Post by: Toronto Villa on March 10, 2024, 02:59:40 PM
Post by: Bad English on March 10, 2024, 03:00:05 PM
Post by: Dave on March 10, 2024, 03:00:35 PM
Post by: LukeJames on March 10, 2024, 03:01:14 PM
I don't think we couldve got it more wrong today if we tried.
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on March 10, 2024, 03:01:31 PM
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:01:36 PM
Post by: coreyfeldman on March 10, 2024, 03:01:43 PM
Mcginn the biggest disappointment for me, gave it the big un in the week and has really given us a huge problem now in the next few games. Fuming with him, absolutely fuming
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:02:05 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on March 10, 2024, 03:02:23 PM
McGinn now misses West Ham, Wolves and Man City.
Difficult to imagine it going much worse than that when I woke up this morning.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 03:02:26 PM
Post by: BC Villain on March 10, 2024, 03:02:50 PM
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:02:50 PM
It seemed as if our plan was to just try and stop them. Worked well.It looked wrong from Kick Off. This is totally on Emery .
I don't think we couldve got it more wrong today if we tried.
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 10, 2024, 03:02:50 PM
Aston Villa.
What’s your point?
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 10, 2024, 03:03:04 PM
Fucking football.
Post by: Axl Rose on March 10, 2024, 03:03:07 PM
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Post by: kipeye on March 10, 2024, 03:03:39 PM
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 03:03:52 PM
Post by: KevinGage on March 10, 2024, 03:03:56 PM
Post by: Deano's Mullet on March 10, 2024, 03:04:01 PM
Post by: TonyD on March 10, 2024, 03:04:05 PM
Emery tried something new and got it wrong.
But the players were also shite.
Why the fuck does he keep bringing the shithouse Zani on ? That’s pure stupidity.
I’d rather not see Zani and Diaby play again for us.
Flog Diaby first day of the transfer window for whatever we can get. He ain’t going to do a Bailey.
Post by: boutrosboutrosgnarly on March 10, 2024, 03:04:13 PM
Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersYeah nearly as embarrassing as your toys out the pram posts every time we lose.
Post by: curiousorange on March 10, 2024, 03:04:18 PM
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 03:04:22 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 03:04:28 PM
Pathetic from everyone involved.
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 10, 2024, 03:04:31 PM
Aston Villa: Giving Sky what they want since 1993.
We have always found a way to fuck it up at the most pivotal moments.
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 03:04:34 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 03:04:46 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:05:05 PM
Post by: Bad English on March 10, 2024, 03:05:12 PM
Aston Villa.Aston Villa.
What’s your point?
Post by: TopDeck113 on March 10, 2024, 03:05:22 PM
Post by: KevinGage on March 10, 2024, 03:05:49 PM
Post by: itbrvilla on March 10, 2024, 03:06:00 PM
Missing McGinn for 3 games will no doubt have e a negative impact on remainder of the season given the injury to Kamara, and the lack of options.
Poor set up and tactics. Gifted them everything, they didn't need to work for it. No clear attempts on goal.
Diaby might as well not be on the pitch at times. Worrying for £50m player.
Konsa and Cash were dreadful.
Watkins and Bailey poor.
The only time I've felt this deflated after a game was vs. Stoke. Gutted.
Post by: Stu on March 10, 2024, 03:06:24 PM
Post by: Bad English on March 10, 2024, 03:06:40 PM
Absolute disaster of a game and now I've got 3-4 hours of the mother in law to endure.It could be worse. Just think of what your mother-in-law is in for.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:06:50 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
I agree wholeheartedly
Every time he has opted to use cash at rm we have lost yet he does it again. Utter madness. Pau and konsa cb and cash rb simple
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2024, 03:07:28 PM
Aston Villa.
What’s your point?
I read it as a sardonic point that when the we're on the cusp of something great, trust the Villa to let us down.
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 03:07:53 PM
Post by: Axl Rose on March 10, 2024, 03:08:02 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
Isn't it just.
I love the bloke, but Jesus Christ.
I don't love him so much at this very moment, but yeah, fucking hell, fuck off with the pathetic sycophantic wankery
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:08:18 PM
Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersYeah nearly as embarrassing as your toys out the pram posts every time we lose.
Stop trying to point score its pretty sad and pathetic. Talk about the game FFS
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:08:47 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 10, 2024, 03:09:49 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
I agree wholeheartedly
Every time he has opted to use cash at rm we have lost yet he does it again. Utter madness. Pau and konsa cb and cash rb simple
Not quite. Burnley away. Wolves at home last season, just off the top of my head. I’m sure there’s more.. I nearly always think he’s shit there though.
Post by: KevinGage on March 10, 2024, 03:09:50 PM
Kept it tightish for 10 minutes after that and I reckon we would've done 'em down the home straight.
But no. If you need a favour, we're the side to oblige.
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 03:10:01 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
He has a fair bit of credit in the bank
And, people keep forgetting this season has been achieved despite being without Mings since game week one. That day when Mings went off I thought we would do well to finish top 10.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:10:20 PM
Post by: Bad English on March 10, 2024, 03:10:28 PM
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 03:10:32 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
I imagine there’s a race on to be the first to use the words ‘O’Leary’ and ‘fickle’.
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 10, 2024, 03:10:48 PM
Aston Villa.
What’s your point?
I read it as a sardonic point that when the we're on the cusp of something great, trust the Villa to let us down.
I read it as him being pedantic as usual.
Post by: FatSam on March 10, 2024, 03:10:50 PM
Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersMost rational people would find it difficult to blame Emery for ‘getting us humiliated’ today. If it’s our biggest game in years, that’s only because Emery has got us into this position in the first place. Maybe Stevie G, or whichever better candidate happens to be out there would have been able to make you prouder?
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 03:11:19 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
He has a fair bit of credit in the bank
And, people keep forgetting this season has been achieved despite being without Mings since game week one. That day when Mings went off I thought we would do well to finish top 10.
He does, and I'm glad he's with us, but what has any of that got to do with playing five at the back at home to Spurs?
Post by: Rudy65 on March 10, 2024, 03:11:20 PM
Well that's up there with Villa 0, Wimbledon 3 and Villa 2, Stoke 2. Something great is within our grasp and we fuck it up at home.Was at both. Hope you’re wrong
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2024, 03:11:27 PM
Post by: PhilVill on March 10, 2024, 03:11:47 PM
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on March 10, 2024, 03:11:49 PM
However they’re a bloody good bunch and deserve every chance to put this right.
I’m sure they will.
VTID
Post by: villadelph on March 10, 2024, 03:11:54 PM
Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersMost rational people would find it difficult to blame Emery for ‘getting us humiliated’ today. If it’s our biggest game in years, that’s only because Emery has got us into this position in the first place. Maybe Stevie G, or whichever better candidate happens to be out there would have been able to make you prouder?
Its Flin5tone's alt account - don't bother.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 10, 2024, 03:12:19 PM
How depressing to so monumentally bottle it in our most important home game for years.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:12:30 PM
Recently when we have come up aaginst half decent sides at home we have shat ourselves. Lost to chelsea and newcastle at home. Followed by manure but this was by far the worst.
Emery needs to sort this shit out asap or the seasons gonna fall apart
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 10, 2024, 03:12:43 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
He has a fair bit of credit in the bank
And, people keep forgetting this season has been achieved despite being without Mings since game week one. That day when Mings went off I thought we would do well to finish top 10.
He does. Absolutely.
And I think that overall he has done an absolutely marvellous job.
But that doesn't change the fact that he was still shit today.
And do you know who will be most critical of Unai Emery today?
Unai Emery...
Post by: RichardBatchelor on March 10, 2024, 03:13:08 PM
We will finish above Spurs.
Post by: dutchvilla on March 10, 2024, 03:13:12 PM
Post by: BC Villain on March 10, 2024, 03:13:38 PM
Post by: Axl Rose on March 10, 2024, 03:13:42 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
He has a fair bit of credit in the bank
And, people keep forgetting this season has been achieved despite being without Mings since game week one. That day when Mings went off I thought we would do well to finish top 10.
That's fair enough, mate.
He's been fantastic, but we all know that.
We're reacting to what we're seeing on the pitch in an important game, that's all. It's very hard to look at the bigger picture all the time, particularly when things are going badly in the moment.
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 10, 2024, 03:13:50 PM
Lots of criticism of unai for playing cash there, but I struggle to see how else we play considering our lack of options in midfield atm.
Mcginn the biggest disappointment for me, gave it the big un in the week and has really given us a huge problem now in the next few games. Fuming with him, absolutely fuming
The fans who applauded him off after the red card are utterly braindead too
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 10, 2024, 03:14:14 PM
Let’s be totally honest, we are nowhere near as good as we thought we were and haven’t played at the level we really need to for a long time now.
How depressing to so monumentally bottle it in our most important home game for years.
That’s mainly it. We’ve stretched a relegation team to the absolutely limits against sides who have operated at the top end for most of the years we’ve been shit. It’s very us to fuck it up late on at a critical moment of course. Let’s hope with enough of the season to go we can find an another gear to recover from this.
Post by: Bad English on March 10, 2024, 03:14:28 PM
It all depends. What you read can be taken on a textual, inter-textual or meta-textual level.Aston Villa.
What’s your point?
I read it as a sardonic point that when the we're on the cusp of something great, trust the Villa to let us down.
I read it as him being pedantic as usual.
Aston Villa.
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 03:14:35 PM
Post by: astonvilla82 on March 10, 2024, 03:15:06 PM
Fickle O'Leary,I claim first prizeDreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
I imagine there’s a race on to be the first to use the words ‘O’Leary’ and ‘fickle’.
Post by: geolex on March 10, 2024, 03:15:15 PM
It is possible to believe that Emery is the best manager we've had in years who has performed magnificently to get us to where we are, and to think he got it wrong today.
Exactly... no-one is above criticism
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 03:15:15 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 03:15:19 PM
Post by: boutrosboutrosgnarly on March 10, 2024, 03:15:41 PM
:-*No point scoring involved simply you make comments I don't agree with I'll say what the fuck I like.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersYeah nearly as embarrassing as your toys out the pram posts every time we lose.
Stop trying to point score its pretty sad and pathetic. Talk about the game FFS
Post by: Baldy on March 10, 2024, 03:16:25 PM
Roy Keane just said the game in Europe took the edge of us. He's spot on.
Wolves manager said yesterday he hopes Wolves don't finish in Conference League spot this season as they couldn't handle it next season!!
After watching Villa today, he might just be right.
Post by: Bad English on March 10, 2024, 03:16:25 PM
Hahaha! Fair.:-*No point scoring involved simply you make comments I don't agree with I'll say what the fuck I like.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersYeah nearly as embarrassing as your toys out the pram posts every time we lose.
Stop trying to point score its pretty sad and pathetic. Talk about the game FFS
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 03:17:06 PM
Post by: geolex on March 10, 2024, 03:17:27 PM
:-*No point scoring involved simply you make comments I don't agree with I'll say what the fuck I like.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersYeah nearly as embarrassing as your toys out the pram posts every time we lose.
Stop trying to point score its pretty sad and pathetic. Talk about the game FFS
At least be constructive instead of childish
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:17:31 PM
Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersMost rational people would find it difficult to blame Emery for ‘getting us humiliated’ today. If it’s our biggest game in years, that’s only because Emery has got us into this position in the first place. Maybe Stevie G, or whichever better candidate happens to be out there would have been able to make you prouder?
Mate there is losing a game, and there is losing a game like this. Top teams do not lose 4-0 at home against a team they want to finish above. We looked DREADFUL. Im sorry but when you perform that poorly you deserve to be criticised. It was awful today. Emerys selection was all wrong and it all falls on him
Post by: Dave on March 10, 2024, 03:17:31 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
He has a fair bit of credit in the bank
And, people keep forgetting this season has been achieved despite being without Mings since game week one. That day when Mings went off I thought we would do well to finish top 10.
He does, and I'm glad he's with us, but what has any of that got to do with playing five at the back at home to Spurs?
Particularly when in the away fixture against them it was going from five at the back to four at the back that stopped us playing like shit.
Post by: Smirker on March 10, 2024, 03:17:41 PM
Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. Cheers
Yes cheers Unai for getting us to a point where we are challenging at the top again.
Today wasn't great but oh well we're in the race for 4th with 2 months to go.
I trust him and the team. We'll get CL football for next season.
Post by: caster troy on March 10, 2024, 03:18:08 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 10, 2024, 03:18:12 PM
Roy Keane just said the game in Europe took the edge of us. He's spot on.
must have been the hour flight as we hardly got out of first gear in that game .
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:18:47 PM
Cash didn't play in midfield.He didn't play in defence either .
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 03:19:06 PM
Oh Unai. I think he feared getting overrun without Kamara so he went with the back five but it's such a negative move at home. I could have just about stomached a defeat but losing McGinn for three games is a hammer blow, who is going to play now against West Ham, Wolves and Man City... Chambers?!
You put it better than I could, thanks
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 10, 2024, 03:19:26 PM
Let’s be totally honest, we are nowhere near as good as we thought we were and haven’t played at the level we really need to for a long time now.
How depressing to so monumentally bottle it in our most important home game for years.
That’s mainly it. We’ve stretched a relegation team to the absolutely limits against sides who have operated at the top end for most of the years we’ve been shit. It’s very us to fuck it up late on at a critical moment of course. Let’s hope with enough of the season to go we can find an another gear to recover from this.
I don’t think we will. We look absolutely spent.
You see it in performances like today plus the failure to create anything at Ajax, almost shitting the bed at Luton, trying to do the same against Forest, the Man United result.
I honestly can’t remember the last time we played well for any more than 45 minutes and even when we manage that decent 45 we ultimately totally shit the bed in the second half.
That was humiliating today, though, and if that wasn’t enough, it’s against Spurs so now we get to experience a full week of the media going on about it.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 10, 2024, 03:20:00 PM
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:20:29 PM
Those games sap energy.Roy Keane just said the game in Europe took the edge of us. He's spot on.
must have been the hour flight as we hardly got out of first gear in that game .
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 03:20:32 PM
Roy Keane just said the game in Europe took the edge of us. He's spot on.
It's bollocks....we played in first gear on Thursday. Think Emery got both games horribly wrong in all honesty.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2024, 03:21:01 PM
Insert Ricky Gervais “ooh you’re hard” gif.
Tb be fair, I'm always willing to cut boutrosboutrosgnarly some slack as he has the best user name on H&V.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:21:10 PM
:-*No point scoring involved simply you make comments I don't agree with I'll say what the fuck I like.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersYeah nearly as embarrassing as your toys out the pram posts every time we lose.
Stop trying to point score its pretty sad and pathetic. Talk about the game FFS
What points have you made that wasnt a dig at me? Im here to debate villa im not interested in attacking anyone. Im obviously deeply upset at the reault and passionate about my club
No one saying emery out just criticising him for qhat happened today. Even wolves managed to beat these lot. We put in a pretty cowardly performance today and tahts what is upsetting. Mcginn let us all down with his reckless actions
Also im sorry i cant agree with the europe game.it was ajax and it wasnt that hard a game. That's excuses for .e
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 10, 2024, 03:21:34 PM
I thought Tim did okay.
He mentioned his mother-in-law too much...
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 10, 2024, 03:22:24 PM
Post by: steamer on March 10, 2024, 03:22:38 PM
Where is the heart in the team ?
I do not mean SJM acting like a pratt but Luis and Konsa should have, but did not stand up.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 03:23:06 PM
Post by: PhilVill on March 10, 2024, 03:23:59 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
He has a fair bit of credit in the bank
And, people keep forgetting this season has been achieved despite being without Mings since game week one. That day when Mings went off I thought we would do well to finish top 10.
He does. Absolutely.
And I think that overall he has done an absolutely marvellous job.
But that doesn't change the fact that he was still shit today.
And do you know who will be most critical of Unai Emery today?
Unai Emery...
Is correct. He won't need told he fucked up.
Post by: coreyfeldman on March 10, 2024, 03:26:19 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
He has a fair bit of credit in the bank
And, people keep forgetting this season has been achieved despite being without Mings since game week one. That day when Mings went off I thought we would do well to finish top 10.
He does, and I'm glad he's with us, but what has any of that got to do with playing five at the back at home to Spurs?
The thing is that nobody is talking about the alternative to that. Otherwise you have to start tim who hasn't started in the Premier league for a year or more, or starting Rogers who has just come up from championship.
We're struggling in the middle for numbers and I really can't blame him for playing how he did today, the players were awful and have to be just as culpable
Post by: TopDeck113 on March 10, 2024, 03:26:55 PM
He won't need told he fucked up.
He won't. My concern is that the tactical fuck-ups are coming with increased frequency and in games that really matter.
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 03:27:32 PM
Cash didn't play in midfield.He didn't play in defence either .
Our defensive shape was fine in the first half but once the first was conceded he should have ripped it up.
Honestly think Emery has vastly overrated how good Konsa is, he can't play RB end of. I never want to see him in that position again. He can't play in a back 3 either. Back 4 next to Torres, that his spot. Same for Cash, RB in a back 4 or on the bench. Emery has been itching to play that setup today all season, beggars belief he went with it in such a crucial game.
Post by: Legion on March 10, 2024, 03:27:51 PM
Post by: boutrosboutrosgnarly on March 10, 2024, 03:28:01 PM
Insert Ricky Gervais “ooh you’re hard” gif.Almost as funny as the man himself, but thanks for the back handed compliment
Post by: FatSam on March 10, 2024, 03:28:12 PM
I agree with your post, and that he deserves to be criticised. As always, it takes half an hour or so following the game for all the emotion to subside, and perspective to kick in. I didn’t agree with the tone of your original post, which suggested that your pride had been offended by Emery personally.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersMost rational people would find it difficult to blame Emery for ‘getting us humiliated’ today. If it’s our biggest game in years, that’s only because Emery has got us into this position in the first place. Maybe Stevie G, or whichever better candidate happens to be out there would have been able to make you prouder?
Mate there is losing a game, and there is losing a game like this. Top teams do not lose 4-0 at home against a team they want to finish above. We looked DREADFUL. Im sorry but when you perform that poorly you deserve to be criticised. It was awful today. Emerys selection was all wrong and it all falls on him
Post by: KevinGage on March 10, 2024, 03:28:20 PM
If only Villa and Emery had worked out why we wait 15 minutes to actually play in the second half.
Aye.
For all his attention to detail (and he's clearly a smart bloke, with the track record to match) it's odd how this keeps on happening.
Post by: Lastfootstamper on March 10, 2024, 03:30:18 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:31:56 PM
I agree with your post, and that he deserves to be criticised. As always, it takes half an hour or so following the game for all the emotion to subside, and perspective to kick in. I didn’t agree with the tone of your original post, which suggested that your pride had been offended by Emery personally.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersMost rational people would find it difficult to blame Emery for ‘getting us humiliated’ today. If it’s our biggest game in years, that’s only because Emery has got us into this position in the first place. Maybe Stevie G, or whichever better candidate happens to be out there would have been able to make you prouder?
Mate there is losing a game, and there is losing a game like this. Top teams do not lose 4-0 at home against a team they want to finish above. We looked DREADFUL. Im sorry but when you perform that poorly you deserve to be criticised. It was awful today. Emerys selection was all wrong and it all falls on him
No despite my criticism of emery i love the man i dont want him going anywhere but i found today deeply concerning. Im recent home form against the better sides has been really really poor. Todays was the worst.
I just dont understand why he makes the decisions he does. You dont play your cb at rb against spurs with all their attacking talent. The you dont play cash at rw where he is struggling
He should have trusted timmy today and stuck him in the midfield make it abit more of a battle in middle. Honestly what a collosal and rare tactical mistake ny emery there
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 03:32:53 PM
If only Villa and Emery had worked out why we wait 15 minutes to actually play in the second half.
Aye.
For all his attention to detail (and he's clearly a smart bloke, with the track record to match) it's odd how this keeps on happening.
Five at the back, Tielemans wide left, Bailey up front with Watkins. Utterly stupid decisions in every department.
Post by: pelty on March 10, 2024, 03:33:35 PM
Honestly think Emery has vastly overrated how good Konsa is, he can't play RB end of. I never want to see him in that position again. He can't play in a back 3 either. Back 4 next to Torres, that his spot. Same for Cash, RB in a back 4 or on the bench. Emery has been itching to play that setup today all season, beggars belief he went with it in such a crucial game.
I agree with this. Hate that he plays Konsa at RB.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on March 10, 2024, 03:33:53 PM
What Unai was thinking with his three centre halves selection rather than the brilliant Konsa-Torres combo is anybody's guess. Cash is no midfielder, he's a bloody good right back though. The midfield failed to support the attack and were outnumbered and outmuscled in midfield. Losing McGinn was ridiculous and we really paid the price. It was a stupid challenge and he can have no complaints.
We've had bad days at the office before but today was shocking, we made Spurs look like Real Madrid and this was supposed to be our biggest, most important game so far this season. We only have ourselves to blame. The only positive I can see right now is for those who stayed until the end, the traffic will be light.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 03:34:00 PM
Post by: eamonn on March 10, 2024, 03:36:18 PM
Insert Ricky Gervais “ooh you’re hard” gif.
Tb be fair, I'm always willing to cut boutrosboutrosgnarly some slack as he has the best user name on H&V.
Absolutely. I used to think the best username was Tokyo Sexwhale and was crushed to discover that it was the name of a South African politican and not the result of surreal creativity from a fellow Villan.
Post by: Monty on March 10, 2024, 03:36:50 PM
Problem isn't criticising Unai, obviously. He got the setup wrong today, and quite how Cash played the full game is beyond me. It's also as much on him to get the best out of players like Diaby and Zaniolo, who haven't always been shite in their careers, and while there's a lot on them to improve it's also on the coach, every bit as much as it's on him that Watkins is doing so well etc.
I just...I wonder how someone who isn't a Villa fan but maybe wishes us well would react to some of the stuff one sees when he makes a mistake. Without naming names, some do seem to have rather itchy fingers, and then get quite surprisingly intemperate and abusive!
