Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on April 12, 2025, 04:56:22 PM
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Never in doubt.
And the sorcery of a positive goal difference.
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Forest lose at home to Everton, which is nice.
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Solid. Should have been many more. But 5th and 3 points off 3rd is brilliant considering where we were just a few weeks ago.
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Never in doubt....? Lets hope Man Utd have got it them to beat Newcastle tomorrow.
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Forest in range now. Is properly 3 from 5.
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Finishing the league season like we did two years ago and keeping clean sheets again. Forest 3pts ahead, some clear distance between us and and Brighton. What's nice is we can keep changing gears and personnel. Happy days!
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Eddie Howe taken to hospital, latest.
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Bloody Hell Villa! Stop making me have to support Man U!
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Eddie Howe taken to hospital, latest.
?
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Flying.
You can keep your Assensios's and your Rashfords's, our Marlon is the lad for me. Cracker!
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(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/800/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2025/4/12/29722c2e-ea29-4882-b963-f5920d4adae5.jpg.webp)
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Not pretty. Cant lie I was worried after 70 mins. But we bring two class strikers on and it changes the game.
Asensio's penalties are a worry before Tuesday. I get why he wanted the second, but surely you leather that one at 2-0 up.
Anyway, job done. Didnt look like any injuries incurred. Everton beat Forest.
A good day.
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Lovely stuff. Everton winning the rugby match at the City Ground is icing on the cake.
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We need to beat Fulham at home, take points of Toon and Citeh in next 3.
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I can see us finishing no lower than 7th. I can't see Fulham or any of those lower catching us now.
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Two wonderful goals helped change what was a struggle to watch at times. SJM with the cherry on the cake.
QUIZ TIME: When was the last time Villa won in 90 minutes by 3 goals or more and all goals were scored by the subs?
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It was some finish from Ollie for his goal. A bit of a shame he didn't take the second penalty.
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Up to fifth as it stands. I thought Forest were nailed to finish in the CL places. Now I'm not so sure.
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2nd time Malen has done that finish, spanked across the goal into the far side netting. Love to see it.
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2nd time Malen has done that finish, spanked across the goal into the far side netting. Love to see it.
Don't do it often, but said "goal" before he hit it. Have as much confidence in him from there as I do in Asensio from 12 yards (when it's not a penalty).
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Two wonderful goals helped change what was a struggle to watch at times. SJM with the cherry on the cake.
QUIZ TIME: When was the last time Villa won in 90 minutes by 3 goals or more and all goals were scored by the subs?
Today.
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I think I'd feel kind of bad for Forest if they miss out on CL at this late stage but it's brilliant for us if there's only the top2 placed wrapped up. Fighting for 3 spots is a lot more doable than fighting for 1, which is where it looked like we were a few weeks ago.
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Forest beginning to wobble?
A couple of thoughts:
They've been remarkably injury free this far - you'd have to hope that the stats will even up over the closing run in.
Wonder if a bit of self doubt might creep in? "We've had a good run and have been batting above our average - The Conference League will still be pretty good."
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2nd time Malen has done that finish, spanked across the goal into the far side netting. Love to see it.
Don't do it often, but said "goal" before he hit it. Have as much confidence in him from there as I do in Asensio from 12 yards (when it's not a penalty).
Same - as soon as he was played through I knew it was in.
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Asensio’s plant gave away and he slipped as he took the second penalty. But it wasn’t a good decision anyway especially going the same direction.
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I wouldn't begrudge Forest making the CL, i'd also laugh like drain if they fuck it up.
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You'd think Asensio missing 2 and Ollie scoring might give Ollie a little boost. Asensio has been brilliant since he came in and Ollie has been off the boil for a while. Hopefully it doesn't knock Asensio's confidence, but might be just what Ollie needs to light a fire under him for the next few games.
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Absolutely vital win - Ollie shows his value again.
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Forest beginning to wobble?
A couple of thoughts:
They've been remarkably injury free this far - you'd have to hope that the stats will even up over the closing run in.
Wonder if a bit of self doubt might creep in? "We've had a good run and have been batting above our average - The Conference League will still be pretty good."
