Post by: cdbearsfan on August 23, 2025, 05:01:39 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 23, 2025, 05:02:14 PM
Apart from that we were ok.
Post by: Holy Trinity on August 23, 2025, 05:02:35 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on August 23, 2025, 05:03:08 PM
Manager poor, keeper dodgy, defence iffy, midfield ineffective, attackers blunt.
Apart from that we were ok.
Keeper dodgy?
Post by: aev on August 23, 2025, 05:03:12 PM
Post by: BC54 VFC on August 23, 2025, 05:03:30 PM
Post by: Steve67 on August 23, 2025, 05:03:37 PM
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 23, 2025, 05:03:50 PM
Post by: KevinGage on August 23, 2025, 05:04:05 PM
There's a better than average chance Brentford will drop this season.
Yet we could play until tomorrow and never look like scoring.
Post by: Deano's Mullet on August 23, 2025, 05:04:05 PM
Post by: villadelph on August 23, 2025, 05:04:13 PM
Post by: Stu82 on August 23, 2025, 05:04:16 PM
Mings walking the ball like were three up at the end.
Gruessand looks lively though.
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on August 23, 2025, 05:04:21 PM
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 23, 2025, 05:04:33 PM
As a few of us have said, we look like a mid table team and it’s not being helped by the managers odd selections and tactics.
A difficult season ahead.
Post by: passport1 on August 23, 2025, 05:04:59 PM
Post by: astonvilla82 on August 23, 2025, 05:05:25 PM
Post by: TopDeck113 on August 23, 2025, 05:05:26 PM
Post by: villadelph on August 23, 2025, 05:05:32 PM
It’s pretty worrying.
As a few of us have said, we look like a mid table team and it’s not being helped by the managers odd selections and tactics.
A difficult season ahead.
Bringing on Buendia and taking off Buendia was insane.
Post by: Tuscans on August 23, 2025, 05:05:33 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 05:05:35 PM
Post by: CT Villan on August 23, 2025, 05:05:39 PM
Post by: curiousorange on August 23, 2025, 05:05:41 PM
Post by: DB on August 23, 2025, 05:05:45 PM
Post by: BC Villain on August 23, 2025, 05:06:44 PM
Post by: Mister E on August 23, 2025, 05:06:52 PM
Post by: Somniloquism on August 23, 2025, 05:06:54 PM
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on August 23, 2025, 05:06:56 PM
Post by: LukeJames on August 23, 2025, 05:07:28 PM
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 23, 2025, 05:07:32 PM
Post by: LeeS on August 23, 2025, 05:07:46 PM
Post by: Mister E on August 23, 2025, 05:07:47 PM
Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Post by: SaddVillan on August 23, 2025, 05:09:03 PM
PSR/SCR really cramping our ability to bring players in.
The squad is lacking quality and depth.
Too many players playing well below their best levels and we haven't got alternatives.
When we go behind, or face teams that set up uber defensively our passing and movement is far too slow to break teams down or create space and opportunities.
Post by: VILLA MOLE on August 23, 2025, 05:09:08 PM
Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.
Steady dear 🤔😃
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2025, 05:09:16 PM
Our style of play is becoming antiquated, boring and predictable.
If you have a half decent defence then Aston Villa must be the easiest team to defend against. All the play is in front of you and played at walking pace.
Fucking hell, I could defend against that.
So many individuals that deserve a bollocking, but special mention for Rogers and Torres. Both absolutely fucking shit.
It’s difficult to blame Roger’s too much. He has been poor for months and needs taking out of the starting 11 for a while, but for some reason the manager appears blind to it.
That is not ANOTHER bad day at the office….its a worrying pattern that is developing.
Post by: BoVillan esq on August 23, 2025, 05:09:24 PM
Post by: Woody17 on August 23, 2025, 05:09:27 PM
Just when we think good times are coming it all goes back to shit again…..
Post by: ez on August 23, 2025, 05:10:08 PM
Post by: Proposition Joe on August 23, 2025, 05:10:44 PM
Rogers seriously needs dropping. Whether it’s lack of effort or injury, he’s just not offering anything. Slow to the ball, barged off it every time…. Not been good enough for ages.
Someone mentioned something a while ago, might have been here, that our xG takes a hit whenever Rogers is in the team. If he himself is not on it, the team creates very little. He seems to be one of Unai's sacred cows though.
Post by: Smirker on August 23, 2025, 05:10:47 PM
The alarm bells are ringing for the claret and blue.
OK that was funny.
Post by: saint13 on August 23, 2025, 05:11:16 PM
Today was especially poor, 70% possession against a poor side and their keeper barely had to make a save.
Buendia confirmed what we already know about him. He is busy, with lots of huff and puff, but he has zero end product. Onana continues to flatter to deceive. He should give so much more but mre often than not he flits in and out of a game.
Torres is soft and Cash is not good enough. I thought Tielemans was our best player by a mile.
Early doors, but I think we are going to struggle to stay witn the top 6 this season.
Post by: AV82EC on August 23, 2025, 05:11:31 PM
Positives
Possession.
Thought Guessand looked ok when he came on.
Negatives
Special mentions for Buendia and Rogers who were absolutely fucking terrible. Soft as shite on the ball and lost it every time they got it.
Everything else.
Post by: enigma on August 23, 2025, 05:12:18 PM
Remember when we played the high line and played high octane football from the off? Emery changed to this slow patient walking football and it's made us worse.
Post by: Brend'Watkins on August 23, 2025, 05:12:32 PM
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2025, 05:12:34 PM
Just feels like that perpetual cycle that Villa cannot escape.I think we have had our moment.
Just when we think good times are coming it all goes back to shit again…..
Post by: BC Villain on August 23, 2025, 05:12:50 PM
Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Not really. The message they've given all summer is "everyone's for sale". Can't think of any other club who have a sporting director who actively tries to sell its best players for the smallest price possible. No wonder the morale of the squad is so low. They're both incompetent clowns and they need calling out for it.
Post by: Olof's Beard on August 23, 2025, 05:12:51 PM
We started with 1 Bruce signing, 4 Smith signings, 2 Gerrard signings and 4 Unai signings. He has worked wonders but if you can't freshen things up, you go backwards.
Brentford were rubbish and will struggle. It is very worrying and we need three new players in the next week minimum. Not sure we can afford them though.
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 23, 2025, 05:14:07 PM
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 23, 2025, 05:14:39 PM
Post by: VancouverLion on August 23, 2025, 05:15:21 PM
Post by: SamTheMouse on August 23, 2025, 05:15:39 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2025, 05:15:43 PM
Brentford are crap and another game where the opposition keeper could of stayed home. Really slow and predictable. If the fans can see then surely the opposition can. No service, no width, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, pa, Zzzz Zzzz
Indeed. Anybody remember the days when we had players who would take on a man? I love how we give teams time to get eleven men organised behind the ball. Not a fucking clue.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 23, 2025, 05:16:04 PM
Post by: caster troy on August 23, 2025, 05:16:37 PM
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2025, 05:16:59 PM
Post by: villa for life on August 23, 2025, 05:17:13 PM
I wonder if the impact of what happened in that last game v Man U had as much impact psychologically as it did financially.
