The Dismembered Corpse of Aston Villa (R) v Tottenham Hotspur Post-Match Thread

[AVH87]

Another 'meh' afternoon at VP. We should have had a consolation goal with those two sitters at the end, Lescott especially. We were undone due to a lack of quality right through the team though, it wasn't a lack of effort yesterday, which hasn't always been the case lately.

[Barfluer]

Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but Tom Fox was in America yesterday and in his seat was an Arabic looking gentleman so perhaps Fox was seeing Lerner to discuss a possible buy out by a wealthy Sheik? We can but dream.

[Lastfootstamper]

We have a lot of poor players that are not up to the standard required for the Premier League today. However, I do not go along with the abusive comments when they are playing somewhere near their ability level. I would save that for players that are either not trying or deliberately causing trouble.

We have too many players that have flattered to deceive e.g. Hutton running up the wing a lot covering the fact that other areas of his game are poor, Guzan's great saves hiding poor distribution and decision making, Westwood's neat and tidy hiding weaknesses that are essential in the position he plays, Gill's neat play at times hiding his lack of penetration, pace and physical weakness etc., etc.

Fans naturally take a liking to players for varying reasons and defend them by criticising others. It has always been like this and probably always will be but we have to be honest with ourselves on the true ability and what they bring to the team. We have to take the opportunity with relegation and the bit of a 'breather' it gives us to clear the decks.

What worries me is that unless something happens regarding Lerner either selling or re-engaging, the large majority of this squad will still be in place come August, and, if, McGrath-willing, we do come straight back up, they'll still be here the following August.

[in exile]

I saw John Gregory pre game, he looks really well.
Just thought I'd mention it

[AVH87]

Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but Tom Fox was in America yesterday and in his seat was an Arabic looking gentleman so perhaps Fox was seeing Lerner to discuss a possible buy out by a wealthy Sheik? We can but dream.

Fox may be sacked, that's where the good news will end.

[The Edge]

I had no intention of joining the otd on 74 protests even though I totally respect the guys who are doing it. However I was clock watching after spurs 2nd goal. On 74 minutes I took the opportunity to drag myself out of my seat and head off to a warm pub. Before this season I have always stayed to the death. They have sucked the life/enthusiasm out of me and I really really hate the bastards for it.

[Clampy]

Don't think we played overly bad in the first half although huge lapses in concentration could have cost us earlier than it did. After that it was just like all the other games, heads dropped, confidence drained and the game was over. Veretout looked more suited in the advanced role, Gestede showed why he'd be a better sub than playing from the start and Gil would be better off playing Spanish football.

[Pat McMahon]

It's been four decades since I've been to a Villa game and am amazed that security is that tight, in days past security wouldn't dare take banners away from supporters. It really is a dictatorship isn't it when the freedom to protest is removed, just shows how small minded our once great club has become.

Even getting in to the ground is like gaining access to North Korea.

8 stewards - coat searches - hand held metal detectors.

It's getting less and less recognisable as the place I love every week .

I'm going to North Korea on holiday next month (yes really).  I'll let you know how it compares.  I'll be with an Albion supporting mate - I hope we get relegated while we're there and neither of us know about it for the whole week so by the time he finds out he can't be bothered taking the piss (to be fair he can't really be bothered now anyway - we are that incompetent...)

Are you going with Koryo Tours in Beijing? Friends have used them and they are excellent.

[Clampy]

It's been four decades since I've been to a Villa game and am amazed that security is that tight, in days past security wouldn't dare take banners away from supporters. It really is a dictatorship isn't it when the freedom to protest is removed, just shows how small minded our once great club has become.

Even getting in to the ground is like gaining access to North Korea.

8 stewards - coat searches - hand held metal detectors.

It's getting less and less recognisable as the place I love every week .

I'm going to North Korea on holiday next month (yes really).  I'll let you know how it compares.  I'll be with an Albion supporting mate - I hope we get relegated while we're there and neither of us know about it for the whole week so by the time he finds out he can't be bothered taking the piss (to be fair he can't really be bothered now anyway - we are that incompetent...)

Are you going with Koryo Tours in Beijing? Friends have used them and they are excellent.

I've read a couple of books on North Korea. One by John Sweeney and also a chapter in a book by Dom Joly when he went there which was highly amusing and a bit scary.

[Pat McMahon]

There must be an ingenious way to get banners in, if there were fifty of them it would be hard for security to get to all of them.

The obvious way is to take in individual letters and just hold them above  heads to spell out different insults / comments / feelings. A little bit of organisation required but not beyond the wit of man.

[levico]

Perhaps it's wishful thinking, but Tom Fox was in America yesterday and in his seat was an Arabic looking gentleman so perhaps Fox was seeing Lerner to discuss a possible buy out by a wealthy Sheik? We can but dream.

Fox may be sacked, that's where the good news will end.

Yes but only because he is expensive not because it will be part of some overdue revolution.

[Pat McMahon]

It's been four decades since I've been to a Villa game and am amazed that security is that tight, in days past security wouldn't dare take banners away from supporters. It really is a dictatorship isn't it when the freedom to protest is removed, just shows how small minded our once great club has become.

Even getting in to the ground is like gaining access to North Korea.

8 stewards - coat searches - hand held metal detectors.

It's getting less and less recognisable as the place I love every week .

I'm going to North Korea on holiday next month (yes really).  I'll let you know how it compares.  I'll be with an Albion supporting mate - I hope we get relegated while we're there and neither of us know about it for the whole week so by the time he finds out he can't be bothered taking the piss (to be fair he can't really be bothered now anyway - we are that incompetent...)

Are you going with Koryo Tours in Beijing? Friends have used them and they are excellent.

I've read a couple of books on North Korea. One by John Sweeney and also a chapter in a book by Dom Joly when he went there which was highly amusing and a bit scary.

I have about 4-5 friends who have been ( all with Koryo, including a friend's sister who has made a few films there) and they have all found it fascinating. One friend reckons the hardest part is letting go of your preconceptions and cynicism, and she had a lovely random hour in a park with locals when she was off the lead.

[not3bad]

Don't know if it's been mentioned but it got quite tense in the Lower Holte at one point and the stewards had to intervene.

[mallo]

Well that's another meh result - at least we only let 2 in so I guess that's progress. I think we can finally say the 'buy them cheap and make them better' tactic has definitely had it's chance and failed, woefully. Can we do it the normal way next time? We'll probably be down after the Bournemouth game so at least we can play the kids and get behind them.

[cheltenhamlion]

Don't know if it's been mentioned but it got quite tense in the Lower Holte at one point and the stewards had to intervene.

I didon't bother going but got very ratty at the Scouse games with those showing off as to who was the angriest. Something similar this time?