Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: PeterWithesShin on June 01, 2011, 06:06:32 PM
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Didn't even know we were in it. Tickets now on sale if you fancy a holiday.
Aston Villa are pleased to announce that tickets for this summer's Barclays Asia Trophy 2011 will go on sale tomorrow [Thursday June 2] from 10am.
The four team knock-out tournament hosted at the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium on July 27 and 28 will feature Premier League trio Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea.
It also includes Hong Kong's current First Division League champions, Kitchee.
The Premier League have confirmed that the tournament format will be:
Match Day One Wednesday July 27
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers [kick-off: 6pm/11am GMT]
Chelsea v Kitchee [kick-off: 8.30pm/1.30pm GMT]
Match Day Two Thursday July 28
3rd v 4th place play-off [kick-off: 6pm/11am GMT]
Final [kick-off: 8.30pm/1.30pm GMT]
Villa are making their debut in the Barclays Asia Trophy although Marc Albrighton is looking forward to returning to Hong Kong having featured in the club's International Sevens tournament in the past few years.
He said: "I can't wait for the Barclays Asia Trophy and I'd even consider it as a possible holiday destination too in the future because it's such a great, interesting place.
"We'll feel like ambassadors for the Premier League and for England too while we're there. There will be other English teams out there too, like Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers, so there'll be a good rivalry also."
A small allocation of tickets will be available to purchase to 2010-11 and 2011-12 Villa season card holders at £36 per day, which will entitle supporters to watch both games on each matchday.
Any tickets still available with then go on general sale from Friday June 3 at 10am.
Supporters wishing to purchase tickets can call Consumer Sales on 0800 612 0970 or visit the Villa Village Ticket Office in person.
**The deadline for sales for the Barclays Asia Trophy 2011 is Friday July 1**
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2370287,00.html
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Its live on SKY this year..........
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Chelsea vs Kitchen?
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Blackburn again? Christ's chin...will we ever be rid of them?
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I hope not. 6 points guaranteed every season!
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Pretty sure the second game is on the Saturday night the 30th, not the Thursday night.
Fookin hell!, £144 for me and the missus for both days games!!.
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Chelsea vs Kitchen?
Steve Wicks would feel quite at home.
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I reckon Randy should provide free coaches again.
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it is a long trip :)
You might not get back in opening game of season.
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Why play on a Wednesday/Thursday rather than Saturday/Sunday?
And why do Chelsea get a bye to the Final, they're already much better than us!
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Why play on a Wednesday/Thursday rather than Saturday/Sunday?
because it's straight after work, local time.
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I would imagine they'd get better crowds of a weekend when they don't have to worry so much about rush hour. I would've thought Sky would much prefer weekend kick-offs too.
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it's like having twenty 20 cricket after work. it's not aimed at the hardcore fan, they're targeting the semi-interested people who don't mind staying late in town after work for a few hours, but wouldn't necessarily give up their weekend to watch it.
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Maybe. I'm just moaning cos I won't be able to see it. Wouldn't want to miss us playing Blackburn!
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Get the local team to play Chelsea and bring on a couple of other English teams over as hangers-on.
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At least we can watch our games on sky which isn't so bad.
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I've been thinking about flying up to HK all year for this, but it is a bad week unfortunately gdammit.
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Last time this was in Hong Kong in 2007, the Wednesday games were watched by 35000+, and the Saturday games by 39000+, in a 40000 capacity stadium.
Premier leaugue refs go over for it too. Foy and Clattenburg last time.
The Premier teams were L'pool, Pompey and Hull.
The 2030 kick off on the Wednesday between Chelsea and Kitchee ensures the local side gets to play the "big team", and at prime time.
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I hope not. 6 points guaranteed every season!
Season 9/10 0 Points
Season 10/11 3 Points
However cup wins guaranteed.
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Flying half way round the world to watch us play Blackburn, again? No ta.
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Anyone going?
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Chelsea vs Kitchen?
Steve Wicks would feel quite at home.
Apparantly we are looking at local lad....Kookin Wok :)
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This is another chance for players from clubs like Villa to mingle with "top club" Chelsea and ask ...nay plead...for a move.
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Was going as it is only a hours flight from where i am but when i discovered it is 36 quid per person per day and i would have to pay for my other half who would be looking anywhere bar the pitch decided against it. With hotel accomodation,flight and food etc, just not worth it to watch what looks at the moment being Villa reserves play Blackburn yet again.
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I think the choice of freindlies has been poor this year. Kiddy would have been a better choice than Walsall again and it's a shame that many of us are going to be at work when we play on the Wednesday in the Asia Cup. The one in Portugal sounds a bit of a mare to get to as well. Oh well, at least Derby should be a good run out.
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I think the choice of freindlies has been poor this year. Kiddy would have been a better choice than Walsall again and it's a shame that many of us are going to be at work when we play on the Wednesday in the Asia Cup. The one in Portugal sounds a bit of a mare to get to as well. Oh well, at least Derby should be a good run out.
Have to disagree with that. I love the annual trip to Walsall.
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I just wish they would play at week-ends, doesn't seem a completely unreasonable request!
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Anyone going?
I'll be there. Taking the missus. We've always fancied going to Hong Kong, so when the chance of seing the lads in action there came along, it was too good an opportunity to miss. Can't believe frickin' Blackburn got the invite too, but hey ho. If you see a Lichfield Villains banner on the TV, that'll be us.
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Does anyone have the dates of our full pre-season campaign?
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Anyone going?
I'll be there. Taking the missus. We've always fancied going to Hong Kong, so when the chance of seing the lads in action there came along, it was too good an opportunity to miss. Can't believe frickin' Blackburn got the invite too, but hey ho. If you see a Lichfield Villains banner on the TV, that'll be us.
We're going. Been persuaded by Jon's sister who lives on Lamma Island and works in HK. I'm in denial as I can't stand the thought of flying for so many hours. Only ever flown for 4 hours before. Help!
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Anyone going?
I'll be there. Taking the missus. We've always fancied going to Hong Kong, so when the chance of seing the lads in action there came along, it was too good an opportunity to miss. Can't believe frickin' Blackburn got the invite too, but hey ho. If you see a Lichfield Villains banner on the TV, that'll be us.
We're going. Been persuaded by Jon's sister who lives on Lamma Island and works in HK. I'm in denial as I can't stand the thought of flying for so many hours. Only ever flown for 4 hours before. Help!
Dont eat on the plane until the last meal, dont drink alcohol, drink plenty of water.
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I did it for busniess a few years ago and it was the worst flight i have ever endured
14 hours in cattle class
HK is a fantastic place though
Luckily for you you will fly into the new airport - the old one was a real shit your self moment to come into land with the plane banking at what seemed 90 degrees in between sky scrapers to land on a strip that went out to sea!
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Drink loads of water before take-off.
Watch a film, drink more water and eat the first meal.
Go pee.
Pop a Xanax.
Sleep.
Wake up for breakfast.
Pee before breakfast is served.
Voila.
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My brother and his son renewed their season tickets after much humming and hawing. Mentioned to girl on phone thy were going to be in HK next week . They were contacted later that day and have been invited to international kit launch in Honkers. A QandA with the one and only Ian Taylor and a barbecue with the team in Kowloon Cricket Club courtesy of Hong Kong Villains. was also told ere would be 1_2 new faces in HK. Would need to be British if they were going to sort out visas before Sunday. Don't think it would be easy to get a Venezuelan for example into HK on short notice.
Very good PR by the club which is nice to see. I am not sure who is the most excited, my brother or my nephew. I will keep you updated
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Details of all events in Hong Kong next week are on the HK Lions website -
http://www.hklions.hk/ (http://www.hklions.hk/)
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Am gutted. Our company was bought by a large US publisher a few weeks ago so now I have to fly to Singapore on Tuesday to meet the new overlords for 4 days. In relative terms this would be my closest game of the season, edging out Carrow Rd by about 5000 km.
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Everything you need to know about Hong Kong's Barclays Asia Trophy (http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2399152,00.html)
Villa are taking part in the prestigious Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong next week - and you can find out everything you need to know by downloading these two comprehensive guides.
Guide to Hong Kong (http://www.avfc.co.uk/staticFiles/67/85/0,,10265~165223,00.pdf)
Guide to Barclays Asia Trophy (http://www.avfc.co.uk/staticFiles/69/85/0,,10265~165225,00.pdf)
Both commissioned by the Barclays Premier League, the first takes a look at Hong Kong itself.
You can find out the places you must visit while you're over there, basic phrases to help you get by as well as information on currency and shopping, safety and security, your passport, water, plugs, weather and contact information.
The second guide focuses on the tournament itself, explaining about the history of the Asia Trophy, the match schedule, the stadium, key facts on the event as well as information on getting to the ground.
Now an established part of the Premier League's fixture calendar, the Barclays Asia Trophy is a bi-annual tournament and the only Premier League-affiliated competition to be held outside England.
This is the fifth Asia Trophy, the others having previously been held in Kuala Lumpur (2003), Bangkok (2005), Hong Kong (2007) and Beijing (2009).
The four team knock-out tournament will take place over two match days on July 27 and 30, with a final to determine the winner and a play-off to decide third place.
All matches will take place in the Hong Kong Stadium.
The tournament will be officiated by Barclays Premier League match officials and HKFA match officials and will also be staged in accordance with Barclays Premier League rules.
Barclays is the title sponsor of the Asia Trophy for the third time.
Commercial partners for the Barclays Asia Trophy are Nike, EA Sports and Samsung.
The Premier League has also committed to a full programme of 'Creating Chances' activities, including coaching initiatives, refereeing schemes and community schemes to run alongside the Barclays Asia Trophy.
Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore, said: "There is great anticipation at the Premier League in bringing the Barclays Asia Trophy back to Hong Kong. The HKFA put on an excellent tournament in 2007 and we are supremely confident they will repeat that success.
"The Hong Kong Stadium is a wonderful facility and, like last time, we hope to see it filled with those fans in East Asia that follow the Barclays Premier League week-in week-out. We are fortunate to have such a fantastic following in Hong Kong and we look forward to reacquainting ourselves with old friends."
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Charged us for the dearest seats, so expected to be in the Upper tier around the half way line. Turns out we're in the Lower tier right by the corner flag. Cheeky fuckers!!
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Is it just me or does every other tram seem to be playing alot more friendlies than Villa?
I hope we are not under cooked going into the start of the season.
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No Shrek,it's not just you!
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No Shrek,it's not just you!
We cant play too many games due to the fact that if we pick up some injuries/suspensions we may run out of players........
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No Shrek,it's not just you!
We cant play too many games due to the fact that if we pick up some injuries/suspensions we may run out of players........
I bet we travelled over in a Cessna.
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Our lads arrive safe and well in HK
clicky (http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Aston-Villa-arrive-in-Hong-Kong-for-Asia-Trophy/tabid/317/articleID/219895/Default.aspx)
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All the games are on live in in New Zealand. Looking forward to them :)
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It's on in our local sports, so its a san miguel please john.
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Txt form my brother ion HK
"Our tram route is the no.65 and they are all painted claret and blue with villa badges and pics of Stuart Downing!"
Liverpool must be out there next week!
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Txt form my brother ion HK
"Our tram route is the no.65 and they are all painted claret and blue with villa badges and pics of Stuart Downing!"
Liverpool must be out there next week!
Ask him to send you some pics of them, preferably with not much SD showing!
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Is anybody else watching the AVTV highlights of the tour? It looks as if they are having a very good time, and it was nice to see the interview with Daniel and Matt of the HK Villans. Also good to watch the player interviews and see the response from the local fans, which looks enthusiastic.
Some interesting camp followers as well, judging by Curbishley and Collymore! Here's hoping that the lads have a great tournament and even come home with the trophy.
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Some interesting camp followers as well, judging by Curbishley and Collymore!
Shut that door!
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The Blackburn game is on Sky tomorrow isn't it?
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Some interesting camp followers as well, judging by Curbishley and Collymore!
Is Lawro there as well then?
I hope he's packed a week's worth of brand new in the packet BHS shirts.
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11am K-O live on Sky Sports 1.
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Will there be streams as I have to work?
...in theory.
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11am KO today?
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Wednesday.
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Cheers big ears.
I'll see if there's a stream anywhere :)
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Is anybody else watching the AVTV highlights of the tour? It looks as if they are having a very good time, and it was nice to see the interview with Daniel and Matt of the HK Villans. Also good to watch the player interviews and see the response from the local fans, which looks enthusiastic.
Some interesting camp followers as well, judging by Curbishley and Collymore! Here's hoping that the lads have a great tournament and even come home with the trophy.
Can anybody tell me what Gabby said to Marc Albrighton to make everybody crease up? I've played it several times and still can't decipher it.
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Great night at the H K lions q and a with Ian Taylor. No holds barred.
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Great night at the H K lions q and a with Ian Taylor. No holds barred.
Spill the beans please - when you have chance.
(In GM if you need to).
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Is anybody else experiencing difficulty in watching the latest video, Day 3 in Hong Kong? All the others play ok. I haven't managed to get it to start, yet.
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Txt form my brother ion HK
"Our tram route is the no.65 and they are all painted claret and blue with villa badges and pics of Stuart Downing!"
Liverpool must be out there next week!
Ask him to send you some pics of them, preferably with not much SD showing!
Just asked him. Apparently 15 pounds a day for Internet acces so we will have to use our imagination til he gets back. Great access to the Villa players. Had a greta chat with Sid in a restaurant this evening and then a few nightcaps with Ian Taylor. Chelsea team are barricaded inside hotel as locals have them besieged whereas our boys are out and about
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Gabby and Marc are On the Buses !......sorry, the tram.
(http://momedia.kyte.tv/mv/bor/1107/25/13/3385624-hongkongbus_460_345.jpg?h=7b8c46b3a39d62fce6b141aeb12754fe)
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A couple of pics of the trams on the OS, with not a Downing in sight!
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/BlogsEntry/0,,10265~2402395,00.html
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/AVHK.jpg)
A tram that is as fast as fuck.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/AVHK1.jpg)
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A couple of pics of the trams on the OS, with not a Downing in sight!
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/BlogsEntry/0,,10265~2402395,00.html
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/AVHK.jpg)
A tram that is as fast as fuck.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v436/EnglishPride2004/AVHK1.jpg)
I want that tram .... well maybe a smaller Lego one like it ..
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I've only seen the one tram today with that advert on, not for the want of trying to see others(Jon was busy at reception when I was shouting about it so made a particular point all day of looking). I have a photo, somewhere.
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Are there Blackburn and Chelsea trams as well? And hope you're both having a great time Pauline :)
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Will there be streams as I have to work?
...in theory.
Myp2p are advertising it, so assume there will be some links there closer to the time. http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=122910&part=sports
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Got my bloody hairdresser coming at 11, typical, so Sky+ all set - can't decide whether to watch it about half an hour behind or avoid H and V at all costs and watch it tonight...
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Are there Blackburn and Chelsea trams as well? And hope you're both having a great time Pauline :)
Saw to trams, one after the other, this morning with villa on. No signs of any Blackburn or Chelsea ones.
Having a great time. Lovely night last night organised by Dan and the hong kong lions. It was an evening with Ian Taylor.
Today has seen us next to the pool on the 28th floor of the hotel, looking out over hong kong.
Humidity is a bit of a killer, mind,
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Is there a list anywhere of the players that have travelled?
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Note for Oz Villans, after the game tonight, also on Fox Sports 3:
EPL Classic Matches
Aston Villa v Everton 2008/09
10pm-10.25pm
FOX SPORTS 3 (503)
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Got my bloody hairdresser coming at 11, typical, so Sky+ all set - can't decide whether to watch it about half an hour behind or avoid H and V at all costs and watch it tonight...
You big tart, Richard. ;-)
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Is there a list anywhere of the players that have travelled?
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2399535,00.html
Here
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Got my bloody hairdresser coming at 11, typical, so Sky+ all set - can't decide whether to watch it about half an hour behind or avoid H and V at all costs and watch it tonight...
You big tart, Richard. ;-)
Takes one Chris.... ;-) She is rather nice however and we talk gardening over a latte whilst she rubs herself up against me as she snips away at what hair I have left. So it is not all bad. Rather be watching the Villa though!
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massive long shot I know, but is it on the radio anywhere ? stuck at work on my own !
UTV
The Doc
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Is there a list anywhere of the players that have travelled?
http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2399535,00.html
Here
Cheers
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See Habib Beye is being taken along.....to see if they can drop him off somewhere?
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Literally, out the plane...
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Anybody more clever than me able to find a radio station with the coverage?
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Awaiting for KO. Beach bar in Zante 32C slight breeze beer very cold.
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Are we going to have a good old fashioned sweary match thread today?
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Got my bloody hairdresser coming at 11, typical, so Sky+ all set - can't decide whether to watch it about half an hour behind or avoid H and V at all costs and watch it tonight...
You big tart, Richard. ;-)
Takes one Chris.... ;-) She is rather nice however and we talk gardening over a latte whilst she rubs herself up against me as she snips away at what hair I have left. So it is not all bad. Rather be watching the Villa though!
Does she do calls in Birmingham?
I'm going to be in trouble. I've taken some time off to do some work in the garden as there is an area that we want clearing for a barbecue. Only the Villa are on today and I'm going fishing tomorrow!
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See Habib Beye is being taken along.....to see if they can drop him off somewhere?
To leave him alone in Hong Kong after the tournament. Without his passport and visa.
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Are we going to have a good old fashioned sweary match thread today?
Bollocks and cock.
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Villa starting line up:
Given, Young, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Makoun, Petrov, Bannan, Gabby, Bent, Heskey
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Hmmm.
Working from home, but loads to do today and really don't have time to watch. Mind you, on the other hand, it's only an hour and a half.....
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4-3-3 then? with Gabby and Heskey playing slightly wide of Bent?
Or 4-4-2? With Gabby right wing and Bannan on left?
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Villa starting line up:
Given, Young, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Makoun, Petrov, Bannan, Gabby, Bent, Heskey
Exactly how I expect (want) us to line up v Fulham. Except N'Zog and Ireland for Heskey and Bannan.
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Hmmm.
Working from home, but loads to do today and really don't have time to watch. Mind you, on the other hand, it's only an hour and a half.....
Yes, same here Paulie. Would love to be able to resist watching it, stay off H and V and away from SSN and settle back with a beer and see it tonight, particularly as the wife is out. However, all that is nigh on impossible for me to even begin to contemplate..
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What time's kick-off?
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What time's kick-off?
11.00.
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4-3-3 then? with Gabby and Heskey playing slightly wide of Bent?
This.
Quite like that line up.
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What time's kick-off?
11.00.
Ta
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Rather pissed off.
I was looking forward to seeing the new and improved Stephen Ireland.
Oh well.
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Ireland not playing due to injury?
Hopefully Delph gets a decent amount of playing time.
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Hoog is the other player not on teh bench. Basicially because he is toss. 5 subs allowed
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Hoog is the other player not on teh bench. Basicially because he is toss. 5 subs allowed
yeah , i remember him bossing the midfield with Bannan against Man Utd,
real toss he looked there !!
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interesting line up , surprised albrighton doesnt start, will be a good chance for bannan to stake a claim today.
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Will there be streams as I have to work?
...in theory.
Myp2p are advertising it, so assume there will be some links there closer to the time. http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=122910&part=sports
villastreams have it
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have to nip out for 30 mins at 11 20 so i will watch the start and skyplus it for when i return - hence i will not be on match thread as i dont want to know what happened 20 mins before i see it -enjoy the game all, should be interesting .
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Come on Villa, sadly at work so can't see this.
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Will there be streams as I have to work?
...in theory.
Myp2p are advertising it, so assume there will be some links there closer to the time. http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=122910&part=sports
Myp2p.eu blocked at work, anyone got a direct link? Ta
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Blackburn line-up: Robinson, Salgado, Olsson, Samba, Givet, Emerton, Dunn, Formica, Pedersen, N'Zonzi, Roberts
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Blackburn line-up: Robinson, Salgado, Olsson, Samba, Givet, Emerton, Dunn, Formica, Pedersen, N'Zonzi, Roberts
strong side for them that is.
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stream http://sportstream24.com/watch_online_1.php
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LIVE (http://www.firstrowsports.eu/webmaster/Live-Football-Stream/75224/1/watch-aston-villa-vs-blackburn-rovers.html)
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Stream just showed a fantastic "Cult Heroes" segment, featuring Martin Laursen's Villa career. Brilliant to watch.
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Live on SkyGo for those who have Sky
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Hey, Villa have someone who wears "3". Who knew ?!?
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McLeish looks a lot like Horatio Caine!
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Also here:
http://copa-america2011-vivo.blogspot.com/
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"Ng Chiu Kok"is your Referee
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Lets go http://www.veetle.com/index.php/channel/view#4e2c170f668f7
Quality
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I want one of those tops
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"Ng Chiu Kok"is your Referee
I couldn't have put it better myself.
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Villla look a bit 4-4-2, Emile and Bazza out wide
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I cant believe what a sad bastard I am ... ive got staff in today , so I can go to Birmingham and pick up some inportant supplies and guess what , Im stuck on my sofa watching this ...
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Lively start
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In almost every game Petrov plays one ball that makes me think "what a fucking ball".
He just played it there wide to Bannan
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Whats the temprature like they are playing in ?
Should we all be closing the windows and putting the central heating on to get the true effect?
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What's Blackburn's new sponsor?
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What's Blackburn's new sponsor?
Venky's isn't it?
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Whats the temprature like they are playing in ?
Should we all be closing the windows and putting the central heating on to get the true effect?
Don't use Petrov as a guide - drenched already but he's been like that in the North East in December
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What's Blackburn's new sponsor?
Chicken farmers
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Can you guys watching it let us poor shits stuck at work know what's going on. I know it's only just started and not much will have happened.
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Just imagine the level of Stan's sweat after 60 minutes in this heat.
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Given save from M.F.I
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Playing some nice stuff here.
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What's Blackburn's new sponsor?
Chicken farmers
Cheers. Just shows how bad the stream picture quality is...
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Can you guys watching it let us poor shits stuck at work know what's going on. I know it's only just started and not much will have happened.
Rusty as to be expected. Decent save by Given, the odd decent pass. Erm...
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Heskey is playing very wide, just as he did at Walsall. He's the new Ashley Young !
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Can you guys watching it let us poor shits stuck at work know what's going on. I know it's only just started and not much will have happened.
We're playing well, using the ball well, Blackeye are physical, but there haven't been many fouls yet. Dion Dublin is a crap co-commentator. In the first 90 seconds or so, Gabby fed the ball through to Bent twice. He's Key looks strong on the left. The defence haven't had much to do so far. Given had one save to make. Banana looks lively on the right. Makoun's scared of touching the ball more than once.
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50/50 at the moment, us looking that bit more complete. Two more decent players could get us top 8.
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Makoun's scared of touching the ball more than once.
And long may it continue.
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Petrov has started well, using the ball intelligently and linking with Makoun.
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Dion creates a new word ....... "outstrength"
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I thought Makoun was looking decent
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and the ground seems full of Chelsea fans
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Makoun's scared of touching the ball more than once.
And long may it continue.
As long as his first touch improves. ;o) Dunne's just hoofed over the bar. We've had most of the ball so far. Banana & Gabby, in particular, look alert. Bent just headed over from a good Gabby ball.
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Fantastic ball from Gabby then.
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Bent heads wide from Gabby cross from right.
yes, Gabby crossed the ball...
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Gabby's playing too deep, I'd like him to play higher up in the channels. Suppose Ireland and N'Zogbia will allow us to change our shape a little.
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We're missing a winger or two. Although Gabby just put a great ball over for Bent. Missed.
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As Chris says, Petrov is very good as link man. Gabby playing well and with a sense of vision that you might not expect. .
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whats with the black socks?