Many of those players must feel very angry at having their dreams “taken away”.
Post by: Olneythelonely on August 23, 2025, 05:17:15 PM
Post by: Mister E on August 23, 2025, 05:17:44 PM
You're missing the point: Netanyahu and Putin have blood on their hands. Monchi and Vidagany are simply not doing a very good job, as you see it.Not really. The message they've given all summer is "everyone's for sale". Can't think of any other club who have a sporting director who actively tries to sell its best players for the smallest price possible. No wonder the morale of the squad is so low. They're both incompetent clowns and they need calling out for it.Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Post by: PhilVill on August 23, 2025, 05:19:17 PM
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2025, 05:19:52 PM
Only watched the second half. We could have played to midnight and not scored. Simple formula to beat us, start fast, get a goal up then sit and defend as we haven’t a clue how to break it down.
Positives
Possession.
Thought Guessand looked ok when he came on.
Negatives
Special mentions for Buendia and Rogers who were absolutely fucking terrible. Soft as shite on the ball and lost it every time they got it.
Everything else.
You were lucky to only see the second half, we were worse before Buendia came on.
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2025, 05:20:27 PM
I think the players and club are suffering from post traumatic stress.Giving their dreams up so easily would be a fairer assessment
I wonder if the impact of what happened in that last game v Man U had as much impact psychologically as it did financially.
Many of those players must feel very angry at having their dreams “taken away”.
Post by: olaftab on August 23, 2025, 05:20:31 PM
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 23, 2025, 05:20:55 PM
Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Not really. The message they've given all summer is "everyone's for sale". Can't think of any other club who have a sporting director who actively tries to sell its best players for the smallest price possible. No wonder the morale of the squad is so low. They're both incompetent clowns and they need calling out for it.
You are very, very boring.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 23, 2025, 05:20:57 PM
Onana £50 million.. christ almighty.
take £80 million for rogers now.
Post by: Olneythelonely on August 23, 2025, 05:21:37 PM
Post by: Paul.S on August 23, 2025, 05:22:55 PM
We still can’t defend and just have to start playing with pace as we did when Emery first arrived.
Torres is a good ball player but is too slow and doesn’t have the strength to deal with the physical side of the English game.
We are too physically and mentally weak in the centre of midfield. We need someone in there who will stand up away from home because that’s still our weakness. Onana has to be that man now, he has to stand up and use his size.
Rogers needs to move inside where he has the space to do what he does best but the main thing is pace out wide. The likes of Asensio won’t make a difference if we play at a snails pace and have 11 men to get through.
There needs to be a tactical rethink and quickly and I’m sure there will be. This is not working and a class coach such as Emery will surely see this.
I could go on but I don’t think there was a decent performance out there today.
Post by: brontebilly on August 23, 2025, 05:23:00 PM
No idea what the game plan is, playing for set pieces is odd. Emery struggling like many of the players.
Martinez 4 - no fault for goal but far too soft for their disallowed goal. Sharp off line once in second half
Cash 6 - battled hard, no issues defensively and got in around the back once in second half
Mings 4 - most of the forum wanted him tried with Torres and got their answer within 15 mins as Mings went miles from his station. Caught again in second half drifting over. Cannot play RCB
Torres 2 - distribution gone to pot, hopeless for their goal. Getting worse if anything, would move him on.
Digne 4 - legs look gone. Has done well for us but really struggled
Onana 1 - our record signing is a complete fraud
Kamara/Tielemans 6 - thought Tielemans at least got us playing when he dropped back but stamina was suspect last 20
McGinn 6 - best player in first half, not as prominent when moved inside but wouldn't have taken him off
Rogers 3 - I fear Emery has created a bit of monster here, everything just stunk with him but played entire game
Buendia 4 - took a while to get into it but got on some nice balls, thought it was a ridiculous decision to sub the sub and finish his career with us
Watkins 4 - are his legs gone? Just nothing
Malen and Maatsen were rubbish. Bogarde is limited. Guessand at least looked like a footballer.
Emery 3 - needs help in the transfer market but recent signings have been tragic really. Team selection was rotten with no balance in the team again. Signs of an unhappy camp for the first time.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2025, 05:23:57 PM
Awful awful performance.
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2025, 05:24:09 PM
Financial woes, bottling cup semi finals and critical last games of the season, selling ‘our own’, can’t buy any quality.
Are we a club that’s down in the dumps ?
Post by: villadelph on August 23, 2025, 05:25:39 PM
Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Not really. The message they've given all summer is "everyone's for sale". Can't think of any other club who have a sporting director who actively tries to sell its best players for the smallest price possible. No wonder the morale of the squad is so low. They're both incompetent clowns and they need calling out for it.
That’s just farcical. Bouba signed a new deal, Ollie, Emi and Morgan are not for sale and we’ve rebuffed interest from around the league, and we’ve brought in JJ’s replacement already.
Up the meds
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 23, 2025, 05:26:45 PM
Post by: Nev on August 23, 2025, 05:27:15 PM
Stale. That creeping fear that we've peaked with this Manager increases and I hope I'm totally wrong but throw the financial restrictions into the mix and we don't have the option to freshen things up.
And a Sunday evening ko against Palace next up. Fucking hell.
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on August 23, 2025, 05:28:12 PM
That was awful. Worrying start…
And next… Crystal Palace. Chuffing brilliant.
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 23, 2025, 05:28:49 PM
Nothing wrong with criticising Emery for the last two weeks, but a few posts hinting at the end coming etc are hugely premature.
Anyway, Blues performance, nobody comes out with any credit, other than Guessand, who at least tried to take players on and make things happen.
Emery’s Villa has always like to pass it out from the back, but today was so square, no movement, leading to endless passing sideways in front of their back four, or worse a mis placed long ball from Torres, or Mings dawdling on the ball for what felt like a year with minutes left.
I think Emery is trying to solve the defensive frailties of last year by making us more compact in the middle, but it is killing any creativity. If anyone thinks Asensio doesnt improve that team!
He absolutely has to start either one of Malen or Guessand and sacrifice Onana or McGinn next week, depending on Kamara’s injury.
Another week avoiding MOTD.
Other than that, someone else said it but Beundia flutters around and then largely loses the ball and Rogers awful. Not only no attacking threat, aimless passes and knocked off the ball that actually put us in trouble a few times.
Post by: john2710 on August 23, 2025, 05:30:19 PM
The pre-season was flat, our recruitment has been flat. Even the new kit looks like last season's.
The team selection & subs over the 2 games has been questionable. If we can't refresh the players, we need to refresh how we play.
Everything is just so predictable.
Post by: BC Villain on August 23, 2025, 05:31:11 PM
Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Not really. The message they've given all summer is "everyone's for sale". Can't think of any other club who have a sporting director who actively tries to sell its best players for the smallest price possible. No wonder the morale of the squad is so low. They're both incompetent clowns and they need calling out for it.
You are very, very boring.
