Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Brazilian Villain on February 21, 2024, 05:20:44 PM
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Hearing rumours that pre-season will again feature games in the US, including one in Ohio in late July against MLS opposition. Presumably our summer training camp will also be in the US, so maybe based in Washington again?
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The Premier League Summer Series is missing a year, so the world is our oyster.
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Maybe Emi can convince his mate Messi to play against us after we face Columbus Crew.
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The Premier League Summer Series is missing a year, so the world is our oyster.
Amerigo Vespucci, you'll never sing that.
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Bit early for this?
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Bit early for this?
Agreed. I would wait on John Percy or at least Romano before presenting anything as fact.
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Bit early for this?
Agreed. I would wait on John Percy or at least Romano before presenting anything as fact.
Perhaps, but you might want to pencil in a trip to Columbus for July 27th. ;)
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Bit early for this?
Agreed. I would wait on John Percy or at least Romano before presenting anything as fact.
Perhaps, but you might want to pencil in a trip to Columbus for July 27th. ;)
Ha I was kidding of course making light of early player signing threads that go shit shaped. But it would be great if Columbus was on the plan. Have good memories from the last time we played there.
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Nice work BV. Confirmed on OS.
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1761043395366011022?s=46
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Bit early for this?
Agreed. I would wait on John Percy or at least Romano before presenting anything as fact.
Perhaps, but you might want to pencil in a trip to Columbus for July 27th. ;)
This ITK stuff won’t catch on will it :-) good work!
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Nice work BV. Confirmed on OS.
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1761043395366011022?s=46
Sweet! Less than 3 hours drive for me.
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I've seen Columbus Crew play live. They were a bit naff, although it was a few years ago.
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I've seen Columbus Crew play live. They were a bit naff, although it was a few years ago.
There's an excellent three-part documentary about them airing on the BBC atm.
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Bit early for this?
Obviously not.
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I've seen Columbus Crew play live. They were a bit naff, although it was a few years ago.
There's an excellent three-part documentary about them airing on the BBC atm.
What's it called?
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I've seen Columbus Crew play live. They were a bit naff, although it was a few years ago.
There's an excellent three-part documentary about them airing on the BBC atm.
What's it called?
I believe you've already watched and recommended it. ;)
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I've seen Columbus Crew play live. They were a bit naff, although it was a few years ago.
There's an excellent three-part documentary about them airing on the BBC atm.
What's it called?
Oh Paulie....
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I've seen Columbus Crew play live. They were a bit naff, although it was a few years ago.
There's an excellent three-part documentary about them airing on the BBC atm.
What's it called?
Oh Paulie....
Oh fuck you all. I just sat here for five minutes thinking what the fuck am i missing?
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Are we getting the band back together...
(https://i.ibb.co/58FpVMS/villaal2008.jpg) (https://ibb.co/58FpVMS)
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Are we getting the band back together...
(https://i.ibb.co/58FpVMS/villaal2008.jpg) (https://ibb.co/58FpVMS)
Haha fuck me. I was almost lean back then. Almost. What a great weekend that was.
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Surely they will fit a game in with Deano's Charlotte fc
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Surely they will fit a game in with Deano's Charlotte fc
With a game vs DC squeezed in between.
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Haha fuck me. I was almost lean back then. Almost. What a great weekend that was.
You and me both.
You and Simon did a great job making that weekend awesome - despite not knowing where we would even play our game a couple of hours before we played !
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I know man. It was very tough and go to the very end. The only that was a bit disappointing on the day is given how much prep we put into it, there were one or two bell ends who got rowdy and wanted their kids to play. We didn’t need the grief so let them. It was fine in the end.
I’ll connect with Simon because I know he’ll be there. My company has an office in Columbus so this works out great for me. I’ll be in on the Friday I imagine and out on Sunday.
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We are at a family gathering in Florida the week before so not sure if we can even make it yet. 12yo Daughter is desperate to go and see the Villa again though. The Philly game last summer was her first time seeing them live and she was VERY excited :) Fingers-crossed.
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Are we getting the band back together...
(https://i.ibb.co/58FpVMS/villaal2008.jpg) (https://ibb.co/58FpVMS)
Haha fuck me. I was almost lean back then. Almost. What a great weekend that was.
Ridiculously hot as well, my boots were melting!
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Dortmund away on August 10th.
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Dortmund away on August 10th.
You've told us once 😀
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From the Dortmund OS
Back in Dortmund, Borussia will celebrate the season opening ceremony with their fans on 10 August and will mark the occasion with a friendly against the current fifth-placed club in the English Premier League, Aston Villa, at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.
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Bump as some have missed it
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Much obliged.
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Villa confirm summer pre-season schedule
Aston Villa is delighted to announce the club will be returning to the United States of America this pre-season for a three-game tour across three cities.
The Stateside trip kicks off in Ohio against MLS Champions Columbus Crew on Saturday, July 27 at Lower.com Field (8pm KO local time), before a match-up with Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Wednesday, July 31 (8pm KO local time).
Based in Washington for the first part of the tour in the USA, Unai Emery’s men will round off the visit with three days in Chicago and a match against Liga MX Champions Club América, facing the Mexican giants at the Windy City’s Soldier Field on Saturday, August 3 (4.30pm KO local time).
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Soldier Field. Superb
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Sounds like a good trip to keep increasing our visibility over there.
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Soldier Field. Superb
Any one want any tips for Chicago, should be a fun few days.
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Soldier Field. Superb
Any one want any tips for Chicago, should be a fun few days.
It’s a place I lived also CL. A brilliant city.
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Soldier Field. Superb
Any one want any tips for Chicago, should be a fun few days.
It’s a place I lived also CL. A brilliant city.
Is it your kind of town?
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Soldier Field. Superb
Any one want any tips for Chicago, should be a fun few days.
It’s a place I lived also CL. A brilliant city.
Is it your kind of town?
Absolutely.
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Is it Chicago where The Bear is set?
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Soldier Field. Superb
Any one want any tips for Chicago, should be a fun few days.
It’s a place I lived also CL. A brilliant city.
Is it your kind of town?
It’s a fabulous place. Architecture is beautiful. A proper US city. Everything feels very big. People are great. Yes there is crime and that takes the headlines. But like any place you generally have to go find it or be in a bad spot at the wrong time. And maybe not to the same extend but that is also true of every American city. You could make that case just about most major UK cities also. I still have friends there and love to visit when I can.
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Is it Chicago where The Bear is set?
Yep.
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Chicago is a great city, just not in winter when the wind is coming off the lake. It didn't seem to matter how many layers of clothing you wore you'd still be frozen to the core.
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Is it Chicago where The Bear is set?
Yep.
Nice, I want to eat at that restaurant where Olivia Coleman peels the spuds.
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My favourite football team at my favourite NFL teams stadium.....oh to be there, but I have other commitments that weekend.
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Is it Chicago where The Bear is set?
Yep.
Brilliant series, new series on the way.
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I am quite tempted by the Dortmund game. I love Germany.
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I am quite tempted by the Dortmund game. I love Germany.
Not Walsall then?
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Nothing could compare to the charms of Walsall, obviously, but if I think too much of that I'll probably get quite giddy.
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I will likely do Chicago. Columbus as much as I want to go is a bit of pain to get to and not cheap from Toronto. Chicago is way more convenient. I could change my mind. NJ to watch Leipzig might be fun to and pretty easy to get to.
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Hearing rumours that pre-season will again feature games in the US, including one in Ohio in late July against MLS opposition. Presumably our summer training camp will also be in the US, so maybe based in Washington again?
Wow thats great insight !
From February!
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I will likely do Chicago. Columbus as much as I want to go is a bit of pain to get to and not cheap from Toronto. Chicago is way more convenient. I could change my mind. NJ to watch Leipzig might be fun to and pretty easy to get to.
Worth noting Lollapalooza Chicago is on that weekend, and the Cardinals have a 4 game series at the Cubs. More to do, but hotels could be pricey.
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I found it.
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My wife is jealous.
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I will likely do Chicago. Columbus as much as I want to go is a bit of pain to get to and not cheap from Toronto. Chicago is way more convenient. I could change my mind. NJ to watch Leipzig might be fun to and pretty easy to get to.
Worth noting Lollapalooza Chicago is on that weekend, and the Cardinals have a 4 game series at the Cubs. More to do, but hotels could be pricey.
My partner works in Chicago half the time so in a perfect scenario I come in with her earlier in the week. Her hotel rate should be decent. She can then watch the game also. The next bit is me trying to convince her to do it…
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I will likely do Chicago. Columbus as much as I want to go is a bit of pain to get to and not cheap from Toronto. Chicago is way more convenient. I could change my mind. NJ to watch Leipzig might be fun to and pretty easy to get to.
Worth noting Lollapalooza Chicago is on that weekend, and the Cardinals have a 4 game series at the Cubs. More to do, but hotels could be pricey.
My partner works in Chicago half the time so in a perfect scenario I come in with her earlier in the week. Her hotel rate should be decent. She can then watch the game also. The next bit is me trying to convince her to do it…
Wine, roses, and Milk Tray.
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Worth noting Lollapalooza Chicago is on that weekend, and the Cardinals have a 4 game series at the Cubs. More to do, but hotels could be pricey.
My partner works in Chicago half the time so in a perfect scenario I come in with her earlier in the week. Her hotel rate should be decent. She can then watch the game also. The next bit is me trying to convince her to do it…
Just tell her she'll get to meet your 'Internet friends'.
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Worth noting Lollapalooza Chicago is on that weekend, and the Cardinals have a 4 game series at the Cubs. More to do, but hotels could be pricey.
My partner works in Chicago half the time so in a perfect scenario I come in with her earlier in the week. Her hotel rate should be decent. She can then watch the game also. The next bit is me trying to convince her to do it…
Just tell her she'll get to meet your 'Internet friends'.
Tell her you have won a prize to be the leading mascot. Dressed in full Villa kit walking out holding hands wih team captain John McGinn. When she realises it was all a ruse it will be too late.
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If we get to the final in Athens and cannot get a ticket, then hopefully i will go and see us in Dortmund - been to the last 3 away friendlies just before the start of the season, and have had a great time at each of them.
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I had a quick look at doing the Chicago one just can't justify spending the 1k+ on it.
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I will likely do Chicago. Columbus as much as I want to go is a bit of pain to get to and not cheap from Toronto. Chicago is way more convenient. I could change my mind. NJ to watch Leipzig might be fun to and pretty easy to get to.
Worth noting Lollapalooza Chicago is on that weekend, and the Cardinals have a 4 game series at the Cubs. More to do, but hotels could be pricey.
Big chance to watch the Cubs and see Wrigley Field an iconic stadium, great area for bars and entertainment also.
The Villa Pub The Globe not too far away from Wrigley- Irving.
Good idea to avoid Grant Park area unless you want to go to Lollapalooza https://www.lollapalooza.com/lineup not for me.
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It will be my 50th in July and was thinking about celebrating in America…so going to game in Ohio may be an option. Will it be easy enough to get tickets?
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It will be my 50th in July and was thinking about celebrating in America…so going to game in Ohio may be an option. Will it be easy enough to get tickets?
Probably easier than trying to get tickets to an away game here .
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I’d imagine so too! 😂 I can’t find any ticket details online yet.
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I’d imagine so too! 😂 I can’t find any ticket details online yet.
The US Lions clubs got details on which section(s) will be allocated to Villa fans. Can try and find out more if you want.
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I’d imagine so too! 😂 I can’t find any ticket details online yet.
The US Lions clubs got details on which section(s) will be allocated to Villa fans. Can try and find out more if you want.
That would be much appreciated if you could BV. Would be great to meet up and have a few beers with other Villa fans before the game too so any pub/bar suggestions would be great too. 👍
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Will do. I'd aim to be in Columbus the night before the game as there were some fan events with players arranged last year. A few of my friends went last year and met the two Emis, JPA and Elmo.
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Nice one BV. Sounds like a plan! Keep me posted with any info if you could please 😎👍
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New fixtures added;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/05/villa-confirm-pre-season-fixtures/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/05/villa-confirm-pre-season-fixtures/)
Athletic Club Bilbao (August 7th, Bescott) and FC Spartak Trnava (July 20th, away).
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Bloody hell that new font they use on the OS is dreadful, it's like a worse version of comic sans.
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Trnava is in Slovakia, if like me you were wondering.
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has anyone read anything about Dortmund ticket availability?
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Trnava is in Slovakia, if like me you were wondering.
Why are we playing an away friendly in Slovakia? Seems a bit rogue
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It will be interesting to see how many tickets Villa get for the Dortmund game - last summer at Valencia, i think we had 500 tickets, I sat at the opposite end of the ground with Valencia fans, and quite a few Villa.
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Perhaps they will become another part of the V-Sports empire...
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Perhaps they will become another part of the V-Sports empire...
I was thinking we'd bought someone from them and agreed to a pre season friendly as part of the deal, but your idea probably makes more sense.
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Bloody hell that new font they use on the OS is dreadful, it's like a worse version of comic sans.
Decades to comprehend guidelines for internet accessibility, usability, typography, basic principles of graphic design and the Villa are still using Netscape and IE6 on W95.
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Also, Bilbao at the Bescott? FFS! Why can't it be B6 in Bilbao?
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The reason might be due to the building work at Villa Park
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Also, Bilbao at the Bescott? FFS! Why can't it be B6 in Bilbao?
You can't stage a football match while Heck throws all the seats into the air and sees where they land!
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Nah, I meant 'B6', as a metonym for 'Aston Villa', whom I would rather watch in the city of Bilbao, which is slightly more exotic than Walsall.
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Trnava is in Slovakia, if like me you were wondering.
Why are we playing an away friendly in Slovakia? Seems a bit rogue
If anyone's looking for accommodation, I believe the hostels are particularly cheap in Slovakia.
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No direct flights from Birmingham to Bratislava anymore which is a a bit of a pain.
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Brno and even Vienna followed by a train is do-able. A friend is doing Budapest then a train. If you're thinking of using trains check out this site: https://www.seat61.com/index.html (https://www.seat61.com/index.html)
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Also, Bilbao at the Bescott? FFS! Why can't it be B6 in Bilbao?
The return fixture is next summer in the San Mamés. The reigning CL winners will be a big draw in Bilbao.
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I can’t find any ticket details online yet.
Link for Columbus tickets...
https://www.ticketmaster.com/columbus-crew-vs-aston-villa-columbus-ohio-07-27-2024/event/05006045F4414693?brand=crewsc
Link for NJ tickets...
https://www.stubhub.com/rb-leipzig-harrison-tickets-7-31-2024/event/153506817/?clickref=1011lywRTUMu&utm_source=partnerize_usatoday&utm_medium=publisher_program&utm_sub_medium=Content&utm_campaign=1101l799&utm_content=0&PCID=partnerize_all&quantity=2
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The ladies can be very welcoming in Slovakia
(https://resizing.flixster.com/htidKsUIyRWdJzBG_xvyFicmdpQ=/fit-in/352x330/v2/https://resizing.flixster.com/kqv4h5UR-q00ZMtAtgwo-2gBU7M=/ems.cHJkLWVtcy1hc3NldHMvbW92aWVzLzZiYjQ5Yjk2LTU0ZGEtNDU1My1hZGYyLWRjY2FhYjEyNDkzOS53ZWJw)
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Soldier Field. Superb
Any one want any tips for Chicago, should be a fun few days.
It’s a place I lived also CL. A brilliant city.
Is it your kind of town?
It’s a fabulous place. Architecture is beautiful. A proper US city. Everything feels very big. People are great. Yes there is crime and that takes the headlines. But like any place you generally have to go find it or be in a bad spot at the wrong time. And maybe not to the same extend but that is also true of every American city. You could make that case just about most major UK cities also. I still have friends there and love to visit when I can.
How easy is it to find the crime exactly? Would I be able to rub shoulders with the Outfit lads on Grand Avenue?
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Soldier Field. Superb
Any one want any tips for Chicago, should be a fun few days.
It’s a place I lived also CL. A brilliant city.
Is it your kind of town?
It’s a fabulous place. Architecture is beautiful. A proper US city. Everything feels very big. People are great. Yes there is crime and that takes the headlines. But like any place you generally have to go find it or be in a bad spot at the wrong time. And maybe not to the same extend but that is also true of every American city. You could make that case just about most major UK cities also. I still have friends there and love to visit when I can.
How easy is it to find the crime exactly? Would I be able to rub shoulders with the Outfit lads on Grand Avenue?
Working on a plot for a new book, Percy?😜
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No direct flights from Birmingham to Bratislava anymore which is a a bit of a pain.
I did a Eurolines bus journey from London to Bratislava when I was at Uni. I don’t recommend it.
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New fixtures added;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/05/villa-confirm-pre-season-fixtures/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/05/villa-confirm-pre-season-fixtures/)
Athletic Club Bilbao (August 7th, Bescott) and FC Spartak Trnava (July 20th, away).
Quite annoying that it's at home, given I'll be in Bilbao on August 7th.
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New fixtures added;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/05/villa-confirm-pre-season-fixtures/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/05/villa-confirm-pre-season-fixtures/)
Athletic Club Bilbao (August 7th, Bescott) and FC Spartak Trnava (July 20th, away).
Quite annoying that it's at home, given I'll be in Bilbao on August 7th.
Does your arrival in places often spark a mass exodus? ;D
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Soldier Field. Superb
Any one want any tips for Chicago, should be a fun few days.
It’s a place I lived also CL. A brilliant city.
Is it your kind of town?
It’s a fabulous place. Architecture is beautiful. A proper US city. Everything feels very big. People are great. Yes there is crime and that takes the headlines. But like any place you generally have to go find it or be in a bad spot at the wrong time. And maybe not to the same extend but that is also true of every American city. You could make that case just about most major UK cities also. I still have friends there and love to visit when I can.
How easy is it to find the crime exactly? Would I be able to rub shoulders with the Outfit lads on Grand Avenue?
Working on a plot for a new book, Percy?😜
Sadly, no. Although some of the mafia stories I’ve heard would no doubt be plagiarised if I was.
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Perce, I'm currently reading 'I Heard You Paint Houses' by Charles Brandt which deals with Mafia involvement with the Teamsters union in 70s/80s America. Have you read it?
The book was the basis for the Scorsese film 'The Irishman'.
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Perce, I'm currently reading 'I Heard You Paint Houses' by Charles Brandt which deals with Mafia involvement with the Teamsters union in 70s/80s America. Have you read it?
The book was the basis for the Scorsese film 'The Irishman'.
I haven’t mate, but The Irishman was total fantasy. Miles off the truth. Frank did fuck all that he claimed to do. I was also quite offended by the lack of credit given to The Partnership (the Tocco-Zerilli crime family//Detroit mafia). They were so efficient it beggars belief.
One solitary rat and zero murders ever solved, unsurprisingly tasked with the Hoffa hit - and we know how unsolved that is! Yet they’re hardly mentioned in the film.
I’m sure I’d enjoy the book if I could get past being annoyed by the fact that Frank Sheeran didn’t kill Hoffa, or Crazy Joe Gallo (probably the coolest gangster ever, who Dylan wrote a song about, that does a better job of telling Joe’s story than Scorsese did).
I’m probably a bit more precious about this stuff than a) I should be and b) normal people.
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We had a function in a bar in the Viagra Triangle, we had to vacate the space by 9pm.
We still had a few guests when some very interesting people started drifting into our area, you would have thought it was a Gangster themed fancy dress party until you realised this was the real thing, I decided to go and apologise to who was obviously the main dude.
With my best English accent I walked up, offered my hand and said Excuse me Sir , I am really sorry that my guests are still here but I am moving them on to the bar.
He held on to my hand put his huge mit on my shoulder stared into my eyes and in a very deep Chicago accent said, “don’t you worrying about this, your friends welcome here”
The women made up and looked like molls, there was a guy in spats, all had huge black coats, there was greased back hair lots of hats , waist coats , double breasted jackets, some of the women accompanying the guys were glammed up and 30 +years younger than their dates.
It is reputed that many of the restaurants bars on the Gold Coast have been in the same ownership for a very long time.
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Perce, I'm currently reading 'I Heard You Paint Houses' by Charles Brandt which deals with Mafia involvement with the Teamsters union in 70s/80s America. Have you read it?
The book was the basis for the Scorsese film 'The Irishman'.
I haven’t mate, but The Irishman was total fantasy. Miles off the truth. Frank did fuck all that he claimed to do. I was also quite offended by the lack of credit given to The Partnership (the Tocco-Zerilli crime family//Detroit mafia). They were so efficient it beggars belief.
One solitary rat and zero murders ever solved, unsurprisingly tasked with the Hoffa hit - and we know how unsolved that is! Yet they’re hardly mentioned in the film.
I’m sure I’d enjoy the book if I could get past being annoyed by the fact that Frank Sheeran didn’t kill Hoffa, or Crazy Joe Gallo (probably the coolest gangster ever, who Dylan wrote a song about, that does a better job of telling Joe’s story than Scorsese did).
I’m probably a bit more precious about this stuff than a) I should be and b) normal people.
Blimey, we better not upset you on match threads else we may get the horse head treatment!
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Imagine waking up with Bosko Balaban’s severed head.
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Perce, I'm currently reading 'I Heard You Paint Houses' by Charles Brandt which deals with Mafia involvement with the Teamsters union in 70s/80s America. Have you read it?
The book was the basis for the Scorsese film 'The Irishman'.
I haven’t mate, but The Irishman was total fantasy. Miles off the truth. Frank did fuck all that he claimed to do. I was also quite offended by the lack of credit given to The Partnership (the Tocco-Zerilli crime family//Detroit mafia). They were so efficient it beggars belief.
One solitary rat and zero murders ever solved, unsurprisingly tasked with the Hoffa hit - and we know how unsolved that is! Yet they’re hardly mentioned in the film.
I’m sure I’d enjoy the book if I could get past being annoyed by the fact that Frank Sheeran didn’t kill Hoffa, or Crazy Joe Gallo (probably the coolest gangster ever, who Dylan wrote a song about, that does a better job of telling Joe’s story than Scorsese did).
I’m probably a bit more precious about this stuff than a) I should be and b) normal people.
Blimey, we better not upset you on match threads else we may get the horse head treatment!
I’ll give you a pass for quoting my post and bringing it to my attention. I’d been up 28 hours when I posted it and for most of yesterday I was racking my brain trying to think what topic it could have been in.
Pre-season… of course, it’s so obvious now!
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I'd love to go Chicago if we play there , looks an amazing City.
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Perce, I'm currently reading 'I Heard You Paint Houses' by Charles Brandt which deals with Mafia involvement with the Teamsters union in 70s/80s America. Have you read it?
The book was the basis for the Scorsese film 'The Irishman'.
I haven’t mate, but The Irishman was total fantasy. Miles off the truth. Frank did fuck all that he claimed to do. I was also quite offended by the lack of credit given to The Partnership (the Tocco-Zerilli crime family//Detroit mafia). They were so efficient it beggars belief.
One solitary rat and zero murders ever solved, unsurprisingly tasked with the Hoffa hit - and we know how unsolved that is! Yet they’re hardly mentioned in the film.
I’m sure I’d enjoy the book if I could get past being annoyed by the fact that Frank Sheeran didn’t kill Hoffa, or Crazy Joe Gallo (probably the coolest gangster ever, who Dylan wrote a song about, that does a better job of telling Joe’s story than Scorsese did).
I’m probably a bit more precious about this stuff than a) I should be and b) normal people.
Blimey, we better not upset you on match threads else we may get the horse head treatment!
I’ll give you a pass for quoting my post and bringing it to my attention. I’d been up 28 hours when I posted it and for most of yesterday I was racking my brain trying to think what topic it could have been in.
Pre-season… of course, it’s so obvious now!
Oh, and just one more thing… for now. Bill Buffalino is portrayed in The Irishman. In real life he was a powerful Teamsters official, a top of the range defence lawyer, and a made member of the Mafia. A pretty impressive bloke I’d say. Who do they get to play him in The Irishman? Ray Fucking Romano.
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I'd love to go Chicago if we play there , looks an amazing City.
we are playing there, Soldier Fields ,it is an amazing City.
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I'd love to go Chicago if we play there , looks an amazing City.
we are playing there, Soldier Fields ,it is an amazing City.
I'm going to try and make that even if its a 2/3 day flying visit.
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Imagine waking up with Bosko Balaban’s severed head.
Hey, he was cute.
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Walsall friendly tickets £17 a go;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/17/Walsall-ticket-details/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/17/Walsall-ticket-details/)
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Is that a big increase on last year game?
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£15 last year;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/26/Walsall-ticket-details/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/26/Walsall-ticket-details/)
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All proceeds to the Saddlers mid-season slump fund? ;D
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Pithy and succinct
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Pithy and succinct
Are they our new centre midfielders?
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I notice Leeds have advised fans not to travel to their pre season friendly in Germany as the Germans have said all games should be behind closed doors.
"Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond control of the club, we have recently been informed that any friendly matches played in Germany have been ordered to take place behind closed doors,"
I hope that doesn't mean our game will be the same. I think it's to do with having resources after the euros.
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Leeds are going out there in July just after the Euros finish, with all the police manpower & focus that has taken up. You’d hope by August 10 things will be back to normal. Hope so as my flights aren’t refundable.
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Pithy and succinct
Sounds like a Scritti Polliti album.
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Looks like the pre-season fixtures are included in the Villa TV package this year, rather than as add-ons.
Just had an email about the benefits. It's gone up to £24.99, but in total that's cheaper than last year plus the pre-season package.
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Looks like the pre-season fixtures are included in the Villa TV package this year, rather than as add-ons.
Just had an email about the benefits. It's gone up to £24.99, but in total that's cheaper than last year plus the pre-season package.
Villa TV used to be included with a ST.
I assume we don't get that any more. I haven't looked for a couple of seasons
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Looks like the pre-season fixtures are included in the Villa TV package this year, rather than as add-ons.
Just had an email about the benefits. It's gone up to £24.99, but in total that's cheaper than last year plus the pre-season package.
That's all included with the Membership £40 offer, isn't it?
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I think it is, yeah.
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Do we know when the players report back to training? I presume the likes of Ollie and Konsa, Tielemans, SJM Martinez etc all get extra time off for a break. We will half a side for the earlier pre-season games by the look of it. Maatsen too? Good job we have half a dozen left backs.
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^ I'd assume it's soon. The first preseason game is on the 17th, so possibly this week?
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Quite a lot of the squad weren't away with their countries this summer so there should be a few involved in pre-season from the start.
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Quite a lot of the squad weren't away with their countries this summer so there should be a few involved in pre-season from the start.
And obviously McGinn has had a decent break by now...
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Quite a lot of the squad weren't away with their countries this summer so there should be a few involved in pre-season from the start.
And obviously McGinn has had a decent break by now...
Two weeks in Benidorm on the pop?
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Quite a lot of the squad weren't away with their countries this summer so there should be a few involved in pre-season from the start.
And obviously McGinn has had a decent break by now...
Two weeks in Benidorm on the pop?
Dublin.
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Ah! He'll have been walking in the footsteps of Joyce, having a read of Finnegan's Wake and perusing a biography of Collins and/or De Valera.
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Reckon they'll be back in Monday 8th.
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He'll have to come back early to be de-Scotlandified, we cannot risk any toxification carrying into next season.
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He'll have to come back early to be de-Scotlandified, we cannot risk any toxification carrying into next season.
I can imagine Emery’s look of disgust when he finds shortbread crumbs all over the gym.
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“I’m in a week early now and staying on top of things. I’m looking forward to meeting everybody when they return.”
Taken from Ross Barkley's interview on the OS so it looks like it is next Monday when those that haven't been on international duty are expected back.
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“I’m in a week early now and staying on top of things. I’m looking forward to meeting everybody when they return.”
Taken from Ross Barkley's interview on the OS so it looks like it is next Monday when those that haven't been on international duty are expected back.
I take that as a sign that he realises what an opportunity this is for him.
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Apparently he missed pre-season last season and it took him a while to get going. I do think he's in a much headspace than he was first time around.
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Interesting to read that Barkley has completed at least 30 games in each of the last 6 seasons. He's fit now and will be a real help for Villa. I hope we have at least one more pressing midfielder coming in but Barkley is a classy player. Showing his commitment already by coming in early.
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I mentioned it before, but with the current state of our midfield, ie. sold, brand new, injured, coming back from injury, getting extra time off.... Barkley will have some opportunity early on to get some game time in pre season, and put himself into the conversation for starting places. Coming in a week early is a good start.
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I was watching the England game the other day and thought to myself "last season's Ross Barkley should be in that number 8 position". Then remembered he was soon to be Villa's Ross Barkley.
Can't be a bad thing.
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Interesting to read that Barkley has completed at least 30 games in each of the last 6 seasons.
Doesn't sound right that. According to Wiki he played in 24 games in 2022/3 for Nice, 14 in 2021/22 for Chelsea, 27 for us and Chelsea in 20/21. Last year with Luton was the first time he's passed 30 games in 4 years.
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Dortmund tickets go on members pre-sale tomorrow, from BVB:
Standing - 7,50 EUR
Upper tier sitting - 15 EUR (7,50 EUR under 18s)
Lower tier sitting - 25 EUR (15 EUR under 18s)
The tickets include free public transport in the region (Nordrhein Westfalen) & they can buy up to 20 tickets in one order.
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I've never been to an international away but will be going to this one. Do the club sell tickets and are there an away section or do we just buy them from the BVB website and we all mix? I'd prefer to sit with other Villa fans as it's the best atmosphere and I'm taking my wife to her first game.
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no idea mate
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I've never been to an international away but will be going to this one. Do the club sell tickets and are there an away section or do we just buy them from the BVB website and we all mix? I'd prefer to sit with other Villa fans as it's the best atmosphere and I'm taking my wife to her first game.
I'd imagine there will be a designated section for Villa fans, so I'd hold off for the time being. That's the way it works for the US friendlies.
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Less than 2 weeks to Walsall…tickets secured…can’t wait already :-)
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Less than 2 weeks to Walsall…tickets secured…can’t wait already :-)
Yep, it’s always good to see a lot of the youngsters getting minutes, too.
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The club's accountants will enjoy seeing that too.
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Less than 2 weeks to Walsall…tickets secured…can’t wait already :-)
chance to see the youth & kids have a run out .
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Nothing on our site yet about Dortmund
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I've never been to an international away but will be going to this one. Do the club sell tickets and are there an away section or do we just buy them from the BVB website and we all mix? I'd prefer to sit with other Villa fans as it's the best atmosphere and I'm taking my wife to her first game.
I'd imagine there will be a designated section for Villa fans, so I'd hold off for the time being. That's the way it works for the US friendlies.
I spoke to my German in-laws and they said tickets went on sale to BVB members yesterday. Will wait to see if Villa sell them in the next 2 weeks.
FYI - The most expensive tickets were 25 Euros - that's to see 2 Champions League teams play in an iconic stadium. Guessing Chris Heck will ignore this.
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Less than 2 weeks to Walsall…tickets secured…can’t wait already :-)
Yep going to this one, looking forwards to it.
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If I remember correctly the Valencia tickets for last seasons friendly went on sale on a Thursday lunch time, and the club just sent out an email with a link to buy a ticket - there was a total of 500 tickets - so anyone going to Dortmund, just keep checking your emails.
I sat by the Cannock Villa at the opposite end of the ground to where the Villa fans were seated.
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The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
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Dortmund tickets on sale at 11am;
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810245551537201253 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810245551537201253)
::)
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The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Why do the players always bring the small dressing case (guess what its called in English), dont they have those soap holders - free for everyone, in the shower-rooms over there?
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The big man is back, too! ;D
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810249126769983684 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810249126769983684)
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The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Why do the players always bring the small dressing case (guess what its called in English), dont they have those soap holders - free for everyone, in the shower-rooms over there?
I'm sure they do. But I'd guess the players bring things like deodorant, hair product and aftershave as well. I wouldn't have thought the Bodymoor bogs have an old bloke with a cup for tips offering you a squirt of CK1 for a quid.
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Dortmund tickets on sale at 11am;
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810245551537201253
Another online shit-show. What a surprise.
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Dortmund tickets on sale at 11am;
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810245551537201253
Another online shit-show. What a surprise.
In the original post you have put email tags around the Twitter link and it opens your default email app instead of taking you to the Tweet (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810245551537201253)
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It seems that tickets went on sale to home fans at the same time, so it wasn't just the 3,3k Villa tickets.
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Has anyone actually managed to buy Dortmund tickets yet? It’s not working for me.
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With the cost of travelling to the Champions league away games, i would be surprised if we sold out our allocation for the Dortmund friendly.
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I managed to get tickets eventually. I think the rush of traffic from the UK made their IT systems think there was an attack and so it started blocking attempts to move through the process. Even if you get past the "create a new password" step there's still quite a lot to get through. It was a bit of a faff to say the least. 20 minutes notice wasn't helpful either. Glad I was working from home today!
Still no news about Trnava tickets. The game's in 12 days time.
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Dortmund tickets on sale at 11am;
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810245551537201253
Another online shit-show. What a surprise.
I know, I blame the club for letting Dogtanian post it as an email link instead of an html one. Sort it out heck.
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Dortmund tickets on sale at 11am;
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810245551537201253
Another online shit-show. What a surprise.
In the original post you have put email tags around the Twitter link and it opens your default email app instead of taking you to the Tweet (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810245551537201253)
Grrrrr, I've done that a few times and caught myself before posting. Fixed it now!
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Managed to get 2 tickets after about 50 attempts. The confirmation e-mail (in german) doesn't actually contain the tickets. You need to go back to the ticket part of the website to find your actual tickets. Should be interesting trying to find somewhere to park near a stadium that holds over 80,000 fans. Will probably look at public transport options.
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Trnava in twelve days time?! Please elaborate.
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Trnava in twelve days time?! Please elaborate.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/match/mens/2024-25/99e917b0-3205-11ef-87f5-31d97cfdc250/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/match/mens/2024-25/99e917b0-3205-11ef-87f5-31d97cfdc250/)
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Managed to get 2 tickets after about 50 attempts. The confirmation e-mail (in german) doesn't actually contain the tickets. You need to go back to the ticket part of the website to find your actual tickets. Should be interesting trying to find somewhere to park near a stadium that holds over 80,000 fans. Will probably look at public transport options.
You get free public transport with your match ticket.
-
The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Why do the players always bring the small dressing case (guess what its called in English), dont they have those soap holders - free for everyone, in the shower-rooms over there?
I'm sure they do. But I'd guess the players bring things like deodorant, hair product and aftershave as well. I wouldn't have thought the Bodymoor bogs have an old bloke with a cup for tips offering you a squirt of CK1 for a quid.
Yes, of course. I guess I just found it a bit kind of funny all the pictures of the "big" players with their small dressing cases - all seems alike and well thought true when chosen (except Italian player with us season that just gone that came with a plastic bag (opposite end of the scale)). A do struggle a bit express my views (when complex) sometimes as English not first language - sorry for that.
"
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The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Why do the players always bring the small dressing case (guess what its called in English), dont they have those soap holders - free for everyone, in the shower-rooms over there?
I'm sure they do. But I'd guess the players bring things like deodorant, hair product and aftershave as well. I wouldn't have thought the Bodymoor bogs have an old bloke with a cup for tips offering you a squirt of CK1 for a quid.
So apart from the obvious international contingent, where are the rest of them?
Barkley
Enzo
Olsen
Bailey
The Serbian kid
Watkins...he surely isn't in Germany ...grrr
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The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Pau getting the badge in early, he's ready for the season ahead.
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The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Pau getting the badge in early, he's ready for the season ahead.
Where’s the badge?
