Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Michel Sibble on April 19, 2014, 04:55:18 PM
-
Stopping the rot.
-
Pretty poor display, but I suppose it's a point. I have to say Gabby and Weimann were absolutely atrocious. Albrighton, Bertand, Delph and Vlaar did well. That Swansea result has given us a problem, we really need Liverpool to win.
-
Was the air punched in delight with a fist?
-
How were the crowd at the end?
-
The best thing about today is it's another game ticked off and closer to the end of the season. We've not pulled away from any of the other teams in terms of points, and lost ground on swansea, but the teams below us are running out of games to make up the ground.
Feel like we need to sack everybody from the manager & players right down to the tea lady (sorry) then hold an exorcism and start again.
-
Thankful for the measly point, but what a heap of garbage we are. All the other relegation strugglers have shown guts these last few games, but we look utterly toothless. I'll be happy to see the back of Lambert in the summer, and hopefully the end of the Thickie Villa era.
-
How were the crowd at the end?
Probably as bored as usual. Fair play to anyone who is still buying a season ticket after the last 4 years at home.
-
So, basically, if we assume Norwich and Sunderland can't escape their certain fate, either Fulham or Cardiff need to win two out of three to catch us, assuming we don't pick up another point. It's close, but after that non-event, it'll have to do.
-
I hope whoever owns/manages us, we try and play football like Soton.Lovely to watch, everything we are not.
We was lucky today, but i think we should be safe with another point.
-
We are a terribly dull and poor side.
-
We worked harder than the previous couple of games I felt. We were lucky but every point counts I guess. I think any romantic ideas that we'd suddenly play better football were flushed down the swanny within 10 minutes of kick off. That said, Southampton played nice stuff but come away with just a point from us this season, despite dominating us over two games.
I think we need to freshen things up. First order of business is to drop Weimann and Gabby because they've got nothing left at the moment. They're knackered and above all have completely lost form.
Results were favourable today, so I think a couple more points will seal the deal.
-
The best thing about today is it's another game ticked off and closer to the end of the season. We've not pulled away from any of the other teams in terms of points, and lost ground on swansea, but the teams below us are running out of games to make up the ground.
Feel like we need to sack everybody from the manager & players right down to the tea lady (sorry) then hold an exorcism and start again.
We've pulled a point further away from the bottom three.
-
Very good performance from Albrighton, Luke Shaw may have had the odd decent moment going forward but young Marc toasted him quite a few times in his own half. Was lucky to finish the game.
Southampton look a well coached team with not enough quality to make use of what that gives them. We look absolutely toothless without Benteke up front.
-
very happy about the game, good point and most results went our way.
Robinson could be important in the coming games (I will not complete the cliche)
-
How were the crowd at the end?
Probably as bored as usual. Fair play to anyone who is still buying a season ticket after the last 4 years at home.
But no violent bursts of booing? I suppose the game was too drab and apathy-inducing for that.
-
Pretty poor display, but I suppose it's a point. I have to say Gabby and Weimann were absolutely atrocious. Albrighton, Bertand, Delph and Vlaar did well. That Swansea result has given us a problem, we really need Liverpool to win.
I agree on Gabby and Weimann, both should've gone off at half time, they were really poor, I'd go so far as to say thats about the worst striker performance I've ever seen from us, they were utterly anonymous.
I don't think the Swansea result makes any difference really. To go down 1 of 3 things need to happen alongside us losing the next 4:
Cardiff get 2 wins from 3
Fulham get 2 wins from 3
Sunderland get 3 wins and a draw from 5.
Even if any of those pretty unlikely things happen we'd still need Norwich to get 4 points from about the worst final 4 fixtures imaginable. It would be an amazing run of coincidences for us to go down from here.
-
The best thing about today is it's another game ticked off and closer to the end of the season. We've not pulled away from any of the other teams in terms of points, and lost ground on swansea, but the teams below us are running out of games to make up the ground.
Feel like we need to sack everybody from the manager & players right down to the tea lady (sorry) then hold an exorcism and start again.
We've pulled a point further away from the bottom three.
Cardiff drew. For some reason I thought that fulham had too, despite the fact i watched the last 10 mins of that game. I think the game has put me into a sort of semi-coma.
-
Definitely happy with a point today and other results pretty good. Even if we get no more points:
Norwich now have to win one a draw one of their awful final run
Cardiff and Fulham both need two wins. So Fulham will have to beat stoke away or palace at home. Doable, but pretty tough. Less likely, Cardiff will have to win both games away in the northeast as they've got Chelsea last
We're not safe yet but we're close
-
Not the worst point ever. For a championship quality player Albrighton seems to cause premier league defences a lot of problems. Gabby was awful as usual. What the fuck he was doing in the first half when he broke clear McGrath knows. Vlaar was very good as well again.
-
The best thing about today is it's another game ticked off and closer to the end of the season. We've not pulled away from any of the other teams in terms of points, and lost ground on swansea, but the teams below us are running out of games to make up the ground.
Feel like we need to sack everybody from the manager & players right down to the tea lady (sorry) then hold an exorcism and start again.
We've pulled a point further away from the bottom three.
We havent pulled away from Cardiff. Still uncomfortably close. Cant wait for the season to end
-
Looks like we're going to get there in singles. Not inspiring, but it's something. We'll need to be safe before the final two games though.
-
Is this what "starting from scratch" looks like?
Albrighton for all his crosses never really put in a great ball, not there was much to aim at as we failed to get numbers in the box.
Delph plays far too deep, nobody supporting the strikers, not that there was any decent service to them.
Shame Robinson came on so late, he certainly added a bit of muched needed energy to the side.
Overall, 'meh'. What a wasted season.
-
I'd have snatched their hand off for a draw at half time. Five points clear with four games to go, we're fairly comfortable.
At least next season we will have Carruthers and Grealish back who look like they can create chances.
-
I will take the point, but Jesus I hope we can close the gulf between their midfield and ours next season (assuming we are up).
I thought our defence played pretty good btw.
-
Just heard Lambert on BBC 5Live. Sounded very prickly, and said nothing sensible as usual.
-
The best thing about today is it's another game ticked off and closer to the end of the season. We've not pulled away from any of the other teams in terms of points, and lost ground on swansea, but the teams below us are running out of games to make up the ground.
Feel like we need to sack everybody from the manager & players right down to the tea lady (sorry) then hold an exorcism and start again.
We've pulled a point further away from the bottom three.
We havent pulled away from Cardiff. Still uncomfortably close. Cant wait for the season to end
Sorry, what I mean is I think we were four points off the bottom three before today and now we are five points off the bottom three - maths isn't my strong point, mind.
-
I will take the point, but Jesus I hope we can close the gulf between their midfield and ours next season (assuming we are up).
I thought our defence played pretty good btw.
agree on al points. Vlaar mom easily. we are mediocre. i wish I had spent the money otherwise.
-
Alrighton played well without having the real quality. His crosses are good without being great.
-
My first game of the season. All I can say is to all those who've watched this all season I take my hat off to you.
Gabby what's the point? Vlaar Guzan Bertrand Albrighton Benteke the only ones I'd keep.
-
My first game of the season. All I can say is to all those who've watched this all season I take my hat off to you.
Gabby what's the point? Vlaar Guzan Bertrand Albrighton Benteke the only ones I'd keep.
You wouldn't keep Delph?
-
Well what an anti-climax.
Looked to me like we can be grateful for the refs kindness and Southamptons malaise because we didn't look like scoring at all.
Vlaar + Albrighton did ok and Guzans save in the first half was first class. Up front we were woeful and Robinson doesn't look anywhere near this level yet.
I would argue though that Swanseas win helps us, as if they had lost they'd have been in big trouble. Hopefully now they'll be happy to sit back and share the spoils next week, which could well be enough now.
-
My first game of the season. All I can say is to all those who've watched this all season I take my hat off to you.
Gabby what's the point? Vlaar Guzan Bertrand Albrighton Benteke the only ones I'd keep.
You wouldn't keep Delph?
Yes forgot him. But with decent investment he'd be a squad player
-
That was dire but another point in a wretched season!
-
The fact that the current side has reduced me to cheering on Chelsea is totally unacceptable.
-
If we get at least a point from Swansea and either Fulham or Cardiff lose their next fixture, we can't be caught by one or both of them (depending on results) barring a massive swing in GD in their favour. We'll be six points ahead of one of them and they'll only have two to play.
It gets a mite more complicated because Cardiff play Sunderland and you don't really want a Sunderland revival. But then do they have the fixtures you think are winnable? They need three wins to match what we have at this moment, and one of those fixtures is against the Boggies.