And unfortunately at the moment so is our team
Post by: eamonn on August 23, 2025, 05:31:28 PM
I'm back to officially worried. No goals in two games and not a hint of one is my main concern.
The worried thread is from a bygone age when Peter W had clout on here. No need to worry no more.
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 23, 2025, 05:32:30 PM
As a club, are we starting to feel a bit sorry for ourselves?
Financial woes, bottling cup semi finals and critical last games of the season, selling ‘our own’, can’t buy any quality.
Are we a club that’s down in the dumps ?
You could be right there. The old saying of give a player an excuse and he'll take it might be happening.
Post by: Nelly on August 23, 2025, 05:33:02 PM
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on August 23, 2025, 05:34:56 PM
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 23, 2025, 05:35:15 PM
Still haven’t found that quiet room to go and play with yourself??Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Not really. The message they've given all summer is "everyone's for sale". Can't think of any other club who have a sporting director who actively tries to sell its best players for the smallest price possible. No wonder the morale of the squad is so low. They're both incompetent clowns and they need calling out for it.
You are very, very boring.
And unfortunately at the moment so is our team
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on August 23, 2025, 05:35:28 PM
As a club, are we starting to feel a bit sorry for ourselves?
Financial woes, bottling cup semi finals and critical last games of the season, selling ‘our own’, can’t buy any quality.
Are we a club that’s down in the dumps ?
yes added to all that Mings "dont know the half" outburst on social media
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 23, 2025, 05:36:23 PM
Post by: London Villan on August 23, 2025, 05:37:21 PM
Post by: Monty on August 23, 2025, 05:37:36 PM
As a club, are we starting to feel a bit sorry for ourselves?
Financial woes, bottling cup semi finals and critical last games of the season, selling ‘our own’, can’t buy any quality.
Are we a club that’s down in the dumps ?
I worry that this is a bit shrewd.
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 23, 2025, 05:39:25 PM
We simply need more in, the bench was so weak. Some players ( Rogers /Watkins) need to know they can be dropped when off it. And they are way off it. Torres is so slow. Okay him European games only ( I know we had no choice today.
In Unai we trust. He needs to sort this, with an excellent week from Monchi.
Post by: Beard82 on August 23, 2025, 05:39:47 PM
It clearly doesnt help that we have to weaken our squad ever season. The jury is still out on last season and this season's signings - but it feels like we have let proven players like Dougie, Diaby, Duran, Ramsey and even Carlos go and the players that we have brought in havent made anywhere near the same impact.
That combined with a complete lack of form from any of our forward players, Its not surprising the difficulties we had.
Post by: Nunkin1965 on August 23, 2025, 05:40:09 PM
I can't see the team ever getting to your levels if im being honest.Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Not really. The message they've given all summer is "everyone's for sale". Can't think of any other club who have a sporting director who actively tries to sell its best players for the smallest price possible. No wonder the morale of the squad is so low. They're both incompetent clowns and they need calling out for it.
You are very, very boring.
And unfortunately at the moment so is our team
Post by: Proposition Joe on August 23, 2025, 05:40:18 PM
I think the players and club are suffering from post traumatic stress.Giving their dreams up so easily would be a fairer assessment
I wonder if the impact of what happened in that last game v Man U had as much impact psychologically as it did financially.
Many of those players must feel very angry at having their dreams “taken away”.
Yeah, if it meant so much to the players they shouldn't have been so utterly shit at OT. Only ourselves to blame for that.
Post by: eamonn on August 23, 2025, 05:41:30 PM
Urgh.
That was awful. Worrying start…
And next… Crystal Palace. Chuffing brilliant.
No worries. It will be easy without Eze.
Post by: Beard82 on August 23, 2025, 05:41:42 PM
Whats this?As a club, are we starting to feel a bit sorry for ourselves?
Financial woes, bottling cup semi finals and critical last games of the season, selling ‘our own’, can’t buy any quality.
Are we a club that’s down in the dumps ?
yes added to all that Mings "dont know the half" outburst on social media
Post by: Walmley_Villa on August 23, 2025, 05:42:16 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 23, 2025, 05:45:21 PM
Post by: john2710 on August 23, 2025, 05:48:06 PM
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on August 23, 2025, 05:48:39 PM
Still haven’t found that quiet room to go and play with yourself??Monchi and Vidagany have blood on their hands for the shambolic way they've managed our transfer dealings. Get rid of them.That's a pretty tasteless way of describing things, even in the heat of a poor defeat.
Not really. The message they've given all summer is "everyone's for sale". Can't think of any other club who have a sporting director who actively tries to sell its best players for the smallest price possible. No wonder the morale of the squad is so low. They're both incompetent clowns and they need calling out for it.
You are very, very boring.
And unfortunately at the moment so is our team
Oh, he's playing with himself today.
Post by: London Villan on August 23, 2025, 05:48:56 PM
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2025, 05:50:45 PM
Post by: Taylor on August 23, 2025, 05:50:54 PM
Post by: Flamingo Lane on August 23, 2025, 05:55:41 PM
As a club, are we starting to feel a bit sorry for ourselves?
Financial woes, bottling cup semi finals and critical last games of the season, selling ‘our own’, can’t buy any quality.
Are we a club that’s down in the dumps ?
You could be right there. The old saying of give a player an excuse and he'll take it might be happening.
That's exactly as it seems to me.
Post by: Taylor on August 23, 2025, 05:58:52 PM
As a club, are we starting to feel a bit sorry for ourselves?
Financial woes, bottling cup semi finals and critical last games of the season, selling ‘our own’, can’t buy any quality.
Are we a club that’s down in the dumps ?
You could be right there. The old saying of give a player an excuse and he'll take it might be happening.
That's exactly as it seems to me.
I wonder if the selling of Ramsey has had an effect. Rogers and Mings seemed pretty close to him.
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2025, 06:03:47 PM
Post by: Pete3206 on August 23, 2025, 06:08:57 PM
Post by: London Villan on August 23, 2025, 06:10:03 PM
Post by: Baldy on August 23, 2025, 06:10:54 PM
A lot of our players think achieving a massive wage packet constitutes enough success.
Heard a statistic last week that resonated with me. Sunderland started with four of the players that got them promoted!! Seven were demoted in one way or another!!!!
Had we decided to turn up against Man Utd last season, how many of our starting eleven today would have started or still be at the club?
Damning I know, but our performances at the end of last season and the beginning of this reek of complacency and a bunch of players who are happy with their lot.
FFP and PSR rules have given our starting eleven extra security with less expectation. Breeds complacency.
Unai need to rattle the cage soon or we can write this season off.
Sorry, normally try to be positive but disillusioned at the moment.
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2025, 06:12:09 PM
Shackled, and bored.
Post by: SaddVillan on August 23, 2025, 06:13:29 PM
All is lost, get rid of Emery, sell the entire squad, Monchi & Vidigany are con merchants, demolish Villa Park, NSWE should just cut their losses and sell up.
The only way is down.
See you next week v Palace.
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 06:20:17 PM
To summarise the general sentiment.
