Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on May 07, 2026, 09:58:57 PM
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Never in doubt.
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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
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Lovely.
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Que sera serful, we're going to Istanbul..."
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Gerrin Villa!!!!
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Absolutely magnificent performance. Arguably, or probably the best one all season
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Was always in the cards.
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God, that was good
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Now win the fucking thing
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In the words of Big Emi, UP THE FUCKING VILLA!!!
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Brilliant. Just Brilliant.
Now Win It!!!!
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Bloody sensational.
Every single one of them.
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Fuck me. Fuck. Me.
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Predictable negativity to an OK result.
We'll win the second leg comfortably.
See you after the second leg.
8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
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Wish I let 4-0 ride for 290 but I'll take 160 and a European final all day long!
Up the fucking Villa!!!!!!!
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Fucking hell!
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I only 'watched' that on the BBC site and here, but still felt like one the great Villa games. Well done all.
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I’m a believer mate!
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They barely touched our center circle xxx
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I was silently wishing for a Bologna resullt, never actually thought we would do it though.
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Gave up my ticket to take my heavily pregnant wife into hospital for a check up. Hope everyone at VP thoroughly enjoys their evening.
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one of the best nights ever
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Heroes.
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Steamrolled them. Unbelievable performance. SJM one of our greatest ever, needed him to deliver a PSG type performance and man did he. Buendia shut up plenty of doubters too. Torres and Tielemans were outstanding too. Aswell as playing them off the park, we kicked the shite out of them aswell. Anderson spent the night on the ground.
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Happy Anniversary to me & Stu!! 🙌🙌
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Gave up my ticket to take my heavily pregnant wife into hospital for a check up. Hope everyone at VP thoroughly enjoys their evening.
Tell her to push the seat back and wear blocks on her feet so she can drive herself.
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That was the Villa we love. Flawless performance!
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Wow. We did it, we showed up, and then some. So happy for all the people who could be there to see.
But job half done, need to win it now. And beat Burnley on Sunday.
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Happy Anniversary to me & Stu!! 🙌🙌
YES! You made the WKD better!
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Nearly right...
Shackles off, 4-1 up after 79 minutes, cigars out. Let's do it!
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Ratings
Martinez 10
Cash 10
Konsa 10
Torres 10
Digne 10
Lindy 10
SJM 10
Rogers 10
Bendy 10
Youri 10
Ollie 10
Bailey 10
Tammy 10
Bizot 10
Bogey 10
Elliott 10
Garcia 10
Ian 10
Mings 10
Sancho 10
Luiz 10
Wright 10
Emery 12
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Simply glorious. Unai Emery, you are a genius!
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Happy Anniversary to me & Stu!! 🙌🙌
Happy Anniversary, fellow lil'Lee loyalist! Buendia is our modern version, chuffed to bits he won it for us.
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Ratings
Martinez 10
Cash 10
Konsa 10
Torres 10
Digne 10
Lindy 10
SJM 10
Rogers 10
Bendy 10
Youri 10
Ollie 10
Bailey 10
Tammy 10
Bizot 10
Bogey 10
Elliott 10
Garcia 10
Ian 10
Mings 10
Sancho 10
Luiz 10
Wright 10
Emery 12
Harsh ratings there.
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Ratings
Martinez 10
Cash 10
Konsa 10
Torres 10
Digne 10
Lindy 10
SJM 10
Rogers 10
Bendy 10
Youri 10
Ollie 10
Bailey 10
Tammy 10
Bizot 10
Bogey 10
Elliott 10
Garcia 10
Ian 10
Mings 10
Sancho 10
Luiz 10
Wright 10
Emery 12
Pin that, fucking yesssssssssss
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Three at the back: who'd have thought it?!!
I loved it! Lindy playing was a masterstroke because it really freed up the midfielders to dominate.
A fabulous team performance.
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I was shitting myself, they barely got in our half, fuck!!
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One for the ages. The whole club turned up.big time tonight and blew Forest away. What a night!
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HHvse9HXQAANGEq?format=jpg&name=small)
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Andy Reid with gritted teeth should be a road worker.
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One for the ages. The whole club turned up.big time tonight and blew Forest away. What a night!
This 100%
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what a performance, Torres was the one for me, nothing stuck for them because he both dominated Wood and was superb in recycling the ball to get us on the front foot.
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Hail Emery of the Villa.
The man's a genius. And John McGinn is worthy of Legend status . BraveArse the King !
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I love this club. I mean there's times I hate them but on nights like tonight I wouldn't want to have spent my six decades following any other club.
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No one would have lived with us tonight. It was another of those times we were unstoppable.
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One for the ages. The whole club turned up.big time tonight and blew Forest away. What a night!
This 100%
This. 100%.
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When we were losing 3-0 at Wigan or something in the Championship and you were wondering why you bothered, THIS is why you bother. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. What a time to be alive. You did us proud lads, fantastic.
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We were unstoppable...
I've already forgiven Sunday's pathetic effort, clearly all part of the plan.
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Sometimes, not often enough, but I dunno, some times, you see us play and think there's not a team around we wouldn't have beaten on the night.
One of those nights.
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Outstanding. Torres amazing, SJM is the true King of that ground (sorry Wills). Sunday was now completely justified.
Play anything like that on Sunday and thats CL sorted and we can plan for the final.
BOTTLERS NO MORE!!!
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Absolutely brilliant. Well done all those who went.
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Very proud of the club, fans and players tonight. Absolutely brilliant…Istanbul here we come!!! 🥳🥳🥳
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Buendia and super John were unplayable tonight
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Couldn't watch from the start - by choice. Mentally prepared for the worst.
Held out until about 9.40pm and at that stage just wanted to get it over with.
2-0 was nice -and unexpected - when I tuned in. 3-0 - It's us. perfectly capable of messing it up from here and conceding two saft goals. Don't get too carried away.
4-0 - OK, we might actually do this.
Emery I doubted you. I'm sorry.
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Wow. Perfection. Absolute perfection. UTV
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Ratings
Martinez 10
Cash 10
Konsa 10
Torres 10
Digne 10
Lindy 10
SJM 10
Rogers 10
Bendy 10
Youri 10
Ollie 10
Bailey 10
Tammy 10
Bizot 10
Bogey 10
Elliott 10
Garcia 10
Ian 10
Mings 10
Sancho 10
Luiz 10
Wright 10
Emery 12
Of course you've given Watkins a 10.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HHvuO4-XMAA63tH?format=jpg&name=small)
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Sometimes, not often enough, but I dunno, some times, you see us play and think there's not a team around we wouldn't have beaten on the night.
One of those nights.
Yep and to Andy Reid, Villa had a couple of key players out too. This was one of those perfect nights.
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Good shout from Hendrie in the post-match thing, talking about how Lindelof made it easier for the CBs to boss things. Very good call from Emery there.
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Absolutely brilliant Villa, everyone did a superb job, but a special mention to SJM, unbelievable performance.
Up The Villa
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My nerves calmed a bit when I saw Lindelof in the team. Masterstroke.
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Istanbul my Lord, Istanbul.
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Well we asked them to show up in a semi-final and BOY FUCKING DID THEY. Love this team. Love this club. Hope everyone enjoys riding the wave.
They all looked pretty fresh didn't they 👀
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Sancho has now reached a European final in each of his last 3 seasons
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Clearly the drum was the difference.
Drum every game now please.
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Stiliyan going after Reid about Anderson’s tweet - ha ha.
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Wow wow wow wow wow.
I nearly took my clothes off when the third went in. Didn't know what to do with my energy levels.
That is the epitome of a team delivering. I love Unai, I love the team, I love you lots. What a fucking night.
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My nerves calmed a bit when I saw Lindelof in the team. Masterstroke.
I thought it worth the punt. Bogey way off at the minute and Luiz is Youri backup
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Wow, what a night!
Fantastic performance.
I thought Wattkins and McGinn were out of this world. Rogers shone 2nd half. Special mention for Buendia. I have been very critical of him and have doubted as to whether or not he was good enough, but tonight he made massive contributions in setting up both goals and taking a pressure spot kick. If he does nothing else ever again, he has a boomark in Villa History that can never be erased. Well done the manager once again he got it right.
Final mention for the crowd. The atmosphere was obscene. I watched it on TV as I could not get a ticket but it sounded raucous. I would have loved to have been there.
Now go to Turkey and bring it home.
UTV
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Well I’m taking credit for that one!
And v pleased Unai is an H&V reader and saw my suggestion of Lindelof in midfield!
What a night!
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Ratings
Martinez 10
Cash 10
Konsa 10
Torres 10
Digne 10
Lindy 10
SJM 10
Rogers 10
Bendy 10
Youri 10
Ollie 10
Bailey 10
Tammy 10
Bizot 10
Bogey 10
Elliott 10
Garcia 10
Ian 10
Mings 10
Sancho 10
Luiz 10
Wright 10
Emery 12
Of course you've given Watkins a 10.
Amount of times he left one on Anderson tonight? Led the line superbly. Forest defence went to pieces tonight and Ollie deserves a lot of credit for that.
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At times the commentators were hard to hear above the crowd. It’s must have been incredible if you were there.
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Sensational from the first minute. The noise our fans make was worth an extra man. UP THE VILLA
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I noticed that there was a pitch invasion at Frieburg, class of our fans to realise that the job is not done yet.
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Well Unai listned to me and played Lidelof and what a performance. Hard to say who was MOM because so many great players but I between Buendia, SJM and Watkins for me. Watkins has to get his England shirt back.
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A true Unai masterclass
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I noticed that there was a pitch invasion at Frieburg, class of our fans to realise that the job is not done yet.
The numerous warnings helped.
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Brilliant, what a performance. I LOVE VILLA AND UNAI. xxxxxxxxxxxx
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Remember when that Greek bellend was seen celebrating by holding four fingers up after Olympiacos won the first leg? Right back at you
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Robin Hood, Maid Marion and Little John. Your boys took a hell of a beating!!
