It’s another European night at Villa Park, and this time it’s loser go home. You’d like to think that’ll be Club Brugge, but as Emery said, you never know. Villa’s propensity to ship a weak goal or two could very well rear its ugly head again and make things much more interesting than we’d like.

Which means we have to hope the players are as alert to this as all of us. We’d like to sort of see a processional victory, and here’s to them actually providing that. After all, there’s a break coming, so a number of players will be getting a rest (I’d like to see the whole team withheld from international duty, but I guess you can’t really do that without upsetting people), and you’d like to think an upcoming respite from the firehose of games they’ve had to play will free them up a little.

One possible mental downside is PSG knocking Liverpool out. I’m guessing a lot of us thought a known foe would be preferred to a team that battered them in Paris. The return leg more than shaded toward Liverpool, I thought, but as PSG were left ruing Alisson and their own misfires, so too were Liverpool left wondering at their finishing and luck. They did provide a blueprint, but it involves a massive expenditure of energy. If they could’ve made the early advantage count, they’d be through. But they didn’t, and scouse fans will surely be fuming about Nunez and Jones taking spot kicks. (I’ve not had a chance to read the reaction.) But it probably shouldn’t have come to that.

At any rate, Villa will have watched both legs I’m sure, and one hopes they aren’t demoralized at the prospect. If Emery can get them to focus on the task at hand, that would be helpful. I’m sure no one thought they were winning it all anyway, and getting through this round and into the quarters would be a very significant achievement.

And while Brugge weren’t necessarily one anyone’s radar to be here either, they are a very well-coached side. They know what they’re about, good structure, discipline and quality on the ball. Let’s just say that while I think Villa are the better team overall, we haven’t necessarily played like it consistently and that I’m glad there’s a cushion to ease the nerves and encourage them to just go play without too many voices in their heads.

What I hope for (in order, though it’s all really the same thing): 1) A great night for the supporters, 2) an extra £10m for the PSR ghouls to put on the right side of the ledger, and 3) a boost to the coefficient to keep our CL hopes alive for next season.

Besides the deserved joy for supporters, I’m also hopeful a victory heading into the break (keeping alive our recent resurgence) will set us up for the run-in. I’m assuming that Emery would love to knock PSG out and progress, but failing that, I’m thinking the FA Cup’s lure of silverware is very strong given how far we’ve come and who remains. It’s attainable, and would certainly be a feather for the man who got us back into Europe. We’re getting healthier (fingers crossed) at the right time, and can probably manage the load. A strong finish and a Cup…we can dream.

So, we’re all hoping it’ll still be three fronts for a little longer and you just keep fighting until you get knocked out. Beyond the money, I’m only bothered about CL qualification in terms of recruitment. I’ve no idea whether I want Rashford to stay since I never thought he would or felt certain it would be wise money in the longer term. Asensio, given the apparent bargain price(s) we’re reading about, would be a yes for me. Probably Disasi, too. (Although I do get Coutinho tremors from Asensio’s contribution so far.) But whether it’s them or others, Champions League is definitely a big lure for the kind of talent that could see Villa pushing on to stay at this level.

In the end, it all comes down to winning the next game in front of us.

Over to you.

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John Clark
John is co-owner of AVL, and has followed the Villa since the '70s. A journalist by trade, he is, by most accounts, a very nice person. You can follow me on Twitter @JClarkKohoutek. It's an astonishing experience. Or a complete waste of time.

Comments 194

  1. r0bb0

    Thanks for the write up John. . . . . but I wish you hadn’t said that Asensio gave you Coutino vibes. . . . . because the same through had crossed my mind and I’d decided to discard it!

  2. jbd656

    I have waffled on about how I think we are finding the chumpions league less difficult than the prem league. The prem is faster, more intense, more physically and athletically tough. Hence we have historically been vulnerable to big tough athletic sides like Stoke, Bournemouth, Brentford, Crystal Palace etc. We have historically been dinky, pretty and soft to play against. We have only made our often better technical ability count when we have had big beefy wiry tough defenders like Nichol, Evans, McNaught, Ehiogu, Mellberg, Laursen and a fit Mings. Obviously McGrath is a one off on his own.

    European sides in comparison seem slower, more cagey and technical. Hence when they come up against a prem hardened Villa they have the same problem with us that we traditionally have with other bigger prem sides. I would prefer PSG to red scouse mainly because red scouse have our number and PSG hopefully don’t.

    Asensio is indeed fabulously skilled and technical but how robust will he be week in and week out in our thug league? Still a better bet than the chronically disabled PC. Already said that I get Stan Colleymore vibes about Rashford – not doubting his ability. Could Rashford really get the Villa vibe after being the poster boy for his so much more glamorous home team? Disasi has got all the nonchalent, cool, calm, athletic physicality that I wish for Villa and seems to have picked up the Villa vibe that Mings did so intensely. Twist my arm really really hard and I might consider having Disasi in my Villa squad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  3. John Clark

    Ha…well, I hear you both.