Norwich, you're assuming, are down already due to their horror fixtures. I don't discount anything, but the fact games are running out for others to get near to us is making things slightly clearer.
-
Was surprised there was no mention of Gordon Smith during the remembrance at half time.
-
The fact that the current side has reduced me to cheering on Chelsea is totally unacceptable.
This!!!!!!
-
I think Vlaar showed Linekar and Co that he could have caught Ramires.
As for the match today, if we were deciding to hoof it, then Holt instead of Gabby or Weimann would have been a better bet. Then we could have brought on one of those in the 2nd half as an impact.
-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27088176
Lambert post match. zzzzzzzzzzzz
-
Just back from another dire game down the villa. We were lucky to get a point, played better second half and nice to see Calum come on. Still far too much hoofing the ball. Gabby was dire and Weimann was worse.
Albrighton my MOTM .
-
We didn't lose. Yay.
-
Well what an anti-climax.
An anti-climax? An ant-climax to what?
-
68% possession by Southampton. One shot on target all match by the home side. Aston Villa gloryhunters everywhere watch out, eventually we'll score a goal and maybe do a lap of honor. Shameful stuff and despite what some might say, we are still not safe because football can go against you. We need points from next two vs Swansea and Hull cos we'll get jack shit vs Man City and Spurs. I cant see us winning another game all season. Lambert out please and take Lerner with you. All this talk of new coaches, fresh approach, happier players, just club propaganda all week but nothing has changed. He reckons we've improved but we're set to finish lower and with less points than last season. Sorry did I say Lambert out?
-
Well what an anti-climax.
An anti-climax? An ant-climax to what?
An eventful week?
-
I didn't spot any change in tactics whatsoever today.
-
Absolutely dismal today, just dismal.
Lambert/Lerner out!
-
We have scored 4 times in our last 6 games
-
I'd have taken the point before the game so that will do for me. We are limping towards the line and the sooner this wretched season ends, the better. We have had 5 years of struggle so something has to change if we are to dream of a mid table finish.
-
Well I was looking forward to today....leisure industry..entertainment industry..no watching the villa is the pain industry..!
-
How were the crowd at the end?
Browbeaten
-
At least the majority stopped until the end, which meant the early leavers didn't cause traffic chaos like the last couple of games. So a swift journey home.
-
The fact that the current side has reduced me to cheering on Chelsea is totally unacceptable.
This!!!!!!
A Villa win, alongside Spurs and a palace win would have had me cheering on Chelsea for a £369 return on £1.
Silly me for picking Villa.
-
After the shit sandwiches we have been served in the past few months, the same sandwich with a little less shit tastes devine in comparison. So based on that it was a great match I guess.
-
Gabby one of the first names on the teamsheet every week .Why? its not for his goals that's for sure
-
Well what an anti-climax.
Looked to me like we can be grateful for the refs kindness and Southamptons malaise because we didn't look like scoring at all.
Vlaar + Albrighton did ok and Guzans save in the first half was first class. Up front we were woeful and Robinson doesn't look anywhere near this level yet.
I would argue though that Swanseas win helps us, as if they had lost they'd have been in big trouble. Hopefully now they'll be happy to sit back and share the spoils next week, which could well be enough now.
Bold bit, are you seriously writing him off as not ready after 8 minutes on the pitch, sorry but that's fucking ridiculous.
-
How were the crowd at the end?
Asleep.
-
I'd have taken the point before the game so that will do for me. We are limping towards the line and the sooner this wretched season ends, the better. We have had 5 years of struggle so something has to change if we are to dream of a mid table finish.
I remember saying that last year. And the year before that. And... You get the picture :-\
-
After the shit sandwiches we have been served in the past few months, the same sandwich with a little less shit tastes devine in comparison. So based on that it was a great match I guess.
I wonder if Heston Blumenthal has ever considered cooking with shit.
-
We improved in the 2nd half.
-
We never looked like scoring. They could have had 3 or 4. So a more than welcome point to help us limp over the line. On the way back I heard Lambert say, amongst some other drivel, that Gabby worked his socks off. Obviously watching a different game to me.
-
Well what an anti-climax.
Looked to me like we can be grateful for the refs kindness and Southamptons malaise because we didn't look like scoring at all.
Vlaar + Albrighton did ok and Guzans save in the first half was first class. Up front we were woeful and Robinson doesn't look anywhere near this level yet.
I would argue though that Swanseas win helps us, as if they had lost they'd have been in big trouble. Hopefully now they'll be happy to sit back and share the spoils next week, which could well be enough now.
Bold bit, are you seriously writing him off as not ready after 8 minutes on the pitch, sorry but that's fucking ridiculous.
What makes it even more fucking ridiculous is that fact that the kid actually had a great 8 mins and offered more threat than Gabby did in the rest of the game.
-
Well what an anti-climax.
Looked to me like we can be grateful for the refs kindness and Southamptons malaise because we didn't look like scoring at all.
Vlaar + Albrighton did ok and Guzans save in the first half was first class. Up front we were woeful and Robinson doesn't look anywhere near this level yet.
I would argue though that Swanseas win helps us, as if they had lost they'd have been in big trouble. Hopefully now they'll be happy to sit back and share the spoils next week, which could well be enough now.
Bold bit, are you seriously writing him off as not ready after 8 minutes on the pitch, sorry but that's fucking ridiculous.
What makes it even more fucking ridiculous is that fact that the kid actually had a great 8 mins and offered more threat than Gabby did in the rest of the game.
I don't think the original poster was writing Robinson off, rather that its asking a bit much for an 18/19 year old to come on for his debut, for 8 minutes, and turn the game round. For me he didn't look quite up to the pace of the match, but as much to do with nerves and not having long enough to make an impact as anything else.
He should have been given half an hour to make an impact.
-
Woeful - again .
After the week we've had you would have expected a performance today . None of it - we are the football equivalent of Mogadon.
Only albrighton, Guzan and Vlaar come out with credit .
And gabby - WTF ? For lambert to say post match he was outstanding shows just how delusional he is.
I hate playing 1 up front at home.
Please let this takeover story be true .
-
Did anyone really think that a change in assistant manager was going to see us come out and play free flowing football?!?
It's all about eking our way to safety and frankly I don't give a shit how we so it
Then we need a number of changes in the summer. Starting with a properly dangerous centre forward as benteke is out. And then we need some quality on the ball in attacking areas.
-
I can't for the life of me, work out how that performance today has been generally accepted. It summed up for me everything that's wrong with us
Awful turgid dull passionless football (loosely speaking) against Southampton at HOME. One shot on target, 30% possession ... the mind boggles
-
I doubt anyone 'accepts' it.
More the fact that a point is better than none, and the performance was about on par with the rest of shite we have watched this season.
-
Utter shite....... Still.
-
Well what an anti-climax.
Looked to me like we can be grateful for the refs kindness and Southamptons malaise because we didn't look like scoring at all.
Vlaar + Albrighton did ok and Guzans save in the first half was first class. Up front we were woeful and Robinson doesn't look anywhere near this level yet.
I would argue though that Swanseas win helps us, as if they had lost they'd have been in big trouble. Hopefully now they'll be happy to sit back and share the spoils next week, which could well be enough now.
Bold bit, are you seriously writing him off as not ready after 8 minutes on the pitch, sorry but that's fucking ridiculous.
What makes it even more fucking ridiculous is that fact that the kid actually had a great 8 mins and offered more threat than Gabby did in the rest of the game.
What I am saying is that if you think he's the answer to our goalscoring problems I'd say you're mistaken. In my opinion anyway. I didn't think he looked 'great' but can he improve? Of course.
-
That was such a nothing performance.
The defenders did Ok, to be fair. A couple of decent half chances for Rickie Lambert was all I can remember Southampton having.
We didn't press enough in centre midfield.
I can't really understand Lambert's tactics. We went with a flat 3 in the middle of the park, which gave us a solid base, but it also had no creativity at all, which pretty much sums up their performances this season. They didn't press enough. We sat off and let them have a lot of the ball, which is too risky, I'm sure if Southampton had something to play for they'd have gone through the gears and beaten us.
Gabby was shocking, days of his hard work and stretching opposition defenders are gone, now, if that's the case... what else does he bring to the team?.... can't see much else. He had an amazing chance to make ground on the goalkeeper, but his typical DArius Vassell first touch was embarrassing, I actually had no faith in him taking a good touch and being in on goal. It was typical of a player who's best days are behind him.