-
The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Pau getting the badge in early, he's ready for the season ahead.
Where’s the badge?
On his left arm, as per.
-
The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Pau getting the badge in early, he's ready for the season ahead.
Where’s the badge?
On his left arm, as per.
Stone Island? Is that significant somehow?
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Stone Island? Is that significant somehow?
Not particularly, it's just a phrase that's used when someone wears it in a photo whether it's Pau, Bouba, Unai, Pep, Dua Lipa or Keir Starmer.
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Stone Island? Is that significant somehow?
Not particularly, it's just a phrase that's used when someone wears it in a photo whether it's Pau, Bouba, Unai, Pep, Dua Lipa or Keir Starmer.
THe reference to getting the badge in is about youngster wannabe hoolies who make sure they're showing the Stone Island badge when photographed, what with it having become a sort of hooligan uniform these days.
Shame*. I used to have a lovely Stone Island jacket 1995.
* specifically, shame I am 3 times as large these days.
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The main man is back! Welcome back little Emi. :-*
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1810232018074054963)
Pau getting the badge in early, he's ready for the season ahead.
Where’s the badge?
On his left arm, as per.
Stone Island? Is that significant somehow?
Iconic brand. Emery also likes to get the badge in. Class.
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Thanks all. I thought maybe we’d got a new sponsor.
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No, Ross, Barren or Dobbin in the pictures from training. Playing rush back goalie on Saturday too.
-
Great to see Kamara already doing strength and balance training!
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Kamara even do some running. Might be Dendoncker there to prepare himself for playing some until Kamara will be back.
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I'm sure that they said Kamara would return in September. And then as time went on we all started saying later and later, until it sounded like he was trapped in that 2D glass thing from Superman II.
So hopefully September is still on the cards and we can all watch our favourite Boub again.
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People were saying March for Buendia at one point too.
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It was good to see Bouba Kamara hadn't lost the bulk in his thigh muscle as Tyrone Mings did but Mings' injury must have been far more serious.
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People were saying March for Buendia at one point too.
March for improved toilet facilities and getting served a pint at halftime, Buendia doesn't need us comrades.
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Torres and Buendia are two that shouldn't be back yet. They should be with their national squads. We're it not for injury I think both would have been.
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Torres and Buendia are two that shouldn't be back yet. They should be with their national squads. We're it not for injury I think both would have been.
Torres only really missed games in January and the start of Feb, and I don't think that's why he's not in. Spain have clearly got lots of very good players, and his form second half of the season wasn't that good.
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Plus he's missing half a yard of pace which is why he plays for us and not a "giant".
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I think he was carrying an injury to a degree in the back half of the season, and in response to eamonn wasn't he clocked as one of the fastest players in La Liga before he came or did I dream that?
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Buendia has only ever been on the outskirts of the Argentinian set-up from what I've seen.
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Still no Trnava tickets on sale :( The match is in 8 days.
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Maybe message the club here
https://x.com/AVFCSupport
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Buendia has only ever been on the outskirts of the Argentinian set-up from what I've seen.
Although as his perfect position is currently taken by Messi.....
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Maybe message the club here
https://x.com/AVFCSupport
I have but I am very much not holding my breath. Especially following my recent experience with the ST relocation window.
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Still no Trnava tickets on sale :( The match is in 8 days.
They’re selling tickets for home areas on Spartak’s website though not for what looks to be the visitors’ areas, but it says ‘Cash Desk’ next to those.
They’re bigging our visit up quite a bit on there too with a few articles in recent weeks including a very thorough one about all our academy graduates going back to the likes to Ricardo Scimeca and Michael Oakes.
Today there is one about the day itself in which it says there isn’t a trip coming from Birmingham but they’ve reached out to Villa fan groups in Prague, Poland and Hungary.
It also goes on to say (quick online translation)…
So what will July 20th bring in Trnava? "Due to the great interest in special merch for this match, be it a commemorative match scarf with the logos of both teams, a T-shirt, a flag, a pillow, a lanyard, an original cap, or a beautiful mug, we are opening the fan shop at the stadium as early as 9:30 in the morning and our hostesses will sell merch around the stadium as well. At 11:00 a.m., the fan zone at the fanshop starts, around 1:00 p.m. the most loyal FC Spartak fans should meet the players and coaches of both teams, then the journalists will get to speak at the pre-match press conference. At 14:00 we open the gates of the stadium and already in the first minutes you can enjoy with us a video show of the greatest British hits, taste the traditional English specialty fish & chips, all our buffets will be open and there will also be a so-called "beer jet" in action, which taps a dozen beers at the same time. Oversized flags will premiere when the teams enter the field, we are looking forward to chants from the stands and we are also curious to see how successful the spectators will be in the half-time penalties against the goalkeepers of both teams. The match will be broadcast live by STVR on Dvojka and the signal is also sent to the British Isles. It will be an experience, we are very much looking forward to this day. Don't miss it and come experience it all with us," summed up the marketing department.
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there will also be a so-called "beer jet" in action, which taps a dozen beers at the same time
So, FC Tractor Factory in the back of beyond can pour lots of beer quickly, but Champions League Aston Villa make it as difficult as it possibly can be.
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Who are the younger players in the training videos? There's a couple of blonde lads and then a darker haired guy.
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Is that Dobbin?
(https://img.gc.avfcservices.co.uk/fit-in/800x800/c38d1840-3f67-11ef-a560-89e371376747.jpg)
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Yep -looks like him.
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there will also be a so-called "beer jet" in action, which taps a dozen beers at the same time
So, FC Tractor Factory in the back of beyond can pour lots of beer quickly, but Champions League Aston Villa make it as difficult as it possibly can be.
Can you imagine those hapless servers trying to deal with a 12 pint pouring machine when they struggle to handle one bar tap.
I am no expert on bar taps but I think wondering around aimlessly, staring at your shoes is not in the customer service manual.
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Bilbao tickets on sale Monday:
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/13/Athletic-Club-Bilbao-ticket-details/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/13/Athletic-Club-Bilbao-ticket-details/)
£15 adult, £5 pups.
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So do we think Uncle Albert is going to play against us on Wednesday? He played in their weekend friendly.
Be great to see his big beard again!
-
I spoke to the ticket office earlier. They said that their manager had asked Trnava for info but had not received a reply. This is why there's no been ticket announcement. He advised me to book direct with Trnava and gave me a list of blocks for the away section (46-48 and 15-17). Trnava use an external ticket platform, it is only allowing me to buy in the home blocks. :(
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I’ve had a reply from Spartak saying that as it’s a friendly the normal away section won’t be open and we can buy tickets in any other section.
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I’ve had a reply from Spartak saying that as it’s a friendly the normal away section won’t be open and we can buy tickets in any other section.
Thanks, I haven't had a reply from them but I was coming to the same conclusion. The Prague Lions are going in block 14 so once I get confirmation from my fellow travellers I think we'll be booking in there.
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Villa TV+ $25 for the year, will have the pre season games.
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1813228964611301821?s=46
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Bloody hell.......us season ticket holders are getting a freebie
Please note, all season ticket holders now have a free subscription to VillaTV+ linked to their account.
-
I think it’s trying to get subscriber numbers up.
Those will probably be worth more in convincing sponsors of value in the long run than the £20 a season they got from those who did sign up.
-
The last time I used Villa TV was when it was free previously (probably back when it started).
In preparation for the Walsall game, I've logged into my online Villa account.
No subscription for VillaTv shows and it wants me to pay the £24-99.
I've messaged AVFCSupport on Twitter.
However, I was wondering if another ST holder (who isn't a paying VillaTV subscriber) could try logging into their account to see whether they have an active free subscription.
Thanks
-
the Villa Tv website keeps crashing . Should be on the dodgy stick anyway
-
the Villa Tv website keeps crashing . Should be on the dodgy stick anyway
If someone had a dodgy stick where would they find it....asking for a friend
-
The last time I used Villa TV was when it was free previously (probably back when it started).
In preparation for the Walsall game, I've logged into my online Villa account.
No subscription for VillaTv shows and it wants me to pay the £24-99.
I've messaged AVFCSupport on Twitter.
However, I was wondering if another ST holder (who isn't a paying VillaTV subscriber) could try logging into their account to see whether they have an active free subscription.
Thanks
I checked and I do. Seems coverage starts 15 mins before kick off.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GSrcpFsbQAA1mIu?format=jpg&name=small)
Tonights kit
-
The last time I used Villa TV was when it was free previously (probably back when it started).
In preparation for the Walsall game, I've logged into my online Villa account.
No subscription for VillaTv shows and it wants me to pay the £24-99.
I've messaged AVFCSupport on Twitter.
However, I was wondering if another ST holder (who isn't a paying VillaTV subscriber) could try logging into their account to see whether they have an active free subscription.
Thanks
I checked and I do. Seems coverage starts 15 mins before kick off.
I had a reply from Support. Looks like there was a problem, but it's been fixed. I can now see the countdown to the game
-
So do we think Uncle Albert is going to play against us on Wednesday? He played in their weekend friendly.
Be great to see his big beard again!
Did his hobbling with a walking-stick goal-celebration come before or after his nickname? If after, what a legend.
-
Guess the team.
Gauci Kzelodovic Moreno Carlos Pau Barkley Bailey Barrachneda and some of the kids? Edit Bailey Buendia.
-
Archer.
-
Zych
Kesler
Carlos
Torres
Sousa
Dendoncker
Barrenechea
Barkley
Dobbin
Archer
Bailey
Eight changes at half time, three from between 60 and 70 minutes.
-
Dendoncker forgot about him. And yes almost certainly Archee.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GStEm9hWQAEcXvv?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
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When you see the guesses at lineups here and remember how many we’ve still got to come back… we’ve got a lot of players.
-
Guess the team.
Gauci Kzelodovic Moreno Carlos Pau Barkley Bailey Barrachneda and some of the kids? Edit Bailey Buendia.
Do you mean Nedeljkovic here or have I missed someone coming in? I'm honestly not taking the piss here because I haven't seen him on the photos of training so I wasn't sure if he was even with us yet.
-
Are we doing pre-season match threads?
-
All in here I think.
-
(https://i.ibb.co/VLJk9Vn/IMG-3518.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VLJk9Vn)
-
Diaby gone
-
Interesting that none of Mings, Ramsey or Buendia are included, that suggests they're going to have a heavy load of fitness work to get them up to speed.
-
Who’s no 56
-
Who’s no 56
Midfielder bought from wba last year
-
Who’s no 56
Midfielder bought from wba last year
Ok thanks
-
I thought we let Brad Young (and Ashley) go is this another Young?
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I thought we let Brad Young (and Ashley) go is this another Young?
Kaydan I think.
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I thought we let Brad Young (and Ashley) go is this another Young?
Kaydan I think.
Thanks!
-
Plenty of links for the game around.
-
I thought Bogarde had gone
-
I thought Bogarde had gone
Only linked to forest. Revan went
-
Who’s no 56
Midfielder bought from wba last year
Ok thanks
The next anointed one acvording to that AVFC Academy guy on twitter.
Anything to add Rotterdam?
-
I thought Bogarde had gone
Only linked to forest. Revan went
His middle name is Trenton - nominative determinism?
-
Plenty of links for the game around.
Where would one find said links?
-
I thought Bogarde had gone
Only linked to forest. Revan went
His middle name is Trenton - nominative determinism?
Possibly, he's wearing the new jersey this evening.
-
Plenty of links for the game around.
Where would one find said links?
They're all dead for me.
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Plenty of links for the game around.
Where would one find said links?
They're all dead for me.
Well that de-escalated quickly
-
20 mins and 0 goals, going to be a long season.
-
0-1 live score. Anyone doing match thread?
-
Rogers scores. we're gonna win the league!
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Can we get this kid a song?
-
The game is live on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/-2xPK4FJb6g?si=gv5TZ3Qwk4eoFIWO
-
Can we get this kid a song?
I heard the Celtic Jota one was going to be it.
-
Nice quick pass from Ross to set up Morgan…….who needs a right bollocking about that hairdo
-
Who on earth is Jimoh-Aloba? Knocking it around at a nice clip here anyway.
-
The game is live on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/-2xPK4FJb6g?si=gv5TZ3Qwk4eoFIWO
Funny
-
The game is live on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/-2xPK4FJb6g?si=gv5TZ3Qwk4eoFIWO
I was a bit concerned by that heavy challenge on Watkins, but Luiz is playing well.
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Who on earth is Jimoh-Aloba? Knocking it around at a nice clip here anyway.
17 year old CM who we got from the Bags last year.
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Jamaldeen is one of many we've taken from the Albion academy.
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Jamaldeen is one of many we've taken from the Albion academy.
Can we call him Jamaldeenho?
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This ref is pathetic
-
2-0 Rodgers
-
Can’t bear a goalmouth scramble goal
-
The numbers on the Villa shirts are in a bloody big font
-
Go on Morgan!
-
Just seen the goals. Like Moggzys first, give the keeper the eyes.
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The game is live on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/live/-2xPK4FJb6g?si=gv5TZ3Qwk4eoFIWO
I was a bit concerned by that heavy challenge on Watkins, but Luiz is playing well.
I was wondering why Watkins head had grown longer.
-
Is Uncle Albert playing for Walsall?
-
2-0 Rodgers
who the fuck is Ro(d)gers?
-
Is Uncle Albert playing for Walsall?
On the bench.
-
Feeney did well. Comfortable on the ball
-
2-0 Rodgers
Don’t like it. I wanted us to lose 4-1 like last season.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GStoVjbXUAAn7a7?format=jpg&name=small)
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Swinkles?! Where's he come from? And why isn't his number 99?
-
Swinkles?! Where's he come from? And why isn't his number 99?
I went for a Swinkel at half time.
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Walsall FC Official
@WFCOfficial
·8m
This evening's official attendance is 8,200 including 3,318 @AVFCOfficial supporters
Thank you all for joining us at the Poundland Bescot Stadium tonight
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Swinkles?! Where's he come from? And why isn't his number 99?
He's been with us for ages, LCB/LB and looks pretty promising.
-
Had to watch Hearts v Spurs. Never seen so many seagulls fly past the camera the entire match.
-
Shows how little attention some pay to the youth teams.
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1st goal
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1813655796372344997
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I like cakes covered in icing with tons of swinkels all over it.
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Show his majesty some respect!
(https://royalswinkels.com/images/layout/royalswinkels_ogimage.png)
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Nice work by Kosta
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Show his majesty some respect!
(https://royalswinkels.com/images/layout/royalswinkels_ogimage.png)
Never heard of them but do over a bill in revenue a year. Right time to eat, might try some of those snail like sea creatures in a jar, swinkles.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GStoVjbXUAAn7a7?format=jpg&name=small)
Your best ever!
-
Nice work by Kosta
I like the look of him so far.
-
Nice work by Kosta
I like the look of him so far.
Tasty
-
Louie Barry has scored, I'm told.
-
Great ovation for Albert
-
0-3 FT.
-
Louie Barry has scored, I'm told.
There's a good ball played in for Tony Morley. Oh, it must be & it is! Peter Withe!
-
New boys verdict: Barran and Ned got potential, but not sure about Jr
Impress with both our young CBs Feeney and Swinkels - definite keepers
Are we keeping Dink?
-
Dink the clown
-
Martinez, Konsa, Kamara, Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Ramsey, Buendia, Watkins subs Dobbin, Duran, Philogene....plus the 22 involved tonight = massive squad!
Have I missed anyone?
-
Any opinions on Barkley?
-
I’ve got the Villa TV+ package and I’m looking forward to watching the friendly ‘international’ fixtures. It was great, watching the Villa again tonight!
And knowing a load of first teamers have yet to reappear!
-
Any link to on-line highlights yet?
-
Any opinions on Barkley?
Looked a bit rusty but showed off his range of passing.
-
Martinez, Konsa, Kamara, Mings, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Ramsey, Buendia, Watkins subs Dobbin, Duran, Philogene....plus the 22 involved tonight = massive squad!
Have I missed anyone?
Only the lesser spotted Kortney Hause I think.
-
Enjoyed that. Full of promise.
-
Any opinions on Barkley?
Looked a bit rusty but showed off his range of passing.
Not long home. Thought he did ok, he gave the ball away a couple of times, but always looking for a progressive pass…still sweaty
-
Any link to on-line highlights yet?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKCSptp_DUQ
-
Why are we playing an away friendly in Slovakia? Seems a bit rogue
Did we ever find out why we are playing this friendly? Flying out to Slovakia before going to the US seems very random, especially when it's to play Spartak Trnava.
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Enjoyed that. Full of promise.
Same here. I know it's only a friendly, but I'd always rather win them than not, and lots of players looked up for it.
-
Any link to on-line highlights yet?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKCSptp_DUQ
Thank you.
-
Anyone know why Ramsey wasn’t in the squad?
-
How did the new RB do?
-
How did the new RB do?
Solid. Made some good runs. Emery seems to prefer big, strong, athletic players and this kid is that even at 18. It will be interesting to see who backs up Cash this season. He looked better than KKH. Of course we might send both kids out on loan and get another RB to challenge Matty.
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Looking at that translated article on the kids thread, it looks like he is expecting to come in & play from day one.
And as Rogers has proven, if you are good enough, you are old enough...
-
Anyone know why Ramsey wasn’t in the squad?
None of last seasons long term injury players were in it so I suppose they might be doing extra fitness training.
-
I still think Mings is a way off yet. There's never been any footage of him actually kicking a ball since his injury has there?
-
I know it is only Walsall etc etc but i do get the feeling that Rogers could be a stand in striker if ever the indestructible Watkins is out at any point.
-
Extended highlights
https://www.avfc.co.uk/video/44777c4c-408b-4f7c-9b96-dddb12267670
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I know it is only Walsall etc etc but i do get the feeling that Rogers could be a stand in striker if ever the indestructible Watkins is out at any point.
There's talk about us wanting someone who could play alongside Watkins or instead of him and I think we've already got him.
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I think the only thing holding Rogers back from a position up front is a lack of pace. Like Grealish he’s no slouch when he gets going, but I’d prefer to see him central or left midfield, taking players on from there.
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It was good game last night Rogers played well.
-
It was good game last night Rogers played well.
You don't seem to miss many games, are you going to Trnava?
-
Anyone know why Ramsey wasn’t in the squad?
Levy told us that we were not allowed to play him, till he’s decided his future.
-
Anyone know why Ramsey wasn’t in the squad?
Levy told us that we were not allowed to play him, till he’s decided his future.
Likewise should we be concerned Ty and Emi were not in the squad either? I would have thought if fit, all 3 should be getting playing time to get back up to match fitness
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They may not be quite contact ready.
-
It was good game last night Rogers played well.
You don't seem to miss many games, are you going to Trnava?
Never question Big Daz.
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It was good game last night Rogers played well.
You don't seem to miss many games, are you going to Trnava?
Never question Big Daz.
I like to live life on the edge. I hope for Bill Gates's sake, the Microsoft outage hasn't affected his flights.
-
It was good game last night Rogers played well.
You don't seem to miss many games, are you going to Trnava?
Never question Big Daz.
I like to live life on the edge. I hope for Bill Gates's sake, the Microsoft outage hasn't affected his flights.
Maybe not Microsoft.
-
I wonder how much time off the Euros contingent get, particularly Ollie and Ezri. Until the beginning of August? They deserve a full month.
Actually, lads, the way our squad is being strengthened, see ya when the kids go back to school in September. They've earnt it.
-
I wonder how much time off the Euros contingent get, particularly Ollie and Ezri. Until the beginning of August? They deserve a full month.
Actually, lads, the way our squad is being strengthened, see ya when the kids go back to school in September. They've earnt it.
I was thinking McGinn and Tielemans may be back on Monday if Onana is supposed to be back and doing his medical this weekend.
That would be four weeks off for McGinn and three weeks for Tielemans and Onana.
-
Are you inplying that Scotland...didn't do very well?!
-
Why are we playing an away friendly in Slovakia? Seems a bit rogue
Did we ever find out why we are playing this friendly? Flying out to Slovakia before going to the US seems very random, especially when it's to play Spartak Trnava.
Hi there from Trnava.
Agree its a bit random friendly. Looks like our new management team want to revive our glory past, playing the big teams again. Like in the 70tees when we were destroying tough Czechoslovak league, narowly missing on European Cup final, beaten by Cruyffs Ajax in the semis. So we do have a bit of a european pedigree from the past.
After decades of misery we´ve been quiet decent recently, managed to get to ECL group stages last season, going through all the quallification rounds. In current economic climate (our budget is less than what your top player gets paid a year) its almost impossible for a club from Slovakia to get a proper game against a Champions league outfit so we´re at least doing these friendlies - last summer it was Valencia, now we cant wait for a match against big club from England.
Anyone comming over I wish you a great trip. Finally a bit of rain this morning and its tad cooler, after 35+ degrees heat the whole week. (Czech) beer is lovely and cheap, the atmosphere going to be great, still quiet new stadium located in heart of historical city center will be rocking - Im sure you will have a good time in Trnava. Hopefully not just a friendly but a quality game of footie as well.
Would like to thank Villa officials, and your top manager Emery to ok this random friendly sandwitched in between your summer preparations for the new season. We´d approached Liverpool (and Newcastle) too but we would likely go into administration if paid what these clubs were asking for so fair play to the Villains.
-
Hi there from Trnava.
Agree its a bit random friendly. Looks like our new management team want to revive our glory past, playing the big teams again. Like in the 70tees when we were destroying tough Czechoslovak league, narowly missing on European Cup final, beaten by Cruyffs Ajax in the semis. So we do have a bit of a european pedigree from the past.
After decades of misery we´ve been quiet decent recently, managed to get to ECL group stages last season, going through all the quallification rounds. In current economic climate (our budget is less than what your top player gets paid a year) its almost impossible for a club from Slovakia to get a proper game against a Champions league outfit so we´re at least doing these friendlies - last summer it was Valencia, now we cant wait for a match against big club from England.
Anyone comming over I wish you a great trip. Finally a bit of rain this morning and its tad cooler, after 35+ degrees heat the whole week. (Czech) beer is lovely and cheap, the atmosphere going to be great, still quiet new stadium located in heart of historical city center will be rocking - Im sure you will have a good time in Trnava. Hopefully not just a friendly but a quality game of footie as well.
Would like to thank Villa officials, and your top manager Emery to ok this random friendly sandwitched in between your summer preparations for the new season. We´d approached Liverpool (and Newcastle) too but we would likely go into administration if paid what these clubs were asking for so fair play to the Villains.
Welcome mate, great post and lovely to hear from you. We'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the match after we've played. Enjoy the game and have a great season.
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Hi there from Trnava.
Agree its a bit random friendly. Looks like our new management team want to revive our glory past, playing the big teams again. Like in the 70tees when we were destroying tough Czechoslovak league, narowly missing on European Cup final, beaten by Cruyffs Ajax in the semis. So we do have a bit of a european pedigree from the past.
After decades of misery we´ve been quiet decent recently, managed to get to ECL group stages last season, going through all the quallification rounds. In current economic climate (our budget is less than what your top player gets paid a year) its almost impossible for a club from Slovakia to get a proper game against a Champions league outfit so we´re at least doing these friendlies - last summer it was Valencia, now we cant wait for a match against big club from England.
Anyone comming over I wish you a great trip. Finally a bit of rain this morning and its tad cooler, after 35+ degrees heat the whole week. (Czech) beer is lovely and cheap, the atmosphere going to be great, still quiet new stadium located in heart of historical city center will be rocking - Im sure you will have a good time in Trnava. Hopefully not just a friendly but a quality game of footie as well.
Would like to thank Villa officials, and your top manager Emery to ok this random friendly sandwitched in between your summer preparations for the new season. We´d approached Liverpool (and Newcastle) too but we would likely go into administration if paid what these clubs were asking for so fair play to the Villains.
Welcome to the forum! I hope it is a good game later and that you have a good qualifying campaign yourselves.
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Welcome to the forum, Skertl. Hope it'll be a great game, and good luck in qualifying / bringing the glory days back to Trnava! :)
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Why are we playing an away friendly in Slovakia? Seems a bit rogue
Did we ever find out why we are playing this friendly? Flying out to Slovakia before going to the US seems very random, especially when it's to play Spartak Trnava.
Great post and hello Skertl. Hope its a great gane today and good luck for the season ahead.
Hi there from Trnava.
Agree its a bit random friendly. Looks like our new management team want to revive our glory past, playing the big teams again. Like in the 70tees when we were destroying tough Czechoslovak league, narowly missing on European Cup final, beaten by Cruyffs Ajax in the semis. So we do have a bit of a european pedigree from the past.
After decades of misery we´ve been quiet decent recently, managed to get to ECL group stages last season, going through all the quallification rounds. In current economic climate (our budget is less than what your top player gets paid a year) its almost impossible for a club from Slovakia to get a proper game against a Champions league outfit so we´re at least doing these friendlies - last summer it was Valencia, now we cant wait for a match against big club from England.
Anyone comming over I wish you a great trip. Finally a bit of rain this morning and its tad cooler, after 35+ degrees heat the whole week. (Czech) beer is lovely and cheap, the atmosphere going to be great, still quiet new stadium located in heart of historical city center will be rocking - Im sure you will have a good time in Trnava. Hopefully not just a friendly but a quality game of footie as well.
Would like to thank Villa officials, and your top manager Emery to ok this random friendly sandwitched in between your summer preparations for the new season. We´d approached Liverpool (and Newcastle) too but we would likely go into administration if paid what these clubs were asking for so fair play to the Villains.
Great post Skertl. Hope its a great game today and good luck for the season ahead.
-
Welcome.
Didn’t know that about them losing in the EC semi.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GS7rbbQW8AA7j8Z?format=jpg&name=large)
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Good to see Dobbin starting.
-
If we have a penalty will Barry take it?
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The lesser spotted Dobbin.
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No Ramsey is he off to Spuds?
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No Ramsey is he off to Spuds?
For £3m plus whoever is the worst player in their squad. That cunning ****** Levy.
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No Ramsey is he off to Spuds?
For £3m plus whoever is the worst player in their squad. That cunning ****** Levy.
While I do think that rumour is bollocks it would be nice to have some sort of indication on how his recovery is progressing.
-
Although no Buendia or Mings either suggests it’s probably just precautionary.
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No Ramsey is he off to Spuds?
For £3m plus whoever is the worst player in their squad. That cunning ****** Levy.
While I do think that rumour is bollocks it would be nice to have some sort of indication on how his recovery is progressing.
Emery has been reasonably open when asked in press conferences. I don’t know what good it does to voluntarily provide that info. Because it puts unnecessary focus on it and draws criticism and scrutiny if the date suggested moves back. And usually anything that is disclosed is pretty vague anyway.
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We can pretend we are playing AC Milan away. Sort of.
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Keep thinking we’re playing Bournemouth.
-
any rivers?
-
any rivers?
You’re going to be hard pressed to find anything for a pre season friendly on Saturday in Slovakia. £24.99 gets you all the games on Villa TV
-
Does anyone know when our Euro/Copa America players are due to return to the fold?
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Have a working river if anyone is interested. Not in English though, its in Spartakian.
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Does anyone know when our Euro/Copa America players are due to return to the fold?
McGinn will be back next week, the others who went further in the comp another 1-2 weeks.
-
any rivers?
DM me, I have one
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Not much to report so far. All a bit bland and game not yet settled into any rhythm. Only 2 real regular starting players for us from last season so going to be a bit disjointed. And as we know Emery tries all kinds of things tactically in these games and even at times during the season as he’s revealed.
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Does anyone know when our Euro/Copa America players are due to return to the fold?
McGinn will be back next week, the others who went further in the comp another 1-2 weeks.
Ah, bless you. Thanks.
-
Carlos caught out of position for a simple ball over the top. Nothing changes.
-
Off the top of my head I think we have 11 players to come back which is mental considering we're on to game 2 of preseason.
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Carlos caught out of position for a simple ball over the top. Nothing changes.
But then he makes up for it after Kosta got caught out and the forward fell into his brick wall of a body
-
Off the top of my head I think we have 11 players to come back which is mental considering we're on to game 2 of preseason.
Which is something like £300m+ of talent to add to this line up. And that’s a conservative estimate.
-
The manager of Spartak doing his best to look like Hervé Renard
-
Barrenecheas movement in midfield is really nice.
-
Half chance for them on the break after Leon tried to do much at the edge of their box and got caught out. Easy save by Joe.
-
It’s very messy from us so far
-
Very lightweight up top. Ned looks good. Illing can't get into the game at the moment. Why is the commentator calling him Diego Costa??
-
Very lightweight up top. Ned looks good. Illing can't get into the game at the moment. Why is the commentator calling him Diego Costa??
He’s calling him Kosta. And happens to be playing next to Diego Carlos.
-
Just started watching 35 mins in. Is there anything important I’ve missed ?
-
Early signs are the Dobbin, Barry, Swinkels aren’t making this squad and will be out on loan.
-
Just started watching 35 mins in. Is there anything important I’ve missed ?
Not really. Mostly reserves and new lads playing a lot like they just met. Which is true.
-
Off the top of my head I think we have 11 players to come back which is mental considering we're on to game 2 of preseason.
Can you name them please? I get ocd about this shit. When the match-thread starts with the squad graphic, I'm always trying to think of all the senior players that are absent.
-
You should never go to ground screaming in a friendly, even if your f@ckin head fell off I would be embarrassed.
-
Maybe Villa can loan Dobbin to Everton and Everton loan Tim to Villa :)
-
BAILEY!!!!!!!
-
Early signs are the Dobbin, Barry, Swinkels aren’t making this squad and will be out on loan.
Yep
-
GOAL, lovely strike...eat that Lamal.
-
Classic Leon goal. Cut inside curled left footed into the far corner
-
Bailey!
-
Nice goal from Leon.
-
Classic Leon goal.
-
Lovely finish from Bailey.
-
Off the top of my head I think we have 11 players to come back which is mental considering we're on to game 2 of preseason.
Can you name them please? I get ocd about this shit. When the match-thread starts with the squad graphic, I'm always trying to think of all the senior players that are absent.
2 x Emi. Mings, Konsa, Maatsen, Youri, McGinn, Kamara, Onana, Philogene, Ramsey...didn't bother adding Duran.
-
Captain Leon obviously got bored and decided to curl one in.
-
Commentator calling DC ‘Costa’
-
Gauci looks much more comfortable with the ball at hi feet than Olsen.
-
Gauci looks much more comfortable with the ball at hi feet than Olsen.
Very good hands too.
-
I only recognise Carlos and Bailey
-
Gauci looks much more comfortable with the ball at hi feet than Olsen.
Yeah I think he was forward in his youth.
-
Gauci looks much more comfortable with the ball at hi feet than Olsen.
Agreed. He’s done all the basic things well and his distribution is good.
-
Ah Louie Barry has to do better.
-
Gauci looks much more comfortable with the ball at hi feet than Olsen.
Douglas Bader would have looked more comfortable with the ball at his feet than Olsen
-
Kosta has looked decent coming forward but made some mistakes when on the ball and getting caught out of position.
-
Ah Louie Barry has to do better.
Lovely ball from Dobbin though.
-
Ah Louie Barry has to do better.
Lovely ball from Dobbin though.
It was. Rogers will get one today.
-
Half time, 1-0 to Villa. Very low on chances at either end. Bailey being very greedy with the ball, too many touches. Barry and Dobbin are very lightweight but playing through the middle doesn't suit their game. I like the look of Barrenechea and Nedeljkovic, they will only get better under Unai. Illing struggling to get into the game, not seen much from him so far. Gauci looks ok. Swinkels is all arms and legs and I'd like to see him go out on loan.
-
They have Martin Skrtel on at half time doing the punditry on this stream. Proper full head of hair.
-
I’m wondering if Gauci will get some gametime in the cups and CL this season over Olsen.
-
They have Martin Skrtel on at half time doing the punditry on this stream. Proper full head of hair.
I thought he was our new Trnava pal who posted earlier?!
-
Gauci looks much more comfortable with the ball at hi feet than Olsen.
Douglas Bader would have looked more comfortable with the ball at his feet than Olsen
Yes of course everyone is better in goal than Olsen, anyone who’s ever player football in any position at any level🤦🏾
-
They have Martin Skrtel on at half time doing the punditry on this stream. Proper full head of hair.
I thought he was our new Trnava pal who posted earlier?!
Didn't see that, nice post. Bet his hair is lush as well.
-
I'm looking forward to seeing Barrenechea play: I have a feeling we've found a real player here.
-
Swinkels is all arms and legs and I'd like to see him go out on loan.
I thought he looked very comfortable, good on the ball, I can imagine Unai likes him a lot. Agree he should go out on loan, we have Mings and Pau on the left but he's certainly one for the future. Nothing less than a top half footballing Championship side should be the target.
-
Bailey goal for anyone who didn’t see it
https://x.com/baileyfc/status/1814673049343410412?s=46
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I'm looking forward to seeing Barrenechea play: I have a feeling we've found a real player here.
You and me, Mister E.
-
Pretty much a new XI for the second half
-
Josh Feeney is too good-looking to be a centre back.
-
Josh Feeney is too good-looking to be a centre back.
Ooooohhh Matron.
-
2-0 Morgan scores again
-
GOAL, Rogers
-
Rogers!
-
Rogers is such a good player, making all the difference. Villa with him on the pitch are so much more purposeful. 2-0, Rogers.
-
Easy that, Young should of scored if he got his body shape right but Rogers finishes it off.
-
Rogers again.
-
That first touch from Rogers was absolute filth.
-
Archer not getting a sniff.
-
He's looking good Mogzy.
-
Ooooh close again. Nice movement and turn by Morgan there
-
Calling it now, I think Rogers will be quite good.
-
Barkley making us tick.
-
Rogers looking the part for sure.
-
That was a bit Ronaldinho from Rogers. Great feet.
-
Rogers is looking impressive
-
Blimey, a whole outfield change from the home team.
-
Feeney showing his getting-stuck-inedness.
-
That lino is bonkers. He can't see if that ball went out from there the plum.
-
Barkley making us tick.
He’s not over exerting himself but what he is doing is generally neat and tidy. Keeps the play moving nicely. Like many players he will step up a lot through the remaining pre season games and the closer the proper start gets. He’s a very good player to have in the squad.
-
Our commentator is having a fucking ‘mare. Olsen is in goal, not Gauchi. That’s after he called Diego Carlos, Diego Costa.
-
Somebody let the commentator know that Olsen is in goal now.
-
Feeney showing his getting-stuck-inedness.
Just needs a haircut.
-
How many times has the commentator called Olsen Gauci?
-
I suppose it’s pre season for the commentators too…
-
Our commentator is having a fucking ‘mare. Olsen is in goal, not Gauchi. That’s after he called Diego Carlos, Diego Costa.
To be fair, I had to wait for a close up to see if they’d swapped the goalkeeper.
-
Bring back Jack Woodward
-
Feeney showing his getting-stuck-inedness.
Just needs a haircut.
Went to the barbers and asked for a Simple Jack.
-
Bring back Jack Woodward
Always one who takes it too far.
-
Our commentator is having a fucking ‘mare. Olsen is in goal, not Gauchi. That’s after he called Diego Carlos, Diego Costa.
To be fair, I had to wait for a close up to see if they’d swapped the goalkeeper.
Yeh but he doesn’t have that excuse
-
Nice save from Gauchi. I mean Olsen
-
He's off lino.
-
Where is VAR when you need it?
-
That first touch from Rogers was absolute filth.
Caught in the official highlight of the goal.
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1814683912582676774
-
Poor old Lamare, he's getting kicked all over the place.
-
Our commentator is having a fucking ‘mare. Olsen is in goal, not Gauchi. That’s after he called Diego Carlos, Diego Costa.
