Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on January 25, 2011, 07:05:39 AM
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Available Tuesday night.
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Get in 3 big points.
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We do like to make hard work of things.
Still, six points in four days. Can't complain.
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3 points that all that matters 13th in the table on goal difference on a few point from 7th!!!!! this still could turn out to be a better season than most thought
UTV
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That'll do.
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3 points - just what the doctor ordered. Less than convincing after they scored - got very nervy - but moving away from the deadmen is all that matters
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Phew. Good result. Off and on performance. Young, NRC and the defence good. Bent ok but some sloppy touches. Downing really crap. Thought Baker had a good solid debut. Sometimes passed it well, but most of the time not. Defence looks much better. Thought N'Zogbia and Rodallega looked dangerous for them
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Horrible nervy 3 point, we needed to win and it showed in our play, but we got the points. Now hopefully we can look up rather than down... Well done lads.
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A win. A much needed three points. But we really have to get wise. Panicking for the last 20 minutes of every game is not on.
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Well done lads, just what was needed. Thought Bent and Collins but great shifts in. Delighted that Gabby broke his duck as well. Let's start looking up the table now.
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Really important to get that win with Manure coming up next
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Very nice indeed.
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Good work.
How did Makoun do?
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im so pleased were finally turning the corner. it hasnt been pleasant
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GH really needs to cut out the panicking last 20 mins in our game if we're to compete for Europe again.
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Back-to-back league wins for a change. Great stuff. Onwards and upwards.
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3 points off 7th place (or a maximum of 5 if teams win their game in hand)
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Well three points but we did our best to throw it at the end.
Petrov was a good sub as Makoun had started to disappear and it doesn't surprise me that we had our best play of the game when he came on. But Gabby for Albrighton and Ward for Ash were poor decisions as Downing needed to come off (Gabby was up for it with the goal) and I would have said Heskey to come on to alleviate the pressure as he can hold the ball up.
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Nathan Baker - Special debut MoM. Never troubled as far as I could tell.
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A win is a win, for stages of the game we certainly got our mojo back and some of the passing was excellent, last twenty minutes was hell, but we never ever make it easy for ourselves.
Lets just keep this tide turning what a good couple of weeks.
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Three more big points - let's hope we can start looking upwards rather than over our shoulders now.
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Relief at the end. It needn't have been like that. We were in control for so long.
I thought our fans were amazing.
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
Wasted far too much tonight, his worst game for a long time.
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A win is a win, for stages of the game we certainly got our mojo back and some of the passing was excellent, last twenty minutes was hell, but we never ever make it easy for ourselves.
sometimes its just bad luck....their goal was spawny and was bound to give them a lift...
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
Doesnt or cant tackle, shoots when he should have squared the ball, slow....etc
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I thought Makoun did ok, but when he was booked he disappeared a bit. Considering he's only trained with us for maybe 3-4 days not too bad.
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Average performance.
Makoun quiet.
Downing poor.
Shit game.
3 points.
Job done.
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Fair play, good result in the circumstances. Bent is always in there looking for a chance and if Downing had woken up at any point during the evening it might have been a cricket score. Ashley was excelletn second half, as was Gabby once he got his confidence up. Defense good, Collins very unlucky.
Thought Reo Coker was very good until he tired about 15 mins from the end, and Makoun looked like he can play, just needs some games to get the pace right.
Great result, good things and bad, but we won it, only a lucky deflection made it nervy. Still want a midfielder and a left back, and yes, Adam on the way he played tonight from what I saw would be the ideal man in there.
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Well three points but we did our best to throw it at the end.
Petrov was a good sub as Makoun had started to disappear and it doesn't surprise me that we had our best play of the game when he came on. But Gabby for Albrighton and WARD for Ash were poor decisions as Downing needed to come off (Gabby was up for it with the goal) and I would have said Heskey to come on to alleviate the pressure as he can hold the ball up.
i think you mean herd!
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tense last few mins - great to see Collins and Dunny back to somewhere like their best
Great opening from Bent and intelligent forward play throughout - looks a great addition
wonder if Randy has a few quid left for N'Zogbia he looked great in a poor team
Onwards and upwards - level with Blackpool now (never thought i'd be saying that at the end of Jan, especially after performance against West Ham on the opening day) - is it just me but am i alone in hoping Blackpool sink like a stone and Holloway get's it shoved up his arse.
Anyway - Come on you Lions!!!!
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
He was very dangerous, a bit wasteful but his effort was excellent.
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Ooo, same points as Blackpool. Wadda ya know!
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Two games and six points. And some interesting transfer activity by GH. A good Jan so far.
How did Makoun play? I missed most of the game, just saw our nervy last half hour.
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well done lads, obviously nervy when they fluked one, but that comes with the league position,
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Yep, I've been a big fan of Downing this season. But I thought he bottled a lot tonight, made the wrong runs, and gave the ball away.
I did have a crap stream though!
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Most important thing = three points.
From 0-80 minutes, three points never really looked in much doubt, but we absolutely must stop this brainlessness we see with ten mins to go and something to hold on to, where we just constantly give the ball back to the opposition and let them run at us.
A better team than Wigan would have got back into that tonight. It's heart stoppingly frightening to watch, and very, very frustrating.
Having said that, we look in some ways like we're currently a mediocre team, but not needing very much more to turn us into a very good one. Maybe confidence will add to that if we prolong this run, but there were plenty of things to take heart from this evening.
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They can all have played shite for all I care. 3 points is the only thing that mattered tonight, and we got them. Job done.
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Must win game was won; nothing else matters!
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Good win.
3 points is all i care about!
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
Wasted far too much tonight, his worst game for a long time.
I thought he was rubbish.
Thought I was gonna crap myself in the last few minutes. We looked so panicked.
6 points outta 6. Sweet.
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that fuch thats finished,last 20miutes was murder! but a good 3 points,onwards and upwards Villa!!
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6 points clear of the deadmen, team playing for each other. Another milestone in the journey away from hoofball. I'm pleased that I, like Randy kept my nerve and didn't allow the Blessed Martin to wreck everything
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
Wasted far too much tonight, his worst game for a long time.
I thought he was rubbish.
Thought I was gonna crap myself in the last few minutes. We looked so panicked.
6 points outta 6. Sweet.
I like Downing a lot, but I thought he was poor this evening.
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3 big points, one look at the table shows just how big - well done
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Apparently Halsey gave a drop ball when the ball hit him. A woman wouldn't have made that error
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Great win.
Things are starting to look a lot more positive and I'm feeling much happier.
6 points above the relegation zone and only 3 points off 7th place. Still a long way to go but things are looking positive now.
How did Makoun play on his Villa debut?
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Downing was so wasteful and then ponerous when on quick breaks. Also looked to not be on the same planet as Bent and Young at times.
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GH really needs to cut out the panicking last 20 mins in our game if we're to compete for Europe again.
He has I agree, however there goal was a fluke and we looked very comfortable for the 10 minutes before that. The nerves are a mind set from the season we have had. More wins will cure this problem I'm sure, get the winning mentality back.
Bloody was a nervy end especially when I lost the feed with 3 minutes to go.
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
He was very dangerous, a bit wasteful but his effort was excellent.