    I think Asensio would probably be used the way he is now…he might feature a little bit more, but with Onana and Kamara, Tielemans, etc., I don’t see him as a nailed-on starter, more part of a rotation. Starting some, coming off the bench for others. Would all come down to his wages, you’d think.

    We’re told Emery really rates him, and he’ll know what his real condition is. But who knows what the player wants. He might enjoy this spell and shop window, decide he’d rather be in Spain or some such.

  4. John Clark

    Apart from easing him in and not overloading him, I think Emery has enjoyed being able to call on Asensio when teams are tired, have been run at all day, and then he changes everything up, whole new puzzle to solve.

    Rashford I think is here for the numbers, rotation, and maybe he hits form and electrifies us. But I’m guessing it’s more that he’s dangerous, didn’t cost much overall, is fresh, all that.

  5. jbd656

    Normally when the opposition goes down to ten men, we struggle to break them down. At least this time, they can sit back as much as they like. Just have to make sure we don’t give the ref a chance to send one of us off.

  14. jbd656

    We know that Watkins got a knock but I wasn’t aware of Kamara having a problem. Do we need to start a pre-emptive slag of Bailey?

  19. r0bb0

    I hope Ollie’s injury isn’t too bad. . . But ‘just’ enough to help him decide he can’t be called up foe England duty.

  23. r0bb0

    Seems churlish to co.plain on a night like this, but that’s three shots that Mignolet has parried away and nobody has been there to follow up to score.

  32. James Gill

    Mings not going to give up his place too handy another brilliant display ,even his attacking skills were sublime
    Martinez his pass to rashford, shut the commentators up about pools keeper
    Tielmens the look on his face when ollie miscontrolled his superb pass,had another good game
    Bailey getting stick ,but his assist for opening goal magic

  36. John Clark

    Late to the comments, but that all went very well. Not much effort required, was fairly easy going once they were down to 10. Then the first made it academic.

    Asensio has obviously been incredible…Just finds the perfect spots, so calm on the ball. Don’t care if it’s the best run of his life, comes at a great time for us. Really interesting how he seems to be on the exact same wavelength as Rashford.

    Only thing missing was Rashford getting a goal. I think that would do us all a lot of good.

  37. r0bb0

    JC, yes we’re all appreciating what Asensio can bring, and surprisingly, to me at least, is the fact that he’ll have the chance to bring it against PSG, even though they’ve lent him to us.

  39. r0bb0

    JG mentioned Ming’s attacking skills, which certainly did come as a revelation. When a gap opens in front of them, our centre backs seem to be given more license to surge forward with the ball at their feet, than they used to be. . . . or is that my imagination?

  40. r0bb0

    I’m probably reading too much into it, but when Emery said: “Today we competed against one team and performed very well. I’m very happy with how we are in the way and we’re going to play a quarter-final against PSG”, I wonder if he was hinting that our first half display was a practice run.

  41. Plug

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER FINALS VILLA. How good does that sound? Juve gone, Citeh gone, Atletico Madrid gone, AC Milan gone, Red Scouse gone, just the elite heavyweights left and we’re with them dining at the top table. Don’t pinch me.

  42. Plug

    The game itself made me a bag of nerves. It felt the same around the ground. The game plan was cautious and safety first in the first half. Trouble is, I don’t feel we’re that capable of doing it and some of our play at the back scares the shit out of me. For example, Cash played a square ball across the face of our area that nearly got snagged. Suicidal. Then on 15 minutes, the situation changed when Emi hit a long ball over the top. Rashford outpaced his marker and was hauled down before he reached the area. The North Stand was up in arms. The red card followed. Unlike the ref against Bayern who chickened out of a similar situation with Watkins, this one did his duty. But nothing else changed. I was still damned nervous.

  43. Plug

    The HT substitutions by Unai bringing on Asensio and Bailey changed everything. Within 5 minutes, Bailey passed a sublime ball to Asensio who first timed it past the keeper. Tielemans then picked out the same man with another great pass. Asensio brought it under control instantly and then hit the post. Villa Park was now rocking. Next, Rogers played in Maatsen who hammered in the 2nd. Followed by a Rashford assist for Asensio and the 3rd. Nerves now gone. Sheer delight and enjoyment for the remaining half hour.

  44. Plug

    So who stood out? Maatsen had an excellent game, mobile and quick. Against a speedy winger, is this why he was selected? Tyro had a commanding game. Rashford contributed and for me, an assist is as good as a goal. Asensio did some real damage and was my pick of the bunch.

  45. Plug

    We’re in heady company. All 3 of JC’s requirements in the header above was realised. It was always about the money and this competition has delivered it. Or at least the players and coaches have. It’s now just a question of whether we can knock over an exceptional PSG side.

