Aston Villa had a surprise in store for the visiting League leaders Manchester City on Sunday, producing their own brand of composed and fluent football. It took Manuel Pellegrini’s side until deep into the second half to find their own trademark pressure football, to which the opposition invariably crumbles. Not so Villa on this occasion. Assisted by some not overdue good fortune the Villa’s North Stand goal survived to give new manager Rémi Garde a welcome and unexpected unbeaten debut.

The result takes the staff, players and supporters into the international break with renewed pride. Although England keeper Joe Hart was not called upon to make a save outside of his warm up there was more than enough endeavour, spirit and skill to send the Villa Park faithful home happy and thoroughly entertained.

Garde took his place in the home dugout, resplendent in a navy suit, accessorised with a claret and blue tie, wholly in keeping with an immaculately observed Remembrance Sunday.

There were surprises from the new Manager. For example, French International Charles N’Zogbia had a role to play, whilst pending England recruit Jack Grealish didn’t .

N’Zogbia’s contribution came at the expense of substituted Carles Gil on sixty five minutes. By then the young Valencian had treated us to his most effective performance in an Aston Villa shirt. His legs though were tired and his concentration sapped. Although the afternoon presented few opportunities for the home side our best chances had fallen to him. A free kick in a dangerous central position on the edge of the box which he swept tamely over the bar, after a projected preparation and a quick break, also in the first half, where he was unable to claim advantage over two covering defenders.

However, this is splitting hairs. The accuracy of his passing and the measure of his endeavour was of the highest order. Following his departure along with Ayew and Sinclair the team kept its shape and the defence, marshalled superbly by Micah Richards and Ciaran Clark continued to hold firm. Alan Hutton also had his best game in a claret and blue shirt sticking like glue to City’s £55m Summer signing, Kevin De Bruyne.

At the end of a match where the players had taken a leap of faith our cushion towards safety had increased from 4 to 5 points. Further emphasis of the immense battle that is in front of us.

In the coming weeks we are likely to see the same considered approach that was a feature of Garde’s first week in post. We are unlikely to hear talk of impending ‘cup finals’ or ‘must win’ matches as Garde pursues a much needed level headedness to the task in hand.

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Comments 102

  1. steamer

    Nice optimistic post Matt, it summed up Sunday perfectly for me.
    Regarding Gil, its amazing that TS didn’t/couldn’t utilise a player with those skills, if he’d have tried then he might still be in work.
    Iv’e read a lot of theories about TS recently and combined with his latter body language during games i would say that he couldn’t wait to get back to London and his media pals, his team selections indicated that he didn’t actually care whether we lost. The picture of him and his coaches stretched out on their seats like they were about to have a nap showed a complete lack of respect for everything AV, he’ll never make a manager.

  2. DarrenO

    How many are on international duty this week, just wondering how many of the squad we’ll lose that Garde can work on in terms of getting to know them, and developing a first 11 that will fit the system being used.

    Hoping this will be valuable time used in advance of the Everton game and not wasted by too many absentees.

    It’s great that even the most cynical have a sense of purpose with Villa’s new manager because it’s been soul destroying for the last 4 years and probably soul destroying under Lerner as a whole if we analysed MON’s tenure in terms of some of the football played, thinking back to the approach to European competition, some of the rubbish players bought and the eventual dismantling of the core of the team by ‘bigger’ clubs buying our best.

    I’m riding the wave of optimism, I’m hoping Lerner backs Garde in full this January, even if its a gamble on the money we’d potentially get from staying in the league. There are many many points to play for and the longer we go into the season there is every likelihood that the dust will settle and Bournemouth, Norwich and either Newcastle/Watford or Sunderland will occupy the last three places and as we progress further under Garde.

    UTV

  3. Mark King

    Thanks matt

    There has been a lot of talk about players wanting to impress the manager over Sundays game. what I saw was not so much a well executed plan but more a well executed formation. If the team progress under him this quickly over the coming weeks we will do fine I think.

    When I saw the title of your piece my thoughts went to what type of player can Remi attract to a club that has previously not attracted the best of the best? especially lately. Lyon pulled quite a few players from south America especially Brazil and I wonder what he might have up his sleeve for January.

