Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate Team for FIFA 15.
Manchester United will come into this fixture full of confidence after an impressive display saw them beat their fierce rivals Liverpool in their last outing. The Red Devils have hit form just at the right time, winning four on the bounce and looking to make a late bid for second spot in the league.
The red half of Manchester will be hoping that their in form shot stopper David de Gea can deliver yet another impressive performance this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Spanish international has made 79 saves so far this term, at an average of 2.93 saves per goal conceded. De Gea will be hoping for more of the same this weekend to help keep his fourth clean sheet in five.
In the middle of the park, United will hope that their midfield maestro Daley Blind can deliver another high quality display. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the Dutch international has racked up 62 interceptions so far this term, but it is when he is on the ball that his quality shines through. Blind has completed 1036 passes so far this season, 88.3% of his overall passes, also managing two assists. It will be vital that Villa get close to him early on to stop him dictating the pace of the game.
Up top, Wayne Rooney will be hoping that he can skipper United to another victory and keep their run of form going. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has covered a squad best 285.78km so far this season, helping him to become the club’s top scorer this season with 11 goals. He is 22/25 to score anytime this weekend with 888sport.com.
Aston Villa will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend after their good run of form was abruptly halted by a 1-0 defeat to Swansea. The Villans had won their two fixtures prior to that defeat, and another win could double the three point margin between themselves and the relegation zone.
Villa will be hoping that their shot stopper Brad Guzan can deliver an impressive display to help keep United at bay. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that the American keeper has made 91 saves so far this term, at an average of 2.33 saves per goal conceded. He will be hoping to further strengthen those ratios with his second clean sheet in three matches.
In the middle of the park, Fabian Delph will be hoping to continue his impressive form and help Villa gain a stranglehold in the middle of the park. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 39 tackles so far this season, 60.9% of his overall attempts, also making 29 interceptions and completing 575 passes in the opposition half.
Up top, Christian Benteke will be hoping that he can find the form that saw him become one of the most highly regarded prospects in Europe, and help keep Villa in the league. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that hard work is key his game, winning 66% of his 12 tackles and putting in 739 sprints so far this season. He has netted five times so far this season, and he is 39/10 to score anytime this weekend with 888sport.com.
View from the Opposition
In addition to the preview, we spoke to Andy Francos from Stretford-End.com (@stretford_end) with his view ahead of the Manchester United game. Check out his thoughts below:
1) Do you feel that United are finally out of the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson, at least in management terms?
No, its going to take an extremely long time to ever replicate the aura and unprecedented success of Sir Alex. Louis van Gaal is a top class manager, no question, but to follow on from what Ferguson did is an impossible task. United are in a much better position now that twelve months ago.
2) Do you feel Louis van Gaal is the right man long term for United?
Yes, I do – although he has stated this will be his last job before retirement in a few years – so he isn’t going to be at the helm for the long haul. The thing is, that United fans (and Arsenal) have been so used to having the same manager season after season, without really understanding the ruthlessness experienced at other clubs.
United fans do want stability and to give the manager a chance, but he has to believe in the United way of playing. Open attacking football, giving youth a chance and taking risks. Louis van Gaal has come under some criticism for playing too slow – but in the last two games, with United shifting to 4-3-3, I feel there is much greater balance in the side. Amazing to think that Fellaini is now settled in the side whereas Angel Di Maria is struggling!
3) By the same token, why do you think David Moyes failed at Old Trafford?
Firstly, I never thought Moyes was the right choice to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. I didn’t think he had done enough in his career to get the job and I can’t believe that there wasn’t even an interview process! That being said, you want to give a manager some time to instill a philosophy and way of playing. He didn’t get enough time, but I think he was way out of his depth. Defeats to Liverpool and City were key and although both sides were better than United last season, the football was dull and his comments post match didn’t sound that of a Manchester United manager.
4) Who do you think will win the title, and where do you think United will end up finishing this season?
Chelsea will win the league, they’ve been the best and most consistent side I’ve seen all season. The PSG match was a surprise as I thought they’d advance. I was probably quite naive at the start of the season to assume United would be higher than fourth, but I would take a Champions League spot any day of the week. The performances against Liverpool and Tottenham recently have lifted the mood among United fans as the first half performances in both games were top class.
5) Christian Benteke has taken the eye of quite a few clubs – do you think he is good enough to get into a top four team?
I’ve always thought he was a decent player and can’t see why, if he replicated his 2012/13 form, he wouldn’t fit in at a top four club. He was class in the away victory over Sunderland. I know he has only scored a few goals this season, but the injury (which ruled him out of the World Cup) was a big blow. It can take some time to recover from that.
6) Tim Sherwood splits opinions across many fans – what’s your view on him, and do you think he is what Villa need?
I’m not a big fan, but he is obviously a good man manager who gets the best out of players. You’ve had some decent results over the past few weeks, although I would have been disappointed not to get something out of the Swansea game.
7) Do you think Villa have a chance of getting a result on Saturday?
Villa are fighting for their life but United are in good form at the moment. I do think United will win, but Villa of course have a chance at Old Trafford! I remember the game in 2009 where United when Agbonlahor scored the winner!
8) Who do you fear, if anyone, from the Villa squad? Also, if you could take any of our players, would you?
Benteke will be a threat as of course Agbonlahor will be with is pace. Delph has done a good job to break into the England squad. In terms of players – Ron Vlaar from the World Cup?
9) Finally, give me your ultimate United team of all time including manager (though I imagine it’ll be Sir Alex).
———————————–Schmeichel————————–
Neville ——- Ferdinand—————– Stam ————Irwin
Ronaldo———Keane————–Scholes————Giggs
————————–Cantona——————————
————————————–Rooney————————
Subs:
Vidic
Robson
Beckham
Van der Saar
Solskjaer
Carrick
Evra
The Author
Matt Turvey
Matt is the owner of, and chief writer for, Aston Villa Life. He is also a columnist for the Wolverhampton Express & Star, appearing in the Kick Off pullout on Saturdays and the Final Whistle pullout the Monday after Aston Villa play, as well as every Thursday as a blogger on their website. He has previously been featured as a writer on Football365 and Life's A Pitch, and was a regular pundit for Sports Tonight TV on Sky.Comments 282
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Can only see one outcome today guys. Our record against United is dire, and that’s putting it nicely. Think it might be a walk in the park today for them but maybe i’m still living in Lamberts ways. Hope Sherwood gets us going because we need the 3 points
Worrying about Fellani and Rooney today. Wonder if we will go 442. I’d like us to keep Gabby and the beast up top to counter. Hope Gil starts and not Joe Cole
what was it about lamberts time in charge,every thing stank medics,drenan young irish prospect gotwrong treatment for broken foot lost year of his career ,and at his age main one not saying he was going to be new rooney but never had chance
Memories …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeJpQlGW_GA
… but how times change!
Nice ditty though!
Today we go on our annual pilgrimage to OT to hand Manure the 3 points we always give them, it’is as near a racing certainty as you get in top flight football. The bookies have it down as an easy home win banker. My concerns are elsewhere, will Swansea tonk Hull, will the baggies do us a massive favour and stuff QPR, will the Hammers condemn Leicester and can Spurs and Newcastle win at Burnley and Sunderland , as yet again our season will prob end up being decided by others failings. We have given ourselves a fighting chance under Sherwood with important wins against WBA and Sunderland, but the two dropped points from drawing positions against Swansea and Stoke will come back and haunt us( not to mention the horrific form under Lambert).
The QPR game in the week is absolutely massive a real 6 pointer and season decider.
Back to today and I can see a 3/4 goal defeat, but it will be how we react Tuesday that is the key.
B62-let’s hope all the teams we need to lose do because I’m not feeling good about our chances today. Hate playing away to United more than anywhere
We simply have to stay up by any means, I see Red Bull are in advanced talks to buy Leeds Utd for £60m, we need a takeover and be in the top flight when it happens.
Morning all. Pretty excited about today. Living in Manchester this is one game I get to see Villa live most seasons and Im going again today. Not that we’ve had much luck here over the years, only remember that Gabby goal that got us the win here during MON’s last season in charge. The less said about that Macheda winner the better. Just the third time Iv seen Villa live this season, only bad thing is Ill be sitting in with the home fans as going with some Utd fans.
Tactically, I hope and pray that Sherwood goes 3 in midfield otherwise we havent got a chance. 4312, drop Sinclair from the last game play Nzog in the hole and Vlaar comes back for Okore. DSelph, Westwood and Sanchez for the midfield 3, Cleverly is ineligible anyways even though he’s injured. Sanchez really needs to step up his game today, he will need to do a marking job on Fellani when he puts himself up against Bacuna, maybe we should play Hutton RB today as he’s taller? Van Gaal likes going direct to him and its created havoc the last few games for them.
I can see us getting a result, not a win but a draw possibly. I feel like Utd will be a little complacent esp after the internationals. We need to keep our heads and cut out any mistakes at the back. I back Vlaar to have a big game today to make up for his last slip up. We need everyone at a good level to get a result.
Im going 1-1 Benteke COYVB!
Even though in recent times OT was never our luckiest grounds we used to look forward to going there other than visiting the scum untied was our favourite away day always eventful and we never let them down with our turnout.
I cannot see past a defeat today TS has improved things but not enough to get points today so i will be watching other results and hope they go our way.
AVFC ITWT
Loving the positive speak from Tim Sherwood – heives by the sword and it’s just what we need . Refreshing to read
“I don’t think there’s anything to be scared of on Saturday and that’s no disrespect to Man Utd.
“I think that’s the case with whoever you’re playing.
“I don’t think there’s anything to be scared of on Saturday and that’s no disrespect to Man Utd.
“I think they are beatable. They have obviously got a terrific record at Old Trafford but we say it every week, anyone can beat anyone in this division. That’s the beauty of the Premier League.
“We think we are capable of going there and upsetting them. We have a lot of pace on the counter-attack. We are looking to exploit.”
And that is what he will be saying to the players – so good to hear this .
His comments on DB9 also spot on.
Let’s prove the bookies wrong and my heart says untied 2 and AV 3 . As TS “anything can happen in football – Hull managed to come from 2-0 down to equalise with Chelsea last game so why not us. Also like his “I’ve had a words with the lads what they’ve got to do “. At last a manager who’s prepared to stand up and be counted .
Easy 2-0 today to Villa, Untied are p-poor, wasted 200m on tripe,the only worry i have is how crepe the ref is, still Old red hooter won’t be intimidating him so we may get 10% of the decisions. At least van Persie won’t be scoring a hat-trick of offside goals
( proved by tv ). Hate everything about these overrated cheating toerags, especially that dump of a ground.
Bit worried about the QPR game though.
Yes Jen,
Nice to see him extend an olive branch to DB, wish he’d point one in Gils direction though.
