Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on August 19, 2017, 04:55:05 PM
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We're not bottom any more...
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Much much better going forward, hopefully the start of us doing this a lot more often.
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Excellent offensive play.We've found a player in Davis.
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Better.
(http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/PA-8459882.jpg)
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3 points.
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I will take that as a response :)
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Excellent first half and ok second. Very happy for Conor. Special mention for Davis, brilliant today, and Alan Hutton absolutely shit yet again.
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We won, scored 4 goals and looked like a football team. WTF is going on?!
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Yay we can play football.
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Has to be time for Bree to get a run at RB.
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Really good stuff by the sounds of things apart from more lax back 4 defending.
We'll pick up points at home but can we please at least attempt to play like this away from home sometime before Christmas?
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I can't help thinking that he would have played Gabby and Hogan if available.
Let's hope he has learnt from this and bins Hutton as well.
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Excellent first half and ok second. Very happy for Conor. Special mention for Davis, brilliant today, and Alan Hutton absolutely shit yet again.
So your shit second half has changed to ok? Rightio
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We've won one on the trot! Get in!!
🎉🍻
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I'd feel better if we had more of the ball. Feels wrong to win without the ball, especially at home.
I'm still pleased though... phew!
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Good performance, still a few problems here and there.
Hourihane getting forward is key. Finally given the licence to play how he did at Barnsley hitting the box and buzzing around rather than so deep. Great game.
Davis. Better than I thought, having the focal point up front made a huge difference. Good game from the lad, poses a lot of selection issues for Bruce.
Hutton. Sorry to moan but he is fucking cack. Don't select him again.
Jedinak over Whelan will make us stronger.
4 goals at home, confidence shouldn't be a problem or excuse for now. Unfortunately Terry looks gone to me. Much better performance.
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Much, much better. Cause for celebration and cause for complaint too. Let's see if we can do it again.
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Excellent first half and ok second. Very happy for Conor. Special mention for Davis, brilliant today, and Alan Hutton absolutely shit yet again.
So your shit second half has changed to ok? Rightio
Fucking hell. It's ok overall because we scored twice. I said it was against the run of play. Look at the second half stats. How much of the ball did we have? How many shots or real chances did we create. We could have scored 2 or 3 before making it 3. Maybe the world is rose coloured from your perspective. Not mine
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Performance and Result more befitting the club.
Let's see how we do in the next 2-3 games.
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Praise the Lord! It sounds like there's plenty of room for improvement, but it's great to see us finally get a hat-full & get the new season rolling. I'm off to heat up that humble pie; & 'looking forward to winding up a few BHA fans later down the pub. It's been a while coming...
UTV
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I will admit I was worried up to our second goal as we were creating loads of chances and missing most of them as per usual. It was still too nervy in the second half but we finally won. The real test is doing it away from home, but we are better off than we started.
Davis and Hourihane were outstanding.
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Performance and Result more befitting the club.
Let's see how we do in the next 2-3 games.
We need to take it one half at a time. :D
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Do that every week please, Steve!
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If Stelling calls him Andre Gray one more fkn time, he's toast.
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Excellent first half and ok second. Very happy for Conor. Special mention for Davis, brilliant today, and Alan Hutton absolutely shit yet again.
So your shit second half has changed to ok? Rightio
Fucking hell. It's ok overall because we scored twice. I said it was against the run of play. Look at the second half stats. How much of the ball did we have? How many shots or real chances did we create. We could have scored 2 or 3 before making it 3. Maybe the world is rose coloured from your perspective. Not mine
I'm very happy with today's showing.No we're not the finished article but I saw more positivity in that performance than I have in the past five seasons.So no,I'm not going to put my filter 3 shades on.
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Whoever would have guessed that Benteke's replacement was hiding in our youth team? Great performance from Davis – strength, speed and intelligent.
And let's just hope that Bruce has finally clocked that letting your attacking players attack, putting your midfielders in their natural positions and releasing the shackles will pay dividends.
If we'd kept Baker and not signed Terry the defence would be in good shape as well. Assuming he realises that any of the other right backs he possesses is better than Hutton.
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Really enjoyed that especially as we didn't revert to the norm of crumbling to pieces when the opposition scored. We just played our own game and it paid off.
Davis having a blinder will hopefully mean we see Gabby dropping further down the pecking order and rightly so.
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The boy Davis has to play from now on, held it up and ran the line brilliantly, coupled in with his Brighton performance last season and we seem to have a player there that allows Hourihane to play 10 yards further up the field.
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With the chances we had it could have been 6 or 7.
We definitely need De Laet at right back and really should have gone for a pacier centre half.
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Considering where we stated, I'd take that all day.
Much better, still some issues, but we looked completely un-Villa like ah times.
Davis and Hourihane were outstanding and what a lovely goal from Andre, hopefully the first of many.
Let the reserves take care of Wigan and then same again at Ashton Gate please.
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Better.
No obvious reason to include Gabby, Lansbury and (hopefully) Hutton for the forseeable.
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Excellent first half and ok second. Very happy for Conor. Special mention for Davis, brilliant today, and Alan Hutton absolutely shit yet again.
Agree with that except the Hutton bit. He was okay in parts but once again up against a pacey winger he looks troubled. After the last game where he again struggled against a nippy winger, you'd have hoped Bruce would have given Bree the job who is far faster.
Still struggling to see what Lansbury brings to the party and not convinced with Elmo. Despite that, we fully deserved the 3 points, something I can't remember saying for a very long time. Well done, lads.
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Selection dilema. Where does Kodjia fit in?
Back to 2 up front? The Beast and Kodjia?
Davis, if he plays even remotely like that from here on is the first name on the team sheet. Knits it all together.
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Key was not letting Gabby anywhere near the team...
Now if he finally let his fixation with Gabby go he might admit his delusion about Hutton too...
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Considering where we stated, I'd take that all day.
Much better, still some issues, but we looked completely un-Villa like ah times.
Davis and Hourihane were outstanding and what a lovely goal from Andre, hopefully the first of many.
Let the reserves take care of Wigan and then same again at Ashton Gate please.
I'd quite like the opportunity to win a cup. It could really bring on the club. We could start the 11 that finished today, but with Samba in instead of Terry.
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Better.
No obvious reason to include Gabby, Lansbury and (hopefully) Hutton for the forseeable.
Going by sky sports lansbury set up two of the goals.
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Selection dilema. Where does Kodjia fit in?
Back to 2 up front? The Beast and Kodjia?
Davis, if he plays even remotely like that from here on is the first name on the team sheet. Knits it all together.
First name on the team sheet now....brilliant.
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Better.
No obvious reason to include Gabby, Lansbury and (hopefully) Hutton for the forseeable.
Going by sky sports lansbury set up two of the goals.
Again, didn't manage to see much because of the stream, but others have said he had an excellent game when he came on.
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An embarrassment of riches :P
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Highlights (http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/10996360/aston-villa-4-2-norwich)
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Wasn't at VP today, how did whelan play?
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Excellent first half and ok second. Very happy for Conor. Special mention for Davis, brilliant today, and Alan Hutton absolutely shit yet again.
Agree with that except the Hutton bit. He was okay in parts but once again up against a pacey winger he looks troubled. After the last game where he again struggled against a nippy winger, you'd have hoped Bruce would have given Bree the job who is far faster.
Still struggling to see what Lansbury brings to the party and not convinced with Elmo. Despite that, we fully deserved the 3 points, something I can't remember saying for a very long time. Well done, lads.
Mark, Simon says hello. With him in Chicago. Not convinced by Lansbury at all and I just don't like Hutton at all. He got turned inside out by an average winger from Norwich. Still take the win.
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Selection dilema. Where does Kodjia fit in?
Back to 2 up front? The Beast and Kodjia?
Davis, if he plays even remotely like that from here on is the first name on the team sheet. Knits it all together.
