And so it begins.

Aston Villa face off against newly promoted Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium with the fixture evoking memories of Eddie Howe’s team coming to Villa Park last season.

Back then, the talk was of having a young and exciting manager at a time where Paul Lambert was lambasted for going into his shell and was rapidly accruing the ire of fans.

Now, Villa have the young and exciting manager in place – although it isn’t Howe – and a new look team sprinkled with French-bought players who look, on paper at least, able to improve a team who barely survived last season.

Losing the likes of Christian Benteke, Fabian Delph and Ron Vlaar will have made many feel like it is a hard slog ahead and, in a sense, they are right. Being great on paper is not always conducive to success, but Villa had to make a change as last season was too close to the drop for comfort.

So, as we get ready for matchday, what are your thoughts? How do you think we will line up, and do you think we can kick off with a win?

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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 143

  1. Mark King

    morning Matt, A new dawn a new day, my team will be mostly based on those that have had a pre season of sorts, Gil could sneak in and be subbed as he tires and expecting Gestede to get 1/2 hour even Nzogbia could get the nod as we are short on ready players but doubt it.

    Guzan

    hutton richards clark Amavi

    bakuna westwood Gueye

    Gabby/Ayew kosak Sinclair

    Nice to see Tim giving Tekkers short shrift and explaining in no uncertain terms he doesn’t matter to this club any longer

    http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tim-sherwood-says-christian-benteke-9816143?

  2. Clive Evans

    A rhetorical question Matt as we have no clues as to how Villa are set up to play.We would hope the answer is Yes but the impetus is with Bournemouth. Could be a high score draw.

    Any chance of easier to read type? Difficult to read for us oldies – maybe Bold?

  3. John Lerwill

    Yes, I agree with Clive, Matt … some of us have to get a high resolution magnifier to read the text now! 😉

    I also agree with Clive that a draw is the likeliest result. The Cherries will not be ripe for eating as they’re on a ‘high’ after actually getting into the Prem, and Villa will take 2 or 3 games to start gelling i.m.o.

  4. Frem

    It’s back 🙂 YEEEES!!!! Good day of footy on TV. Weekends will be good again now 🙂

    Hope show Prem class today. We won’t if Kozak and up top though. Play Gestede today. Hope it’s not the 4411 we’ve played in pre season. It’s crap to be honest. 433 I hope.

    Concerns are Hutton at right back. Poor player after we’ve signed a great left back. Bacuna at right mid also, has looked lost all pre season there. I’ll worry if he’s there today

    COYVB !!!

  5. B62 Villa

    I think it will be a tough ask today, Bournemouth will come flying out of the traps in their first ever premier league game. Our defence is looking a real weak spot and I can see the cherries opening us up with ease( as will most teams) until TS realises we need a new CB and a RB. I hope dexters is the real deal because if we have to rely on Kozak and Gabby for goals we are right in the shit. Our side is a gamble as we don’t know how our French foreign legion will fare at this level with this weight of expectation.

  6. Kev

    I agree with Clive, we just don’t know how we will be set up. My concern though is still the back 4! Although from a creativity perspective I think we look light years ahead of what we had for the last few seasons. Clive , hope to see you for a pint soon lol!!

  7. Mark King

    well we might not Know the team formation but I don’t think I will be far off with the players going on pre season which is all we have got to go on.
    this is villas side from the Fa cup game. have put in the replacements for me Gil is the big miss other than Beneteke otherwise it looks improved from that game.

    Aston Villa
    31 Given– Guzan
    21 Hutton
    05 Okore — richards
    06 Clark
    18 Richardson- Amavi
    07 Bacuna
    25 Gil —-Gabby/Ayew
    24 Sanchez——westwood
    08 Cleverly—-Gueye
    20 Benteke—– Kosak
    10 Weimann——Sinclair

    Substitutes
    01 Guzan
    02 Baker
    15 Westwood
    23 Cissokho
    34 Lowton
    38 Burke
    40 Grealish

  8. Jenny Truman

    Morning all – and splendid write up to start the season Matt . It is always strange first game with our old players playing elsewhere . Someone described seeing A Young donning a red shirt like seeing your best mate going out with your ex girlfriend . We will miss Delph and Benteke massively – as much for the psychological affect of having a 20 season goal scorer on your side as the actuality .
    I think we could snatch a win today – playing at home isn’t always an advantage and I think it will suit us to have the first game away – less pressure particularly for the new ones.