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Ratings
Martinez 10
Cash 10
Konsa 10
Torres 10
Digne 10
Lindy 10
SJM 10
Rogers 10
Bendy 10
Youri 10
Ollie 10
Bailey 10
Tammy 10
Bizot 10
Bogey 10
Elliott 10
Garcia 10
Ian 10
Mings 10
Sancho 10
Luiz 10
Wright 10
Emery 12
Of course you've given Watkins a 10.
Amount of times he left one on Anderson tonight? Led the line superbly. Forest defence went to pieces tonight and Ollie deserves a lot of credit for that.
Agreed 8)
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I noticed that there was a pitch invasion at Frieburg, class of our fans to realise that the job is not done yet.
The numerous warnings helped.
Ah, sorry, I was watching on TV. Wish I was there.
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Robin Hood, Maid Marion and Little John. Your boys took a hell of a beating!!
And Paperlace
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I’m so proud of the team, of Unai, of everyone who was there and Wills for celebrating like the rest of us.
Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Torvill & Dean, Vicky McClure, Jake Bugg, Mathew Horne your boys took one hell of a beating!
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Up the fucking Villa, I love you!!!!!!!!!!!
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Super John > Little John
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The weird thing is we've just followed up our worst performance of the season with our best.
If we can get a few more of tonight and few less of the other there's still more to come from this team.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HHvyKheX0AUmYIM?format=jpg&name=medium)
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Lindelof in midfield ,masterstroke
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I think some of their fans shithousing has helped us tonight. I was frankly bemused at their arrogance after the first leg then singing they’re coming for us at Chelsea. It was just weird and you’d think they were 4 up.
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Thank you
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Naaaaa fuck off
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What a team! What a manager! I cannot help but feel that when it really mattered Villa came good.
For Unai and McGinn let's win it!!!
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My dick pulsates
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HHvzI4rWcAIzArf?format=jpg&name=small)
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The team were so up for it, it was ridiculous. There's a core group with a strong togetherness and they did not like what Anderson did last week at all. Multiple players leaving one on him, the best of which was McGinn smacking the ball off his head when he was on the ground. Didn't give any of them space but whenever he had it we were pouncing, McGinn absolutely bullied him.
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Pereira in bitter twat interview.
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Don't think it would have made a difference, but Forest bringing Gibbs-White off the bench on Monday when winning 3-0 feels *really* stupid.
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Brilliant!! What a beautiful club and result! Well done to all involved!
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Good shout from Hendrie in the post-match thing, talking about how Lindelof made it easier for the CBs to boss things. Very good call from Emery there.
I think you mean from Nev (and Crown Hill).
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well done villa , you was magnificent ...ISTANBULLRING
their manager a right sore loser , what a knob
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Pereira moaning about injuries, fuck off. No-one felt sorry for us when we lost our midfield, knob.
Well done Villa, fantastic result.
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Pereira ridiculously ungracious in post match interview. On and on and on about absentees. Not one positive word about Villa.
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Was it a soft penalty?
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No it was a penalty because Pau is getting to that ball without the shirt pull.
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I fucking love this club.
What a night so proud of the fans players and managers. This is one of the best nights in our premier league history
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Was it a soft penalty?
no
and we should have had another one
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Was it a soft penalty?
Nope. It was a penalty that would be given 80% of the time, like last week, Anderson committed an 80% red card offence.
Given he touched the ball about six times tonight, those decisions worked out alright for us in the end.
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I love the treatment dished out to Anderson as well. He was flying into everyone last week. Absolutely buried over and over again.
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Was it a soft penalty?
No, Torres would have got a shot on goal only for it. Far stronger case for a penalty than their one last week. We had to have a refereeing decision go our way.
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Was it a soft penalty?
No and the headbutt would not have been a soft penalty either.
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Was it a soft penalty?
Not a chance and if it was the other way round it would certainly of gone against us. After last weeks none red card and dubious penalty, if we didn’t get it I’d be fuming.
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Was it a soft penalty?
No and the headbutt would not have been a soft penalty either.
Should have been a pen for head nut.
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I love the treatment dished out to Anderson as well. He was flying into everyone last week. Absolutely buried over and over again.
There was a huge anderson wankfest but he was nowhere near as good as mcginn was tonight. Wheres the mcginn wankfest from the media?
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I was doubtful - form was not great - my other north east villain said tickets were 690eur for the final before the game so I zoned out thinking he’d cursed it - oh joy - joy. I watched the 82 final with my dad on our 14 inch black and white and rimmer went off - it’s like yesterday - this is what football does - it makes men emotional
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Andy Reid with gritted teeth should be a road worker.
I thought he’s been a decent pundit. Understandably not interested in celebrating the win, but got to the crux of how Emery outsmarted forest during the interview with SJM.
Anyway, too much over thinking:
FUCK YEAHHHHHHHHHH
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Never overreact to a half time lead
https://x.com/talkSPORT/status/2049970116373233843
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What a team, what a manager, what a captain, what a night. Magnificent.
Play like that in Istanbul and there can only be one winner. I hope Unai selects the same team for it, inc Lindelof who after tonight deserves to keep his place.
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Happy anniversary, Jane 😘
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On the Villa penalty decision: "I didn't see it but I tell you one thing, this referee was a very good referee but not for us. A lot of yellow card and fouls, a lot of fouls against us and against them they forget. He permitted a lot of the aggressiveness. In the end I don't want to use an excuse. To resume today we were not in our level to compete for the semi-final."
You have a dirty team mate and if these officials were there last week you would have lost Anderson AND we probably would have been leading the first leg.
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A great performance, in control pretty much throughout.
Forest moaning about players injured. If Kamara wasn't injured and Onana doesn't go off they're not winning the first leg, let alone tonight. Tonight was 4-0 by the way, not even close.
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I don't really have anything against Forest, but their match thread had been some wonderful theatre tonight.
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McGinn was absolutely fantastic tonight - we were the better team by a country mile - they came with one plan that was to kick and foul us off the pitch
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
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Quite enjoyed that. Unai Emery is a fucking genius, you know.
Edit: ah shit, sorry to hear that, Dave. RIP.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
So sorry to hear that about your father.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
Sorry for your loss mate.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
So sorry for your loss and RIP to your dad.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
Really sorry. Bittersweet is the right word.
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Man of the match. Villa Park Crowd.
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The team were so up for it, it was ridiculous. There's a core group with a strong togetherness and they did not like what Anderson did last week at all. Multiple players leaving one on him, the best of which was McGinn smacking the ball off his head when he was on the ground. Didn't give any of them space but whenever he had it we were pouncing, McGinn absolutely bullied him.
No doubt Anderson is a brilliant player, but I’d love to see a montage of this. We were SO up for it.
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Quite enjoyed that. Unai Emery is a fucking genius, you know.
It was all because of the drum.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
Condolences. RIP your dad.
HEITS
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what a performance, Torres was the one for me, nothing stuck for them because he both dominated Wood and was superb in recycling the ball to get us on the front foot.
The pass for the 4th goal was Staunton esque
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Lindelof injured at the end? Seemed to be struggling with the celebrations at the end.
I will mention there wasn't much difference between Rogers penalty last round and Buendia's this one apart from Ortega seemed to fall towards it and the Bologna keeper really jumped across.
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Sorry to hear about your dad, what an emotional evening.
What an atmosphere, one of the best I can remember in recent times.
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what a performance, Torres was the one for me, nothing stuck for them because he both dominated Wood and was superb in recycling the ball to get us on the front foot.
The pass for the 4th goal was Staunton esque
3rd but the sentiment was the same. Bogarde started the fourth one.
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Liverpool match now rescheduled for Friday 15th 8pm.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
So sorry for your loss.
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So sorry to hear about that - hope you have great memories of him
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Watched the game tonight in a bar in Tarragona, they kindly put the game on just for me and I was literally the only customer sat inside watching it. I'd been dreading ET, as I'm not sure they wouldn't have just closed. Two asides. One, watching the game with Spanish commentary was just so much better. And two, the incident where Watkins sustained his head injury was nothing less than a deliberate head butt, and should have resulted in a penalty kick. Otherwise, what a magnificent performance from the team and each and every player.
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Can’t tell you how upset I was after spuds. My stomach lurched before this match.
Then I heard the crowd 30 mins before kick off and thought we’ve all come together to get the boys over the line and into the final.
I’m going to be absolutely choked when one day SJM leaves Villa. My hero!
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10 years ago today
Villa 0-0 Newcastle
The only point we took from the last 13 league games as we were relegated as one of the worst ever PL sides.
And now we're off to a major European final.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
Sorry to hear that mate
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https://x.com/mikeyavfc19/status/2052504795944993182/video/1
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Sancho has now reached a European final in each of his last 3 seasons
Not bad for a complete waste of space!
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Just got back from what was an incredible night. What a performance, we absolutely destroyed Forest. The fans played their part, it might be recency bias but that may have just topped the Bayern atmosphere.
Emery pulled a masterstroke putting Lindelof in midfield, he was excellent. And what can you say about McGinn - the man needs to lift a trophy for us. A legend.
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I’m so proud of the team, of Unai, of everyone who was there and Wills for celebrating like the rest of us.
Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Torvill & Dean, Vicky McClure, Jake Bugg, Mathew Horne your boys took one hell of a beating!
Hahaha, what a rogues gallery that is ;D
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Sancho has now reached a European final in each of his last 3 seasons
Not bad for a complete waste of space!
Whilst on-loan from ManU and for each of the competitions. Their can't be many who have played three finals in three consecutive years either. Currently 1-1 so ours will be the decider.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
👍
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What a performance and what a captain we have. McGinn is on another planet.
Gambled a few weeks back and booked plane tickets for £260 each and hotel for £200 for 3 nights. I thought when I left the game on Sunday I’d wasted it all but Istanbul here we come!!!!!
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The key was Lindy.
He made the platform for the rest to storm forward.
Thank god Emery finally saw sense and played him.
44 years.
Brilliant
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Paddy Power. https://x.com/paddypower/status/2052484647464964470
"The loud noise you can hear out your window is coming from Villa Park."
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
Sorry to hear that, mate.
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A phenomenal performance from back to front. Forrest must feel punch drunk right now. We didn’t let them settle at all and hounded them to death. McGinn blasting the ball at Anderson’s head whilst he lay prone on the pitch was delicious. Everyone 10/10.