Davis up top, with Kodj being given licence to drift in from the left and go wherever he spots a gap.
Will hopefully mean that as well as creating his own chances out of thin air, he can feed off the scraps a natural targetman will provide. Hourihane getting forward more should open up even more space for him to exploit an'all.
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It made such a difference having a focal point up front, instead of the ball comming straight back he held it up and we started forward movement from Davis, even when he did not win it he pressured the defenders so they did not have easy possession.
Really impressed, also thought Whelan did well as did Green.
Hutton was a liability as soon as he was asked to defend, not sure what Elmo brings and some worrying lapses from Terry.
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Norwich must think of a visit to Villa Park in the same as we do Old Trafford.
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Considering where we stated, I'd take that all day.
Much better, still some issues, but we looked completely un-Villa like ah times.
Davis and Hourihane were outstanding and what a lovely goal from Andre, hopefully the first of many.
Let the reserves take care of Wigan and then same again at Ashton Gate please.
I'd quite like the opportunity to win a cup. It could really bring on the club. We could start the 11 that finished today, but with Samba in instead of Terry.
Absolutely no way with a game on Friday
Rotate rotate rotate
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Excellent first half and ok second. Very happy for Conor. Special mention for Davis, brilliant today, and Alan Hutton absolutely shit yet again.
Agree with that except the Hutton bit. He was okay in parts but once again up against a pacey winger he looks troubled. After the last game where he again struggled against a nippy winger, you'd have hoped Bruce would have given Bree the job who is far faster.
Still struggling to see what Lansbury brings to the party and not convinced with Elmo. Despite that, we fully deserved the 3 points, something I can't remember saying for a very long time. Well done, lads.
Mark, Simon says hello. With him in Chicago. Not convinced by Lansbury at all and I just don't like Hutton at all. He got turned inside out by an average winger from Norwich. Still take the win.
Tell the Fat lad to keep off the pies.
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Norwich must think of a visit to Villa Park in the same as we do Old Trafford.
Hah good point. Also Blackburn :)
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Well done, lads.
Thrilled for the County Cork man.
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What a refreshing change that was. Fantastic perfrmance by Davies, he was a real handful. Such a change to see a striker who can hold the ball up, link play and bully defenders.
Green looked good too and Hourihane playing in his natural position scores a hat trick. That's what happens when players play in their natural position and God knows we've missed the midfield supporting the strikers for a very long time.
The only concern for me was Hutton being caught out. They targetted him but starting Bree instead of him should resolve that.
Great to see a happy post match thread. Really looking forward to Bristol now.
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A lot better today. We played with tremendous intensity and bullied Norwich in the first half. Great to see a performance from Hourihane, bearing in mind the stick he's had for being used wrongly by Bruce until now. So pleased for Davis as well. Reminds me of Dalian in a lot of ways, just missing a goal. Couple of idiots in front of constantly moaning about the chance he missed at the start, ignoring everything else he did.
Not so good in the second half, but we gave ourselves the buffer in the first half. Shows that we can play without this crap slow and defensive we saw at Reading. Get on the front foot.
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A lot better today. We played with tremendous intensity and bullied Norwich in the first half. Great to see a performance from Hourihane, bearing in mind the stick he's had for being used wrongly by Bruce until now. So pleased for Davis as well. Reminds me of Damian in a lot of ways, just missing a goal. Couple of idiots in front of constantly moaning about the chance he missed at the start, ignoring everything else he did.
Not so good in the second half, but we gave ourselves the buffer in the first half. Shows that we can play without this crap slow and defensive we saw at Reading. Get on the front foot.
He's a devil child?
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A lot better today. We played with tremendous intensity and bullied Norwich in the first half. Great to see a performance from Hourihane, bearing in mind the stick he's had for being used wrongly by Bruce until now. So pleased for Davis as well. Reminds me of Damian in a lot of ways, just missing a goal. Couple of idiots in front of constantly moaning about the chance he missed at the start, ignoring everything else he did.
Not so good in the second half, but we gave ourselves the buffer in the first half. Shows that we can play without this crap slow and defensive we saw at Reading. Get on the front foot.
Was a Devil today
He's a devil child?
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Norwich must think of a visit to Villa Park in the same as we do Old Trafford.
I vividly remember the 3-3 in 90, I went straight from my sisters wedding in a rather dashing ciro citterio three piece suit, I looked like a right cnut.
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A lot better today. We played with tremendous intensity and bullied Norwich in the first half. Great to see a performance from Hourihane, bearing in mind the stick he's had for being used wrongly by Bruce until now. So pleased for Davis as well. Reminds me of Damian in a lot of ways, just missing a goal. Couple of idiots in front of constantly moaning about the chance he missed at the start, ignoring everything else he did.
Not so good in the second half, but we gave ourselves the buffer in the first half. Shows that we can play without this crap slow and defensive we saw at Reading. Get on the front foot.
He's a devil child?
no but it's a good omen
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Good win, but Bruce was will see it as a win by our "weaker" players and they'll be out next game.
I'm a miserable bugger!
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Now that Green and Davis are first teamers, does that mean Gabby and Hogan will be playing in midweek? I wouldn't mind if that was the case actually.
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Davis was unlucky not to score, felt pleased for Green and honestly think Terry has completely fucked up the equilibrium of our defense. Chester looks like a skittish kitten next to him. Other than that the best first 45 minutes I've seen for a while in the first half.
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Now that Green and Davis are first teamers, does that mean Gabby and Hogan will be playing in midweek? I wouldn't mind if that was the case actually.
That's certainly what he should do. Gabby shouldn't be anywhere near the first team and Hogan needs some game time/goals for his confidence.
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Now that Green and Davis are first teamers, does that mean Gabby and Hogan will be playing in midweek? I wouldn't mind if that was the case actually.
That's certainly what he should do. Gabby shouldn't be anywhere near the first team and Hogan needs some game time/goals for his confidence.
And he also needs a diet.
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A star is born in Davis. Not only was he excellent throughout, he's made the team an actual team.
I have a new favourite Villa player.
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A star is born in Davis. Not only was he excellent throughout, he's made the team an actual team.
I have a new favourite Villa player.
And a big nod to Brian Green who's been championing his cause all summer, spot on sir.
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Hallelujah! We play with a centre forward who can hold the ball up and immediately look much better. We play three in midfield and allow the two more advanced midfielders the freedom to push on a bit and one of them scores a hat-trick.
Hourihane will take the plaudits, but Davis deserves real credit as well. He was a real handful all game and their centre halves really struggled. His hold up play was excellent and it really made a difference. I thought Whelan looked more comfortable in the holding role and our wide players looked a threat at times. Only gripe would be and I couldn't tell too clearly from my seat in the North Stand, but we looked quite open for their two goals.
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Hallelujah! We play with a centre forward who can hold the ball up and immediately look much better. We play three in midfield and allow the two more advanced midfielders the freedom to push on a bit and one of them scores a hat-trick.
Hourihane will take the plaudits, but Davis deserves real credit as well. He was a real handful all game and their centre halves really struggled. His hold up play was excellent and it really made a difference. I thought Whelan looked more comfortable in the holding role and our wide players looked a threat at times. Only gripe would be and I couldn't tell too clearly from my seat in the North Stand, but we looked quite open for their two goals.
Hutton taking a nap for the first. They clearly targeted him from the off, and their number 11 constantly rinsed him. Encouraged by the fact Bruce give him the curly finger after the goal, if not by the fact he picked him in the first place.
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A star is born in Davis. Not only was he excellent throughout, he's made the team an actual team.
I have a new favourite Villa player.
And a big nod to Brian Green who's been championing his cause all summer, spot on sir.
Brian knows a thing or two about strikers.
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Not that is solves everything but very happy for the faithful at Villa Park who finally was entertained like they deserve.