  46. James Gill

    2 week break then the madness returns, hopefully nobody picks up knocks on international duty
    Preston up 1st another great chance for some players get good minutes torres onana, and with how players are stepping up mings matasen no reason why emery can’t chop and change every match and have a very decent side on pitch

  47. John Clark

    Honestly think Alvarez and Co were jobbed on that peno. Heard something about ‘technology’ on the post-game, is that a chip in the ball? At any rate, look at it over and over and you can’t come to a conclusion. You can see how it could’ve happened, but you don’t see any change in the movement of the ball. Far too tight to be taken away, imo.

  48. John Clark

    r0bb0,

    Think we’ve seen it before, though maybe not so much as Tyro in the box, combining deep. Used to see him pop up there occasionally under Deano.

    That might drive Emery a bit crazy. Or not. But it was better distribution from Mings, and if it does open up and you can carry it, might as well. Long as you don’t turn it over and get caught out.

    I’d read somewhere that teams were happy to let Mings have it, poorer distribution than Torres. But I think they were missing that Villa virtually always send it left to go forward no matter who’s playing there.

  49. John Clark

    Interesting, r0bb0…I wouldn’t have read it that way, but it was the perfect opportunity. Gives him some coaching film at least. And it did look like they were sitting and looking to break. Wasn’t terribly pretty, but it seemed deliberate. Like Plug, made me nervous.

    I always say this, our managers never listen to me, but PSG’s greatest threat seems to be on the counter, so I would want to be compact and look to break ourselves. They look very fast at the back, so you can’t dither. That ball to Rashford would be exactly the right kind of approach.

  50. John Clark

    Maatsen does offer a lot going forward, Plug. Fast and quick, very good with the ball at his feet.

    And yeah, Rashford is a good presence, his pace and directness draw a lot of attention as does his name, I’m sure. The assists have been perfect, just what we need. I want him to score himself so that he gets that ‘star man’ feeling and maybe gets hungrier. But he is tracking back, isn’t trying too hard, seems to get the system, lays it off instead of forcing things.

    I can see why Asensio might not fit PSG’s blueprint, better suited to a possession game in the attacking half/third. I’m sure he’ll be motivated.

    Cash’s pass infield was schoolboy insanity. If I remember anything from those mist-shrouded days: Don’t play it across your goal, and keep your man in front of you. That’s the rash part of his game I don’t like. It’s great that players look to do something, but he gets himself in trouble looking to do something.

  51. James Gill

    Robbo
    Priced tickets for psg game today,travel company ,365 euro including 1 night in ibis hotel,you have to buy 2 bit steep,heck will be rubbing his hands

  53. Plug

    James, looking at Tuchel’s first squad with Henderson, Walker and Burn in it……as you say, no Ollie….I’ve looked into my crystal ball and seen…….paper aeroplanes flying onto the pitch.

  54. Plug

    After the current round of European matches, I calculate that England have 1 of the 2 additional places in next season’s Champions League. Our coefficient stands at 24.250 and only Italy and Spain can mathematically beat it (just) but would need the most unbelievable combination of results to achieve it. There’s more chance of winning the Euro Lottery. Time to forget the coefficient numbers as far as 5th place this season is concerned, it’s done. But who will get it from the English pack?

  55. Plug

    A comfortable 1-3 victory for Villa over Al Ain FC in the desert friendly on the UAE/Oman border. Nice goal by Asensio after Tyro had given the ball away for their opening goal. All very routine training ground pace. PNE will be much tougher.

  56. Plug

    Watching the England game tonight, my crystal ball looks in working order. Heathrow might not have had any planes landing today but Wembley certainly did. Entertainment value was as low as the Albanian block.

  57. jbd656

    Did we see Konsa channeling his inner libero à la a right side Pau Torres last night?

    Can’t help feeling that Rashford looked a bit lost and hesitant. Still looks a bit submerged by whatever is going on in his head. Think JJ or Rogers would have been more effective. Would buy Disasi ahead of Rashford.

  58. John Clark

    Rashford’s an interesting case, jbd.

    I’ve never thought he’d be a buy for Villa, just a ‘why not’ punt for rotation and possibility. His combinations with Asensio have probably been worth what we’ve paid, so I’m okay with it, and hope that continues. He just needs to get a goal, and he might well be off to the races.

    Disasi, yes, seems a good buy. And from what we see in the papers about Asensio’s price, I’d be hard-pressed to say no to him as well. Sort of player you can either start for 60mins or bring on to change games.

  59. John Clark

    I’d also say that coming back into the England set-up with a new manager and facing low blocks…I’ve seen Foden pilloried, and it’s probably not easy with so many new faces. I won’t be able to see either game, so I can’t comment with any insight.

    I’m sure the ‘success’ with Villa and getting right back to starting for England probably put a lot of pressure on his shoulders. One hopes he comes back hungrier for us (and gets a good chance again against Latvia).