Off down the boozer to watch us cruise home.
GET THE FUCK OUT OF THIS ClUB WIEMANN
No Gil again. FFS Sherwood. I like you but that’s takin the piss
No Westwood or Sinclair even in the squad
442 it looks like
With you there Frem, as much as I don;t rate Sinclair Weimann is worst.
watching in a bar in Agadir. Full of Manc fans.
Not expecting much
please please please win
442. love it
have we only 9 men or what
QPR and LCFC winning
Deep shit
guzan kicking brutal just over halfway line from edge of his own box
Dire. Guzan is useless. QPR winning 3-0
Fucked
how many goals in 43 44 45 88 89 90 this season
if wiemen is our best option we fucked where is he playing utd look like they have 3/4 players on hutton
asi mentioned guzan kicking poor punching crosses when should be catching and then in injury time throws the ball out and utd get a fucking throw from it
tuesday is judgement night for us if we don t win we are down no ifs or buts
It’s men against boys, it’s what I expected, we haven’t suddenly got better overnight although Lambert would have us down by now, Sherwood at least has given us a chance.
What’s more worrying is how QPR are ripping the Albion apart and are looking really good, I’m not confident at all for Tuesday , I was hoping the Albion would knock any confidence out of them. They will now arrive full of beans knowing they are within touching distance of us, I think it will be a draw. This is going down to the final game and I’m not overly optimistic we can do this, Lambert got us into such a shite state we needed David Blain to come in and sort us.
so pleased i got rid of tickets for todays match Sherwood does not now his arse from his elbow where is jack gil sinclair sorry but we will get beat 6 with this team weiman would not get in a pub team we are down as we will get beat by qpr on tuesday so no sale is we go down why was hutton not replaced earlier the goal came with him crooked if we stay up new owner new manager sorry tim but on todays selection you can go
Fuck off Hull don’t you start coming back 2-1 now!!!!!
Tuesday night could define our season
JD
Sheer wood wasn’t my first choice, and Lambert should have gone at least one year earlier, but sacking Tim Sher isn’t the answer, these fuckers are shite, Lambert has put together a god awful squad. I agree I don’t fancy our chances Tuesday , roll on Wembley just for the piss up
Where is the equalizer supposed to come from? Some decent attackers on the bench doing nothing…
Benteke is a ghost of his former self… we have no real attacking threat!
shadow I should say hahaha
Okore misses an absolute sitter, oh dear
As it stands if QPR win tues, they go above us. FFS
was that abounce ball to villa that rooney contested cheating scumbag
hought Sherwood had something about him but i was wrong he is just a big mouth who knows nothing about the game his team today was awful the commitment of the players was that of a team who do not give a fuc k sorry you can stick wembly up your ar se we are going down the game against swansea and today againgst a sh ite utd side has been woeful trouble is we wont stay up so we wont get sold all i can hope is new owner new manager for next season if we do stay up
Saturday, Apr 4 2015 3:54:01pm
The only glimmer was Swansea beating Hull although their GD is far superior to ours, QPR scoring 4 will come Tues expecting to win and they prob will
Don’t think I can stomach Tuesday and I think QPR will do us. A Lambert display today. Gutless . Worrying from Sherwood
Really think we are down now. City and spurs away to come. QPR picking up some momentum. Burnley and Sunderland, who knows what they will do.
It’s just another season I want to end ASAP one way or the other. Fuck wembley
I tried to hold on hope our players weren’t so bad but I’ve realised now that we have some of the worst around. No manager has hope with this squad
Just as it looks like new owners and hope is just around the corner, it also looks like the footballing Gods have decided they want us to drop
Listened first half radio WM – where, save for the killer last min goal from herera the pundits said we were doing ok. Saw second half on PC . Oh dear . Where’s their confidence gone . Delph worked hard and def my AV MOM . But the rest , that was not the performance Sherwood was expecting and he said before the game “don’t crawl into the shells / cave I found you in when I arrived “. (Or something similar ). Pedantics I know , but maybe he should reframe it into a positive next time , as they seemed to do just that . Tell them what he wants to do and not what be doesn’t .
Realistically we aren’t going to come away with anything from OT , but the QPR 4-1 makes a Tuesday more of a contest .
sorry jenny Delph gave them the firs two goals with his late closing down he gave them both half an hour to score he is a joke overrated player with the first touch of a rapist and cannot cross a ball to save his life
Our players aren’t that bad Frem – they can pull off the occasional decent performance – the problem is they aren’t consistent . That’s what is so infuriating . Still three worse teams than us .
I didn’t see the first goal john . What I saw was Delph the only one chasing the ball , trying to make attacks and running back to defend . Compared with the others , he was good – but that may r more down to the others being poor .
Our players are that bad, that’s the problem, Lambert bought poorly, we were never gonna win at OT it’s simply not allowed, but I also think we lack the belief and Quality to see the season out , we are going down, Simply because the others haven’t read the script. Sunderland will beat the Geordies yet again and Burnley will get a draw from Spurs, we will lose or get a draw at best Tues, then have 2 defeats against City and Spurs, a real Bollox run in won’t help, I hope Lambert , Randy and co are happy a real bunch of cunts
Well, I wasn’t expecting a win, but a draw was there to be had, however it came about, deserved or not.
The big disappointment for me in today’s performance was that the players were far too timid. United simply applied much more pressure on the ball. I can understand playing off, but once it was 2-1, there should’ve been more urgency.
However, with the QPR game coming up, saving something may have been in the backs of players’ minds as much as anything else. May sound a bit silly, but I think scoring has some value for the side (ie, not getting back into the psychology of being unable to score). Choices were a bit strange, but then again, Sherwood, despite the bravado, might not have expected much and decided to rotate the squad a bit (ie, giving Weimann a run-out).
While the international break is good for healing up knocks for some players, I don’t think the extra games some of them played helped at all. And having QPR rescheduled as it was on the heels of the run of games is very poor timing.
Keep cool folks we were not likely tp beat them. We beat sunderlandc 4-1didn’t make us unbeatable and it wont make qpr that either. This was always going to the wire so dig in.
Well that was disappointing….
I knew 442 would kill us as soon as the team sheets came in. Why he doesn’t go back to the diamond I don’t know. It was obvious we were gonna get outplayed in midfield. Tbh after the opening 5-10 mins Utd didn’t cause us too much trouble. The 4 in MF were all really narrow which worked in a defensive sense, but we had nobody who could put a foot on the ball hold it up or relieve pressure for any decent amount of time. We had a couple decent counterattacking opportunities first half, but didn’t amount to anything because of poor final passes or bad touches. Gabby was poor today, esp second half. Lazy even, numerous times I saw his just standing around not doing anything, not pressing not getting into shape. Weimann getting a lot of stick but at least he’s a hard worker,he was up and down all day. Poor final ball for the most part but he did set up that one chance that Benteke skied that would have made it 1-1 after the break. He was picked because of his work rate.
Nzogbia fairly anonymous, Benteke too many bad touches… or he’d do something good then mess it up. How many times did Gabby fail to make a run for his flick ons? Once he was def in if he wasn’t so flat footed. Delph was decent for the most part, Sanchez was pretty good esp his duels with Fellaini but he did his customary bad back pass a game today too. Okore had Rooney in his back pocket most game dunno how he was lost for that second goal, have to watch that back.
Felt the change to bring on Joe Cole in the hole was a good one, we looked much better shape, just unlucky that Rooney scored so soon after. Even after we managed to score I thought we should have pushed on more. Cole did a great ball for Gabby getting him in behind on the left,but he took WAY too long deciding what to do and got tackled. Could have easily knocked the ball inside and just out paced him. I felt the last goal was poor sportsmanship from Utd. It was our ball, ref stopped play for an injury but they didn’t give it back to us. Delph and Rooney contested the dead ball and I felt Delph got fouled in that and the build up that led to the goal.
Utd were far from good. We were worse. We needed to put in a performance to get something here and it didn’t happen. Have to say TS tactics played a part in us playing poorly for the second time. NO MORE 442 AGINST TOP SIDES!!
A word on the Utd crowd, as always it has the feel of journeymen supporters coming from afar to support Utd. Some from Europe and beyond. As such the crowd is so impatient and expectant and getting frustrated cos Utd weren’t playing well. Course you have your hardcore supporters but most were he prawn sandwich brigade plus tourists.
TS needs to have an inquest what went wrong and not exclude himself from that. We need to step it up massively against QPR. Its make or break now.
Very annoyed.
We played like a Lamberk side today. No energy, no tempo, no plan, no intent. Also, Sherwood speaking like Lamberk after the game to.
Forgot to mention if we went int half time at 0-0 i don’t think anyone could have begrudged us that. But once again we lose a goal in the last minutes of a half and after that we don’t have the strength to come back as a team. After that no leaders to push us on to a higher level. Everyone was too focused on getting in shape defensively and not on playing football.
It was an expected loss but the performance was not good, esp second half. We have little time to set it right now before we go again.
Standard result, expected nothing less. Qpr winning though is a big blow, they are going into our biggest game for years with tails up.
Alarm bells are ringing though just how good ts is. Granted not easy but performances, subs, team selection is not right.
Its ok having a mouth on you but 4 loses and 2 wins in 6 is not good
Bloody injuries is killing us too. Westy and sinclair out tues.
Free gill
Not to mention Hutton too. Will we have a fit back 4 Tuesday? Maybe it’s time for 3 atb?
Free Gil – we should bloody well make it the official forum slogan.
time to think about today
first up wrong team selection wiemen has been shocking since first 3 games of season,confidence shot doesnt want the ball even when he went clear instead of shooting slides it back to benteke who balloned it
next huttons injury why when we were under cosh especially on that side bring sub on and where was right side of mid non existant
then the goal no marking covering and does guzan save nothing now
guzan kicking complete garbage even kicking out of hands from edge of box can t clear centre circle,anything along 6 yard box he leaves and in first half injury time utd corner he gets ball in hands throws quick and utd get throw in just outside 18 yard box time to play given
2 half much better WHY
okore great chance benteke great chance utd wherent doing much then bang 2 killer goal but in fairness we got one back and had them rattled
subs
bacuna yes but t slow and should have started
baker made sense and if fit start on tues
cole NO NO NO NEVER why you had grealish and gil on bench took over setpieces and you no what he s is worse than all the rest at them
3 goal rooney cheating scumbag and why i detest him was the game not stopped for utd player down injured so ball should have went straight back to guzan, but also what the fuck was delph trying to do
if we manage to stay up we need major surgery on squad because most players not good enough
and onto sherwood stoke scored at end both halves swansea scored at end of match and nowutd scored at end of both halves
lastly team for qpr
given
lowton
baker
clarke
okore
delph
sanchez
bacuna
sinclair/zog
benteke
gil
Very disappointed in virtually everything today, Untied were very average but tactically LvG destroyed TS, so much width available all the way down the touchlines while our full backs tucked in and allowed possession. Gabby was, as usual, a total waste of space, he shouldn’t be anywhere near the first team, pathetic doesn’t cover his performances this season and Gil must be wondering whats going on. Cole has been finished for three years and looked and played like an old man. Also i think Given should be awarded for his previous performances, Guzan’s not exactly inspiring these days.