Celebrating 4 times and walking out happy. Been so long they probably for got what it was like. :)
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Keinan Davis had as good a first start as I can remember from a non-established player. The two goals conceded were a bit of a worry as they came from straight aerial balls. It was also interesting to note that both programme kiosks in the upper Holte were closed before kick off.
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Excellent first half and ok second. Very happy for Conor. Special mention for Davis, brilliant today, and Alan Hutton absolutely shit yet again.
Agree with that except the Hutton bit. He was okay in parts but once again up against a pacey winger he looks troubled. After the last game where he again struggled against a nippy winger, you'd have hoped Bruce would have given Bree the job who is far faster.
Still struggling to see what Lansbury brings to the party and not convinced with Elmo. Despite that, we fully deserved the 3 points, something I can't remember saying for a very long time. Well done, lads.
Mark, Simon says hello. With him in Chicago. Not convinced by Lansbury at all and I just don't like Hutton at all. He got turned inside out by an average winger from Norwich. Still take the win.
Tell the Fat lad to keep off the pies.
He's remarkably lean and ripped. Life has treated him well. I'm going ruin all of that with beer and chicken wings.
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The highlights are a pleasure to watch for a change...so many chances created and Davis had a stormer of a game.
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A lot better today. We played with tremendous intensity and bullied Norwich in the first half. Great to see a performance from Hourihane, bearing in mind the stick he's had for being used wrongly by Bruce until now. So pleased for Davis as well. Reminds me of Dalian in a lot of ways, just missing a goal. Couple of idiots in front of constantly moaning about the chance he missed at the start, ignoring everything else he did.
Not so good in the second half, but we gave ourselves the buffer in the first half. Shows that we can play without this crap slow and defensive we saw at Reading. Get on the front foot.
How can anyone moan about a chance that he created for himself out of nothing? It would have been nice for him to have scored a few goals today with the chances he had but other than that he was exceptional and added a new dimension to the team that has been sadly lacking allowing our midfield to get forward.
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Hallelujah! We play with a centre forward who can hold the ball up and immediately look much better. We play three in midfield and allow the two more advanced midfielders the freedom to push on a bit and one of them scores a hat-trick.
Hourihane will take the plaudits, but Davis deserves real credit as well. He was a real handful all game and their centre halves really struggled. His hold up play was excellent and it really made a difference. I thought Whelan looked more comfortable in the holding role and our wide players looked a threat at times. Only gripe would be and I couldn't tell too clearly from my seat in the North Stand, but we looked quite open for their two goals.
Hutton taking a nap for the first. They clearly targeted him from the off, and their number 11 constantly rinsed him. Encouraged by the fact Bruce give him the curly finger after the goal, if not by the fact he picked him in the first place.
I thought that left winger looked a real threat all game and as you say Lee, Hutton struggled against him at times. Think him getting the hook was also because he got booked for a foul on him and looked like a red card waiting to happen.
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Off the top of my head, Hourihane could of scored 5, Davis 3, Green 2, Elohamady 1. Hopefully this is just the start of us attempting to outscore teams because the signing of Terry seems to have messed up our defensive cohession.
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Having watched the highlights we looked great going forward, they didn't have any chances save the goals and they were entirely down to bad positioning by our defenders Hutton and Terry.
Well done Davis, well done Bruce for picking him at long last.
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Could have scored 7, the scoreline flattered Norwich. Murphy was their best player by a mile.
Pleased that we actually tried to win a game, rather than trying to avoid defeat.
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What a refreshing change! Thought we played really well in the first half, created loads of chances, and scored 2 good goals. Unsurprisingly Naarrich upped the tempo in the second and we predictably started to back off, but we still looked dangerous on the break at least until Bruce changed the formation to 5-5-0 when he brought Samba on. Hourihane was outstanding - funny what happens when you play players in their natural position - but equally outstanding was Keinan Davis, who was strong, skilful, bullied defenders, held the ball up well and was unlucky not to cap his full home debut off with a goal. Thought Green played well today as well and took his goal superbly, but he really needs to start practicing heading the ball into an empty net from three yards out. On the downside Lansbury replacing Onomah weakened our midfield, and Hutton was a weak point which they targeted for most of the game. Thought there was a hint of offside for their first, and a big hint of handball for our fourth. Travel was a doddle with the Expressway open. The only thing which pissed me off today was Bruce's post-match comments, banging on about trolling rubbish on social media after just a week and 4 games - it's not a week Steve, it's 10 months, and it's not 4 games it's 40 - careful not to bite the hand that feeds you
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This is what happens when you approach a game positively. Hourihane is going to be a hell of player for us I think. This is what we bought. 4 goals this season and how we've so lacked goals from midfield for so long. Great to see.
Davis and Green showed what a bit of exuberance, youth and pace can give you. Keep them in, give them games. In this league, play your youngsters because if we were Premier League we'd just be loaning them to this level (ideally). Play them. Develop them. Get games under their belts and ready for the top flight challenge.
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Just heard Bruce having a go at the supporters saying we need to get a grip ....if you don't like it then clear off !!
Most unlike Villa today ....scoring 4 goals and a midfielder scoring goals ...well done Conor
My question would be di Bruce play Davis by default? i.e. everybody else was injured (presuming Gabby was as I am sure Bruce would have played him)
Davis had an excellent game and must keep his place at Bristol
Andre Green is still lacking confidence but his goal will do him the world of good
Whelen had a decent game today ....... but surely he and Jedi can't play together in midfield
My only gripe today would be why was Callum O'Hare not on the bench?
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My only gripe today would be why was Callum O'Hare not on the bench?
SB said he was very close to playing, in between having little digs about how ridiculous the criticism was and what a difficult club we were to manage.
Davis must keep his place on Friday.
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Much needed win
Davis looks like a beast, everything you want in a forward, can hold it up so hourihane can get forward
looks like bruce has stumbled found something that works. Dont fuck it up
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what a difficult club we were to manage.
He'd be no good at Arsenal then
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How did we line up? Was hourihane the most advanced or was it Onomah and then Lansbury?
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Better.
No obvious reason to include Gabby, Lansbury and (hopefully) Hutton for the forseeable.
Going by sky sports lansbury set up two of the goals.
Yes second and third.
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Well done today Villa. I still want Bruce gone though.
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A good and much needed win. The only gripes were switching off for both their goals and not scoring more than 4. Jolly pleased though, let's hope we push on. Fair play Brucey.
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How did we line up? Was hourihane the most advanced or was it Onomah and then Lansbury?
Sort of
Whelan
Onomah Hourihane Green
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Sometimes managers get a bit if luck and a team picks itself due to the players available. As a club i think we deserve a bit of a break, as does Bruce.
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How did we line up? Was hourihane the most advanced or was it Onomah and then Lansbury?
Sort of
Whelan
Onomah Hourihane Green
And Elmo right presumably - so 4141? Sounds a bit adventurous for Bruce!
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Yes correct forgot about him.
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What a pleasant surprise that was, thoroughly enjoyable afternoon at Villa Park. I've never taken much notice of possession stats as they don't tell the whole story, according to the BBC Norwich had a lot more possession but most of that was passing it about across the back.
Davis and Hourihane were superb as was Green in the first half, even Lansbury had a good game. Only negatives for me were the abysmal Hutton and the number 26, hate seeing him in a Villa shirt.
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What a pleasant surprise that was, thoroughly enjoyable afternoon at Villa Park. I've never taken much notice of possession stats as they don't tell the whole story, according to the BBC Norwich had a lot more possession but most of that was passing it about across the back.
Davis and Hourihane were superb as was Green in the first half, even Lansbury had a good game. Only negatives for me were the abysmal Hutton and the number 26, hate seeing him in a Villa shirt.
And we look much worse defensively with him there so far
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Davis v unlucky when he hit the crossbar. Gteen should have had another when he headed back to the keeper
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How did we line up? Was hourihane the most advanced or was it Onomah and then Lansbury?