Lindelof was magnificent until he naturally tired playing a more physical role but there is mileage on using him here for the rest of the season if Onana isn’t available.
Watkins; that was a performance for the ages. Constant pressing, harrying. His hold and link play were as good as I’ve seen from him and that image of him with his head wrapped up could become iconic.
Buendia’s best performance in a Villa shirt. Pressing and tackling was exceptional but his dribbling and passing was truly up there. And his sorcery for the goal was sublime.
Hard to pick MOTM but it must be McGinn for me. He is the motor of this team and the levels drop when he’s not playing. Everything he did was top class.
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BRASSNECK!
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BRILLIANT! The players and management were quite good too!
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Good shout from Hendrie in the post-match thing, talking about how Lindelof made it easier for the CBs to boss things. Very good call from Emery there.
Yes, close to being MOTM, he was outstanding and created the platform for the victory.
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Bit of Schadenfreude for me. Not so smug now are you Elliott Anderson? Cheating git.
If we do actually manage to win it, hope Brighton finish 6th. Palace have screwed us over enough times.
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Thought Lindelöf was like prime Vieira at times tonight.
Buendia MOTM I thought, but whole team was superb.
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Bit of Schadenfreude for me. Not so smug now are you Elliott Anderson? Cheating git.
If we do actually manage to win it, hope Brighton finish 6th. Palace have screwed us over enough times.
Won't matter either way for Champions League when we win all our remaining games and power into third place.
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Gave up my ticket to take my heavily pregnant wife into hospital for a check up. Hope everyone at VP thoroughly enjoys their evening.
Best wishes for what's to come mate.
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Happy Anniversary to me & Stu!! 🙌🙌
Wonderful, it was all for you two :)
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Did feel some sympathy for Forest fans. They'll have been as desperate to get through as we were.
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Just got back, what a night. Superb from us, Villa park was loud and the players didn't give them an inch. Excellent from start to finish. Forrest had fuck all. Linderloff, McGinn and Beundia my MotMs....but Watkins also played great.
Get in!!!!
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Did feel some sympathy for Forest fans. They'll have been as desperate to get through as we were.
Fuck 'em
https://x.com/talkSPORT/status/2049970116373233843
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Nothing against Forest but there's no room for sympathy in football. They will be feeling gutted but it was all too much for them on the night. They've pretty much secured PL football next season and good luck to them.
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Did feel some sympathy for Forest fans. They'll have been as desperate to get through as we were.
Fuck 'em
https://x.com/talkSPORT/status/2049970116373233843
There was a group of classy ones on our train afterwards, though: wished us well and shook hands as they were getting off at New Street.
As for Villa, what a difference four days make, to paraphrase the song!
BTW, Sorry about your Dad, Dave. X
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I’m so proud of the team, of Unai, of everyone who was there and Wills for celebrating like the rest of us.
Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Torvill & Dean, Vicky McClure, Jake Bugg, Mathew Horne your boys took one hell of a beating!
Can I add Su Pollard....one for the youngsters.
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Didn't Anderson take the piss out of Rogers on TikTok last week? Can one of our young folk go on and get revenge, please?
Hold on, just remembered, on H&V I am one of the young folk...
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I’m so proud of the team, of Unai, of everyone who was there and Wills for celebrating like the rest of us.
Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Torvill & Dean, Vicky McClure, Jake Bugg, Mathew Horne your boys took one hell of a beating!
Can I add Su Pollard....one for the youngsters.
Nick Matisher.
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10/10 performnace when we needed it most, bloody magnificent.
SJM had a blinder, Ollie unplayable, Lindelof did his job superbly but my Motm is Emi Buendia.
Set up the first, scored the 2nd, ran around like a lunatic and was a menace for them all night.
UTFV!
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I’m so proud of the team, of Unai, of everyone who was there and Wills for celebrating like the rest of us.
Robin Hood, Maid Marian, Torvill & Dean, Vicky McClure, Jake Bugg, Mathew Horne your boys took one hell of a beating!
Can I add Su Pollard....one for the youngsters.
Nick Matisher.
That explains a lot
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Condolences Dave Javu. Great to see you posting on here again (was Deej was your original username on Manillla?).
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That was just perfection.
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10/10 performnace when we needed it most, bloody magnificent.
SJM had a blinder, Ollie unplayable, Lindelof did his job superbly but my Motm is Emi Buendia.
Set up the first, scored the 2nd, ran around like a lunatic and was a menace for them all night.
UTFV!
Buendia didn't just setup the first he danced through a forest like an enchanted beautiful ballerina.
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All a bit hollow unless we get a letter from a Forest fan.
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Well I’m taking credit for that one!
And v pleased Unai is an H&V reader and saw my suggestion of Lindelof in midfield!
What a night!
At Villa park when I heard the team news of Lindelof at DM I thought about reading somethimg on here a couple of days ago so well done. It's something that I would never have accepted as a good idea,
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Eh up me duck.
Ah ain't never eard anything laayk Villa Park tonight. Ah was so impressed ah've stopped supporting Forest and I'm Villa naah me duck.
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Another Emery masterclass. I need to stop doubting. SJM is everything you could want in a captain and Villa legend.
Magnificent from the lads.
Two huge games left in Burnley and Frieburg.
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Well I’m taking credit for that one!
And v pleased Unai is an H&V reader and saw my suggestion of Lindelof in midfield!
What a night!
At Villa park when I heard the team news of Lindelof at DM I thought about reading somethimg on here a couple of days ago so well done. It's something that I would never have accepted as a good idea,
I mean, it never seemed that mad to me. I mentioned it previously because I was curious as to why he hadn't really been tried before. Then again, Bogarde does seem to have regressed a bit in recent weeks so maybe that was unexpected.
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Well that answered every single doubter. I don't recall seeing a more one sided game in my lifetime.
Immense performance from everyone & an atmosphere to rival any stadium. Whilst I expected us to win, I didn't see a 4-0 hammering.
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Difficult to pick a MOM but fuck me, that was some atmosphere
I’ve been going through 45 years and that was right up there.
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Don't think it would have made a difference, but Forest bringing Gibbs-White off the bench on Monday when winning 3-0 feels *really* stupid.
My thoughts exactly at the time, but didn’t post so as not to upset cd and his gods.
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Yep. Even the warm up was pretty noisy, you could tell it was going to be one of those nights where we were proper up for it. Villa Park has a bit of mythos about it, these days. When the team and fans are right on it, nobody beats us there.
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A message for Billy Walker.
You were right.
xx
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Don't think it would have made a difference, but Forest bringing Gibbs-White off the bench on Monday when winning 3-0 feels *really* stupid.
My thoughts exactly at the time, but didn’t post so as not to upset cd and his gods.
Much appreciated.
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I dont half wish they ditch the tannoy music after results like this. Another positive mind, no drum
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Pretty sure they brought MGW at half-time rather than late on when they'd already won.
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Just got back. A game for the ages as others have said. The stadium was noisy 20 mins before kick off and you got the sense something special could unfold. All four sides of the stadium singing as one from kick off was incredible to hear, never heard the stadium so loud. We chased and harried them into so many mistakes, and none of them wanted the ball in that atmosphere. It was only a matter of time before we scored and the noise was phenomenal. So many great performances, but SJM cemented his place in Villa folklore forever with a wonderful brace and a non stop display ...simply sensational tonight. UTV
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A night for the ages. My pessimistic self thought things like this don't happen to us but so happy to be proved wrong. Fantastic performance from them all, now let's win the bloody thing!
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I dont half wish they ditch the tannoy music after results like this. Another positive mind, no drum
That'll be the emails myself and CL sent. Hands across the political spectrum for the Greater Good.
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Need to find a better boozer to watch the Villa down south. There were a couple of tables of Villa fans but despite a nice array of Villa shirts including the yellow away '92 one, they were a pretty meek bunch. Felt a bit of a freak hollering and roaring on me todd. Some of them got into the spirit of it at 3-0 but no one knew the McGinn chant...
Oh well, at least we made it onto the BBCNews At Ten as a headline story!
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Need to find a better boozer to watch the Villa down south. There were a couple of tables of Villa fans but despite a nice array of Villa shirts including the yellow away '92 one, they were a pretty meek bunch. Felt a bit of a freak hollering and roaring on me todd. Some of them got into the spirit of it at 3-0 but no one knew the McGinn chant...
Oh well, at least we made it onto the BBCNews At Ten as a headline story!
Well that's a start!
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I can’t sleep even though mum and dad have just told me Santa won’t come until I do.
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Need to find a better boozer to watch the Villa down south. There were a couple of tables of Villa fans but despite a nice array of Villa shirts including the yellow away '92 one, they were a pretty meek bunch. Felt a bit of a freak hollering and roaring on me todd. Some of them got into the spirit of it at 3-0 but no one knew the McGinn chant...
Oh well, at least we made it onto the BBCNews At Ten as a headline story!
where you watching the Final? I'm in Surrey near Guildford and looking for fellow Villains to watch with. Contacted Surrey Villans and got no response.
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Not sure...if Villa show it on big screens at Villa Park and don't charge stupid money, I'll be tempted to head up and take a bit of time off work. Otherwise, maybe in London at that spot where Villa fans congregate - the small bar in Elephant & Castle.
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Eh up me duck.
Ah ain't never eard anything laayk Villa Park tonight. Ah was so impressed ah've stopped supporting Forest and I'm Villa naah me duck.
Wow, I didn't know you were from Nottingham, Dave!
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Does anybody else live within the vicinity of the Towers pub? I can still hear Villa fans singing and it sounds like too many to just be in a back garden.
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Just home. Exhausted but my god what a night, one of the best. This team can take you from utter misery to sheer bliss in a few days. Now for Istanbal...
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Good morning everyone and what a fine one it is.
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Good morning everyone and what a fine one it is.
a very good morning
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Or a great day for us way, way down south.
If the boss checks my browsing history today he aint goona be happy. Ive watched the game twice....
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It all clicked, and when the Villa Park crowd and team are in sync and up for it as of last night we can beat any team in World football.
I almost felt sorry for Forest, they didn’t stand a chance.