    I’d go with Matk’s selection but include Gil – seems to be back in favour . 1-2 score . Here’s hoping !!!

    Re Benteke – he was setting the record straight – and he is loyal to Lambert . and It’s amusing Tim saying he never took the credit for his form -it was the journos saying it – I’d just say he never denied it either 🙂

  9. Frem

    Line up looks ok. 433. Gabby up front is a joke though.

    Kozak might be on his way out.

    Our bench is as bad as ive ever seen I think

  11. Mark King

    frem- he’s going for pace up top that is a very quick front three and a pretty strong defensive midfield if they can take the pace, then again Bournemouth are in the same boat with that.

  13. Mark King

    Jen- what record is he trying to set straight? I don’t think he would of moved for a £32.5 m if he’d had a lousy end to the season, TS’s arrival coincided with him scoring but not straight away. Lambert had dropped him to he was that poor. Think he’s being a little to touchy.

  15. Jenny Truman

    Mark I was surprised he said he’d rang Paul Lambert the night before the move which suggests he felt loyalty to him for bringing him to the prem etc. By applauding TS for his upturn In form it implied that TS succeeded where PL failed . If it was as simple as he wasn’t fit before then I can see why he had to set the record straight to take the criticism away from Lambert. That’s all .

  16. Mark King

    Jen every man jack outside of villa park said the same only we seemed to think he has two feet aswell as a head. Thats why i cant understand it other than to deflect that criticism without pissing liverpool fans off

  19. RichardS

    That was a really disappointing start to the season from Villa. Poor in possession hitting hopeful balls up front to Gabby. We are getting the run around from Bournemouth. 2 crucial saves from Guzan. Tactics Tim will need to make changes in the second half

  20. Frem

    awful first half. Noticed in pre season how defensive we have played and its carried on today. Wilkins must be part of the reason for that. where is the 433 and 4312 we played last season ? we shouldn’t be parking the bus against Bournemouth

    Get Gestede on and get Sinclair and ayew close to him

  23. RichardS

    Mark – what are you taking about – take 0-0 – seriously? We are playing Bournemouth.

    We need to take 3 points today.

    We need to up the tempo of the match and keep the football.

    We have not had a shot on target.

  28. James Gill

    first half well for so many new men not too bad just have to remove gabby westwood now
    clark has tostop stupid fouls bookings could gave away goal injury time stupid

  38. Frem

    Great win, poor display. don’t like this cautious formations

    Love Rudy. Will be a beast

    we need to sign a right back, winger who can cross and another big tall striker

  39. RichardS

    We needed the three points today. Poor first half display – better in the second.

    We do need a few more players.

    I think we will complete the signing for Adebeyor.

    I would take Lennon as a winger and I think we should put in for a loan move for Januzaj.

    I would also like to see us sign another midfield player with Premier League experience.

  41. Mark King

    Frem don’t agree, we were on a hiding to nothing, we were expected to lose, almost a new side no Gil, no Grealish. We did a professional job against a team that scored for fun last season. I for one am glad to see we can do that, Chelsea do it enough.
    A couple more options and cut out the errors at the back and we will be sound.
    Gabby was played for his nous but by god his finishing is at an all time low.

  42. John Lerwill

    “Can The Villans Steal Three Points …?”< Matt asked, and it *was* a bit of a "steal" after the first-half hesitant performance.

    No real surprises there for me … the Cherries played as I thought they might and Villa have clearly got to get to know one another.

    But it's good to have someone who can score goals in the simple old-fashioned way. Like him – and I think everyone else does too!

  43. Rags

    All things considered what a performance! Anyone who said Richards can’t play centre half please eat your humble pie, absolutely dominant. So pleased for the supporters that Gestede scored after the reception they gave him. Was really special when he ran over to celebrate with them. Jordan Amavi is the best young left back in Europe, sometimes the stats do hold relevance. Couldn’t get tickets but had a few pints in the away pub before the game, brilliant atmosphere, the hardcore representing as always! UTV! X

  45. Jenny Truman

    Promising start seeing as though we introduced so many new players . Took them a while to settle in but second half they played some nice moves . Can see Rudy being loved by the fans – he’s vocal and loved the attention unlike our last no 9s Bent and Teckers who were quiet and more reserved.
    Was very confused as thought we’d signed another good player Gana but then found out it was Guere !
    Richards showing his worth as captain too . 3 points, clean sheet couldn’t ask for more .