Like, Emery fucked up, but he didn't make Konsa pass straight to a Spurs fan. He didn't make McGinn fly in like a fucking moron. He didn't injure Kamara, in my opinion an absolutely huge loss in games like this. He bears ultimate responsibility for terrible days like today, but he also does for the situation whereby we're disappointed in a result in the race for top four.
Let's keep it together.
Post by: eamonn on March 10, 2024, 03:37:37 PM
The only positive I can see right now is for those who stayed until the end, the traffic will be light.
Point of order - it's BE's role to comment on fans at VP beating the traffic, and his alone.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 03:38:19 PM
If only Villa and Emery had worked out why we wait 15 minutes to actually play in the second half.
Aye.
For all his attention to detail (and he's clearly a smart bloke, with the track record to match) it's odd how this keeps on happening.
Five at the back, Tielemans wide left, Bailey up front with Watkins. Utterly stupid decisions in every department.
The ones you mention Risso are this match. But the not turning up in the first 15 minutes has been happening most of the season even when the rest of the team decisions have been correct.
The first half Tottenham had 5 touches in our box and we had the most chances, albeit off target, so the "stupid decisions" were actually working to some extent. But all Spurs had to do was wait to half time and then score then because we don't turn up.
Post by: eamonn on March 10, 2024, 03:41:10 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 03:41:41 PM
OK. Deep breath...
Problem isn't criticising Unai, obviously. He got the setup wrong today, and quite how Cash played the full game is beyond me. It's also as much on him to get the best out of players like Diaby and Zaniolo, who haven't always been shite in their careers, and while there's a lot on them to improve it's also on the coach, every bit as much as it's on him that Watkins is doing so well etc.
I just...I wonder how someone who isn't a Villa fan but maybe wishes us well would react to some of the stuff one sees when he makes a mistake. Without naming names, some do seem to have rather itchy fingers, and then get quite surprisingly intemperate and abusive!
Like, Emery fucked up, but he didn't make Konsa pass straight to a Spurs fan. He didn't make McGinn fly in like a fucking moron. He didn't injure Kamara, in my opinion an absolutely huge loss in games like this. He bears ultimate responsibility for terrible days like today, but he also does for the situation whereby we're disappointed in a result in the race for top four.
Let's keep it together.
Yes, everyone fucked up. There’s plenty of blame to go around for that - it doesn’t mean people are turning on Unai (if they are, they’re daft) but it’s reasonable to have questions about our performances against the better sides we’ve played in 2024. We’ve been consistently pretty poor.
Post by: Rigadon on March 10, 2024, 03:42:29 PM
Spurs are a good side, but today we seemed to give them too much respect. McGinn was silly going through doggie like that - that is the worst part about today for me. We will miss him a lot.
But fuck it. The season isn’t over yet.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 03:44:15 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 03:45:21 PM
The season is still live and kicking. That was probably my least favourite game since 2003, but regardless of what will now be the narrative (Spurs are amazing, Villa should still consider 6th to be super duper), we are still 4th. We have loads to fight for and we should ignore the incoming noise.
Spurs are a good side, but today we seemed to give them too much respect. McGinn was silly going through doggie like that - that is the worst part about today for me. We will miss him a lot.
But fuck it. The season isn’t over yet.
It’s not, but we are far too easy to play (and score) against at the moment. If we don’t stop that we’ll fall away.
Post by: eamonn on March 10, 2024, 03:45:50 PM
The season is still live and kicking. That was probably my least favourite game since 2003,
0-6 Valentines Day 2016 at home to Liverpool takes some beating.
Post by: KevinGage on March 10, 2024, 03:45:54 PM
And why do we always let James Fucking Maddison score against us? Every single time.
Yes. The most annoying little turd in football.
It was neck and neck with him and Bruno Cocknose at Yanited.
But with that wanky goal celebration he's added to his repertoire he's just edged ahead.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2024, 03:45:56 PM
The only positive I can see right now is for those who stayed until the end, the traffic will be light.
Point of order - it's BE's role to comment on fans at VP beating the traffic, and his alone.
Careful, you might be accused of usurping his Pedant-in-Chief role.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:46:51 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 03:48:05 PM
Bailey played like he's back on the laughing balloons.
Was he on the laughing balloons previously then?
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 03:49:18 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 03:50:33 PM
Bailey played like he's back on the laughing balloons.
Of all the players who shouldn’t get stick it’s him. One bad day from him, in what has been a sensational season for him. Give it a rest.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:50:47 PM
Yes. Do you not read the papers .Bailey played like he's back on the laughing balloons.
Was he on the laughing balloons previously then?
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 10, 2024, 03:51:01 PM
I pretty much said this to my son on the way home. He pointed out Man City won the league after being humped by Everton 4-0. I love facts like that and the fact a soon to be 14 year old can dismantle by melodrama so easily.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersMost rational people would find it difficult to blame Emery for ‘getting us humiliated’ today. If it’s our biggest game in years, that’s only because Emery has got us into this position in the first place. Maybe Stevie G, or whichever better candidate happens to be out there would have been able to make you prouder?
Mate there is losing a game, and there is losing a game like this. Top teams do not lose 4-0 at home against a team they want to finish above. We looked DREADFUL. Im sorry but when you perform that poorly you deserve to be criticised. It was awful today. Emerys selection was all wrong and it all falls on him
It was dreadful today from manager and many players, who looked like they would rather be anywhere but playing football in the cold and rain. But we’re still fourth and still in with a great shout.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:51:23 PM
Absolutely , which is why it's a shock he looked so off today.Bailey played like he's back on the laughing balloons.
Of all the players who shouldn’t get stick it’s him. One bad day from him, in what has been a sensational season for him. Give it a rest.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 03:52:27 PM
Five at the back at home I just can't understand. How many of our competitors would do that. Pack the defence and hope to nick a goal on the break is what rank underdogs do.Agree . Terrible management today.
Post by: Keeno on March 10, 2024, 03:52:36 PM
We then made some stupid, stupid errors - from Konsa giving it away for the second to the worst one McGinn’s red card - that effectively ended the game.
Clearly we were tired and I think the plan was to keep it tight for first hour then open up. But again, we concede in the first 10 of the second half and everything unravels.
I’m absolutely livid with McGinn for the red card - not having him for next 3 games is vital and he let his emotions get the best of him. Worst part of the day for me.
Fortunately we have a quick opp to bounce back v Ajax and then international break.
Post by: not3bad on March 10, 2024, 03:53:28 PM
Post by: AV82EC on March 10, 2024, 03:53:52 PM
Not a good day today. My scores on the doors
Martinez - 6 - didn’t have much to do other than pick the ball out the net a few times.
Cash - 4 - started ok apart from his studs but got worse as it progressed including turning into trouble on numerous occasions.
Konsa - 4 - woeful at first and actually got better as it progressed.
Lenglet - 5 - didn’t seem to do much wrong but lost Maddison for the first.
Torres - 6 - was ok but you can tell he’s not up to speed yet.
Digne - 6 - thought he kept Kulsevski quiet until
Substituted
Luiz - 5 - ineffective
McGinn - 1 - lost his head and was a total twat getting sent off.
Tielemans - 3 - totally ineffective
Bailey - 2 - Mr 50p boots today, back to frustrating Leon today.
Watkins - 5 - ran his bollocks off but not clinical when he did get any ball.
Diaby - 2 - did nothing of note
Zaniolo - 2 - did nothing of note
Moreno - 2 - did nothing of note
Tim I - 4 - helped shore it up and had a few nice touches
Carlos - 3 - nearly gave away two more goals
Unai - 2 - totally wrong set up, handed the initiative to them, one of his poorest performances as the Manager.
I can’t tell you how fucking annoyed I am with McGinn, just when you need a captains performance of control and urgency you get headless chicken and he’ll miss the next 3 games. Time for Tim I to step up.
Post by: astonvilla82 on March 10, 2024, 03:55:34 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 10, 2024, 03:55:54 PM
Five at the back at home I just can't understand. How many of our competitors would do that. Pack the defence and hope to nick a goal on the break is what rank underdogs do.
even when they broke away villa was usless in passing, control and choices, which of course isnt Emerys fault.
I know it was offside but WTF was Ollie doing not shooting and passing ? And If Dougie had released it quicker he would not have been offside.
Post by: villabear on March 10, 2024, 03:56:09 PM
A genuinely disappointing result and performance.
Post by: Paul.S on March 10, 2024, 03:56:20 PM
More terrible defending today has cost us again and that’s what’s got to be worked on. The formation was working ok first half and then we go and gift them a few goals in the space of a few minutes. Some of the goals we’ve given away have been nothing short of calamitous.
The McGinn sending off will seriously hurt us but we are still in it.
We are still 4th, it’ll be tough with all the injuries we’ve got but I’m sure the players will be as angry as we are about it.
When we are bad, we are terrible but what I’d like to see from someone who’s just come on (Zaniolo) is a bit of energy. If you hadn’t seen him come on you’d think he’d been playing all game and his commitment today is way short of what we need.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 03:56:58 PM
I pretty much said this to my son on the way home. He pointed out Man City won the league after being humped by Everton 4-0. I love facts like that and the fact a soon to be 14 year old can dismantle by melodrama so easily.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersMost rational people would find it difficult to blame Emery for ‘getting us humiliated’ today. If it’s our biggest game in years, that’s only because Emery has got us into this position in the first place. Maybe Stevie G, or whichever better candidate happens to be out there would have been able to make you prouder?
Mate there is losing a game, and there is losing a game like this. Top teams do not lose 4-0 at home against a team they want to finish above. We looked DREADFUL. Im sorry but when you perform that poorly you deserve to be criticised. It was awful today. Emerys selection was all wrong and it all falls on him
It was dreadful today from manager and many players, who looked like they would rather be anywhere but playing football in the cold and rain. But we’re still fourth and still in with a great shout.
Man i wish i could be like your son! I think its more for im getting so much grief from my spurs mates its effecting my emotional state 😂
Its just worrying how bad we are at home now. Honestly its deeply alarming
Post by: Paul.S on March 10, 2024, 03:58:00 PM
Are Tottenham still two points behind us?
I must be looking at the wrong table. My’n says so but perhaps not.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 04:00:02 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on March 10, 2024, 04:00:46 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 04:00:59 PM
Yes. Do you not read the papers .Bailey played like he's back on the laughing balloons.
Was he on the laughing balloons previously then?
Well on a quick google, not the sort of papers that reported it. But nice of you to recall stories about our players to throw back at them when you need to throw a dummy.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on March 10, 2024, 04:02:28 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 10, 2024, 04:02:28 PM
Again the soon to be 14 year old, queried why our away form is turning into our home form and visa versa. He may have a point.I pretty much said this to my son on the way home. He pointed out Man City won the league after being humped by Everton 4-0. I love facts like that and the fact a soon to be 14 year old can dismantle by melodrama so easily.Well done unai great starting 11. Biggest game in years and you get us humiliated at home. CheersMost rational people would find it difficult to blame Emery for ‘getting us humiliated’ today. If it’s our biggest game in years, that’s only because Emery has got us into this position in the first place. Maybe Stevie G, or whichever better candidate happens to be out there would have been able to make you prouder?
Mate there is losing a game, and there is losing a game like this. Top teams do not lose 4-0 at home against a team they want to finish above. We looked DREADFUL. Im sorry but when you perform that poorly you deserve to be criticised. It was awful today. Emerys selection was all wrong and it all falls on him
It was dreadful today from manager and many players, who looked like they would rather be anywhere but playing football in the cold and rain. But we’re still fourth and still in with a great shout.
Man i wish i could be like your son! I think its more for im getting so much grief from my spurs mates its effecting my emotional state 😂
Its just worrying how bad we are at home now. Honestly its deeply alarming
Post by: Stu on March 10, 2024, 04:03:06 PM
We're notoriously shit at West Ham and then have Wolves who we never seem to do well against these days. Two very tricky games without 2 of our starting midfielders. McGinn has let us down a bit today. Terrible day at the office, can only be made worse if someone has picked up an injury.
Man City away after those two as well.
Post by: rougegorge on March 10, 2024, 04:03:07 PM
Whilst it was probably a 'must not lose' game beforehand, it was definitely a 'must not lose like that' game, given the bad scoreline and McGinn's suspension.
Post by: andyh on March 10, 2024, 04:03:24 PM
Strange formation at the start.
Bailey blowing out of his arse after 5 minutes, and Konsa fucking around, essentially killing the game for us.
He has had a shit couple of games since coming back.
Lack of pace, defensively, is becoming very obvious.
What is also very, very obvious is that with no Mcginn, there is no heart, drive and desire in this team.
We looked like w could fight back when he had fired himself up, but as soon as he went off the rest of the team went into their shell.
Not a single shot on target, by my reckoning, and I think that result, coupled with Mcginn missing 3 games has just cost us 4th place.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 04:03:53 PM
Well bollox to the thread title, I never have been and NEVER will be embarrassed to be a Villa fan.
But you don't think the team embarrassed us, which is what the title is stating, nothing about the fans.
Post by: levico on March 10, 2024, 04:07:38 PM
I can live with the occasional defeat but this was a serious thrashing borne out of poor tactics and player performance and a lack of discipline by our captain. It could well prove to spoil what has been a great season until now.
Down to Emery and the players to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Post by: Nev on March 10, 2024, 04:08:23 PM
Anyway, first half was nip and tuck then we gave the ball away to gift them the goals, an issue we had all game, keeping the ball. McGinn lost it but I don't want his fire to go out or he'll be half the player he is.
We played poorly, the manager got things wrong and it happens. They weren't much cop really and I would expect Maddison will be getting a phone call from the ref to check what time he's allowed to go to bed tonight.
Post by: aldridgeboy on March 10, 2024, 04:09:35 PM
Awful tackle by SJM. Him missing three games is a huge loss.
I watched in a bar in Thailand. At 2-0 I told mrs we should go as it would end up 4-0.
Imagine my surprise when we got to the next bar and it was 4.
Don’t get me wrong , I’d have snatched your arm off for 4th place mid march , but that’s just felt like a massive kill in the balls.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 04:10:10 PM
Well bollox to the thread title, I never have been and NEVER will be embarrassed to be a Villa fan.
Thats not what the thread title says
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 04:10:40 PM
“Well it started badly, it tailed off a little in the middle & the less said about the end the better! But apart from that, excellent!"
Not a good day today. My scores on the doors
Martinez - 6 - didn’t have much to do other than pick the ball out the net a few times.
Cash - 4 - started ok apart from his studs but got worse as it progressed including turning into trouble on numerous occasions.
Konsa - 4 - woeful at first and actually got better as it progressed.
Lenglet - 5 - didn’t seem to do much wrong but lost Maddison for the first.
Torres - 6 - was ok but you can tell he’s not up to speed yet.
Digne - 6 - thought he kept Kulsevski quiet until
Substituted
Luiz - 5 - ineffective
McGinn - 1 - lost his head and was a total twat getting sent off.
Tielemans - 3 - totally ineffective
Bailey - 2 - Mr 50p boots today, back to frustrating Leon today.
Watkins - 5 - ran his bollocks off but not clinical when he did get any ball.
Diaby - 2 - did nothing of note
Zaniolo - 2 - did nothing of note
Moreno - 2 - did nothing of note
Tim I - 4 - helped shore it up and had a few nice touches
Carlos - 3 - nearly gave away two more goals
Unai - 2 - totally wrong set up, handed the initiative to them, one of his poorest performances as the Manager.
I can’t tell you how fucking annoyed I am with McGinn, just when you need a captains performance of control and urgency you get headless chicken and he’ll miss the next 3 games. Time for Tim I to step up.
Think Konsa was more like a 1/10. Lenglet did nothing wrong I thought. And as far Carlos...cameo from hell and then some!
Tielemans is a nothing player I'm afraid these days.
Post by: Ian. on March 10, 2024, 04:11:49 PM
Prior to this we was drawing 0-0. I sheltered in a pub for the second half with my family and sank two pints watching us fall apart.
Blame me if you like, but the scallop was delicious.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on March 10, 2024, 04:12:21 PM
Well bollox to the thread title, I never have been and NEVER will be embarrassed to be a Villa fan.
But you don't think the team embarrassed us, which is what the title is stating, nothing about the fans.
We were poor today no question, plenty of below average performances. Embarrassing? No, not for me.
Post by: SamTheMouse on March 10, 2024, 04:14:06 PM
Cash didn't play in midfield.
Correct. It was a back five.
If CDBullyweefan were here, he'd be doing his nut and rightly so.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 04:14:41 PM
“Well it started badly, it tailed off a little in the middle & the less said about the end the better! But apart from that, excellent!"
Not a good day today. My scores on the doors
Martinez - 6 - didn’t have much to do other than pick the ball out the net a few times.
Cash - 4 - started ok apart from his studs but got worse as it progressed including turning into trouble on numerous occasions.
Konsa - 4 - woeful at first and actually got better as it progressed.
Lenglet - 5 - didn’t seem to do much wrong but lost Maddison for the first.
Torres - 6 - was ok but you can tell he’s not up to speed yet.
Digne - 6 - thought he kept Kulsevski quiet until
Substituted
Luiz - 5 - ineffective
McGinn - 1 - lost his head and was a total twat getting sent off.
Tielemans - 3 - totally ineffective
Bailey - 2 - Mr 50p boots today, back to frustrating Leon today.
Watkins - 5 - ran his bollocks off but not clinical when he did get any ball.
Diaby - 2 - did nothing of note
Zaniolo - 2 - did nothing of note
Moreno - 2 - did nothing of note
Tim I - 4 - helped shore it up and had a few nice touches
Carlos - 3 - nearly gave away two more goals
Unai - 2 - totally wrong set up, handed the initiative to them, one of his poorest performances as the Manager.
I can’t tell you how fucking annoyed I am with McGinn, just when you need a captains performance of control and urgency you get headless chicken and he’ll miss the next 3 games. Time for Tim I to step up.
Think Konsa was more like a 1/10. Lenglet did nothing wrong I thought. And as far Carlos...cameo from hell and then some!
I'm afraid these days.
You and me both, kid.
Post by: Paul.S on March 10, 2024, 04:16:34 PM
Well bollox to the thread title, I never have been and NEVER will be embarrassed to be a Villa fan.
But you don't think the team embarrassed us, which is what the title is stating, nothing about the fans.
We were poor today no question, plenty of below average performances. Embarrassing? No, not for me.
Not for me either.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 04:16:38 PM
I found a live scallop on the beach, I’ve come home and me and my daughter have prepared, cooked and ate it.Why would you do that to 1 scallop ! Let it live, if you're going to eat them as a meal you need at least half a dozen.
Prior to this we was drawing 0-0. I sheltered in a pub for the second half with my family and sank two pints watching us fall apart.
Blame me if you like, but the scallop was delicious.
Post by: AV82EC on March 10, 2024, 04:18:56 PM
I found a live scallop on the beach, I’ve come home and me and my daughter have prepared, cooked and ate it.
Prior to this we was drawing 0-0. I sheltered in a pub for the second half with my family and sank two pints watching us fall apart.
Blame me if you like, but the scallop was delicious.
Oh scallops lovely but only 1!!
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 10, 2024, 04:19:29 PM
Well bollox to the thread title, I never have been and NEVER will be embarrassed to be a Villa fan.
But you don't think the team embarrassed us, which is what the title is stating, nothing about the fans.
We were poor today no question, plenty of below average performances. Embarrassing? No, not for me.
Not for me either.
I'd say the players should be embarrassed with their effort today. That's a different point though
Post by: Allan C on March 10, 2024, 04:21:04 PM
OK. Deep breath...You summed it up pretty perfectly mate. Emery, like every manager we’ve ever had isn’t above criticism. But we’re 4th in the league with an incredibly stretched squad. That’s pretty much down to the manager. Today was very poor all over the pitch but with our injury list I’m amazed we’re still challenging for 4th place. McGinn’s challenge was truly ridiculous and yes it was a straight red.
Problem isn't criticising Unai, obviously. He got the setup wrong today, and quite how Cash played the full game is beyond me. It's also as much on him to get the best out of players like Diaby and Zaniolo, who haven't always been shite in their careers, and while there's a lot on them to improve it's also on the coach, every bit as much as it's on him that Watkins is doing so well etc.
I just...I wonder how someone who isn't a Villa fan but maybe wishes us well would react to some of the stuff one sees when he makes a mistake. Without naming names, some do seem to have rather itchy fingers, and then get quite surprisingly intemperate and abusive!
Like, Emery fucked up, but he didn't make Konsa pass straight to a Spurs fan. He didn't make McGinn fly in like a fucking moron. He didn't injure Kamara, in my opinion an absolutely huge loss in games like this. He bears ultimate responsibility for terrible days like today, but he also does for the situation whereby we're disappointed in a result in the race for top four.
Let's keep it together.
Post by: Pete3206 on March 10, 2024, 04:21:23 PM
Post by: Proposition Joe on March 10, 2024, 04:21:27 PM
Aston Villa: Giving Sky what they want since 1993.
We have always found a way to fuck it up at the most pivotal moments.
Yep this tendency goes all the way through the club like the writing in a stick of rock.
Why do we so often fall to pieces when we concede? I'd say we miss Mings here to grab things by the scruff when we suffer a setback, but even with him in the team we've suffered collapses.
Post by: aj2k77 on March 10, 2024, 04:21:45 PM
Post by: Proposition Joe on March 10, 2024, 04:22:34 PM
We've handed 4th place to Spurs on a plate. The summary from BE was spot on - Aston Villa
It wouldn't surprise me though if we beat Spam and our good friends and allies Fulham do Spurs next week.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 04:23:06 PM
If FFP is a thing next season I think there's some good money to be made off loading Tielemans and Cash.
Not if anybody watches the video of today there won’t be.
Post by: Ian. on March 10, 2024, 04:24:07 PM
I found a live scallop on the beach, I’ve come home and me and my daughter have prepared, cooked and ate it.
Prior to this we was drawing 0-0. I sheltered in a pub for the second half with my family and sank two pints watching us fall apart.