As for Andi Weimann, what's he all about now? play's wide... can't cross, doesn't get into goal scoring positions, doesn't go past his fullback, doesn't work hard any more... so, what does he do?
Struggling to see anything positive from an attacking sense from that starting line up.
Albrighton was Ok, but if he's our answer, then the question needs looking at.....
It's poor, very poor... we're just lucky (again) that there may be 3 totally inept teams to save us again. It can't go on like this....
If you flirt with relegation too many times it will get you....
-
Is this also your attitude to parenting?
-
Is this also your attitude to parenting?
ay?
-
Sorry, an intermediate pots occurred. A youngster has a tough few minutes [shit in a nappy] and you castigate them.
-
We never looked like scoring. They could have had 3 or 4. So a more than welcome point to help us limp over the line. On the way back I heard Lambert say, amongst some other drivel, that Gabby worked his socks off. Obviously watching a different game to me.
He touched the ball 26 times. It was his turn to play the thankless task of being the Villa centre forward starved of service. Surprisingly, hoof ball never worked and the only time he really looked like doing anything early on and he had to do that for himself, coming from deep on a fantastic run. Just when he looked like he was lining up Goal of the Season, his touch let him down.
-
Bit unfair to say we never looked like scoring. We made some good chances.
-
26 touches isn't ordinarily low for a striker in a game.
-
From what I saw this was very similar to the Swansea home game.
I thought it would pan out like this as we are inferior to most teams possession wise sadly. We needed a good performance from the defence in this run in and we got one today, hopefully the same standard for the next two games as we sure as hell are very toothless upfront without Benteke.
-
How many times did Weimann touch the ball ? I thought he was truly abysmal
-
I do wonder where our goals are going to come from
I'll repeat a comment from earlier. People say we need to spend a lot more to get more quality but both Swansea and Southampton put out a team at villa park that was well within the limits of what we've spent and passed us off the park
-
How many times did Weimann touch the ball ? I thought he was truly abysmal
Weimann has always relied on his poaching instinct and generally being a good box striker. His goal record last season was good, and he counter attacks well, but in terms of awareness and build up play he is poor.
I don't think this will change too much, so its up to us to play him in the right system and provide him with opportunities in the box, or not play him.
-
I know it is incumbent on managers to be insanely positive in interviews, even if this borders on the insane, but Lambert's nonsense beggars belief. I heard Gary Monk being interviewed after the Jawdie Swansea game and he was everything Lambert isn't - chiefly articulate and believable.
-
Sorry, an intermediate pots occurred. A youngster has a tough few minutes [shit in a nappy] and you castigate them.
Wow.
I probably phrased it badly. I'm not having a pop at the player at all, he's a young, unexperienced kid and he performed exactly as I'd expect him to.
If I'm castigating anybody its those that think he's something he isn't and put too much expectation on his shoulders.
-
I do wonder where our goals are going to come from
I'll repeat a comment from earlier. People say we need to spend a lot more to get more quality but both Swansea and Southampton put out a team at villa park that was well within the limits of what we've spent and passed us off the park
Saints have proper quality in the middle with the likes of Schnderlein (very underrated player) and Lallana.
Unless Grealish can develop into that sort of player within time, a player of Lallana's ilk is probably available for about 15m unless your scouting is incredible or you have gems in your youth academy.
Ultimately we are a poor team who struggle to score and that was with Benteke actually playing. Southampton are a decent top 10 team so I really didn't see much today apart from limited possession and hoping the defence would hold out and nick a point or even a 1-0.
So I'm happy with the point but very unhappy at the situation that has developed which makes undeserved points like today so crucial.
-
Is this what "starting from scratch" looks like?
Albrighton for all his crosses never really put in a great ball, not there was much to aim at as we failed to get numbers in the box.
Delph plays far too deep, nobody supporting the strikers, not that there was any decent service to them.
Shame Robinson came on so late, he certainly added a bit of muched needed energy to the side.
Overall, 'meh'. What a wasted season.
Not sure what u are on about re albrightons crosses, he put in 2 or 3 really quality balls. Just because our lame duck strikers wearnt on the end of them doesn't mean they were not quality
-
I know it is incumbent on managers to be insanely positive in interviews, even if this borders on the insane, but Lambert's nonsense beggars belief. I heard Gary Monk being interviewed after the Jawdie Swansea game and he was everything Lambert isn't - chiefly articulate and believable.
I don't know why people put so much importance on interviews - most managers decide their interview style and stick to it. The important thing is how they motivate, set up the team and influence the game, and that's where Lambert's problem is - he can be as uncommunicative as he likes for all I'm concerned.
-
but that was part of my point. He comes across as an incoherent mess who can't communicate and media management is a significant element of the job
-
but that was part of my point. He comes across as an incoherent mess who can't communicate and media management is a significant element of the job
Ok but his interviews won't determine his fate or legacy when he leaves - it will be the team he builds. Look at Brendan Rogers - rightly pilloried for acting the pseudo-tactical genius in interviews, but doing a great job and got his team playing well and I'm sure Liverpool fans aren't that bothered.
-
I thought Wanyama played well. Like a good version of Sylla .
-
Albrighton put in some great crosses today, and was consistently our biggest threat. That the movement from Gabby and Weimann was so piss poor was not Alby's fault. Ironically one forward who would have thrived on that kind of service was Darren Bent. Also unfortunately for Holt he never really got into the box when he came on. Then again it took him all of 20 minutes to run from the technical area when he came on, to the edge of the Southampton box. 5 more minutes of playtime and he might have made it to the 6 yard line.
I thought the Albrighton and Shaw battle was one of the few entertaining aspects of the game.
-
but that was part of my point. He comes across as an incoherent mess who can't communicate and media management is a significant element of the job
Ok but his interviews won't determine his fate or legacy when he leaves - it will be the team he builds. Look at Brendan Rogers - rightly pilloried for acting the pseudo-tactical genius in interviews, but doing a great job and got his team playing well and I'm sure Liverpool fans aren't that bothered.
Brendan has done well in that he has totally changed his normal style of play to suit the players he has at his disposal. Last year (and at Swansea) he would play a possession game but that meant they weren't actually creating much but would have all the possession. This year he has gone onto almost a counter attacking and pacy side. It helps when you have Suarez probably playing out of his skin and you can get Gerrard playing the passing role to pick out the three strikers bombing forward. It is just a shame that we have a manager who used to tailor his formations against the opposition who now always tries to play 4-3-3 even though we don't have the personal or it just doesn't suit what the opposition are doing to combat it.
-
The most entertaining aspect of the game today for me was chatting to the bloke sitting directly behind me. He is not renewing his ST either.
-
Would have taken a point at the start and even more so at half time so can't knock a point given our recent results and piss poor performances
The HUGE point that Lambert was waxing lyrical about at the end not looking so huge in light of Sunderland winning at Chelsea
Squeaky bum time still and hope Liverpool and Man Citeh can do us a favour by beating Norwich and WBA
-
Do you think in training they just bang balls into the box with no one getting into the box or do we just bang balls into the box not realising that everyone else has gone off to get their scrambled eggs...come to think of it...do we actually train ?
-
Do you think in training they just bang balls into the box with no one getting into the box or do we just bang balls into the box not realising that everyone else has gone off to get their scrambled eggs...come to think of it...do we actually train ?
No. No we don't.
-
Southampton have spent a reasonable ammount of money but they haven't spread it thinly across the whole squad. I think that good players raise the standards of those around them. That's why someone like Steven Davis, who wasn't considered good enough for us a few years back would have been our best midfielder today.
Obviously even if you have better players, these players need to be organised with a particular way of playing in mind. I'm not really sure what ours is supposed to be at the moment. Albrighton had the most joy of any of our players today but our strikers weren't looking for those kind of crosses (in towards the near post mostly)
Weimann actually made some great runs in the first half, pulling into space on the edges of the area, the balls then went out wide to Albrighton and there was no one on the end of the cross that came in.
Gabby and Weimann get a lot of stick, much of it deserved, but I don't think we've played either of them to their strengths, today or for most of their careers.
-
Southampton have spent a reasonable ammount of money but they haven't spread it thinly across the whole squad. I think that good players raise the standards of those around them. That's why someone like Steven Davis, who wasn't considered good enough for us a few years back would have been our best midfielder today.
Obviously even if you have better players, these players need to be organised with a particular way of playing in mind. I'm not really sure what ours is supposed to be at the moment. Albrighton had the most joy of any of our players today but our strikers weren't looking for those kind of crosses (in towards the near post mostly)
Weimann actually made some great runs in the first half, pulling into space on the edges of the area, the balls then went out wide to Albrighton and there was no one on the end of the cross that came in.