    Well Lamberts at Blackburn wonder if we should give him a ring about Jordan Rhodes? you can never have to many Jordan’s we could dress them in Nikes and call them the Jordanairs one for all you Elvis and Running shoe fans 🙂

  4. steamer

    Mark,
    I think one of the links you posted stated that Lyon signed Brazilian forwards because they could sell them on at a huge profit, Fred was one and he could find the net, Pato’s been linked with Pool but isn’t the player he was. If we do sign Brazilians B6B might apply for a translating job at VP.
    Never seen Elvis and running connected before.

  5. Texas Villan

    Hello, everyone!

    Nice to breathe in the fine, fresh air of a little hopefulness for a change, isn’t it?

    Interestingly enough, I want to give a small salute to a player that I’ve repeatedly insisted needs to be replaced with a new incoming transfer. And even though I’d still LOVE to see a new and better player at his position, over the last few weeks I’ve also developed a grudging respect for him in some ways .

    Who is it? Alan Hutton!

    We absolutely need to replace the FB with an Amavi-type clone on the right side, yet … I have to admit a couple things about him that I’ve slowly learned to respect. One of them is that we’re clearly better defensively with him at RB than any other squad player we’ve seen (though since we’ve never seen Ilori we can’t judge his qualities). Secondly, the man really does put in a real, professional, workman-like shift every time I watch him. The man really does seem to take his job pretty seriously the vast majority of the time, and given the sad state of the footballing ethos of so many modern “professionals,” his gritty determination has earned some respect on my part. Also, although he’s made a few goal-conceding miscues he does seem to rise to the occasion sometimes — like keeping DeBruyne off the goal-scorer’s tally, for example.

    Anyway, I’ve given Hutton/Mutton enough stick over the last few seasons that I felt honor-bound to acknowledge his contributions. I’ll be glad to see him replaced with a more modern, excellent crossing-type of fullback, yet I will have to admit that he’s earned some grudging respect from me.

  7. steamer

    Agree there Texas, there’s a lot better but also a lot worse, i wish he’d be a bit quicker getting back when facing his own goals though. Brits in general don’t defend well.

  8. Mark King

    Steamer- Mutton does like a stroll back, I’m convinced if he’d pulled his finger out he could of prevented Clarks mishap against Spurs.

    I can Imagine B6B’s Tutelage,

    B6B: “Today! how to identify a £20 note”

    Hulio goalsios: ” but boss we do zis 5 times already!! can I have them back now?”

  9. Texas Villan

    S75: so hope springs eternal, even amongst the Steamers, eh? Don’t worry, Steamer and SWW have invested your 20 quid very wisely, I’m sure. No doubt but that you’ll retire fabulously wealthy just from its accrued interest alone!

    Steamer: You know, I agree with your take about Hutton getting back on defense. It seems to me that when he’s playing defense during an uninterrupted stretch, he’s actually fairly competent; but when he has to charge back down the pitch after a foray forward he struggles to quickly shift into proper defensive positioning. It’s that transitional phase that seems to let him down. It’s like he has to pause as he gets back to his RB area and ponder his designated defensive responsibilities; meanwhile, quick and aggresive opponents exploit his hesitation and gain a crucial step against him.

  12. Mark King

    One advantage has occurred to me about taking an almost complete unknown ( in this country’s football circles). Garde, his tactics and formation and maybe even who he will play are an unknown for at least the next 1-2 months. Opposition managers are going to have a hard time second guessing him. Tim did OK at first but only had one mode of play, cruelly exposed by Southampton and Arsenals managers at the end of the season and ever since by all else.

  17. Texas Villan

    Mark: loved your link, especially this:

    “They looked more like a team who can compete at the top level. They defended as a unit, they were compact, they were difficult to break down. This wasn’t a Sherwood all guns blazing performance, this wasn’t a game where someone had told the players to ‘give 110%’ or to ‘just go out and express yourselves’. This was an altogether more cerebral approach.

    Vicente Del Bosque told the Guardian’s Sid Lowe that English football no longer has a distinct style and is just like the rest of Europe. Because of the influx of foreign players and managers, English football has become more thoughtful, no longer an all-guns-blazing ode to stamina and strength.