All is lost, get rid of Emery, sell the entire squad, Monchi & Vidigany are con merchants, demolish Villa Park, NSWE should just cut their losses and sell up.
The only way is down.
See you next week v Palace.
That’s not the general sentiment - that’s pretty much one individual who is not worth listening too. I think the sentiment is more frustration with how stale things are and why Unai is approaching things like he is - both valid concerns.
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 23, 2025, 06:23:22 PM
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 23, 2025, 06:29:20 PM
Newcastle supposedly in a mess at home and a poor Brentford away, and we look hopeless in both and don't look like scoring. Kamara out with a hamstring would be horrific. We are easy to play against, and so boring to watch. Another weekend go give MOTD a miss...mid table season for us unfortunately
I’ll be watching but turning it off two minutes before the end which will deservedly be our spot.
Post by: Billy Walker on August 23, 2025, 06:33:04 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 06:34:38 PM
It's clear to me, at least, that PSR is preventing us from naturally building and evolving, however, I totally trust Unai and his team to box clever and work a way around this hurdle. If this turns into a season where we have to take one step back to take two forward, so be it.
Regardless of the wider picture, there is nothing excuse for how we’ve approached the first two games.
Post by: Paul.S on August 23, 2025, 06:35:22 PM
It's clear to me, at least, that PSR is preventing us from naturally building and evolving, however, I totally trust Unai and his team to box clever and work a way around this hurdle. If this turns into a season where we have to take one step back to take two forward, so be it.
Couldn’t agree more.
Post by: Mister E on August 23, 2025, 06:39:08 PM
it doesn't explain the tactics and general approach to these games and the last game of last season. There appears to be a tactical mismatch between how Emery wants us to play and the needs of the game in the EPLIt's clear to me, at least, that PSR is preventing us from naturally building and evolving, however, I totally trust Unai and his team to box clever and work a way around this hurdle. If this turns into a season where we have to take one step back to take two forward, so be it.
Couldn’t agree more.
Post by: SaddVillan on August 23, 2025, 06:39:37 PM
It's clear to me, at least, that PSR is preventing us from naturally building and evolving, however, I totally trust Unai and his team to box clever and work a way around this hurdle. If this turns into a season where we have to take one step back to take two forward, so be it.
Couldn’t agree more.
This.
PSR/SCR are doing exactly what it says on the tin.
To ensure the Greedy6 maintain their positions and to prevent ambitious clubs being able to compete on an even playing field.
Defend the status quo and keep the wealth in the game in the cartel
Post by: lovejoy on August 23, 2025, 06:41:24 PM
We are a miserable negative support on occasions.
Post by: jwarry on August 23, 2025, 06:48:00 PM
The first half of last season was similar, except we had Duran to come on & change the game. We don't have the quality to open up a packed defence nor the option to go direct. And once we go a goal down it's hard work
Yet
Post by: Paul.S on August 23, 2025, 06:48:25 PM
it doesn't explain the tactics and general approach to these games and the last game of last season. There appears to be a tactical mismatch between how Emery wants us to play and the needs of the game in the EPLIt's clear to me, at least, that PSR is preventing us from naturally building and evolving, however, I totally trust Unai and his team to box clever and work a way around this hurdle. If this turns into a season where we have to take one step back to take two forward, so be it.
Couldn’t agree more.
I think he’s proven over the last 3 seasons with us that’s he’s more than capable and has the tactical nouse to sort things out.
Being hamstrung by the financial rules is another issue but I wouldn’t want anyone else here.
Post by: RamboandBruno on August 23, 2025, 06:56:03 PM
Back to the old days.Whilst I agree about the start of this season and the Man Utd away game, careful how you quantify our performances at the end of last season. Our last performance at Old Trafford was awful, but that aside, this squad with Rashford, Asensio and Disasi, pretty much had league winning form from January onwards.
A lot of our players think achieving a massive wage packet constitutes enough success.
Heard a statistic last week that resonated with me. Sunderland started with four of the players that got them promoted!! Seven were demoted in one way or another!!!!
Had we decided to turn up against Man Utd last season, how many of our starting eleven today would have started or still be at the club?
Damning I know, but our performances at the end of last season and the beginning of this reek of complacency and a bunch of players who are happy with their lot.
FFP and PSR rules have given our starting eleven extra security with less expectation. Breeds complacency.
Unai need to rattle the cage soon or we can write this season off.
Sorry, normally try to be positive but disillusioned at the moment.
If we want to squash this season so far and last season together, if thats worthwhile at all, we’re on the crest of a 3 game slump.
We need two or three in, we all know that, Emery has been more candid than normal about that.
In terms of his team selections so far this season, I think its partly about trying to shore up the defence with a more nefative midfield set up, but its not working. I also think Emery rarely throws new purchases straight in (Rashford and Asensio were exceptions), which is why I’d guess he hasnt started Guessand yet, Malen he doesn’t seem to trust completely yet.
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 23, 2025, 07:01:16 PM
Post by: Olneythelonely on August 23, 2025, 07:01:45 PM
I was at a gala luncheon. Are we shit again?
Looks that way. Wish I was at a luncheon.
Post by: Allan C on August 23, 2025, 07:02:05 PM
Back to the old days.This is pretty much my feelings on the situation too. I’m pretty frustrated and disillusioned about us at the moment. I looked at our lineup last week and thought same old same old. The 4th and 5th worst teams in the PL have strengthened. Just about all of the top 5 have except us and Newcastle. If that’s how the game is going why bother??
A lot of our players think achieving a massive wage packet constitutes enough success.
Heard a statistic last week that resonated with me. Sunderland started with four of the players that got them promoted!! Seven were demoted in one way or another!!!!
Had we decided to turn up against Man Utd last season, how many of our starting eleven today would have started or still be at the club?
Damning I know, but our performances at the end of last season and the beginning of this reek of complacency and a bunch of players who are happy with their lot.
FFP and PSR rules have given our starting eleven extra security with less expectation. Breeds complacency.
Unai need to rattle the cage soon or we can write this season off.
Sorry, normally try to be positive but disillusioned at the moment.
Post by: Nev on August 23, 2025, 07:03:43 PM
A win on Sunday can completely change things and if anyone has the skills and capability to arrest this decline, it's Emery.
Post by: Beard82 on August 23, 2025, 07:04:37 PM
I was at a gala luncheon. Are we shit again?They do lunch at the Bingo now?
Post by: wince on August 23, 2025, 07:06:59 PM
Post by: Rudy65 on August 23, 2025, 07:07:01 PM
I’ve struggled to muster any enthusiasm for this season after the Old Trafford debacle and it looks like the players have found even less. I can’t see us getting top half unless we pull off an incredible last week of the transfer window.And they were the ones to blame for that debacle
Post by: Clampy on August 23, 2025, 07:12:42 PM
Let's just see where we are at the end of the window. It's obvious we need players and I think we'll get them in. Like someone else hinted earlier though (and I was thinking it myself) Ramsey leaving seems to have unsettled things a bit. Maybe it hasn't but that's how it feels.