Gabby and Weimann get a lot of stick, much of it deserved, but I don't think we've played either of them to their strengths, today or for most of their careers.
Agreed on the last point. As poor as they were today, I thought it would have been wiser to play Weimann through the middle, his natural position, and play Gabby out wide. I think Gabby would have been slightly more effective/less shite if he could have been attacking Clyne. We should have spread a bit more width on the left side too, not have everything going down the right.
Again though, it's another tactical howler from Lambert. The man's clueless.
-
This season can't end soon enough. It's like a hangover that won't go away.
-
Southampton have spent a reasonable ammount of money but they haven't spread it thinly across the whole squad. I think that good players raise the standards of those around them. That's why someone like Steven Davis, who wasn't considered good enough for us a few years back would have been our best midfielder today.
Obviously even if you have better players, these players need to be organised with a particular way of playing in mind. I'm not really sure what ours is supposed to be at the moment. Albrighton had the most joy of any of our players today but our strikers weren't looking for those kind of crosses (in towards the near post mostly)
Weimann actually made some great runs in the first half, pulling into space on the edges of the area, the balls then went out wide to Albrighton and there was no one on the end of the cross that came in.
Gabby and Weimann get a lot of stick, much of it deserved, but I don't think we've played either of them to their strengths, today or for most of their careers.
This is sort of what I'm saying aswell. Southampton made a decision a while ago to spend money on key areas and flesh out their squad with promosing youth on the bench e.g. chambers, Reed and Gallagher all subs for them today who are youth products.
In the summer they spent our annual 20m on Lovren (7m) and Wanayama (12m). Now Wan has lost form lately but I think he's better than what we've got and Lovren has been excellent for them in defence.
Thi season has shown we don't need to spent 20m on strenghtheing the squad if the result is Tonev, Luna, Sylla, Helenius benchwarming. Honestly the likes of Robinson, Grealish, Carruthers could've done that role.
I'd say two good midfielders in and suddenly the likes of Delph and especially Westwood will improve with the quality around them. Or one of them will be on the bench which will make our squad stronger that way.
-
This season can't end soon enough. It's like a hangover that won't go away.
Totally agree, which is crazy because in September (I think) when we beat Norwich and Man City back to back - and we'd already won at Arsenal - I honestly thought this was going to a great season.
-
On the 'not training apparently' point:
- a 1st half free kick on the left wing at the halfway line when it was clear that Delph and Bertrand had not a clue what to do with it;
- a 1st half throw in with the chance to take it quickly and Gabby was asleep with his back turned to thrower Bertrand;
- Weimann taking a blatant foul throw towards Gabby and then whining like a twat as usual to the officials, for their correct decision against him;
- KEA getting a decent pass, only to hit the ball into touch with his standing foot.
In every single instance, a small child with six or so training sessions behind him/ her could do much, much better.
-
Southampton have spent a reasonable ammount of money but they haven't spread it thinly across the whole squad. I think that good players raise the standards of those around them. That's why someone like Steven Davis, who wasn't considered good enough for us a few years back would have been our best midfielder today.
Obviously even if you have better players, these players need to be organised with a particular way of playing in mind. I'm not really sure what ours is supposed to be at the moment. Albrighton had the most joy of any of our players today but our strikers weren't looking for those kind of crosses (in towards the near post mostly)
Weimann actually made some great runs in the first half, pulling into space on the edges of the area, the balls then went out wide to Albrighton and there was no one on the end of the cross that came in.
Gabby and Weimann get a lot of stick, much of it deserved, but I don't think we've played either of them to their strengths, today or for most of their careers.
This is sort of what I'm saying aswell. Southampton made a decision a while ago to spend money on key areas and flesh out their squad with promosing youth on the bench e.g. chambers, Reed and Gallagher all subs for them today who are youth products.
In the summer they spent our annual 20m on Lovren (7m) and Wanayama (12m). Now Wan has lost form lately but I think he's better than what we've got and Lovren has been excellent for them in defence.
This season has shown we don't need to spent 20m on strenghtheing the squad if the result is Tonev, Luna, Sylla, Helenius benchwarming. Honestly the likes of Robinson, Grealish, Carruthers could've done that role.
I'd say two good midfielders in and suddenly the likes of Delph and especially Westwood will improve with the quality around them. Or one of them will be on the bench which will make our squad stronger that way.
Bang on.
-
I've been thinking about how shit Southampton were as well. Yes, they had the possession, but they were dull, and they had about as much idea as we did going forward. I still think they like to go for punts into the area for Rickie Lambert to get on the end of.
-
You can see the difference Rodriguez makes to them. He is incisive in his runs.
We need a win, but just don't look like scoring. Need Hull safe by the time they come to VP.
-
I've been thinking about how shit Southampton were as well. Yes, they had the possession, but they were dull, and they had about as much idea as we did going forward. I still think they like to go for punts into the area for Rickie Lambert to get on the end of.
I think thats unfair, they sliced us open quite a few times and played dangerous low crosses into the six yard box, from near the byline. Lallana missed an open goal and Lambert missed two great chances from that kind of move. They lacked intensity, and maybe Rodriguez makes them a bit more direct, but they played a lot of good football.
-
I've been thinking about how shit Southampton were as well. Yes, they had the possession, but they were dull, and they had about as much idea as we did going forward. I still think they like to go for punts into the area for Rickie Lambert to get on the end of.
I think thats unfair, they sliced us open quite a few times and played dangerous low crosses into the six yard box, from near the byline. Lallana missed an open goal and Lambert missed two great chances from that kind of move. They lacked intensity, and maybe Rodriguez makes them a bit more direct, but they played a lot of good football.
I think we made a few chances too, without looking at the stats. I'm pretty sure Benteke or Kozak would have scored for us today from Albrighton's deliveries. You have a point with intensity, and both teams were guilty of that, although both sides missed key players. I thought it was very dull all round.
-
Kozak has been gone long enough I have applied my rose coloured filter to him. I reckon he would have thrived on todays kind of game.
-
Kozak has been gone long enough I have applied my rose coloured filter to him. I reckon he would have thrived on todays kind of game.
It's a fair point. If Albrighton had had Kozak to aim at, the Southampton defence would have had a much tougher afternoon.
-
Kozak has been gone long enough I have applied my rose coloured filter to him. I reckon he would have thrived on todays kind of game.
We have dreadful luck with injuries. We're struggling to score, but when our two main strike threats are out with long term injuries then its hardly a surprise.
-
Kozak has been gone long enough I have applied my rose coloured filter to him. I reckon he would have thrived on todays kind of game.
Why Rose coloured? He got 4 goals in 14 appearances and most of those were as Sub. I reckon that without that injury we would have got 2 strikers with scoring in double figures this season.
-
Shoot me down in flames if you will, but I'd like to have seen what Darren Bent could have done today. I don't think he's ever been any great shakes in the air but I think the Southampton defence might have had slightly more to think about. I genuinely think Benteke's general form has convinced most Villa fans that Bent has nothing to offer, which I disagree with.
-
Shoot me down in flames if you will, but I'd like to have seen what Darren Bent could have done today. I don't think he's ever been any great shakes in the air but I think the Southampton defence might have had slightly more to think about. I genuinely think Benteke's general form has convinced most Villa fans that Bent has nothing to offer, which I disagree with.
He has been as ineffective as Gabby this season. His time has passed.
His goals in the calendar year of 2011 kept us up two seasons running. And I will be eternally grateful for that.
-
The best part about today was sitting across the aisle from Callum Robinson's dad and then when he came on he jumped around and cheered, hugged Callum's mum and then burst into tears. He was still wiping his eyes 5 minutes later and he's a big lad, if you were sitting in the family stand in the Trinity you couldn't miss him.
-
This is where I do not get the tactics at times. He plays Albrighton on the wing - great. Then he plays a small bloke up front. It is the one game where I thought Holt should start for that reason alone. He then brings Holt on and I cannot recall another Albrighton cross after that!
-
I'd say two good midfielders in and suddenly the likes of Delph and especially Westwood will improve with the quality around them. Or one of them will be on the bench which will make our squad stronger that way.
Since Petrov's career was cut short we haven't had a ball-winning midfielder that can drive the team forward and contest the central area of the pitch. We never seem to "own" the midfield, even for decent parts of a game. Delph and Westwood need assistance to flourish. The number of 50:50 or 60:40 battles that we lose due to lack of physicality is infuriating. KEA is not premier standard I haven't seen anyone else that can stand in the middle of the park and positively influence a game. I know that they aren't easy to find but we have to find one (or two).