  62. Plug

    Unimpressed with performances from England so far under Tuchel. Bowen was awful. Bellingham poor. Don’t know how to play against the low block. No pace in evidence. Planes landing on the Wembley runway as early as 20 minutes. Interim report: Must do better.

  63. jbd656

    Both Konsa and Rogers looked good/useful. Konsa looked like the main man in defense. Rogers showed the same promise for England that he showed for us in his first few months with us. You could see what was going to come.

    Rashford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He was more bright and sparkly than last time. He got more of the ball and put more balls into the box. But nothing came of any of it. He must be one of the senior statesmen in the England side but just looked very junior. Can Emery get him unlocked? Don’t think Tuchel will be any help.

    It was very good to see two Villa players looking quite comfortable but it was against a very low level team who offered no threat.

  64. Plug

    According to Percy in the Torygraph (usually very reliable as a source), AVFC have opened talks with Kamara about a new contract. If so, this is fully deserved as the midfielder has been superb for us since his return from his injury.

  65. r0bb0

    I guess we all receive a newsfeed of some sort or other on our phones, and the various algorithms will be trying to feed us more and more of what we’re interested in so that they can charge as much as possible to the advertisers (yeah. . . .a pet hate of mine). Anyway. . . .over the past week or so, there’ve inevitably been a lot about Trump and Ukraine, plus a fair amount on that Netflix series, but when it comes to sport, it’s been dominated by news stories about Rashford.
    It’s only now that I start to really start to glimpse just how much pressure must come with being a high profile footballer, and in his case, one of THE highest profile footballers.
    Not only that though, because of his past history, and his association with United, so much of the reporting is tainted by personal views, or even animosity. That also carries over into the world of football commentary and punditry.
    He was a bit anonymous against Albania, but I thought he did pretty well against Latvia, and having trawled through a number of the post match player ratings, it seemed that the general consensus was that he had an above average performance, and some judged him to have been one our very best performers on the night.. . . . . However. . . .If you watched the game on tv, you’d have thought he was dreadful. They seemed to take every opportunity to be critical, and struggled to bring themselves to praise him when he did well.
    Is it because Roy Keane is in the studio and nobody wants to risk upsetting him?
    I can imagine that it’s tough for diehard United fans to accept that any problems that Rashford has, probably lie within their own club.
    Anyway, for now at least, he’s a Villa player. Hopefully, his form will continue to improve, and Emery can find a way of making the most of all the attacking talents we now have within the club.
    Let’s hope that over the next few weeks, we all see positive Aston Villa (and Rashford) stories in our inboxes.

  66. Plug

    Like you RoBB0, I thought Rashford didn’t pull up any trees against Albania, but put in a better performance against Latvia. Maybe Tuchel had been in his ear? There is still one area of his game that he can improve on and that’s his crossing which could be more accurate and therefore more rewarding. But then again, if England don’t get men into the box for those crosses, rewards are reduced accordingly.

  67. r0bb0

    Plug, you’re right that he was putting crosses in, but was short of targets. That’s where we’ve benefitted from Asensio and Rashford seeming to have an understanding of when to be in the middle, and when to cross.

  68. James Gill

    Real football restarting
    We seemed to have come out of internationals break unscathed
    What team will emery pick for Preston, surely any combination he opts for should be more than capable with proper attitude likes of
    Olsen cash bogarde torres kamara onana ramsay asenio malen all need minutes

  69. John Clark

    r0bb0,

    Important point about the pressure on Rashford (and others). It’s nonstop, the commentary, and virtually all of it useless at best. But ex-footballers apparently can’t shut up about anything if asked. Saw a similar take on Maatsen, “Don’t think he should have gone to Villa,” and I doubt van der Vaart has watched every minute he’s been on the pitch like many of us, hasn’t seen Digne’s performances, hasn’t seen Maatsen’s defending, hasn’t twigged that Maatsen is likely being set up to succeed Digne, and so on. But that was just one rather than five a day.

    I’d say just leave the guy alone, but apparently, leaving United (or being hounded out) to rediscover yourself and maybe rekindle your love of football is far too important for that. It’s like one of the royals left to join a different symbolic monarchy somewhere and took Harry and Meaghan along.

    I think I’ve seen one useful article, in The Athletic, and that was talking about Emery’s tactical adaptation in using a pure winger on the left to provide width, etc., instead of using the FB as much. Basically that Rashford stays wider than Ramsey would, for example.

    Getting called right back up to England probably did him no favors. But then if he’d been overlooked, there’s a bunch of talk about that. He can’t win. Really rooting for him to open his account soon. Good for us, good for him, and hopefully would shut up a lot of people.

  70. Plug

    I’m expecting Unai to put out a strong starting line up at Deepdale. He says only Barks is unavailable so we have a healthy selection to choose from. Guessing he will decide who he needs for Brighton next week and plan accordingly. Whoever is in the line up, it should be more than capable of winning the game. The other Heck will have his team fired up and kicking anything that moves. Our record with Kavanagh as ref is pitiful, that’s a bad omen. Our players need to be ready.