Simply awesome.
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Can anyone else not sleep?
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I dont half wish they ditch the tannoy music after results like this. Another positive mind, no drum
That'll be the emails myself and CL sent. Hands across the political spectrum for the Greater Good.
Too true Comrade.
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what a performance, Torres was the one for me, nothing stuck for them because he both dominated Wood and was superb in recycling the ball to get us on the front foot.
The pass for the 4th goal was Staunton esque
3rd but the sentiment was the same. Bogarde started the fourth one.
Sorry mate... Lost count 😂
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Or a great day for us way, way down south.
If the boss checks my browsing history today he aint goona be happy. Ive watched the game twice....
.. Was it showing on X hamster?
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Take anyone else hours to get to sleep??
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Need to find a better boozer to watch the Villa down south. There were a couple of tables of Villa fans but despite a nice array of Villa shirts including the yellow away '92 one, they were a pretty meek bunch. Felt a bit of a freak hollering and roaring on me todd. Some of them got into the spirit of it at 3-0 but no one knew the McGinn chant...
Oh well, at least we made it onto the BBCNews At Ten as a headline story!
In the boozer, was there a lady dancing, a man with a stick, a chap marching and a dwarf?
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Can anyone else not sleep?
I had the worst night's sleep in ages and I have to start work in an hour.
I think the goals might be getting a replay a few hundred times later.
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Take anyone else hours to get to sleep??
Haha! Yep!
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Can anyone else not sleep?
Both my kids apparently....
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Take anyone else hours to get to sleep??
Yes and my throat is still buggered.
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Can't remember the last time I woke up so happy
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Take anyone else hours to get to sleep??
Virtually none. Voice gone as well.
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After a week of no sleep, I got home, watched numerous highlights, and finally settled down around 2am, for a 6am wake-up. Slept like a baby!
Now in the office in Leamington, with a huge grin like a Cheshire cat and a shattered voice box.
WHAT A NIGHT. Villa Park was alive and you could feel that Forest had no chance, even from the pre-match warmup.
Shout out to EVERYBODY last night - The Players, the manager, the staff, the fans.....and the Prince! All 11/10.
As a lot of us know, times like these don't come around too often, so lets make the most of it - Magnificent!
See you in Astonbul - UTFV!!
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Can't remember the last time I woke up so happy
I was on the train to Witton with a Corkman.
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10 years ago today
Villa 0-0 Newcastle
The only point we took from the last 13 league games as we were relegated as one of the worst ever PL sides.
And now we're off to a major European final.
The 74th minute inflatable barrage and "going down with the Villa"
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Proudly wearing my Villa top in my office in South Yorkshire. A truly magnificent performance and I was wrong about Buendia, he was superb. Will take nothing for granted but am confident we will win the trophy now.
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I see Chris Wood's cunning plan for us to attack the Holte End first, didn't go too well. :)
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I see Chris Wood's cunning plan for us to attack the Holte End first, didn't go too well. :)
The first thought I had when he did it was "yeah, PSG tried that and it didn't do them any good"
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10 years ago today
Villa 0-0 Newcastle
The only point we took from the last 13 league games as we were relegated as one of the worst ever PL sides.
And now we're off to a major European final.
I was there. We were rubbish but Newcastle were worse as they needed points to stay up
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I just nipped in here to ask…
Did anyone else sleep like crap last night?
But I’ve seen all the posts above and know that I’m not alone!
Amazing result. I love this club.
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Rewatched the game before going to bed - slept well :)
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What a team, what a manager, what a captain, what a night. Magnificent.
Play like that in Istanbul and there can only be one winner. I hope Unai selects the same team for it, inc Lindelof who after tonight deserves to keep his place.
Lindelof doesn’t play enough. Apart from last Sunday, when he was rubbish like everyone else, he’s hardly put a foot wrong since joining the club.
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Last night happened, right? It wasn’t a dream?
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Still disappointed it didn't go to penalties.
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Can't remember the last time I woke up so happy
I was on the train to Witton with a Corkman.
It wasn't me unfortunately! There are quite a few Villa fans in Cork alright. I'm just reading your new book by the way, really enjoying it
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Last night happened, right? It wasn’t a dream?
I dont know but I just had a shower with Bobby Ewing
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Vibrant and victorious - Villa ready to end 30-year trophy drought
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cddpy80r5dgo
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
I’m so sorry to hear that, may he rest in peace, a true Holtender in the sky
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Sorry for your loss Dave.
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My sleep score, normally up in the 80's, was 35 last night. So I was definitely in the same boat as everyone else.
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I see Chris Wood's cunning plan for us to attack the Holte End first, didn't go too well. :)
Nothing could stop us last night, it was immense.
The players, manager, and fan's as one, incredible.
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I saw a clip where the Manure twat was stating our penalty was really soft. You support Manure and you thought ours was soft...
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Managed about 3 hours of sleep, on and off. Looking forward to watching the game again later. Question for anyone who wasn't fortunate enough to be there - did they interview Steve Hodge again this week?!
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We are amongst Villa Gods.
These players, this manager, how do we ever doubt his genius.
I couldn’t concentrate all day at work, so nervous. Went to the Warehouse for an hour before the game, there was a lot of nervous energy, but its when we got into the Holte lower concourse about 7.30, the noise, it just felt like one of those nights. The Holte end was so loud from 15 minutes before kick off, i always think this on the big games, but I honestly can’t remember it being consistently that loud for a whole game, it must of been so intimidating for Forest.
We battered them from the start, but still approaching 30 mins and no goals, the nerves. Beautiful from Beundia and then release of all that energy in the crowd. And then the second half wow!! The third goal, Torres -Rogers-Watkins to the Villa legend that SJM, just incredible.
Everyone a 10, but Torres, Lindelof, Watkins, Beundia, McGinn….wow!
Emery, he walks amongst us.
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Also wanted to put a word in for Lindelof, he was so good at especially defending transitions (a real weak spot for us at times this season).
Also also, more generally, what the fuck, where the fuck did that come from, we'd hoped they'd show up, they'd battle, they'd click a bit more, but honestly from pretty much the first to the last minute we just battered them. Given the circumstances, how we came into the match after the last couple of weeks, it was a quite staggering performance (in the sense that I staggered home from the pub on New Street).
Yes McGinn, yes Buendia, yes new Villa iconography with Watkins bandaged and battling to goal, but really every one of them absolutely brought it. Even Martinez, though Wood was offside, made a pretty crazy save.
An unbelievable display, and an incredible vindication for Emery. We'll lose the final 1-0 won't we NO, let's stay positive. Onto Istanbul.
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Will king William be allowed to go bananas for the villa when he is king I wonder?
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Also wanted to put a word in for Lindelof, he was so good at especially defending transitions (a real weak spot for us at times this season).
Also also, more generally, what the fuck, where the fuck did that come from, we'd hoped they'd show up, they'd battle, they'd click a bit more, but honestly from pretty much the first to the last minute we just battered them. Given the circumstances, how we came into the match after the last couple of weeks, it was a quite staggering performance (in the sense that I staggered home from the pub on New Street).
Yes McGinn, yes Buendia, yes new Villa iconography with Watkins bandaged and battling to goal, but really every one of them absolutely brought it. Even Martinez, though Wood was offside, made a pretty crazy save.
An unbelievable display, and an incredible vindication for Emery. We'll lose the final 1-0 won't we NO, let's stay positive. Onto Istanbul.
Emi had one thing only to do and he did it better than anyone else would have, and there was a chance he'd have been onside from VAR.
I honestly think that has banished any thoughts of not turning up when it matters, in the players minds and ours.
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Bittersweet, as I lost my Dad yesterday. A Villa supporter since WW2 days. I hoped he could hang on for the final, but there you go...
His final match was the Sunderland match, when he somehow got to his feet for Tammy's winner.
I’m so sorry to hear that, may he rest in peace, a true Holtender in the sky
Sorry to hear that Dave, best wishes.
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Somebody posted that, on Sunday, Ollie W pointed to an obviously disgruntled Holte and mouthed 'Thursday'.
They more than delivered.
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The greatest atmosphere at Villa Park I've ever er experienced and one of the most one sided games too. Just joyous. Lost for too many words.
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Does anybody else live within the vicinity of the Towers pub? I can still hear Villa fans singing and it sounds like too many to just be in a back garden.
I live behind it, however I’m in Barmouth and watched it down here!
Have heard the crowd on many occasions on big nights.
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Still buzzing after that. Great performance all around. Lindelof particularly good. Great for us since joining. Lets finish the job now.
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Last night happened, right? It wasn’t a dream?
Was trying to think of games in which we've consistently been that good, for that long in a game.
Reckon I've got the 1-0 against Man City in 2024, and that's about it. Even headline-grabbers like the 7-2 against Liverpool felt quite chaotic and uncontrolled and on another day would have turned out differently.
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
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Showed the highlights to my daughter this morning while her mum did her hair. Normally, a stressful time with all the tugs etc.
Calmest hair brushing time ever. Thanks Villa, for restoring household harmony!
🤣
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Rewatching it tonight with a couple of beers!
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
The Sunderland match thread is majestic
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Sincere condolences Dave Javu, sorry for your loss.
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
Is that from North Stand Chat? They don't like us because we normally beat them and they think they have a better team. They also think Ming denied Dunk a long and storied international career. I wouldnt take them seriously to be honest.
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
I'm trying to do this. Forest and Spurs ticked off so far. Sunderland up next. Thanks for the tip, Lee.
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Well done to everyone who attended the match last night. You all gave 110% or more vocal support. It was truly magnificent, and showed that's there's no place like Villa Park for a big occasion under the floodlights.
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Two points:
1. We haven't won anything yet
2. I honestly don't think the big(gest) clubs have this type of emotion as it becomes normalised for them (City not selling out a semi final in the cup, Arse fans leaving early in 2015). Whereas we are such a rollercoaster over the last 20 years it teaches us to appreciate the successes.
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To be fair, I would probably dislike a team if they pretty much always beat us and nearly always lost to our rivals. Not many teams get to play Villa and Small Heath, though, as we are rarely in the same division. Was surprised by the levels of dislike they have for us, especially when Villa winning is potentially a massive boost for them. I still like them and their cuddly six points a season, though.