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Bent heads wide from Gabby cross from right.
yes, Gabby crossed the ball...
Why's that surprising? He's got a fine delivery.
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I thought Makoun was looking decent
He made a very good tackle. I just think he needs to vary his game a bit more. he seems to only play very short passes, sometimes putting his teammates under pressure.
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Im going to need a new F5 button after this.
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Yeh loads of chelsea fans in that crowd. That did look like Michael Mcintyre in the lone villa shirt though.
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two excellent balls by Collins today
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WARNOCK almost scored, ghosting in down the left! Collins headed over from the subsequent corner.
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Deep diagonal cross from Bannan met by Warnock far post but scuffed wide.
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Christ, look at the sweat absolutely dripping off them.
Must be exceptionally hot.
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Petrov created a great chance for himself, but hit the ball straight at Robinson. 26 mins gone.
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Stan through, shot but should have played wide to Bent.
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First real chance from Villa.
Cross from Bannan meets Gabby effort just wide of near post with Bent awaiting.
The Petrov with a piece of skill straight at the keeper.
A goal is coming...
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whats with the black socks?
I like them
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Nice bit of skill by Stan - pity about the finish
-
Great skill from Petrov, then fails to put it away.
-
Olsson yellow card after flooring Gabby clear on far side.
-
Gabby & Bent in a 2 on 2, Gabby should have played the ball through to Bent, but didn't. Got completely wiped out by Olsson, who got a deserved yellow card. Dion Dublin doesn't think it was even a free kick, even though Olsson was nowhere near the ball...
-
Free kick by Bannan, first cross low, second too high, met by keeper.
-
Gabbys touch let him down there
-
Anyone know how to re fresh the page on iPhone 4 ?
-
I'm really impressed by our movement, especially off the ball.
-
Some good Football at times
-
We've had an awful lot of possession.
-
We really are playing some nice stuff here.
-
I like the way we are playing, I know pre-season friendlies mean very little in the grand scheme of things but if this (and Warsaw) is an indication of things to come we might at least be entertaining.
-
I'm really impressed by our movement, especially off the ball.
About to write the same.
Blackburn taking this quite physically.
-
Heskey on left wing offside.
Blackeye are finding passes in Villa defence, saved by Collins.
-
Samba free kick nearside swung in hard, put back for corner
-
I'm really impressed by our movement, especially off the ball.
About to write the same.
Blackburn taking this quite physically.
Blackburn are much further into their preparations and look a bit fitter.
Kean said some of their players have played three full 90 minutes already.
-
Pedersen corner headed away at post by Heeskey/Bent
-
good defending from Warnock and Dunne
-
That was a great defensive header by Ivanhoe
-
I think Dunne just killed Dunn!
EDIT: Warnock, not Dunne. Honourable mention to Collins too.
-
That was the Warnock of old, great block.
-
Dunne looking surprisingly slim
-
Crikey, they were getting stuck in then !
-
Last-ditch defending sees Villa defenders slide in and floor Dunn. Dunn slow to get up, seen by physios, he's alright.
-
Good defending, Dun's okay thankfully.
-
Just found the live stream in time to see Warnock flattened... ouch. Committed challenge from him though.
PS Tell you what, for all the transfer mutterings during the summer, you can't beat seeing the boys out there in the claret and blue. Awesome.
-
Blackburn practising their fouling the goalkeeper on corners everytime then..
-
Herd has had a haircut
-
Bent slips and slide tackles Givet. Didn't mean to, though.
Watching Delph and Albrighton warming up on the touchline.
-
just think the Qatar world cup will be hotter than this
-
just checked the current temprature in Hong Kong. Right now its 31c with relative humidity 70%. I reckon in those circumstances this is being played at a good pace,
-
Was that Herd #31 warming up with Fabian and Marc then?
He looks completely different, new haircut and a sleeve.
-
Thanks guys, great commentary so far, keep up the good work.
-
Given fumbles volley from Dunn...
-
I'm genuinely impressed at how in shape Dunne and Collins are looking, very promising. Some good stuff from Warnock too, so far.
Makoun does look a very tidy player, but I simply can't imagine us playing with him as our only 'defensive midfielder'. That just doesn't seem to be his game at all; he's a good playmaker, though, keeps things ticking along quite nicely in the middle there.
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Was that Herd #31 warming up with Fabian and Marc then?
He looks completely different, new haircut and a sleeve.
Didn't recognise the player, might have been Herd.
Would HK had been a better place than Qatar for the WC?
-
Two mins until halftime. The game's gone off the boil a bit the last few minutes. I can't see the second half being as high tempo as the first!
-
Tell you what, for all the transfer mutterings during the summer, you can't beat seeing the boys out there in the claret and blue. Awesome.
agree Merv, nothing like it !
UTV
The Doc
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Gotta love the new Sky Go app - watching it at my desk on my iPad ! Impressive streaming for a 3G connection...
-
Formica getting a glaincing header in the box, not powerful enough for Given to dive for it
-
Two mins until halftime. The game's gone off the boil a bit the last few minutes. I can't see the second half being as high tempo as the first!
Not too sure, think both sides will look very different in the second half.
-
1 min extra time.
Like that matters here.
-
heat starting to tell, we're not looking as crisp as earlier.
-
Was that Herd #31 warming up with Fabian and Marc then?
He looks completely different, new haircut and a sleeve.
It's like a new signing
-
HT 0-0
Gabby losing the ball running in the box doing a check-back, HT.
-
Not a bad half, I like the way we are setting ourselves up.
-
Some good stuff for the first 35 minutes then heat started to tell. Encouraging signs with the style of football though.
-
Encouraging. Tired a bit in the last 5 minutes that's no surprise given conditions and it being pre season but they've all had decent games.
-
Shame Ireland and N'zogbia are not coming off the bench second half ..
-
Bannan's been quite impressive, too. I'd say he's ready to play a fair role in the coming season.
-
Hopefully the youngsters will run them ragged in the 2nd half. But so far pretty tidy.
Very organised and slick. More sharpness will come with games and then we'll see more incisive stuff.
-
Sweat's pouring off the lads. Wholesale changes at HT, perhaps. Save legs.
Been said before, but N'Zonzi looks decent in Blackburn's midfield.
-
Doesn't look like a team heading for relegation, do they?
They look united, they can pass and move well, everybody knows their role. Defending is still a bit suspect and maybe a DM is needed but overall look decent.
-
At work so following it on here, but most impressive/surprising to me is the style of football we seem to be playing - hardly what we would expect from an Alex Mcleisg side!
-
That's it I'm sacking Virgin and getting Sky, I pay 20 odd quid for sky sports and Im not eligible for the free app!
Bye bye Richard, hello Rupert!
-
Know its early but Gabby has to learn a trick or two to go round players. Think this game is set up for the Fonz with his pace and the defence getting tired .......
-
We look very tidy indeed and really organised in defence. The passing was excellent at times, but you can us still having to work out the runs of the forwards which has restricted us to only a few opportunities. Solid start so far.
-
That's it I'm sacking Virgin and getting Sky, I pay 20 odd quid for sky sports and Im not eligible for the free app!
Bye bye Richard, hello Rupert!
Could be worse - mate of mine went the other way last month and is now kicking himself !
-
Venky's milk chocolate.
Now with real chicken
-
Second half. No changes
-
2nd half underway. No changes.
-
...actually Olsson twists ankle, might meet going off.
-
"He might have just fell funny" - Dion Dublin's incisive views.
-
At work so following it on here, but most impressive/surprising to me is the style of football we seem to be playing - hardly what we would expect from an Alex Mcleisg side!
Hate to say it but I remember liking the way Blues knocked it about during that long unbeaten run under under AM two seasons ago. The lack of finish/penetration always seemed like their problem.
-
What happens if this is a draw? Do we go straight to penalties? I'm not sure i could stand the tension..
-
What happens if this is a draw? Do we go straight to penalties? I'm not sure i could stand the tension..
I believe they then play best of 3 rock, paper, scissors.
Winner gets paper trophy.
-
Bent goal
-
Bent goal!!!
-
YYYYEEESSS get in there Bent
-
One nil, Bent. But Gabby was right next to it. Typical poacher.
-
young to heskey to Bannon, Bannon cross for Bent
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Good football. Bent is the man.
-
Dazza!
Mongolian True Blues, that's not a banner you see every day.
-
Lovely cross, good goal.
-
goal 1:0 Bent
-
Makoun's movement really is good, he doesn't stop moving, always seems to be available for a simple pass. I really hope he settles in to the Premier League, he looks a classy player.
-
1-0 Bent. Great movement on edge of far box by Bent ad Heskey, setting up Bannan to cross for Bent to finish.
-
25 for Bent this season
-
Nice patient build up.
-
Hate to say it but I remember liking the way Blues knocked it about during that long unbeaten run under under AM two seasons ago. The lack of finish/penetration always seemed like their problem.
You were saying? ;-)
-
Lovely ball by Bannan. Great movement by Bent.
Agree on Herd. He looks completely different. I was confused as to who it was at first.
-
YYYYEEESSS get in there Bent
get used to sayong that this season
-
Who needs tippy-tappy ;)
-
Well done Benty, that's perked up my work day!
-
Got commentary at work with minimal viewing times. Went to watch replay and an advert popped over the top which only went away when finished.
Good cross... The Goal I can't be sure on!!
-
Cracking save, that!
-
Cracking save by Given
-
typical Given brilliant save
-
Hate to say it but I remember liking the way Blues knocked it about during that long unbeaten run under under AM two seasons ago. The lack of finish/penetration always seemed like their problem.
Reverse psychology - works every time :0)
Wonder what Stan was moaning about to DB?
You were saying? ;-)
-
Poor defending. Great save
-
Hate to say it but I remember liking the way Blues knocked it about during that long unbeaten run under under AM two seasons ago. The lack of finish/penetration always seemed like their problem.
You were saying? ;-)
That's the difference, Blues had Zigic, we have Bent, Gabby and The Fonz, proper finishers who know how to get into goalscoring positions.
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Samba powerful run towards box, passes to Emerton near box, tries a curler, Given saves.
Corner.
-
If we win this tournament, can we have an open top bus parade?
-
Yes, Given catches Blackeye cross, then immediately rolls it out.
Commanding keeper for £3m
-
Blackeye enjoying a nice attacking spell. Villa defence starting to show hairline cracks.
-
Bloody quote malfunction.
Again - Wonder what Stan was moaning to DB about (straight after he goal)?
We look decent, like a team!
-
My sky coverage turning into a dodgy Internet stream now
-
Another Samba storming run, with Formica going wide under pressure from Collins
-
well it isnt HD no more
-
Interesting to hear from Tyler and Dublin that McLeish has been doing extra training sessions with the defenders. I agree with their conclusion; if Villa can keep clean sheets, we have the players to win games.
-
My sky coverage turning into a dodgy Internet stream now
You and me both, it's jumping like a salmon.
-
Another Samba storming run, with Formica going wide under pressure from Collins
LOLed at Wilkins at half-time commenting how Formica likes a nice surface..
-
My sky coverage turning into a dodgy Internet stream now
You and me both, it's jumping like a salmon.
They seem to have ditched the HD feed to sort out the sound issues - the commentary sounded like old Norman Collier.
-
Villa FK, Petrov high, straight to Robinson.
-
My sky coverage turning into a dodgy Internet stream now
You and me both, it's jumping like a salmon.
It's happening over here too.
-
defonz. marc and Delph to come on
-
Nice tackle, then not so great pass.
-
Delph for Makoun.
Good sub
-
Delph on for Makoun
-
Defence splitting pass ends in Salgado screwing wide. Defence off the pace now.
Fonz on for Gabby.
-
Great tackle by Warnock, but then gave it straight back to them. The good, the bad and the ugly of him summed up in about 5 seconds of play.
-
Bannan off for MarkyMark
-
gabby , barry and Makoun off
-
Albrighton for Bannan
Delfouneso for Agbonlahor
Good subs.
-
Nice tackle, then not so great pass.
Pretty typical stuff from Warnock, really!
Actually, he's playing very well, I'm pleased to say. I suppose he has got a point to prove.
-
whos the new signing at LB
-
Warnock is playing well. Showing good defensive pace. Looking forward to seeing the three subs get involved - three players I hope to see have good seasons.
-
I thought Bannan was very good, I think he's ready for a premier league season. Very skilful player.
-
MarkyMark's first tackle from behind floors Pedersen. No card.
-
Delphi is a bit of a high-panter. That or he has a really short torso.
-
Blackeye exploiting left and right side of Villa defence, attacking for past 5 mins.
-
Formica denied by Young with Pedersen near.
-
I've been very impressed with Heskey in the 2 games I've seen this pre-season. He's looked strong & very tidy with the ball.
-
Fonz in near side deep gets ball, with a touch of handball.
-
Collins winded after one of his salmon-esque headers lands hard.
-
It's good to be Bent
-
Petrov took that one right in the face.
-
Water break, Petrov catches stray ball in face.
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It's good to be Bent
Not around Hampstead Heath...
-
Crazy seeing just how soaked through the shirts are.
-
Water break, Petrov catches stray ball in face.
Petrov is even more soaked than normal looks well hot over their
-
Glory hunting fans coming in now for the bloody Chelsea match.
-
Blackeye corner, Samba heads over.
-
Clark on
-
heskey off no petrov off
-
Clark on for Emule?
-
Clark for Petrov, Dunne gets armband.
-
MarkyMark corner, plucked by Robinson
-
Collins and Dunne are taking this pretty seriously!
Good.
-
...at the other end Collins heads clear from Blackeye cross. No corner.
Blackeye subs: Blackman on, Salgado off.
-
Well that was a shit pass Ciaran!
-
Shocking backpass lets Formica in, shoots against defender legs, no threat.
-
Clark for Petrov, Dunne gets armband.
I take it Clark is playing in midfield then?
-
WFT??
-
Good work by Delph there.
-
Good work from Delph! A bit wild, mind.
-
Was that Clark with that awful backpass? Great covering from Delph though.
-
Pedersen FK nearside cleared.
-
Some wayward passes happening here.
-
Wild isn't the word when referring to Fabian Delphs tackling. Superb though.
-
I think most of them are bloody knackered, to be fair.
-
Young heads back a ball with no danger for Blackeye corner.
Dunne hammers it out of danger.
-
Emerton "out-foxed" Fonz. Out-foxed must now mean using your elbow to move the other person.
-
Villa stepped it up a bit after the break, with heskey bannon and bent combining sharply for the goal. First half was toss. Bit more urgency 2nd half.
Nice to hear dion commentating (co) said some nice things about us
-
Defence ... excllent today ... lets get a clean sheet now
-
Villa stepped it up a bit after the break, with heskey bannon and bent combining sharply for the goal. First half was toss. Bit more urgency 2nd half.
Nice to hear dion commentating (co) said some nice things about us
I thought the first half, bar the last ten mins, was pretty good stuff to be honest.
-
A bit too much fancywork from the Fonz gives away ball for Balckeye to shoot from 25 yds. A weak shot.
10 mins left.
-
I think most of them are bloody knackered, to be fair.
Innit.
Only their second 90 minutes and they were all sweating buckets after five minutes. The conditions are dreadful, the pitch looks hard work, and they've barely started the pre-season fixtures. To be expected.
-
Again, some sloppy under hit passing. Unless it's the pitch?
-
Another weak shot from Blackman from edge of box.
-
shame .. thought there was a second then
-
Heskey shot off defender. Villa corner.
-
Heskey should have scored then. He was too casual.
-
Villa stepped it up a bit after the break, with heskey bannon and bent combining sharply for the goal. First half was toss. Bit more urgency 2nd half.
Nice to hear dion commentating (co) said some nice things about us
I thought the first half, bar the last ten mins, was pretty good stuff to be honest.
Agreed, it's been a very good workout for the team, and there is plenty of promising aspects to take from it. For me, the most pressing thing is that Makoun is a very good player, but in no way a defensive midfielder. And we really need one, in my opinion.
-
shoot fonz shoot
-
5 mins left. Looking good for Villa.
-
I really can't decide on Delfouneso at all. That little run and pass was top stuff, but at other times he looks out of his depth.
-
Dubbers names Collins MOM
-
come on . another cup final ;-)
collons dions MOM
-
save from albrighton
-
Good reactions from Albrighton. Good save, should have scored.
-
MarkyMark shot just high!
-
Bent was not happy
-
Good work by Marc great save by Robinson
-
another header from Bent
-
Oh great save. Great run from Albrighton
-
sid looks happy
-
i think there will be alot of these scorelines this season for us
-
B'burn corner. Warnock shouting to teammates to tighten up.
-
Pedersen went close, wants corner. Not given.
-
Bent was not happy
The replay of that shot shows what Bent is great at, sees Albrighton get the ball, measures every single step to get into the perfect position to receive the ball.
That's why he's such a great striker, he's always looking to get into the best position, always looking to get into space.
In fact, I'd go as far as to say that when it comes to timing runs and springing offside traps, he's one of the best strikers anywhere.
-
marc no
-
Warnock hobbling. Not surprised, he's been playing this like a cup tie.
Fonz has shown some decent footwork since coming on.
-
collins gets marc out of the shit
-
Yet another back pass from MarkyMark. Collins committs and saves day.
-
Awful from Albrighton
-
Albrighton you prick. You can't pass back to the keeper with your head down.
-
fight
-
Excellent, finish with a few slaps and handbags.
-
villa have passion
-
Clearly Blackburn are not challenging our defence enough so our players are helping out :)
-
Oooohh, Handbags
-
Foul from Blackeye, Grella in a strop, both teams in a ruck. It's boiled over.
-
What was that handbags about?
-
I think we could take 'em.
-
Martin Tyler just referring to the "curse of the commentator" there. FIFA 11 gold.
-
Job done. Good workout and encouraging performances from several players. Collins was superb
-
Looks like Warnock is having a real go at redeeming himself.
-
The workout was the priority but why not win at the same time.
Some decent stuff there. Plenty more to come.
-
Anyone still watching?
Its the 1992 Villa campaign.
-
The defence looks in better shape than this time last year.... though that could just be the 10kg they just sweated out.
-
In the final....bring on the kitchee.
-
What was the score?
-
Outplayed a team who are further along in preparations than us in a very difficult climate. Brilliant. McLeish has worked wonders with the defence already. With N'Zog and (hopefully) others to come it's only going to get better as the team takes shape.
Back four and keeper all played brilliant. As did the midfield. Makoun, Petrov, Bannan especially.
-
What was the score?
1-0 Bent.
-
In the final....bring on the kitchee.
Any idea what time that will start?
-
What was the score?
1-0 Bent
-
good solid display in difficult hot conditions - given and the defence were excellent, midfield worked hard and delph looked busy as did petrov , gabby looked lively up front as did fonz when he came on and a hardworking display from heskey , nice finish from bent from an excellent bannan cross - well done to all!
agree collins just shaded man of the match , but dunne looked slim and back on form and warnock and young both very solid.
-
Good to see we've got a left back. He and Collins played very well
-
final i believe will be 1.30 english time.
-
Warnock really impressed me. Refusing to express any optimism though.
-
We lost something going forward after Gabby went off but the defence were excellent throughout and the manager can be well pleased with himself for that.
Early days and all that but something to build on.
-
Thanks guys, good win
-
Good grief - a clean sheet? A towering performance from our defence and clinical finishing up front - and a committed feisty win? This isn't right.
If it carries on like this I'll have nothing to whine about.
I blame McLeish.
-
Collins awarded bottle of bubbly. Is that really appropriate?
-
from what I saw, it looked like we completely bossed the game.
-
Really good workout for the lads there, encouraging to see the back 4 looking like a proper defensive unit again! Also liked the fact that AMc recognises that Ciaran could be a decent DCM, apart from the ball to the ghost player.
Think we could really hit a trick on Saturday and give away a few thousand shirts to locals who are watching the final. Could be a really good promotion of the club. The counterfeit one's in China are really cheap, so shouldn't break the bank ;)
-
Some, ah, interesting punditry from Yorke just then; Bent drops deep, holds ball before laying it off to the wing, then turns and moves into the box where he promptly gets on the end of the move that he started and scores a goal.
Yorke: "That's a part of his game that I think he needs to improve."
-
from what I saw, it looked like we completely bossed the game.
I couldnt see much difference between Blackburn and Walsall.
-
Good stuff, thanks for getting me through to lunch at work. Looking foward to watching it when I get back. Will be working overtime on Saturday so i'll need to rely on you guys again.
-
Macoun, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Petrov, Hogg, I can't remember the last time we had so many good central midfielders all challenging for a position, looking really good in that department
-
Macoun, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Petrov, Hogg, I can't remember the last time we had so many good central midfielders all challenging for a position, looking really good in that department
Ireland too.
-
Lots to be encouraged about. While the players had energy, especially in the first 35 minutes or so, we knocked it around beautifully at times. The defence was really solid and it was the best we've dealt with crosses in a good while. Especially against a bully team like Blackburn can be. Warnock looked possessed at times with the way he throws himself into challenges, and Richard Dunne looks a bit like the bloke from 2 years ago when he was very good indeed. I get the impression Shay Given will be very good for him and Stephen Ireland. James Collins and Luke Young also looked very assured. It's like they've got a new lease on football life so certainly cause for a bit of optimism there.
Again, we shoudln't get too carried away and there's a ton of work yet to do. But when you factor in Ireland, N'Zogbia and hopefully one or two more, plus the kids maturing, it's not a bad starting point.
Well done AM.
-
I hope this pre-season might mean Randy looks at the set-up and thinks "We're closer to cracking it than I thought - here's the money for a couple more players."
-
Give AM a decent squad, he'll give you a solid defence and lovely attacking football in return.
-
Macoun, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Petrov, Hogg, I can't remember the last time we had so many good central midfielders all challenging for a position, looking really good in that department
Ireland too.
And Gardner and Herd.... and Johnson.
-
I hope this pre-season might mean Randy looks at the set-up and thinks "We're closer to cracking it than I thought - here's the money for a couple more players."
agreed, imagine the lift a player like parker would provide , quality player and a very good leader too.
-
Collins awarded bottle of bubbly. Is that really appropriate?
I suppose it all depends if he's going to drink it, or drink it and then throw someone across a table ;)
All in the past now
Kidding aside he looked very assurred today, and also back to making some of those superb 40yd cross field passes. It was interesting to hear during the broadcast that last night after the practice had ended, AM kept the back four and keeper on the pitch practicing defending crosses and set pieces.
-
Missed the goal, any links?
-
Macoun, Delph, Bannan, Clarke, Petrov, Hogg, I can't remember the last time we had so many good central midfielders all challenging for a position, looking really good in that department
Ireland too.
And Gardner and Herd.... and Johnson.
Is Burke a forward Maz or an attacking midfielder? Against Walsall he seemed to come quite deep to pick up the ball.
-
Defence showed great commitment. Makoun top playmaker. Albrighton has got a long way to go. Concentration and passing poor. Gabby needs a trick or two. great work out and i am going to give my first "well done" to Mr Mcleish ........
-
i wonder whether that guy who said he would burn his villa shirt if eck took over is now beginning to change his opinion, early days but so far ive been impressed with how he has got a positive response from the players and the 2 signings hes made once charlie signs.
-
Good win defence looked good and strong impressed with Bannan and Collins played well Bent took his goal well really pleased keep up the good work lads.
-
We passed the ball pretty well... for a McLeish team anyway.
Warnock played well as did Collins and Bannan. Pretty sound defensively albeit a couple of sloppy passes.
-
We passed the ball pretty well... for a McLeish team anyway.
Warnock played well as did Collins. Pretty sound defensively albeit a couple of sloppy passes.
-
Good stuff in the final then, well done lads.
-
We passed the ball pretty well
Warnock played well as did Collins. Pretty sound defensively albeit a couple of sloppy passes.
There, I've fixed it for you.