-
Shoot me down in flames if you will, but I'd like to have seen what Darren Bent could have done today. I don't think he's ever been any great shakes in the air but I think the Southampton defence might have had slightly more to think about. I genuinely think Benteke's general form has convinced most Villa fans that Bent has nothing to offer, which I disagree with.
If Bent still had it, why is he not getting games with Fulham who are in more of danger then us.
-
He couldn't be any worse than what we currently have.
-
Shoot me down in flames if you will, but I'd like to have seen what Darren Bent could have done today. I don't think he's ever been any great shakes in the air but I think the Southampton defence might have had slightly more to think about. I genuinely think Benteke's general form has convinced most Villa fans that Bent has nothing to offer, which I disagree with.
If Bent still had it, why is he not getting games with Fulham who are in more of danger then us.
I'm not a psychologist, but I'd say the whole 'being unceremoniously dumped by a manager, overlooked in favour of a League One striker and then loaned to a team that's had three managers this season' may have shaken his confidence a tad.
-
He couldn't be any worse than what we currently have.
So we should have kept him here to be 5th choice striker? Did you predict that both our £7mil strikers would be injured and both Gabby and Weimann would decide to go massively backwards this season.
I'm not a psychologist, but I'd say the whole 'being unceremoniously dumped by a manager, overlooked in favour of a League One striker and then loaned to a team that's had three managers this season' may have shaken his confidence a tad.
So four managers have now decided he isn't good enough to be a starter anymore and unless you build your whole team around him, he doesn't offer enough, especially as his pace has gone after the last injury,
-
I've been thinking about how shit Southampton were as well. Yes, they had the possession, but they were dull, and they had about as much idea as we did going forward. I still think they like to go for punts into the area for Rickie Lambert to get on the end of.
They have been involved in many many exciting games this season and regularly thumped the bottom half.
I'd take their season no problem. It's what I was expecting from us.
-
This is where I do not get the tactics at times. He plays Albrighton on the wing - great. Then he plays a small bloke up front. It is the one game where I thought Holt should start for that reason alone. He then brings Holt on and I cannot recall another Albrighton cross after that!
Lambert sat down with Shay and Gordon and said "shall I play Albrighton?" Yes boss said Sid. "OK shall I play Gabby?" Boss you have to play a Gabby - fans favourites said Shay. "OK what about Weemwaan?" Oh you have to play him boss as he is due a goal said Sid. "Very well and where do you think I should play Holt?" Bench Boss said Shay and Sid in unison. "Thank you boys you have been massive this week"
-
He couldn't be any worse than what we currently have.
So we should have kept him here to be 5th choice striker? Did you predict that both our £7mil strikers would be injured and both Gabby and Weimann would decide to go massively backwards this season.
I'm not a psychologist, but I'd say the whole 'being unceremoniously dumped by a manager, overlooked in favour of a League One striker and then loaned to a team that's had three managers this season' may have shaken his confidence a tad.
So four managers have now decided he isn't good enough to be a starter anymore and unless you build your whole team around him, he doesn't offer enough, especially as his pace has gone after the last injury,
But how many managers are happy with Agbonlahor's contribution, which stands at almost bugger all right now? Or Weimann? I'm not denying Bent is not the player he was, but the man can score. It's up to him to modify his game if he's lost pace (I don't think that was necessarily his greatest asset anyway) but I genuinely believe there were a few half chances this season I'd have killed to have seen Bent on the end of.
-
Positive we kept a clean sheet, negative it was boring and we didn't look like scoring. Lets just get the dreadful season out of the way I'm so bored with it
-
This is where I do not get the tactics at times. He plays Albrighton on the wing - great. Then he plays a small bloke up front. It is the one game where I thought Holt should start for that reason alone. He then brings Holt on and I cannot recall another Albrighton cross after that!
Lambert sat down with Shay and Gordon and said "shall I play Albrighton?" Yes boss said Sid. "OK shall I play Gabby?" Boss you have to play a Gabby - fans favourites said Shay. "OK what about Weemwaan?" Oh you have to play him boss as he is due a goal said Sid. "Very well and where do you think I should play Holt?" Bench Boss said Shay and Sid in unison. "Thank you boys you have been massive this week"
The concerning thing is that at some point, the three of them must have decided our most effective outlet was via Albrighton, and that they all believed Weimann and Agbonlahor were the most likely players to exploit it.
-
Kozak has been gone long enough I have applied my rose coloured filter to him. I reckon he would have thrived on todays kind of game.
Why Rose coloured? He got 4 goals in 14 appearances and most of those were as Sub. I reckon that without that injury we would have got 2 strikers with scoring in double figures this season.
Oh I agree with you. I really like him.
I just know I have this tendency to make a player better and better the longer he has not played, figured I would be up front about it :)
-
MOTD will struggle with highlights. They weren't great in the last third thankfully but we turned in a typically pedestrian performance with little skill or flair. No risk of falling of the edge of the seat. Also Guzan's efforts to slow things down further in the last 10 minutes verged on time wasting and says a lot about the team's aspirations.
-
Incredibly we are not on last.
-
Fupp me - that was a penalty
-
Shearer reckons Shaw was the standout player. The same Luke Shaw that kept getting mugged by Albrighton.
-
How come this was your first home game of the season Kippax, seems a strange time of the season to end a boycott?
Where you one of those "I ain't going to that Culverhouse leaves" brigade? ;)
-
Shearer reckons Shaw was the standout player. The same Luke Shaw that kept getting mugged by Albrighton.
No no no, weren't you listening, he didn't have much to do defensively.
-
Fupp me - that was a penalty
Depends whether you decide the rule is handball in the box is a definite penalty, or you go DELIBERATE handball in the box is a penalty like the laws state.
-
I'd have wanted a penalty for that if it was against us. I think Bertrand was worried as well as he spent a while doing the whole 'i'm rubbing my face a lot because it hurts from where the ball smacked me in the face, honest' routine.
-
Lots of huff and puff. Good effort but not enough ability unfortunately. Good to see a small improvement.
-
Talking about the officials, anyone else reckon the ref had forgotten his cards in the first half and didn't want to be embarrassed. I had the count as three yellows to us and one to them in the first half. Unfortunately because he had been letting them go, it meant their number 5 didn't get his marching orders 2nd half when he was on a yellow and took out Gabby in full flight.
-
Fupp me - that was a penalty
Depends whether you decide the rule is handball in the box is a definite penalty, or you go DELIBERATE handball in the box is a penalty like the laws state.
Thanks - I know the laws and it looked a penalty to me. Hence the colloquial first person qualifier.
-
I'd have wanted a penalty for that if it was against us. I think Bertrand was worried as well as he spent a while doing the whole 'i'm rubbing my face a lot because it hurts from where the ball smacked me in the face, honest' routine.
Hey, my particular ruling is if the arm is away from the body, then should be a penalty, but as the ball was blasted at him from about a yard and half and he didn't move it towards the ball, I can see why it wasn't given under the laws of the game.
-
An out of form Bent or Agbonlahor....hmm. I'd go with Bent all day long, Gabby is a waste of space did you see him today, miles clear all he had to do was pull the ball back and pass but no he overruns it. Sums up his career for me. If he gets another contract i'll be fuming.
-
How come this was your first home game of the season Kippax, seems a strange time of the season to end a boycott?
Where you one of those "I ain't going to that Culverhouse leaves" brigade? ;)
Dunno really. Didn't have the girls this weekend so just decided to go yesterday. Thought the atmosphere might be a bit more seige mentality like after what has happened. Should have known better. Nothing has changed much, except everything seems a lot more expensive than when I last visited. Including being mugged off yesterday for a £2 booking fee for paying on a debit card.
-
An out of form Bent or Agbonlahor....hmm. I'd go with Bent all day long, Gabby is a waste of space did you see him today, miles clear all he had to do was pull the ball back and pass but no he overruns it. Sums up his career for me. If he gets another contract i'll be fuming.
I would prefer none of the above and had someone else to choose. However when the decision was made in August, I would have said Gabby, Benteke and Weimann worked well together in the last few months and looked good in the first few games so yes, keep Gabby and loan out Bent.
-
Did anyone really think that a change in assistant manager was going to see us come out and play free flowing football?!?