Sort of
Whelan
Onomah Hourihane Green
And Elmo right presumably - so 4141? Sounds a bit adventurous for Bruce!
It was Matt. Whelan was in a holding role and Onomah and Hourihane looked like they had been given a bit more licence to push on. Davis holding the ball up so well allowed Hourihane in particular to not only come on to the ball more, but also make runs beyond the ball as well. It also allowed us to press Norwich a bit further up the pitch and their defence looked very uncomfortable on the ball at times. All the time, Whelan was just sweeping up behind them and keeping things ticking over.
It was the formation that gave us the best results last season, but just needed a bit of tinkering with. Definitely something to build on going forward.
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Good stuff
Needs a target man I reckon so interesting how Kodjia fits in
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Davis: a young Benteke! What I liked was his decision-making - he seemed to knwo when to lay the ball off and when to hold it or beat his man. He will be a star if the manager plays him regularly. As you consider the game, think how Gestede would have played that role - nowhere near as well, IMO.
Davis allowed the MF to get more space and Hourihane, Onomah and Green all benefited.
We're finally seeing the Hourihane we thought we'd signed.
Whelan seemed less leggy today.
Lansbury still fails to impress.
Hutton is a liability - the first concession was defo down to him, and he got regularly roasted by the Naaaarrrich winger.
Still not convinced Tattyhead is the right man for manager ...
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Didn't see enough of the game to question the defence, but their first was due to Hutton losing his man from a long ball, and it would be harsh to criticise Terry for the second as it was an excellent cross with their man getting in behind...although he might have got a head to it if he was 6 inches taller!
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Davis v unlucky when he hit the crossbar. Gteen should have had another when he headed back to the keeper
Chester missed a sitter too. Seemed like we ripped them a new one going on the highlights. Hutton relegated to third choice right back would be a positive, could let him go really if someone comes in with a bid. Badly need a mobile centre half option.
Fair play to Bruce, made some big selection calls and keeping faith in Hourihane paid big dividends. Great goal from Andre Green first of many this season.
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
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Maybe Davis with Hogan alongside could work as a front two? Haven't seen how Hogan played at Brentford, though.
Hourihane, played in his correct position seemed to work today
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
Scott Sinclair?
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
Carbone.
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I heard SB's post match interview & he evidently - and somewhat understandably - hasn't taken too kindly to the pressure he's been under of late. He commented "The nonsense that's been going around is nonsense", which got me wondering whether a double nonsense turns the nonsense into a non-nonsense; or any nonsense that could have been uttered wasn't actually uttered at all: so is nonsense by definition (or is it)? Perhaps one of you Algebra Boffins could simplify his statement via the use of formulae and/or equations? If not, I'll be in a state of perpetual confusion & it may even hamper my ability to enjoy a libation or 3 in a bit. Thanks in advance y'all.
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A no nonsense performance
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Good stuff
Needs a target man I reckon so interesting how Kodjia fits in
Definitely needs a target man and has done for some time. With that in mind, I would go ahead and get Gallagher in to compete with Davis for that starting place. Kodjia could then well be an option cutting in from the left.
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Davis was superb - more Peter Withe than Benteke.
But Norwich were crap - their back four looked like they were auditioning for Swan Lake - or what they write on the back of viagra packets - (4 limp dicks). They looked like they were trying to play like Barcelona but without the skills needed to play it out from the back.
If only our response to conceding a goal when being 2 goals up - was ALWAYS to go down the other end and score another goal - we would all be very happy. Such a simple idea.
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Most defences in his league are pretty shit if you can have the right blend of pace, power and quality
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
Wasn't it Ashley Westwood?
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
Mr Shin was thinking David Platt
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Most defences in his league are pretty shit if you can have the right blend of pace, power and quality
The Norwich centre halves were very poor, the one especially so. He was just stood there all tangled up and blowin' in the wind as Davis outplayed him.
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
Platt v Spurs 1991.
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Alan Hutton. Dreadful player.
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Alan Hutton. Dreadful player.
As some kind of defence, he was crocked a bit after being hacked down in the first half
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Told you they were cannon fodder.
An excellent result and a surprising performance. We could have scored a lot more.
There was an excellent balance to the side and Davis played a huge part in that. He gives us a focal point and the ball just sticks to him. An immensely impressive start.
Quick feet, good vision and got into positions to score. While not rapid, he's very mobile. I could easily see Kodjia or Hogan playing off him.
Pleasing to see the way he gained us territory by holding the ball up and letting midfield runners join up in the final third.
We had four players willing to support Davis and hit the box, while the Wiseman stretched them.
Lansbury set up some goals and made some good runs. Nothing outstanding but it was food to finally see him offer something.
I'm delighted for Hourihane. I rate him a good deal and he offers some real threat. Whelan sitting and allowing Hourihane and Angela to hit the box and press.
I thought the defensive block was better. They played a lot of horizontal ball, but we made sure anything in our half was pressed.
Brilliant finish from Green and he showed some purpose. He's let down by his positional sense but it's far easy to coach that compared to the talent he shows on the ball. Missed another sitter mind. That said, to the wankers at Reading who I gave a round of fucks too, have some of that. Sublime finish.
The bad would be Hutton. Credit Bruce for hooking him, but what was he doing on the pitch?
Thought Chester got caught positionally a few times too. Two very soft goals.
But... We bossed them first half, came out second and played nicely and critically, showed killer instinct.
Possession stats are low but 20/8 shots is a good return. We looked so much better today being positive and we finally blew a side away and with more composure, could have scored 8.
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Most defences in his league are pretty shit if you can have the right blend of pace, power and quality
The Norwich centre halves were very poor, the one especially so. He was just stood there all tangled up and blowin' in the wind as Davis outplayed him.
He won't be the last to get a mauling from Davis. So easy to get carried away, but it was massively encouraging.
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Most defences in his league are pretty shit if you can have the right blend of pace, power and quality
The thing I noticed today was that Hourihane and Onomah pressed their back four as well as Davis today. They got out a couple of times, but more often than not they looked rushed and gave it away. I think most teams in this league would be the same if they were pressed as well.
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Davis simply picked up where he left off against Brighton. Reminds me so much of Peter Withe.
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The press really worked today - defenders in this league aren't good enough to deal with it if they try to play
Need to play like that away from home too
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Told you they were cannon fodder.
Well, if you say it about every team we play then you're bound to get one right sooner or later.
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Told you they were cannon fodder.
Well, if you say it about every team we play then you're bound to get one right sooner or later once every five years.
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I don't say it about every team. I say it about Norwich, as they're cannon fodder at Villa Park. All that "we are going to get stuffed" crap, I can only assume they'd never seen us play Cannon Fodder FC at B6 before.
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Jesus there are some miserable buggers about. Today was great but you just want to score points with Ads.
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
Wasn't it Ashley Westwood?
Carbone in 2000
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Jesus there are some miserable buggers about. Today was great but you just want to score points with Ads.
I'm not the one who felt the need to enter with "SEE! SEE! I told you how right I was!"
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Jesus there are some miserable buggers about. Today was great but you just want to score points with Ads.
It would appear so, I suppose I should be flattered.
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Jesus there are some miserable buggers about. Today was great but you just want to score points with Ads.
I'm not the one who felt the need to enter with "SEE! SEE! I told you how right I was!"
Bit touchy aren't you?
I'm sure Bristol will beat us so you can revel in me being wrong, something you take great pleasure in it would seem.
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Most defences in his league are pretty shit if you can have the right blend of pace, power and quality
The thing I noticed today was that Hourihane and Onomah pressed their back four as well as Davis today. They got out a couple of times, but more often than not they looked rushed and gave it away. I think most teams in this league would be the same if they were pressed as well.
Yes they did press well and it worked great, especially in the first half.
I just wish they would not invite unnecessary pressure as they did in the second half when the opposition had previously done very little.