-
Six things we learnt from the pre-season friendly with Blackburn in Hong Kong:
1) Barry Bannan can provide some of the creativity and deliveries missing after the departures of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young. However, we badly require Charles N’Zogbia if we are going to cause other teams problems.
2) Emile Heskey still has a role to play and also helps us defend corners well by going near post and allowing Dunne and Collins to defend the middle.
3) We are probably going to defend (set pieces at least) much better under Alex McLeish. His back five of Given, Young, Dunne, Collins and Warnock looked solid.
4) Gabby Agbonlahor is struggling to find a role (other than back-up for Darren Bent) and both Delfounso and Heskey look better than him as strikers-sent-out-wide.
5) We need a dynamic thrusting midfielder (because Petrov and Jean Il Makoun don’t drive us forward). Hopefully Stephen Ireland or Fabian Delph can perform this role for us.
6) Young players can’t play back passes (I’m looking at you Clarke and Albrighton!).
-
A couple of additions and we could have a very good side.
-
Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.
-
Very encouraging display-
good tactical decision to go 433 as we have sold 2 wingers-it gives us the width that may have been otherwise lacking.
Impressive touches from Barry Bannan-NRC will not be missed!
positive signs from Delph-big season for him
Shay is quality
-
I'm glad this thread has a few more days to run
-
Tyler said before the game that AM was out for an extra few hours working with the defence last night after training, practising defending set pieces.
That's encouraging.
-
I thought Gabby looked decent when he was playing behind Bent early on. He made 2 nice through balls and when he got out on the right he sent in one of those low crosses he was doing regularly before last season.
-
Quite impressive considering the conditions. The back four are definitely more organised than they were last season. Apparently AM kept them back for extra practice after yesterdays training session and it showed. All four of them looked commited to the cause. Dunne looked leaner than I've ever seen him since he came to VP.
-
Dunne, if he really couldn't give a fuck about the club and new manager, could have come back to this pre-season looking like a fat bastard. It wouldn't have surpised any of us. But I remember the video on AVTV on their return to Bodymoor and thinking he looked rather slim, which was later confirmed by the first training session videos. He's a good, solid defender when he's on his game and he's quicker than he sometimes looks. he'll still make the odd clumsy challenge or error during the season but he's going to have Given in his ear making sure he and the other defenders know their positions.
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Dunne, if he really couldn't give a fuck about the club and new manager, could have come back to this pre-season looking like a fat bastard. It wouldn't have surpised any of us. But I remember the video on AVTV on their return to Bodymoor and thinking he looked rather slim, which was later confirmed by the first training session videos. He's a good, solid defender when he's on his game and he's quicker than he sometimes looks. he'll still make the odd clumsy challenge or error during the season but he's going to have Given in his ear making sure he and the other defenders know their positions.
I'm sure that sort of thing must have been considered when plumping (Ha!) for Given, alongside the fact that he's a very good 'keeper.
Dunne certainly looked in better shape today than, well, at pretty much any point last season! It's a good start.
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Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.
Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.
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Tyler said before the game that AM was out for an extra few hours working with the defence last night after training, practising defending set pieces.
That's encouraging.
Houllier did say we'd get the set piece defending sorted over the summer, I must admit that I didn't quite expect it to happen this way.
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Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.
Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.
It's essential in my view. I'll be amazed if we go into the new season without one (and Hogg doesn't count!). It'd be bordering on negligence, to be frank.
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Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.
Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.
if there's any chance at all of getting Parker, then we should move heaven and earth to get him. He'd have us dreaming about 5th or 6th as opposed to 7th through 9th.
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Agree someone like Sissokho or Mariga from Inter would add a huge presence in our midfield.
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can I just say that the Villa kit looked ace. It looks even better when it's drenched in sweat. To me it makes the claret look even better. And bravo the black socks.
Daily Mail article with pics (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2019326/Aston-Villa-1-Blackburn-0-Bent-fires-winner-seal-Premier-League-Asia-Trophy-opener.html)
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Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.
Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.
if there's any chance at all of getting Parker, then we should move heaven and earth to get him. He'd have us dreaming about 5th or 6th as opposed to 7th through 9th.
You're right. I don't disagree with what you've said. It's an accurate summation. But, big fucking wow. What has happened to football that we can "dream" of 5th or 6th. God that's depressed me.
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Taped the game and planned to watch it when I get back from work.
Is it worth watching? Did Ireland play?
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Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.
Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.
if there's any chance at all of getting Parker, then we should move heaven and earth to get him. He'd have us dreaming about 5th or 6th as opposed to 7th through 9th.
You're right. I don't disagree with what you've said. It's an accurate summation. But, big fucking wow. What has happened to football that we can "dream" of 5th or 6th. God that's depressed me.
I think given where we are starting Mac, it's not totally unrealistic. baby steps and all that. If we get stability and a solid start, building confidence then it will set us up nicely this season. I don't want to get too carried away because as we all know this game has a way kicking you in the bollocks. We're going to have our ups and downs this season, but if we are sitting in a decent spot in January and can bring in a player or two, I don't see why we couldn't get to 5th or 6th. I know it's a detachment from our expectations of a few years back, but that's where we are. If things go well this season, 5th or 6th from next season onwards will become the expectation rather than the "dream" so to speak.
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5th or 6h will be very difficult, it will mean finishing above Liverpool and or Spurs. When you look at players of the calibre of Gerrard, Suarez, Van Der Vaart, Modric, Bale, we are some way short of these two currently.
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5th or 6h will be very difficult, it will mean finishing above Liverpool and or Spurs. When you look at players of the calibre of Gerrard, Suarez, Van Der Vaart, Modric, Bale, we are some way short of these two currently.
I really think Spurs will get badly affected by the Europa League. It will be a lot more games, and they'll be playing Thursday/Sunday which as we found out is shit. Liverpool, if they get going will do well, I agree. Both are good teams which is why I'd see 7th or 8th as realistic. You never know how a bit of confidence or a certain signing may shift the balance though.
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i wonder whether that guy who said he would burn his villa shirt if eck took over is now beginning to change his opinion, early days but so far ive been impressed with how he has got a positive response from the players and the 2 signings hes made once charlie signs.
Lets not start sucking each other's cocks yet. Whoever took over from Le Clown was certain to get a positive response. Even GMac did.
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Lets not start sucking each other's cocks yet.
But I bought you a pint. You tease.
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What a Manager. Only been here a few weeks and we are in a Cup Final. ;)
I did notice that the old hands are not giving Albrighton, Clarke and Bannan any grace. They really gave them stick when they fu...d up. That's good imo. They have got to grow up now and I can't help feeling that Alex Muc is very demanding of the team. Just what they need.
Bloody hell. He could, just could - sort us out. Ok, Early days but good signs of committment, cohesion and a PLAN.
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Good Night Sweet Kitchee.
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I thought Gabby looked decent when he was playing behind Bent early on. He made 2 nice through balls and when he got out on the right he sent in one of those low crosses he was doing regularly before last season.
I thought the first 45 minutes was as good from Gabby as anything he did last year. To me it looked as if he has got his head round the idea that he is not going to be the main man playing through the middle
nowadays and will be playing as a mobile striker off Bent. His movement was much improved and he seemed to be finding space more. Let's hope he can improve a bit more still and be knocking on the England door again.
Also Emile's movement and space finding showed his experience and that also will help Bent if the defenders are being pulled around by him and Gabby.
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Lets not start sucking each other's cocks yet.
But I bought you a pint. You tease.
Oh go on then, you've talked me into it.
I'm pitching though, not catching.
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Did anyone else do a double take when they saw the name Formica on the back of one of their shirts?
I thought the sponsors name was supposed to be on the front of the shirt. ;D
Surely someone on here can come up with a chant or song for him ready for when we play them in August.
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i dont agree totally with this'must have ball winning tough nut' myth,
we have players who can win the ball in Delph and Bannan etc, i dont see the great ball winner for Man Utd and they won the league, or Arsenal, Spurs had Pallicious but he didnt play in a lot of games because he is limited to just that, winning the ball and sod all else
maybe someone like Essien in his pomp, but we are no way going to be able to afford that calibre of player at the moment,
and if we want another NRC then its a big No Thanks from me, we are a lot better team without him. we wont be able to afford a really good one, so i dont want a average one.
we had plenty of the ball today, without an 'Enforcer'
what i'm saying is we want players who can do something with the ball when we have it, rather than flying in with tackles and then nothing.
to be honest all the talk of a must need enforcer is for me about 30 years out of date, and just gets swallowed as some sort of fact when its really just a load of bollocks,
get good players who can keep the ball, you wont need to go all over the pitch as much trying to win it back
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5th or 6h will be very difficult, it will mean finishing above Liverpool and or Spurs. When you look at players of the calibre of Gerrard, Suarez, Van Der Vaart, Modric, Bale, we are some way short of these two currently.
I really think Spurs will get badly affected by the Europa League. It will be a lot more games, and they'll be playing Thursday/Sunday which as we found out is shit. Liverpool, if they get going will do well, I agree. Both are good teams which is why I'd see 7th or 8th as realistic. You never know how a bit of confidence or a certain signing may shift the balance though.
I know there are a lot of 'ifs' to our side at the moment, but man for man who is really better than us? For me nobody, otyher than those top 6 sides. And even then I think Liverpool have vastly overspent on what they've bought and Spurs badly lack a striker. If on form, our defence is better than either of theirs aswell.
So I think 7th is a relaistic and attainable target.
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to be honest all the talk of a must need enforcer is for me about 30 years out of date, and just gets swallowed as some sort of fact when its really just a load of bollocks,
get good players who can keep the ball, you wont need to go all over the pitch as much trying to win it back
I don't think it's out of date at all. You've almost made the argument for it yourself there - good players who keep the ball. We don't really excel in that department at the moment, although Makoun looks like he might improve things in that area. And it's not as though Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea etc don't have good tacklers, either; they do, but they happen to be outstanding midfielders who can 'do it all'. Those types of players cost lots and lots of money, and we don't have it. So, we make a midfield of component parts to cover each role.
In my opinion, a midfield of Petrov, Makoun and Ireland, while technically good, will be walked through with ease by any decent team.
It's not old fashioned, it's common sense.
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to be honest all the talk of a must need enforcer is for me about 30 years out of date, and just gets swallowed as some sort of fact when its really just a load of bollocks,
get good players who can keep the ball, you wont need to go all over the pitch as much trying to win it back
I don't think it's out of date at all. You've almost made the argument for it yourself there - good players who keep the ball. We don't really excel in that department at the moment, although Makoun looks like he might improve things in that area. And it's not as though Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea etc don't have good tacklers, either; they do, but they happen to be outstanding midfielders who can 'do it all'. Those types of players cost lots and lots of money, and we don't have it. So, we make a midfield of component parts to cover each role.
In my opinion, a midfield of Petrov, Makoun and Ireland, while technically good, will be walked through with ease by any decent team.
It's not old fashioned, it's common sense.
you wouldnt have a midfield of Petrov Ireland and Macoun though would you, we have Bannan Clarke Delph who can all tackle,
you cant just dream up your own midfield to make a point, we have some very good players in that department, if your gona argue your case at least be fair minded about it
one of the biggest myths i hear on here is the 'they will walk through our midfield at will' i didnt see it when Bannan and Hogg were bossing the midfield last season against the soon to be Champions
to take the Man Utd point, who is it then ? where is he since Keene left ?
from what i see they take a team work ethic and putt pressure on players by not giving them any time on the ball, see also Barcalona,
most tackles are given as fouls anyway nowadays, maybe 30 years ago when the likes of Souness roamed about.
they are not needed now, it has to be done by the team as a whole
so sorry mate, i think its verry old fashioned, scot parker would be a good addition not because he can just win the ball but because he is a good player anyway and does loads more things than just being combative, which to be honest isnt what he's all about anyway
i put the flags up when NRC left, he was the sort of player who can hold a team back, we dont need another
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Some convincing points, john.
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Chelsea have thumped the locals 4-0 and so we will play them in Saturday's final. Let's see how confident we all are after that game, hopefully we can beat them and keep the run going.
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Well, I'm not sure where I haven't been 'fair-minded', and I haven't just 'made up' the midfield; do you think it likely that Bannan (and I don't really see him as a ball-winner, in truth) or Clarke are going to start in our midfield? That seems more fanciful than my guess. Delph can tackle, up to a point; he tends to be somewhat reckless, although I hope that he can improve on that as I think he could be a very good player for us.
As for 'myths', the one about Hogg and Bannan bossing the Man Utd team is the equal of any! They did very well, true, but they hardly controlled the game, did they?
I agree about the whole team ethic, though, and especially about Parker.
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A good solid display in difficult conditions. We looked like a side that is going to be hard to beat which i think most of us expect under Mcleish.Was good to see the likes of Dunne and Warnock back to something like they were when they first arrived.
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Hogg's about the only midfielder we have who looks like a naturally aggressive midfielder, however I have to say that he's also probably the least likely of the young midfielders to get a game this season. We really are crying out for somebody like Scott Parker. Which ever formation we play, he just looks like the perfect player for us. He's certainly the best "complete" midfielder out there without spending upwards of £15m.
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5th or 6h will be very difficult, it will mean finishing above Liverpool and or Spurs. When you look at players of the calibre of Gerrard, Suarez, Van Der Vaart, Modric, Bale, we are some way short of these two currently.
I really think Spurs will get badly affected by the Europa League. It will be a lot more games, and they'll be playing Thursday/Sunday which as we found out is shit. Liverpool, if they get going will do well, I agree. Both are good teams which is why I'd see 7th or 8th as realistic. You never know how a bit of confidence or a certain signing may shift the balance though.
I know there are a lot of 'ifs' to our side at the moment, but man for man who is really better than us? For me nobody, otyher than those top 6 sides. And even then I think Liverpool have vastly overspent on what they've bought and Spurs badly lack a striker. If on form, our defence is better than either of theirs aswell.
So I think 7th is a relaistic and attainable target.
Even with our centre forward being superior to theirs, I think I'd take Everton's squad over ours at the moment, Rodwell, Jagielka, Felliani, Cahill, Arteta, good players, although they are lacking a winger and a centre forward, Maybe I change my mind, we are probably on a par with them man for man.
I agree no need for a midfield enforcer, just quality ball players, Spurs play Huddlestone and Modric, Utd Carrick and Giggs, Arsenal Fabregas and Wilshere, no enforcers there.
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Delph (especially) and Herd are also aggresive midfieders.
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Even with our centre forward being superior to theirs, I think I'd take Everton's squad over ours at the moment, Rodwell, Jagielka, Felliani, Cahill, Arteta, good players, although they are lacking a winger and a centre forward, Maybe I change my mind, we are probably on a par with them man for man.
I wouldn't overly argue that we're on a par with them. They have some areas they're better in - Fellaini is axactly what our midfield needs, IMO. But defensively there's no much in it and we have better forwards.
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Not about a ball-winning, tough-tackling midfielder for me. We need someone who's going to run a game from midfield. Don't see that we have that player; Petrov in spurts, Makoun has potential and is neat and tidy, Delph promising but still a wee bit raw and reckless (I'm desperate for him to stay injury free so he gets a full season). Bannan's great on the ball, not going to dominate a game though and can't see him occupying one of the two central midfield berths; he'll be an option for the attacking role behind the front three, contesting it with Ireland.
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I agree, a replacement for Milner/ Barry is what we need, i.e. Parker, not a replacement for NRC, a big strong bambi on ice headless chicken like Muamba, no ta.
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The perfect replacement for Milner being...Milner. If only.
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Aye. The perfect type of player our midfield needs. Oh well, onwards and upwards.
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Milner wasn't a the dominant DCM we need right now. I was one of his biggest fans, but having a combination of Ireland (the sane version) and Delph should give us what he did.
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A good solid display in difficult conditions. We looked like a side that is going to be hard to beat which i think most of us expect under Mcleish.Was good to see the likes of Dunne and Warnock back to something like they were when they first arrived.
The attitude of the senior players in the back four was spot on and there seems to be trust and an understanding with the new keeper already. I reckon the likes of Warnock and Dunne will want to make up for last season and, as a unit, we could have a defence more than good enough to rival most of the top six.
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For me it is not necessarily the enforcer we need in the playing sense ( agree with both arguments above) but a real Captain. Leading by example and fighting for everything. Will to win at all costs type. Respected by all. More a forceful character than a shin kicker.
I don't think we have that player. Alex Muc might fill that role to a degree unlike gh for eg. but not ON the pitch.
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A good solid display in difficult conditions. We looked like a side that is going to be hard to beat which i think most of us expect under Mcleish.Was good to see the likes of Dunne and Warnock back to something like they were when they first arrived.
The attitude of the senior players in the back four was spot on and there seems to be trust and an understanding with the new keeper already. I reckon the likes of Warnock and Dunne will want to make up for last season and, as a unit, we could have a defence more than good enough to rival most of the top six.
Warnock was to Houllier as Shorey was to MON. They were both rightly dropped for poor form and then both inexplicably snubbed by their respective managers. There might have been something happening behind the closed doors of Bodymoor that lead to the freeze out but in the end the managers (and possibly the players) stubbornness weakened the team.
As for Dunne. Last season, he came back bloated ( I blamed Henry at the time for his Basketball stunt) but then never lost the weight no matter who was manager out of the three. This season he must have lost the weight before even training started. Was that his own decision or did GMac give special instructions to him before he left for his hols in May?
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You don't need to win the ball as much if you can keep it when you have it.
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So its a Villa v Chelsea final.
Chelsea won this trophy when it first started in 2003. I guess their fans get their own back at the moment by singing "Have you ever won the Asian cup , the Asian cup, the Asian cup ? "
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Milner wasn't a the dominant DCM we need right now. I was one of his biggest fans, but having a combination of Ireland (the sane version) and Delph should give us what he did.
Thats a big ask,one player whos only played 20 odd premier games,the other has hardly played in two years. Big seasons for both,i really hope youre right.
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Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.
Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.
if there's any chance at all of getting Parker, then we should move heaven and earth to get him. He'd have us dreaming about 5th or 6th as opposed to 7th through 9th.
You're right. I don't disagree with what you've said. It's an accurate summation. But, big fucking wow. What has happened to football that we can "dream" of 5th or 6th. God that's depressed me.
I think given where we are starting Mac, it's not totally unrealistic. baby steps and all that. If we get stability and a solid start, building confidence then it will set us up nicely this season. I don't want to get too carried away because as we all know this game has a way kicking you in the bollocks. We're going to have our ups and downs this season, but if we are sitting in a decent spot in January and can bring in a player or two, I don't see why we couldn't get to 5th or 6th. I know it's a detachment from our expectations of a few years back, but that's where we are. If things go well this season, 5th or 6th from next season onwards will become the expectation rather than the "dream" so to speak.
I think Mac meant in an overall sense. Twenty years ago (even up to 1997/98), we'd feel if our team looked like it was clicking we could challenge for the title. Now, as you say 5th or 6th will probably be as good as it gets even when playing consistently well. Modern top flight football is sad.
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Really happy about the result and an overall good performance. Did Bent touch Bannan`s cross into the net ? first time it looked like it went over his shin ........
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I found it a bit alarming the way Delph lunged into that challenge, (albeit refreshing to see in an increasingly non-contact sport). I thought he had been given advice to try and control that part of game. For a horrible second I thought he had seriously injured himself again. Maybe it was just eagerness to play and get stuck-in as soon as possible but it would be a real shame if his talents are to be constantly sidelined as he nurses his latest needless injury.
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don't disagree Eamonn. It's massively sad that we can but aspire for 5th or 6th. That's where football is today unfortunately. But given the investment and progress of the 5 or 6 teams that we can all name, it will be hard to make the inroads we seemed to be making but 2 seasons ago. That said, momentum is a funny thing. Sign 2 or 3 more quality players before the window shuts, if we get off to a solid start with the schedule we've been given, get the confidence up and the team playing for each other, add to the squad possibly in January, you just never know. I realize that my list is quite long in terms of things that have to happen which is why I'd consider 5th or 6th this season a stretch. But it is possible.
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It's massively sad that we can but aspire for 5th or 6th.
I think we can certainly compete with Spurs and Liverpool this season. Spurs will have the joy of Europa League competition to contend with, and just because they've spunked a combined £75m on Carroll, Henderson and Downing, Liverpool aren't any better than us. Furthermore, Arsenal will be severely weakened if they lose Fabregas and/or Nasri.
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So its a Villa v Chelsea final.
Chelsea won this trophy when it first started in 2003. I guess their fans get their own back at the moment by singing "Have you ever won the Asian cup , the Asian cup, the Asian cup ? "
2003 is as far back as most Chelsea fans I know can remember so I don't think you can hold that against them
The day I see thousands of twats supporting the Villa like there were in the stadium today bedecked in their 'team colours', taking photos of anything that moves and having absolutely no link at all to the team they support other than they see them on TV every week and they win things will probably be the day I give up on my beloved team. Actually, come to think of it, I've just described most Chelsea fans I know over here too. At least that lot today created more atmosphere than you will ever see at Stamford Bridge...
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Did you see the banner "Mongolian Blues'?
What chance do we have for World Domination.
P.S. Perhaps they were from B9
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There's a city up north between Beijing and North Korea called 'Dalian'. That's our starting place for a campaign ending in overall dominance of Asian football affinity with the Premier League and especially the Villa.
Clicky (http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/china/map_of_china.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/china/&h=350&w=466&sz=63&tbnid=mgiPpW7lTcc3jM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dchina%2Bmap%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=china+map&docid=uKOgNVkGQVMBwM&sa=X&ei=jGAwTraLK8SnhAfv-JFH&ved=0CCYQ9QEwAQ)
God, sorry - no idea it was this complicated. I just saw a map and identified a city!
Tell you what. Google: China map. you'll get one big one and 5 smaller ones. Go for the first of the smaller ones from Lonelyplanet.
And thanks to the mods for the clickything!
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Just watching the highlights, and we are playing good stuff and Warnock and Dunne look committed which is nice. Kit looks great.
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Also good to see Given doesn't appear to have lost anything.
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just watched the highlights on SP2 and quietly impressed TBH
still can`t understand Heskey though - everyone except him left that pitch (including the linesmen) covered in sweat!
i know one swallow doesnt make a summer and all that cobblers but i am more positive about next season
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just watched the highlights on SP2 and quietly impressed TBH
still can`t understand Heskey though - everyone except him left that pitch (including the linesmen) covered in sweat!
i know one swallow doesnt make a summer and all that cobblers but i am more positive about next season
bit harsh. I thought Heskey worked really hard, made a great goal line headed clearance and had a major hand in the goal.
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Thought Heskey today and against Walsall did very well. Mcleish will keep him. He will keep all the experienced players to help the younger players over the season ......
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Bit worried about Dazza scoring freely in pre-season matches...don't want him him drying up early when the season starts!
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I wouldn't worry, he has so much goal-love to give.
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Don't worry about Darren. If he stays fit he will be knocking them in by the hat full this season.
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Don't see why we need a dcm, Makoun will play deep, pick the ball off the centre halves and keep the play ticking over, we also have Petrov for this role. We need a box to box player alongside them, a Parker or a Milner imo, Delph is one option here but we need one more experienced player too.
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What time is the KO 1:30 BST
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If Benty stays fit all season, we'll be alright.
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Don't see why we need a dcm, Makoun will play deep, pick the ball off the centre halves and keep the play ticking over, we also have Petrov for this role. We need a box to box player alongside them, a Parker or a Milner imo, Delph is one option here but we need one more experienced player too.
That probably is my view as well, but I raised the question yesterday if our weakness in midfield stems from poor possession upfront. Maybe we miss the qualities that Carew undoubtedly had.
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Don't see why we need a dcm, Makoun will play deep, pick the ball off the centre halves and keep the play ticking over, we also have Petrov for this role. We need a box to box player alongside them, a Parker or a Milner imo, Delph is one option here but we need one more experienced player too.