  46. Heroes-and-Villans

    Its a bloody superb win. Nothing helps new players settle in more than a win. Could do wonders.

    Hearing ts say dont need any more signings…..thats a massive worry if we dont get 2 or 3 in.

    First game of season is always odd especially when bedding in 7 or 8 players so performance dont really matter yet. Lot of love for bournemouth all day from media……sssshhhhhh

  47. Mark King

    I thought Veretout showed flashes that he is absolute class, when this lad is fit watch out. Gueye is quality too so unhurried but seems to be everywhere. With these 2 playing I hardly noticed westwood which is a good thing as its what you want as he’s the deep lying midfielder and you don’t want him swamped, so disciplined, quite excited by this midfields promise considering their time together.

    Amavi was quite disciplined today I’m glad to say as he needed to but again looks class.
    Clark and Richards looked solid bar One slip by richards even Bakuna wasn’t complete poo.
    thought Sinclair worked hard as did Gabby and Gestede did what it says on the Tin.
    Ayew scored all his goals from playing down the middle, he’s no winger so will look better when Gil Grealish play and if gabby carries on missing chances he’ll play centrally.

    Tactics tim got it spot on today and we look solid considering

  48. Mark King

    Andrew- just Tim bigging up the players, did it last season “we wouldn’t be in trouble with the same squad next season” remember. will defo be some in some out

  49. Ian

    Look who didn’t play today and you can see Villa are going to be a concern for anyone in the league. Kozak knows where the goal is too don’t forget. Lots of options. 7 players blooded in the same game. A win. If Guzan plays like we’ve seen then Villa will be just fine this season.
    Here s to a Liverpool loss tomorrow. That would be a topper for the week end.

  54. Mark King

    JL- he may well be john but he certainly has great positioning and defensive strengths if he can add goals why not 🙂
    In fact the big stand-out for me was the discipline in maintaining the shape of the team.
    I remember reading that the French play in a much more tactical league which means they can adapt better than our lot who generally only play one way. Lambert tried to play similarly with more English players and failed miserably.

  55. Mark King

    Thought Gestedes first touch where he played a long ball up the wing on the deck with precision shows he’s not just a big unit who’s good in the air. This lad could make our season.

  56. John Lerwill

    Rags,

    All I did say was that he has “potential” 😉

    In Taylor was not the world’s greatest, but he was quite a machine and could cover a lot of ground and scored some useful goals. If this feller turns out to be a similar player then it’s not to say he’s a world-beater!

  58. Mark King

    JL- he is technically the best header of a ball I’ve seen fro ages that’s for sure maybe not got tekkers finesse in shooting but has got one hell of a shot, legs like tree trunks for a tall man.

  59. James Gill

    as good as today was .sherwood needs to buy at least3 quality players as frem pput it earlier our bench was very poor i know rudi scored but if you count 11 started plus sanchez rudi crespo okore gil grealish not many other choices need commanding keeper guzan made couple good saves but kicking was brutal need a more mobile player midfielder than sanchez awinger and another striker kozak hasn t played in 18 months don t think we can count on him

  61. Mark King

    James- Gardener is out for 4 weeks but he’s in the squad. there are still shirts up for grabs so we will definitely get a winger, looks like another forward and a defender.

  62. Heroes-and-Villans

    Mark sounds promising about the new lads, especially vertout. He could be a type of midfielder we aint seen for ages at vp.

    4 years of bottom 6 and progress would be to do a swansea, saints, even palace or stoke!

    Swans were amazing at the bridge today. Long way to get too 9th or 10th.

  63. Ian

    Mark, Manchester who?
    I take great delight when a bought team crumbles during a game. No guts in those teams.
    How about rodgersgone in 5?

  64. John Clark

    Good enough today, especially given how little time these guys have played together. Pitch looked cramped and crowded, and Bournemouth definitely know how they like to play…that long wide diagonal was virtually an automatic play.