Davis was a revelation and held the ball up, something which wouldn't have happened with Hogan or Gabby; and Hourihane looked a different player playing to his strengths. Admittedly their German B listers looked a bit immobile, but that was maybe in part to a more forward thinking approach.
The defence doesn't look secure though. Villa should've sussed out Murphy as a threat just as they sussed out Hutton as the weakness and JT isn't proving to be the influence I had anticipated.
However I came away buoyed by a welcome, if unexpected, turnaround in form.
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Alan Hutton. Dreadful player.
Davis was good though.And Hourihane.And Green.And Whelan.And Taylor.And Onomah.
Thought Lansbury was OK.As was Chester.And Elmahamody.And Bree.And Terry.
And Johnstone.And Samba
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
Wasn't it Ashley Westwood?
Carbone in 2000
Wasn't really a midfielder though especially that game, nor was Sinclair who was mentioned earlier, plus it took Sinclair extra time to score 3.
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
I asked this today as well and I said Platt.
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
Wasn't it Ashley Westwood?
Carbone in 2000
Wasn't really a midfielder though especially that game, nor was Sinclair who was mentioned earlier, plus it took Sinclair extra time to score 3.
Said the same to someone earlier. Was up front with Julian Joachim if memory serves.
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The press really worked today - defenders in this league aren't good enough to deal with it if they try to play
Need to play like that away from home too
Agree. We need the kind of positive approach we saw today in every game. We should have almost an arrogance about us that it doesn't matter who the opposition is in this league, we are going to look to be on the front foot.
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Just got back. Davis was immense, Hourihane was almost David Platt-esque as a goalscoring midfielder, atmosphere was best its been for ages, Norwich brought barely half the support they did back in April and everything is rosy so going to enjoy it tonight.
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Apologies if this has been answered already but who was the last Villa midfielder to score a hat-trick? Surely there has been someone since Gary Shelton
I asked this today as well and I said Platt.
It was Platt in '91.
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Hutton did quite well I thought and so did most of the people around me apart from the guy three to the right of me who screamed "fuck off you c***!" when he was subbed for Bree.
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Our first championship win without Jedinak.
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Our first championship win without Jedinak.
Didn't need him, Whelan did that job today and did it very well - arguably better as he can pass the ball better.
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Really well done Villa. And Bruce for a brave selection. Anywhere near this level going forwards and we won't go far wrong. Credit where it's due: Please, please, please carry this on!
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Really happy tonight
Bit surprised Norwich left arguably their three best players on the bench though - Oliveira, Hoolahan, Watkins
We've just got to avoid complacent v Bristol. We need to be organised, fight hard but also show plenty of ambition
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Really well done Villa. And Bruce for a brave selection. Anywhere near this level going forwards and we won't go far wrong. Credit where it's due: Please, please, please carry this on!
Bruce himself admitted he was forced to make this selection, a happy accident. But yes please carry on!
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Davis simply picked up where he left off against Brighton. Reminds me so much of Peter Withe.
This is what i don't understand about Bruce. He must have seen how effective a half decent target man type centre forward worked, but he never tried it all pre season. He has lucked out with a team picking itself due to circumstances.
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I just hope he doesn't revert to type at Bristol City. He needs to be expansive in away games and let the players express themselves, they've shown today they will score goals so don't hamper that. Today needs to be the norm, not a one off.
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Yep. With the players we have there is really no excuse to go to Reading or Bristol City or whoever and stand there in admiration as they stroke the ball around us.
We've set the bar today. No excuse to revert to type now.
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Really well done Villa. And Bruce for a brave selection. Anywhere near this level going forwards and we won't go far wrong. Credit where it's due: Please, please, please carry this on!
Bruce himself admitted he was forced to make this selection, a happy accident. But yes please carry on!
A lucky manager.
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Great result Villa boys!! In Ireland celebrating a 4-2 win and a Hourihane hatrick! Brilliant by Hourihane, Davis and Green. Keep gabby and richards in the Bella and Hercules outfits and away from the starting
line-up and bench. UTV, VTID, DLBIA, the Villa say!
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I can't help thinking that he would have played Gabby and Hogan if available.
Let's hope he has learnt from this and bins Hutton as well.
I know many of you think Hutton can't play but I assume that he is carrying an injury because he has not been as effective as previously.
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Most defences in his league are pretty shit if you can have the right blend of pace, power and quality
The thing I noticed today was that Hourihane and Onomah pressed their back four as well as Davis today. They got out a couple of times, but more often than not they looked rushed and gave it away. I think most teams in this league would be the same if they were pressed as well.
Yes they did press well and it worked great, especially in the first half.
I just wish they would not invite unnecessary pressure as they did in the second half when the opposition had previously done very little.
Davis was a revelation and held the ball up, something which wouldn't have happened with Hogan or Gabby; and Hourihane looked a different player playing to his strengths. Admittedly their German B listers looked a bit immobile, but that was maybe in part to a more forward thinking approach.
The defence doesn't look secure though. Villa should've sussed out Murphy as a threat just as they sussed out Hutton as the weakness and JT isn't proving to be the influence I had anticipated.
However I came away buoyed by a welcome, if unexpected, turnaround in form.
Terry is too old and slow and needs to be replaced. Johnstone made sure his mistakes weren't exposed.
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Really well done Villa. And Bruce for a brave selection. Anywhere near this level going forwards and we won't go far wrong. Credit where it's due: Please, please, please carry this on!
Said earlier in the thread that he has now got something to build on. I still think the formation he used today is the best fit for the players we have, but we were missing a striker who could hold the ball up and bring it all together. We had that today and it worked well.
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Bree for Hutton has to be a given now.
Terry shouldn't be in the team either. We look worse defensively with him there than we did last season.
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Bree for Hutton has to be a given now.
Against a fast, tricky winger, I agree. After the other week, it's obvious if you have decent winger Hutton will struggle. Bruce needs to learn from performances and adapt the team accordingly.
Terry was okay.Chester and Hutton were caught out of position for their first today. There was one point today when Norwich attacked and we had both Terry and Chester moving into exactly the same space, leaving us completely wide open.
Still plenty of work to do at Bodymoor Heath for our manager and coaches or whoever replaces them.
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Davis would not have played if others had been fit so I give no credit to Bruce, I am fearful that he will revert to type next game. I question why Hourihane has not been used this way before as it was his role at his previous club. For me One very good performance does not make up for all the crap that's gone before. Hope we have turned the corner.
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Davis would not have played if others had been fit so I give no credit to Bruce, I am fearful that he will revert to type next game.
Don't think even Bruce would be daft enough to drop him next game. But if Davis has an average/below average game or two, the concern is he will get the hook for the tried and tested Gabby.
Tried and tested and proven to be shite, that is.
I'd sooner wear the inevitable ropey spell from a young player still finding his feet rather than a professional pisstaker who has barely turned up since 2013. But in a painting by numbers approach to football (ie the Bruce approach) Gabby is probably the better option because Gabby has played 200+ games in the topflight.
See also his steadfast belief in Alan Hutton.
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For me One very good performance does not make up for all the crap that's gone before. Hope we have turned the corner.
The way Bruce seems to see it is one week of bad results shouldn't be out-weighed by everything, apparently acceptable that's gone in the past "six"/ten months.
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Bree for Hutton has to be a given now.
Against a fast, tricky winger, I agree. After the other week, it's obvious if you have decent winger Hutton will struggle. Bruce needs to learn from performances and adapt the team accordingly.
Terry was okay.Chester and Hutton were caught out of position for their first today. There was one point today when Norwich attacked and we had both Terry and Chester moving into exactly the same space, leaving us completely wide open.
Still plenty of work to do at Bodymoor Heath for our manager and coaches or whoever replaces them.
well to be fair, that's the main part of his job- to stop attacks down the left wing. If he can't do it, he shouldn't be in the side as a self-picking starter in my view.
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Bree for Hutton has to be a given now.