Blame me if you like, but the scallop was delicious.
Oh scallops lovely but only 1!!
Ha! Yes only 1.
I’ve lived here since 1983 and I’ve never found a live scallop so this was a result!
Post by: Monty on March 10, 2024, 04:24:31 PM
OK. Deep breath...You summed it up pretty perfectly mate. Emery, like every manager we’ve ever had isn’t above criticism. But we’re 4th in the league with an incredibly stretched squad. That’s pretty much down to the manager. Today was very poor all over the pitch but with our injury list I’m amazed we’re still challenging for 4th place. McGinn’s challenge was truly ridiculous and yes it was a straight red.
Problem isn't criticising Unai, obviously. He got the setup wrong today, and quite how Cash played the full game is beyond me. It's also as much on him to get the best out of players like Diaby and Zaniolo, who haven't always been shite in their careers, and while there's a lot on them to improve it's also on the coach, every bit as much as it's on him that Watkins is doing so well etc.
I just...I wonder how someone who isn't a Villa fan but maybe wishes us well would react to some of the stuff one sees when he makes a mistake. Without naming names, some do seem to have rather itchy fingers, and then get quite surprisingly intemperate and abusive!
Like, Emery fucked up, but he didn't make Konsa pass straight to a Spurs fan. He didn't make McGinn fly in like a fucking moron. He didn't injure Kamara, in my opinion an absolutely huge loss in games like this. He bears ultimate responsibility for terrible days like today, but he also does for the situation whereby we're disappointed in a result in the race for top four.
Let's keep it together.
It was probably a straight red, but even with some doubt in there he's been a complete moron flying in and inviting the possibility.
(Also, clearly I meant 'a Spurs *attacker' in there!)
Post by: aj2k77 on March 10, 2024, 04:24:52 PM
Aston Villa: Giving Sky what they want since 1993.
We have always found a way to fuck it up at the most pivotal moments.
Yep this tendency goes all the way through the club like the writing in a stick of rock.
Why do we so often fall to pieces when we concede? I'd say we miss Mings here to grab things by the scruff when we suffer a setback, but even with him in the team we've suffered collapses.
Defensively we are just pretty poor this season as a whole, we concede 1.5 goals a game, including 19 in our last 10. Isn't very good really.
Post by: Rory on March 10, 2024, 04:25:59 PM
Insert Ricky Gervais “ooh you’re hard” gif.
That gave me a much-needed laugh.
Post by: olaftab on March 10, 2024, 04:27:37 PM
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 04:29:00 PM
Aston Villa: Giving Sky what they want since 1993.
We have always found a way to fuck it up at the most pivotal moments.
Yep this tendency goes all the way through the club like the writing in a stick of rock.
Why do we so often fall to pieces when we concede? I'd say we miss Mings here to grab things by the scruff when we suffer a setback, but even with him in the team we've suffered collapses.
Defensively we are just pretty poor this season as a whole, we concede 1.5 goals a game, including 19 in our last 10. Isn't very good really.
That's why playing for the 0-0 was so fucking idiotic. We don't concede nil when we're brilliant. Sending them out like that today just emphasised everything we're bad at, whilst nullifying what we're good at. I love the man, but Emery couldn't have got it more wrong if he was trying to.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on March 10, 2024, 04:29:37 PM
Post by: Pat McMahon on March 10, 2024, 04:30:08 PM
I thought we struggled to cope with Spurs high press first half and had no real foundation on which to keep possession and play our way into the game. However the long ball over the top to Watkins gave u some hope of nicking a goal, but in reality neither side looked like scoring. At half time I was reassured by the bloke in front of me that we were deliberately playing on the counter and that was how to catch them out. Plus Spurs had not had a proper shot on goal.
In reality that was as good as it got. We were second best in most duels and never really got out passing game together. I think we were probably tired from chasing the ball for 50 minutes and nobody looked remotely capable of lifting us. Poor defensive play for 2 relatively easy goals meant we were wading through treacle and then McGinn made matters worse. We were never going to score and I just hoped we could keep it to 0-2 but that score line is a psychological hammering.
The squad is creaking now and Emery really needs to galvanize the players and get them back on track for 2 games before a break.
An utterly shite day.
Post by: olaftab on March 10, 2024, 04:30:26 PM
Well that was good. For Spurs.It’s your choice but Embarrassing Villa?
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 04:31:12 PM
Post by: wolfman999 on March 10, 2024, 04:31:28 PM
Absolute disaster of a game and now I've got 3-4 hours of the mother in law to endure.
I feel your pain.
Post by: AV82EC on March 10, 2024, 04:31:34 PM
I found a live scallop on the beach, I’ve come home and me and my daughter have prepared, cooked and ate it.
Prior to this we was drawing 0-0. I sheltered in a pub for the second half with my family and sank two pints watching us fall apart.
Blame me if you like, but the scallop was delicious.
Oh scallops lovely but only 1!!
Ha! Yes only 1.
I’ve lived here since 1983 and I’ve never found a live scallop so this was a result!
Well it’s a start and hopefully you find more.
I think I may have a bag of mini Scallops in the Freezer, I’ll be digging them out when I get back and making my nice Sherry Vinegar and Butter sauce to go with them. Hopefully there’s some Serrano Ham to go with them.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 04:31:43 PM
I’m not sure if I’ve got my rose tinted Villa glasses on, but I don’t think McGinn’s challenge is a red, the Spurs players/bench reaction gets him sent off for me.
They reacted like that because it was a clear, copper-bottomed red card challenge.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 04:32:29 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 10, 2024, 04:33:48 PM
Well that was good. For Spurs.It’s your choice but Embarrassing Villa?
To lose 4-0 at home to a team one place below in a massive game is nothing but embarrassing. It’s not a commentary on the club, or our history or heritage. But very specifically on the game and outcome.
Post by: aj2k77 on March 10, 2024, 04:34:05 PM
Post by: wolfman999 on March 10, 2024, 04:35:11 PM
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 10, 2024, 04:35:28 PM
I’m not sure if I’ve got my rose tinted Villa glasses on, but I don’t think McGinn’s challenge is a red, the Spurs players/bench reaction gets him sent off for me.
He gave the ref a decision to make. It was stupid.
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on March 10, 2024, 04:36:25 PM
Humiliating would be a better description.
Precisely.
Post by: olaftab on March 10, 2024, 04:36:50 PM
The squad is creaking now and Emery really needs to galvanize the players and get them back on track for 2 games before a break.This is most worrying aspect for me as we try to hang on to fourth. With McGinn out next 3 we have lost an entire midfield through Kamara, Ramsey, Buendia. Not sure if we have requisite strength in there now to get say 7 from next 3 games.
An utterly shite day.
Post by: KevinGage on March 10, 2024, 04:41:51 PM
Napoli were saying soon after the signing they can't afford the agreed TF fee anyway.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 04:42:18 PM
Post by: john2710 on March 10, 2024, 04:47:13 PM
Our forward play just never worked & Bailey in particular was poor.
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 10, 2024, 04:50:22 PM
Buendia is pushing the point a bit. We had ample time to replace him, and decided that Zaniolo fitted the bill.Not every signing works out, not for any manager in the history of football. I thought there was something there with Zaniola, but he’s certainly been poor in 2024.
Slightly off the point but Diaby in my view needs another full season before being judged..
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 04:51:59 PM
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 04:52:34 PM
Buendia is pushing the point a bit. We had ample time to replace him, and decided that Zaniolo fitted the bill.Not every signing works out, not for any manager in the history of football. I thought there was something there with Zaniola, but he’s certainly been poor in 2024.
Slightly off the point but Diaby in my view needs another full season before being judged..
It took Bailey two years to click in a Villa shirt. Probably worth about £60m now.
Post by: tomd2103 on March 10, 2024, 04:55:09 PM
First half we took the ball off them in their half several times but never made use of it. Nothing in it at half time then we conceded 2 bad goals & the game is over. McGinn's red card was harsh & the result of Spurs over reaction rather than the foul itself.
Our forward play just never worked & Bailey in particular was poor.
Good summation. Afternoon to forget, just hope it is a blip and we can pick ot up again starting on Thursday.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on March 10, 2024, 04:56:13 PM
McGinn red boiled down to frustration. Up to that point, I thought he was immense, and the only player that looked like he hadn't stayed behind in Amsterdam. That tackle was pure frustration at his teammates lack of effort imo.
Once he went off, it was game over. Players are not even worth rating.
Also a special mention for the crowd - Absolutely fucking rubbish. If a full Villa Park can't get up for a game of this magnitude to lift the team, then what's the point? And the whole 'rush for the train/car' excuse after 70 mins, for a lunchtime kickoff - What is the actual point of attending a football match?
Took this during injury time - Compared to the commitment from both sets of supporters midweek, this is nothing short of an embarrassment. We don't deserve nice things.
(https://i.ibb.co/fdzR9yS/IMG-5717.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fdzR9yS)
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 04:57:45 PM
Post by: malckennedy on March 10, 2024, 05:00:58 PM
Better? Well yes in the end. But they scored from their first shot on target and only their second all game up to that point. Against the run of play. The events thereafter are self explanatory. Sure, in the end they deserved the win because of our self destruct behaviour. But Spurs aren’t that good. Brennan Johnson in particular was woeful in the first half and I wouldn’t want him anywhere near our squad.
When the dust settles they’ve still got to beat Chelsea away to squeeze one point ahead. Although to hear the London centric commentators you’d think they’d already got 4th.
In the words of Ron Saunders “do you want to bet against us?”. A question to pose to the Spurs loving media.
Post by: Nev on March 10, 2024, 05:02:05 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 10, 2024, 05:04:36 PM
Two full seasons for a £50m player? Jesus, I hope not.Bailey might not of cost as much, but is a prime example of the need for patience. As is Luiz to a lesser extent, McGinn has been written off wtc etc.
Post by: curiousorange on March 10, 2024, 05:06:09 PM
Post by: Deano's Mullet on March 10, 2024, 05:07:41 PM
Post by: Monty on March 10, 2024, 05:09:28 PM
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 05:11:50 PM
I don't think this is a false dawn.
In fact, I think next season could be quite unbelievable. We will have learned so much from being in Europe this season and sitting in the top for the majority of this season.
Post by: London Villan on March 10, 2024, 05:13:29 PM
Post by: Monty on March 10, 2024, 05:13:36 PM
I don't think this is a false dawn.
In fact, I think next season could be quite unbelievable. We will have learned so much from being in Europe this season and sitting in the top for the majority of this season.
Or we miss out on CL football and collapse back towards midtable-ish having once again spurned our chance. I love Emery, I think he's brilliant, but he can't hold back the tide. If we're going to compete with the more moneyed clubs we absolutely have to take advantage of their slip-ups, and if we don't, then we won't compete.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 05:13:51 PM
Hmm, if we don't make ECL then i'd expect a few big name departures
I don't think this is a false dawn.
In fact, I think next season could be quite unbelievable. We will have learned so much from being in Europe this season and sitting in the top for the majority of this season.
Post by: Beard82 on March 10, 2024, 05:13:57 PM
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 05:16:26 PM
I only saw the first half die to Mother’s Day stuff. I’m guessing this is a more of a “typical villa only ourselves to blame” defeat rather than a -“we were robbed” defeat.More of a "what the fucking hell was that" type defeat .
Post by: Proposition Joe on March 10, 2024, 05:17:20 PM
I don't think this is a false dawn.
In fact, I think next season could be quite unbelievable. We will have learned so much from being in Europe this season and sitting in the top for the majority of this season.
One of the things we've learned is that as soon as we got a couple of statement wins and were mentioned in the context of the title race, we shat the bed. From Sheff Utd at home onwards we haven't been quite right, and fortress Villa Park is now a childrens' bouncy castle.
Post by: LukeJames on March 10, 2024, 05:17:28 PM
Post by: frank black on March 10, 2024, 05:18:04 PM
Tottenham played like a team that believe they deserve to be top 4.
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 05:18:21 PM
Post by: Steve67 on March 10, 2024, 05:18:28 PM
The thinness of our squad comes home to roost. All that said, if anyone said we'd be 4th or 5th at this stage of the season, I'd have snatched their hands off. We still lack in a few areas and have too many players hiding or adding absolutely fuck all to the game. Poor performance but we are having a great season and this one result does not define it. We really miss Kamara.
Post by: Nii Lamptey on March 10, 2024, 05:18:37 PM
I thought our support was dreadful. Most important home game of the season so far and we were subdued and quiet. Like the players its like we don’t know how to act like a top 4 team…
That result would have hit the players hard.
The crowd didn't sing to pick them up during the match, the odd chorus which very quickly fizzled out. Players like Emi, Dougie and Ollie would have been looking around those literallly EMPTY stands at fulltime thinking 'what's the point'. If we don't get Champions League now, I fear they all could be off, and we're back to square one.
Cold, wet, tired, annoyed and now feel like I'm coming down with something. I hate football.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 05:19:57 PM
I don't think this is a false dawn.
In fact, I think next season could be quite unbelievable. We will have learned so much from being in Europe this season and sitting in the top for the majority of this season.
One of the thungs we've learned is that as soon as we got a couple of statement wins and were mentioned in the context of the title race, we shat the bed. From Sheff Utd at home onwards we haven't been quite right, and fortress Villa Park is now a childrens' bouncy castle.
Exactly this. As soon as I saw that there was a TNT documentary about Emery and his tactics in the week, I knew we'd lose. Every time the media pays us any attention it seems to get into the players' heads and we fuck it up. We don't have the mentality to be anything other than plucky outsiders.
Post by: Pat McMahon on March 10, 2024, 05:20:37 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 10, 2024, 05:22:37 PM
I don't think this is a false dawn.
In fact, I think next season could be quite unbelievable. We will have learned so much from being in Europe this season and sitting in the top for the majority of this season.
One of the thungs we've learned is that as soon as we got a couple of statement wins and were mentioned in the context of the title race, we shat the bed. From Sheff Utd at home onwards we haven't been quite right, and fortress Villa Park is now a childrens' bouncy castle.
Exactly this. As soon as I saw that there was a TNT documentary about Emery and his tactics in the week, I knew we'd lose. Every time the media pays us any attention it seems to get into the players' heads and we fuck it up. We don't have the mentality to be anything other than plucky outsiders.
I too am starting to think this.
We were cruising along, routinely winning, not getting much coverage, but then we beat Man City and Arsenal, every fucker, traditional media and youtube footballista gobshites, is talking us up even as title challengers, and what happens is exactly what you could have guessed would happen.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 05:23:42 PM
so what , let them go, build again.I thought our support was dreadful. Most important home game of the season so far and we were subdued and quiet. Like the players its like we don’t know how to act like a top 4 team…
That result would have hit the players hard.
The crowd didn't sing to pick them up during the match, the odd chorus which very quickly fizzled out. Players like Emi, Dougie and Ollie would have been looking around those literallly EMPTY stands at fulltime thinking 'what's the point'. If we don't get Champions League now, I fear they all could be off, and we're back to square one.
Cold, wet, tired, annoyed and now feel like I'm coming down with something. I hate football.
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 05:23:59 PM
Post by: Proposition Joe on March 10, 2024, 05:24:31 PM
I don't think this is a false dawn.
In fact, I think next season could be quite unbelievable. We will have learned so much from being in Europe this season and sitting in the top for the majority of this season.
One of the thungs we've learned is that as soon as we got a couple of statement wins and were mentioned in the context of the title race, we shat the bed. From Sheff Utd at home onwards we haven't been quite right, and fortress Villa Park is now a childrens' bouncy castle.
Exactly this. As soon as I saw that there was a TNT documentary about Emery and his tactics in the week, I knew we'd lose. Every time the media pays us any attention it seems to get into the players' heads and we fuck it up. We don't have the mentality to be anything other than plucky outsiders.
Yes, it's like we can act like we belong, but that's what it is, an act. We don't believe deep down. That's probably how we lost twice to Manure, for example, we don't quite believe that we're better, even though we actually are.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on March 10, 2024, 05:24:50 PM
How do we work on the mentality then?
Buy winners.
Which, due to PSR, we can only do if we sell some of our, errr, current winners.
Post by: LukeJames on March 10, 2024, 05:25:25 PM
I thought our support was dreadful. Most important home game of the season so far and we were subdued and quiet. Like the players its like we don’t know how to act like a top 4 team…Considering the season we have had I feel its been flat for the majority of the season. I think our slow build up is to blame. Maybe blames not the correct word as that style has got us to were we are but it's very rarely edge of your seat stuff. It's more measured and controlled, when things are going well it feels like we are watching a fine art and sitting back and appreciating, rather than watching some chaotic thrilling football that fills you full of adrenaline.
Post by: curiousorange on March 10, 2024, 05:27:05 PM
Mentality wise, if you can solve that, you're in business. I suppose it's eradicating the fear of fucking up, and embracing both the possibility of and reaction to failure.
Post by: London Villan on March 10, 2024, 05:27:59 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 10, 2024, 05:28:45 PM
How do we work on the mentality then?
Buy winners.
Which, due to PSR, we can only do if we sell some of our, errr, current winners.
It’s ok. The sides who benefited before FFP and PSR were implemented can buy the winners from us and we can all watch them continue to win. It’s what they want us all to do.
Post by: curiousorange on March 10, 2024, 05:29:09 PM
How do we work on the mentality then?
Buy winners.
Which, due to PSR, we can only do if we sell some of our, errr, current winners.
This is an excellent point. How many players do we have that have actually won something? Martinez, obviously. Luiz, McGinn, Tielemans.
Post by: London Villan on March 10, 2024, 05:29:38 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 10, 2024, 05:34:14 PM
Think individual errors cost us today whether that’s from physical or mental fatigue. The setup restricted Spurs to their least creative 45 all season in the first half.
We then made some stupid, stupid errors - from Konsa giving it away for the second to the worst one McGinn’s red card - that effectively ended the game.
Clearly we were tired and I think the plan was to keep it tight for first hour then open up. But again, we concede in the first 10 of the second half and everything unravels.
I’m absolutely livid with McGinn for the red card - not having him for next 3 games is vital and he let his emotions get the best of him. Worst part of the day for me.
Fortunately we have a quick opp to bounce back v Ajax and then international break.
Shame we cant use the Scottish games in the ban . :)
Post by: olaftab on March 10, 2024, 05:38:02 PM
Buendia is pushing the point a bit. We had ample time to replace him, and decided that Zaniolo fitted the bill.Yes but it’s series of hurdles that kills you not just one.
Post by: eamonn on March 10, 2024, 05:40:10 PM
Zaniolo
Heh #gregnash
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 05:42:19 PM
ZanioloDid ok again.
Post by: London Villan on March 10, 2024, 05:43:16 PM
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 05:44:30 PM
His lack of effort for the third goal was shit.Who Irogbunam
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 10, 2024, 05:45:19 PM
We're notoriously shit at West Ham and then have Wolves who we never seem to do well against these days. Two very tricky games without 2 of our starting midfielders. McGinn has let us down a bit today. Terrible day at the office, can only be made worse if someone has picked up an injury.
Man City away after those two as well.
Playing McGinn at the oil cheats wouldnt make much difference.
Post by: Monty on March 10, 2024, 05:46:26 PM
His lack of effort for the third goal was shit.Who Irogbunam
Moreno was the biggest culprit in the moment, but really when you're a man down and you lose a fifty-fifty the space is going to open up like that.
Post by: olaftab on March 10, 2024, 05:47:24 PM
Fortunately we have a quick opp to bounce back v Ajax and then international break.Just a little issue of WHU away on 17th as well. McGinn misses WH, Wolves and Man City games and will not return till mid April.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 05:48:08 PM
Just dont understand how you just fall apart like that.
Post by: London Villan on March 10, 2024, 05:50:53 PM
His lack of effort for the third goal was shit.Who Irogbunam
Zaniolo
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 05:56:22 PM
First half we took the ball off them in their half several times but never made use of it. Nothing in it at half time then we conceded 2 bad goals & the game is over. McGinn's red card was harsh & the result of Spurs over reaction rather than the foul itself.
Our forward play just never worked & Bailey in particular was poor.
Nope it’s a red every which way you look at it.
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 06:03:05 PM
Im sorry but even you go down to 10 you dont give up and fall apart like that. Totally unacceptable in my eyes. Lose with pride, not like losers. Esp against your closest rivals. GD could be vital at end of season.
Just dont understand how you just fall apart like that.
Up to injury time I thought our players did well to keep it at 0-2. Zaniolo missing a couple of chances too but Spurs didn't look that bothered either.
Post by: nick harper on March 10, 2024, 06:08:20 PM
I think if we had been 0-0 after an hour I’d have fancied us to go on and win it but poor decisions and individual errors finished the game in five crap minutes. Shame about the sending-off as McGinn had just got the crowd fired up, but it was a really bad second half as Unai admitted.
At the level we are, occasionally games just go wrong. We’ve still got everything to play for and this manager is far too good to let the season fizzle out.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 10, 2024, 06:21:24 PM
Yes. Do you not read the papers .Bailey played like he's back on the laughing balloons.
Was he on the laughing balloons previously then?
Who does? Although it might have been reading that taught me where to put question marks.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 06:28:53 PM
Two full seasons for a £50m player? Jesus, I hope not.Bailey might not of cost as much, but is a prime example of the need for patience. As is Luiz to a lesser extent, McGinn has been written off wtc etc.
Bailey came into a relegation threatened team and played for Smith and Gerrard. We’ll never achieve anything if we always have to wait two years for a player to come good.
Post by: Grande Pablo on March 10, 2024, 06:30:38 PM
Line up wrong. Wouldn't have minded if Cash would have been in midfield, but the flat back 5 created masses of space in the middle for Spurs to exploit. Would love to now UE's rationale behind this.
Missing Kamara. This appears to be our biggest issue missing him with Luiz in tandem. Curved ball solution - Torres being good on the ball could fill in with Lenglet & Konsa behind him.
First goal seems to be caused by the Van de Ven sub - we seemed to nod off. That should have been the turning point for us with them missing his pace, although Ollie's knocks he took in the first half seemed to affect his.
