attacking game we could destroy them. But we havebt seen this in european games at all consistently for a whole game or even a half.
Next weeks the time to change that but its gonna be bloody tough. Their fans are incredible as we saw yesterday. Add another 28k and if our players cant handle it its gonna be another long night.
The key is score early and make them nervous. Its happened before so i dont see why we cabt
You missed the Alkmaar home and away games and the Ajax Home game then?
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 03, 2024, 12:43:03 PM
If you can't be happy after that, when can you?
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 12:53:17 PM
Haha, sorry mate, I had no idea if you were one of them! I did save a couple in my phone notes but didn’t take note of who posted them. I thought at the time they might come in handy for the Samaritans.
I've never gone to keeping notes but I do keep a mental tally of the people who seem to post significantly more after a defeat than they do after a win. For some I do worry that if they didn't have this forum they'd end up punching a wall or worse, the undirected anger is insane, especially given the context of where we are and how we got here.
What people need to understand is not every football fan is the same. Some are calm even when you lose ( i wish i was like this) other are more emotional and it helps to vent on a forum. Others might punch walls who knows. As long as you are not abusing anyone i dont care how people respond to a defeat.you are going to always going to get OTT reactions especially from the ones who have not seen us win anything
That's true but why does everyone else have to accept people like you posting a fresh rant about hoew shit everything is every few posts but you don't have to accept them asking you to reign it in a bit? As you say some people feel the need to vent their frustration about the game but for others seeing abuse thrown out about our players every time we're not winning comfortably pisses them off. What you're asking is for the latter group to get over it because you won't change and then acting like a victim when they do the same.
Paul those individuals that you describe are then aggressively told to shut up or like that foolish post singling out three posters and being a complete wet wipe? They are much worse. I always when i may need to vent dont call out or start on anyone.
Most people who rant (and i dont eveey day just for the record have a look at alot of my posts today)
Just ignore the posts you dont like i do that i only respond if someone is being a bit of a dick and just adds a comment like shut up they obviously trying to antagonise.
Just my two cents
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 01:00:29 PM
Something of a confession this, but as somebody who definitely wants to win a trophy and doesn't believe it's either/or, I feel quite relieved by the Chelsea result, to the point where it's taken the sting out of all the silly errors of last night. Maybe it's because we are in control of our destiny in the 2nd leg (we know what we must do and it's executed or it is not). It's not like it was out of our control either after Spurs lost to Arsenal, but it just feels very solid now, tangible.
This i agree with. I think if doug scored thw pen would have given me more hope. Just cant see us over turning a 2-0 deficit I desperately wanted this trophy 😔
We’ve already come back from 2-0 down against this lot once, we can do it again :-)
I hope so mate. Im so deflated after last night. I never saw that result coming even following greek football.
I said in post match thread - olympiakos have crumbled before. They were crushing 3-0 against fenebache and then almost drew the game 3-2.
Honestly if we show up and play a fast paced attacking game we could destroy them. But we havebt seen this in european games at all consistently for a whole game or even a half.
Next weeks the time to change that but its gonna be bloody tough. Their fans are incredible as we saw yesterday. Add another 28k and if our players cant handle it its gonna be another long night.
The key is score early and make them nervous. Its happened before so i dont see why we cabt
You missed the Alkmaar home and away games and the Ajax Home game then?
How about the AZ home game, the legia games mostar games? Then i would argue the lille ones we didnt dominate those either.
We were 2nd best against lille in both legs and lucky to go through tbf. We havent hit our heights of the league in europe for some reason
Post by: eamonn on May 03, 2024, 02:12:34 PM
A disrepute charge from the FA, a visit from the Old Bill and a mutual parting of the ways this summer. Making way for Spurs' new manager next season - I give you - Eric Ten Haag!
Post by: paul_e on May 03, 2024, 02:13:19 PM
Paul those individuals that you describe are then aggressively told to shut up or like that foolish post singling out three posters and being a complete wet wipe? They are much worse. I always when i may need to vent dont call out or start on anyone.
Most people who rant (and i dont eveey day just for the record have a look at alot of my posts today)
Just ignore the posts you dont like i do that i only respond if someone is being a bit of a dick and just adds a comment like shut up they obviously trying to antagonise.
Just my two cents
Which is a lot of words to say you don't care if you annoy people but not explaining why you think they're being dicks if they annoy you.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 03, 2024, 02:16:50 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 02:30:16 PM
Paul those individuals that you describe are then aggressively told to shut up or like that foolish post singling out three posters and being a complete wet wipe? They are much worse. I always when i may need to vent dont call out or start on anyone.
Most people who rant (and i dont eveey day just for the record have a look at alot of my posts today)
Just ignore the posts you dont like i do that i only respond if someone is being a bit of a dick and just adds a comment like shut up they obviously trying to antagonise.
Just my two cents
Which is a lot of words to say you don't care if you annoy people but not explaining why you think they're being dicks if they annoy you.
You are being a dick if you just tell someone to shut up and thats all.
You wouldnt do that in real life so i dont see how its acceptable or good manners on a forum.
Someone venting about a game is not attacking anyone like the above comment thats the difference for me.
Im all for engaging on differing opinions but in a respectful way like how me and you are engaging now
Post by: LeeS on May 03, 2024, 02:34:54 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 02:35:49 PM
Rest assured, it wasn’t me. I was speaking hypothetically. I always bet on us to lose so if we do I’m too busy counting my winnings to be on here moaning!
How much did you win lee? Odds must have been good !
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 03, 2024, 02:37:25 PM
Rest assured, it wasn’t me. I was speaking hypothetically. I always bet on us to lose so if we do I’m too busy counting my winnings to be on here moaning!
Haha, fair play. I put money on us to get relegated once just to jinx it.
Post by: LeeS on May 03, 2024, 02:43:43 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 03, 2024, 02:46:06 PM
Rest assured, it wasn’t me. I was speaking hypothetically. I always bet on us to lose so if we do I’m too busy counting my winnings to be on here moaning!
How much did you win lee? Odds must have been good !
Think Olympiacos were around 7/1 or 8/1 to win.
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 03, 2024, 02:47:19 PM
This time next week we'll be in the CL and a European final.Hopefully this: and Bl*es will be in League 1 (doubt that, though, sadly)!
Post by: OCD on May 03, 2024, 02:51:15 PM
This time next week we'll be in the CL and a European final.Hopefully this: and Bl*es will be in League 1 (doubt that, though, sadly)!
If Carlsberg wrote season endings.
Post by: Small Rodent on May 03, 2024, 03:04:41 PM
Something that has long concerned me, our Euro run has shown we will need expensive reinforcements if we get to the CL. And a fair few of them. If we go out in the group stages, that’s a lot of extra wages to carry without the income to balance it out.
Our replacements are fine on the whole. At the tail end of the season it’s the replacements replacements that are awkward.
Post by: pablo_picasso on May 03, 2024, 04:01:06 PM
Rest assured, it wasn’t me. I was speaking hypothetically. I always bet on us to lose so if we do I’m too busy counting my winnings to be on here moaning!
Haha, fair play. I put money on us to get relegated once just to jinx it.
I have had a £50 bet with one of my Spurs supporting friends about which club will "out-Spurs" Spurs between the two.
If I lose, it means that Villa will be in Champs League & it will be the best £50 that I have ever spent...
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 04:59:18 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 03, 2024, 05:08:52 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 03, 2024, 05:16:23 PM
I won a nandos meal off one of my chelsea mates he arrogantly said we would be a flash and the pan that they would easily finish above us this yearGreat tasting victory.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 03, 2024, 06:00:02 PM
Rest assured, it wasn’t me. I was speaking hypothetically. I always bet on us to lose so if we do I’m too busy counting my winnings to be on here moaning!
Haha, fair play. I put money on us to get relegated once just to jinx it.
I have had a £50 bet with one of my Spurs supporting friends about which club will "out-Spurs" Spurs between the two.
If I lose, it means that Villa will be in Champs League & it will be the best £50 that I have ever spent...
I had a £50 with a Spurs supporting mate at the start of the season after the Newcastle defeat when they were giving it the big one, winning the league with Ange ball....
I bet that we'd finish above them - Never in doubt!
....and the handover will give me more joy than the actual prize reward! 😊
Post by: john e on May 03, 2024, 06:26:03 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 03, 2024, 06:46:47 PM
"Firstly, we have to focus again on the Premier League after we analyse the match we played yesterday. We'll be quick to analyse with the players the match we’re going to face on Sunday against Brighton, with their characteristics of their team and individual players.
We have to recover quickly full energy for Sunday. Our motivation is high because we are now fourth and it's a very important match to try to be closer to our first objective in the Premier League."
Post by: Demitri_C on May 03, 2024, 08:54:57 PM
I won a nandos meal off one of my chelsea mates he arrogantly said we would be a flash and the pan that they would easily finish above us this yearGreat tasting victory.
It really was FT 😂
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 03, 2024, 10:20:25 PM
Rest assured, it wasn’t me. I was speaking hypothetically. I always bet on us to lose so if we do I’m too busy counting my winnings to be on here moaning!
Haha, fair play. I put money on us to get relegated once just to jinx it.
I have had a £50 bet with one of my Spurs supporting friends about which club will "out-Spurs" Spurs between the two.
If I lose, it means that Villa will be in Champs League & it will be the best £50 that I have ever spent...
I had a £50 with a Spurs supporting mate at the start of the season after the Newcastle defeat when they were giving it the big one, winning the league with Ange ball....
I bet that we'd finish above them - Never in doubt!
....and the handover will give me more joy than the actual prize reward! 😊
I had a bet with my West Ham-supporting brother that we'd finish above them. Well, I already owed him £100 and it was he who suggested the bet. All it means is that I don't owe him £100, but he's my big brother, he was never seeing that £100 regardless. I've been fucking mugged.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 03, 2024, 10:56:06 PM
Post by: luke95 on May 03, 2024, 11:27:48 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 03, 2024, 11:31:58 PM
Should we qualify how many games are we guaranteed?
8 games in the league phase from mid-Sept to the end of Jan. Another 7 or 9 games, should we get to the final.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on May 03, 2024, 11:37:24 PM
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 03, 2024, 11:44:49 PM
This time next week we'll be in the CL and a European final.
Think making the final will just be beyond us but I'm pretty confident we'll wrap 4th up by Sunday night.
Us beating Brighton and Spurs losing at Liverpool isn't some 100/1 shot, it's actually the probable outcome for those two games.
Important we then give the players a terrific send off for the season in the Liverpool game as they've certainly earnt it.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 04, 2024, 12:29:49 AM
I had a bet with my West Ham-supporting brother that we'd finish above them. Well, I already owed him £100 and it was he who suggested the bet. All it means is that I don't owe him £100, but he's my big brother, he was never seeing that £100 regardless. I've been fucking mugged.
Any reason why he doesn't support the Villa? The dickhead. At least your family have kept it claret and blue, any siblings Burnley or Scunthorpe fans?
Post by: Rory on May 04, 2024, 12:38:04 AM
I had a bet with my West Ham-supporting brother that we'd finish above them. Well, I already owed him £100 and it was he who suggested the bet. All it means is that I don't owe him £100, but he's my big brother, he was never seeing that £100 regardless. I've been fucking mugged.
Any reason why he doesn't support the Villa? The dickhead. At least your family have kept it claret and blue, any siblings Burnley or Scunthorpe fans?
Yeah, that's not on. Shropshire, and he supports West pissing Ham?
What's wrong with Liverpool, like most of your countymen?
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 04, 2024, 12:56:31 AM
I had a bet with my West Ham-supporting brother that we'd finish above them. Well, I already owed him £100 and it was he who suggested the bet. All it means is that I don't owe him £100, but he's my big brother, he was never seeing that £100 regardless. I've been fucking mugged.
Any reason why he doesn't support the Villa? The dickhead. At least your family have kept it claret and blue, any siblings Burnley or Scunthorpe fans?
Yeah, that's not on. Shropshire, and he supports West pissing Ham?
What's wrong with Liverpool, like most of your countymen?
We didn't grow up together. He was from my dad's first marriage. Grew up in East London/Essex.
Post by: Rory on May 04, 2024, 12:58:17 AM
I had a bet with my West Ham-supporting brother that we'd finish above them. Well, I already owed him £100 and it was he who suggested the bet. All it means is that I don't owe him £100, but he's my big brother, he was never seeing that £100 regardless. I've been fucking mugged.
Any reason why he doesn't support the Villa? The dickhead. At least your family have kept it claret and blue, any siblings Burnley or Scunthorpe fans?
Yeah, that's not on. Shropshire, and he supports West pissing Ham?
What's wrong with Liverpool, like most of your countymen?
We didn't grow up together. He was from my dad's first marriage. Grew up in East London/Essex.
Ah I'm sorry. Must be difficult for you - having a Southerner as a brother.
(I'm joking, Southerners.)
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 04, 2024, 01:07:33 AM
I had a bet with my West Ham-supporting brother that we'd finish above them. Well, I already owed him £100 and it was he who suggested the bet. All it means is that I don't owe him £100, but he's my big brother, he was never seeing that £100 regardless. I've been fucking mugged.
Any reason why he doesn't support the Villa? The dickhead. At least your family have kept it claret and blue, any siblings Burnley or Scunthorpe fans?
Yeah, that's not on. Shropshire, and he supports West pissing Ham?
What's wrong with Liverpool, like most of your countymen?
We didn't grow up together. He was from my dad's first marriage. Grew up in East London/Essex.
Does he want Moyes out?
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 04, 2024, 01:22:46 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 04, 2024, 06:48:42 AM
I had a bet with my West Ham-supporting brother that we'd finish above them. Well, I already owed him £100 and it was he who suggested the bet. All it means is that I don't owe him £100, but he's my big brother, he was never seeing that £100 regardless. I've been fucking mugged.
Any reason why he doesn't support the Villa? The dickhead. At least your family have kept it claret and blue, any siblings Burnley or Scunthorpe fans?
Yeah, that's not on. Shropshire, and he supports West pissing Ham?
What's wrong with Liverpool, like most of your countymen?
We didn't grow up together. He was from my dad's first marriage. Grew up in East London/Essex.
Ah I'm sorry. Must be difficult for you - having a Southerner as a brother.
(I'm joking, Southerners.)
Cheeky sod 😁
Post by: pablo_picasso on May 04, 2024, 08:20:52 AM
Yes and no. Mainly yes, but he's grateful.
I love the fact that they want the only man to bring them silverware in most of their lifetimes gone, because he doesn't play "the West Ham way".
Which is a bit of a myth in itself as from my 45 years on the planet, they have always played shit football.
They have just been relegation fodder at the same time.
So they play no different to how they have ever played, but won a trophy, & they still want him out?
Fucking deluded Cockney mugs...
Post by: jon collett on May 04, 2024, 08:25:12 AM
If we do get it, like we should, we need to spend big in the summer.
Fair comment.
Hoping Emi and Pau come back and that makes a huge difference.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 04, 2024, 09:24:23 AM
Moyes ball is horrible though.Yes and no. Mainly yes, but he's grateful.
I love the fact that they want the only man to bring them silverware in most of their lifetimes gone, because he doesn't play "the West Ham way".
Which is a bit of a myth in itself as from my 45 years on the planet, they have always played shit football.
They have just been relegation fodder at the same time.
So they play no different to how they have ever played, but won a trophy, & they still want him out?
Fucking deluded Cockney mugs...
When you look at the talent in that squad, I think they could be doing much better.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on May 04, 2024, 09:39:44 AM
If we do get it, like we should, we need to spend big in the summer.
Fair comment.
Hoping Emi and Pau come back and that makes a huge difference.
I'm not so sure. I mean, yes, if we're going to have a chance of winning the CL and PL as good as we are we do need significant improvement but part of me likes the idea of consolidation and steady improvement. Maybe look to improve a few players that we already have as Emery's track record with that is phenominal. I don't think i'd want to change too much too soon and spending big on a player is not always a guarantee of success. Our current record signing wouldn't be in my best 11 with everyone fit. I think a better back up keeper (with experience) to replace Olsen, one really top level creative player to replace Zaniolo and one really top (proper) defensive mid to replace Dendonker should be enough at this point. Just get the right guys in, whether it be free or big money.
We can also look to move on Coutinho, Chambers and not persue Longlet in addition to that.
As for whether it will happen, one draw for us in tandem with no more than 2 wins and a draw for them and it's done. They have to play Man City too, surely it's all over.
Post by: Pete3206 on May 04, 2024, 09:54:24 AM
Quote
surely it's all over.
Gulp!
Post by: pablo_picasso on May 04, 2024, 10:24:50 AM
Moyes ball is horrible though.Yes and no. Mainly yes, but he's grateful.
I love the fact that they want the only man to bring them silverware in most of their lifetimes gone, because he doesn't play "the West Ham way".
Which is a bit of a myth in itself as from my 45 years on the planet, they have always played shit football.
They have just been relegation fodder at the same time.
So they play no different to how they have ever played, but won a trophy, & they still want him out?
Fucking deluded Cockney mugs...
When you look at the talent in that squad, I think they could be doing much better.
But they have always played shit football, & lost mostly, so to play football 7 get a trophy, seems like a bit of a no brainer.
But then again, I suppose I don't have to watch it week in week out, so maybe Im being a little harsh.
I just think that they have massively over inflated views of their own self importance. "The West Ham way"? "The Academy of Football"?
Do me a favour...
West Ham have always been a grotty little club playing grotty football.
Post by: olaftab on May 04, 2024, 11:45:41 AM
If we do get it, like we should, we need to spend big in the summer.No, we just need to build on our current strength. We have the squad numbers with Buendia, Mings, Ramsey and Kamara coming back. We need to add couple of quality additions at fullback and a top attacking midfielder.
Post by: N'ZMAV on May 04, 2024, 11:48:36 AM
I think we'll get in another CB as Lenglet will go, we've been linked with Hermoso. I think Digne will go, so maybe we need something at LB, and I've never been convinced Emery really rates Cash.
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 04, 2024, 12:08:01 PM
Post by: N'ZMAV on May 04, 2024, 12:14:23 PM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on May 04, 2024, 12:24:22 PM
Quotesurely it's all over.
Gulp!
Yeah I know, shouldn’t say it really !
Post by: olaftab on May 04, 2024, 12:28:07 PM
I'd expect Dendoncker and Chambers to be moved on, that might free up some wages to bring in a decent DMIf that does happen it will be very slow.
Post by: Neil Hawkes on May 04, 2024, 01:32:03 PM
I'd expect Dendoncker and Chambers to be moved on, that might free up some wages to bring in a decent DM120 quid o.n.o. is not going to get you much in return though.
Ah.....wages, fair enough.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 04, 2024, 01:48:08 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 04, 2024, 02:09:53 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 04, 2024, 02:12:37 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on May 04, 2024, 02:42:00 PM
If we do get it, like we should, we need to spend big in the summer.No, we just need to build on our current strength. We have the squad numbers with Buendia, Mings, Ramsey and Kamara coming back. We need to add couple of quality additions at fullback and a top attacking midfielder.
Yeah I'd agree with that. I think the quality is mostly there, it's really strength in depth that will be the issue next year.
Post by: mike on May 04, 2024, 05:59:46 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 04, 2024, 06:43:55 PM
If we do get it, like we should, we need to spend big in the summer.No, we just need to build on our current strength. We have the squad numbers with Buendia, Mings, Ramsey and Kamara coming back. We need to add couple of quality additions at fullback and a top attacking midfielder.
Thats on the assumption mings and buendia are ready. We already know kamara wont be so for me i think w e do players desperately and money is going to need tk be spent
Especially if we want to finish in top 4 again next year
Post by: Dogtanian on May 04, 2024, 06:46:54 PM
And their chance should be gone by the time we play them.
Post by: Drummond on May 05, 2024, 04:46:25 PM
Post by: langleylions on May 05, 2024, 04:48:51 PM
Post by: mike on May 05, 2024, 04:49:29 PM
Post by: Risso on May 05, 2024, 04:50:01 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 05, 2024, 04:52:52 PM
Lucky there isnt more games left the way chelsea and Newcastle are playing
Post by: Smithy on May 05, 2024, 04:56:42 PM
Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
Lucky there isnt more games left the way chelsea and Newcastle are playing
If they lose this, and to City, we don't need another point all season. We're 7 clear, and they have three games left after this one. If they lose today AND to City, the most they can get is 6.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 05, 2024, 04:56:55 PM
Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
If they lose this one, and lose to City, we don't have to take another point, we've sealed it.
Post by: Risso on May 05, 2024, 04:57:54 PM
Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
If they lose this one, and lose to City, we don't have to take another point, we've sealed it.
I hope it doesn't come to down to who's the most Spursy or Villaesque, but it looks like it's going to.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 05, 2024, 04:59:44 PM
Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
If they lose this one, and lose to City, we don't have to take another point, we've sealed it.
Thats what im hoping for because i cant see us winning another game this season in the league
Post by: mike on May 05, 2024, 05:00:21 PM
Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
If they lose this one, and lose to City, we don't have to take another point, we've sealed it.
Draw at City and it would come down to GD unless we get one more point. Our GD IS looking good right now, but if they win big at Burnley or vs Sheffield it could be close. We need a big win from Liverpool (sorry) and a couple of straight reds wouldn’t be a bad thing, but I think that is possibly hoping for too much.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 05, 2024, 05:02:05 PM
Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
If they lose this one, and lose to City, we don't have to take another point, we've sealed it.
Draw at City and it would come down to GD unless we get one more point. Our GD IS looking good right now, but if they win big at Burnley or vs Sheffield it could be close. We need a big win from Liverpool (sorry) and a couple of straight reds wouldn’t be a bad thing, but I think that is possibly hoping for too much.
Thats the worry sheff utd and burnley leaking goals for fun. They could easily get 7 or 8 against them 2
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2024, 05:06:57 PM
Post by: jon collett on May 05, 2024, 05:08:54 PM
Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
If they lose this one, and lose to City, we don't have to take another point, we've sealed it.
Draw at City and it would come down to GD unless we get one more point. Our GD IS looking good right now, but if they win big at Burnley or vs Sheffield it could be close. We need a big win from Liverpool (sorry) and a couple of straight reds wouldn’t be a bad thing, but I think that is possibly hoping for too much.
Thats the worry sheff utd and burnley leaking goals for fun. They could easily get 7 or 8 against them 2
What time is their kick off against Burnley? Hopefully Burnley still alive at that point?
Post by: ez on May 05, 2024, 05:10:16 PM
True. I want to see another win this season.Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
If they lose this one, and lose to City, we don't have to take another point, we've sealed it.
I hope it doesn't come to down to who's the most Spursy or Villaesque, but it looks like it's going to.
Post by: Smithy on May 05, 2024, 05:18:18 PM
Spurs are heading towards 2 wins in 8, 4 straight defeats, 1 clean sheet in 18 league games. They're not worth worrying about.
Indeed, they need a point from either this game (looking less and less likely but not impossible), or at home against City, and then hope we lose our last two while they win their other two. A LOT of things have to go their way to finish above us.
We need the Liverpool result to stay the same as it is (currently 2-0 up), and if does, then we only need ONE of the following results to happen: City winning, us beating Liverpool, us beating Palace, Burnley getting something, Sheff Utd getting something. ANY of those happening in those 5 games guarantees us 4th.
Obviously it's still possible for them to finish ahead of us, but if they lose today, we just need a 3-point swing to clinch it, either from us gaining 3 points or them dropping 3 points (or a combination of both), for us to finish 4th.
I'm gutted we couldn't do the business today, but honestly, is Spurs lose, we're actually in a better position than we were this morning, as we're still 7 points clear, but they have a game less to catch us.
Post by: TonyD on May 05, 2024, 05:21:04 PM
Cheeky bastards
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/fixtures-results/#/d/2024-05-08
Post by: Drummond on May 05, 2024, 05:27:55 PM
I still think we will finish top 4, and to be honest we could lose both games and still do it.
Post by: Astnor on May 05, 2024, 05:43:55 PM
Post by: Smithy on May 05, 2024, 05:44:46 PM
I hate Liverpool. But I'm desperate for them to win. Villa matter more.
I still think we will finish top 4, and to be honest we could lose both games and still do it.
3-0 down now. So, I think we can safely say this is a zero-point game for them. If this Liverpool comes to VP we're buggered in that game, so be it.
The pressure will be on for Spurs against Burnley, they need a big win to keep their hopes alive. And Burnely know anything other than a win, and they're relegated. So they'll be hugely motivated to take it to the last weekend. It's just a shame they're mostly shit.
I think we'll cement 4th place next Tuesday, when City travel to Spurs and could possibly win the league (if Arsenal have lost to Man Utd)
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 05, 2024, 05:45:45 PM
I hate Liverpool. But I'm desperate for them to win. Villa matter more.
I still think we will finish top 4, and to be honest we could lose both games and still do it.
What's best for Villa comes ahead of any other hatred or rivalry. I'd be cheering Blues or Man U if the result benefits us.
Post by: Smirker on May 05, 2024, 05:46:14 PM
I hate Liverpool. But I'm desperate for them to win. Villa matter more.
I still think we will finish top 4, and to be honest we could lose both games and still do it.
Your boy Smirker said this a couple of weeks ago. People have underestimated just how truly shite Spurs are.
We might drop a point every other game, they are losing by three and four goals in every game. It's done and it was weeks ago.
If
Post by: algy on May 05, 2024, 05:47:07 PM
Neither us nor them are winning another game this season. This is the way.True. I want to see another win this season.Really if they lose this one unless they beat citeh we only need a point in last 2 i think
If they lose this one, and lose to City, we don't have to take another point, we've sealed it.
I hope it doesn't come to down to who's the most Spursy or Villaesque, but it looks like it's going to.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2024, 05:48:13 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 05, 2024, 05:49:33 PM
I hate Liverpool. But I'm desperate for them to win. Villa matter more.
I still think we will finish top 4, and to be honest we could lose both games and still do it.
Your boy Smirker said this a couple of weeks ago. People have underestimated just how truly shite Spurs are.
We might drop a point every other game, they are losing by three and four goals in every game. It's done and it was weeks ago.
If
Thankfully my boy smurker, we are less shit
Post by: Somniloquism on May 05, 2024, 05:50:49 PM
UEFA official website.
Cheeky bastards
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/fixtures-results/#/d/2024-05-08
Not sure what I'm supposed to be looking at?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 05, 2024, 06:00:50 PM
UEFA official website.
Cheeky bastards
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/fixtures-results/#/d/2024-05-08
Not sure what I'm supposed to be looking at?
I'n guessing it omitted us from the potential finalists and has since been corrected.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 05, 2024, 06:00:59 PM
EDIT: Bollox
Post by: mike on May 05, 2024, 06:02:46 PM
Right now Spurs need a point from Man City and score a total of 10 goals against Sheff Utd and Burnley just to draw level with us.
Except our GD will go down if we lose the last two but still those are big numbers.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 05, 2024, 06:02:53 PM
UEFA official website.
Cheeky bastards
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/fixtures-results/#/d/2024-05-08
Not sure what I'm supposed to be looking at?
I'n guessing it omitted us from the potential finalists and has since been corrected.
Or as we are second in the selection the browser on his didn't show the other half?
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 05, 2024, 06:04:26 PM
Right now Spurs need a point from Man City and score a total of 10 goals against Sheff Utd and Burnley just to draw level with us.
Except our GD will go down if we lose the last two but still those are big numbers.
We'll win our last two. Unai will introduce a midfield for Liverpool and Palace. ;)
Post by: Drummond on May 05, 2024, 06:05:25 PM
Post by: Smirker on May 05, 2024, 06:08:19 PM
I hate Liverpool. But I'm desperate for them to win. Villa matter more.
I still think we will finish top 4, and to be honest we could lose both games and still do it.
Your boy Smirker said this a couple of weeks ago. People have underestimated just how truly shite Spurs are.
We might drop a point every other game, they are losing by three and four goals in every game. It's done and it was weeks ago.
If
Thankfully my boy smurker, we are less shit
Well said 8)
Post by: Demitri_C on May 05, 2024, 06:08:33 PM
Post by: Smithy on May 05, 2024, 06:30:48 PM
Post by: Keeno on May 05, 2024, 06:33:40 PM
Still 7 points ahead, and one game fewer for Spurs to play. As shite as our performance and result was, we're actually in a better position this afternoon than we were this morning.
Yep. Just gotta crawl over the line!