They're us in 1990. Everything's going for you until it isn't.
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Two wonderful goals helped change what was a struggle to watch at times. SJM with the cherry on the cake.
QUIZ TIME: When was the last time Villa won in 90 minutes by 3 goals or more and all goals were scored by the subs?
Today.
Easy question!
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Really shit penalties and a really shit style of taking them, both.
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Really like the look of Malen ....pace, energy and control. Loved that finish.
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Somebody connected to Forest said their legs had gone in the game before they played us. I think the suggestion was they’d be relying on the same players all season.
As for us I loved the character today. Asensio has been a little bit off the boil the last three games and most likely to have an impact coming off the bench. Ollie changing at the bit now and must be odds on to start on Tuesday. Malen is incredibly likeable!
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Really shit penalties and a really shit style of taking them, both.
For the second pen he stood there with his face in his hands instead of doing what McGinn did. That was poor.
He shouldn't be anywhere near pens and Rashford shouldn't take free kicks.
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Always great to beat the Scummers of Southampton. My home town team and just like Pompey I've always loathed them. A very satisfying win after a CL midweek game.
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QUIZ TIME: When was the last time Villa won in 90 minutes by 3 goals or more and all goals were scored by the subs?
Next tuesday ?
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2nd time Malen has done that finish, spanked across the goal into the far side netting. Love to see it.
Nearly did the same against Liverpool in injury time.
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Mentioned in the match thread that for all his so called crapness Ollie is still 7th in goals and assists in the PL this season. With the likes of salah palmer etc above him.
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Thank God Rashford was hooked.
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Very professional in the end. Saints parked the bus with aplomb in the first half but were dreadful in the second.
Emi 7 Had one save to make, and made it.
Cash 6
Maatsen 6 8 for getting into good positions but 4 for his crossing. I like him though
Mings 7.5 Easy match for him, just wrong footed once by Cam
Konsa 7.5 Likewise, without being wrong footed by Cam
Onana 7.5 Thought he was really good
Tielemans 8 was instrumental in first two goals and was the heartbeat of the team.
Asensio 4 Had a mare from start to finish, not just the pens, but hardly complaining, seeing what he’s given us in the last couple of months. Just not his day.
Ramsey 6
Rashford 6 better when drifts wide. All his assists have come from there.
Rogers 6
Subs
Ollie 8 what a finish
Malen 8 what a finish
Kamara, McGinn, Garcia, not on for long enough to say.
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Our first clean sheet double of the season.
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I thought I saw McGinn telling Ollie to take the second pen
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It was a bit like the Preston game where we had to break them down, but it took us a while.
I was a bit worried we may mess it up after Asensio missed the first penalty, but they didn't look like scoring so getting that first goal was crucial.
We are good at corners according to the stats, but we had loads today without much end product. The crossing from Maatsen and Asensio was also poor.
It's a shame as I like going to Southampton and it was a good day out today, preferable to Burnley.
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I thought I saw McGinn telling Ollie to take the second pen
Surprised if he did. Manager makes decisions on penalty takers pre-game and Captains are on the pitch to be the managers voice.
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We found it tough to break them down, but I was never less than confident we'd find a way through sooner or later.
Ollie's goal was a peach. Got thrown out by the stewards for forgetting not to celebrate as we were sitting with the home fans. Missed Malen's goal, but found other seats just in time to see McGinn round things off nicely (although I was a bit shocked that Asensio missed TWO pens).
Routine win.
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It was a bit like the Preston game where we had to break them down, but it took us a while.
I was a bit worried we may mess it up after Asensio missed the first penalty, but they didn't look like scoring so getting that first goal was crucial.
We are good at corners according to the stats, but we had loads today without much end product. The crossing from Maatsen and Asensio was also poor.
It's a shame as I like going to Southampton and it was a good day out today, preferable to Burnley.
Not me, I live 25 miles from Turf Moor..
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Not sure what Asensio's technique was today for his penalties. Last one was in the corners. This was was always relying on the keeper going the wrong way. At least he actually caught it the first time. Second one was a dribble across the floor.