  71. Plug

    March is done and silence around the Citeh 115 charges is deafening. The longer it remains so, the more it stinks. Don’t hold your breath, there’s a massive EPL fudge coming.

  74. James Gill

    Strong side strong bench ,no Bailey,dissai cup tied
    Martinez cash mings konsa digne kamara tielmens ramsay rogers asenio and rashford
    Subs
    Olsen bogarde torres matasen garcia mcginn onana watkins and malen

  77. James Gill

    Maybe over critical but ollie is on 2 minutes, probably 3 touches of ball and should have scored twice or at least put them on target
    Ollie garcia on
    Rashford cash off

  78. James Gill

    Maybe over critical but ollie is on 2 minutes, probably 3 touches of ball and should have scored twice or at least put them on target
    Ollie garcia on
    Rashford cash off

    Want Palace in semi final we owe them

  79. Plug

    Great day out for the away support. Full voice. Job well done on a tricky fixture. Cup games are all about the next round. We’re there, bring on Wembley.

  80. Plug

    Thought Kamara was superb. But most of all, I’m delighted that Rashford has finally got off the mark. And just like buses, none come for ages and then 2 together.

  84. Plug

    It was a typical Unai game. We spent the first half keeping control. An exercise in containment. Then in the second we started probing and shifting gears, finding space. Deepdale is a tough place to go for Championship sides, don’t think they’ve lost at home this season. The promotion chasing teams must look at the wreckage of that game and shudder with fear.

  85. r0bb0

    The first half was as testing as we expected, but it was a professional second half and Wembley beckons.
    It great to see such quality coming off the bench, at this stage of the season, when you consider all the challenges, still ahead of us

  86. John Clark

    Was on very early here, so I’ve only seen the goals. Very happy to see Rashford score finally. Exactly what we all needed.

    And yeah, that’s an actual bench.

  87. John Clark

    Saw the replay, pretty typical Emery match and cup tie.

    Seen it too often now to think there’s not a pattern against pressing teams which is to be safe, try a few long balls, see if a quick combination or two leads to a goal. If not, they’ll tire, and Villa, for not pressing much, have the fresher legs to win it back late on, and keep the pressure on.

    Might not be it at all…no manager will mind an early goal, but seems that the idea isn’t to force the issue, let them run around and try to avoid the stupid things that lead to goals against. Not that we’ve been doing a good job on that last bit, but if you avoid the turnovers, the pressing is sort of moot. Often stops you from playing well to start, but eventually it eases off.

  88. John Clark

    Shame everyone didn’t take their chances today…was a good 6-7 goals’ worth.

    But again, happy for Rashford, happy for Ramsey, and an interesting tactical tweak letting Marcus play up front.

    I do think Rogers gets a bit lost playing on the right. Malen was scrappy and strong.

    Interesting comments from Emery during the week about Malen…happy with him, but seemed like he hadn’t quite settled into the philosophy/structure yet. Would like to see him getting more minutes, but with Rashford, Ramsey, Rogers, Ollie, Asensio and seemingly even Bailey, there’s defo a lot of combinations to juggle. Though I will say it seems odd that he hasn’t yet been able to supplant Leon.

  89. Plug

    Reflecting on the events of yesterday, you can’t help concluding that was some bench we had available. Bailey, Disasi and Barks missing from the squad is very telling. Can’t go overboard, it was Preston after all with a fistful of injuries.

    After 29 games last season we were well placed but started running on vapour and only collected 14 more points from the remaining 9 games. I do fancy us to beat that run in this season and we are in great shape to commence our assault on the table. A win against the Seagulls on Weds would announce our move upwards has started.

  90. James Gill

    Brighton next ,what do we change
    Dissai for cash,maybe rest mings for forest give torres a game leave konsa and digne,kamara tielmens definitely, rashford rogers ,then last 2 places asenio probably ,then maybe mcginn on right ,don’t know what was wrong with Bailey yesterday, no need to start watkins let him ease back in

  91. John Clark

    Yeah, interesting selection decisions ahead. Is Emery going to largely alternate starters on a 60/30-min split? Will limiting to 60 mins manage a load for someone starting every match (Tielemans)? Course Youri has played mostly full 90s.

    As I woke up, occurred to me that playing Rashford as the striker with Asensio behind may well have been meant to get Marcus a goal. And obvs there was giving McGinn and Ollie a gentle reintroduction. Will we see more of it?

    We know we’ve got at least 12 games to play yet, which strangely, after all this football, is still almost a third of a league season.

  92. John Clark

    Beating Brighton is sort of a must at this point. Forest will be tricky, glad that’s at home. Win both and we’d really be in contention for CL again.