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2024, 06:34:42 PM
Post by: Edvard Remberg on May 05, 2024, 06:36:02 PM
Spurs have 7 points from 8 games, have lost 4 in a row while conceding 13. I'm not going to worry they'll take at least 7 points from the last 3 games.Famous last words
Post by: Smithy on May 05, 2024, 06:37:46 PM
Spurs have 7 points from 8 games, have lost 4 in a row while conceding 13. I'm not going to worry they'll take at least 7 points from the last 3 games.Famous last words
I think they'll get 6. 7 will be difficult with City in full "title run-in" mode, but not impossible. But even if they do the unthinkable, and beat Man City, it's STILL in our hands, we just have to beat Palace (or Liverpool).
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2024, 06:37:49 PM
Post by: Aldridge Villa on May 05, 2024, 06:39:05 PM
I thought the same Edvard. Brighton hadn’t won a game in yonks until today.Spurs have 7 points from 8 games, have lost 4 in a row while conceding 13. I'm not going to worry they'll take at least 7 points from the last 3 games.Famous last words
Post by: mike on May 05, 2024, 06:42:40 PM
Still 7 points ahead, and one game fewer for Spurs to play. As shite as our performance and result was, we're actually in a better position this afternoon than we were this morning.
Yep. Just gotta crawl over the line!
Overthinking this… we have one better GD than this morning but we lost a winnable game they lost a less winnable game but would still need to win their last difficult game or draw it and hope for GD to go right for them, plus we lose two. We have also lost an important player. Burnley are in last chance saloon and probably playing their last home game in the Premier League for a while so might be up for it. Or as happens something totally unexpected happens and it’s all irrelevant so no point overthinking it.
Post by: Richard E on May 05, 2024, 06:43:22 PM
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 05, 2024, 06:43:51 PM
https://www.paddypower.com/english-premier-league-top-4-finish
Post by: Smithy on May 05, 2024, 06:45:13 PM
Still 7 points ahead, and one game fewer for Spurs to play. As shite as our performance and result was, we're actually in a better position this afternoon than we were this morning.
Yep. Just gotta crawl over the line!
Overthinking this… we have one better GD than this morning but we lost a winnable game they lost a less winnable game but would still need to win their last difficult game or draw it and hope for GD to go right for them, plus we lose two. We have also lost an important player. Burnley are in last chance saloon and probably playing their last home game in the Premier League for a while so might be up for it. Or as happens something totally unexpected happens and it’s all irrelevant so no point overthinking it.
There are five games to go (three for Spurs, two for us), and Spurs need every single one of them to go their way. We just need ONE of them to go our way.
Post by: Richard E on May 05, 2024, 06:48:25 PM
Post by: Richard E on May 05, 2024, 06:50:13 PM
Post by: TonyD on May 05, 2024, 06:50:29 PM
Still 7 points ahead, and one game fewer for Spurs to play. As shite as our performance and result was, we're actually in a better position this afternoon than we were this morning.Indeed
Post by: pablo_picasso on May 05, 2024, 06:53:20 PM
I hate Liverpool. But I'm desperate for them to win. Villa matter more.
I still think we will finish top 4, and to be honest we could lose both games and still do it.
I text one of my Spurs supporting mates & told him that he is a massive c**t for making me have to want Liverpool to win.
He hates them as much as I do.
Even more now, lol.
I love that tune..
Post by: Richard E on May 05, 2024, 06:55:51 PM
Post by: enigma on May 05, 2024, 06:56:43 PM
I'm not saying it's impossible, but why waste time worrying about a scenario unlikely to haapen, it's unhealthy and much like Spurs, pointless.Because I can't help it!
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 05, 2024, 07:03:04 PM
It's actually another weekend where we've outperformed them. Gap stayed to 7 points and they lost by more so the GD margin increased.
They'll lose to Man. City I'm pretty sure. Even if they play out of their skins and get a point we just need to match that at Palace. They'll also probably get jeered off the pitch as 99% of their fanbase don't want that as it will pretty much hand "Woolwich" the league.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 05, 2024, 07:06:17 PM
Bookies have us 1/40 and them 19/1 for 4th.
Are they offering odds on the PL extending the season by 6 games? I want to lump on Chelsea overtaking us.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 05, 2024, 07:21:33 PM
That would be so spursy
Post by: KRS on May 05, 2024, 07:33:18 PM
I'm not saying it's impossible, but why waste time worrying about a scenario unlikely to haapen, it's unhealthy and much like Spurs, pointless.Exactly this. It would have been very nice for us to beat Brighton and job done this weekend, but unfortunately shit happens and it goes on for another week. The bottom line is the “magic number” has now dropped to 3, and obsessing about goal difference, goals scored or permutations of results isn’t good or healthy for any of us.
What’s done is done this weekend, so let’s shift our focus to getting in to a European final for the first time in decades.
Post by: mike on May 05, 2024, 07:37:04 PM
I'm not saying it's impossible, but why waste time worrying about a scenario unlikely to haapen, it's unhealthy and much like Spurs, pointless.Exactly this. It would have been very nice for us to beat Brighton and job done this weekend, but unfortunately shit happens and it goes on for another week. The bottom line is the “magic number” has now dropped to 3, and obsessing about goal difference, goals scored or permutations of results isn’t good or healthy for any of us.
What’s done is done this weekend, so let’s shift our focus to getting in to a European final for the first time in decades.
You’re right but some of us overthink because we’re mentally unwell.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 05, 2024, 07:41:36 PM
Post by: KRS on May 05, 2024, 07:42:39 PM
I invite you all to start thinking about and looking forward to Thursday…
Post by: villa for life on May 05, 2024, 07:43:15 PM
Bookies have us 1/40 and them 19/1 for 4th.
Which bookies is offering 19-1?
Post by: LeeS on May 05, 2024, 07:48:35 PM
Post by: Richard E on May 05, 2024, 07:49:29 PM
Post by: mike on May 05, 2024, 07:49:53 PM
If we get one point from our last four games and Spurs win their last three they'll deserve to finish above us.
Particularly as they have to play Man City. The only unfavourable variable that seems vaguely likely to me is a draw against Man City which would bring it down to GD. I don’t think that’s likely but it’s possible. Obviously morel favourable unlikely variables are also possible.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2024, 07:57:31 PM
If I were to err on the more negative side though - can I see us losing to Liverpool at home and Palace away? Based on current form absolutely yes.
At the same time, in spite of current form can I see Spurs beating Burnley at home and Sheff Utd away? Absolutely yes. In which case it comes down Spurs playing Citeh at home. It’s unlikely they’d win that, but they have a weirdly strong record against them.
Like I say, I think we’ll get it, but it’s not hard to see a plausible route for Spurs.
Post by: DB on May 05, 2024, 08:07:22 PM
If we get one point from our last four games and Spurs win their last three they'll deserve to finish above us.
Indeed. They are not exactly in form at the moment are they to chase down these 7 points.
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 05, 2024, 08:11:12 PM
It's good we still have a 7 point gap as that basically makes their games v Burnley and Sheffield United insignificant.
They're also defending hopelessly currently so hard to see how Man. City don't stick three past them, they'll just have Foden and Walker exposing their LB like Salah did for the first hour today.
It's not a terrible situation if we have to rely on Man. City beating Spurs, it really isn't. And even then we will surely play better at Palace than today so I'm still hopeful we'll get the result we need from that game if it means something.
Post by: villa for life on May 05, 2024, 08:11:49 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 05, 2024, 08:18:14 PM
I'm not saying it's impossible, but why waste time worrying about a scenario unlikely to haapen, it's unhealthy and much like Spurs, pointless.Because I can't help it!
The test if you doubt us finishing the job or in us fucking it up depending on your vantage point, is would you stick a substantial amount of money on it happening? Or another way, if you were a Spurs fan in their position on the back of 4 straight losses, are you confident in overtaking Villa with three games left and Man City yet to play?
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2024, 08:22:27 PM
I don’t think it’ll happen, I suspect they’ll lose to Citeh but I’d still have hope they other way round.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2024, 08:24:55 PM
Post by: Lastfootstamper on May 05, 2024, 08:26:22 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 05, 2024, 08:27:05 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2024, 08:27:46 PM
I'm fuming. Thanks to spurs utter ineptitude we can no longer sneak third. Useless wankers, as ever.
Ermmmmm I think we ended those hopes with our result earlier in the day.
Post by: villa for life on May 05, 2024, 08:28:46 PM
It’s tough for them.
16-1 tough. (The odds reflect it’s unlikely but definitely possible.)
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 05, 2024, 08:29:23 PM
I'm fuming. Thanks to spurs utter ineptitude we can no longer sneak third. Useless wankers, as ever.
Ermmmmm I think we ended those hopes with our result earlier in the day.
Erm…I’m guessing he knew that.
Post by: Clark W Griswold on May 05, 2024, 08:29:30 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2024, 08:48:50 PM
I'm fuming. Thanks to spurs utter ineptitude we can no longer sneak third. Useless wankers, as ever.
Ermmmmm I think we ended those hopes with our result earlier in the day.
Erm…I’m guessing he knew that.
I’m clearly being dense then and missing the meaning then?
Post by: Smithy on May 05, 2024, 09:01:26 PM
Burnley play Spurs before Forest play Chelsea, so I'd imagine they'll be as motivated as it's possible to be. Yes, their still not very good, but as far as we're concerned, it's about the best possible time for them to play Burnley.
Post by: pablo_picasso on May 05, 2024, 09:02:33 PM
Just realised Burnley play Forest on the final day. Which means that HAVE to win against Spurs to take it to a winner-takes-all game on the final day (assuming Forest lose to Chelsea).
Burnley play Spurs before Forest play Chelsea, so I'd imagine they'll be as motivated as it's possible to be. Yes, their still not very good, but as far as we're concerned, it's about the best possible time for them to play Burnley.
Problem is, Burnley are really really fucking shit...
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 05, 2024, 09:04:05 PM
Just realised Burnley play Forest on the final day. Which means that HAVE to win against Spurs to take it to a winner-takes-all game on the final day (assuming Forest lose to Chelsea).
Burnley play Spurs before Forest play Chelsea, so I'd imagine they'll be as motivated as it's possible to be. Yes, their still not very good, but as far as we're concerned, it's about the best possible time for them to play Burnley.
At Turf Moor I might fancy them to get something but can't see it away at Spurs. Citeh should take care of things though.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2024, 09:07:50 PM
Post by: Astnor on May 05, 2024, 09:08:39 PM
Post by: Smithy on May 05, 2024, 09:12:52 PM
Just realised Burnley play Forest on the final day. Which means that HAVE to win against Spurs to take it to a winner-takes-all game on the final day (assuming Forest lose to Chelsea).
Burnley play Spurs before Forest play Chelsea, so I'd imagine they'll be as motivated as it's possible to be. Yes, their still not very good, but as far as we're concerned, it's about the best possible time for them to play Burnley.
Problem is, Burnley are really really fucking shit...
They are indeed, but in the form table their solidly low-mid table, not relegation candidates, and this game is the biggest one they'll have all season. Win and they get a cup-final against Forest. Lose, and they go down. They lose this fixture 8 times out of 10. But given they're a team likely to be relegated, this is far from a walk-over, or playing a team already on the beach.
Post by: caster troy on May 05, 2024, 09:13:56 PM
No not really, but if it was Villa in their situation I could probably talk myself into believing (not intended to provoke anguish…) that basically Burnley and Sheff Utd is 6 points and then it comes down to Citeh at home, unlikely but not impossible. Plus if Spurs were playing Liverpool at home and Palace away I could see them losing both.
I don’t think it’ll happen, I suspect they’ll lose to Citeh but I’d still have hope they other way round.
We won the three fixtures they have remaining. It isn’t too crazy to think they could match us.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 05, 2024, 09:15:07 PM
Just realised Burnley play Forest on the final day. Which means that HAVE to win against Spurs to take it to a winner-takes-all game on the final day (assuming Forest lose to Chelsea).
Burnley play Spurs before Forest play Chelsea, so I'd imagine they'll be as motivated as it's possible to be. Yes, their still not very good, but as far as we're concerned, it's about the best possible time for them to play Burnley.
Problem is, Burnley are really really fucking shit...
Spurs have lost 4 straight conceding 13 goals. They’ll need to turn into Man City let alone also beat Man City to get 9 points to finish the season.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2024, 09:15:18 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 05, 2024, 09:16:17 PM
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 05, 2024, 09:16:50 PM
No not really, but if it was Villa in their situation I could probably talk myself into believing (not intended to provoke anguish…) that basically Burnley and Sheff Utd is 6 points and then it comes down to Citeh at home, unlikely but not impossible. Plus if Spurs were playing Liverpool at home and Palace away I could see them losing both.
I don’t think it’ll happen, I suspect they’ll lose to Citeh but I’d still have hope they other way round.
After we beat Newcastle last season this was the table:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65217805
So we were actually closer to 4th (and 3rd) with a six point difference than Spurs are to us currently.
In the end we just ran out of games to seriously threaten Newcastle and they picked up a couple more wins to seal 4th. I think Newcastle finished on 70 points in the end so we've roughly matched their results this season.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 05, 2024, 09:17:27 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 05, 2024, 09:17:40 PM
Burnley have drawn away to both Chelsea and Man Utd in the last month or so.
I still think Burnley will be the ones to help us.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 05, 2024, 09:18:07 PM
Even if comes to last game players would have had a long weeks rest and it might not even matter by then if they dont beat city
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 05, 2024, 09:19:47 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2024, 09:21:44 PM
Hopefully we’ll beat Liverpool and it all becomes moot. I think we’ll make it, but it’d be nice to close it off next weekend.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 05, 2024, 09:22:11 PM
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 05, 2024, 09:24:47 PM
Not saying it’s impossible that they could beat Man City, but they will be up against a Man City side that knows it needs to win out to win the league. Man City will have 70% possession and win the game. It’s the one time we will appreciate them being the cheating corrupt fucks they have been as they sweep Spurs aside.
Look at how Salah ruthlessly attacked their third choice LB today. Foden/Walker will have plenty of fun down that side all night.
Little chance Man. City don't score at least three times v them imo.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 05, 2024, 09:25:21 PM
I do not think we can rely on Spurs,Pool becomes a huge game.
Nah, Spurs are dog shit and getting worse. 4-2 flattered them today.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 05, 2024, 09:25:36 PM
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 05, 2024, 09:27:35 PM
Hope it doesn't come down to the final day but I've always been confident we'd get the result we need at Palace if we need to and that will hopefully just be a draw.
Post by: olaftab on May 05, 2024, 09:29:32 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 05, 2024, 09:31:03 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 05, 2024, 09:33:26 PM
If we get a point against Liverpool they need to win their last two, assuming the gap is 4 points by the time we play that game and we also lose to Palace. If they do that they deserve it.
If they lose to Man City, we don't need to get another point at all, it's game over, we're fourth mathematically. They're not going to beat Man City.
If they draw with them, even, we'd probably be ok on points difference, but even then, they would still have to beat Burnley and Sheffield United. That might sound easy, but I don't think many people fancied Burnley getting a point and being worth all three at Old Trafford.
And all that is still contingent on us not getting anything from Palace or Liverpool.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 05, 2024, 09:37:37 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 05, 2024, 09:38:25 PM
That would be proper deflating
Post by: olaftab on May 05, 2024, 09:43:56 PM
I reckon come the last day we are 4 points ahead and it’s all done and dusted. Hopefully all that is left is a cup final.😊
Post by: olaftab on May 05, 2024, 09:45:10 PM
I think what you say is the likely scenario. Anything else will be an extreme exception.If we get a point against Liverpool they need to win their last two, assuming the gap is 4 points by the time we play that game and we also lose to Palace. If they do that they deserve it.
If they lose to Man City, we don't need to get another point at all, it's game over, we're fourth mathematically. They're not going to beat Man City.
If they draw with them, even, we'd probably be ok on points difference, but even then, they would still have to beat Burnley and Sheffield United. That might sound easy, but I don't think many people fancied Burnley getting a point and being worth all three at Old Trafford.
And all that is still contingent on us not getting anything from Palace or Liverpool.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 05, 2024, 09:54:25 PM
I’m relying on Spurs to be Spurs. I’m also confident they won’t beat Man City. I’ll even suggest a very desperate Burnley side, as shit as they are will get something out of their game against Spurs even if it ultimately ends in their relegation.
You can't rely on Spurs. Even to be Spurs.
Post by: Beard82 on May 05, 2024, 10:00:59 PM
Althought its unlikely for both bit im gonna be absolutely heart broken if we go out the cup and finish 5th.It would be gutting - particularly given that 5 would have been enough if any of the other clubs had turned up in Europe this year.
That would be proper deflating
We only need to grind out one more "normal" performance to secure either a final or UCL.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 05, 2024, 10:52:50 PM
Sporting Clube de Portugal
Aston Villa
.......
Post by: Somniloquism on May 05, 2024, 10:59:55 PM
Post by: DeKuip on May 05, 2024, 11:10:03 PM
Keep the faith, come on Villa!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 05, 2024, 11:11:34 PM
Sporting Clube de Portugal
Aston Villa
Celtic....
Post by: Smirker on May 05, 2024, 11:59:40 PM
Sporting Clube de Portugal
Aston Villa
Celtic....
That would be juicy.
Post by: eamonn on May 06, 2024, 12:34:43 AM
In these situations, I look at the bookies odds.
https://www.paddypower.com/english-premier-league-top-4-finish
You could have made a fortune from the odds of an Olympiakos win at Villa Park last Thursday.
Post by: eamonn on May 06, 2024, 12:42:53 AM
Just realised Burnley play Forest on the final day. Which means that HAVE to win against Spurs to take it to a winner-takes-all game on the final day (assuming Forest lose to Chelsea).
Burnley play Spurs before Forest play Chelsea, so I'd imagine they'll be as motivated as it's possible to be. Yes, their still not very good, but as far as we're concerned, it's about the best possible time for them to play Burnley.
Problem is, Burnley are really really fucking shit...
Spurs have lost 4 straight conceding 13 goals. They’ll need to turn into Man City let alone also beat Man City to get 9 points to finish the season.
Apparently it's their first 4-game losing streak in 20 years. They're not permanently shit, they can turn it around, just like how they started playing in the last 20 minutes of the game at Anfield today.
Brighton weren't shit/on the beach today despite that being the consensus before the game. Crap runs do end. We've been top four practically all-season, it would be nice if we can show it in our final two games rather than relying on Spurs' opposition.
Post by: ROBBO on May 06, 2024, 01:55:45 AM
Post by: Rory on May 06, 2024, 02:03:10 AM
My concern is how laboured we've looked in the Conference League. All this effort to get into the Champions League would be a bit of a let down if we just get humped by everyone we play.
Not saying that will be the case, of course, but it's a nagging doubt.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 06, 2024, 03:28:18 AM
Hopefully we’ll be much better than we were today, with a couple of returning players helping out. It’ll be lovely to seal top 4 at Villa Park next Monday.
Post by: Risso on May 06, 2024, 08:12:44 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 06, 2024, 08:19:40 AM
Althought its unlikely for both bit im gonna be absolutely heart broken if we go out the cup and finish 5th.It would be gutting - particularly given that 5 would have been enough if any of the other clubs had turned up in Europe this year.
That would be proper deflating
We only need to grind out one more "normal" performance to secure either a final or UCL.
Whats disappointing is that i think had we got a point yesterday that would have been enough. Now we have to play strongest players and could afford to rest some players for liverpool. I have a feeling we wont go strong against olympiakos
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 06, 2024, 08:25:09 AM
We'll get both the final place and 4th place in the league. Trust the process. UTV
Post by: stevo_st on May 06, 2024, 08:31:12 AM
Unai always talked about the importance of the fans getting onside, being patient, with our new way of playing out the back. Now we need to appreciate how good we are and our potential to go up even further levels.
Caveating that I wasn’t at VP for the game, but the most disappointing thing I felt after Thursdays match was the atmosphere we created during the match - yes things didn’t go our way - but we should be outsinging the away fans, the eerie atmosphere after going 2 goals down and missing the pen isn’t the best way to support and encourage our team.
Post by: Monty on May 06, 2024, 08:37:46 AM
Post by: Risso on May 06, 2024, 08:43:19 AM
I would say that it's a good thing we got ourselves into an incompetence-off with actual Tottenham Hotspur.
The trouble is, the most likely league results in the next round of games are a Spurs win and a Villa defeat. If that happens, it really is going to be twitchy arse syndrome. We then absolutely need Man City to beat Spurs away. If they don't, well then I think we'd have fucked it as I can't see us beating Palace the form we're in. The goal difference could very easily disappear as well.
Post by: Drummond on May 06, 2024, 08:45:58 AM
The disappointment for me is that had we won and clinched the Champions League place, we really could have gone all out on Thursday, and not had to worry at all about the Liverpool or Palace games. Now we've still got to manage all three very carefully. Finishing 5th and going out in the semis is looking more likely than it did a few days ago.
More likely, suggests that it is likely.
Whilst I agree we have an uphill battle against Olympiakos, 4th is ours barring an unlikely turn around in form and performance from Spurs.
I think we can do both but it's likely that we will just achieve one of the two. ☺
I don't mean to be pedantic, but can't help it.
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 06, 2024, 08:46:52 AM
I would say that it's a good thing we got ourselves into an incompetence-off with actual Tottenham Hotspur.
I remember back in the summer 1993 I bought me a Match or Shoot with a "Villa Thrillers" special. In it the first line was "what a great season it's been for Aston Villa" and I remember thinking that is NOT how I saw it at all. We blew the title and worse of let ManUre win it, thus keeping Fergie in a job. Typical Villa, settling for second best when something genuinely special was within reach.
Times have changed, but for me 5th place would be as disappointing as that second place. The way it looks is that we have this tiny window of opportunity to get into the CL, next season I expect the usual closed shop at the top, and so to blow it after being so close would be nothing less than a crushing disappointment.
This is what makes yesterday so annoying - we had the chance to not rely on Spurs being Spursy, and we didn't take it.
Post by: Monty on May 06, 2024, 08:47:53 AM
I would say that it's a good thing we got ourselves into an incompetence-off with actual Tottenham Hotspur.
The trouble is, the most likely league results in the next round of games are a Spurs win and a Villa defeat. If that happens, it really is going to be twitchy arse syndrome. We then absolutely need Man City to beat Spurs away. If they don't, well then I think we'd have fucked it as I can't see us beating Palace the form we're in. The goal difference could very easily disappear as well.
Believe me, I know. It's all absolutely hideous. It's just that, even if Spurs get a creditable point against City, a scratchy, desperate, skin-of-our-arse point against Palace would be enough too. There are more probable permutations in our favour still. Just. JUST.
Post by: Risso on May 06, 2024, 08:50:55 AM
The disappointment for me is that had we won and clinched the Champions League place, we really could have gone all out on Thursday, and not had to worry at all about the Liverpool or Palace games. Now we've still got to manage all three very carefully. Finishing 5th and going out in the semis is looking more likely than it did a few days ago.
More likely, suggests that it is likely.
Whilst I agree we have an uphill battle against Olympiakos, 4th is ours barring an unlikely turn around in form and performance from Spurs.
I think we can do both but it's likely that we will just achieve one of the two. ☺
I don't mean to be pedantic, but can't help it.
You're not being pedantic, you're just being incorrect. "More likely than it did a few days ago" could technically still be highly unlikely if it is one in a million now, where a few days ago it was like one in a billion.
Post by: lovejoy on May 06, 2024, 08:51:16 AM
I just wish people would think before posting such garbage.
Post by: Tom_Mc9? on May 06, 2024, 08:51:53 AM
Post by: Monty on May 06, 2024, 08:52:14 AM
The chat on here that Brighton are shot and we’ve never lost at their place for 49 years virtually guaranteeing us victory has dried up hasn’t it.
I just wish people would think before posting such garbage.
On balance, I don't think that was the deciding factor in the result.
Post by: Risso on May 06, 2024, 08:53:49 AM
Believe me, I know. It's all absolutely hideous. It's just that, even if Spurs get a creditable point against City, a scratchy, desperate, skin-of-our-arse point against Palace would be enough too. There are more probable permutations in our favour still. Just. JUST.
Well, I might bung £500 on Spurs while it's still 16/1. That way, if we do scrape over the line, I'll be ecstatic, and if we don't, I'll have enough for a great holiday instead to cheer myself up.
Post by: Ads on May 06, 2024, 08:58:17 AM
The chat on here that Brighton are shot and we’ve never lost at their place for 49 years virtually guaranteeing us victory has dried up hasn’t it.
I just wish people would think before posting such garbage.
Why would people predict a result in a game that's already happened? I do wish people would think before they etc etc.
Post by: VillaTim on May 06, 2024, 08:59:19 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 06, 2024, 09:02:36 AM
I'd rest a few on Thursday now as the Liverpool / Palace games are the absolute priority. If we miss out on 4th it's going to feel like a poor end to the season .I don’t think you will get much support for that view on here, but I think Emery will need to throw fresh legs at it on Thursday to have any chance.
Going with the same players as yesterday will get a similar result and players even more waked before the Liverpool game.
Post by: Ads on May 06, 2024, 09:03:09 AM
Post by: PeterWithe on May 06, 2024, 09:04:24 AM
We all have to believe.
Post by: Clampy on May 06, 2024, 09:05:47 AM
Post by: Monty on May 06, 2024, 09:07:11 AM
Even if Tielemans is better you suspect he wouldn't start either. Hopefully he's back for Liverpool - fuck me we've missed that extra control in midfield.
Post by: London Villan on May 06, 2024, 09:09:55 AM
Post by: PeterWithe on May 06, 2024, 09:11:43 AM
Essentially having to play 424 vs 442 has had a massive impact…
I was saying much the same yesterday, we are struggling for a midfield foothold with too many players ahead of the ball often, but no options to change it. And neither of the 2 being particularly suited to the role they are having to play.
Post by: Monty on May 06, 2024, 09:12:50 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 06, 2024, 09:15:41 AM
Post by: Monty on May 06, 2024, 09:18:46 AM
Yep I agree. I genuinely didn't think we'd miss Dendoncker.
I'm still not sure we do! I guess we must do, just another body who could surely do OK against Olympiakos. But to be honest I don't think he's better than Tim at this stage, at least when it comes to keeping controlled possession in midfield.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 06, 2024, 09:29:59 AM
Keeping 1 and jettisoning the other hasn’t worked out great for Tim.Yep I agree. I genuinely didn't think we'd miss Dendoncker.
I'm still not sure we do! I guess we must do, just another body who could surely do OK against Olympiakos. But to be honest I don't think he's better than Tim at this stage, at least when it comes to keeping controlled possession in midfield.
Post by: MplsVilla on May 06, 2024, 10:40:26 AM
1 - On MOTD I saw we have 2 wins, 2 Draws and 1 defeat from our last 5. Spurs have 1 win and have lost the last 4.
2 - Spurs are 16/1 (in a 2-horse race!) to make the top 4. That's means it's more than 90% likely we are playing champions league next year.
Overall I don't have a ton of faith we win any of the next 3, but I'm very confident Spurs don't get at least 7 points more than us between now and the end of the season.
Post by: Risso on May 06, 2024, 10:44:39 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 06, 2024, 10:53:33 AM
They'll get 6 from Burnley and Sheffield. It all hinges on Spurs v Man City I reckon.
We'll have played Liverpool by then so hopefully it won't matter
Post by: Risso on May 06, 2024, 10:58:02 AM
They'll get 6 from Burnley and Sheffield. It all hinges on Spurs v Man City I reckon.
We'll have played Liverpool by then so hopefully it won't matter
I wish I had your optimism mate. Liverpool are going to batter us. :(
Post by: Rigadon on May 06, 2024, 10:59:27 AM
They'll get 6 from Burnley and Sheffield. It all hinges on Spurs v Man City I reckon.
I think we'll need another win v Liverpool or Palace (which worries me a bit if I'm honest). Just a nagging doubt that Man City will fail to do us a favour.
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 06, 2024, 11:15:53 AM
Post by: OCD on May 06, 2024, 11:21:22 AM
They'll get 6 from Burnley and Sheffield. It all hinges on Spurs v Man City I reckon.
I think we'll need another win v Liverpool or Palace (which worries me a bit if I'm honest). Just a nagging doubt that Man City will fail to do us a favour.
It's a Man City team going for the title. They'll control the game and expose Spurs defensive weaknesses. I think that'll be the night that we clinch 4th spot.
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 06, 2024, 12:35:27 PM
I would say that it's a good thing we got ourselves into an incompetence-off with actual Tottenham Hotspur.