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Our squad depth is so good now. I’m convinced had it been 0-0 and the 3 subs were in reverse; so Rashford for Ollie etc. that the result would have been the same. We no longer have a significant change or drop in quality level across most of the positions now. GK being the obvious exception.
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Job done eventually against possibly the worst Prem team in history.
3 points move on, next .
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QUIZ TIME: When was the last time Villa won in 90 minutes by 3 goals or more and all goals were scored by the subs?
Next tuesdayWednesday ?
We have a winner!
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Imagine if those two Asensio penalty misses had been against PSG.
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Forest beginning to wobble?
A couple of thoughts:
They've been remarkably injury free this far - you'd have to hope that the stats will even up over the closing run in.
Wonder if a bit of self doubt might creep in? "We've had a good run and have been batting above our average - The Conference League will still be pretty good."
They're us in 1990. Everything's going for you until it isn't.
Except they were never gonna win the league and we were.
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It was some finish from Ollie for his goal. A bit of a shame he didn't take the second penalty.
Isn’t he meant to be a bit shit?
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We are getting good at these 3-0 wins…
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Never in doubt. We just needed to get the first. Then game over.
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Southampton, the perfect opposition after PSG. Onwards and upwards!!
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Russell Martin was their Tim Sherwood
Ivo Juric was their Remi Garde
Simon Rusk is their Eric Black
Wonder if they'll have a Roberto di Matteo and then a Steve Bruce before the calendar year is through...
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Lovely afternoon in the sunshine. The Southampton fans do not appear to like Cameron Archer.
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Russell Martin was their Tim Sherwood
Ivo Juric was their Remi Garde
Simon Rusk is their Eric Black
Wonder if they'll have a Roberto di Matteo and then a Steve Bruce before the calendar year is through...
Uncanny. Gobby poser. Reserved foreign sort. Don't know much about Simon Rusk, but guessing he's Black reincarnate.
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Lovely afternoon in the sunshine. The Southampton fans do not appear to like Cameron Archer.
Did your lad enjoy it Dave?
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It feels a life time since I’ve watched Villa live and I thoroughly enjoyed that game. Seeing this special team we have built and our manager looking the boss on the sideline was brilliant. What a great day.
Special mention to Maatsen, he was a real terrier at left back, both in the tackle and going forward. I really like him, he’s going to be a great signing. Onana was ace too, he played really well, another good signing.
I thought we worked really hard today off the ball, excellent work rate.
Two super subs in Ollie and Malen, bringing them two on when we did was a good move. They both have pace and they caused all sorts of trouble. Two excellent finishes.
I’m still gobsmacked that Asensio missed those penalties. I’d have bet my house on him scoring the first.
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Lovely afternoon in the sunshine. The Southampton fans do not appear to like Cameron Archer.
Did your lad enjoy it Dave?
Mostly. He turned to me at half-time and said "Daddy, I'm already fed up of being a Southampton supporter". Poor bastards, although obviously we've already had our turn recently of looking like *that*. Pretty sure there will have been plenty of supporters on both sides there today who sat / stood in the same spot and watched them pummel us 6-1 just under ten years ago.
He's enjoying seeing us winning though, even if he had to do it quietly today. Were it not for Bournemouth's last-minute equaliser he'd be five out of five this season.
Glad you enjoyed your birthday gift - agreed on Maatsen, I thought he was really good. Although obviously he'll have harder defensive tests in future.
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Lovely afternoon in the sunshine. The Southampton fans do not appear to like Cameron Archer.
Did your lad enjoy it Dave?
Mostly. He turned to me at half-time and said "Daddy, I'm already fed up of being a Southampton supporter". Poor bastards, although obviously we've already had our turn recently of looking like *that*. Pretty sure there will be plenty of supporters on both sides who watched them pummel us 6-1 just under ten years ago.
He's enjoying seeing us winning though, were it not for Bournemouth's last-minute equaliser he'd be five out of five this season.
Glad you enjoyed your birthday gift - agreed on Maatsen, I thought he was really good. Although obviously he'll have harder defensive tests in future.
Ha ha! I must admit, it was hard being in with the home crowd, especially as we were so close to our fans, I get him. That’s a decent record too, you need to keep taking him.