Very funny.
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Bit of a Gray area MAC
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I bottled it after Wigan scored and turned it off.
Makoun was very quiet. I didn't think Downing was terrible, he made a few errors and it was a poor game for him, but he has been one of our best players this season.
I thought Ash made quite a few errors in the first half, but stepped it up in the second half and really caused them problems. He won us the points. We need to do everything to keep him, we can not afford to lose another one of our best players.
I don't get Gabby on the wing...
I thought Carlos was excellent again.
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We're now more likely to get in Europe than relegated.
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Never seen a football game played on a fucking potato field.
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
You can't have a post-match thread without someone posting that Downing was crap.
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I liked Makoun..win it, give it simple, always seemed available. Vanished after he was booked. Early days but looks promising all things considered...
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Downing had a poor game , really back to his worst for me.He kept moving infield playing hospital passes into the middle quagmire, or not willing to take enough responsibility for a so called creative player.Played the ball backwards more times than forwards and ducked out of numerous tackles.Equals crap to me.
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Positives:
3 more points
Young was fantastic
Good debut for the lad Baker
Gabby scored and started to drift into the middle and look like his old self
Niggles:
Downing was piss poor, if he had a picked Bent a few times instead of shooting then we would have won his game by a mile.
Gabby out the left again, why o fuckin why?
Albrighton should have replaced Downing at HT.
Also was Bannan injured?
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
You can't have a post-match thread without someone posting that Downing was crap.
Tonight he was.
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
His decision making has been dire the last few games.
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Another four of them and we are completely safe. Four straight wins and we are back contending for the top six again.
let them settle down and get their confidence back.
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OK the result was everything and much better for the first part of the second half. I just dont get Downing on the Right Gabby on the left. NRC Carlos were great tonight, Dunn and Collins back to normal and a decent performance from Baker. We won 3 points
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Downing really crap.
Your relying on a match thread to form an opinion? sorry but thats absolute garbage - any one who thought downing was crap tonight is a fucking idiot
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
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We really need to nip that panicking in stoppage time in the bud. It's been going on for about 4 seasons now!
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
You can't have a post-match thread without someone posting that Downing was crap.
Tonight he was.
bollocks was he crap
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ref made some poor decisions tonight, young was man of the match for me he had a brilliant game. gabby came onto the game after the goal,
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Great result, played some lovely stuff at times and then found ourselves hanging on at the end- 2 points off 8th place and another battling display- onwards and upwards- well done to all.
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Don't think Downing was a poor as some are making out. Young's touch failed him first half but came good second, Bent was quiet but looked threatening at times. Gabby was shit until he scored and barely touched the ball for the first 45 mins.
As for Makoun, looks tidy enough but will need a few games. Thought Nige looked good tonight. Defence played well, bit unlucky with the goal and made us a bit nervy but apart from Rodallega's shot that whistled just wide they were poor in the last third.
Rather than slag off players, I'd rather focus on an away win on a poor pitch and another step in the right direction. Bring on the cup!
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I think the question needs asking again: who can teach this bunch of players to hold on to a football, to stop panicking in the last ten minutes of a match, and to snuff games out without inducing heart attacks from Erdington to Great Barr? Who?
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Downing really crap.
Your relying on a match thread to form an opinion? sorry but thats absolute garbage - any one who thought downing was crap tonight is a fucking idiot
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
Less of the insults please. I was relying on watching the game on my laptop.
Turd face ;-)
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Great three points (aren't they all?). However, Villa currently do your head in by looking like a Year 8 Special Needs XII after 75 minutes or so.
Also, I mentioned it in the match thread but I'll say it again: did Gabby push Houllier away when he came off and the Frenchman went over to to say a word? I thought so. Not happy at being brought off I suppose; the war against 'whining' players is not as won as the Sun would have us think.
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
You can't have a post-match thread without someone posting that Downing was crap.
Tonight he was.
firstly i dont think he was crap. He was always available for a pass and secondly put a shift in! Then we won. Some villa fans want to moan for the sake of it like the ****** in the pub with me who was continually shouting that ash was a twat and had not done anything for 3 years. These twats never played and dont know what trying hard and not having that slice of luck or edge is to make a difference! Grow up twats!
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i'm on way home from game and apart from one incident when he should have squared, downing played very well imo
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I like Houllier but if he insists on Gabby out wide why not have him right and Dowing left?
Downing was poor tonight, he might not have out on the left.
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Second game running that the last ten minutes were far too scary but another win and real options on the bench (although its time to lose Pires). All in all a great win and I thought Downing had a good game for what its worth.
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
You can't have a post-match thread without someone posting that Downing was crap.
Tonight he was.
bollocks was he crap
Ok then,what did he give to the team tonight?
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Downing really crap.
Your relying on a match thread to form an opinion? sorry but thats absolute garbage - any one who thought downing was crap tonight is a fucking idiot
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
No, you imbecile. I said I'll reserve judgement until I viewed the highlights.
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Phew! Delighted with 3 points. Thought we were a little bit lucky, but it's about time.
I would swap any of our players except Bent for N'Zogbia.
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Downing really crap.
Your relying on a match thread to form an opinion? sorry but thats absolute garbage - any one who thought downing was crap tonight is a fucking idiot
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
No, you imbecile. I said I'll reserve judgement until I viewed the highlights.
Imbecile?
We won tonight. Lets all be happy and party like it's 1999
Everyone needs to take a chill pill.
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I think we should either stick with Downing/Young on the left....Albrighton to the right and put Gabby up with Bent as he is wasted on the wing.Gabby has been a help covering the left back though but we need him up front really.
Credit to Nathan Baker for a very steady debut.A good result but we(fans) have our work cut out in the last 20..don't we?
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Was cursing how good my internet feed actually was, for that last few minutes. But, Yeeeeeeeeeeeeah!
Looked a pretty good debut for Baker that.
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Downing - intelligent passing = funny.
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Good performance overall, Ash and Bent seem to have struck up a good understanding already. Gabby was like a different player after his goal, Makoun looked neat and tidy but it passed him by at times and he was taken off at the right time. Downing worked really hard and although he was a little wasteful at times he was a long way from crap. Defended well but a bit panicky last few minutes after the flukey goal. Important thing though is the points and a bit of a gap from the bottom three.
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Only saw the second half. Dunne and Collins were excellent again and Baker had a tidy debut justifying his selection. Cuellar was good defensively but his limitations on the ball are so evident against the poorer teams. Friedel also made some decent interventions. Makoun looked completely unfit. We will have to wait a while for him to come good I reckon. Reo Coker did his job well. Didnt think Downing was great neither was Bent or Gabby to be honest. Young got the penalty but tried too many flicks including a costly one in the lead up to their goal. A difficult pitch but expected more from our attacking players tonight. Petrov was a good subsitution even though he looks like he is in quick sand these days.
Thought Wigan were diabolical. Stupid penalty to give away and were poor all over the park. We didnt play great but 3 points thankfully. Still dont like this Young in the hole, Downing on right and Gabby on left business. With the players at our disposal we should be better going forward.
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Has anybody mentioned that Downing was poor tonight?