I thought TS wasn’t going to play players out of position, is Weiman really a MF ?
Possibly TS has an overated sense of his capabilities, i was previously totally in support of him but recently strange things, ala Lambert, have been happening to our team. As i said earlier, i don’t fancy us against QPR and to be honest i think we probably will make the drop this season, the players are regressing, the old bad habits are back with a vengence.
By the way, i thought Clark was top class, a leader in every respect and developing into an outstanding CD.
Sorry, rewarded.
Two massive games for us today, Spurs and Newcastle simply have to win, just ensure this weekend hasn’t been a total disaster results wise.
Sherwood has stated late goals and injuries are the hallmarks of relegated teams, unfortunately we have both in abundance. If by some miracle we get over the line, massive investment and an overhaul is required or we will be in this position again next season.
Also picking an idiot over one of your best players is a hallmark of relegated teams. If we are relegated Sherwood should go, some of his selections and substitutions are pure Lambert.
QPR match is a winnable biggy. Didn’t expect anything against ManU to be honest. Do expect a win on Tuesday.
Steamer,
Can’t quite agree with you, but we all see it differently. 😉
Sherwood has a tactic of selecting where possible the most experienced in view of the fight we are in. It’s hard, really, to argue with him. I’m sure next season we would see a different approach starting from a clean slate.
We should just write off yesterday’s match – we didn’t really expect Villa to get anything but, there again, we had two clear chances to score second half and fluffed ’em. Apart from United’s goals (one through an injured Hutton and the last a giveaway) and one superlative save from Guzan, United did not have any close calls.
Tuesday, i.m.o., is the real Cup Final, regardless of how we get on in the semis!
Sherwood has got it wrong with Gil and I think all of Twitter agrees
Still gutted and angry about yesteday. Awful lifeless display. Hope newcastle do us a favour but can see sunderland winning
qpr game will be Bolton Mcliesh or Lambert sunderland
That’s a very good comparison Frem. I remember being at VP two seasons ago when we sealed QPRs drop to the championship – and preserved our premiership place . As such we are a “bogie” team in their eyes and with their aversion to playing away , I can only see a villa win. The baggies team were as bad as Sunderland when we played them by all accounts – so the 4-1 score flatters QPR . Let’s face it , we beat WB twice in one week too.
On the plus side for yesterday Benteke scored so his confidence will be increasing .
What worries me about Tuesday is QPR attacking threat, Charlie Austin is on fire and has been assisted by a new positive mindset Ramsay has bought in, and in Barton they have a player who will run rings around our midfield unless we can wind him up and get him to lose his head. Their confidence levels will be sky high as apposed to ours. It will be an interesting battle of wits between Ramsay and Sherwood as both know each other so well. I can’t see us winning, but then again I thought that against WBA
By the way, did i see the ref stop play for an injured Untied player, the official drop the ball ( to Rooney ) who proceeded to create the third goal instead of giving the ball back to Villa ? I only ask because i’ve not read a word on the subject of the England captain being a tad unsporting.
B62,
We’re not quite so boring as under Lambert but we’re just as poor in all departments. This team still has relegation stamped all over it for me. Regarding Gil, ok he may have had a falling out with him but the lad is way, way, superior to Gabby and Weimann, the future of the club comes before any tiff.
It was really bad sportsmanship from Rooney and Utd as a whole. I don’t know why we even contested the drop ball with so many players out of position, the fact that we did gave Utd an excuse. Had we not contested it the ref would have had to call back play. I was right when I said Delph was fouled even after that, by Mata who set up Herrera. Media picked up on that but failed to pick up on bad sportsmanship from media darling Rooney.
On reflection it was a worse performance even I gave Villa credit for. Sure we were fairly solid first half, but could have given away a pen and the defending for the late goal was awful. Keeping the ball was a big problem, didn’t realize how little possession we had until I saw the replay and stats. Second half really very poor and the fact is we still had opportunities to get back in the game, that just shows how bad Utd were on the day. They were there for the taking if only our players stepped up. Worse performance under TS overall by a mile. Worrying that we have regressed since Sunderland.
This game is over now. It’s history we need to leave it behind us because of this huge game Tuesday. I think we can get away with a 442 against Qpr, let’s be real they still are a poor poor side, West Brom were so bad and they scored some stunning goals. The only problem is the personnel. No Sinclair means no natural left winger, unless he starts Grealish. Weimann getting a lot of stick here but I don’t think he was awful, but def not suited to be a winger. Players need to give at least 50% more than they gave at Utd. I think we will be well up for it. Qpr will be more confident but I still feel we can get at them and there are plenty mistakes in their back 4.
Do or die now, Im still confident we can do it.
It will be a strange situation with Ramsey and Sherwood particularly as TS has said he’d like to bring Ramsey to AV (as he’s the best coach around ) How permanent is Ramsey’s job at QPR I wonder as he couldn’t buy a win fir love or money before yesterday . I think we are getting carried away with QPR’s result yesterday . Their stats are worse than ours and so is their defence . They’ve conceded more goals than anyone and whilst we’ve scored the least – Benteke is getting his mojo back now . Inspite of TS saying we wouldn’t fear MU , we did and whilst our confidence may be better for the Sunderland and WBAs of this world , our fearful mindset hasn’t changed fir the big boys. This will take longer but it can still happen . I agree on Gil though – he’d be ideal to mix it up against QPR who have a few older legs on the pitch .
Ree/Steamer,
What bothered me if anything was that the forwards looked so casual for much of the match … usually poor first touches, and that miss by Benteke was almost beyond belief (a great cut-back by Weimann!). On the other hand he scored a fortunate goal and that perhaps wiped out the earlier error.
Certainly, if we’d tried harder we might well have gained a point in the last 10 minutes.
How many away wins did QPR have before yesterday – off the too of my head it was 0 or 1. WBA gifted them that result – and the baggies fans were incensed at the lack of effort by their team.
correct John, not a lot stuck did it ? Also agree about a possible point, i don’t see that because we never lost by 5 or 6 we did well, Untied were mediocre and we could have snatched an undeserved point.
Jen,
If Ramsey chose to stay at QPR over Villa then its either –
1) An indication of our fall in the football pecking order.
2) Because he wants to be boss at a club however insignificant.
3) We were in the division below them.
4) The Villa job is too big for him.
5) He has no ambition.
6) He’s not good enough and knows it.
I hope spurs are this rubbish against us. Burnley got 3 points for the taking here.
Im getting back in the mindset that we are down. Lot less stressfull
Burnley gain a valuable point, and Sunderland are winning the derby and looking much the better side.
All those around us are showing fight, we look like a team set for the drop, lose Tuesday and it’s all over bar the shouting, man city, Spurs, Everton, WHU Saints, and Burnley to go, how many points can you see from those???? Add to the mix Burnley still have to play us, Hull and Leicester, Sunderlands run in is easier than ours, Hull have a massive GD over us and QPR if they beat us go above us, Tuesday is bigger than any Wembley trip
Looks like the Gods have decided it’s out time to finally go down. Another horrible set of results. If QPR beat us, we will go
We have to stay positive lads. Yes it was a bad performance and things have not gone for us this week results wise, but I’d still rather be in our position than any of the other bottom 6. A win against QPR and we’re within touching distance of safety. I’m sure there’s plenty of twists yet but we have to believe. One sure thing is we don’t make life easy on ourselves. Those games against Swansea and Stoke hurt us.
We will be right up for this game, there’s no way we can put in a performance like we did yesterday. I almost feel like we played within ourselves knowing this game is on the horizon. Hopefully we will come out strong and prove ourselves when the pressure is on like against West Brom. We are still the favorites here.
Best case scenario I can see us picking up a max of 6 points between now and the end of the season, that is by beating QPR and Burnley, Im not confidant we can do that though, can’t see anything from the others unless WHU have a real off day. Sunderland are ripping the Geordies apart, this will give them the confidence to kick on and stay up. Will 34 be enough, I don’t think so with our -GD
Sunderland always beat toon. They are a shambles.
We are in major trouble here. Cant have many complaints though
So, the situation is very clear. If villa win a couple of games against beatable opposition, then they stay up on merit , if not, they go down , also on merit. Forget about how the teams around us do, its in villas hands to save themselves so its a perfect opportunity to see exactly what they’re made of.
I don’t mind losing what i can’t stand is surrender, when you have a useless lazy twat, who is supposed to be a fan walking around doing sod all and he gets paid 50k per week, thats what gets my goat, legend, my arse.
Tickets for Wemberleee are rarer than Blose fans who use soap, even the die hards can’t get them, i’ll keep asking Darren and Mark. The one i turned down was just available for me
Prox
That’s the worrying thing mate, we will find out exactly what this side and manager are made of, unfortunately I don’t think it’s strong stuff
Have we forgotten already that these same group of players have won pretty much all of their ‘must win’ games of the last few seasons? Reading and QPR two seasons ago, Sunderland too, Hull last, West Brom this. We have a knack for doing it and I’m pretty confident we can do it.
I see the Geordies have done Sunderland a favour by being on beach mentality. No matter, as Proz said we have to worry about ourselves.
B62 I think all our home games are winnable, don’t discount Everton or West Ham. A win will leave us within touching distance.
RK
On paper our home games are potentially winnable, but having watched this side week in week out, I honestly can’t see us beating Everton or WHU, I fear QPRs attacking threat with our defensive frailties and if Burnley are still in with a shout on the final day I fear nerves and their fighting spirit( as shown against all the big boys when needed).
Villa will go down and fully deserve to. Week in, week out, I only see Leicester as having less talent than this truly awful squad.
The piss poor ticket sales for Tuesday tell there own story, biggest game at VP in terms of our very survival, and the ground will be at least a third empty!! All these fuckers worrying about Wembley tickets, we need to fill VP first, we need to survive only on current form we look like going down. Lose Tuesday and we are in the bottom 3, it’s deserved we have been utter shite for years.
Just spent a couple of days in London the capital of misery, Christ alight you couldn’t buy a smile off anyone, nearly as miserable as you lot 😉
just watching the Aston villa formation walking team, boy can we keep our shape, can’t get within 10ft of the opposition but boy can we keep a shape. Did the bus break down and we had to walk to OT? England have ruined delph he’s now passing like wilkins.
just seen our goal villa mom, de gea. I think Rooneys goal came from benteke passing the ball 5 ft to delph from the drop ball, stupid play by our players not Rooneys fault he just stayed switched on, wish we had.