    But the lads didn’t crumble. Sloppy much of the time and slow, the awareness and link-ups will take time.

    For me, Gueye and Amavi really stood out. Veretout was good, but the others stole the show. Richards, while he seemed a tad at sea at times did some really good defending, and you could obviously see the back four working things out between themselves.

    Gestede…That was a seriously powerful header. Only had eyes for the ball, his body shape was immaculate. You almost can’t pay enough for a player that can give you that in the PL. When we won that corner, I actually thought ‘here we go’ and there he went.

    So, potential banana skin avoided, three points to start, a win to boost confidence, and much better football to come. Color me happy today.

  65. John Clark

    And although it’s not the most exciting scoreline in the world, 1-0 against a team that scored 90+ last year and had 16 clean sheets, at home, first game in the top flight…Not bad at all for a Villa side where half the players still haven’t unpacked their bags.

  66. Jenny Truman

    Yes John – our much criticised defence did well to keep out a team who scored 83 goals last season. Micah holding it together brilliantly .

    Watched first half of Swansea Chelski game – the moment The game started and Anew was directing and telling the other players what to do. Amazing for a new player to be doing that on his debut – confident in the extreme . It was no surprise that he scored with that state of mind . Rudy was similar for us – you could tell he was loving every minute and there was never any doubt that ball was his Great positivity – we have Richards one end and Rudy the other and both will be leaders in their areas IMO . We were lacking this last season . Sendeross showed it but then he went never to be seen again .
    I hope that our Anew gets a chance with us though – even though he’s not as out there as his brother – he could grow into it .

  68. John Clark

    Agreed, Jenny.

    Seems like Sherwood’s trying to ease into things. Obviously trying to give Gabby respect, and to be fair he did ask a couple of questions. But I’m thinking the shape of the attack will change. I don’t think Ayew is a wide player in this sort of system, and Sinclair, while lively, ran himself into a lot of cul-de-sacs. Some folks just needed to take a shot instead of trying to get too pretty.

    We’d be a lot more silky with Grealish and Gil, but then more lightweight, too. A number of players seemed a step off the pace, but they’ll adjust. They’re young and hungry, after all. 😉

  69. John Clark

    Andrew…

    I’m hoping the Ayew brothers are close and talking to each other with tips and such. Swans’ Ayew did look a handful. Their Montero would be a welcome addition, too.

  70. Jenny Truman

    Sorry I meant Ayew not Anew!! John and Andrew – could be the new Toure brothers .
    Agreed – Swansea didn’t just get a sparky player they got a big strong personality too in Ayew.
    It’s gojng to be interesting to see who is in Tim’s “first team”.
    Very Good post match interview on MOTD : much more measured and by giving credit to his coaches and scouts, he comes across better . When asked how he gets the performance out of them he said “on the training ground 9 til 3. They earn good money they’ve got to work hard . “. Ray Wilkins has also said they don’t train hard enough.

  71. Mark King

    There was one moment today when gabby had run through, just before he passed to their keeper, Gestede arrived out left, on his own, looking to run onto the pass gabby never made, his face told it all, he said nothing but I don’t think he could believe he wasn’t put in. This lad is more than a big lump.
    Could be just first match hysteria but I think we have something good developing down at villa park

  72. John Clark

    Mark,

    I like the buys. Really no idea whether it will stick together, but they’ve brought in the right sorts of players. You don’t focus on a Gestede if you’re Tim, with so much to prove, unless you think he’ll do a job.

    And, funnily enough, this “Tactics Tim” punch line…Gestede is, to me, proof that Tim does get what it takes. Whether it comes good, I can’t predict. But Gestede seems a very real example of the sort of player you go get when you realize games are won 1-0, and often off of set pieces.

  73. Jenny Truman

    I agree Mark – Rudy looks exciting and as John says “hungry” . Compare this with Gabby who appears complacent in comparison . His facial expressions and body language said it all : I am living my dream . I hope we see him start against United – I think he is already a fan favourite – helped by having a great name 🙂 he will be even more dynamic at home I suspect – thriving on the supporters rather than being pressurised by them like some have been in the past . Early days as you say but he has surpassed my expectations already .
    One thing not mentioned is the impact of the half time talk by TS. They came out a different team and went from under dogs to top dogs.