The trouble is, the most likely league results in the next round of games are a Spurs win and a Villa defeat. If that happens, it really is going to be twitchy arse syndrome. We then absolutely need Man City to beat Spurs away. If they don't, well then I think we'd have fucked it as I can't see us beating Palace the form we're in. The goal difference could very easily disappear as well.
If it's a draw in Spurs-Man. City then we just need a draw ourselves at Palace to seal things.
As terrible as we were yesterday (and we were) we were still only 10 minutes off getting a 0-0 and I just don't think with an actual week's prep we'll be anywhere near as bad at Selhurst Park.
The only disaster now in the run in is Spurs beating Man. City and I simply don't see it with how they're defending currently.
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 06, 2024, 12:38:14 PM
I suspect we'd really, really rather not play Torres twice in a week, you could see all that tape on his left quad. So Lenglet will likely play again on Thursday (gulp).
Even if Tielemans is better you suspect he wouldn't start either. Hopefully he's back for Liverpool - fuck me we've missed that extra control in midfield.
The one we really need to rest currently is Bailey imo. I was surprised yesterday we didn't have him on the bench but then Unai has suddenly gone all allergic to playing three central midfielders.
He's just nursing his way through games currently which is a big problem to how we've played all season.
My gut feeling is the left field selection for Thursday is we'll see Moreno ahead of Digne and hopefully he can manage an hour.
Diaby on the other side as he did manage a goal and assist in first leg so not a player they're too comfortable with.
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 06, 2024, 12:40:16 PM
Yep I agree. I genuinely didn't think we'd miss Dendoncker.
I'm still not sure we do! I guess we must do, just another body who could surely do OK against Olympiakos. But to be honest I don't think he's better than Tim at this stage, at least when it comes to keeping controlled possession in midfield.
Difference is there when we had issues in CM at xmas with suspensions Unai did not hesitate to start Donk for 2-3 games.
He's showing all the reluctance in the world to give Tim anything bar token minutes in a game we didn't really care about (Man. City) or sub cameos.
So in effect we're another midfielder down from where we were a few months ago.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 06, 2024, 01:08:36 PM
Yeah. I love Rogers, but the difference between the Bailey-McGinn-Doug-Rogers midfield and the McGinn-Kamara-Luiz-Tielemans midfield is all about loss of control.
Exactly. I've been saying all season, get the midfield right and the rest takes care of itself.
Post by: andyh on May 06, 2024, 01:17:17 PM
This is a ridiculously fretful end to the season.
Post by: pablo_picasso on May 06, 2024, 01:23:14 PM
Quote from: some spurs mug
A tap in merchant in my mind...we'd be a lot better off with Toney, Solanke, Watkins, isak, Awoniyi to mention just a few..
Its easy to sit there & say "we would be better with one of the best strikers in the league in the team", but anybody could say that about a player who is so unobtainable, it makes the comment as ludicrous as they come.
"Vi11& W0u1d b£ 5O Mu@H 3etteR W1th MBappe uP £r0Nt!!!"
Fucking deluded Cockney mug... 😂
Post by: eamonn on May 06, 2024, 01:26:44 PM
Yep I agree. I genuinely didn't think we'd miss Dendoncker.
I'm still not sure we do! I guess we must do, just another body who could surely do OK against Olympiakos. But to be honest I don't think he's better than Tim at this stage, at least when it comes to keeping controlled possession in midfield.
Difference is there when we had issues in CM at xmas with suspensions Unai did not hesitate to start Donk for 2-3 games.
He's showing all the reluctance in the world to give Tim anything bar token minutes in a game we didn't really care about (Man. City) or sub cameos.
So in effect we're another midfielder down from where we were a few months ago.
Exactly. And I assume Dendoncker still isn't getting a look-in at Napoli. It's just a pisser when we have established players like him, Sanson (Coutinho even!) out on-loan, when experienced bodies is exactly what we need now.
Post by: AV82EC on May 06, 2024, 02:47:30 PM
I am getting ‘number wang’ looking at all the permutations, fixtures, when they play, what Burnley need, what Man City need, when the Arse are playing etc etc.
This is a ridiculously fretful end to the season.
Brilliant isn’t it.
Post by: Richard E on May 06, 2024, 02:54:15 PM
I am getting ‘number wang’ looking at all the permutations, fixtures, when they play, what Burnley need, what Man City need, when the Arse are playing etc etc.
This is a ridiculously fretful end to the season.
Yeah it is, but it’s better than worrying about how Wigan, QPR and the like are getting on like we were a few years ago.
Post by: andyh on May 06, 2024, 03:07:21 PM
Isn’t it just !I am getting ‘number wang’ looking at all the permutations, fixtures, when they play, what Burnley need, what Man City need, when the Arse are playing etc etc.
This is a ridiculously fretful end to the season.
Yeah it is, but it’s better than worrying about how Wigan, QPR and the like are getting on like we were a few years ago.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 06, 2024, 03:24:29 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 06, 2024, 03:52:06 PM
Latest analysis from Football Rankings. https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1787451494859710766
It’s mad how fretful I am now. I wasn’t even worried after we lost the Spurs game. But then I was too busy laughing at the posts on here predicting we’d finish sixth.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 06, 2024, 04:10:27 PM
Post by: TonyD on May 06, 2024, 04:12:05 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 06, 2024, 04:12:42 PM
Would we need to play a qualifying round?
No.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 06, 2024, 04:42:23 PM
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cyx693606wro.amp
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 06, 2024, 04:46:22 PM
Latest analysis from Football Rankings. https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1787451494859710766
If you want maths, here's some: the chances of Villa fucking something up is directly proportional to how much I want them to achieve it. I really want to get 4th, so I just can't relax, even if it had Spurs' chance at 0.1%.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 06, 2024, 04:48:19 PM
The new CL format next year explained. 36 teams, 1 league table. Play 8 different teams, 4 home and away. We will likely be seeded quite low so we’ll be getting some spicy opponents.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cyx693606wro.amp
Annoyingly, winning the Conference would bump us up a pot for sure.
Post by: danno on May 06, 2024, 04:51:25 PM
That's good isn't it? Are we not going to win it? :-\The new CL format next year explained. 36 teams, 1 league table. Play 8 different teams, 4 home and away. We will likely be seeded quite low so we’ll be getting some spicy opponents.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cyx693606wro.amp
Annoyingly, winning the Conference would bump us up a pot for sure.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 06, 2024, 04:57:20 PM
The new CL format next year explained. 36 teams, 1 league table. Play 8 different teams, 4 home and away. We will likely be seeded quite low so we’ll be getting some spicy opponents.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cyx693606wro.amp
Annoyingly, winning the Conference would bump us up a pot for sure.
Maybe, but the seedings are taken over club coefficient on 5 years and not one. We are currently 81st in the table so I expect 4th pot assuming 27 of the teams above us in the table qualify.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 06, 2024, 05:01:46 PM
The new CL format next year explained. 36 teams, 1 league table. Play 8 different teams, 4 home and away. We will likely be seeded quite low so we’ll be getting some spicy opponents.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cyx693606wro.amp
We would be getting them whichever pot though. Each team has two opponents drawn from each pot whichever pot that they start in. So two from the same pot as us, two from the next highest as so on. We essentially should just need three wins and a couple of draws to have a good chance of getting into the play off places.
Post by: AV82EC on May 06, 2024, 05:56:08 PM
The new CL format next year explained. 36 teams, 1 league table. Play 8 different teams, 4 home and away. We will likely be seeded quite low so we’ll be getting some spicy opponents.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cyx693606wro.amp
Annoyingly, winning the Conference would bump us up a pot for sure.
No chance, even winning it we’d still be miles off being in pot 3 with our current 1 seasons worth of coefficient as opposed to clubs who’ve got the full 5 years.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 06, 2024, 06:01:55 PM
The new CL format next year explained. 36 teams, 1 league table. Play 8 different teams, 4 home and away. We will likely be seeded quite low so we’ll be getting some spicy opponents.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cyx693606wro.amp
We would be getting them whichever pot though. Each team has two opponents drawn from each pot whichever pot that they start in. So two from the same pot as us, two from the next highest as so on. We essentially should just need three wins and a couple of draws to have a good chance of getting into the play off places.
This gives you an idea of who's likely to be in each pot. https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1786462477804314640
Post by: Demitri_C on May 06, 2024, 06:15:30 PM
On my football managwr you did play english sides in group phase so not sure?
Post by: AV82EC on May 06, 2024, 06:16:14 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 06, 2024, 06:17:21 PM
I think the country protection is in place until the R16 or qtr finals.
Thanks for clarifying AV82
Post by: AV82EC on May 06, 2024, 06:24:30 PM
I think the country protection is in place until the R16 or qtr finals.
Thanks for clarifying AV82
There’s probably a 238 page UEFA competition document with the relevant detail but tbh I’ve got a life.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 06, 2024, 06:26:53 PM
I think the country protection is in place until the R16 or qtr finals.
Thanks for clarifying AV82
There’s probably a 238 page UEFA competition document with the relevant detail but tbh I’ve got a life.
*Quickly removes link to page 178*
Post by: AV82EC on May 06, 2024, 07:12:38 PM
I think the country protection is in place until the R16 or qtr finals.
Thanks for clarifying AV82
There’s probably a 238 page UEFA competition document with the relevant detail but tbh I’ve got a life.
*Quickly removes link to page 178*
Ha ha. Sorry to piss on your chips. 😜
Post by: Drummond on May 07, 2024, 12:27:45 AM
Burnley and Luton are closer to Forest and nobody gives them a car in shell's chance.
Spurs are more Spursy than Villa are Villa-like, they've lost 4 in a row.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 07, 2024, 12:39:38 AM
Spurs are more Spursy than Villa are Villa-like, they've lost 4 in a row.
Whilst letting in 13 goals. They'll be facing Citeh next week, who've scored 24 in their last 6 league games. Doesn't augur well for Spurs.
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 01:04:13 AM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 07, 2024, 01:07:14 AM
For me it comes down to the Spurs v City game. I don't see us getting anything from Liverpool or Palace. If Spurs don't lose v Man City they'll get 4th.
Does it now?
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 01:13:50 AM
For me it comes down to the Spurs v City game. I don't see us getting anything from Liverpool or Palace. If Spurs don't lose v Man City they'll get 4th.
Does it now?
That's my belief
Post by: ROBBO on May 07, 2024, 01:22:16 AM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 01:42:35 AM
I'm confused, so in the unlikely event that Spurs get a point off City and we don't get a point in the last two games Spurs are going to go on a goal fest their last two games and win on goal average. I always look to the bookies odds to see what they believe, you will get enormous odds if you want to waste your money.
We are currently 7 points ahead with +9 better goal difference having scored 4 more goals then Spurs:
Spurs 2 Burnley 0, Villa 0 Liverpool 2, Spurs 2 City 2, Palace 2 Villa 0, Sheff 0 - Spurs 3
That set of results puts us level on points and GD but gives Spurs a better goals scored and 4th place. Any of those results are likely... of course they ALL have to happen which dramatically increases the odds but they could still happen realistically.
Post by: adrenachrome on May 07, 2024, 02:17:34 AM
For me it comes down to the Spurs v City game. I don't see us getting anything from Liverpool or Palace. If Spurs don't lose v Man City they'll get 4th.
Anybody that doesn't think we will get anything from Liverpool or Palace is probably not a Villa fan.
Or form of late has been uneven, but we will strike soon.
Post by: aldridgeboy on May 07, 2024, 02:27:33 AM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 02:33:06 AM
For me it comes down to the Spurs v City game. I don't see us getting anything from Liverpool or Palace. If Spurs don't lose v Man City they'll get 4th.
Anybody that doesn't think we will get anything from Liverpool or Palace is probably not a Villa fan.
Or form of late has been uneven, but we will strike soon.
Quite the contrary, I've been a Villa fan for over 45 years... the team is running on empty... Liverpool and Palace just put 4 goals away each... I don't think seeing 0 points v Liverpool or Palace, in their and our current state, is any measure of whether I am a fan or not?
Post by: Ads on May 07, 2024, 04:00:17 AM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 04:30:48 AM
I'd be over the moon if we can get anything from either of the games left this season; I just can't see it after that abject performance against Brighton. That's just my opinion, happy for it to proved wrong.
Post by: itbrvilla on May 07, 2024, 06:56:46 AM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 06:58:56 AM
I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
Burnley went to Old Statford recently and gained a point.... against another "big 6" team? ::)
Post by: Demitri_C on May 07, 2024, 07:26:40 AM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 07:28:42 AM
The same manure than got humiliated last night you mean 😁
They're still relevant according to the media..... Like Spurs... big 6 my arse
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 07, 2024, 07:29:01 AM
I'm confused, so in the unlikely event that Spurs get a point off City and we don't get a point in the last two games Spurs are going to go on a goal fest their last two games and win on goal average. I always look to the bookies odds to see what they believe, you will get enormous odds if you want to waste your money.
16/1.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 07, 2024, 07:30:08 AM
The same manure than got humiliated last night you mean 😁
They're still relevant according to the media..... Like Spurs... big 6 my arse
Haha so true ben
Post by: Abbeyfealeavfc on May 07, 2024, 07:36:47 AM
I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
Burnley went to Old Statford recently and gained a point.... against another "big 6" team? ::)
Spoken like a client journalist or a bed wetting spuds fan. Must do better!
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 07:47:19 AM
I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
Burnley went to Old Statford recently and gained a point.... against another "big 6" team? ::)
I was being sarcastic....
Spoken like a client journalist or a bed wetting spuds fan. Must do better!
Post by: Demitri_C on May 07, 2024, 07:48:47 AM
I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
Burnley went to Old Statford recently and gained a point.... against another "big 6" team? ::)
Spoken like a client journalist or a bed wetting spuds fan. Must do better!
He was clearly joking!
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 07, 2024, 08:12:09 AM
Post by: LeeS on May 07, 2024, 08:43:31 AM
The atmosphere in Selhurst was tremendous too. We need Man City not to fuck this one up for us. And yes, I’ve taken a healthy punt at 16-1.
Post by: Lsvilla on May 07, 2024, 08:51:55 AM
Draw and they're down. Only a win can save Burnley - and that's if Forest don't get any points back on appeal.I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
Burnley went to Old Statford recently and gained a point.... against another "big 6" team? ::)
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 07, 2024, 09:05:08 AM
Post by: Smithy on May 07, 2024, 09:06:51 AM
I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
On current form, Burnley are a solid lower mid table outfit, not relegation certainties. They also have the added incentive of knowing a win vs Spurs gives them a final day shootout against Forest, with the winner staying up (assuming forest lose to Chelsea).
The point being, Burnley are about as far as it’s possible to be from “on the beach”, and have all the motivation in the world to go at Spurs. It probably won’t be enough, given they’re not that great even at their best, but I don’t think it’s the forgone conclusion some believe it to be.
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 09:30:46 AM
Post by: chrisw1 on May 07, 2024, 09:32:08 AM
But with the state of our squad I'm not particularly confident of getting anything from Liverpool or Palace either. I don't think you have to be a troll or a Bluenose to think that.
I also think Spurs will beat Burnley and have the ability to hammer Sheffield. So yeah, IF they got a draw at Man City I'd be worried - but I think that's the most unlikely result of the lot.
Post by: LeeB on May 07, 2024, 09:33:42 AM
I went to Palace last night as my neighbour had a spare ticket. Lots of criticism of a terrible Man Utd team but we shouldn’t forget how well Palace are playing. Hammered the Hammers, won at Anfield, beat Newcastle and then trounced the Redscum. If we need points there on the final day, we won’t get them. They are humming under their new manager and that front three looks superb. They were so direct, so up for it, so confident. If we play like we played against Chelsea, Lille (twice), Olympiakos and Brighton we will lose there, without a doubt.
The atmosphere in Selhurst was tremendous too. We need Man City not to fuck this one up for us. And yes, I’ve taken a healthy punt at 16-1.
And its a place we've been relentlessly shit at regardless of our own abillities.
Post by: Monty on May 07, 2024, 09:34:54 AM
I went to Palace last night as my neighbour had a spare ticket. Lots of criticism of a terrible Man Utd team but we shouldn’t forget how well Palace are playing. Hammered the Hammers, won at Anfield, beat Newcastle and then trounced the Redscum. If we need points there on the final day, we won’t get them. They are humming under their new manager and that front three looks superb. They were so direct, so up for it, so confident. If we play like we played against Chelsea, Lille (twice), Olympiakos and Brighton we will lose there, without a doubt.
The atmosphere in Selhurst was tremendous too. We need Man City not to fuck this one up for us. And yes, I’ve taken a healthy punt at 16-1.
And its a place we've been relentlessly shit at regardless of our own abillities.
3 home wins in a row for them, we're playing horrendously going to a ground where we've always been horrendous...
Dare we hope for a reverse Brighton?
Post by: FatSam on May 07, 2024, 09:38:02 AM
I'm resigned to top 4 being all about the potential of Spurs beating City. I just can't see the present Villa squad taking a point from either Liverpool or Palace.According to adrenachrome, that means you’re probably not a Villa fan…
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 07, 2024, 09:49:23 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 07, 2024, 09:54:00 AM
The odds are massively stacked in our favour as we only need one result to go our way.
But with the state of our squad I'm not particularly confident of getting anything from Liverpool or Palace either. I don't think you have to be a troll or a Bluenose to think that.
I also think Spurs will beat Burnley and have the ability to hammer Sheffield. So yeah, IF they got a draw at Man City I'd be worried - but I think that's the most unlikely result of the lot.
Sorry to break it to you but it’s at Spurs.
Post by: Drummond on May 07, 2024, 09:54:23 AM
I'm confused, so in the unlikely event that Spurs get a point off City and we don't get a point in the last two games Spurs are going to go on a goal fest their last two games and win on goal average. I always look to the bookies odds to see what they believe, you will get enormous odds if you want to waste your money.
We are currently 7 points ahead with +9 better goal difference having scored 4 more goals then Spurs:
Spurs 2 Burnley 2, Villa 2 Liverpool 1, Spurs 2 City 4, Palace 2 Villa 3, Sheff 0 - Spurs 10
That set of results puts us level on points and GD but gives Spurs a better goals scored and 4th place. Any of those results are likely... of course they ALL have to happen which dramatically increases the odds but they could still happen realistically.
There, I've edited your scores to show something else that could realistically happen too.
Post by: Risso on May 07, 2024, 09:54:47 AM
The odds are massively stacked in our favour as we only need one result to go our way.
But with the state of our squad I'm not particularly confident of getting anything from Liverpool or Palace either. I don't think you have to be a troll or a Bluenose to think that.
I also think Spurs will beat Burnley and have the ability to hammer Sheffield. So yeah, IF they got a draw at Man City I'd be worried - but I think that's the most unlikely result of the lot.
Sorry to break it to you but it’s at Spurs.
Where they've beaten Man City for the last four years.
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 09:57:08 AM
The odds are massively stacked in our favour as we only need one result to go our way.
But with the state of our squad I'm not particularly confident of getting anything from Liverpool or Palace either. I don't think you have to be a troll or a Bluenose to think that.
I also think Spurs will beat Burnley and have the ability to hammer Sheffield. So yeah, IF they got a draw at Man City I'd be worried - but I think that's the most unlikely result of the lot.
Sorry to break it to you but it’s at Spurs.
Where they've beaten Man City for the last four years.
Yeah, I saw that... and haven't scored a goal... this is Flangeball though and I suspect that will play into City's hands...
Post by: Drummond on May 07, 2024, 09:58:13 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 07, 2024, 09:58:37 AM
For me it comes down to the Spurs v City game. I don't see us getting anything from Liverpool or Palace. If Spurs don't lose v Man City they'll get 4th.
Anybody that doesn't think we will get anything from Liverpool or Palace is probably not a Villa fan.
Or form of late has been uneven, but we will strike soon.
I'm not sure how you can come to that conclusion to be honest. All focus is now shifted to Thursday night and domestic matters temporarily put aside, but I don't think 4th place is cut and dried yet.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 07, 2024, 09:58:39 AM
The odds are massively stacked in our favour as we only need one result to go our way.
But with the state of our squad I'm not particularly confident of getting anything from Liverpool or Palace either. I don't think you have to be a troll or a Bluenose to think that.
I also think Spurs will beat Burnley and have the ability to hammer Sheffield. So yeah, IF they got a draw at Man City I'd be worried - but I think that's the most unlikely result of the lot.
Sorry to break it to you but it’s at Spurs.
Where they've beaten Man City for the last four years.
Bloody hell, I knew they hadn’t won there for a while but I thought there had been a couple of draws at least. That actually makes me feel a bit better - it can’t go on, surely?
Post by: Risso on May 07, 2024, 09:59:31 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 07, 2024, 10:29:39 AM
Villa - 1/33
Spursy Spurs - 11/1
Clearly a lot of Villa fans lumping on Spurs to get those odds down.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 07, 2024, 10:33:24 AM
Current odds on SkyBet for Top 4:
Villa - 1/33
Spursy Spurs - 11/1
Clearly a lot of Villa fans lumping on Spurs to get those odds down.
To the discerning punter, Palace last night will have had an effect too, on top of the performances of Liverpool and Villa on Sunday.
Post by: PeterWithe on May 07, 2024, 10:36:25 AM
Post by: Bad English on May 07, 2024, 10:36:57 AM
Post by: German James on May 07, 2024, 10:45:11 AM
Post by: Monty on May 07, 2024, 10:46:16 AM
"funeralling"?
Old H&V term, c/o saranyu.
Post by: Dave on May 07, 2024, 10:46:40 AM
"funeralling"?
H&V patois from years past.
Saranyu was it?
Post by: Chap on May 07, 2024, 10:46:40 AM
"funeralling"?A technical term for ‘Shoving it up ‘em’.
Post by: Bad English on May 07, 2024, 10:49:11 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 07, 2024, 10:54:27 AM
Post by: jon collett on May 07, 2024, 10:57:50 AM
I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
I think that too, it’s their biggest game if the season.
Also have we lost 3 successive league games under Unai before now?
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 11:01:19 AM
I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
I think that too, it’s their biggest game if the season.
Also have we lost 3 successive league games under Unai before now?
No, but we've never been so out on our feet... also Liverpool and Palace are two tough games while we're knackered
Post by: Risso on May 07, 2024, 11:01:53 AM
I think Burnley can take a point from Spurs. Their form last month wasn't bad. Only lost one of 5...
I think that too, it’s their biggest game if the season.
Also have we lost 3 successive league games under Unai before now?
Last season we did. This season we haven't even lost 2 in a row, although I very much fear for that record against Liverpool on Monday.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on May 07, 2024, 11:07:22 AM
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 07, 2024, 11:22:54 AM
The odds are massively stacked in our favour as we only need one result to go our way.
But with the state of our squad I'm not particularly confident of getting anything from Liverpool or Palace either. I don't think you have to be a troll or a Bluenose to think that.
I also think Spurs will beat Burnley and have the ability to hammer Sheffield. So yeah, IF they got a draw at Man City I'd be worried - but I think that's the most unlikely result of the lot.
Sorry to break it to you but it’s at Spurs.
Where they've beaten Man City for the last four years.
Bloody hell, I knew they hadn’t won there for a while but I thought there had been a couple of draws at least. That actually makes me feel a bit better - it can’t go on, surely?
And what if ... Man City beat Fulham then Manure get one of those spawny results of theirs and beat Arsenal. That means City's game at Spurs is no longer a must-win, as they could wrap the title up with a home win vs West Ham.
For all the "what are the chances of Spurs going on a run", remember the chances of something happening is always proportional to how much it would screw Villa over. What are the chances a Villa team that had Bozzie, McGrath, Teale, Saunders, Atkinson, Yorke etc would lose at home to Oldham :(
Post by: Ads on May 07, 2024, 11:46:46 AM
Post by: olaftab on May 07, 2024, 11:59:48 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 07, 2024, 12:02:17 PM
Post by: German James on May 07, 2024, 12:02:55 PM
Are you new to H&V James? ;-)
Damn! Another one of those H&V things I daren't ask about!
Owls vs. Gibbons
Putting my fists all over you
Councillor Whatsisname...
WILL I EVER REALLY BELONG?!
Post by: Monty on May 07, 2024, 12:03:58 PM
But! We shall see. A week's rest, hopefully players back, it could look very different by the time the game rolls around.
Post by: Risso on May 07, 2024, 12:04:53 PM
Post by: Drummond on May 07, 2024, 12:06:51 PM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 12:08:26 PM
Yep, I'm more concerned about Palace than Liverpool. Thankfully, it won't matter by then.
I wish that I shared your optimism...
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 07, 2024, 12:21:03 PM
They've won four out of five, beating Liverpool (away), Newcastle, West ham and Man U, scoring 13 goals. Anybody expecting us to just turn up there and win might be in for a bit of a disappointing afternoon I feel.
Don’t we have a pretty poor record there as well?
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 12:26:48 PM
They've won four out of five, beating Liverpool (away), Newcastle, West ham and Man U, scoring 13 goals. Anybody expecting us to just turn up there and win might be in for a bit of a disappointing afternoon I feel.
Don’t we have a pretty poor record there as well?
We had a good record at Brighton... Had
Post by: Ads on May 07, 2024, 12:59:06 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 07, 2024, 01:03:03 PM
Here's to a Haaland double hat-trick 🍺.
Post by: tomd2103 on May 07, 2024, 01:04:19 PM
They play that Liverpool game 99 times out of 100 they lose 4 or 5. Our dominace at Arsenal it was not. Fuck Palace, absolute no marks and their back end of nowhere ground.
Think they might be a side to watch out for next season if they can keep their best players and add a couple more quality players. They've had some good players there for some time, but I think that they were probably stifled under previous managers. Too early to tell just yet, but it looks like it might be different under this manager.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 07, 2024, 01:06:13 PM
Everyone knows full well that statistically the odds are in our favour, but it's hardly like people are suggesting that a man with one leg is going to break the men's marathon world record. To me it feels more 80/20 than 96/4.
That's why they use computers to take the emotion and Brummie pessimism out of it.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 07, 2024, 01:07:09 PM
They play that Liverpool game 99 times out of 100 they lose 4 or 5. Our dominace at Arsenal it was not. Fuck Palace, absolute no marks and their back end of nowhere ground.
Think they might be a side to watch out for next season if they can keep their best players and add a couple more quality players. They've had some good players there for some time, but I think that they were probably stifled under previous managers. Too early to tell just yet, buy it looks like it might be different under this manager.
I think that's the problem. Surely at the very least, one of Eze or Olise won't be there next season. Possibly both.
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 07, 2024, 01:12:59 PM
Everyone knows full well that statistically the odds are in our favour, but it's hardly like people are suggesting that a man with one leg is going to break the men's marathon world record. To me it feels more 80/20 than 96/4.
That's why they use computers to take the emotion and Brummie pessimism out of it.
True, but England were around 80% to get that 5th place. I'm going to go all Will Smith from I,Robot. Fucking machines.
Post by: Risso on May 07, 2024, 01:19:27 PM
They play that Liverpool game 99 times out of 100 they lose 4 or 5. Our dominace at Arsenal it was not. Fuck Palace, absolute no marks and their back end of nowhere ground.
Not sure if you saw the whole game, but Palace were the better side first half. Overall the match stats were 6 shots on target for Liverpool, 5 for Palace. And Palace have got a lot better since then under the new bloke. Meanwhile this weekend we had one shot against a truly dire Brighton who were bottom of all the recent stats tables. Add in the injury to Rogers, and everybody else being knackered and/or in shit form, and I think we're going to fall short. Both in Europe and the race for top 4.
Post by: LeeB on May 07, 2024, 01:21:25 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 07, 2024, 01:21:54 PM
Yep, I'm more concerned about Palace than Liverpool. Thankfully, it won't matter by then.
I wish that I shared your optimism...
That surprises me. In your brief time here, you've consistently struck me as a glass half full kind of chap.
Post by: Ads on May 07, 2024, 01:22:19 PM
Yep, I'm more concerned about Palace than Liverpool. Thankfully, it won't matter by then.
I wish that I shared your optimism...
That surprises me. In your brief time here, you've consistently struck me as a glass half full kind of chap.
He's definitely not been here before though.
Post by: Ben1505p on May 07, 2024, 02:02:43 PM
Yep, I'm more concerned about Palace than Liverpool. Thankfully, it won't matter by then.
I wish that I shared your optimism...
That surprises me. In your brief time here, you've consistently struck me as a glass half full kind of chap.
He's definitely not been here before though.