Against a fast, tricky winger, I agree. After the other week, it's obvious if you have decent winger Hutton will struggle. Bruce needs to learn from performances and adapt the team accordingly.
Terry was okay.Chester and Hutton were caught out of position for their first today. There was one point today when Norwich attacked and we had both Terry and Chester moving into exactly the same space, leaving us completely wide open.
Still plenty of work to do at Bodymoor Heath for our manager and coaches or whoever replaces them.
well to be fair, that's the main part of his job- to stop attacks down the left wing. If he can't do it, he shouldn't be in the side as a self-picking starter in my view.
Sure but not everybody plays with pacy left wingers. As I've mentioned elsewhere, Bruce should have gone with Bree who's far faster than Hutton.
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It is also worth adding into the equation that Richie De Laet has a huge throw. With Davis in the penalty box it gives us another very real attacking threat.
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I can't help thinking that he would have played Gabby and Hogan if available.
Let's hope he has learnt from this and bins Hutton as well.
I know many of you think Hutton can't play but I assume that he is carrying an injury because he has not been as effective as previously.
A long-term injury if so. 5 yrs of being skinned by wingers and failing to mark players
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Bree for Hutton has to be a given now.
Against a fast, tricky winger, I agree. After the other week, it's obvious if you have decent winger Hutton will struggle. Bruce needs to learn from performances and adapt the team accordingly.
Terry was okay.Chester and Hutton were caught out of position for their first today. There was one point today when Norwich attacked and we had both Terry and Chester moving into exactly the same space, leaving us completely wide open.
Still plenty of work to do at Bodymoor Heath for our manager and coaches or whoever replaces them.
well to be fair, that's the main part of his job- to stop attacks down the left wing. If he can't do it, he shouldn't be in the side as a self-picking starter in my view.
Sure but not everybody plays with pacy left wingers. As I've mentioned elsewhere, Bruce should have gone with Bree who's far faster than Hutton.
When the club were doing the FB interviews with players last year, I recall a few of them saying that Hutton was the quickest player at the club.
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A small point from yesterday's game is how little difference Terry has made to our defence. I thought they were two soft goals scored against us. I had hoped that the main reason for bringing Terry in was to stop that kind of thing.
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Yes Brian we were caught out and like you I thought sole reason for Terry being there with his experience was to stop that sort of thing. On their second a young Terry would have had the agility to head it clear.
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I'm going to disagree here and say I thought Terry had a good game. His distribution is better than Bakers which means we move the ball with better pace and accuracy from the back. All of our defensive frailty was caused by Norwich overloading there left to let Murphy give Hutton a roasting and it worked but other than the goal from the long cross field ball I thought the defence was fine with Chester and Terry mopping things up nicely when Murphy was roasting Hutton.
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Hutton' speed is not in doubt it's his ability to keep an eye on his foe that's without doubt very poor.
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The first Norwich goal was very poor
No pressure on the passer and Hutton completely sleeping
Agree Terry hasn't had the desired effect so far but also that his better distribution is helpful
It's just way too early to judge yet
Other than Hutton who has been getting away with it for years
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I thought Terry played well. It was funny watching Murphy put himself close to Terry only for Terry to man handle him to the ground, whilst the ref was watching the ball. The dark arts of defense, he kept things simple and didn't launch aimless clearances. That Murphy seems to be a very good player.
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we look far more fragile defensively with him in the team - Chester's game has turned to shit since being paired with him
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He did play the ball out very well on a number of occassions.
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Great performance from the players . Davis was excellent today MOM1 , lucky for Bruce as Gabby was injured and he had no choice and good to see Houriane MOM2 in his natural position for once , took Bruce long enough to work that one out .
really enjoyed today , lets hope we turned a corner but Bree for Hutton on Friday please , i cant understand how he started .
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I thought Terry played well. It was funny watching Murphy put himself close to Terry only for Terry to man handle him to the ground, whilst the ref was watching the ball. The dark arts of defense, he kept things simple and didn't launch aimless clearances. That Murphy seems to be a very good player.
He did play well, I also noticed him giving players a talking to after the goals.
Overall I though it was a good performance from most of them individually and collectively. We scored 4 and importantly at the right times; topping off a good start, consolidating just before half time then quickly after they pulled goals back. The midfield looked balanced and importantly a centre forward holding the ball up to allow others to get up and support. More of this please.
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He did the right thing taking Hutton off yesterday. He should have done it against Cardiff as well.
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This was my young lad's first game, and my first for ages, and what a hugely enjoyable one it was too. So great to leave the ground buzzing. With that entertainment, and watching from the Holte, he's caught the Villa bug proper I think now!
Like the others who saw it, I thought that Davis was superb. His hold up play reminded me of Mark Hughes (I unfortunately never got to see Peter Withe). He has to start up top from now on in. Hourihane too was excellent, and when he hit the shot for his third there was no doubt in my mind where it was going. And what a peach from Green for his first goal.
I was also pleased with Whelan today, and I thought that Lansbury started to show what he could bring - one pass from nowhere that found Hourihane in acres of space springs to mind.
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I agree that Terry's technique and his distribution are excellent. It is the overall tightness and organisation of the defence that I hoped would be improved. We have shipped eight goals in four league matches. That has to be addressed.
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Steve, it's been a year of trash and then this, not one week. What *has* only happened one week is *this* performance. *This* win is the aberration in a long-term trend. Fair enough if it turns out to be a corner turned, but don't give us this shit you weird precious brittle man.
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We've looked like we've turned plenty of corners over the past few seasons only for things to get gradually worse.
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Frustrating to hear him say how well the players had done "under pressure".
The whole team were backed from the start so the pressure certainly wasn't from the fans if that's what he's insinuating.
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The test will come on Friday at Bristol .......
Unchanged team expect maybe RDL or Bree for Hutton ....play in the same style
Davis could easily see Baker sent off if he plays the same as today
We need to take the game to Bristol and be positive
Play all the fringe players on Tuesday - the kids will have seen Davis and should be up to show what they can do
Having said all the above it would be no surprise if Bruce plays Gabby up front rather than Davis and tell us he is looking after him and we should not expect too much
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Is he really trying to convince us that he would have played Davis if Gabby been fit?
When Kodjia departed for AFCON he openly declared that Gabby would get every opportunity...
That worked out great...wasting the last hope we had of salvaging the season.
When Kodjia got injured the best solution he comes up with is ...Gabby again !?
The definition of idiocy is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
But whatever ... if this game turns a corner and launches a new AV youth star, he dress up the history of how it came to be in whatever fictional way he please.
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Frustrating to hear him say how well the players had done "under pressure".
The whole team were backed from the start so the pressure certainly wasn't from the fans if that's what he's insinuating.
Seriously? a whole bunch of the 'fans' have been on his back and the teams for ages. Almost willing them to fuck up as they love nothing more than a good moan.
I even had someone moaning after the game yesterday despite bloody winning. Absolute clowns
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Frustrating to hear him say how well the players had done "under pressure".
The whole team were backed from the start so the pressure certainly wasn't from the fans if that's what he's insinuating.
Sorry but the clown is Bruce ....do you honestly believe Davis would have played had Gabby been fit? We all know the answer !
Since Bruce came almost a year now we don't look any better than before - anybody who watches them week in etc is right to have a go
Seriously? a whole bunch of the 'fans' have been on his back and the teams for ages. Almost willing them to fuck up as they love nothing more than a good moan.
I even had someone moaning after the game yesterday despite bloody winning. Absolute clowns
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Steve, it's been a year of trash and then this, not one week. What *has* only happened one week is *this* performance. *This* win is the aberration in a long-term trend. Fair enough if it turns out to be a corner turned, but don't give us this shit you weird precious brittle man.
What an arse. Good performance yesterday, but he's had the equivalent of a whole season where the team and results have been mostly nowhere near good enough. The trouble with sounding off after one good performance is that you look an arse again when it's followed up by a bad one, which has too often been the case under him. And as for the money spent, there aren't many teams with players who cost as much as Hogan in the Championship.