It's all about eking our way to safety and frankly I don't give a shit how we so it
Then we need a number of changes in the summer. Starting with a properly dangerous centre forward as benteke is out. And then we need some quality on the ball in attacking areas.
I did , hes just as bad as I thought
-
Can't believe ime chuffed with the point but we got a draw against Southampton and I am chuffed with the point ,,dear me
-
We didn't loose
-
Worst Villa side I have seen. Lambert has strangled any creativity we ever had out of the side. I know he has injuries, losing Okore and Benteke are a big loss, but we are awful to watch. He has had four Windows to do something creative. What a complete failure.
-
Boring boring Villa. If a Martian had landed on earth and watched yesterday's game, he wondered how could the humanity consider this sport amusing.
-
Lambert will be gone at the end of the season i believe, stay up or not. It is vital that we make it over the line, i'm sure that is the only reason he appears to have Randy's support. Unless he wins at tottenham and man city that is!
-
Well it was a no score bore. Apathetic crowd lifted briefly for 10 mins in the second half.
Not a lot more to say that hasn't already said.
-
Just a word for us as fans,we moved from our normal seats to the Doug Ellis lower by the Holte End,given the limp performance of the team,35,000 given the slightest encouragement when Albrighton had our one shot on target supported the team very well.
I had the distinct impression that the team were shackled by Lambert's presence on the bench,only when he's gone will we play with anysort of freedom and courage.The team reflects him in every way,why he didn't go with his two 'assistants' is something I can't understand.
-
4more matches to go, let's just limp over the line and try and stay in this league.
I recall at the end of McLeish's tenure both post the last match & at Norwich away - the vitriol aimed at him was unprecedented as we sang for Lambert to come across to us.
Be careful what you wish for eh!
I wonder if we'll be singing for Sherwood at Spurs?
One thing's for certain, dour bloody Lambert has to go.
-
Worst Villa side I have seen. Lambert has strangled any creativity we ever had out of the side. I know he has injuries, losing Okore and Benteke are a big loss, but we are awful to watch. He has had four Windows to do something creative. What a complete failure.
OK we know all that and there is no point in regurgitating many posts of the same ilk. We just need to survive and sort ourselves in the summer.
-
You could sense a lot of apprehension in the players yesterday. They won't have forgotten the reaction last week and they performed to not lose and possibly grab a win. It is understandable and you could tell by the way they got together at the end that they considered it a decent result. Terrible to watch though.
-
Im down in Somerset. Didn't bother to watch it yesterday,last night or this morning. Obviously I hope we stay up and that the depressing Lambert leaves our club when Lerner hopefully sells up.I just cant see anything positive happening at the moment in any way. Everybody seems totally apathetic.
-
If our form was a football kit it would be Swansea's away kit.
-
Just catching up with MOTD - can't believe what Shearer said about Shaw - never tested defensively today! I thought Albrighton creamed him a number of times
-
Just catching up with MOTD - can't believe what Shearer said about Shaw - never tested defensively today! I thought Albrighton creamed him a number of times
He didn't watch the game in that case. Albrighton turned him inside out.
-
Shaw is a class act but Albrighton worked him really hard in the second half, to the point where Shaw got a yellow card for a foul on him.
On a negative note, how physically weak is this team? Some of them, El Ahmadi in particular are brushed aside in challenges like they're little boys mixing it with men.
-
Just catching up with MOTD - can't believe what Shearer said about Shaw - never tested defensively today! I thought Albrighton creamed him a number of times
Shaw's a flavour of the month for these guys, so can do no wrong.
Plus the fact they'e not particularly keen on us!!
-
Shaw is a class act but Albrighton worked him really hard in the second half, to the point where Shaw got a yellow card for a foul on him.
On a negative note, how physically weak is this team? Some of them, El Ahmadi in particular are brushed aside in challenges like they're little boys mixing it with men.
Marc nutmegged him in the first half and Shaw elbowed him in the chops to stop him going past. Should have had a yellow then as well.
-
A decent point considering the week we've had even if we could have easily lost it. My only worry is that we don't really look like scoring. Good to see Robinson get a run but i'd put Helenius on the bench next week as well, just to give us something different.
-
Shearer reckons Shaw was the standout player. The same Luke Shaw that kept getting mugged by Albrighton.
If Moyes / Yanited pay £30m for him then they are absolute mugs. He reminded me of a slightly better version of Nicky Shorey
-
Shaw is a class act but Albrighton worked him really hard in the second half, to the point where Shaw got a yellow card for a foul on him.
On a negative note, how physically weak is this team? Some of them, El Ahmadi in particular are brushed aside in challenges like they're little boys mixing it with men.
Marc nutmegged him in the first half and Shaw elbowed him in the chops to stop him going past. Should have had a yellow then as well.
Albrighton did him 6-7 times and got crosses or shots off from all but 2 of those, the 2 where he didn't do anything being the 2 times Shaw should've been yellow carded. If Luna got done that many times in a game everyone on here would be saying how shit he'd been, I said it a couple of times on the match thread, Shaw was really poor in defence and only did anything going forward because he's quick.
As for strength, KEA is the one who really frustrates me with that, he looks terrified of using his strength in anyway and just gets bullied constantly. Bennett has the same problem.
-
Im down in Somerset. Didn't bother to watch it yesterday,last night or this morning. Obviously I hope we stay up and that the depressing Lambert leaves our club when Lerner hopefully sells up.I just cant see anything positive happening at the moment in any way. Everybody seems totally apathetic.
I hear what you're saying. Somerset has that effect on me too
-
Just heard our Marc on SSN...Bless!
-
Im down in Somerset. Didn't bother to watch it yesterday,last night or this morning. Obviously I hope we stay up and that the depressing Lambert leaves our club when Lerner hopefully sells up.I just cant see anything positive happening at the moment in any way. Everybody seems totally apathetic.
I hear what you're saying. Somerset has that effect on me too
All that cider & Man Utd fans.
-
Im down in Somerset.
A bit early for Lady Ron to be beside the seaside Ron?
-
I thought it was a reasonable performance. Light years away from the Chelsea performance but a big improvement on the Stoke and Fulham displays as well. I would have given Vlaar MOTM just ahead of Albrighton.
-
I agree Vlaar was immense yesterday.
Lee Mason had an excellent game. Keeping his card in his pocket early on and then only dispensing it when absolutely necessary. Very good call on penalty as Bertrand's limbs were in natural position for a normal blocking tackle.
-
If Moyes / Yanited pay £30m for him then they are absolute mugs. He reminded me of a slightly better version of Nicky Shorey
It's all opinions but I thought he was the best player on the pitch.
Albrighton did better against him second half because he was picking up the ball higher up the pitch.
We worked hard enough and deserved a point, but Westwood and Delph sitting that deep in that formation is ineffective. Southampton had Wanyama sitting, but Ward-Prowse and Davis both went beyond on a number of occasions.
Think this is a lot to do with coaching, confidence and the way the team is set up.
Big changes are needed at our place in the summer.
-
Southampton have spent a reasonable ammount of money but they haven't spread it thinly across the whole squad. I think that good players raise the standards of those around them. That's why someone like Steven Davis, who wasn't considered good enough for us a few years back would have been our best midfielder today.
Obviously even if you have better players, these players need to be organised with a particular way of playing in mind. I'm not really sure what ours is supposed to be at the moment. Albrighton had the most joy of any of our players today but our strikers weren't looking for those kind of crosses (in towards the near post mostly)
Weimann actually made some great runs in the first half, pulling into space on the edges of the area, the balls then went out wide to Albrighton and there was no one on the end of the cross that came in.
Gabby and Weimann get a lot of stick, much of it deserved, but I don't think we've played either of them to their strengths, today or for most of their careers.
This is sort of what I'm saying aswell. Southampton made a decision a while ago to spend money on key areas and flesh out their squad with promosing youth on the bench e.g. chambers, Reed and Gallagher all subs for them today who are youth products.
In the summer they spent our annual 20m on Lovren (7m) and Wanayama (12m). Now Wan has lost form lately but I think he's better than what we've got and Lovren has been excellent for them in defence.
Thi season has shown we don't need to spent 20m on strenghtheing the squad if the result is Tonev, Luna, Sylla, Helenius benchwarming. Honestly the likes of Robinson, Grealish, Carruthers could've done that role.
I'd say two good midfielders in and suddenly the likes of Delph and especially Westwood will improve with the quality around them. Or one of them will be on the bench which will make our squad stronger that way.
Completely agree. Let our academy provide the young, squad players and spend what we do have on a couple of real quality players. It's so glaringly obvious it's upsetting.
