Aston Villa v Bologna Post-Match Thread

[Baldy]

Check out the comments on the BBC match report. Lots of praise from other clubs then BluenOse1875 turns up, makes about 7 comments. Poor lad is on verge of suicide:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cwydgm13v8dt

[Sexual Ealing]

Yeah, we can't be spoilt twats if we haven't had so much as a Toffo in decades. That would just make us twats.

[PeterWithesShin]

Liquid football

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=905863392488373

[adrenachrome]

That first goal was a thing of beauty. Not sure how many passes or how many players touched the ball before we scored, but it felt like a LOT.

Anyone can win a one-off game if they get the rub of the green or a bit of luck in their favour, but over two legs, I think we beat forest 90% of the time.  I'd MUCH rather face them in a two-legged semi than in the final.  I'm confident, but definitely without thinking it's in the bag.

According to the TNT commentator, 14 passes and 9 players.

[PeterWithesShin]

[Nev]

We're in a really good place at the moment, playing with freedom and confidence and the manager is happy to encourage this. You can see that when we were up against it he kept us calm, tight and cautious knowing that we wouldn't be down for too long. Bide your time and your time will come.

God, I hope this is finally ours.

[andyh]

They need to bloody hurry up and finish the building work.
There was a terrible draught in the UDE.

Well done boys. A thoroughly professional performance tonight.
Very, very proud.

[ROBBO]

Thought he would take McGinn off at half time seeing he was a booking away from missing next game. Why Emery still persists with Bailey is a mystery to me he is not getting any better.
Is it Forest in the semi or is there a draw?

[Smirker]

Forest confirmed.

[tomd2103]

"Can we play you every week?  Can we play you every week?".  Another comfortable win against them to make it four out of four in just under 18 months.  First goal was always going to be key and when we got it and early, it was tie over.  Turned out to be very comfortable in the end and they hardly threatened.  Really don't know what the ref was doing in the first 15 minutes - bizarre performance.

One thing I thought we did well tonight was block off the supply to Rowe and as a result he hardly had a kick.

[Matt C]

Have you ever been that relaxed watching Villa in the last eight of any competition? I can’t recall one in my lifetime.

[tomd2103]

We're in a really good place at the moment, playing with freedom and confidence and the manager is happy to encourage this. You can see that when we were up against it he kept us calm, tight and cautious knowing that we wouldn't be down for too long. Bide your time and your time will come.

God, I hope this is finally ours.

Would be lovely if Ollie Watkins hit a rich vein of form over these next few weeks and that really could be possible.  Not possible, but it would be lovely to see Kamara's name amongst the subs on Sunday - just coming back in time for the run-in.

[sid1964]

Played well, Tielemans and McGinn make such a difference to the team

Let’s hope we can win on Sunday

[RamboandBruno]

Thought he would take McGinn off at half time seeing he was a booking away from missing next game. Why Emery still persists with Bailey is a mystery to me he is not getting any better.
Is it Forest in the semi or is there a draw?

Feel like I’m some sort of Bailey defender here, I’m not, but what did he actually do wrong last night compared to the other subs? I thought he was our main threat?
Anyway, great performance in a massive game. Stating the obvious but the Forest game is huge, we need to go there first leg and twat them.
Everyone played well last night, but that midfield with youri back….and Onana has grown into his destroyer role really well. Thought Watkins led the line brilliantly, Tammy really isn’t as good at the moment.
There was one moment when the crowd sang, stand up if you love Villa, and the Doug Ellis and Trinity all stood up, we had a free kick & it was all set for Rogers to smash it home…he passed it sideways and it fizzled out.
Great night….let this be the trophy…Amen

[Tony Daleys Shorts]

Extremely enjoyable evening, I’ve never felt so relaxed watching The Villa, especially in a big game.

Unai, has changed the culture, the players mentality and our expectations, the blokes incredible, long may he reign.

Several good performances, some lovely goals, a clean sheet, no injuries or yellow cards. What more could we have asked for?

Maybe a penalty taker?! I’d give Cash the next one, just lamp it in the top corner.