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Bree for Hutton on Friday please , i cant understand how he started .
He started crap and continued to be rubbish as usual. He did look a lot better when he was on the bench, though.
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After seeing Terry in a Villa shirt my opinion of him has softened. Who am I kidding? I hate him and hate seeing him in a Villa shirt.
The Championship highlights on 5 is abysmal but I was surprised they didn't include the Davis chance in the first minute or several other chances.
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The highlights on the Sky Sports website are better. Channel 5 is abysmal coverage.
http://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/competitions/championship/10996360/aston-villa-4-2-norwich
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Sorry to say, but Bruce got lucky with his selection,in my opinion.You only have to look at his comments a la Aston Villa' crisis was nonsense. Most revealing was this;
Among the three changes Bruce made from the midweek defeat at Reading was to bring in 19-year-old striker Keinan Davis as one of three teenagers in his starting line-up.
Davis responded by making the first goal and several times going close himself.
"Against two big German centre-halves it was a case of 'Welcome to the Championship', "Bruce told BBC Sport. "It was a fantastic first start for a young player who was at Biggleswade a year ago.
"He was magnificent on Monday for the reserves. That made me think I could take a chance as I wasn't sure Scott Hogan was fully fit and Gabby Agbonlahor had a twinge in his back.
The comment about Hogan and Flabby make me think it will be all change when they are "fit", and our young guns will be left out again.
Oh and why does he persist in playing Hutton???? The guy has no positional sense whatsoever, and he was his usual "nowhere man" when they scored.
Also I have to agree with other posters, who have said buying Terry was a mistake.Looks woefully short of pace.
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Also I have to agree with other posters, who have said buying Terry was a mistake.Looks woefully short of pace.
In fairness he was never the quickest in his prime, but looks noticeably slow so far. Its clearly unsettled Chester as well, as he looks well off the high standards he set last season.
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The test will come on Friday at Bristol .......
Unchanged team expect maybe RDL or Bree for Hutton ....play in the same style
Davis could easily see Baker sent off if he plays the same as today
We need to take the game to Bristol and be positive
Play all the fringe players on Tuesday - the kids will have seen Davis and should be up to show what they can do
Having said all the above it would be no surprise if Bruce plays Gabby up front rather than Davis and tell us he is looking after him and we should not expect too much
No chance Gabby will start ahead of Davis. Baker will relish that physical battle with Davis though. Bruce seems to rate De Laet higher than Bree, I'd expect he will replace Hutton.
Will be an interesting selection mid week. Hope to see O'Hare, Lyden, RHM, Bree getting starts. Bound to be plenty of goals with the likes of Samba in the team.
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Was worried when I saw the line up, but really happy with both the result and the performance.
Credit where it is due Bruce put out a team that looked motivated and had a coherent formation. Pleased with that and really pleased to see a performance from Green and Davis. With Lydon, RHM and O'Hare to come in too the Villa lads can make a real difference if given chance.
Thing is that most of the new midfielders we have are slow, so when they all play together they look rather lumpen. They all have talent but collectively can't show it as they have no movement to pass into, no outlet ball. Also with nobody to hold the ball up, we can't ever get close enough to the opposition to press.
It is amazing what a bit of pace and hold up play does to the likes of Whelan, Hourihane and Lansbury. Long may it continue.
In fairness to Bruce he is trying to buy in a target man in Gallagher, but we now may not need him!
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I think the point is that we need focal point up front
where the ball sticks so that we can bring the midfield
Into it Davis is the only one who does this well. If we get
Gallagher on board the can share the load
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Total nonsense Steve.
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He has lost the plot. He opens his mouth and out comes pure Ashen Faced Ron Knee.
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It comes to something when people are more disappointed with what he says in a press conference than pleased by four goals on the pitch
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I don't get why he taken in this approach. He completely misses the point. Happy you got a win Steve but you got lucky with your selection. It could all go shit shaped next week. We've put up with 40 games of mainly bland, shit mediocrity and yes you have spent millions you fucking chancer. I hope you prove us all wrong but this again feels like a false dawn because we've had so many of them with you and over the last few years.
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It comes to something when people are more disappointed with what he says in a press conference than pleased by four goals on the pitch
Standard mate. Some people will always be happier moaning than praising and enjoying
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Or maybe they can enjoy the result and performance and still think Bruce was a bit of a cock with his comments? It's possible to do both.
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I forgot to add earlier that I thought there was a marked difference in how quickly we were able to break yesterday as well. With Green, Elmohamady, Davis and Onomah in the side, we were not only able to close down quickly but also to break quickly. That is something we haven't been able to do for some time.
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It comes to something when people are more disappointed with what he says in a press conference than pleased by four goals on the pitch
Standard mate. Some people will always be happier moaning than praising and enjoying
Not standard at all mate. I and others have praised the performance in this and other threads however Bruce was pathetic and ungracious criticising fans after 1 win in 4. There was no need for his rant.
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It comes to something when people are more disappointed with what he says in a press conference than pleased by four goals on the pitch
Standard mate. Some people will always be happier moaning than praising and enjoying
Not standard at all mate. I and others have praised the performance in this and other threads however Bruce was pathetic and ungracious criticising fans after 1 win in 4. There was no need for his rant.
Im glad hes had a rant. As it puts him under pressure for Friday to be positive and get a result. Imagine how stupid he will look if we revert to tyoe. Im not sure Tony will be impressed either
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Hutton' speed is not in doubt it's his ability to keep an eye on his foe that's without doubt very poor.
Yep you've nailed it
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I don't get why he taken in this approach. He completely misses the point. Happy you got a win Steve but you got lucky with your selection. It could all go shit shaped next week. We've put up with 40 games of mainly bland, shit mediocrity and yes you have spent millions your fucking chancer. I hope you prove us all wrong but this again feels like a false dawn because we've had so many of them with you and over the last few years.
What a fucking stupid comment. Chancer? Yeah he has been mostly poor at Villa but calling someone with his experience and record a 'fucking chancer' makes you look a complete bellend.
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No need.
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I don't get why he taken in this approach. He completely misses the point. Happy you got a win Steve but you got lucky with your selection. It could all go shit shaped next week. We've put up with 40 games of mainly bland, shit mediocrity and yes you have spent millions you fucking chancer. I hope you prove us all wrong but this again feels like a false dawn because we've had so many of them with you and over the last few years.
Still moaning
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What pisses me off is yet another manager talking about the fans and the expectancy levels. After the shit we've endured over the last few years. I can honestly say the last time I went to games thinking we'd got a good chance of winning was when MON was here and even then we drew loads of games. I go now hoping that for once we might not be defending for our lives against the likes of Barnsley for the last 15 minutes. Like Lambert and McLeish making out that we expect to be in the Champions League every season.
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If Villa had won 10-0 yesterday there would still be people having a moan about the manager, I haven't seen or read anything of what he said after the match, I don't really care I just know I thoroughly enjoyed a Villa performance for the first time in what felt like years.
Perhaps an indication of how poor we have been for years is that my son who has been going for 9 years to Villa Park declared it the best league performance he's seen. We really have been to some terrible matches.
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What pisses me off is yet another manager talking about the fans and the expectancy levels. After the shit we've endured over the last few years. I can honestly say the last time I went to games thinking we'd got a good chance of winning was when MON was here and even then we drew loads of games. I go now hoping that for once we might not be defending for our lives against the likes of Barnsley for the last 15 minutes. Like Lambert and McLeish making out that we expect to be in the Champions League every season.
Yep, If it was when we were in the top 6 and we were upset at not pushing on (under MON) then it might have been acceptable but doing it when we've just finished in the bottom half of the 2nd division is really taking the piss.