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
The Sunderland match thread is majestic
Read it last night, it really is. More evidence that Sunderland fans are some of the soundest in the land.
Villa park is by far the best in the country when it’s rocking like
Said before, al say it again.
Villa Park has won this for Villa tonight.
No one lays a glove on a home team with an atmosphere like this behind them. Its suffocating.
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In the Emery era
Red filth win for first time in forever in his first game
Man city and Arsenal wins in the space of a week
Bayern win
PSG win
Last night capped it all - 110% from KO
Atmosphere was electric and sustained, i think the best i have ever heard - Forest were rabbits in the headlights.
This team deserve to win this now - its just a pity so many Villa fans will not be able to get to the actual game.
Is the whole game repeated anywhere on TV?
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10 years ago today
Villa 0-0 Newcastle
The only point we took from the last 13 league games as we were relegated as one of the worst ever PL sides.
And now we're off to a major European final.
first game I took my kid , tickets off Jimmy Milner .. Dad do we have to come back ...haa
last night he was cheering and smiling and bloody loving what I was feeling as a kid in 1982 ..
thanks Villa .... and the Villa family ..
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Can anyone else not sleep?
Stayed up til 4 watching the game again. Had 2 hours sleep, like Prince or Thatcher.
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That wasn't a victory, it wasn't an efficient performance - it was an obliteration, just a complete obliteration.
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All condolences to you for your loss Dave Javu. Sounds like he at least had a perfect final game.
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Is the whole game repeated anywhere on TV?
All on HBO Max if you have that. Don't think so, otherwise.
Stream Aston Villa - Nottingham Forest on HBO Max
https://play.hbomax.com/sport/89453d72-f517-5fdf-88b5-9ff2e066e5f1?utm_source=hbomax&utm_medium=sharebutton&utm_id=cc265214-47ed-455b-b3f9-02b9a9758bab
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
I think it's that the north-east really hate Nottingham, as Nottingham had a reputation for providing scab workers during the miners' strikers in the '80s.
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Walking up past the Holte to the game you could tell everyone was up for this last night
Even at 3 nil I was still waiting for Forest to come back, what an atmosphere, what a game what a team what a club !!
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The only sour note last night was putting on Sweet Caroline straight after the final whistle. Generic slop, I'd rather have heard a drum.
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The scale of the unbelievable job Unai Emery has done as Aston Villa manager was highlighted by Ollie Watkins this week.
“The team is pretty much the same as when Dean Smith was here, apart from a few good additions,” Watkins said.
Seven of the starting XI on Thursday were indeed part of Smith’s squad at the start of the 2021/22 season. He was sacked with Villa in 16th place on ten points after 11 games. His replacement Steve Gerrard was sacked 11 games into the following season with Villa on nine points in 17th.
Since then, with a net spend of under £50m, Emery has taken Villa back into Europe, then the Champions League and now has them on the cusp of ending their 30-year trophy drought after his flawless tactics set his brilliant team up to dismantle Nottingham Forest.
Opposite number Vitor Pereira has been at least as impressive since taking over at Forest, albeit on a far smaller scale. He had won eight of his 16 games in charge coming into this game, including all of the last five, and hadn’t lost since a 1-0 defeat to Midtjylland in mid-March.
He’s taken them well clear of the relegation zone and was two games away from rewarding owner Evangelos Marinakis for sacking three managers this season with Champions League football next season.
“He’s not our goalkeeper,” Emery told the TNT Sports reporter when asked about Victor Lindelof’s rumoured start in midfield, in a surprise selection ahead of Lamare Bogarde following Amadou Onana’s injury in the first leg.
In packing the midfield with Lindelof behind John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia, and Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins playing narrowly ahead of them, Villa dominated the ball. Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez were swarmed at the base of Forest’s midfield, with Igor Jesus and Chris Wood isolated in attack.
James McAtee delivered a lovely cross-field pass for Omari Hutchinson early on as the former Chelsea and Ipswich star curled a shot just wide of the far post, but that was the extent of the danger Forest posed in a first-half to leave onlookers in little doubt as to which manager was winning the tactical battle.
The frustration for Emery will have been that his side hadn’t taken the lead in the tie after they drew level thanks to some stunning footwork from Buendia.
Watkins was very nearly played in by Emiliano Martinez but Villa kept the attack alive after Nikola Milenkovic cut it out the long ball. Post-match recriminations may feature questions as to why neither Elliot Anderson nor Jair Cunha attempted to tackle Buendia, but three quick foot-to-foot touches saw the Argentinian squeeze through the middle of them before his cleverly delayed cross found Watkins for a tap in.
Ryan Yates came on in place of McAtee at the break to add some midfield steel, but a couple of tough tackles from the club captain failed to turn the tide and Villa’s progression to the final felt inevitable after Milenkovic tugged Pau Torres’ shirt in the box and Buendia converted the resulting penalty.
There may never have been a greater disparity in performance level in the history of football than Villa vs Tottenham and this display. The same fans that booed their shameful team off on Sunday were roaring in delight at a near impeccable showing both on and off the ball.
Forest had no answer to the power and close-knit link-up play between Rogers and Watkins, Buendia’s work between the lines, McGinn’s midfield barreling or Tielemans dictating the game behind them. Forest possession was treated with disdain by a Villa team which worked quickly and tirelessly to win the ball back immediately.
“They knew what they had to do and they did it” was the basic but perfect summary from Stiliyan Petrov after the game.
The Forest defence was conspicuous in its absence as decibel levels reached implausible heights at Villa Park when McGinn swept into one corner to seal a comprehensive victory and then the other to rub salt in now weeping Forest wounds.
Forest didn’t turn up but then they weren’t really allowed to by a Villa team playing at their absolute peak under an extraordinary motivator and tactician that the club must cling on to for dear life after turning two-thirds of a Dean Smith team into Europa League finalists. The man is an absolute genius.
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Last night happened, right? It wasn’t a dream?
Was trying to think of games in which we've consistently been that good, for that long in a game.
Reckon I've got the 1-0 against Man City in 2024, and that's about it. Even headline-grabbers like the 7-2 against Liverpool felt quite chaotic and uncontrolled and on another day would have turned out differently.
Jawdies at home 3 years ago springs to mind as they top 4 and flying.
I could go back to Boro at home in the title year of 81 for total domination but they weren’t in any form (until the following week) at the time.
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I was in my seat early last night, only do it for the European games and I was taken aback by the cheer from the Holte as the last few squad members left the pitch. I thought to myself, this is going to be some night.
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Last night happened, right? It wasn’t a dream?
Was trying to think of games in which we've consistently been that good, for that long in a game.
Reckon I've got the 1-0 against Man City in 2024, and that's about it. Even headline-grabbers like the 7-2 against Liverpool felt quite chaotic and uncontrolled and on another day would have turned out differently.
Jawdies at home 3 years ago springs to mind as they top 4 and flying.
Good shout.
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
I think it's that the north-east really hate Nottingham, as Nottingham had a reputation for providing scab workers during the miners' strikers in the '80s.
Yeah, that came up a lot. But they also seem to think Forest like Newcastle for reasons I have missed.
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Still smiling this morning. Like after beating Tranmere all those years ago.
Woke up my soon to be 7 year old and told him the score. Elated. Even allowed him a pre school YouTube TNT highlights at breakfast time. He will be allowed to watch the final - have to buy an effing TNT sub.
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
I think it's that the north-east really hate Nottingham, as Nottingham had a reputation for providing scab workers during the miners' strikers in the '80s.
Yeah, that came up a lot. But they also seem to think Forest like Newcastle for reasons I have missed.
Maybe I've got it wrong, but I reckon those are "Maggie loving" rather than "Magpie loving".
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Forest fan here - as a fan who travels up and down the country with Forest, there comes a point where you just have to say... the best team won on the day. Outclassed and outperformed in every single department - you didn't even give us a sniff.
A lot of debate about the celebrations from some Forest fans after the first leg; I wasn't a fan of it tbh, we were 1-0 at half time, that's all it was. At the same time, I'm not going to begrudge people who get swept up in the moment.
Villa are years ahead of where we want to be, but if you'd told me 4 years ago as we entered the Championship Playoffs, that we'd reach the semi-final of the Europa League, I would have thought you were mad.
See you in the Premier League next year - there was a time this season when I didn't even think I'd be saying that!
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The only sour note last night was putting on Sweet Caroline straight after the final whistle. Generic slop, I'd rather have heard a drum.
A great song that now been done to death. And beyond.
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I've been on all the forums. Just taking in as much as I can. I've discovered that Sunderland really hate Forest and Brighton really hate us. Everyone saying how loud Villa Park was.
I think it's that the north-east really hate Nottingham, as Nottingham had a reputation for providing scab workers during the miners' strikers in the '80s.
Yeah, that came up a lot. But they also seem to think Forest like Newcastle for reasons I have missed.
Maybe I've got it wrong, but I reckon those are "Maggie loving" rather than "Magpie loving".
Oh FFS. Of course they are.
Seem to like us and hate Thatcher. Good club.
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Forest fan here - as a fan who travels up and down the country with Forest, there comes a point where you just have to say... the best team won on the day. Outclassed and outperformed in every single department - you didn't even give us a sniff.
A lot of debate about the celebrations from some Forest fans after the first leg; I wasn't a fan of it tbh, we were 1-0 at half time, that's all it was. At the same time, I'm not going to begrudge people who get swept up in the moment.
Villa are years ahead of where we want to be, but if you'd told me 4 years ago as we entered the Championship Playoffs, that we'd reach the semi-final of the Europa League, I would have thought you were mad.
See you in the Premier League next year - there was a time this season when I didn't even think I'd be saying that!
Honour to you fella, two proper clubs in a European semifinal made a nice change from the usual procession of the Super League scabs. See you next season.
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Still smiling this morning. Like after beating Tranmere all those years ago.
Woke up my soon to be 7 year old and told him the score. Elated. Even allowed him a pre school YouTube TNT highlights at breakfast time. He will be allowed to watch the final - have to buy an effing TNT sub.