  93. Plug

    James, nothing wrong with Bailey yesterday. Just no room on the bench which was full. A couple of players will need to sit out squad selection against Brighton if there’s no new injuries.

    John, it has reached the stage that we must now win some games. Draws are no good. Six points against Brighton and Forest is possible. Rotation decisions are happily Unai’s to make. Whoever starts on Weds, I’m confident we’ll see a competitive performance from the boys.

    Making 5th place will hold the key to next season’s team development. Get it and things become possible. Fail and things become more difficult.

  95. Plug

    The official website has declared AVFC’s financial results for 23/24 (13 month period). From what we knew about them on the UEFA website, we were expecting approx £265 million turnover and £85 million loss. The loss is reported by AVFC at £85 million but with a turnover of £275 million, up from £217 million the previous year. We’re moving in the right direction.

  96. Plug

    Villa beat Manure in the FA Youth Cup semi final on penalties after ET and 1-1. In Proctor, we have a young Emi between the sticks. Final will be against Watford or Citeh.

  97. r0bb0

    Plug, it was quite amusing seeing young Proctor doing Martinezesque forward falls after he’d caught the ball, to use up a few seconds, and I did like his confidence during the penalty shootout, with a super first save.
    It seems that Martinez is less impressed with young English players though. In a recent interview he’s critical of the work ethic of young English players: “I had the old school culture at Independiente where the young lads had to work hard.

    “Back in England, the youngsters play a game and the next day they are like ‘oh, it hurts’, and spend the morning on their mobile phones and getting massages.

    “I take them out of physio. I keep that [mindset] from here. I do that both here and there.”

    I hope some of the Villa youngsters read that, and wonder ‘does he mean me?’

  98. r0bb0

    JG, player rotation over the run in seems an obvious thing to do, but the one area I particularly wonder about, is central defence. Without having gone back to check, I think we’ve just recorded three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since the last partial solar eclipse, or something like that 🙂 (in a long time anyway!), and I can’t help thinking that it has something to do with the old partnership of Konsa and Mings coming together again. Do we want to disturb that?
    As you’ve suggested, Disasi can still get a look in, on the right, although it does seem a bit harsh on Torres and Bogarde, who have both shown that they have a lot to give. It’s hard to imagine which games we might gain a big enough lead to substitute Mings or Konsa, but I do think I’d be tempted to start them each time.

  99. r0bb0

    JC. . . “Beating Brighton is sort of a must at this point. Forest will be tricky, glad that’s at home. Win both and we’d really be in contention for CL again.”

    You seem to have forgotten the unwritten rule in football, that you have to only take one game at a time! 😉

  100. jbd656

    Yes, Mings and Konsa are my first choice defence every time. Trouble is I suspect that Mings needs a bit of careful managing due to his injury history. I do wonder if Emery has had a bit of a rethink about the defensive capabilities of Torres. The premier league is just too fast and physical to have the luxury of one of your centre halves being a supreme creator and passer of the ball out of defence but also being physically suspect. I don’t think world cup Bobby Moore would have done so well in today’s league.

    The only way Mings and Torres can play together is with 3 at the back. Sorry to nag!

  102. r0bb0

    jbd, Ming’s injury history does throw another, awkward variable into the mix. I imagine the physios have loads of data that they review and feed to Emery before he picks his teams. With 6 games in the next 17 games, they’re going to have some big calls to make.

  104. r0bb0

    I see that Sawaris has decided to move out from the UK because of changes to tax laws.
    It’s all too easy for us to say “tax the rich” but we’ve seen time and time again that actually doing it, may make us feel all warm and fuzzy, but it actually ends up making the poor poorer, as tax income reduces.
    It’s hard to blame him for taking this action when other countries make him feel more ‘wanted’. Selfishly, as long as he continues to help Villa become the club we all hope we can be, you won’t find me criticising him for the decision he’s taken..

  105. James Gill

    Another great sign of our owners foresight, youths beating man u on penalties, rory Wilson signing his contract extension
    Young keeper was superb ,few lads have appeared for first team or on bench in cup games impressive

  106. r0bb0

    Watching Forest against United, and surprised to find myself really disliking the play acting. . . not from Fernández and Casemiro. . . but from the Forest players. . .they’re horrible

  110. jbd656

    Horrible lumbering slow ponderous performance from Villa. Fiddle faddle pass back to Martinez ad nauseum. Brighton by comparison are fast agile and sparkly. So far Brighton have got our number with this possession at the park lark. We are tying ourselves in knots.

    GRUMPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  121. John Clark

    Been a nervy watch, have had to watch with half an eye for chunks, but Brighton are giving it everything.

    I wondered how they’d react after the Cup defeat, but still ahead of us in the table.