-
Southampton have spent a reasonable ammount of money but they haven't spread it thinly across the whole squad. I think that good players raise the standards of those around them. That's why someone like Steven Davis, who wasn't considered good enough for us a few years back would have been our best midfielder today.
Obviously even if you have better players, these players need to be organised with a particular way of playing in mind. I'm not really sure what ours is supposed to be at the moment. Albrighton had the most joy of any of our players today but our strikers weren't looking for those kind of crosses (in towards the near post mostly)
Weimann actually made some great runs in the first half, pulling into space on the edges of the area, the balls then went out wide to Albrighton and there was no one on the end of the cross that came in.
Gabby and Weimann get a lot of stick, much of it deserved, but I don't think we've played either of them to their strengths, today or for most of their careers.
This is sort of what I'm saying aswell. Southampton made a decision a while ago to spend money on key areas and flesh out their squad with promosing youth on the bench e.g. chambers, Reed and Gallagher all subs for them today who are youth products.
In the summer they spent our annual 20m on Lovren (7m) and Wanayama (12m). Now Wan has lost form lately but I think he's better than what we've got and Lovren has been excellent for them in defence.
Thi season has shown we don't need to spent 20m on strenghtheing the squad if the result is Tonev, Luna, Sylla, Helenius benchwarming. Honestly the likes of Robinson, Grealish, Carruthers could've done that role.
I'd say two good midfielders in and suddenly the likes of Delph and especially Westwood will improve with the quality around them. Or one of them will be on the bench which will make our squad stronger that way.
Completely agree. Let our academy provide the young, squad players and spend what we do have on a couple of real quality players. It's so glaringly obvious it's upsetting.
It does seem obvious. But then, passing the ball to your team mate seems obvious too along with moving into space to make yourself availablle. Practicing throw-ins, pressing the opposition, working on close ball control, organising the defence and being aware if any team mates are making good runs, also all seem obvious to me but have been sadly lacking for a number of seasons.
But I'm not a 'football man' so what do I know?
-
Southampton have spent a reasonable ammount of money but they haven't spread it thinly across the whole squad. I think that good players raise the standards of those around them. That's why someone like Steven Davis, who wasn't considered good enough for us a few years back would have been our best midfielder today.
Obviously even if you have better players, these players need to be organised with a particular way of playing in mind. I'm not really sure what ours is supposed to be at the moment. Albrighton had the most joy of any of our players today but our strikers weren't looking for those kind of crosses (in towards the near post mostly)
Weimann actually made some great runs in the first half, pulling into space on the edges of the area, the balls then went out wide to Albrighton and there was no one on the end of the cross that came in.
Gabby and Weimann get a lot of stick, much of it deserved, but I don't think we've played either of them to their strengths, today or for most of their careers.
This is sort of what I'm saying aswell. Southampton made a decision a while ago to spend money on key areas and flesh out their squad with promosing youth on the bench e.g. chambers, Reed and Gallagher all subs for them today who are youth products.
In the summer they spent our annual 20m on Lovren (7m) and Wanayama (12m). Now Wan has lost form lately but I think he's better than what we've got and Lovren has been excellent for them in defence.
Thi season has shown we don't need to spent 20m on strenghtheing the squad if the result is Tonev, Luna, Sylla, Helenius benchwarming. Honestly the likes of Robinson, Grealish, Carruthers could've done that role.
I'd say two good midfielders in and suddenly the likes of Delph and especially Westwood will improve with the quality around them. Or one of them will be on the bench which will make our squad stronger that way.
Completely agree. Let our academy provide the young, squad players and spend what we do have on a couple of real quality players. It's so glaringly obvious it's upsetting.
It does seem obvious. But then, passing the ball to your team mate seems obvious too along with moving into space to make yourself availablle. Practicing throw-ins, pressing the opposition, working on close ball control, organising the defence and being aware if any team mates are making good runs, also all seem obvious to me but have been sadly lacking for a number of seasons.
But I'm not a 'football man' so what do I know?
:D
-
I think there may be a 'gardening leave' element in Lambert's contract and is the reason he may well be seeing his time out whilst he pursues alternative employ!
-
Another dull game with no goals. Another point towards wheezing over the line.
Big changes needed this summer. Thankfully that seems to be on the agenda.
-
Someone I think mentioned in relation to Gabby 26 touches, what you have to remember is, that because his control is so piss poor, it takes him 4 touches to control it, so 26 divided by 4 equals 6.5 touches which would be about his average.
Why we thought the team after a couple of days of different training would somehow come out and be special, more creative, find space and pass to each other, is what I think we call hope or Villa madness, sub standard players will play to a sub standard level who ever they have training them, we simply have to may players not of premier league standard end off. Lets just get this shitty season over with, just as we wanted last years and the years before to end. VTID
-
I organised a "guess the weight of the gravel in my front garden" competition on Facebook then I spent the afternoon making concrete. I watched it set a bit and then I had a beer. I probably had more fun than you lot at VP.
These days a point at home should have me moon-walking down the drive but all I could do was stare at my phone and shrug.
-
Considering the amount of possession we surrendered yet again, i thought the defence coped pretty well, but one shot in ninetey minutes - that is not going to bring the crowds flocking to VP. I would have taken a point before the start, so was reasonably happy with it. Will it be enough? - no.
-
Despite a point, the proceedings were utterly wretched.
-
I organised a "guess the weight of the gravel in my front garden" competition on Facebook then I spent the afternoon making concrete. I watched it set a bit and then I had a beer. I probably had more fun than you lot at VP.
These days a point at home should have me moon-walking down the drive but all I could do was stare at my phone and shrug.
I was in London. We went up the Shard, poked around Borough Market, went to the Tate Modern, then came back. Didn't look at proceedings during the match, took a look at about 6.30 on the way home, checked it on phone, felt pretty much no emotion either way, carried on with my Saturday.
For most of this year it seems that the only real emotion around this team is negative - ie sadness. It used to be that the odd day of non-sadness, the odd day off from the relentless grind of being utterly shit week after week was like a victory in itself, but at this point, I really just want the season to end so I can stop thinking about Villa for a longer period.
-
I organised a "guess the weight of the gravel in my front garden" competition on Facebook then I spent the afternoon making concrete. I watched it set a bit and then I had a beer. I probably had more fun than you lot at VP.
These days a point at home should have me moon-walking down the drive but all I could do was stare at my phone and shrug.
I was in London. We went up the Shard, poked around Borough Market, went to the Tate Modern, then came back. Didn't look at proceedings during the match, took a look at about 6.30 on the way home, checked it on phone, felt pretty much no emotion either way, carried on with my Saturday.
For most of this year it seems that the only real emotion around this team is negative - ie sadness. It used to be that the odd day of non-sadness, the odd day off from the relentless grind of being utterly shit week after week was like a victory in itself, but at this point, I really just want the season to end so I can stop thinking about Villa for a longer period.
That last paragraph more or less sums up my own feelings. I didn't have a lot on yesterday, so briefly considered going to the game, then remembered my resolution earlier in the season after the Everton defeat that I wasn't going to waste any more of my money on going until there was some sign of improvement.
So I watched it online whilst following the match thread, but kind of wondered why I was bothering. Obviously I really do care whether or not we stay up, but bloody hell, we really are a hard team to love.
I love Borough Market, by the way.
-
Bringing the right manager in during g the summer, or, of course, a takeover, will be the only way to galvanised the club and fans. Giving Lambert proper money to invest might help, but I think he's too far gone with the reputation to spend it poorly. He can't win anymore.
-
Considering the amount of possession we surrendered yet again, i thought the defence coped pretty well, but one shot in ninetey minutes - that is not going to bring the crowds flocking to VP. I would have taken a point before the start, so was reasonably happy with it. Will it be enough? - no.
3 shots on target for the whole game for both teams. Only one of these actually forced a decent save from a keeper.
-
I organised a "guess the weight of the gravel in my front garden" competition on Facebook then I spent the afternoon making concrete. I watched it set a bit and then I had a beer. I probably had more fun than you lot at VP.
These days a point at home should have me moon-walking down the drive but all I could do was stare at my phone and shrug.
I was in London. We went up the Shard, poked around Borough Market, went to the Tate Modern, then came back. Didn't look at proceedings during the match, took a look at about 6.30 on the way home, checked it on phone, felt pretty much no emotion either way, carried on with my Saturday.
For most of this year it seems that the only real emotion around this team is negative - ie sadness. It used to be that the odd day of non-sadness, the odd day off from the relentless grind of being utterly shit week after week was like a victory in itself, but at this point, I really just want the season to end so I can stop thinking about Villa for a longer period.