I might've been... I can't remember.... the glass is full either way... half liquid half gas....
Post by: Legion on May 07, 2024, 10:47:58 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 07, 2024, 11:37:12 PM
*It was my mate at work’s limit on his online account.
Post by: Risso on May 07, 2024, 11:48:10 PM
Post by: Rory on May 08, 2024, 12:40:47 AM
They play that Liverpool game 99 times out of 100 they lose 4 or 5. Our dominace at Arsenal it was not. Fuck Palace, absolute no marks and their back end of nowhere ground.
Not sure if you saw the whole game, but Palace were the better side first half. Overall the match stats were 6 shots on target for Liverpool, 5 for Palace. And Palace have got a lot better since then under the new bloke. Meanwhile this weekend we had one shot against a truly dire Brighton who were bottom of all the recent stats tables. Add in the injury to Rogers, and everybody else being knackered and/or in shit form, and I think we're going to fall short. Both in Europe and the race for top 4.
To be fair, Riss, as much as I love you, you do tend to let your head drop when we have a couple of shite results/performances.
You may well be right, and we might lose our next three.
I personally think we have a 30/70 chance in Greece, and I'd back us to get 1-3 points in our next two league games. Frankly, if we were to win in Greece, I wouldn't be surprised if we got six points from our last two league games.
You've got to believe 😉
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 08:04:41 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 08, 2024, 08:08:17 AM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.I tend to agree they look spent.
They may have one more rousing match-in them if we can get a few back in time for Liverpool and we don’t flog them to death in Athens.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 08, 2024, 08:12:12 AM
Now they have to help arsenal if they want CL but most of their fans don't want that and will rather lose to give city title.
Bit small time
Post by: cdward on May 08, 2024, 08:34:21 AM
Rest most of the first team and play the kids against Liverpool and Palace. (City will beat Spurs anyway so it's academic).
On to the final in Athens.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 08, 2024, 08:52:34 AM
Perfect scenario - win 0-3 on Thursday, just need to score first.
Rest most of the first team and play the kids against Liverpool and Palace. (City will beat Spurs anyway so it's academic).
On to the final in Athens.
That for me would be awesome and the dream scenerio.
Give some kids/fringe players a opportunity. Liverpool are runoured to be playing a few like this as well as they have nothing to play for either
Post by: Dogtanian on May 08, 2024, 08:53:40 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 08, 2024, 09:00:19 AM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
Yeah after Sunday I give us very little chance. Also in recent years Olympiacos often beat English sides.
Post by: Dave on May 08, 2024, 09:02:54 AM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
But the other thing we've seen before is everyone deciding that they all look knackered, people not being able to see where the next win is coming from, and then we go and beat Arsenal. Because all the same things being said now were being said then, but they still found something.
It just feels improbable that we're going to end the season with five* straight defeats.
*I guess a 1-0 win tomorrow and still being knocked out would technically mean that didn't happen, but still.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 08, 2024, 09:15:05 AM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
But the other thing we've seen before is everyone deciding that they all look knackered, people not being able to see where the next win is coming from, and then we go and beat Arsenal. Because all the same things being said now were being said then, but they still found something.
It just feels improbable that we're going to end the season with five* straight defeats.
I guess a 1-0 win tomorrow and still being knocked out would technically mean that didn't happen, but still.
That Arsenal game is the one thing giving me some hope. You’re right I thought we were completely cooked before that and had no chance. The worry though is we won’t have Rogers and might well not have Tielemans, which cuts out a lot of our drive forward and incisiveness.
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 08, 2024, 09:24:52 AM
It's also that this many decades of following Villa has left me scarred. Whenever we have the chance for a real milestone achievement, we fall short. We can do "quite well" and "pretty good", but those true milestones evade us. Champions League with football as it is these days will be a milestone achievement. Watkins getting 20 league goals will be a milestone achievement. Which is why I am sure neither will happen ;)
Post by: Monty on May 08, 2024, 09:26:14 AM
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 08, 2024, 09:37:11 AM
Post by: Monty on May 08, 2024, 09:39:59 AM
Post by: Ads on May 08, 2024, 09:55:15 AM
Nobody has ever seen this Villa before. Nobody.
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 09:57:35 AM
Post by: Ads on May 08, 2024, 09:58:57 AM
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 10:28:30 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 08, 2024, 10:32:39 AM
I just can't see that on current form there's much to be optimistic about. I get that you're out in the sun in Greece having a beer and enjoying yourself, but the reality is we've been in poor form for ages now, and there's not much that points to a sudden uplift in form unfortunately.
Ok, if that's true, what are the signs that Spurs are going to suddenly do the very same thing, having been in worse form than us?
Post by: Ads on May 08, 2024, 10:45:18 AM
I just can't see that on current form there's much to be optimistic about. I get that you're out in the sun in Greece having a beer and enjoying yourself, but the reality is we've been in poor form for ages now, and there's not much that points to a sudden uplift in form unfortunately.
Ok, if that's true, what are the signs that Spurs are going to suddenly do the very same thing, having been in worse form than us?
That's a fair point. Spurs have been shite for weeks, getting whacked (and 4-2 flattered them) in the process. Then they have to play Man City in full on Dreadnaught title winning mode. They'll be annihilated.
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 10:49:31 AM
I just can't see that on current form there's much to be optimistic about. I get that you're out in the sun in Greece having a beer and enjoying yourself, but the reality is we've been in poor form for ages now, and there's not much that points to a sudden uplift in form unfortunately.
Ok, if that's true, what are the signs that Spurs are going to suddenly do the very same thing, having been in worse form than us?
Well, two of their three matches are against the two worst teams in the league for a start. As I've said, I think it's all going to come down to the Spurs result against Man City. On form they shouldn't get anywhere near them and we'll scrape over the line, but an unexpected draw could well be enough for Spurs.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 08, 2024, 10:54:01 AM
Post by: Drummond on May 08, 2024, 10:54:38 AM
4 Liverpool,
2 Chelsea
3 Arsenal
4 Newcastle
We're the only side in the top half they've beaten this year.
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 11:06:56 AM
Spurs have conceded loads in the last 4 games:
4 Liverpool,
2 Chelsea
3 Arsenal
4 Newcastle
We're the only side in the top half they've beaten this year.
As I say, they've got Burnley at home next. They'll batter them.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 08, 2024, 11:15:19 AM
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 11:21:52 AM
They've drawn away at Man U and Chelsea in the last month or so. Spurs are leaking goals left right and center. I don't get why anyone would stress themselves writing it off.
Who's stressed?
Post by: Monty on May 08, 2024, 11:22:28 AM
They've drawn away at Man U and Chelsea in the last month or so. Spurs are leaking goals left right and center. I don't get why anyone would stress themselves writing it off.
Who's stressed?
Fuckin' I am, that's who.
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 11:25:11 AM
Post by: Monty on May 08, 2024, 11:29:23 AM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 08, 2024, 11:30:51 AM
Post by: Dave on May 08, 2024, 11:38:13 AM
As I say, they've got Burnley at home next. They'll batter them.
Time to lump on the 1-1 draw I reckon (wink)
They'll almost certainly win the next two though, Sheff U and Burnley at home. Then Palace away isn't exactly difficult either. We've absolutely got to beat Bournemouth and not lose to Chelsea.
I could see Burnley getting a result against Mancheter PGMOL utd
I can't, Burnley's away record is dismal.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 08, 2024, 11:40:51 AM
I said in the summer that success for me this season is a top-6 finish, european qualification for a second year running, and getting out the group stage of the conference league.
We've smashed that and had a fantastic season, setting the platform to improve again next time. But I can't enjoy it until it's done and dusted.
Post by: DB on May 08, 2024, 11:58:54 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 08, 2024, 12:10:09 PM
If Spuds beat Burnley, it’s all on the City match. Presuming we don’t win either of our last 2 matches.what state we are in after Athens will tell us if we can do something against Liverpool.
If we need something at Palace forget it.
Post by: Villan82 on May 08, 2024, 12:10:59 PM
I don't get why people can't enjoy this ride- I mean 1996 is a long time ago and we are currently better than we have been since then. There is a lot riding on it and it is a big chance but we have never won this many games in a 38 game season before yet I keep reading here that we have been crap for months? We have had key players get injured so of course we aren't as fluid as we were up to December but we have still got results. I mean, Chelsea, Newcastle, Spurs would kill for our results. I just don't get it with the doom and gloom I see.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 08, 2024, 12:16:53 PM
Post by: Drummond on May 08, 2024, 12:28:49 PM
Post by: Bad English on May 08, 2024, 12:34:33 PM
Post by: Baldy on May 08, 2024, 12:34:41 PM
Post by: aldridgeboy on May 08, 2024, 12:48:18 PM
Post by: Rigadon on May 08, 2024, 12:50:54 PM
If it was aimed specifically at Risso i'd have quoted him. Plenty seem stressed. Plenty also don't seem to be overly enjoying it. It's our best season for over a quarter of a century, matches matter for a good reason rather than hoping they help us stay up. It's great and hopefully it will be like this each season for a while.
This Villa team is the best I've seen (82 just before my Villa career!) but I felt wretched watching the Brighton game. Least enjoyable Villa-watching experience in memory. It's the pressure of course, and one or two of the players are probably experiencing this too, as well as being shattered physically. One more result in the league isn't beyond us, but it will be tough and I think we'll need one.
As for tomorrow night, get an early goal and who knows.
Post by: OCD on May 08, 2024, 01:25:32 PM
We really need Arsenal to beat Man united as well, ensuring City need to beat Spurs.
Currently they have no centre backs and aren't exactly water tight when they have everyone back.
Post by: Ads on May 08, 2024, 02:14:04 PM
I think people's pessimism is a safety blanket; don't get your hopes up too much, then there's not as far to fall if it does go tits up.
Of course it is. It's a psychological tool.
Post by: Monty on May 08, 2024, 02:14:30 PM
I think people's pessimism is a safety blanket; don't get your hopes up too much, then there's not as far to fall if it does go tits up.
Of course it is. It's a psychological tool.
You're damn straight it is.
Post by: Drummond on May 08, 2024, 02:24:30 PM
I think people's pessimism is a safety blanket; don't get your hopes up too much, then there's not as far to fall if it does go tits up.
Of course it is. It's a psychological tool.
Alright grumpy pants.
Post by: Ads on May 08, 2024, 02:28:16 PM
I think people's pessimism is a safety blanket; don't get your hopes up too much, then there's not as far to fall if it does go tits up.
Of course it is. It's a psychological tool.
Alright grumpy pants.
I'm not grumpy, I'm agreeing with you!
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 08, 2024, 02:30:04 PM
I think people's pessimism is a safety blanket; don't get your hopes up too much, then there's not as far to fall if it does go tits up.
Of course it is. It's a psychological tool.
You're damn straight it is.
Absolutely, which is why I'm not sure why people are surprised when it is used.
I still fancy us to overturn it in Greece and I don't really know why. I think I think the pressure will get to the Greeks.
Post by: Dave on May 08, 2024, 02:42:40 PM
I still fancy us to overturn it in Greece and I don't really know why. I think I think the pressure will get to the Greeks.
It just feels like the sort of thing happens in a two-legged tie. The big boy gets a bloodied nose, but you just know that they'll probably show enough to sneak through and all the neutrals are annoyed about what nearly was.
Tranmere semi-finals are more common in football than Bradford ones.
That's not to say we'll definitely win or anything. But I don't think I'm any less confident than I would be at 0-1 down or 0-0 after the first leg.
Post by: VillaTim on May 08, 2024, 02:55:10 PM
Post by: chrisw1 on May 08, 2024, 03:16:52 PM
I guess if we were 2-0 up vs Dortmund or Bayern etc, we'd still be shitting it and assuming we'd find a way to blow it. I mean, when we're 2-0 up after 80 mins it often feels like we might blow it. Hopefully some on the Olympiacos side feel the same and nerves will set in. Particularly with their dodgy keeper.I still fancy us to overturn it in Greece and I don't really know why. I think I think the pressure will get to the Greeks.
It just feels like the sort of thing happens in a two-legged tie. The big boy gets a bloodied nose, but you just know that they'll probably show enough to sneak through and all the neutrals are annoying about what nearly was.
Tranmere semi-finals are more common in football than Bradford ones.
That's not to say we'll definitely win or anything. But I don't think I'm any less confident than I would be at 0-1 down or 0-0 after the first leg.
Post by: Dante Lavelli on May 08, 2024, 03:20:14 PM
2 goals is a big margin. Think we needed Luiz penalty to go in to have a real chance .
Had that gone in I’d be 60/40 confident. There’s no way every decision/deflection can go against us again. However I’d expect Olympiacos to improve too playing at home.
Post by: Drummond on May 08, 2024, 03:40:43 PM
I think people's pessimism is a safety blanket; don't get your hopes up too much, then there's not as far to fall if it does go tits up.
Of course it is. It's a psychological tool.
Alright grumpy pants.
I'm not grumpy, I'm agreeing with you!
;D
(I'm not used to that)
Post by: London Villan on May 08, 2024, 03:49:09 PM
Post by: The Edge on May 08, 2024, 03:59:10 PM
We really need Arsenal to beat Man united as well, ensuring City need to beat Spurs.If Arsenal lose at Man U then City can win the title at Spurs providing they beat Fulham. Whatever happens City will be highly motivated at Spurs.
Post by: The Edge on May 08, 2024, 04:03:49 PM
2 goals is a big margin. Think we needed Luiz penalty to go in to have a real chance .We already have a real chance. They've already lost 4-1 at home in this comp to Maccabi Haifa. No reason why we can't match what they did.
Post by: Dave on May 08, 2024, 04:09:55 PM
2 goals is a big margin. Think we needed Luiz penalty to go in to have a real chance .We already have a real chance. They've already lost 4-1 at home in this comp to Maccabi Haifa. No reason why we can't match what they did.
Robbie Keane's* Maccabi Tel Aviv, rather than Maccabi Haifa I think.
*Just like we always had to be "Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa".
Post by: VillaTim on May 08, 2024, 05:13:04 PM
We are running on empty as we saw at the weekend. That's the biggest issue and a lack of form for your Luiz's and Diaby's .2 goals is a big margin. Think we needed Luiz penalty to go in to have a real chance .
Had that gone in I’d be 60/40 confident. There’s no way every decision/deflection can go against us again. However I’d expect Olympiacos to improve too playing at home.
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 05:21:22 PM
2 goals is a big margin. Think we needed Luiz penalty to go in to have a real chance .We already have a real chance. They've already lost 4-1 at home in this comp to Maccabi Haifa. No reason why we can't match what they did.
They've beaten West Ham and Fenerbahce at home in Europe as well though, so they're no mugs.
Post by: VillaTim on May 08, 2024, 06:01:00 PM
Not a chance of that happening .We really need Arsenal to beat Man united as well, ensuring City need to beat Spurs.If Arsenal lose at Man U then City can win the title at Spurs providing they beat Fulham. Whatever happens City will be highly motivated at Spurs.
Post by: The Edge on May 08, 2024, 06:40:30 PM
There's always a chance. Either way City will be fully motivated to win at Spurs.Not a chance of that happening .We really need Arsenal to beat Man united as well, ensuring City need to beat Spurs.If Arsenal lose at Man U then City can win the title at Spurs providing they beat Fulham. Whatever happens City will be highly motivated at Spurs.
Post by: The Edge on May 08, 2024, 06:41:56 PM
And we still have a real chance of beating them.2 goals is a big margin. Think we needed Luiz penalty to go in to have a real chance .We already have a real chance. They've already lost 4-1 at home in this comp to Maccabi Haifa. No reason why we can't match what they did.
They've beaten West Ham and Fenerbahce at home in Europe as well though, so they're no mugs.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 08, 2024, 06:48:47 PM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
I'm not suggesting that you're unduly pessimistic at times, but you were telling us a few weeks back that Yanited would definitely finish above Villa.
Post by: VillaTim on May 08, 2024, 06:55:53 PM
Thats all i care about . Also Be nice if that left winger with the alice band chipped in with a goal or two . Blue Moon .There's always a chance. Either way City will be fully motivated to win at Spurs.Not a chance of that happening .We really need Arsenal to beat Man united as well, ensuring City need to beat Spurs.If Arsenal lose at Man U then City can win the title at Spurs providing they beat Fulham. Whatever happens City will be highly motivated at Spurs.
Post by: aldridgeboy on May 08, 2024, 07:41:24 PM
We really need Arsenal to beat Man united as well, ensuring City need to beat Spurs.If Arsenal lose at Man U then City can win the title at Spurs providing they beat Fulham. Whatever happens City will be highly motivated at Spurs.
Ah yes, good point!
Post by: olaftab on May 08, 2024, 07:56:39 PM
Use of adverb “unduly” is a tad pessimistic to describe the above post.I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
I'm not suggesting that you're unduly pessimistic at times, but you were telling us a few weeks back that Yanited would definitely finish above Villa.
Post by: Risso on May 08, 2024, 07:58:17 PM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
I'm not suggesting that you're unduly pessimistic at times, but you were telling us a few weeks back that Yanited would definitely finish above Villa.
If we don't finish in the top 4 it doesn't really matter who it was that beat us to it.
Post by: DB on May 08, 2024, 08:04:03 PM
Post by: lovejoy on May 08, 2024, 08:16:01 PM
Liverpool have kept 1 PL clean sheet in the last few months and that was Forest. They can certainly be got at.
Read the posts last week about how shot Brighton have been and how good our record is against them. These back ward looking stats are irrelevant.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on May 08, 2024, 08:22:01 PM
Post by: mike on May 08, 2024, 08:24:41 PM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
I'm not suggesting that you're unduly pessimistic at times, but you were telling us a few weeks back that Yanited would definitely finish above Villa.
If we don't finish in the top 4 it doesn't really matter who it was that beat us to it.
I ask this affectionately as I am a ‘that glass is never half full’ kind of guy. Were you born in Birmingham?
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 08, 2024, 08:35:46 PM
Not if you're spurs playing at Chelsea or LiverpoolLiverpool have kept 1 PL clean sheet in the last few months and that was Forest. They can certainly be got at.
Read the posts last week about how shot Brighton have been and how good our record is against them. These back ward looking stats are irrelevant.
That went as it usually does in the Prem a no win for Spurs!
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 08, 2024, 08:41:00 PM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
One way of looking at it - if you genuinely think Spurs are in such a good position, you could give a bookie £100 and he'll give you at least £1700 back if that happens. That's got to be a nice earner for such a likely outcome? Obvs, if you give the same bookie £100 on it to be Villa who take 4th, he'll be giving you £102.50 back.
Seriously, I know you know the above, but really, yeah, Spurs can turn in some awesome performances and take loads of points, but they need us also to take next to no points.
We are struggling with injuries and tiredness, but Spurs are absolutely decomposing.
We already have the points.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 08, 2024, 08:43:41 PM
Emery record is won 5 draw 4 lost 17
Post by: Demitri_C on May 08, 2024, 08:45:22 PM
I've seen it all before too many times Rory. We've no chance tomorrow night. Whether we get over the line for 4th depends on what Spurs do I reckon.
One way of looking at it - if you genuinely think Spurs are in such a good position, you could give a bookie £100 and he'll give you at least £1700 back if that happens. That's got to be a nice earner for such a likely outcome? Obvs, if you give the same bookie £100 on it to be Villa who take 4th, he'll be giving you £102.50 back.
Seriously, I know you know the above, but really, yeah, Spurs can turn in some awesome performances and take loads of points, but they need us also to take next to no points.
We are struggling with injuries and tiredness, but Spurs are absolutely decomposing.
We already have the points.
Whats worrying for if i was a spurs fan - is that they ahve virtually a full strength team and playing poorly ans not competing.
We have been destroyed by injuries imagine where spurs would be if they had our injuries
Post by: john e on May 08, 2024, 08:47:49 PM
Villa getting something out of Liverpool at home or
Spurs getting something out of Man City at home
Probably neither for me
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 08, 2024, 08:50:56 PM
For those thinking we won't do it, take a look at Spurs over the years, their recent results and so on and then think if you were a Spurs fan how confident would you be of catching us. Would Burnley at home still be a banker or would be 1 defeat in 5 away from home Burnley and far from a given?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 08, 2024, 08:51:33 PM
Whats worrying for if i was a spurs fan - is that they ahve virtually a full strength team and playing poorly ans not competing.
We have been destroyed by injuries imagine where spurs would be if they had our injuries
And haven't had the extra games of Europe, or cup runs.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 08, 2024, 08:52:55 PM
Whats worrying for if i was a spurs fan - is that they ahve virtually a full strength team and playing poorly ans not competing.
We have been destroyed by injuries imagine where spurs would be if they had our injuries
And haven't had the extra games of Europe, or cup runs.
53 games to their 38. What we're doing is fantastic.
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 08, 2024, 08:53:53 PM
What do you think is more likely
Villa getting something out of Liverpool at home or
Spurs getting something out of Man City at home
Probably neither for me
Paddy Power saying 3/1 for a Villa win, 17/5 for a draw and 5/1 for a Spurs win, 9/2 for a draw.
I think we’ll both lose
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 08, 2024, 08:57:05 PM
Whats worrying for if i was a spurs fan - is that they ahve virtually a full strength team and playing poorly ans not competing.
We have been destroyed by injuries imagine where spurs would be if they had our injuries
And haven't had the extra games of Europe, or cup runs.
Konsa was a boyhood Spurs fan that performance against Brighton seems he still had feelings!
Post by: VillaTim on May 08, 2024, 08:57:36 PM
Post by: The Edge on May 08, 2024, 09:20:51 PM
Well I'm expecting Next season there is a likelihood that play Real Madrid.Yep let's start worrying about Unai Emery's record against Real Madrid. What is it with some people on here just looking for something negative to focus on? How about focusing on his fantastic record thus far for the football club we all love?
Emery record is won 5 draw 4 lost 17
Post by: The Edge on May 08, 2024, 09:32:56 PM
Tielemans returning is pivotal . Without him we are losing the next 2 league games . With him getting a grip in the middle with SJM is massive for us .Totally agree a fit and firing Tielemans can be the difference. Do we know what his chances of playing are?
Post by: mike on May 08, 2024, 10:06:13 PM
Tielemans returning is pivotal . Without him we are losing the next 2 league games . With him getting a grip in the middle with SJM is massive for us .Totally agree a fit and firing Tielemans can be the difference. Do we know what his chances of playing are?
Only Martinez mentioned in the presser.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 08, 2024, 10:06:44 PM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 09, 2024, 04:26:28 AM
Post by: baddowvillans on May 09, 2024, 02:34:06 PM
Post by: Risso on May 09, 2024, 02:45:21 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 09, 2024, 02:50:43 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 09, 2024, 03:07:22 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 09, 2024, 03:08:19 PM
I've gone all in Spurs to get top 4. When they don't, you can all thank me later. If they do, then half of it will go to my New York trip in November, and the other half will go to Acorns.
You've messed with the karma there. If you said it was all going to you then the universe would deny you. But now it is for sick children, you've unsettled the balance. At least the kids are deserving, I suppose.
Post by: Risso on May 09, 2024, 03:12:43 PM
They beat us by 2. We can beat them by two. We can’t be too gung ho and concede another because then it’s pretty much over. But we need to get into them and control the game. Take our chances when they come along. It will be a hostile atmosphere tonight. Need to quiet the crowd early.
And then TV posts in the wrong thread to really upset the gods.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 09, 2024, 08:03:54 PM
Quote
Villa 'face concerns' over complying with UEFA's financial rules
Aston Villa face concerns over whether they can comply with UEFA's financial rules, putting their participation in Europe at risk - according to The Times.
Villa, who have already guaranteed a spot in Europe insist that they are complying with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules despite announcing a £119.6m loss for last season.
The most recent club to be excluded from European competition for financial rule breaches are Juventus, who were excluded this season.
Post by: villa for life on May 09, 2024, 09:23:15 PM
Post by: villa for life on May 09, 2024, 09:23:42 PM
Post by: Risso on May 09, 2024, 09:26:19 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 09, 2024, 09:26:58 PM
Gone from 19-1, to 16-1 and now 14-1.
It's been 16-1 since Sunday. It's gone in to 14/1 because Risso and Percy put money on it.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 09, 2024, 09:27:08 PM
God ww need a much bigger squad next season
Post by: Keeno on May 09, 2024, 09:29:58 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 09, 2024, 09:49:14 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 09, 2024, 09:53:41 PM
Going to have to jump for Europa Conference league level to Champions League level next season there needs to be some upgrades and added experience quite frankly.
This squad all have a season of European football under their belts. That will help. A couple of canny signings and the return of those injured and we will be much better equipped.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 09, 2024, 09:56:26 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 09, 2024, 09:58:22 PM
Yes great point and I like to think we can trust signings to be of the right calibre.Going to have to jump for Europa Conference league level to Champions League level next season there needs to be some upgrades and added experience quite frankly.
This squad all have a season of European football under their belts. That will help. A couple of canny signings and the return of those injured and we will be much better equipped.
It's very disappointing tonight but the focus like this thread is on us for champions league
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 09, 2024, 09:59:55 PM
Before we jump to assuming we’re there, we’re probably going to have to hope Spurs definitely lose. We look gone, it’s not just performance levels the body language was horrible tonight. We looked completely devoid of how we would create chances.
I just prefer focus on Villa and more so on us than all the spurs talk.
They have to beat Burnley and Burnley still fighting.
So hopefully come Monday may have been qualified or all we need is a point from two games
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 09, 2024, 10:01:58 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 09, 2024, 10:17:45 PM
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 09, 2024, 10:20:43 PM
If it was aimed specifically at Risso i'd have quoted him. Plenty seem stressed. Plenty also don't seem to be overly enjoying it. It's our best season for over a quarter of a century, matches matter for a good reason rather than hoping they help us stay up. It's great and hopefully it will be like this each season for a while.
As the Villa Podcast astutely noted, it's never fun supporting a football team. I am stressed because I want something good to happen to Villa for once. For once. Missing out on CL and ending up in the Europa League will not be something good, when we've been in the top 4 pretty much all season.
What is also stressful is that it's pretty clear this team is done, they have nothing left, so we are relying totally on Man City beating Spurs.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 09, 2024, 10:22:33 PM
Hopefully Spurs drop points against Burnley and makes Liverpool at home somewhat academic.Yes that's feasible!
Post by: Demitri_C on May 09, 2024, 10:23:22 PM
Post by: DC1874 on May 09, 2024, 10:27:49 PM
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 09, 2024, 10:30:53 PM
How are Burnley getting anything at Spuds? They're dog sh@t!They drew against Man Utd & Chelsea recently, so you never know (clutches at straw)!
Post by: David_Nab on May 09, 2024, 10:31:54 PM
How are Burnley getting anything at Spuds? They're dog sh@t!
Taken 2 less points over last 10 games that spurs Including a draw away at Chelsea with 10 men.
Post by: villa for life on May 09, 2024, 10:34:31 PM
Post by: astonvilla82 on May 09, 2024, 10:35:13 PM
How are Burnley getting anything at Spuds? They're dog sh@t!Same as Blackburn at Leicester on the weekend
Post by: curiousorange on May 09, 2024, 10:35:37 PM
If it was aimed specifically at Risso i'd have quoted him. Plenty seem stressed. Plenty also don't seem to be overly enjoying it. It's our best season for over a quarter of a century, matches matter for a good reason rather than hoping they help us stay up. It's great and hopefully it will be like this each season for a while.
As the Villa Podcast astutely noted, it's never fun supporting a football team. I am stressed because I want something good to happen to Villa for once. For once. Missing out on CL and ending up in the Europa League will not be something good, when we've been in the top 4 pretty much all season.
What is also stressful is that it's pretty clear this team is done, they have nothing left, so we are relying totally on Man City beating Spurs.
I felt this was the case anyway. It's in our hands, but that game's the safety net, so I was never worried about our games. I'm still not, really.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 09, 2024, 10:38:46 PM
Wherever each and and all of us thought Villa were to finish, this was a game that we wanted to win because it was the season's final game, and wouldn't it be just amazing to confirm champions league football with an elite winning performance at Villa Park.
Beat Arsenal, Manchester City, and fingers crossed Liverpool at home that's a fitting way as we are beating all of the top 3 and a deserving Champions League spot!
It's also a warning for them for next season we're coming for the share of trophies!
We are contenders to stay !
Up the Villa!
Post by: curiousorange on May 09, 2024, 10:43:54 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 09, 2024, 10:46:37 PM
Post by: Ads on May 09, 2024, 10:48:19 PM
Post by: clash city rocker on May 09, 2024, 10:49:16 PM
I must say, Captain: I've got to admire your balls.