Zaniolo I thought did as good as he's ever done after coming on even through there is a very low bar. However, his reaction after tangling with Moreno for their 3rd or 4th (apologies, been trying to expunge it from my memory) was not acceptable.
We can get back on the horse by beating a poor Ajax team on Thursday. More importantly we need to keep fit to beat the kit stealers next week.
Post by: Skerra on March 10, 2024, 06:31:04 PM
I just can’t accept this thing about us being tired because we played on Thursday. We hardly broke a sweat v Ajax and, continued in the same vein today. Also, if we think we can’t handle playing in the conference league, how the hell are we going to cope if we go into the champions league. Teams will be much stronger than the conf league ones and, we really can’t afford to rotate players so much in the ECL.
Post by: Villan82 on March 10, 2024, 06:33:20 PM
I did say that if we went high press, we would win the match. However, if we went for our slow, slow and even slower style, we would get beaten. Unfortunately, it was Spurs that went for the high press.
I just can’t accept this thing about us being tired because we played on Thursday. We hardly broke a sweat v Ajax and, continued in the same vein today. Also, if we think we can’t handle playing in the conference league, how the hell are we going to cope if we go into the champions league. Teams will be much stronger than the conf league ones and, we really can’t afford to rotate players so much in the ECL.
It's not the 90s mins played in Europe so much as the time to travel there and back. Sitting on a bus, sitting on a plane, hanging around having to prepare for that game etc rather than being at home doing the usual prep for a big league game.
Lots of teams struggle with it and it is new to us this year
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 06:37:09 PM
Im sorry but even you go down to 10 you dont give up and fall apart like that. Totally unacceptable in my eyes. Lose with pride, not like losers. Esp against your closest rivals. GD could be vital at end of season.
Just dont understand how you just fall apart like that.
Up to injury time I thought our players did well to keep it at 0-2. Zaniolo missing a couple of chances too but Spurs didn't look that bothered either.
If it stayed at 2-0 or even 3 i think fans wouldnt be as furious as they were. You dont throw the towel like that. 4-0 ? 4-0? Awful. Didnt we lose by this scoreline seasons ago?
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 06:39:03 PM
Im sorry but even you go down to 10 you dont give up and fall apart like that. Totally unacceptable in my eyes. Lose with pride, not like losers. Esp against your closest rivals. GD could be vital at end of season.We were set up to not concede and as we saw there was no plan B on standby just in case we did.
Just dont understand how you just fall apart like that.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 06:42:42 PM
Im sorry but even you go down to 10 you dont give up and fall apart like that. Totally unacceptable in my eyes. Lose with pride, not like losers. Esp against your closest rivals. GD could be vital at end of season.We were set up to not concede and as we saw there was no plan B on standby just in case we did.
Just dont understand how you just fall apart like that.
Yep i agree with that. Its a bit concerning for me that when we go behind against the better sides that we cant get ourselves back in the game.
Manure as awful as they are came back 2 down at old trafford yet when it happens to us we cant seen to get ourselves back into it.
We let a 2 goal slip at luton and were fortunate to win that. The mentality is looking quite fragile. Something that needs addressing
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 10, 2024, 06:44:13 PM
I did say that if we went high press, we would win the match. However, if we went for our slow, slow and even slower style, we would get beaten. Unfortunately, it was Spurs that went for the high press.
I just can’t accept this thing about us being tired because we played on Thursday. We hardly broke a sweat v Ajax and, continued in the same vein today. Also, if we think we can’t handle playing in the conference league, how the hell are we going to cope if we go into the champions league. Teams will be much stronger than the conf league ones and, we really can’t afford to rotate players so much in the ECL.
It's not the 90s mins played in Europe so much as the time to travel there and back. Sitting on a bus, sitting on a plane, hanging around having to prepare for that game etc rather than being at home doing the usual prep for a big league game.
Lots of teams struggle with it and it is new to us this year
Its a massive cop out
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 10, 2024, 06:46:38 PM
I don't think this is a false dawn.
In fact, I think next season could be quite unbelievable. We will have learned so much from being in Europe this season and sitting in the top for the majority of this season.
One of the thungs we've learned is that as soon as we got a couple of statement wins and were mentioned in the context of the title race, we shat the bed. From Sheff Utd at home onwards we haven't been quite right, and fortress Villa Park is now a childrens' bouncy castle.
Exactly this. As soon as I saw that there was a TNT documentary about Emery and his tactics in the week, I knew we'd lose. Every time the media pays us any attention it seems to get into the players' heads and we fuck it up. We don't have the mentality to be anything other than plucky outsiders.
I too am starting to think this.
We were cruising along, routinely winning, not getting much coverage, but then we beat Man City and Arsenal, every fucker, traditional media and youtube footballista gobshites, is talking us up even as title challengers, and what happens is exactly what you could have guessed would happen.
We were never going to challenge for the title even after that great period of beating Arsenal and Man. City back to back.
The title winners will likely be on 89-90 points with 2nd and 3rd probably above 85 points.
If people think Emery can really get this club in the 85-90 bracket while playing in europe for the first time in a generation they need to reset their expectations a tad.
If we reach 70 points which is still very possible then that is a very good season.
I think the issue more will be next season personally. Everyone has seen Newcastle drop off and I think the same will happen to us so interesting to see the perceptions if we're down in 7th/8th in 12 months time.
Still let's just get into CL and worry about that then.
Post by: Clive W on March 10, 2024, 06:48:15 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 06:51:42 PM
Post by: Clampy on March 10, 2024, 06:52:43 PM
Losing Mcginn for three games is worse than the defeat for me.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 06:52:47 PM
Absolutely spot on. I knew this conference thing would catch up with them and have an adversarial impact on the main priority.I did say that if we went high press, we would win the match. However, if we went for our slow, slow and even slower style, we would get beaten. Unfortunately, it was Spurs that went for the high press.
I just can’t accept this thing about us being tired because we played on Thursday. We hardly broke a sweat v Ajax and, continued in the same vein today. Also, if we think we can’t handle playing in the conference league, how the hell are we going to cope if we go into the champions league. Teams will be much stronger than the conf league ones and, we really can’t afford to rotate players so much in the ECL.
It's not the 90s mins played in Europe so much as the time to travel there and back. Sitting on a bus, sitting on a plane, hanging around having to prepare for that game etc rather than being at home doing the usual prep for a big league game.
Lots of teams struggle with it and it is new to us this year
Post by: Flamingo Lane on March 10, 2024, 06:53:26 PM
It's not the 90s mins played in Europe so much as the time to travel there and back. Sitting on a bus, sitting on a plane, hanging around having to prepare for that game etc rather than being at home doing the usual prep for a big league game.
Lots of teams struggle with it and it is new to us this year
It's not as if they have to travel by public transport, sit around in airport lounges, or carry their own luggage, or leave their hotel to go look for something to eat. They probably don't even have the responsibility of remembering to take their own passports.
Post by: ez on March 10, 2024, 06:57:42 PM
They step up the pace. There's no urgency with us. We carry on with the patient tippy tappy football, to the oppositions delight.Im sorry but even you go down to 10 you dont give up and fall apart like that. Totally unacceptable in my eyes. Lose with pride, not like losers. Esp against your closest rivals. GD could be vital at end of season.We were set up to not concede and as we saw there was no plan B on standby just in case we did.
Just dont understand how you just fall apart like that.
Yep i agree with that. Its a bit concerning for me that when we go behind against the better sides that we cant get ourselves back in the game.
Manure as awful as they are came back 2 down at old trafford yet when it happens to us we cant seen to get ourselves back into it.
We let a 2 goal slip at luton and were fortunate to win that. The mentality is looking quite fragile. Something that needs addressing
Post by: Mister E on March 10, 2024, 06:59:52 PM
It was totally annoying that we seemed to slow the game down and showed so little intensity. Cash and Bailey were awful and because of the set-up we rarely win the second ball.
Again, why bring on Z? - he was appalling, really.
Finally, we will not win marginal games when the home crowd is so passive. The atmosphere was terrible. We get what we deserve.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 10, 2024, 07:00:13 PM
Post by: Clark W Griswold on March 10, 2024, 07:00:34 PM
First half, not too bad. Second half, it just all fell apart. No-one played well, than Mcginn maybe.
Losing Mcginn for three games is worse than the defeat for me.
Yeah agree with all of that regarding McGinn.
Post by: itmustbe_it is! on March 10, 2024, 07:00:58 PM
I did say that if we went high press, we would win the match. However, if we went for our slow, slow and even slower style, we would get beaten. Unfortunately, it was Spurs that went for the high press.
I just can’t accept this thing about us being tired because we played on Thursday. We hardly broke a sweat v Ajax and, continued in the same vein today. Also, if we think we can’t handle playing in the conference league, how the hell are we going to cope if we go into the champions league. Teams will be much stronger than the conf league ones and, we really can’t afford to rotate players so much in the ECL.
It's not the 90s mins played in Europe so much as the time to travel there and back. Sitting on a bus, sitting on a plane, hanging around having to prepare for that game etc rather than being at home doing the usual prep for a big league game.
Lots of teams struggle with it and it is new to us this year
Its a massive cop out
In 1982 we finished 11th, while doing what we all know we did.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 07:04:47 PM
I did say that if we went high press, we would win the match. However, if we went for our slow, slow and even slower style, we would get beaten. Unfortunately, it was Spurs that went for the high press.
I just can’t accept this thing about us being tired because we played on Thursday. We hardly broke a sweat v Ajax and, continued in the same vein today. Also, if we think we can’t handle playing in the conference league, how the hell are we going to cope if we go into the champions league. Teams will be much stronger than the conf league ones and, we really can’t afford to rotate players so much in the ECL.
It's not the 90s mins played in Europe so much as the time to travel there and back. Sitting on a bus, sitting on a plane, hanging around having to prepare for that game etc rather than being at home doing the usual prep for a big league game.
Lots of teams struggle with it and it is new to us this year
It’s an hour on a private jet, they’re not flying Easyjet. It’s probably a more tiring journey getting to Manchester on the M6.
Post by: Skerra on March 10, 2024, 07:05:39 PM
Only positive I can come up with is that Fulham will probably get something out of Spurs next week but, on the minus side, after today, West Ham could do with a good performance and result next week….take a bow Aston Villa!
Post by: Olof's Beard on March 10, 2024, 07:05:50 PM
Bailey played like he's back on the laughing balloons.
Of all the players who shouldn’t get stick it’s him. One bad day from him, in what has been a sensational season for him. Give it a rest.
Bailey and Watkins both looked knackered, which was part of the problem.
Post by: Nunkin1965 on March 10, 2024, 07:08:05 PM
I didn't get to have a pre match pint today for the first time in god knows how many years so it's on me guys!
I'll be back in the pub before the Ajax kick off so we'll be back to winning ways by Thursday.
Post by: astonvilla82 on March 10, 2024, 07:08:10 PM
Post by: Exeter 77 on March 10, 2024, 07:08:15 PM
Post by: john e on March 10, 2024, 07:19:45 PM
5 at the back sends out the message that we’re shitting ourselves, We think you’re better than us so we’ll take a player out of midfield and stick him in the back row
3 defensive centre halves play better as a 2 than as a 3 it’s a simple as that, because it’s what they used to
Konsa didn’t have a great game, and considering we shored up the back line where the fuck were they for the first goal
We gave them the second, then completely made sure we weren’t getting anything out of the game with the sending off
We should not be going defensive at home to a Spurs side who aren’t that great
I’m sorry but they’re not that great. They’re not Liverpool or Man City they’re Spurs 5 points behind us with an inferior goal difference before today. Why were we scared of them
This was a big game a big chance, and we blew it
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 10, 2024, 07:22:03 PM
According to Percy in the DT, 35% of our goals conceded have come in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
we seem to concede straight after half time too.
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 07:26:35 PM
Emery set us up to counter attack, the problem was that Watkins was back to his first touch of a terrier chasing a balloon and Bailey was staggeringly shit.
Agreed, the front two had a terrible first half. Luiz in particular put a load of good passes over the top but Watkins messed up most of them. He looked tired today. Bailey can't have that excuse, thought he hid a bit if I'm honest. Change of position today but he lost and got knocked off the ball far too easily.
Konsa was awful for the first two goals. Spurs werent at much up to then.
Post by: Nev on March 10, 2024, 07:28:03 PM
Post by: andyh on March 10, 2024, 07:31:21 PM
Emery set us up to counter attack, the problem was that Watkins was back to his first touch of a terrier chasing a balloon and Bailey was staggeringly shit.Watkins was excellent, first half.
He worked his bollocks off. Both he and (half arsed) Bailey were completely isolated in the first half because 5 at the back meant 3 in midfield and they barely got advanced enough to support the front two.
5 at the back was absolutely ridiculous, whichever way you cut it.
Post by: KevinGage on March 10, 2024, 07:32:47 PM
The idea may have been to have Konsa and Lenglet as the more defensive CBs with Torres dictating play from deep, pulling their big unit midfielders out of position when the counter was on.
Individual errors and our usual half soaked start to the second half did for us today.
Post by: London Villan on March 10, 2024, 07:35:48 PM
The players and the fans both need to start acting and believing we are a top 4 team.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 10, 2024, 07:36:20 PM
If excellent is mis controlling the ball, then yeah.Emery set us up to counter attack, the problem was that Watkins was back to his first touch of a terrier chasing a balloon and Bailey was staggeringly shit.Watkins was excellent, first half.
Post by: Clampy on March 10, 2024, 07:36:45 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2024, 07:37:30 PM
Just a little issue of WHU away on 17th as well. McGinn misses WH, Wolves and Man City games and will not return till mid April.
Hmm, suspended for our game on March 17th. Coincidence, given his fondness for Dublin trips? I think not!
Post by: Beard82 on March 10, 2024, 07:42:09 PM
- Firstly hugely disappointing result
- I think we do need to check ourselves slightly, we have a lot of injuries and I think someone like Mings would have helped massively and maybe given us more options. I also think we have missed Emi's energy and tenacity. Particularly given his cover in Zanillio has been awful. Diaby and tielemans also seem to have failed the bar of being better than what we had already. Tielemans was a free and I can see the quality in Dibay but I just don't know if hes up to this league
- It sounds like Unai got it wrong today - but he doesn't have many options, compared to Spurs who seem to have recovered from their injury problems. I am assuming this is the result of Sky and the Media combined praying for them
- McGinn dropped a massive bollock by getting sent off - combined with Ramseys and Kamara's injuries were now super light in midfield and that's going to hurt us
- A lot still to play for, both us and Spurs have some difficult games coming up, and there will be more twists and turns. 5th may also get us into Champions League
- I fucking hate spurs
Post by: Flamingo Lane on March 10, 2024, 07:43:24 PM
Post by: Small Rodent on March 10, 2024, 07:43:34 PM
Considering squad and injuries that’s not too bad a thing.
Man Utd got 4th last year being the same but without the injuries.
Onwards we go.
Post by: LeonW on March 10, 2024, 07:45:19 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 07:49:43 PM
I’m worried that we are flat track bullies at the moment with a couple of statistical outlier games vs top opposition.
Considering squad and injuries that’s not too bad a thing.
Man Utd got 4th last year being the same but without the injuries.
Onwards we go.
We look like that at the minute, but even against the weak sides we have horrendous dips in performance. We nearly let a 3 goal lead slip against Forest and we nearly failed to win after being 2-0 up against Luton. Now we showed some quality to dig ourselves out of those, but the ease at which we concede goals is a real problem. It means we really have an easy day at the office and that takes it out of us. The defensive play needs to be much better.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 07:50:46 PM
Spurs are at thwir worst when you press them and put pressure on their back four. Yet for some bizarre reason unai decided not to play that way and instead let spurs play whoch is the worst thing you can do.
Sorry unai but that was abysmal tactics today
Post by: BC Villain on March 10, 2024, 07:58:41 PM
We gotta away with it against Forest and (just) against Luton.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on March 10, 2024, 08:00:27 PM
A few thoughts, for what they're worth
- I fucking hate spurs
A lot of good points Beard82 but this, this is the one.
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 10, 2024, 08:06:46 PM
I don’t remember Bailey raising his game to the same level as most other players under Unai last year.Two full seasons for a £50m player? Jesus, I hope not.Bailey might not of cost as much, but is a prime example of the need for patience. As is Luiz to a lesser extent, McGinn has been written off wtc etc.
Bailey came into a relegation threatened team and played for Smith and Gerrard. We’ll never achieve anything if we always have to wait two years for a player to come good.
But I think your right lets write Diaby off.
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on March 10, 2024, 08:13:12 PM
I don’t think the 3 at the back sends the right signals out but can see he was trying to match up with their attackers. Only problem with this is that it can turn into 5 at the back which is generally what happened, Digne never got forward at all, I thought Cash did offer an out ball quite a bit in the first half but he often lacks quality.
They exploited the gaps but the way we gave up towards the end was poor. Still all to play for so I’m not giving up just yet.
UTV
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 08:13:28 PM
Post by: LeonW on March 10, 2024, 08:14:05 PM
I don’t remember Bailey raising his game to the same level as most other players under Unai last year.Two full seasons for a £50m player? Jesus, I hope not.Bailey might not of cost as much, but is a prime example of the need for patience. As is Luiz to a lesser extent, McGinn has been written off wtc etc.
Bailey came into a relegation threatened team and played for Smith and Gerrard. We’ll never achieve anything if we always have to wait two years for a player to come good.
But I think your right lets write Diaby off.
I think some of the frustrations are that unlike clubs like Man City, Liverpool, that can afford to wait for players to blossom, for us to spend close to £50m and a club record, we don’t really have that same luxury which my come fruition this season if we don’t get champions league football and have to sell our most consistent and best players.
Post by: Bobby Boy on March 10, 2024, 08:19:39 PM
Spurs pressed us hard and we always seemed to be under pressure. We lacked coherence throughout but to be 2-0 down so soon into the second half when Spurs hadn’t really done much was a killer.
We’ve tended to come back well after a setback so hopefully Ajax on Thursday will be a different story.
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 10, 2024, 08:21:51 PM
I don’t remember Bailey raising his game to the same level as most other players under Unai last year.Two full seasons for a £50m player? Jesus, I hope not.Bailey might not of cost as much, but is a prime example of the need for patience. As is Luiz to a lesser extent, McGinn has been written off wtc etc.
Bailey came into a relegation threatened team and played for Smith and Gerrard. We’ll never achieve anything if we always have to wait two years for a player to come good.
But I think your right lets write Diaby off.
I think some of the frustrations are that unlike clubs like Man City, Liverpool, that can afford to wait for players to blossom, for us to spend close to £50m and a club record, we don’t really have that same luxury which my come fruition this season if we don’t get champions league football and have to sell our most consistent and best players.
Yes I agree and can see that. I do think though Diaby did look generally really good for the first quarter of the season before admittedly falling away quite badly. So personally i think there is a player there.
Anyway probably going down a rabbit hole with this one tonight and it makes no odds really to a pretty demoralising day.
We need a really big win on Thursday and then God knows what team selection on Sunday.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 10, 2024, 08:22:09 PM
We set up in a manner that showed fear which surprised me. Even though the first half was pretty even it was noticeable how many times the ball ended up back with Emi. We must have passed it back to him 40-50 times during the game.It wasn’t fear, he thought we would be able to counter Spurs and we did, unfortunately our execution was poor.
Spurs pressed us hard and we always seemed to be under pressure. We lacked coherence throughout but to be 2-0 down so soon into the second half when Spurs hadn’t really done much was a killer.
We’ve tended to come back well after a setback so hopefully Ajax on Thursday will be a different story.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 08:22:19 PM
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 08:27:31 PM
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 08:30:41 PM
It’s a good job we always play really well and get great results away at West Ham.Yeah and it's such a great stadium , piece of piss to get to and from and the away end is up there as one of the best in Western Europe .
Post by: LeonW on March 10, 2024, 08:31:03 PM
I don’t remember Bailey raising his game to the same level as most other players under Unai last year.Two full seasons for a £50m player? Jesus, I hope not.Bailey might not of cost as much, but is a prime example of the need for patience. As is Luiz to a lesser extent, McGinn has been written off wtc etc.
Bailey came into a relegation threatened team and played for Smith and Gerrard. We’ll never achieve anything if we always have to wait two years for a player to come good.
But I think your right lets write Diaby off.
I think some of the frustrations are that unlike clubs like Man City, Liverpool, that can afford to wait for players to blossom, for us to spend close to £50m and a club record, we don’t really have that same luxury which my come fruition this season if we don’t get champions league football and have to sell our most consistent and best players.
Yes I agree and can see that. I do think though Diaby did look generally really good for the first quarter of the season before admittedly falling away quite badly. So personally i think there is a player there.
Anyway probably going down a rabbit hole with this one tonight and it makes no odds really to a pretty demoralising day.
We need a really big win on Thursday and then God knows what team selection on Sunday.
I know. He wants to be getting back to his early form and confidence. We want him back to those levels. I think it just comes down to yet another thing that is stacked against us with having to get so many things right just to compete. Our recruitment has largely been very good which is what plays its part in why we are where we are. I think we’re all just frustrated, angry, disappointed, etc.
Post by: adrenachrome on March 10, 2024, 08:32:11 PM
Did he go defensive or did he do it so Torres plays like a sweeper knowing they didn't have an out and out striker? Saying playing a back five was defensive is lazy?
Five at the back can become 3 at the back with two wing backs if you can control the midfield. Losing Kamara was a massive blow. Even Luton employed a sustained high press to stop us playing it out from the back. How many incisive forward passes from Torres today?
On the home support, the atmosphere at early kick offs is often somewhat flat. I used to say that this was due to alcohol deprivation.
Post by: jon collett on March 10, 2024, 08:40:42 PM
It was pragmatic. It changed the flow of our play though. Much more over the top and long ball and Bailey is like a fish out of water in the middle. My suspicion is that the wing is Diaby’s best position as well.