To be fair, I had to wait for a close up to see if they’d swapped the goalkeeper.
Yeh but he doesn’t have that excuse
Are they there then? They have done it remotely before, using the same stream we get.
-
Our commentator is having a fucking ‘mare. Olsen is in goal, not Gauchi. That’s after he called Diego Carlos, Diego Costa.
To be fair, I had to wait for a close up to see if they’d swapped the goalkeeper.
Yeh but he doesn’t have that excuse
Are they there then? They have done it remotely before, using the same stream we get.
They might be. I just imagine they get word of changes made before we would. Plus it’s his job to be correct.
-
Our commentator is having a fucking ‘mare. Olsen is in goal, not Gauchi. That’s after he called Diego Carlos, Diego Costa.
To be fair, I had to wait for a close up to see if they’d swapped the goalkeeper.
Yeh but he doesn’t have that excuse
Are they there then? They have done it remotely before, using the same stream we get.
They might be. I just imagine they get word of changes made before we would. Plus it’s his job to be correct.
They were trying to work out who was on after half time, so they obviously hadn’t been told.
-
Kesler-Hayden looks a handful.
-
16,094 in attendance for anyone who is playing guess the crowd.
-
Unai will want Barkley to take more care of the ball when we get going.
-
Kesler-Hayden is impressing
-
Kesler-Hayden is impressing
him and Nedeljkovic offer us some great options on the RHS. So encouraging!
-
For an 18 year old, Young is looking really good.
Another one who now needs to start playing somewhere to keep progressing.
-
Feel sorry for Archer, we build and build but he's just not getting a touch, nobody spotting his runs. He must be very frustrated.
-
Game literally at walking pace now
-
All gone very scrappy now.
-
I hope these aren’t the PL number style they are using on these kits. Numbers are massive and the 7 looks stupid.
-
All gone very scrappy now.
We’re in the don’t get injured stage and just get to the end of the game.
-
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL 3-0 CAM
-
ARCHER, GOAL
-
Lovely goal, Archer.
-
You'll see that move a lot next season, Rogers....to Watkins, BANG!
-
Great finish
-
Good goal, nicely worked. Good finish and assisted by Rogers.
-
Slight deflection but nice shot from the one chance he has got today. Good work from Morgan in the build up.
-
Archer, great finish and all the better that he kept his concentration right to the end having had so little to work with.
-
Not a bad run out. This lot came 3rd in the Slovak top league last season.
-
Injury time in a friendly
-
Foot like a traction engine.
-
Blow up ref. No need for any silly injuries.
-
The classic knee into back contact resulting in a head injury.
-
Game over. 3-0. Job done.
-
I think we looked much sharper going forward second half, but defensively, less solid. They nearly scored right at the very end of the game and had another couple of good chances. Clean half for Olsen. Good workout. Ian Taylor let slip during first half commentary that Onana is having his medical today.
-
Cash, all at sea for their last chance.
Decent work out 2nd half. Barkley, kesler-Hayden, in fact nearly all of them were decent. Kayden Young could be a good player if he released the ball quicker.
-
How was Kosta Nedeljković?
-
How was Kosta Nedeljković?
Full of beans.
-
How was Kosta Nedeljković?
Full of beans.
He’s defo going to get a cup someday.
-
Did Kesler-Hayden play further forward in todays game?
-
Did Kesler-Hayden play further forward in todays game?
yep
-
Calling it now, I think Rogers will be quite good.
Brave😉
-
Unai will want Barkley to take more care of the ball when we get going.
Most of the time he will be on the bench and not used as sub when we are in a close game, so no worries.
-
Pleased for Cam. That will boost his confidence.
-
Seemed like a good workout. Rogers looks an absolute steal. What a bit of business that is looking.
-
Seemed like a good workout. Rogers looks an absolute steal. What a bit of business that is looking.
He's excellent. It won't be long before he's in the England squad.
-
Seemed like a good workout. Rogers looks an absolute steal. What a bit of business that is looking.
Hoping? NO - expecting!
That Unai can weave similar magic on Kosta, Iling-Junior, Barrenechea, Philogene and Onoma.
-
Seemed like a good workout. Rogers looks an absolute steal. What a bit of business that is looking.
Hoping? NO - expecting!
That Unai can weave similar magic on Kosta, Iling-Junior, Barrenechea, Philogene and Onoma.
We're finally selling Grealish to Spurs then?!
-
How was Kosta Nedeljković?
He got caught on the ball a couple of times and needed help but generally, was good. Gets forward well and wasn't helped by Bailey, who was quite greedy and didn't allow Ned to get in behind their full back. He certainly has lots of energy and seems a big lad. With better players around him, he's only going to get better. Solid if unspectacular. I like him.
-
Seemed like a good workout. Rogers looks an absolute steal. What a bit of business that is looking.
Hoping? NO - expecting!
That Unai can weave similar magic on Kosta, Iling-Junior, Barrenechea, Philogene and Onoma.
Shite, have we already traded Ramsey to Spuds and received £5m + Onomah?!
-
My lad will be in Chicago visiting relatives when we play Club America and is asking where would be the best place to meet up with other Villa fans before and after the game?
-
Seemed like a good workout. Rogers looks an absolute steal. What a bit of business that is looking.
He's excellent. It won't be long before he's in the England squad.
I said on here a while back that he might have got in the Euro's squad had he not got injured towards the end of the season.
-
Seemed like a good workout. Rogers looks an absolute steal. What a bit of business that is looking.
He's excellent. It won't be long before he's in the England squad.
I said on here a while back that he might have got in the Euro's squad had he not got injured towards the end of the season.
I agree. Him and Ramsey would have been there but for injury. I bet Steve Gibson is seething. Such a bargain.
-
How was Kosta Nedeljković?
He got caught on the ball a couple of times and needed help but generally, was good. Gets forward well and wasn't helped by Bailey, who was quite greedy and didn't allow Ned to get in behind their full back. He certainly has lots of energy and seems a big lad. With better players around him, he's only going to get better. Solid if unspectacular. I like him.
Thanks for that info Steve.
-
Pleased for Cam. That will boost his confidence.
Although the club never bothered Tweeting out his goal video.
-
Did Kesler-Hayden play further forward in todays game?
yep
Thought he looked lively . I liked team 2 more than team
1 😃
-
Not a bad turn by Illing-Junior for the first (although the initial pass then let him down).
Having the car on the pitch side reminded me of Doug's Rovers and if it had been a robin reliant, Chelsea in the 80's.
-
It's felt like a pre-pre-season. Presumably Buendia, Mings and Ramsey have been focussed on fitness work. I think the international players are back Monday, in time for the tour. Hopefully the returning 3 join the squad with them.
-
Not a bad turn by Illing-Junior for the first (although the initial pass then let him down).
Having the car on the pitch side reminded me of Doug's Rovers and if it had been a robin reliant, Chelsea in the 80's.
Cheers.
-
Calling it now, I think Rogers will be quite good.
Brave😉
Insight!
-
Pleased for Cam. That will boost his confidence.
Although the club never bothered Tweeting out his goal video.
Here you go
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1814717658350092743?s=46
-
Here you go
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1814717658350092743?s=46
thanks
-
Didn’t exactly look best pleased, did he?
-
Didn’t exactly look best pleased, did he?
From what I've seen of him, that just seems to be his way.
-
My lad will be in Chicago visiting relatives when we play Club America and is asking where would be the best place to meet up with other Villa fans before and after the game?
The Globe hosts the Chicago Villa contingent I believe.
It’s quite a gathering!
-
My lad will be in Chicago visiting relatives when we play Club America and is asking where would be the best place to meet up with other Villa fans before and after the game?
The Globe hosts the Chicago Villa contingent I believe.
It’s quite a gathering!
Yes that rings a bell, pretty sure that's where we met before the Chicago Fire game.
-
Decent workout . The Argentinian lad (21) looks decent . All about fitness. Archer took his only chance with aplomb. There is something about this striker.
-
Decent workout . The Argentinian lad (21) looks decent . All about fitness. Archer took his only chance with aplomb. There is something about this striker.
Could just use his name.
-
Pleased for Cam. That will boost his confidence.
Although the club never bothered Tweeting out his goal video.
Here you go
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1814717658350092743?s=46
14 minutes between the goals and the Twitter links for Bailey and Rogers, almost two hours for Archer. Will chalk it up to the SM team having to prep for the Youtube highlights.
-
I’m not sure the club’s social media policy includes mandatory delayed posts for players who may be sold.
-
My lad will be in Chicago visiting relatives when we play Club America and is asking where would be the best place to meet up with other Villa fans before and after the game?
Worth getting in touch with Chicago Villans, as mentioned above The Globe is the place where everyone is likely to meet the night before and after. https://www.theglobepub.com/
It will be a big meet for all US Villans as well as those traveling to the US.
-
Apologies if this has been covered already. Did Ramsey play? Injured?
-
Apologies if this has been covered already. Did Ramsey play? Injured?
Didn't play. We've no idea if he's 'injured' or being eased back into it like Mings and Buendia.
-
Apologies if this has been covered already. Did Ramsey play? Injured?
Didn't play. We've no idea if he's 'injured' or being eased back into it like Mings and Buendia.
Ahh! Thank you :-)
-
I suppose it’s pre season for the commentators too…
It's a crash course for the ravers
It's a pre-season Saturday
-
Unai Emery prayed at work.
-
Just watched first half again and I thought Swinkels was excellent. Reminded me of a young Pau
-
Pleased for Cam. That will boost his confidence.
Although the club never bothered Tweeting out his goal video.
Here you go
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1814717658350092743?s=46 (https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1814717658350092743?s=46)
Really well taken goal. I've always liked the way he takes the ball into his stride, and his reliable finishing; both attributes of which Ollie has...
-
We're going to want £15mil for Cam I imagine, I can't see anyone obvious paying that.
-
Just watched first half again and I thought Swinkels was excellent. Reminded me of a young Pau
I think the lad has been tidy for both pre-season games. The comparison to Pau is spot on.
-
My lad will be in Chicago visiting relatives when we play Club America and is asking where would be the best place to meet up with other Villa fans before and after the game?
Worth getting in touch with Chicago Villans, as mentioned above The Globe is the place where everyone is likely to meet the night before and after. https://www.theglobepub.com/
It will be a big meet for all US Villans as well as those traveling to the US.
Thanks ChicagoLion. He said he will drop them a message.
-
Just watched first half again and I thought Swinkels was excellent. Reminded me of a young Pau
I think the lad has been tidy for both pre-season games. The comparison to Pau is spot on.
Was just looking him up and he was out for a year with a torn ACL. Only back playing since April. Definitely a Villa player.
-
My lad will be in Chicago visiting relatives when we play Club America and is asking where would be the best place to meet up with other Villa fans before and after the game?
Worth getting in touch with Chicago Villans, as mentioned above The Globe is the place where everyone is likely to meet the night before and after. https://www.theglobepub.com/
It will be a big meet for all US Villans as well as those traveling to the US.
Thanks ChicagoLion. He said he will drop them a message.
This is from their Twitter link
VILLA VS CLUB AMERICA TICKET INFO
Due to issues with the allocation of official tickets (cost, location etc) we have decided to choose a single section of Soldier Field that we will recommend all Villa fans purchasing tickets in
The section is 254, and the link to the event is below (double check you have chosen the right section before hitting the “Purchase” Button). The section is located in the second tier of Soldier Field, just left of one of the goals.
Ticket prices in this section are just shy of $105 including all fees. We know this is extremely expensive compared to the other pre-season games, but it is cheaper than the sections we were offered.
Our goal is to get as many Villa fans in this section as possible, however, ticket sales are open to the general public in this section, so we recommend you secure a seat ASAP.
UTV, and see you all in the Windy City, my home-town, very soon.
https://ticketmaster.com/leagues-cup-showcase-club-america-v-chicago-illinois-08-03-2024/event/0400609098CF0C47
Regarding where to meet before the game
I am pleased to announce that we have secured a space to gather prior to the game against Club America at Soldier Field. Daniel Barker and I met with the owner of Weeds Tavern today, and he has graciously offered to host us from 8.00am.
If you are attending the game vs Club America at Soldier Field, Chicago, on Aug 3rd, please complete the following form. https://forms.gle/AXDzo3711k6aVo5s6
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£80 for a pre-season game. Fucking wankers.
-
£80 for a pre-season game. Fucking wankers.
Yeh it's $65 plus fees which comes to around $105. I'm likely still going but that should never be the price for a friendly.
-
Nothing to stop people buying tickets in other parts of the ground, but you probably want to avoid the Club America section though.
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
-
Was hoping to take my son to this one but it’s increasingly looking like a trip home to B6 will be cheaper.
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
Well I did warn you.
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
Well I did warn you.
Out of interest, what’s the Club America section?
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
Well I did warn you.
Out of interest, what’s the Club America section?
It's where the nasty Mexicans that CL is scared of sit.
-
I've heard Percy has asked them to shoot CL so I can understand his concerns, tbf.
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
Well I did warn you.
Out of interest, what’s the Club America section?
Where the fans of the opposition will be sitting.
-
It's where the nasty Mexicans that CL is scared of sit.
[/quote]Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
Well I did warn you.
Out of interest, what’s the Club America section?
Where the fans of the opposition will be sitting.
👍
-
As the old saying used to go, "Get in there amongst 'em and let 'em know you've been."
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTG5e9TWEAArG_0?format=jpg&name=large)
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
Well I did warn you.
Out of interest, what’s the Club America section?
It's where the nasty Mexicans that CL is scared of sit.
Go gringo!
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTG5e9TWEAArG_0?format=jpg&name=large)
Gather The Globe Pub is where the Chicago Villans meet up.
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
Well I did warn you.
Out of interest, what’s the Club America section?
It's where the nasty Mexicans that CL is scared of sit.
Look forward to seeing you there.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTG5e9TWEAArG_0?format=jpg&name=large)
Gather The Globe Pub is where the Chicago Villans meet up.
usually for games during the season. So this will be a Friday night meet up.
-
Do you fuck want to avoid the Club America section.
Fuck yeah!
Well I did warn you.
Out of interest, what’s the Club America section?
It's where the nasty Mexicans that CL is scared of sit.
Look forward to seeing you there.
I know an FBI sting when I see one. Don't do it SE!
-
Thanks pal. With some of the tools they've got me carrying I don't want to run into anyone with Interpol cover.
-
Yeah, their quality collapsed after their second album.
-
Thanks pal. With some of the tools they've got me carrying I don't want to run into anyone with Interpol cover.
Interpol cover band was Editors, if memory serves me correctly.
-
Yeah but they're Villa so let 'em off.
-
Who's going to be staying up to watch it live?
-
I am going to try LOL
With it being a pre season friendly; bet it will send me to sleep ;) ;)
Can I say that :D :D
-
I am going to try LOL
With it being a pre season friendly; bet it will send me to sleep ;) ;)
Can I say that :D :D
Yep, I slept through most of the first half at the weekend! But then, I'm sleepy in the afternoons and wide awake at 1am.
-
what time is it on ?
-
And they're off!
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1816055590927389025 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1816055590927389025)
Wonder if they nipped into JD at the airport for a few tops.
-
Yeah but they're Villa so let 'em off.
Only the bass player.
-
what time is it on ?
00:45 Sunday morning :( :(
-
what time is it on ?
00:45 Sunday morning :( :(
Thanks I would like to say great as I will just be coming in , alas i will set an alarm and have an early night :D
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And they're off!
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1816055590927389025 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1816055590927389025)
Wonder if they nipped into JD at the airport for a few tops.
Are those half zip tops?
-
And they're off!
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1816055590927389025 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1816055590927389025)
Wonder if they nipped into JD at the airport for a few tops.
Looks like little Emi is not coming back judging by the number of suitcases he has!
-
He has some flask thing on there too? Maybe it's his turn to make a brew.
-
Yeah but they're Villa so let 'em off.
Only the bass player.
One of the others is Ipswich Town FC, harmless since '81.
-
There's a photo of Onana on the plane on Twitter. Pau is in the background and he looks like he's got a fag on.
-
Who was in the grey adidas gear in the photos?
-
Who was in the grey adidas gear in the photos?
I think it's Joe Gauci, ready for his nap.
-
Going the Columbus game this Saturday, can't f'n wait, my first live Villa game since covid!
-
Doesn't look like Amadou is watching the Columbus Crew tactics video Emery had loaded to all the iPads.
https://x.com/LewisDobbin/status/1816063454983176556/photo/1
-
There's worse things he could be watching.
-
There's worse things he could be watching.
Galactica 1980?
-
Going the Columbus game this Saturday, can't f'n wait, my first live Villa game since covid!
Is BCVillain going too?
-
Looking slightly further ahead to the pre season game in Dortmund on Aug 9th. Does anyone know how many of our 3,308 ticket allocation we have sold for this game so far?
-
Looking at the photos of the lads sat on the plane to the US, it wouldn’t shock me if Emery drew up the seating plan. Positioning players next to each other to develop language skills. Set them homework via video analysis of future opponents. Down time is Football Manager or quizzes about tactical formations and when to use the press or low block.
-
I’m reminded of school trips (usually on a coach) and that brilliant Willy Russell play/film when the kids liberate a penguin from the zoo.
-
Going the Columbus game this Saturday, can't f'n wait, my first live Villa game since covid!
Is BCVillain going too?
Have a great time, VL! And BC if, there. 👍🥂
-
I had forgotten when we signed Onana that he would know Tielemans from the international team, and also Dobbin from Everton.
I know we've got a few new faces in, but most of them are coming in knowing someone pretty well, which has to help with settling in.
-
I hope the squad look happier when they land in the US than they did last year.
Morgan Sansons face still haunts me from that group pic when they got to the hotel foyer
-
Going the Columbus game this Saturday, can't f'n wait, my first live Villa game since covid!
We're driving over Friday/Saturday from CT (ca. 10 hours), then heading back in time to get to NJ on Wednesday. Daughter and I are very excited to see the boys again - we saw them in Philly last year, which was the first time she had seen them live.
Safe travels to all.
-
Going the Columbus game this Saturday, can't f'n wait, my first live Villa game since covid!
Is BCVillain going too?
Have a great time, VL! And BC if, there. 👍🥂
I doubt BC will be able to make it.
-
Going the Columbus game this Saturday, can't f'n wait, my first live Villa game since covid!
We're driving over Friday/Saturday from CT (ca. 10 hours), then heading back in time to get to NJ on Wednesday. Daughter and I are very excited to see the boys again - we saw them in Philly last year, which was the first time she had seen them live.
Safe travels to all.
I’m wishing you, your daughter and All the NA Villa Boys a very happy time on this American tour, CTVillan!
-
I had forgotten when we signed Onana that he would know Tielemans from the international team, and also Dobbin from Everton.
I know we've got a few new faces in, but most of them are coming in knowing someone pretty well, which has to help with settling in.
Apparently Youri helped convince him to join us.
-
Going the Columbus game this Saturday, can't f'n wait, my first live Villa game since covid!
We're driving over Friday/Saturday from CT (ca. 10 hours), then heading back in time to get to NJ on Wednesday. Daughter and I are very excited to see the boys again - we saw them in Philly last year, which was the first time she had seen them live.
Safe travels to all.
See you on I70! Just under 3 hours from Pitt :-)
-
Going the Columbus game this Saturday, can't f'n wait, my first live Villa game since covid!
Is BCVillain going too?
Have a great time, VL! And BC if, there. 👍🥂
I doubt BC will be able to make it.
He could be training for The Mount Terry Fox Challenge which takes place on 24th August (Aston Villa vs Arsenal on that day). 21 km 1450 m positive elevation.
-
I’m wishing you, your daughter and All the NA Villa Boys a very happy time on this American tour, CTVillan!
Thank you kindly !
See you I70! Just under 3 hours from Pitt :-)
[jealous emoji]
We're in section 206 in case anyone else is close by.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTRtpUmWQAAxPP4?format=jpg&name=small)
-
Will they be coaching between each destination or flying and using a different coach each state?
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTRtpUmWQAAxPP4?format=jpg&name=small)
Nice!
I was wondering this morning how many shirts they have to sell over there during the tour and what the availability will be like.
I can't imagine Heck and his team would pass up the opportunity to sell product.
-
So, Archer is there! :)
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/25/gallery--villa-straight-to-work-in-usa/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/25/gallery--villa-straight-to-work-in-usa/)
I don't like all this green training kit. I'm hoping it will be replaced by something more us before the season starts.
You can see a light square around the badge and the squad numbers, almost like from the heat block for the transfer... it looks tat.
-
Seems to be on some and not others. So might be a worn and wash affect. The ones you see it on might be the first time use or just been put on very recently. Once washed it goes normal.
I don't mind the green training kit with the red for the managerial staff.
-
I’m reminded of school trips (usually on a coach) and that brilliant Willy Russell play/film when the kids liberate a penguin from the zoo.
Our Day Out
-
Will they be coaching between each destination or flying and using a different coach each state?
Flying, with CT Villan driving the coach to each venue.
-
So, Archer is there! :)
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/25/gallery--villa-straight-to-work-in-usa/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/25/gallery--villa-straight-to-work-in-usa/)
I don't like all this green training kit. I'm hoping it will be replaced by something more us before the season starts.
You can see a light square around the badge and the squad numbers, almost like from the heat block for the transfer... it looks tat.
I for one am going to go for 'I don't really care about what they are wearing for a pre-season warm-up, life is too short'. Although I do appreciate a bit of Champions League level Brummie moaning so good work!
-
I’m reminded of school trips (usually on a coach) and that brilliant Willy Russell play/film when the kids liberate a penguin from the zoo.
Our Day Out
Thanks, eamonn, couldn’t remember the title at the time!
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTRtpUmWQAAxPP4?format=jpg&name=small)
FFS, did Luke design that coach?
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTRtpUmWQAAxPP4?format=jpg&name=small)
Nice!
Yep very smart, and a sneak preview of next season's kit. Clever marketing!
-
Considering this is my first time driving a coach I thought I did an ok job parking it. Next stop Walmart parking lot to do a few donuts.
-
I’m wishing you, your daughter and All the NA Villa Boys a very happy time on this American tour, CTVillan!
Thank you kindly !
See you I70! Just under 3 hours from Pitt :-)
[jealous emoji]
We're in section 209, see you there CT and usav!
Gaswerks after for pints and a good time.
Cheers and UTV!
We're in section 206 in case anyone else is close by.
-
Considering this is my first time driving a coach I thought I did an ok job parking it. Next stop Walmart parking lot to do a few donuts.
If the coach driving doesn't work out, you could always consider a career in the police.
-
I’m reminded of school trips (usually on a coach) and that brilliant Willy Russell play/film when the kids liberate a penguin from the zoo.
Our Day Out
Loved that.
-
I know they were being given a "holiday", but I would have thought Watkins, Konsa and Martinez would have been back for some pre-season matches, even if only played in the last one.
-
I know they were being given a "holiday", but I would have thought Watkins, Konsa and Martinez would have been back for some pre-season matches, even if only played in the last one.
There’s another couple after this tour.
-
Travelling squad
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1816940784077476275/photo/1
-
What time is KO?
-
What time is KO?
1am Sunday morning
-
Ah, ta.
-
I know they were being given a "holiday", but I would have thought Watkins, Konsa and Martinez would have been back for some pre-season matches, even if only played in the last one.
The three of them deserve as much time off as they want, to be honest.
-
No Duran
-
No Duran
He will have been given the same time off as Konsa, Martinez, and Watkins.
-
With no Watkins and Duran, this tour is the opportunity Cam must take to show Unai he can have a future at Villa. Dobbin is the only other striker in the squad and an opportunity for him to impress also.
-
No Duran
Is there something I should know .
-
No Duran
Is there something I should know .
Probably lots.
-
No Duran
Is there something I should know .
Probably lots.
Oooh you walked into that 😃
-
With no Watkins and Duran, this tour is the opportunity Cam must take to show Unai he can have a future at Villa. Dobbin is the only other striker in the squad and an opportunity for him to impress also.
Feel pretty sure that unai has already made up his mind about Archer tbh, even if be bangs them in pre season it feels like he'll be off
-
With no Watkins and Duran, this tour is the opportunity Cam must take to show Unai he can have a future at Villa. Dobbin is the only other striker in the squad and an opportunity for him to impress also.
He didn't seem to do well in the US games last season , missed a pen i think ? Hopefully he does better this time and gets plenty of minutes
-
Not sure if it has been said, but todays match will be live on YouTube..
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTh51XiWEAE-LLq?format=jpg)
-
Is that close enough to the best starting 11 we have at the moment? Nedeljkovic swapped for Cash maybe.
Edit - wait.... Where's McGinn?
-
Probably on for the second half. No Dobbin, Carlos, Olsen etc.
-
I wonder if it’ll be another 45 minuter or if they will start increasing how long some players get.
-
Intended to stop up to watch but that is a pretty crappy line up. Good to see Buendia on bench.
No Tielemans or Ramsay either
-
Probably on for the second half. No Dobbin, Carlos, Olsen etc.
Not on the bench!
-
Intended to stop up to watch but that is a pretty crappy line up. Good to see Buendia on bench.
No Tielemans or Ramsay either
It’s only another ten minutes til kick-off.
-
Intended to stop up to watch but that is a pretty crappy line up. Good to see Buendia on bench.
No Tielemans or Ramsay either
It’s only another ten minutes til kick-off.
I know but thought we would see a better se of players tbh. Will give it 30 mins
-
Great support for our shit players!
;D
-
Great support for our shit players!
;D
Please bear in mind Hookey's 60, and the Ovaltine is kicking in.
-
That team looks tinpot, where's our big hitters ffs? Monchi out.
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Elmo!
-
Great to see Emi Jr on the bench
-
I wonder if Dean Smith will be at a game.
-
Captain Leon.
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Come on you LIONS!
-
That kit looks awesome. :D
-
New kit looks great.
-
I wonder if Dean Smith will be at a game.
His side Charlotte FC have a game tonight and Wednesday. So possibly for the game vs Club America in Chicago.
-
The American national anthem before a game always reminds me of The Naked Gun.
-
There's a reason for no safe standing. Seriously, WTF?
Another WTF, national anthems? Dump the Trump! No words.
-
Great to see all the Villa fans showing due respect to US national anthem. Class!
-
Gaucci is the least Australian looking person I've ever seen.
-
Columbus will be a good test. In the middle of their regular season sitting third in the Eastern conference in MLS. They are also MLS Cup champions from last season.
-
Great to see all the Villa fans showing due respect to US national anthem. Class!
The only words I know is “wave your butts in the air!”, but I’m not sure if that’s just Frank Drebin’s version.
-
Columbus will be a good test. In the middle of their regular season sitting third in the Eastern conference in MLS. They are also MLS Cup champions from last season.
And looking dapper in yellow and black Adidas, too.
-
Great to see all the Villa fans showing due respect to US national anthem. Class!
To be fair probably most have double nationality. I could care more. More interesting is how our boys adapt. On paper it's a decent side. I've been looking forward to this all week.
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Buendia on the bench!
-
Great support for our shit players!
;D
Please bear in mind Hookey's 60, and the Ovaltine is kicking in.
Cheeky fecker
Kit looks superb
-
Rogers starting as striker?
-
Some number changes since the last match, I see.
-
Fuck me we are taking some real risks at the back.
-
Great to see all the Villa fans showing due respect to US national anthem. Class!
To be fair probably most have double nationality. I could care more. More interesting is how our boys adapt. On paper it's a decent side. I've been looking forward to this all week.
In Ireland, the national anthem's played before all big GAA games so perfectly normal for us to stand and show respect.
-
Olsen, Tielemans, McGinn, Ramsey, and Swinkles all sitting up in the box or something watching the game.
-
Grrr. That was a chance.
-
Joe Gauchi does all the basic things very well.
-
Joe Gauchi does all the basic things very well.
Yeah, he’s got a good presence in his box.
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Rogers is gonna be a star
-
That looked a penalty to us. Rodgers brought down.
-
The kit does look absolutely bang on.
-
The kit does look absolutely bang on.
Yeah, it looks absolutely superb (apart from the numbers).
-
And that should be another pen to us for hand ball.
-
Fuck sake. 1-0 Columbus
-
Booooo! Good finish though.
-
Emery out.
-
Feeney fucked up there. Too bad for the kid.
-
Even when conceeding, there's something really nice about not having VAR
-
Roger should have equalised.
-
Feeney not having a great game, but we're looking very much like a bunch of players not quite on the same wavelength.
-
Feeney not having a great game, but we're looking very much like a bunch of players not quite on the same wavelength.
Yeah, but remember he’s never played anywhere near this level in his life.
It’s a big learning experience for him tonight.
-
Weird team obvs, Feeney struggling against their press, they look sharp cause it’s the middle of their season.
Really like the look of Enzo on the ball. Very calm, intelligent passing.
-
Columbus is in mid-season form. I think we look okay. Barrenchea could be good.
-
Bailey doing a bit too much dancing around and not much end product yet.
-
Columbus is in mid-season form. I think we look okay. Barrenchea could be good.
Yeah, he's been good so far.
-
Nedeljkovic looks like he's got a bit of pace.
-
A let off there.
-
Bloody hell Barkley. Sloppy play let them in. Could have been 2-0
-
Has cam touched the ball yet?
-
Feeney not having a great game, but we're looking very much like a bunch of players not quite on the same wavelength.
Yeah, but remember he’s never played anywhere near this level in his life.
It’s a big learning experience for him tonight.
To be fair I think a couple of times it's been other players putting him under unnecessary pressure.
-
There looked a few issues for the goal. I think Enzo rushed in towards goal and left a big void in midfield. Nobody on the right got back to support the defence. And then Feeney committed to a challenge rather than holding firm.
A good team effort!
-
Are the sleeves on our jersey two tone or is Josh Feeney sweating up a storm? Some of them look practically black too.
-
There looked a few issues for the goal. I think Enzo rushed in towards goal and left a big void in midfield. Nobody on the right got back to support the defence. And then Feeney committed to a challenge rather than holding firm.
A good team effort!
:D
Much rather these things happen in pre-season. Always learn much more from your mistakes.
-
Are the sleeves on our jersey two tone or is Josh Feeney sweating up a storm? Some of them look practically black too.
I was just thinking, these shirts look every bit as sweaty as the Castore shite.
-
Not seen much from SI-J yet, had a few chances to stand up the RB one on one.
-
I like the look of Nedjelkovic, he looks like he has settled quickly, gets forward, looks confident.
-
Are the sleeves on our jersey two tone or is Josh Feeney sweating up a storm? Some of them look practically black too.
I was just thinking, these shirts look every bit as sweaty as the Castore shite.
Would be very funny if all along it’s been how our kit man is washing the shirts or something
-
Not seen much from SI-J yet, had a few chances to stand up the RB one on one.
Yeah, he looks skilful, but still raw. He will definitely benefit from the coaching team as the season progresses.
-
Are the sleeves on our jersey two tone or is Josh Feeney sweating up a storm? Some of them look practically black too.
I was just thinking, these shirts look every bit as sweaty as the Castore shite.
Would be very funny if all along it’s been how our kit man is washing the shirts or something
"Oh, what, 40 degrees? You said 20!"
-
Cam should have scored there.
-
Oh, Cam!
-
Cam doesn’t look at the required level to stay with us. Shame really
-
Big Morg has been the best player on the pitch so far for us.
-
I was just thinking, these shirts look every bit as sweaty as the Castore shite.
It looks better on these shirts though, due to the darker claret. (IMO)
-
Big Morg has been the best player on the pitch so far for us.
He’s a lovely player.
-
We seem to have the pre-Luton Barkley. Gave the ball away again.
-
Another Feeney fuck up. 2-0 Columbus
-
That was all down to Pau's mistaken pass. Not much Feeney could do, I thinkn
-
Feeney at fault there.
-
Another Feeney fuck up. 2-0 Columbus
A Torres fuckup and a Gauci fuckup too.
-
Torres and Feeney doing their best Lescott and Richards impression there…
Get little Emi on I want to see him do some fun stuff
-
I think Feeney will be looking for another club soon.
-
That was Pau’s fault..
-
Another Feeney fuck up. 2-0 Columbus
A Torres fuckup and a Gauci fuckup too.
Yeah.
-
Another Feeney fuck up. 2-0 Columbus
A Torres fuckup and a Gauci fuckup too.
I don’t think Gauchi could do a lot there. Certainly Pau could have done better
-
That's enough for me, I think.
I know it's the point of these games but we do look like 11 players who haven't played together that much. Some positive stuff from most of them but I'd think we'll be sticking pretty closely to the usual starting 11 for a while yet.
-
I think Feeney will be looking for another club soon.
Christ. He’s 19 and only ever made 9 appearances in men’s football.
Give the kid a break.
-
That high line looking highly suspect
-
That guy that keeps scoring for them looks alright? Could we leave Archer with them and take him home?
-
YESSSSS CAM!!!!
-
wooooo
-
Well done, Cam! ;D
-
That guy that keeps scoring for them looks alright? Could we leave Archer with them and take him home?
Ahem
-
Get innnnn!
-
That guy that keeps scoring for them looks alright? Could we leave Archer with them and take him home?
ha ha
-
That guy that keeps scoring for them looks alright? Could we leave Archer with them and take him home?
Never mind.
-
Hell yeah Cam!
-
Smashed in
-
That’s the first time we’ve capitalised on a mistake, whereas they’ve punished us every chance…
-
Bloody hell
-
Fuck sake. 3-1. Hat trick for their forward
-
FFS!
-
ha..
-
Ffs hatvtrick for the fella
-
To be fair that’s an unreal finish haha, not even an error in there
-
We still can’t defend. Piss poor at the back after a lovely finish from Archer.
-
Dear Unai sign Cucho
-
very weak at the back
-
That guy that keeps scoring for them looks alright? Could we leave Archer with them and take him home?
Never mind.
Although.......
-
We are having a fucking nightmare at the back
-
Shades of Olympiacos here
-
Looked off?
-
Pau and Moreno having a mare.
-
Pay and Moreno having a mare.
The more experienced side of the defence too. Nedeljkovic maybe the only of the back 4 looking decent.
-
This Colombian kid is only 25. Looked very sharp.
-
Worryingly the game has passed Barkley by. He looks gassed.
-
Decent game so far.
-
This Colombian kid is only 25. Looked very sharp.
Could we swap him for our Colombian?
-
I think Feeney will be looking for another club soon.
Christ. He’s 19 and only ever made 9 appearances in men’s football.
Give the kid a break.
Nah. 19 or not, if you are expecting to play for the Villa you’ve got to be better than that.
-
Definitely looks like a pre-season warm up from us. Everyone not quite in sync.
I thought Baranechea looks class. And Rogers, obvs.
-
so sleepy i might have to come back here to find out about the second half , night all
-
It would have been shit to win all the games. Didn’t we go down the season we last did that?
-
I thought we largely controlled the first half, but every time Columbus came forward they look like scoring. The fuck ups at the back don’t really help I guess. The heat will play a part and fitness will improve but Columbus look a lot sharper than we do at the moment.
-
Let’s see Buendia, Onana, JP and Maatsen.
-
Pay and Moreno having a mare.
Yes. They also have a predilection for putting their hands behind their back at inauspicious moments.
-
I think Feeney will be looking for another club soon.
Christ. He’s 19 and only ever made 9 appearances in men’s football.
Give the kid a break.
It's a Hillbilly Elegy. :(
-
We need Mings back. And Ezri.
R
-
I think Feeney will be looking for another club soon.
Christ. He’s 19 and only ever made 9 appearances in men’s football.
Give the kid a break.
Nah. 19 or not, if you are expecting to play for the Villa you’ve got to be better than that.
