Barclays Asia Trophy (27th-30th July 2011)

[PeterWithe]

Tyler said before the game that AM was out for an extra few hours working with the defence last night after training, practising defending set pieces.

That's encouraging.

Houllier did say we'd get the set piece defending sorted over the summer, I must admit that I didn't quite expect it to happen this way.

[citizenDJ]

Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.

Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.

It's essential in my view. I'll be amazed if we go into the new season without one (and Hogg doesn't count!). It'd be bordering on negligence, to be frank.

[Toronto Villa]

Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.

Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.

if there's any chance at all of getting Parker, then we should move heaven and earth to get him. He'd have us dreaming about 5th or 6th as opposed to 7th through 9th.

[Maradona10]

Agree someone like Sissokho or Mariga from Inter would add a huge presence in our midfield.

[Toronto Villa]

can I just say that the Villa kit looked ace. It looks even better when it's drenched in sweat. To me it makes the claret look even better. And bravo the black socks.

Daily Mail article with pics

[Mac]

Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.

Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.

if there's any chance at all of getting Parker, then we should move heaven and earth to get him. He'd have us dreaming about 5th or 6th as opposed to 7th through 9th.

You're right.  I don't disagree with what you've said.  It's an accurate summation. But, big fucking wow.  What has happened to football that we can "dream" of 5th or 6th.  God that's depressed me.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

Taped the game and planned to watch it when I get back from work.

Is it worth watching? Did Ireland play?

[Toronto Villa]

Was impressed that we didn't constantly try to launch it, Makoun impressed me however still think we need a ball winner in the middle of the park. As when we went a goal up, Rovers started to hit us in the middle.

Definitely think a midfield ball winner would improve us immeasurably.

if there's any chance at all of getting Parker, then we should move heaven and earth to get him. He'd have us dreaming about 5th or 6th as opposed to 7th through 9th.

You're right.  I don't disagree with what you've said.  It's an accurate summation. But, big fucking wow.  What has happened to football that we can "dream" of 5th or 6th.  God that's depressed me.

I think given where we are starting Mac, it's not totally unrealistic. baby steps and all that. If we get stability and a solid start, building confidence then it will set us up nicely this season. I don't want to get too carried away because as we all know this game has a way kicking you in the bollocks. We're going to have our ups and downs this season, but if we are sitting in a decent spot in January and can bring in a player or two, I don't see why we couldn't get to 5th or 6th. I know it's a detachment from our expectations of a few years back, but that's where we are. If things go well this season, 5th or 6th from next season onwards will become the expectation rather than the "dream" so to speak.

[pedro25]

5th or 6h will be very difficult, it will mean finishing above Liverpool and or Spurs.  When you look at players of the calibre of Gerrard, Suarez, Van Der Vaart, Modric, Bale, we are some way short of these two currently.

[Toronto Villa]

5th or 6h will be very difficult, it will mean finishing above Liverpool and or Spurs.  When you look at players of the calibre of Gerrard, Suarez, Van Der Vaart, Modric, Bale, we are some way short of these two currently.

I really think Spurs will get badly affected by the Europa League. It will be a lot more games, and they'll be playing Thursday/Sunday which as we found out is shit. Liverpool, if they get going will do well, I agree. Both are good teams which is why I'd see 7th or 8th as realistic. You never know how a bit of confidence or a certain signing may shift the balance though.

[Percy McCarthy]

i wonder whether that guy who said he would burn his villa shirt if eck took over is now beginning to change his opinion, early days but so far ive been impressed with how he has got a positive response from the players and the 2 signings hes made once charlie signs.

Lets not start sucking each other's cocks yet. Whoever took over from Le Clown was certain to get a positive response. Even GMac did.

[Dave Cooper please]

Lets not start sucking each other's cocks yet.

But I bought you a pint. You tease.

[Simba]

What a Manager. Only been here a few weeks and we are in a Cup Final.

I did notice that the old hands are not giving Albrighton, Clarke and Bannan any grace. They really gave them stick when they fu...d up. That's good imo. They have got to grow up now and I can't help feeling that Alex Muc is very demanding of the team. Just what they need.

Bloody hell. He could, just could - sort us out. Ok, Early days but good signs of committment, cohesion and a PLAN.

[The Situation]

Good Night Sweet Kitchee.

[fredm]

I thought Gabby looked decent when he was playing behind Bent early on.  He made 2 nice through balls and when he got out on the right he sent in one of those low crosses he was doing regularly before last season.

I thought the first 45 minutes was as good from Gabby as anything he did last year.  To me it looked as if he has got his head round the idea that he is not going to be the main man playing through the middle
nowadays and will be playing as a mobile striker off Bent.  His movement was much improved and he seemed to be finding space more.  Let's hope he can improve a bit more still and be knocking on the England door again.

Also Emile's movement and space finding showed his experience and that also will help Bent if the defenders are being pulled around by him and Gabby.