Not sure how we come back without a midfield
Post by: Mister E on March 10, 2024, 08:42:35 PM
On the home support, the atmosphere at early kick offs is often somewhat flat. I used to say that this was due to alcohol deprivation.The support was poor. Sorry to make the comparison but as I drove home I listened to the Redscouse vs Citeh game and heard a home crowd supporting and driving its team. We just went very quiet.
VP is not a fortress until the support becomes unconditional.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 10, 2024, 08:43:38 PM
It’s a good job we always play really well and get great results away at West Ham.Yeah and it's such a great stadium , piece of piss to get to and from and the away end is up there as one of the best in Western Europe .
Which are the good away ends in Eastern Europe?
Post by: 144 Hard Boiled Eggs on March 10, 2024, 08:46:51 PM
Players looking at the empty stands thinking 'what's the point?'. Because everyone's gone home after seeing us perform dismally? It's the supporters who should be thinking 'what's the point?'.I thought our support was dreadful. Most important home game of the season so far and we were subdued and quiet. Like the players its like we don’t know how to act like a top 4 team…
That result would have hit the players hard.
The crowd didn't sing to pick them up during the match, the odd chorus which very quickly fizzled out. Players like Emi, Dougie and Ollie would have been looking around those literallly EMPTY stands at fulltime thinking 'what's the point'. If we don't get Champions League now, I fear they all could be off, and we're back to square one.
Cold, wet, tired, annoyed and now feel like I'm coming down with something. I hate football.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 10, 2024, 08:47:50 PM
He played five at the back because he’s run out of midfielders.
It was pragmatic. It changed the flow of our play though. Much more over the top and long ball and Bailey is like a fish out of water in the middle. My suspicion is that the wing is Diaby’s best position as well.
Not sure how we come back without a midfield
borrow Paul Lambert for three games.
Post by: adrenachrome on March 10, 2024, 08:49:10 PM
It’s a good job we always play really well and get great results away at West Ham.Yeah and it's such a great stadium , piece of piss to get to and from and the away end is up there as one of the best in Western Europe .
Which are the good away ends in Eastern Europe?
Sparta Prague, for one. Dynamo Moscow for another.
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 08:49:37 PM
I don’t remember Bailey raising his game to the same level as most other players under Unai last year.Two full seasons for a £50m player? Jesus, I hope not.Bailey might not of cost as much, but is a prime example of the need for patience. As is Luiz to a lesser extent, McGinn has been written off wtc etc.
Bailey came into a relegation threatened team and played for Smith and Gerrard. We’ll never achieve anything if we always have to wait two years for a player to come good.
But I think your right lets write Diaby off.
I think some of the frustrations are that unlike clubs like Man City, Liverpool, that can afford to wait for players to blossom, for us to spend close to £50m and a club record, we don’t really have that same luxury which my come fruition this season if we don’t get champions league football and have to sell our most consistent and best players.
Yes I agree and can see that. I do think though Diaby did look generally really good for the first quarter of the season before admittedly falling away quite badly. So personally i think there is a player there.
Anyway probably going down a rabbit hole with this one tonight and it makes no odds really to a pretty demoralising day.
We need a really big win on Thursday and then God knows what team selection on Sunday.
I know. He wants to be getting back to his early form and confidence. We want him back to those levels. I think it just comes down to yet another thing that is stacked against us with having to get so many things right just to compete. Our recruitment has largely been very good which is what plays its part in why we are where we are. I think we’re all just frustrated, angry, disappointed, etc.
Not sure about recent recruitment to be honest. Torres aside it has been very average.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 08:58:04 PM
Diaby - shite
Zaniolo - shite
Tielemans - some good games, some bad games
Moreno - ok going forward, crap defender
Duran - meh
Rogers - too soon to say
Lenglet - average at best
Post by: LeonW on March 10, 2024, 08:59:00 PM
I don’t remember Bailey raising his game to the same level as most other players under Unai last year.Two full seasons for a £50m player? Jesus, I hope not.Bailey might not of cost as much, but is a prime example of the need for patience. As is Luiz to a lesser extent, McGinn has been written off wtc etc.
Bailey came into a relegation threatened team and played for Smith and Gerrard. We’ll never achieve anything if we always have to wait two years for a player to come good.
But I think your right lets write Diaby off.
I think some of the frustrations are that unlike clubs like Man City, Liverpool, that can afford to wait for players to blossom, for us to spend close to £50m and a club record, we don’t really have that same luxury which my come fruition this season if we don’t get champions league football and have to sell our most consistent and best players.
Yes I agree and can see that. I do think though Diaby did look generally really good for the first quarter of the season before admittedly falling away quite badly. So personally i think there is a player there.
Anyway probably going down a rabbit hole with this one tonight and it makes no odds really to a pretty demoralising day.
We need a really big win on Thursday and then God knows what team selection on Sunday.
I know. He wants to be getting back to his early form and confidence. We want him back to those levels. I think it just comes down to yet another thing that is stacked against us with having to get so many things right just to compete. Our recruitment has largely been very good which is what plays its part in why we are where we are. I think we’re all just frustrated, angry, disappointed, etc.
Not sure about recent recruitment to be honest. Torres aside it has been very average.
Since we’ve come back up, I think our player trading his largely been very good. If you look at how much we’d get for a lot of players vs what we paid for them, they’d be pretty increased fees plus the performances on the pitch. Players out also good. Even some of the flops like Barkley, Zaniola, were only loans. I think this also accounts for why our salary levels vs turnover are so high; we know we have assets worth giving new contracts to in order to keep their value high for a sale.
Post by: 144 Hard Boiled Eggs on March 10, 2024, 09:05:23 PM
Liverpool's home support is not unconditionally great. Please don't build on the media myth.On the home support, the atmosphere at early kick offs is often somewhat flat. I used to say that this was due to alcohol deprivation.The support was poor. Sorry to make the comparison but as I drove home I listened to the Redscouse vs Citeh game and heard a home crowd supporting and driving its team. We just went very quiet.
VP is not a fortress until the support becomes unconditional.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 09:07:44 PM
Bingo called them out for being poor earlier this season.Liverpool's home support is not unconditionally great. Please don't build on the media myth.On the home support, the atmosphere at early kick offs is often somewhat flat. I used to say that this was due to alcohol deprivation.The support was poor. Sorry to make the comparison but as I drove home I listened to the Redscouse vs Citeh game and heard a home crowd supporting and driving its team. We just went very quiet.
VP is not a fortress until the support becomes unconditional.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 09:08:18 PM
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 09:10:25 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 09:11:11 PM
Post by: brian green on March 10, 2024, 09:11:34 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 09:13:01 PM
He played five at the back because he’s run out of midfielders.
It was pragmatic. It changed the flow of our play though. Much more over the top and long ball and Bailey is like a fish out of water in the middle. My suspicion is that the wing is Diaby’s best position as well.
Not sure how we come back without a midfield
Yeah shame he wouldnt give game time to a french midfielder who was looking decent for us
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 09:13:42 PM
No he looks great in the Newcastle game and some of the games that followed.Yeah "great" in the opening day 1-5 battering.
His best games have been against Burnley and luton which says it all really .
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 09:15:24 PM
Keep hearing about this brilliant form from Diaby at the start of the season. Is this the Burnley away game. He's been a non event for 95% of his time here if we are being honest .
Because you are so forgetful. 3 goals and 5 assists in the first 10 games. And again a reminder that his contributions have won us 9 extra points then we would have got without him playing.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 09:18:10 PM
Keep hearing about this brilliant form from Diaby at the start of the season. Is this the Burnley away game. He's been a non event for 95% of his time here if we are being honest .
Because you are so forgetful. 3 goals and 5 assists in the first 10 games. And again a reminder that his contributions have won us 9 extra points then we would have got without him playing.
Careful using facts that undermine the prevailing narrative.
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 10, 2024, 09:20:28 PM
He played well in all of the maulings of Everton, Burnley, Brighton, West Ham, Fulham, Luton, the early euro games etc etc, there are others. he had good form probably up until the end of November. I’m not saying he hasn’t been poor since, but don’t make things up to try and prove a point.No he looks great in the Newcastle game and some of the games that followed.Yeah "great" in the opening day 1-5 battering.
His best games have been against Burnley and luton which says it all really .
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 10, 2024, 09:21:41 PM
It’s a good job we always play really well and get great results away at West Ham.
TBF our home record v them was equally poor up to the October game and that was one of our best attacking performances of the season throughout 90 minutes.
They have injuries and will need to put a fair bit in for Freiburg so hopefully they'll be flatter than us on Sunday.
If we want to get 4th then West Ham away is probably a game we'll have to win as Spurs could go there and win in a few weeks.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 09:25:46 PM
I can't see us bouncing back I'm afraid. The midfield looks wrecked now without Kamara McGinn and possibly Ramsey .It’s a good job we always play really well and get great results away at West Ham.
TBF our home record v them was equally poor up to the October game and that was one of our best attacking performances of the season throughout 90 minutes.
They have injuries and will need to put a fair bit in for Freiburg so hopefully they'll be flatter than us on Sunday.
If we want to get 4th then West Ham away is probably a game we'll have to win as Spurs could go there and win in a few weeks.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 10, 2024, 09:35:01 PM
Konsa 7
Cash 5
Lenglet 6
Torres 6
Digne 7
SJM 7
Tielemans6
Dougie 8
Watkins 4
Bailey 1 for turning up.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 09:40:27 PM
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
Post by: passport1 on March 10, 2024, 09:41:46 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 10, 2024, 09:45:57 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
If we'd have had all our players fit we would have trounced them today.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 09:47:02 PM
I am putting this down to playing on Thursday a lot of below par performances. The only positive was we enjoyed the Directors Club hospitality. The downside was having Daniel Levy and his cronies stood behind us at the end . Onwards and upwards.
Sorry mate but im not buying that excuse. We went only a 45 minute flight. It wasnt a good performance against ajax and we didnt really use that much energy up. Very slow game.
It was a shit performance. The formation was a poor gamble by emery and i hold him responsible today for this loss.
Im almost certian if he went back four cash konsa pau and digne the balance of the team looks better. We were pretty miserable in cm today so i would have had timmy in there for lenglet
5 at back the back was a disaster. Never wanna see that shit again
Post by: SoccerHQ on March 10, 2024, 09:47:54 PM
I can't see us bouncing back I'm afraid. The midfield looks wrecked now without Kamara McGinn and possibly Ramsey .It’s a good job we always play really well and get great results away at West Ham.
TBF our home record v them was equally poor up to the October game and that was one of our best attacking performances of the season throughout 90 minutes.
They have injuries and will need to put a fair bit in for Freiburg so hopefully they'll be flatter than us on Sunday.
If we want to get 4th then West Ham away is probably a game we'll have to win as Spurs could go there and win in a few weeks.
Ramsey wasn't far off today so can see him being involved next weekend although going by the disruption to his season probably better we hold off until the Wolves game.
We'll just have to get on with things. Unai will just have to find another formula that maybe goes against his principles up against the might of Kalvin Phillips next weekend.
We will also likely be facing a Wolves team without all three of their main forwards.
Believe it or not but other teams around us or just below in the table also had serious injuries this season.
Post by: ROBBO on March 10, 2024, 09:51:19 PM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 09:51:26 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
If we'd have had all our players fit we would have trounced them today.
Would we? Who was missing JJ and kamara. Mings and buendia we havent had all season so cant really include them.
They had something like 6-7 out vs us and still gave us a game. We had two players out and got destroyed. Im not convinced we would have trounced them at all dave
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 09:51:52 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
Who did they have missing today? And who did we have missing today?
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 09:54:56 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
If we'd have had all our players fit we would have trounced them today.
Would we? Who was missing JJ and kamara. Mings and buendia we havent had all season so cant really include them.
They had something like 6-7 out vs us and still gave us a game. We had two players out and got destroyed. Im not convinced we would have trounced them at all dave
So you don't think that not having them means our squad is not weakened for the whole season. The two replacements for them are Lenglet and Zaniolo for one. And whilst Lenglet has been alright, he doesn't offer the rock we need or the leadership on the pitch, especially when under the cosh.
Post by: PeterWithe on March 10, 2024, 09:58:12 PM
First one we need to defend the cross more aggresively, when that fanny Maddison shows more desire to get on the end of it you haven't done enough
Second was a result of Unais tactics and formation, Konsa simply had no passing options, got pressed, they broke. Game over.
We just weren't brave and ambitious enough, Torres didn't step up into midfield when we had possession, the full backs didn't go high enough. Watkins and Bailey were isolated, unsupported but utterly abject as well. Both played like they were in a team bottom of the league without a goal in 10.
Any bright spots? Well McGinn showed a desire utterly lacking in his teammates, shame he couldn't control his frustration, Zaniola did very well and showed heart.
Put it behind us and move on quickly.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 09:59:51 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
Who did they have missing today? And who did we have missing today?
They had richarldson missing who is a big player. Sessganon and one othee who i forgotten
I answered who we had out. JJ and kamara. We are near enough full strength otherwise since the 3rd game of the season. Its nowhere near as bad as spurs was when we went there
Post by: PeterWithe on March 10, 2024, 09:59:53 PM
Post by: Gareth on March 10, 2024, 10:01:12 PM
First half we took the ball off them in their half several times but never made use of it. Nothing in it at half time then we conceded 2 bad goals & the game is over. McGinn's red card was harsh & the result of Spurs over reaction rather than the foul itself.
Our forward play just never worked & Bailey in particular was poor.
I agree with every word of this.
Don’t want to see a back 5 again & whenever Konsa and Torres are available they should be our centre backs
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 10:02:08 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
If we'd have had all our players fit we would have trounced them today.
Would we? Who was missing JJ and kamara. Mings and buendia we havent had all season so cant really include them.
They had something like 6-7 out vs us and still gave us a game. We had two players out and got destroyed. Im not convinced we would have trounced them at all dave
So you don't think that not having them means our squad is not weakened for the whole season. The two replacements for them are Lenglet and Zaniolo for one. And whilst Lenglet has been alright, he doesn't offer the rock we need or the leadership on the pitch, especially when under the cosh.
We havent had eithee player all season. Although i agree they are better than zaniolo and lenglet we knew they are probanly not gonna play this season so really we cant include those two players.
We cabt be losing 4-0 at home and saying we have major injuries when we only have two players out
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 10, 2024, 10:08:33 PM
Post by: KevinGage on March 10, 2024, 10:09:10 PM
In reply to SE's question of the best away end for fans, the best I have ever been to is the ground in the Greek islands off Crete. The visiting fans end is a sheer cliff face. Shots going wide of the goal simply bounce off the rock face back into play for a goal kick or a corner.
A bit like Aberdeen then.
Welcome back, BTW.
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 10:12:23 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 10:13:23 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
Who did they have missing today? And who did we have missing today?
They had richarldson missing who is a big player. Sessganon and one othee who i forgotten
I answered who we had out. JJ and kamara. We are near enough full strength otherwise since the 3rd game of the season. Its nowhere near as bad as spurs was when we went there
So you state we can't include Mings and Buendia but they can include Sessegnon. Nice.
They have Fraser Forster, Sessegnon, Solomon and Richalison injured. A backup keeper, someone who hasn't played all season (which according to you means they shouldn't be counted), someone who has started three matches out of the first 6 and also been out for most of the season, and richarlson, who is the only real star missing.
Post by: somersetlion on March 10, 2024, 10:13:59 PM
The atmosphere at VP was, once again, absolutely shocking. A mate came with me today whos completely neutral. Hes a Norwich fan, but more so hes a football fan. He goes to loads of games all over the place, just because he really loves football.
He didn't mention the atmosphere, I think he was being polite! But when I mentioned how bad it was on the drive home he agreed. He was very surprised how quiet it was and asked why it was that we never finish our songs, they just kind of fizzle out.
We as fans have complained, quite rightly, when the team haven't turned up many times down the years. But I really think we've got to look at ourselves as well, as too often, we don't turn up either.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 10:14:44 PM
If a player's out all season he isn't really out. I don't want to even try to counter that kind of logic,
Especially when he includes Sessegnon and a backup keeper for their major injuries compared to ours.
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 10:17:36 PM
If a player's out all season he isn't really out. I don't want to even try to counter that kind of logic,
He means an injury in pre-season gives you time to do something about it, unlike injuries during the season outside of a transfer window. Neither Mings or Buendia were ever going to play again this season, so they're as good as non-existent in terms of planning for how the season is going to turn out.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 10:25:49 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
Who did they have missing today? And who did we have missing today?
They had richarldson missing who is a big player. Sessganon and one othee who i forgotten
I answered who we had out. JJ and kamara. We are near enough full strength otherwise since the 3rd game of the season. Its nowhere near as bad as spurs was when we went there
So you state we can't include Mings and Buendia but they can include Sessegnon. Nice.
They have Fraser Forster, Sessegnon, Solomon and Richalison injured. A backup keeper, someone who hasn't played all season (which according to you means they shouldn't be counted), someone who has started three matches out of the first 6 and also been out for most of the season, and richarlson, who is the only real star missing.
Huh?? You asked me who is out so i answered your question. Sessganon isnt a big player for them so he for me isnt a player that matters same with forster its us having olsen out.
Its 2 -1 them and us not much difference at all for all options we have have had more of season.
We cant moan about injuries today. If we had the injuries spurs had at the lane then we can but two players out is not really that bad at all in my opinion
Post by: Demitri_C on March 10, 2024, 10:27:23 PM
If a player's out all season he isn't really out. I don't want to even try to counter that kind of logic,
Thats not at all what i said. At least risso understands what i was implying =]
Post by: andyh on March 10, 2024, 10:33:02 PM
We could even fucking do that !
Post by: Drummond on March 10, 2024, 10:33:15 PM
Dreadful
I don't think Spurs even played that well. We were just shite.
Stupid formation and tactics by Emery.
I find it very strange how offended some get when any criticism gets fired Unai's way, though. It's bordering on cult like behaviour.
Both he and the team were appalling today. They'll both be back with a vengeance, I'm sure, but like it or not, Emery got it massively wrong today.
Spurs - ******
Yep, it's full-on weird.
I imagine there’s a race on to be the first to use the words ‘O’Leary’ and ‘fickle’.
You won!
Post by: Risso on March 10, 2024, 10:37:07 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 10, 2024, 10:47:10 PM
Huh?? You asked me who is out so i answered your question. Sessganon isnt a big player for them so he for me isnt a player that matters same with forster its us having olsen out.
Its 2 -1 them and us not much difference at all for all options we have have had more of season.
We cant moan about injuries today. If we had the injuries spurs had at the lane then we can but two players out is not really that bad at all in my opinion
YOU are the one who included Sessegnon when I asked who was out.
They had richarldson missing who is a big player. Sessganon and one othee who i forgotten
As for "at the lane", of the ones who played today, they had Van Der Wen, Sarr and Maddison missing of the players who have really played for them this season. They also had Richarlson missing, but as at the time he had scored once, I don't know if he was as big miss as he might be now (although he had stopped his spree scoring the games before his injury anyway).
So Sarr for Kamara, Maddison for Ramsey leaves Van Der Wen. But as with have Konsa and Torres still not fully match fit, it seems we are even for "the lane".
Post by: Skerra on March 10, 2024, 10:56:55 PM
Post by: Beard82 on March 10, 2024, 10:58:55 PM
I see the logic but it doesn’t hold. We were able to replace them but it wasn’t planned and we ended up with two inferior players. It probably easier for some club who aren’t as close to FFP but I am confident that Beundia would have added more this season than his replacement. As with Mings - although Longlet hasn’t been bad too often - but mings at times last season was immenseIf a player's out all season he isn't really out. I don't want to even try to counter that kind of logic,
He means an injury in pre-season gives you time to do something about it, unlike injuries during the season outside of a transfer window. Neither Mings or Buendia were ever going to play again this season, so they're as good as non-existent in terms of planning for how the season is going to turn out.
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 10, 2024, 11:02:26 PM
As a replacement for either Torres or Mings, he is much weaker.
Post by: Beard82 on March 10, 2024, 11:09:26 PM
Lenglets lack of pace means that our whole offside trap is different & playing that high line is a lot more dangerous.Yeah it’s a downgrade having him in the team. But he isn’t as epically shit as Zanillo
As a replacement for either Torres or Mings, he is much weaker.
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 11:11:15 PM
Lenglets lack of pace means that our whole offside trap is different & playing that high line is a lot more dangerous.
As a replacement for either Torres or Mings, he is much weaker.
I'm not sure he is that much slower than Torres? Offside line seemed to be working fine in the first half. I think he's decent to be honest as backup to Konsa/Torres. If you want to see a bad centre back, Diego chaos Carlos gave it a fair go in his cameo from hell today. He's awful and then some. Emery might have been thinking to get some minutes into him today before starting v Ajax, please don't Unai..
Post by: VillaTim on March 10, 2024, 11:15:26 PM
Why is everything being measured against Zaniolo . It's stupid.Lenglets lack of pace means that our whole offside trap is different & playing that high line is a lot more dangerous.Yeah it’s a downgrade having him in the team. But he isn’t as epically shit as Zanillo
As a replacement for either Torres or Mings, he is much weaker.
Post by: LeonW on March 10, 2024, 11:19:48 PM
Lenglets lack of pace means that our whole offside trap is different & playing that high line is a lot more dangerous.
As a replacement for either Torres or Mings, he is much weaker.
I'm not sure he is that much slower than Torres? Offside line seemed to be working fine in the first half. I think he's decent to be honest as backup to Konsa/Torres. If you want to see a bad centre back, Diego chaos Carlos gave it a fair go in his cameo from hell today. He's awful and then some. Emery might have been thinking to get some minutes into him today before starting v Ajax, please don't Unai..
Chaos Carlos is pretty apt. He’s one I’d be looking to move on in the summer, particularly as he’s likely to be on hefty wages.
Post by: Axl Rose on March 10, 2024, 11:21:16 PM
I think Maddison and Johnson are decent players, but just seeing them score irritates me.
Maddison is such a smug little fucker with his darts nonsense, and I think he was aiming them at our fans? Johnson winking at Mr Darts after scoring and shushing our fans? A pair of bellends.
I know they're footballers and probably have to have some form of rubbish celebration, but still. Fuck off.