He’s literally one of the most highly-rated kids at the club. ;D
Stop shitting yourself over a friendly.
-
Let’s see Buendia, Onana, JP and Maatsen.
Yes this would make it worth watching for sure
-
I think Feeney will be looking for another club soon.
Christ. He’s 19 and only ever made 9 appearances in men’s football.
Give the kid a break.
Nah. 19 or not, if you are expecting to play for the Villa you’ve got to be better than that.
He’s literally one of the most highly-rated kids at the club. ;D
Stop shitting yourself over a friendly.
Agree. Feeney will become a top class defender.
-
Another Feeney fuck up. 2-0 Columbus
A Torres fuckup and a Gauci fuckup too.
I don’t think Gauchi could do a lot there.
Well, apart from be on the edge of his box with the defence that high. Anyone on here could have done that and it’s not a goal. Awful positioning.
-
Morgan Rogers has stood out for us. Lovely two footed player, possibly a bit greedy a couple of times but going to be a high class player.
-
Digne for Moreno, Cash, JPB and Carlos on
-
Need to get an early goal now.
-
Quick summary,
The defence looks they can't deal with trouble
The space between defence and midfield and attack and midfield is blurred
The attack is chaotic at best
The high line is very predictable and easy to exploit.
Most of our players probably still don't know the names of their teammates.
-
Moreno is still on!
-
I think Feeney will be looking for another club soon.
Too slow, poor awareness, poor decision making. We’ll see.
Christ. He’s 19 and only ever made 9 appearances in men’s football.
Give the kid a break.
Nah. 19 or not, if you are expecting to play for the Villa you’ve got to be better than that.
He’s literally one of the most highly-rated kids at the club. ;D
Stop shitting yourself over a friendly.
-
Excuse me lads what LOL
-
Is Digne in central defence?
-
Jesus, that’s awful from Cash. Absolute shite. Thank God it’s a friendly.
-
Jesus, that’s awful from Cash. Absolute shite. Thank God it’s a friendly.
He’s better than Konsa you know.
-
Who is the English guy on co comms on the MLS YouTube channel?
-
Is Digne in central defence?
Looks that way
-
Who is the English guy on co comms on the MLS YouTube channel?
Warren Barton I think
-
Who is the English guy on co comms on the MLS YouTube channel?
Warren Barton.
-
Jesus, that’s awful from Cash. Absolute shite. Thank God it’s a friendly.
He’s better than Konsa you know.
Couldn’t agree more Perce 😂
-
Who is the English guy on co comms on the MLS YouTube channel?
Warren Barton.
-
Warren Barton.
-
Champions League you’re having a laugh
-
There is absolutely a concern around the number of new players we need to try and integrate, that’s valid. But it’s a friendly, I wouldn’t draw too many conclusions.
-
Was hoping for more from Barrenechea.
-
There will be a bit of a video session for the lads tomorrow. Should have been 5.
-
There is absolutely a concern around the number of new players we need to try and integrate, that’s valid. But it’s a friendly, I wouldn’t draw too many conclusions.
I’m not too worried about integration as the spine will remain - Martinez, Konsa, Torres, Kamara/Tielemans, McGinn, Watkins.
Only one of whom has been on tonight.
-
28C at 9.30pm isn’t easy to play in.
-
Welcome back Emi B!
-
Welcome back Emi Buendia.
-
The Donck, Maatsen, KKH, Emi, Onana coming on
-
Emi! ;D ;D ;D
The team just got 100% sexier.
-
Good to see Buendia on.
-
he’s football heaven!
-
10s on the pitch and already a sliding tackle from Onana :D
-
Onana is a big lad!
-
Onana already looks very decent
Cash close
-
We’ve missed Buendia and his little through balls.
-
Oooh Emi flick at the near post. We’ve missed that.
-
So in the last 12 months Emi’s knee is better but his right hand isn’t.
-
He’s our little Scrappy Doo.
-
Our short passing and hustle look so much better after the subs
-
It’s slowed right down..l
-
We need to get to the game at West Ham without any stupid injuries. Results are nice, but fitness and improving cohesion much more so.
-
We need to get to the game at West Ham without any stupid injuries. Results are nice, but fitness and improving cohesion much more so.
Yeah, you can tell a lot of this team selection is based on fitness levels and who needs what, rather than working on play.
-
That might be the best thing I’ve seen Dendoncker do.
-
How hard is it to get Carlos’s name right?
-
Has anyone seem Austin MacPhee on the tour?
-
Emi has missed this, you can tell!
-
That might be the best thing I’ve seen Dendoncker do.
The goal at Old Trafford, his performances in the thrashings of Brentford, Manure and the Jawdiies.
That’s the top 4 for me.
-
Despite the result I am very much enjoying seeing Emi, Onana and Maatsen in this half. All quality
-
Has anyone seem Austin MacPhee on the tour?
Just caught sight of his golden locks down 2 from Paco.
-
It’s great to see Emi out there and moving without any real issue.
-
It’s great to see Emi out there and moving without any real issue.
Yep, and fighting.
-
Has anyone seem Austin MacPhee on the tour?
Just caught sight of his golden locks down 2 from Paco.
Ahhh, I must have missed his barnet.
-
I’ve quite enjoyed the commentary too on this MLS feed, which is rare for a pre season friendly
-
If Maatsen and Onana are back with us after the Euros, where is McGinn? Considering Scotland went out about 4 weeks before Holland and Belgium.
-
Another lovely ball by Buendia.
-
Game over. First half makeshift defence made silly errors that led to their goals. We should have had at least one penalty. We didn’t do a lot in the second half but got a bit better as the game went on and better players came on. Nobody injured, great to see Emi return.
-
If Maatsen and Onana are back with us after the Euros, where is McGinn? Considering Scotland went out about 4 weeks before Holland and Belgium.
In the stand with Youri.
-
Crew filth
-
If Maatsen and Onana are back with us after the Euros, where is McGinn? Considering Scotland went out about 4 weeks before Holland and Belgium.
I’m guessing it’s about who needs what on an individual level.
-
At times it had the feel of 'getting used to new teammates under game conditions', where there were passes to space where others hadn't made the expected movement.
-
The kit looks lovely too in action.
-
The biggest difference between the teams was the reaction speeds and urgency. Understandable given they’re in the middle of their season.
-
At times it had the feel of 'getting used to new teammates under game conditions', where there were passes to space where others hadn't made the expected movement.
Yes, not sure how much training is being devoted to tactics and positioning at this stage. Especially with the core of the first eleven still away.
-
Despite the result I am very much enjoying seeing Emi, Onana and Maatsen in this half. All quality
Highlight was probably the new shirts.
-
Highlight was definitely seeing Emi Buendia kicking a ball in anger again.
-
So in the last 12 months Emi’s knee is better but his right hand isn’t.
Haha!
-
Fucking shite tonight, no other way to describe it.
-
Fucking shite tonight, no other way to describe it.
Not even Shakespeare could have done better. :P
-
A poor showing but not completely unexpected at this stage of the season. The defence were garbage. Bailey and Rogers tried.
Best bit was my daughter getting autographs from almost the entire squad and SUE before the game.
The game against RB Leipzig can't be any worse surely?
-
I thought we looked quite lively early on, certainly Rogers, Barronechea and Neddy. Feeney looked very vulnerable from the start and our lack of a striker to provide a focal point was evident. Archer is a fabulous finisher but his general game isn't massively suited to Emery.
For me, last night said spend money on a centre back and a backup striker before dropping £50m on Felix, but what do I know lol.
-
Just seen the score. This is the point at which we say the results of pre season friendlies have no bearing on the season ahead.
-
Just got up and noted that we had a kick around in the USA. That's nice.
-
Glad i went to bed at halftime
-
The defense must be fixed. Obviously, Feeney was never going to feature this season, so not fussed about his performance. Kosta was not impressive to me. Poor touch and average defending. Cash? The less said the better, but woeful. Carlos? Nice guy, but not good enough. Pau has many good qualities and I know why he is rated, but I am somewhat old fashioned and like my defenders to be able to defend and have a bit of pace about them first and foremost. Paul lacks in these areas compared to Mings at his best, and I feel the team suffers for it. Do not read me as totally slating Pau, but I am not as enamored with him as most others including Emery (which means that I also recognize that I am out of step, but this board is a place for opinions, even bad ones!). Obviously, no Konsa hurt, so that makes a difference if he is next to Pau. Feel like we need to strengthen along the back four if we are going to challenge for the title and the CL, which should be our aim at this point even if we would not be favorites.
-
Agree to be honest but I think Pau’s deficiencies are why he never got picked up by an established top table team. I’m also not convinced Konsa suitably covers for those deficiencies which is why I’d have a RCB high on the list and Konsa will play more at rb.
Having said that, there is absolutely no chance we’re challenging for the title. If we replicate last season it will be a massive success, probably even a bigger one than last season.
-
Looks like falling asleep on the couch was an inspired decision.
-
I sense that a lot of mattresses are going to need cleaning today.
-
Good post, Pelty and you're right, we really need to improve the defence from last season. Whether that means adding new faces or changing the formation and go three at the back with wing backs I'm not sure but we let in far too many last season and need to tighten up.
-
Agree re Torres , he isn't a great defender . Disagree re Konsa at RB really don't want to see him playing there anymore . The defence is our Achilles heel.
-
Poor result but not too overly concerned about it.
-
I sense that a lot of mattresses are going to need cleaning today.
How true...when Martinez, Konsa, McGinn, Tielemans, Ramsey and Watkins are back playing the beds may start to dry.
-
Agree re Torres , he isn't a great defender . Disagree re Konsa at RB really don't want to see him playing there anymore . The defence is our Achilles heel.
Realise I’m contradicting myself but I also don’t like him there. I just don’t think he & Torres complement each other that well and he’s too good not to play!
-
Just watched a 2 min showreel of Onana’s involvement last night.
Feck me, the bloke is even more huge in a Villa shirt…..he’s fucking mahoosive, and decent, in those highlights.
-
Seems like it shows.
Colombos have played twenty odd matches and in their season while Villa are in pre season.
Performance wise is the most interesting aspect.
Fitness the most important.
And even though I unable to see other than brief goal highlights it's great that Buendia afforded some minutes.
Rodgers stands out in the highlights and not just because of his hair!
Excellent by Archer , I think this pre season tour has an opportunity to stake a claim for squad inclusion for the season
Feeney looks too raw and possible he just being a fattened calf who will be eventually sold on.
-
I don’t think these games are anything other than getting players fit. The results are almost irrelevant.
-
A poor showing but not completely unexpected at this stage of the season. The defence were garbage. Bailey and Rogers tried.
Best bit was my daughter getting autographs from almost the entire squad and SUE before the game.
The game against RB Leipzig can't be any worse surely?
Fantastic to hear you and daughter met the squad ! Be a great momento.
Up the Villa!!
-
There is absolutely a concern around the number of new players we need to try and integrate, that’s valid. But it’s a friendly, I wouldn’t draw too many conclusions.
I’m not too worried about integration as the spine will remain - Martinez, Konsa, Torres, Kamara/Tielemans, McGinn, Watkins.
Only one of whom has been on tonight.
We are still relying on the spine Deano put together. Is Nakamba back from injury yet?
-
I watched the whole game and thought Columba naturally looked sharper than us, which is to be expected. Rogers, Onana stood out. I know it's pre-season and we'll get Ollie back but I thought we really lacked up top, although Archer took his goal well, but could have a couple of others. Columbus were a good, high pressing side and I am sure our players are knackered from double training sessions and having so many new players to bed in. Things will settle down. I'm interested in seeing the development of people like Barrenechea.
-
Seems like it shows.
Colombos have played twenty odd matches and in their season while Villa are in pre season.
Performance wise is the most interesting aspect.
Fitness the most important.
And even though I unable to see other than brief goal highlights it's great that Buendia afforded some minutes.
Rodgers stands out in the highlights and not just because of his hair!
Excellent by Archer , I think this pre season tour has an opportunity to stake a claim for squad inclusion for the season
Feeney looks too raw and possible he just being a fattened calf who will be eventually sold on.
Just one more thing......the new kit looked superb.
-
Rubbish ! Rubbish!
Can someone tell me how to rip my season ticket up and throw it in the air in a big flouncing fashion now they’re digitally on my phone wallet
-
I guess getting some minutes played for various people is the most important thing at this stage still, so need to chuck the baby out with the bath water. Torres really does concern me though. For all his ability on the ball, the defensive side of his game is a bit limited, and he really needs to step it up a bit.
-
I think Torres could be better in a three or even as a left back - balance by an attacking right back. Pretty much opposite to what we do with Konsa.
-
Rubbish ! Rubbish!
Can someone tell me how to rip my season ticket up and throw it in the air in a big flouncing fashion now they’re digitally on my phone wallet
Throw your iPhone onto the fire. Come out and find the one that you love.
-
Gauchi - nervous at times but not really at fault for any goals
Ned sloppy at times. Uses pace to cover his deficiencies
Feeny - ok for a kid but god help us if he is needed for first team yet.
Pau- pretty poor tbh, crap position for 2goals and gave ball away unnecessarily.
Moreno- bang average and way off pace for first goal.
Barkley- way off it. Looked lost at times.
Enzo- Tidy
Junior - thought was best of bunch first half
Bailey- slack at times. Hope last season doesn't go to his head and he goes back to the old Bailey.
Archer- had 2 chances and buried one of them. Other than that he was anonymous.
Rogers- I actually thought he kept trying to do too much at times.
Philogene- lively but no end product.
Maatson- looked good going forward.
Onana- other than one sloppy lost pass looked a giant on the pitch
Zych- sloppy for goal
Cash- run forward, stop, play ball back and repeat. Awful mistake for 4th goal
Carlos- okish
Haden- got forward well. Seemingly more a winger than RB
Digne - left CB? Strange
Buendia- great to see him back at his niggle best. A couple of lovely trademark through balls.
So when can we expect
Mcginn
Tielemans
Watkins
Konsa
Martinez back in the squad?
The kit looked superb
-
Positive that Archer scored again . Lovely finish too .
-
Gauchi - nervous at times but not really at fault for any goals
Ned sloppy at times. Uses pace to cover his deficiencies
Feeny - ok for a kid but god help us if he is needed for first team yet.
Pau- pretty poor tbh, crap position for 2goals and gave ball away unnecessarily.
Moreno- bang average and way off pace for first goal.
Barkley- way off it. Looked lost at times.
Enzo- Tidy
Junior - thought was best of bunch first half
Bailey- slack at times. Hope last season doesn't go to his head and he goes back to the old Bailey.
Archer- had 2 chances and buried one of them. Other than that he was anonymous.
Rogers- I actually thought he kept trying to do too much at times.
Philogene- lively but no end product.
Maatson- looked good going forward.
Onana- other than one sloppy lost pass looked a giant on the pitch
Zych- sloppy for goal
Cash- run forward, stop, play ball back and repeat. Awful mistake for 4th goal
Carlos- okish
Haden- got forward well. Seemingly more a winger than RB
Digne - left CB? Strange
Buendia- great to see him back at his niggle best. A couple of lovely trademark through balls.
So when can we expect
Mcginn
Tielemans
Watkins
Konsa
Martinez back in the squad?
The kit looked superb
Gauci- I think his positioning for their second could be better and he needed to be higher up the pitch. He was in a bit of a no man’s land when the striker took his shot.
-
^^ yeah, his positioning was awful for that goal.. Looked like he must have been leaning up against his post having a fag when the bloke went through.
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Bailey- slack at times. Hope last season doesn't go to his head and he goes back to the old Bailey.
If he does go back to the Old Bailey, we might need H&V's finest legal representation, Richard E & Hopadog Associates, to make sure he stay away from trouble.
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Archer- had 2 chances and buried one of them. Other than that he was anonymous.
Rogers- I actually thought he kept trying to do too much at times.
Buendia- great to see him back at his niggle best. A couple of lovely trademark through balls.
It would have been interesting to see Buendia playing in the first half, since it looke dto me like Archer was waiting for passes that were never made.
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I missed the first 20 mins as dropped off, so didn't see all of the first half.
Thought Onana looked decent. Barranechea looked tidy on the ball. Nedeljkovic showed promise going forward & he looked quite a big lad for all of that pace. Rogers, tidy but greedy. Philogene tried but got crowded out.
Those were the positives for me.
Im going to ignore the negatives because it's only a friendly & means as much as the two victories prior to it.
As pre-season gathers pace, they will get up to speed & with the stronger players being added to the squad, sharpness & the quality will return.
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Gauchi - nervous at times but not really at fault for any goals
Ned sloppy at times. Uses pace to cover his deficiencies
Feeny - ok for a kid but god help us if he is needed for first team yet.
Pau- pretty poor tbh, crap position for 2goals and gave ball away unnecessarily.
Moreno- bang average and way off pace for first goal.
Barkley- way off it. Looked lost at times.
Enzo- Tidy
Junior - thought was best of bunch first half
Bailey- slack at times. Hope last season doesn't go to his head and he goes back to the old Bailey.
Archer- had 2 chances and buried one of them. Other than that he was anonymous.
Rogers- I actually thought he kept trying to do too much at times.
Philogene- lively but no end product.
Maatson- looked good going forward.
Onana- other than one sloppy lost pass looked a giant on the pitch
Zych- sloppy for goal
Cash- run forward, stop, play ball back and repeat. Awful mistake for 4th goal
Carlos- okish
Haden- got forward well. Seemingly more a winger than RB
Digne - left CB? Strange
Buendia- great to see him back at his niggle best. A couple of lovely trademark through balls.
So when can we expect
Mcginn
Tielemans
Watkins
Konsa
Martinez back in the squad?
The kit looked superb
Thank you . Anything to report on Dobbin?
Gauci (Zych 46), Nedeljković (Cash 46), Feeney (Carlos 46), Torres (Digne 46), Moreno (Maatsen 63), Bailey (Kesler Hayden 63), Barkley (Dendoncker 63), Barrenechea (Onana 63), Iling Jr (Philogene 46), Rogers (Buendía 63), Archer (Dobbin 63).
Subs: Wright, Bogarde.
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I missed the first 20 mins as dropped off, so didn't see all of the first half.
Thought Onana looked decent. Barranechea looked tidy on the ball. Nedeljkovic showed promise going forward & he looked quite a big lad for all of that pace. Rogers, tidy but greedy. Philogene tried but got crowded out.
Those were the positives for me.
Im going to ignore the negatives because it's only a friendly & means as much as the two victories prior to it.
As pre-season gathers pace, they will get up to speed & with the stronger players being added to the squad, sharpness & the quality will return.
I don't know why Dobbin was signed apart from financial reasons and no one has talked of him. Any thing can say on seeing him ?
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Dobbin was pretty anonymous.
-
Dobbin was pretty anonymous.
What's the deal with this Dobbin ?
I mean those financial moves seem to have left us with some unbalance by bringing him in.
And seemingly anonymous now by reports!
-
Dobbin was pretty anonymous.
What's the deal with this Dobbin ?
I mean those financial moves seem to have left us with some unbalance by bringing him in.
And seemingly anonymous now by reports!
A 27 minute appearance in a pre season friendly?
SEND HIM BACK.
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I think Torres could be better in a three or even as a left back - balance by an attacking right back. Pretty much opposite to what we do with Konsa.
Alternatively, we could go out and buy one of the best left wing backs in Europe. Oh, hang on..
-
Dobbin was pretty anonymous.
What's the deal with this Dobbin ?
I mean those financial moves seem to have left us with some unbalance by bringing him in.
And seemingly anonymous now by reports!
A 27 minute appearance in a pre season friendly?
SEND HIM BACK.
Well, maybe that's the case as it was a not-so-hidden swap deal for Tim Iroegbunam, so at season end, like other deals for our young gems Philogene and Archer we have seen, the transfer is reversed?
So perhaps he's here for just one season and sees the exchange back for next season if it doesn't work out or play the required number of games? That would make sense.
Or is Dobbin some hope that he's Antony Gordon standard?
Why bring Dobbin out of all the players? He's not needed in that position and can he really be a champions league level player instead of Diaby ?
Why not just the money for Iroegbunam?
I see it was an undisclosed fee.
Do we know likely how much?
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It’s a pre season friendly. It’s ok to discuss and ask questions as we all do. But if we know anything now about Emery is that he is always trying things, looking at players, systems, formations. Areas of our game that he may roll out in the season or scrap altogether. So to over analyze certain players, especially fringe ones doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Dobbin, Feeney, Kosta, KKH are all likely loan candidates. Cam probably helping his sale value with a couple of goals. Unlikely Donck is around a lot longer. Nothing is proven one way or another in these games.
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It’s a pre season friendly. It’s ok to discuss and ask questions as we all do. But if we know anything now about Emery is that he is always trying things, looking at players, systems, formations. Areas of our game that he may roll out in the season or scrap altogether. So to over analyze certain players, especially fringe ones doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Dobbin, Feeney, Kosta, KKH are all likely loan candidates. Cam probably helping his sale value with a couple of goals. Unlikely Donck is around a lot longer. Nothing is proven one way or another in these games.
Just important to see what calibre of players we are dealing with that are playing and in case of Dobin he isn't likely to be loaned out is he ? It's signing him that doesn't make sense
Maybe he will be a key player but I suspect he won't be this season.
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He’s 21. There is plenty of time for him to prove himself. When we signed Morgan Rodgers for a similar amount most people wondered why? And certainly after our game up at Boro in the cup. But he’s been a revelation. Not every player will have that trajectory but to wonder why we signed him after a few pre season minutes is ludicrous. Even by your standards.
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Any link to highlights yet?
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Here's Archer's goal...
https://x.com/ForeverVilla_/status/1817445153272938576?t=9h-KpwK9KMpmEy-sFHCkRg&s=19
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Cheers.
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Any link to highlights yet?
You can watch the whole game on youtube if you want, Lee.
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Any link to highlights yet?
You can watch the whole game on youtube if you want, Lee.
You sadist
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Thank you. Couldn't find anything on Pravda.
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Man, imagine watching that match again. Jesus.
-
Awful. Shambolic. We'll be lucky to stay up.
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Awful. Shambolic. We'll be lucky to stay up.
Miles in legs.
Less painful than running up that hill with Sir Ron Saunders barking excoriations at you.
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He’s 21. There is plenty of time for him to prove himself. When we signed Morgan Rodgers for a similar amount most people wondered why? And certainly after our game up at Boro in the cup. But he’s been a revelation. Not every player will have that trajectory but to wonder why we signed him after a few pre season minutes is ludicrous. Even by your standards.
I've been misunderstood.
I wonder why he was signed. When he was signed. I wondered how he got on against Colombos because of being signed. To see what impact he has.
As I say why sign someone in a position we have of strength and it would only unbalance the squad.
The discussion is why was Dobbin transferred in the first place that is the question to be pondered.
-
Dobbin was pretty anonymous.
What's the deal with this Dobbin ?
I mean those financial moves seem to have left us with some unbalance by bringing him in.
And seemingly anonymous now by reports!
A 27 minute appearance in a pre season friendly?
SEND HIM BACK.
Well, maybe that's the case as it was a not-so-hidden swap deal for Tim Iroegbunam, so at season end, like other deals for our young gems Philogene and Archer we have seen, the transfer is reversed?
So perhaps he's here for just one season and sees the exchange back for next season if it doesn't work out or play the required number of games? That would make sense.
Or is Dobbin some hope that he's Antony Gordon standard?
Why bring Dobbin out of all the players? He's not needed in that position and can he really be a champions league level player instead of Diaby ?
Why not just the money for Iroegbunam?
I see it was an undisclosed fee.
Do we know likely how much?
Dobbin will probably go out on loan. The Iroegbunam and Dobbin signings suited both clubs from a PSR perspective.
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After the Columbus crap we decided to head home via Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. So glad we did, it is wonderful. Home late tomo, then work Tuesday before more driving to the Leipzig game on Wednesday. Hoping SJM, Youri, Dibu, Ezri and Ollie are back in for that one. Oh and since Diego took his shirt off after the Crew game my wife has not stopped drooling :)
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After the Columbus crap we decided to head home via Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. So glad we did, it is wonderful. Home late tomo, then work Tuesday before more driving to the Leipzig game on Wednesday. Hoping SJM, Youri, Dibu, Ezri and Ollie are back in for that one. Oh and since Diego took his shirt off after the Crew game my wife has not stopped drooling :)
This sounds a great experience with Niagara.
Regards Martinez, Watkins and Konsa I on understanding aren't on the tour and given further recovery time after the International final exploits.
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After the Columbus crap we decided to head home via Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. So glad we did, it is wonderful. Home late tomo, then work Tuesday before more driving to the Leipzig game on Wednesday. Hoping SJM, Youri, Dibu, Ezri and Ollie are back in for that one. Oh and since Diego took his shirt off after the Crew game my wife has not stopped drooling :)
The actual town on the Candian side is a right shithole though, or it was when I went 25 years ago. Like Blackpool without the class and charm. The falls are themselves are stunning though.
-
After the Columbus crap we decided to head home via Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. So glad we did, it is wonderful. Home late tomo, then work Tuesday before more driving to the Leipzig game on Wednesday. Hoping SJM, Youri, Dibu, Ezri and Ollie are back in for that one. Oh and since Diego took his shirt off after the Crew game my wife has not stopped drooling :)
The actual town on the Candian side is a right shithole though, or it was when I went 25 years ago. Like Blackpool without the class and charm. The falls are themselves are stunning though.
Correct. If you go ever find yourself up that way, by all means go to the falls, but stay the night in Niagara On The Lake - a small town about 30 minutes away, which has a very European feel and some decent winerires.
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And see the Icedogs play, of course.
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After the Columbus crap we decided to head home via Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. So glad we did, it is wonderful. Home late tomo, then work Tuesday before more driving to the Leipzig game on Wednesday. Hoping SJM, Youri, Dibu, Ezri and Ollie are back in for that one. Oh and since Diego took his shirt off after the Crew game my wife has not stopped drooling :)
The actual town on the Candian side is a right shithole though, or it was when I went 25 years ago. Like Blackpool without the class and charm. The falls are themselves are stunning though.
Correct. If you go ever find yourself up that way, by all means go to the falls, but stay the night in Niagara On The Lake - a small town about 30 minutes away, which has a very European feel and some decent winerires.
That's a nice place that is . Niagra itself is tacky , hotels with heart shaped not tub / baths etc etc
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Just watched the whole game for the first time. Apart from the crappy goals and the suicide high line without VAR in then first half I thought we played ok
Standouts were Rogers who is turning into an absolute beast, Junior was better, Barronechea has definitely got potential, and nice little cameos from Emi, Onana and Maatsen
Disappointments were Moreno, Cash and Gauci, and I’ve seen nothing to suggest Dobbin was nothing more than a makeweight to get us over the PSR line
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Disappointments were Moreno, Cash and Gauci, and I’ve seen nothing to suggest Dobbin was nothing more than a makeweight to get us over the PSR line
Without wanting to go all Footy about the Dobbin transfer how did it help us regards PSR or was it a case of quid pro quo with Everton after the transfer of Tim?
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Yeah, most Everton fans don't rate Onana or Dobbins and say we've been stitched-up and thanks very much for paying off the rest of our new stadium while Villa Park continues to rot.
Cheeky scamps, those Scousers!
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Yeah, most Everton fans don't rate Onana or Dobbins and say we've been stitched-up and thanks very much for paying off the rest of our new stadium while Villa Park continues to rot.
Cheeky scamps, those Scousers!
Yeah? Well one trip to Goodison Park they gave me and my mate a free bottle of Frijj each, so who's the real winner? 8)
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After the Columbus crap we decided to head home via Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. So glad we did, it is wonderful. Home late tomo, then work Tuesday before more driving to the Leipzig game on Wednesday. Hoping SJM, Youri, Dibu, Ezri and Ollie are back in for that one. Oh and since Diego took his shirt off after the Crew game my wife has not stopped drooling :)
Impressed with your family’s commitment and stamina, CT!
I realise distances in the USA are a bit further than popping up/down the M6/M1.
Have you seen yourselves on the YouTube film of the match?
It might be fun if Villans attending these matches gave a shout out to H&V with a rough location in the ground concerned, so we could try to spot you! 😃👍
(But it’s a crowd, Louzie0.
Easy, you’ll be the stunningly good looking fans.)
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Yeah, most Everton fans don't rate Onana or Dobbins and say we've been stitched-up and thanks very much for paying off the rest of our new stadium while Villa Park continues to rot.
Cheeky scamps, those Scousers!
Yeah? Well one trip to Goodison Park they gave me and my mate a free bottle of Frijj each, so who's the real winner? 8)
Balance is important. They also generously chucked 50p pieces onto the pitch when little Emi leapt like a baby salmon to head the winner there 18 months ago.
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Yeah, most Everton fans don't rate Onana or Dobbins and say we've been stitched-up and thanks very much for pay refing off the rest of our new stadium while Villa Park continues to rot.
Cheeky scamps, those Scousers!
we'll see about Onana. Dobbin, I don't get!
I wonder how they'll feel about Tim in 3 months' time?!
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So far I think SUE and Dogtanian shade it for us!
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Is the game against Bilbao next week at VP or Bescot?
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Bilbao deserve better than the Bescot.
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It's at the Bescot, sadly.
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Yeah, most Everton fans don't rate Onana or Dobbins and say we've been stitched-up and thanks very much for pay refing off the rest of our new stadium while Villa Park continues to rot.
Cheeky scamps, those Scousers!
we'll see about Onana. Dobbin, I don't get!
I wonder how they'll feel about Tim in 3 months' time?!
Wouldn't be surprised if Tim also went out on loan. Didn't seem remotely near PL standard but Dycheball might suit him better. If anyone has been stitched up it's the two players involved.
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Not sure they're any worse off than they were before the transfers. Tim wasn't good enough when given the opportunity last season, so chances are a loan was on the cards anyway.
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Bilbao deserve better than the Bescot.
Bilbao at The Bescot is alliterative, and would be a good name for a Half Man Half Biscuit tribute band.
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Impressed with your family’s commitment and stamina, CT!
I realise distances in the USA are a bit further than popping up/down the M6/M1.
Have you seen yourselves on the YouTube film of the match?
It might be fun if Villans attending these matches gave a shout out to H&V with a rough location in the ground concerned, so we could try to spot you! 😃👍
(But it’s a crowd, Louzie0.
Easy, you’ll be the stunningly good looking fans.)
Not seen any video yet but my daughter made posters to hopefully get on TV:)
Niagara town is commercial, but no worse than many other vacation destinations. Daughter loved that there was so much to do. The falls are great and they do a nice job with lighting them and fireworks at night. The drive to Niagara on the Lake is beautiful too especially the Whirlpool area, but as nice as the NOTL architecture is, it is mostly shops, restaurants and wineries. We don't really drink so that soon gets boring for us. The bonus was that the bridge back to the US was empty, one car in front of us at immigration. We will definitely go back.
...and we still have another 176 miles yet to get home !
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You can’t be home quite yet, but I hope you’re considerably nearer!
Sounds as if you all had fun at Niagara.
🛻 Travel safe and I’ll look out for the posters!
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Thanks Louzie0, we just arrived home, over 1500 miles round trip :)
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The Big Man;
https://x.com/AVFC_espanol/status/1818168606032630103 (https://x.com/AVFC_espanol/status/1818168606032630103)
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The Big Man;
https://x.com/AVFC_espanol/status/1818168606032630103 (https://x.com/AVFC_espanol/status/1818168606032630103)
What a waste.
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The Big Man;
https://x.com/AVFC_espanol/status/1818168606032630103 (https://x.com/AVFC_espanol/status/1818168606032630103)
What a waste.
Hugely so.
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Do you guys want me to post some of the pre-game player pictures I have from Columbus ? Don't want to choke the thread up if nobody is interested.
Here's an example...
(https://i.ibb.co/8YCN900/Screenshot-20240730-141123-Gallery.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8YCN900)
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Do it CT
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Yep, let’s see em.
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Bring it on, CT.
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Go for it mate.
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Here you go, enjoy...
(https://i.ibb.co/mzv1jhn/Screenshot-20240730-140445-Gallery.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mzv1jhn)
(https://i.ibb.co/4JcXstW/Screenshot-20240730-140655-Gallery.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4JcXstW)
(https://i.ibb.co/VWypBpF/Screenshot-20240730-140821-Gallery.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VWypBpF)
(https://i.ibb.co/2P74DKz/Screenshot-20240730-140923-Gallery.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2P74DKz)
(https://i.ibb.co/f9bXYNy/Screenshot-20240730-141024-Gallery.jpg) (https://ibb.co/f9bXYNy)
This one was SJM after I joked that he was even more handsome close up - my daughter was horrified :)
(https://i.ibb.co/gvx2CRC/Screenshot-20240730-141141-Gallery.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gvx2CRC)
(https://i.ibb.co/tH1GKVK/20240727-183153.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tH1GKVK)
(https://i.ibb.co/LCqL5Wq/20240727-190240.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LCqL5Wq)
(https://i.ibb.co/3SyctN8/20240727-190419.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3SyctN8)
(https://i.ibb.co/7J9QP3f/20240727-190559.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7J9QP3f)
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Great photo's, CTV!
-
Very nice!
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Thank you CTV, nice.
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Nice photos, who the one in the glasses?
-
Diego Carlos in the glasses.
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Great pics.
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Nice one CT.
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Diego Carlos in the glasses.
Ah ok. Great experience for you and the family.
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Thanks everyone !
Did anyone spot the Douglas Luiz look-a-like in the Unai photo ? Looks like he is a Villa employee too.
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Great photos! I spotted a Gabby Flabby lookalike in the last photo behind Onana (it is him, isn't it?). He loses a star for wearing headphones while meeting other human beings (unless he needs special ear protection or something).
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Great photos.
Thanks a lot.
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Nice one CT. Lovely mate
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Great photos! I spotted a Gabby Flabby lookalike in the last photo behind Onana (it is him, isn't it?). He loses a star for wearing headphones while meeting other human beings (unless he needs special ear protection or something).
Unless his ears are oddly placed, it doesn't look like he actually has them on properly.
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Yes, you are right. Star reinstated.
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Thanks CT, lovely pics.
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Great photos, CT, thanks for posting!
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Thanks CT! hope you and family enjoy the rest of the tour experience!
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Papparazzo level photos, well done. The National Inquirer would be snapping you up with those snaps.
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Papparazzo level photos, well done. The National Inquirer would be snapping you up with those snaps.
'TYRONE MINGS ABDUCTED BY ALIENS, MISSES VILLA'S US TOUR'.
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Great photos, CT. I sense you may in the very near future be forking out for a Villa Buendia shirt.
-
Anyone know if tonight's game is being shown live anywhere?
-
Anyone know if tonight's game is being shown live anywhere?
Pravda
-
Who else is staying up to watch it live?
-
Not a chance.
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Great photos, but judging by the look he gave you, I assume you spilt JJ's pint?
-
Who else is staying up to watch it live?
No Chance .
-
Who else is staying up to watch it live?
Absolutely. I haven't missed a game in years and despite the massive disappointment the other night, I'm pretty excited about tonight. Pre-match nerves already kicking in.
-
I’m going to see how long I can stay awake :)
-
2 am KO. No.
-
I tried to have a few hours kip first, but too warm for it. So I’m sat here ready!
-
I tried to have a few hours kip first, but too warm for it. So I’m sat here ready!
If you stayed awake during the opening ceremony for the Olympics, you can do this.
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I tried to have a few hours kip first, but too warm for it. So I’m sat here ready!
If you stayed awake during the opening ceremony for the Olympics, you can do this.