Pretty sure the final's free on YouTube
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Still smiling this morning. Like after beating Tranmere all those years ago.
Woke up my soon to be 7 year old and told him the score. Elated. Even allowed him a pre school YouTube TNT highlights at breakfast time. He will be allowed to watch the final - have to buy an effing TNT sub.
I think the final is usually free to air on YouTube or some such?
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Forest fan here - as a fan who travels up and down the country with Forest, there comes a point where you just have to say... the best team won on the day. Outclassed and outperformed in every single department - you didn't even give us a sniff.
A lot of debate about the celebrations from some Forest fans after the first leg; I wasn't a fan of it tbh, we were 1-0 at half time, that's all it was. At the same time, I'm not going to begrudge people who get swept up in the moment.
Villa are years ahead of where we want to be, but if you'd told me 4 years ago as we entered the Championship Playoffs, that we'd reach the semi-final of the Europa League, I would have thought you were mad.
See you in the Premier League next year - there was a time this season when I didn't even think I'd be saying that!
You were only just behind us last season. If the owner sticks with the manager rather than throwing his toys out of the pram again, and you can carrry your end of season league form on, no reason why you can't challenge for Europe again next year or in the coming seasons. Take care mate.
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Forest fan here - as a fan who travels up and down the country with Forest, there comes a point where you just have to say... the best team won on the day. Outclassed and outperformed in every single department - you didn't even give us a sniff.
A lot of debate about the celebrations from some Forest fans after the first leg; I wasn't a fan of it tbh, we were 1-0 at half time, that's all it was. At the same time, I'm not going to begrudge people who get swept up in the moment.
Villa are years ahead of where we want to be, but if you'd told me 4 years ago as we entered the Championship Playoffs, that we'd reach the semi-final of the Europa League, I would have thought you were mad.
See you in the Premier League next year - there was a time this season when I didn't even think I'd be saying that!
Fair play to you and good luck for next season. I'm pleased you finished the season strongly - the more Midlands teams in the Premier League the better, as far as I'm concerned.
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Forest fan here - as a fan who travels up and down the country with Forest, there comes a point where you just have to say... the best team won on the day. Outclassed and outperformed in every single department - you didn't even give us a sniff.
A lot of debate about the celebrations from some Forest fans after the first leg; I wasn't a fan of it tbh, we were 1-0 at half time, that's all it was. At the same time, I'm not going to begrudge people who get swept up in the moment.
Villa are years ahead of where we want to be, but if you'd told me 4 years ago as we entered the Championship Playoffs, that we'd reach the semi-final of the Europa League, I would have thought you were mad.
See you in the Premier League next year - there was a time this season when I didn't even think I'd be saying that!
You were only just behind us last season. If the owner sticks with the manager rather than throwing his toys out of the pram again, and you can carrry your end of season league form on, no reason why you can't challenge for Europe again next year or in the coming seasons. Take care mate.
I might be wrong but I can't see MGW and Anderson being there next season. Granted they could get £200mil in for the pair but will they be able to get equivalent players in. I would also be concerned on Pereira long term.
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Villa had total dominance for the whole game, but I expected it in all honesty the only question for me was Villa's big game mentality which we've finally put to bed.
Piera had a bit clown show, made a big deal of resting Gibbs white at chelsea, but decided to bring him on only to see him get his face smashed up! Then at 1-0 last night he took off McAtee stifling their creativity and brought on Yates who's basiclly just a "run and kick 'em lump" leaving them relying on Hutchingson (who was bascily in Digne's pocket) to feed two strikers!
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Na Fcuk Forest after this I’ve seen them in a very different light.
Singing you Villa bastards we’re coming for you at Chelsea. Outrageous chant.
Loads and loads of social media posts and blogs about how superior they are to us. (I think others have tried this and regretted it in recent years).
Constant belittling over the last few days totally without reason based on the season the two sides have had.
A few other snidey things. Used to have a lot of respect for them but they can eff off back to their tricky tree houses now.
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They were just excellent as a team last night.
A rather "senior" poster and I - him in one of his rare "lucid" moments, me less so - were discussing what the win percentage is when we are turned around to kick toward the Holte first half. We were both of the opinion it is quite high, but that this may be memories playing tricks.
We also both agreed that the Villa v AFC Bournemouth game in 1972 takes some beating for atmosphere at VP, but last night came as close as a modern day Villa Park can do.
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Has Marinakis been seen yet?
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The atmosphere last night rivalled the one for Tranmere in 1994 - high praise from me as that is my favourite ever Villa Park game.
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Forest fan here - as a fan who travels up and down the country with Forest, there comes a point where you just have to say... the best team won on the day. Outclassed and outperformed in every single department - you didn't even give us a sniff.
A lot of debate about the celebrations from some Forest fans after the first leg; I wasn't a fan of it tbh, we were 1-0 at half time, that's all it was. At the same time, I'm not going to begrudge people who get swept up in the moment.
Villa are years ahead of where we want to be, but if you'd told me 4 years ago as we entered the Championship Playoffs, that we'd reach the semi-final of the Europa League, I would have thought you were mad.
See you in the Premier League next year - there was a time this season when I didn't even think I'd be saying that!
Fair play to you and good luck for next season. I'm pleased you finished the season strongly - the more Midlands teams in the Premier League the better, as far as I'm concerned.
Nice once tlf. Lots of fond memories of living in Nottingham. Been to City Ground many times with Forest supporting friends when I lived there. You are streets ahead of those days 20 years ago
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Braga had a man sent off after 8 mins last night. Freiburg only had to play against 10 men to get through
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Somebody posted that, on Sunday, Ollie W pointed to an obviously disgruntled Holte and mouthed 'Thursday'.
They more than delivered.
Yes I posted that and clearly with 20/20 hindsight conserving energy against Spurs was the right thing to do. I remember early in the game tammy gesturing to Emily to calm things so they were under instructions.
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Braga had a man sent off after 8 mins last night. Freiburg only had to play against 10 men to get through
Similar to Forest against Porto.
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Na Fcuk Forest after this I’ve seen them in a very different light.
Singing you Villa bastards we’re coming for you at Chelsea. Outrageous chant.
Loads and loads of social media posts and blogs about how superior they are to us. (I think others have tried this and regretted it in recent years).
Constant belittling over the last few days totally without reason based on the season the two sides have had.
A few other snidey things. Used to have a lot of respect for them but they can eff off back to their tricky tree houses now.
Forest fan here - unfortunately nowadays, you can get 1% of the fan base making ridiculous noise on social media and then that tars every single Forest fan with the same brush. There's been some embarrassing stuff on social media, particularly the over celebrations after the first leg, which I personally found infuriating.
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Na Fcuk Forest after this I’ve seen them in a very different light.
Singing you Villa bastards we’re coming for you at Chelsea. Outrageous chant.
Loads and loads of social media posts and blogs about how superior they are to us. (I think others have tried this and regretted it in recent years).
Constant belittling over the last few days totally without reason based on the season the two sides have had.
A few other snidey things. Used to have a lot of respect for them but they can eff off back to their tricky tree houses now.
Forest fan here - unfortunately nowadays, you can get 1% of the fan base making ridiculous noise on social media and then that tars every single Forest fan with the same brush. There's been some embarrassing stuff on social media, particularly the over celebrations after the first leg, which I personally found infuriating.
No problem at all with the older Forest fans - always been respect as a footballing team between us. The nobs who post crap can do one
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Never overreact to a half time lead
https://x.com/talkSPORT/status/2049970116373233843
Oh dear whats theat phase dont count your chickens ..
Bet they feel like right muppets now 😂
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Absolutely brilliant one of the best nights of my life.
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Well done to everyone who attended the match last night. You all gave 110% or more vocal support. It was truly magnificent, and showed that's there's no place like Villa Park for a big occasion under the floodlights.
Just wanted to echo this. The crowd was magnificent. The noise they made was worth a goal in itself.
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That was the greatest semi final ive experienced. Only blackburn and tranmere come close to that in my life time
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Never overreact to a half time lead
https://x.com/talkSPORT/status/2049970116373233843
Oh dear whats theat phase dont count your chickens ..
Bet they feel like right muppets now 😂
I know that’s real, but it’s got an AI feel about it.
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I do think Forest got ahead of themselves in the pre game build up. They were very confident, and yet the moment the game kicked off, you could just see that our players were locked in. The atmosphere and intensity of the evening meant they couldn't cope. complete dominance for 90 minutes. It also shows the crucial role of a home game in that second leg.
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I do think Forest got ahead of themselves in the pre game build up. They were very confident, and yet the moment the game kicked off, you could just see that our players were locked in. The atmosphere and intensity of the evening meant they couldn't cope. complete dominance for 90 minutes. It also shows the crucial role of a home game in that second leg.
Especially when you've got him in the dugout
In the last ten minutes at their place my mate was calling for Tammy to come on, I said no way will that happen, our focus is to not concede a second. Had we done so the shape of last night may have been very different.
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And they tried the huddle in our half thing. Twats.
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And they tried the huddle in our half thing. Twats.
And Emi shithoused them by joining it.
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Has Marinakis been seen yet?
Last spotted attempting to kidnap Olive Oyl, I think.
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Last night happened, right? It wasn’t a dream?
Was trying to think of games in which we've consistently been that good, for that long in a game.
Reckon I've got the 1-0 against Man City in 2024, and that's about it. Even headline-grabbers like the 7-2 against Liverpool felt quite chaotic and uncontrolled and on another day would have turned out differently.
Probably Brighton 6-1, Newcastle 3-0. Agree about the 7-2 vs Liverpool. Add in plenty of deflected goals. A weird, but wonderful Covid win.
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Liverpool were reigning champions and were lucky it wasn't double figures.
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Has Marinakis been seen yet?
Last spotted attempting to kidnap Olive Oyl, I think.
I saw him in the trinity behind us, he is huge.
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I predicted a 3-0 win but what I never saw coming was the most complete team performance from every single player, total football for 90 minutes. Years back on here, I recall Chris Smith saying it's impossible for teams to dominate for 90 minutes which at the time I thought a fair comment. I hope you enjoyed last night, Chris. Every minute of it. What a performance.