I can’t believe how many got up and walked out when Ollie scored. There was still 15 minutes to go.
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I can’t believe how many got up and walked out when Ollie scored. There was still 15 minutes to go.
We were at the other end right next to the terrace, and to be fair to them, they were in decent voice, pretty good humour and were admirably supportive for most of the game. I've definitely heard much better Villa teams be given more stick than they were giving a lot of their terrible players today.
Not many left round us after the first goal, but Malen's caused a complete exodus.
Also, it might just have been their partiality rubbing off on me, but I thought we definitely got the better of a lot of 50/50 refereeing calls, particularly in the first half.
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Premier League
@premierleague
Aston Villa became the first side in Premier League history to have three substitutes score in one match!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GoXCgT2WwAAUfQj?format=jpg&name=900x900)
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Turns out Asensio isn’t omnipotent. Ah well. We won.
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The biggest cheer in our stand was when Southampton finally won a free kick. It was quite funny to be honest. My wife said just before half time the ref was a secret Villa fan.
Their fans were quite loud from where I was but also as soon as they upped their voice our lot drowned them out. That could be the acoustics of the ground mind.
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https://www.skysports.com/premier-league-highlights/video/36504/13347414/southampton-0-3-aston-villa-premier-league-highlights
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Turns out Asensio isn’t omnipotent. Ah well. We won.
That's between him and his missus anyway
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The biggest cheer in our stand was when Southampton finally won a free kick. It was quite funny to be honest. My wife said just before half time the ref was a secret Villa fan.
Their fans were quite loud from where I was but also as soon as they upped their voice our lot drowned them out. That could be the acoustics of the ground mind.
Yes, we heard and enjoyed that 😄
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Lovely afternoon in the sunshine. The Southampton fans do not appear to like Cameron Archer.
I felt like he was the only attacker of theirs who gave us much trouble. He riled Konsa on one occasion
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Lovely afternoon in the sunshine. The Southampton fans do not appear to like Cameron Archer.
I felt like he was the only attacker of theirs who gave us much trouble. He riled Konsa on one occasion
I don't think their issues with him were all about today. He certainly wasn't any worse today than most of their players.
And it was Mings that he somehow outmuscled and made Emi briefly have to pay attention, rather than Konsa.
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Lovely afternoon in the sunshine. The Southampton fans do not appear to like Cameron Archer.
I felt like he was the only attacker of theirs who gave us much trouble. He riled Konsa on one occasion
Brought out a good save from the World's Number One.
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Archer needs a season in the Championship as a regular starter and potentially banging a load in. Being a bit part player in sides stinking out the PL isn't doing his career any good.
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It really was like the Preston game. One goal and it was done. Ollie was great when he came on. Marco needs to stay off pens, they were both a bit cack.
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The biggest cheer in our stand was when Southampton finally won a free kick. It was quite funny to be honest. My wife said just before half time the ref was a secret Villa fan.
Their fans were quite loud from where I was but also as soon as they upped their voice our lot drowned them out. That could be the acoustics of the ground mind.
Were you in the Kingsland Stand? If so, you may have seen us being escorted out by the stewards after Ollie scored. My lad couldn't contain himself and blew our cover.
To be fair, it felt like we were in with the Villa fans - they were only a few feet away and didn't stop singing all afternoon. Our travelling supporters really are superb.
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Archer needs a season in the Championship as a regular starter and potentially banging a load in. Being a bit part player in sides stinking out the PL isn't doing his career any good.
He certainly does. Boro would be best bet if they don't get promoted.
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The biggest cheer in our stand was when Southampton finally won a free kick. It was quite funny to be honest. My wife said just before half time the ref was a secret Villa fan.
Their fans were quite loud from where I was but also as soon as they upped their voice our lot drowned them out. That could be the acoustics of the ground mind.
Were you in the Kingsland Stand? If so, you may have seen us being escorted out by the stewards after Ollie scored. My lad couldn't contain himself and blew our cover.
To be fair, it felt like we were in with the Villa fans - they were only a few feet away and didn't stop singing all afternoon. Our travelling supporters really are superb.