That was easy as I have a naked blue man fetish. ;D
-
JJ on the bench. Rogers might be up front.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GT2hccgWgAIrfzu?format=jpg&name=large)
-
Ramsey!
-
Grrrrrr.
The fella stayed up watching TV when I went to bed and has used up all the charge on my blutooth headphones. >:(
So now I have to have the sound on while he’s trying to sleep. 8)
-
There doesn’t seem a lot of people there if these images are live.
-
Don’t suppose anyone’s streaming this like the last friendly? (Don’t have Villa tv+).
-
Ian Taylor is embarrassing: 'I remember the first game...I can't remember the first game'!!
-
This it?
https://www.youtube.com/live/oV_p2MRqmsg?si=p25GXw_jsgcmvfKS (https://www.youtube.com/live/oV_p2MRqmsg?si=p25GXw_jsgcmvfKS)
-
They’re not sticklers for timekeeping, are they?
-
Just zoomed in on Dave and Pam Bridgewater!!
-
They’re not sticklers for timekeeping, are they?
No, bloody annoying.
-
The kit looks awesome again. ;D
-
Great, Villa TV not working for me. 25 quid down the shitter.
-
Has Rogers got a shirtcam on?
-
They just put a graphic up saying we’re playing in Maroon… :(
-
Great, Villa TV not working for me. 25 quid down the shitter.
if you don't mind commentary in German, you can try something similar to this:
cricfree.live / watch / aston-villa-vs-rb-leipzig
-
Same problem for me Percy.
-
I’m using Villa TV through the iPhone app and sending it to the TV and that’s working.
-
Great, Villa TV not working for me. 25 quid down the shitter.
if you don't mind commentary in German, you can try something similar to this:
cricfree.live/watch/aston-villa-vs-rb-leipzig
It wants my card details.
-
Iling-Junior ball watching there and not expecting the pass.
-
Fucks sake what a bag of shit.
-
Lovely ball by Carlos.
-
All I’m getting stills that change every time I hit the play button, and some terrible call-waiting muzak.
******.
-
This it?
https://www.youtube.com/live/oV_p2MRqmsg?si=p25GXw_jsgcmvfKS (https://www.youtube.com/live/oV_p2MRqmsg?si=p25GXw_jsgcmvfKS)
Thanks, but it’s one of those YouTube ‘simulation’ scammers. Never understood why people go to the trouble…
-
Hopefully getting all our errors out the system in pre-season.
-
Great, Villa TV not working for me. 25 quid down the shitter.
if you don't mind commentary in German, you can try something similar to this:
cricfree.live/watch/aston-villa-vs-rb-leipzig
It wants my card details.
I'm not watching the game but thought I would give that link a go and it works fine for me, Percy. Pretty decent stream.
-
Great, Villa TV not working for me. 25 quid down the shitter.
if you don't mind commentary in German, you can try something similar to this:
cricfree.live/watch/aston-villa-vs-rb-leipzig
It wants my card details.
I'm not watching the game but thought I would give that link a go and it works fine for me, Percy. Pretty decent stream.
I’m glad you’re not watching it, because that could summon Olivia Coleman to come on for McGinn.
-
Very sloppy goal to concede (Olsen to Barkley on the edge of the box with his back to their goal, gets tackled/fouled and they have an easy tap in past Olsen).
-
Great, Villa TV not working for me. 25 quid down the shitter.
if you don't mind commentary in German, you can try something similar to this:
cricfree.live/watch/aston-villa-vs-rb-leipzig
It wants my card details.
I'm not watching the game but thought I would give that link a go and it works fine for me, Percy. Pretty decent stream.
I’m glad you’re not watching it, because that could summon Olivia Coleman to come on for McGinn.
I love our new claret and blue cardigan.
That site is a pop up nightmare though.
-
I couldn’t get the Villa+ then realised I wasn’t logged in…
Hope Olsen is OK.
Hope Illing-Junior gets better at hanging on to the ball!
One down, come on Villa!
-
Great, Villa TV not working for me. 25 quid down the shitter.
if you don't mind commentary in German, you can try something similar to this:
cricfree.live/watch/aston-villa-vs-rb-leipzig
It wants my card details.
I'm not watching the game but thought I would give that link a go and it works fine for me, Percy. Pretty decent stream.
‘Your phone is currently infected with a Trojan virus’ is all it says to me.
Maybe that’s why it’s playing late sixties Mod reggae.
-
I know it’s pre season etc etc, but we have looked utter shit so far on this US tour. It’s a lot of change to manage so hopefully by West Ham we have a solid first XI to go with. It’s all quite disjointed.
-
Even Cash’s hair is looking lifeless.
-
Been a cracking first half hour! 😂
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Olsen off.
-
We look very predictable. Too slow for my liking.
-
Percy, see your messages.
-
Olsen off, and looked proper groggy after taking a knee to the head when they scored.
-
Iling-Junior needs to work on keeping his balls close.
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Barkley is no better than Dendoncker.
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Better. Shame Bailey was offside. We'll get a shot on goal this half.
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Not had a shot yet or even threatened to.
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I think this new kit is cursed…
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Iling Junior doesn’t look up to much so far.
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Has any club qualified for the CL and then been relegated the following season before?
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2-0 Leipzig. Fights breaking out. Carlos acting a twat and gets sent off.
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whats up with carlos
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Pathetic.
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off
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Openda sent off too
Edit: he’s still on
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carlos defending there awful
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Actually watching it again Carlos should not have been sent off for that. Doesn’t mask that we are playing like absolute shit
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So that’s a player now not getting minutes now in the second half.
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Actually watching it again Carlos should not have been sent off for that. Doesn’t mask that we are playing like absolute shit
Yeah, but as soon as you react and touch the guy then you’re always risking it.
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Another sloppy goal conceded. Carlos makes a mistake for a tap in then gets himself sent off.
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First goal
https://x.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1818806195949293666
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Actually watching it again Carlos should not have been sent off for that. Doesn’t mask that we are playing like absolute shit
Yeah, but as soon as you react and touch the guy then you’re always risking it.
True but he hardly did anything. Anyway it was coming. Carlos didn’t need to react. Stupid
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can’t help but laughing at that card.. openda an absolute clown - in preseason no less.
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HT. 2-0 RB Leipzig.
We looked shit, and down to 10 men for the second half.
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Carlos got himself sent off, no excuse. Need to get rid of him, he’s been largely poor since we signed him.
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we still need to strengthen this team..
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Those two been at it all game. Openda went straight to him after scoring. Shouldn't react and all he did was put a hand on his chest and he hits the deck. We'll have to wise up on things like that in the CL this season.
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We are clearly going with the play like shit in pre season win the league and CL strategy.
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What is Carlos thinking. Emery will be furious. Not going to plan...
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Maybe the kit looks too good. We’ve been shit since we started wearing it.
It’s the kit of Dorian Gray - the better it looks, the shitter we get.
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Carlos is always an accident waiting to happen, but trying to get someone sent off in a friendly, that's pathetic.
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Percy, see your messages.
Cheers mate, I’ll try it after half time maybe. Villa TV working intermittently for me now, albeit with lots of lagging.
Anyway, the bits I’ve seen have been piss poor.
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Hopefully 10 changes at half time.
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Maybe the kit looks too good. We’ve been shit since we started wearing it.
It’s the kit of Dorian Gray - the better it looks, the shitter we get.
Agreed. Bring back Castore. And the shit sweaty version too. We were ace in that kit.
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The sooner we can be rid of Carlos the better. He is not up to the standard in any sense of the word. Problem is, who would want him?!?
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What an absolute prick. Carlos needs fucking off as soon as possible.
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whats up with carlos
He has always had that in his locker. Shudnae hav bin sent off, likesay.
He likes to be the master of his domain. Martin Laursen was similar in some respects, although faster and a much better player. Don't think he'd have liked the high line either; attitude was: anything that come into into the box anywhere near my zone and I'm cleaning it out.
If you were cynical, you would say he was working his ticket. He's gotta ticket to ride, and he don't care.
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whats up with carlos
He has always had that in his locker. Shudnae hav bin sent off, likesay.
He likes to be the master of his domain. Martin Laursen was similar in some respects, although faster and a much better player. Don't think he'd have liked the high line either; attitude was: anything that come into into the box anywhere near my zone and I'm cleaning it out.
If you were cynical, you would say he was working his ticket. He's gotta ticket to ride, and he don't care.
I ken what yer sayin'
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Dunno why they’ve changed their goalkeeper, we never laid a glove on the other one.
Maybe he fell asleep.
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⬅️ Digne, Barkley, Iling JR, Bailey
➡️ Maatsen, Philogene, Tielemans, Ramsey
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Drones all over the shop.
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Fuck me, how offside!? That was amateur.
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Fuck me, how offside!? That was amateur.
Poulsen wasn’t
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We are going to ship another 2 or 3 by the end of this. We have no composure in the middle and nothing at all up front. All the play is in our half.
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Fuck me, how offside!? That was amateur.
Poulsen wasn’t
Lol I was talking about Rogers 5 minutes before.
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I know it’s pre-season, but this is our fourth game. We should be a bit more competitive.
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I reckon our shorts are too long and it is impairing our efficiency.
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Could have been 3-0 ruled offside
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It's all a bit disjointed, really. I wonder how much we'll get out of playing with 10, outside of minutes in the legs.
I like the look of Maatsen, and thus far Onana has looked ok at the back
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Rogers doesn’t want to press much in that position.
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Kosta, Buendia and Enzo and The Donck on.
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C’mon Emi.
-
Rogers doesn’t want to press much in that position.
No he’s not Ollie. He’s suited playing behind or off a main forward.
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Surprised no Archer.
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Humphrey on.
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Stop with this stupid player camera
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So what happened to dropping the Bidace part of his name, did it come from the player, and had he changed his mind or is ‘Rego’ just off beam?
-
Is ‘Rego’ going senile? Doesn’t know our own players’ names.
-
Emery looks understandably frustrated.
-
Bogarde & Dendonker at centre half I was not expecting to see.
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It's Sigh-valt!!
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We haven’t been horrendous this half. We’ve had no chance at all following the stupid red card to Diego. Always chasing.
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Ramsey got a few a minutes and off for Moreno
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Is ‘Rego’ going senile? Doesn’t know our own players’ names.
He’s had a fucking nightmare this pre season. The whole Diego Costa thing. Not knowing Olsen wasn’t in goal in one of the games. It’s Philogene-Bidace either. He should know that.
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Is it raining?
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Just saw an Everton fan in the crowd. :o
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CORNER!!!!
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Is it raining?
Just a little.
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Just woke up and thought I would check in. Should I have bothered? Have we been poor again?
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I pity the poor souls who paid to go to this match.
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It shows how far we still have to go as a football brand that there really wasn’t many in the crowd before the rain came. Less now of course. The Sky 6 have spent years building their name through success or CL appearances. I’m glad we are a growing brand but we need to sustain it for years to be truly relevant globally.
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Just woke up and thought I would check in. Should I have bothered? Have we been poor again?
Ain’t great.
-
Just woke up and thought I would check in. Should I have bothered? Have we been poor again?
We've been better in the 2nd half, with more control but no real attacking threat.
-
We really do miss the silky control, poise and composure in midfield of Douglas Luiz.
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I think we’ve looked better with 10 than 11; more interceptions, a corner; playing in their half is another improvement.
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Full time
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Relegation beckons
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Carlos red in a friendly I presume this means he will miss our first league game? Was it a deserved sending off?
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Well that was a performance that doesn’t fill me with much confidence. Haven’t seen anything from the new players to suggest they’ve actually improved the team or squad as a whole. My main concerns are our CB options and still not having a backup for Ollie.
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Carlos red in a friendly I presume this means he will miss our first league game? Was it a deserved sending off?
It was just petulant and stupid. He got dragged into a situation he shouldn’t have reacted to. He’s more than experienced not to have allowed it to happen. Yes Openda played it up a bit. But it’s on Carlos not to find himself in that situation. So yes is the answer.
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Carlos red in a friendly I presume this means he will miss our first league game? Was it a deserved sending off?
It will have no impact on the Premier League
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Fortunately we won't be playing Wimbledon this season. Other that, great to see Emi B back, Ned did okay, certainly better than Cash, Youri still class and Unai only has three things to fix and we'll be flying; the defence, midfield and the attack. Not a shot on goal in 90 minutes takes some doing.
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Openda reminded me of Martyn’s ‘wasps’ thread.
Onwards and upwards, it would be nice to win a game, again, that’s what Unai does!
If nothing else, the pre season shows how good and how much missed our internationals are!
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Sounds like Unai needs to get back to a deep analysis and Monchi opening the wallet again. Centre back, number 10 and another forward still needed? Despite having Ollie and Konsa to come back.
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Thanks for the updates, more sleep needed.
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US fans won over by our mad footballing skillz: 0.
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Just back from NJ and thank McGrath preseason is meaningless because that was absolute garbage (again). A big shout out to the RB Arena staff for not opening the gates until 7pm (for an 8pm ko) and then not allowing anybody to go down by the tunnel to get autographs pre-match. The less said about the game the better, although I do know the 4th official and will ask him to tell the ref that he was shit too. Quite a lot of Villa fans around and a few wearing the lovely new home shirt. The pre-match 'party' outside the stadium was pretty crap and set the scene for the rest of the night.
After driving 1,782 miles since Friday, that's us done following the Villa US tour for this year so we'll hand over the torch (and the coach keys) to some other intrepid Villan. Good luck, you're going to need it :)
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A shame that the team haven't given you something to enjoy on the pitch CT.
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Sounds like another belter….
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Clearly it’s just a friendly, and a useful exercise in terms of getting fitter. But without Emi and Ollie it makes a massive difference. That’s not a surprise, but the level of drop off in their positions is an absolute chasm. We do need to try and reduce that.
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Well that was deeply unimpressive.
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Is this going to be typical villa in as much a there is so much hope and anticipation in light of new signings etc only to fall away.
With the world looking to see if we are a flash in the pan, I really hope not.
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I would suggest it’s probably a bit early to start thinking that.
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Well done to anyone who managed to stay up and watch the game. Way past my staying awake abilities.
Really not that fussed with friendlies so I'm not really adding anything to the debate!
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Is this going to be typical villa in as much a there is so much hope and anticipation in light of new signings etc only to fall away.
With the world looking to see if we are a flash in the pan, I really hope not.
Obviously we're missing Martinez, Konsa and Watkins though, the spine of our team and our three best players. But it does show that we need another forward, because this is what life with an injured or tired Ollie would look like.
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from the tiny little bit I have seen, we look a shambles at the back.
And, has Carlos gone, in all aspects ?
For the second goal, he literally stood and watched.
Does he know he's on the way out, or has he realised he is absolutely nowhere near good enough for us.
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Wasn't Carlos sent off got two yellows, not a direct red?
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Is it raining?
In my heart……yes
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I know it pre-season and all that, but catching up on how we have played it seems we have carried over our poor defensive form from the end of the season, and this is my biggest concern.
-
The last two pre-season matches should be the barometer when we have others due back in. However these game do seem to show that for all our purchases, we don't have seem to have the squad depth we thought we might have. CB, RB, Forward. All areas which have been shown up at the moment.
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After driving 1,782 miles since Friday, that's us done following the Villa US tour for this year so we'll hand over the torch (and the coach keys) to some other intrepid Villan. Good luck, you're going to need it :)
Good effort, shame you didn't get to see better games. We'll probably win 3 or 4-0 in Chicago now. :)
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Chelsea just beat them 3-0. (Although two were penalties).
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Didn't see the game, but have seen the second yellow. There was absolutely nothing to it - a ridiculous decision. But what I can't understand is why the Leipzig player would go down like that in a friendly, he's ruined a useful workout for both teams. If I was his manager I'd be fuming.
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Is this going to be typical villa in as much a there is so much hope and anticipation in light of new signings etc only to fall away.
With the world looking to see if we are a flash in the pan, I really hope not.
Obviously we're missing Martinez, Konsa and Watkins though, the spine of our team and our three best players. But it does show that we need another forward, because this is what life with an injured or tired Ollie would look like.
Jhon Duran mate
Don’t forget that little gem
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Didn't see the game, but have seen the second yellow. There was absolutely nothing to it - a ridiculous decision. But what I can't understand is why the Leipzig player would go down like that in a friendly, he's ruined a useful workout for both teams. If I was his manager I'd be fuming.
Because the two of them had been at each other all game. That’s why he shouted abuse at him after the goal and Carlos played into his hands.
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Just back from NJ and thank McGrath preseason is meaningless because that was absolute garbage (again). A big shout out to the RB Arena staff for not opening the gates until 7pm (for an 8pm ko) and then not allowing anybody to go down by the tunnel to get autographs pre-match. The less said about the game the better, although I do know the 4th official and will ask him to tell the ref that he was shit too. Quite a lot of Villa fans around and a few wearing the lovely new home shirt. The pre-match 'party' outside the stadium was pretty crap and set the scene for the rest of the night.
After driving 1,782 miles since Friday, that's us done following the Villa US tour for this year so we'll hand over the torch (and the coach keys) to some other intrepid Villan. Good luck, you're going to need it :)
There’s times when me and my mate think we’re mad fir driving up and down the country just for an absolute shit show of a match. But your trek for two awful games takes the biscuit!
Hats off to you!
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The bar for red cards in friendly games should be higher than competitive matches as they totally ruin the game for no reason - there's nothing at stake and the player isn't going to be suspended.
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Unofficially it normally is. However I disagree as the players shouldn't get complacent because they can foul more in a friendly.
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No point reading much into results in friendlies . They are mainly about fitness .
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If you think that we're currently playing without our first choice CB pair, our first choice keeper, our first choice central midfielder and our first choice centre forward, and with a set of new midfielders, it's not a surprise we don't look as good as we might.
Emery is trying different players in different positions, and this is all about getting fit.
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I thought there were some good signs in the game - we cut them apart a few times with slick and fast breaks but the absence of a first team striker was clear.
Defence remains a concern - putting aside Carlos (just stupid all round), Cash & Digne showed all the issues we had last year - I don’t think either will start at WHU.
All will be well come the Ammers.
UTV
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The last two pre-season matches should be the barometer when we have others due back in. However these game do seem to show that for all our purchases, we don't have seem to have the squad depth we thought we might have. CB, RB, Forward. All areas which have been shown up at the moment.
This areas; RB, substitute /stand in/ alternative for Watkins, stand in CB for Carlos/Pau (when Konsa at RB) and let me add reliable stand in for Martinez have been main problems for a year or more, why dont they do anything about it? (then we have three very capable specialist LB s and a relative big group of players that can play left midfield). Its two and a half week before PL kick off with our aim to be top four.
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Unofficially it normally is. However I disagree as the players shouldn't get complacent because they can foul more in a friendly.
Agreed that fouling more shouldn't be encouraged, but so many reds are really subjective these days. The referee could have shown a bit of cop-on and told Carlos and that dick who wound him up, to shake hands and get on with it.
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If that 60 odd minutes is anything to go by Zych should be absolutely nowhere near the first team squad.
We cannot go into another season with Olsen as the no.2 again surely? Martinez gets injured or suspended at any point and we are screwed.
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This is cute, Christian "the Beast" Benteke and our Youri, shooting the breeze in Washington:
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His ears are getting smaller with age.
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He speaks really well. Can see him replacing Taylor and Morley as AVTV pundits in 2040.
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The last two pre-season matches should be the barometer when we have others due back in. However these game do seem to show that for all our purchases, we don't have seem to have the squad depth we thought we might have. CB, RB, Forward. All areas which have been shown up at the moment.
Agreed. I also put some of this on Emery and the staff. Now maybe they want it this way for a reason (trust the process), but if I look at the Arsenal and Liverpool lineups from last night, they are playing their strongest available 11 and then subbing in players in the second half to get them exposure/minutes. I'm assuming we are waiting until we get home to do that with the games against Athletic Bilbao and Dortmund?
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Have we sold all our Dortmund tix? Can’t seem to see any available anywhere in the stadium, unless, as is likely, I’m doing something wrong
-
Bettors are taking note of our poor pre-season form. We're now 66/1 for the league (out from 50/1).
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Bettors are taking note of our poor pre-season form. We're now 66/1 for the league (out from 50/1).
Don't like the sound of these Bettors, tbf.
Bettor the devil you know, as Kylie once trilled to a SAW back track.
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Have we sold all our Dortmund tix? Can’t seem to see any available anywhere in the stadium, unless, as is likely, I’m doing something wrong
Can anyone help a poor Luddite out here? I’ve opened an account, have got to ‘pick a seat’ but can’t get any further or add to basket.
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Dortmund announced it as a sellout on Wednesday afternoon. I guess our end sold out a while back.
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Dortmund announced it as a sellout on Wednesday afternoon. I guess our end sold out a while back.
Ah that would explain it then, ta. Still cant see 'sell out' on their site, or Google translate cant. And fuck me, 80k sell out for pre-season friendly, thats some going.
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£6 a ticket might help with that.
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Get your free train ticket here. You must download it in advance. https://kombiticket.dsw21.de/ and then click on BVB Spiel
Validity of the combo ticket
Free return travel on the day of the event (2nd class) on the means of transport in the specified area of the specified associations.
Event: BVB vs Aston Villa
Validity: From 10.08.2024 00:00 to 11.08.2024 03:00
IMPORTANT: This combination ticket is personalized and non-transferable. Therefore, this ticket is only valid in conjunction with an official photo ID. Please check that the information provided is correct. You can change the ticket before the event using the "Change data" button. This also makes it possible to pass it on to another person.
You can download it to a wallet
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Get your free train ticket here. You must download it in advance. https://kombiticket.dsw21.de/ and then click on BVB Spiel
Validity of the combo ticket
Free return travel on the day of the event (2nd class) on the means of transport in the specified area of the specified associations.
Event: BVB vs Aston Villa
Validity: From 10.08.2024 00:00 to 11.08.2024 03:00
IMPORTANT: This combination ticket is personalized and non-transferable. Therefore, this ticket is only valid in conjunction with an official photo ID. Please check that the information provided is correct. You can change the ticket before the event using the "Change data" button. This also makes it possible to pass it on to another person.
You can download it to a wallet
Didn’t seem to be available yet when I tried it.
Is it just for transport within Dortmund itself eg train station to ground?
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Seems to be throughout the county:
The tickets include a travel authorization for public transport throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/mitglieder-vvk-fuer-saisoneroeffnung-gegen-aston-villa-startet-freitag-um-12-uhr.html
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Seems to be throughout the county:
The tickets include a travel authorization for public transport throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/mitglieder-vvk-fuer-saisoneroeffnung-gegen-aston-villa-startet-freitag-um-12-uhr.html
Thank you. I’m planning to travel to cologne on the morning of the game and then back to Dusseldorf afterwards - do you think this will cover me?
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I believe that should be ok because the ticket should be valid throughout the county and Cologne is in the same one. Best bet is to check at the station before you travel, because I know of cases where they can fine you (they did it to mother in law, so not all bad news!).
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Ref Borussia Dortmund
Here is the original link to the website. If you click on buy now it looks like there might be tickets left in the Villa sections (although with my poor high tech ‘’skills’ I could be mistaken)
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/08/dortmund-ticket-details/
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Ref Borussia Dortmund
Here is the original link to the website. If you click on buy now it looks like there might be tickets left in the Villa sections (although with my poor high tech ‘’skills’ I could be mistaken)
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/08/dortmund-ticket-details/
Much obliged although the Eurostar has now crept up to £450 plus
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Seems to be throughout the county:
The tickets include a travel authorization for public transport throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/mitglieder-vvk-fuer-saisoneroeffnung-gegen-aston-villa-startet-freitag-um-12-uhr.html
Thank you. I’m planning to travel to cologne on the morning of the game and then back to Dusseldorf afterwards - do you think this will cover me?
It's valid for one journey each way across the whole region. We're flying into and staying in Dusseldorf, and the combi-ticket is valid that far.
You can only use it on the slower regional trains, not the faster ICE ones.
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Have we sold all our Dortmund tix? Can’t seem to see any available anywhere in the stadium, unless, as is likely, I’m doing something wrong
Can anyone help a poor Luddite out here? I’ve opened an account, have got to ‘pick a seat’ but can’t get any further or add to basket.
Took hours to work this out – I eventually got tickets, once I'd added an address and ID number to my Dortmund account. The English part of the site wouldn't complete the transaction, but I finally made it work through the German url links.
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Yeah I’ve finally managed to buy a ticket, probably won’t go now though as the transport had risen so much
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Who is staying up tonight?
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Who is staying up tonight?
Its 10.30pm our time.
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Who is staying up tonight?
Its 10.30pm our time.
Yeah… that’s staying up for us!
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Results in pre-season really don’t matter, but it’d be nice to get a win anyway.
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Yeah I’ve finally managed to buy a ticket, probably won’t go now though as the transport had risen so much
It's not cheap, but some BA flights out of London are currently cheaper than the train options.
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Who is staying up tonight?
Its 10.30pm our time.
Yeah… that’s staying up for us!
And the little white dot.
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I actually like it when we lose some of the pre-season games. It leaves nobody under any illusion that there's work to do. As opposed to comfortably winning them all and then having a shock on the opening day when you realise you're not where you need to be. And it highlights any gaps in the squad with time left to do something about it.
-
-
Who is staying up tonight?
I missed the last two thankfully but will stay up for this one.
-
Who is staying up tonight?
Its 10.30pm our time.
Yeah… that’s staying up for us!
And the little white dot.
I wish we had a video.
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Is it on YouTube again
-
Who is staying up tonight?
I’ll probably watch the first half at least
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It’s gonna be a belter.
-
Only just spotted that the game is at Soldier Field, rather than the soccer stadium out by Midway.
I almost made it onto the turf at Soldier Field. I went through an open door into the offices and headed towards the pitch. Security spotted me, so I went into full dumb British tourist mode, claimed to be looking for the team store and was escorted there :)
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Haha.
-
Who is staying up tonight?
I’ll probably watch the first half at least
Live a little and watch the first hour, you'll still be in bed by midnight.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUFa7OXWMAEDi-W?format=jpg&name=small)
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I might watch this , be good to see how fitness is coming on. Results at this stage mean absolutely nothing.
-
Olsen isn’t there. I hope he’s recovered from the head injury he suffered during the last match.
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No Carlos?
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUFa7OXWMAEDi-W?format=jpg&name=small)
Kick off now at 10:40pm
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No Carlos?
Red card last game. Might have decided to run it on the next game as same refs society or a club punishment.
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Possible 7/8 first team starters in that line up
-
No Carlos?
Red card last game. Might have decided to run it on the next game as same refs society or a club punishment.
Shame, was hoping the Fulham gig might’ve come off.
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No Carlos?
Red card last game. Might have decided to run it on the next game as same refs society or a club punishment.
Shame, was hoping the Fulham gig might’ve come off.
That is also a possibility.
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Martinez, Konsa and Watkins in for Gauci, Bogarde and Archer and its our first eleven me thinks. Going into the season with Cash as 1. choice RB, I dont get it.
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Hopefully I'll stay awake until half-time at least.
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Is the game only on Villa TV?
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I actually like it when we lose some of the pre-season games. It leaves nobody under any illusion that there's work to do. As opposed to comfortably winning them all and then having a shock on the opening day when you realise you're not where you need to be. And it highlights any gaps in the squad with time left to do something about it.
Just like the season we were relegated.
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Is the game only on Villa TV?
Nah I'll have a link when it's time
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Is the game only on Villa TV?
Possibly on YT, I hope.
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Is the game only on Villa TV?
Nah I'll have a link when it's time
I’m good mate as I have Villa TV but was hoping to watch on a bigger screen 🥳
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Is the game only on Villa TV?
Possibly on YT, I hope.
.
Ooh good, thanks Legion
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Is the game only on Villa TV?
Don't think it is.
-
Is the game only on Villa TV?
Nah I'll have a link when it's time
I’m good mate as I have Villa TV but was hoping to watch on a bigger screen 🥳
You watching on phone?
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Is the game only on Villa TV?
Nah I'll have a link when it's time
I’m good mate as I have Villa TV but was hoping to watch on a bigger screen 🥳
Can’t you send it to your tv?
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If anyone does have a way that isn’t villa TV I’d appreciate a quick DM.
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If anyone does have a way that isn’t villa TV I’d appreciate a quick DM.
I have a load of you want any but they're in Spanish
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If anyone does have a way that isn’t villa TV I’d appreciate a quick DM.
I have a load of you want any but they're in Spanish
Sí por favor
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If anyone does have a way that isn’t villa TV I’d appreciate a quick DM.
I have a load of you want any but they're in Spanish
Sí por favor
message sentiago
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Has it started yet
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Yes please.
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Can’t see Carlos in the group pic for the final training session.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/august/03/soldier-field-hosts-final-training-session-in-usa/ (https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/august/03/soldier-field-hosts-final-training-session-in-usa/)
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Same here.
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Has it started yet
10:40 ko
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And me too please ;)
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Players are walking out now
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They're walking out now
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Ta muchly.
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If anyone finds it on any firestick channels please do shout! Otherwise any streams appreciated
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One if those mascots looks like a Mexican Maradona.
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Its on yowtube.
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Kickoff is already late, now they’re doing the chuffing anthems
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National Anthem being played.
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Rubbish this is. We’ve got like 2/3 Brits starting? ;D
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National Anthem being played.
Doesn't mcginn know the words
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What’s this Leagues Cup thing? Are we playing for trophies? :o
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Anyone got a link for YouTube?
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Anyone got a link for YouTube?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8JP87uWDic pic quality isnt the best. Taken down now
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We’ve created nothing so far…
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Anyone got a link for YouTube?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8JP87uWDic pic quality isnt the best. Taken down now
That stream has either been blocked completely or just fir the UK
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City just kick off'd v Chelsea....2 up already
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Thought that the Pravda picture was worse than before…..but then realised I still had my reading glasses on ;D
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Anyone got a link for YouTube?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8JP87uWDic pic quality isnt the best. Taken down now
That stream has either been blocked completely or just fir the UK
They get taken down on the tube quite quickly.
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The Villa TV feed is shit
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My Pravda feed has frozen, is yours ok Dogtanian ?
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My Pravda feed has frozen, is yours ok Dogtanian ?
Keeps freezing too.
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My Pravda feed has frozen, is yours ok Dogtanian ?
The Spanish one is working fine.
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Thanks. Wasn’t sure if it was the stream or my cheapo second hand laptop from CeX
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Haha, yeah I wasn’t sure either.
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Every opponent is playing the ball over the top this pre season against our high line.
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Villa TV stuck at 3 minutes 8 seconds. And there's somebody with a bloody drum.
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The ref looks bored.
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Fucking Villa TV shower of shite.
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Every opponent is playing the ball over the top this pre season against our high line.
Yeah that's the 3rd time
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Maatsen likes to get forward doesn't he?
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Every opponent is playing the ball over the top this pre season against our high line.
Yeah, and it really shows how much we use VAR as a safety net for offsides.
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I thought it was pronounced ‘Matson’, as in the dodgy area of Gloucester.
Commentator is going for ‘Mahtson’
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Every opponent is playing the ball over the top this pre season against our high line.
Yeah, and it really shows how much we use VAR as a safety net for offsides.
Yep. That and having speed in Konsa when it does break down. We definitely miss him back there along with Emi’s presence
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I thought it was pronounced ‘Matson’, as in the dodgy area of Gloucester.
Commentator is going for ‘Mahtson’
Probably because of the a’s in his last name.
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Well yeah but it is a safety net so that makes sense.
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Villa TV stuck at 3 minutes 8 seconds. And there's somebody with a bloody drum.
Just refresh the page. Worked for me
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Bloody hell. Fucking around at the back let’s them in but good save Gauchi
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Wonder if he's looking to convert Bogarde into a right sided ball playing CB
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Maatsen looks skilfull.
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Ohhhh! Unlucky!
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Bailey hits the post. McGinn follows up and hits the post
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Almost a Bailey classic
-
Some of Torres passing is pretty crap considering that's supposed to be his thing
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Gauci makes a save too.
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2 posties
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Is that Brian Little on co comms?
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Uh-oh…..Brian thinks that Mexico is in South America
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Yeah.
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Thanks UK.
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Some of Torres passing is pretty crap considering that's supposed to be his thing
To be fair there’s quite a lot of evidence in meaningful games it is his thing.
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Playing well now. Nice movement. Should be ahead
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McGinn near again!
I like Maatsen.
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Really good move that. Seeing glimpses of very good things going forward - unfortunately Archer cannot link it at all and Rogers is getting visibly frustrated in build up. When Watkins is back in we’ll be scary
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Every opponent is playing the ball over the top this pre season against our high line.
Yeah, and it really shows how much we use VAR as a safety net for offsides.
In the prem, only four goals against were overturned for offside against us last season. So yes, a safety net but not as much as you would expect and the lino's in the prem are actually quite good (at least for us).
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Every opponent is playing the ball over the top this pre season against our high line.
Yeah, and it really shows how much we use VAR as a safety net for offsides.
In the prem, only four goals against were overturned for offside against us last season. So yes, a safety net but not as much as you would expect and the lino's in the prem are actually quite good (at least for us).
I knew someone would say that! ;D
It’s not just about how often it saves us, it’s the knowledge that it will save us gives us more confidence to play it.
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Ignore this it's working now. As you were. Would absolutely love a PM if anyone can help me out with a linky? Thought I had it on my US channels but no joy. Many thanks
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Stupid from Cash.
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Stupid from Cash.
Yeah, we don’t want it to get ill-tempered and risk someone getting hurt.
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I realise we haven’t yet had chance to train/play with our best back 4, with Konsa and Emi, but slightly worried about how teams are playing through us. Can see Cash trying to coach Bogarde through the game though tbf. Cash-Konsa-Pau-Maatsen with Emi behind them will be good I’m sure.
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Stupid from Cash.
If I had a £ for everytime someone said that I would have £63
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Stupid from Cash.
If I had a £ for everytime someone said that I would have £63
You wanna go on the Spurs forum. ;D
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Stupid from Cash.
Yeah, we don’t want it to get ill-tempered and risk someone getting hurt.
What happened? I’d popped outside because the police helicopter was hovering over my estate
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I’ve had a look and all I can see are references to cannnnt.
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Under the cost again now.
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I was about to compliment Gauci on his handling the playing out from the back, but then he just blasted it back up the pitch.
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Stupid from Cash.
Yeah, we don’t want it to get ill-tempered and risk someone getting hurt.
What happened? I’d popped outside because the police helicopter was hovering over my estate
Fred West escaped hiding somewhere in the Dean.
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Stupid from Cash.
Yeah, we don’t want it to get ill-tempered and risk someone getting hurt.
What happened? I’d popped outside because the police helicopter was hovering over my estate
Cash made a careless challenge.
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Under the cost again now.
FFS, not more PSR problems.
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Under the cost again now.
That could prove expensive if it continues.
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Under the cost again now.
FFS, not more PSR problems.
Or another low bid from Sullivan.
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They have a lot of players called Corona.
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Club America are already 4 games into their league season in Mexico. You can see the extra fitness in their game.
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That’s a pen over here
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What happened? I’d popped outside because the police helicopter was hovering over my estate
It was actually a UFO but you still had your reading glasses on.
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Bloody hell they're all over us at the moment. Nothing really dangerous created though. This is a good test and honestly we are only 3 or 4 players away from a full strength side so a much improved display would be nice.
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Archer not being involved much again.
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What happened? I’d popped outside because the police helicopter was hovering over my estate
It was actually a UFO but you still had your reading glasses on.
Feck, I missed first contact because I had me wrong specs on :)
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Pep said that man citeh only had 80 percent of their first team hence why they’ve lost matches. Same for us.