Every player was fully committed and did exactly the job Unai had instructed. It's difficult to mention certain players without crediting others but it I can't let this game pass without highlighting a few performances:
For me Ollie Watkins had his best Villa performance in a Villa shirt ever. Absolute perfection. Absolute team player, working to link up attacks, good feet (yes, you read that correctly) and where you need him to score. Loads of players would have wanted to come off with a cut above the eye but it seems to further inspire Watkins. Somebody mentioned Tuchel was at the game, if so he must be delighted to confirm who he's bringing as his second striker to the World Cup.
Emi Buendia, probably my MOTM but then there are another 10 players who rightly had a claim. Tenacious as ever but the fella played like it was his last ever game of football and wanted to not only win but win in style. Everything he did was with focus, energy and determination. When Mini Messi danced past the Forest defenders to provide the simplest of tap-ins for Ollie Watkins, it was like watching in slow motion, such was the beauty of the skill and time he created for himself. Genius.
Balls of steel to step up to take the penalty but he knew what he was doing. Respect. He chased everything, got back to support the defence when needed, got up immediately when clobbered which was often, both brave and tidy playing little ons-twos, no fear just pure skill, he demonstrated yet again his love and dedication for this club.
The Legend that is Super John McGinn. Just when you think you've seen his best performance, he takes it up another level. We are so blessed to have him and even at 31 he's still improving. How, I have no idea but what I do know is I can think of no other Villa player, past or present that leads by such example. I could go on for ever about the dirty work he has to do, his finishing, his running, leadership, every bloody thing he does.
If like me you've been carrying around in your head an image of SJM lifting that big, beautiful Europa League trophy, well we're one step way from turning it into reality. There's not a more deserving Villa player, again past or present, who would deserve it and make me smile more than seeing John McGinn lift the trophy on May 20th.
Every player gets a 10 but these three get an 11. As does Unai who planned that game from start to finish and his players delivered. It was a joy to watch. The Villa Park crowd are rightly rewarded for their brilliant support with a game they probably won't ever forget. European nights at Villa Park under the lights, ain't bad are they?
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Was that really us? Apart from the ‘96’ league cup final I can’t think of another big match when we have won so convincingly. What an atmosphere! I’m sure there are a lot of sore throats amongst us today.
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I agree with RCF.
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On Buendia, he was so super focussed that he didn't so much as look at the Torres penalty appeal he was right next to, just went chasing back to the edge of the box to win the ball back.
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My son and my brother walked into the city because of the Aston train queue and decided to risk having a drink in the town, (we don't drink in town)finally left at 1.30 am,
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Just very proud, of the players, the staff and the fans. We are blessed to support and follow such an institution. UTV!
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Im struggling to put last night into words.
I was so nervous before the game - but once I got to my seat - it was clear that this was going to be different. It seemed as if every single player, and every single fan knew their role and shared a steely determination to make sure the job got done this time.
And what it created was unstoppable.
I think I have probably seen us play better - but I have never seen us play with such ruthless focus. Every player was fantastic - special mention for Beundia - who stepped up when it mattered most. The icing on the cake was Watkins and McGinn - two of our best ever players, who both put in probably their best ever performances.
Last night wasnt the Aston Villa I've been watching for the last 30 years. It was the the all conquering Aston Villa of the history books. And god willing - that will be exactly where this curremt team belongs.
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If I didn't know better I'd think that last season's final day catastrophe was all part of Unai's master plan.
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Given that Villa Park is widely accepted to have played a big part in our victory, we should take some time to admire the players who ensured that we would have each second leg at home. Step forward, Kadan Young and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba for their Salzburg masterclass.
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Today is my favourite hangover ever.
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Had a little peruse of a forest forum. Weird bunch, many on there hate emery for throwing the spurs game by.... making as many changes to the team as they did against chelsea.
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Without doubt will go done as one of the greatest Villa Park nights in our great history, the performances from all of the players were 10 out of 10, except for SJM his was 11 out 10.
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Had a little peruse of a forest forum. Weird bunch, many on there hate emery for throwing the spurs game by.... making as many changes to the team as they did against chelsea.
I reckon those that were at the ground will carry some trauma for years.
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Yeah, hope they stay up so they have to face another trip to Villa Park next season.
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Given that Villa Park is widely accepted to have played a big part in our victory, we should take some time to admire the players who ensured that we would have each second leg at home. Step forward, Kadan Young and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba for their Salzurg masterclass.
Good call, mate.
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Where can it be watched again in full? Can find the odd 5 min highlights on tnt
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Search Aston Villa on TNT - full replay is available
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Forest fan here - as a fan who travels up and down the country with Forest, there comes a point where you just have to say... the best team won on the day. Outclassed and outperformed in every single department - you didn't even give us a sniff.
A lot of debate about the celebrations from some Forest fans after the first leg; I wasn't a fan of it tbh, we were 1-0 at half time, that's all it was. At the same time, I'm not going to begrudge people who get swept up in the moment.
Villa are years ahead of where we want to be, but if you'd told me 4 years ago as we entered the Championship Playoffs, that we'd reach the semi-final of the Europa League, I would have thought you were mad.
See you in the Premier League next year - there was a time this season when I didn't even think I'd be saying that!
Fair play to you mate. Unfortunately for your mob, last night you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. After many years of angst, everything came together for us to form a momentum that was almost impossible to stop.
Good luck for the rest of the season.
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In the cold light of day, Forest made some awful tactical decisions that opened them up like a sieve
really. We obviously started with a completely different intensity from the first leg. Seemed to take them by surprise though Hutchinson went close making it 0-2 early on. Their decision to play with two plodders up front backfired spectacularly. They only half heartedly pressed like Barkley and Tammy in the Spurs game and that let Torres and Tielemans get us playing. If they went long then Lindelof could challenge the first ball and let Konsa drop off.
McAtee was an odd selection too, far too lightweight for Cash/McGinn who ate him up. Their right back was out of his depth on the other side. Bringing on Yates at half time was understandable but not exactly sure where he was meant to play. Trying to tag Buendia it seemed but failing miserably. Whatever change Perreira tried at the end with moving Williams completely finished them. It was like they have nobody at all at left back.
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My first access to any internet in the last 30 hours. I’m on the wife’s phone as my phone is completely fucked. It hasn’t helped that I’m in Spain and was worried that at 8.15pm last night I wouldn’t even get to a bar that might have been showing the game. I found one. Needless to say there were 3 or 4 other Villains there too. I was under firm instructions to keep my head. Impossible when Ollie scored, even more impossible when we got the pen, and, totally when SJM got the 3rd. I went to the toilet and missed the 4th but didn’t care. Well done Villa, well done Unai.
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Given that Villa Park is widely accepted to have played a big part in our victory, we should take some time to admire the players who ensured that we would have each second leg at home. Step forward, Kadan Young and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba for their Salzburg masterclass.
We would have been third so would have played Forest in the R16 at home in the second leg and Bologna or Midtyalland in the Semi final first leg home.
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In the cold light of day, Forest made some awful tactical decisions that opened them up like a sieve
really. We obviously started with a completely different intensity from the first leg. Seemed to take them by surprise though Hutchinson went close making it 0-2 early on. Their decision to play with two plodders up front backfired spectacularly. They only half heartedly pressed like Barkley and Tammy in the Spurs game and that let Torres and Tielemans get us playing. If they went long then Lindelof could challenge the first ball and let Konsa drop off.
McAtee was an odd selection too, far too lightweight for Cash/McGinn who ate him up. Their right back was out of his depth on the other side. Bringing on Yates at half time was understandable but not exactly sure where he was meant to play. Trying to tag Buendia it seemed but failing miserably. Whatever change Perreira tried at the end with moving Williams completely finished them. It was like they have nobody at all at left back.
Playing with the two "plodders" up front had bagged them alot of goals recently but key to that was MGW playing off the left side knitting play. Without that type of play they struggled although it also helped us that they played so well against a poor Chelsea as it gave them false hope their second string could fill in. TBH I think they would have been steam rollered yesterday whoever they put out there.
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Had a little peruse of a forest forum. Weird bunch, many on there hate emery for throwing the spurs game by.... making as many changes to the team as they did against chelsea.
I reckon those that were at the ground will carry some trauma for years.
We were in the Doug Ellis, and honestly can't remember hearing them all night. Not surprising as the noise started about 20 mins before kick off and didn't stop...swapping ends and doing that daft huddle in front of their fans just upped the atmosphere even more. Said to my lad when we were leaving, imagine getting a tonking in that atmosphere when you thought you had one foot in the final....devastating
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One other thing, other than the missed pen(s) I thought the ref was good. He got the line right on what he let go and what he penalised.
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Apparently a Forest fan was nicked last night for having a piss. At his seat.
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If I didn't know better I'd think that last season's final day catastrophe was all part of Unai's master plan.
What D chess are we up to now?
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One other thing, other than the missed pen(s) I thought the ref was good. He got the line right on what he let go and what he penalised.
Head one, even though it happend the other week, it is rarely given during a clash of heads (the same with a GK punching the player instead of the ball).
The pull back; I'm not sure how much his view was blocked but the Lino should have seen it and raised it, luckily VAR was not on the Greek payroll this week.
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Just a great night from start to finish and topped off post match by Carl Chinn in his Villa cardigan leading the singing in the Aston Tavern.
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Forest fan here - as a fan who travels up and down the country with Forest, there comes a point where you just have to say... the best team won on the day. Outclassed and outperformed in every single department - you didn't even give us a sniff.
A lot of debate about the celebrations from some Forest fans after the first leg; I wasn't a fan of it tbh, we were 1-0 at half time, that's all it was. At the same time, I'm not going to begrudge people who get swept up in the moment.
Villa are years ahead of where we want to be, but if you'd told me 4 years ago as we entered the Championship Playoffs, that we'd reach the semi-final of the Europa League, I would have thought you were mad.
See you in the Premier League next year - there was a time this season when I didn't even think I'd be saying that!
Fair play mate. No beef with Nottingham Forest. Decent club and well done on securing PL status.