  74. Trinity

    A win is a win. A bit sloppy as others have said, but Bournemouth are a decent team, so, all-in-all, a better than satisfactory start.
    There is more talent there than last year. Other teams won’t be able to figure us out as easily as they did last season because TS has more options 🙂
    Gestede has answered questions the best way a striker can, that is to score. Score is what Gabby must do.

  75. John Lerwill

    Jenny,

    I bow to your skills in motivation, but I’m not sure that’s fair about Gabby! Cor, he gets stick from everyone, doesn’t he, but he’s experiencing his 6th manager now (forgetting 2 or 3 stand-ins) and I don’t think he’s been properly managed. Until now.

    In the way he went at their defence (2 or 3 very threatening runs), I think Gabby’s real attitude came out. Forget about his facials … I think he’s just dead-pan. 😉

  76. Rags

    With you there john, I don’t get the gabby bashing, especially after such a solid team display, he looks dangerous, Everytime he got the ball he looked a threat. He would get fouled or get a pass or shot away and made things happen. Was the best forward on the pitch until gesture came on for me jeff.

  78. Godfrey

    Aaron Lennon would be a useful addition at a cheapish price . His pace and crosses would be perfect for Rudy.
    If I were Tim I would definitely sign Charlie Austin.
    Can you imagine the havoc that he and Rudy would cause to Premiership defences?

  79. Jenny Truman

    John – sorry I should have explained myself better on Gabby . My mistake . I wasn’t referring to his facial expressions and it was unfair of me to pick on Gabby – I should have said – the complacency that can affect players who have been used to playing in the premier league for several seasons – it’s no longer a huge excitement for them . I chose Gabby more for his inconsistency throughout the season – as on his day he can be amazing . It’s just you never know when these days are gong to come .It’s the complacency that is shown in players not moving to a club – and being happy to sit on the bench like we have seen with Ade. The contrast with players like Rudy , Gana and co is that these are hungry to play as it is all new for them. You feel they would move heaven and earth to get that chance That’s why on this level they are a great choice – is this the mentality that Tim refers to which comes hand in hand with “This is incredible – I am playing for a premier league club”

  80. Jenny Truman

    Is this the complacency which is affecting how hard the players train – which RW and TS are addressing – or is it poor coaching in the past – or both . It sounds like there is going be a more disciplined and professional approach from what is coming out of VP . This is helped by TS being on the training ground more than past managers IMO

  81. John Lerwill

    Jenny,

    Good points. I’m sure as time goes on we’ll see evidence of all the hard work they put in on the training ground. I hope they do.

    Meanwhile, Man U coming up … Before we get to 20 years since last beating them at VP in the league (1996) we must put this hoodoo to rest!!

  82. Mark King

    JL/Rags Gabby brings it on himself as he has lost the ability to finish, don’t know why other than he relies more on physicality than speed these days. He’s a forward who doesn’t score much and what I have seen in pre-season is woeful finishing, should of had 5 at least . no matter what his work rate is he will be replaced when that no longer is needed by the team. As we progress he will become a weak link if he can’t finish. If he doesn’t want to get criticised score goals. What’s more he is in Ayew’s position runs his channels, how long before he’s on the bench?

    Gestede looks very capable of leading the line and providing an outlet and bring others in too, Gabby Use to be that outlet in mons days another nail in his coffin.

    Interesting we are talking of TS’s influence at half time, personally I’m seeing Wilkins organisation imprinting itself on the team. Players rarely got isolated, no it wasn’t perfect but compared to the headless defending in midfield in Lamberts time.

    If you want to see what a poor start to the season looks like watch Sunderland. Also what a shame Albrighton got sold by the cretin before Tim arrived 2 assists and a goal, go Marc, there’s a player worthy of villa fans praise, no bitching even though he was treated far worse than Delph or Tekkers.

  83. Mark King

    Jen- you may be right on the self motivated factor but I believe a winning attitude runs deeper than that. Vertoute, Gueye, Gestede, Richards and Amavi showed it yesterday, they want to win and it hurts them to lose, that I believe is what TS wants, players that hurt like him, Pretty much what made SAF so successful. They don’t have to have a cause like “I’m a massive Villa fan” just an revulsion to losing. You may be surprised how few have that drive, in Amateur football they stand out a mile to those turning up for a laugh with their mates and they don’t get paid.