    That may be lamentable, it probably is. But you have to set up for the league you play in, not the league you want to play in. And in Garde, Villa have the manager they need, even if he’s not the one they want.”

  18. steamer

    Lyon played their last game at Stade Gerland at the weekend, the new place looks a bit smart and when its payed for they’ll be big hitters again and might come back for Remi.

  19. Trinity

    Thanks for the good article, Matt.

    Great to see the balanced views on AVL.
    I agree about Hutton. There are better, but also many worse.

    I suspect Garde will do pretty well with Villa.

  21. Jenny Truman

    Morning all .
    Thanks Matt for the write up on the game which like you say has restored pride and hope with us all. The international break comes at a good time for Remi to work with his new team but for us it seems like an annoying delay , such is the enthusiasm to see more of Remi’s work .

    I’d agree about Hutton Texas , even more impressive when you think he was so unceremoniously put on the scrap heap by PL and farmed out to some club in Majorca .

    Ref the foreign manager debate , when you look at what Pochetino is doing at Spurs , you can see why Sherwood was only given a stand in role. MP has stuck to what he believes in and now he has the players he wants , is looking more and more impressive . It’s interesting that he hasn’t wanted the players like Townsend, Lennon and Ade and you feel that if TS had been allowed to continue at AV that these three would be turning up in January . And MP isn’t just importing classy foreign players , he is bringing on British players from the academy . Here is a manager few had heard of and most ppl (me included ) thought Saints were mad to bring him in when previous mgr had brought them up. But he transformed Saints and now is looking to do the same at Spurs .

    I’m not sure what Mark’s article on Hepburn Murphy says but I was delighted to see on Twitter
    From him about our under 21s
    @Rushcmpt: Great 6-1 win today in Belgium against Genk U’21s, also happy to score 2 goals #

    Maybe we will be seeing him make a short appearance some time – the future is looking bright again !!

    Finally , I thought Remi got his outfit spot on – though was it a navy blue suit – I thought it was navy blue thinly padded jacket .

  27. steamers75

    Texas. Its not .its just that Brasil has a silver tongue .funny thing is Steamer asked me for £50 today and l never thought anything of it . I do now though .

  30. Jenny Truman

    Thanks Mark but it still won’t work – never mind . I looked on the OS thinking such an impressive win for our under 21s would be reported but not a dicky bird .

    But this must be a first

    L’équipe de France Espoirs de Jordan Amavi joue ce soir son match de qualifications à l’Euro 2017 face à l’Irlande du Nord.

    Bonne chance à Jordan et aux Bluets

    Don’t let Remi catch you !

    Funny that Merson should say we have no talent bar JG in the team – he’s obviously not seen them because Sherwood wouldn’t give them a chance. You know , the manager we shouldn’t have sacked according to him .

  36. Frem

    Amavi injury. Our single handily send us down

    Only player who can cross. Gestede injured as well

    January window can’t come fast enough

  38. proxopera

    Can I respectfully ask why fellow lifers are bothering to repeat the bullshit coming from Collymore , Merson , Yorke , Pearce , jenas et al as if they had actually something worthwhile to say. All you’re doing is adding to their media value , in as much as it is. They have all proved what clowns they are without us providing oxygen to their pathetic media personas .
    I have seen far more articulate views on the game and on villa from a number of contributors on here than on the some of the national media/broadcast shows that a lot of people so slavishly depend on to help them form their own opinions.
    its like kids being bullied on social media , the best way to combat it is to turn the f**k**rs off!!!
    Their verbal diarrohea should hold no currency in this community.

  42. proxopera

    Mark ,
    Collymore,,,, self-serving??? That’s an outrageous slur, after all he did for Villa , his’boyhood hero’s’!
    Withdraw your slander immediately sir !

  46. Jenny Truman

    I actually find the stuff from Collymore and co entertaining as they are in the public eye like it or not . It’s not taken seriously , its amusing for its thinly veiled narcissism and naivety .

    How many are thinking “pointless internationals !” Seeing Armavi one of the best players on Saturday (one of!) to be stretchered off is just so awful for him .