No, we were in the Chappell stand, right behind the goal near the top. Decent view, but surrounded by Saints, well until Ollie scored. My wife was convinced the lad next to her was Villa, she said he was a bit fidgety when Ollie scored.
Our fans were loud, made a noise all match, they were ace. It was hard sitting there trying to not get involved or excited.
When they made a sub at the end, a young lad came on really late, I reckon his family were sat behind me. They were pleased as punch, looking really proud. It was a lovely moment to witness.
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Such a good finish from Ollie (and what a pass from Tielemans) - hope it gives his confidence a little nudge, he’s looked in need of it.
Southampton clearly aren’t great but you still need to win these games and we did. Again. Still in the mix on three fronts by mid-April (only side in England that is) - now to try and turn a very good season into an exceptional one.
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Result is king but performance was not great. Great finishes from Watkins and Malen. Rashford anonymous. Asensio, no more penalties. The second was poor in the sense that he clearly wasn’t confident, executed poor technique and it seemed, let ego take over decision making.
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The biggest cheer in our stand was when Southampton finally won a free kick. It was quite funny to be honest. My wife said just before half time the ref was a secret Villa fan.
Their fans were quite loud from where I was but also as soon as they upped their voice our lot drowned them out. That could be the acoustics of the ground mind.
Were you in the Kingsland Stand? If so, you may have seen us being escorted out by the stewards after Ollie scored. My lad couldn't contain himself and blew our cover.
To be fair, it felt like we were in with the Villa fans - they were only a few feet away and didn't stop singing all afternoon. Our travelling supporters really are superb.
We were in the Kingsland Stand and my son saw your lad getting thrown out of by the sounds of it, after Ollie’s superb goal.
Nice day out, dead easy to get to, I can’t remember the last Saturday 3 o’clock away I’ve been to. My last trip to the Dell was the one at the end of the 93/94 season, when we lost and ended up with Neil Cox in goal, and lots of fancy dress clad Villa fans gave Ian Dowie tonnes of stick.
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Good win and great away day.
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Great to see SJM get his first league goal of the season, maybe he's on a roll now and will get the goal that wins the tie for us on Tuesday!
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Two wonderful goals helped change what was a struggle to watch at times. SJM with the cherry on the cake.
QUIZ TIME: When was the last time Villa won in 90 minutes by 3 goals or more and all goals were scored by the subs?
According to Gary Lineker it was the first time in Premier League history that 3 different subs have come on and scored for the same team.
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https://www.facebook.com/reel/1016610013727899
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Result is king but performance was not great. Great finishes from Watkins and Malen. Rashford anonymous. Asensio, no more penalties. The second was poor in the sense that he clearly wasn’t confident, executed poor technique and it seemed, let ego take over decision making.
I’d make it a club rule that if the penalty taker misses a penalty they can’t take a later one. I still remember JPa messing up twice at Fulham allowing them to sneak a last minute equaliser
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Result is king but performance was not great. Great finishes from Watkins and Malen. Rashford anonymous. Asensio, no more penalties. The second was poor in the sense that he clearly wasn’t confident, executed poor technique and it seemed, let ego take over decision making.
I’d make it a club rule that if the penalty taker misses a penalty they can’t take a later one. I still remember JPa messing up twice at Fulham allowing them to sneak a last minute equaliser
We haven’t replaced El Ghazi on pens.
Remember that also. Loved Angel but he did have some strange moments like that Fulham game. Spurs at home a couple of seasons later when he missed another penalty and then scored an own goal a couple of minutes later.
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The first two games I watched at VP were won by penalties after being a goal down.
Christmas 1966 v Sunderland (Lew Chatterley) and Easter 1967 v Sterk (Willie Anderson).
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Other than AEG have we ever had a really really good one?
I remember Deano and Yorke missing at least one - pretty feeble efforts v Ci-eh (cold night game) and Toon just after Keegan fucked off on them
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According to Inside Sport, Barry was none too shabby.
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) - 18 penalties scored, 85.7%
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Yorke was a great penalty taker
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Yorke scored 123 Premier League goals in his career but did not have the best of times while taking penalties. He managed to score six out of the 10 penalties he attempted, with a success rate of 60%.