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One other thing, other than the missed pen(s) I thought the ref was good. He got the line right on what he let go and what he penalised.
Funny, as they're crying like right titty babbies about him on their forum.
Maybe he'd watched their antics the week before.
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He was dreadful at stopping their time wasting. Just kept looking the other way so they get a free thirty-seconds every single goal kick. Of course the fourth official added on precisely zero seconds on top of the Ollie injury time. Still, other than that, no complaints. Much better than the first leg joker.
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Just a great night from start to finish and topped off post match by Carl Chinn in his Villa cardigan leading the singing in the Aston Tavern.
Great! I wonder if anyone filmed then posted that?
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Thats not a bad video to be fair sums the hope and it being punctured, nice little tour of the city centre as well.
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I don’t remember Forest having as much of the ball as he showed there.
Watched the match in a local bar in Crete, wore my Villa shirt to breakfast this morning, and one of the waiters wants it.
We are on a regular all inclusive package and there is a Premium all inclusive where you get better quality drinks and a few other additional perks. He has just sneaked 2 premium bottles of wine across to our room for us!
Legend.
He can’t have this shirt though because I need to wear it in the 20th, but I will send him one! Spreading the colours round the world.
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Given that Villa Park is widely accepted to have played a big part in our victory, we should take some time to admire the players who ensured that we would have each second leg at home. Step forward, Kadan Young and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba for their Salzburg masterclass.
Both in the stadium and pitch side last night - good lads
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Freiburg only had to play against 10 men for most of their game, but fortunately we had to play against a full 11
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Given that Villa Park is widely accepted to have played a big part in our victory, we should take some time to admire the players who ensured that we would have each second leg at home. Step forward, Kadan Young and Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba for their Salzburg masterclass.
Both in the stadium and pitch side last night - good lads
They were there? Excellent!
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I've listened to Brassneck about 10 times since I left Villa Park last night. Might be a struggle to get it going in the squares of Istanbul mind...not that it will stop me trying after a few though.
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In the cold light of day, Forest made some awful tactical decisions that opened them up like a sieve
really. We obviously started with a completely different intensity from the first leg. Seemed to take them by surprise though Hutchinson went close making it 0-2 early on. Their decision to play with two plodders up front backfired spectacularly. They only half heartedly pressed like Barkley and Tammy in the Spurs game and that let Torres and Tielemans get us playing. If they went long then Lindelof could challenge the first ball and let Konsa drop off.
McAtee was an odd selection too, far too lightweight for Cash/McGinn who ate him up. Their right back was out of his depth on the other side. Bringing on Yates at half time was understandable but not exactly sure where he was meant to play. Trying to tag Buendia it seemed but failing miserably. Whatever change Perreira tried at the end with moving Williams completely finished them. It was like they have nobody at all at left back.
I would add two things: the inclusion of Lindy was crucial because it gave us more space in midfield. Also, we played much more one-touch football than we have done of late, meaning that the lumpy tackles Forest tried to execute were 'after the fact' in many cases.
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Lindelof was an effective facsimile of Boubi, which is why we were fucking brilliant again. I hope this is a permanent solution, and it generates a thought I'm suppressing that goes: 'why didn't we do this months ago?'
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Lindelof was an effective facsimile of Boubi, which is why we were fucking brilliant again. I hope this is a permanent solution, and it generates a thought I'm suppressing that goes: 'why didn't we do this months ago?'
That’s what I was thinking.
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I don’t remember Forest having as much of the ball as he showed there.
Watched the match in a local bar in Crete, wore my Villa shirt to breakfast this morning, and one of the waiters wants it.
We are on a regular all inclusive package and there is a Premium all inclusive where you get better quality drinks and a few other additional perks. He has just sneaked 2 premium bottles of wine across to our room for us!
Legend.
He can’t have this shirt though because I need to wear it in the 20th, but I will send him one! Spreading the colours round the world.
Brilliant. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and may the good wine keep coming.
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Oh Lee, ole
https://x.com/FBAwayDays/status/2052644406906282121
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Oh Lee, ole
https://x.com/FBAwayDays/status/2052644406906282121
I clocked him dancing up the touchline in some TNT highlights, good lad.
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I saw some headtheball winding up the Forest fans and wasn't sure why police weren't arresting him. Didn't realise it was Lil Lee until later.
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Pretty sure they brought MGW at half-time rather than late on when they'd already won.
Yes he came on straight after HT and went off at 66 mins.
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Still suffering from Villa Park Throat, that was some atmosphere.
Was up there with the two Inter games, Atletico, PSG, Blackburn and probably a few others I’ve missed.
That’s a monkey off our back but we now need to finish the job.
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Pretty sure they brought MGW at half-time rather than late on when they'd already won.
Yes he came on straight after HT and went off at 66 mins.
They also brought Anderson on at the same time. I'm assuming either the second string were tired out already or he noticed something Chelsea had been doing and wanted to counter it. So from lucky not to be going in 2-2 at HT to leading 3-0 on 52, I expect the changes had worked. Then Sanchez caught him and exposed his skull. TBF Watkins could have had the same type of injury after the challenge last night and was lucky it wasn't like that. Sanchez is also still out and won't be named on the Subs bench this weekend.
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Pretty sure they brought MGW at half-time rather than late on when they'd already won.
Yes he came on straight after HT and went off at 66 mins.
They were 2-0 up and completely dominating. Bringing him on was as stupid as him challenging for that ball.
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Meanwhile, at Villa Park, a man with slick black hair showed BALLS OF STEEL, took no risks, and simply consigned the match to the bin where it belonged.
What. A. Man.
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In Unai we trust.
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What an incredible night. I’m trying not to get carried away because the job isn’t done but if we do go on to win it the folklore around this team and manager… wow.
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All this “look at the Forest fans celebrating too early”, stuff is bad karma. Very bad karma.
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I was pleased we had no pitch invasion and thought our celebrations were just at the right level. Unlike Arsenal the night before.
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All this “look at the Forest fans celebrating too early”, stuff is bad karma. Very bad karma.
They were celebrating just being 1 up after the first leg though.
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I was pleased we had no pitch invasion and thought our celebrations were just at the right level. Unlike Arsenal the night before.
I thought it was all a bit low-key because it had been so easy. Wed know for twenty minutes we were going through so the big celebration had already happened.
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I was pleased we had no pitch invasion and thought our celebrations were just at the right level. Unlike Arsenal the night before.
I thought it was all a bit low-key because it had been so easy. Wed know for twenty minutes we were going through so the big celebration had already happened.
I thought the massive release of energy and euphoria was when McGinns 1st goal went in.
Walking back to the car after with other people I know, everyone was obviously on a massive high, but I also sensed that kind of post extreme adrenalin come down, when everyone was a bit shell shocked in a good way
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Normally I've felt absolutely drained after a big win but this one seemed routine. Hopefully that's the attitude we carry into the final - no complacency but a feeling that this is where we belong.
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I was pleased we had no pitch invasion and thought our celebrations were just at the right level. Unlike Arsenal the night before.
I thought it was all a bit low-key because it had been so easy. Wed know for twenty minutes we were going through so the big celebration had already happened.
I thought the massive release of energy and euphoria was when McGinns 1st goal went in.
Walking back to the car after with other people I know, everyone was obviously on a massive high, but I also sensed that kind of post extreme adrenalin come down, when everyone was a bit shell shocked in a good way
I definitely hugged more strangers after McGinn's first goal than the others
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I went for a piss and missed the penalty and got pulled into a huge hug with two random blokes on the way back to my seat. It was tremendous fun.
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Normally I've felt absolutely drained after a big win but this one seemed routine. Hopefully that's the attitude we carry into the final - no complacency but a feeling that this is where we belong.
We can’t go to Istanbul, my son will be in the middle of his GCSEs and my wifes father passed away recently and his funerals the day after the final. Life takes over.
I said to my son, if we break through this barrier with the nucleus of this team and with Emerys genius at the helm, there will be other finals.
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Normally I've felt absolutely drained after a big win but this one seemed routine. Hopefully that's the attitude we carry into the final - no complacency but a feeling that this is where we belong.
We need the Leeds 1996 Final attitude, turn up, do our job, next!
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We can’t go to Istanbul, my son will be in the middle of his GCSEs and my wifes father passed away recently and his funerals the day after the final. Life takes over.
I said to my son, if we break through this barrier with the nucleus of this team and with Emerys genius at the helm, there will be other finals.
That's unfortunate. At the very least, there'll be 4 away CL away games to go to next season, so you can treat him to a Euro trip then.
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We can’t go to Istanbul, my son will be in the middle of his GCSEs and my wifes father passed away recently and his funerals the day after the final. Life takes over.
I said to my son, if we break through this barrier with the nucleus of this team and with Emerys genius at the helm, there will be other finals.
That's unfortunate. At the very least, there'll be 4 away CL away games to go to next season, so you can treat him to a Euro trip then.
Yep that was in the conversation last night as well
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I went for a piss and missed the penalty and got pulled into a huge hug with two random blokes on the way back to my seat. It was tremendous fun.
Could you not have held it in?
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Pretty sure they brought MGW at half-time rather than late on when they'd already won.
Yes he came on straight after HT and went off at 66 mins.
They were 2-0 up and completely dominating. Bringing him on was as stupid as him challenging for that ball.
Don't know about that. The third goal in that game was crucial, Chelsea were still in it. No one could have foreseen GW getting pole-pole-axed. A bit of luck for us.
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(https://i.ibb.co/5hL89qRX/IMG-20260509-WA0004.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5hL89qRX)
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Watched it on TNT and couldn't really get the atmosphere from it where I was watching, but got it on catch up on 5live today, what a atmosphere it was out of this world
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Every time we’ve played continental opposition we’ve looked a class above. I presume because our wages are so much higher. That’s why I feared getting Forest!
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Watched it on TNT and couldn't really get the atmosphere from it where I was watching, but got it on catch up on 5live today, what a atmosphere it was out of this world
You relived it thru the medium or radio? Respek' !
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That pitch side is beautiful watch.
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I really enjoyed that.
Thanks, PWS.
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Think it's been said before, but can anyone think of back-to-back games where the disparity between Villa performances has been so vast?