So true Paulie, I kept away from the match and checked about 5 30, I also need a rest from it all, I wear my heart on my sleeve with the Villa and its been very draining in the last 4 seasons.
-
It's all exhausting. Whether you've been dead set against things or for things, or trying to be more patient on things, of 4 years, what's been consistent is the inconsistency and uncertainty. Of not knowing when the next chaotic string of events will occur, but knowing that it will, and probably soon. That any semblance of happiness and hope has been smashed to pieces within a very short time of it happening. That's been the most tiring thing is that it just takes it out of you and you are left with this numb lifeless feeling. The Villa crowd should be far angrier but I get the impression they are just tired and show up like lemmings ready for a another dive over the cliff. Whatever happens next I just want to enjoy Villa and enjoy watching football again.
-
A Liverpool fan of my acquaintance posted a picture taken at the Swansea game of the Holte emptying before the final whistle. He tried to take the piss out of our 'disloyal' support.
I asked him how he thought Liverpool's attendances would have held up as well as ours if they had played as poorly for so long.
In the circumstances Villa supporters have had the patience of Job's dog
-
The support this season again has been superb. It's a big part of what makes this club so special.
-
A Liverpool fan of my acquaintance posted a picture taken at the Swansea game of the Holte emptying before the final whistle. He tried to take the piss out of our 'disloyal' support.
I asked him how he thought Liverpool's attendances would have held up as well as ours if they had played as poorly for so long.
In the circumstances Villa supporters have had the patience of Job's dog
Ask him if we are so disloyal, why are our attendances on a par with what Liverpool were getting in the 80s as they challenged for titles.
-
A Liverpool fan of my acquaintance posted a picture taken at the Swansea game of the Holte emptying before the final whistle. He tried to take the piss out of our 'disloyal' support.
I asked him how he thought Liverpool's attendances would have held up as well as ours if they had played as poorly for so long.
In the circumstances Villa supporters have had the patience of Job's dog
Ask him if we are so disloyal, why are our attendances on a par with what Liverpool were getting in the 80s as they challenged for titles.
Don't worry, I had him wishing he'd never opened his mouth.
That's the great thing about Twitter, you can catch people being quietly snide and go in from behind with both feet.
-
A Liverpool fan of my acquaintance posted a picture taken at the Swansea game of the Holte emptying before the final whistle. He tried to take the piss out of our 'disloyal' support.
I asked him how he thought Liverpool's attendances would have held up as well as ours if they had played as poorly for so long.
In the circumstances Villa supporters have had the patience of Job's dog
Ask him if we are so disloyal, why are our attendances on a par with what Liverpool were getting in the 80s as they challenged for titles.
Don't worry, I had him wishing he'd never opened his mouth.
That's the great thing about Twitter, you can catch people being quietly snide and go in from behind with both feet.
Are you Alan Hutton?
-
It's all exhausting. Whether you've been dead set against things or for things, or trying to be more patient on things, of 4 years, what's been consistent is the inconsistency and uncertainty. Of not knowing when the next chaotic string of events will occur, but knowing that it will, and probably soon. That any semblance of happiness and hope has been smashed to pieces within a very short time of it happening. That's been the most tiring thing is that it just takes it out of you and you are left with this numb lifeless feeling. The Villa crowd should be far angrier but I get the impression they are just tired and show up like lemmings ready for a another dive over the cliff. Whatever happens next I just want to enjoy Villa and enjoy watching football again.
A lot of us have been showing up for far longer than 4 seasons though. It is what we do. Time of year = Football season = going up the Villa.
I have parked in the same road since 1977 for God's sake ;-)
What form should this anger take TV? If you were at the back of the Holte yesterday you would have heard constant anger and invective - the girl who stands behind me is getting very inventive with the use of the words useless and c^^ts.
I tend to try and be very supportive (singing and clapping that sort of thing) and then the shit performance creeps in and saps the will. If Southampton had scored yesterday then it would have been a very different atmosphere at the end of the match - "we" were ready for that and there would have been protest on the final whistle.
My protest is not to renew - I will still attend but usually Saturday 3PM ko's and cup matches.
I go up the Villa - it's what I do,,,
-
It's all exhausting. Whether you've been dead set against things or for things, or trying to be more patient on things, of 4 years, what's been consistent is the inconsistency and uncertainty. Of not knowing when the next chaotic string of events will occur, but knowing that it will, and probably soon. That any semblance of happiness and hope has been smashed to pieces within a very short time of it happening. That's been the most tiring thing is that it just takes it out of you and you are left with this numb lifeless feeling. The Villa crowd should be far angrier but I get the impression they are just tired and show up like lemmings ready for a another dive over the cliff. Whatever happens next I just want to enjoy Villa and enjoy watching football again.
It will change next season if things stay as they are.
People will vote with their feet and not renews their ST's
-
A Liverpool fan of my acquaintance posted a picture taken at the Swansea game of the Holte emptying before the final whistle. He tried to take the piss out of our 'disloyal' support.
I asked him how he thought Liverpool's attendances would have held up as well as ours if they had played as poorly for so long.
In the circumstances Villa supporters have had the patience of Job's dog
Ask him if we are so disloyal, why are our attendances on a par with what Liverpool were getting in the 80s as they challenged for titles.
Don't worry, I had him wishing he'd never opened his mouth.
That's the great thing about Twitter, you can catch people being quietly snide and go in from behind with both feet.
Both feet? Now that's an unusual one!
-
A Liverpool fan of my acquaintance posted a picture taken at the Swansea game of the Holte emptying before the final whistle. He tried to take the piss out of our 'disloyal' support.
I asked him how he thought Liverpool's attendances would have held up as well as ours if they had played as poorly for so long.
In the circumstances Villa supporters have had the patience of Job's dog
Ask him if we are so disloyal, why are our attendances on a par with what Liverpool were getting in the 80s as they challenged for titles.
Don't worry, I had him wishing he'd never opened his mouth.
That's the great thing about Twitter, you can catch people being quietly snide and go in from behind with both feet.
Funny just about every 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' fan has their Fergie out moment - in their case the Kenny-in/must stay comment 2 years ago. At the forefront were his dinasour mates Larwo and Hansen.
It is also quite funny that not one of the 90 pro-Liverpool pundits across the various airwaves thought Liverpool would do anything better than Top4 this season.
To be fair their success this season reminds me a lot of 1981 - team considered outsiders playing cracking football and benefiting in part from few injuries and overall games. Obviously we had no cheating diving racists to my knowledge.
-
A Liverpool fan of my acquaintance posted a picture taken at the Swansea game of the Holte emptying before the final whistle. He tried to take the piss out of our 'disloyal' support.
I asked him how he thought Liverpool's attendances would have held up as well as ours if they had played as poorly for so long.
In the circumstances Villa supporters have had the patience of Job's dog
Ask him if we are so disloyal, why are our attendances on a par with what Liverpool were getting in the 80s as they challenged for titles.
Don't worry, I had him wishing he'd never opened his mouth.
That's the great thing about Twitter, you can catch people being quietly snide and go in from behind with both feet.
Are you Alan Hutton?
[/quotA Liverpool fan of my acquaintance posted a picture taken at the Swansea game of the Holte emptying before the final whistle. He tried to take the piss out of our 'disloyal' support.
I asked him how he thought Liverpool's attendances would have held up as well as ours if they had played as poorly for so long.
In the circumstances Villa supporters have had the patience of Job's dog
Ask him if we are so disloyal, why are our attendances on a par with what Liverpool were getting in the 80s as they challenged for titles.
Don't worry, I had him wishing he'd never opened his mouth.
That's the great thing about Twitter, you can catch people being quietly snide and go in from behind with both feet.
Are you Alan Hutton?
Lets hope so. The alternative for going in from behind with both feet doesn't bear thinking about.
-
On our support
Tommy docherty said that if you hung out 11 villa shirts to dry on a Sunday morning 10,000 villa fans would turn up to watch em dry that's how big this club is.
I honestly would turn up at villa park and sit there for 90 minute even if we wasn't playing just to re-call the memories
-
Disappointed again but at least we got a point another win should make us safe.
-
It's wretched isn't it. How low have we fallen that a point at home to Southampton in a boring 0-0 draw is a result a lot of us would have accepted before hand and we were hoping that Chelski win to help us.
I love Villa but agree that the last four years have made it very hard to get enthusiastic about football. I'm at the point where I don't hardly watch football any more.