Also think we have managed to depress TS, very strange game felt like we just shadowed them the entire match. Cleverly should help against QPR in that respect. no point in moaning about it, it wasn’t good. onwards and hopefully upwards against QPR
If we can’t sell out on Tuesday then I’ll be disgusted with the fans. Get down VP and sing your hearts out
We are in huge trouble. Last two games we showed no fight, nothing. Burnley and Sunderland shown everything you need to stay up today
If QPR to the double over us, we deserve to drop
My predictions for the rest of the season
AV 2-1 QPR( simply because have to)
Spurs 2-0 AV
Man City 3-0 AV
AV 1-2 Everton
AV 1-1 WHU
Saints 1-0 AV
AV 2-2 Burnley possibly 2-1 too tight to call
If we can somehow survive on such a horrendous -GD and low points total we will need massive changes next summer
C’mon you Villa boys! Why are the chins so down?!
Should Villa win on Tuesday we’ll go above both Sunderland *and* Hull and we’ll then only need another 3 or 4 points for survival!
Let’s take the half-glass full mentality and mentally push our team over the line! 🙂
West ham is very winnable they have just lost to Leicester and lost 4-0 to WBA, they are on a poor run. A point at spurs is possible and city have been poor this season at home. these things haven’t changed our lot just have to step up or feck off
Mark
I admire your optimism, but we won’t pick up anything at Man City, we will need the rub of the green against Everton and West Ham as both are better than us, I only hope the fact they have nothing to play for except pride helps us. Spurs looked average today but are a different proposition at the Lane. It is still in our own hands, but I worry we still look shakes at the back, lightweight in the middle and impotent up front, we are better than under Lambert, but that isn’t difficult, I just would have hoped for more improvement rather than leaking late goals every week
B62,
Man U’s late 3rd goal shouldn’t have happened and didn’t make any difference to the result in point of fact.
What is more relevant i.m.o. is that having pulled back to 1-2 there should have been a greater effort to get at least a point with 10 minutes to go.
Cleverley (looking much better since TS came) was missing yesterday, and I would say the personnel is good enough to get points in *all* the remaining fixtures except the Man City & Spurs fixtures.
But to regain confidence they have to win on Tuesday. That really is a biggy.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2015/04/how_the_plight_of_former_cleve.html
Randolph not too popular then, some nice comments.
b62- I think we all hoped for more mate but we have been poor for a long time and TS is not known for his gritty draws. I’m sure all the other teams supporters are going through similar shite.
If you were a betting man I’m also pretty sure you wouldn’t of said QPR, Leics and Sunderland were going in your accumulator so even shit teams win. On that basis we have as much right to be hopeful as any of them.
Trouble is the emotional investment in your own team makes a poor game look 10 times worse and your outlook bleak. there will be plenty of twists and we may still go down might as well hope we wont.
One thing I find puzzling is TS is willing to give youth a go if they catch his eye but is talking of relying on experience to keep us up. So what is Gil doing wrong? he is neither of those but we all know he has something. Beggars can’t be choosers so how he’s omitted when we’ve played so flat is anyone’s guess.
We need to focus on this QPR gane. Win and Im 99% certain we will stay up. Lose and imo its 50-50. Draw and i make it 60-40.
Like John says a win then we’re 1 win away.
No point overstating how bad we have been last two games, we had 3 great games before that. We’re still masters of our own fate.
back home now after watching a great concert in Bristol with the Drifters…Wow!! Packed house, everyone up singing and dancing…the boys giving everyone their money’s worth, and in return the fans showing their appreciation and backing them all the way……Maybe sound familiar……
Yesterday and today have been a disaster for Villa, and I was disappointed on the highlights to see Villa players like Gabby and Nzogbia not putting in the effort and fighting for the ball, somewhat different to a Joey Barton, who is now giving his everything for his club, and staying out of trouble.
Must agree with Fem that Tuesday is more important than anything, and we all need to be there and showing our support, or it will be curtains…
Yeah, the lack of urgency was troubling. I am with JL in that I think we have places we can pick up points. Obviously Tuesday is huge, and as I said earlier, that may well have played a part in how the side were or weren’t willing to work at OT. Not saying that’s the way they should approach it, given a point was actually, however improbably, there for the taking, but…
The weekend was terrible for us in terms of results, but then again, statistically speaking, almost all of the sides around us were due to get something.
I think the bottom line is that no matter who the manager is, it seems to be in the players’ hands. Everton and WHU aren’t frightening, by any means. We just have to refuse to come away with anything less than a draw in each.
And although it’s easy for me to say…I agree with Paul, a packed house roaring the team on has to make a difference. If I could be there, I would.
As it is, think of it as showing up to support the team staying up so that new owners can come in and take over.
Three excellent posts John.
I hope that TS adds effort and ability to his criteria for selection, it’s ok being a good trainer but if you have no ability and don’t even try then you shouldn’t be anywhere near the first team or in fact football. Its ok for the players to call on the fans to make VP a cauldron, but when are they going to do their bit ?
Its not the dog in the fight, its the fight in the dog, unfortunately our dogs are poodles.
0-2 on Tuesday.
Given; Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Richardson; Bacuna, Grealish, Cleverley, Sanchez, Delph; Benteke.
Subs – Anyone but Gabby.
PP- Why were you surprised Gabby wasn’t putting effort it? He hasn’t put effort in for 5 years apart from a couple of games. Nzogbia Is not a winger who can play in a 442. He’s ageing and needs to save his energy getting forwards.
Back to Shabby Gabby, the commentator said how bad Gabby was at one on one situations and he took not running onto Bentekes flick on’s to another level. He doesn’t predict anything. He only starts moving when it’s to late. It’s basics
Anyway, Burnley got 4 points from City and Spurs, I expect we will get none
As John says, we need to win tomoz what ever, then we can just need 4/5 points from anywhere. Anywhere
I see the knives are out for Gabby. Steamer and Frem I get where you’re coming from… really I do. Im not Gabby’s biggest fan, for me he lacks technical ability and rests on his laurels too much. But lets be real here… he’s our best option to partner Benteke up front. We need 2 up front to get the best out of Benteke, and Gabbys pace frightens the life out of opposition managers and players. Its a huge asset and since he’s gotten fitter under Sherwoods regime he’s looked one of our better players.
Granted he was useless against Utd and bad against Swansea, but do we forget the role he played in the previous 3 victories? If Gabby was out for them we would be in deep sh1t.
On the Utd game I felt that TS, for the first time since taking over, played a negative game. You can play defensive and still play in a positive way. I feel like Sherwood has overlooked the Utd game in favour of this QPR game, as such the players, esp Gabby, had the same mindset and did not put in the required effort. Bit strange when Sherwoods sound bites all point to attacking every game and giving 110%. For me he was managing the fixtures and it still could turn out to be a good move. The players should have more in the tank after that performance.
As for QPR, they really dont phase me. They are a poor side. That away victory was only their second in 15 games all season (although 2 in last 4). the other one was a 2-0 against Sunderland who put in another shocker. The first goal against WB was a great strike (Vargas was injured later on in the game), second really bad defending from a set piece (which you dont really expect from a Pulis side). The third was a worldly strike and tbh WB were right back in it at 3-1 and could easily have made it 3-2. Had that happened who knows if they would have hung on. Instead they get a man sent off and QPR score the fourth on a break. Statistically there would be little chance of them scoring another spectacular goal against us, and we know how important the first goal is.
First goal tomorrow is huge, as always. If we come out fast and get that early goal we can kill the game off before half time. Ramsey said that they were looking for 4 points from WBA and Villa, they already have 3 so I think that they will be coming for a draw, even if its subconsciously. That can work to our advantage if we take the game by the scruff of the neck. Austin is dangerous but he needs service, they have decent wingers in Philips and probably Hoillet but we should be able to nullify that. Zamora is old, I do rate him for his ability to score unbelievable goals, but its few and far between.
We can go 442 and win this. I still hope we go back to the diamond as I feel its more effective, esp with Sinclair out. Never thought Id say this but we need Cleverly back for that drive in mf, hopefully he is back fit. Sanchez, Delph, Cleverly and Nzogbia for me. Benteke and Gabby up front.
I wouldn’t believe what Ramsey says , he will be looking for 3 points given their relegation spot . As for the players not putting in effort , maybe they are frightened of getting injured in case they miss Wembley .
QPR had their best game in three seasons yesterday . I honestly can’t see them recreating that against us . As for Bobby Z – he seemed to be their lucky charm popping up with a goal when they need it most . His goal got them promotion last year , yesterday’s was amazing , but that’s probably it fir this season .. Will he be fit after that exertion anyway as he can’t play a full 90 mins let alone two games in two days .
Ramsey said that before the WB game to set a marker for the games. I think he reckoned they would get a point from WB and then go all out against us, they got 3 instead now it leaves them in a tricky place with regards to their mentality.
Forgetting all of that, really its all about how we play. If he play close to our potential I have no doubt we will win. I hope TS’s tactics allows us to do that.
crap easter in yarmouth , went to a pub my brother in law told me about ( it was by the docks ) . gaffer put the game on for me , sat there with my cider , then about 20 fucking russian sailors walk in all fucking Man U fans , then the local carrot crunchers came in , and one of them was walking around with this bottle of whatever , think it was Mig fighter fuel , l wont mention the kareoke later .
B62 text me mate , l got this T-shirt from this little shop l always go too over there , all one off stuff , picked up this MOD T-shirt and l think it would suit you better ,
The OS seems non-committal on the injuries, Sinclair and Westwood have hammies so judging on our medical teams record that means they’re out for 18 months, Richardson is ok, Cissy may be fit and Senderos a slight possibility. Vlaar should be available and Cleverley eligible so good for numbers.
After the snub for Gil at Sunderland ( Bringing on an untried novice ) i think that TS made it quite obvious that Gil is on his bike when he bought on Baker when we needed more flair for an equaliser, Sherwood is obviously wrong in his assessment, Gil MUST play, i usually back the manager in these situations but this is insane. There are several opinions on the various blogs, usually that Gil must be slacking in training, p-poor excuse, i’d rather have a poor trainer who won games than a great one who doesn’t turn up, as far as i’m concerned then if we are relegated with Gil being benched then TS deserves the boot.
B6,
Better start having double portions if its St75’s size.
Ree,
They do have Barton and Krankie who can dominate our MF but look ponderous at the back, its a difficult choice to decide what formation to play, TS won’t, to his credit, duck out but QPR also have the knowledge that they had a comfortable win against us at LR and have found a bit of form. I’ve never been as confident about our home as others.