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Bogarde doing well there.
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Lamar with a last ditch challenge or it’s probably 1-0 to them
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What the hell was Youri playing at there ?
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Getting extremely frustrated with Archer’s inability to trap a ball. Two or three very good passes into him from Pau have just broken down
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Pep said that man citeh only had 80 percent of their first team hence why they’ve lost matches. Same for us.
They don't win without Rodri
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Bear in mind it’s like 32C right now in Chicago. Much more Mexican weather and levels of heat than English.
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Club America are already 4 games into their league season in Mexico. You can see the extra fitness in their game.
They also lost 3-0 to Chelsea the other day though.
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I wonder if they’ll do a big swap or start giving some 60 minutes.
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Pep said that man citeh only had 80 percent of their first team hence why they’ve lost matches. Same for us.
It’s true. I’m much more looking at individual sharpness/combinations and how they work. Onana and Tielemans have looked ok, and McGinn/Maatsen working well down the left too. Our back 5 is totally unfamiliar so it’s not surprising we look a bit uncertain in and out of possession.
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
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Johns built for this heat
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
Think this is more a case of the personnel we have out today than anything else.
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
We're still not good at it despite finishing 4th? Ok
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
Think this is more a case of the personnel we have out today than anything else.
To a certain extent I agree but if we can't play it out from the back properly unless our first choice players are playing then it doesn't bode brilliantly for the season. I try not to read too much, if anything, into these pre-season games but I like to see positives/improvements during the matches even if circumstances mean we don't win them all.
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
We're still not good at it despite finishing 4th? Ok
I believe he meant in the pre-season, hence the "missing Dougie" quip.
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So glad we got rid of those shit Castore shirts with that dreadful sweat problem.
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
Think this is more a case of the personnel we have out today than anything else.
Exactly. For the hard of thinking I was obviously referring to the last couple of games.
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Well, at least we are not losing!
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I’ll catch the second half highlights tomorrow. Night all
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Sorry to say but Archer looks a bit of a weak link. Rogers needs to be closer to him.
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I’ll catch the second half highlights tomorrow. Night all
Same here
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I’m drinking shipyard at home to keep me awake.
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Not much goal threat from us at all. A good test though as they look faster stronger and much better technically, some of our inability to control the ball has been abysmal.
We didn’t look able to control the tempo with those players in the midfield.
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Hit the post twice, though.
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Need a new right back a goalkeeper and another striker if Ironman leaves. A centre half would be nice.
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We didn’t look able to control the tempo with those players in the midfield.
That's the big concern, we're not missing anybody. Youri looks lost playing the Dougie role. Still think Omana is trying too hard to do too much. Get the basics right and only then step up. SJM had a great 45 minutes.
Not sure what changes I would make at half time, maybe bring in Barrenechea and give Youri 15 minutes as a 10.
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This will be a test for Ned as Club America play it wide really well.
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We are showing a lack of touch and fitness, just like in the other pre-season friendlies. I pity the good folks who are there sweating their arses off in the heat. I'm sure we'll be much better come the end of pre-season, but it's been tear-gas thus far.
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Watering the pitch… with a hose!
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Sorry to say but Archer looks a bit of a weak link. Rogers needs to be closer to him.
He has no real presence about him outside the box. We need that. Ollie not only holds the ball up well is amongst the best in constantly chasing and pressing. Cam comes to life in the box so I’ll give him a bit of a pass as we haven’t created much for him. He’s scored two nice goals this pre season when the opportunities have fallen to him.
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First half
Gauchi- decent save and looks comfortable
Cash - they keep pumping them ball ut there as he is going his man far too much space.
Bogarde - think he has been terrific and an outstanding goal saving tackle.
Torres - some pretty slack passing
Maatson- looked good in spells.
Mcginn - in wrong position
Bailey - like mcginn out of position. Not a winger
Tielemans- pretty anonymous - needs to demand the ball through the lines like Doug did.
Onana - decent enough.
Archer - isolated and struggling to control the ball.
Rogers - no impact in that role
Will be interesting to see the changes.
Carlos banned or punished or off ?
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That poor kid holding up the sign for Diego Carlos. ;D
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Bogarde - being a youngster coming in, has impressed me. Like the look of Maatsen, potentially excellent LB for years to come. i like Pau and his starting attacks. Our right flank defensively dosent fill me with confidence and we re not making much attacking moves up the right flank. The team look a bit unfinished as it is preseason but they seems to want to be up for it. Hard to say how good the opposition is.
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We are showing a lack of touch and fitness, just like in the other pre-season friendlies. I pity the good folks who are there sweating their arses off in the heat. I'm sure we'll be much better come the end of pre-season, but it's been tear-gas thus far.
There’s only 2 games to go, we’ll have a few more players back but we’re playing better teams so we’ll need to improve considerably.
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This will be a test for Ned as Club America play it wide really well.
It'll be a great test to see which midfielder covers for him when he goes on the overlap. Last time nobody did.
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
We're still not good at it despite finishing 4th? Ok
I believe he meant in the pre-season, hence the "missing Dougie" quip.
Can't believe we're analysing pre season games to this extent it's fucking ridiculous overkill
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Barry McGuigan couldn’t cope in this heat against Little Stevie Cruz.
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That poor kid holding up the sign for Diego Carlos. ;D
Hope he's saved up his pocket money.
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
We're still not good at it despite finishing 4th? Ok
I believe he meant in the pre-season, hence the "missing Dougie" quip.
Can't believe we're analysing pre season games to this extent it's fucking ridiculous overkill
Feel free to go to beddy byes. Don't forget your teddy.
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Lots of changes.
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⬅️ Cash, Bogarde, Pau, Maatsen, Onana, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Bailey
➡️ Buendía, Digne, Ramsey, Nedeljković, Barrenechea, Barkley, Philogene, Álex Moreno, Dendoncker
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Little Emi getting at them already.
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Our biggest threat is trying to play it out from the back. We're still not very good at it. This is where we miss Dougie dropping deep and playing it out to the full back.
We're still not good at it despite finishing 4th? Ok
I believe he meant in the pre-season, hence the "missing Dougie" quip.
Can't believe we're analysing pre season games to this extent it's fucking ridiculous overkill
Practice makes perfect. Never miss an opportunity to learn.
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Would have backed Archer to lift that over the keeper, defender got back well and he didn’t have much time but he’s very capable.
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Club America are also the most successful club in Mexican history and current champions. This is a good test.
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Club America are also the most successful club in Mexican history and current champions. This is a good test.
Can’t wait till we play Club Med.
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Why the fuck does Rego keep calling Philogene, Philogene-Bidace?
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Has he dropped the Bidace officially?
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Why the fuck does Rego keep calling Philogene, Philogene-Bidace?
Cos he’s crap. He just said we’d changed all outfield players then talked about Archer.
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They are 17 games into their season, not surprised they are fitter and stronger
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This is a bright start.
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Blimey they played those 13 other games quickly.
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This is a bright start.
Beautiful move leading up to the corner.
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We need a goal.
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Philogene is another quick little nuisance like Buendia.
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Why the fuck does Rego keep calling Philogene, Philogene-Bidace?
He’s either a moron or senile. There’s a poster on here who does it as well but he doesn’t get paid to commentate.
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We are just too slow and too predictable. Teams have too much time to get back in numbers against us.
As I say that nice little move nearly gets JJ in
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Archer just not good enough for me.
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Ramsey looking up for it.
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Cam and Gauchi off for Dobbin and Zych
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Great to see Ramsey looking so bright.
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Archer just not good enough for me.
He is for me. Would help if he had better service.
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So good to see Buendía & JJ back and really keen to see more of what Philogene offers
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I think it’s been better attack building this half.
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Onside.
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I think it’s been better attack building this half.
Agreed. Just that final ball.
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Good save by Zych
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Good save by Zych
Yeah.
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Emery still nit impressed. :o
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It’s great to see Buendia move and accelerate like the injury didn’t happen. He’s still a way from full fitness but very encouraging.
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Donck with a great saving tackle
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Is Olsen injured or are we just having a good look at the other options? And as a follow up, will Martinez be back in the starting 11 for the start of the season?
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Is Olsen injured or are we just having a good look at the other options? And as a follow up, will Martinez be back in the starting 11 for the start of the season?
Yes got injured vs Leipzig. Watkins, Duran, Konsa and Emi back at the club next week
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Is Olsen injured or are we just having a good look at the other options? And as a follow up, will Martinez be back in the starting 11 for the start of the season?
Sounds like he was concussed last game.
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Emery still nit impressed. :o
He needs to go and see the nurse.
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1-0 them.
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OK, that's hopefully not too bad.
I know a lot don't rate him, but as things stand I wouldn't like to be without him if there's even a chance Martinez isn't starting the first games.
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Soft hand ball given. CA should be leading 1-0
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It’s 1-0 according to our twitter.
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It is 1-0 to them now
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Soft hand ball given. CA should be leading 1-0
No complaints from the Mexican commentators.
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It’s 1-0 according to our twitter.
Disallowed for something.
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Disallowed America goal.
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Kit is cursed.
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Playing 3 and losing 3 will certainly raise our brand profile over there.
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That high line with two unfamiliar players and keeper hasn’t worked out well.
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Is it 1-0?!
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Is it 1-0?!
Yes
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Hernandez we nearly signed him once.
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Is it 1-0?!
They scored again after the first was disallowed
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Is it 1-0?!
It is now, they had one disallowed a few minutes before.
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Hernandez we nearly signed him once.
Is he the one who looks like a scruffy Coutinho?
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One goal in 3 games is a piss poor return however you try to justify the worth of these games. Obviously we all know it’s about fitness and Emery trying things but hopefully it justifies us making player acquisitions that are really needed both ends of the pitch. It’s not been exactly thrilling.
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I’m now officially worried.
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That high line with two unfamiliar players and keeper hasn’t worked out well.
Indeed and credit to their striker who worked it perfectly.
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Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
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Playing 3 and losing 3 will certainly raise our brand profile over there.
Yeah but big shiny screen shirt pictures in New York etc.
I know, yes, yada yada preseason etc etc not important minutes in legs, missing big name players, all that stuff, but we've looked pretty awful from start to finish thus far.
We can't trust second string players to play things like our high line, for example. The drop off in quality in keepers from Martinez is immense - Olsen is proven shit, Gauci is mediocre, and Zych looks like a 12 year old playing with the sixth formers.
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I’m now officially worried.
Nah. This isn’t how it will look. We didn’t suddenly become shit.
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What positives can be taken from these 3 games?
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It's slightly concerning. We are not controlling games, can't keep the ball, and there are no signs of any coherent attacking patterns really.
-
What positives can be taken from these 3 games?
No injuries, except for Olsen.
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What positives can be taken from these 3 games?
Heck strolling up Madison Avenue with his big swinging dick like he's back in town.
Nothing. Genuinely absolutely nothing.
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It's going to be a tense and exciting end to the season, I just hope we stay up.
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Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
I think that’s the telling thing playing against sides at the same levels of fitness. This time around Columbus and Club America have started their season. For Columbus they are mid season. Both are current champions of their leagues. And the Leipzig game plan went to shit because Carlos was an idiot.
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We have looked really light up top. Haven't seen enough from Philogene or Dobbin. Makeshift centre back partnership.
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Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
Drew with Walsall, Newcastle lost to Valencia I think
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Beating a prem team for them is the lottery...for us this is just a run around.
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Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
I think that’s the telling thing playing against sides at the same levels of fitness. This time around Columbus and Club America have started their season. For Columbus they are mid season. Both are current champions of their leagues. And the Leipzig game plan went to shit because Carlos was an idiot.
Club America have played 4 games and are currently 9th.
It's not like we're facing Manchester City in December.
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Dobbin isn’t Bellingham
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Come back and save us JD!!
-
Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
I think that’s the telling thing playing against sides at the same levels of fitness. This time around Columbus and Club America have started their season. For Columbus they are mid season. Both are current champions of their leagues. And the Leipzig game plan went to shit because Carlos was an idiot.
Club America have played 4 games and are currently 9th.
It's not like we're facing Manchester City in December.
No but doesn’t change that they have started their season and they are currently champions. They look more cohesive than us. And 4 games in means they are physically fitter than us playing in temperatures much more like Mexico than what we normally see in the Uk. It’s 30+ right now.
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Bellingham isn’t dobbin either.
-
Barkley had lost the ball a lot. Especially as he’s playing deeper.
-
I don’t know why and I’m happy for me to totally shot down but this has the vibes of pre season 2021. Without the kick about in the London park and the big transfer saga.
-
It's a bit like watching England, with all these players doing the palms up, "where's the movement?" type shrugs when they get the ball in the opposition half.
-
Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
I think that’s the telling thing playing against sides at the same levels of fitness. This time around Columbus and Club America have started their season. For Columbus they are mid season. Both are current champions of their leagues. And the Leipzig game plan went to shit because Carlos was an idiot.
Club America have played 4 games and are currently 9th.
It's not like we're facing Manchester City in December.
No but doesn’t change that they have started their season and they are currently champions. And 4 games in means they are physically fitter than us playing in temperatures much more like Mexico than what we normally see in the Uk. It’s 30+ right now.
Yeah, I get that, but the question is, what are the positives so far from these 3 games?
I don't care if we win or lose, it is about seeing some shape in what we do, but we look like we've been dragged halfway across the world for pre-season where the only positive is a bit of marketing.
What do you think the positives are from these three matches?
Buendia being back. There's one. What else?
-
Do we know if Felix is watching? And could he displace Dobbin in this side?
-
Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
I think that’s the telling thing playing against sides at the same levels of fitness. This time around Columbus and Club America have started their season. For Columbus they are mid season. Both are current champions of their leagues. And the Leipzig game plan went to shit because Carlos was an idiot.
Club America have played 4 games and are currently 9th.
It's not like we're facing Manchester City in December.
No but doesn’t change that they have started their season and they are currently champions. And 4 games in means they are physically fitter than us playing in temperatures much more like Mexico than what we normally see in the Uk. It’s 30+ right now.
Yeah, I get that, but the question is, what are the positives so far from these 3 games?
I don't care if we win or lose, it is about seeing some shape in what we do, but we look like we've been dragged halfway across the world for pre-season where the only positive is a bit of marketing.
What do you think the positives are from these three matches?
Buendia being back. There's one. What else?
Dendoncker has minutes under his belt and the badge hasn't fallen off yet.
-
Olsen was injured.
-
I’m now officially worried.
It's not going to help grow our brand in North America. :(
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Actually no I’m getting 2022 pre season vibes. When the new assistant didn’t have a passport.
-
Great game that
-
Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
I think that’s the telling thing playing against sides at the same levels of fitness. This time around Columbus and Club America have started their season. For Columbus they are mid season. Both are current champions of their leagues. And the Leipzig game plan went to shit because Carlos was an idiot.
Club America have played 4 games and are currently 9th.
It's not like we're facing Manchester City in December.
No but doesn’t change that they have started their season and they are currently champions. And 4 games in means they are physically fitter than us playing in temperatures much more like Mexico than what we normally see in the Uk. It’s 30+ right now.
Yeah, I get that, but the question is, what are the positives so far from these 3 games?
I don't care if we win or lose, it is about seeing some shape in what we do, but we look like we've been dragged halfway across the world for pre-season where the only positive is a bit of marketing.
What do you think the positives are from these three matches?
Buendia being back. There's one. What else?
No I get that. It’s looked a bit of a struggle without some of our key players. I suppose if this wasn’t Emery I would be very concerned. He tries things we are not looking at. He’s earned the benefit of the doubt. The positives for me are what it reveals to him and Monchi in the players we still need. Because this group will be fine mostly but challenging for a top 4 will be a stretch combined with CL. We definitely need some proper players to come in. Not just prospects.
-
In summary, that wasn’t great.
-
Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
I think that’s the telling thing playing against sides at the same levels of fitness. This time around Columbus and Club America have started their season. For Columbus they are mid season. Both are current champions of their leagues. And the Leipzig game plan went to shit because Carlos was an idiot.
Club America have played 4 games and are currently 9th.
It's not like we're facing Manchester City in December.
No but doesn’t change that they have started their season and they are currently champions. And 4 games in means they are physically fitter than us playing in temperatures much more like Mexico than what we normally see in the Uk. It’s 30+ right now.
Yeah, I get that, but the question is, what are the positives so far from these 3 games?
I don't care if we win or lose, it is about seeing some shape in what we do, but we look like we've been dragged halfway across the world for pre-season where the only positive is a bit of marketing.
What do you think the positives are from these three matches?
Buendia being back. There's one. What else?
Dendoncker has minutes under his belt and the badge hasn't fallen off yet.
Also total lack of upside down badges.
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New kit drains our mojo.
Retiring my Adidas shirt now - it’s too dangerous. It needs to be in a crate next to the Ark, driving rodents mental.
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I reckon it's been Gerrard wearing an Emery mask for this tour.
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Dortmund and Bilbao next.
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Come back and save us JD!!
Thought you were more Team Harris than Team Vance. :(
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All the same when Watkins Martinez Duran and konsa leave next year we are fcuked.
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Another useful workout. finding out who is more likely to play than not. Watkins Emi and Konsa to come back in, which is a quarter of the side (if we can get away with playing 12). Tonight, I thought we were light up top and still haven't hit our stride yet, which is to be expected. I like the look at Maatsen and Onana. Linking midfield to attack has been a problem in these three games but I am sure it will come.
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New kit drains our mojo.
Retiring my Adidas shirt now - it’s too dangerous. It needs to be in a crate next to the Ark, driving rodents mental.
Worrying times, Adidas jerseys are not for second best, they don't shrink to fit inferior players.
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Unimpressive again.
Not sure anyone has done themselves any great favours here and Archer has probably sealed his fate. Jayden was surprisingly immobile, thought he’d be busting a gut to impress the manger but he didn’t seem to get about.
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Even with the bar set low for pre-season we ain't gaining any new fans playing the turgid crap we've shown in the last three games. So much for building the brand in the US.
We go again.
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Positives: It should now even without Konsa be obvious the defence needs sorting out. No point playing a high line if it constantly fails to work with the current personnel.
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Positives: It should now even without Konsa be obvious the defence needs sorting out. No point playing a high line if it constantly fails to work with the current personnel.
And if the plan is to play Barkley as the deepest of the midfielders, I’m not sure he’s got the legs to put pressure on the ball to make the offside trap work.
Got to say I wished I hadn’t watched now as as there are more questions than answers. One for your internal jukeboxes.
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It's pre season with about a third of the team missing and a fair few new signings lads, honestly.
Think I need to not read this thread because you're all so over the top pessimistic. Chill the feck out like
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Ned likes to get forward and makes plenty of runs, that’s a positive.
If we’re still playing like this a few games into the season I’ll be concerned but we’ve got a tough start.
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Couple more matches before the start of the season. Need to now start looking at playing our 1st eleven so they can gel leading up to our first league game. In all honesty, I don’t think we’ve strengthened the squad so far to any degree plus, with CL matches also to come, these players need to step up quite a bit. Obviously, we can’t be too negative about friendly match results but, so far, seen nothing to get excited about.
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I was getting a bit concerned after the first 2 games in the USA, about involuntarily attracting bad karma on the fortunes of the Villa, so I avoided the Villa TV+, this thread, X, my radio and other sources of info during the match. It (total media blackout on the match) has been known to work during the season 😃👍. TMB was impeccable, tonight.
So, I don’t know who switched into a stream or updated Social media with 10 minutes or so to go, but whoever it was, you’re the jinx!
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Martinez
Konsa Mings
Kamara
Watkins
3 back in next couple of days, one in September and one hopefully before Xmas. That's the spine of our team all missing.
This has been a learning experience for everyone else. We've been trying all the new players.
Gauci
Nedeljhovic
Bogarde
Feeney
Maatsen
Barkley
Onana
Dobbin
Philogene
Iling Junior
Archer
That's why we don't look as good as we might.
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Which means as per usual the squad is not good enough.
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Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
Drew with Walsall, Newcastle lost to Valencia I think
Walsall won 4-1.
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This has been a learning experience for everyone else. We've been trying all the new players.
Gauci
Nedeljhovic
Bogarde
Feeney
Maatsen
Barkley
Onana
Dobbin
Philogene
Iling Junior
Archer
That's why we don't look as good as we might.
I don’t care what anyone says, this team is good enough to keep us up.
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Not a particularly impressive tour that.
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Emi and Ramsey have got some vital minutes under the belt, three best players to come back with Mings back soon too. Minds will now be made up on Archer, Carlos and Cash so although disappointing, its not concerning. Saturday's game will be a far better indication of where we are.
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In all honesty, I don’t think we’ve strengthened the squad so far to any degree
This is it for me. I think the current squad is weaker than last season. Extra numbers doesn't necessarily mean extra quality.
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It is ok saying the spine of the team is yet to come back, but those players will be starting from scratch for pre-season fitness.
I fully expect to see that Watkins, Konsa and to a certain extent Martinez needing more than a couple of games against Bilbao and Dortmund to get up to speed.
I reckon it will be a tough start to the new season.
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In all honesty, I don’t think we’ve strengthened the squad so far to any degree
This is it for me. I think the current squad is weaker than last season. Extra numbers doesn't necessarily mean extra quality.
Yes, and we can't we be counting on players who have been out with serious injuries for a long while to necessarily come back at their previous levels.
Like you say, and for all the enthusiasm with the signings, do any of the players we have signed so far improve our first team overall?
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I just want to add that looking at the team, the positions players were in, the players that have been on the pitch, this is purely training and fitness prep.
Emery knows how to prepare for matches and how to get players ready. These results and performances don't mean anything really, it's about him tracking individuals, testing them and getting them ready for what he really wants them to do.
The first proper test will be Dortmund, because we will have everyone back.
I've been interested to see just how many players go off in the summer to fitness and conditioning camps; the article on Rogers highlighted it, and that a lot of players from different clubs mix at them.
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I agree with the post above.
But, the other point of the tour was to raise our profile and attract new fans.
Not sure the audience over there will be too turned on by a team who lost all 3 of their games and barely threatened the goal.
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What I took from this extremely boring pre-season run is Onana and Maatsen will be yellow card magnets this season.
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Hard to judge too much really when it's mainly been two different starting 11's each half and yesterday the likes of Digne and Donk playing centre half.
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I agree with the post above.
But, the other point of the tour was to raise our profile and attract new fans.
Not sure the audience over there will be too turned on by a team who lost all 3 of their games and barely threatened the goal.
Spot on. Pretty pointless in that regard. At least give them something to get excited about.
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Played well in patches, played crap in patches
No one really impressed, but then no one was really shocking either, I like the look of Onana if he can settle down and fit into Unais system but fear he is a walking booking
Maaaaatson looked okay at times, same as Ned, Archer was the one player that probably didn’t do himself much favours and I’ve always been in the camp of giving him a go
Tielemans is not as good as Luiz no matter what Risso says, and we won’t get the Luton Barclay because we’re not Luton
Was expecting a bit more from Philogene, Buendia looked and fit and ready to go and was fouled a lot,
Dobbin, Rogers, and both pretty anonymous
My biggest worry was, we didn’t have much pressure on their goal, it wasn’t all Archers fault It was the playmakers and the other forwards not creating a lot, it’s no good Thinking Watkins will be any better as if he doesn’t get the service as he didn’t in the last six games of last season He does nothing as well
If you look at it as a fitness exercise then it’s okay if you look at it as pointers for that season it’s decidedly average
But with the players to come back and a proper starting 11 we’ve got to keep believing
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Last year we drew 3-3 with Brentford same levels of fitness. We beat the other sides didn’t we?
Drew with Walsall, Newcastle lost to Valencia I think
Walsall won 4-1.
Drew 1-1, beat Valencia I was thinking of when we lost to Villareal the season before.
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What I took from this extremely boring pre-season run is Onana and Maatsen will be yellow card magnets this season.
Like a ray of sunshine.
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If we were winning every game comfortably then I suspect the theme would be that you can’t read too much into friendlies.
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If we were winning every game comfortably then I suspect the theme would be that you can’t read too much into friendlies.
Very true. It is a bit concerning that we've lost all of the them on this tour, but it almost certainly shouldn't be.
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Drew 1-1, beat Valencia I was thinking of when we lost to Villareal the season before.
Thanks. Not sure why I have a a 4-1 defeat in my mind :-[
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Disappointment with what was shown last night and the results this tour aside this man fill me with belief. What he says about Ned , Onana and Duran is spot on how they need time to develop their potential and that he will help them. My impression that strategy much about building stability also for the long term future. That new young LB that impressed and most of the new young players also fit that vision. That said our first eleven like Martinez, konsa, Costa, Pau, Maatsen, Onana, Kamara, Mcginn , Tielemans, Ro(d)gers/Ramsey, Watkins can beat anyone. Even we lose our first couple of matches this season every reason to be behind current leadership and stragy IMO. Also worth to notice Emery saying that the games gave him a lot of important information about players and strategy.
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I haven't seen any games since the first half of the Columbas one. Any opinions on Bunedia and Ramsey, fitness wise? Do they look like they're ready to go for the start of the season?
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The early pre season games are all about fitness. I’d presume our last 2 games will see us start stronger with more of a game plan but these are nothing more than training games.
I’d say Emery, being one of the best coaches around, has more than just a bit of a clue how to prepare clubs for a new season.
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Played well in patches, played crap in patches
No one really impressed, but then no one was really shocking either, I like the look of Onana if he can settle down and fit into Unais system but fear he is a walking booking
Maaaaatson looked okay at times, same as Ned, Archer was the one player that probably didn’t do himself much favours and I’ve always been in the camp of giving him a go
Tielemans is not as good as Luiz no matter what Risso says, and we won’t get the Luton Barclay because we’re not Luton
Was expecting a bit more from Philogene, Buendia looked and fit and ready to go and was fouled a lot,
Dobbin, Rogers, and both pretty anonymous
My biggest worry was, we didn’t have much pressure on their goal, it wasn’t all Archers fault It was the playmakers and the other forwards not creating a lot, it’s no good Thinking Watkins will be any better as if he doesn’t get the service as he didn’t in the last six games of last season He does nothing as well
If you look at it as a fitness exercise then it’s okay if you look at it as pointers for that season it’s decidedly average
But with the players to come back and a proper starting 11 we’ve got to keep believing
Went to the Walsall game and watched the game in Slovakia was it? But haven’t seen the USA based games so can’t comment. I would agree with you about Tielemans though. He is a good and sometimes very good player, however I do think amongst some posters there is an under estimation of the loss of the Luiz-Kamara centre midfield combination.
Pre xmas i would argue they were one of if not the best centre midfield pairing in the league. Our form arguably started to wobble a tad around the xmas period after Kamara got sent off at Brentford and then we struggled more sporadically after we lost him for the season. The way Emery likes to play means that the midfield two not only combine to shield the defence, but also start most attacks, which is where Luiz was absolutely sublime for the majority of Emery’s time in charge.
We now have to start the season with a completely new midfield pairing, or combination of players undertaking the roles. Is that Tielemans and Onana? I thought Tielemans was largely more effective just behind Watkins. Is it Onana and Barclay? There is a big drop off from Barclay to Dougie for me. McGinn is better out wide, Barrenchea is young and untried in the premier. Either way, it feels there may have to be a bedding in period and even then, we may not be as strong as we were this time last year, in this part of the pitch.
Maybe if Carlos goes a new better CB will help in terms of the defence needing slightly less shielding, but there are so many if’s with this. Maybe Emery will look at a slightly different way of playing?
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As shown by the results after his injury, Kamara was very much the important bit of the Kamara-Luiz axis. As soon as Bouba was injured, Luiz's form fell off a cliff.
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Whereas the McGinn and Tielemans combo was a great combo as the double pivot.
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If we were winning every game comfortably then I suspect the theme would be that you can’t read too much into friendlies.
Very true. It is a bit concerning that we've lost all of the them on this tour, but it almost certainly shouldn't be.
It's not losing the games that's the issue, it's the manner in which we lost them. Lots of work to do these next two weeks.
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We are playing experimental line ups . Don't read too much into these games. We could easily lose the next two friendlies then go to West Ham and win.
We had a results wise better preseason last year and look what happened on the opening day.
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If we were winning every game comfortably then I suspect the theme would be that you can’t read too much into friendlies.
Very true. It is a bit concerning that we've lost all of the them on this tour, but it almost certainly shouldn't be.
It's not losing the games that's the issue, it's the manner in which we lost them. Lots of work to do these next two weeks.
We will win a match again. I really do think we could.
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As shown by the results after his injury, Kamara was very much the important bit of the Kamara-Luiz axis. As soon as Bouba was injured, Luiz's form fell off a cliff.
No til April really.
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And again because Luiz was being asked to fulfill a different role. If you switched the injuries around and had asked Kamara to be the more advanced midfielder he’d have dropped off too.
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And again because Luiz was being asked to fulfill a different role. If you switched the injuries around and had asked Kamara to be the more advanced midfielder he’d have dropped off too.
Kamara has never been played the more advanced role though. Luiz has played half his career as a defensive midfielder.
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I’m officially worried. The transfer strategy doesn’t appear quite right. We’ve not yet replaced god knows how many goal and assist options.
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And again because Luiz was being asked to fulfill a different role. If you switched the injuries around and had asked Kamara to be the more advanced midfielder he’d have dropped off too.
Kamara has never been played the more advanced role though. Luiz has played half his career as a defensive midfielder.
I don’t understand this point.
Luiz played as a defensive midfielder because for a lot of his time at the club we didn’t have anyone else who could (I.e. the other options were either unsuited to the position, or not good enough), or previous managers hadn’t worked out that he is basically a Regista.
Playing him with Kamara allows him to do what he is good at. Take Kamara away (or any other proper defensive midfielder) and Luiz is forced to play a role he is simply not as good at. That has nothing to do with form.
It’s the same reason why some people were saying that Mings wasn’t good enough 2 years ago. IMO it was never a case of him being not good enough, or being out of form. Instead it was that without a proper defensive midfielder in front of him he was having to play differently. The opposition were walking through our midfield at times, and he was being pulled all over the place to fill gaps, and make desperate lunges, sometimes unsuccessfully.
Having a proper defensive midfielder allows the defence to do their jobs, and the rest of the midfield to do their jobs. At the danger of opening-up another discussion, I don’t think that Cowans and McGrath would have been as successful without Richardson in the team, regardless of their own form.
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And again because Luiz was being asked to fulfill a different role. If you switched the injuries around and had asked Kamara to be the more advanced midfielder he’d have dropped off too.
Kamara has never been played the more advanced role though. Luiz has played half his career as a defensive midfielder.
I don’t understand this point.
Luiz played as a defensive midfielder because for a lot of his time at the club we didn’t have anyone else who could (I.e. the other options were either unsuited to the position, or not good enough), or previous managers hadn’t worked out that he is basically a Regista.
Playing him with Kamara allows him to do what he is good at. Take Kamara away (or any other proper defensive midfielder) and Luiz is forced to play a role he is simply not as good at. That has nothing to do with form.
It’s the same reason why some people were saying that Mings wasn’t good enough 2 years ago. IMO it was never a case of him being not good enough, or being out of form. Instead it was that without a proper defensive midfielder in front of him he was having to play differently. The opposition were walking through our midfield at times, and he was being pulled all over the place to fill gaps, and make desperate lunges, sometimes unsuccessfully.
Having a proper defensive midfielder allows the defence to do their jobs, and the rest of the midfield to do their jobs. At the danger of opening-up another discussion, I don’t think that Cowans and McGrath would have been as successful without Richardson in the team, regardless of their own form.
I agree with this.
It comes back to the point of how Unai wants to set up with the players he has/the ones Monchi has bought.
Is Onana a direct replacement for Kamara until he’s fit again, it would seem on the face of it to be the case, unless Barranchea and Onana are going to start?
If Onana is the Kamara replacement we then have either Tielemans or Barclay in the Luiz role. I’m not sure either of them can give us what Dougie gave us in that role.
Unai undoubtedly has some masterplan to combat the loss of both Dougie and Kamara.
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And again because Luiz was being asked to fulfill a different role. If you switched the injuries around and had asked Kamara to be the more advanced midfielder he’d have dropped off too.
Kamara has never been played the more advanced role though. Luiz has played half his career as a defensive midfielder.
I don’t understand this point.
Luiz played as a defensive midfielder because for a lot of his time at the club we didn’t have anyone else who could (I.e. the other options were either unsuited to the position, or not good enough), or previous managers hadn’t worked out that he is basically a Regista.
Playing him with Kamara allows him to do what he is good at. Take Kamara away (or any other proper defensive midfielder) and Luiz is forced to play a role he is simply not as good at. That has nothing to do with form.
It’s the same reason why some people were saying that Mings wasn’t good enough 2 years ago. IMO it was never a case of him being not good enough, or being out of form. Instead it was that without a proper defensive midfielder in front of him he was having to play differently. The opposition were walking through our midfield at times, and he was being pulled all over the place to fill gaps, and make desperate lunges, sometimes unsuccessfully.
Having a proper defensive midfielder allows the defence to do their jobs, and the rest of the midfield to do their jobs. At the danger of opening-up another discussion, I don’t think that Cowans and McGrath would have been as successful without Richardson in the team, regardless of their own form.
He was a defensive midfielder before he arrived. He was bought as a defensive midfielder, and was played as a defensive midfielder. He might have grown into a more attacking player, but he should have been better than he was for the second half of the season, when he was mostly disappointing.
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The things I think we should keep in mind are;
- We're still four key players missing thanks to international duty.
- Several players with us arrived late and are behind due to this.
- We've given experience to youth - one youth CB on most of the time.
- We've only had one striker, who has limited experience, plus a new young player with even less.
- The training will have focused on integrating the new players into Emery's way, which takes time.
- We won't have spent much time on opposition analysis.
- Our game plans won't be based on who is in front of us.
- Giving everyone the right amount of minutes will have been prioritised over tactics, formation, and result.
- Absolutely nobody will be wanting to get injured.
- The fucking shirt is cursed.
So while I am deeply unhappy and very much sleep deprived, I am prepared to relax and wait till we get going properly before worrying too much (or more than usual).
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The things I think we should keep in mind are;
- We're still four key players missing thanks to international duty.
Four?[/list]
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Martinez, Konsa, Watkins, and I assume Duran?
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Martinez, Watkins, Konsa, Duran.
People can argue about Duran, but along with Watkins that's both our strikers from last season missing.
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Given the likes of McGinn and Tielemans, who actually played at the Euros, are back, Duran should be too. I don't think he played a single minute for Colombia. I think that probably says something in itself.
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We are playing experimental line ups . Don't read too much into these games. We could easily lose the next two friendlies then go to West Ham and win.
We had a results wise better preseason last year and look what happened on the opening day.
We played so well Fergie couldn't believe the scoreline? If playing poor in friendlies also means we don't lose a massive playmaker and then the defensive linchpin ACL in the first weekend, then I will take it.
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Why is everyone being sensible this morning? I need my blood pressure raising.
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Why is everyone being sensible this morning? I need my blood pressure raising.
Come back later for the Two Minutes Hate, when Chris Heck's demonic visage is shown to us all along with the latest ticket and pie prices against a backdrop of practically every badge ever.
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Martinez, Watkins, Konsa, Duran.
People can argue about Duran, but along with Watkins that's both our strikers from last season missing.
I thought Durán would have been the fourth but although you’re right about being backup what’s happened over the summer makes me think he not key. Certainly will be if he stays though.
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Given the likes of McGinn and Tielemans, who actually played at the Euros, are back, Duran should be too. I don't think he played a single minute for Colombia. I think that probably says something in itself.
Colombia made it to the final of the Copa America. All 4 players that made it to their respective finals have been given extra time. I don't see what's wrong with that.