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 10, 2024, 11:25:20 PM
Basically I just don't like Spurs.
I think Maddison and Johnson are decent players, but just seeing them score irritates me.
Maddison is such a smug little fucker with his darts nonsense, and I think he was aiming them at our fans? Johnson winking at Mr Darts after scoring and shushing our fans? A pair of bellends.
I know they're footballers and probably have to have some form of rubbish celebration, but still. Fuck off.
To be fair I’ve no doubt they were getting plenty of abuse, so if fans dish it out they’ve got to take it back. Maddison is especially annoying, but he’s a good player.
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 10, 2024, 11:27:44 PM
Lenglets lack of pace means that our whole offside trap is different & playing that high line is a lot more dangerous.
As a replacement for either Torres or Mings, he is much weaker.
I'm not sure he is that much slower than Torres? Offside line seemed to be working fine in the first half. I think he's decent to be honest as backup to Konsa/Torres. If you want to see a bad centre back, Diego chaos Carlos gave it a fair go in his cameo from hell today. He's awful and then some. Emery might have been thinking to get some minutes into him today before starting v Ajax, please don't Unai..
Torres is faster than Lenglet. He's not Speedy Gonzalez or anything, but he's faster than Lenglet.
Diego Carlos clearly isn't, & I don't think ever will be, the same player he was before his injury.
Which is a shame. But as he stands, I do agree, he is a poor backup to Konsa on that right hand side & needs replacing.
But that aside, Lenglet is 100% a weaker option than either Torres & Mings on that left hand side.
So having Mings out for the whole season has weakened us at the back because when Torres is out, we are forced to play Lenglet.
So if we are counting injuries to big players, Mings must be counted, despite having time (barely) to bring in a loan option replacement.
I think at that short notice, we looked at Lenglets passing ability first & foremost & overlooked the fact that he has all the pace & mobility of The Statue of David.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 10, 2024, 11:32:26 PM
Basically I just don't like Spurs.
No one likes Spurs, even Spurs fans loathe themselves.
Post by: Axl Rose on March 10, 2024, 11:32:36 PM
Basically I just don't like Spurs.
I think Maddison and Johnson are decent players, but just seeing them score irritates me.
Maddison is such a smug little fucker with his darts nonsense, and I think he was aiming them at our fans? Johnson winking at Mr Darts after scoring and shushing our fans? A pair of bellends.
I know they're footballers and probably have to have some form of rubbish celebration, but still. Fuck off.
To be fair I’ve no doubt they were getting plenty of abuse, so if fans dish it out they’ve got to take it back. Maddison is especially annoying, but he’s a good player.
A horrible culture, this shushing and ear cupping thing.
I'd like to know when that first started seeping into the game...
No, actually I wouldn't as it would inevitably be by someone who sets my teeth on edge.
Post by: brontebilly on March 10, 2024, 11:38:19 PM
Lenglets lack of pace means that our whole offside trap is different & playing that high line is a lot more dangerous.
As a replacement for either Torres or Mings, he is much weaker.
I'm not sure he is that much slower than Torres? Offside line seemed to be working fine in the first half. I think he's decent to be honest as backup to Konsa/Torres. If you want to see a bad centre back, Diego chaos Carlos gave it a fair go in his cameo from hell today. He's awful and then some. Emery might have been thinking to get some minutes into him today before starting v Ajax, please don't Unai..
Chaos Carlos is pretty apt. He’s one I’d be looking to move on in the summer, particularly as he’s likely to be on hefty wages.
Moving him on permanently hardly great news for FFP. Probably loan him out like Sanson, Coutinho, Donk.
I've a horrible feeling Emery will go with a back 5 again v Ajax with Carlos playing instead of Konsa to deal with their Keinan Davis clone up front.
Post by: olaftab on March 10, 2024, 11:39:58 PM
No he looks great in the Newcastle game and some of the games that followed.PWA you’re arguing against an obsession, there is no point.
Post by: olaftab on March 10, 2024, 11:49:51 PM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players availableHang on, more than two third of the season gone and let me check, yes they are still below us in the table. FFS get a grip will you?
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
Post by: Nunkin1965 on March 11, 2024, 12:02:34 AM
Looking forward to Thursday as I think we need to get Spurs out of our system.
Also hopefully the support turns up because Ajax will be noisy.
Post by: Percy McCarthy on March 11, 2024, 12:12:59 AM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players available
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
If we'd have had all our players fit we would have trounced them today.
Would we? Who was missing JJ and kamara. Mings and buendia we havent had all season so cant really include them.
They had something like 6-7 out vs us and still gave us a game. We had two players out and got destroyed. Im not convinced we would have trounced them at all dave
So you don't think that not having them means our squad is not weakened for the whole season. The two replacements for them are Lenglet and Zaniolo for one. And whilst Lenglet has been alright, he doesn't offer the rock we need or the leadership on the pitch, especially when under the cosh.
We havent had eithee player all season. Although i agree they are better than zaniolo and lenglet we knew they are probanly not gonna play this season so really we cant include those two players.
We cabt be losing 4-0 at home and saying we have major injuries when we only have two players out
We only have two players out because of your bizarre new counting system.
Post by: BC54 VFC on March 11, 2024, 12:52:46 AM
The chartered flight which the players took home (AMS to BHX) was just 51 minutes in duration, and landed at BHX at 23.20hrs on Thursday evening, so the players would have been tucked up in bed just after midnight. Frankly, that's an easier journey than my drive to Villa Park for every home game, and bearing in mind the extremely pedestrian performance in Amsterdam, I don't think physical fatigue is an excuse in this instance.I did say that if we went high press, we would win the match. However, if we went for our slow, slow and even slower style, we would get beaten. Unfortunately, it was Spurs that went for the high press.It's not the 90s mins played in Europe so much as the time to travel there and back. Sitting on a bus, sitting on a plane, hanging around having to prepare for that game etc rather than being at home doing the usual prep for a big league game.
I just can’t accept this thing about us being tired because we played on Thursday. We hardly broke a sweat v Ajax and, continued in the same vein today. Also, if we think we can’t handle playing in the conference league, how the hell are we going to cope if we go into the champions league. Teams will be much stronger than the conf league ones and, we really can’t afford to rotate players so much in the ECL.
Lots of teams struggle with it and it is new to us this year
Post by: aj2k77 on March 11, 2024, 01:11:35 AM
Post by: ROBBO on March 11, 2024, 03:32:35 AM
Post by: taylorsworkrate on March 11, 2024, 05:39:29 AM
Basically I just don't like Spurs.
I think Maddison and Johnson are decent players, but just seeing them score irritates me.
Maddison is such a smug little fucker with his darts nonsense, and I think he was aiming them at our fans? Johnson winking at Mr Darts after scoring and shushing our fans? A pair of bellends.
I know they're footballers and probably have to have some form of rubbish celebration, but still. Fuck off.
Maddison was coping a fair amount of abuse from our fans. You can't really blame him for giving a bit back when he scored
Post by: sid1964 on March 11, 2024, 06:11:43 AM
Hopefully we can bounce back against Ajax and West Ham.
Also thought our support was very quiet through out the game.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2024, 06:17:41 AM
Think SJMs sending off was more to do with his frustration with his teammates more the anything else, he was trying to fly the flag, at least you could see the fight in him which was sadly lacking with many of his team.He was being let down badly.
Bailey and Diaby should be embarrassed by their performances.
Post by: simboy on March 11, 2024, 06:36:14 AM
I didn’t really get why we went 5 across the back. The only time I can recall it working was against Burnley. I follow that with the absence of Ramsey, the left sided “get out” was missing but why not start Diaby Watkins and Bailey, or use Morgan over on the left side. A change of formation, one we have not played for some time is not really what you want to be doing against a decent Tottenham side.
So, it’s three wins in four as opposed to four wins in a row in the league. Not quite meltdown point just yet, although I do wish we could get out of this recent habit of losing to our closest rivals … at home!
Post by: The Edge on March 11, 2024, 06:48:03 AM
Bollocks, I’d forgotten that Kalvin Philips is now at West Ham now and, from what I’ve seen, he has been quite shit so far. The bad part is that he’s obviously due a good game at some point.So, expect a world master class plus, maybe a worldie goal next Sunday. He will then be offered a much improved contract immediately after the match and, then return to what he usually does best, nothing!Don't worry yourself about that. Kalvin Phillips hasn't got a world class goal in him. He's bang average at best. Southgate seems to rate him highly but his judgement isn't very good.
Post by: Dave P on March 11, 2024, 06:59:01 AM
Think SJMs sending off was more to do with his frustration with his teammates more the anything else, he was trying to fly the flag, at least you could see the fight in him which was sadly lacking with many of his team.He was being let down badly.
Bailey and Diaby should be embarrassed by their performances.
Bailey and Watkins has Bailey and Watkins under Gerrard performances. Diaby never looked comfortable once when he came on.
Post by: langleylions on March 11, 2024, 07:00:33 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 07:04:38 AM
Based on what i saw today, they would have trounced us at home if they ahd all their players availableHang on, more than two third of the season gone and let me check, yes they are still below us in the table. FFS get a grip will you?
They are better than us and have more squad depth. It fucking pains me to say it. I think they did somw great business in the summer while ours looks mixed now
No shit sherlock but they have a game in hand you must have forgot about that part. I dont need to "get a grip" they had 7 players out and thats only reason we went there and won. They had no maddison romero VDV or bissouma. Thats only four of the players missing.
We were close to fall strength and got humiliated. Of you want to accept mediocre results like this than thats down to you. I for one can accept losing but not getting beaten 4-0 by our closest rivals at home. If 5th doesnt get CL and we finish 5th and lose out on GD yesterday would be one of the main reasons for that. Not exactly rocket science
Post by: The Edge on March 11, 2024, 07:29:33 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2024, 08:02:24 AM
With the midfield we are gunna have to put out i cant see any points from our next three games ,Our midfield Luiz Tielemens Tim + one of Zaniolo Rogers Diaby shudders.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 08:05:25 AM
https://x.com/avfc_stef/status/1766943737727324560?s=20
Post by: ozzjim on March 11, 2024, 08:09:24 AM
Watkins, Bailey, Luiz, Konsa, Cash, Diaby, Zaniolo and Lenglet were all poor, miles off their best. Midfield has been an issue for a while with pure fatigue - Doug has looked out on his feet for weeks, Tielemans can't run, Tim is not at the level needed yet and we have no natural holding player without Kamara. This summer we are going to need to scout very well, and pad the squad a bit or we will struggle next season.
My over riding issue yesterday was that if McGinn is going to get a straight red, do it taking Maddision out the game, I can't stand that fuckwit.
Post by: Axl Rose on March 11, 2024, 08:12:40 AM
Basically I just don't like Spurs.
I think Maddison and Johnson are decent players, but just seeing them score irritates me.
Maddison is such a smug little fucker with his darts nonsense, and I think he was aiming them at our fans? Johnson winking at Mr Darts after scoring and shushing our fans? A pair of bellends.
I know they're footballers and probably have to have some form of rubbish celebration, but still. Fuck off.
Maddison was coping a fair amount of abuse from our fans. You can't really blame him for giving a bit back when he scored
I'll give it a good go.
It's like him and Joe were separated at birth. Morons. Thankfully both have a tendency to get injured.
Throwing a pretend dart at fans? Appalling behaviour. Children could be watching! 😂
Post by: Brend'Watkins on March 11, 2024, 08:14:52 AM
Think SJMs sending off was more to do with his frustration with his teammates more the anything else, he was trying to fly the flag, at least you could see the fight in him which was sadly lacking with many of his team.
That’s how I saw it too. We needed to show we had some fight in us but when most of the team decide to put on their worst individual performances collectively of the season that fight is pointless.
Bad day at the office is what it was and coupled with Spurs being very good it was only going one way.
Post by: VinnieChase84 on March 11, 2024, 08:28:06 AM
It was rash but was hardly a dangerous tackle. Compare that to Lewis Dunks tackle yesterday for example
Post by: Olof's Beard on March 11, 2024, 08:30:41 AM
Any chance we appeal McGinns red?
It was rash but was hardly a dangerous tackle. Compare that to Lewis Dunks tackle yesterday for example
No chance of it being overturned. It is really high profile and attracting loads of nonsense comments from both fans and 'experts'.
Post by: Somniloquism on March 11, 2024, 08:35:08 AM
Post by: The Edge on March 11, 2024, 08:35:44 AM
This is truly pathetic from Zaniolo and Moreno. Both need an absolute rocket up them at Emery's video debrief today. Unacceptable.That's piss poor from both of them.
https://x.com/avfc_stef/status/1766943737727324560?s=20
Post by: tomd2103 on March 11, 2024, 08:51:27 AM
Any chance we appeal McGinns red?
It was rash but was hardly a dangerous tackle. Compare that to Lewis Dunks tackle yesterday for example
No chance of it being overturned. It is really high profile and attracting loads of nonsense comments from both fans and 'experts'.
Yeah, I can't see it being overturned either. Don't know how Johnson got away with pushing McGinn to the floor though. Should have been booked for that.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 08:52:15 AM
This is truly pathetic from Zaniolo and Moreno. Both need an absolute rocket up them at Emery's video debrief today. Unacceptable.That's piss poor from both of them.
https://x.com/avfc_stef/status/1766943737727324560?s=20
You would expect that from players that play for sheff utd or burnley not us. That is truly pathetic
Post by: Dave P on March 11, 2024, 08:53:14 AM
This is truly pathetic from Zaniolo and Moreno. Both need an absolute rocket up them at Emery's video debrief today. Unacceptable.That's piss poor from both of them.
https://x.com/avfc_stef/status/1766943737727324560?s=20
Not a great look at all however, if we are to have things to moan about, I'm glad it all came in one game. A big game admittedly, but only one game. We lost 3 points but we can move on. Thursday is a bigger test for it.
Post by: ROBBO on March 11, 2024, 08:58:42 AM
Post by: Clampy on March 11, 2024, 09:01:24 AM
Post by: darren woolley on March 11, 2024, 09:18:21 AM
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 09:23:14 AM
This is truly pathetic from Zaniolo and Moreno. Both need an absolute rocket up them at Emery's video debrief today. Unacceptable.That's piss poor from both of them.
https://x.com/avfc_stef/status/1766943737727324560?s=20
Not a great look at all however, if we are to have things to moan about, I'm glad it all came in one game. A big game admittedly, but only one game. We lost 3 points but we can move on. Thursday is a bigger test for it.
There's playing badly, which happens, and then there's giving up and not trying, which shouldn't under any circumstances. I'd happily never see Zaniolo in a squad for us again. Just pay whoever what we owe them, and tell him to get on the next plane. Moreno can have a few games on the bench to think about what he's done. Or rather, didn't do.
Post by: Martyn Smith on March 11, 2024, 09:33:02 AM
Post by: VillaTim on March 11, 2024, 09:35:59 AM
Post by: Martyn Smith on March 11, 2024, 09:36:17 AM
This is truly pathetic from Zaniolo and Moreno. Both need an absolute rocket up them at Emery's video debrief today. Unacceptable.That's piss poor from both of them.
https://x.com/avfc_stef/status/1766943737727324560?s=20
Agreed. You fuck up and the oppo get past you. You don't then stand waving your hands in the air at it. You chase and run after the mess you've made to see if you can rectify the problem
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 09:36:55 AM
he came on when we were 2 goal's down and down to 10 men
Konsa was at fault for the first 2 goals in an absolure shit show of a performance but hey lets blame Zaniolo
Bailey and Tielemans were both a waste of a shirt but hey lets blame Zaniolo
but the real culprit was Emery not just for the lineup but for the tactics
he turned into prime David Moyes because thats exactly the team and tactics he would have deployed yesterday, sitting back containing a average Spurs side at home inviting pressure and at half time being happy to play out for the draw
thats why we lost and why we deserved to lose
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2024, 09:41:19 AM
blaming and making Zaniolo some sort of scapegoat is ridiclous thoughI agree accept I don’t think Spurs are average, but the set up was totally wrong.
he came on when we were 2 goal's down and down to 10 men
Konsa was at fault for the first 2 goals in an absolure shit show of a performance but hey lets blame Zaniolo
Bailey and Tielemans were both a waste of a shirt but hey lets blame Zaniolo
but the real culprit was Emery not just for the lineup but for the tactics
he turned into prime David Moyes because thats exactly the team and tactics he would have deployed yesterday, sitting back containing a average Spurs side at home inviting pressure and at half time being happy to play out for the draw
thats why we lost and why we deserved to lose
Post by: Martyn Smith on March 11, 2024, 09:41:34 AM
Maybe Emery saw this and that is why he set up like he did. Perhaps we should have just kept playing the same way. We had the clearer chances in the first half even if we weren't calling the tune in terms of share of the game overall. We may have held Spurs at bay and nicked one on the break
Post by: VillaTim on March 11, 2024, 09:46:17 AM
Post by: Martyn Smith on March 11, 2024, 09:46:59 AM
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 09:56:25 AM
blaming and making Zaniolo some sort of scapegoat is ridiclous thoughI agree accept I don’t think Spurs are average, but the set up was totally wrong.
he came on when we were 2 goal's down and down to 10 men
Konsa was at fault for the first 2 goals in an absolure shit show of a performance but hey lets blame Zaniolo
Bailey and Tielemans were both a waste of a shirt but hey lets blame Zaniolo
but the real culprit was Emery not just for the lineup but for the tactics
he turned into prime David Moyes because thats exactly the team and tactics he would have deployed yesterday, sitting back containing a average Spurs side at home inviting pressure and at half time being happy to play out for the draw
thats why we lost and why we deserved to lose
Yeah they’re not average I agree I got that wrong they are a good side
But and here’s the important bit going into the game we are 5 points ahead and a better goal difference of 6 so we are better than them
Post by: VillaTim on March 11, 2024, 10:00:09 AM
since then though we've lost Kamara long term and Ramsey hasn't been right all season , now McGinn out for 3 crucial games . They will overtake us it seems now.blaming and making Zaniolo some sort of scapegoat is ridiclous thoughI agree accept I don’t think Spurs are average, but the set up was totally wrong.
he came on when we were 2 goal's down and down to 10 men
Konsa was at fault for the first 2 goals in an absolure shit show of a performance but hey lets blame Zaniolo
Bailey and Tielemans were both a waste of a shirt but hey lets blame Zaniolo
but the real culprit was Emery not just for the lineup but for the tactics
he turned into prime David Moyes because thats exactly the team and tactics he would have deployed yesterday, sitting back containing a average Spurs side at home inviting pressure and at half time being happy to play out for the draw
thats why we lost and why we deserved to lose
Yeah they’re not average I agree I got that wrong they are a good side
But and here’s the important bit going into the game we are 5 points ahead and a better goal difference of 6 so we are better than them
Post by: RichardBatchelor on March 11, 2024, 10:01:10 AM
Zaniolo may be not up to the standard we need but I thought he was one of the few players showing the right spirit in the second half. He won a corner, possibly two, thanks to attacking press. Sure, only what he's there to do but at least he was - that disgraceful moment when he and Moreno waved the Spurs attack off on their way aside - showing some intent
I agree. He's wasn't very good, but he got stuck in.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 10:01:57 AM
since then though we've lost Kamara long term and Ramsey hasn't been right all season , now McGinn out for 3 crucial games . They will overtake us it seems now.blaming and making Zaniolo some sort of scapegoat is ridiclous thoughI agree accept I don’t think Spurs are average, but the set up was totally wrong.
he came on when we were 2 goal's down and down to 10 men
Konsa was at fault for the first 2 goals in an absolure shit show of a performance but hey lets blame Zaniolo
Bailey and Tielemans were both a waste of a shirt but hey lets blame Zaniolo
but the real culprit was Emery not just for the lineup but for the tactics
he turned into prime David Moyes because thats exactly the team and tactics he would have deployed yesterday, sitting back containing a average Spurs side at home inviting pressure and at half time being happy to play out for the draw
thats why we lost and why we deserved to lose
Yeah they’re not average I agree I got that wrong they are a good side
But and here’s the important bit going into the game we are 5 points ahead and a better goal difference of 6 so we are better than them
Yes, because we’ve waved them by with our containment tactics
Post by: dorsetvillian on March 11, 2024, 10:02:40 AM
Post by: PaulWinch again on March 11, 2024, 10:05:54 AM
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 10:18:53 AM
We did not play like that at spurs so why he opted this formation ill never know. It was probably emerys biggest tactical mistake since he has been here. Thankfully these mistakes are rare so we cant be too hard on unai
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 10:19:22 AM
Zaniolo may be not up to the standard we need but I thought he was one of the few players showing the right spirit in the second half. He won a corner, possibly two, thanks to attacking press. Sure, only what he's there to do but at least he was - that disgraceful moment when he and Moreno waved the Spurs attack off on their way aside - showing some intent
That disgraceful moment where he just stood still waving his arms about, that led directly to a goal? That's quite a big 'aside'.
Post by: Chris Smith on March 11, 2024, 10:21:46 AM
Emery has a big job now to get the backup for Thursday and the remainder of the season.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 10:26:22 AM
If he does It will be a very boring game and we might come away with a point at best
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 10:30:58 AM
I think Emery will go again with the same format against West Ham
If he does It will be a very boring game and we might come away with a point at best
He's have to be an absolute fucking idiot to ever try that formation again.
Post by: brontebilly on March 11, 2024, 10:33:34 AM
This is truly pathetic from Zaniolo and Moreno. Both need an absolute rocket up them at Emery's video debrief today. Unacceptable.That's piss poor from both of them.
https://x.com/avfc_stef/status/1766943737727324560?s=20
Follow the clip on and watch Luiz pathetic effort to close the space on in front of the defence. If he properly commits to getting back he doesn't make that cut back so easy. I've great time for Luiz, thought he was best player on pitch in first half, but he's more of a follower than a leader when things go against us. Without Kamara and now McGinn, I'd worry he will go back coasting along in midfield. He was a bit half arsed at Ajax during the week.