That made me chuckle
Post by: MalcolmP on May 09, 2024, 10:51:20 PM
Our last 3 and a half performances have been pretty horrible. Injuries are obviously a massive issue, but that being said I don’t see how we get another point if some of those injured players don’t return. In which case we are relying on Spurs to fail, so hopefully they will.i predict that we will lose both games, Spurs will beat Burnley and Sheff Utd leaving them only needing a draw agst Man City to go fourth on goal difference.
Post by: Ads on May 09, 2024, 10:53:15 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 09, 2024, 10:53:38 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 09, 2024, 10:54:10 PM
We'll get 1 point, Spurs will get 4. Job done.
Hope so.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 09, 2024, 10:54:40 PM
Post by: Ads on May 09, 2024, 10:55:22 PM
I think we need arsenal to win against manure as if they dont citeh might not take the game as seriously vs spurs
If Arsenal don't win, Man City can win the title at Spurs.
Post by: Risso on May 09, 2024, 10:55:46 PM
Spurs draw with City? Based on fucking what?
The universe hating us.
Post by: Monty on May 09, 2024, 10:56:52 PM
Spurs draw with City? Based on fucking what?
The universe hating us.
Finally, a post of yours I agree with 100%.
Post by: rougegorge on May 09, 2024, 10:57:33 PM
Vincent Kompany has been kidding everyone this season that Burnley are somehow good, but they are anything but...
So, we need Man City to beat Spurs and I think we also need Arsenal to beat Man Utd as well before that.
If Man City win at Fulham and Arsenal fail to win, then we know, and Man City know that they will beat Spam at home in the last game, so there is a risk that they may lose some focus in the game with Spurs.
Post by: rougegorge on May 09, 2024, 10:59:03 PM
Post by: Ads on May 09, 2024, 10:59:03 PM
Post by: wince on May 09, 2024, 11:03:04 PM
Yeah, Man Cirt famous for taking their foot off the gas at this stage of the season with a title to be won. Jesus Christ I fucking laothe negative Brummies.Oi! That’s our right!
Post by: Ads on May 09, 2024, 11:03:36 PM
Post by: wince on May 09, 2024, 11:05:03 PM
Yeah I've spelt City wrong, apologies.Least you aren’t being a moaning Minnie mate. I think we might not get 4th down to us alone but spurs should spurs it up
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 09, 2024, 11:06:10 PM
Yeah, Man Cirt famous for taking their foot off the gas at this stage of the season with a title to be won. Jesus Christ I fucking laothe negative Brummies.
It’s fucking depressing. I don’t understand where this sense of entitlement is coming from. I know this is disappointing but some of the comments are like we are about to go down.
Post by: Ads on May 09, 2024, 11:08:24 PM
Post by: Monty on May 09, 2024, 11:09:39 PM
I really, really, REALLY want to finish fourth, but fifth would still be our best finish in absolutely ages.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 09, 2024, 11:11:00 PM
Funny thing is I realised we're in the Europa League at the very least anyway, and I thought, you know, that's not bad at all.
I really, really, REALLY want to finish fourth, but fifth would still be our best finish in absolutely ages.
For us to finish 5th it will take a gargantuan effort by a team that’s lost 4 straight games. I know it’s not looking great for us right now but I’d rather have the 7 point cushion than being the team that needs to overcome it.
Post by: Ben1505p on May 09, 2024, 11:37:58 PM
Brummies are depressing. Not much depressing about our season and getting Champions League football for the first time in my lifetime, together with the longest European Cup run in 40 years.
Have we got Champion's League?
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 09, 2024, 11:38:28 PM
Amazon will have 17 first-pick Champions League matches on Tuesday nights
BBC will have highlights with Wednesday-night Match of the Day
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 09, 2024, 11:40:38 PM
Have we got Champion's League?
It would be difficult, given it doesn't exist. (unless you're referring to something set up by Aldaniti's jockey)
Post by: Risso on May 09, 2024, 11:41:11 PM
Funny thing is I realised we're in the Europa League at the very least anyway, and I thought, you know, that's not bad at all.
I really, really, REALLY want to finish fourth, but fifth would still be our best finish in absolutely ages.
After the season we've had though, it would feel like getting a shit sandwich as dessert in a Michelin star restaurant. We also really, really need the income it would generate next season. We could also do with not letting Spurs have that extra income. We're miles behind our top 6 rivals in terms of revenue, so we need to grasp every opportunity we get to play catch up.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 09, 2024, 11:43:01 PM
As a contingency.
Post by: curiousorange on May 09, 2024, 11:43:38 PM
Post by: Ads on May 09, 2024, 11:44:13 PM
Should a new thread begin for if we don't get 4th place it's like ...
As a contingency.
No.
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 09, 2024, 11:46:12 PM
Should a new thread begin for if we don't get 4th place it's like ...
As a contingency.
Don’t you dare!
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 09, 2024, 11:47:22 PM
Ok okShould a new thread begin for if we don't get 4th place it's like ...
As a contingency.
Don’t you dare!
I was merely suggesting as to separate the 4th place and 5th place discussion.
Post by: Risso on May 09, 2024, 11:53:04 PM
Spurs draw with City? Based on fucking what?
Spurs just seem to have their number. Even earlier this season, Spurs lost 3 in a row to Chelsea, Wolves and us, and then what do you know, they get a 3-3 draw away at the Emptihad, with a last minute equaliser. You just never know with them, Son's in decent form and is always capable of firing one in.
Post by: tomd2103 on May 10, 2024, 12:10:06 AM
I couldn't bear to get fifth now. I know it was never a binary choice between trophy and league but 5th now will make the season feel like a failure, whereas if we missed out on CL but had a pot in hand...well, that might draw the sting a bit.
Yeah exactly how I feel now. If we finish 4th then it will feel like we have achieved something, even though we've missed out on the Conference League. I would have happily taken 5th and winning the Conference League, but finishing 5th now with no Conference League would feel flat (although would still represent a very good season).
Post by: Smirker on May 10, 2024, 12:16:29 AM
Should a new thread begin for if we don't get 4th place it's like ...
As a contingency.
😂
Post by: Ben1505p on May 10, 2024, 01:04:30 AM
Burnley beat Spurs (draw will do if we can draw v Liverpool)
We beat Liverpool
City beat Spurs
If Spurs are within 3 points going into the last week of the season then they'll get 4th... I don't think we'll beat an in form Palace..
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 10, 2024, 01:20:16 AM
There's 3 games to wrap this up within a week.
Burnley beat Spurs (draw will do if we can draw v Liverpool)
We beat Liverpool
City beat Spurs
If Spurs are within 3 points going into the last week of the season then they'll get 4th... I don't think we'll beat an in form Palace..
Well, we could draw.
Post by: Ben1505p on May 10, 2024, 03:23:25 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 10, 2024, 03:50:51 AM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 10, 2024, 04:09:53 AM
Made the mistake of putting talkshite on... "pundits" who are Chelsea and Spurs fans saying that we don't deserve top 4... saying West Ham are better than us for winning the Conference League.... failing to take into account that West Ham almost got relegated because they prioritised Europe... failing to take into account our injuries and fixture schedule.... another reason why I want us to get top 4 over the line #wankers
Did they get any mugs to phone up and argue with them?
Post by: Ben1505p on May 10, 2024, 05:18:38 AM
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 10, 2024, 05:42:53 AM
Made the mistake of putting talkshite on... "pundits" who are Chelsea and Spurs fans saying that we don't deserve top 4... saying West Ham are better than us for winning the Conference League.... failing to take into account that West Ham almost got relegated because they prioritised Europe... failing to take into account our injuries and fixture schedule.... another reason why I want us to get top 4 over the line #wankers
They don't actually believe it. They try to goad people into phoning in and get angry.
Post by: j66acd on May 10, 2024, 06:44:00 AM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 10, 2024, 06:48:37 AM
$100 is paying about a grand and a half
Post by: Malandro on May 10, 2024, 07:26:18 AM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 10, 2024, 07:31:36 AM
I think we should relinguish our top 4 to a "big 6" team who have already cheated to gain the advatage... we don't derserve to disrupt the cock-gobbling media
Post by: Demitri_C on May 10, 2024, 07:55:33 AM
Yeah I've spelt City wrong, apologies.
Can you learn how to use spell checker please
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 10, 2024, 09:14:57 AM
The Times article stating that we might have a problem complying with the UEFA financial rules is also a worry.
Even more reason to get Champions League. It's essential really.
Post by: The Edge on May 10, 2024, 09:45:55 AM
There's 3 games to wrap this up within a week.To do that they will also have to turn the goal difference around by 10 goals.
Burnley beat Spurs (draw will do if we can draw v Liverpool)
We beat Liverpool
City beat Spurs
If Spurs are within 3 points going into the last week of the season then they'll get 4th... I don't think we'll beat an in form Palace..
Post by: Monty on May 10, 2024, 09:47:54 AM
There's 3 games to wrap this up within a week.To do that they will also have to turn the goal difference around by 10 goals.
Burnley beat Spurs (draw will do if we can draw v Liverpool)
We beat Liverpool
City beat Spurs
If Spurs are within 3 points going into the last week of the season then they'll get 4th... I don't think we'll beat an in form Palace..
Honestly, Liverpool could definitely batter us, and Spurs could definitely batter one of Burnley and (oh dear God) Sheffield United, so that really isn't outwith the realms.
I'd still rather be in our position than theirs, but I do think we need to temper this triumphalism a bit. This week is somewhat perfectly set up for the nightmare scenario.
Post by: chrisw1 on May 10, 2024, 10:02:13 AM
IF we lose two and they win 2 draw 1, then 10 goals isn't a huge ask, particularly as they play Sheffield who ship 4 for fun.There's 3 games to wrap this up within a week.To do that they will also have to turn the goal difference around by 10 goals.
Burnley beat Spurs (draw will do if we can draw v Liverpool)
We beat Liverpool
City beat Spurs
If Spurs are within 3 points going into the last week of the season then they'll get 4th... I don't think we'll beat an in form Palace..
Personally I think Man City will beat Spurs, but it will be a huge game if the results go as expected this weekend.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2024, 10:05:17 AM
$100 is paying about a grand and a half
$1505 to be exact.
Post by: chrisw1 on May 10, 2024, 10:06:33 AM
I'm betting on a Spurs top 4 multi with a Spurs Draw/Win v Burnley and Liverpool Draw/Win v Villa.For Spurs to get top 4, don't those two results have to happen anyway?
$100 is paying about a grand and a half
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 10, 2024, 10:09:04 AM
There's 3 games to wrap this up within a week.To do that they will also have to turn the goal difference around by 10 goals.
Burnley beat Spurs (draw will do if we can draw v Liverpool)
We beat Liverpool
City beat Spurs
If Spurs are within 3 points going into the last week of the season then they'll get 4th... I don't think we'll beat an in form Palace..
Honestly, Liverpool could definitely batter us, and Spurs could definitely batter one of Burnley and (oh dear God) Sheffield United, so that really isn't outwith the realms.
I'd still rather be in our position than theirs, but I do think we need to temper this triumphalism a bit. This week is somewhat perfectly set up for the nightmare scenario.
Likewise, this magnification of Spurs’ chance of going unbeaten in the next 3 games could do with being tempered too.
The likelihood is that we are going to do it with our current points total. I don’t think going into the next 2 weeks fretting over Spurs’ beating Man City is helpful to anyone.
Post by: Ads on May 10, 2024, 10:10:55 AM
Post by: Monty on May 10, 2024, 10:12:03 AM
Temper the triumphalism? Fucking hell, half of the site has been moping around like it's a wake for the past few weeks.
The other half is already buying their tickets to Milan though. Wouldn't advise either!
Post by: chrisw1 on May 10, 2024, 10:12:49 AM
What site and how do you do this bet?$100 is paying about a grand and a half
$1505 to be exact.
Post by: Ads on May 10, 2024, 10:12:50 AM
Post by: Monty on May 10, 2024, 10:15:33 AM
Strange behaviour when we've got Bayern Munich away first.
Neither are really my sort of city to be honest. Especially when Bologna's also on the list.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2024, 10:17:37 AM
Strange behaviour when we've got Bayern Munich away first.
Speaking of which, many hotels are already booked up for the final. I might have to stay in my old hunting ground of Gmund am Tegernsee.
Post by: LeeS on May 10, 2024, 10:18:14 AM
What site and how do you do this bet?$100 is paying about a grand and a half
$1505 to be exact.
Why not just bet on Spurs for top4? I got 16/1 on that. So 100 becomes 1700
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2024, 10:18:30 AM
Made the mistake of putting talkshite on...
Sounds like your kind of station.
Post by: LeeS on May 10, 2024, 10:19:24 AM
Spurs draw with City? Based on fucking what?
The universe hating us.
That’s your fault for offering your winnings to Acorns. The Universe said, “yes, please”!
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 10, 2024, 10:19:35 AM
Temper the triumphalism? Fucking hell, half of the site has been moping around like it's a wake for the past few weeks.
The other half is already buying their tickets to Milan though. Wouldn't advise either!
I'd stay in Athens, Ads. It's written in the stars they'll be in our CL group next season.
Post by: chrisw1 on May 10, 2024, 10:21:46 AM
edit - yes still 16-1 on some sites. But if you can double it with results that have to happen for them to get top 4 anyway, can you increase it further?What site and how do you do this bet?$100 is paying about a grand and a half
$1505 to be exact.
Why not just bet on Spurs for top4? I got 16/1 on that. So 100 becomes 1700
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 10, 2024, 10:24:04 AM
11-1 nowWhat site and how do you do this bet?$100 is paying about a grand and a half
$1505 to be exact.
Why not just bet on Spurs for top4? I got 16/1 on that. So 100 becomes 1700
That’ll be the thousands of pounds being lumped on by terrified Villa fans
Post by: Paul.S on May 10, 2024, 10:25:38 AM
The Times article stating that we might have a problem complying with the UEFA financial rules is also a worry.
We have multi billionaire owners experienced at running multiple sports clubs. I’d be amazed if we aren’t all over this and have been for months. This is a case of the London press trying to kick us because we’ve got the nerve to upset the usual suspects, one of them being Tottenham.
Post by: Rigadon on May 10, 2024, 10:36:02 AM
11-1 nowWhat site and how do you do this bet?$100 is paying about a grand and a half
$1505 to be exact.
Why not just bet on Spurs for top4? I got 16/1 on that. So 100 becomes 1700
That’ll be the thousands of pounds being lumped on by terrified Villa fans
Haha, yep almost certainly!
I think the thing is for me that, of course, 5th would still be a good season. The Europa is a better standard than the Conference, but not by much. Given we've been in the top 4 for most of the season, getting 5th now would be like drawing a game that you really should've won - it feels more like a loss.
Post by: LeeS on May 10, 2024, 10:37:12 AM
edit - yes still 16-1 on some sites. But if you can double it with results that have to happen for them to get top 4 anyway, can you increase it further?What site and how do you do this bet?$100 is paying about a grand and a half
$1505 to be exact.
Why not just bet on Spurs for top4? I got 16/1 on that. So 100 becomes 1700
Bookies are usually wise to that and don’t permit contingent accas. You can try though
Edit : just tried this on Bet365. It’s not permitted.
Post by: Ben1505p on May 10, 2024, 11:09:38 AM
Made the mistake of putting talkshite on...
Sounds like your kind of station.
How so?
Post by: KRS on May 10, 2024, 11:25:39 AM
If those 2 draws do happen then that would mean we’ve secured 4th place.I'm betting on a Spurs top 4 multi with a Spurs DrawFor Spurs to get top 4, don't those two results have to happen anyway?/Winv Burnley and Liverpool Draw/Winv Villa.
$100 is paying about a grand and a half
Post by: Demitri_C on May 10, 2024, 11:31:11 AM
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 10, 2024, 12:50:44 PM
Strange behaviour when we've got Bayern Munich away first.
Speaking of which, many hotels are already booked up for the final. I might have to stay in my old hunting ground of Gmund am Tegernsee.
Aha, you're a casino man? At least, that's what I know Gmünd for
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 10, 2024, 01:25:39 PM
I don’t think they’ll do it, but it’d be nice after 3 and a half poor performances we could just pull something out of the bag and take it out if their hands.
Post by: TonyD on May 10, 2024, 01:37:36 PM
I think it’s much closer.
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 10, 2024, 01:42:43 PM
I don’t get the bookies odds.
I think it’s much closer.
Put some big money on it then.
Post by: TonyD on May 10, 2024, 01:45:51 PM
A grand on Spurs would certainly go some way to relieve the pain if we mess up.I don’t get the bookies odds.
I think it’s much closer.
Put some big money on it then.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2024, 02:07:26 PM
Made the mistake of putting talkshite on...
Sounds like your kind of station.
How so?
You seem to like a bit of polemic, as do they.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 10, 2024, 02:07:48 PM
Strange behaviour when we've got Bayern Munich away first.
Speaking of which, many hotels are already booked up for the final. I might have to stay in my old hunting ground of Gmund am Tegernsee.
Aha, you're a casino man? At least, that's what I know Gmünd for
I worked in a restaurant there for a summer in '89. Don't recall there being a casino but, as an impoverished student, it wouldn't have been on my radar. Not that I gamble anyway.
Post by: eamonn on May 10, 2024, 02:11:51 PM
Post by: Russ aka Big Nose on May 10, 2024, 04:15:13 PM
Spurzzz could beat them, though losing their last four games hardly suggests they are in great form. Talking of which they face Burnley tomorrow and their record in the last five is W1 D2 L2, compared to Spurzzz, W1 D0 L4.
Inevitably there is some nervousness until it is confirmed, though it should be fine ;). UTV
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 10, 2024, 04:18:51 PM
Post by: OCD on May 10, 2024, 04:19:17 PM
Worth remembering that Man City have lost 3 league games all season - to us, Arsenal, and a random defeat to the Dogheads in September.
At least 2 of those they were without Rodri.
Post by: Drummond on May 10, 2024, 04:29:56 PM
I don't doubt we'll get 4th, I'll just feel a hell of a lot more comfortable once it's finally confirmed. I don't even like the Champions League, it's full of absolute wankers, but to miss out now would be embarrassing.
Gutting? Yes. Disappointing? Yes. Frustrating? err, yes. Embarrassing? Not at all. Best season for decades. Best finish in the league since 96/97.
We should be bloody proud, not embarrassed.
Post by: The Edge on May 10, 2024, 04:31:19 PM
I don’t get the bookies odds.The bookies put a lot of thought into their odds. They are rarely wrong.
I think it’s much closer.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 10, 2024, 04:37:43 PM
I don’t get the bookies odds.The bookies put a lot of thought into their odds. They are rarely wrong.
I think it’s much closer.
They're very often 'wrong' (if by wrong, we mean the favourite doesn't win). They rarely don't ensure they're making money regardless of the result.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 10, 2024, 05:48:23 PM
Post by: Dave on May 10, 2024, 05:53:54 PM
Newcastle got £30 million for finishing bottom of their Champions League group this season. That's why it's so important.
*One of the reasons* why it's so important. There's the football stuff as well.
Post by: Monty on May 10, 2024, 05:55:20 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 10, 2024, 06:03:33 PM
I know how unutterably lame and commodity-brained this is of me, but hearing that stupid anthem at VP would feel like something.
Free transfer to Small Heath Alliance. ;)
Post by: Monty on May 10, 2024, 06:04:47 PM
I know how unutterably lame and commodity-brained this is of me, but hearing that stupid anthem at VP would feel like something.
Free transfer to Small Heath Alliance. ;)
:-[
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 10, 2024, 07:57:35 PM
I know how unutterably lame and commodity-brained this is of me, but hearing that stupid anthem at VP would feel like something.
If he had still been alive, I'd have preferred a cover version of it from Hurricane Smith.
Assuming we qualify, that is guaranteed European Cup football until January 29th which is the concluding day of the league phase. I'm going to make every effort to avoid using the CL words and always call it the European Cup. Much in the same way as I always try and avoid using the LU words when talking about Dirty Leeds.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 10, 2024, 08:23:36 PM
Post by: LeeB on May 10, 2024, 08:25:25 PM
I know how unutterably lame and commodity-brained this is of me, but hearing that stupid anthem at VP would feel like something.
Free transfer to Small Heath Alliance. ;)
:-[
Just the thought of you having to explain every reference in granular depth over there is amusing.
Post by: Ben1505p on May 10, 2024, 08:44:25 PM
Made the mistake of putting talkshite on...
Sounds like your kind of station.
How so?
You seem to like a bit of polemic, as do they.
Quite the opposite
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 10, 2024, 08:44:49 PM
Newcastle got £30 million for finishing bottom of their Champions League group this season. That's why it's so important.
*One of the reasons* why it's so important. There's the football stuff as well.
That's just not modern thinking.
Post by: eamonn on May 10, 2024, 10:27:47 PM
I know how unutterably lame and commodity-brained this is of me, but hearing that stupid anthem at VP would feel like something.
If he had still been alive, I'd have preferred a cover version of it from Hurricane Smith.
Assuming we qualify, that is guaranteed European Cup football until January 29th which is the concluding day of the league phase. I'm going to make every effort to avoid using the CL words and always call it the European Cup. Much in the same way as I always try and avoid using the LU words when talking about Dirty Leeds.
There's European games in January next season? It was the one sacred month of the season where we knuckled down domestically on frozen British pitches. Say it ain't so.
Post by: David_Nab on May 10, 2024, 11:27:32 PM
Post by: eamonn on May 10, 2024, 11:36:44 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 10, 2024, 11:39:02 PM
I know how unutterably lame and commodity-brained this is of me, but hearing that stupid anthem at VP would feel like something.
Free transfer to Small Heath Alliance. ;)
:-[
Just the thought of you having to explain every reference in granular depth over there is amusing.
It's worth moving him there just for the confusion. He'll be a big hit there what with his new found love of Lambrusco under £3.50 a bottle.
Post by: AV84 on May 11, 2024, 12:57:56 AM
England (4): Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa
Spain (4): Real Madrid, Girona, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid
Germany (4): Leverkusen, Bayern, Stuttgart, Leipzig
Italy (4): Inter, Milan, Juventus, Bologna
France (3): Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Brest
Netherlands (2): PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord
Portugal (1): Sporting CP
Belgium (1): Club Brugge
Scotland (1): Celtic
Austria (1): Sturm Graz
European Performance Spots (2)*: Atalanta (ITA), Dortmund (GER)
Champions League winner rebalancing (1)**: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
Europa League winner rebalancing (1)***: Benfica (POR)
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on May 11, 2024, 01:07:53 AM
Post by: Ben1505p on May 11, 2024, 04:06:51 AM
That is good - because they only looked effective last week when Richarlo came on.
And after Liverpool had made a heap of changes... here's hoping for a Burnley result tomorrow...
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 11, 2024, 06:58:36 AM
Was curious about likely opposition next season. At the moment CL qualified teams are:
England (4): Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa
Spain (4): Real Madrid, Girona, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid
Germany (4): Leverkusen, Bayern, Stuttgart, Leipzig
Italy (4): Inter, Milan, Juventus, Bologna
France (3): Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Brest
Netherlands (2): PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord
Portugal (1): Sporting CP
Belgium (1): Club Brugge
Scotland (1): Celtic
Austria (1): Sturm Graz
European Performance Spots (2)*: Atalanta (ITA), Dortmund (GER)
Champions League winner rebalancing (1)**: Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
Europa League winner rebalancing (1)***: Benfica (POR)
Will be 5 in Italy, Atalanta looking likely.
5 in Germany and Dortmund will be in.
Post by: Dave on May 11, 2024, 07:23:14 AM
There are still a few games left, but lose the first and win the second and there's a good chance they qualify via the Europa and Roma get the fifth league place.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 11, 2024, 08:00:33 AM
Post by: Nunkin1965 on May 11, 2024, 08:18:20 AM
I daren't look at the CL wiki page until we're definitely in. I was same with Conference League last season.Absolutely the same here.
Its been a fantastic season and although we're faltering, just like every other team, it is about the whole season and not just the good bits.
Post by: ez on May 11, 2024, 01:22:05 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 01:28:24 PM
Post by: TonyD on May 11, 2024, 01:40:25 PM
That would top the season off nicely.
Post by: Mellin on May 11, 2024, 01:46:17 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 02:05:36 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 11, 2024, 02:39:19 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 02:40:11 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 11, 2024, 02:42:15 PM
Well yeah obviously.I was referring to the suggestions regarding technology induced victory.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 02:44:27 PM
Post by: ez on May 11, 2024, 04:33:07 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2024, 04:50:16 PM
I would much prefer us to do it by beating Liverpool thanks.Good chance they will have absolutely nothing to play for .
Post by: Risso on May 11, 2024, 04:55:58 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2024, 04:58:04 PM
What did Brighton have to play for?Nothing , they didn't play particularly well either , just we were horrendous.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 05:00:58 PM
It’s time for us to step up and finish the job ourselves. In the last week or so we have been poor, mitigating factors fully understood but they won’t be any consolation if we don’t get 4th. We need one more big performance.
Post by: Ads on May 11, 2024, 05:04:23 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 05:05:59 PM
We already have enough points to finish 4th, but I'd like us to breach 70, as it looks better. Plus it means winning, which we have got into quite the enjoyable habit of this season. If we do it Monday then fine.
That first statement hopefully comes to pass, but it’s not a statement of fact at this time.
Post by: curiousorange on May 11, 2024, 05:06:58 PM
Post by: martin o`who?? on May 11, 2024, 05:10:15 PM
It would be so nice to beat Liverpool with the most outrageously wrong VAR decision of all time in the 89th minute. I’m talking 6 feet offside.i'd bet the Ranch/a kidney/a years salary that it would be the other way round if i'm any judge.
That would top the season off nicely.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 11, 2024, 05:23:01 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 11, 2024, 05:24:25 PM
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 11, 2024, 05:32:56 PM
If anyone feels Spurs can win their next two and we will lose our next two feel free to place a massive bet on it. The odds are very much against it and the payout very much in your favour.
I backed Tottenham to finish 4th last week at 16/1 purely to jinx them
Post by: Ads on May 11, 2024, 05:34:19 PM
What we're seeing, is the repeated use of a psychological tool of assuming the worst, because you fear failure. It's been a long season and it's intense at the thin end where we operate. It's angst, it's impatience, even if it comes across as being intimidated by the final challenge. In a little over 48 or at worst 72, hours we'll have achieved something, the pressure on players, coaches, staff and fans lifts. For those that clearly struggle with it, those that thrive on it and those that don't care.
But much like when you're bursting for a piss, you're never more likely to consider actually just pissing yourself than when you're limping to the toilet in that final bladder busting yard.
Post by: LeeB on May 11, 2024, 05:36:10 PM
Beautiful.
Post by: Ads on May 11, 2024, 05:37:46 PM
Yeah, Monday is going to feel like finishing a massive, long overdue piss when we win.
Beautiful.
It will be glorious. But empty I suspect. Be brilliant for the club, but we'll have achieved something intangible. We need to boost the squad, get some fortune on injuries and get into the pot winning business.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 11, 2024, 05:40:34 PM
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 11, 2024, 05:43:38 PM
One last big push with plenty of intensity
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 11, 2024, 05:43:46 PM
I dont think anybody really thinks the 115 Machine can be stopped, by anybody, ever. They're a title winning machine sent from the future to destroy English football. They can't be stopped or reasoned with.
What we're seeing, is the repeated use of a psychological tool of assuming the worst, because you fear failure. It's been a long season and it's intense at the thin end where we operate. It's angst, it's impatience, even if it comes across as being intimidated by the final challenge. In a little over 48 or at worst 72, hours we'll have achieved something, the pressure on players, coaches, staff and fans lifts. For those that clearly struggle with it, those that thrive on it and those that don't care.
But much like when you're bursting for a piss, you're never more likely to consider actually just pissing yourself than when you're limping to the toilet in that final bladder busting yard.
You seem to be under the impression that the way we feel has any effect whatsoever.
Post by: Ads on May 11, 2024, 05:46:00 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 05:47:01 PM
Post by: Monty on May 11, 2024, 05:48:03 PM
Post by: Ads on May 11, 2024, 05:50:44 PM
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 11, 2024, 05:51:15 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 11, 2024, 05:57:31 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 11, 2024, 05:59:21 PM
I’d really like us to put the issue to bed on Monday night. If we lose, and Spurs beat Man City (not inconceivable for a team in 5th and at home) we’re down to the wire on the last day of the season, away at one of the form teams of the Premier League right now while Spurs are at home to easily the worst team in the division. That would be a very uncomfortable situation to face.