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Less of the insults people. Everyone is allowed their opinion. Just cause people think he was poor, me included, does not mean they are open to being abused by others for it. Play nice or bugger off. We have won FFS, and are looking up rather than down for the first time since I don't know when!
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Yes. I'm pleased we won. Who wouldn't be? I just want to watch the highlights before I comment further.
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At 2-0 we were comfortable and cruising, an odd goal by a deflection was the only way Wigan were were going to get back into it. Good performance.
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Really important to get that win with Manure coming up next
They never score against us in the last 10, we play quality then throw it all away! Got a feeling we'll see that Macarena come on again seems to be fergie's trend against us.
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Does anybody have any highlights links?
Chuffed with the three points.
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I like Houllier but if he insists on Gabby out wide why not have him right and Dowing left?
Because the balance in the team is better with Gabby on the left. Gabby is not really supposed to be a left winger (I believe), but a kind of second striker with the defensive duties of a wide midfielder (because the left back -- whether it's Clarke or Baker -- needs that protection). It will take some time before Gabby understands his role, but he did quite well today, I think.
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It is the Rooney role for Man U Eigentor.
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Good performance overall, Ash and Bent seem to have struck up a good understanding already. Gabby was like a different player after his goal, Makoun looked neat and tidy but it passed him by at times and he was taken off at the right time. Downing worked really hard and although he was a little wasteful at times he was a long way from crap. Defended well but a bit panicky last few minutes after the flukey goal. Important thing though is the points and a bit of a gap from the bottom three.
The league is just so close at the moment.
Bolton, who were said to be having a great season and to have been transformed by Coyle, are now only two points ahead of us, having played the same number of games.
It is all very tight, though
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Really important to get that win with Manure coming up next
They never score against us in the last 10, we play quality then throw it all away! Got a feeling we'll see that Macarena come on again seems to be fergie's trend against us.
If you mean Macheda, he's currently on loan at Sampdoria. I think he only ever scores against us so it is a small bonus.
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I like Houllier but if he insists on Gabby out wide why not have him right and Dowing left?
Because the balance in the team is better with Gabby on the left. Gabby is not really supposed to be a left winger (I believe), but a kind of second striker with the defensive duties of a wide midfielder (because the left back -- whether it's Clarke or Baker -- needs that protection). It will take some time before Gabby understands his role, but he did quite well today, I think.
Gabby does work his socks off for us, your probably right. Great engine in him. I'd just prefer him through the middle
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Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!
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Does anybody have any highlights links?
Chuffed with the three points.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/aston-villa-show-their-mettle-winning-back-to-back-at-wigan/81122/
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I think Makoun when up to speed will prove to be a very useful addition, especially on a decent pitch , he could help Reo-Coker a lot.
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Good performance overall, Ash and Bent seem to have struck up a good understanding already. Gabby was like a different player after his goal, Makoun looked neat and tidy but it passed him by at times and he was taken off at the right time. Downing worked really hard and although he was a little wasteful at times he was a long way from crap. Defended well but a bit panicky last few minutes after the flukey goal. Important thing though is the points and a bit of a gap from the bottom three.
The league is just so close at the moment.
Bolton, who were said to be having a great season and to have been transformed by Coyle, are now only two points ahead of us, having played the same number of games.
It is all very tight, though
Yes, it's got a lot more competitive recently. Two seasons ago, I think we had 51 points after 24 or 25 games. That would be a title challenge this season.
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Good win, really important to get the three points there and give us some breathing space.
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i thought downing played ok, he made some bad choices, he could of squared it to bent twice, but apart from that he was ok.
made some good runs, some nice crosses too. needs to be out on the left though IMO, he doesnt take to the right flank that well
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Downing - intelligent passing = funny.
Did you watch the game? Someone earlier said he was "slow" - now that's funny (not to mention complete bollocks).
Yes i watched the game.He couldn't tackle a trifle and his right foot is for standing on.What he uses his bollocks for only you would know.
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Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!
What did he say?
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still wondering if gabby left sided role is houllier's finnished idea or is he just trying to fit him in,don't agree with it myself but if he's gonna play 1 up front then looks like it ?
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Does anybody have any highlights links?
Chuffed with the three points.
http://www.101greatgoals.com/aston-villa-show-their-mettle-winning-back-to-back-at-wigan/81122/
Thanks Matt.
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Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!
I don't know what he said but I'm glad Blackpool lost, and I can't stand Man U so that says a lot.
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Thought Downing and Young were linking up well most of the time. We controlled the game throughout and only looked under pressure because they scored a fluke goal near the end and had their tails up! Makoun looked good, but felt the pace a bit, think he will be a really good player once he gets up to speed. Bent had a bit of a heavy touch, should have made more of his first chance after a sublime ball fron Young. Would have had a few good chances if his team mates had read his runs.
Good display all in all, love the pace we have going forward!
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Downing really crap.
Your relying on a match thread to form an opinion? sorry but thats absolute garbage - any one who thought downing was crap tonight is a fucking idiot
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
No, you imbecile. I said I'll reserve judgement until I viewed the highlights.
Apologies for the 'imbecile' comment, sutton_villa23.
It was not necessary and out of order.
Do you have a problem with me, 'joel'?
If so, why? Is it because you were banned from a previous incarnation of H&V?
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Oh dear.
Banned from previous incarnation = banned from this one, too.
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Downing - intelligent passing = funny.
Did you watch the game? Someone earlier said he was "slow" - now that's funny (not to mention complete bollocks).
Yes i watched the game.He couldn't tackle a trifle and his right foot is for standing on.What he uses his bollocks for only you would know.
Grown up comment, is that why you describe yourself as "big"? Why do you expect an attacking midfielder to be Roy Keane? And why do you expect a left footed player to be David Beckham with his right?
And calling people ''fucking idiot's'' is being very big isn't it.
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Downing wasnt crap, he occaisionaly did some really good things, his decision making and general half arsed attitude was at times awful.
His ability to get on the ball is so often let down by his inabilty to do something useful with it, He is very talented no doubt but too often ineffective, he isnt good enough to forgive his multiple errors, it dosent sompensate for his lack of productivity. I would get rid
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Good performance overall, Ash and Bent seem to have struck up a good understanding already. Gabby was like a different player after his goal, Makoun looked neat and tidy but it passed him by at times and he was taken off at the right time. Downing worked really hard and although he was a little wasteful at times he was a long way from crap. Defended well but a bit panicky last few minutes after the flukey goal. Important thing though is the points and a bit of a gap from the bottom three.
The league is just so close at the moment.
Bolton, who were said to be having a great season and to have been transformed by Coyle, are now only two points ahead of us, having played the same number of games.
It is all very tight, though
Yes, it's got a lot more competitive recently. Two seasons ago, I think we had 51 points after 24 or 25 games. That would be a title challenge this season.
We had 49 points after the 24th game in 08/09, which was also against wigan, resulting in a 0-0 draw. We beat blackburn in the 25th games before going on the infamous 10 game winless streak.
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I actually thought Downing was one of our best players alongside Collins.
I'm no fan of Downing if i'm honest but I thought most of best phases of play were initiated by him, particularly in the first half. It looked to me like Houllier actually asked for us to be more varied in our attacking approach in the second half and use Gabby and Young more.
All in all, a good 3pts, onwards and upwards...