As for the 2 posts above having a go at TV I don't think he's far off and the 'misses the point' bit is bang on the money. When you've won on the back of the record we've had (1 win in 9 before yesterday) and used all the 'one week' stuff you really can't act like that after 1 win, I think he's comes across as completely misguided in that post match conference and if we don't back it up with another couple of wins he's painted a massive target on himself. If you want to rub peoples faces in it you have to make sure you've done enough to earn that right which, for me, means 6-7 wins and a couple of draws in the next 10, as a minimum (i.e. automatic promotion form). He has mentioned Newcastle last year and that's what he's got to replicate and that's what his critics don't think he's shown signs of doing.
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If Villa had won 10-0 yesterday there would still be people having a moan about the manager, I haven't seen or read anything of what he said after the match, I don't really care I just know I thoroughly enjoyed a Villa performance for the first time in what felt like years.
Perhaps an indication of how poor we have been for years is that my son who has been going for 9 years to Villa Park declared it the best league performance he's seen. We really have been to some terrible matches.
In fairness, the manager is having a moan about the fans. That's what people seem to be pissed off about. Nobody is annoyed that we played well and won.
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I think the manager should concentrate his efforts on watching video''s of the game and try and work out himself why he picks Hutton. The bloke has absolutely no awareness if players around him when it comes to defending. Indeed he just can't defend which is a bit of a problem for a right back.
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I just watched the Norwich highlights and then Finally got around to watching the Cardiff highlights
Fuck me Hutton has had a couple of absolute stinkers
Though in fairness Chester was all over the place against pace and power too. That's definitely my concern about this defence. They're damn slow
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You can't moan about Hutton, apparently we can't say anything negative about anyone when we win ;)
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Whilst yesterday's result was welcome, I'm certainly not expecting miracles & Norwich were pretty poor. Bruce has had 10 month's & delivered very little to date.
But what was clear & has been clear for month's, was the need for someone up front to hold the ball up, allowing the midfield to get forward.
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I think if he had come out and said " its a start. After last weeks bad week "
He would have had less criticism
An acknowledgement that we are not where we want to be would also be
Fine . But to imply we have been on the right track since his arrival is wide of the mark for me
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Some of the digs may well have been at the media but they come across as at fans as well. Also his constant "we should have got something at Reading" line is a bit daft considering after 32 minutes we'd made 23 successful passes and we were wank for all but about 10 minutes.
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Im glad hes had a rant. As it puts him under pressure for Friday to be positive and get a result. Imagine how stupid he will look if we revert to tyoe. Im not sure Tony will be impressed either
Good point.
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Whilst yesterday's result was welcome, I'm certainly not expecting miracles & Norwich were pretty poor. Bruce has had 10 month's & delivered very little to date.
But what was clear & has been clear for month's, was the need for someone up front to hold the ball up, allowing the midfield to get forward.
Not sure it was clear to the manager. Football is a simple game but we seem to have had a run of managers who prefer to complicate and confuse. Sherwood bucked the trend when he first came, playing to our strength at the time.
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Result 4 - 2 ! Wow just great!
So good to have a win and a massive plus was Davis up front . Real good efforts .
Hourihane really came to fore with his strikes on Saturday and very happy not just as a follower but for lad himself.
Great great finish by Green for his goal and things are looking on up.
I really hope this isn't a one-off or only for home performances but for those away days where villa faithful rightly rewarded.
I didn't like look of goals conceded in fact not at all but of course the 4 strikes and maybe more was a real deal. Up the villa !
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Whilst yesterday's result was welcome, I'm certainly not expecting miracles & Norwich were pretty poor. Bruce has had 10 month's & delivered very little to date.
But what was clear & has been clear for month's, was the need for someone up front to hold the ball up, allowing the midfield to get forward.
Not sure it was clear to the manager. Football is a simple game but we seem to have had a run of managers who prefer to complicate and confuse. Sherwood bucked the trend when he first came, playing to our strength at the time.
We'll see if he has learnt anything. For me there was a clear blueprint on Saturday going forward in terms of formation and style of play. It waits to be seen if he can build on it or reverts to his previous square pegs in round holes approach.
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Green needs to stay behind for half an hour a couple of times a week to work on his finishing, especially with his head. He could easily have 5-6 goals this season. Which shows how good he is at being in the right places. Learns to finish he will be scary.
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I don't get why he taken in this approach. He completely misses the point. Happy you got a win Steve but you got lucky with your selection. It could all go shit shaped next week. We've put up with 40 games of mainly bland, shit mediocrity and yes you have spent millions your fucking chancer. I hope you prove us all wrong but this again feels like a false dawn because we've had so many of them with you and over the last few years.
What a fucking stupid comment. Chancer? Yeah he has been mostly poor at Villa but calling someone with his experience and record a 'fucking chancer' makes you look a complete bellend.
After 40 odd games in charge and millions more than any other team in the division in spending, we sat bottom of the league. For him to have a go at the fans demonstrated he had no idea what we have been through. He's very lucky to be where he is. He should remember that. Now all he's done is set himself up for more criticism. Like everyone I hope he has happened upon a magic formula. Let's see if he has at the end of this week.
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I don't get why he taken in this approach. He completely misses the point. Happy you got a win Steve but you got lucky with your selection. It could all go shit shaped next week. We've put up with 40 games of mainly bland, shit mediocrity and yes you have spent millions you fucking chancer. I hope you prove us all wrong but this again feels like a false dawn because we've had so many of them with you and over the last few years.
Still moaning
Feel free to tell us all why everything is suddenly wonderful.
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We played really well so pleased with the win and the performance of Davis really impressed me Hourihane's getting the match ball was pleasing Andre's first goal for Villa was sublime let's hope we can carry on playing like that for the rest of the season.
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I don't get why he taken in this approach. He completely misses the point. Happy you got a win Steve but you got lucky with your selection. It could all go shit shaped next week. We've put up with 40 games of mainly bland, shit mediocrity and yes you have spent millions your fucking chancer. I hope you prove us all wrong but this again feels like a false dawn because we've had so many of them with you and over the last few years.
What a fucking stupid comment. Chancer? Yeah he has been mostly poor at Villa but calling someone with his experience and record a 'fucking chancer' makes you look a complete bellend.
After 40 odd games in charge and millions more than any other team in the division in spending, we sat bottom of the league. For him to have a go at the fans demonstrated he had no idea what we have been through. He's very lucky to be where he is. He should remember that. Now all he's done is set himself up for more criticism. Like everyone I hope he has happened upon a magic formula. Let's see if he has at the end of this week.
oh I agree he deserves criticism for his time in charge - it has been very disappointing with little sign of improvement before Saturday. It was just your turn of phrase that I thought was inappropriate. He has had a bit of a stinker with us but he's hardly a chancer.
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If Villa had won 10-0 yesterday there would still be people having a moan about the manager, I haven't seen or read anything of what he said after the match, I don't really care I just know I thoroughly enjoyed a Villa performance for the first time in what felt like years.
Perhaps an indication of how poor we have been for years is that my son who has been going for 9 years to Villa Park declared it the best league performance he's seen. We really have been to some terrible matches.
to be fair to Bruce- I read a couple of Matt Kendrick tweeted mail articles about Bruce on Houriane and Davis. He was very positive about both and seemed to hint that he will set us up to be more attacking this season. Hopefully this result will give him the confidence to persevere with some of the younger players.
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We played really well so pleased with the win and the performance of Davis really impressed me Hourihane's getting the match ball was pleasing Andre's first goal for Villa was sublime let's hope we can carry on playing like that for the rest of the season.
Everything darren said!
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A clean sheet would have been nice but it's good to see us win.
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Wow!
Best performance since the 3-2 against Everton, two and a half years ago. We could have scored any number of goals.
It was a bit like turning up to a Quaker meeting, expecting declarations of Peace and Love, then the head guy breaks out the AK-47s and says, "Let's kick ass, mother*ckers!!"