I think they’re away aren’t they? Three home games to end the season doesn’t sound right.
Post by: Risso on May 11, 2024, 06:00:23 PM
Post by: Mellin on May 11, 2024, 06:06:58 PM
Now let's get it done.
Post by: BC Villain on May 11, 2024, 06:07:31 PM
Yep, Spurs are away to Sheffield United. Not that it really matters, Sheff U are utterly dismal everywhere they play, home and away.
Apart from at Villa Park
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 11, 2024, 06:22:31 PM
If Arsenal lost then Man City have less pressure to win on Tuesday.
I don't really see Spurs getting anything other than conceding 3+ goals to Man City.
Whatever the situation.
At the end of day it's in our hands though and there's hoping its going to be Title decider on last day not a Champions league 4th place decider!
Post by: Monty on May 11, 2024, 06:22:59 PM
Yep, Spurs are away to Sheffield United. Not that it really matters, Sheff U are utterly dismal everywhere they play, home and away.
Apart from at Villa Park
I do think that was the most frustrating game of the season.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 11, 2024, 06:25:41 PM
Would have been 16 home wins and top of the league !Yep, Spurs are away to Sheffield United. Not that it really matters, Sheff U are utterly dismal everywhere they play, home and away.
Apart from at Villa Park
I do think that was the most frustrating game of the season.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 06:25:43 PM
Yep, Spurs are away to Sheffield United. Not that it really matters, Sheff U are utterly dismal everywhere they play, home and away.
Apart from at Villa Park
I do think that was the most frustrating game of the season.
The Manure one at home for me.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 06:27:29 PM
Yep, Spurs are away to Sheffield United. Not that it really matters, Sheff U are utterly dismal everywhere they play, home and away.
Apart from at Villa Park
Also, they have HRH Cameron Archer to call on.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on May 11, 2024, 06:36:59 PM
Last home game of a wonderful season. We are finishing the job.
And hopefully sending Klopp on his way with his tail between his legs being the bonus a la Alan Shearer. What a fun day that was.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 11, 2024, 06:55:40 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 06:57:26 PM
I don't really get the Arsenal winning makes a difference thought process. If Arsenal lose, Citeh win the league with a win. They're hardly taking their foot off the gas there are they?
This. It's win / win on the Arsenal - City thing.
The worst thing would have been an outcome that decided the title definitively one way or the other.
Post by: LeeS on May 11, 2024, 07:10:47 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 11, 2024, 07:14:31 PM
Please make it so Man City smash Spurs by 10 and fuck off Arsenal all at the same time.
Post by: Monty on May 11, 2024, 07:21:15 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 11, 2024, 07:22:26 PM
Post by: paul_e on May 11, 2024, 07:25:12 PM
We are honestly very fortunate given how we are ending the season that Spurs are playing them. Because anyone else I have my doubts if we have enough in the tank to see the job through by ourselves.
Not really, if they'd already played them when it was scheduled we'd probably already have 4th sewn up.
Post by: Monty on May 11, 2024, 07:25:28 PM
We are honestly very fortunate given how we are ending the season that Spurs are playing them. Because anyone else I have my doubts if we have enough in the tank to see the job through by ourselves.
Hopefully it's enough to make up for the rest of the late-season luck we've been, er, enjoying.
Edit (in response to Paul): oh yeah, that's true.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 07:30:34 PM
We are honestly very fortunate given how we are ending the season that Spurs are playing them. Because anyone else I have my doubts if we have enough in the tank to see the job through by ourselves.
Not really, if they'd already played them when it was scheduled we'd probably already have 4th sewn up.
Indeed, it's totally irrelevant that they're playing them now.
We've already played them twice, Spurs haven't. What's more, we've taken 9/12 points against Man City and Arsenal this season, which is a big contributor to being where we are currently.
Post by: olaftab on May 11, 2024, 07:53:47 PM
We are honestly very fortunate given how we are ending the season that Spurs are playing them. Because anyone else I have my doubts if we have enough in the tank to see the job through by ourselves.We are honestly the 4 best team in the League. Table doesn’t lie.
Post by: olaftab on May 11, 2024, 07:57:20 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 08:05:16 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 11, 2024, 08:10:18 PM
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 11, 2024, 08:21:56 PM
Points on the board all day long.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 11, 2024, 08:35:27 PM
A draw for Man City today would have been the best result in the incentive stakes and they would have remained second before Arsenal even played but as they won 4-0 it puts pressure on Arsenal.I don't really get the Arsenal winning makes a difference thought process. If Arsenal lose, Citeh win the league with a win. They're hardly taking their foot off the gas there are they?
This. It's win / win on the Arsenal - City thing.
The worst thing would have been an outcome that decided the title definitively one way or the other.
Post by: Ads on May 11, 2024, 08:41:54 PM
After today's result, we're only 1/25 to get top 4......gulp.
Useless with gambling, so we're that odds on, to win 4 quid, you'd have to bet £100?
Post by: Bad English on May 11, 2024, 08:42:35 PM
Extremely well-written post.A draw for Man City today would have been the best result in the incentive stakes and they would have remained second before Arsenal even played but as they won 4-0 it puts pressure on Arsenal.I don't really get the Arsenal winning makes a difference thought process. If Arsenal lose, Citeh win the league with a win. They're hardly taking their foot off the gas there are they?
This. It's win / win on the Arsenal - City thing.
The worst thing would have been an outcome that decided the title definitively one way or the other.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 08:42:57 PM
After today's result, we're only 1/25 to get top 4......gulp.
Useless with gambling, so we're that odds on, to win 4 quid, you'd have to bet £100?
Yes.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 08:43:29 PM
Extremely well-written post.A draw for Man City today would have been the best result in the incentive stakes and they would have remained second before Arsenal even played but as they won 4-0 it puts pressure on Arsenal.I don't really get the Arsenal winning makes a difference thought process. If Arsenal lose, Citeh win the league with a win. They're hardly taking their foot off the gas there are they?
This. It's win / win on the Arsenal - City thing.
The worst thing would have been an outcome that decided the title definitively one way or the other.
Shift changed.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 11, 2024, 08:46:00 PM
A draw for Man City today would have been the best result in the incentive stakes and they would have remained second before Arsenal even played but as they won 4-0 it puts pressure on Arsenal.I don't really get the Arsenal winning makes a difference thought process. If Arsenal lose, Citeh win the league with a win. They're hardly taking their foot off the gas there are they?
This. It's win / win on the Arsenal - City thing.
The worst thing would have been an outcome that decided the title definitively one way or the other.
It's true, Manchester City's win certainly adds pressure on Arsenal. It's all part of the excitement of the competition, isn't it? Keeps fans on the edge of their seats!
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 11, 2024, 08:48:00 PM
After today's result, we're only 1/25 to get top 4......gulp.
Useless with gambling, so we're that odds on, to win 4 quid, you'd have to bet £100?
Yes.
And to put it another way, a Labour majority at the next General Election is only 1/12. Anyone think the Tories will win it?
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 11, 2024, 08:57:08 PM
After today's result, we're only 1/25 to get top 4......gulp.
Useless with gambling, so we're that odds on, to win 4 quid, you'd have to bet £100?
Yes.
And to put it another way, a Labour majority at the next General Election is only 1/12. Anyone think the Tories will win it?
The thing is, Spurs are only 5/1 to beat Man City. I know it’s a tall order but it’s the only bit of what they need to happen that is unlikely.
That’s what makes 16/1 against them finishing fourth fairly attractive odds.
Us getting one point (or none) from our games v Liverpool & Palace? Sounds eminently possible.
Them beating Sheff Utd? Probable.
Then you’re back to that 5/1 shot.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 11, 2024, 09:03:53 PM
After today's result, we're only 1/25 to get top 4......gulp.
Useless with gambling, so we're that odds on, to win 4 quid, you'd have to bet £100?
Yes.
And to put it another way, a Labour majority at the next General Election is only 1/12. Anyone think the Tories will win it?
Tories and Europe? Not a great mix.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 09:04:03 PM
After today's result, we're only 1/25 to get top 4......gulp.
Useless with gambling, so we're that odds on, to win 4 quid, you'd have to bet £100?
Yes.
And to put it another way, a Labour majority at the next General Election is only 1/12. Anyone think the Tories will win it?
The thing is, Spurs are only 5/1 to beat Man City. I know it’s a tall order but it’s the only bit of what they need to happen that is unlikely.
That’s what makes 16/1 against them finishing fourth fairly attractive odds.
Us getting one point (or none) from our games v Liverpool & Palace? Sounds eminently possible.
Them beating Sheff Utd? Probable.
Then you’re back to that 5/1 shot.
Yep it’s the fact we’ve got two bites at the cherry, and they’re playing Citeh that pushes the odds out.
Post by: Ads on May 11, 2024, 09:07:31 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 09:11:36 PM
After today's result, we're only 1/25 to get top 4......gulp.
Useless with gambling, so we're that odds on, to win 4 quid, you'd have to bet £100?
Yes.
And to put it another way, a Labour majority at the next General Election is only 1/12. Anyone think the Tories will win it?
The thing is, Spurs are only 5/1 to beat Man City. I know it’s a tall order but it’s the only bit of what they need to happen that is unlikely.
That’s what makes 16/1 against them finishing fourth fairly attractive odds.
Us getting one point (or none) from our games v Liverpool & Palace? Sounds eminently possible.
Them beating Sheff Utd? Probable.
Then you’re back to that 5/1 shot.
That's not how it works, though. You've just spooled together a few unlikely outcomes, and arrived at a conclusion which doesn't really reflect the factors involved. Calculations like "that's fairly unlikely" and "probably" are exactly how the bookies make their money - people making bets on a hunch.
So us as punters see 5/1 and think "only", but it's not "only", 5/1 is actually an enormous price in a three horse race, if you think about it. Put it in a real world context - how certain would you have to be of something to happen to say to someone down the pub, "let's have a bet, you give me £10 if i win, and if you win, I'll give you £60"
Right now, the bookies are running software which is calculating minute by minute their potential losses on markets like this, and the price you'll get if you fancy a few quid on things going terribly is currently immense.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 11, 2024, 09:12:27 PM
Anybody betting against Man City, who are about to win 6 out the last 7 titles, 4 in a row jas more money than sense.
I agree. But I’d be so depressed if the results pan out like I outlined above, I’d need a consolation prize. Plus I’m trying to jinx it.
I really, really, really want to lose my money. It’s a desperate measure.
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 11, 2024, 09:16:25 PM
We are honestly very fortunate given how we are ending the season that Spurs are playing them. Because anyone else I have my doubts if we have enough in the tank to see the job through by ourselves.
Not really, if they'd already played them when it was scheduled we'd probably already have 4th sewn up.
My point being, given where we are right now and how we are ending the season. It’s specific to where we are at this moment, running on fumes. So schedule as it turned out helps a lot. Had Spurs played Man City earlier is the same as saying if we didn’t have a million injuries and things were different. It’s not, so we can take the bit of fortune that Spurs are playing “runaway freight train” Man City versus middle of the season Man City.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 09:17:48 PM
We are honestly very fortunate given how we are ending the season that Spurs are playing them. Because anyone else I have my doubts if we have enough in the tank to see the job through by ourselves.
Not really, if they'd already played them when it was scheduled we'd probably already have 4th sewn up.
My point being, given where we are right now and how we are ending the season. It’s specific to where we are at this moment, running on fumes. So schedule as it turned out helps a lot. Had Spurs played Man City earlier is the same as saying if we didn’t have a million injuries and things were different. It’s not, so we can take the bit of fortune that Spurs are playing “runaway freight train” Man City versus middle of the season Man City.
Yes but by the same measure, we had to play Man City and Arsenal in the space of four days, that too was unfortunate.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 11, 2024, 09:19:23 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 11, 2024, 09:20:34 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 11, 2024, 09:36:29 PM
We need 1 of 4 results to be the one we want. Spurs need all 4 of them. And they have no control over 2 of them. I doubt there's a person on the planet who'd rather be in their position than in ours.
That is exactly it.
Yes, it could all go really badly, and that would be awful, but there's a bit of bed-shitting going on here.
And I'd add, although I don't think the big Australian lad is going to send them out against Man City to lose, the fact it'd stop Arsenal winning the league, it's at least a complicating factor.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 11, 2024, 09:38:27 PM
We need 1 of 4 results to be the one we want. Spurs need all 4 of them. And they have no control over 2 of them. I doubt there's a person on the planet who'd rather be in their position than in ours.
That's a great post gives the context and perspective!
Emery school of positive thought!
Post by: villa for life on May 11, 2024, 09:43:16 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 11, 2024, 09:53:55 PM
Keep believing!
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 09:58:42 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 11, 2024, 10:01:14 PM
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1789287089860641125
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2024, 10:04:11 PM
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 11, 2024, 10:04:38 PM
We might simply go out and smash it for our two games. Two magnificent triumphs. Emery will be reminding the players that this is it now, and they will all be motivated to close the deal, so it wouldn't come as a complete surprise given the course of the season if finished off strongly despite our showings of tirednessAbsolutely, keeping the faith and believing in the team's ability to pull off two magnificent victories can be a powerful motivator. With the right mindset and determination, anything is possible!
Keep believing!
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 11, 2024, 10:05:16 PM
Too many big players missing and a few totally out of form, and all of them running on fumes. Not a great combination and not sure much can be done now. I'm hopeful Liverpool are fully on the beach come Monday night , Salah / Klopp no love lost there and hopefully a few of them totally checked out for the summer now .That's a bit more like it.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 11, 2024, 10:07:41 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNSdSUgWMAAsZBS?format=jpg&name=small)
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 11, 2024, 10:11:05 PM
36 games played, and it's in our hands.
Overall season, only 3 teams have consistently been better than us, and I expect that to be the case as we remain 4th.
I think there would have been in-house ambition for a trophy or champions league this season as an objective, but it's also looking for consistency, maintaining this level, and positioning continuously season after season.
.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 11, 2024, 10:15:02 PM
The league table 8 years ago, it's way more fun now.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNSdSUgWMAAsZBS?format=jpg&name=small)
Yes, that was unbelievably grim.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 11, 2024, 10:16:28 PM
Too many big players missing and a few totally out of form, and all of them running on fumes. Not a great combination and not sure much can be done now. I'm hopeful Liverpool are fully on the beach come Monday night , Salah / Klopp no love lost there and hopefully a few of them totally checked out for the summer now .That's a bit more like it.
Liverpool can have their big performance next weekend when they are at Anfield, and if the Champions League and title are decided before then, they can have the glory of all attention being on them on the on the last day of the season.
They don't need to be so bothered at Villa Park.
Liverpool have lost their last two away games in the league as well, so they aren't flying themselves.
Post by: Bad English on May 11, 2024, 10:18:59 PM
Aston Villa's performance has me feeling an intense rush of excitement and anticipation as the season's climax approaches.We might simply go out and smash it for our two games. Two magnificent triumphs. Emery will be reminding the players that this is it now, and they will all be motivated to close the deal, so it wouldn't come as a complete surprise given the course of the season if finished off strongly despite our showings of tirednessAbsolutely, keeping the faith and believing in the team's ability to pull off two magnificent victories can be a powerful motivator. With the right mindset and determination, anything is possible!
Keep believing!
Post by: Richard E on May 11, 2024, 10:19:40 PM
Post by: villa for life on May 11, 2024, 10:36:46 PM
We need 1 of 4 results to be the one we want. Spurs need all 4 of them. And they have no control over 2 of them. I doubt there's a person on the planet who'd rather be in their position than in ours.
I actually think it might be better than this given each match has three potential outcomes (win-draw-loss)
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 11, 2024, 10:52:20 PM
Lost one and drawn one of their last two away league games, Footy - got a point at West Ham.Quite right excuse my inaccuracies thank you for correction!
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2024, 10:57:22 PM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 11, 2024, 11:18:01 PM
Post by: KevinGage on May 11, 2024, 11:31:00 PM
Professional footballers who have a chance at being in football's top competition will not throw in the towel because some local rival, who they personally don't give a shit about, could win the title. They just likely won't have enough to stop Man City.
Indeed.
Their players will want to play CL football even if the fans aren't especially bothered about it.
What the Gooners do or don't do won't matter a jot to them.
Post by: mike on May 11, 2024, 11:47:06 PM
The fact that they only won by a single goal today helped us a little as well. If we do lose both our games, say by two goals each, they need a draw v city and beat sheff u by three
I think we’d still be one up, the goal difference is eight.
Post by: VillaTim on May 11, 2024, 11:50:12 PM
Post by: Drummond on May 12, 2024, 12:14:05 AM
Post by: edgysatsuma89 on May 12, 2024, 12:17:22 AM
Spurs will not alter their performance based on Arsenal's chance of winning the league.
Does he think the fans are playing?
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 12, 2024, 12:24:08 AM
Spurs will not alter their performance based on Arsenal's chance of winning the league.
Does he think the fans are playing?
The way Spurs have been defending, it's possible.
Post by: The Edge on May 12, 2024, 01:21:13 AM
Post by: Matt C on May 12, 2024, 01:40:37 AM
Post by: olaftab on May 12, 2024, 07:25:13 AM
Don't underestimate the local rivalry thing . Spurs will not want to do Arsenal favours and that will have a bearing on events as they unfold .Please stop this. This is just common bar room talk. It will have no bearing on how Spurs players perform on Tuesday. Any notion that their players will think like their fans is bollocks.
Post by: andyh on May 12, 2024, 07:48:30 AM
Indeed.Don't underestimate the local rivalry thing . Spurs will not want to do Arsenal favours and that will have a bearing on events as they unfold .Please stop this. This is just common bar room talk. It will have no bearing on how Spurs players perform on Tuesday. Any notion that their players will think like their fans is bollocks.
The answer is clear and simple.
We have to do if for ourselves on Monday night.
Post by: maidstonevillain on May 12, 2024, 08:02:53 AM
We need 1 of 4 results to be the one we want. Spurs need all 4 of them. And they have no control over 2 of them. I doubt there's a person on the planet who'd rather be in their position than in ours.
That's a great post gives the context and perspective!
Emery school of positive thought!
Post by: maidstonevillain on May 12, 2024, 08:27:28 AM
We need 1 of 4 results to be the one we want. Spurs need all 4 of them. And they have no control over 2 of them. I doubt there's a person on the planet who'd rather be in their position than in ours.
That's a great post gives the context and perspective!
Emery school of positive thought!
Of course the negative view is that 3 of the 4 results that Spurs need is the more likely result on present form, and they have control over the 4th.
Post by: Ads on May 12, 2024, 08:34:08 AM
Post by: Dave P on May 12, 2024, 08:37:18 AM
I’d really like us to put the issue to bed on Monday night. If we lose, and Spurs beat Man City (not inconceivable for a team in 5th and at home)
It’s even less inconceivable for the team in 4th to beat the team in 3rd at home.
Post by: Risso on May 12, 2024, 08:38:24 AM
Of course the negative view is that 3 of the 4 results that Spurs need is the more likely result on present form, and they have control over the 4th.
That's the view I'm taking at the moment. Unfortunately, the form we're in, I can't see anything past two defeats in our remaining games. The easiest of our three remaining games which would have seen us over the line with a win was Brighton, but we were absolutely dismal. Spurs will almost certainly beat Sheffield United, so it comes down to Spurs v Man City. On current form, City should smash them, but if they do dredge up a win, then we're done.
Post by: Ads on May 12, 2024, 08:41:21 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 12, 2024, 08:55:25 AM
But if it’s live going into the final day given the respective fixtures I think we’ll be in trouble.
Post by: N'ZMAV on May 12, 2024, 08:57:11 AM
(https://i.ibb.co/vjMSgFX/Capture.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vjMSgFX)
Agreed, Ads.
Post by: N'ZMAV on May 12, 2024, 08:58:30 AM
Then Spurs will beat Sheff Utd. That's Spurs finishing on 66.
We don't even need another point.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 12, 2024, 08:59:06 AM
Its in our hands still. We need to get results in our last two or pne of them
Post by: Risso on May 12, 2024, 09:19:39 AM
Aren't we in better form than Spurs and with the luxury of not playing Man City next? Dont we have a 4 point gap with 10ish goals? But yeah, let's wake up so negative and timid that we contort and contrive Spurs as having the whip hand.
Notihing to do with being negative or timid, I just think it's a possible outcome based on our hopeless form. We were going to beat Brighton and turn the tie around against Olympiacos, but failed miserably to do so and only managed a couple of shots on target worthy of the name in both games. So it's not really the timidity of other posters you need to worry about, it's the inability of the team do any one aspect of the game well at the moment that's going to knacker us.
I hope you're right of course, but I think three of the four results that 4th place rely on look very likely, so if that is the case we're relying on Man City to beat Spurs. If we do lose to Liverpool, then if you're telling me you won't be nervous in the Spurs v Man City game, well, I'm not sure I'd believe you.
Post by: VillaTim on May 12, 2024, 09:30:04 AM
Post by: maidstonevillain on May 12, 2024, 09:31:52 AM
Post by: Ads on May 12, 2024, 09:35:36 AM
Aren't we in better form than Spurs and with the luxury of not playing Man City next? Dont we have a 4 point gap with 10ish goals? But yeah, let's wake up so negative and timid that we contort and contrive Spurs as having the whip hand.
Notihing to do with being negative or timid, I just think it's a possible outcome based on our hopeless form. We were going to beat Brighton and turn the tie around against Olympiacos, but failed miserably to do so and only managed a couple of shots on target worthy of the name in both games. So it's not really the timidity of other posters you need to worry about, it's the inability of the team do any one aspect of the game well at the moment that's going to knacker us.
I hope you're right of course, but I think three of the four results that 4th place rely on look very likely, so if that is the case we're relying on Man City to beat Spurs. If we do lose to Liverpool, then if you're telling me you won't be nervous in the Spurs v Man City game, well, I'm not sure I'd believe you.
I always get nervous, it would be boring otherwise!
Post by: lovejoy on May 12, 2024, 09:36:08 AM
An Arsenal win today would help. Otherwise ManC will be getting the beach towels ready by Tuesday.
I can only think you’ve not checked the table or struggle with numbers. If Arsenal don’t win today city can win the league on Tuesday with a win. No beach involved.
Post by: Monty on May 12, 2024, 09:38:46 AM
Post by: Risso on May 12, 2024, 09:38:56 AM
An Arsenal win today would help. Otherwise ManC will be getting the beach towels ready by Tuesday.
Not sure it makes much difference. If Arsenal lose, it means Man City can win the title against Spurs which surely they'd want to do. If they were 'on the beach' and lost, it would then go down to the final day.
Post by: Clampy on May 12, 2024, 09:41:07 AM
An Arsenal win today would help. Otherwise ManC will be getting the beach towels ready by Tuesday.
I think Man City will want to win against Spurs regardless of how Arsenal get on today. It's not as if they have a Champions League final to prepare for this year and need to rest players.
Post by: Drummond on May 12, 2024, 09:47:42 AM
An Arsenal win today would help. Otherwise ManC will be getting the beach towels ready by Tuesday.
I think Man City will want to win against Spurs regardless of how Arsenal get on today. It's not as if they have a Champions League final to prepare for this year and need to rest players.
Of course they will. They'd never go and settle for a point.
Post by: VillaTim on May 12, 2024, 09:47:56 AM
My big hope is Liverpool have hit the OFF switch now .Aren't we in better form than Spurs and with the luxury of not playing Man City next? Dont we have a 4 point gap with 10ish goals? But yeah, let's wake up so negative and timid that we contort and contrive Spurs as having the whip hand.
Notihing to do with being negative or timid, I just think it's a possible outcome based on our hopeless form. We were going to beat Brighton and turn the tie around against Olympiacos, but failed miserably to do so and only managed a couple of shots on target worthy of the name in both games. So it's not really the timidity of other posters you need to worry about, it's the inability of the team do any one aspect of the game well at the moment that's going to knacker us.
I hope you're right of course, but I think three of the four results that 4th place rely on look very likely, so if that is the case we're relying on Man City to beat Spurs. If we do lose to Liverpool, then if you're telling me you won't be nervous in the Spurs v Man City game, well, I'm not sure I'd believe you.
Post by: maidstonevillain on May 12, 2024, 10:15:15 AM
An Arsenal win today would help. Otherwise ManC will be getting the beach towels ready by Tuesday.
I can only think you’ve not checked the table or struggle with numbers. If Arsenal don’t win today city can win the league on Tuesday with a win. No beach involved.
I did say getting the towels ready. Not on the beach. And I can assure you I do not struggle with numbers.
If Arsenal win today, Tues becomes a must win game for ManC. If Arsenal lose, ManC have the luxury of being able to wrap up the title in front of their home fans, against easier opposition.
Of course this is all academic if Villa win tomorrow.
Post by: Richard E on May 12, 2024, 10:18:04 AM
Post by: Ads on May 12, 2024, 10:18:13 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 12, 2024, 10:20:17 AM
Post by: Monty on May 12, 2024, 10:22:04 AM
It's so fucking frustrating to be honest. Not just the dropped points, the injuries and the timing of the injuries - Spurs have an absolutely bullshit win on the board against Liverpool and we should already be guaranteed fourth.
Funny how nobody mentions it. Not even us!
Post by: Risso on May 12, 2024, 10:23:42 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on May 12, 2024, 10:24:11 AM
Would be lovely to beat Liverpool tomorrow night and then not have to worry.
Post by: Ads on May 12, 2024, 10:25:58 AM
There are some forces more powerful even than the Man City Terminator-mode however, and the curse on the Villa might be one of them.
I cannot see Man City chasing Spurs down a pneumatic press though or foolishly wandering into a steel mill.
Post by: Monty on May 12, 2024, 10:29:22 AM
There are some forces more powerful even than the Man City Terminator-mode however, and the curse on the Villa might be one of them.
I cannot see Man City chasing Spurs down a pneumatic press though or foolishly wandering into a steel mill.
Yeah, I mean, I put it to you that Sarah Connor has somewhat better defensive and strategic instincts than Spurs under Ange. Everything absolutely should go fine. It should...
Post by: Ads on May 12, 2024, 10:31:34 AM
Our squad sort of resembles the physical state of Arnie at the end of the second film now.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 12, 2024, 11:25:02 AM
But pain usually comes before glory and sucess. That is how it works. Particularly when progressing. You can't just saunter into the top four, we have to work our way there over 38 matches. It actually helps now to have a sole concentration on the Champions League objective and Emery and his players understand what they need to do to achieve.
Working harder and smarter than Liverpool and Palace, who have less incentive, is now dependent on the players' motivation. The reward for the players is the opportunity to participate in the Champions League, which is a powerful motivator for any professional footballer in Europe.
Post by: Ads on May 12, 2024, 11:26:28 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 12, 2024, 11:27:26 AM
Post by: Monty on May 12, 2024, 11:32:07 AM
I would take draw tomorrow night.
Too right you would! Spurs literally having to beat the 115ers would be a great advantage for us - and one that, if they manage it and overhaul us, would mean Spurs have genuinely earned it, as DW says.
Post by: Beard82 on May 12, 2024, 11:48:09 AM
Yeah - a draw would be a great result - means a draw should be enough on the final day even if Spurs beat City.I would take draw tomorrow night.
Too right you would! Spurs literally having to beat the 115ers would be a great advantage for us - and one that, if they manage it and overhaul us, would mean Spurs have genuinely earned it, as DW says.
Post by: VillaTim on May 12, 2024, 11:50:40 AM
To be honest if this goes to the final day we are in serious trouble .Yeah - a draw would be a great result - means a draw should be enough on the final day even if Spurs beat City.I would take draw tomorrow night.
Too right you would! Spurs literally having to beat the 115ers would be a great advantage for us - and one that, if they manage it and overhaul us, would mean Spurs have genuinely earned it, as DW says.
Post by: DB on May 12, 2024, 12:05:24 PM
If we beat Red Scouse then great, I can’t that happening, so it on the city match.
Post by: wince on May 12, 2024, 12:41:11 PM
Post by: TonyD on May 12, 2024, 01:18:24 PM
Then it’s bedshitting Sunday.
I don’t remember being that invested the last time we missed out on the CL.
Wasn’t it a 1.1 draw against Newcastle at VP. Shearer’s last game??