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Calm down, calm down.
I agree with Hawkeye though
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anyone got a link to the holloway rant?
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I am chuffing sorry then.Downing was a bit cack tonight though.
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Legion.
No problem at all - just don't like to see the moderators not practising what they preach. You're usually quick enough on to any personal abuse normally aren't you?
Paulie - as for being banned in my previous incarnation, one day maybe I'll find out why that even happened! Buggered if I know though...
Good result today BTW. I thought Downing was alright myself
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Downing - intelligent passing = funny.
Did you watch the game? Someone earlier said he was "slow" - now that's funny (not to mention complete bollocks).
Yes i watched the game.He couldn't tackle a trifle and his right foot is for standing on.What he uses his bollocks for only you would know.
Grown up comment, is that why you describe yourself as "big"? Why do you expect an attacking midfielder to be Roy Keane? And why do you expect a left footed player to be David Beckham with his right?
And calling people ''fucking idiot's'' is being very big isn't it.
Erm, I didn't call anyone a "fucking idiot", Sutton whatever-his-name-is did.
I much prefer the word "chuffing" to "fucking". I rather like "flipping" too.
EDIT - I can see why there might have been confusion, Sutton cocked up the quoting so his comment appeared as part of mine in the nested quoting. I hope that stands up in court.
I can confirm this happened - on my iphone on way home from wigan
apologies all round for any use of the F word
Just frustrating as downing did a shit load of work off the ball tonight and i thought had a good game.
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Legion.
No problem at all - just don't like to see the moderators not practising what they preach. You're usually quick enough on to any personal abuse normally aren't you?
Paulie - as for being banned in my previous incarnation, one day maybe I'll find out why that even happened! Buggered if I know though...
Good result today BTW. I thought Downing was alright myself
Wasn't it something to do with money? I seem to remember your name. And a mental photo.
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Legion.
No problem at all - just don't like to see the moderators not practising what they preach. You're usually quick enough on to any personal abuse normally aren't you?
Paulie - as for being banned in my previous incarnation, one day maybe I'll find out why that even happened! Buggered if I know though...
Good result today BTW. I thought Downing was alright myself
Ta. Yes, which is why I've apologised. I was out of order.
Downing? Hamster bollocks. winky winky winky.
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Legion.
No problem at all - just don't like to see the moderators not practising what they preach. You're usually quick enough on to any personal abuse normally aren't you?
Paulie - as for being banned in my previous incarnation, one day maybe I'll find out why that even happened! Buggered if I know though...
Good result today BTW. I thought Downing was alright myself
Wasn't it something to do with money? I seem to remember your name. And a mental photo.
Haha no I don't imagine so. Not sure about the photo either. You're getting me mixed up with someone far more interesting I think.
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If it weren't for that ****** Downing, we would have won the game and taken three points? ******!
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i think we should all have a fight, bugsy malone style, downing haters vs downing lovers. custard pies everywhere!
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Downing gave the ball away a few times early on, but he is one of our best players at keeping possession.
He always provides an outlet, but should have squared to Bent early on instead of shooting.
Unlucky deflection for there goal which lead to a very nervy finish. But 3 points in the bag, so job done.
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Legion.
No problem at all - just don't like to see the moderators not practising what they preach. You're usually quick enough on to any personal abuse normally aren't you?
Paulie - as for being banned in my previous incarnation, one day maybe I'll find out why that even happened! Buggered if I know though...
Good result today BTW. I thought Downing was alright myself
Wasn't it something to do with money? I seem to remember your name. And a mental photo.
Haha no I don't imagine so. Not sure about the photo either. You're getting me mixed up with someone far more interesting I think.
I think that was Jay Forsythe, many years ago.
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Great win.
Not so great last 10 minutes but who gives a flying one when you get the result. Actually even that little period might be crucial to us. Yes another clean sheet would have been nice, and the comfortable feeling of seeing out the final stages of a game easily with it.
But psychologically, the last two games have shown that we can hold out when we only have a narrow advantage and teams throw the sink at us. We weren't capable of that earlier in the campaign. As we've seen, throwing leads away can become a habit. Now hopefully holding onto them might become one.
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I am chuffing sorry then.Downing was a bit cack tonight though.
Well you can bog right off with your apologies now you dipstick. Get stuffed.
I will stuff myself with my big dipstick!
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Great result tonight, we needed that and it helps the confidence of the team especially gabby. I was impressed with the whole team and even more so with the league table now.
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This was not a must win game but any other result than a win would have been a let down after the great effort against Shitty. So well done Villa.
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Legion.
No problem at all - just don't like to see the moderators not practising what they preach. You're usually quick enough on to any personal abuse normally aren't you?
Paulie - as for being banned in my previous incarnation, one day maybe I'll find out why that even happened! Buggered if I know though...
Good result today BTW. I thought Downing was alright myself
Wasn't it something to do with money? I seem to remember your name. And a mental photo.
Haha no I don't imagine so. Not sure about the photo either. You're getting me mixed up with someone far more interesting I think.
I think that was Jay Forsythe, many years ago.
A truly legendary name from H&V's murky past, as traumatic as that whole episode was, it actually conjures fond memories.
While you're being all prolific Legion, do you have the power to rekindle my Olof's Beard username too? I lost my password.
Back on topic, I think top 8 should be the aim after tonight, 7 wins and a few draws from the last 14 and we would stand a good chance of making Europe. If we get our tails up, we're perfectly capable of a good run, we have a lot of pacey, confidence players.
I would think so, Olof. If not, Martin would be able to. PM me with details.
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While you're being all prolific Legion, do you have the power to rekindle my Olof's Beard username too? I lost my password.
Blimey, I had literally no idea.
Duplicate accounts aren't allowed. You're banned.
(winky emoticon)
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The balance of the side needs tweaking a bit.Top 10 will do for me this season,and then push on.
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Scappy game but coming so soon after the Man City game, no complaints here.
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Unlucky ( for some ), but not the Villa, 13th place in the league tonight. We need to reduce the goal difference and soon. Step forward Mr Bent, your time has come. Great win this evening. Another 3 important points. Well done to the team ( and Collins im looking at you ) and the management. Loking forward to the FA Cup and the Man. Utd. game. Let the good times roll ! ;D
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While you're being all prolific Legion, do you have the power to rekindle my Olof's Beard username too? I lost my password.
I've done it for you.
You'll still need to log in with GF, though. You'll show as OB
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Great result from a game that was never going to be easy.I think we've got a great future and as long ase keep getting positive results I'm more than happy to leave it to GH
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Downing really crap.
Someone is really, really going to have to explain this one to me?
At the moment, I'm relying on the match thread. He was crap. I'll reserve judgement until I've seen the highlights.
No, I can confirm he was crap. Disappointing after his 'absolutely superb' (ahem, not my words) performance on Saturday. No doubt someone on here will have thought he was 'awesome'...
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Scappy game but coming so soon after the Man City game, no complaints here.
His current sig:
"I think it is important to win a match, but I think what is even more important is the manner in which you win." - Jock Stein
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Listened to the commentary on WM. Our fans sounded much louder than the home fans but that may have been to do with the placing of microphones etc.