One small problem with that is the fact that Collins appears obsessed with playing 40 yard balls out to the winger. Yes, when it comes off it is good but there was one particular instance yesterday when Makoun was 10 - 15 yards in front of him wanting the ball but he ignored him and was looking for who he could play the long ball to. Dunne I don't think is too bad at playing it out but if we have Makoun in there then the ball needs to be played up to him far quicker than we have been doing to enable him to slide it on to the strikers.
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Despite Collins obvious ability to defend well in the air, i have serious concern still about his ability on the deck. I also thought that Dunne looked laboured at times as well. All this bearing is mind hardly anything was thrown at them yesterday. On that evidence, if we do not get a new CD pair, it will all end in tears. I think maybe Dunne could turn it around, but i'd love to see us sign Samba and / or Dann and keep Cuellar, i think against even half decent teams let alone top quality ones, we will have problems if we don't. In terms of midfield, call it what you want, ball wining midfielder, midfield general etc, we need someone with a real presence in there to replace Petrov who didn't show anything yesterday to convince me he's not peaked. We have a good link up player in Makoun and Delph as back up, and hopefully a good forward minded player in Ireland with Bannan as back up. Good width also with N'Zogbia / Albrighton, but as far as the midfield general goes, its a choice of Petrov or Hogg which clearly we need to improve on.
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BarBQ in Kowloon Cricket Club appears to have been a bit of a PR Disaster. Players did not engage with fans or journos. Maybe they were tired!
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There's a city up north between Beijing and North Korea called 'Dalian'. That's our starting place for a campaign ending in overall dominance of Asian football affinity with the Premier League and especially the Villa.
Clicky (http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/china/map_of_china.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/china/&h=350&w=466&sz=63&tbnid=mgiPpW7lTcc3jM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dchina%2Bmap%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=china+map&docid=uKOgNVkGQVMBwM&sa=X&ei=jGAwTraLK8SnhAfv-JFH&ved=0CCYQ9QEwAQ)
God, sorry - no idea it was this complicated. I just saw a map and identified a city!
Tell you what. Google: China map. you'll get one big one and 5 smaller ones. Go for the first of the smaller ones from Lonelyplanet.
And thanks to the mods for the clickything!
Have been to Dalian many times with work - 3rd largest shipping port in China after HK, Shanghai
Very good sea food and a huge techno area where all the pc / PS /Nintendo games are manufactured
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A good performance against Chelsea will go a long way to appease my fears over our defence.
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A good performance against Chelsea will go a long way to appease my fears over our defence.
It's going to be a bloody tough test, but the way our lads threw themselves about yesterday to go along with a lot of the discipline they showed, I'm relatively confident. My concerns aren't so much with their forwards as it is with their midfield players coming through in support. I expect us to play two holding midfielders again, and I think they'll be in for a hard game. If we can come through this then it will give everyone a massive boost in confidence.
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BarBQ in Kowloon Cricket Club appears to have been a bit of a PR Disaster. Players did not engage with fans or journos. Maybe they were tired!
What exactly went on then? The Tuesday night questions and answers with Ian Taylor didn't go as planned but was an excellent night for those who were there to enjoy the evening.
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Let me expand there. The 280 hong kong dollars each that we we were supposed to pay on the night to include food and drink was knocked on the head. It cost us over twice as much as that. Good thing is, Ian was fantastic with all fans and found out he was staying at our hotel.
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How did the team line up against Blackburn? Was it 4-2-3-1? And who was playing in the central role in the 3? I initially thought it was Bannan but was it in fact Gabby?
If so, I can't see that being the answer this season! Hardly your archetypal number 10 is he?
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How did the team line up against Blackburn? Was it 4-2-3-1? And who was playing in the central role in the 3? I initially thought it was Bannan but was it in fact Gabby?
If so, I can't see that being the answer this season! Hardly your archetypal number 10 is he?
The number 10 position I presume is where Ireland will play
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Yes. Who played there against Blackburn?
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From what I saw it looked like Gabby there, Heskey left and Bannan right. I think Delfouneso played in the hole later in the 2nd half too when he came on for Gabby. I think Gabby and Delfouneso are capable of playing there but that Ireland will be 1st choice for that role.
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From VillajkWhat exactly went on then? The Tuesday night questions and answers with Ian Taylor didn't go as planned but was an excellent night for those who were there to enjoy the evening.
My brother and his family amongst others were invited to BarBQ at Kowloon cricket club where they were told they would have a chance to meet the players. Initially just for him and his lad. He met two ex players onTuesday who are very highly thought of on this site. They extended the invite to his wife and two daughters.
When they went to Kowloon today Paul Faulkner asked all the civilians present not to disturb the p,ayers as they had had a very busy day. (they ran a training session for some expat kids)
After about 30 mins my brother asked wud it be possible just to get a picture taken? Again PF said they were eating even though they had no food in not of them. My brother being my brother walked over to the team and talked to Shay Given about a match his GAA team are in his weekend. Politeness personified he chatted.
A few others emboldened by my brother walked over to the players who then en masse got up and walked away and refused to talk to anyone or have photos taken.
My brother approached an ex player and said he was disappointed by the players attitude. The ex layer said he was very sorry and was there anything he could do. My brother asked was there any chance of his son getting his photo taken with Bent. The ex layer apologised and said he could not make this happen and stated again he was embarrassed by the actions of the players.
As a parting shot Paul Faulkner was told to put my brothers season ticket somewhere you wouldn,t normally put season tickets
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Oh dear. Had they come over from Ireland especially for the pre-season tour?
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No. Over from Birmingham. He would have been season ticket holder for the last number of years. He did not expect the players to do a tour of HK harbour with him but a bit of common decency would not have gone amiss. I told him not to get upset by the behaviour of pampered, self opinionated millionaires who are better at kicking a bag of wind around the place than the rest of us
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I don't know about the rest of the players but DB is an absolute gent.
My lad and I were at a kids football tournament a couple of months ago and (after we'd been knocked out) saw that Darren was on one of the training pitches trying out some new boots. We waited an hour or so for him to finish but got bored (and cold) so begged our way past the club official who was keeping people away from him. Pleading that you're Villa works round here.
I thanked Darren for keeping us up and asked for a photo with him and my lad. Darren said "no problem". They stood together, I pressed the button ... nothing happened ... f**k ... wrong button. I'd only turned the b*****d phone off.
I told Darren that I'd turned me phone off and he said "no problem". He took a few more shots on goal whilst I restarted my phone. Then got a cracking pic of Darren grinning with my lad beaming like he was stood next to a legend.
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The day I see thousands of twats supporting the Villa like there were in the stadium today bedecked in their 'team colours', taking photos of anything that moves and having absolutely no link at all to the team they support other than they see them on TV every week and they win things will probably be the day I give up on my beloved team. Actually, come to think of it, I've just described most Chelsea fans I know over here too. At least that lot today created more atmosphere than you will ever see at Stamford Bridge...
At least Chelsea made the most of the opportunity to market the event to maximum potential.
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My brother and his family amongst others were invited to BarBQ at Kowloon cricket club where they were told they would have a chance to meet the players. Initially just for him and his lad. He met two ex players onTuesday who are very highly thought of on this site. They extended the invite to his wife and two daughters.
A mate of ours won two 'tickets' to this event at a quiz on Tuesday night. He declined to go in the end fo some reason, which we will find out about on Saturday. How many were actually at the event as guests? It was advertised as 'top secret' on the HK Lions website.
Had a great night after the game on the Wednesday. Quite a large number of Villa fans went to the Blue Goose, home venue of HK Lions. I was told by the gaffer of the pub that Dave (otherwise known as Happy Days) had bought the round. It then turned out that he bought all drinks, and some food, for everyone all night At a fiver a pint, with 30 present, his bill would have been well over a grand (no pound signs on this wretched keyboard). He also purchased ten litres of beer in the ground at about a tenner each.
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johnc.
Tell your brother not to let this bad experience stop him going to games.
Once he's in the Hong Kong Stadium celebrating us winning our first trophy of the season tomorrow, all will be well with the Villa.
Our motto has always been not to get involved with 'players events'. They can lead to tears. Stick with mixing with the fans, much better fun.
Let us know how your brother gets on at tonights event. We can't be bothered to go.
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I'd like to say a thank you here to Happy Days (Dave) for his generosity on Wednesday night as mentioned by dave clark five.
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Re: Barclays Asia Trophy (27th-30th July 2011)
« Reply #485 on: Today at 06:54:10 AM »
Quote
I'd like to say a thank you here to Happy Days (Dave) for his generosity on Wednesday night as mentioned by dave clark five.
My brother mentioned that when he was ithe satdium on Tuesday somebody bought a drink for the whole section of the stand which must have cost 100s if not more
The invite to Kowloon cricket club came through the club. He had renewed his sea on ticket and told the club he was on his way to HK and could they tell him what was going on. They said they would see what they could do and a day later someone from HK villains contacted him and invited him along.
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What time is kick off tomorrow?
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
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What time is kick off tomorrow?
Sorted it's 1:30pm.
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
Didn't they take you with them, the tight gits?
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
Didn't they take you with them, the tight gits?
They didn't. Not only that, but they leave to Braga on the night of my Birthday.
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
Didn't they take you with them, the tight gits?
They didn't. Not only that, but they leave to Braga on the night of my Birthday.
Ha ha.
I hope there's some kind of house to self = lager / takeaway / slobbishness consolation prize.
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
Didn't they take you with them, the tight gits?
They didn't. Not only that, but they leave to Braga on the night of my Birthday.
Ha ha.
I hope there's some kind of house to self = lager / takeaway / slobbishness consolation prize.
Ah plan. Thanks Paulie.
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johnc.
Tell your brother not to let this bad experience stop him going to games.
Once he's in the Hong Kong Stadium celebrating us winning our first trophy of the season tomorrow, all will be well with the Villa.
Our motto has always been not to get involved with 'players events'. They can lead to tears. Stick with mixing with the fans, much better fun.
Let us know how your brother gets on at tonights event. We can't be bothered to go.
Maybe we got lucky, but during the Columbus trip we mingled with the players/MON etc and they were brilliant. It's not much to ask of the club in the grand scheme of things especially when fans are watching their team in a foreign land at a friendly tournament. And even more so if some of those fans have possibly flown half way across the world to do it. I do have a little bit of sympathy for the players/staff as they do need some time to get away from the game itself/fans etc, but it wouldn't have killed the club to have said yes to a few people looking for a picture or signature.
Well done to all those who have gone out there. You're doing us all proud!!
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
Didn't they take you with them, the tight gits?
They didn't. Not only that, but they leave to Braga on the night of my Birthday.
Ha ha.
I hope there's some kind of house to self = lager / takeaway / slobbishness consolation prize.
Ah plan. Thanks Paulie.
As it's your birthday, why not have a party. Invite friends around as your parents are away, probably best to put something up on Facebook, save the cost of the calls. I'm sure it'll be a night to remember.
Just to add, don't mention my name. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1200850/Teenage-Facebook-party-street-brawl-sparks-raid-police-helicopter-dog-handlers.html)
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
Rococo bar on Broad st usually shows all Villa games. 0121-663 4260 ............
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
Didn't they take you with them, the tight gits?
They didn't. Not only that, but they leave to Braga on the night of my Birthday.
Ha ha.
I hope there's some kind of house to self = lager / takeaway / slobbishness consolation prize.
Ah plan. Thanks Paulie.
As it's your birthday, why not have a party. Invite friends around as your parents are away, probably best to put something up on Facebook, save the cost of the calls. I'm sure it'll be a night to remember.
Just to add, don't mention my name. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1200850/Teenage-Facebook-party-street-brawl-sparks-raid-police-helicopter-dog-handlers.html)
The plans are getting better and better. This'll teach them ;)
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Sounds like Ireland will start against Chelsea.
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Has anyone got any idea about any pubs showing the game in town tomorrow?
Rococo bar on Broad st usually shows all Villa games. 0121-663 4260 ............
Thanks WW. I have called Rococo and can confirm that they are showing the game from 1pm.
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Is it on Sky or one of the Arab channels?
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Is it on Sky or one of the Arab channels?
It's on Sky.
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Is it on Sky or one of the Arab channels?
It's on Sky.
Ta. What time do you want us round for the party?
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Is it on Sky or one of the Arab channels?
It's on Sky.
Ta. What time do you want us round for the party?
Depends really on when villajk and DCF disappear to Portugal. I'd say 8 to be safe. Invite as many people as you can.
There's only a couple of rules - no spilling wine on the carpet and if you go anywhere near VJK's Wine Fridge I'd suggest you go into hiding for a long long time.
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Anybody goes near the house is in dead trouble. Anybody going near my wine fridge will be electrocuted by the trap I've set. Oh, and I've counted the bottles of red wine in the racks outside the fridge. Hope you have a good birthday, Tom.
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Regarding the wine fridge, I am only allowed to fill it but can take nothing out.
Back to the Kowloon CC BBQ, why were people promised this night with the players if it was nothing of the sort? I have not yet established exactly what the Hong Kong Lions had sorted. Maybe they were naive or maybe our players were rude. However, it is a shame where fans get led into such an embarrassing situation by such a poorly organised event. Saying that, I include the fans side and the clubs side as it could be either, or both, who cocked up.
Hope some Villa flags will be given out tomorrow. Doubt it though. Strange, especially when we are sponsored by a casino company from the far east. There is a huge market to be exploited and we will not do that by simply putting our name on two Hong Konv trams and a few beer mats.
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Haven't heard anything... any update on Ireland's injury?
thanks
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All of you Villa fans in H.K beware, the posting below is from some low life boasting on kro how he is scouring the the city looking to "front Villers".
Bless him, wish I had gone to H.K.
You can take the scum bag out of Small Heath but you can not take Small Heath out of the scumbag.
Posted by JBfromOz on 28/7/2011, 10:33 am, in reply to "Re: VILLA SUPPORT CRAP"
210.17.223.248
Yeah their support was non-evident.
Anyway the night before I'd heard there were some VILERS in a bar called JO BANANANAS.I had just mised a few in another Bar called MAYA run by a mate who said that Ian TAYLOR had been doing a talk.So I WONDERED IN and ended up talking to STEVE KEAN the BLACKBURN Manager.I don't know why he said to me "i'm glad you lot went down" but I obviously responded.I reminded him that they would have in fact been in a worse position than what we are in if he had in fact gone down.He countered and said his owners had 9 billion quid at his disposal.
Well then it all started.My business partner moved outside seing that I was in a verbal and what a f---ing mouthful I gave the tosser.Mind you being a Jock and an overweight fat one at that he gave as good as he got but I loved it.
I asked him how many players he'd signed with the 9 billion.He admited no-one.I told him he had at best at his disposal 23 million and that was debatable.I told him there was more money in Greece than in Blackburn and after 5 minutes or so one of his entourage made sure we finished spatting.
Best thing was we were out in my business partner's open top BENTLEY parked outside.I asked Kean if we could swap the Bentley for BLACKBURN and then rezone the ground as allotments.
He didn't like me but f--- him he started it.
Anyway we're f---ed and the FOOTBALL LEAGUE in my opinion should have some explaining to do but wishful thinking.
All the Best.
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Haven't heard anything... any update on Ireland's injury?
thanks
Available for selection against Chelsea
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Haven't heard anything... any update on Ireland's injury?
thanks
Available for selection against Chelsea
Good to hear.
thanks!
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Hope we win today, no injuries please. Anyone know what sort of prize money there is in this tournament?
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The ground is already full of local knobs in Chelsea shirts. Blackburn struggling against Kitchee, who have just missed a penalty.
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any links to the game PLEASE !
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The ground is already full of local knobs in Chelsea shirts. Blackburn struggling against Kitchee, who have just missed a penalty.
I have no problem with knobs in HK being taken in by Chelsea hype it's the f*ckers in Solihull, Hall Green, Kingstanding etc I hate.
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Perfect stream on Villa Streams. 12 quid for 3 months football is a real bargain. 8)
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blackburn beating kitchee 1-0
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Perfect stream on Villa Streams. 12 quid for 3 months football is a real bargain. 8)
Absolutely, 3 months of not scrambling about for a shitty stream......money well spent,thanks.
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I hear that Ireland's starting and Bent is on the bench.
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How have they sorted out the changing room situation if Villa and Chelsea kick off 40 mins after Blackburn's game in the same stadium?
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Nice to see Ireland starting but bit disappointed to see bent on the bench - I was looking forward to seeing Ireland setting him up with his link play and delicate balls.
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Ireland has delicate balls?
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Ireland has delicate balls?
I know Downing does.
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The team as I understand: Given, Warnock, Collins, Dunne, Young, Albrighton, Petrov, Delph, Ireland, Fonz, Gabby.
I think Bent has a slight shoulder knock.
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Perfect stream on Villa Streams. 12 quid for 3 months football is a real bargain. 8)
Interesting - hadn't seen this before.
Can you also see games that have been played, retrospectively? Is it always reliable ? How long have you subscribed for?
Thanks for any information on this.
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Well looking at today if this is correct Given, Warnock, Collins, Dunne, Young, Albrighton, Petrov, Delph, Ireland, Fonz, Gabby.
There are a few Villa players aiming to prove a point and fight for places. Aswell as this a proper test awaits and Mcleish managed to get blues to score in both cheslea games last season included a hard fought but dare i say it deserved victory when cheslea 1-0.
Last season we drew both games 3-3 away and 0-0
We've played 25 times against this lot and have a w/d/l record of 6-9-10
Okie yeah we lost heavily the last two times we played the cups but i think this will be a close match.
Chelsea in all their warm up matches so far have kept a clean sheet Cech was rested (dead leg) in last match but wil be playing today. AVB has said also josh mceachran involved too and maybe our more experience midfielders can take advantage of this chelsea will make 7 subs and be plenty of changes as they wants to equal minutes for players.
Lampard always seems to score in these games against us and we have trouble with anelka and drogbra in past to.
Collins and Dunne scored in that memorable home win and gabby often causes problems as they cant handle his pace Ga-bon11 even scored a few times if i recall. So he will be our main threat i think we can take a goal in this and also concede so i guess 1-1
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I'm pretty sure we've played Chelsea more than 25 times.
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Interesting to see other players getting a run out. Come on Villa.
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Perfect stream on Villa Streams. 12 quid for 3 months football is a real bargain. 8)
Interesting - hadn't seen this before.
Can you also see games that have been played, retrospectively? Is it always reliable ? How long have you subscribed for?
Thanks for any information on this.
Last year I just did the odd game at £2 a time if I couldn't find another stream though I've decided to pay the £12 for 3 months this time as it means you dont have to piss around trying to find streams on sopcast, veetle etc . It's really good on a match day as there are 10 channels and each one has a different Prem game on so you can switch between them all for this price. Don't think you can watch games that have already been played though. Reliability is good too, the stream quality is often TV standard. It really is a bargain imo.
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Villa streams is very good, I think they are archiving games now as well.they are really good for the obscure non sky midweek away games. Need good broadband though
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Match is on in the Holte hotel.
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It would do the club no harm at all to win that trophy in front of all those glory hunting Chelsea converts. Come on boys!!
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Anybody with a link to a stream please ?
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Looks like McLeish has gone with a 4-2-3-1 formation... interesting.
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That pitch is brutal.
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good start lol
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Good start lads, fucking terrible. Good effort from Shay though.
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That wasn't pretty. Very poor start.
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holy shit.
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I see Stephen Warnock is "bacK" in all senses of the word.
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Anyone know if this is on the radio?
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Good start lads, fucking terrible. Good effort from Shay though.
Feel sorry for Given, that second save was amazing.
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What happened? Some of us plebs don't have AVTV and have yet to find a stream.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
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that 2nd save from given was amazing reactions , unlucky shay!
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I've just found this - don't know if reliable yet
http://iumvvi.blogspot.com/
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live stream http://sportstream24.com/watch_online_1.php
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What happened? Some of us plebs don't have AVTV and have yet to find a stream.
Game kicks off, Chelsea go forward, Warnock is jogging around like he's still warming up, ball crossed in, Given saves, Given saves amazingly again, McEachren scores. 33 seconds or so.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
Get a grip for fuck's sake. It's one goal in a friendly.
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I thought Eck had sorted the defence out, where the fuck was Warnock for that goal? Same old shit Villa defending.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
turn off and dont watch then you bloody whinger!
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Cheers CJ and Kielon. Fucks sake, 1 down already!
McLeish OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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This ones not bad, still losing mind.
http://www.vipbox.tv/w/watch/40812/1/barclays-asia-trophy-final:-chelsea-v-aston-villa-.html
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
Get a grip for fuck's sake. It's one goal in a friendly.
So what if it's a friendly it was still shocking defending. The fact it was only a friendly against B'burn didn't stop people creaming themselves over our new found defensive spirit.
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We need to slow down the game and start keeping possesion passing the ball around...
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
Get a grip for fuck's sake. It's one goal in a friendly.
So what if it's a friendly it was still shocking defending. The fact it was only a friendly against B'burn didn't stop people creaming themselves over our new found defensive spirit.
Yes, it was shocking defending, but it's one goal in one friendly. And I don't recall anyone creaming themselves over the Blackburn game, either.
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What happened? Some of us plebs don't have AVTV and have yet to find a stream.
Game kicks off, Chelsea go forward, Warnock is jogging around like he's still warming up, ball crossed in, Given saves, Given saves amazingly again, McEachren scores. 33 seconds or so.
Cheers Paulie, found a stream thanks to a couple of posters. Have we actually been out our own half yet?
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I love match threads, so much anger!
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
turn off and dont watch then you bloody whinger!
WTF!!?? Am I not aloud to be pissed off at the defending for their goal? Isn't this a forum where people can express their views? I'm sure others have "whinged" on here before. This is a match thread and I was commenting on something that happened in said match. Completely normal really.
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Lampard you dirty bastard
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Mind u Chelsea are playing well.
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Dunne looks like he's already run a marathon.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
Get a grip for fuck's sake. It's one goal in a friendly.
So what if it's a friendly it was still shocking defending. The fact it was only a friendly against B'burn didn't stop people creaming themselves over our new found defensive spirit.
Yes, it was shocking defending, but it's one goal in one friendly. And I don't recall anyone creaming themselves over the Blackburn game, either.
the main thing is to improve fitness and stay free of injury-hes having a look at a few players so win or lose whst matters is fulham in a fortnight.
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We look very long ball after 10 mins
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Great control by Gabby, Ireland blazes over.
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Pieman gets a couple of last ditch challenges in and Warnock launches himself into a challenge and misses everything. Normal service is resumed.
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Ireland should have done better there
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Ooh let me whing at Ireland first.
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
turn off and dont watch then you bloody whinger!
WTF!!?? Am I not aloud to be pissed off at the defending for their goal? Isn't this a forum where people can express their views? I'm sure others have "whinged" on here before. This is a match thread and I was commenting on something that happened in said match. Completely normal really.
sure complain about the goal- but this mcleish bullshit comment is ridiculous.
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We may do better if at least one of our players covered the area in front of the back four - right now its non existent.
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Ooh let me whing at Ireland first.
Not whinging - just an observation
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Mcleish out was ironic surely ?
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Mcleish out was ironic surely ?
It's preseason game, take a wild guess how serious it was.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
turn off and dont watch then you bloody whinger!
WTF!!?? Am I not aloud to be pissed off at the defending for their goal? Isn't this a forum where people can express their views? I'm sure others have "whinged" on here before. This is a match thread and I was commenting on something that happened in said match. Completely normal really.
sure complain about the goal- but this mcleish bullshit comment is ridiculous.
Could we have a complete list of allowable discussions and opinions please?
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Watching this game, the Grand Prix qualifying and the Test Match simultaneously - ain't technology wonderful !
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We're so disjointed at the moment.