Post by: OCD on May 12, 2024, 01:26:45 PM
Think yesterday was the 'best worst' result for us really given that Spurs won but only by one goal, so haven't really put a big dent in our superior goal difference.
Watched the Spurs-Burnley game yesterday. It was typical Spurs. Absolute shit for 70/75 minutes but wear the opposition down, put some fresh legs on and finish stronger than the opposition. Man City should be out of sight by the time Spurs start playing.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 12, 2024, 01:27:54 PM
Post by: andyh on May 12, 2024, 01:37:54 PM
It’s all on their match vs City.No it’s not at all. It’s completely in our hands, starting with beating Liverpool, or at least not losing.
If we beat Red Scouse then great, I can’t that happening, so it on the city match.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 12, 2024, 01:41:23 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 12, 2024, 01:43:15 PM
Post by: wince on May 12, 2024, 04:49:00 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 12, 2024, 05:03:57 PM
One of the reasons I'm starting to catostrophise about the whole thing is that when we've got close in the past it's always still seemed like a long shot, whereas this time we've been up there all season and it will feel like a real choke if we don't do it from here. I just hope it gets sorted this week as another week will be too much stress.
I think part of the reason for the catastrophising is that, for much of this season, we've been absolutely brilliant and now we're tired and injury ridden, we're way less impressive, which is kind of inevitable.
I am watching Man U - Arsenal at the moment, and just found myself thinking, fuck, we beat this Arsenal team TWICE. We beat Man City and them in the space of less than a week. We had 22 shots against Man City, and they had 2, both of which came in the same action.
That's how good we were for large parts of the season, so it's tough seeing us struggling at the arse end of it, and it becomes much more tempting to think we're going to shit it away.
Post by: N'ZMAV on May 12, 2024, 05:20:03 PM
Out of character for me but can we stop being Fannies and get some positive thoughts going please. Stop waiting for shit to happenI know doom and gloom is ingrained in a lot of us, but I'm with Wince, we're so close.
Post by: andyh on May 12, 2024, 05:23:23 PM
One more huge effort tomorrow…..we WILL do it !!!
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 12, 2024, 05:29:20 PM
One of the reasons I'm starting to catostrophise about the whole thing is that when we've got close in the past it's always still seemed like a long shot, whereas this time we've been up there all season and it will feel like a real choke if we don't do it from here. I just hope it gets sorted this week as another week will be too much stress.
I think part of the reason for the catastrophising is that, for much of this season, we've been absolutely brilliant and now we're tired and injury ridden, we're way less impressive, which is kind of inevitable.
I am watching Man U - Arsenal at the moment, and just found myself thinking, fuck, we beat this Arsenal team TWICE. We beat Man City and them in the space of less than a week. We had 22 shots against Man City, and they had 2, both of which came in the same action.
That's how good we were for large parts of the season, so it's tough seeing us struggling at the arse end of it, and it becomes much more tempting to think we're going to shit it away.
I think that’s exactly it - also a sidebar I still cannot understand how we lost twice to Man Utd.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 12, 2024, 05:43:20 PM
There is an incentive here, and the process has caused some suffering for both players and us the supporters and fans.
But pain usually comes before glory and sucess. That is how it works. Particularly when progressing. You can't just saunter into the top four, we have to work our way there over 38 matches. It actually helps now to have a sole concentration on the Champions League objective and Emery and his players understand what they need to do to achieve.
Working harder and smarter than Liverpool and Palace, who have less incentive, is now dependent on the players' motivation. The reward for the players is the opportunity to participate in the Champions League, which is a powerful motivator for any professional footballer in Europe.
Absolutely, the journey to success often involves overcoming challenges and setbacks. Focusing solely on the Champions League objective can help streamline efforts and maximize motivation. With such a prestigious opportunity on the line, the players are surely driven to give their all. It's all about determination and seizing the chance for glory!
Post by: Risso on May 12, 2024, 06:16:07 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 12, 2024, 06:17:55 PM
As the stakes are raised, every pass, every tackle, and every shot becomes a testament to their unwavering commitment. The roar of the crowd, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat all blend together in a high-stakes drama that pushes them to reach new heights. With each hurdle cleared, confidence grows, and the team's collective spirit becomes an unstoppable force, propelling them towards the ultimate prize.select all images with street signs .
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 12, 2024, 06:19:49 PM
Post by: Bad English on May 12, 2024, 06:21:15 PM
Great to hear from all you fellow fans! Football truly is a sport that brings people together from all walks of life. Whether we're cheering for the Villa or booing our rivals on the field, there's a shared passion that unites us.
I couldn't agree more about our Champions League prospects. It's such an exciting aspect of the game, and it really adds to the drama and intensity on match day.
How do you think our team is going to fare in the upcoming days? Any standout players or potential hurdles you're keeping an eye on? Can't wait to dive into another few days of highs, lows, and everything in between.
Looking forward to exchanging thoughts and banter later and during the next season!
Post by: eamonn on May 12, 2024, 07:12:16 PM
Post by: Risso on May 12, 2024, 07:13:40 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 12, 2024, 07:15:01 PM
It's disheartening to see the level of bad language and rude jokes being used in this forum. It creates a negative and hostile environment for everyone involved. We should strive to have respectful and constructive discussions that focus on sharing knowledge and learning from each other, rather than resorting to offensive language and distasteful jokes. Let's all make an effort to maintain a level of maturity and professionalism in our interactions.
I agree.
FANNY BATTER! BIG DOG'S COCK!
Post by: john e on May 12, 2024, 07:20:27 PM
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 12, 2024, 07:22:30 PM
Ha ha what on earth are you lot on about
They think Footy uses something like ChatGPT to write their posts. I think Footy is a bot/algorithm and not a person though
Post by: Demitri_C on May 12, 2024, 07:23:02 PM
Post by: Bad English on May 12, 2024, 07:28:18 PM
It's disheartening to see the level of bad language and rude jokes being used in this forum. It creates a negative and hostile environment for everyone involved. We should strive to have respectful and constructive discussions that focus on sharing knowledge and learning from each other, rather than resorting to offensive language and distasteful jokes. Let's all make an effort to maintain a level of maturity and professionalism in our interactions.But what about the passionate nature of football fandom? Swearing is often an expression of intense emotions, and in the context of a forum dedicated to discussing football, it can be seen as a natural way for fans to express their enthusiasm, frustration, or disappointment. Additionally, football culture itself often includes colorful language, both on and off the field, further normalizing its use within the community. However, it is mportant to acknowledge that excessive or targeted use of offensive language can still be harmful and this should indeed be moderated accordingly.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 12, 2024, 07:34:05 PM
It's disheartening to see the level of bad language and rude jokes being used in this forum. It creates a negative and hostile environment for everyone involved. We should strive to have respectful and constructive discussions that focus on sharing knowledge and learning from each other, rather than resorting to offensive language and distasteful jokes. Let's all make an effort to maintain a level of maturity and professionalism in our interactions.
Amen to that.
Post by: Drummond on May 12, 2024, 07:36:39 PM
Post by: pablo_picasso on May 12, 2024, 07:47:00 PM
It's disheartening to see the level of bad language and rude jokes being used in this forum. It creates a negative and hostile environment for everyone involved. We should strive to have respectful and constructive discussions that focus on sharing knowledge and learning from each other, rather than resorting to offensive language and distasteful jokes. Let's all make an effort to maintain a level of maturity and professionalism in our interactions.But what about the passionate nature of football fandom? Swearing is often an expression of intense emotions, and in the context of a forum dedicated to discussing football, it can be seen as a natural way for fans to express their enthusiasm, frustration, or disappointment. Additionally, football culture itself often includes colorful language, both on and off the field, further normalizing its use within the community. However, it is mportant to acknowledge that excessive or targeted use of offensive language can still be harmful and this should indeed be moderated accordingly.
And let's be honest, if some are using religion to give us our morals, then we are fine to talk about sex. Rape. Murder. Incest. Genocide. Etc. etc. etc.
The bible says nothing about using foul language other than something like "don't use bad words to knock someone down".
And before it was softened with multiple translations by religious zealots unhappy with how the original texts were seen by the common man, it happily used words like "shagal".
The bible says fuck all about using profanities on a football forum in 2024.
Post by: itbrvilla on May 12, 2024, 07:48:23 PM
We've not won in 5 (4 defeats and 1 draw) we look dreadful (understandably), and have a history of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory...One of the reasons I'm starting to catostrophise about the whole thing is that when we've got close in the past it's always still seemed like a long shot, whereas this time we've been up there all season and it will feel like a real choke if we don't do it from here. I just hope it gets sorted this week as another week will be too much stress.
I think part of the reason for the catastrophising is that, for much of this season, we've been absolutely brilliant and now we're tired and injury ridden, we're way less impressive, which is kind of inevitable.
I am watching Man U - Arsenal at the moment, and just found myself thinking, fuck, we beat this Arsenal team TWICE. We beat Man City and them in the space of less than a week. We had 22 shots against Man City, and they had 2, both of which came in the same action.
That's how good we were for large parts of the season, so it's tough seeing us struggling at the arse end of it, and it becomes much more tempting to think we're going to shit it away.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 12, 2024, 07:56:13 PM
W2 D2 L1 for the last 5 in the league.
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on May 12, 2024, 09:55:58 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 12, 2024, 11:16:10 PM
Post by: Martyn Smith on May 12, 2024, 11:53:06 PM
Post by: AV84 on May 12, 2024, 11:54:17 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 13, 2024, 12:02:03 AM
Post by: AV84 on May 13, 2024, 12:07:29 AM
Post by: eamonn on May 13, 2024, 01:17:00 AM
Post by: Hillbilly on May 13, 2024, 04:55:50 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 13, 2024, 07:08:32 AM
Spurs need to keep pushing not just to get 4th but to avoid being overtaken by Newcastle and Chelsea and ending in 7th.
They are not finishing below any of those sides. Spurs only need a point from their final 2 and they wont be able to catch spurs. As bad as spurs are they would at worst be capable of getting a point by sheff utd
Post by: Dogtanian on May 13, 2024, 07:46:44 AM
Post by: Dick Edwards on May 13, 2024, 07:57:46 AM
I’m still hoping for a Sheffield United shock on the last day.Our Cameron Archer could still have a major role to playPremier League ManagerChris Wilder to inspire his lads to finally give the fans something to cheer about.
Post by: Baldy on May 13, 2024, 08:23:53 AM
I’m still hoping for a Sheffield United shock on the last day.Our Cameron Archer could still have a major role to playPremier League ManagerChris Wilder to inspire his lads to finally give the fans something to cheer about.
Possibly, Mr Grealish to come on for Man City* and score winner.
Post by: LeeS on May 13, 2024, 09:25:40 AM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 09:45:41 AM
Bumping your own thread after nobody replied and it disappeared onto page 2? Sad, very sad indeed.It's because I always believed. And wanted to champion the cause and make very aware and prominent that discussion was 100% necessary and had to get us to think it was.
I knew it would take time for others to take part in discussion but now everyone is talking.
Lets hope it's happiness all round come the final whistle tonight!
Up The Villa!
Post by: Demitri_C on May 13, 2024, 09:58:06 AM
This is vital so im sure citeh will take this game very seriously
Post by: Drummond on May 13, 2024, 11:10:52 AM
Bumping your own thread after nobody replied and it disappeared onto page 2? Sad, very sad indeed.It's because I always believed. And wanted to champion the cause and make very aware and prominent that discussion was 100% necessary and had to get us to think it was.
I knew it would take time for others to take part in discussion but now everyone is talking.
Lets hope it's happiness all round come the final whistle tonight!
Up The Villa!
Hmmm.
I think this final could be tricky, I'm a bit concerned about Mbappe up front with Vinicious Jr. and their pace against Cash or Nedeljkovic could be our downfall unless Kamara helps cover that part of the pitch.
Diaby though, he'll carry on his form and I reckon this would be the fitting end to a season by scoring a brace and getting 30 for the season.
Post by: OCD on May 13, 2024, 11:32:47 AM
I’m still hoping for a Sheffield United shock on the last day.Premier League ManagerChris Wilder to inspire his lads to finally give the fans something to cheer about.
Not a chance. Spurs wear teams down and are at their strongest in the final 20 minutes. Sheffield United can't compete for 90 minutes and tire early. Even if the game's level after 70 minutes, Spurs will run them into the ground.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 13, 2024, 11:34:38 AM
I’m still hoping for a Sheffield United shock on the last day.Premier League ManagerChris Wilder to inspire his lads to finally give the fans something to cheer about.
Not a chance. Spurs wear teams down and are at their strongest in the final 20 minutes. Sheffield United can't compete for 90 minutes and tire early. Even if the game's level after 70 minutes, Spurs will run them into the ground.
There's always hope!
Post by: OCD on May 13, 2024, 11:45:12 AM
I’m still hoping for a Sheffield United shock on the last day.Premier League ManagerChris Wilder to inspire his lads to finally give the fans something to cheer about.
Not a chance. Spurs wear teams down and are at their strongest in the final 20 minutes. Sheffield United can't compete for 90 minutes and tire early. Even if the game's level after 70 minutes, Spurs will run them into the ground.
There's always hope!
Hope that we beat Liverpool and/or Man City beat Spurs.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 13, 2024, 12:44:02 PM
Hmmm.
I think this final could be tricky, I'm a bit concerned about Mbappe up front with Vinicious Jr. and their pace against Cash or Nedeljkovic could be our downfall unless Kamara helps cover that part of the pitch.
Diaby though, he'll carry on his form and I reckon this would be the fitting end to a season by scoring a brace and getting 30 for the season.
It'll be tight but the late winner, courtesy of a Jude own goal, will make it extra sweet.
Post by: DB on May 13, 2024, 01:27:05 PM
Post by: Monty on May 13, 2024, 01:28:18 PM
Yves Bissouma out forrest of the seasonsix days for Spuds.
Edit: he's not been that great in any case. An injury to van der Ven or Son would've been a bit more of a boost for us.
Post by: Somniloquism on May 13, 2024, 01:31:34 PM
Post by: David_Nab on May 13, 2024, 01:39:29 PM
Yves Bissouma out forrest of the seasonsix days for Spuds.
Edit: he's not been that great in any case. An injury to van der Ven or Son would've been a bit more of a boost for us.
No but he has been starting most games so essentially one of their first Choice's is out ..as they say every little helps
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 01:40:14 PM
The downside has been all the Spurs talk. I hope come final time tonight Spurs won't need another single mention and irrelevant!
And no mention of the match v Man City will need to be talked of in this special thread.
Post by: DB on May 13, 2024, 01:45:19 PM
Yves Bissouma out forrest of the seasonsix days for Spuds.
Edit: he's not been that great in any case. An injury to van der Ven or Son would've been a bit more of a boost for us.
FFS.
Post by: Monty on May 13, 2024, 01:49:03 PM
Yves Bissouma out forrest of the seasonsix days for Spuds.
Edit: he's not been that great in any case. An injury to van der Ven or Son would've been a bit more of a boost for us.
FFS.
?
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 01:50:37 PM
Barcelona
Broussia Dortmund
Real Madrid
Bayern Munich
Paris Saint Germain
Inter Milan
Red Bull Leipzig
I sincerely hope that everyone's conversation can officially starts after 10 p.m. tonight, but the excitement and being a contender for this Champions League is near reality and just like the start of this thread and just like the progress those that are comfortable to talk about it do so and those not feel ready then that's ok join when its officially confirmed by the math.
To progress discussion and talk about champions league teams and not teams below us in the Prem including relegated teams
I would love a Real Madrid or Barcelona tie.
Prefer Barcelona as think have a better chance!
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 13, 2024, 01:50:39 PM
I love this thread as it provides the opportunity of talking Villa and champions league contender.
The downside has been all the Spurs talk. I hope come final time tonight Spurs won't need another single mention and irrelevant!
And no mention of the match v Man City will need to be talked of in this special thread.
Not enough talk of tits and testicles for me.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 01:52:45 PM
And probably means we end up drawing them again in champions league.
Post by: Drummond on May 13, 2024, 01:58:13 PM
Post by: Dave P on May 13, 2024, 01:58:30 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 02:02:03 PM
I just want to qualify tonight so we get to celebrate it in the ground. I'll take qualification by any means of course, but it'll be a bit flatter if it is confirmed tomorrow bu Spurs losing when we have no more home games.That's a great point.
I sincerely hope that this is the case.
Confirming 4th place at Villa Park with our wonderful season would be a fitting achievement.
And the lap of honour will be the greatest in the Prem League era. It would be quite an occasion, and I very much hope that occurs for all the attendees tonight!
Have a great evening!!
Post by: Dogtanian on May 13, 2024, 02:03:20 PM
Post by: LeeB on May 13, 2024, 02:06:28 PM
So there you go.
Post by: Dave on May 13, 2024, 02:07:10 PM
I can imagine it getting nervy if we are leading towards the end of the match.
It's fine, Liverpool won't have enough time to claw back the five goal deficit.
Post by: Drummond on May 13, 2024, 02:08:42 PM
The one from Kasabian, not the woman beater the other one, reckons we'll win and it "could be one of those nights where the Holte End sucks the ball into the net"
So there you go.
Like 13,000 pornstars on the set of Debbie does Aston.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 02:21:12 PM
Conceivably have matches versus Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Athletico Madrid and Juventus! Throw in Celtic, Sporting Lisbon, Monaco and Stuttgart
Or how about PSG, Barcelona, Benfica, Leverkusen , PSV, Galatasary. , Bologna and Sparta Prague!
Or how about Vs Dortmund both Milan Inter and AC , Shaktar Donetsk, Feyennord, Fenerbache, Girona, and AEK Athens
It's so exciting! All the potential fixtures discovered and these could be happening just had to share for discussion!
Post by: LeeB on May 13, 2024, 02:22:14 PM
I can imagine it getting nervy if we are leading towards the end of the match.
It's fine, Liverpool won't have enough time to claw back the five goal deficit.
I remember not really feeling comfortable until the 7th went in a few years back.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 02:25:47 PM
I didn't set this thread up in November to see dreams dashed!
So come now Villa players do as instructed finished the objective and give us our champions league!
Post by: OCD on May 13, 2024, 02:25:59 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 13, 2024, 02:50:09 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c03drezjy5jt
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 13, 2024, 02:54:05 PM
You wouldn't know that we kick off in a few hours
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c03drezjy5jt
The first two posts mention that we're playing tonight.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 13, 2024, 02:59:00 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on May 13, 2024, 03:01:30 PM
Post by: Drummond on May 13, 2024, 03:02:38 PM
Like a bloser.
Post by: Richard on May 13, 2024, 03:04:05 PM
You wouldn't know that we kick off in a few hours
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c03drezjy5jt
Don't see any issue here. We kick off in 5 hours, expect there will be coverage nearer then.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 03:19:03 PM
There's too much talk of spurs here as well.You wouldn't know that we kick off in a few hours
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c03drezjy5jt
The first two posts mention that we're playing tonight.
Come 10. 20pm let us reconvene here.
Where all talk of spurs will be banished
(I hope!)
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 13, 2024, 03:21:40 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
The remote chance of winning a grand has done absolutely nothing for my nerves. I’m desperate to lose that money tonight or tomorrow. Preferably tonight.
Post by: Risso on May 13, 2024, 03:27:04 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
The remote chance of winning a grand has done absolutely nothing for my nerves. I’m desperate to lose that money tonight or tomorrow. Preferably tonight.
Same here mate. We can go and celebrate with a glass of tap water each!
Post by: LeeS on May 13, 2024, 03:29:30 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
The remote chance of winning a grand has done absolutely nothing for my nerves. I’m desperate to lose that money tonight or tomorrow. Preferably tonight.
Same here mate. We can go and celebrate with a glass of tap water each!
My missus overheard me telling a mate about it. She’s started spending it already. My kids are going to be so disappointed if they don’t get their new garden swing.
Post by: wince on May 13, 2024, 03:29:53 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 03:35:56 PM
'How are you celebrating Villa Champions League qualification? '
Then this original thread can be left to discuss the Champions League draw, pot matches, and basically a celebration of everything about our beloved team's fourth-place finish and continuous discussion of what it takes to remain a Champions League club!
So would be looking Our chances of winning it or how far we go
The impact it will have on the Premier League campaign.
And also discuss the language of English, French, and German used in the Champions League anthem that will be played at Villa Park. The travel plans for the away games and experiences of places to stadiums that already experienced, whether there are Villa fans groups in the areas of Milan or Paris, and what matches wanting to go to.
Discussing the matches and pundits that will be screened on Amazon, and highlights are broadcast on the BBC.
And TNT Panel and their coverage.
It's all next-level thinking now!
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 03:37:19 PM
Post by: wince on May 13, 2024, 03:38:41 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 13, 2024, 03:43:21 PM
I'm gearing forward to a thread that is hearing how you plan to celebrate Aston Villa's inclusion in the Champions League.
'How are you celebrating Villa Champions League qualification? '
Then this original thread can be left to discuss the Champions League draw, pot matches, and basically a celebration of everything about our beloved team's fourth-place finish and continuous discussion of what it takes to remain a Champions League club!
So would be looking Our chances of winning it or how far we go
The impact it will have on the Premier League campaign.
And also discuss the language of English, French, and German used in the Champions League anthem that will be played at Villa Park. The travel plans for the away games and experiences of places to stadiums that already experienced, whether there are Villa fans groups in the areas of Milan or Paris, and what matches wanting to go to.
Discussing the matches and pundits that will be screened on Amazon, and highlights are broadcast on the BBC.
And TNT Panel and their coverage.
It's all next-level thinking now!
Footy, I know you're a God-fearing individual. It's been a long time since I went to mass, but surely there must be something in scripture that teaches something similar to 'celebrate not qualification for the Champions League, ye mortal, lest your God and creator take up anger against ye, and lo! He will award the points to Spurs, for ye have caused him great disgruntlement with your premature ejaculation. It's all about points on the board at thif ftage of the feason.'?
And if there isn't, there should be.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 03:56:40 PM
Footy are you ok? Seem to want to control our posts a bit at the moment. You do worry meIt's ok excited for our destiny!
I just hoped to encourage more of the same and bring some positive energy and Villa focus. But ok. People write away!
And Ealing above. It's quite witty your post if a negative!
Post by: Monty on May 13, 2024, 04:01:58 PM
I'm gearing forward to a thread that is hearing how you plan to celebrate Aston Villa's inclusion in the Champions League.
'How are you celebrating Villa Champions League qualification? '
Then this original thread can be left to discuss the Champions League draw, pot matches, and basically a celebration of everything about our beloved team's fourth-place finish and continuous discussion of what it takes to remain a Champions League club!
So would be looking Our chances of winning it or how far we go
The impact it will have on the Premier League campaign.
And also discuss the language of English, French, and German used in the Champions League anthem that will be played at Villa Park. The travel plans for the away games and experiences of places to stadiums that already experienced, whether there are Villa fans groups in the areas of Milan or Paris, and what matches wanting to go to.
Discussing the matches and pundits that will be screened on Amazon, and highlights are broadcast on the BBC.
And TNT Panel and their coverage.
It's all next-level thinking now!
Footy, I know you're a God-fearing individual. It's been a long time since I went to mass, but surely there must be something in scripture that teaches something similar to 'celebrate not qualification for the Champions League, ye mortal, lest your God and creator take up anger against ye, and lo! He will award the points to Spurs, for ye have caused him great disgruntlement with your premature ejaculation. It's all about points on the board at thif ftage of the feason.'?
And if there isn't, there should be.
*Fpurs.
Post by: Ads on May 13, 2024, 04:08:29 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on May 13, 2024, 04:18:16 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
The remote chance of winning a grand has done absolutely nothing for my nerves. I’m desperate to lose that money tonight or tomorrow. Preferably tonight.
Same here mate. We can go and celebrate with a glass of tap water each!
I might even stand for a couple of ice cubes each.
Post by: PeterWithe on May 13, 2024, 04:18:34 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
The remote chance of winning a grand has done absolutely nothing for my nerves. I’m desperate to lose that money tonight or tomorrow. Preferably tonight.
I've had a bit of that as well, about £1k if we don't do it. All the other bets I had as I was on the app have failed miserably so just one more to go.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 13, 2024, 04:24:03 PM
Fuck off with this jinxing bollocks ChatFooty.Yellow card for foul and abusive language.
And why not contributing to the Superstitions thread if that is your way of thinking about jinxing I'm just encouraging discussion on actual champions league.
Post by: villadelph on May 13, 2024, 04:27:53 PM
Post by: Monty on May 13, 2024, 04:29:37 PM
I can hardly think about this anymore, I'm going to puke from the anxiety.
Much more like it.
Post by: VillaTim on May 13, 2024, 04:38:02 PM
I'm gearing forward to a thread that is hearing how you plan to celebrate Aston Villa's inclusion in the Champions League.Dortmund , Munich, Naples . All places on my list i'd go to albeit i've no chance of getting an away ticket .
'How are you celebrating Villa Champions League qualification? '
Then this original thread can be left to discuss the Champions League draw, pot matches, and basically a celebration of everything about our beloved team's fourth-place finish and continuous discussion of what it takes to remain a Champions League club!
So would be looking Our chances of winning it or how far we go
The impact it will have on the Premier League campaign.
And also discuss the language of English, French, and German used in the Champions League anthem that will be played at Villa Park. The travel plans for the away games and experiences of places to stadiums that already experienced, whether there are Villa fans groups in the areas of Milan or Paris, and what matches wanting to go to.
Discussing the matches and pundits that will be screened on Amazon, and highlights are broadcast on the BBC.
And TNT Panel and their coverage.
It's all next-level thinking now!
Post by: OzVilla on May 13, 2024, 09:13:26 PM
Post by: DB on May 13, 2024, 10:05:31 PM
Thought for a while now we’ll be relying on Citeh.
But now a draw tomoz will do.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 13, 2024, 10:06:41 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 13, 2024, 10:07:21 PM
Post by: curiousorange on May 13, 2024, 10:10:42 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 13, 2024, 10:33:17 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
Hate to quote myself, but this was a load of tosh. I was a nervous wreck there. Jumped on the pub table when we equalised.
Come on City…
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 13, 2024, 10:42:14 PM
Grealish to score the goal that sends us into the CL.
Super, Super Jack!
Post by: eamonn on May 13, 2024, 10:43:25 PM
Post by: mike on May 13, 2024, 10:44:24 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
Hate to quote myself, but this was a load of tosh. I was a nervous wreck there. Jumped on the pub table when we equalised.
Come on City…
Lee, thanks so much for what you’ve done mate. You may just have done enough to get us over the line.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 13, 2024, 10:44:42 PM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on May 13, 2024, 10:46:10 PM
Grealish to score the goal that sends us into the CL.
Hopefully someone else.
Post by: mike on May 13, 2024, 10:48:18 PM
Grealish to score the goal that sends us into the CL.
Hopefully someone else.
Neither, I hope they’re winning and Spurs equalise with the last kick of the match. Fuck City but no use to Spurs and too late to worry us.
Post by: mike on May 13, 2024, 10:50:18 PM
Grealish to score the goal that sends us into the CL.
Hopefully someone else.
Neither, I hope they’re winning and Spurs equalise with the last kick of the match. Fuck City but no use to Spurs and too late to worry us.
Actually, even better that 98th minute equaliser can be a spectacular Ratboy own goal.
Post by: taylorsworkrate on May 13, 2024, 10:51:00 PM
Grealish to score the goal that sends us into the CL.
Hopefully someone else.
Neither, I hope they’re winning and Spurs equalise with the last kick of the match. Fuck City but no use to Spurs and too late to worry us.
It wouldn't help Spurs and it would hand Arsenal the title. Would be hilarious but I'd prefer Man City to win comfortably. Tonught was stressful enough
Post by: mike on May 13, 2024, 10:53:01 PM
Grealish to score the goal that sends us into the CL.
Hopefully someone else.
Neither, I hope they’re winning and Spurs equalise with the last kick of the match. Fuck City but no use to Spurs and too late to worry us.
It wouldn't help Spurs and it would hand Arsenal the title. Would be hilarious but I'd prefer Man City to win comfortably. Tonught was stressful enough
Ok, City cruising and two late Spurs goals 97 and 98 minute so no time for nerves.
Post by: Goldenballs on May 13, 2024, 10:54:35 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 13, 2024, 11:00:21 PM
Haven't City got a dog shit record at Spurs?