A win is a win but do radio commentators really have to make you think the whole of the last 10 minutes were being played in our 6-yard box?
Edit: After reading the thread it seems a lot of the last ten minutes was almost in our 6-yard box.
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I give up. I can't win. Goodnight.
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While you're being all prolific Legion, do you have the power to rekindle my Olof's Beard username too? I lost my password.
I've done it for you.
You'll still need to log in with GF, though. You'll show as OB
I'm always logged in on my laptop so it doesn't matter. And if anyone wants to nick my computer, post under my name and make me look stupid (by agreeing with Malcolm or what not), then they now know they can.
You're a wonderful man. You even included my apostrophe, my apostrophe is very important to me, without it my chest hair falls out.
Thanks, Paulie.
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Good result today. 7 points from games that I could easily see us getting 1 point from.
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GH really needs to cut out the panicking last 20 mins in our game if we're to compete for Europe again.
He has I agree, however there goal was a fluke and we looked very comfortable for the 10 minutes before that. The nerves are a mind set from the season we have had. More wins will cure this problem I'm sure, get the winning mentality back.
Bloody was a nervy end especially when I lost the feed with 3 minutes to go.
For me, the nerves are a direct result of our inability to retain the ball and pass it accurately. As a result, we just drop deeper and deeper and invite the pressure onto us. This is one MON trait that GH hasn't yet managed to rectify and I would love to see us improve in this area...
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Well done to Nathan Baker. No. 32. You did your job well tonight.
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A must win game won, disagree with that.
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A must win game won, disagree with that.
?
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Scappy game but coming so soon after the Man City game, no complaints here.
His current sig:
"I think it is important to win a match, but I think what is even more important is the manner in which you win." - Jock Stein
Indeed but there's always the exception. We needed the 3 points tonight. We got them, even if it was horrible to watch at times. As I originally mentioned, the lads gave so much against Man City, most must have been running on empty. I'll excuse them on this occasion.
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Thought we looked really comfortable for the majority of the game. Think the criticism of Downing is a little harsh, he makes poor decisions with his final balls at times but he's been 1 of best players this season.
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Saw extended highlights. Makoun looked like he can play but may take more games to gel into the side, but thats understandable. Young looked immense, Bent looked like the real deal again, he's going to be a big asset, good debut from Baker. Defence looked quite solid overall, NRC looked like he had a good game. Everyone else OK but not stand-out.
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A must win game won, disagree with that.
?
Unless I'm missing something, that's unintentional genius.
A sentence in which he says something, then promptly disagrees with himself.
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When did we last have a player with as large a bonce as Makoun?
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OK, so who was Olof's Beard originally (or most recently on the new forum)?
New usernames should only be approved if they have the old one displayed somewhere on the profile. Or if the changee passes some sort of initiation ceremony. Only fair.
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When did we last have a player with as large a bonce as Makoun?
David sport billy Platt.
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6 days to get a left back methinks.
Great to see Coker last a whole game and was very impressed the way Downing always made himself available got a few out of the mire tonight.
Nice to see quality on as subs too, mostly and although we rode our luck we were by far the better side, especially first half.
Well done Houllier, nice tactics and change of tactics too, but late on he needs to sort out defending too deep
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Just got back.
Good win. For a ten minute spell in the second half I could see us getting three or four. Their goal meant a nervy last ten, where I think we allowed them to push us too far back.
Downing was lacklustre and was the biggest disappointment. Ash, on the other hand, looked much more the player we know he can be.
The three points were important tonight. Avoid a tonking in 7 days time and beat Fulham, and all of a sudden the table will look a lot better than a month ago.
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When did we last have a player with as large a bonce as Makoun?
I don't know what bonce is, but the kid can't half jump!
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Considering that:
- We had a teenager debuting at left back.
- A midfielder who's been here a few days having his first game in this league.
- Downing having one of those days when things werent coming off (and no worse than that).
- Made several changes from the last game.
- They had an amazingly flukey goal that gave them some hope they didnt have immediately beforehand...
Not bad at all.
This hanging on business is a hang over from the previous regime. We do need to learn to keep hold of the ball and use it more intelligently. But I'm happy.
Bent could have had a couple and is a very tidy and clever forward. Good times ahead for him and us. Young was very good. Baker, I have to hand it to him, I knew he was a decent player but I never thought I'd see him play for our first XI. Well done indeed, lad.
A bit of momentum now and plenty of good players didn't play tonight.
Encouraging.
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Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!
Hmm, watched his post match on bbc, nothing too out of the ordinary.
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6 days to get a left back methinks.
Methinks? Is that not a banning offence?
Verily, forsooth. Whatever that means.
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I didn't get to see the game. Delighted with the three points. By the sounds of things, Baker had a good game?
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Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!
Hmm, watched his post match on bbc, nothing too out of the ordinary.
The trouble is he records an aftermatch interview for ESPN, one for BBC and one for the papers. It depends on the questions to him for his reactions. I won't comment on his latest apparent uttering until I see/hear them for myself as I have seen people go over the top before and then find they were not as bad as first mentioned.
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I didn't get to see the game. Delighted with the three points. By the sounds of things, Baker had a good game?
yes he did, in fact i would say looked more comfortable than Clark at Left Back, he is quick
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Just got back, for 20 minutes after we scored I thought we were going to anihilate them, we were so comfortable and then that flukey goal came and was shitting it for the last 10 minutes but nether the less a good win, Credit to Baker, very mature display, actually the back four were all excellent again, Reo-Coker my MOTM though, thought he was fantastic
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I didn't get to see the game. Delighted with the three points. By the sounds of things, Baker had a good game?
yes he did, in fact i would say looked more comfortable than Clark at Left Back, he is quick
That's great news, thanks. It's like a conveyer belt of talent emerging this season!
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I didn't get to see the game. Delighted with the three points. By the sounds of things, Baker had a good game?
yes he did, in fact i would say looked more comfortable than Clark at Left Back, he is quick
Yes, he didn't look ruffled at all. But we do lose the attacking threat with either at the moment. With both Clark and Walker now injured with back issues I hope we are not looking at another little injury crisis.
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Good solid win.
Nervy last ten minutes but thought we closed it out reasonably well. Now we can start looking at the top half again, only 3 points off 7th.
Wigan are piss poor and I expect them to be relegated which will be a shame as the JJB seems to have become the new Riverside for us as we always take thousands and win up there.
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This is the chuffing best bugger of a post-match thread I have ever, ever read. Random insults, epic quotes fails, mistaken identity, the lot. Put Kenneth Williams in it and you could put it on BBC2 on a Bank Holiday
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GH really needs to cut out the panicking last 20 mins in our game if we're to compete for Europe again.
Was it really that different under MON though? I'm thinking 4-1 to 4-4 at Spurs and plenty of other games when we just sat back and conceded late. Just seems to be a club trait really.
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I didn't get to see the game. Delighted with the three points. By the sounds of things, Baker had a good game?
yes he did, in fact i would say looked more comfortable than Clark at Left Back, he is quick
Yes, he didn't look ruffled at all. But we do lose the attacking threat with either at the moment. With both Clark and Walker now injured with back issues I hope we are not looking at another little injury crisis.