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Mcleish out was ironic surely ?
of course it was and meant in that way unlike the other comment which paulie also commented on.
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I love match threads, so much anger!
I know, can't have a beer and got no hobnobs... I am incandescent with rage.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
turn off and dont watch then you bloody whinger!
WTF!!?? Am I not aloud to be pissed off at the defending for their goal? Isn't this a forum where people can express their views? I'm sure others have "whinged" on here before. This is a match thread and I was commenting on something that happened in said match. Completely normal really.
sure complain about the goal- but this mcleish bullshit comment is ridiculous.
Be sure to let me know what I can and I can't say won't you.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
turn off and dont watch then you bloody whinger!
WTF!!?? Am I not aloud to be pissed off at the defending for their goal? Isn't this a forum where people can express their views? I'm sure others have "whinged" on here before. This is a match thread and I was commenting on something that happened in said match. Completely normal really.
sure complain about the goal- but this mcleish bullshit comment is ridiculous.
Be sure to let me know what I can and I can't say won't you.
Guys, calm it down a bit...
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Are there any Villa fans there or is it all gurning Chinese?
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The pitch looks like a fucking potato field. And we are really static and crap, but Gabby has looked good so far (when we get the ball up to him) and Collins looks like he has his passing ability back.
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30 fuckin seconds!! Well, that should be a wake up call for all the "McLeish has turned it around" brigade. Bullshit.
turn off and dont watch then you bloody whinger!
WTF!!?? Am I not aloud to be pissed off at the defending for their goal? Isn't this a forum where people can express their views? I'm sure others have "whinged" on here before. This is a match thread and I was commenting on something that happened in said match. Completely normal really.
sure complain about the goal- but this mcleish bullshit comment is ridiculous.
Could we have a complete list of allowable discussions and opinions please?
im sure you could draw up some kind of chart or graph to suffice villadawg.
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Be sure to let me know what I can and I can't say won't you.
Look, fill yer boots if it really bothers you that much!
I can't imagine what sort of frothing, seething mess you're going to be in if we lost against Fulham if a sloppy goal in a pre-season friendly gets you so worked up mind.
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And how many more times have their players got to through the back of one of ours before someone gets a card?
I shouldn't watch this. The old football anger creeps in after a quiet couple of months.
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are we expecting a few 2nd half changes as in the last game ? makoun and bent would probably be the first id expect.
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...
im sure you could draw up some kind of chart or graph to suffice villadawg.
A Venn diagram of eastie's posts...
(http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/354835176.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1312031675&Signature=mo9UUie80hfJqT4h28f6cutkKQA%3D)
Does that suffice?
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Chelsea are a different class to Villa
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Silly tackles are still in MA's game...
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One lucky tackle on Gabby and they start the John terry love-in
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Villadawg - clappy thing.
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dunne looks back to his best , much slimmer than last pre-season, petrov seems to be blowing already .
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Of course, we're always going to be second best to Chelsea, but without Bent we're utterly toothless up front. Let's hope his knock isn't too bad and that he comes on in the second half, because he's our only real chance of scoring.
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I like the black socks.
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Delfouneso's crossing is wank.
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
Absolutely. Dunne looks fatter, slower and poorer than anything we saw last season from him.
The midfield generally seems to be wandering around aimlessly but then they are up against a very good midfield. The Fonz is proving he's not a left winger, just like Gabby isn't - it'll be good to see the Zog there. Gabby looks decent up front and Given pulled off one good save and one spectacular save in the build up to their goal.
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I said the other day, watching the Blackburn match, that I wasn't really too sure about what Delfouneso's game was about. This game, it seems to me that he looks a lot more comfortable on the left of a front three than as a striker. Maybe that's the best place for him to learn his trade?
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
Absolutely. Dunne looks fatter, slower and poorer than anything we saw last season from him.
The midfield generally seems to be wandering around aimlessly but then they are up against a very good midfield. The Fonz is proving he's not a left winger, just like Gabby isn't - it'll be good to see the Zog there. Gabby looks decent up front and Given pulled off one good save and one spectacular save in the build up to their goal.
Dunne is definitely not fatter.
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Oh and Sky's build up was an embarrassment - I was genuinely convinced I'd been subscribed to Chelsea TV without realising it!
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I agree, Dunne looks in much better shape than he did last season!
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
Absolutely. Dunne looks fatter, slower and poorer than anything we saw last season from him.
The midfield generally seems to be wandering around aimlessly but then they are up against a very good midfield. The Fonz is proving he's not a left winger, just like Gabby isn't - it'll be good to see the Zog there. Gabby looks decent up front and Given pulled off one good save and one spectacular save in the build up to their goal.
dunne looks much slimmer and better than last season from what ive seen this week.
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Its looks like an exhibiton match for Chelsea
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
Absolutely. Dunne looks fatter, slower and poorer than anything we saw last season from him.
The midfield generally seems to be wandering around aimlessly but then they are up against a very good midfield. The Fonz is proving he's not a left winger, just like Gabby isn't - it'll be good to see the Zog there. Gabby looks decent up front and Given pulled off one good save and one spectacular save in the build up to their goal.
Dunne is definitely not fatter.
The 'pace' he showed in giving up a 10 yard head start on Anelka for their goal would suggest he is. But then the way he was simply shrugged off the ball would suggest he's the same weight as Marc Albrighton.
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I reckon Given is going to save us quite a few points this season.
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
Absolutely. Dunne looks fatter, slower and poorer than anything we saw last season from him.
The midfield generally seems to be wandering around aimlessly but then they are up against a very good midfield. The Fonz is proving he's not a left winger, just like Gabby isn't - it'll be good to see the Zog there. Gabby looks decent up front and Given pulled off one good save and one spectacular save in the build up to their goal.
dunne looks much slimmer and better than last season from what ive seen this week.
What size screen you watching on eastie?
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
Absolutely. Dunne looks fatter, slower and poorer than anything we saw last season from him.
The midfield generally seems to be wandering around aimlessly but then they are up against a very good midfield. The Fonz is proving he's not a left winger, just like Gabby isn't - it'll be good to see the Zog there. Gabby looks decent up front and Given pulled off one good save and one spectacular save in the build up to their goal.
dunne looks much slimmer and better than last season from what ive seen this week.
What size screen you watching on eastie?
I reckon he's watching in black and white and is looking at John Terry.
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Absolutely atrocious first half performance.
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
Absolutely. Dunne looks fatter, slower and poorer than anything we saw last season from him.
The midfield generally seems to be wandering around aimlessly but then they are up against a very good midfield. The Fonz is proving he's not a left winger, just like Gabby isn't - it'll be good to see the Zog there. Gabby looks decent up front and Given pulled off one good save and one spectacular save in the build up to their goal.
dunne looks much slimmer and better than last season from what ive seen this week.
What size screen you watching on eastie?
only got a 42 incher diceman ,agree that given looks very good.
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We look really sluggish, like we have worn ourselves out training in high humidity all week. (surprisingly)
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Absolutely atrocious first half performance.
Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?
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lacking in creativity and toothless up front , poor 1st half in all honesty and chelsea well worth the lead.
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Just want to mention that the defensive mistake for the goal was Dunne's not Warnock.
Absolutely. Dunne looks fatter, slower and poorer than anything we saw last season from him.
The midfield generally seems to be wandering around aimlessly but then they are up against a very good midfield. The Fonz is proving he's not a left winger, just like Gabby isn't - it'll be good to see the Zog there. Gabby looks decent up front and Given pulled off one good save and one spectacular save in the build up to their goal.
dunne looks much slimmer and better than last season from what ive seen this week.
What size screen you watching on eastie?
only got a 42 incher diceman ,agree that given looks very good.
ooer get you eastie!!! ;)
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Its ok we can bring on downing and young in the second half ...
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Looks like we're struggling, but got to remember it's a friendly and more about improving conditioning. Hopefully this tough conditions will aid our conditioning for England.
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Delfouneso's crossing is wank.
Wow chill, it's only a pre season friendly. Imagine what you'll be like if he does that against Fulham.
Annoying isn't it?
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Even for a pre-season tour, the football on offer is dire.
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They all look slim to me. I'm watching on a lap top,half screen is the game and half screen is H & V. If i stretch it vertically its looks like a bloody Lowrey painting.
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The odd good moment but overall quite poor. I think we're lucky it's only 1-0. Disappointed with Delph and MA.
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Err.................rubbish was that
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In fairness to Fonz... he has nobody to aim for. Might as well tell him (and Albrighton) to cut inside more.
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Sky commentator:
"For Villa the best news is that they're only 1-0 down".
Says it all really, even with the Chelsea bias.
Plenty of work to do before August 14th.
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Mmm the sight of Ireland moaning at everyone isn't doing much for me. Got to keep calm got a whole season ahead to live through.
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Absolutely atrocious first half performance.
Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?
Nope, because we have played atrociously. Obviously.
Whereas we were good against Blackburn.
I don't have any ulterior motive, I'm one of the happy ones, but that first half was terrible.
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Its ok we can bring on downing and young in the second half ...
What about Yorkie ?
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Absolute complete and utter garbage from all outfield players with the exception of Delfouneso who has been OK. Given looks very good.
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Looks like we're struggling, but got to remember it's a friendly and more about improving conditioning. Hopefully this tough conditions will aid our conditioning for England.
agreed, exceptionallly hot and humid anf the main thing is too not pick up injuries -a bit concerning that without bent its hard to see us scoring ,and not many positives to take from the 1st half , given outstanding though.
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Well, we've hung on in there is about the best you can say. Dublin over egging Chelsea mind you who have been nothing special. Both teams struggling to put any sustained momentum together. Early days to be saying this but I think anyone believing our youth can see us through this year might be a tad deluded....
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Makoun for Delph and Bannan for Delfouneso for me. Give Ireland another 20 minutes to find his class....then replace with Bent
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Passing the ball sideways and backwards isn't going to score you any goals.
Don't let chelsea get comfortable in the second half, press them, up the tempo, get some creativity going etc...
He probably needs to alter the formation and bring in Makoun and Bent.
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Gabby cannot control the ball, Delph keeps tripping over the ball. We look poor and even Ireland cannot understand the players around him. Massive improvement needed or we are going to get slaughtered .....
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We've defended pretty well considering they're getting little protection and we can't keep the ball. Absolute nonsense about Dunne, he's looking much sharper than this time last year.
Very disjointed going forward, but then it's a line up that hasn't played together before and Cheksea are very strong.
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Dunne and Given are looking good.
Warnock and Ireland not so good.
Delfouneso not at all good.
I agree with the sentiment that Given will save us a lot of points this season, he is a top player.
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I'm getting more and more worried about Albrighton.
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Absolute complete and utter garbage from all outfield players with the exception of Delfouneso who has been OK. Given looks very good.
Are we watching the same game? Delfouneso has been dire. Not that I particularly blame him for that, it is hard as a youngster to come into a game like this in such heat against one of the best teams in Europe. We look like what are are, a bunch of strangers for the most part. Like the fact that Ireland is shouting at the other players, what we need as long as he keeps his temper
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Bent, Bannan and Heskey for Gabby, Fonz and Albrighton please. Mix it up a bit.
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Absolutely atrocious first half performance.
Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?
When did Chelsea become one of the best teams in the world? Was it the numerous European trophies that elevated them to such heights?
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Absolutely atrocious first half performance.
Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?
Nope, because we have played atrociously. Obviously.
Whereas we were good against Blackburn.
I don't have any ulterior motive, I'm one of the happy ones, but that first half was terrible.
We were also shit against Blackburn after the first 1/2 hour.
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I'm getting more and more worried about Albrighton.
Glad i'm not the only one. He seems to have lost all confidence in himself.
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Absolute nonsense about Dunne, he's looking much sharper than this time last year.
Did you turn on midway through the first half or are you choosing to ignore the pub-player defending for their goal? There was nothing sharp about that.
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Marc Albrighton looks shite, he has been found out and needs to mix things up.
Bannan on for Marc
Makoun on for Petrov
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Absolutely atrocious first half performance.
Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?
When did Chelsea become one of the best teams in the world? Was it the numerous European trophies that elevated them to such heights?
You don't have to win the European Cup to be one of the best teams in the World. On the basis of the last few years, they're easily one of the best teams in the World... they regularly get to the last four/eight of the World's best club competition.
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When did Chelsea become one of the best teams in the world? Was it the numerous European trophies that elevated them to such heights?
Can't believe I'm going to say this, but they are. They're regularly in the latter stages of the CL, and while they haven't won it, that alone makes them one of the best teams in the world. I think I need a lie down.
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Delfouneso's crossing is wank.
Wow chill, it's only a pre season friendly. Imagine what you'll be like if he does that against Fulham.
Annoying isn't it?
No, not really.
Do you find it annoying when someone picks you up on a post then?
*files that away for more internet based fun later*
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Absolute complete and utter garbage from all outfield players with the exception of Delfouneso who has been OK. Given looks very good.
Are we watching the same game? Delfouneso has been dire. Not that I particularly blame him for that, it is hard as a youngster to come into a game like this in such heat against one of the best teams in Europe. We look like what are are, a bunch of strangers for the most part. Like the fact that Ireland is shouting at the other players, what we need as long as he keeps his temper
In fairness to him, he's playing out wide and looks the only one able to take a player on. His crossing has been a bit wank but we haven't exactly been piling players into the box for him to aim for though.
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I'm getting more and more worried about Albrighton.
Glad i'm not the only one. He seems to have lost all confidence in himself.
Indeed, hopefully it will come back, anyone who has played a bit of football knows you go through spells like this. What is certain I think is that we can't rely on him as a first team starter at the moment and that any idea that he is better than Downing or Young is a bit misplaced just now. But it can change!
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very difficult in these conditions to up the tempo-i think we will see a few changes and eck will shake it up a bit-totally correct chris , dunne far fitter and in much better shape than last year.
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Absolute complete and utter garbage from all outfield players with the exception of Delfouneso who has been OK. Given looks very good.
Are we watching the same game? Delfouneso has been dire. Not that I particularly blame him for that, it is hard as a youngster to come into a game like this in such heat against one of the best teams in Europe. We look like what are are, a bunch of strangers for the most part. Like the fact that Ireland is shouting at the other players, what we need as long as he keeps his temper
At least he has held onto the ball for more than 2 seconds and looked like he might do something. Admittedly his crossing was poor, but its not his natural position.
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Only a pre season friendly but there are obvious weaknesses, midfield is piss weak and badly needs stengthening and all those who thought Albrighton could replace Young or Downing think again. I think it is good that AM is seeing how we fare against a top side.
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Albrighton was pretty good on Wednesday. He'll generally be quite decent when we have some height up front to aim for as he is our best crosser.
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Did you turn on midway through the first half or are you choosing to ignore the pub-player defending for their goal? There was nothing sharp about that.
You said that he looked fatter, which is utter nonsense. And yes, he was at fault for the goal.
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Pre season friendly agreed- but realistically if this game was in sub zero temp played in Jan do we really believe this would be any different.
Couple of quick observations from my point of view:
Positives:
- Given looks fantastically sharp - considering injury/inactivity - could be a great bit of business, truly impressed thus far
- Dunne look far fitter and more on the ball than last season (first 30 seconds apart)
- Gabby holding the line well - though thats all he doing as he has nothing around him
Negative:
- Overun in mid field as usual - nothing happening creatively or defensively, not in the game at all collectively, Chelsea going through them like a sunday morning madras
- Super M continuing with his worrying loss of form
- Ireland anonymous to shit - normal service resumed
- Delph missing - still for me showing no sign that he is anything more than a yellow card magnet
- Petrov shagged
- Fonz - shocking, thank good for Nz signing - if AM thought about fonz as an option for AY replacement, forget about it
Summary:
- If Bent gets injured we are royally fucked - and don't you know he'll get crocked in the Eng friendly 3 days before kick off (how on earth did we manage before Jan!!)
- Can somebody speak to RAL/PF and the cheerleading General and explain that James Milner was actually quite good and it may be a bit of fun to try to replace him at some point - there is a guy playing for a team in East London who would be cheap (ish) and already looks good in claret and blue - FFS do this!!
- Give Anelka a villa shirt- he's been awaesome!
my 2p on a Saturday - think we have to strengthen especially in midfield - again i know it's a pre season game in 100% humidity, but the best rose tinted specs on the planet can't mask that this squad is mid table at best (cue getting shot down in flames) - if Bent get's injured......nope not going there
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Absolutely atrocious first half performance.
Cos we're losing (narrowly) to one of the best teams in the World?
Nope, because we have played atrociously. Obviously.
Whereas we were good against Blackburn.
I don't have any ulterior motive, I'm one of the happy ones, but that first half was terrible.
We were also shit against Blackburn after the first 1/2 hour.
I don't think we were.
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Our performance has been as disjointed as my streams - currently on stream #4 if anyone needs another link:
http://www.skyfooty.com/
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Dunne has been as agile as an oil tanker. The man is a liability.
Albrighton looks as crap as he did in the second half of last season.
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Absolute complete and utter garbage from all outfield players with the exception of Delfouneso who has been OK. Given looks very good.
Are we watching the same game? Delfouneso has been dire. Not that I particularly blame him for that, it is hard as a youngster to come into a game like this in such heat against one of the best teams in Europe. We look like what are are, a bunch of strangers for the most part. Like the fact that Ireland is shouting at the other players, what we need as long as he keeps his temper
In fairness to him, he's playing out wide and looks the only one able to take a player on. His crossing has been a bit wank but we haven't exactly been piling players into the box for him to aim for though.
I think that's pretty harsh on young Nathan, Richard! I'd say he's done quite well, always available to receive a pass and seems determined to get forward which he does reasonably well His crossing, though, is a bit rubbish. He'd be better to cut in and run at the heart of the defense, I think. Still, N'zogbia will do that for us, no doubt.
Overall, we're second best to good team, but the last 10 minutes we started to keep the ball a lot better. It's a friendly match, so winning or losing really doesn't matter too much (even if it is a trophy!). But, I would like to see us do a lot better in the second half; for what it's worth, I think the formation is good but as I've banged on about elsewhere I'd say we need a better defensive midfielder. Makoun might be it.
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Only a pre season friendly but there are obvious weaknesses, midfield is piss weak and badly needs stengthening and all those who thought Albrighton could replace Young or Downing think again. I think it is good that AM is seeing how we fare against a top side.
Spot on robbo, that is the most important thing, to see who can cut it against one of the best teams in Europe. Midfield is still a big concern, we just don't seem to move as a unit up and down the field, particularly going forward. I think that is what is getting Ireland's goat and is the main difference between a team like Chelsea and ourselves...and not helped either by not having creative attacking full backs
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Dunne has been as agile as an oil tanker. The man is a liability.
Albrighton looks as crap as he did in the second half of last season.
Thank fuck for that. I was starting to think I was watching a different game to everyone else.
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I know he's been injured and all that but whenever i've seen Delph he has looked nothing more than a Championship player, what am I missing that seems to put him above seemingly any criticism?
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Bloody hell guys, it wasn't good I won't deny that but it's only a half of a preseason friendly. Fitness is the most important thing.
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Did you turn on midway through the first half or are you choosing to ignore the pub-player defending for their goal? There was nothing sharp about that.
You said that he looked fatter, which is utter nonsense. And yes, he was at fault for the goal.
Yep, pub style defending again. Dunne doesn't look as fat but he certainly still looks shit at times. The most worrying thing for me as a Villa fan is this situation of trying to polish 2 turds at centre back, added to the complete lack of cover in front of them. We look dreadful in that area of the pitch still.
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Absolute nonsense about Dunne, he's looking much sharper than this time last year.
Did you turn on midway through the first half or are you choosing to ignore the pub-player defending for their goal? There was nothing sharp about that.
He was caught out for the goal but other than that has played well, as he did on Wednesday.
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Heskey on for Albrighton
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Go on Emile, kick bloody Terry up in the air.
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Only a pre season friendly but there are obvious weaknesses, midfield is piss weak and badly needs stengthening and all those who thought Albrighton could replace Young or Downing think again. I think it is good that AM is seeing how we fare against a top side.
Spot on robbo, that is the most important thing, to see who can cut it against one of the best teams in Europe. Midfield is still a big concern, we just don't seem to move as a unit up and down the field, particularly going forward. I think that is what is getting Ireland's goat and is the main difference between a team like Chelsea and ourselves...and not helped either by not having creative attacking full backs
I agree with that. I'm hoping that Makoun could be the man to link defense and attack, but I'm not too convinced just yet.
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Absolute nonsense about Dunne, he's looking much sharper than this time last year.
Did you turn on midway through the first half or are you choosing to ignore the pub-player defending for their goal? There was nothing sharp about that.
He was caught out for the goal but other than that has played well, as he did on Wednesday.
So you're also ignoring the Anelka chance towards the end of the half where he was put through on goal and Dunne didn't even attempt a challenge?
Based on this evidence I'd rather see Clark at centre half. In reality I think Randy needs to get the cheque book out.
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Agree about albrighton. We really need another option on the wing. I fear he's really hit the wall and needs to improve in many ways or herisks going the way of Luke Chadwick and so many other young wingers
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Heskey on for Albrighton
Shuffled the midfield around too:
Fonz wide right, Ireland wide left, and Heskey behind Gabby.
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Listen to them bigging up Torres on Sky, how many goals has he scored for Chelski since they shelled out god know how much for him? A hell of a lot less than Benty !
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Nice try Stan
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Absolute nonsense about Dunne, he's looking much sharper than this time last year.
Did you turn on midway through the first half or are you choosing to ignore the pub-player defending for their goal? There was nothing sharp about that.
He was caught out for the goal but other than that has played well, as he did on Wednesday.
So you're also ignoring the Anelka chance towards the end of the half where he was put through on goal and Dunne didn't even attempt a challenge?
Based on this evidence I'd rather see Clark at centre half. In reality I think Randy needs to get the cheque book out.
I'm not ignoring anything, I'm judging it for what it is. A pre season friendly against a stronger team where a failure to keep the ball has put us under too much pressure.
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Great header. I hope Capello was watching that,
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Ooooooo Peta Enkleman nearly !
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better corner from delph
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Looks like Chelsea are giving up - they're sending Drogba and Torres on.
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I hope Torres comes on soon. At least then we won't have to watch him warm up to the sound of Martin Tyler's vinegar strokes.
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Given definite MoM!
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It's only Given that's actually playing well, but fitness as I say is the key.
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How the fuck are we still only 1 down?
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Thank God we have Given
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I will say maybe we need to readdress this Given and N'Zogbia being the only signings business.
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petrov looks out on his feet -his stamina is a problem and albrightons confidence seems to have gone , worrying in both cases.
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Poor marking of Lampard who should have scored then let off the hook by Sturridge.
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2-0. Torres.
They've now got a front three of Torres, Drogba, and Anelka.
Shit the bed!
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Torres first touch scores
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Oh for fuck's sake.
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Cue a media wanking session. Fucking shit bollocks.
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Is Scott Parker still available. I would say that the procurement a player of his ability is now a priority, not a 'nice to have'.
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The space that he had for that shot from outside the area! Good grief!
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Get Dunne OFF NOW!
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I think we need to get used to this.
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bit worried this could turn into a rout now-a hammering is something we certainly dont need , maybe randy will feel the need to open his wallet again?
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If I may say so ::), we are not defending well at all.
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Will we have a shot on target in 90 min?
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Typhoon Torres ?????? Fuck off Tyler ! Fuck off SKY, News International, and The Murdochs...bollox to the lot of ya !
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We're being pushed too deep. They're just passing though our midfield and we're resorting to just hoofing it out. This could get embarrassing
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I just hope this doesn't turn into a battering. We're being outclassed now.
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Come on Bent and Wee Barry.
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why couldnt we have toured ireland instead and beat someone like coleraine 6-0? ;D ;D
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Bent and Bannan on for Ireland and Fonz.