  49. Mark King

    Strange one cissoko, chased by some big clubs and touted to be the best left back in the world at times? Don’t know why Lyon sold him probably money trouble but he was bought for 15m euro’s by them in 2009 sold in 2012-13 he would be solid if nothing else and surely he must have a release clause I know Bennett and others have.

    http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/9935831/aston-villa-have-loaned-full-back-aly-cissokho-to-porto-for-the-coming-season

  52. Mark King

    French newspaper L’Equipe report Amavi has been taken to the local Saint-Brieuc Hospital to be assessed.

    His international coach Pierre Mankowski expressed worry for the former Nice left-back.

    He said: “Our doctor and that of Guingamp are trying to look after him. According to the first information available that it would be a knee sprain. It is not yet known whether the ligament is ruptured. It’s too early to say.”

    L’Equipe added that: “His cry echoed in the stadium of Roudourou… the images have raised fears of a consequent downtime.”

  53. steamer

    Hope Amavi isn’t too seriously injured. No luck at all this season.

    Wonder if Lamebert will come in for Gab & Crab if Blackburn are stupid enough to employ him. McKnob is another option for them at Fulham.
    Interesting to see if McMumble employs Culverarse and Karsa.

  54. B62 Villa

    So we now are not only in a crisis situation league position wise, we now have a bit of an injury crisis. Amavi looks out for the season as even if he recovers early he will need to get his match fitness up and running, any further games from him this season will be a bonus. It seems we can’t recall Bennett or Cissokho leaving that useless lump of shit Richardson as the front runner for LB. The problem is unless we dip down to the u21’s who else is there?? Crespo is awful and it’s not his preferred side, Bacuna see Crespo, Clark could possibly provide some stability but we lose any go forward. Garde could try thinking out of the box and move Mutton over to the left and play RichardS at RB or Bacuna What about the kid from Liverpool ??? Up front with Gestede out surely Kozak will get a look in even if it’s from the bench. I still think we are gone, 5 points adrift which will be even more by the Jan window when if we still have any glimmer we need investment, I just don’t think RL will release much cash because a) He is a twat and his track records points to fuck all cash being released b) we won’t attract anyone as they wont wanna play in the championship c) RL will know how much he will lose with relegation and won’t want to add to the losses with a big January outlay.
    We need a Christmas miracle and not the type they sell at the German market( which opened yesterday)

  55. steamers75

    B6B
    lm with you mate ,
    l said to steamer yesterday RL will need to give Remi about 40/50mill in january to get us out of this shit , so its in his corner whether he wants us to stay up and l can only think the sky money is his only motivation , l cant see this team pulling us out . look how were all bricking it now Amavi is injured and it wont be the only one and as you have put it were scratching now , the permutations you have put up shows the state we are in . but its upto RL where he wants the club to go ,
    somehow whilst having a drink l got talked into going to Newcastle as its my birthday , l cant stand them and to have them gloating if they beat us l can see myself and JB in the magistrates court on the following monday , as it kicked off last season , oh hum , well have a good weekend all ,
    Jenny hope your feeling better xxxxx
    Frem if by any chance your going to Newcastle , let me know as our coach will be stopping at a mates pub up there , will put the addy and postcode for you , 19th december , and you lot who owe the £20s maybe you could give it me back for my beer vouchers ,

  58. Mark King

    Kinsella is at Luton by the way until the end of season. Think he would come under youth if needed.

    Well that’s it ?we lose one player and we’re doomed?
    Richardson can do a job if not asked to push up too much. All it means is we will need someone like grealish or nzogbia to provide a threat on the left side. I have faith in Garde to work it out.

    We have only seen Gardes villa in defence mode let’s see what he has in store to win games, I think it will be very different to the city game. If he can get us scoring there are plenty of winnable games coming up. Leicester had 10 points by xmas I’ll stick my neck out and say we will have 15+ maybe as much as 19.