This is true. Baker deserves one heck of a lot of plaudits for a fantastic debut tonight but I didn't see him once in an attacking sense. He looked like a centre half focussed on defending and defending only, and just been asked to do so out wide. But he had their best player up against him and more than lived with him.
interesting thatNzogbia did most of his damage running across from right to left and from the right, he wasnt getting much change out of attacking Baker , so Baker did his job, impressive
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Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!
Hmm, watched his post match on bbc, nothing too out of the ordinary.
The trouble is he records an aftermatch interview for ESPN, one for BBC and one for the papers. It depends on the questions to him for his reactions. I won't comment on his latest apparent uttering until I see/hear them for myself as I have seen people go over the top before and then find they were not as bad as first mentioned.
No Video, but this article points to a few 'interesting' comments made
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/70128.html
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Just watched highlights, Young and Bent appear to link up well and Bent should score plenty for us. It would be nice to think that Ashley will see what were trying to do and sign a new contract.
Defence looked solid with both centre halves again having good games. I'd agree with Luke25, from what I saw NRC really played well by just doing the simple thing and knitting everything together in the middle of the park.
The result should give us a bit of belief and it was good that we got the right result after the Man City game. Onwards and upwards.
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Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!
Hmm, watched his post match on bbc, nothing too out of the ordinary.
The trouble is he records an aftermatch interview for ESPN, one for BBC and one for the papers. It depends on the questions to him for his reactions. I won't comment on his latest apparent uttering until I see/hear them for myself as I have seen people go over the top before and then find they were not as bad as first mentioned.
No Video, but this article points to a few 'interesting' comments made
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/70128.html
SSN just showed it.
He's getting a bit boring now. Weighing into GH for "talking about his player" when all GH actually did was refer to him in the context of Holloway's previous rant.
The one thing I took from it is that I wouldn't bet against Adam wanting to come here. If he didn't, Holloway wouldn't be getting so worked up about it.
Oh, and he had his head firmly up Dalglish's arse again in this interview.
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GH really needs to cut out the panicking last 20 mins in our game if we're to compete for Europe again.
Was it really that different under MON though? I'm thinking 4-1 to 4-4 at Spurs and plenty of other games when we just sat back and conceded late. Just seems to be a club trait really.
it all started with about 15 minutes to go, we were knocking the ball about nicely and then Ash did a flick inside our half that went straight to them and we got pinned back for the next 10 minutes
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I'm fairly convinced Adam wants to come here, in fact.
Methinks the Wurzel doth protest too much!
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Adam will go to the highest bidder
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I'm fairly convinced Adam wants to come here, in fact.
Methinks the Wurzel doth protest too much!
All this spouting about Villa makes me think the same thing...Adams put in a request and said I want to go to Villa.
The rest is all about his ego, jacking the price up and trying to get an auction going...
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Paulie, I thought the same from the written interview re: Dalgliesh. Didnt catch SSN. To be honest, I dont really care what he has to say. I only care about us. Winning, and moving up the table.
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can't believe all the downing haters on here again. Just finished watching the game for the second time tonight and downing was instrumental in most positive moves we made and also in my opinion worked as hard as anyone? In my opinion he's been arguably our best performer this season and still gets slaughtered. Another holte end scapegoat?
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Just back, very ordinary the first half, excellent start to the second with some of the best football I have seen from us this season. But last twenty same old Villa, we drop deeper and deeper, keep giving them the ball and have to defend cross after cross after cross.
A good win but we do make hard work of it.
Pluses - Makoun was neat and tidy but bloody small, Dunne and Collins excellent, Young imaginative, NRC was very strong and Bents movement was far superior to Saturday, Cracking turn out by our fans, 4k for a Tuesday night relegation tussle is very good indeed.
Minusus - My least warm coat appears to be a lucky omen at away games.
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can't believe all the downing haters on here again. Just finished watching the game for the second time tonight and downing was instrumental in most positive moves we made and also in my opinion worked as hard as anyone? In my opinion he's been arguably our best performer this season and still gets slaughtered. Another holte end scapegoat?
Is it possible for people to say a player had a bad game without accusing them of making him a scapegoat?
Maybe they just disagree with you?
I think he's been one of our best players this season, but was poor tonight. Am I scapegoating him?
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For me Downing just about shades being our best player this season but tonight he was generally poor in possession, made some bad decisions in good areas and looked completely out of sorts. That said he still made a couple of fantastic passes.
A bad at the office for him, it happens to us all.
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I am with Paulie. Downing until recently has been our best player, and seemed to have found the drive to perform consistently over a game that was lacking last season. In the past couple of games though for me he has been like the Downing of last season. Primarily because he is not on the left!
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I'm just glad GH didn't sub him, there were plenty of people just acheing to give a cheer when his number was held up and I dont think he would have coped particularly well with that.
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My only problem with Downing is where he is playing (not his fault). Only one thing he "really" done wrong was not play in Bent. Ash work rate was fantastic. Makoun cultured first touch and can seriously jump for a little en. Kept the ball flowing and was always available. Baker looked better and more comfortable when being attacked than Clarke and dealt well with Nzogbia. If not for a lucky deflection, would of made it a rather steady win ..........
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Just back, very ordinary the first half, excellent start to the second with some of the best football I have seen from us this season. But last twenty same old Villa, we drop deeper and deeper, keep giving them the ball and have to defend cross after cross after cross.
A good win but we do make hard work of it.
Pluses - Makoun was neat and tidy but bloody small, Dunne and Collins excellent, Young imaginative, NRC was very strong and Bents movement was far superior to Saturday, Cracking turn out by our fans, 4k for a Tuesday night relegation tussle is very good indeed.
Minusus - My least warm coat appears to be a lucky omen at away games.
I thought the first half started lively then fell back to 'ordinary'. Second half was good for the first 20/25 minutes but we let them score and then it was backs to the wall time - again.
At least we are now not conceding last minute goals.
Makoun was much smaller than I expected. He had good first touches on the ball. I think he'll do well.
Please keep wearing that least warm coat.
It's very tiring being the co-driver on the way home, having to make sure the driver doesn't fall asleep.
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can't believe all the downing haters on here again. Just finished watching the game for the second time tonight and downing was instrumental in most positive moves we made and also in my opinion worked as hard as anyone? In my opinion he's been arguably our best performer this season and still gets slaughtered. Another holte end scapegoat?
Is it possible for people to say a player had a bad game without accusing them of making him a scapegoat?
Maybe they just disagree with you?
I think he's been one of our best players this season, but was poor tonight. Am I scapegoating him?
[/quote yes, yes and yes.
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For me Downing just about shades being our best player this season but tonight he was generally poor in possession, made some bad decisions in good areas and looked completely out of sorts. That said he still made a couple of fantastic passes.
A bad at the office for him, it happens to us all.
I still don't get it. There are a lot of posters on here whose eyes my eyes typically agree with who have proclaimed Downing to have been shit tonight. I'm going to watch again later in the week, as I said previously when watching on my todd with no other opinion to influence, I thought he had an excellent first half with the only blot being his failure to square for Bent when he should have done. Then I logged on to the match thread at half time and everyone was flobbing greenies at him, I must have been watching the game from a completely different angle.