Agreed on post game comments being a bit harsh on both Zaniolo and Diaby. The game was done when they came on really. Zaniolo ain't a winger either but he did actually have a couple of chances when he came on. Diaby got lots of ball but did precious little with it.
If we are calling out individuals then start with Konsa and McGinn.
Post by: Rigadon on March 11, 2024, 10:34:19 AM
Post by: VILLA MOLE on March 11, 2024, 10:37:29 AM
Lots of players went missing yesterday, not fighting or wanting the ball
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 10:37:53 AM
I think Emery will go again with the same format against West Ham
If he does It will be a very boring game and we might come away with a point at best
He's have to be an absolute fucking idiot to ever try that formation again.
I bet you he goes with the same back 5 again at West Ham
The excuse will be a containment job because of all the injuries and suspensions which, in fairness we do have
So it will be a Moyes/Bruce shut up shop job
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 10:39:28 AM
I think Emery will go again with the same format against West Ham
If he does It will be a very boring game and we might come away with a point at best
He's have to be an absolute fucking idiot to ever try that formation again.
I bet you he goes with the same back 5 again at West Ham
The excuse will be a containment job because of all the injuries and suspensions which, in fairness we do have
So it will be a Moyes/Bruce shut up shop job
I hope you're wrong John, I really do. Kalvin Phillips game of his life incoming.
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 10:46:53 AM
Ollie Watkins insists Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur “doesn’t define our season”.
Two goals in three minutes from James Maddison and Brennan Johnson early in the second half put Spurs in control at Villa Park.
Skipper John McGinn then saw red shortly after the hour mark, before Heung-Min Son and Timo Werner found the net in added time to inflict a 4-0 reverse.
“Really disappointing,” said Watkins, speaking post-match.
“First half I felt we had a few opportunities on the break, I had an opportunity myself, I’ve chopped back, maybe I should shoot.
“But I felt in the first half they didn’t cause us too many problems, I think they had one corner.
“Second half we’ve come out a little bit slow and they’re always quick coming out in the second half.
“They’ve scored two goals really quickly and it’s very difficult against a good side to come back from 2-0.
“Obviously, with our captain getting sent off as well, it was difficult.”
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Watkins, who has 21 goals to his name so far this term, felt a couple of heavy challenges early on in the encounter but refused to use that as an excuse.
The disappointing defeat ended Villa’s three-match winning sequence in the Premier League, but Unai Emery’s side get to chance to bounce straight back against Ajax on Thursday night before resuming domestic matters at West Ham United on Sunday.
And the striker is adamant defeat to Spurs won’t shape the season for fourth-placed Villa, who still have 10 matches remaining this term.
“The ref said he checked it but he (Micky van de Ven) has definitely caught my Achilles there,” said Watkins.
“Then I felt another one, from I think it was Pedro Porro, in the early five minutes of the game, which is not great trying to run it off.
“But that’s no excuse for a poor performance from myself, I can definitely do better and, as a team, we can do better.
“But this doesn’t define us, this game doesn’t define our season.
“We’ve done unbelievable to get where we are, really proud of all the boys, we’ve still got a lot of football to play. So, this game doesn’t define our season.”
Post by: Rigadon on March 11, 2024, 10:50:46 AM
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 10:51:06 AM
i cant think of a game where we lost so much in one 90 mins session
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 10:51:39 AM
We stifled them in the first half, knowing what they are like, in the same way we stifled Man City, and then held out against Arsenal.
It didn't work out in the end yesterday (by a long way), and we're all sore as a result. But we've seen this team bounce back strongly after defeats, and I expect the same on Thursday and Sunday. However, Sunday's game is likely to be a game of attrition and we need to look at how we set up in midfield.
Post by: brontebilly on March 11, 2024, 10:52:08 AM
From the OS
Ollie Watkins insists Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur “doesn’t define our season”.
Two goals in three minutes from James Maddison and Brennan Johnson early in the second half put Spurs in control at Villa Park.
Skipper John McGinn then saw red shortly after the hour mark, before Heung-Min Son and Timo Werner found the net in added time to inflict a 4-0 reverse.
“Really disappointing,” said Watkins, speaking post-match.
“First half I felt we had a few opportunities on the break, I had an opportunity myself, I’ve chopped back, maybe I should shoot.
“But I felt in the first half they didn’t cause us too many problems, I think they had one corner.
“Second half we’ve come out a little bit slow and they’re always quick coming out in the second half.
“They’ve scored two goals really quickly and it’s very difficult against a good side to come back from 2-0.
“Obviously, with our captain getting sent off as well, it was difficult.”
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Watkins, who has 21 goals to his name so far this term, felt a couple of heavy challenges early on in the encounter but refused to use that as an excuse.
The disappointing defeat ended Villa’s three-match winning sequence in the Premier League, but Unai Emery’s side get to chance to bounce straight back against Ajax on Thursday night before resuming domestic matters at West Ham United on Sunday.
And the striker is adamant defeat to Spurs won’t shape the season for fourth-placed Villa, who still have 10 matches remaining this term.
“The ref said he checked it but he (Micky van de Ven) has definitely caught my Achilles there,” said Watkins.
“Then I felt another one, from I think it was Pedro Porro, in the early five minutes of the game, which is not great trying to run it off.
“But that’s no excuse for a poor performance from myself, I can definitely do better and, as a team, we can do better.
“But this doesn’t define us, this game doesn’t define our season.
“We’ve done unbelievable to get where we are, really proud of all the boys, we’ve still got a lot of football to play. So, this game doesn’t define our season.”
Ollie talking sense as always. Thought Emery could have hooked him to be honest after McGinn got sent off. Game was done and Duran could have ran around instead.
Post by: AV82EC on March 11, 2024, 10:57:56 AM
Post by: Rigadon on March 11, 2024, 10:58:09 AM
Post by: jon collett on March 11, 2024, 10:58:22 AM
I think Emery will go again with the same format against West Ham
If he does It will be a very boring game and we might come away with a point at best
Yep he hasn't got any midfielders.
Be interesting to see what he tries against Ajax.
Post by: Rigadon on March 11, 2024, 11:01:15 AM
The ridiculous thing on reflection is that the first half tactics were sort of working, admittedly it made for a turgid affair, but it seems to me we were inviting Spurs on then looking to work a position to get Watkins one on one with Romero. Except it didn’t work and we seemed to get Bailey one on one with der Ven and he was useless. They realised we were passive and really pressed us second half and Konsa and Cash got overrun and we ended up throwing it away. Hey ho onto Thursday.
It isn't ridiculous. The tactics were working just fine first half and would've continued to work had we not shat the bed and let James Maddison, hardly Peter Withe, to get between 2 defenders with a header and then followed it up with an individual error that a school boy would be embarrassed with. Those things weren't tactical in nature, they were shit defending.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 11:03:43 AM
The ridiculous thing on reflection is that the first half tactics were sort of working, admittedly it made for a turgid affair, but it seems to me we were inviting Spurs on then looking to work a position to get Watkins one on one with Romero. Except it didn’t work and we seemed to get Bailey one on one with der Ven and he was useless. They realised we were passive and really pressed us second half and Konsa and Cash got overrun and we ended up throwing it away. Hey ho onto Thursday.
this is the thing that gets me mad
they wern't working we had no shots on goal we did nothing but sit back and lob balls over the top for Watkins and Bailey to run on to from a long way out
we havent played that way all season so why the change to Moyes mode in the most important game for ages
Post by: brontebilly on March 11, 2024, 11:04:08 AM
Had Emery subbed Watkins with half an hour to go in such a big game there would've been uproar. It was 'only' 0-2 until the dying minutes.
Maybe but Watkins, and we as a team, were done really by then. The last thing he needed was running around after three defenders by himself.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on March 11, 2024, 11:05:20 AM
The ridiculous thing on reflection is that the first half tactics were sort of working, admittedly it made for a turgid affair, but it seems to me we were inviting Spurs on then looking to work a position to get Watkins one on one with Romero. Except it didn’t work and we seemed to get Bailey one on one with der Ven and he was useless. They realised we were passive and really pressed us second half and Konsa and Cash got overrun and we ended up throwing it away. Hey ho onto Thursday.
It isn't ridiculous. The tactics were working just fine first half and would've continued to work had we not shat the bed and let James Maddison, hardly Peter Withe, to get between 2 defenders with a header and then followed it up with an individual error that a school boy would be embarrassed with. Those things weren't tactical in nature, they were shit defending.
That's all true, but it's still on the manager. If you send a team out that prioritises not conceding over trying to win, you'd better hope it doesn't concede, because you look like a terrified bed-shitter when it doesn't work.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:08:46 AM
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 11:09:13 AM
The ridiculous thing on reflection is that the first half tactics were sort of working, admittedly it made for a turgid affair, but it seems to me we were inviting Spurs on then looking to work a position to get Watkins one on one with Romero. Except it didn’t work and we seemed to get Bailey one on one with der Ven and he was useless. They realised we were passive and really pressed us second half and Konsa and Cash got overrun and we ended up throwing it away. Hey ho onto Thursday.
It isn't ridiculous. The tactics were working just fine first half and would've continued to work had we not shat the bed and let James Maddison, hardly Peter Withe, to get between 2 defenders with a header and then followed it up with an individual error that a school boy would be embarrassed with. Those things weren't tactical in nature, they were shit defending.
That's all true, but it's still on the manager. If you send a team out that prioritises not conceding over trying to win, you'd better hope it doesn't concede, because you look like a terrified bed-shitter when it doesn't work.
even the Spurs fans on my social media are saying why didnt they come at us, we just picked them off because of there negative set up
then you have people on here saying it was working, working my arse was it
absolute surrender thats what it was and we got exactly what we deserved
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 11:11:50 AM
I don't know what game people were watching, the tactics were an abomination. We were playing a team below us in the table, not Barcelona, and we didn't have a shot on target. We hadn't kept a clean sheet at home since before Christmas, and they hadn't not scored away since last season, so it was only a matter of time. McGinn was looking OK, but other than that every single played looked awful. They won't have an easier game all season.
agreed
Pao was the only other progressive player for me but it was a total shambles
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:12:06 AM
even the Spurs fans on my social media are saying why didnt they come at us, we just picked them off because of there negative set up
then you have people on here saying it was working, working my arse was it
absolute surrender thats what it was and we got exactly what we deserved
Exactly right, it was gutless and brainless. When was the last time that 5 at the back actually worked? Does Emery not remember Spurs away, Liverpool, Forest and Brentford (the latter losing until he changed it)?
Post by: Chris Smith on March 11, 2024, 11:12:11 AM
I don't know what game people were watching, the tactics were an abomination. We were playing a team below us in the table, not Barcelona, and we didn't have a shot on target. We hadn't kept a clean sheet at home since before Christmas, and they hadn't not scored away since last season, so it was only a matter of time. McGinn was looking OK, but other than that every single played looked awful. They won't have an easier game all season.
If we haven’t kept a clean sheet for months then I’m not sure why trying to do something about it by playing an additional defenders is an abomination rather than a legitimate attempt to fix it.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 11:13:46 AM
and its full on anger today, i might skip the bargaining bit for a bit more anger and then go straight to depression
Post by: AV82EC on March 11, 2024, 11:14:54 AM
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:15:09 AM
The ridiculous thing on reflection is that the first half tactics were sort of working, admittedly it made for a turgid affair, but it seems to me we were inviting Spurs on then looking to work a position to get Watkins one on one with Romero. Except it didn’t work and we seemed to get Bailey one on one with der Ven and he was useless. They realised we were passive and really pressed us second half and Konsa and Cash got overrun and we ended up throwing it away. Hey ho onto Thursday.
It isn't ridiculous. The tactics were working just fine first half and would've continued to work had we not shat the bed and let James Maddison, hardly Peter Withe, to get between 2 defenders with a header and then followed it up with an individual error that a school boy would be embarrassed with. Those things weren't tactical in nature, they were shit defending.
I think that's it. Individual errors. Gets us time after time unfortunately.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 11:15:59 AM
I don't know what game people were watching, the tactics were an abomination. We were playing a team below us in the table, not Barcelona, and we didn't have a shot on target. We hadn't kept a clean sheet at home since before Christmas, and they hadn't not scored away since last season, so it was only a matter of time. McGinn was looking OK, but other than that every single played looked awful. They won't have an easier game all season.
If we haven’t kept a clean sheet for months then I’m not sure why trying to do something about it by playing an additional defenders is an abomination rather than a legitimate attempt to fix it.
throwing another defender on in the back line to stop us conceding never works, just like yesterday you invite the pressure and pay the price
Post by: Gareth on March 11, 2024, 11:19:23 AM
And he's right, it doesn't define our season.
We stifled them in the first half, knowing what they are like, in the same way we stifled Man City, and then held out against Arsenal.
It didn't work out in the end yesterday (by a long way), and we're all sore as a result. But we've seen this team bounce back strongly after defeats, and I expect the same on Thursday and Sunday. However, Sunday's game is likely to be a game of attrition and we need to look at how we set up in midfield.
I agree, thought at half time how closely matched the two teams had been….
As you say it’s the bounce back now, Thursday night we need a big one, hopefully being under lights we’ll have an atmosphere too and be all in it together.
Bonus for Sunday is we both have to play Thursday night…let’s hope for no more 5 at the back and come Sunday it’s a four with Torres and Konsa back as centre backs
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:20:12 AM
With the form they've been in, I'd have expected them to pose far more of a threat.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:20:49 AM
I don't know what game people were watching, the tactics were an abomination. We were playing a team below us in the table, not Barcelona, and we didn't have a shot on target. We hadn't kept a clean sheet at home since before Christmas, and they hadn't not scored away since last season, so it was only a matter of time. McGinn was looking OK, but other than that every single played looked awful. They won't have an easier game all season.
If we haven’t kept a clean sheet for months then I’m not sure why trying to do something about it by playing an additional defenders is an abomination rather than a legitimate attempt to fix it.
It hasn't worked any other time he's tried it.
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on March 11, 2024, 11:23:39 AM
Post by: Axl Rose on March 11, 2024, 11:25:01 AM
even the Spurs fans on my social media are saying why didnt they come at us, we just picked them off because of there negative set up
then you have people on here saying it was working, working my arse was it
absolute surrender thats what it was and we got exactly what we deserved
Exactly right, it was gutless and brainless. When was the last time that 5 at the back actually worked? Does Emery not remember Spurs away, Liverpool, Forest and Brentford (the latter losing until he changed it)?
Spot on, mate.
We were abysmal, tactically and physically.
We should always have a go at home. We didn't yesterday, and I've no idea why.
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:26:17 AM
I don't know what game people were watching, the tactics were an abomination. We were playing a team below us in the table, not Barcelona, and we didn't have a shot on target. We hadn't kept a clean sheet at home since before Christmas, and they hadn't not scored away since last season, so it was only a matter of time. McGinn was looking OK, but other than that every single played looked awful. They won't have an easier game all season.
If we haven’t kept a clean sheet for months then I’m not sure why trying to do something about it by playing an additional defenders is an abomination rather than a legitimate attempt to fix it.
It hasn't worked any other time he's tried it.
What would you have done?
I thought the first half left the game finely balanced. The system didn't fuck it up, individual errors for their first two, followed by a rash challenge and the red card did for the rest of the game. We had to try and go for it, and left wide open spaces which is why the scoreline ended up as it did.
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:27:32 AM
even the Spurs fans on my social media are saying why didnt they come at us, we just picked them off because of there negative set up
then you have people on here saying it was working, working my arse was it
absolute surrender thats what it was and we got exactly what we deserved
Exactly right, it was gutless and brainless. When was the last time that 5 at the back actually worked? Does Emery not remember Spurs away, Liverpool, Forest and Brentford (the latter losing until he changed it)?
Spot on, mate.
We were abysmal, tactically and physically.
We should always have a go at home. We didn't yesterday, and I've no idea why.
Why should we always have a go at home?
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:28:51 AM
Post by: VillaTim on March 11, 2024, 11:29:20 AM
First time in a very long while that we left the game before the end (wankers ay we?) shit weather, shit result and some dirty barstard in the back of the lower Holte dropping some of the worst farts I’ve ever smelt - worse than any Boxing Day dirty bombs. I’ve still got the smell in my nostrils.Sounds awful.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:30:46 AM
Why should we always have a go at home?
Is that a serious question? Why wouldn't we try to beat a team lower than us in the table, especially over our nearest rivals where a victory would more or less cement our top 4 and Champions League place?
This was our Stoke moment, and we've blown it. Or rather, Emery blew it.
Post by: Axl Rose on March 11, 2024, 11:31:04 AM
even the Spurs fans on my social media are saying why didnt they come at us, we just picked them off because of there negative set up
then you have people on here saying it was working, working my arse was it
absolute surrender thats what it was and we got exactly what we deserved
Exactly right, it was gutless and brainless. When was the last time that 5 at the back actually worked? Does Emery not remember Spurs away, Liverpool, Forest and Brentford (the latter losing until he changed it)?
Spot on, mate.
We were abysmal, tactically and physically.
We should always have a go at home. We didn't yesterday, and I've no idea why.
Why should we always have a go at home?
I think you know why.
Probably because we're usually better there, because when we do, it's largely successful, because we're further up the league than 16 other teams.
Why shouldn't we, may I ask?
Post by: PeterWithe on March 11, 2024, 11:31:40 AM
Far more annoyed at what happened between zero goals and two down, than I was after that.
Post by: Chris Smith on March 11, 2024, 11:32:32 AM
I don't know what game people were watching, the tactics were an abomination. We were playing a team below us in the table, not Barcelona, and we didn't have a shot on target. We hadn't kept a clean sheet at home since before Christmas, and they hadn't not scored away since last season, so it was only a matter of time. McGinn was looking OK, but other than that every single played looked awful. They won't have an easier game all season.
If we haven’t kept a clean sheet for months then I’m not sure why trying to do something about it by playing an additional defenders is an abomination rather than a legitimate attempt to fix it.
It hasn't worked any other time he's tried it.
Just because something didn’t work it doesn’t mean that it never can. We regularly went to 5 at the back last season in the second half to try to hold on to a lead and it was more often than not successful.
Konsa’s mistake and the red card were what did for us yesterday in my view combined with both Watkins and Bailey having poor games when given the chance to exploit the spaces they were given.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:32:33 AM
I thought the only time we played with any energy and urgency was when we went 2 down and reduced to 19 men.
I think even with 19 men we'd have struggled yesterday! :)
Post by: brontebilly on March 11, 2024, 11:32:51 AM
The ridiculous thing on reflection is that the first half tactics were sort of working, admittedly it made for a turgid affair, but it seems to me we were inviting Spurs on then looking to work a position to get Watkins one on one with Romero. Except it didn’t work and we seemed to get Bailey one on one with der Ven and he was useless. They realised we were passive and really pressed us second half and Konsa and Cash got overrun and we ended up throwing it away. Hey ho onto Thursday.
this is the thing that gets me mad
they wern't working we had no shots on goal we did nothing but sit back and lob balls over the top for Watkins and Bailey to run on to from a long way out
we havent played that way all season so why the change to Moyes mode in the most important game for ages
Our front two messed up a lot of promising situations in the first half so it isn't that clearcut. Emery had a right to expect a lot more from them. Without the ball we were fine in the first half. Goals change games though. The likes of Konsa and McGinn had a crazy 10 min spell that finished us.
In saying all that I never want to see that Cash/Konsa setup again. Emery seems to be itching to play it at times but I hope that's the last of it now. If Ramsey is out midweek again then we have to try 4231, 433 or something different. Stick Bailey onto the left. With his back to goal yesterday he was timid to put it mildly. Going to have to try Diaby again on the other wing. Maybe McGinn up with Watkins to set our tone from the off with Tim next to Luiz.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:33:55 AM
Just because something didn’t work it doesn’t mean that it never can. We regularly went to 5 at the back last season in the second half to try to hold on to a lead and it was more often than not successful.
Konsa’s mistake and the red card were what did for us yesterday in my view combined with both Watkins and Bailey having poor games when given the chance to exploit the spaces they were given.
It hasn't worked this season, and it was obvious from early on it wasn't working again. Make all the excuses you like, but the defeat was mostly on Emery. It was an utterly dismal, abject display.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 11:33:57 AM
even the Spurs fans on my social media are saying why didnt they come at us, we just picked them off because of there negative set up
then you have people on here saying it was working, working my arse was it
absolute surrender thats what it was and we got exactly what we deserved
Exactly right, it was gutless and brainless. When was the last time that 5 at the back actually worked? Does Emery not remember Spurs away, Liverpool, Forest and Brentford (the latter losing until he changed it)?
Spot on, mate.
We were abysmal, tactically and physically.
We should always have a go at home. We didn't yesterday, and I've no idea why.
Why should we always have a go at home?
thats the way you win games against teams lower than you in the table
i can guarantee when we play Arsenal, M City and Liverpool they will be having a go at us, they wont be containing and hoping for the best
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:34:34 AM
Why should we always have a go at home?
Is that a serious question? Why wouldn't we try to beat a team lower than us in the table, especially over our nearest rivals where a victory would more or less cement our top 4 and Champions League place?
This was our Stoke moment, and we've blown it. Or rather, Emery blew it.
What have we blown exactly? We're in 4th place in the league. Admittedly winning it is a bit of s stretch given the form of the teams above us in the table, but we're firmly on course to improve on last season and 8 points ahead of the team in 6th.
Of course we'd try to beat anyone at home, but there are ways of doing it. I'd have though by now you'd have got used to the fact that Emery isn't a gung-ho manager and that cagey games happen. It didn't work yesterday.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:36:10 AM
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 11:38:20 AM
even the Spurs fans on my social media are saying why didnt they come at us, we just picked them off because of there negative set up
then you have people on here saying it was working, working my arse was it
absolute surrender thats what it was and we got exactly what we deserved
Exactly right, it was gutless and brainless. When was the last time that 5 at the back actually worked? Does Emery not remember Spurs away, Liverpool, Forest and Brentford (the latter losing until he changed it)?
Spot on, mate.
We were abysmal, tactically and physically.
We should always have a go at home. We didn't yesterday, and I've no idea why.
