Unai Emery

[nick harper]

We're coming up against different methods too. Sheffield United stuck everyone behind the ball, Man Utd tried balls over the top relentlessly.

United were clearly going to do that. It’s why Rashford was back in after weeks of going missing. They did the same to us last season as well. I just wish we’d been a bit more savvy in counteracting it.

[Toronto Villa]

Everyone got a little emotional yesterday for obvious reasons. But it’s clear he’s juggling what is a very tired pack of players. We lacked all the usual fire and zip we’ve become accustomed to seeing. Even a two goal lead didn’t create that naturally within the players. It just seemed to me fatigue was setting in, especially in midfield and up front where we didn’t see the intensity of chasing down the ball. Man U to their credit took advantage of that, didn’t let their heads down and won the game. It was very disappointing but Emery has decided to point to the achievement of where we are than on the one result itself. In the long term that will likely prove very wise in how he keeps the group together and motivated.

[jwarry]

Everyone got a little emotional yesterday for obvious reasons. But it’s clear he’s juggling what is a very tired pack of players. We lacked all the usual fire and zip we’ve become accustomed to seeing. Even a two goal lead didn’t create that naturally within the players. It just seemed to me fatigue was setting in, especially in midfield and up front where we didn’t see the intensity of chasing down the ball. Man U to their credit took advantage of that, didn’t let their heads down and won the game. It was very disappointing but Emery has decided to point to the achievement of where we are than on the one result itself. In the long term that will likely prove very wise in how he keeps the group together and motivated.

Yes, he is under no illusions about where we are on our journey.  Interestingly the media are already pouncing on the wobble but they are failing to see the trajectory is not going to change whilst we have Unai in charge

[SamTheMouse]

There's no reason the players out there should have been any more tired than Newton Heath's.

[Risso]

There's no reason the players out there should have been any more tired than Newton Heath's.

Luiz had just had a week off thanks to his 5 yellow cards, and yet he was one of the worst players on the pitch. Not sure why any of Lenglet, Dendoncker, Carlos, Ramsey, Zaniolo, Diaby or Bailey should be especially tired either.

[villa_cads]

We're coming up against different methods too. Sheffield United stuck everyone behind the ball, Man Utd tried balls over the top relentlessly.

United were clearly going to do that. It’s why Rashford was back in after weeks of going missing. They did the same to us last season as well. I just wish we’d been a bit more savvy in counteracting it.

I thought we dealt with it quite well on the whole looking at the number of offsides we enforced. It does make for some nervous watching, but I think that goes with the territory of the gameplay. I thought it was the unusual sloppiness in possession that really hurt us, can't remember such lack of 'control' for some time.

[Clampy]

Every player is entitled to an off game. Luiz has been terrific overall.

[ez]

We've been poor in the last two games and got a bit of luck against Brentford and Arsenal where draws wouldn't have been unfair results.

Don't think there's anything wrong in worrying that we're running on fumes a little at the moment and our tactics are being tested more by the opposition now.

I've had pelters from fellow villa fans when I said we should ditch the conference league but I still  stand by it especially now.

[olaftab]

There's no reason the players out there should have been any more tired than Newton Heath's.

We have had more or less a core XI playing almost every game. Newton Heath have been selecting a different team almost every game with at least 4 to 5 changes. However the reason for the loss was that we underestimated them to start with and the 2 early goals just cemented the lethargic effort.

[Toronto Villa]

There is a mental fatigue as much as a physical fatigue to be considered. And other intangibles created by our success and the stresses that come with it. Players are human, and they all need to learn how to deal with that. Especially is we desire to stay at this end of the table. That’s the one thing that is often missed when it comes to success at the upper echelons of any sport. Not just ability. We have that. But can we mentally stay at our peak throughout the rest of the season as much stay physically healthy.

[john e]

All this tiredness shit gets on my nerves
It’s just bollocks, it’s always traipsed out when we lose it’s just a lazy excuse

[Bad English]

Yes. How much do these pampered prima donnas trouser every week to play football badly? Tsk!

[Monty]

Yes. How much do these pampered prima donnas trouser every week to play football badly? Tsk!

We should give it to the NHS instead!

[Bad English]

Yes. How much do these pampered prima donnas trouser every week to play football badly? Tsk!

We should give it to the NHS instead!

And ex-servicemen and women who are homeless and alkys.

[john e]

Win on Saturday with a decent performance not a single person will mention tiredness
Losing sides look tired winning sides don’t