Post by: LeonW on August 23, 2025, 07:14:08 PM
Being out done by Andrews and that awful brentford side that have relegation fodder written all over them is really really poor. Today, they just used the standard template that everyone knows can beat this side and that is damning on Emery that he still hasn’t found a way to counter it.
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on August 23, 2025, 07:14:30 PM
sub Buneida getting subbed sums up his Villa career I doubt we'll see him again.
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 23, 2025, 07:15:21 PM
I've had a rather negative feeling all summer, the first two games have only made it worse.
Cheer up, the Women's Rugby World Cup has just started.
Post by: JUAN PABLO on August 23, 2025, 07:18:39 PM
Post by: russon on August 23, 2025, 07:19:37 PM
PS. Achieved a lifelong ambition and headed the ball back onto the pitch, very proud of myself :)
Post by: London Villan on August 23, 2025, 07:20:31 PM
We really needed to start on the front foot today, not wait until the second half to start playing. We had the players to do that too, despite the obvious gaps in the squad.
Losing today won’t define our season, but we’re already playing catch up to our competition. We will sort it, but it’s been a underwhelming few months.
Post by: mrfuse on August 23, 2025, 07:21:16 PM
Unai's blinkered approach to an already beaten team is what cost us today. I'm a massive Emery fan but the game is moving on and if he doesn't quickly change his tactics... He and we could get left behind.
Post by: Mister E on August 23, 2025, 07:21:34 PM
But you're conflating the financial rules with the game set-up and tactics. Yes, the financial rules constrain our player-combinations but they do not determine how we set up for games or the levels of intensity required to win games against Brentford.it doesn't explain the tactics and general approach to these games and the last game of last season. There appears to be a tactical mismatch between how Emery wants us to play and the needs of the game in the EPLIt's clear to me, at least, that PSR is preventing us from naturally building and evolving, however, I totally trust Unai and his team to box clever and work a way around this hurdle. If this turns into a season where we have to take one step back to take two forward, so be it.
Couldn’t agree more.
I think he’s proven over the last 3 seasons with us that’s he’s more than capable and has the tactical nouse to sort things out.
Being hamstrung by the financial rules is another issue but I wouldn’t want anyone else here.
Post by: Mister E on August 23, 2025, 07:22:10 PM
It's completely ridiculous and frankly embarrassing to suggest that PSR has anything to do with today's result. Brentford are an awful team who are probably going down.Exactly.
Unai's blinkered approach to an already beaten team is what cost us today. I'm a massive Emery fan but the game is moving on and if he doesn't quickly change his tactics... He and we could get left behind.
Post by: Clampy on August 23, 2025, 07:32:54 PM
It's completely ridiculous and frankly embarrassing to suggest that PSR has anything to do with today's result. Brentford are an awful team who are probably going down.
Unai's blinkered approach to an already beaten team is what cost us today. I'm a massive Emery fan but the game is moving on and if he doesn't quickly change his tactics... He and we could get left behind.
You're taking about manager who just a few months ago nearly took us to a Champions League semi final. It's not been a great start but let's have a bit of perspective.
Post by: Paul.S on August 23, 2025, 07:34:01 PM
It's completely ridiculous and frankly embarrassing to suggest that PSR has anything to do with today's result. Brentford are an awful team who are probably going down.
Unai's blinkered approach to an already beaten team is what cost us today. I'm a massive Emery fan but the game is moving on and if he doesn't quickly change his tactics... He and we could get left behind.
You're taking about manager who just a few months ago nearly took us to a Champions League semi final. It's not been a great start but let's have a bit of perspective.
Absolutely
Post by: Matt C on August 23, 2025, 07:37:26 PM
Post by: Crown Hill on August 23, 2025, 07:41:57 PM
Possibly more worrying is Unai’s comments after the game about clarifying things after the window closes. We just sound an unhappy ship at the moment!
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 07:42:02 PM
Summer of uncertainty off the pitch starting to show on the pitch. We look undercooked, unbalanced and passive.
Yep it feels like that.
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 23, 2025, 07:42:18 PM
It's completely ridiculous and frankly embarrassing to suggest that PSR has anything to do with today's result. Brentford are an awful team who are probably going down.
Unai's blinkered approach to an already beaten team is what cost us today. I'm a massive Emery fan but the game is moving on and if he doesn't quickly change his tactics... He and we could get left behind.
You're taking about manager who just a few months ago nearly took us to a Champions League semi final. It's not been a great start but let's have a bit of perspective.
It isn’t beyond the realms of possibility to have the view of greatness and one of concern now. Two games. Two dull performances. Two games when he doesn’t trust players in form to start. Two games of uninteresting dross frankly. Oh and I watched the game.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 23, 2025, 07:43:19 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 07:48:40 PM
Post by: mrfuse on August 23, 2025, 07:49:39 PM
It's completely ridiculous and frankly embarrassing to suggest that PSR has anything to do with today's result. Brentford are an awful team who are probably going down.
Unai's blinkered approach to an already beaten team is what cost us today. I'm a massive Emery fan but the game is moving on and if he doesn't quickly change his tactics... He and we could get left behind.
You're taking about manager who just a few months ago nearly took us to a Champions League semi final. It's not been a great start but let's have a bit of perspective.
I agree, like I said I absolutely love Emery but his stubbornness to not change is costing us. How many games did we have like this last season when the other team were completely for the taking?
He's a top manager and it would be foolish to want him out but you do wonder if we keep playing the same way we could become stagnant.
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 23, 2025, 07:52:09 PM
Two (was it?) years ago when we played Newcastle at home and took them apart, we harried them, high intensity, and stopped the ball lingering in the areas they could do us damage.
Fast forward to now and if we face a determined, energetic but technically poor team (today) or a team with a ferocious press (Newcastle last week) we struggle to contain them.
And that was a Newcastle who haven't got any useable strkers.
It is only a few games, but it smells a bit like we might have been found out, to a degree.
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 23, 2025, 07:52:56 PM
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 23, 2025, 07:53:07 PM
It's completely ridiculous and frankly embarrassing to suggest that PSR has anything to do with today's result. Brentford are an awful team who are probably going down.
Unai's blinkered approach to an already beaten team is what cost us today. I'm a massive Emery fan but the game is moving on and if he doesn't quickly change his tactics... He and we could get left behind.
You're taking about manager who just a few months ago nearly took us to a Champions League semi final. It's not been a great start but let's have a bit of perspective.
I agree, like I said I absolutely love Emery but his stubbornness to not change is costing us. How many games did we have like this last season when the other team were completely for the taking?
He's a top manager and it would be foolish to want him out but you do wonder if we keep playing the same way we could become stagnant.
Yeah but you're not allowed to criticise him, don't you know that means you hate him and want him sacked, even if you actually point out you're a massive Emery fan.
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 07:55:38 PM
We need to stop being so fucking slow and predictable.
Two (was it?) years ago when we played Newcastle at home and took them apart, we harried them, high intensity, and stopped the ball lingering in the areas they could do us damage.