Ree- I agree having watched the low lights you could easily say we went to OT with damage limitation on our minds. sneak a draw if possible but don’t get injured.
we constantly marked space and not players, 1 yellow card, zero effort to get close to players from almost everyone bar the defence. Okore withdrawn for baker to access his fitness as hutton injured? could see 3 at the back on tues to push bakuna and lowton up as they are poor defensively and sinclair out?
QPR is our cup final and as JL said a couple of weeks ago the Manure game could be sacrificed considering the time scale and injuries we have. QPR on the other hand need points and wba are poor at the moment, coming to Villa probably seen as slightly harder task? hopefully they will be less energetic than us.
one thing that that surprises me if it was indeed a ploy is why not give Gil grealish etc a go from the off ? less risk of injury and a bit more trickery to give manure mares at the back.
think we will see a different villa Tuesday and we will find out how much we have missed cleverly and how much Sinclairs running off the ball helps the front two.
And Sherwoods comments were uncharacteristic for him, I saw some good things (where?) no condemnation or disappointment shown really.
QPR also beat WBA 3-2 at home, hope its not an omen for us that they beat us there. As I remember we had loads of possession but they sat and defended and hit us on the break. we had 15 shots on goal 6 on target a rarity with Lambert in charge.
B62,
Just noticed that knobhead never put his number on -its 07957613492.
Steamer is that the shirt size?
Well it is stand up and be counted Tuesday night, but do not understand the Gill situation. He was doing well with Lambert, and surely could have been used on saturday.
Sherwood is now panicking with all the injuries….Has never known so many….and with a squad where half the players are out on loan…??
Steamer – Krakjaer might play instead of Vargas, he’s a seasoned pro, lost his pace but not his intelligence. Great set piece too. But he will struggle to last the pace, and so will Sandro, if we get about them we should be able to run rings around Sandro and Barton in mf. Barton is always liable to flip when things not going his way. i feel our best avenue is through their left, through Krankjaer and the korean left back who always looks like a mistake waiting to happen.
Mark – Given the personell 3 atb might work well, we need a left back tho. Richardson or Cissokho might be available. We do have Siclair, Westwood and Hutton out.
We’re all clammering for Gil to start, but I cant see it. TS is not the sort of guy to admit he’s wrong.
Jenny- Was the thinking the opposite regards to Zamora. I think he could run the show up top Tomoz. Dreading tomorrow tonight. Think we will crumble and QPR will flourish
Gil better start, Wiemann better not
ree- I meant I think Sinclair is a bigger miss than most think. if we have left sided options we could see lowton at right back/wing back? nzogbia and gabby really need to turn up but I think they will.
SWV,
St75 just popped in and asked me to play this for you,he reckons yer mom sang it toyer dad.
Sorry –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFq6eZBS1iM
One for Randy –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luKmSLXukaw
Mark – Even more reason to play 3 CM’s and 1 attacking in a free role! Why Sherwood did not switch to that for both Swansea and Utd I will never understand. It makes perfect sense!
Please Sherwood do us all a favour!
Yes,with the available players three seems sensible and good height on the dead balls that we usually hit in at knee level too. Green isn’t the most dominant is he ? England keeper ? only because of the London thing, not even PL standard.
I think we did miss TC on Saturday, he may not achieve much but he’s usually in camera shot of the ball, and doesn’t do a disappearing act like some.
just found a stream to watch the forest game and take a look at Gardner and he’s suspended!! bugger
love a duck we are falling apart, is he training them or beasting them?
http://www.espnfc.co.uk/barclays-premier-league/match/395466/aston-villa-queens-park-rangers/preview?
surely we have to recall gardner and robinson?
It seems that QPR’s top-rated player vs Albion (Vargas) is injured and out for Tuesday.
Cleverley, meanwhile, is doubtful.
If Cleverly is out we only have Sanchez and Delph fit. So I guess the team/formation picks itself. 442 with Weimann (hopefully grealish) LM. Hopefully a LB will be available. I hope Vlaar comes back in for his experience.
QPR also have their LB out and they dont have too much cover there… only Clint Hill who is ancient. We can def have some joy down their left side.
Jl,
You, me and St75 in MF ?
Actually come to think of it, I think he might actually play Cole LM, seeing as he’s TS’s flavour of the month.
Steamer,
One thing for sure, the sight of us 3 would scare ’em to death! … not! 😉
Joe Cole almost sounds like Old Joke.
Which is more fitting.
Assuming these players are fit I’d like to him to play:
Bacuna Vlaar Clark Lowton
Gil (or Nzogbia or Grealish…someone creative) Delph Cleverley
Cole in the hole (for one half; he gets pulled off and replaced by an attacking midfielder if it’s not working)
Flab and Benteke up front
Steamer, mate I don’t think there’s enough creativity in your team and we need all 3 points. My team relies upon Bacuna and Lowton to push forward and for Cole to roll back the years (although I would sub him quickly if he’s not getting it done).
If you want to see a movie with ‘dogs’ as the theme then check out ‘amores perros’ which is set in Mexico so you’ll need spanish subtitles…
UTV!
Tony,
He looked ancient on Saturday, even his dead balls were poor,surely he has no future at VP.
Cheers Ron, I’ll look that up.
Never thought I’d say I but actually hope Cleverley is back tomoz. Sanchez is pretty useless in a 442. Can see him being sold in the summer. Clev and Delph work well
Sherwood sounded like The Berk after United and he’s sounding like him now moaning about injuries. Get on with it and stop making excuses
Blimey, just gurgled that film, sounds like a day out at Millwall.
Cleverley is a decent pro, good attitude, not the best of players but as you say most want him back tomorrow.
You never know with TS, he may well have a nearly full squad for QPR, maybe not.
haha, if you can deal with the subtitles, yes there is violence but it’s also get 3 intersecting, insightful stories, a bit like traffic or maybe fightclub for dogs (not really but it’s a nice marketing touch)and some clown was calling it pulpfiction in spanish which makes no sense, and yes Frem, I’d agree Sanchez does not look like a Colombian international in a 4-4-2 at all and we do need Cleverley playing with Delph to have a real chance at all 3 points!!!
We may stand a better chance with Giddy,Ian Taylor, Bobby Thomson, Peter Mcparland, Charlie Aitken and a few more Villa legends with the Steamers on the bench, on the promise of free beers if we win…!!!!
Believe it or not Iv actually seen that film! I was trying to learn spanish at the time so movies with subtitles was my best friend! A crime drama pulp fiction type movie where you follow certain characters who you would think would never mix but their lives get intertwined somehow. Cant remember too much except there was this actress who was in an accident and a guy who was juicing his gangster brothers wife.
Amores Perros – loosely translated means Dogs of Love.
@Ronnie – I was typing that before I saw your reply! Im a clown??? Not really like pulp fiction in terms of the style and drugs more how the stories get interlinked. I remember the fighting dogs now you bring it up!
could well be a smoke screen to lure his mate in and inflate QPR’s confidence or just TS flapping his gums and telling it straight as per, hope its the first. the way the game went on sat plus his comments it could well be a bluff, one things for sure he will not want to lose to his mate or spurs on sat.
Well mate you know what they say about guys who wear size 16 boots hahaha. Just kidding of course. Always found your Villa posts to be of high quality if truth be told. Probably my personal bias against Pulp Fiction. Good flick but some folks act like it’s the only good movie ever made and everything seems to get compared to it. I suppose in one sense there could be basic structural similarities but my take on PF is that it was a black comedy whereas amores perros operates on a deeper metaphorical level. Interesting how it was called ‘Love’s a Bitch’ in English. Yet also watching it to improve my Spanish but Mexican working class slang ain’t easy sometimes, wow! After forcing myself to sit through all of ‘American Sniper’ it was refreshing to see something non-Hollywood where no flags were being waved (Eastwood’s most disappointing effort for my money). UTV
Funny… my boots size 16 too! I think the title has like a double meaning, almost like a play on the words. You could take it as Amor es Perros – Love is dog(s)/a bitch but the way its spelt out is the plurals Amores Perros – Loves (plural) dogs (plural) so I took it as that.
As to the movie its a lot realer than your typical Tarintino movie, which is more about style than substance. More enjoyable short term I guess, my favourite Tarintino movie was Resevoir Dogs way back (probably cos I used to watch it repeatedly half baked!). Ever since then his movies made less and less sense with caricatures as characters. I dont even watch many movies these days, cant remember the last good one I saw. Would not waste time/money on something like American Sniper – hate all those patriotic type American war movies where its ok to kill anything that moves as long as it aint American.
Hmmm… here’s me thinking my Spanish was pretty damn good feeling like I was Mr Metaphor when I missed the obvious Amor(es) Perros, who’s the bozo now Ree hahaha. Very well written and although I’d say my Spanish is about an 7.5/10 (I might actually teach it in the UK one day) there were times I didn’t catch a single word due to all the pinche mejicano slang pendejo. You’d need to be a native speaker to catch even more layers I’d imagine. I saw Reservoir Dogs(there’s that word again) the first day it opened at the cinema and agreed for me it’s his best work to date. Let’s hope Villa don’t lose against QPR or we’ll be wandering around like characters in that movie. Take it easy pal!
All I can say is muchos amores tortilla! (Is there such a phrase?)
Shrek 2 was very good.
American sniper wasn’t that bad, and it was mostly about the characters mental struggles with his job and obsession with a sniper on the other side. As American war films go it wasn’t totally OTT.
watched a film called 71 based in Belfast during the troubles, not bad and pretty gritty
steamer get hold of whiplash, its about a drummer trying to get into a Jazz band at a top music school you will love the music.
palace 1-0 up at half time
2-0
Darren Bent scores again . That’s 9 goals in 11 games . No wonder Tim Sherwood said he wished he had him at Villa at the moment . I’m glad he’s manager to resurrect his career after Lambert nearly succeeded in ruining it.
Well if we are ever going to beat City it will be in 3 weeks. There season is over
But, we always end up playing like the team who’s season is over against teams who’s seasons are actually over
If things don’t change, they’ll stay as they are.
Mark,
Just gurgled it, with Amores Perros it sounds like two good films to catch, ta.
sherwood time to leave boys out
given
lowton
baker
okore
clark
bacuna
sanchez
cleverly
delph left midfront baker
sinclair/gil/grealish
benteke
subs
guzan vlar gabby zog
come on the villa
TS telling them to man up or ship out, Gil must be a right powder puff if he cant get in
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3027844/Tim-Sherwood-brands-Aston-Villa-stars-icing-cake-players-bid-toughen-ahead-QPR-showdown.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
ST75
Will text you mate, we need another AVL meet up now the weather is getting better , perhaps a survival/relegation piss up
Is everyone going tonight?……..or are most armchair fans and watching on Sky……
I am determined to be there and shout the boys on and hope that we can get a good win tonight….nothing else is good enough…!!!
C’mon you Villa Boys…..VTID….UTV…!!!