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John Gidman knew how to take one
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According to Inside Sport, Barry was none too shabby.
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) - 18 penalties scored, 85.7%
Most of them seem to be smashed high down the middle
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Without any research, so I’m expecting to be shot down but players who regularly take penalties, say 15 or more are bound to miss one or two.
Cole Palmer was shit hot then missed a few. The most composed over the last few seasons seems to be Pedro at Brighton.
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Anything above 80% is good.
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Did Angel kick a corner flag instead of the ball once, or something weird like that?
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Did Angel kick a corner flag instead of the ball once, or something weird like that?
A game against Spurs at Villa Park. The game where Barry scored a great equaliser from the left- hand point of the penalty area with his right foot in MON's first season.
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Did Angel kick a corner flag instead of the ball once, or something weird like that?
A game against Spurs at Villa Park. The game where Barry scored a great equaliser from the left- hand point of the penalty area with his right foot in MON's first season.
Edward’s first trip to Villa Park!
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Did Angel kick a corner flag instead of the ball once, or something weird like that?
A game against Spurs at Villa Park. The game where Barry scored a great equaliser from the left- hand point of the penalty area with his right foot in MON's first season.
I was at that, didn't Angel have a comedic bad game, like missed a penalty and scored an own goal?
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Without any research, so I’m expecting to be shot down but players who regularly take penalties, say 15 or more are bound to miss one or two.
Cole Palmer was shit hot then missed a few. The most composed over the last few seasons seems to be Pedro at Brighton.
Yes, Joan Pedro has only missed one out of 16 (Olsen saved it, but he scored the rebound).
Mbeumo has scored 11/11. Following on from Ivan Toney, Brentford must be well drilled.
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Did Angel kick a corner flag instead of the ball once, or something weird like that?
A game against Spurs at Villa Park. The game where Barry scored a great equaliser from the left- hand point of the penalty area with his right foot in MON's first season.
I was at that, didn't Angel have a comedic bad game, like missed a penalty and scored an own goal?
I think you’ve got that spot on. I seem to recall Pat Murphy having a good chortle about it on 5Live.
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Without any research, so I’m expecting to be shot down but players who regularly take penalties, say 15 or more are bound to miss one or two.
Cole Palmer was shit hot then missed a few. The most composed over the last few seasons seems to be Pedro at Brighton.
What pissed me off more about the second penalty was not so much that he missed it but his reaction. Standing there with his head in his hands going oh woe is me... what a penalty taker should be doing the instant the ball leaves their foot is readying themselves for the possibility of the keeper knocking it back into play. Fortunately JMcG had this foresight, but the penalty taker should be leading the charge on any rebounds, not standing feeling sorry for themselves
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In the circumstances I get it - had it been 0-0 I’d be more bothered.
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Without any research, so I’m expecting to be shot down but players who regularly take penalties, say 15 or more are bound to miss one or two.
Cole Palmer was shit hot then missed a few. The most composed over the last few seasons seems to be Pedro at Brighton.
What pissed me off more about the second penalty was not so much that he missed it but his reaction. Standing there with his head in his hands going oh woe is me... what a penalty taker should be doing the instant the ball leaves their foot is readying themselves for the possibility of the keeper knocking it back into play. Fortunately JMcG had this foresight, but the penalty taker should be leading the charge on any rebounds, not standing feeling sorry for themselves
Watkins and Rogers (I think?) were also standing motionless when the ball came back. I get your point about the penalty taker, but lots of questionable reactions there, I think.
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I think we need the coaches from youth level to coach the first team at penalties. They took some belters. Get them on target and high into the net and it takes a superhuman effort to save those
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If you look closely at McGinn's starting position when the penalty is taken, he's the furthest player back. But as soon as Asensio strikes his shit shot, Meatball is on his bike for the rebound. Brilliant anticipation.
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If you look closely at McGinn's starting position when the penalty is taken, he's the furthest player back. But as soon as Asensio strikes his shit shot, Meatball is on his bike for the rebound. Brilliant anticipation.
I used to do that, never bloody paid off though.