Fast forward to now and if we face a determined, energetic but technically poor team (today) or a team with a ferocious press (Newcastle last week) we struggle to contain them.
And that was a Newcastle who haven't got any useable strkers.
It is only a few games, but it smells a bit like we might have been found out, to a degree.
Indeed - it all feels wrong. I think Unai is desperately trying to find control, but he’s compromising our ability to actually threaten. His approach looks muddled at the moment.
Post by: Villafirst on August 23, 2025, 07:55:56 PM
Post by: TonyD on August 23, 2025, 07:59:25 PM
Post by: Clampy on August 23, 2025, 08:01:28 PM
He does need to start Malen more though and we most defiantly need some new players. Like I said earlier, let's see where we are at the end of the window.
Post by: aj2k77 on August 23, 2025, 08:02:45 PM
The team need freshening up, it's all so stale. Oh and Onana can fuck off, he bottles tackles.
Post by: mrfuse on August 23, 2025, 08:03:03 PM
Yeah we’ve been rubbish two weeks in a row, and that can happen, but the worrying bit is we have been set up in a way that very obviously undermines our ability to attack. We’ve performed exactly in the way you’d expect from how the team is structured, unable to threaten much. It’s very strange, and is entirely the wrong way to go about things.
I agree in fact we probably got lucky getting a player sent off as we had an excuse as to why we had no cutting edge last week.
When Emery first came in we played with a high line, Pressing high up the pitch.Why have we reverted to a very slow build up? Whats with playing McGinn on the right wing. We have no width whatsoever now. It's really strange when we do actually have players that could give us width and more attacking options.
Post by: Paul.S on August 23, 2025, 08:03:49 PM
If we don’t sign a couple or three good players next week then we won’t be compete in Europe and the league. The squad seems threadbare.
We will
Post by: TonyD on August 23, 2025, 08:05:29 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 08:06:43 PM
However, regardless of who we might sign, we have set up in a really strange and negative way in the first two games and delivered performances you’d expect with that set up. It’s also very different from how we’ve approached pre-season. That is odd and concerning. Hopefully whatever has muddled our thinking clears, because it is not an approach that will win many games.
Post by: Paul.S on August 23, 2025, 08:09:50 PM
Are there any deals on the horizon?
I don’t think anyone knows but we tend to try and keep things close to our chest.
Post by: DB on August 23, 2025, 08:15:51 PM
Emery. They need to get their mojo back and quick.
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2025, 08:18:15 PM
Post by: villa for life on August 23, 2025, 08:19:08 PM
You do wonder if the selling of Ramsey, shrinking of the squad and not getting CL has taken the wind out their sails, including
Emery. They need to get their mojo back and quick.
How?
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 08:24:31 PM
Can somebody, preferably Unai, explain how it's possible we can simultaneously get immediately and constantly pressed trying to bring the ball out of defence yet the opposition will have 10 men (they left one up front for the counter) behind the ball when we advance up the pitch? Tactically it shouldn't be possible yet somehow that's exactly what happened today.
We are so incredibly slow and ponderous in transition and have nothing out wide so teams can pretty easily block up the middle and we then go backwards.
Post by: TonyD on August 23, 2025, 08:39:23 PM
Special K.You do wonder if the selling of Ramsey, shrinking of the squad and not getting CL has taken the wind out their sails, including
Emery. They need to get their mojo back and quick.
How?
Post by: adrenachrome on August 23, 2025, 08:41:35 PM
Can somebody, preferably Unai, explain how it's possible we can simultaneously get immediately and constantly pressed trying to bring the ball out of defence yet the opposition will have 10 men (they left one up front for the counter) behind the ball when we advance up the pitch? Tactically it shouldn't be possible yet somehow that's exactly what happened today.
We don't attack the space we have have created with ball retention. BFR use to call it "open grass".
Post by: VillaTim on August 23, 2025, 08:43:51 PM
If it wasn't for Pau's gift we could of got a decent point on the road here, could of maybe nicked it if it was still 0-0.Utter shite performance overall by the team and another incredibly soft goal conceded courtesy of Torres being slow off the mark and weak in the challenge .
We are so boring to watch, sideways slow ponderous play . That was abysmal out there today but we should have got a 0-0 .
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on August 23, 2025, 08:45:36 PM
Can somebody, preferably Unai, explain how it's possible we can simultaneously get immediately and constantly pressed trying to bring the ball out of defence yet the opposition will have 10 men (they left one up front for the counter) behind the ball when we advance up the pitch? Tactically it shouldn't be possible yet somehow that's exactly what happened today.
We are so incredibly slow and ponderous in transition and have nothing out wide so teams can pretty easily block up the middle and we then go backwards.
You know that, I know that, pretty much everybody who saw the game knows it too except the only person who can change it. When I saw McGinn standing alone on the far touchline in acres of space, he may as well have been sitting in the dugout, the defender leaving him to fall back into position, you just knew the tactics had failed, not that everything going on wasn't evidence enough.
Post by: Crown Hill on August 23, 2025, 08:47:38 PM
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2025, 08:51:50 PM
Can somebody, preferably Unai, explain how it's possible we can simultaneously get immediately and constantly pressed trying to bring the ball out of defence yet the opposition will have 10 men (they left one up front for the counter) behind the ball when we advance up the pitch? Tactically it shouldn't be possible yet somehow that's exactly what happened today.because we're so fucking slow in our build up
Post by: pelty on August 23, 2025, 08:53:14 PM
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 23, 2025, 08:57:03 PM
Post by: KevinGage on August 23, 2025, 09:01:14 PM
I just think some perspective is needed sometimes. If the Rogers goal is allowed up at Old Trafford, we might well have been in the Champions League draw again next week. That would have been a fantastic achievement.
Villa being Villa, I still reckon we'd have found a way to throw that game even if the goal had stood.
We had a back four containing Torres and Maatsen in it, for one thing. Olsen in goal and down to ten men.
The perfect ingredients for a last minute winner for Yanited.
Post by: KevinGage on August 23, 2025, 09:03:14 PM
Even before Emi's brainfreeze.
We made Mason Mount look like Rivaldo with all the space we ceded.
Post by: Demitri_C on August 23, 2025, 09:03:31 PM
Limited positives at all from.opening two games. Our defence was a complete shambles. No suprise pau made the error hence why i said mings is the better defender. He is hard to watch at times as he simply cannot defend consistently.
Our midfield is so stale, slow and predictable. We are so slow getting the ball forward. Its got worse each season for this. The biggest mistake we made was selling diaby. His pace was essnetial for how we play. Now we got slow mcginn on the right who is isnt good there
You got rogers constantly losing the ball, onana just running around like a headless chicken and ollie getting frustrated as he has no one creating anything. If today isnt worrying signs i dont know what is. We desperately need players or its going to be midtable at best.
Post by: pelty on August 23, 2025, 09:36:05 PM
Grotesque game from us.
Limited positives at all from.opening two games. Our defence was a complete shambles. No suprise pau made the error hence why i said mings is the better defender. He is hard to watch at times as he simply cannot defend consistently.