Why should we always have a go at home?
I think you know why.
Probably because we're usually better there, because when we do, it's largely successful, because we're further up the league than 16 other teams.
Why shouldn't we, may I ask?
It's all tactical stuff isn't it? Emery isn't usually one to go for it, and against Spurs, who are brilliant on the break, you can absolutely get caught cold. That happened after the errors second half of course. We went for it then, and were done.
It was a shit day, for lots of reasons, but tactically Emery wasn't doing badly I didn't think.
Post by: WarszaVillan on March 11, 2024, 11:40:53 AM
Why should we always have a go at home?
Is that a serious question? Why wouldn't we try to beat a team lower than us in the table, especially over our nearest rivals where a victory would more or less cement our top 4 and Champions League place?
This was our Stoke moment, and we've blown it. Or rather, Emery blew it.
What have we blown exactly? We're in 4th place in the league. Admittedly winning it is a bit of s stretch given the form of the teams above us in the table, but we're firmly on course to improve on last season and 8 points ahead of the team in 6th.
Of course we'd try to beat anyone at home, but there are ways of doing it. I'd have though by now you'd have got used to the fact that Emery isn't a gung-ho manager and that cagey games happen. It didn't work yesterday.
Exactly. We were marginally on top during the first half but didn't take advantage of the openings we made. They did in the second half. We really miss Kamara. Hopefully Ramsey will be back soon as McGinn is going to leave a big hole in the team. But this stuff that we bottled it is rubbish. It will be very tough with the injuries and lack of squad depth, but we are still fourth in March which is bloody good going.
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 11:42:34 AM
Post by: AV82EC on March 11, 2024, 11:42:59 AM
There's a massive difference between "gung ho" and a miserable five at the back that never, ever works.
It worked at Burnley <runs and hides>
Post by: LeeB on March 11, 2024, 11:45:31 AM
1) Fuck off, and
2) Bollocks.
Post by: Mister E on March 11, 2024, 12:01:00 PM
sorry, but you are conflating the points I was making. I made the comment that the Liverpool support seemed to really lift their team yesterday. Secondly, I made the observation that unless we up the ante and offer more unconditional support, maybe the team won't respond as we would like it to. So, no building on media myths!Liverpool's home support is not unconditionally great. Please don't build on the media myth.On the home support, the atmosphere at early kick offs is often somewhat flat. I used to say that this was due to alcohol deprivation.The support was poor. Sorry to make the comparison but as I drove home I listened to the Redscouse vs Citeh game and heard a home crowd supporting and driving its team. We just went very quiet.
VP is not a fortress until the support becomes unconditional.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 12:11:58 PM
Why should we always have a go at home?
Is that a serious question? Why wouldn't we try to beat a team lower than us in the table, especially over our nearest rivals where a victory would more or less cement our top 4 and Champions League place?
This was our Stoke moment, and we've blown it. Or rather, Emery blew it.
What have we blown exactly? We're in 4th place in the league. Admittedly winning it is a bit of s stretch given the form of the teams above us in the table, but we're firmly on course to improve on last season and 8 points ahead of the team in 6th.
Of course we'd try to beat anyone at home, but there are ways of doing it. I'd have though by now you'd have got used to the fact that Emery isn't a gung-ho manager and that cagey games happen. It didn't work yesterday.
Exactly. We were marginally on top during the first half but didn't take advantage of the openings we made. They did in the second half. We really miss Kamara. Hopefully Ramsey will be back soon as McGinn is going to leave a big hole in the team. But this stuff that we bottled it is rubbish. It will be very tough with the injuries and lack of squad depth, but we are still fourth in March which is bloody good going.
It was the very definition of a bottle job
It wouldn’t be any more of a bottle job if you had an actual bottle with job written on it
Post by: Matt C on March 11, 2024, 12:13:56 PM
Roll on Thursday and for a chance to get this out of the system.
Post by: eamonn on March 11, 2024, 12:14:39 PM
Post by: AV82EC on March 11, 2024, 12:21:06 PM
Nought within about 5 minutes.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 12:22:17 PM
Not sure it's been mentioned but did anyone notice Torres marauder forward from open play at the start of the second half? I thought we had changed our formation and let him be our midfield maestro!
Torres always moves forward with the ball
He’s the most progressive player we have in the team he’s fantastic
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 12:33:40 PM
Not sure it's been mentioned but did anyone notice Torres marauder forward from open play at the start of the second half? I thought we had changed our formation and let him be our midfield maestro!
Torres always moves forward with the ball
He’s the most progressive player we have in the team he’s fantastic
I'd suggest sticking him in midfield for the next few games, but the rest of the defence can't be trusted not to misbehave without him.
Post by: eamonn on March 11, 2024, 12:38:26 PM
Not sure it's been mentioned but did anyone notice Torres marauder forward from open play at the start of the second half? I thought we had changed our formation and let him be our midfield maestro!
Torres always moves forward with the ball
He’s the most progressive player we have in the team he’s fantastic
I know but this was like deep into enemy territory.
Post by: nick harper on March 11, 2024, 12:48:06 PM
Defensively though, we’ve got worse as the season has gone on, but then teams are pressing us better than they were in the first half of the season.
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 12:53:23 PM
That was about the strongest team Spurs could play and in all honesty they are a very good side, particularly their full backs. The criticism of our shape is mostly due to our inability to make the most of the turnovers as we were often 3 v 3 with loads of space to run into given how high Spurs pushed up. It has been a major strength in the main, and on another day it might have been a masterclass by Emery, but that’s football.
Defensively though, we’ve got worse as the season has gone on, but then teams are pressing us better than they were in the first half of the season.
Good post nick and i agree. Any team that presses us well we absolutely fall apart. It does suprise me that when this happens emery has no backup plan.
Its the same against sours u press them but their back four under pressure that's when they are at their worst and we did neither.i literally have no idea what emery was thinking with that setup yesterday. Couldnt have played to spurs strengths more. This is the same spurs side that struggles to win away from home. Im sure i have a de ja vu feeling oh thats right the other was against manure which we lost!
Post by: AV82EC on March 11, 2024, 12:54:35 PM
That was about the strongest team Spurs could play and in all honesty they are a very good side, particularly their full backs. The criticism of our shape is mostly due to our inability to make the most of the turnovers as we were often 3 v 3 with loads of space to run into given how high Spurs pushed up. It has been a major strength in the main, and on another day it might have been a masterclass by Emery, but that’s football.
Defensively though, we’ve got worse as the season has gone on, but then teams are pressing us better than they were in the first half of the season.
Agree on the fullbacks, especially Udogie, he’s a very good player. And also agree on the high press employed by the opposition, Unai needs to find a solution.
Post by: nick harper on March 11, 2024, 12:58:13 PM
That was about the strongest team Spurs could play and in all honesty they are a very good side, particularly their full backs. The criticism of our shape is mostly due to our inability to make the most of the turnovers as we were often 3 v 3 with loads of space to run into given how high Spurs pushed up. It has been a major strength in the main, and on another day it might have been a masterclass by Emery, but that’s football.
Defensively though, we’ve got worse as the season has gone on, but then teams are pressing us better than they were in the first half of the season.
Good post nick and i agree. Any team that presses us well we absolutely fall apart. It does suprise me that when this happens emery has no backup plan.
Its the same against sours u press them but their back four under pressure that's when they are at their worst and we did neither.i literally have no idea what emery was thinking with that setup yesterday. Couldnt have played to spurs strengths more. This is the same spurs side that struggles to win away from home. Im sure i have a de ja vu feeling oh thats right the other was against manure which we lost!
Not sure that’s right. They’ve won 6 and only lost 2 away from home and that includes draws at Arsenal and Man City. They are very much a front foot side, a bit vulnerable at the back, but lots of options going forward. Like us, they’ve got to play the top 3 again.
Post by: simon ward 50 on March 11, 2024, 12:59:07 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2024, 01:02:30 PM
We are going to have to come up with something because Luiz can not do it on his own.Not sure it's been mentioned but did anyone notice Torres marauder forward from open play at the start of the second half? I thought we had changed our formation and let him be our midfield maestro!
Torres always moves forward with the ball
He’s the most progressive player we have in the team he’s fantastic
I'd suggest sticking him in midfield for the next few games, but the rest of the defence can't be trusted not to misbehave without him.
He obviously dosent think Tim is ready and Tielemans is better further forward.
Post by: VillaTim on March 11, 2024, 01:14:05 PM
Anybody having Moscow flash backs?is it not Stoke flashbacks
Post by: RamboandBruno on March 11, 2024, 01:21:31 PM
Its probably worth waiting until the end of the season before judging whether yesterday was our Stoke moment. Its always better to have the points on the board than games in hand and at the moment we’re still 4th, nothing has been determined yet.Why should we always have a go at home?
Is that a serious question? Why wouldn't we try to beat a team lower than us in the table, especially over our nearest rivals where a victory would more or less cement our top 4 and Champions League place?
This was our Stoke moment, and we've blown it. Or rather, Emery blew it.
Yesterday, for those tactics to be deemed to have worked, however unpalatable they were, we would of needed to score first. Once we had to chase it, we were largely there for the taking.
Looking at the season as a whole so far, I think the reason we have let goals in, in most games is largely due to not being able to play a settled back four. Moreno out before a ball is kicked, Mings out for season part way through first game, Moreno slowly comes back as Dignes is done for six weeks. Pau’s out for two months, as he’s trying to come back, Konsa’s out for a month. If you look at our great run at the end of last season, it was Cash, Konsa, Mings, Moreno, starting virtually every match.
Fingers crossed it looks like we could have a settled back four again, if Unai chooses to use, for the rest of the season. So hopefully that should help.
The midfield though, not entirely sure where we go from next Sunday onwards. Getting Ramsey back will be massive, but I’ll think he’ll have to rely on Tim, until McGinns back.
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 01:26:41 PM
We are going to have to come up with something because Luiz can not do it on his own.Not sure it's been mentioned but did anyone notice Torres marauder forward from open play at the start of the second half? I thought we had changed our formation and let him be our midfield maestro!
Torres always moves forward with the ball
He’s the most progressive player we have in the team he’s fantastic
I'd suggest sticking him in midfield for the next few games, but the rest of the defence can't be trusted not to misbehave without him.
He obviously dosent think Tim is ready and Tielemans is better further forward.
He’s going to have to play Tim
Post by: VILLA MOLE on March 11, 2024, 01:37:35 PM
Revenge for Bentancour ! McGinn is as dirty as Cash !!
Just enjoy your win you were the better team !
I think I would rather Manure get fourth now
joking obviously
Post by: pablo_picasso on March 11, 2024, 02:00:50 PM
I seem to be getting lots of Spurzz feeds from Facebook , dear me they are a bunch of deluded precious wankers .
Revenge for Bentancour ! McGinn is as dirty as Cash !!
Just enjoy your win you were the better team !
I think I would rather Manure get fourth now
joking obviously
Yeah, my mate sent me that this morning.
I reminded him the fall off that high horse will be hilarious when their very own thug Romero assaults someone again...
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 02:09:15 PM
That was about the strongest team Spurs could play and in all honesty they are a very good side, particularly their full backs. The criticism of our shape is mostly due to our inability to make the most of the turnovers as we were often 3 v 3 with loads of space to run into given how high Spurs pushed up. It has been a major strength in the main, and on another day it might have been a masterclass by Emery, but that’s football.
Defensively though, we’ve got worse as the season has gone on, but then teams are pressing us better than they were in the first half of the season.
Good post nick and i agree. Any team that presses us well we absolutely fall apart. It does suprise me that when this happens emery has no backup plan.
Its the same against sours u press them but their back four under pressure that's when they are at their worst and we did neither.i literally have no idea what emery was thinking with that setup yesterday. Couldnt have played to spurs strengths more. This is the same spurs side that struggles to win away from home. Im sure i have a de ja vu feeling oh thats right the other was against manure which we lost!
Not sure that’s right. They’ve won 6 and only lost 2 away from home and that includes draws at Arsenal and Man City. They are very much a front foot side, a bit vulnerable at the back, but lots of options going forward. Like us, they’ve got to play the top 3 again.
Their last away win was dec 15th against forest
They do have alot of options going forward i agree. I did say a while i go and got laughed at that spurs have more depth in their squad than we do
Post by: rougegorge on March 11, 2024, 02:21:26 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 11, 2024, 02:32:58 PM
Their last away win was dec 15th against forest
They do have alot of options going forward i agree. I did say a while i go and got laughed at that spurs have more depth in their squad than we do
You got "laughed" at because you also decided that long term injuries for us don't count, but for them claimed they still had more out injured against us Sunday including a player who was out for the season.
But I expect they do have a stronger in-depth due to having close to 250mill to spend in the summer + others. When we had that FFP freedom, we didn't have a team that had finished in the top five for six of the last 10 years to build on. We couldn't even use any loans in Jan to plug spaces like they have because we had used them up to plug the two long term injuries you don't count as a problem for us this season.
Post by: trinityoap on March 11, 2024, 02:56:32 PM
Post by: Toronto Villa on March 11, 2024, 03:03:12 PM
Yesterday was shit.
Today we are still 4th with 10 games to and in the last 16 of the Conference League.
And relax. I’m sure I will be hyperventilating again on Thursday night ahead of the next big game. But for now…
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 03:05:24 PM
April 14th 1981.Aston Villa 1 - Ipswich Town 2. Remember how that ended.
I admire your optimism, but we ain’t winning the league mate
Post by: Demitri_C on March 11, 2024, 03:15:15 PM
Their last away win was dec 15th against forest
They do have alot of options going forward i agree. I did say a while i go and got laughed at that spurs have more depth in their squad than we do
You got "laughed" at because you also decided that long term injuries for us don't count, but for them claimed they still had more out injured against us Sunday including a player who was out for the season.
But I expect they do have a stronger in-depth due to having close to 250mill to spend in the summer + others. When we had that FFP freedom, we didn't have a team that had finished in the top five for six of the last 10 years to build on. We couldn't even use any loans in Jan to plug spaces like they have because we had used them up to plug the two long term injuries you don't count as a problem for us this season.
What on earth are you talking about ? Im not talking about yesterdays post im talking about how i said weeks ago that i think spurs are better than us and have more squad depth. Please read the posts.
As for yesterdays i was asked a qusstion on the injuries so i said sessganon as he is a injured player. As i said yesterday so you understand if we exclude the long term injuries we had two players out kamara and ramsey while spurs only had richarldson so its only one extra player we have out so im not sure whats so funny to laugh at that post?
The teams were almost full strength for both. Never should be losing that 4-0. Thats just poor
Post by: Ads on March 11, 2024, 03:21:19 PM
Post by: Drummond on March 11, 2024, 03:31:38 PM
We've had a really tough run injury wise this season, and somehow kept pulling results out of the bag. Yesterday can't be blamed on our injury list though, that's for sure.
Post by: Skerra on March 11, 2024, 03:43:49 PM
Still can’t get over some people saying we’re knackered because we are playing in the Conference League on a Thursday. If that’s the case, what’s the point of trying to get Champions League, where we will still have to play midweek matches but, against much stronger opposition. The mind boggles as, if a professional footballer at the height of their fitness in life, can’t play 2 games a week then there’s not much hope.
Post by: ChicagoLion on March 11, 2024, 03:55:13 PM
Of course I want us to finish as high up as possible but, if it wasn’t for Manure being so shit, I think 6th would be our finishing position this season. As it is, I’m still clinging onto the hope of finishing 5th, just behind Spurs. Our zenith was the Man City game but, all started to change when we drew with Sheffield Utd. At that point we could have gone top of the league but, have never reached the heights since then. We’ve dug out a few results but, overall we haven’t played that well.If you have the squad you can cope with playing twice a week, Sadly , right now we don't. Hopefully next season we will.
Still can’t get over some people saying we’re knackered because we are playing in the Conference League on a Thursday. If that’s the case, what’s the point of trying to get Champions League, where we will still have to play midweek matches but, against much stronger opposition. The mind boggles as, if a professional footballer at the height of their fitness in life, can’t play 2 games a week then there’s not much hope.
Post by: astonvilla82 on March 11, 2024, 04:12:05 PM
Of course I want us to finish as high up as possible but, if it wasn’t for Manure being so shit, I think 6th would be our finishing position this season. As it is, I’m still clinging onto the hope of finishing 5th, just behind Spurs. Our zenith was the Man City game but, all started to change when we drew with Sheffield Utd. At that point we could have gone top of the league but, have never reached the heights since then. We’ve dug out a few results but, overall we haven’t played that well.You forgot Chelsea who spent 1 billion if I am correct, so we would be 7th
Still can’t get over some people saying we’re knackered because we are playing in the Conference League on a Thursday. If that’s the case, what’s the point of trying to get Champions League, where we will still have to play midweek matches but, against much stronger opposition. The mind boggles as, if a professional footballer at the height of their fitness in life, can’t play 2 games a week then there’s not much hope.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on March 11, 2024, 04:19:21 PM
Post by: Olof's Beard on March 11, 2024, 04:46:49 PM
Post by: Risso on March 11, 2024, 04:51:15 PM
All of us on here are feeling pretty sore after yesterday's game. But spare a thought for the poor fella who did the skybet6 this weekend, and who would have won £250,000, if only the score in our game had stayed at 0-2.
Toney can get stuffed, quite frankly.
Post by: Oklahoma on March 11, 2024, 04:59:15 PM
Emery doesn't get it wrong very often, he's been absolutely fantastic for this club.
4th place with 10 games to go is an incredible position....all to play for.
UTV
Post by: john e on March 11, 2024, 05:11:42 PM
Emery sent the team out to play a certain way. It didn't work, we lost badly in the end (to a good team).
Emery doesn't get it wrong very often, he's been absolutely fantastic for this club.
4th place with 10 games to go is an incredible position....all to play for.
UTV
Can’t argue with any of that
Post by: eamonn on March 11, 2024, 05:28:17 PM
Their options in central midfield yesterday were Sarr, Bissouma, Bentancur, Hojberg and Lo Celso. Five expensive international players (they also have that Skippety Skipp fella). Ours are Kamara, Luiz, McGinn before we get down to Tim or shifting Tielemans back there. They are years ahead of us in terms of squad depth and can money on squad fillers which we just can't.
Ramsey? I know we play him on the left generally but he can play CM. They have more options but our top options are just as good if not better than theirs. I wouldn't swap Luiz, Tielemans, McGinn or Ramsey for theirs.
Post by: LeonW on March 11, 2024, 05:57:37 PM
Post by: brontebilly on March 11, 2024, 06:07:40 PM
Their options in central midfield yesterday were Sarr, Bissouma, Bentancur, Hojberg and Lo Celso. Five expensive international players (they also have that Skippety Skipp fella). Ours are Kamara, Luiz, McGinn before we get down to Tim or shifting Tielemans back there. They are years ahead of us in terms of squad depth and can money on squad fillers which we just can't.
Yet we are still ahead of them in the table even after yesterday. No doubt they will have a wobble themselves on the run in and might have an injury or suspension to a key player or two.
But just looking at their revenues, age profile of their squad and finally getting in a non toxic coach, they are going to be a force for the foreseeable.
Post by: ez on March 11, 2024, 06:25:26 PM
Post by: Gareth on March 11, 2024, 06:43:49 PM
Their options in central midfield yesterday were Sarr, Bissouma, Bentancur, Hojberg and Lo Celso. Five expensive international players (they also have that Skippety Skipp fella). Ours are Kamara, Luiz, McGinn before we get down to Tim or shifting Tielemans back there. They are years ahead of us in terms of squad depth and can money on squad fillers which we just can't.
Yet we are still ahead of them in the table even after yesterday. No doubt they will have a wobble themselves on the run in and might have an injury or suspension to a key player or two.
But just looking at their revenues, age profile of their squad and finally getting in a non toxic coach, they are going to be a force for the foreseeable.
Nobody will know if they have any injuries though…media won’t mention it :-)
Only player they seemed short of yesterday was the Brazilian Troy Deeney up front
Was impressed with them to be fair, they had 5/6 in the first half constantly operating the fast high press which was why Konsa / Lenglet in particular always seemed short of time on the ball
Post by: Richard E on March 11, 2024, 06:49:14 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on March 11, 2024, 07:03:35 PM
Emery sent the team out to play a certain way. It didn't work, we lost badly in the end (to a good team).
Emery doesn't get it wrong very often, he's been absolutely fantastic for this club.
4th place with 10 games to go is an incredible position....all to play for.
UTV
Can’t argue with any of that
Agreed, Unai will make Aston Villa great again.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on March 11, 2024, 07:30:39 PM
Post by: AV82EC on March 11, 2024, 08:02:32 PM
Apparently we had 31 percent possession yesterday. For a home game that's really embarrassing.
Not when you’re down to 10 men for the last 40
Minutes of the game.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on March 11, 2024, 10:37:29 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on March 11, 2024, 10:40:20 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on March 11, 2024, 10:49:45 PM
Apparently we had 31 percent possession yesterday. For a home game that's really embarrassing.
Not when you’re down to 10 men for the last 40
Minutes of the game.
Although it was also 30% in the first half. TBH the setup was to frustrate them and for us to hit them on the break. We had 5 chances at goal and they managed only 5 touches in the box so it was working. But Unai forgot that the teams half time cocoa and story sends them to sleep for about 15 minutes which was the downfall of the system.
Post by: BC54 VFC on March 12, 2024, 12:33:34 AM
There is one bit of good news. We officially cannot be relegated now....and at least our average points per match is still ahead of that of Spurs!
Post by: alanclare on March 12, 2024, 07:21:49 AM
Why did Maddison have to score? Can’t stand the Coventry twat.
Good player though, isn’t he?
Post by: alanclare on March 12, 2024, 07:29:31 AM
We didn't "go for it" at any stage of the match. We didn't have a shot on target in the first half, then conceded our usual soft shite goals just after the break, two of them, at which point the game was over.
Sums it up for me.
Post by: eamonn on March 12, 2024, 10:43:16 AM
There is one bit of good news. We officially cannot be relegated now.
Yeah, no.