Walsall vs Aston Villa pre-season friendly

[Toronto Villa]

Did anyone else notice when he scored he pulled back his arm as if he is shooting an arrow

I hope he never stops doing it because it means he’s just bagged another.

[paul_e]

[PeterWithe]

Thoughts on the game, which wasn't the best experience as I was wedged between a couple of grinning bell ends who seemed to be more than adequately refreshed, and a family who would be dead certs in the kind of eating competition railed against in another thread, who spent the first half inhaling sausage rolls and throwing crumbs around.

First half totally dominant but we seemed to be a little to reliant on moments of extreme skill to create much, new defender looked more than competent, very calm but too early to form much of an impression as he wasn’t turned or got behind at all, when he was defending 1-1 he looked like we'd just p\aid 30m for him. Good start. Tyrone was decent, made a couple of mistakes and looked rusty. The two young full backs didnt really catch the eye.

Aziz was neat and tidy but maybe lacked ambition at times to make forward passes, Traore was a joy, a couple of moments of outrageous skill. Bailey very direct and I think he'll be a player for us this year. Cam starved of anything to go at really as we didn't seem to play with a. 10, great finish for his goal mind and worked tirelessly.

2nd half, even more dominant, Chrisene looked the pick of the youngster and he looks the size to start games, technique was a bit off but looks like he'll come through. O’Reily looked sharp although needs to fill out, Ings and Ollie looked like a partnership, some great interlinking play.

The midfield in the second looked far superior to the first, Doug was always in the right position for the shape of the team and didn't give the ball away at all, Sanson was MOM, drive, technical ability and always made the right choice, Emi buzzed around and created stuff.

Tougher tests ahead but a great start.

[PeterWithe]

Why are not ‘trialists’ extended the courtesy of having their names read out or a shirt number?

Seemed strange that the Walsall fan, who had tragically died, had all his mates celebrate his life, and good on them for doing so, and then immediately after they all went and didn't watch any more of the game afterward?

[JJ-AV]

What number did Carlos wear?

[FailsworthVillan]

What number did Carlos wear?

3

[Clampy]

It was quite enjoyable. Archer and Watkins took their goals well. Good to see the boys playing again at a different ground, it's been a while . That queue for the rattler was a bit mossive though.

[olaftab]

Luiz almost looks like he doesn’t want to be there

No, he wanted to be across the road at IKEA looking for a rocking chair.

[Dave P]

It was quite enjoyable. Archer and Watkins took their goals well. Good to see the boys playing again at a different ground, it's been a while . That queue for the rattler was a bit mossive though.

Nowhere near as worse as home games though. Then again there was only 9k there I suppose.

[Dogtanian]

Just been watching that first goal again and I love the touch from Kessler Hayden that let’s him accelerate past his man to put the cross in.

Does anyone else think El Ghazi has put a bit of extra weight on?

[Mister E]

Just been watching that first goal again and I love the touch from Kessler Hayden that let’s him accelerate past his man to put the cross in.
Does anyone else think El Ghazi has put a bit of extra weight on?

I didn't really understand the need to play AEG (apart from preparing him for a transfer elsewhere): surely we've moved on from where he's at?

[RamboandBruno]

Just been watching that first goal again and I love the touch from Kessler Hayden that let’s him accelerate past his man to put the cross in.
Does anyone else think El Ghazi has put a bit of extra weight on?

I didn't really understand the need to play AEG (apart from preparing him for a transfer elsewhere): surely we've moved on from where he's at?

I thought he was really poor yesterday and although only a friendly, can’t have done himself any favours.
Enjoyable game otherwise.

[wittonwarrior]

Why are not ‘trialists’ extended the courtesy of having their names read out or a shirt number?

Seemed strange that the Walsall fan, who had tragically died, had all his mates celebrate his life, and good on them for doing so, and then immediately after they all went and didn't watch any more of the game afterward?

Stadium announcer Trialist being replaced by a Trialist (during the latter stages of the game). 

[PeterWithe]

Yes I’m sure there is a reason, I’m just not clear what it is.

[Dave P]

Yes I’m sure there is a reason, I’m just not clear what it is.

The only thing I can think of is, if it's published, it would alert other teams.  By keeping it anonymous, it protects the interested club a bit.  I may be reaching here but I can't think of another reason.