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Bent on for Ireland. Bannan for Fonz
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If I may say so ::), we are not defending well at all.
We're not, but for me it's the total lack of protection afforded to our centre-backs by the midfield.
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why couldnt we have toured ireland instead and beat someone like coleraine 6-0? ;D ;D
We played a friendly in Ireland last year.
We lost.
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How's Ireland played just got in?
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If I may say so ::), we are not defending well at all.
feel free my friend!
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Fabian Delph. Anybody?
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If I may say so ::), we are not defending well at all.
We're not, but for me it's the total lack of protection afforded to our centre-backs by the midfield.
Midfield has been awful, offering nothing to the defence and nothing going forward. Which is a tad worrying.
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How's Ireland played just got in?
I only realised he was on when he was substituted.
Actually no, that's unfair. He blazed a great opportunity way over the bar in the first half so he's not been totally anonymous.
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Typhoon Torres ?????? Fuck off Tyler ! Fuck off SKY, News International, and The Murdochs...bollox to the lot of ya !
time for dion to custard pie him i feel!
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We look tired and jaded - and the way the players are arguing and waving their arms at each other is not good. We look washed out.
When we get possesion Chelski press us as a team and we shit ourselves and end up with one of the defenders hoofing it forward - giving Chelski possession - and we chase shadows individually - as they control the ball. Awful.
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If I may say so ::), we are not defending well at all.
We're not, but for me it's the total lack of protection afforded to our centre-backs by the midfield.
Midfield has been awful, offering nothing to the defence and nothing going forward. Which is a tad worrying.
Just a tad!
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Is Gary Gardner out there with them?
I would like to see the lad get a few minutes if he is.
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There were a couple of flashes of what Delph is capable of.
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If I may say so ::), we are not defending well at all.
We're not, but for me it's the total lack of protection afforded to our centre-backs by the midfield.
Midfield has been awful, offering nothing to the defence and nothing going forward. Which is a tad worrying.
Just a tad!
I think Makoun definitely needs to start in our midfield, to keep it ticking.
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Is Gary Gardner out there with them?
I would like to see the lad get a few minutes if he is.
He is - apparently he beat Benty in the final of the players' FIFA12 competition!!
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It just looks like a long ball to one up front
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If I may say so ::), we are not defending well at all.
We're not, but for me it's the total lack of protection afforded to our centre-backs by the midfield.
Midfield has been awful, offering nothing to the defence and nothing going forward. Which is a tad worrying.
Just a tad!
I think Makoun definitely needs to start in our midfield, to keep it ticking.
I agree, and I just hope that Makoun is as good as I think he might be. I'm still not sure we couldn't do without an 'anchorman', though.
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Gabby has all control of Amy Winehouse.
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Makoun next to Parker or someone like that would do for me.
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As it's only a pre-season I wouldn't mind too much if we lost, I would just like to see us atleast put some effort in...
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Got to love that "MONGOLIAN TRUE BLUES" banner.
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sadly however we dress it up we have been well beaten by a far better team and apart from shay there is very little to shout about today.
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You know what I'd like? I'd like to hear more about Fernando Torres.
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How can we be 2-0 down, have 3 strikers on the pitch and Bent is all on his own up front?
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Shay - great save AGAIN!
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A corner, we've won a corner.
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Torres has just drifted past Dunne like he genuinely wasn't there.
Anyone saying Dunne looks sharp must be pissed.
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Jean Ducks for Petrov please.
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Torres has just drifted past Dunne like he genuinely wasn't there.
Anyone saying Dunne looks sharp must be pissed.
Dunne looksh sharp.
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There were a couple of flashes of what Delph is capable of.
Care to share
for me he's showed he's capable of lacing up his own boots (assuming he did that himself) and then watching players in blue run past him,
not trying to be a clever twat - i just don't get the hype we see on here sometimes about FD - injuries/inexperienced at this level/still young - sure but for me he's shown very little in a Villa shirt whenever I've watched him at VP or on the box .This afternoon is no exception
just my take
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Damp potato field and heavy legs and a few less pre-season games than our opponents are big contributors to how shit we look.
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Chelsea are panicking!
They've brought Benayoun on for Anelka. That's a defensive substitution.
I reckon we'll be all over them for the last 15 minutes!!
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Torres has just drifted past Dunne like he genuinely wasn't there.
Anyone saying Dunne looks sharp must be pissed.
torres does that to most defenders -thats why he cost £50m.-you seem to have a downer on dunne whatever he does , many poor displays but in your eyes its dunne dunne dunne.
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Here come Gardner Junior and Jean Ducks.
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Young Gardener is getting the last 15mins.
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Excellent - Gary Gardner on for Petrov. Good that he's getting some game time
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Torres has just drifted past Dunne like he genuinely wasn't there.
Anyone saying Dunne looks sharp must be pissed.
torres does that to most defenders -thats why he cost £50m.-you seem to have a downer on dunne whatever he does , many poor displays but in your eyes its dunne dunne dunne.
In fairness that touch by Torres would have done most defenders.
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Torres has just drifted past Dunne like he genuinely wasn't there.
Anyone saying Dunne looks sharp must be pissed.
torres does that to most defenders -thats why he cost £50m.-you seem to have a downer on dunne whatever he does , many poor displays but in your eyes its dunne dunne dunne.
No downer at all. Thought he was an excellent signing for us and thought his first season was quality.
Today he's been atrocious though. At fault for both their goals and created a couple of other chances for them.
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Great floating pass from Makoun there. Unlucky Gabby couldn't control.
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There were a couple of flashes of what Delph is capable of.
Care to share
for me he's showed he's capable of lacing up his own boots (assuming he did that himself) and then watching players in blue run past him,
not trying to be a clever twat - i just don't get the hype we see on here sometimes about FD - injuries/inexperienced at this level/still young - sure but for me he's shown very little in a Villa shirt whenever I've watched him at VP or on the box .This afternoon is no exception
just my take
He played one or two good cross-field passes that Marc Albrighton failed to take advantage of. He was generally quite poor though, as most of them have been. It's only a friendly though. Fabian'll be good for us next season, I reckon.
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Whey hey! Gary G.
This is Chelski's fifth pre-season game. They also had a week in Malaysia before this.
I'm hoping this is why they look fitter and sharper.
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not trying to be a clever twat - i just don't get the hype we see on here sometimes about FD - injuries/inexperienced at this level/still young - sure but for me he's shown very little in a Villa shirt whenever I've watched him at VP or on the box .This afternoon is no exception
just my take
And mine.
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Torres has just drifted past Dunne like he genuinely wasn't there.
Anyone saying Dunne looks sharp must be pissed.
torres does that to most defenders -thats why he cost £50m.-you seem to have a downer on dunne whatever he does , many poor displays but in your eyes its dunne dunne dunne.
In fairness that touch by Torres would have done most defenders.
Behave. Torres just ran at him. A centre half who doesn't know how to defend against a striker running at him isn't much use to us.
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I doubt there's a central defender in the premier league that hasn't been turned by Torres! He is quite a handy player, you know!
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Just switched over to the cricket but that's not much better
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I like how animated the Hong Kong crowd are.
"OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH"
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH"
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I'm sorry to say this - but Warnock looks pedestrian.
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Let's not get too harsh chaps. The boys look completely knackered. Chelsea have been in this region for a long period of time and have played a bunch of Thai schoolboys and amateur teams. The opposition has been easy but has allowed them to get used to the conditions. They then played the HK champs in the last game at night whereas we played a PL team when it was 40C and sunny. Big, big difference. Chelsea are a good team without those factors. I don't want it sound like excuses but reasons. AM will want us to get out unscathed, but he'll be seeing things in the squad and certain players. Let's not get too carried away with this result and performance.
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The fightback's gonna start any second now...
Any second...
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Clark on for Dunne.
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I doubt there's a central defender in the premier league that hasn't been turned by Torres! He is quite a handy player, you know!
I seem to remember him making vidic look pretty piss poor on a couple of occasions.
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Clark for Dunne
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I don't we should get too carried away, but I think this does show we need a centre mid and a full back.
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Dunne's going off. A couple of mistakes, a couple of cracking tackles. A pretty standard Dunne performance, really.
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2-0 and still one up front.
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Let's not get too harsh chaps. The boys look completely knackered. Chelsea have been in this region for a long period of time and have played a bunch of Thai schoolboys and amateur teams. The opposition has been easy but has allowed them to get used to the conditions. They then played the HK champs in the last game at night whereas we played a PL team when it was 40C and sunny. Big, big difference. Chelsea are a good team without those factors. I don't want it sound like excuses but reasons. AM will want us to get out unscathed, but he'll be seeing things in the squad and certain players. Let's not get too carried away with this result and performance.
wise words indeed.
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Nah, not too worried, just like I wasn't going into orgasms over a win against Blackburn.
I think we'll still get another player or two in yet as well.
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Good effort Heskey
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Nice try Emile
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OOhh! Good shot from Heskey there!
It's only two games, and he's only played a little bit in this one, but I've been really impressed with Makoun. Does the simple things very well.
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Close enough Emile, I'm counting that as half a goal.
Chelsea 2 Villa 1/2
The fightback's on...
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Heskey shoots! And nearly on target!
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oh well not to worry, no injuries and good fitness workout-back to the cricket , bye all.
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Makoun is clearly our best central midfielder.
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Heskey shoots! And nearly on target!
Heskey nearly on target is surely worth 2 goals?
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Yes - solid and does the simple things well.
Wee Barry is my fav tho'
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Makoun is clearly our best central midfielder.
Agreed.
If only we had Scotty Parker to play with him in midfield...
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Watching how tired we look is making me feel tired again!
Chelsea have looked a lot sharper, while we looked spent after 15 minutes.
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Parker and Makoun just seems so obvious!
Ah, we can dream.
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1st time seeing Gardner.
He has a real determination about him and good quality against a good Chelsea side.
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First time I've seen Gardner jnr - quite impressed
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Lets just admit it Chelsea are superior to us at winning Asian Cups.
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Gardener and Bannan have both done well since coming on.
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we looked like we were walking around the pitch from the first 30 seconds. I think the boys have been low on energy the entire game, and they didn't give a shit about the result.
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Lets just admit it Chelsea are superior to us at winning Asian Cups.
Agreed.
They've conquered Asia.
We've conquered Europe.
I know which I prefer.
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Seen enough of Gary G to know already that he is a future £20m sell!
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I'm not surprised to be honest.
I was in Thailand recently and just walking up the stairs in the evening used to drain me.
I can see that bell end Scudamore getting ideas about this.
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Hey-ho. Second best by a long way. Think we need to get a dominant CM. Parker would be worth it for me. Not sure who else would fit the bill
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Personally I like the look at the end with Makoun, Bannan, Gardner ok they were all fresh but they actually looked like they understood each other!
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we looked like we were walking around the pitch from the first 30 seconds. I think the boys have been low on energy the entire game, and they didn't give a shit about the result.
Being a student of 'sports psychology' we looked tired and a bit down during the handshakes!
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Martin Tyler - "ooh ooh Chelsea ooh ooh Torres ooh yes yes Torres ahh ahhhh!"
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Personally I like the look at the end with Makoun, Bannan, Gardner ok they were all fresh but they actually looked like they understood each other!
Same. First half we looked like strangers and they played us so high we couldn't get a grip.
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Personally I like the look at the end with Makoun, Bannan, Gardner ok they were all fresh but they actually looked like they understood each other!
Same. First half we looked like strangers and they played us so high we couldn't get a grip.
Same here too.
Delph in his part was way off the game, a bit of a liability actually.
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Personally I like the look at the end with Makoun, Bannan, Gardner ok they were all fresh but they actually looked like they understood each other!
Agreed. Able to find each other with simple passes, unlike the three in the first-half. Promising.
Given, very good. Heskey will play more than Gabby judging from that game. The rest was disappointing but Bent and Charles should link well.
I'm optimistic.
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Gardener and Bannan have both done well since coming on.
Dissapointed with Ireland again, Bannan and Gardener did far more in 5 minutes
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No question, and all credit, Ireland was determined to make something of his chance on the pitch. Yelling and cojoling but SO frustrated and eventually petulant. Sort of " I am too good for this lot".
Their midfield simply out muscled, outplayed and out thought us. Until the last ten. Pity Benty missed the shot after fantastic control. Might have lifted heads.
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We are far away from what Chelsea has.
No cutting edge.
Passing still not accurate.
Slow of defend still exist.
Anyway Good Goal Keeper.
Good Gardner.
Hope we can find our heart of the game and more accuracy from preseason practice.
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Makoun is going to be great for us.Love him. GG looks promising.Bannan looked sharp again.Worried about Albie
Couldn't give a toss about the result but we need Parker
Given is f*cking ace
I hope Randy was watching
Did Villasboas crouch in that position for a full 90 mins?
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I really do think we need to bring in a midfielder and a pair of defenders in. We looked poor in those areas today.
If we get Parker in to play with Bannan and Makoun our midfield would be ace. However, I don't see it happening.
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We lost then, oh well it's only a friendly and against moneybags Chelski. Not the end of the world.
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WellSWell predictable result but positives for me were:
Given class above any gk we have seen in Villa colours since Rimmer.
Bannan he could be the one.
Clark he could be another one!
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Given great kept the score down,bannan & gardner looked decent heskey ok,delph, warnock, ireland & albrighton not with it.
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No question, and all credit, Ireland was determined to make something of his chance on the pitch. Yelling and cojoling but SO frustrated and eventually petulant. Sort of " I am too good for this lot".
Ireland needs to find space, demand the ball, have plenty of touches and grow into his role. He just couldn't get involved today, peripheral.
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A positive spin:
- Chelsea are one of the best teams in Europe
- They have been playing out in Asia for longer than we have
- This was like a home game for them with all that support
- They were better than us without actually ever really dominating the game
- Given is going to save us so many points this season
- Bannan looks a player and so does Gardner
- We immediately looked ten times more dangerous with them and Bent on the field
- It was only a friendly
A negative spin:
- We barely put one creative move together all game
- Delph does not look like the all singing and all dancing midfielder we are looking for
- Gabby brings nothing to the team at all these days
- Ireland is not going to find it easy to re-integrate into things
- We are in trouble if we are relying on Marc for our wing play this season
- Delfouneso is running out of chances to show he has what it takes
- The midfield cannot move up and down the pitch as a unit
- We appear to have lost the pace we had in the team with the departure of Young and Downing
In the final analysis, it was what I expected, 2-0 to Chelsea and they were the better team. Our inability to create almost anything to the last ten minutes is extremely worrying however
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Perhaps a good kick up the arse is what the players needed before the season starts, feet on the ground and all that. Some promising signs but some all too familiar errors, Warnock, Ireland etc....
Still, we've helped to boost Chelsea's popularity in Asia and that's the main thing. :P
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Given - excellent
Young - solid
Warnock - ok
Dunne - at fault for the first goal
Collins - ball watching instead of marking Torres for his goal
Albrighton - Poor
Delph - See Albrighton
Petrov - See Delph
Ireland - See Petrov
Gabby - dreadful touch, too isolated
Delfouneso - I just don't think he is good enough.
Bent - lively when come on
Heskey - oh dear
Gardner - Really like the look of him
Bannan - done well I thought
Makoun - I like the look of him too
Clark - didn't really have much time
Overall - lets face it, Chelsea are miles better than us, and they could have gone up a gear or two if they wanted too. We couldn't cope with their ball retention and movement. I fear this will be pretty much how our season will go, we'll get beat comfortably by the top 5/6, struggle to breaks teams down who play 5 across the middle and we'll beat the dross.
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It's clear that we need a central midfield consisting of Bannan and Makoun. They hold onto the ball splendidly, they pass and move all the time and really ran the show for us in the last twenty minutes or so. It's my hope that we can get Bannan, Makoun and Ireland on top form as our central midfielders for next season. We would dominate possession, spread the ball all over the park and create some bloody good chances.
Gary Gardner looked very promising, Albrighton looks like he still needs fitness (still only two weeks into pre-season for him remember), Bannan was very good when playing in the centre, Clark looked solid enough for his 10 minute stint, Delfouneso just isn't going to cut it as a winger however.
I'm pleased enough. :)
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It's clear that we need a central midfield consisting of Bannan and Makoun. They hold onto the ball splendidly, they pass and move all the time and really ran the show for us in the last twenty minutes or so. It's my hope that we can get Bannan, Makoun and Ireland on top form as our central midfielders for next season. We would dominate possession, spread the ball all over the park and create some bloody good chances.
Gary Gardner looked very promising, Albrighton looks like he still needs fitness (still only two weeks into pre-season for him remember), Bannan was very good when playing in the centre, Clark looked solid enough for his 10 minute stint, Delfouneso just isn't going to cut it as a winger however.
I'm pleased enough. :)
I would say 'maybe'. I don't think you can be that definitive based on 20 minutes against a coasting Chelsea. Bannan is certainly emerging as the best of our young hopefuls along with perhaps Clark and Gardner showed encouraging signs. However, they will all have dips and surges in form during the seasons...
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the trip will have been a worthwhile exercise. It allowed the squad to spend some time together. We played 2 PL teams as opposed to taking the easy way out as some other teams will do in pre-season. I mean, how concerned would you be as a Liverpool fan right now if you've just invested what they have without scoring a goal against Hull and Galatasaray and conceding 6. It was very tough conditions and the boys will be glad to come home to a more sedate climate.
For AM, he'll have learnt a lot about what he has and what he might need in the time left in the window. I don't think it's a great deal more, but I'd expect to see 2 or 3 more in, be they loans or permanent moves. More importantly he'll have got to know the players better, and they'll have got to know him and the newer staff.
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All good points TV, it is nice to see us playing competitive pre-season games, something we didn't use to do up to a season or two ago, or not enough anyway. Granted all the 'economics' around signing a player like Parker, but he or someone like him would make such a difference...
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No question, and all credit, Ireland was determined to make something of his chance on the pitch. Yelling and cojoling but SO frustrated and eventually petulant. Sort of " I am too good for this lot".
Ireland needs to find space, demand the ball, have plenty of touches and grow into his role. He just couldn't get involved today, peripheral.
As I have said many times before, we have too many players who will not pass the ball to a team mate if there is an opponent within 10 yeards of him. We are quite happy to bang long balls down the channels for forwards to chase and, hopefully, make something of. Well it worked 4 seasons ago when Gabby and Ashley were young and sprightly but I am afraid it doesn't work today and either AM has got to get them out og that way of thinking or get rid and get players in who do. Makoun is what I am talking about, always happy to receive the ball no matter under what circumstances. I think Ireland could well be the same but we don't play that way. I would like to have seen Makoun and Ireland together on the pitch for 20 or more minutes to see if they gel.
For those who are saying Gardner, Bannan etc looked good, please remember they came on when Chelsea were in "let's just knock it around and enjoy ourselves" mode. I would not like to pass any judgement on their performance given the circumstances of the game when they came on.
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We looked like a team that is missing arguably it's 4 best players. NRC, Ashley, Downing and Walker.
Problem being they have all left the club with only one being replaced (N'Zogbia).
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We looked like a team that is missing arguably it's 4 best players. NRC, Ashley, Downing and Walker.
Problem being they have all left the club with only one being replaced (N'Zogbia).
I'm not accepting that NRC was one of our best four players.
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I thought Bannan did well when he came on so did Gardner he had some nice touches Bent looked good when he came on and should have scored Given played really well going to be a big keeper for us this season.
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Glad Mcleish has now had chance to see the area`s we are weak in. Gabby`s control is sunday am like. Albrighton not ready along with Delph. Gardner, Makoun and Bannan tried to create and disrupt there play. I also hope he realises how much Dann would improve the defence .......
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Would Lerner give him the money though if he decided he wanted to bring in say Dann and Parker?
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For Ireland to work in our team we need Makoun in the middle behind him Bannan to the side of him and a ball holder upfront. However with Bent first choice I don't see how Ireland is going to be effective.
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Would Lerner give him the money though if he decided he wanted to bring in say Dann and Parker?
I very much doubt it. That's why we have McLeish in the 1st place I reckon, he was probably the only manager available with Prem experience happy to work under such a tight budget. We definitely need to strengthen, but we won't.
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I would say 'maybe'. I don't think you can be that definitive based on 20 minutes against a coasting Chelsea. Bannan is certainly emerging as the best of our young hopefuls along with perhaps Clark and Gardner showed encouraging signs. However, they will all have dips and surges in form during the seasons...
We've needed a midfield that can control the ball, get into space and pass it around for years. There's still too many times that Collins or Dunne have been on the ball and either punting it downfield or giving it back to the goalkeeper to punt downfield. Makoun's a revelation in the sense that if you give him the ball from the back, 99 times out of 100 he will retain possession and get us moving forward. Bannan too will pick up the ball and pass it straight to one of our players in a better position. If we can get Makoun and Bannan in the centre of the park, we will run most games.
I think that there have been signs from this pre-season and last season that these two players have it in their locker to retain possession and get the team moving forward and ticking over. We just need to utilize their talents more often.
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I know I'm at risk of sounding like a Makoun cheerleader, but I've just watched back the last part of that game and Makoun's movement off the ball is so much better than Petrov and Reo-Coker's is/was. He's always moving, finding space, able to receive a pass.
Bannan and Gardner can learn a lot from him, hopefully.
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Makoun, Bannan and Ireland will work together well...they are all good at spotting and playing quick incisive football but leaves our midfield very weak and lightweight. Repeating myself again, but Parker or Milner would compliment then well with a bit of grit and also similar passing/vision ability.
Its easy to see why Ireland would become frustrated when hes trying to orchestrate things but the players dont seem to be on his wavelength most of the time, however if he can create a good understanding with Bent then they should create goals between them.
The signing of N'Zogbia will see our attacking movement become quicker and the midfield will have to put in good shifts to support. Albrighton seems very one dimensional but with his crossing ability he doesnt necessarily need to beat the last defender. The Fonz, Gabby and Heskey are not wingers and should not be deployed as such.
AM mentioned that he will play formations and utilise the squad depending on the opposition, and that is the best way to approach this season from what we've seen so far. Its going to be a very up and down season with good wins and bad losses...with some great highlights and some piss poor performances.
edit:
The next couple of friendlies will be interesting with N'Zogbia in the team, and a clearer indication of how we will perform next season with attacking partnerships being developed, and the defensive unit becoming more settled.
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I have'nt watched the game yet, one thing that is coming out is the balance in the centre of midfield is not right.
I am a big fan of Delph, but not alongside Petrov, who i think is most of the problem.Too pedestrian, too immobile, too slow.Makoun is a must to start, and i think Ireland, when on his game, is exactly the kind of player to play off Bent.For me a Parker/Capoute kind of payer is a must.Bannan and Gardner etc can come in as and when.
Starting to get a bit worried about Albrighton tbh.Poor end to the season, quite lethargic and indifferent, and seems to have started this season the same.Over the next 12 months, i would expect there to be a new back 4.
Overall though, lets have a look at the kids, and the signings of Given and N'Zog are excellant, both, for me an improvement on what has gone out.
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In fairness Chelsea should win the League this year. What a squad! And as for Boas, he speaks better English than like what I do.
However, unfit or not in comparison we look disorganised. AM simply hasn't found the team yet and of course that is understandable. We were made to look lightweight today.
As for Torres - well he looked more surprised than anybody that it went in. He had no time to think about it I guess and instinct took over. What a keeper we have!
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the trip will have been a worthwhile exercise. It allowed the squad to spend some time together. We played 2 PL teams as opposed to taking the easy way out as some other teams will do in pre-season. I mean, how concerned would you be as a Liverpool fan right now if you've just invested what they have without scoring a goal against Hull and Galatasaray and conceding 6. It was very tough conditions and the boys will be glad to come home to a more sedate climate.