  132. James Gill

    10mins another shambles by ref there first 4man sub took 45 seconds, Watkins booked there lad had 3 fouls in first 10 mins wasn’t even spoke to

  138. James Gill

    Super result
    Malen getting his 1st goal
    Rashford getting his 1st league goal
    Asenio showing his class
    Another clean sheet
    Torres got 90 minutes
    Onana got good run out
    Rogers didn’t get booked just needs to avoid 2 bookings in next 2 games to avoid ban
    Roll on forest

  140. jbd656

    Flipping heck. Smash and grab. Daylight (in the dark) robbery. Their bunch of relatively comparative no-names made our lot of superstars look like lumbering numb nuts. Cash did look dodgy but he was up against Mitoma in greased lightning slippery eel form. There were a few times at the end when we had 3 players on him and he turned them all inside out. I personally wouldn’t grumble about Cash. But how super smooth and cool did Disasi look. Kamara potm for keeping us in it while we were crap for 80 minutes.

  141. Plug

    It was a must win game that we won. Chuffed big time. But it was never a 0-3 game. By the end, the Seagulls knew it just wasn’t their day. Typical Unai performance. Control and containment in the 1st half but without the control. Then a more offensive 2nd period which brought the goals as they tired.

  143. Plug

    Wonderful long ball from Pau (or Rogers)?? to release Rashford. Expected him to lob the keeper but passed that one up for bobbled effort off the grass. No matter, they all count.

    Splendid 2nd goal too. Cash long ball to Rogers who crossed for Asensio to bury it with great aplomb. Pure quality. Sublime.

    The 3rd goal will do Malen the world of good. Fine strike indeed. Serves them right for putting up a 10 minute overtime board. Where did that come from?

  144. Plug

    Agree with comments above. We got lucky with their goal being chalked off, but it was the correct decision. Also thought it was a penalty when Ramsey was tripped.

    All in all, a fine evening’s work.

  145. Plug

    Unai says this is the best squad he’s had since coming to Villa. Think we all agree on that. Being able to rotate players with real quality coming on is mouth watering.

    And another CLEAN SHEET.

  146. John Clark

    Yeah, games often go that way, and while you don’t necessarily like being under pressure, I do like the counterattacking goals. You have to show sides you can make them pay for that.

    Has happened to us frequently.

    Then of course you get the first, and other goals often follow whether the match felt like the scoreline or not.

  148. John Clark

    “The scoreline was a reflection of Villa’s superiority. They looked stronger and faster all over the pitch, especially in the second half. Brighton supporters leaving the ground could be heard complaining about their team’s weakness in comparison. Boubacar Kamara and Morgan Rogers, in particular, were physically and technically superior.”

    Funny old game. Thought the Times was a bit more fair in their assessment.

  149. Plug

    Still buzzing after last night’s result. Agree John, the media must have watched a different game to me. Or more likely, just saw the score line and thought we must have battered them. I thought Brighton looked sharper than Villa in the tackles, winning 2nd balls, speed of thought. But that tailed off in the 2nd half as they tired and we forced a measure of control. The goals made life easier. I wasn’t sure of victory until Asensio scored.

  150. Plug

    I’d written off our chances of finishing 5th after we failed to beat Ipswich at VP. But we are now back in the fight for it and a win against Forest will set the sirens wailing elsewhere.

    I also had reservations about Rashford, thinking that might be a mistake. But now he’s looking dangerous. With the 5 acquisitions in January looking great business, I’m now preparing for some excitement.

  151. Plug

    Tarkowski once again showing his prowess straight from his book of thuggery. A flying tackle with both feet off the ground, he’ll be delighted he took the ball but disappointed he didn’t break a leg. Don’t understand VAR any more. Why did they ignore it? Why did they ignore Hinshelwood’s trip on Ramsey? They seem to keep inventing words that can be formed into some excuse for being shit at their jobs.

  152. James Gill

    Never thought I would be able to write that big john isn’t missed,his big grin smile especially when he scored or assisted, to think we have made over 50m profit on Duran reinvested a fith of it on rashford and asenio what a genius emery and team are doing

  153. jbd656

    Just watched my recorded MOTD. It was Rogers who set up Rashford with that fabulous sweeping long ball with his left (weaker?) foot. I was too ready to give the credit to Torres after giving my opinion that I didn’t rate his defending in the premier league environment.

  154. James Gill

    So watkins has a slight injury according to emery
    Team sheet for forest expect a few changes likes of dissai mings and onana must be in running to start there physical ability will be a help,
    Can’t wait to 530 Saturday

  155. Plug

    I’m winding up for the game today and will be heading off to VP later. It’s a must win game as I see it and if we do manage to get 3 points, I will be one excited bunny. COYVB.

  156. jbd656

    Clickbait playing a blinder today. Shitty have decided to re-sign Morgan Rogers. Someone in the red scouse sphere reckon it would make sense to buy Rashford. Roll on the close season.

  157. vivavilla

    Eight (yes, EIGHT) changes from the Brighton starting eleven! Still looks a strong side, though a complete new back four must be a little risky?