Yep it’s really poor. But without a lot of research I suspect it’s against Spurs teams under Conte and Mourinho who set up to strangle the game, and also I doubt it was at this stage of the season.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 13, 2024, 11:01:20 PM
Post by: TonyD on May 13, 2024, 11:03:52 PM
Post by: KRS on May 13, 2024, 11:04:18 PM
Spurs 0-1 Man City (Ake 88)
…I’d take the same again, a draw or preferably a much earlier comfortable win for City.
Anyways, I don’t believe in previous records having any impact on current teams so previous results between these teams is irrelevant. Tomorrow City need to win…and I don’t see an out of form Spurs team stopping them.
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 13, 2024, 11:04:37 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 13, 2024, 11:07:47 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
Hate to quote myself, but this was a load of tosh. I was a nervous wreck there. Jumped on the pub table when we equalised.
Come on City…
Lee, thanks so much for what you’ve done mate. You may just have done enough to get us over the line.
Thanks Mike. But I can’t take all the credit. The lads played their part too.
Post by: Smithy on May 13, 2024, 11:09:13 PM
Obviously I'd prefer City to be 3-0 by HT and it become a classing Man City bore-fest of a thousand tiny passes.
Post by: KRS on May 13, 2024, 11:23:37 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on May 13, 2024, 11:28:53 PM
Haven't City got a dog shit record at Spurs?
Yep it’s really poor. But without a lot of research I suspect it’s against Spurs teams under Conte and Mourinho who set up to strangle the game, and also I doubt it was at this stage of the season.
Yep the last two times was before the juggernaut started when they played them in Mid-Feb. And Citeh have no-one in their squad listed as injured where Spurs just lost their defensive midfielder. If Spurs win or even draw, it will be a hell of a result for them in the circumstances.
Post by: LeeB on May 13, 2024, 11:31:59 PM
Fuck Spurs.
Post by: Proposition Joe on May 13, 2024, 11:54:22 PM
Grealish to score the goal that sends us into the CL.
Super, Super Jack!
If he does, for me that's bygones, he's paid us back for leaving and can come back to VP sans les boos.
Post by: AV84 on May 13, 2024, 11:56:12 PM
Spurs could win tomorrow playing the greatest football ever seen and it's still in our hands.
Fuck Spurs.
I'd like it to be over and done with tomorrow. I want it taken out of our hands by Man City.
Post by: LeeB on May 13, 2024, 11:57:54 PM
Spurs could win tomorrow playing the greatest football ever seen and it's still in our hands.
Fuck Spurs.
I'd like it to be over and done with tomorrow. I want it taken out of our hands by Man City.
They owe us, it's our win at Arsenal that put it in their own hands.
Post by: AV84 on May 14, 2024, 12:06:18 AM
Spurs could win tomorrow playing the greatest football ever seen and it's still in our hands.
Fuck Spurs.
I'd like it to be over and done with tomorrow. I want it taken out of our hands by Man City.
They owe us, it's our win at Arsenal that put it in their own hands.
Pep loves us too.
Post by: algy on May 14, 2024, 07:34:19 AM
Grealish to score the goal that sends us into the CL.Pull his dirty over his head and reveal a vest with the champions league logo on. Should be subtle enough to get away without any unwarranted attention.
It'd be like when Like Skywalker removes Darth Vader's mask and you can see there's still part of him left, hidden beneath all the football robot shit.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 07:44:51 AM
Rather arsenal win the league than those cheats citeh
Post by: Baldy on May 14, 2024, 08:31:35 AM
There’s one thing I’ll be looking for before tomorrow’s game kicks off…and that’s Rodris’ name on the Man City team sheet. Spurs need to win, but Rodri hasn’t been on the losing team for over 40-something games…and it won’t be the end of this record tomorrow.
Exactly what I was thinking. For all the talent that Man City have, Rodri is the man that makes them really tick.
Post by: darren woolley on May 14, 2024, 08:33:12 AM
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 14, 2024, 08:39:57 AM
Post by: dorsetvillian on May 14, 2024, 08:44:37 AM
Post by: Dave on May 14, 2024, 08:46:00 AM
Spursy Spurs to beat City and great beat against Sheff Utd...
The Spurs forum that I've been keeping an eye on is pretty much convinced that this is what will happen.
Post by: Risso on May 14, 2024, 08:48:49 AM
Spurs limped past Burnley at the weekend and tonight they're going to beat Manchester 115? Come off it.
Football doesn't always work like that though. We followed up shit displays against Brentford and Lille by beating Arsenal. I won't relax until it's 10.30 tonight and Man City have put four past them.
Post by: Dave on May 14, 2024, 09:00:21 AM
Spurs limped past Burnley at the weekend and tonight they're going to beat Manchester 115? Come off it.
Football doesn't always work like that though. We followed up shit displays against Brentford and Lille by beating Arsenal. I won't relax until it's 10.30 tonight and Man City have put four past them.
It doesn't, but while our performances over the last couple of months could probably be best described as "erratic", theirs would probably be described as "shit".
Last game in which they were completely convincing was probably when they smacked us in early March. There are Spurs fans who describe that and their win against Newcastle as their only two really good performances since they were winning the league back in September / October.
I agree that the universe will probably conspire against us to make them pull out a performace for the ages tonight, but all the signs are that they won't.
Post by: Monty on May 14, 2024, 09:05:41 AM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 14, 2024, 09:07:48 AM
Post by: caster troy on May 14, 2024, 09:16:54 AM
Post by: LeeS on May 14, 2024, 09:21:46 AM
On second thoughts, even that is too nervy. City to be 3-0 up after 15 mins and then coast home.
Post by: Mellin on May 14, 2024, 09:25:34 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 09:31:17 AM
City 1-0 up and Spurs equalise with the last kick of the game should do it.
On second thoughts, even that is too nervy. City to be 3-0 up after 15 mins and then coast home.
My ideal scenerio is spurs go 2 up then fuck it up draw 2-2 which not only doesnt get them CL, but helps arsenal
Post by: Monty on May 14, 2024, 09:32:39 AM
City 1-0 up and Spurs equalise with the last kick of the game should do it.
On second thoughts, even that is too nervy. City to be 3-0 up after 15 mins and then coast home.
My ideal scenerio is spurs go 2 up then fuck it up draw 2-2 which not only doesnt get them CL, but helps arsenal
Why do you hate my cardiac health and emotional wellbeing?
Post by: Villafirst on May 14, 2024, 09:47:32 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 14, 2024, 09:48:23 AM
It would be the funniest thing ever if they missed out by a whisker, and Arteta might explode.
Post by: caster troy on May 14, 2024, 09:49:34 AM
City 1-0 up and Spurs equalise with the last kick of the game should do it.
On second thoughts, even that is too nervy. City to be 3-0 up after 15 mins and then coast home.
My ideal scenerio is spurs go 2 up then fuck it up draw 2-2 which not only doesnt get them CL, but helps arsenal
'Oh hell no'
Post by: chrisw1 on May 14, 2024, 09:58:15 AM
Post by: Ads on May 14, 2024, 10:12:24 AM
Lance Armstrong Citeh winning everything means nothing.
Come on Citeh!
Post by: LeeB on May 14, 2024, 10:22:59 AM
Yeah fuck Arsenal, Lego Head and all their Tarquins. They treated a genius with contempt and ridicule, much to our advantage. But may they win fuck all.
Lance Armstrong Citeh winning everything means nothing.
Come on Citeh!
Come on Citeh, may the ghosts of legends such as Pollock, McNabb, McCarthy and Caton inspire tham to victory tonight.
Post by: Drummond on May 14, 2024, 10:41:51 AM
Post by: Risso on May 14, 2024, 10:43:57 AM
I hope Grealish doesn't even get a game, never mind fucking scoring and having people saying how he'd helped us. The wanker couldn't wait to fucking leave, fuck him; we've done this ourselves.
Completely agree. I don't really care who scores as long as it's Spurs nil, Man City lots, but the fawning if Grealish did manage a goal would be extremely nauseating.
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 14, 2024, 10:55:39 AM
Fcuk him.
Post by: Drummond on May 14, 2024, 11:03:49 AM
Come on ManCity.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 11:06:22 AM
City 1-0 up and Spurs equalise with the last kick of the game should do it.
On second thoughts, even that is too nervy. City to be 3-0 up after 15 mins and then coast home.
My ideal scenerio is spurs go 2 up then fuck it up draw 2-2 which not only doesnt get them CL, but helps arsenal
Why do you hate my cardiac health and emotional wellbeing?
Just for bantz 😂
Post by: Clampy on May 14, 2024, 11:10:47 AM
Post by: Axl Rose on May 14, 2024, 11:10:49 AM
As you say the Greasy fan boy sycophancy would be unbearable.
Fcuk him.
This with the most gigantic of bells on.
I'll begrudgingly accept an undeliberate (is that actually a word?) assist.
Maybe
Post by: wince on May 14, 2024, 11:11:36 AM
Post by: mike on May 14, 2024, 11:18:22 AM
Whilst I know it would cause untold fear, nervousness, sickness and all-round stress, panic and horror, I'd rather we finished 4th by beating Palace on Sunday, thereby doing it ourselves.
Come on ManCity.
That is the definition of evil with baffling masochism thrown in.
Post by: martin o`who?? on May 14, 2024, 11:21:55 AM
Post by: maidstonevillain on May 14, 2024, 11:22:01 AM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 14, 2024, 11:27:08 AM
Spurs have beaten ManCity in their last 4 Premiership home games, without conceding a goal(https://i.ibb.co/TwcTyZX/1-d-Fj-Mw4p-UMz-A4-Db4-MYTnfy-A.webp) (https://ibb.co/TwcTyZX)
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 14, 2024, 11:35:22 AM
Yeah fuck Arsenal, Lego Head and all their Tarquins. They treated a genius with contempt and ridicule, much to our advantage. But may they win fuck all.
Lance Armstrong Citeh winning everything means nothing.
Come on Citeh!
Yeah, hope Citeh absolutely batter Spurs, with Super Jack getting a hat-trick.
Post by: Richard E on May 14, 2024, 11:35:43 AM
Spurs have beaten ManCity in their last 4 Premiership home games, without conceding a goalBut lost at home to them in the FA Cup in January and will lose to them again tonight.
Post by: Behind Bluenose Lines on May 14, 2024, 11:43:12 AM
Post by: LeeB on May 14, 2024, 11:44:25 AM
Spurs have beaten ManCity in their last 4 Premiership home games, without conceding a goal
Spurs lost to Man City at home in January the last time they played.
Post by: LeeB on May 14, 2024, 11:45:06 AM
From listening to the radio, it sounds like half the Spurs fans will be cheering on City to scupper Arsenal's title bid!
Noses in a white kit.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 14, 2024, 11:45:50 AM
From listening to the radio, it sounds like half the Spurs fans will be cheering on City to scupper Arsenal's title bid!
Can't blame them really, a Spurs draw does them no good and likely hands the title to their rivals.
Post by: Dave on May 14, 2024, 11:48:19 AM
From listening to the radio, it sounds like half the Spurs fans will be cheering on City to scupper Arsenal's title bid!
They all seem to think that a draw is nailed on. Gives us Champions League AND Arsenal the title.
Post by: FrankyH on May 14, 2024, 11:53:51 AM
https://x.com/paddypower/status/1790283406057869349
Post by: Smithy on May 14, 2024, 12:09:02 PM
I think it's the most interested I've been in a non-Villa league match in years.
Post by: Pete3206 on May 14, 2024, 12:11:24 PM
Not encouraging gambling , but this made me chuckle...
https://x.com/paddypower/status/1790283406057869349
A bit cringe, but I did laugh out loud at the end.
Post by: Dogtanian on May 14, 2024, 12:28:14 PM
That says a lot about what he's doing at the club.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on May 14, 2024, 12:34:47 PM
I was saying last night that since Emery has come in, we literally haven't had a competitive match where we've had nothing to play for. We've been fighting for something right to the end of both seasons.
That says a lot about what he's doing at the club.
I hope we have one on Sunday!
Post by: Somniloquism on May 14, 2024, 12:58:56 PM
Spurs have beaten ManCity in their last 4 Premiership home games, without conceding a goal
Although they haven't played them at home this late in the season before when they have started Juggernaut mode. Latest in that run was February (twice). And as others have pointed out, that was with Mourinho and Conte who could be defensive. As anything Ange has shown that he could win 1-0 with a solid defensive display?
I can see it being a 2-4 type match.
Post by: mike on May 14, 2024, 01:15:18 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
Hate to quote myself, but this was a load of tosh. I was a nervous wreck there. Jumped on the pub table when we equalised.
Come on City…
Lee, thanks so much for what you’ve done mate. You may just have done enough to get us over the line.
Thanks Mike. But I can’t take all the credit. The lads played their part too.
I agree to a point but please reassure me you have a bet on Spurs to win tonight and we lose on Sunday.
Post by: dave.woodhall on May 14, 2024, 01:53:15 PM
I was saying last night that since Emery has come in, we literally haven't had a competitive match where we've had nothing to play for. We've been fighting for something right to the end of both seasons.
That says a lot about what he's doing at the club.
You could say the same about most managers in the past fifteen years.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 14, 2024, 02:27:40 PM
Spurs have beaten ManCity in their last 4 Premiership home games, without conceding a goal
(https://i.ibb.co/TwcTyZX/1-d-Fj-Mw4p-UMz-A4-Db4-MYTnfy-A.webp) (https://ibb.co/TwcTyZX)
Apparently, thought ours would be slightly higher than 95.4%. https://twitter.com/FootRankings/status/1790320398627987659
Post by: olaftab on May 14, 2024, 02:34:36 PM
I cashed out last night at £25 forsaking possibly £475.
Post by: wince on May 14, 2024, 02:36:27 PM
Post by: OCD on May 14, 2024, 02:44:42 PM
Just you reassure you all I had a £25 bet on Spuds to make top 4 at 18/1.
I cashed out last night at £25 forsaking possibly £475.
If it goes Tango Uniform, we know where to look.
Post by: eamonn on May 14, 2024, 04:48:02 PM
Post by: Dogtanian on May 14, 2024, 04:49:17 PM
Has anyone done a table of top four games against each other this season and did we come top?
I did, and we were, but I haven't updated it in 2024, and I am pretty sure we are not now.
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 14, 2024, 04:50:21 PM
Has anyone done a table of top four games against each other this season and did we come top?
Don’t you know Arsenal haven’t lost to any of the big 6….
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 05:39:15 PM
How do I rename the thread ? hopefully by 1020pm tonight?
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 14, 2024, 05:45:50 PM
Post by: TelfordVilla on May 14, 2024, 05:49:18 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on May 14, 2024, 06:14:18 PM
Has anyone done a table of top four games against each other this season and did we come top?
Villa clear in top spot by 2 points. Goal diff not too handsome though!
(https://i.ibb.co/hKz8Tzs/image.png) (https://ibb.co/hKz8Tzs)
Post by: Dave on May 14, 2024, 06:19:06 PM
Has anyone done a table of top four games against each other this season and did we come top?
Villa clear in top spot by 2 points. Goal diff not too handsome though!
(https://i.ibb.co/hKz8Tzs/image.png) (https://ibb.co/hKz8Tzs)
Can't believe we're the only one of the top four that Man City managed to beat. Emery out.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 14, 2024, 06:20:43 PM
Has anyone done a table of top four games against each other this season and did we come top?
Villa clear in top spot by 2 points. Goal diff not too handsome though!
(https://i.ibb.co/hKz8Tzs/image.png) (https://ibb.co/hKz8Tzs)
Can't believe we're the only one of the top four that Man City managed to beat. Emery out.
Great, now I think they're going to lose tonight having been convinced all day it's in the bag
Post by: Mister E on May 14, 2024, 06:24:28 PM
I'd rather Man City win it anyway. With the 115 we all know they are cheats so it doesn't really count. It will be dismissed in years to come, just like Lance Armstrong. If Arsenal win it we won't stop hearing about it for years and although Spurs have given them a run for their money at times, they really are the most unlikable fans on the internet ...... is the correct answer.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 06:51:34 PM
Unai Emerys Aston Villa are Champions League
Aston Villa Champions League
We are Champions league!
Champions League qualified!
Aston Villa Top 4
I think has to be first one.
May even do it at half time of Man City match.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 14, 2024, 06:57:51 PM
Post by: Drummond on May 14, 2024, 08:30:59 PM
So is it to be renamed:
Unai Emerys Aston Villa are Champions League
Aston Villa Champions League
We are Champions league!
Champions League qualified!
Aston Villa Top 4
I think has to be first one.
May even do it at half time of Man City match.
You really are trying to push buttons aren't you?
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 08:47:00 PM
Nearly there 45mins to go.
🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 08:48:30 PM
They haven't mentioned Aston Villa and Champions League all first half on sky commentary of Carra and Neville.
Nearly there 45mins to go.
🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞
I was thinking this as well. Absolutely zero mention of us
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 08:53:01 PM
And the Spurs are just being Spurs.
I would rather Arsenal win the title, but I'm not really bothered now. I just want Manchester City to ideally finish it off.
The best result is a dull 0-0 that would be the funniest for Man City and Spurs and extra celebration! But of course, the priority and wish is Villa and beyond coming Champion League
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 09:05:47 PM
It's no mention whatsoever of Villa.
Good luck to them next season trying to fathom not mentioning us when we're in season run in for the title!
Post by: Ads on May 14, 2024, 09:13:18 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 09:14:12 PM
You better believe it !!
Up The Villa!
Post by: Risso on May 14, 2024, 09:14:21 PM
Post by: Rory on May 14, 2024, 09:15:29 PM
Post by: Bad English on May 14, 2024, 09:15:36 PM
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 09:16:10 PM
Fucking jinx attempt again. Knock it on the head.No I won't . I created this in November and this is now the day to announce. Please just enjoy it!
Go and write in the Superstitions thread or come back in 35 minutes or so.
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 09:17:17 PM
Post by: Drummond on May 14, 2024, 09:17:57 PM
Why don't you just all come back at the end of the game if you don't want to enjoy it now fair enough but stop interfering with others joy and belief!
You're interfering with everyone's else's joy and belief. All the time.
Post by: Ads on May 14, 2024, 09:18:04 PM
Fucking jinx attempt again. Knock it on the head.No I won't . I created this in November and this is now the day to announce. Please just enjoy it!
Go and write in the Superstitions thread or come back in 35 minutes or so.
Bore off you troll.
Post by: Jon Crofts on May 14, 2024, 09:18:07 PM
Post by: Risso on May 14, 2024, 09:18:08 PM
Why don't you just all come back at the end of the game if you don't want to enjoy it now fair enough but stop interfering with others joy and belief!
Why don't you get a life?
Post by: The Man With A Stick on May 14, 2024, 09:21:22 PM
Post by: coreyfeldman on May 14, 2024, 09:24:26 PM
Why don't you just all come back at the end of the game if you don't want to enjoy it now fair enough but stop interfering with others joy and belief!
Why don't you get a life?
Absolutely top class haha
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 09:25:06 PM
Change the title again and you’re all banned. For good.I'm sorry I didn't mean to annoy anyone I just feel it's good opportunity but ok I won't interfere with it and don't mean to annoy anyone and I will leave it to someone else to create a new thread if necessary.
I'm very excited because since November this is what has been everything about.
Apologies and respect the decision and apologies to others.
Lesson learned here.
Post by: Rory on May 14, 2024, 09:27:04 PM
Change the title again and you’re all banned. For good.I'm sorry I didn't mean to annoy anyone I just feel it's good opportunity but ok I won't interfere with it and don't mean to annoy anyone and I will leave it to someone else to create a new thread if necessary.
I'm very excited because since November this is what has been everything about.
Apologies and respect the decision and apologies to others.
Lesson learned here.
Just save it for full-time, Footy. Then we can (hopefully) all celebrate together!
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 09:31:07 PM
I got carried away and I've angered people in the process.
I just hope we can move on and hope 74 mins in that Man City don't lose the game.
I won't go on anymore and let people celebrate in peace!
I'm already there in my head and it was unnecessary to put my thought out
I be better next season with summer vacation coming up from end of may.
Ok up the Villa!
What will be will be
All here for the same objective!
Post by: LeeS on May 14, 2024, 09:36:39 PM
I made a gross error and let my beliefs get in the way of the current reality.
I got carried away and I've angered people in the process.
I just hope we can move on and hope 74 mins in that Man City don't lose the game.
I won't go on anymore and let people celebrate in peace!
I'm already there in my head and it was unnecessary to put my thought out
I be better next season with summer vacation coming up from end of may.
Ok up the Villa!
What will be will be
All here for the same objective!
There’s a good boy
Post by: Bad English on May 14, 2024, 09:38:32 PM
All here for the same objective!I seriously doubt that.
Post by: Mellin on May 14, 2024, 09:49:55 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 09:51:28 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 14, 2024, 09:54:04 PM
Post by: VillaTim on May 14, 2024, 09:54:11 PM
Post by: Lsvilla on May 14, 2024, 09:54:16 PM
https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0287-1964b9b0f4ce-e069b2345f39-1000--2024-25-champions-league-details/
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 14, 2024, 09:55:01 PM
Post by: LeeS on May 14, 2024, 09:55:11 PM
Post by: Legion on May 14, 2024, 09:56:12 PM
It's now Champions League time thread.
The Project for Aston Villa was to compete in ‘upper echelons’
Back when Dean Smith was coach he said the club wanted to ‘emulate and surpass’ Leicester’s progress.
It wasn't all smooth with Gerrard but it's an upward trajectory since Emery is now our man.
An elite manager taking us to elite levels. As the owners have always wanted.
Emery now has us in European Competition and in the top 4 contending for Champions League he said it was with Aston Villa "An ultimate aim of playing is to be in the Champions League"
On 26th November 2023 Villa moved to fourth place in the Prem after a statement victory.
Emery said afterwards:
“There are seven contenders to be in the top four: Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea. We are not a contender"
But he was smiling. He was playing down expectations.
And 5th place is a possibility for an expanded Champions League next season.
2 of the best performing teams from leagues in Europe 23/24 will be awarded an extra place.
So the very real discussion now that Villa are a Champions League contender?
I think and believe Villa are.
I'm honoured and thrilled to open this thread to focus on and discuss Champions League aims for this season and beyond!
Go Villa!
Fair play, FV. I thought we would fall out of contention in the New Year and am delighted to be proved totally wrong.
Post by: Vegas on May 14, 2024, 09:56:27 PM
Post by: garyellis on May 14, 2024, 09:56:38 PM
That must be some kind of record?
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 14, 2024, 09:57:00 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 14, 2024, 09:57:22 PM
Just 5 years after winning the playoffs to Champions League.
That must be some kind of record?
It's been discussed before, it's not.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 09:57:29 PM
I apologise to anyone who was encouraged to bet on Spurs for 4th. I, personally, lost £110 on that bet. If you also lumped on, I hope you will agree - it was worth every fucking penny.
Lost a tenner but could not give a flying fuck!!!
Unfuckinh believable. Sundays result doesn't matter now. Yipppeeee!!!
Post by: rob_bridge on May 14, 2024, 09:57:40 PM
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on May 14, 2024, 10:00:26 PM
I’ve got a tear in my eye. I was there in 83 against Juventus and it’s been a long long wait..
Me too. Paolo Rossi broke my 12 year old heart after 45 seconds or whatever it was.
Get your prayer mats ready for next year, and get on your knees......Hail Emery of the Villa !
Post by: garyellis on May 14, 2024, 10:00:44 PM
Well I can remember us doing it in reverse 🤣Just 5 years after winning the playoffs to Champions League.
That must be some kind of record?
It's been discussed before, it's not.
Post by: Richard E on May 14, 2024, 10:01:45 PM
Post by: Pete3206 on May 14, 2024, 10:03:05 PM
What a season and a half!
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 10:03:52 PM
Sorry for my ignorance do we go striaght into group stage
Yes we do. Not qualifiers 😁
Post by: Legion on May 14, 2024, 10:05:03 PM
Sorry for my ignorance do we go striaght into group stage
Yes we do. Not qualifiers 😁
Are you sure? I thought it was qualifying rounds first.
Post by: Pete3206 on May 14, 2024, 10:05:56 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024%E2%80%9325_UEFA_Champions_League
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 14, 2024, 10:06:41 PM
Post by: coreyfeldman on May 14, 2024, 10:06:50 PM
Sorry for my ignorance do we go striaght into group stage
Yes we do. Not qualifiers 😁
Are you sure? I thought it was qualifying rounds first.
Straight in
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 10:07:44 PM
Sorry for my ignorance do we go striaght into group stage
Yes we do. Not qualifiers 😁
Are you sure? I thought it was qualifying rounds first.
Yes its a new league foemat of 32 teams and w ego straight in but we will be one of the worst seeded sides so the draw wont be kind but we will get a bayern dortmund barcelona or real madrid
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 14, 2024, 10:07:48 PM
Sorry for my ignorance do we go striaght into group stage
Yes we do. Not qualifiers 😁
Are you sure? I thought it was qualifying rounds first.
Straight in
Correct.
Post by: Legion on May 14, 2024, 10:07:57 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 14, 2024, 10:08:31 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNkUg3NW0AI-89G?format=jpg&name=small)
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 14, 2024, 10:09:55 PM
Thank you. Even better!
8 games guaranteed and we'll lose every single one of them 2-0 !
Post by: saint13 on May 14, 2024, 10:11:41 PM
Post by: TonyD on May 14, 2024, 10:11:56 PM
Post by: Dante Lavelli on May 14, 2024, 10:15:37 PM
One of these sides will be in the Champions League next season
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNkUg3NW0AI-89G?format=jpg&name=small)
Ferguson called it right.
Post by: PeterWithe on May 14, 2024, 10:16:35 PM
I've been drip feeding my bets against us. When the winnings were under a thousand I definitely felt anxious which told me that wasn't enough. I topped it up a little bit more - £1250 still didn't shift my mood. I'm now at £1600 and it feels about right. I don't want the money and I'll be cock-a-hoop if we do Liverpool. But the nerves have largely gone. That's my price, it would seem.
The remote chance of winning a grand has done absolutely nothing for my nerves. I’m desperate to lose that money tonight or tomorrow. Preferably tonight.
I've had a bit of that as well, about £1k if we don't do it. All the other bets I had as I was on the app have failed miserably so just one more to go.
I cant believe how utterly overjoyed I am to have lost a thousand pounds. Over the moon.
Up the Villa. Up the fucking Villa.
Post by: Demitri_C on May 14, 2024, 10:18:33 PM
Leverkusen
Bayern munich
Leizpig
Real madrid
Barcelona
Girona
PSG
Monaco
Lille
Sporting lisbon
Benfica
Inter
Ac milan
Bologna
AEK Athens
To name a few!
Post by: Footy-Vill on May 14, 2024, 10:49:14 PM
Appreciate that Legion.It's now Champions League time thread.
The Project for Aston Villa was to compete in ‘upper echelons’
Back when Dean Smith was coach he said the club wanted to ‘emulate and surpass’ Leicester’s progress.
It wasn't all smooth with Gerrard but it's an upward trajectory since Emery is now our man.
An elite manager taking us to elite levels. As the owners have always wanted.
Emery now has us in European Competition and in the top 4 contending for Champions League he said it was with Aston Villa "An ultimate aim of playing is to be in the Champions League"
On 26th November 2023 Villa moved to fourth place in the Prem after a statement victory.
Emery said afterwards:
“There are seven contenders to be in the top four: Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea. We are not a contender"
But he was smiling. He was playing down expectations.
And 5th place is a possibility for an expanded Champions League next season.
2 of the best performing teams from leagues in Europe 23/24 will be awarded an extra place.
So the very real discussion now that Villa are a Champions League contender?
I think and believe Villa are.
I'm honoured and thrilled to open this thread to focus on and discuss Champions League aims for this season and beyond!
Go Villa!
Fair play, FV. I thought we would fall out of contention in the New Year and am delighted to be proved totally wrong.
Thank you, and that's fair enough given how it's been and what we have to compete against.
I hope everyone, both dissenters and believers, learned something this season. No one is better. No one is worse. Everyone is officially talking Champions League now, and I won't ever bump this post again because we now have a permanent one Champions League 24/25, and I humbly request to write there. I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed positively to the discussion, especially in its early stages, and how opinions changed and belief increased and now the objective was met. Best wishes to each and every one of us, and it is a pleasure to be an Aston Villa supporter! And, of course, apologies for upsetting those who prefer it to be confirmed before me shouting out that Aston Villa are playing Champions League!
We are Champions League say we are Champions League!
Feel free to lock this thread! Mission accomplished!
And see you in the 24/25 Champions League to discuss all things there!
UTV!!