Just watched the game back again,the defender show's him inside every single time.Young should of been playing out wide and Downing in the middle.He is too limited to play out wide.
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Does anybody have a link to highlights of the match?
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Delighted with the win tonight, thought we'd battled well and played some good stuff. 3 points is what counts.
Thought Bent was fairly anonymous but still looked dangerous on occasions, he is exactly what we need.
Got to agree with some of the Downing reactions on here, I know he was playing out of position but he really has the talent to take teams apart (such as Man U 2nd half) so when he dithers or doesn't seem to get in the game, it's just hugely frustrating.
Don't want to end on a low though, some really positive stuff - hopefully the Cup game on saturday gives us another chance to gain some confidence, as seen from the Sheffield United game the other week.
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Does anybody have a link to highlights of the match?
Go onto matchhighlights.com
Cannot paste the link for some reason ........
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GH really needs to cut out the panicking last 20 mins in our game if we're to compete for Europe again.
Was it really that different under MON though? I'm thinking 4-1 to 4-4 at Spurs and plenty of other games when we just sat back and conceded late. Just seems to be a club trait really.
That's just anecdotal evidence Soccer. In fact, for quite a while under MON we were the top team in the country for holding onto winning positions. Now we are the worst. So no, it wasn't the same, it was about as different as could be.
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Having finally watched the replay thought NRC played really well but was knackered the last fifteen and needed subbing.
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"You won't win anything with kids."
Tell that to Baker.
Great three points. Bring on...er...whoever!
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Having finally watched the replay thought NRC played really well but was knackered the last fifteen and needed subbing.
48 passes/46 completed. His passing has greatly improved this season.
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I thought my strawberry was going to give out in the last 10 minutes, nervy stuff.
Up until their goal we were pretty much cruising.
Good defending and lots of hard work throughout the team.
Whipping boy Downing did okay but it's worth remembering, that like Gabby, he's playing an unfamiliar role.
Wigan are down, without a doubt, 1 win in 11 and no quality, bar N'Zogbia.
Special mention to Nathan Baker who did very well.
I'll now be greedy and expect
Blackburn WIN
Manure DRAW
Fulham WIN
Presume Heskey will take the Bent role on Saturday.
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Downing was involved a lot and far better than last year but he should have played bent in for a tap in rather than his lame shot at goal- we now have lots of options and players are interchanging - the future looks good!
I expect a fee changes on Saturday with maybe albrighton, heskey, walker, and either bannan or pires getting a game- things are bubbling nicely and a win on sat will keep it going- we have only 1 of the last 13 games against top 6 teams too.
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I think the criticism of Downing last night is justified, yes he did one or two good things but he is supposed to do that as one of our 'creative elite'.
It just shows how poor the few were earlier on in the season....they've picked up whilst he is now standing still or even returning to his last seasons form.
Is the plan to fill the midfield with bodies...if so they need to be able to tackle effectively something I'm afraid does not seem to be in his armoury.
I counted numerous times where he offloaded possession to Cuellar in tight positions close to the sideline rather than taking responsibility himself, that or he played the ball into a very sticky midfield area.
Playing on the right is not really the best use of him for me, he should be out left....but hang on Gabby is there and he's covering the left back which I don't think he would do as effectively(see above).
Some of our most effective play has come from him down the left working in tandem with Warnock but oh the problems that pairing caused at the back for us.Playing Gabby out left does address that but it means he's isolated out there and not available in the box.
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Vital win and pleased for Gabby, it's great that Gerard pitches the youngsters in with the minimum of fuss.
Just need West Ham to draw/win tonight and all will be well in the world again.
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Downing plays on the right because GH wants him more centrally involved. This means that he comes inside more onto his left foot. At the moment we're not playing out and out wingers apart from when Albrighton is on the pitch. Someone mentioned that Gabby is playing the Rooney role - I think that's a good description. He is certainly meant to be covering the left side of midfield when the opposition attack (no bad thing when we have no recognised left back). Once he'd scored he was coming more central, picking up the ball and running at defenders - hopefully a sign of things to come.
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The issue for me is not that Downing is a whipping boy or that he is poor or lazy etc. He has had a decent season for us so far and has, on the whole, been one of our better players. Damning with faint praise thought that is
My issue is when people on here describe him as 'excellent' and 'absolutely superb' because I just can't see that myself.
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A nervy win when it should have been sewn up after the 2nd goal. We should have gone 4-4-2 then which would have allowed us to keep the ball better.
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Watched the game past midnight on TV.
One point I saw was how Ashley seemed a much more mature player with the captains armbind. And also seemed proud of it. Great move by Hou - as this is the best I have seen Ash for a long time. After the game he was calling players to get over to applaud the away fans also. Also he tried to keep people calm. (and seen his interview on AVTV - where he had to mention that he captained the team, it showed that it mattered to him).
About Downing - he tried hard "in a linear" way. If the first move didn't go as planned, it was like he switched off. Like flat footed and not able to run onto a couple of balls, and not tracking back a few times. But an okey game.
Baker looked good. Good awareness...Hopes for him.
I missed Gabby's alleged push on Hou - but he didn't look a happybunny on AVTV interview, and he had became a father day before....maybe not all well.
Cuellar was great (all defence was) but he stood out. Loved some of his tecnique (yes - i never knew he had)
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Thought Downing did fine
He should have squared that ball to Bent though for a tap in
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Thought Downing did fine
He should have squared that ball to Bent though for a tap in
I thought Downing hung onto the ball a couple of times when he could have passed or crossed. Had a decent game, would prefer him on the left.
Very happy with the win. Wigan had a few moments & we were unlucky to concede. A clean sheet would have been great.
Baker looked good, better than Warnock would have been.
Dunne & Collins were good again.
I thought Makoun had a good debut, always looks for the first pass. Looks more lightweight than I thought but he'll settle in and be a good player.
NRC had a good game, got stuck in and his passing has improved.
Great for Gabby to score, he came alive a little more after he scored & nice to see him showing some fighting spirit.
Bent had a few half chances, Downing should have squared to him in the first half for a tap in.
Overall, happy with how 2011 has gone so far for us.
Let's go and beat Blackburn on Saturday and try and come away from Old Trafford with a respectable result and performance.
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we deserved that win, and man of the match for me was their keeper...
if he hadnt been on top form, then i think the floodgates would have opened...
thats not to say that we were brilliant, or wigan were poor, as they created chances for themselves too, but you can see their confidence is shot, and they make some silly mistakes at the back (although they did have players out i think)...
delighted to see young baker make his debut... hopefully, he is now back on the right path and can become a squad player... had high hopes for him, and hope he can become the player i thought he was when i first saw him...
thought we looked a stronger side when makoun was on the pitch... he didnt look out of place at all, and you can tell the difference between him and reo-coker instantly, in terms of their technical ability and their decision making... makouns passing was decisive, and smooth, whereas okey cokey dallies on the ball, and then rushes passes... we were poorer when makound went off and petrov came on, and wigan then took advantage of that...
their goal was a bit fortunate, but mccarthey (sp?) had a decent game and looks a good player... and after that, and the above, they got back into it in the last 10 mins or so...
bent had a good game... held up the ball well, got into good positions, etc...
bit confused as to why we had a left winger at right wing, and a striker at left wing though...