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He was a defensive midfielder before he arrived. He was bought as a defensive midfielder, and was played as a defensive midfielder. He might have grown into a more attacking player, but he should have been better than he was for the second half of the season, when he was mostly disappointing.
He wasn't a DM before he arrived, he played mostly as an 8 for both his Brazilian club and on loan at Girona. What he was signed as is guesswork at best but under Smith we often played more as 3 8s rather than anyone in particular being set as a 6 and in that same window we did sign a genuine DM in Nakamba.
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Given the likes of McGinn and Tielemans, who actually played at the Euros, are back, Duran should be too. I don't think he played a single minute for Colombia. I think that probably says something in itself.
Colombia made it to the final of the Copa America. All 4 players that made it to their respective finals have been given extra time. I don't see what's wrong with that.
My point was simply that Duran didn't play in the Copa America, while players who did play a lot for their countries are already back with us, and playing. Maatsen is almost a direct comparison, he didn't play or didn't play much, his team made it to the SFs, and he's been back with us before we left for the US tour.
Other posters have pointed out that he still would have been training and "on duty" so he's likely entitled to a set amount of time off. It's just interesting that some players seem to have opted to come back earlier, but as I said elsewhere, the likes of Maatsen, having joined a new club, may have been thinking he'd take the opportunity to get settled and into the swing of things.
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Maatsen is also a new player so more reason to be with the players/manager early.
(edit, should have read to the bottom).
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Yep, fair play to Maatsen. I think the US tour would have been a factor too, as it was a great opportunity to get to know everyone.
I do think there is a difference when you come from a different continent though. I mean Maatsen can nip back to see family and friends if he gets a couple of days off in the season, whereas that's much harder for the likes of Duran.
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He was a defensive midfielder before he arrived. He was bought as a defensive midfielder, and was played as a defensive midfielder. He might have grown into a more attacking player, but he should have been better than he was for the second half of the season, when he was mostly disappointing.
So for the second half of the season he was mostly disappointing at doing the thing he isn't as good at doing, whereas for the first half of the season he mostly he did very well at the thing he is better at doing? I'm not overly familiar with his role in a Girona team relegated from La Liga, but I'm not sure how relevant it is anyway. I also think that whether or not he was bought as a defensive midfielder is speculation, especially as Nakamba came in during the same window.
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He was a defensive midfielder before he arrived. He was bought as a defensive midfielder, and was played as a defensive midfielder. He might have grown into a more attacking player, but he should have been better than he was for the second half of the season, when he was mostly disappointing.
So for the second half of the season he was mostly disappointing at doing the thing he isn't as good at doing, whereas for the first half of the season he mostly he did very well at the thing he is better at doing? I'm not overly familiar with his role in a Girona team relegated from La Liga, but I'm not sure how relevant it is anyway. I also think that whether or not he was bought as a defensive midfielder is speculation, especially as Nakamba came in during the same window.
He wasn't being asked to play up front or in goal, he was still in a midfield two being asked to play a role that he'd played dozens of times before. I just expected him to be better at it than he was.
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I watched the highlights of the Chicago game a little earlier. Had VAR been in play their goal would not have stood. Even so, and I know it's only preseason but at our level we should be putting teams like Chicage to the sword even without recognised strikers. I guess it's all about players getting minutes and time to gel.
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What about Club America?
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Club Tropicana is preferable.
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As long as it's not Sunny D.
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He was a defensive midfielder before he arrived. He was bought as a defensive midfielder, and was played as a defensive midfielder. He might have grown into a more attacking player, but he should have been better than he was for the second half of the season, when he was mostly disappointing.
So for the second half of the season he was mostly disappointing at doing the thing he isn't as good at doing, whereas for the first half of the season he mostly he did very well at the thing he is better at doing? I'm not overly familiar with his role in a Girona team relegated from La Liga, but I'm not sure how relevant it is anyway. I also think that whether or not he was bought as a defensive midfielder is speculation, especially as Nakamba came in during the same window.
He wasn't being asked to play up front or in goal, he was still in a midfield two being asked to play a role that he'd played dozens of times before. I just expected him to be better at it than he was.
To be clear, are you honestly suggesting there's no difference between:
"This guy will cover the defence, I want you to go and dictate the flow of play and the tempo of the game"
And
"I need you to be the disciplined player holding his position and covering the defence if we get counter-attacked"
Can you honestly not see how the priorities for those 2 roles are different and how one of them is far more suited to the skillset of Luiz?
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Another useful workout ahead and i expext the team to be stronger and the tempo raised slightly .
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Who’s staying up for this one?
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Who’s staying up for this one?
Not you I hope, you're cursed!
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Haha. I’m going to this one, but I’ve retired my Adidas shirt.
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All this Luiz chat, makes me hope that Onana is his inverse where an average 8 becomes an excellent 6.
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Who’s staying up for this one?
Is this game on late tonight in a faraway land? I thought it was on in Walsall and over before midnight.
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From@Avfcsupport on X...
Ahead of our game against Athletic Club Bilbao, supporters are advised that the M6 northbound between Junctions 7 and 10 is subject to a full overnight closure tomorrow night for planned maintenance.
An outside lane closure will also be in place on the southbound carriageway between Junctions 7 and 10. Both of these closures are due to begin at 8PM.
Signed diversion routes will be in place and supporters travelling north after the game are advised to join the M6 at J10.
More information about how to travel to the Bescot Stadium is available at the link below:
tfwm.org.uk/plan-your-jour…
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Back in training
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUS4vqMXIAAeGby?format=jpg&name=small)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUSmHwbXcAEM4Sr?format=jpg&name=small)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUSg2veWQAA_Sk8?format=jpg&name=small)
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;D
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Noticeable who there isn't a photo of.
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Noticeable who there isn't a photo of.
Duran?
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What's our first X1 for West Ham looking like at this stage? Duran and even Carlos look they are in the departure lounge. Onana + 1 in the midfield it looks like, might be only spot up for grabs really. Think Emery might mind Ramsey a bit over the first few games. We look very light for CB options.
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Barkley/Tielemans, Bailey, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins
Subs from Ramsey, Buendia, Olsen, Maatsen, Moreno (might be on way out), Kosta, Enzo, I-J, Jaden, Dobbin, Archer (on way out?)
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Noticeable who there isn't a photo of.
Duran?
Yeah, the 4 finalists were meant to be back.
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What's our first X1 for West Ham looking like at this stage? Duran and even Carlos look they are in the departure lounge. Onana + 1 in the midfield it looks like, might be only spot up for grabs really. Think Emery might mind Ramsey a bit over the first few games. We look very light for CB options.
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Barkley/Tielemans, Bailey, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins
Subs from Ramsey, Buendia, Olsen, Maatsen, Moreno (might be on way out), Kosta, Enzo, I-J, Jaden, Dobbin, Archer (on way out?)
The only missing players are Mings (Injured) Duran (assume he will be gone by then)
I think the bench has been overall strengthened compared to last season but
Kosta
Enzo
I-J
Jaden
Dobbin
Very little, if any at all premier experience in most of the bench.
For all our business still need another RCH and another attacking player until i feel a little more confident.
And (this is my opinion only) Onana was targeted to play along side Tielemans who him self was planned to replace Luis a while back, as i think the club knew of his intentions to leave once he did not sign a new deal.
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Nice to welcome our Basque Buddies back, even if it is to Walsall.
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What's our first X1 for West Ham looking like at this stage? Duran and even Carlos look they are in the departure lounge. Onana + 1 in the midfield it looks like, might be only spot up for grabs really. Think Emery might mind Ramsey a bit over the first few games. We look very light for CB options.
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Onana, Barkley/Tielemans, Bailey, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins
Subs from Ramsey, Buendia, Olsen, Maatsen, Moreno (might be on way out), Kosta, Enzo, I-J, Jaden, Dobbin, Archer (on way out?)
The only missing players are Mings (Injured) Duran (assume he will be gone by then)
I think the bench has been overall strengthened compared to last season but
Kosta
Enzo
I-J
Jaden
Dobbin
Very little, if any at all premier experience in most of the bench.
For all our business still need another RCH and another attacking player until i feel a little more confident.
And (this is my opinion only) Onana was targeted to play along side Tielemans who him self was planned to replace Luis a while back, as i think the club knew of his intentions to leave once he did not sign a new deal.
Errm, and Kamara!!!
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Kamara might only play half the season though, at best, so we almost need to forget about him until after Christmas.
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Kamara might only play half the season though, at best, so we almost need to forget about him until after Christmas.
Forget who?!
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Kamara might only play half the season though, at best, so we almost need to forget about him until after Christmas.
That was my thought as well - hence leaving him out
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Christmas? I was hoping by Halloween he'd be fit to scare opposing midfielders again.
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Is this game on YouTube?
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUZVsxvW8AArNvY?format=jpg&name=large)
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No Barracuda
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No Diego Carlos either.
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So now down to one pre-season friendly for the missing players to get to know and play with the new team mates in a match environment before West Ham away.
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Presumably Bogarde has impressed pre-season.
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Presumably Bogarde has impressed pre-season.
Bogarde's either in Unai's sights as a future first team squad player, or he's firmly in the shop window.
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Rogers up top ?
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Presumably Bogarde has impressed pre-season.
Bogarde's either in Unai's sights as a future first team squad player, or he's firmly in the shop window.
Well, he already had the chance to join Nottingham Forest and it didn't happen so the former is more likely.
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Barkley on the bench .
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Athletic don't look to be giving this match too much attention, they only flew in late this morning.
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Athletic don't look to be giving this match too much attention, they only flew in late this morning.
They didn't want Nico Williams to have time to see BMH and Villa Park.
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How many names will Rego get wrong tonight? Surely someone at the club has told him it’s Philogene and not Philogene-Bidace.
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JJ!!!!!!! What a superb move and goal!
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JJ!!!!!!! What a superb move and goal!
Yessss, great to hear his name again.
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thats what we missed last season JJ
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Left side with JJ and Digne looking very sharp.
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Excellent save Gauchi
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Thus far we look so much sharper, tonight.
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The little slip a few seconds ago aside, Lamar Bogarde has looked very decent.
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brilliant bailey - rubbish finish by mcginn
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McGinn should have made it 2-0
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excellent football so far
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Lovely move. Good save from a Youri shot
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Some lovely football tonight. We’re back to going to win the league!
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GET THE FUCK IN BOYS!!! 2-0
Fuck offside. Another cracking move. Morgan with a brilliant finish.
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Oh what a [sadly offside] goal from Rogers
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great finish
only just os
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Superb from Rogers.
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great save goalie
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Another very good save by Gauchi
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Great save Joe
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Battering them
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The first pre-season game I'm not watching and Villa are playing well...probably just a coincidence.
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I have to ask. What did Pablo see in Gauchi that convinced him we were signing one of the worst keepers ever? He’s looked very good. Distribution needs a little work. Decent positioning and very good shot stopper.
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The first pre-season game I'm not watching and Villa are playing well...probably just a coincidence.
You know what to do this season (bind his eyes!!!)
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Different player, think he meant Joe Gauci! 😉
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Watching now but missed the goal.
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Different player, think he meant Joe Gauci! 😉
I’m planning of getting all the names wrong. Matsen, Obama, Barkly and let’s not get to the two lads from Juventus.
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sitter missed by rogers
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How did Big Morg miss that?
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Leon has had a lot of fun on the wing tonight.
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Bailey looking good tonight
should easily be 3 0 watch out Real MAdrid :)
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Rogers and Ramsay have both skied one.
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Villa do know that this isn’t Gaelic Football, don’t they ?
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Bollocks 1-1
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The first pre-season game I'm not watching and Villa are playing well...probably just a coincidence.
I've emailed the TSA to put you on a No Fly List.
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ffs Emery out
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We're missing Ollie.
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1-1
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We have played some really lovely football going forward. Should be way out in front vs 1-1
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Cash mistake again is what I am hearing. Is this right?
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Time to Cash Out.
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That must the 4th shot we’ve ballooned over the bar tonight.
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Those lazy bastards still not in the squad.
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Despite it being 1-1 it’s been a really excellent first half. We were much the better side. Should be 3 or 4-1. And the goal by Morgan Rogers should have counted as he was onside. All in all very positive.
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Love Onana. Just the way he makes himself available, talks to those around, pragmatically dirty when necessary. Something we've been missing.
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Love Onana. Just the way he makes himself available, talks to those around, pragmatically dirty when necessary. Something we've been missing.
Good to read. Where are people watching it?
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I have to ask. What did Pablo see in Gauchi that convinced him we were signing one of the worst keepers ever? He’s looked very good. Distribution needs a little work. Decent positioning and very good shot stopper.
I saw him making several mistakes across two or three seasons & his distribution was poor.
I did say that he was a decent shot stopper though.
Although I never said he was one of the "worst keepers ever."
I just said that I didn't rate him overall, didn't want us to sign him & that he was a disaster waiting to happen.
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Despite it being 1-1 it’s been a really excellent first half. We were much the better side. Should be 3 or 4-1. And the goal by Morgan Rogers should have counted as he was onside. All in all very positive.
Defence still looks a bit dodgy especial Torres.
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Duran is going to destroy him in a couple of weeks.
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Of course, when the season starts, for the players still being given time off and, having played for a good hour in the Euros, people will be saying, ah yes but, he needs a few games to get him up to speed!!
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Love Onana. Just the way he makes himself available, talks to those around, pragmatically dirty when necessary. Something we've been missing.
Good to read. Where are people watching it?
TV's in Toronto. Not sure about everyone else.
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Duran is going to destroy him in a couple of weeks.
We playing a Saudi team? ;)
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the goal
https://x.com/i/status/1821267203422863404
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At a glance you would think Dougie is still there when the camera pans to the security dude.
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Zych, Nedeljkovic and Philogene replace Gauci, Cash and Ramsey.
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Despite it being 1-1 it’s been a really excellent first half. We were much the better side. Should be 3 or 4-1. And the goal by Morgan Rogers should have counted as he was onside. All in all very positive.
Defence still looks a bit dodgy especial Torres.
Yes, an overrated defender imo. I hope Mings and, importantly, Kamara come back as good as ever... and soon!
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I paid my subscription for todays game but can not open the game, any help ?
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Despite it being 1-1 it’s been a really excellent first half. We were much the better side. Should be 3 or 4-1. And the goal by Morgan Rogers should have counted as he was onside. All in all very positive.
Defence still looks a bit dodgy especial Torres.
Yes, an overrated defender imo. I hope Mings and, importantly, Kamara come back as good as ever... and soon!
When he's good he's very good but he had a poor finish to the season and hasn't looked convincing pre-season.
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the goal
https://x.com/i/status/1821267203422863404
Yourri threading the needle.
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Onana loves a tackle
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Torres passing is crap, I don't care what anyone says. His body shape is all wrong and any lofted pass fails to hit the target by some.
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Torres passing is crap, I don't care what anyone says. His body shape is all wrong and any lofted pass fails to hit the target by some.
Bollocks.
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lovely finish
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Lovely goal by Jaden
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Philo goal
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Thankfully Rego is calling him Philogene and not Philogene-Bidace.
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Cool finish - happy for the lad! Good work from Digne and Rogers as well.
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Is Williams playing?
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Torres passing is crap, I don't care what anyone says. His body shape is all wrong and any lofted pass fails to hit the target by some.
Assume that’s a typo and you meant Nigel reo-Coker
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Torres crap at passing is a niche view.
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Is Williams playing?
No. Daniel Levy has told Atletico that he must not play until he’s made up his mind if he wants to sign him as straight swap for Richalison.
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Is Williams playing?
Inaki is.
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Torres passing is crap, I don't care what anyone says. His body shape is all wrong and any lofted pass fails to hit the target by some.
I would not say it is crap, but if this is one's best quality as a defender, then there are issues. And, to be fair to you, Tuscans, his passes often do not find the target. On the other hand, if you look at the first goal, the initial pass from him to Rogers was very nice. Still, I want my defenders to be really good at defending first and foremost and Torres is pretty average at that.
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Go on Ned boy
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Is Williams playing?
His brother I think, Gruffydd Williams.
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Torres crap at passing is a niche view.
Indeed.
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maybe Walsall we like the look of Dendonker
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Torres passing is crap, I don't care what anyone says. His body shape is all wrong and any lofted pass fails to hit the target by some.
I would not say it is crap, but if this is one's best quality as a defender, then there are issues. And, to be fair to you, Tuscans, his passes often do not find the target. On the other hand, if you look at the first goal, the initial pass from him to Rogers was very nice. Still, I want my defenders to be really good at defending first and foremost and Torres is pretty average at that.
You see it too mate. Ok, it's not crap but it isn't great either. The defending side of things, well, he isn't ever going to be an aggressive defender. He needs a Kamara, Onana shielding in front of him.
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Fair dues, that was a tidy finish.
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maybe Walsall we like the look of Dendonker
Even Walsall aren't that desperate
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Torres passing is crap, I don't care what anyone says. His body shape is all wrong and any lofted pass fails to hit the target by some.
I would not say it is crap, but if this is one's best quality as a defender, then there are issues. And, to be fair to you, Tuscans, his passes often do not find the target. On the other hand, if you look at the first goal, the initial pass from him to Rogers was very nice. Still, I want my defenders to be really good at defending first and foremost and Torres is pretty average at that.
You see it too mate. Ok, it's not crap but it isn't great either. The defending side of things, well, he isn't ever going to be an aggressive defender. He needs a Kamara, Onana shielding in front of him.
Add to that a decided lack of pace when playing the high line and he is just "OK" for me. It puts a lot of pressure on the keeper, so it is a good thing we have the world's number one.
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wait.. I thought you were all joking around. We're seriously complaining about Pau Torres?!
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He' alright Ned isn't he
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refs a wanker :)
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Looked a clear pen. Ned was shoved in the back
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Get up you fuckin pusscake
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they have used about 39 players
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What’s the point of bringing on players 85 mins into a pre-season game
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never off
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Shocking decision. Never offside.
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well done Cameron
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Well taken by Cam
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What's the score?
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Good finito.
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Are we winning or was the goal disallowed?
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He should stay and be our second striker. Quick. Strong. Crazy angle to finish.
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What's the score?
3-2, should be 5-2
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Pulled, pushed but soldiered on with a good finish. Well done Cam.
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Well done. Will be happy if both teams win the league next year, I can't say fairer than that.
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enjoyed that
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A worthy winner if ever I saw one.
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That was very good. Both offside goals would have stood with VAR. We were really solid all round.
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With 5 first team players to come back and at least 2 new signings.
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That puts Archer's stock up a bit. Great finish, despite being manhandled from the halfway line. Thought Philogene was pretty good. One or two growing into it now. I am still a tad concerned about us defensively though.
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Has the offside rule changed for this season? Are you onside if you're overlapping with the defender?
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We should have scored more and there were a couple of defensive lapses but those should be fewer with Emi Martinez and Ezri Konsa back in the team. All three goals were taken really well particularly Cam's winner.
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A lots of positives for me, Bogarde and Ned amongst them
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Ha! Got to feel sorry for the kid who thought he was getting the player's shirt, only for it to be given to the older lad next to him.
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That puts Archer's stock up a bit. Great finish, despite being manhandled from the halfway line. Thought Philogene was pretty good. One or two growing into it now. I am still a tad concerned about us defensively though.
Only 1 senior Centre Half available or selection right now means the defence isn't where we want it to be. Konsa coming in at the weekend and Carlos back available soon will make a difference and then Mings will be involved within a month or 2 as well.
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Good game, far better than the US. The boy at right back looks excellent, his pace is frightening. Emi looking good (do we need Felix?) and as someone said earlier, Archer should be back up to Watkins, great movement and a great finisher. Keep Bogarde too but send Mr Sprinkles out on loan to a league 1 side. I hope the Duran situation is sorted ASAP, we need a squad that is 100% together..
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Three really well taken goals and should have been more. Bringing Philogene back could well turn out to be a masterstroke.
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Phillogene looked good and hopefully Bogarde is ahead of Carlos if we don’t manage to shift him on.
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Nice one, Cam.
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That puts Archer's stock up a bit. Great finish, despite being manhandled from the halfway line. Thought Philogene was pretty good. One or two growing into it now. I am still a tad concerned about us defensively though.
Only 1 senior Centre Half available or selection right now means the defence isn't where we want it to be. Konsa coming in at the weekend and Carlos back available soon will make a difference and then Mings will be involved within a month or 2 as well.
Konsa and Mings will definitely make a difference. Carlos can go though. Much rather see a Mings/Konsa combo but can't see Unai leaving Torres out.
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Three really well taken goals and should have been more. Bringing Philogene back could well turn out to be a masterstroke.
He does his bit defensively too.
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I thought Lamar Bogarde was excellent tonight
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Any links to our 2nd and 3rd goals?
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Any links to our 2nd and 3rd goals?
Cams
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1821284290535268627
Lovely ball by Buendia into his path as well.
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Thank you.
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That was a good goal - showed strength and composer.
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Any links to our 2nd and 3rd goals?
Jaden’s finish
https://x.com/mattlyynch/status/1821274025345348040?s=46
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Cheers.
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Moreno got no minutes , maybe he is the one to go.
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Jaden’s finish
https://x.com/mattlyynch/status/1821274025345348040?s=46
Nice finish. Cheers for all the match updates, TV.
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Goals all scored by academy graduates as well!
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Only caught sections of the game due to work commitments. Onana stands out as a huge player in the middle and someone who will take games by the scruff of the neck which we have lacked in that position.
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Jaden’s finish
https://x.com/mattlyynch/status/1821274025345348040?s=46
Nice finish. Cheers for all the match updates, TV.
My pleasure BV
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Cam certainly knows where the goal is, that’s a great goal. I’m sure if he sticks around he’ll get chances and offers something different to Ollie and Duran.
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Played well I thought. Where was Barrenechea tonight though?
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Didn't know Maatsen was so small. Was funny when Emi came on and stopped for a chat with Onana, looked tiny.
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Thought Gauci was good on the ball and made some good saves. Great to see Ramsey back and we were great down the left in the first half and I’m including Digne in that.
Bidace uses the ball well, there were a couple of times where he received it and in a flash it was onto Emi in space behind the striker, good finish too.
All in all a decent run out, we should have had a few more in the first half but for some very wasteful finishing.
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The move for Philogene’s goal;
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1821291223774326851 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1821291223774326851)
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Shout out to the Bilbao fans as well.
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I was impressed by Bogarde today. If we don’t sign another CB then I can see him staying until January.
Mings should be up and running by then, and if so he could end the season on loan.
Great to see Archer’s goal, he was determined to score. And it was great on the counter and shows how dangerous an option he would be at the end of games when we are soaking up pressure.
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We have a very decent attacking team. If we can sort the defence out im in a better frame of mind.
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Shout out to the Bilbao fans as well.
Totally, all 50 of them were rocking second half, quite a sight.
Bogarde caught the eye for me, very accomplished, along with Philogene in the second half.
Thought the interesting angle tonight was playing Rogers as a striker. Jury’s still out on whether he’s a proper goalscorer, but there were some nice touches.
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Nice one, Cam.
Oh yeah. I think there's a few players in a positive way who have given Unai a headache tonight.
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I haven't watched any of the preseason, so can someone tell me where Emi has been playing? As we're stacked on the left, has he gone back to his Norwich days and coming in off the right?
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Shout out to the Bilbao fans as well.
Totally, all 50 of them were rocking second half, quite a sight.
Bogarde caught the eye for me, very accomplished, along with Philogene in the second half.
That’s where he’ll end up….like Watkins at Brentford….still
learning his trade…👍
Thought the interesting angle tonight was playing Rogers as a striker. Jury’s still out on whether he’s a proper goalscorer, but there were some nice touches.
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Thought Gauci was good on the ball and made some good saves. Great to see Ramsey back and we were great down the left in the first half and I’m including Digne in that.
Bidace uses the ball well, there were a couple of times where he received it and in a flash it was onto Emi in space behind the striker, good finish too.
All in all a decent run out, we should have had a few more in the first half but for some very wasteful finishing.
Philogene.
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The move for Philogene’s goal;
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1821291223774326851 (https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1821291223774326851)
very cool finish.
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Closer first half to the shape and personnel we'll start with at West Ham.
Ramsey was the big plus for me. Good 45 mins, keep him fit and he's a definite starter off the left.
Impressed by Philogene you can see he's massively improved in the last year.
Rogers isn't a centre forward, can't play back to goal and struggled a bit positionally with Ramsey on the pitch. I can see why they're digging their heels in over Duran, not a lot of options as Watkins backups.
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Good night I enjoyed it I'm pleased JJ's back with a goal played well there fans made a lot of noise considering there wasn't that many of them.
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Much better performance, which has allayed my nerves a bit following the lacklustre performances in the US.
Gauci looks better suited to being our back up keeper than Olsen. I don't actually think Olsen is that bad (everyone is a big drop off from Emi), but on that performance I'd be picking Gauci ahead of him.
Bogarde had an excellent game, and he looks ready to start some cup games.
Philogene, Ramsey and Buendia all provided some quality moments. None of those were available much or at all last season and having them available will see us be able to rotate much better this season as the fixtures pile up.
Rogers was a handful even in an unfamiliar role.
Archer took his goal really well, again I can see him getting game time off the bench this season if he doesn't get a move.
Like the look of Nedjelkovic.
Digne played a lot better that Maatsen.
Onana looks a very solid player.
Barkley played some nice long balls, think he will do well.
No real negatives in that performance, and three of our most influential players still to return too.
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Is Olsen still recovering from his concussion? And will Martinez be ready to start against West Ham? If he's not, I'd assume Gaucci will get the nod, simply by virtue of having played more.
-
Something I liked about Onana was when it was getting a bit spicy in the box in the first half when we had a corner, he walked up and towered over their chap and made his presence known.
That's something Mings would do a bit when teams were trying to intimidate us. So it's nice to have someone with that presence again.
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Of the younger players coming through along with Philogene and Bogarde I thought Kosta Nedeljkovic put in a good showing. Only 18, tall and pacey. He could become a favourite in time. For the League Cup I'd like to see these 3 start all games. In fact our 'B' team would/should be competitive against lower league opposition.
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I though Bogarde looked very quick last night, is pace a part of his game usually?
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Of the younger players coming through along with Philogene and Bogarde I thought Kosta Nedeljkovic put in a good showing. Only 18, tall and pacey. He could become a favourite in time. For the League Cup I'd like to see these 3 start all games. In fact our 'B' team would/should be competitive against lower league opposition.
Regarding the League Cup I think you meant 'game' not 'games'.
Same goes for the FA Cup, our fixtures should always be referred to as singular, I'm sure BE will back me up on this.
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Good night I enjoyed it I'm pleased JJ's back with a goal played well there fans made a lot of noise considering there wasn't that many of them.
I well remember the European match in the 90's their fans were superb that night, so much so that Villa fans accumulated at the Witton Lane entrance to applaud them out. I took 3 under tens with me and they were given a scarf and one of those wine carrier bags. Great night.
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Of the younger players coming through along with Philogene and Bogarde I thought Kosta Nedeljkovic put in a good showing. Only 18, tall and pacey. He could become a favourite in time. For the League Cup I'd like to see these 3 start all games. In fact our 'B' team would/should be competitive against lower league opposition.
Regarding the League Cup I think you meant 'game' not 'games'.
Same goes for the FA Cup, our fixtures should always be referred to as singular, I'm sure BE will back me up on this.
You see that's the difference between me and you. I'm optimistic and look further ahead than the one game and see many future league cup games in the coming season. I'm not going to say you're a pessimist either but like BE you hail from Castle Bromwich which means you think differently. That too is understandable as there must be some confusion as to whether you're from Birmingham, Solihull the 'Wood' bit, or even Water Orton.
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I though Bogarde looked very quick last night, is pace a part of his game usually?
Yep. He is rapid.
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I haven't watched any of the preseason, so can someone tell me where Emi has been playing? As we're stacked on the left, has he gone back to his Norwich days and coming in off the right?
Anyone going to help a brother out?
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I haven't watched any of the preseason, so can someone tell me where Emi has been playing? As we're stacked on the left, has he gone back to his Norwich days and coming in off the right?
Anyone going to help a brother out?
He’s played as a 10 mainly, from the bits I’ve seen.
-
I haven't watched any of the preseason, so can someone tell me where Emi has been playing? As we're stacked on the left, has he gone back to his Norwich days and coming in off the right?
Anyone going to help a brother out?
He’s played as a 10 mainly, from the bits I’ve seen.
Cheers.
-
I haven't watched any of the preseason, so can someone tell me where Emi has been playing? As we're stacked on the left, has he gone back to his Norwich days and coming in off the right?
Anyone going to help a brother out?
He’s played as a 10 mainly, from the bits I’ve seen.
I did watch the last game of the US tour but can’t recall, yesterday he was the player assigned to be closest to the forward. He, notably, played a couple of great balls through to Archer, one which he finished and one that was disallowed, which looked close. It was a decent cameo.
-
I haven't watched any of the preseason, so can someone tell me where Emi has been playing? As we're stacked on the left, has he gone back to his Norwich days and coming in off the right?
Anyone going to help a brother out?
He’s played as a 10 mainly, from the bits I’ve seen.
I did watch the last game of the US tour but can’t recall, yesterday he was the player assigned to be closest to the forward. He, notably, played a couple of great balls through to Archer, one which he finished and one that was disallowed, which looked close. It was a decent cameo.
That's good to hear, I like little Emi.
-
Of the younger players coming through along with Philogene and Bogarde I thought Kosta Nedeljkovic put in a good showing. Only 18, tall and pacey. He could become a favourite in time. For the League Cup I'd like to see these 3 start all games. In fact our 'B' team would/should be competitive against lower league opposition.
Regarding the League Cup I think you meant 'game' not 'games'.
Same goes for the FA Cup, our fixtures should always be referred to as singular, I'm sure BE will back me up on this.
You see that's the difference between me and you. I'm optimistic and look further ahead than the one game and see many future league cup games in the coming season. I'm not going to say you're a pessimist either but like BE you hail from Castle Bromwich which means you think differently. That too is understandable as there must be some confusion as to whether you're from Birmingham, Solihull the 'Wood' bit, or even Water Orton.
Yes, we think differently thanks to the rarefied air we breath from the top the valley but there's no confusion, the Birmingham boundary is clearly marked over the road from the Clock Garage, Solihull is a mistake from the 1974 boundary changes and Water Orton is just an insignificant commuter overspill from the steam rail age.
Show us yer Jacobean halls with restored gardens and then we can talk.
-
I haven't watched any of the preseason, so can someone tell me where Emi has been playing? As we're stacked on the left, has he gone back to his Norwich days and coming in off the right?
Anyone going to help a brother out?
He’s played as a 10 mainly, from the bits I’ve seen.
I did watch the last game of the US tour but can’t recall, yesterday he was the player assigned to be closest to the forward. He, notably, played a couple of great balls through to Archer, one which he finished and one that was disallowed, which looked close. It was a decent cameo.
That's good to hear, I like little Emi.
Your first post confused me a bit as there's only one Emi. That moniker is taken. Little Emi is better though. I can live with that.
-
Highlights of the game last night
-
Very entertaining pre season game which, had we taken our chances, we would have won more easily.
I sat in the Poundland stand...great view, huge area (with plenty of tables, to have some food and drink, minimal queues for the toilets and plenty of leg room)
Purely from a spectating point of view, I'm embarrassed to conclude it was a lot better than my North Stand experience.
Anyone else agree?
-
Very entertaining pre season game which, had we taken our chances, we would have won more easily.
I sat in the Poundland stand...great view, huge area (with plenty of tables, to have some food and drink, minimal queues for the toilets and plenty of leg room)
Purely from a spectating point of view, I'm embarrassed to conclude it was a lot better than my North Stand experience.
Anyone else agree?
You must have been in the same bit as me. We were in that big room with the bar and tables and the Olympics on the telly.
-
Highlights of the game last night
The first goal. Tielemans winning the ball, playing it off to Onana and then going forward for the interplay might or might not alleviate the Luiz worries for some people.
-
Would have liked to see the goal from Cam deemed offside.
-
Was that not Rogers?
-
Was that not Rogers?
Both of them had goals disallowed for offside when it appeared on second look they were on.
-
Would have liked to see the goal from Cam deemed offside.
It’s on this video, about 1 min from the end;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/video/8db71cd7-f68d-4b34-9251-e96876eea10f (https://www.avfc.co.uk/video/8db71cd7-f68d-4b34-9251-e96876eea10f)
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Cheers.
-
Anyone else staying up for this one?
-
Looked onside to me.
-
Torres pass for the first goal was excellent. Totally splits their midfield. I am utterly dumbstruck by the notion he's a poor passer.
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Torres pass for the first goal was excellent. Totally splits their midfield. I am utterly dumbstruck by the notion he's a poor passer.
Do people have that notion? I thought the consensus was that his excellent passing compensates for the fact that he sometimes has shortcomings in the defensive side of his game?
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There were comments about him looking ropey in the friendlies with the ball at his feet. But match-threaders have high expectations and can be quick to condemn.
-
Torres pass for the first goal was excellent. Totally splits their midfield. I am utterly dumbstruck by the notion he's a poor passer.
Do people have that notion? I thought the consensus was that his excellent passing compensates for the fact that he sometimes has shortcomings in the defensive side of his game?
Yep, that sums up my opinion of him. Good on the ball, great at moving into space and hitting superb passes, but a bit weak and defensively very dodgy.
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Torres pass for the first goal was excellent. Totally splits their midfield. I am utterly dumbstruck by the notion he's a poor passer.
Do people have that notion? I thought the consensus was that his excellent passing compensates for the fact that he sometimes has shortcomings in the defensive side of his game?
Yep, that sums up my opinion of him. Good on the ball, great at moving into space and hitting superb passes, but a bit weak and defensively very dodgy.
I think it was one poster on here who said it once so hardly a dominant narrative or anything
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It was mentioned the other day, in context of the Bilbao game. I just watched the first goal again and felt compelled to post my incredulity that such a opinion exists even if on the fringes.
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The idea Torres is a poor passer has about as much credibility as that Qanon pizza restaurant basement nonsense.
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Torres passing is crap, I don't care what anyone says. His body shape is all wrong and any lofted pass fails to hit the target by some.
Hmmm…maybe the Tusc didn’t have his goggles on at the time.
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He's a tad slow and has a tendency to dwell a bit on the ball and occasionally be bullied by big boys but his distribution is same-day UPS.
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Surely the team would of left for Germany by now so why no news on who has travelled yet?
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Surely the team would of left for Germany by now so why no news on who has travelled yet?
I was going towards Coleshill from Hams Hall around 1pm today and coming in the opposite direction, so towards Bodymoor, were two coaches with AVFC team bus or suchlike on the front.
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(https://i.ibb.co/yhdGHh3/IMG-0920.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yhdGHh3)
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Well said Matt
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GUoCSIkXsAAwtxD?format=jpg&name=large)
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Ollie Watkins not in the squad 👀
-
I’ve got a few questions…
-
No Ollie which is the big concern
-
Injured?
-
No Carlos again.
-
No Carlos again.
He’s definitely going very soon.
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No Duran, he'll be off too .
-
Going strong. Will see how Rogers does in Ollie’s boots with the first team behind him.
-
Is Cash injured too ?
-
Maybe we are just keeping the top two forwards out of the action to avoid injuries.
#grabsallthestrawsandclutchestightly
-
So no pre-season games at all for Ollie. Marvellous.
-
No Cash in the squad either
-
Any chances of rivers for this? Is it being shown anywhere?
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So no pre-season games at all for Ollie. Marvellous.
To be fair we don't exactly need to ease him into the squad.