  60. steamers75

    Mark
    what you mean one player out were doomed , maybe if you come up to a game and sit in the pubs or even a caff up here you may hear that a lot of the fans dont think were out of the relegation drop my a long mile , and yeah Amavi is a big blow when you look at the replacements , we may have just seen a bit of a team that could be a settled side , but shit happens but the way we have been left by previous managers doesnt make me feel comfortable , at the funeral l was at tuesday, out of the 20 lads who were there , not one thought we would get out of the relegation, like l said earlier if RL doesnt give Remi a pile to spend Jan , then l think were down , seen to many false dawns so lm not going to jump on the Remi bandwagon just yet , will wait and see where we are january . lm not really not interested in what hes done before , its the now ,

  61. Mark King

    Hello ST75- I agree, its what he does now, and what we saw against City says he can effect change very quickly. When was the last time you saw us play that disciplined?

    According to TS the players we bought were not good enough yet Garde see’s it different which one do you believe? I’d take Garde all day long its a no-brainer for me. Its a shame Garde is in charge 10 games in, we wouldn’t be in this position.I beleive its a false position, even under Timbo we have dropped at least 7 points we should of had.

    I can understand why people are worried but I don’t listen to much to people worrying, I believe in what I see with my eyes and its an under performing team. Yes we are light up top with Ayew being the pick (city was his first game at 9). Garde has already said he needs 3 players and he wouldn’t of come in if Lerner hadn’t agreed to back him of that I’m sure.

    To be honest what has gone on under Timbo was nothing short of shocking, from what I have seen so far this man is the most professional manager we have ever had bar none.

    We have 21 points to play for between now and the end of Dec, Leicester had ten last season by then and only 19 by the end of march. Its too early in the season IMO and too early in Garde’s reign to start talking relegation, if we still have 5 points xmas I’ll worry.

    Of course its can all go wrong just as much as it can go right, not much fun in thinking we are down for me.

  63. Jenny Truman

    Evening all
    Do we actually know whether Sissikho can be recalled or not ? Didn’t we put a Recall Clause in his Loan Agreement. I’d have thought he couid do a job for us – ex international . What’s happened to Sendeross ?
    Now to listen to the steamers favourite football pundit – Tom Ross Goalzone for Midlands footie and banter 🙂
    Night night st75 xxx

  65. Jenny Truman

    Waking up to the news of the horrific events in Paris last night . I’m sure I speak for all AVL when I say our thoughts are with all of our French players and Remi , and of course the poor people of Paris . What a sickening, tragic and evil attack.

  66. steamer

    Unbelievable what happened in Paris last night, really shocked. Be alert folks, it could happen anywhere and especially in Birmingham.

    Londonchester were their usual crepe last night, that Joe Hart has a head on him for such a moderate keeper. Spain’s second team had a nice stroll though.

  68. Texas Villan

    Nous Sommes Solidaires Avec Paris!

    Here is a great truth, and remember that it applies to to the community of nations as well as it does to a community of people:

    “Those who will not stand together to win their battles, will lie together in defeat under their tombstones.”

  69. villa@herts

    I see that Ray Wilkins has told BT sport that we will be relegated! That must be the winning culture Sherwood said he wanted at the club. I could never understand why he was brought in, in the previous two seasons he assisted in Fulham’s relegation and then did the same at QPR there’s that winning culture again! Thank God they have gone!

  75. steamer

    Sympathies to Blackburn after the appointment of Lambert. The clown is still talking about exciting times. 89m in debt, transfer embargo and now Lambert, happy days for Rovers fans.

  76. Jenny Truman

    Morning all
    Good quote Texas / where is it from ?

    Just checked the AV OS and there’s no post expressing our sympathy for victims of Paris and extending our thoughts to Remi and our French new players . Have I missed it ? I’m astounded that there’s is nothing , particularly as the target of the attach was a football stadium.
    Yesterday , there was a status on there asking us to buy villa merchandise for Christmas – how bloody inappropriate can you get . Yes life goes on , but can re not show some respect and put a hold on the marketing side over this weekend of revolting inhumanity.