Our midfield is so stale, slow and predictable. We are so slow getting the ball forward. Its got worse each season for this. The biggest mistake we made was selling diaby. His pace was essnetial for how we play. Now we got slow mcginn on the right who is isnt good there
You got rogers constantly losing the ball, onana just running around like a headless chicken and ollie getting frustrated as he has no one creating anything. If today isnt worrying signs i dont know what is. We desperately need players or its going to be midtable at best.
This is it for me, too.
Post by: nordenvillain on August 23, 2025, 09:43:38 PM
Post by: aj2k77 on August 23, 2025, 09:46:35 PM
Post by: VillaTim on August 23, 2025, 09:46:54 PM
Post by: brontebilly on August 23, 2025, 09:48:33 PM
Did Emery really take Buendia off for Bogarde . Bogarde in midfield was hideous, at least Buendia was finding pockets of space . Bizarre from the manager .
More McGinn I think for Bogarde. Change didn't make much sense to me. Thought Bogarde was coming on at RCB which would have been a bit more logical
Post by: Demitri_C on August 23, 2025, 09:51:41 PM
Did Emery really take Buendia off for Bogarde . Bogarde in midfield was hideous, at least Buendia was finding pockets of space . Bizarre from the manager .
Yeah i must admit although im happy bogarde got minutes he was terrible today
Post by: Ads on August 23, 2025, 09:51:48 PM
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 23, 2025, 09:58:56 PM
I thought Bogarde was decent when he came on.He passed the ball well enough but was also very safe with that passing as if he was scared to give the ball away.
Post by: frank black on August 23, 2025, 10:03:47 PM
I thought Bogarde was decent when he came on.
He was
Width is our issue, we have bugger all creative happening on either wing. Teams just shut the middle down, get in shape before our deliberately (Unai instructed) slow approach play gets into gear (3rd max). I find Unai perplexing at times.
Post by: Ads on August 23, 2025, 10:06:10 PM
Post by: Exeter 77 on August 23, 2025, 10:07:12 PM
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 23, 2025, 10:08:03 PM
I thought Bogarde was decent when he came on.He passed the ball well enough but was also very safe with that passing as if he was scared to give the ball away.
I’d agree, I think Brentford were happy for him to have the ball. It was mostly down our right and he was mid right and did nothing of note with the possession, although that’s not his game. Would have been better for him to swap with Youri and him to come more to the right to have the ball. Thought McGinn was ok so I wouldn’t have bothered swapping him tbh.
Post by: aj2k77 on August 23, 2025, 10:15:24 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 10:16:09 PM
Post by: VillaTim on August 23, 2025, 10:16:33 PM
Post by: AV82EC on August 23, 2025, 10:17:20 PM
None of it came to anything. Back to the drawing board…..
Post by: VillaTim on August 23, 2025, 10:19:42 PM
Post by: Rigadon on August 23, 2025, 10:41:12 PM
Morgan Rogers is either injured or is off somewhere else. Buendia is not good enough. Kamara is injury prone. We need a right sided defender and some more pace on front.
Post by: VillaTim on August 23, 2025, 10:46:27 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 23, 2025, 10:48:19 PM
Nobody was out fucking witted.
Fair's fair, if anyone's going to recognise someone being outwitted, it'll be Tim.
Post by: Flamingo Lane on August 23, 2025, 10:48:36 PM
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 10:51:09 PM
Nobody was out fucking witted. They scored a shit goal, having had a quarter of the total games possession. This was not a master class.
Morgan Rogers is either injured or is off somewhere else. Buendia is not good enough. Kamara is injury prone. We need a right sided defender and some more pace on front.
Rogers is playing in a side not set up right, like all the other players who are struggling. It’s too many for it to be an individual issue.
Post by: VillaTim on August 23, 2025, 10:51:38 PM
Didn't watch the game, but I'm guessing Brentford were quite happy for us to have the ball, hence us having more of the possession.Yeah , their rookie manager realised we wouldn't do anything with it so tucked in and played on the counter knowing we were vulnerable at the back with Torres playing . They scored early Emery did nothing to change things .
Post by: Rigadon on August 23, 2025, 10:52:45 PM
If we don’t strengthen we’ll finish 9th ish at best.
Post by: Rigadon on August 23, 2025, 10:54:39 PM
Didn't watch the game, but I'm guessing Brentford were quite happy for us to have the ball, hence us having more of the possession.Yeah , their rookie manager realised we wouldn't do anything with it so tucked in and played on the counter knowing we were vulnerable at the back with Torres playing . They scored early Emery did nothing to change things .
You’re a massive nause and your anti Emery bollocks is tiresome.
Post by: DC1874 on August 23, 2025, 10:54:44 PM
Post by: VillaTim on August 23, 2025, 10:54:57 PM
That's on Emery totally .
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 23, 2025, 10:56:32 PM
Post by: DC1874 on August 23, 2025, 11:10:59 PM
Post by: andyh on August 23, 2025, 11:12:23 PM
Thought Brentford’s press positioning was good as well, always onto Torres and forcing us to give the ball to Mings on his wrong side and ensuring Tielemans and Onana had no space in which to turn. After half time we switched to the two 10s were getting acres of space but unfortunately both Buendia and Rogers had clown shoes on andFucking hell. I don’t think Keith Andrews is that astute.
None of it came to anything. Back to the drawing board…..
Post by: AV82EC on August 23, 2025, 11:27:27 PM
Thought Brentford’s press positioning was good as well, always onto Torres and forcing us to give the ball to Mings on his wrong side and ensuring Tielemans and Onana had no space in which to turn. After half time we switched to the two 10s were getting acres of space but unfortunately both Buendia and Rogers had clown shoes on andFucking hell. I don’t think Keith Andrews is that astute.
None of it came to anything. Back to the drawing board…..
You hardly need to be astute to ensure Villas best passing defender doesn’t get too much of the ball and ensure Mings, not as good with the ball and playing on the wrong side gets more of it. It worked until Brentford tired and then set up 6-3-1 and utterly nullified us.
Post by: ROBBO on August 23, 2025, 11:29:57 PM
Post by: Louzie0 on August 23, 2025, 11:32:36 PM
I suggest a big boot up the collective backside.
Better luck next match.
Post by: DC1874 on August 23, 2025, 11:33:52 PM
Post by: Ads on August 23, 2025, 11:34:41 PM
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 23, 2025, 11:39:29 PM
Rogers looked totally uninterested, almost as if he wants to be somewhere else.
Agreed, looked like he wanted to be back at Villa Park instead of the Gtech Stadium.
Post by: The Edge on August 23, 2025, 11:44:30 PM
Rogers looked totally uninterested, almost as if he wants to be somewhere else.Sorry but that’s just bollocks.
Post by: Pete3206 on August 23, 2025, 11:46:58 PM
Rogers looked totally uninterested, almost as if he wants to be somewhere else.Sorry but that’s just bollocks.
Is it? His 'performance' suggests otherwise. Rogers was pathetic today.