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I like the 11 he picked, just not in the formation he played them.
Quite like McCarthy at Wigan, he was the guy from Hamilton I think, just come from a few months out.
Baker looked like he played well against N'Zogbia, it's more in home games that centre halves get exposed as full backs, defending wise they are usually okay, he does seem to have a turn of speed which we might be lacking at present at the back.
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I missed Gabby's alleged push on Hou, he had became a father the day before....
And the day before that, and twice last week.
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While you're being all prolific Legion, do you have the power to rekindle my Olof's Beard username too? I lost my password.
I've done it for you.
You'll still need to log in with GF, though. You'll show as OB
I'm always logged in on my laptop so it doesn't matter. And if anyone wants to nick my computer, post under my name and make me look stupid (by agreeing with Malcolm or what not), then they now know they can.
You're a wonderful man. You even included my apostrophe, my apostrophe is very important to me, without it my chest hair falls out.
Thanks, Paulie.
I was about to post something about how easy it is to get your identity stolen. But the comment about chest hair is better proof than DNA that it is indeed Olof's Beard who has returned. Kill the fatted owl!
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Went to the game last night. The support was excellent.
Again as I am sure has been posted Downing was disappointing. He always seems to take the time to think before tackling, this means that the Wigan player had already gone past him or passed to a team mate. This gives him the appearence of just making a 'token effort' when it comes to tackling.
I thought the spine of the team was excellent last night. However because Downing doesn't track back it heaped pressure on Cuellar who performed admirably. But if we play a better team the balence needs sorting. I can understand why Downing is on the right and Gabby left, as I presume it meant that they get closer to Bent and leave him less isolated but both Winger need to track back, which tbf Gabby did a bit more than Downing.
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Am I allowed to say that Downing was average?
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Downing continues to disappoint me. Towards the end of last season I thought what a promising player he had turned out to be once he had recovered from his injury. I don't know whether it's a question of where in the formation he plays or whether the it's a problem within the player himself, but he seems to have become strangely indecisive and unsuited to quick one-touch play.
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That Baker lad is quite big, fairly impressed with him.
Downing, my mate has a theory on him. If his first touch (or first significant touch) in a game is good and he uses the ball well then he will have a good game. If it's shit he usually plays shit for the rest of the game. Keep an eye out for it.
With this Baker though, what the hell has gone on with Warnock that we play two young centre halves in front of him. His form was bad but surely he can still get a place on the bench. I have read the rumours that he hates it here but surely that isn't a feeling that has suddenly come about n the past month if so why wasn't he dropped before?
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Another interesting line up last might-I don't think any of us predicted that-suce a change from you.know.who
another debut in a season of debuts-and it went well for the lad against n'zogbia
Gabby still on the left-in the 12th min I thought I could see a tactical reason why-
Bent pulled his marker infield allowing gabby to run into the space created-Ahh maybe that's the reason!
But i also saw that gabby cannot cross a ball with his left foot
Downing can, but he spent most of the game on the right or infield
I was surprised GH didn't take Bent off for Emile in the 70th min to hold the ball up/provide extra height at set pieces
I suppose we will try bent and heskey upfront in a 442 next,but you never know!
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A win is all that was required and we got it! Need to keep this little run going however to build up the confidence of the team even more. Good to see Gabby on the score sheet at last.
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A curates egg performance IMO. I don't think I have ever seen a side so lacking in confidence and being frightened, nay terrified, of us during the first 15 minutes as Wigan were. But instead of going for the jugular and putting the game to bed we let them play their way back into the match, so that if their finishing had been better we might have been regretting things.
The second half we came out, got at them and bingo we are 2 - 0 up. Then again instead of going at them whilst they are down and getting the 3rd to kill them off, we start fannying around culminating with Ashley trying a nice little flick in the middle of the field which ends with them scoring.
That leads to 10 minutes of vitual mayhem with us playing like London Irish and trying to find touch as far down field as we can everytime we get the ball.
There were some good performances, the back four again did well and espcially Baker on debut. The midfield was ok, with NRC putting in a good performance and TM2 not bad in the first half and Stiliyan the same in the second.
It was the three middle attackers who I am most frustrated with. Ashley, Downing and Gabby are all senior players, with international experience. With the base the others were giving them, they should have taken the game by the scruff of the neck and dominated proceedings. Instead we had what others have described, flashes of good play by each of them but none of it sustained for any length of time so that we put sufficient amounts of pressure on their goal. They really do do my head in!
I can maybe see why Downing and Gabby are played "the wrong way round" but surely swapping them during the game will mix things up a bit and give the defence something to think about. Ashley should be looking to take the ball off the defence far more and running at their defence to make them commit. On the few occasions he did this, he looked great. To me it was far too infrequent and if he is thinking of moving on to a so called top team then he will have to up his work rate if he wants to succeed.
As said, overall a fairly comfortable win but it could have been so much better and the goal difference could have been improved. Will be interesting to see the line up on Saturday, will he take the cup seriously? Will he give others a run out? Suppose we shall find out at 12.30 on Saturday.
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Second successive win - 3 points - played well in parts and poorly in others
Early impression of Makoun - tidy, sees a pass early and won't give ball away,
makes wee Barry look like 'Hulk' in comparison, will need half dozen matches
to settle, similar to Berson (remember him) but will be more successful -
Obvious again that Gabby on left wing isn't working despite him scoring,
would prefer him to partner DazB ?
Ok Wigan's consolation goal took wicked deflection but we pushed the panic
button and didn't look like securng the win that we deserved-
Excellent away following - well done everyone who made the trip
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Thought Downing did fine
He should have squared that ball to Bent though for a tap in
It looled like he tried to, but with his left instead of his right, and miss hit it.
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Having finally watched the replay thought NRC played really well but was knackered the last fifteen and needed subbing.
48 passes/46 completed. His passing has greatly improved this season.
Because he is passing it to people within 10 yards of him. Keep it simple.
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The big thing for me from last night was how quickly Ash and Bent have struck up an understanding. Very exciting for the future.
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Friedel kept it level in the first half with a fantastic save. Baker did well on his debut. Makoun needs feeding up. He look comfortable in possession and looked to play forward, through the middle. Gabby's out of position and not playing well because of it. It's a pity we seemed to be looking to play Bent in 'over the top' on quite a few occasions, rather than on the floor.
Downing. Again, he wasn't poor but he wasn't good either. He was just, 'ok'. There was actually a period in the second half where he'd got the beating of their full back every time but we failed to make the most of it and it stopped. Tackling. I had a discussion with the bloke in front about this, as he bottled a tackle on the edge of their box. If he'd put his foot in, he may have had a lucky break, he'd have been in on goal. The chap in front said he could have also been out for another period with an injury. I could accept what he said if it was a head on 50 50 with their centre half but this was nothing like that.
Traffic on the way to the ground was horrendous.
Great turn out by our fans.
Ran out of pies at half time!
Small bar for 4k fans!
Championship ground. Didn't like it.
Funniest moment of the night:another bloke in front being told off by his mate for singing with his mouth full.
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I'm pleased with the win we could have got more if we would have taken our chances bit worrying near the end but a win is a win onwards and upwards.