  77. Jenny Truman

    Rushian Marcus Amari Hepburn-Murphy[1]
    Date of birth 24 August 1998 (age 17)[2]
    Place of birth Birmingham, England[2]

    This lad MOTM for our under 18s again impressing and scoring against Fulham. Another home grown talent like Grealish . Let’s hope Remi and co can introduce him and nurture him to become a first team player – which means not over hyping and inflating him but letting him have a go in a measured way

  79. DarrenO

    I’m really not part of modern life, if a tweet is sufficient enough to express remorse by the actions of IS. I made my facebook picture with the French flag for a week in solidarity, only to find out that Beirut suffered the same fate on Thursday but I’m quite aware my action in itself is equally invalid in the scheme of things.

    This truly is a war of good vs. evil, this isn’t about race, colour or creed. The actions of IS terrorists although maybe born Muslim do not reflect real Muslims and if the intention is to drive a wedge between Muslims and the ‘Western World’ i.e. anyone not Muslim, they have to fail or humanity fails.

    I truly understand the need to retaliate, I’m just wary of the generational impact if the sons and daughters of mothers and fathers killed in bombing campaigns in Syria or elsewhere take up arms in vengeance. The cycle won’t change.

    I know many would say talking is pointless with these individuals but is killing the best response to killing. WWII represents one man’s vengeance against one race and a number of countries perceived (rightly or wrongly) as having destroyed his country, it’s this future vengeance that has me worried WWIII which this has become in all but name will lead to repeat events and more unnecessary suffering.

  80. DarrenO

    Back to football and the Daily Mail strike again with Man U flop to join Villa, when Steve Round was an assistant to Moyes, hardly a flop. I fell for the bait.

    Never good when it’s second choice but maybe this is short term i.e. this season and then the two from Lyon come in in the summer.

    Wishing Amavi a quick recovery too

  82. steamer

    Apparently Remi wants to sign Falcao.

    Never mind about the quality of the squad/manager etc, we really have had dire luck to compound our mistakes.
    What we need is 8ft snow drifts until the Feb window just to get a few games postponed and then sign a few players.

  83. Jenny Truman

    Well maybe I am old fashioned but if something so awful isn’t worth more than 20 characters then I despair .

    We have welcomed French players and a French manager , IMO It is for the club to announce that as the Aston Villa family we want to express our support and sympathy . Whilst it is all very easy to fire off words , tweets and social media condolences , I think the Villa fans want to see something from our club that shows we care : we do have stringer French connections than ever before .

    I have seen suggestions that the Holte be decked out in red white and blue next home game – we stand with our players and manager / it may not be everyone’s cup of tea , but this is the feeling of the villa community and the silence from the board , who have the ability to reach millions to me is a huge omission.

    Another very depressing story is the Okore one

    Aston Villa defender Jores Okore has been subjected to racial discrimination on social media by a politician in his home country of Denmark. Mirror football reports.

    Daniel Carlsen, leader of far-right ‘The Danish Party’, took to Twitter to make vile comments after Okore was snapped showing off the national team’s new shirts.

    Okore, who is battling back from a knee operation which has kept him sidelined for the whole of this season so far, was absent as Denmark lost 2-1 in Stockholm last night in the first leg of their Euro 2016 playoff against Sweden.

    – See more at: http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/2015/11/15/football-aston-villa-star-racially-abused-by-politicians-from-home-country/?utm_campaign=%231love&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter#sthash.sC0G4Kk0.

    Not sure what the race laws are in Denmark but it’s a very very sad . I hope Okore and the clubs lawyers are taking this to vike piece of work to the cleaners .

  84. Jenny Truman

    Falcao ! Well as it has been leaked that one of the questions asked of candidates for the current Aston Villa Press Officer role was “how would you announce the signing of Lionel Messi at the club” then maybe this is possible Steamer !!!!!!

    Maybe the snow drifts are a good idea too – I read somewhere that Ayew has picked up a knock too – at this rate we will be getting Emile back !

  86. steamer

    Jen,
    The folk running our club have no class, plenty of $$$ but absolutely no class, to not extend our (The fans) sympathies in a correct manner is not only negligent but disgusting and should result in sackings, its because our admin are so stupid that the club finds itself in the position its in.
    Talking of idiots, we’re still waiting for Fox’s apology for his insulting remark about “false narrative.”I have a feeling its going to be a long wait.