Post by: VillaTim on August 23, 2025, 11:47:37 PM
Post by: darren woolley on August 24, 2025, 12:32:51 AM
Post by: DaveD on August 24, 2025, 12:47:05 AM
Hopefully this is just a short term lack of confidence, and the squad will rally. Ultimately we have a great manager and good players. Let's hope they snap out of it sooner rather than later.
Post by: VancouverLion on August 24, 2025, 12:59:06 AM
I think the whole squad has just taken a collective punch in the gut. We were a team on the up, but all of a sudden we have lost numerous players and there doesn't seem to be any possibility of replacing them with equivalent quality. Everyone remaining clearly has their price. All the positivity has been sucked from the club. We all know why, it's not an internal problem, and that's what makes it so depressing and seemingly intractable.This.
Hopefully this is just a short term lack of confidence, and the squad will rally. Ultimately we have a great manager and good players. Let's hope they snap out of it sooner rather than later.
Post by: Hillbilly on August 24, 2025, 01:42:36 AM
Also we seem really reluctant to shoot from anywhere past the penalty spot. I know it runs the risk of rebounding out for a counter but it would mean that the defenders can’t just sit in front of the six yard box - one or two would have to come out and leave a little more wriggle room closer to goal.
Post by: jwarry on August 24, 2025, 03:32:06 AM
Post by: jwarry on August 24, 2025, 03:33:52 AM
Post by: tomd2103 on August 24, 2025, 03:38:19 AM
I think the whole squad has just taken a collective punch in the gut. We were a team on the up, but all of a sudden we have lost numerous players and there doesn't seem to be any possibility of replacing them with equivalent quality. Everyone remaining clearly has their price. All the positivity has been sucked from the club. We all know why, it's not an internal problem, and that's what makes it so depressing and seemingly intractable.This.
Hopefully this is just a short term lack of confidence, and the squad will rally. Ultimately we have a great manager and good players. Let's hope they snap out of it sooner rather than later.
Yep. Way too early to make any real assessments and to start to panic just yet. The media will be more than happy to do that for us anyway.
We all know the reason why, but we've been unable to properly address some of the issues that became glaringly apparent pre-January window last season. No proper option on the right hand side, no real pace in attack, Rogers needs to come off sharpish if he is having the kind of nightmare he is prone to having (though we've sold the player who would naturally take his place), not having adequate cover at CB unbalances the team. We've been unable to address these problems in the summer for obvious reasons, but I think it's nowhere near time to push the panic button.
Post by: ROBBO on August 24, 2025, 05:22:23 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 24, 2025, 06:45:37 AM
We have not used the transfer funds we have had particularly well and we are not deploying the resources we have effectively.
It’s not PSR that is stopping players winning their individual duals, or the tactical confusion that seems to have taken hold.
Yes it’s a problem, but we just got done by a Brentford team which has had all of its quality ripped out led by a rookie manager.
Post by: Ads on August 24, 2025, 07:11:13 AM
We've had two poor performances though, 1 OK result and 1 defeat. It's a Bank Holiday let's enjoy it and enjoy it by being fucking disciplined right here.
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 24, 2025, 07:39:03 AM
Post by: sid1964 on August 24, 2025, 08:31:25 AM
Hopefully with a couple of loan players arriving this week who can go straight into our first 11 we can get a win against palace.
Post by: frank black on August 24, 2025, 08:37:12 AM
Post by: Walmley_Villa on August 24, 2025, 08:41:44 AM
To many people feeling sorry for themselves, including the boss.Exactly, we need a siege mentality and a we’ll show them spirit very quickly. The whole club feels infected with it. Unai deserves criticism and has changed his approach since the Palace SF. We play to stop the opposition and it doesn’t work. If we turn op the same as usual against Palace it will get ugly very quickly imo.
Post by: andyh on August 24, 2025, 08:47:40 AM
There is no need to panic. It’s pretty clear that the lesser teams now know how to beat us by playing a low block and hurting us on the break - Emery has to figure this out. I’m more worried about the better teams who press us as I’m not sure we have the quality to beat the pressTeams do not set up with a ‘low block’ against us.
We allow teams to get back into their reset positions because we are pathetically slow at progressing the ball up the pitch.
Even when we do break from the goalie, we invariably get to the half way line and turn / pass back or sideways, giving the opposition time to jog back into position.
Thats not just a throwaway comment, it happens consistently.
And, is there anything more infuriating than seeing Mings and Torres stand on the ball or pass 3 yards to each other on the half way line in the 4th minute of injury time when we are 1-0 down ?
Post by: Demitri_C on August 24, 2025, 08:50:51 AM
There is no need to panic. It’s pretty clear that the lesser teams now know how to beat us by playing a low block and hurting us on the break - Emery has to figure this out. I’m more worried about the better teams who press us as I’m not sure we have the quality to beat the pressTeams do not set up with a ‘low block’ against us.
We allow teams to get back into their reset positions because we are pathetically slow at progressing the ball up the pitch.
Even when we do break from the goalie, we invariably get to the half way line and turn / pass back or sideways, giving the opposition time to jog back into position.
Thats not just a throwaway comment, it happens consistently.
And, is there anything more infuriating than seeing Mings and Torres stand on the ball or pass 3 yards to each other on the half way line in the 4th minute of injury time when we are 1-0 down ?
Agree andy. The big issue is we are so slow and predictable. No width or pace its a big problem that the club has fucked up on. Sold all our pacy players like diaby bailey and even JJ would drive the ball quicker than what we currently have
Post by: Nunkin1965 on August 24, 2025, 08:51:18 AM
I think the low block seems to be our kryptonite, and the past masters of it are rocking up at VP next week!
At times the team looks like they're playing in an elevator as there is no space to play.
Post by: tomd2103 on August 24, 2025, 08:57:12 AM
I've just watched the couple of mins Sky highlights. I thought their goal was lucky the way it rebounded to him. I suppose the bigger issue is our lack of threat up the other end.
Torres got burnt for pace in the lead up to it as well though. That said, it was an early goal and we had ample time to reply and to go on and win the game, but couldn't do it.
Post by: Luffbralion on August 24, 2025, 09:02:42 AM
Post by: VillaTim on August 24, 2025, 09:20:26 AM
It isn’t just PSR though is it.PSR/FFP aside you have to question how we have spent our transfer funds - Onana, Maatsen, Marlen over £115M there that could have been better deployed
We have not used the transfer funds we have had particularly well and we are not deploying the resources we have effectively.
It’s not PSR that is stopping players winning their individual duals, or the tactical confusion that seems to have taken hold.
Yes it’s a problem, but we just got done by a Brentford team which has had all of its quality ripped out led by a rookie manager.
Post by: Clampy on August 24, 2025, 09:57:25 AM
Post by: Villafirst on August 24, 2025, 10:13:01 AM
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 24, 2025, 10:24:52 AM
Teams are countering UE's tactics by adopting a mid and low block formation. We simply rarely get through their defensive lines. It's different when teams attack us which affords a lot more space especially on the counter attack. More pace needed in the Villa team is a must though.and this is made worse if we let teams score first, which sadly we are prone to doing.