For AM, he'll have learnt a lot about what he has and what he might need in the time left in the window. I don't think it's a great deal more, but I'd expect to see 2 or 3 more in, be they loans or permanent moves. More importantly he'll have got to know the players better, and they'll have got to know him and the newer staff.
i thought liverpool played their reserve teams in those 2 games?
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[/quote]
i thought liverpool played their reserve teams in those 2 games?
[/quote]
They had Downing and Henderson playing against Hull with a few first teamers and reserves/youth players.
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Would Lerner give him the money though if he decided he wanted to bring in say Dann and Parker?
hopefully yes, even if it was on the understandng that it was including the january budget too, dann and parker would be enormous assets.
not totally convinced bannan is ready but i think he deserves a run in the team so we can see how he does, petrov is not the answer and id go with bannan and makoun.
thanks noodles.
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I wouldn't mind a midfield combo of Makoun, Petrov ( for an experienced head) and GGardner. Gardner looked like the kind of player who gets everywhere and competes, which is precisely what we need. And i think Petrov would make up for his lack of experience and Gardner would make up for Petrovs lack of mobility, alongside our current best CM Makoun. With Bent, N'Zog and Gabby in the more advanced positions. And for the love of god, can we shift Collins out for Cuellar or Clark. Or even McLeish.
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Would Lerner give him the money though if he decided he wanted to bring in say Dann and Parker?
hopefully yes, even if it was on the understandng that it was including the january budget too, dann and parker would be enormous assets.
not totally convinced bannan is ready but i think he deserves a run in the team so we can see how he does, petrov is not the answer and id go with bannan and makoun.
thanks noodles.
I honestly think Lerner will back him. Not sure if Lerner was there today, but it was clear as a bell that we need at least two players. Impressed with G Gardner and we never looked like we could string two passes together until Makoun came on. Oh and Shay Given looked top draw .........
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With regards to starting XI, the team is starting to pick itself with the exception of Makouns CM partner...
Given
Young Collins Dunne Warnock
Makoun <insert player>
Albrighton Ireland N'Zobgia
Bent
Petrov/Delph/Gardner partner Makoun
Ireland needs to gel with the rest of the team
Albrighton could be switched for Bannan
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a decent week I reckon, the team and management have had chance to get to know eachother better (without resorted to getting bladdered) and will have shed a few pounds in that heat.
We need a physical presence in midfield, or we run the risk of being outweighed with too many smaller players, no matter how skilful.
Albrighton is a concern, not so much his fitness but his body language seems all wrong; no confidence.
I think Bannen is having a damn good go at making an impression, and the bit I saw of Gardner I liked. Bent is class, as is Given who is going to be immense for us.
But, you look at Chelsea and they looked class, in better shape physically and with better players. At the start I thought it was going to be another seven, but we did ok in the end, and it was a meaningful friendly
Good to see us looking at everyone, and trying the youngsters out.
Good luck everyone for the season!
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the trip will have been a worthwhile exercise. It allowed the squad to spend some time together. We played 2 PL teams as opposed to taking the easy way out as some other teams will do in pre-season. I mean, how concerned would you be as a Liverpool fan right now if you've just invested what they have without scoring a goal against Hull and Galatasaray and conceding 6. It was very tough conditions and the boys will be glad to come home to a more sedate climate.
For AM, he'll have learnt a lot about what he has and what he might need in the time left in the window. I don't think it's a great deal more, but I'd expect to see 2 or 3 more in, be they loans or permanent moves. More importantly he'll have got to know the players better, and they'll have got to know him and the newer staff.
i thought liverpool played their reserve teams in those 2 games?
a mix. Carroll played in both, Henderson and Downing were involved certainly in the first. It wasn't their reserves but like everyone right now the squad was used. It must be alarming to them that with a few players out they become so ordinary. You certainly wouldn't say that about Man U, Chelsea or Man City. Even Arsenal and Spurs seem to have better depth.
In any case, we will have learnt some lessons from this trip and a lot of good things will have come out of it also.
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Would Lerner give him the money though if he decided he wanted to bring in say Dann and Parker?
hopefully yes, even if it was on the understandng that it was including the january budget too, dann and parker would be enormous assets.
not totally convinced bannan is ready but i think he deserves a run in the team so we can see how he does, petrov is not the answer and id go with bannan and makoun.
thanks noodles.
I honestly think Lerner will back him. Not sure if Lerner was there today, but it was clear as a bell that we need at least two players. Impressed with G Gardner and we never looked like we could string two passes together until Makoun came on. Oh and Shay Given looked top draw .........
Even under a strict sell-to-buy policy there should still be the best part of £20m in the transfer kitty. Not sure about the wages but you'd imagine we can afford at least 15 or 16 experienced players to go with the kids. The PL
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We looked like a team that is missing arguably it's 4 best players. NRC, Ashley, Downing and Walker.
Problem being they have all left the club with only one being replaced (N'Zogbia).
I'm not accepting that NRC was one of our best four players.
Agreed Monts.
And I say that as a NRC fan.
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Would Lerner give him the money though if he decided he wanted to bring in say Dann and Parker?
hopefully yes, even if it was on the understandng that it was including the january budget too, dann and parker would be enormous assets.
not totally convinced bannan is ready but i think he deserves a run in the team so we can see how he does, petrov is not the answer and id go with bannan and makoun.
thanks noodles.
I honestly think Lerner will back him. Not sure if Lerner was there today, but it was clear as a bell that we need at least two players. Impressed with G Gardner and we never looked like we could string two passes together until Makoun came on. Oh and Shay Given looked top draw .........
Even under a strict sell-to-buy policy there should still be the best part of £20m in the transfer kitty. Not sure about the wages but you'd imagine we can afford at least 15 or 16 experienced players to go with the kids. The PL
i hope your right villadawg but i doubt theres £20m, i think some of it may have gone towards the record losses.
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With regards to starting XI, the team is starting to pick itself with the exception of Makouns CM partner...
Given
Young Collins Dunne Warnock
Makoun <insert player>
Albrighton Ireland N'Zobgia
Bent
Petrov/Delph/Gardner partner Makoun
Ireland needs to gel with the rest of the team
Albrighton could be switched for Bannan
This does seem to be the case - and with that 11 we are an injury or two away from a very hard season.
If Bent breaks a finger nail we are screwed because frankly there are no goals in that squad without him - this is very clear.
The midfield is though is the real worry - for me we have still not replaced Milner, there has to be a reason (along with a lorry load of Ginsters in Dunne's case last year) why the defence was so poor for much of last year after the year they had previous - essentially if the midfield are being overun eventually the back four will be breached, constant pressure will lead to fatigue / loss of concentration and will always reflect badly even when a degree of the issue is elsewhere.
Chelsea pissed through our midfield today for 75 mins - thank goodness we have Given who already looks like a steal. The midfield was awful defensively and their lack of cohesion, invention and let's face it quality, meant that all we had was route one to Gabby, and we all know how that tactic usually end up.
Totally get it's a pre season friendly in harsh conditions against a team that are currently better prepared and have resources we could only dream about under RAL - but AM needs to be in his face early doors when he gets back, as has been said Dann and Parker would make a big difference (given the choice Parker more critical) - else January is a long way off it it goes tits up, and god help him personally if we struggle in the first few months of the season unfortunately
Bottom line we are going nowhere fast with the midfield we have and hoping for the best with Bannon and Garndner is a big risk. Makoun is the only one who looks capable (if you assume Nz is a forward and not a midfielder) - Petrov/Delph/Ireland/Albi (on current form) are squad players at best IMHO and not great ones at that
All the General's lunatic cheerleading re how positive things are can't mask the fact that we are short of midfield quality with only a few weeks to put it right - hope they do!!
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Completely forgot about the game today, far too engrossed in the Cricket.
How did Ireland play?
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ireland was shite... not sure whether it was the tactics, or just him... although most were shite too...
i understand it was only a friendly, but it was poor... very poor...
given kept it to a respectful scoreline... he was excellent...
and he needed to be with that ****** warnock following on from his shite form from last year, petrov offering all the protection and mobility of the statue of david, and the chuckle brothers trying to fuck up at every opportunity when they werent booting it half the length of the pitch back to chelsea...
thought we looked better when makoun and gardner came on... gardner in particular looked very lively in both defending and going forward... nice to see a young lad actively look for the ball and want to do something with it...
although not sure if thats due to chelsea taking their foot off the pedal and we had some fresh face in difficult conditions, or whether it was him actually having some influence... having seen the lad for many years from the academy, i would think its the a mixture of the two, more leaning towards the latter...
i understand its only a friendly, however, from what i have seen, it was worst than i actually thought it was going to be with ginge in charge... still, we will be within the guidelines for the so called "financial fair play" rules, so woopdidoo for that... wont be making europe any time soon, so it wont matter, but hey, the books are balanced and at least we arent small heath!
every cloud and all that...
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The team that started today will not start again.
If we're looking for the side against Fulham then i think we can make some assumptions. The back 5 pick themselves. The midfield 2 will most likely be Petrov and Makoun who impressed against Backburn. N'Zogba will play wide, Bent up front. The other 2 places are up for grabs but on current form Albrighton will not be one of them, he was poor again today. So most likely from Gabby, Ireland, Bannan or Heskey - my guess would be the first 2.
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Completely forgot about the game today, far too engrossed in the Cricket.
How did Ireland play?
Poor in all honesty , given was outstanding , and makoun and gardner alog with bannan looked decent but a performance to forget really-no injuries is the main thing i suppose.
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The team that started today will not start again.
If we're looking for the side against Fulham then i think we can make some assumptions. The back 5 pick themselves. The midfield 2 will most likely be Petrov and Makoun who impressed against Backburn. N'Zogba will play wide, Bent up front. The other 2 places are up for grabs but on current form Albrighton will not be one of them, he was poor again today. So most likely from Gabby, Ireland, Bannan or Heskey - my guess would be the first 2.
id say thats pretty accurate although im hoping petrov doesnt start against fulham, id like a new signing in there or go with delph or bannan.
albrighton looked well off the pace again.
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ireland was shite... not sure whether it was the tactics, or just him... although most were shite too...
i understand it was only a friendly, but it was poor... very poor...
given kept it to a respectful scoreline... he was excellent...
and he needed to be with that c*** warnock following on from his shite form from last year, petrov offering all the protection and mobility of the statue of david, and the chuckle brothers trying to fuck up at every opportunity when they werent booting it half the length of the pitch back to chelsea...
thought we looked better when makoun and gardner came on... gardner in particular looked very lively in both defending and going forward... nice to see a young lad actively look for the ball and want to do something with it...
although not sure if thats due to chelsea taking their foot off the pedal and we had some fresh face in difficult conditions, or whether it was him actually having some influence... having seen the lad for many years from the academy, i would think its the a mixture of the two, more leaning towards the latter...
i understand its only a friendly, however, from what i have seen, it was worst than i actually thought it was going to be with ginge in charge... still, we will be within the guidelines for the so called "financial fair play" rules, so woopdidoo for that... wont be making europe any time soon, so it wont matter, but hey, the books are balanced and at least we arent small heath!
every cloud and all that...
So were you impressed or unimpressed?
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while understanding it was a friendly, i was not impressed overall with the team performance, and some of the tactics, ie, a right footed striker out at left wing, sticking everyone behind the ball and hoofing it up to the lone striker, (and im not impressed that if we take the manager at face value when he contradicts what general krulak has said on here that we wont be backing him financially to improve the current squad), but was impressed with given, gardner and makoun...
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I'll go for this vs Fulham
--------------------------------------------GIVEN---------------------------------------------
--------YOUNG-----------COLLINS-----------------DUNNE---------WARNOCK-------
-----------------------------PETROV-------------MAKOUN--------------------------
--------------GABBY-------------------IRELAND--------------------N'ZOGBIA-------
----------------------------------------BENT--------------------------------------
SUBS: BANNAN, GUZAN, CLARK, DELPH, HESKEY, ALBRIGHTON, BEYE
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How did Ireland play?
I filtered Ireland's perfromance through the fact that he'd only played a small part of one game before today. He started as support striker to Gabby who received no service and our midfield was overwhelmed. He took things fairly easy but made a few good runs, and found space on the edge of the box though rarely received the ball (Fonz's crossing was shockingly bad). His one good chance was from a nice lay-off by Gabby that Ireland ran on to and blazed over.
In the second half he played wide left, did nothing before being subbed.
In the first half he waved his hands in tha air in frustration a lot, and was clearly "pacing himself". I think. So not great, but then the number of Villa players today who approached even "ordinary" was limited - Given, who was execllent and a couple of others who were OK considering our lack of matches and the opposition.
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while understanding it was a friendly, i was not impressed overall with the team performance, and some of the tactics, ie, a right footed striker out at left wing, sticking everyone behind the ball and hoofing it up to the lone striker, (and im not impressed that if we take the manager at face value when he contradicts what general krulak has said on here that we wont be backing him financially to improve the current squad), but was impressed with given, gardner and makoun...
I really don't think you can read too much into it. The side was picked with half an eye on giving everyone a run out so you won't see that combination again. We didn't play well until the last 15 minutes but we were against a team that is probably worth 3 times ours - Drogba and Torres as subs!
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Thankfully we don't have to play a Chelsea standard team early on. Didn't see the game, but judging by the comments on here, we'd probably take a bit of a hammering which wouldn't do much good confidence wise.
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Toronto : A mix. Carroll played in both, Henderson and Downing were involved certainly in the first. It wasn't their reserves but like everyone right now the squad was used. It must be alarming to them that with a few players out they become so ordinary. You certainly wouldn't say that about Man U, Chelsea or Man City. Even Arsenal and Spurs seem to have better depth.
In any case, we will have learnt some lessons from this trip and a lot of good things will have come out of it also.
Gerrard is out until September. They look top 8 at best and they think they are heading for top 4. Wait until they see Downing .........
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From the evidence of those two games I would say that Bannan is our best midfielder and the Fonz will struggle.
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About the midfield... I think it's VERY important to get Scotty Parker ASAP.
I just don't understand the logic behind not spending money on a player like Parker we need and only doing so in January if it's an 'emergancy' signing... we probably wouldn't struggle and put ourselves in the position to make an 'emergancy' signing if we had that player to begin with...
Going into the new season with the best team possible makes more sense than going into the new season where we need a couple of upgrages and struggling in those positions only to make those upgrades 6 months down the line when those upgrades could of been made this summer.
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About the midfield... I think it's VERY important to get Scotty Parker ASAP.
I just don't understand the logic behind not spending money on a player like Parker we need and only doing so in January if it's an 'emergancy' signing... we probably wouldn't struggle and put ourselves in the position to make an 'emergancy' signing if we had that player to begin with...
Going into the new season with the best team possible makes more sense than going into the new season where we need a couple of upgrages and struggling in those positions only to make those upgrades 6 months down the line when those upgrades could of been made this summer.
totally agree.
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From the evidence of those two games I would say that Bannan is our best midfielder and the Fonz will struggle.
he will certainly struggle as a right footed striker playing out on the left wing, i would agree..
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while understanding it was a friendly, i was not impressed overall with the team performance, and some of the tactics, ie, a right footed striker out at left wing, sticking everyone behind the ball and hoofing it up to the lone striker, (and im not impressed that if we take the manager at face value when he contradicts what general krulak has said on here that we wont be backing him financially to improve the current squad), but was impressed with given, gardner and makoun...
I really don't think you can read too much into it. The side was picked with half an eye on giving everyone a run out so you won't see that combination again. We didn't play well until the last 15 minutes but we were against a team that is probably worth 3 times ours - Drogba and Torres as subs!
indeed, and i stated as much in my comments, however, commenting on what happened out there, i was not impressed with some elements, but impressed with others...
im hoping gardner gets more chances...
-
I'll go for this vs Fulham
--------------------------------------------GIVEN---------------------------------------------
--------YOUNG-----------COLLINS-----------------DUNNE---------WARNOCK-------
-----------------------------PETROV-------------MAKOUN--------------------------
--------------GABBY-------------------IRELAND--------------------N'ZOGBIA-------
----------------------------------------BENT--------------------------------------
SUBS: BANNAN, GUZAN, CLARK, DELPH, HESKEY, ALBRIGHTON, BEYE
Pretty close to what I think he will go with as well.
If it was me picking it I would have a midfield of Makoun, Delph and Bannan. Delph was very poor today but there is something in him that makes me think he will be a top player. I can't for one moment believe that Petrov won't start so I guess he will come in for Delph out of those three. Wee Barry has been our most incisive passer for me in the three games, so I would hope he would start.
I know it goes against popular opinion on here but Gabby would definitely be one of my front three with CNZ and Bent.
Very impressed with Gary Gardner today and hope he is worth a place on the bench at Fulham.
Don't read too much into the result, I think we will be reasonably okay this season.
UTV !!
-
I'll go for this vs Fulham
--------------------------------------------GIVEN---------------------------------------------
--------YOUNG-----------COLLINS-----------------DUNNE---------WARNOCK-------
-----------------------------PETROV-------------MAKOUN--------------------------
--------------GABBY-------------------IRELAND--------------------N'ZOGBIA-------
----------------------------------------BENT--------------------------------------
SUBS: BANNAN, GUZAN, CLARK, DELPH, HESKEY, ALBRIGHTON, BEYE
I think that's probably right, but to be honest, it stands a chance as we don't have too much room to change the starting 11. particularly at the back.
That - starters and bench - looks pretty weak to me, and indicates how we really do still need to get a few more in.
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From the evidence of those two games I would say that Bannan is our best midfielder and the Fonz will struggle.
Bannan kept the ball very well. Fonz didn't grab the chance this time, but it's nice to see him command respect. By the way, the climate was Chelsea's too.
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ireland was shite... not sure whether it was the tactics, or just him... although most were shite too...
i understand it was only a friendly, but it was poor... very poor...
given kept it to a respectful scoreline... he was excellent...
and he needed to be with that c*** warnock following on from his shite form from last year, petrov offering all the protection and mobility of the statue of david, and the chuckle brothers trying to fuck up at every opportunity when they werent booting it half the length of the pitch back to chelsea...
thought we looked better when makoun and gardner came on... gardner in particular looked very lively in both defending and going forward... nice to see a young lad actively look for the ball and want to do something with it...
although not sure if thats due to chelsea taking their foot off the pedal and we had some fresh face in difficult conditions, or whether it was him actually having some influence... having seen the lad for many years from the academy, i would think its the a mixture of the two, more leaning towards the latter...
i understand its only a friendly, however, from what i have seen, it was worst than i actually thought it was going to be with ginge in charge... still, we will be within the guidelines for the so called "financial fair play" rules, so woopdidoo for that... wont be making europe any time soon, so it wont matter, but hey, the books are balanced and at least we arent small heath!
every cloud and all that...
I agree with that post in every way except the dig at McLeish. We are going to really struggle defencively again this season unless we buy.
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One thing that troubles me is the performances of Gabby. He doesn't appear to have a place in this team. And he seems to know it.
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I'll go for this vs Fulham
--------------------------------------------GIVEN---------------------------------------------
--------YOUNG-----------COLLINS-----------------DUNNE---------WARNOCK-------
-----------------------------PETROV-------------MAKOUN--------------------------
--------------GABBY-------------------IRELAND--------------------N'ZOGBIA-------
----------------------------------------BENT--------------------------------------
SUBS: BANNAN, GUZAN, CLARK, DELPH, HESKEY, ALBRIGHTON, BEYE
Completely pointless exercise playing either Gabby, Fonz or Heskey on the wing. As seen in the preseason friendlies so far, they have pace but neither can cross the ball so a decent move ends with a back pass or holding up play allowing their defence to get back into position.
Bannan or Albrighton should start on the right as they can at least cross the ball for Bent to get on the end of. Gabby, Fonz and Heskey are looking only really useful in a different formation (442?) or back up if Bent gets injured...problem is neither of them are particularly sharp or confident in front of goal. We will struggle for goals without Bent so we'll be relying on the likes of Ireland and N'Zogbia to pitch in a few.
Again repeating what I and everyone else has said...we urgently need a new CM captain to lead the midfield otherwise Given will be player of the season before we even get going.
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There's no point really trying to read too much into today's game. It was our third friendly, played in stifling heat, against a very good team indeed. Just as there was no point getting over the top about the Blackburn game, either.
The only things to really take so far are a few general pointers.
The positive ones that spring to mind for me are that we can pass the ball around very nicely when we try, we have some technically accomplished players, that we've signed an excellent goalkeeper and that McLeish is at least going to try to use all the resources he has available to him.
The negative ones are that we got a reminder today that we can still be pretty poor in defence (which scares me a little if we're going to rely on these players) and that the squad looks a little light.
On a side note, I look at Delfouneso and think that in the few chances he's had to show he can do it, he hasn't really shown a great deal.
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I think Gabby would be ok on the right. It's where he played when he broke in the team originally, and playing that formation you need 2 wide players to cut in, which would suit him and Zog.
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The first half was frustrating to watch at times, too many long balls from the back and the defending was'nt good. We struggled basically and could'nt seem to do anything right.
The last half hour or so was much better once we had the better footballers on the pitch. Makoun i like anyway, but i could watch Bannan all day at the moment, he did more in the time he was on the pitch than Ireland did. He is looking like a really good footballer. He seems to know where people are before he's even laid the ball off to them.
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Part of the defensively problem can be addressed by improving the midfield. Its no easy task being under constant pressure when the opposition slice through our midfield so easy and the only option for the defenders is to hump the ball towards our forwards giving away possession, inviting more pressure, until we eventually concede...its a vicious circle and needs to be addressed from the midfield first and foremost.
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People need to remember Delfouneso is only 20. Would be a bit silly to start losing hope on him.
He's a very talented player, he just has never been given a consistent run of games. He's got the ability, we can see that, he just needs to be able to make more of an impact on the team to get more recognition.
He played superbly against Fulham away and Blackpool at home last season.
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On a side note, I look at Delfouneso and think that in the few chances he's had to show he can do it, he hasn't really shown a great deal.
In fairness to him today, he did well down the flank, but he's a finisher. It should have been Gabby out wide if anything.
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It's worth mentioning that was Chelsea's sixth pre-season game while it was our third. It showed me that we're not fit enough at the moment. However, with games against Derby and Braga I'm wondering whether our pre-season format is sufficient to see us start the season at the right level of fitness.
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The worry for me is that Fulham have played a few Europa qualifiers already & will be fitter than us.
Although the heat will be different to what they've played in HK, so could make a difference.
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Sorry for the rant but this afternoon in Hong Kong was the future of football and I dont like it!
All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I know this was only a friendly but with alien conditions (to us) in future world cups becoming the norm I am sure that this is just the beginning.
I like Randy Lerner (after all Doug could have sold the club to a Hong Kong hairdresser!) but with the club shirt extolling the virtues of betting and Greek and Turkish football tainted with gambling scandals, how far we have moved from having Acorns proudly on our shirts.
I am a grumpy old man who has supported the Villa for close on 50 years, but this season I am not renewing my season ticket. Money is the root of all evil and football has sold its soul to the devil.
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It's worth mentioning that was Chelsea's sixth pre-season game while it was our third. It showed me that we're not fit enough at the moment. However, with games against Derby and Braga I'm wondering whether our pre-season format is sufficient to see us start the season at the right level of fitness.
Hong Kong was mainly about fitness. The heat would soon show those that aren't up to speed. Braga will be a tough game. They're no pushovers. Personally, I think it's an idea game to get us up to speed in preparation for Fulham.
As for today's game, I really need to see it again, that's if I can be arsed. Chelsea were a class apart, so physically strong, they really impressed me. Midfield is our problem. The only player to impress me there has been Bannan. We really need a leader.
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We really need a leader.
And some lungs, though as previously stated this being our third game it's hard to see exactly. Though my question to the club would be why so few games prior to this and Fulham?
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Sorry for the rant but this afternoon in Hong Kong was the future of football and I dont like it!
All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I know this was only a friendly but with alien conditions (to us) in future world cups becoming the norm I am sure that this is just the beginning.