    Nice to see Lamebert revive his speech from his Villa inveiling, excitement !!! he’ll have Jordan Rhodes playing in his back eight.

  87. runtings

    I would would like to pass on my heart felt sympathy to the 147 murdered by IS in Kenya – along with the recent fallen in Nigeria and France

    it does make football matters seem trivial
    the saving grace for the world is there are more good people than bad

    gutted foe Amavi – typical losing our best signing like that

  89. Jenny Truman

    Likewise – it is with a shame that I didn’t know of the 147 murdered in Kenya either – and yes, I guess I am also guilty of the “it’s getting close to home ” It is absolutely no more of an atrocity than the daily, repulsive acts of terror farther afield but which are not so newsworthy. I only question the club’s silence on this one , not because this act of terror is graver or more despicable than the others, but because we have a French Manager and half of our team are French.

  90. John Lerwill


    Hello guys and gals … the stegosaurus is back for a moment or two. 🙂

    Firstly, to join with you in condemning the awful violence in France, and also express the disappointment that the club is without the backbone to stand by its manager and French players.

    As to the horrifying incidents themselves, it seems that it could have been a lot worse as someone carrying arms and apparently on his way to Paris was arrested in Bavaria.

    But, of course, it’s all unlikely to stop with this event in Paris now that ISIS (better known as Daesh) are screaming “foul” since they’ve received the many aerial attacks on their positions.

    The issue is, in reality – since when did force responding to force produce long-lasting results? And, of course, it’s partly because of the Western incursions into Arab territories that caused the ISIL activity. Not only incursions but the western slaughter of so many innocents in Iraq. Oh, of course, they say that was better than an Iraq under Saddam.

    The wish for a new Muslim Caliphat has been brewing for many years, and the Middle Eastern conflicts of the last 25 years have only fuelled – and justified – that determination.

    But – do you know what? If more had been done for Palestine (as well as more caution on Iraq), the chance of an ISIL-type rising would be nullified. In fact it’s still not too late to help Palestine. But they won’t.

    Sorry if that sounded like a rant. But it’s the truth. But I don’t expect everyone to agree.

  91. John Lerwill


    By the way, the day after the Paris atrocities, I commiserated with a sincere Muslim girl working at our local Tesco. She nearly broke down in tears. She was horrified by the attacks and said that killing another person is akin to killing the whole of humanity.

  96. steamer

    Amavi needs replacing, its a 12 month job and when he’s fit Umtiti can move to CD.
    Every confidence in Remi to spend Lerners money wisely.
    Wonder how many of his Villa signings Lambert will want to take to Blackburn. The Rovers fans actually seem to be delighted to have him, i’ll give it three months before they want him out.

  97. Mark King

    Steamer- why? is he not starting for 2 months?

    I think it will depend on the funds old deep pockets gives him. I don’t think Garde would waste the money either but I’m expecting Cissoko to be back in jan. He’s already said he need’s 3 players 4 might be pushing it unless he has some Jems lined up.

  99. steamers75

    Jack , what ya done ?? woy is picking a manure youth who has played just 19 mins premiership , why did he pick England , he’d have had more fun/games with the Irish ,
    he’ll get the same advice as the others that have left Villa park , go to a bigger club and you’ll get picked , to become a overpaid tart like the lot l watched friday ,
    lm not Irish but l get more joy watching them teams ,
    we had the one trick pony team of beckham lot , shite
    then the stevie me team . shite again .
    England ….my arse ,

  100. Jenny Truman

    John , I agree. As one Muslim leader said

    “They want countries like ours to reject their Muslims and vilify them. [Isis’] leaders would be ecstatic to hear that since the atrocity in Paris, Muslims have reportedly been threatened and attacked in England, America and here in Australia because this evil organisation has it in their heads that if they can make Muslims the enemies of the West, then Muslims will have nowhere to turn but ISIS

  102. DarrenO

    Completely knackered this morning, country is still celebrating qualifying and a mgmt team with no intention of making up the numbers and a fanbase ready to party, plans are being made.

    Everyone is welcome to join the party, this summer.

    Clark was a rock in defence, he’ll come back to Villa on cloud 9, every player gave their all.

    UTV

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