  158. James Gill

    Strange team,strong bench no room for bogarde Bailey and barclay
    Martinez
    Garcia dissai mings matasen onana tielmens Rogers asenio watkins and malen subs
    Olsen cash konsa torres digne Mcginn ramsay kamara rashford impressive

  172. jbd656

    Flipping heck. That was hard going. Don’t quite know what was going on in the first half. They just gave us the game. 2nd half they turned on the physicals and murdered us. We were like rabbits in the headlights. Thankfully Kamara came on but it wasn’t enough. Queue SJM came on and just about swung it for us.

    Watkins not right. We had the first half in the palm of our hand but I just didn’t notice Ollie. Especially glad in the 2nd half that Mings was playing not Torres. We always seem to struggle with athletic physicality. We had 4 lads 6ft 3″ or more but we were duffed over by their little Jota midget!

    Don’t think I could pick a POTM. We all hung on by our fingertips to get those essential points. PSG should be a walk in the park after that.

  173. Plug

    STRESSED!! How many times have we seen us take a 2-0 lead and then start walking? Too many for me. Fans just know what is going to happen in such circumstances. And it happened again. Damn lucky all those Forest shots whistled past the posts.

  174. Plug

    The starting line up met with my full approval. Garcia, Maatsen and Disasi all provided pace to counteract their flying wingers. We were treated to a sublime pass from Tielemans towards Rogers whose first time control and finish was also sublime. Then followed Maatsen marauding down the wing before playing in Malen. We were on easy street, but everyone knows at 2-0, the next goal is crucial and we just decided to close down instead of finishing them off.

  175. Plug

    Despite the stress, we have just collected 6 massive points in 3 days. Emi wasn’t really wasting time with a goal kick but Hooper decided it was worth a yellow. Done on reputation alone. I expect much better from our match officials. Meanwhile, he gave Jota free reign to scratch, kick and foul at will.

  176. Plug

    So now the nerves have settled down and a perfect weekend is assured. It’s beer o’clock and the first couple have already been sunk. Get in there Villa.

  177. Plug

    Today was a demonstration of our squad depth. Eight changes from Brighton, fresh legs unleashed and other legs rested. And it was 3rd in the table we beat. Things are looking good down the home straight eh?

  178. James Gill

    What a great feeling on a Sunday morning, hitting good form in home straight most players fit,some needing minutes to get up to speed,but when you say cash torres digne Bailey barclay and bogarde not used or involved v forest unbelievable
    Yesterday side should be more than capable of beating soton next week
    Team for psg,
    Martinez dissai konsa torres digne kamara tielmens mcginn rashford ramsay and Rogers,saying that ramsay will have to work harder noticed few times last night he didn’t get goal side of his man

  182. r0bb0

    JG, I’m not sure it’s Ollie’s attitude that’s the problem, I wonder if he’s just lost his confidence. It started with JD coming in and making no secret of the fact that he thought he should be starting over Ollie, then we bring in Rashford and Asensio and males, and now, all 3 look as if they’re taking it in their stride. It’s got to be tough, after you’ve been the main man for so long, to feel like just another cog in the wheel.
    He can still be an absolutely vital cog, during the run in, and lets hope he can find it in himself again

  186. James Gill

    Liked interview from malen,explaining how tough it was new country new league but he is intending to be here longer than our champions league run

  187. r0bb0

    The referee in the united city game was impressive
    Players dive so convincingly these days, but he saw through most of the play acting and kept the game moving.
    Grealish couldn’t believe that one of his best dives didn’t get him a free kick

  188. Plug

    Agreed r0BBo, the diving these days is well out of control. They are clear attempts at cheating which are in need of cleaning up. Maybe we need some Dive Police that view each match and count the clear dives. Start dishing out retrospective yellow cards to those who are regular cheats. In Tarkowski’s and Mee’s cases, retrospective reds would be a good idea.

  189. Plug

    Can’t really ascertain how many more wins we need for P5. Might be more than we think. But we can’t bother about it, just concentrate on winning the next game. That’s Soton next weekend. However, before then there’s the small matter of PSG. They don’t come any bigger than that. Hoping Emi is on his best “piss ’em off” form.

  190. James Gill

    7 match shoot out now,would like to think we can do it along with fa cup,Europe is a free hit for unai emery and squad
    Would love to see some of our defenders get a goal or 2 in run in,none has scored 2 in league this season needs improving especially with amount set plays we have

  191. James Gill

    Wilson and bogarde signed up long term,on going talks with kamara
    Which is main player to get tied down
    Our onloan players all doing well ,monchi must be feeling chuffed, barcheoo the lad on loan at balenciaga excellent v real Madrid the luis deal could be very profitable

  193. John Clark

    Plug,

    Yeah, all we can do is play our games. We do have the barcodes at home and City yet to play, so it might well be largely in our own hands. Did what we could with Chelsea. Not the easiest of run-ins.

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