I like Randy Lerner (after all Doug could have sold the club to a Hong Kong hairdresser!) but with the club shirt extolling the virtues of betting and Greek and Turkish football tainted with gambling scandals, how far we have moved from having Acorns proudly on our shirts.
I am a grumpy old man who has supported the Villa for close on 50 years, but this season I am not renewing my season ticket. Money is the root of all evil and football has sold its soul to the devil.
With you on this, buddy. Welcome to the future.
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We really need a leader.
And some lungs, though as previously stated this being our third game it's hard to see exactly. Though my question to the club would be why so few games prior to this and Fulham?
How many do we usually have?
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Not too sure, i'm sure someone more arsed will let us know but there doesn't appear too many if everyone is to get a game or two under their belts. Not too worried by today, people slagging off Warnock et al in a friendly in crap conditions will do no one any good. The negativity of villa supporters and football fans generally these days is ruining it for everyone.
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We really need a leader.
And some lungs, though as previously stated this being our third game it's hard to see exactly. Though my question to the club would be why so few games prior to this and Fulham?
How many do we usually have?
Dunno, but going into the heat and humidity of these two games with one previous game, and having to face Chelsea (who'd played three more) seems likely to risk damage to health and confidence.
Edit: quote fail
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Sorry for the rant but this afternoon in Hong Kong was the future of football and I dont like it!
All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I know this was only a friendly but with alien conditions (to us) in future world cups becoming the norm I am sure that this is just the beginning.
I like Randy Lerner (after all Doug could have sold the club to a Hong Kong hairdresser!) but with the club shirt extolling the virtues of betting and Greek and Turkish football tainted with gambling scandals, how far we have moved from having Acorns proudly on our shirts.
I am a grumpy old man who has supported the Villa for close on 50 years, but this season I am not renewing my season ticket. Money is the root of all evil and football has sold its soul to the devil.
Scudamore has said that this event over the years has shown just how much "the brand" is appreciated around the world and would like to see 2 such tournaments played in two different continents each July!
The thin end of the 39th game?
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Petrov has to be replaced with him in the side we just invite pressure, way out of his depth and we looked alot better when we had Gardner and Makoun in there! But doubt McLeish will move him out!
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Not too sure, i'm sure someone more arsed will let us know but there doesn't appear too many if everyone is to get a game or two under their belts. Not too worried by today, people slagging off Warnock et al in a friendly in crap conditions will do no one any good. The negativity of villa supporters and football fans generally these days is ruining it for everyone.
Thing is though, that imo most of the things about football these days is negative.
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Petrov has to be replaced with him in the side we just invite pressure, way out of his depth and we looked alot better when we had Gardner and Makoun in there! But doubt McLeish will move him out!
I like Petrov but for all his effort & experience he's not the answer to our problems, he needed replacing 2 years ago. He was OK when we had Barry & Milner in there with him. We have no physical presence in the middle, every midfielder we have is lightweight & you can't afford that in the Premiership.
I have serious concerns about others that we are going to relying on in the next 12 months especially Ireland & Albrighton. Unless we have 2-3 new players coming in we are in for a long hard season.
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Great post hale- football has sold it's soul and it's sadly now far too dominated by money.
As for petrov - he's past his best and useful as a squad player but I don't see him as a starter.
I loved the 1970s football and the game now is so much different and for the worse in my opinion.
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All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I shouldn't think Scudamore particularly wanted us or Blackburn to take part: I guess that one or two higher-profile clubs turned the invitation down. The important thing for Barclays and the PL was to have one big name and a local HK side. The other 2 teams were just there to make up the numbers and turn the marketing exercise into a "tournament". Villa probably did well financially but from the playing point of view the trip was a good deal less useful than matches against decent teams in the UK or Europe.
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What's this crap scudamores talking about regarding big pre season tournaments in July involving the premier league clubs in future- seems he wants to expand things and get far more clubs involved out there- money money money- greed is taking over.
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Lets just admit it Chelsea are superior to us at winning Asian Cups.
BUt we're better at European ones!!!!!
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It's worth mentioning that was Chelsea's sixth pre-season game while it was our third. It showed me that we're not fit enough at the moment. However, with games against Derby and Braga I'm wondering whether our pre-season format is sufficient to see us start the season at the right level of fitness.
Hong Kong was mainly about fitness. The heat would soon show those that aren't up to speed. Braga will be a tough game. They're no pushovers. Personally, I think it's an idea game to get us up to speed in preparation for Fulham.
As for today's game, I really need to see it again, that's if I can be arsed. Chelsea were a class apart, so physically strong, they really impressed me. Midfield is our problem. The only player to impress me there has been Bannan. We really need a leader.
we played with lead boots on Mark. Now, it doesn't help if Chelsea take the lead with their first attack, but even if they hadn't done that I imagine the final score would have been close to the same. The players were tired, and actually if you watch the press conference with Collins the day before he looked knackered there. Having played the previous game against PL opposition, in what was a physical encounter in the late afternoon heat, plus training did them in.
They'll know they have a lot to do between now and Fulham. It will have given the club a good idea where they are, and having Faulkner out there with the team, he'll have hopefully seen the same thing as the manager. Too early to judge what we are capable of, but even AM hinted at it at the post match interview, we probably need a little more quality. Good to see some of the young lads get a touch, though Fonz and Albrighton need to pick it up a little.
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Sorry for the rant but this afternoon in Hong Kong was the future of football and I dont like it!
All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I know this was only a friendly but with alien conditions (to us) in future world cups becoming the norm I am sure that this is just the beginning.
I like Randy Lerner (after all Doug could have sold the club to a Hong Kong hairdresser!) but with the club shirt extolling the virtues of betting and Greek and Turkish football tainted with gambling scandals, how far we have moved from having Acorns proudly on our shirts.
I am a grumpy old man who has supported the Villa for close on 50 years, but this season I am not renewing my season ticket. Money is the root of all evil and football has sold its soul to the devil.
With you on this, buddy. Welcome to the future.
And me. Ten years ago, there would have been a handful of chelsea 'supporters' in the ground and they would all have been ex pats or similar. To see a Hong Kong resident in a Chelsea top waving a spanish flag and going ecstatic when Torres came on made me despair at what the game is becoming...
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Fonz and Albrighton need to pick it up a little.
A little? If they are going to be an integral part of the squad then thats understatement of the season so far!
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Fonz and Albrighton need to pick it up a little.
A little? If they are going to be an integral part of the squad then thats understatement of the season so far!
Stop being so dramatic. They are young players still learning their craft. They are going to have bumps along the way, but with the right attitude, support and coaching they'll come through this as better players.
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Not being dramatic TV...just stating a fact. I'm all up for bringing them through and giving the kids a chance but they need to learn fast and up their game A LOT given the current circumstances. Albrighton provided some great highlights last season but there are serious question marks over his ability at the moment, and the same can be said of the Fonz.
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Makoun and Bannon showed exactly the the way we should play, both had the skill to retain the ball and lay it off to teamates in space. Ive always said Barry is too small but his skill level is excellant. Pity is midfielders have to tackle and defend and both are not that good at it. We have needed a top midfielder for three seasons now it should be top priority, if we don't get one we will struggle this season.
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Sorry for the rant but this afternoon in Hong Kong was the future of football and I dont like it!
All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I know this was only a friendly but with alien conditions (to us) in future world cups becoming the norm I am sure that this is just the beginning.
I like Randy Lerner (after all Doug could have sold the club to a Hong Kong hairdresser!) but with the club shirt extolling the virtues of betting and Greek and Turkish football tainted with gambling scandals, how far we have moved from having Acorns proudly on our shirts.
I am a grumpy old man who has supported the Villa for close on 50 years, but this season I am not renewing my season ticket. Money is the root of all evil and football has sold its soul to the devil.
With you on this, buddy. Welcome to the future.
And me. Ten years ago, there would have been a handful of chelsea 'supporters' in the ground and they would all have been ex pats or similar. To see a Hong Kong resident in a Chelsea top waving a spanish flag and going ecstatic when Torres came on made me despair at what the game is becoming...
Seeing the smug snake Schudamore in the crowd was worse.
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The thing is though that we'll probably still beat Chelsea at Villa Park.
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I wouldn't read too much into today's game. Yes, Villa were poor on the whole, but I have never seen what I would consider a good game of football in the summer months in Hong Kong... the heat is one thing but the humidity is always off the scale and it's impossible for players to play their normal game. Our guys looked knackered before kick off, let alone in the game - perhaps because they played Blackburn rather than Kitchee?
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I read today that Chelsea's average player wage is 73K a week. No wonder we struggle to compete.
Did anyone else get pissed off with the commentator constantly going on about them beating us 7-1. He could mention the fact that they've only won at Villa Park once in over a decade, but strangely he doesn't.
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Maybe AM sent the boys out knackered to exagerate our deficiencies to milk a little bit of extra cash out of Randy.
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Definitely a mistake to read anything much into this friendly, and I didn't see the game anyway. But I am worried about the lack of options. What do we do if:
- warnock plays anything like he's done for the last year? Clark I presume.
- ditto for Ireland? I guess either bannan in midfield or gabby / heskey up top with bent. That's more of an unproven answer. Indeed gabby's form's been poor for just as long and despite his technique nobody really knows if bannan's going to make it. He doesn't get picked in the championship.
- ditto for albrighton who I fear has really hit the wall. Gabby could play wide in a 3 man attack but not if we play 442. I guess then the options are Ireland, bannan - See above -or perhaps Gardner?
- we really lack energy and getting around the pitch in central midfield. That's why I'd have definitely kept NRC. Petrov was excellent at the back end of last season but otherwise looked gone last season. Makoun isn't the dcm I thought he would be, he's more creative and less destructive. A lot of pressure on delph then. A Scott Parker would make a huge difference to that side but it looks like we'd need to ship out cuellar, plus at least one more to get him. I'm not sure we have anyone else who'd fetch cash that isn't going to be first choice
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- we really lack energy and getting around the pitch in central midfield.
Have you ever tried running around at full pace when it's over 35 degrees with 100% humidity? Of course we lacked energy
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As I said, I didn't see the game. The statement was an assessment of our current squad. We missed milner's energy hugely last season and I thought it made a big difference when nrc came back. We've now sold him. I've seen petrov play dozens of times and makoun far less, but he hasn't really got aroun the pitch when I have. Hence the statement.
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Just watched it.
Cant say I was impressed, only Bent looked sharp, if anything happens to him fitness wise or he gets itchy feet at Xmas it could be a long old end to the season.
Agreed with what the manager said, we looked off the pace and unfit. Who do we play after Derby, is there another frielndly?
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What's this crap scudamores talking about regarding big pre season tournaments in July involving the premier league clubs in future- seems he wants to expand things and get far more clubs involved out there- money money money- greed is taking over.
scudamore is a ******...
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Sorry for the rant but this afternoon in Hong Kong was the future of football and I dont like it!
All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I know this was only a friendly but with alien conditions (to us) in future world cups becoming the norm I am sure that this is just the beginning.
I like Randy Lerner (after all Doug could have sold the club to a Hong Kong hairdresser!) but with the club shirt extolling the virtues of betting and Greek and Turkish football tainted with gambling scandals, how far we have moved from having Acorns proudly on our shirts.
I am a grumpy old man who has supported the Villa for close on 50 years, but this season I am not renewing my season ticket. Money is the root of all evil and football has sold its soul to the devil.
With you on this, buddy. Welcome to the future.
And me. Ten years ago, there would have been a handful of chelsea 'supporters' in the ground and they would all have been ex pats or similar. To see a Hong Kong resident in a Chelsea top waving a spanish flag and going ecstatic when Torres came on made me despair at what the game is becoming...
It's called globalisation. For those in Hong Kong they had a chance to see stars that they had seen on television. Waving a flag around (Spanish or Chelsea) was part of the fun. I'm more concerned when there are glory hunters from other cities in the UK supporting a team like Man U or Chelsea. But in Hong Kong I can understand it. Thousands turned up to see Brazil play Scotland at Arsenal this Spring. Loads of them were probably English who wanted to see some Samba football. So what
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All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I shouldn't think Scudamore particularly wanted us or Blackburn to take part: I guess that one or two higher-profile clubs turned the invitation down. The important thing for Barclays and the PL was to have one big name and a local HK side. The other 2 teams were just there to make up the numbers and turn the marketing exercise into a "tournament". Villa probably did well financially but from the playing point of view the trip was a good deal less useful than matches against decent teams in the UK or Europe.
Personally, and forgetting about whatever spin Villa put on it, I do not think this trip did us any good whatsoever. We were out there for 1 week and played firstly against another premiership team which meant a lot of effort was expounded, even though it was half paced, and then we played one of the top English teams who had been out there for 2(?) weeks longer than us so were far more acclimatised and who had played the local team first which was a far less strenuous effort than ours was.
Add in the time lag, and I have read today that several players particularly Dunne have had trouble sleeping, which together with training in the temperatures and humidity, must sap the body and it is no wonder that yesterday we weren't at the races.
Surely I trip somewhere much closer to home, with weather that was more european, would have been far more beneficial to us. Presumably they fly home today, will be knackered tomorrow, still recovering on Tuesday so how can they put in a decent training session before playing Derby on Wednesday?
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they are finely tuned athletes dont'yknow.....
ask Martin Tyler....bless him
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Agreed with what the manager said, we looked off the pace and unfit. Who do we play after Derby, is there another frielndly?
We play Braga on Saturday.
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All those home fans in Chelsea shirts, a marketing mans wet dream, but I bet none of them would have a clue who Tambling, Osgood, or Bonetti were. The joy of the English leagues includes having a sense and respect of history. The Scudamore lot will have the big name clubs traipsing round the world hoovering up wodges of dough to pay ever more obscene amounts to a bunch of mercenaries mascarading as sportsmen. The Villa should never have agreed to be part of it.
I shouldn't think Scudamore particularly wanted us or Blackburn to take part: I guess that one or two higher-profile clubs turned the invitation down. The important thing for Barclays and the PL was to have one big name and a local HK side. The other 2 teams were just there to make up the numbers and turn the marketing exercise into a "tournament". Villa probably did well financially but from the playing point of view the trip was a good deal less useful than matches against decent teams in the UK or Europe.
Personally, and forgetting about whatever spin Villa put on it, I do not think this trip did us any good whatsoever. We were out there for 1 week and played firstly against another premiership team which meant a lot of effort was expounded, even though it was half paced, and then we played one of the top English teams who had been out there for 2(?) weeks longer than us so were far more acclimatised and who had played the local team first which was a far less strenuous effort than ours was.
Add in the time lag, and I have read today that several players particularly Dunne have had trouble sleeping, which together with training in the temperatures and humidity, must sap the body and it is no wonder that yesterday we weren't at the races.
Surely I trip somewhere much closer to home, with weather that was more european, would have been far more beneficial to us. Presumably they fly home today, will be knackered tomorrow, still recovering on Tuesday so how can they put in a decent training session before playing Derby on Wednesday?
I suspect money had a part to play.
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aren't there always a couple of behind closed doors friendlies at BH?
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Fonz and Albrighton need to pick it up a little.
A little? If they are going to be an integral part of the squad then thats understatement of the season so far!
Stop being so dramatic. They are young players still learning their craft. They are going to have bumps along the way, but with the right attitude, support and coaching they'll come through this as better players.
I think both will be average Prem players at best. I appreciate they're young but feel that too many people are blinded by the fact that they came through our youth system, having done very well, and showed promise.
I can see the Fonz being sold and Albrighton playing a bit part for a few years.
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Pre-seasons mean nowt, however the performance of some of the duffers in defence doesn't bode well - seems its business as usual. I really hope this theory that AM is good at the defensive side of things turns out to be true.
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Only seen the highlights, and as much as the conditions had an effect, it was the same for Chelsk........Sturridge seemed to cope ok.
Tbh, get Petrov out of the way, and bring N'Zog in, i don't think we will be too bad.I would expect Bannan to start ahead of Gabby/Albrighton on the right.
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The one thing this game proved again to me, is that the last thing we need is a midfield ball winner but a midfield ball keeper
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I read today that Chelsea's average player wage is 73K a week. No wonder we struggle to compete.
Did anyone else get pissed off with the commentator constantly going on about them beating us 7-1. He could mention the fact that they've only won at Villa Park once in over a decade, but strangely he doesn't.
Yes Martin Tyler appears to be up Chelsea, he even told Dion Dublin he Knew their birthdays,when Dion mentioned about thier ageing team
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The one thing this game proved again to me, is that the last thing we need is a midfield ball winner but a midfield ball keeper
Makoun and Bannan kept the ball better between them in the time they were on than the others did.
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I think you are looking at it too simplistically John. Whatever defensive midfielder we sign should be someone who is a good passer and not just someone who wins the ball and has little idea of what to do with it. Look at Scott Parker for an example of someone who is capable of both.
Two seasons ago Petrov was almost that man but now he struggles fitness wise.
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The one thing this game proved again to me, is that the last thing we need is a midfield ball winner but a midfield ball keeper
And it proved to me the opposite! ;-)
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I think you are looking at it too simplistically John. Whatever defensive midfielder we sign should be someone who is a good passer and not just someone who wins the ball and has little idea of what to do with it. Look at Scott Parker for an example of someone who is capable of both.
Two seasons ago Petrov was almost that man but now he struggles fitness wise.
Precisely - put much better than I have managed!
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Makoun and Bannon showed exactly the the way we should play, both had the skill to retain the ball and lay it off to teamates in space. Ive always said Barry is too small but his skill level is excellant. Pity is midfielders have to tackle and defend and both are not that good at it. We have needed a top midfielder for three seasons now it should be top priority, if we don't get one we will struggle this season.
Agree and I think it's going to be massive for us this season. We just seem to get over-run in midfield so often and Chelsea just dominated that area (although it was just a friendly). Puts huge pressure on the defence for long periods and starves the strikers of the ball. A Parker type signing really could make a hell of a difference. Him, Makoun plus one would be a start.
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The Parker option struck me as potentially being a bit of a Jimmy Bullard signing (wasn't he in the team of the season before he moved to Hull) but it's increasingly making sense.
It's not fair on the likes of Bannan/Delph to be expected to carry the midfield. Whereas add Parker and they could hopefully play a more natural game. We'd never get the Parker money back but the reward in league placings and the increase in potential value of our youngsters could mean it still makes economic sense.
The Parker situation generally is a bit weird, poker like. It's clear he will leave but no club wants to show their hand too early. You can just see Harry planning his swoop at 11:30pm on deadline day for a bargain £3m. West Ham must know they're going to get screwed over this or they need to start offering Parker to clubs like villa earlier (nowish) to get a decent opening offer.
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The Parker option struck me as potentially being a bit of a Jimmy Bullard signing (wasn't he in the team of the season before he moved to Hull) but it's increasingly making sense.
It's not fair on the likes of Bannan/Delph to be expected to carry the midfield. Whereas add Parker and they could hopefully play a more natural game. We'd never get the Parker money back but the reward in league placings and the increase in potential value of our youngsters could mean it still makes economic sense.
The Parker situation generally is a bit weird, poker like. It's clear he will leave but no club wants to show their hand too early. You can just see Harry planning his swoop at 11:30pm on deadline day for a bargain £3m. West Ham must know they're going to get screwed over this or they need to start offering Parker to clubs like villa earlier (nowish) to get a decent opening offer.
I dont think the fee is the main issue. I think Parker will be looking for £70,000+pw and I dont think the club can afford to pay those wages to a 35 year old
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No doubt that's true but if the transfer fee is reduced then the wages are less of an issue. I don't know, a signing on fee of a few million (extra) and reduce parker's weekly wage.
One thing for sure is that west ham cannot afford the wages but they're obligated to pay them. Hence I think the transfer fee will reduce the closer we get to the window closing.
How about villa pay his wages and take him on loan for a season. They can have Gardner for a season on loan in lieu of a fee.
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Bell gone now.
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Bell gone now.
That's lunch break over than!
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oops!
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Great innings though by the Bears man. I wish he was free to play a few games for Warwickshire...may not perform as crap as they do these days.
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Great innings though by the Bears man. I wish he was free to play a few games for Warwickshire...may not perform as crap as they do these days.
That would be the 'crap' Warwickshire who are only 13 points behind the leaders with a game in hand in the Proper Cricket table.
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I fucking hate cricket.
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Probably better that Villa came up against a strong Chelsea side than an easier side that would give us a false sense of security.
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Great innings though by the Bears man. I wish he was free to play a few games for Warwickshire...may not perform as crap as they do these days.
That would be the 'crap' Warwickshire who are only 13 points behind the leaders with a game in hand in the Proper Cricket table.
OK guilty of paying too much attention to the short game.
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I fucking hate cricket.
My sympathies.
Best.sport.ever.
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I fucking hate cricket.
I'm with you, what other sport can drag on for weeks on end to get a result from two teams playing a game and finish in a draw if it rains at the wrong time?
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I fucking hate cricket.
I'm with you, what other sport can drag on for weeks on end to get a result from two teams playing a game and finish in a draw if it rains at the wrong time?
Check this England team out.
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I love test cricket, it's the best. I've even given up my favourite away fixture to be at Edgbaston in two weeks.
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I love test cricket, it's the best. I've even given up my favourite away fixture to be at Edgbaston in two weeks.
Agreed it's brilliant.
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I love test cricket, it's the best. I've even given up my favourite away fixture to be at Edgbaston in two weeks.
Join the club. I am there on the Saturday.
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I think cricket is like rugby: at the highest level it is a fantastic game of high drama and skill and can be really pulsating. At a lower level with poor crowds and weak technique it is quite dull.
When walking through a park I will always stop and watch a game of football, regardless of the level, and can spend 15-20 minutes ambling by and being drawn into the action. It rarely takes me more than 1-2 minutes to pass a cricket or rugby game.
The cricket is partly my old man's fault: even though I was in the school team he used to describe it with Dublin disdain as "organised loafing".
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I fucking hate cricket.
I'm with you, what other sport can drag on for weeks on end to get a result from two teams playing a game and finish in a draw if it rains at the wrong time?
Depends on if it's a winning draw or losing draw!!
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I love test cricket, it's the best. I've even given up my favourite away fixture to be at Edgbaston in two weeks.
Agreed it's brilliant.
agreed , i love test match cricket much more than the one dayers.
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I am a grumpy old man who has supported the Villa for close on 50 years, but this season I am not renewing my season ticket. Money is the root of all evil and football has sold its soul to the devil.
It's the love of money that is the root of all evil, but I'm just being pedantic. I completely agree with you. Pictures of Scudamore smugly sitting there whilst the hordes of Chinese in blue shirts clicking away on their cameras keep the filthy lucre flowing, it's disgusting what greed and money have done to the sport.
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I love test cricket, it's the best. I've even given up my favourite away fixture to be at Edgbaston in two weeks.
You do realise it will be raining, don't you Bren?
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I'll be there too and I'm pretty lucky with the weather, usually.
I'm in the new posh seats too.
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I love test cricket, it's the best. I've even given up my favourite away fixture to be at Edgbaston in two weeks.
You do realise it will be raining, don't you Bren?
Possibly worse, it starts on the Wednesday so with Saturday being day 4 I will probably only get to see cricket up until lunch. I have yet to see a full day's cricket at Edgbaston.
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I love test cricket, it's the best. I've even given up my favourite away fixture to be at Edgbaston in two weeks.
You do realise it will be raining, don't you Bren?
Possibly worse, it starts on the Wednesday so with Saturday being day 4 I will probably only get to see cricket up until lunch. I have yet to see a full day's cricket at Edgbaston.
There's always the Guinness tent. You drink one for me at Edgbaton and I'll have one for you at Fulham.
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I'm with the corporates so pints of Guiness might look a bit odd at 10.30 am.
I'll just have to wait till 11am.