Paul – Im not going tonight but that doesnt make me a plastic fan. If I was still living in Brum then I would be going but Im not.
Anyways, I hope you and the rest of the crowd can roar us on to the win we desperately need tonight. Ill be that nutter shouting at the computer screen.
UTV
Unfortunately I’m in deepest darkest Devon tonight, by the sounds of it I’ll be lucky to have electric never mind Sky TV.
All I do know is this is a fecking huuuuge game and one we MUST win….
Time to stand up and be counted for this Villa team…
Don’t worry Ree and GOG, will make sure I shout loud enough for the three of us……especially after a couple of beers before the game..!!
I will need them after another 87 mile drive to B6 from Mid-Wales..!!!
Is it on the telly tonight?
Andrew- its on sky 1 at 10pm? don’t know whether that’s highlights or full game repeat, sure it will be on somewhere in the world online. unfortunately I will be playing footy in Liverpool myself so wont see it live.
cheers Mark…i could of sworn it was on live sky….just as well for my heart it aint though.
Hope its on Sky, i’m down the boozer to watch it.
love to see a win but to be honest i can’t be bothered wasting time and money on Villa anymore, if they can’t be bothered on their wages then why should the fans ?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/11518423/Tim-Sherwood-questions-character-of-his-Aston-Villa-players-ahead-of-QPR-clash.html
I think this was the originator of the “icing on the cake players” Mark and some very interesting points. Particularly, this one
“They know the severity of the situation. If I could hype up the pressure even more I would. I think this is the biggest game that a lot of these players have ever played for this football club. They are at a big club in the wrong end of the division. If they can’t handle it don’t be at this football club and don’t be at the bottom of the league.”
Not long ago he was saying they were playing with fear – has he detected something else I wonder.
As the article says, most managers would be trying to diminish the pressure rather than rank it up. But TS is with the players and is getting a good idea of what they are about. Also, this is a game we should be winning as the odds are in our favour – home advantage, QPR have had two away games in three days and have a dreadful record away from home.
But there will be a mix of characters and there’s no one size fit all approach – as he will know. Some will benefit from the arm round shoulder and others may need a reality check. When you look at the change in Sunderland since we played them it shows what a stricter approach can do – Advocaat having sent a message out to the Sunderland shirkers and by Sunday’s performance – is paying off.
It puts the press conference after Man U game into perspective – this is what he was really thinking – and I do expect him to get a response from them tonight.
Have a good time tonight Paul P – I think it will be a great atmosphere!
Paul – I’m not an armchair fan as such because when I lived in UK I had a season ticket on the front row of the Holte End Upper and I sat in the rain in the lower bit while they built the top! I can watch it tonight on a sports subscription channel here in Thailand or go to bed and watch it on demand tomorrow. I think my days of stopping up till 0145 BST or 0245 GMT are now past and it’s like watching live as I will not know the result.
I hope the lads have watched the Baggies game and seen the holes in the Baggies midfield and defence and learned from it.
Gabby is Villa long-term and he should put on a performance against our old adversaries. Sorry James Gill, I think Hutton must be on and I prefer Clark in defence not Baker who hasn’t played enough recently to be on song with his other defenders. Cleverly will put in a good performance; no end of season syndrome for him as he needs a club for next year.
Enjoy the game Paul – let’s hope they reward your long round trip
huttons out clive, along with a pretty big list.
Jen i’m wondering if its a mix of the clubs sold, some in last year of contract and others libel to booted anyhow. If he pushes to hard they could seriously cause a problem.
Another crunch game, 6 pointer, god isn’t great to be a Villa fan, imagine being a Stoke fan and absolutely nothing to shout about. TS is building this up to be a battle of QPR men vs Villa boys, hope the psychology works and our boys become men and batter QPR.
Still the idea is to do better or equal of the teams around us but given this isn’t a game in hand but a re-schedule we have to play game 32 (sorry for the Americanism) in advance of everyone else so we have no choice but to win as Burnley could overtake us and Hull/Sunderland could move away from us if we don’t and QPR could overtake us tonight, god forbid.
Prayers to the football gods being recited daily, surely we can catch a break tonight. I can see Grealish being used at some stage tonight as it will take something clever /unexpected to open the QPR gates.
UTV
Such a big game tonight – forget wembley which is small fry in comparision
I think TS has got to try anything he can to get these guys fighting for the club – our players don’t seem to have the fire in there belly needed to pull us away from danger and they need to wake up and start acting like there life’s depended on winning games
sqeaky bum time for sure – but if we lose tonight i think thats it for the villa
my other thought is TS is overdoing the full on training, hence the injuries. that type of training is usually pre-season stuff, and used sparingly once the games are on.
Villa’s problem has nothing to do with lack of effort, it is related to a stupendous lack of footballing talent that runs throughout the whole squad. Watching Hutton get destroyed on Saturday reminded me what an atrocious player he is, and Lambert was right to try and get rid of him. Unfortunately, all of his defensive puchases were equally poor.
The central defending for Rooney’s supposed wonder goal was awful; Rooney had enough time to make and drink coffee before shooting. Who else do you see allow these sides acres of space and endless time on the ball? Not Crystal Palace….
Delph…crab-footballing load of rubbish…he must have pictures of Hodgson involving farm animals or small children; it’s the only logical explanation for him winning an England cap.
Weimann…from the first time he pulled a shirt on to this very day, he has been an utterly useless player and yet still he gets first-team game time. How can Grealish possibly be less effective than Weimann and Cleverley?….N’Zogbia…one decent game in 15 if you’re lucky.
If Villa win tonight then they have 31 points. Apart from Burnley and maybe West Ham I don’t see any more points coming. Sherwood has made no improvement in the general play since he arrived and yet he has a 3yr deal.
Bye, bye Villa…
I think the fire in the belly stuff is spot on. Villa have to scratch, claw and fight their way to points. It’s simply a matter of will.
That’s why I think it’s down to the players, and why TS is putting the pressure/spotlight on them. They have to pressure the ball, impose themselves on the game, and generally leave everything they have on the pitch. And get right after them from the whistle.
I’ll be at work, will record the game, but I’m really not looking forward to 90 minutes of anxiety.
Paul, you do realise you’re talking about the Scottish Cafu ? I agree with you on his capabilities but at least he gives the effort unlike some much lauded ‘legends.’
It’ll be interesting to see what team TS puts out tonight, even with all the injuries he’s likely to come up with a surprise. If i’m honest i’m prepared for the worst, this is the state Lambert left us in, not even confident of beating QPR.
According to one blog Baker at LB, Sanchez, Cole, Zog & Delph in MF, Benteke and an empty shirt up front.
Baker at LB is not ideal. Looks like 442 with no genuine wide players so the full backs have to provide width.
Paul, you do realise you’re talking about the Scottish Cafu 🙂 🙂
In regards too ability of our players – while we are not brazil 1970 we have better players than all the other strugglers hands down – what we need is the passion of a side determind to keep this great club up – thats what seems to be missing for me
Alright chaps and chapettes?
A cheeky request,I will be on an overnight coach trip and won`t know what the score is,as I have an old fashioned basic phone.Remember the ones where you make and receive phone calls?Yeah one of those.So.could one of you keep me up to date via texts during the match tonight? 07417591079.Please,please,please.Thanking you in advance.
they’ve got phones in Brazil ?
Will do B6B.
Runtingz,
All we can do is support the wan… sorry team, fair do’s to PP for doing his bit. Good luck to the team tonight, i hope they realise their honoured, if not worthy, to wear the claret and blue and play in front of the mighty Holte.
An overnight coach from Brazil ?
No mate I am in your favourite city,Laaandan Town,on my way up to Scotland until Friday night,thanks a million,I`ll get you a pint out of Mark`s money next time I see you.
B62 , yea mate a meet up soon ,
also . lm meeting Brasil and runtins in the Black lion in Kilburn before the semi if your going , steamer aint going because his bus pass does’nt cover london ,
will do Brasil , steamer will remember on friday if your lucky , see what l mean , he’s already forgot your over here , Jeeeeeezzzzzz
hiya Jenny , see you soon ) xxx
If that’s the line up we will lose
I think qpr will do us all but spending us down. I hope it’s a full house and a great atmosphere
Scotland and Laandaaan, blimey, isn’t life harsh ?
Brazil i have an app that gives the reciever an electric shock with each text ill keep you well informed. Going to jockland to top up your tightness?
Thing is the majority of the players ts uses have been there before lambert arrived
Its gonna be a nervous night…
No Mark,you taught them all they needed to know.
Black Lion is a lovely,historic pub very £££££££ a Guiness there 4 years ago was £4.I don`t think they show footy there,I may be wrong but for me not to watch the semi is OK.I could take or tolerate losing to Bburn but if it were Pool then I would not be a happy camper.
You know, I had a horrible thought today about a match Villa played towards the end of 1986-87 … the season we were last relegated.
Villa beat someone 4-0 near the end of that season (I think it was West Ham) and played as though they thought they were world beaters. Then they reverted back to type … and were relegated.
Thoughts of Sunderland and what’s happened since then crept into my mind…
Not that I’m trying to make you all miserable of course! … We *will* win tonight… of course we will.
4-2 TO VILLA.
COYVB.
JL,
If we lose tonight i wouldn’t be surprised if we finished last.
Brasil l think its just a pub our coaches are meeting at , so you need to go on a walkabout in the meantime and find one thats showing the game , also Fast Eddie is looking forward to meeting you mate , bloody Mark would be loaded living over the wall , he’s got to have some tight arse blood in him , just like SWW .
got a feeling we might just scrape it , if not , were down
Cheers for asking around about tickets ST75.
Vlaar back, and Richardson. Grealish and clev also starting
I’m guessing it’s a diamond or a 442 with Delph out wide
Hi ST 75 – see you Friday 🙂
Inspite of John’s nightmares , I am feeling even more positive after seeing the gaffer on Midlands Today . I’m going for 4-1 .
@thegoalzone: Villa team v QPR: Guzan, Bacuna, Vlaar, Clark, Richardson, Cleverley, Delph (c), Sanchez, Grealish, Agbonlahor, Benteke.
@MirrorFootball: #QPR: THE LION OF RUSTENBERG, Isla, Onuoha, STREETS OF, Hill, Phillips, Sandro, Barton, Kranjcar, TEXAS, Zamora http://t.co/TTGpdkLP2g
@AVFCOfficial: #AVFC subs (v @QPRFC): Given, Baker, Okore, Weimann, Cole, N’Zogbia, Lowton. #AVFCLIVE
A lot happier with that team rather than previously thought, i think we can win with that team although a few may not last the 90 minutes, C’mon the 10 men.
Gil can’t even make the bench now.
Mmmm… Frem will be more happy with Grealish in. And James, A.N. Other …
I expect I’ll be making my mind up about Grealish a good bit more this evening.