-
Like a hundred leftbacks in that squad.
-
So no pre-season games at all for Ollie. Marvellous.
To be fair we don't exactly need to ease him into the squad.
We do with the number of changes that have been made to it.
-
Playing Ollie today is like playing Harry Kane in England friendlies, as we already know what he can do. Let's have a look at Rogers and then Archer up front instead, and let Ollie enjoy an extra week's rest before he runs his bollocks off for the season. All good.
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So no pre-season games at all for Ollie. Marvellous.
To be fair we don't exactly need to ease him into the squad.
We do with the number of changes that have been made to it.
I think he'll be fine.
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I think he'll be fine.
That's a bit of an odd take. He might be fine, but I'd argue that our only striker might like some actual match practice with some of the new players. But even more important is to give some of them experience with Ollie, spotting his runs etc.
-
Saw on Twitter that we have a behind closed doors friendly midweek which Ollie will play in. Not sure if it’s true though
-
I think he'll be fine.
That's a bit of an odd take. He might be fine, but I'd argue that our only striker might like some actual match practice with some of the new players. But even more important is to give some of them experience with Ollie, spotting his runs etc.
My thought is that most of those players whose job it is to spot his runs are players like Tielemans, McGinn, Bailey, Ramsey, Pau even...players who've played with him a lot, basically.
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Talk on sm that Ollie has got engaged? So spending time with missus
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Talk on sm that Ollie has got engaged? So spending time with missus
There were photos of him getting engaged at least two weeks ago, but no idea why that would qualify him for extra time off.
-
Saw on Twitter that we have a behind closed doors friendly midweek which Ollie will play in. Not sure if it’s true though
I would expect that to be the case. To run through specific drills etc and for some work in the legs for Ollie in particular but a few others also.
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Talk on sm that Ollie has got engaged? So spending time with missus
There were photos of him getting engaged at least two weeks ago, but no idea why that would qualify him for extra time off.
Probably his missus telling he's spending too much time with his football mates and he doesn't love her anymore 😭
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Any chances of rivers for this? Is it being shown anywhere?
Check PM
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A good test today. Looking forward to it.
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Get a load of that crowd at Dortmund.
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Get a load of that crowd at Dortmund.
Only came to see the Villa.
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That’s a big bee.
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My thought is that most of those players whose job it is to spot his runs are players like Tielemans, McGinn, Bailey, Ramsey, Pau even...players who've played with him a lot, basically.
Oh. Let's not worry about the likes of Onana, Philogene and the baron then.
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My thought is that most of those players whose job it is to spot his runs are players like Tielemans, McGinn, Bailey, Ramsey, Pau even...players who've played with him a lot, basically.
Oh. Let's not worry about the likes of Onana, Philogene and the baron then.
I doubt Onana and Barrenechea will be looking up for Watkins on a regular basis. And Philogene has trained and played with Ollie before. You're making out this is a bigger thing than it is.
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My thought is that most of those players whose job it is to spot his runs are players like Tielemans, McGinn, Bailey, Ramsey, Pau even...players who've played with him a lot, basically.
Oh. Let's not worry about the likes of Onana, Philogene and the baron then.
Onana's probably not going to be playing those instinctive passes that require intimate knowledge of Ollie's movements all that often, and the other two aren't first-choice starters and will get - and need - time with him in training anyway.
Besides, not sure one half max against Dortmund would've made all that much difference. Hands tied a bit with England going to the end in the Euros.
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The ref is a German Reece Shearsmith.
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Is Villa TV working for everyone? It’s asking me for a match pass but I paid for the year.
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With the combination of Euros, Copa America, and Olympics, I suspect there’ll be a few teams playing early league games without their ‘strongest’ line ups.
-
0-0 so far.
-
The Villa lot in fine voice today.
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Is Villa TV working for everyone? It’s asking me for a match pass but I paid for the year.
4 goals in the first 3 minutes, some of the best football ever seen...such a great game to miss out on.
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Fuck it. I’m watching it on Borussia’s YouTube channel.
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Blatant yellow.
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We're moving the ball well apart from a couple of sloppy passes from Pau.
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Is Villa TV working for everyone? It’s asking me for a match pass but I paid for the year.
Is Villa TV working? I have a yearly subscription but it wont let me sign in
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Working for me!
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Is Villa TV working for everyone? It’s asking me for a match pass but I paid for the year.
Is Villa TV working? I have a yearly subscription but it wont let me sign in
Who wants a link
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Is Villa TV working for everyone? It’s asking me for a match pass but I paid for the year.
Is Villa TV working? I have a yearly subscription but it wont let me sign in
Not for me. Very disappointed. Asking me for a pass. I posted the Borussia YouTube link. Watch it there. Perfect picture.
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Rogers looks a proper handful . Good pace too on the break.
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Is Villa TV working for everyone? It’s asking me for a match pass but I paid for the year.
Is Villa TV working? I have a yearly subscription but it wont let me sign in
Are you in UK? try with vpn for this match. I heard it was available only to UK viewers (2nd hand info, so could be wrong - I'm in Vietnam and it's working for me via VPN)
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Use TV's youtube link, it's in English too
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Torres continues to give the ball away far too much for my liking
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Is Villa TV working for everyone? It’s asking me for a match pass but I paid for the year.
Is Villa TV working? I have a yearly subscription but it wont let me sign in
Not for me. Very disappointed. Asking me for a pass. I posted the Borussia YouTube link. Watch it there. Perfect picture.
Not for UK.
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Use TV's youtube link, it's in English too
That’s interesting. I’m getting the feed in German.
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Use TV's youtube link, it's in English too
That’s interesting. I’m getting the feed in German.
I have the Sky Sports Top Even live stream but that link from you or the Dortmund YT channel won't allow for UK viewing....at least for me it doesn't.
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Very strange, I have an English commentator referring to Dortmund as us...have I entered the Twilight Zone ?
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Dirty Dortmund.
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Very strange, I have an English commentator referring to Dortmund as us...have I entered the Twilight Zone ?
I think one of you is watching someone stream FC24.
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Use TV's youtube link, it's in English too
That’s interesting. I’m getting the feed in German.
I have the Sky Sports Top Even live stream but that link from you or the Dortmund YT channel won't allow for UK viewing....at least for me it doesn't.
That’s too bad. It’s a good one. Hopefully Villa TV is working or stays working.
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Use TV's youtube link, it's in English too
That’s interesting. I’m getting the feed in German.
I have the Sky Sports Top Even live stream but that link from you or the Dortmund YT channel won't allow for UK viewing....at least for me it doesn't.
That’s too bad. It’s a good one. Hopefully Villa TV is working or stays working.
The stream is fine, it's just german or dutch, I can't tell.
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I'd assume the combination of Watkins not playing, Rogers starting, Duran not there, and Archer on the bench would mean that Emery is still assessing our forward options. Do we need to spend more in that position? Pack Archer off again? Can Rogers be good enough to rely on up front if Duran goes/can't behave for a full season? Lots of possibilities there.
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Dortmund in all white is a bit off. Everything looks a bit strange watching it on Sky Germany and camera is struggling with contrast.
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German commentary is far better
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Game is mostly Dortmund without them creating much of anything. A couple of shots over the bar. You have to patient at times watching us these days. Lots of good stuff when we get openings but we let the opponents play with it a lot.
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Yeah, struggling to see who is who on that far side.
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Dirty Dortmund.
Seem to be practicing their tactical fouls.
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Dortmund in all white is a bit off. Everything looks a bit strange watching it on Sky Germany and camera is struggling with contrast.
That’s because the Ref is in the Dortmund kit.
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They’re lucky Carlos ain’t on the pitch, he’d have decked one by now and be having his bath.
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Konsa down. Balls
Edit: he looks ok. Phew
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Konsa down. Balls
His nose
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Konsa down. Balls
Bloody nose?
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Almost all the Villa fans wearing the new shirt in that last camera shot - looks awesome
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Dortmund in all white is a bit off. Everything looks a bit strange watching it on Sky Germany and camera is struggling with contrast.
That’s because the Ref is in the Dortmund kit.
Ah….so he set off to referee Dortmund playing at home and packed his yellow top, an obvious thing to do.
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We are playing so deep. The game is pretty dull.
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Ned’s final ball is gonna get a lot of attention in training, you feel.
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The gaffer isn’t pleased right now
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Penalty Dortmund
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Why do they have fences behind the goals? Must be a crap view if you’re sat in the first few rows.
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Dive.
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Based on our teams lack of intrest in this match so far do they know it’s the last game before season starts?
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Pen
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Diving wanker.
-
Nearly saved by Emi. 1-0 Dortmund
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Pau having a shocker, thought the Dortmund player was offside in the build-up.
-
Jammy Bastard!
-
1-0
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Offside and a dive. Seems fair.
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The dive of my life from dirty Dortmund.
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Do referees take bribes in friendlier? This bloke is a shocker
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We’ve been really quite shit so far. Like we are seeing out the game and avoiding injuries.
-
Defending has been very poor in pre-season. Thankfully, lots of time to put it right.
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Pau having a shocker, thought the Dortmund player was offside in the build-up.
Me too. Sure he was.
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Chaos at the back. 2-0 Dortmund
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Fucking joke
-
Torres again 😔
-
Woeful from Torres
-
2-0. Poor defending. Where have we heard that before. Torres again.
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Awful Villa.
-
It’s not been a great preseason. It feels pretty disjointed.
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Torres is having a stinker, mcginns passing is well off atm. A generally anonymous performance so far
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Mings can't come back soon enough.
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What the fuck is Torres doing.
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We are over the place. This team is nowhere near ready
-
Pre season or not I think we are in for a very rough season
-
Let’s get this sh*t out of our system before the real stuff starts.
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I don't know who said it but both Torres and Konsa are better defenders when they aren't supposed to be the dominant one.
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What the fuck is Torres doing.
Brain freeze.
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Shockingly bad. The pre-season performances haven’t filled me with confidence for the season ahead. We look really poor.
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Torres: great on the ball, absolutely rubbish at defending.
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Driven Daley to drink by the sound of that can opening.
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Our midfield are awol - no ball retention, no linking with the attack and Pau having a 'mare.
-
What the fuck is Torres doing.
Brain freeze.
Well he's had a few too many ice creams this summer.
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Torres: great on the ball, absolutely rubbish at defending.
Exactly. Get me an actual defender, please.
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We should have played a midfield in this game, instead of resting them all.
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We have deserved this. We have played deep and let them have the ball for most of the game. I know Emery wants us to be comfortable playing from the back and in tight spaces but so far we don’t look comfortable at all. We do this versus West Ham next week we will lose handily. This isn’t encouraging at all.
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I go to deal with a spider and I come back to this shit.
We weren't playing at all well beforehand to be honest. Can't keep the damn thing.
-
Season's done.
-
I hope we have enough to stay up.
-
With regard to this defending business, sometimes the answer is row Z .
-
Rogers holding his shoulder isn’t helping my mood
-
Sort it out Unai!
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Season's done.
#BrokenVilla
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Ah I’ve missed match threads.
-
Shit performances aside, this team is weaker than last season without Luiz and Diaby; and they haven’t been replaced with players that are as good or better than them.
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I hope we have got somebody like Chalobah or the Dutch lad lined up. Until Kamara is back Torres looks like a bit of an expensive luxury.
-
Rogers holding his shoulder isn’t helping my mood
After another foul that wasn’t penalised. It reminds me of under 12 games when the ref doesn’t turn up and one the Dads from the home team do it instead.
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We are still lacking a couple of top quality players. I know Bailey and Ollie aren’t playing and that would help. But we have a lot of good players, some very good, one or two great. We need a few more in those latter two categories to really sustain the progress we have made. Obviously the manager is outstanding but eventually the lemon dries up and he can’t overcome some of our deficiencies relative to top opponents.
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Ooooh JJ close. Nice move
-
We get a couple back before half time it’ll all be rosy.
-
A lot to be worried about..
-
A chance
-
A much better move.
-
I think we're going to have to move McGinn back into central midfield.
-
I might sell my Arsenal tickets. What's the fucking point?
-
False 9 is not working well.
-
I might sell my Arsenal tickets. What's the fucking point?
Nah. Arsenal is the one game we will win this season. Don’t buy Ipswich at home.
-
Look like we've continued the performance fro..the end of last season. Walsall and Bilbao aside we've barely threat the opposition goal this preseason. Early days yet and the season a week away but we look incoherent.
-
Our patterns of play are worrying, just repeating the same thing that doesn’t work. Martinez holding onto it for ages. We play ourselves into trouble. Then whack it long to them. Like the last couple of months of the season. We can’t break the press at all. We’ve barely had any possession.
Having said that, it’s only preseason and I’m not worried. At all. Promise.
-
I'd have expected to see some actual tactics being tried by now. Some partnerships being fine-tuned, some attacking shapes being finessed. But all I've seen in preseason so far is a bit of a mess, really.
-
We are away to the team who really should have won the European Cup last season. Players need to learn that they have no time to fanny about on the ball at that level, this is a very good lesson. Watkins will make a hell of a difference, we'll be fine...
-
I'd have expected to see some actual tactics being tried by now. Some partnerships being fine-tuned, some attacking shapes being finessed. But all I've seen in preseason so far is a bit of a mess, really.
Thing is tactics stem from Unai and the teams analysis of the opposition. I doubt they have bothered for these friendlies
-
Ned doing himself no harm amongst top forwards like Brandt et al
-
Prefer Bogarde at right centre back and have Konsa out wide. Bogarde is far better with the ball and at least is always looking to play it forward. Both Konsa and Torres invite too much pressure on the press and have been crap this half.
-
Torres is just lucky he doesn't have the name Diego Carlos on the back of his shirt. Can't understand what's going on with him. I even saw him the schoolboy error of turning his back on play to run back five yards with the ball close by. Madness.
-
On a positive, great to see JJ back and looking the part.
-
McGinn has not had his usual effective game, up against some big clever blokes in their midfield though
-
Torres is just lucky he doesn't have the name Diego Carlos on the back of his shirt. Can't understand what's going on with him. I even saw him the schoolboy error of turning his back on play to run back five yards with the ball close by. Madness.
Like Luiz, he seemingly needs Kamara to make him look good.
-
This ref is a c***
-
This ref is a c***
He’s not that good.
-
We are a lot better this half
-
McGinn bringing his Scotland form into preseason.
-
Dirty Germans!
-
This ref is a c***
He’s not that good.
Beginning to suspect he’s from Dortmund
-
Gents, while we look a little better in this half, I have to report that I feel, hand on heart, that we might just fall short this year in our plans to lift the European Cup.
-
This ref is a c***
He’s not that good.
Beginning to suspect he’s from Dortmund
Well he is wearing yellow and black
-
From what I saw of the first half Tielemans looked our best player
-
Torres is just lucky he doesn't have the name Diego Carlos on the back of his shirt. Can't understand what's going on with him. I even saw him the schoolboy error of turning his back on play to run back five yards with the ball close by. Madness.
Like Luiz, he seemingly needs Kamara to make him look good.
'Look good' is hilarious.
They're both good. Yeah they need structures in there, so does everyone. Even Mbappé looks shit without them.
-
Philogene hasn't been great at all
-
JJ looks fucked but that’s a good thing
-
Gents, while we look a little better in this half, I have to report that I feel, hand on heart, that we might just fall short this year in our plans to lift the European Cup.
We'll struggle to lift this...(https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/nintchdbpict000340881979.jpg)
-
This is like the ref’s performance in Escape to Victory.
-
Philogene hasn't been great at all
Agreed
-
From what I saw of the first half Tielemans looked our best player
I thought he was cruising through the first half but looks far more interested this half.
-
Philogene finding out that this level a little harder than the Championship but it's been a good lesson for him.
-
Ross, Bailey, Maatsen, Bogarde, Gauci on.
-
Philogene hasn't been great at all
Agreed
After his pre-season last year I was excited to see him but he has been a disappointment thus far.
-
From what I saw of the first half Tielemans looked our best player
I thought he was cruising through the first half but looks far more interested this half.
I thought he looked sharp and didn’t give the ball away
and I’m not normally his biggest fan
Ned isn’t doing himself any harm either
We might have found ourselves a little gem there
-
Is Watkins injured?
-
John McGinn being furthest forward isn’t a good thing.
-
Bogarde looking good again, Bailey not into it yet
-
Ned isn’t doing himself any harm either
We might have found ourselves a little gem there
Loved to see Ned complaining to the players who were all hiding every time he had a throw-in. He doesn't hide.
-
Cam on for SJM
-
Wtf was that! 😂
-
Pure comedy from our forwards
-
Unfuckingbelieveable. Ballsed up an open net
-
Cam had to hit the target there.
-
HA HA, how on earth did we miss that
-
That could be the difference between staying as the back up or off you go...
-
🤐
-
Bloody hell. 81k for friendly. That’s incredible
-
Bloody hell 81000 there!
-
Credit where it's due, Torres much better and like his old self this half.
-
Bloody hell. 81k for friendly. That’s incredible
Shit ground no fans
-
I know we fill out our ground for league games but it’s something else to fill out the stadium for a pre season game. No way we would do that if this game was at Villa Park
-
Bloody hell 81000 there!
Not paying £92 a ticket helps in this respect.
-
Highest crowd of the weekend. To watch the Villa.
-
Much better second half from our boys.
-
The better team this half
-
Wed don't look committed which is fine in a friendly but we also don't look very confident.
-
Wed don't look committed which is fine in a friendly but we also don't look very confident.
Good job our first league game is somewhere we always do really well...
-
I’m officially worried
-
It’s a better half for us but they’ve also not pressed as high or as consistently. We don’t have any presence up front on holding up the ball. Something Ollie does well along with how much he chases every cause.
-
It’s better, but we keep giving the ball away. Only 81,000 there too.
-
Emi, Enzo and Moreno on
-
Bloody hell. 81k for friendly. That’s incredible
You’ve seen the Villa now fuck off home.
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Bloody hell. 81k for friendly. That’s incredible
You’ve seen the Villa now fuck off home.
Well they have clearly come to watch us. If that there is no doubt. Glad we put on a proper display for them.
-
The better team this half
Far more energy and purpose from the youngsters.
-
The better team this half
Far more energy and purpose from the youngsters.
It's not good though....their keeper hasn't had to do anything.
-
Bloody hell 81000 there!
If their team is playing at home they turn up, no ifs no buts, however paying less than €20 per match helps.
-
Some excellent diving by Dortmund, they should be at the Olympics.
-
Yeah that's a foul ref, definitely a foul. You're the fuckin best.
-
Some excellent diving by Dortmund, they should be at the Olympics.
Not helped by an absolute wanker of a referee!
-
Some excellent diving by Dortmund, they should be at the Olympics.
Like their tackles first half, they're a bit late it was yesterday.
-
That ref is shit. Better 2nd half .
-
Cam nearly in.
-
Another golden chance
-
Fucking hell Leon.
-
Bailey almost with the assist...for BVB
-
Suicide by Bailey there
-
At last Bailey creates a chance😳
-
Bloody hell. Glad that’s over. Not many positives to report. Bring on the proper stuff next week.
-
West Ham must be shitting themselves.
-
Work to do Unai.
-
Not going to lie, a little concerned
-
West Ham must be shitting themselves.
How have they got on this pre season?
-
Suicide by Bailey there
He has gone back to doing silly things in the wrong places so far this pre season
-
Love the lino going up to the ref with a massive smile, clasping hands saying in a broad Dorty accent, "Great game Kaiser"
-
Boooooo! Shit pre season, but not being able to play your first choice team hasn't helped.
Looks like we'll be starting the season with a weaker first team than we finished last season with (imo)
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Bloody hell. Glad that’s over. Not many positives to report. Bring on the proper stuff next week.
Really? Yes shit first half but we were much the better team second half against none other than Borussia Dortmund, and with a bit of luck and a better referee (and of corse Ollie) we could have won that
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West Ham must be shitting themselves.
How have they got on this pre season?
Drawn 2, beat Dag & Red 1-0 and lost to Wolves and Palace. There's hope....1-1.
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On the plus side, Gauci looks better than Olsen.
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Dortmond are no mugs , but ther are Some places up for grabs in that starting 11 i feel for West Ham
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Far better second half, Torres was a different player, Ned looks fantastic and plenty to look forward to. Not remotely worried looking forward, that was one of the best teams in Europe and we matched them in the second half. We so much better when we push on rather than defend deep.
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Bloody hell. Glad that’s over. Not many positives to report. Bring on the proper stuff next week.
Really? Yes shit first half but we were much the better team second half against none other than Borussia Dortmund, and with a bit of luck and a better referee (and of corse Ollie) we could have won that
Fuck all happened the 2nd half apart from missing a sitter.
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Pre season games are for fitness. However we still seems to have that bad habit of gifting the opposition goals.
The positive was at right back and nothing has changed my mind that we need a few quality players added to this squad.
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My early judgement (and knowing I’m only basing it on meaningless pre-season friendlies) is that whilst we’re likely to have a better bench, we’ve not improved our first team. In fact, I don’t really know what team we’ll start with on Saturday.
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Will someone please post the feckin’ score?
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2-0 bvb
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Will someone please post the feckin’ score?
Plenty of easier ways of finding out the score. But we lost 2-0
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2-0 bvb
Thanks. Uh-oh.
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They didn't put much pressure on us 2nd half hence the feeling of being better but I am concerned still.
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+ we played the CL finalists and it wasn’t as though we were outclassed.
Tielemans was the best player on the field
- We had about Zero goal threat
We could buy any player of theirs we fancy, we have the best manger we have ever had, but they just looked so much better than us.
We have a lot of pace in forward positions, they looked like a rugby team at CH, but at no point did we get them turning and in a race
We never looked like controlling the pace of the game, to have a period when we dominated possession.
Not terrible but not particularly inspiring either.
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Will someone please post the feckin’ score?
You can't check the feckin' OS or feckin' Twitter?
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Pre season games are for fitness. However we still seems to have that bad habit of gifting the opposition goals.
The positive was at right back and nothing has changed my mind that we need a few quality players added to this squad.
By the end you wantt to be seeing some sort of cohesion, it shouldn't be all about fitness by now.
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Will someone please post the feckin’ score?
You can't check the feckin' OS or feckin' Twitter?
The score was 'feck, in' x2.
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And also, a good workout, we will rarely play against a press as aggressive and as well drilled as that
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Will someone please post the feckin’ score?
You can't check the feckin' OS or feckin' Twitter?
The score doesn't seem to be on OS. Maybe they'll put it on soon
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Will someone please post the feckin’ score?
You can't check the feckin' OS or feckin' Twitter?
The OS wasn’t updating, I don’t use twitter on account of Elon Musk, but thanks for the advice.
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2-0 bvb
Disappointing, but it is what it is.
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Will someone please post the feckin’ score?
You can't check the feckin' OS or feckin' Twitter?
The OS wasn’t updating, I don’t use twitter on account of Elon Musk, but thanks for the advice.
Sent from my iPhone.
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2-0 bvb
Disappointing, but it is what it is.
Babes.
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And also, a good workout, we will rarely play against a press as aggressive and as well drilled as that
Here’s the thing, you don’t think Unai deliberately played like we did first half to test our skills at overcoming a strong press? And then when he’d seen enough he did the exact opposite the second half? Or is he not the genius we think he is?
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For what it’s worth that’s the second pre season game I’ve seen where I’ve thought Jayden Philgene hasn’t worked nearly hard enough whe we haven’t got the ball.
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Pre season games are for fitness. However we still seems to have that bad habit of gifting the opposition goals.
The positive was at right back and nothing has changed my mind that we need a few quality players added to this squad.
By the end you wantt to be seeing some sort of cohesion, it shouldn't be all about fitness by now.
We did ok in pre season under Gerrard and look at how that turned out. I remember a pre season under Big Ron where we looked like we were on fire and finished with an 8-0 win at Walsall. He lost his job that season.
It’s about match fitness/ sharpness and gives the coach the chance to look at different systems and players.
We’ve lost a few players, have had a few late returns due to internationals and the new players will need a lot more time to gel.
What I’ve gained from it is that we need a bit more quality and I’m sure that’ll happen and we need to tighten up at the back.
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And also, a good workout, we will rarely play against a press as aggressive and as well drilled as that
Here’s the thing, you don’t think Unai deliberately played like we did first half to test our skills at overcoming a strong press? And then when he’d seen enough he did the exact opposite the second half? Or is he not the genius we think he is?
I’m pretending that’s the case too
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Unai knows more than most on here :)
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Philogene hasn’t looked anywhere near as good this pre-season as he did last.
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There is no doubt we shouldn’t read too much into pre season. Especially under Emery and how he looks at the game and data. But it would have been nice to see a little more cohesiveness. Every team has had their top players away. We only had a few that went all the way in respective international tournaments. And I know we are integrating new players. More than most clubs. It will be fine in the end because of who the manager is, we do have good players and we will sign a couple more good ones by the end of the month.
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I was wondering why Maatsen was getting so many hugs from the Dortmund players at the end, then realised he’d been on loan there last season. Clearly a popular chap! Good to know.
Along with everyone else, I’m praying for a miracle before next Saturday.
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There is no doubt we shouldn’t read too much into pre season. Especially under Emery and how he looks at the game and data. But it would have been nice to see a little more cohesiveness. Every team has had their top players away. We only had a few that went all the way in respective international tournaments. And I know we are integrating new players. More than most clubs. It will be fine in the end because of who the manager is, we do have good players and we will sign a couple more good ones by the end of the month.
Agreed but I think it's cohesion.
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2-0 bvb
Disappointing, but it is what it is.
"Phrases I hate" thread?
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2-0 bvb
Disappointing, but it is what it is.
"Phrases I hate" thread?
We go again…
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There is no doubt we shouldn’t read too much into pre season. Especially under Emery and how he looks at the game and data. But it would have been nice to see a little more cohesiveness. Every team has had their top players away. We only had a few that went all the way in respective international tournaments. And I know we are integrating new players. More than most clubs. It will be fine in the end because of who the manager is, we do have good players and we will sign a couple more good ones by the end of the month.
Agreed but I think it's cohesion.
Cohesiveness works just fine there.
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Aside from fitness, what do we think were the main questions they'd have been looking at during preseason?
I'd assume do we have an alternative to Watkins is a big one. Is Gauci better than Olsen? Are any of the new guys ready to go straight into the starting 11, and second to that, who is the straight swap for Luiz and Diaby in the starting 11, or do we need to change the entire formation to adapt to their absence?
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I can't remember us ever losing so many pre season games before
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Agreed but I think it's cohesion.
Cohesiveness works just fine there.
Seems to have become a sticking point :)
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Disappointing, but it is what it is.
"Phrases I hate" thread?
;)
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Aside from fitness, what do we think were the main questions they'd have been looking at during preseason?
I'd assume do we have an alternative to Watkins is a big one. Is Gauci better than Olsen? Are any of the new guys ready to go straight into the starting 11, and second to that, who is the straight swap for Luiz and Diaby in the starting 11, or do we need to change the entire formation to adapt to their absence?
I’d say we saw a lot of the first choice XI today, maybe a change of full backs but Onana and Youri as 2x deep midfielders, and Ramsey, Rogers and Bailey being the 3x supporting attackers to Ollie.
Still think we need a top notch no10.
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There is no doubt we shouldn’t read too much into pre season. Especially under Emery and how he looks at the game and data. But it would have been nice to see a little more cohesiveness. Every team has had their top players away. We only had a few that went all the way in respective international tournaments. And I know we are integrating new players. More than most clubs. It will be fine in the end because of who the manager is, we do have good players and we will sign a couple more good ones by the end of the month.
Agreed but I think it's cohesion.
Cohesiveness works just fine there.
if you're in North America ... 😉
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Aside from fitness, what do we think were the main questions they'd have been looking at during preseason?
I'd assume do we have an alternative to Watkins is a big one. Is Gauci better than Olsen? Are any of the new guys ready to go straight into the starting 11, and second to that, who is the straight swap for Luiz and Diaby in the starting 11, or do we need to change the entire formation to adapt to their absence?
I'm not sure many of those questions have been answered.
Onana will go straight into the first 11 I would've thought. The others, don't think so at the moment.
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Villa will start more slowly this year I think. It'll take time for the side to gel and adapt to not having Luiz any more.
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Yup, I think I’d go with Lucas over Maatsen at present
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In terms of the Watkins question, it's a real shame Duran wasn't there for pre season. Questions over his future aside, it would have been the perfect opportunity to see if he is more than a 20 minute player, and could we build a team around him if necessary. I think Rogers will be a star for us, but he's not stepping in if Ollie got injured, and I don't think Archer will have changed anyone's opinion of him, good or bad.
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There is no doubt we shouldn’t read too much into pre season. Especially under Emery and how he looks at the game and data. But it would have been nice to see a little more cohesiveness. Every team has had their top players away. We only had a few that went all the way in respective international tournaments. And I know we are integrating new players. More than most clubs. It will be fine in the end because of who the manager is, we do have good players and we will sign a couple more good ones by the end of the month.
Agreed but I think it's cohesion.
Cohesiveness works just fine there.
if you're in North America ... 😉
both work period 👀
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I think we need a veteran, a letter day Cyril Regis, happy to play 10/20 mins a week. Time to go shopping in Saudi Arabia.
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Another disappointing performance but made worse by the disgusting anti-German chanting of a number of our fans ("Ten German Bombers") They embarrassed our club in a stadium and city in which we were made very welcome.
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FFS! Wankers!
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Another disappointing performance but made worse by the disgusting anti-German chanting of a number of our fans ("Ten German Bombers") They embarrassed our club in a stadium and city in which we were made very welcome.
Horrible dickheads
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Another disappointing performance but made worse by the disgusting anti-German chanting of a number of our fans ("Ten German Bombers") They embarrassed our club in a stadium and city in which we were made very welcome.
Scum bags.
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Another disappointing performance but made worse by the disgusting anti-German chanting of a number of our fans ("Ten German Bombers") They embarrassed our club in a stadium and city in which we were made very welcome.
Scum bags.
embarrassing
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Another disappointing performance but made worse by the disgusting anti-German chanting of a number of our fans ("Ten German Bombers") They embarrassed our club in a stadium and city in which we were made very welcome.
That's embarrassing to hear, thought we'd been acquitting ourselves pretty well on the European trips.
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Bunch of pricks.
Easy for me to say from my armchair with a glass of wine, but I'd have hoped the majority would've told them to fuck off with that shit. Unless it was the majority, which would be even more disappointing.
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Didn’t come over on the Tv feed, and a lot of Villa songs did.
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Disappointing, but it is what it is.
"Phrases I hate" thread?
;)
I think when they ‘touch base’ in the morning, they’ll realise that they all need to ‘man up’ and then they’ll be ‘singing from the same hymn sheet’.
My top 3.
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2-0 bvb
Disappointing, but it is what it is.
We are where we are.
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2-0 bvb
Disappointing, but it is what it is.
We are where we are.
There's a separate thread in off topic for that kind of talk.
https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=52635.7455
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Another disappointing performance but made worse by the disgusting anti-German chanting of a number of our fans ("Ten German Bombers") They embarrassed our club in a stadium and city in which we were made very welcome.
That is so disappointing to hear. Just confirms we have some moronic supporters.
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On a more positive note, I like our no.20. Ned?
He goes after everything and sees interceptions as well as passing forward!
He can throw in to one of our players, as well.
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Any news about why we where without Cash, Carlos, Duran or Watkins?
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On a more positive note, I like our no.20. Ned?
He goes after everything and sees interceptions as well as passing forward!
He can throw in to one of our players, as well.
He has got lots of really positive attributes. Full back is such a key position in the game today I reckon he has the potential to be a top player.
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Any news about why we where without Cash, Carlos, Duran or Watkins?
Might be moving, will be moving, naughty step, in lurve?
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On a more positive note, I like our no.20. Ned?
He goes after everything and sees interceptions as well as passing forward!
He can throw in to one of our players, as well.
Agreed, and he appears lightning quick to boot.
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Thought we looked ok first 10 mins then they gradually took over for the next 15. Then i had to go out and missed the rest
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25 points from 51 available since end of January plus this pre season.
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We will be foine.
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Great day.......4 trains from Eindhoven to BVB and a walk from the center to the ground.....spoke with a good few Germans and a few young scot lads who had done a ramdom holiday and ended up in the Villa standing section for something to do......great times
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25 points from 51 available since end of January plus this pre season.
Yes very worrying. Wheels are loose if not off.
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25 points from 51 available since end of January plus this pre season.
Yes very worrying. Wheels are loose if not off.
Running on stub axels only mate
Might as well not bother turning up next Saturday
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Great day.......4 trains from Eindhoven to BVB and a walk from the center to the ground....
DB (of this parish) would have loved that trip.
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I can't remember us ever losing so many pre season games before
Barely creating a chance in the ones we lost.
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a few young scot lads who had done a ramdom holiday
Is that sheep-shagging in a gimp mask ?
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At Dusseldorf airport on the way back, great trip. Playing without a striker we looked a bit toothless, were doing fine before a daft penalty and a mix up left us 2 nil down. Unai clearly using pre season to experiment with the squad, looked better 2nd half and should have scored. Atmosphere was so so, YNWA before the game and fabricated PA stuff after a goal but no singing from the Yellow Wall to speak of. The stadium itself is superb, as is the surrounding area. Locals very friendly and didn't see or hear of any incidents.
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25 points from 51 available since end of January plus this pre season.
Yes very worrying. Wheels are loose if not off.
Running on stub axels only mate
Might as well not bother turning up next Saturday
I've never really liked using available points as a stat. Everyone drops points, even Man Citeh. 25 points from 17 games is easier to understand as a metric imo. Extrapolated over a season that would give us 55 points, which would have seen us 9th last season.
The more damning stat in terms of late season drop off is 13 points from the last 11. Smaller sample size but extrapolating that over a season is 44 points.
Or 3 wins from the last 11 league matches, 5 from the last 17 in all competitions. Neither of which sound great.
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Thanks to everyone posting a short list of their experiences after trip to Dortmund. Gives a picture how it was there to us not travelling.
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Isn't the answer to scratchy form in pre-season not a simple one? One of the best forwards in the league hasn't played a single minute of it. We've played moments of games without a centre forward and we've relied upon our 3rd choice in Archer for others.
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I had a dream last night that we didn’t play very well against Arsenal. We were 1-0 down when I woke up. Mind you the pitch was a waterlogged quagmire, which seems unlikely to be the case on 24th August.
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We should have stuck to playing Walsall and Chasetown.
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I had a dream last night that we didn’t play very well against Arsenal. We were 1-0 down when I woke up. Mind you the pitch was a waterlogged quagmire, which seems unlikely to be the case on 24th August.
So basically a masochistic wet dream?
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I said 'Fuck me' too. Fair play to the social media lad down the Villa.
(https://i.ibb.co/J5YM9Cc/Screenshot-20240811-144514.png)
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Great day.......4 trains from Eindhoven to BVB and a walk from the center to the ground....
DB (of this parish) would have loved that trip.
Not bothered either way TBH.
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Not sure if it was mentioned at the time, but I just spotted Mings was at the Bilbao game last week.
(https://img.gc.avfcservices.co.uk/fit-in/800x800/30aad830-5567-11ef-bb07-b34037e8ad06.jpg)
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It was reported yesterday he was offered the chance to join the ore-season tour, but in the end decided it was better to continue his rehab here.
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Any news leaked on the closed doors match that Watkins was supposed to be playing in and who it was against?
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Didn’t our U21s play someone the other night? I saw a score somewhere.
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The Express And Star used to be good at reporting on stuff like that (behind closed doors friendlies) but their coverage of the Villa seems to have decreased and they're charging for access now.