Time to man up. Time to deliver – at least a bit – on the promise.
Hilarious pre match interview with Tony Morley he must have called Tom Ross “Jack” 10 times 🙂
Inreally like the look of the team Sherwood has put out. Grealish is a bit of a surprise, wuda thought Cole or Nzog. Looks like hes playing 3 cm’s unless he plays Delph left mid or Cleverly right. Richardson and Bacuna are really attacking full backs and Vlaar back to add some experience. Only worry is Grealish, will he do well in that free role, can he link the play and create chances. Helluva a game to prove himself in. Lets hope the team does it together.
COYVB!!!! UTV!!
Gil stormed out.
Tekkers 2-1
No-one can say TS lacks passion, went doolally after both goals.
I am looking confident with my 4-1 . By far the superior team first half . Benteke hat trick ?!
Steamer – it was like he’d scored them !
Wow this game not for the faint hearted. I think I broke out in sweats after the first goal. Thank God for that instant reply and the Benteke’s second too. What a game he’s having. Totally deserved but still looking shaky defensively.
Need to keep it up second half, we need that third really. Cant go back into our shells and encourage them now. Will be hard to keep that tempo going second half
Lets GO!!
Defence still looks full of blunders….don’t see this muddle picking up points off anyone except Burnley and West Ham…35 points total is my prediction…let’s hope it’s enough.
keep attacking don t dare sit back so farwe should have had pen plus caulker should got 2 booking go for goals
How did you hear that about Gil Steamer?
A bloke on TVB was told by the players car park attendant.
As I said, defence is full of blunders 🙂
Why is Cleverley playing? He’s from the same gene pool as Weimann…will never be a footballer while he has a hole in his arse.
Whats Lambert2 taken off Grealish for ?and why is Cole on ?
Fucking abysmal….Sherwood out!
thats it then
agree paul
said it saturday, ts’s subs are ridiculous, as bad as lamberts, why can’t this club get a proper manager ? MON, for all his weaknesses was the last one, the rest are pure crepe.
hat trick, well done tim mate. arf arf
This defence has bagfulls of goals to concede in every remaining game but very few teams who will concede as generously as QPR = getting relegated
What a pile of shit! Can’t beat QPR…now go work out the chances of winning any of the last 6 games.
Well… the hell can you say??
Sorry but TS makes too many blunders, selection, tactics, subs, remind you of anyone? love his enthusiasm but thats not enough. New owner, new CEO and new manager for next season.
Thank fu(k for Benteke
what rubbish
sherwood can retire never be a manager joe cole as sub what a joke
concrete ron plays 2 5 goals concede more like shite ron
lerner deserves to go broke
why take grealish off bacuna is not nor will be right back cleverly looks good for ten mins that s hit
gabby what does he give to team
if we don t go down be a miracle forget wembly fans should boycot match in protest at lerners rein
Not good enough. We are down.
A good match to watch, though I think Villa lost their impetus a bit when Grealish was subbed off. He was playing well. Imo, Villa should have won the match.
what has cole got that gil or anyone from academy hasn t one run blowing out througy his ass
First half we were by far better team – they were there for the takjng – second half QPR grew into the game and we grew out if it . Very disappointing save for Teckers back scoring .
vlar where did world cup performances go
also think when he plays clarks be s nervous
We should have won that game – easily.
The defence cost us tonight – playing players out of position at full back.
Bacuna was at fault for the first goal – although it was a clear offside
The second goal was a joke
And the third goal was the fault of Richardson who as not comfortable all evening.
I don’t get the Gil situation. Why Joe Cole??
I do hope Sinclair is back for the Spurs game. We could actually go and beat Spurs if Sherwood picks the right team.
And as Peter Withe just said on radio WM – the depressing thing was the way they have the ball away when they weren’t under pressure .
Richardson was woeful IMO, as bad as Joe Bennett ever was.
Defense looks more shakey when Vlaar plays.
Our defence is so shiiiiittttt.
Not even counting the first goal and Bacuna’s bs clearance. But what the hell happened second half??
Where was the marking for the corner? How the hell did Philips manage to go straight through Richardson and who was watching Austin? Clarke had his worst game for a long long time. Second half we needed composure, keep the ball make them work.
Tbf Ramsey’s subs and change of tactic worked wonders, 3 cm’s against our 3 cm’s meant none of ours broke forward. 3 cb’s against our 2 matched up well. We didn’t adjust tactically, nobody got their foot on the ball and slowed it down. Grealish didn’t get on the ball and bring it forward, although he had a great game overall.
I felt like I was gonna throw up when it went 2-3. That free kick was incredible. Not the result we wanted but we are still alive, if we lost it would have been all over.
Pluses:
1. We didn’t lose.
2. QPR are still 3 points below us.
3. 11 goals for TS in 7 league games in charge (we had scored only 12 until he came).
4. We live to fight again.
Oh, and we should have won! 😉
Im not feeling overly negative John, I’m just relieved we didn’t lose. I think we’re gonna look back at this game at the end of the season and say good job we salvaged a point there. I feel if we lost we were down for sure. Im not exactly happy but glad we didn’t lose.
Yes Ree, but i think we’ll still have to rely on the others losing, but unfortunately they’re not losing as regularly as us. Still, more entertainment tonight than in the last two seasons combined.
Must say that the cream always comes to the top and CB is gold top.
Agree with a lot of comments…the QPR manager easily worked out how to nullify any Villa threat in the second half; whilst the wooden Sherwood had no idea how to respond. Villa cannot play against anyone that presses them because they can’t move the ball forwards against a compact formation.
Richardson proved himself to be the useless reject he is; Cleverley…why does he play? Sanchez concedes too much cheap possession; Delph…one-footed dickhead; Cole…why the fuck was he signed?…and it so it goes on.
Not the result we wanted or needed
But let’s not forget the 3 goals from Benteke – they were all fantastic goals.
He rifled the first goal
The finish of the second goal was sublime.
And the third goal was sensational
Steamer…agree about Benteke…he deserves to play for a good team and will be off in the summer regardless of Villa’s prem status
Steady on Paul Whiting – why so much animosity towards Delph? I thought he played well this evening and there is no need for the disrespectful comments.
What did Delph do well then RichardS…don’t tell me what I can and can’t say!
Boys we are not in the relegation zone. We have points on the board. Id rather be where we are than where any of them are. In fact Hull and Sunderland too. But now we have made it much harder on ourselves.
Delph had a poor game, Sanchez was jekyll and hyde, and Cleverly looked out of touch esp second half. He’s the sort that needs a run of games to get going but one thing is for sure, he should never cross a ball in for the rest of his career.
When we get a point at Spurs on Saturday we won’t feel so bad.
I just did – didn’t I?
Calling Delph a dickhead is not warranted and based on what evidence? How do you conclude that he is a dick head.
Delph could have walked away from Villa but decided to sign a new contract and fight for the cause. He has the upmost respect for Aston Villa and appreciates the way the club has been good for him. He always puts in a shift.
To say he is a dick head is narrow minded and childish.
Ree, you’ll have RichardS after you in a minute for suggesting Delph had a poor game! How dare you claim that a one-footed muppet who creates little and mainly passes sideways is sub-standard.
Some positives in the performances of Grealish, Bacuna, Delph, Sanchez(he does give the ball away cheaply at times but looked better for the most part), Cleverley and of course that man Benteke (oh and Sinclair yet to return and it’s nice to know we have Nzogbia and Gil in case of injuries or loss of form)
If the midfield can continue to be much improved over the Lambert part of the season they’ll continue to provide chances for Benteke and he’ll finish some of them undoubtedly! UTV
Delph could have walked away from Villa…I’ll drive him, if he likes. You seem to forget that he is an ever present in a midfield that is on the brink of relegation. Narrow minded and childish…take your claret and blue glasses off and go watch some decent footballers.
Paul – you really are a derisory little oink!
Richard you really are a verminous little knob
Paul – are you going to Spurs on Saturday – I would like to buy you a beer
if we do manage to stay up we need 6 players for first eleven
keeper left back 2centre mids winger striker
move on for starters
guzan hutton richardson vlar sendross cleverly cole wieman zog gabby
saturday is a must gain point and if burnley pal can pick them up time our over paid crap delivered some strong performances
team for spurs
given
hutton
okore
clark
baker if sissko not fit
sanchez
delph
westwood clutching at straws
bacuna in front of hutton
gabby wide on left
show hunger desire
please
benteke
Richard, I also see that you don’t understand the offside rule based on your view of the first goal …
Paul – that really is your most pathetic comment this evening. What are you – a FIFA approved referee???
Imo first goal was offside as the guy at the front post clearly jumped for the ball, meaning Sanchez had to challenge him leaving Philips at the back post all alone, he wasn’t offside. Referee called it not interfering with play but he clearly was.
Also, Delph has been one of our best players all season, although not as good as he was last season. And imo that has something to do with his England recognition, whenever he comes back he plays a different game not his natural one. He is still one of our most important players and worthy captain.
we have one class player in benteke
clark has been my player of year by a mile
delph is like most players that get a cap for england vastly overrated this season has been poor to shocking where is his best position ,to small light poor first touch can t pass
tonite sherwood dropped the ball can understand bacuna at right back no way on richardson lowton done allright there and if not him baker for size
vlar why drop okore fair enough you say his experience and no how well he was shite again 3 goals 2 from open play one from corner shocking
grealish yes all the way and should kept him on if cole was sub ,cole was done 10 years ago
now spurs at weekend who will be looking to get one over mouthy sherwood and can see a hammering coming if he does pick right team and subs plus tactics
and lads stop getting personalthis site not like that
This club isn’t good for the heart
We live to fight another day. Could still go down, could stay up. Very worried about us but thankfully we have Benteke
Sherwood has a A lot to learn that’s for sure
And yes, Richardson was awful but fans booing when he got the ball was disgraceful
james gill the best footballer at aston villa is Jack by a long long way he will be world class in a couple of years if you cannot see it then i am in dispair went tonight and Sherwood is a complete wan ker sorry but true besides picking richardson who is not good enough to get into a pub side and gave them 2 goals he breaks up best center back partnership okere is quick vilar is slow those are facts why has Sherwood not seen through scabby the last 3 games he has not been worth a wa nk as he has been all season Sherwood is useless with his subs worse than Lambert it is no good being able to motivate players id you pick the wrong ones his team selections have cost us 6 points since he came for me he is to naive no full backs on the posts no one picking up the thrower at throw ins basic.s all wrong lets hope we stay up but hope is all it is as we do not deserve it if you cannot beat a bottom 3 side at home you do not deserve to stay up
all i can say is hope we stay up new owner new manager next season or the alternative is go down and go bust simple as that only good thing tonight besides C B was jack he will be great
john d
grealish looks the part but at this minute only player is benteke and if you read my posts i have wrote all that you did by the way john grealish should have scored in first halve no ifs or buts a sitter
On reflection, watching the game again on Sky we weren’t as bad as I first thought. Sure we made a lot of mistakes esp second half, its these mistakes that cost us mostly from our defence. If you look at the goals, its not just one mistake its a combination of mistakes. Bacuna made 2 horrible mistakes for the first goal, first of all he headed it straight back into play, then he jumped into a challenge which left the guy wide open for the cross (still offside tho imo).
First Benteke goal was bad play from their rb, coupled with great play by Benteke and a bit of luck for us. Second goal great tackle by Sanchez sending the ball to Gabby on the break, who did great to get the ball to Benteke while fouled, then some Benteke magic to finish.
Second QPR goal was riddled with mistakes. First off a clearance from Richardson he sliced, then poor play allowing Philips to get inside, cross was blocked bounced back to Philips and he got a corner. Then for the corner Clarke loses his man, somehow QPR had 2 mean making the same run not getting marked. Benteke is marking the space and should have cleared but was slightly fouled by the first QPR guy and Clint Hill nods it in behind him. Benteke should have been stronger and all of our defence was flat footed.
Third goal and what the hell was that challenge from Richardson?? Powderpuff aint the word. Sanchez came to help and did nothing, why didn’t he get on the inside blocking that run instead of going behind him?? Really poor defending. Austin was lost in the box but tbf it was a great touch and finish.
While on the subject of Austin, he should have been sent off before that! First half he was never booked for a deliberate handball. Second half he was carded for a studs up challenge that could easily have been a red by itself. At the very least it should have been two yellow and sent off.
Third goal wonder strike from Benteke.
Watching it back, Delph wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. Sanchez jekyl and hyde like I said and Cleverley decent first half but not effective second. Grealish good although he waned second half, Cole I thought did alright created one great opportunity. Im not sure why you think Vlaar was sh1t, he hardly put a foot wrong. It was Clarke making all the mistakes, I think he prefers being the senior partner/leader of the cb partnership. Vlaar being senior left him a bit lost. Gabby I thought was decent, set up that goal, could have scored that looping header, couple decent opportunities second half but I feel he chose the wrong option. Esp one near the end where he had a 2 on 1 to his right but tried to run Onouha (who’s quick) on the outside. Benteke obviously MOTM.
We created a lot of chances that game, both halves but more first. QPR created 3, riddled with all sorts of defensive mistakes, and scored from all 3 of them. I know you can say defensive mistake for practically any goal but Im saying the goals we conceded had multiple mistakes. We should have won, and deserved to win that game. But we didn’t, and in the end grateful for the draw.
Don’t think we should be too down about it as we are still alive. Scoring plenty goals and Benteke is on form. But I feel we have made it harder on ourselves, and probably need something out of Spurs away/City away.
A word on TS, I felt he got the tactics spot on first half. You can’t legislate for such mistakes. But second half he failed to adjust when QPR went 3 at the back and 3 in cm. Our midfielders should take some responsibility in that in that they should have slowed it down and controlled it. Sanchez in particular gave away too many passes. Cleverley could not run off the back of any of their cm’s creating space like he did first half, he was being marked and couldn’t do anything about it. We were looking pretty clueless creating chances although Cole and Nzogbia did help stretch them when they came on.
Bottom line we need to cut out these multiple defensive errors. Our attack is playing pretty well.
Soz for the essay
true he should have scored but he needs games now the team needs to build around him as for the team around him no one knows what it will be as tonights team was the actions of a manager who simply has not got a clue sorry but i thought he had something about him but he sees things that no one else does with his subs and the likes of richardson in the team dropping okere the actions of a complete clueless bas tard sorry but my viewes and the views of all arounf me at the game tonight richardson has let this team far to often i wish he would break his leg as we would be better off
Bit harsh on Richardson John? Lets be fair he was Sherwood’s only natural optional lb, couse he could have played Lowton who may have been better… but you can understand the decision. I thought Philips for them was brilliant, made Richardson look really bad. Always rated him, remember him coming to VP with Blackpool and getting a great assist. He worked his socks off. Wishing Richardson broken legs is not warranted imo.
Just back from Villa Park.
Grealish did well for his first real start, but was still not strong enough on the ball, but that will come.
It was Guzan that cost us the game,…..He failed to come for an easy ball and it was simple then for Charlie Austin to score the second. Benteke had his best game of the season and having scored two, was then up for hunting the ball and fighting for it. Cleverley had an excellent game, but was tiring like one or two others.
I think Sherwood had things about right, and his substitutions….Guzan needs to pull himself together. He had a very shaky start. He did not feel as comfortable as he does with Clarke and Okore. Vlaar is ok, but should be better.
Steamer, I cam confirm that Gill will not play for Villa again, as he failed to meet the training requirements and stormed out of Villa Park earlier this week, confirmed by VP officials who came and sat in the Lower Holte with us during the second half.
Happy that Benteke got his deserved hat trick, and the boys never gave up fighting..fans treatment of Richardson was poor. We go again…..keep fighting….It was agreat atmosphere…..Bloody awful journey football matches good weather and Bank holidays do not gel well together….Left at 4.00pm and did nort even have time for a beer before the game..!!!
Our biggest problem now is being able to field 11 fit players for every remaining game…..
Fans who knock Richardson and Vlaar should at least take into account that they were unfit and had only trained a couple of times…..
Watch out for Grealish against Spurs….
Now he has had his full debut in a tough match….He will be looking to kick on and shine…We just need a fully fit defense.
A few thoughts:
Line-up…as Paul and others have said, it’s just a fact there are injuries. Cissokho and Hutton would be first choice, whatever you think of that, and neither is healthy. Lowton, Bacuna, et al … much less playing time, much less aggressive and experienced. I like Bacuna, he’s a good athlete, good upside, but he just needs time out there. I have to think it’s the toughest position to play in the modern game.
And then Vlaar. He’s a good player. Not the world’s best, but decent enough. He is plenty fast, he does read and recover well, and has anchored a back three in a World Cup semi-final on a team that deserved to get to the final. So I understand going with him. That said, he’s not played much lately, and Clark and Okore have. Cue TS’s thoughts about which team has enough men.
TS’s comments and tactics/selection: When a polar opposite takes over from a failing incumbent, you get a chance to see what someone else thinks. If we’re saying TS’s choices look like Lambert’s, then that means that the side Lambert ended up with is actually probably the one most anyone would go with given the options.
Men: If you’re wondering why Cole came on, Vlaar started…Look no further.
Grealish: First full match, fading in influence, good time to take him off. And risky, too.
My question: I thought the Bacuna, CNZ, Gabby, Benteke set-up going down the right was working well. Not quite sure why TS has deviated. Knocks, lack of match fitness? I guess injuries also play a part.
Injuries: See above. It’s a thin enough side at full strength.
TS putting pressure on the players/injury comments: Cynically, he’s plotting an exit/failure excuse. Or it’s just the truth, and he says what he thinks.
Schedule: The rescheduling was unkind. Coming off a break with someone like Delph playing two games instead of one or none, then facing United, and then getting the QPR must-win right on the heels…Not kind, given the situation. You deal with it, but it doesn’t help when you’re in a hole.
I never even thought about a draw…It seemed all or nothing, a six-point swing. But it’s much better than a loss. I’m focusing on Benteke’s hat-trick and the fact Villa had enough character to find a way back after what looked like, emotionally, at least, a certain losing position from what looked like a game they wouldn’t lose. We all know losing would’ve been catastrophic.
TS had a problem with Vlaar being available … he wanted experience on the field and thus could hardly leave him out despite the good Okore/Clark partnership. Similar with Richardson I suspect. But they both not having played of late left a potential problem.
First half the team selection worked well despite conceding the first goal. But QPR came out second half being far more resolute at the back and Grealish could not create much. A good baptism for him though.
Not sure what all the criticism is about … we’re disappointed it wasn’t a win, and with 21 shots and 64% possession we darned well should have won … but QPR are triers, you can’t deny that. And yes, we certainly helped them with one of their goals.
I don’t know why we seem to complain about Cole … he always shows commitment and created one or two dangerous moments after coming on yesterday. Grealish on for 60 and Cole the remainder seems to be a good mix with the personnel we have available … and assuming what’s been said about Gil is correct.
We have some fighting still to do, but it would have been a catastrophe had we lost last night (John C). The squad still looks to me as capable of getting enough points, so I’m by no means losing hope. Especially if we can pick up a point or two in the next couple of matches.
UTV
Ree: Sanchez jekyl and hyde like I said and Cleverley decent first half but not effective second.
Spot on. Cleverley did really well first half i.m.o., but he and Grealish got bogged down in the second period. Credit QPR for that though … they spotted the dangers and covered them second half.
It seems to me we’re not taking enough chances first-half in matches like this. We deserved to be going in 3-1 at h-t and that we didn’t was our downfall I think.
To be honest i’d have selected Vlar too, also Richardson gave the team better balance but i’d have played Lowton RB, still, thats why TS is manager….. for now. dog walker who’s come up with some decent info before told me that the new owners ARE the Guggenheim mob mentioned last week, $200B worth of assets, problem is that apparently want to make Villa an AMERICAN team with American coaches and players etc so it looks like TS is out, possibly Jeerman Klinsmann as boss, whatever, i don’t like the idea of Randy Lerner clones destroying our heritage, the only good thing would be that at least Lerner will be gone.
Even Blose are being sold when the season ends, they’ve manage to find three bidders for the mugs. What with Olbyon going too, its all happening in the West Midlands.
When you watch TS during games he kicks every ball, he really is a genuine bloke, unlike Lambert who was a fraud. TS has delivered on the entertainment front but a combination of bad luck, uncharacteristic blunders and diabolical refereeing has held us back. As Ree said, WTF was that clown of a ref doing with the Austin & Caulker incidents, don’t the rules apply when you play Villa ?
Gil must have a twin , as someone looking exactly like him was in the stands sitting next to 2 of our lot , steamer
Booing Rjchardson was pathetic IMO. How idiotic to boo players when they are playing ! Poor .
On TS – the histrionics on the touch line getting plenty of piss taking from the pundits . I love seeing genuine emotion . His post match words were rather cringeworthy though . “If it was a boxing match they’d have stopped it after the first half “. “We deserved to win , we were the better team bla bla .” Ramsey showed more class in his more measured post match interview .
But all in all – having been starved of goals all season , seeing six at VP was like a dream !
Very disappointing to hear of the Gil scenario . He had been ear marked as our most promising player by the likes of Ian Taylor, Paul McGrath and Peter Withe. I hope they can get him back on side somehow . It’s strange what a change of manager can do for some players . One minute they’re the flavour if the month and the next they’re not even making the bench .