    I’d also say there is a factor in team games of togetherness, you need players to work for each other so empathy is a factor vs the selfish winners attitude of say tennis stars. Sometimes players will do more for others than themselves Vertoute is one of those I think, He has stated he takes delight in creating goals for others as much as scoring.

  84. Jenny Truman

    Mark Wilkins may be the master mind behind the organization at HT : and if you knkw your job it takes the pressure off. Whoever it was , they played with more confidence and intent and maybe with Tim’s enthusiasm / motivation and Ray’s experience we have a winning combination .
    John – Man U weren’t outstanding yesterday – there’s rumbling of discontent with players complaining of VGs attitude to fitness (heavy training after 12 hour flights etc) the de Gea saga – I think it may be our time to change the VP Man U record.

  85. Mark King

    Jen totally agree, manure are not the force they were, and we now have a group of players who don’t have the stigma of we never beat utd at villa park, I fancy us to turn them over. been watching the goal and highlights from yesterday and there are some very poor defences out there, teams are playing wide open, we looked like veterans in comparison.

    People say it was only Bournemouth but they didn’t start a single new player and are renowned for their passing game and goal scoring, they had 2 shots on goal to our 3.

  86. Mark King

    Jen I think they were told to sit in in the first half, they stayed tight and until the last 10 looked comfortable, second half Bournemouth were surprised when we went at them, as tactics go not the worst for a settling team 🙂

  87. Rags

    Mark,

    Name a Villa player who has scored more premier league goals than Gabby and I’ll begin to consider the idea that he can’t finish. I didn’t see him miss a decent chance against Bournemouth. I think he has lost some confidence but I genuinely think until he got injured, a few games into Sherwood’s reign, he was looking as good as he has since I can remember. He was also injured in pre season. People have written off Gabby before and ended up with egg on their face and people will again.

  88. Rags

    While I’m on the subject of egg on the face I’d better address Sinclair. I thought he was good on Saturday. There, I said it.

  89. John Lerwill

    Mark,

    I’m well aware of Gabby’s shortcomings – as I’ve said from time-to-time before – but if we were to look at his game yesterday:

    1. 1st half he was brought down just outside the box when looking dangerous – a goalscoring opportunity.
    2. He set up an early second-half chance which was spurned.
    3. He set out on some 3 occasions second-half and put them on the back foot. His shot from one of those forays was more like a pass-back, agreed, but the opposing defence was scared.
    4. At other times he was generally involved and trying to be useful.

    He *is* a dangerous entity. However, if there’s a player out there who we can afford and could do better than he then fine, bring him on! 🙂

  91. Rags

    Mark/JL,

    Agreed on MA. I dont know if you saw MoTD last night but I thought they could have showed a touch of class and mentioned the immense mental strength of the man to get in the team and play so well given the tragic events of the summer. Imagine if Frank Lampard or Wayne Rooney went through a similar thing and scored in the first game back; it would be all we heard about in the media today.

  92. Mark King

    Rags- surely the run and pass back was as good a chance as it gets? if a player hits the ball at goal and it rolls unhindered in a straight line to the keeper its pretty safe to say with the correct technique and a bit of power he should of took the net out, he’s done this all pre-season.

    84 in 318 appearances over ten seasons going into eleven isn’t good he has never hit 20 in one season.

    All the decent forwards left after a few years, Benteke 49 in 100 appearances over 3 seasons at that rate he would be on 160 + if here for the same period of time as gabby.
    Dwight Yorke too 60+ in 160 in 6 prem seasons left at his height, gabbys has been and gone.

    I have defended Gabby at times but he consistently misses the mark whatever way you paint it, good for 2-3 games a season the rest average.

  93. Rags

    Ha, create a chance out of nothing and gets slated for it, nice. Name the last premier league player to score 20 league goals for Aston villa and Ill start considering your main point of critique.

  94. Mark King

    JL- don’t you think that Gabby looks for the fouls first before the chance to shoot? he is handy in some ways frustrating in others, Ayew I suspect has been brought in to be groomed for his role and looks a more natural finisher from his vids, of course we haven’t seen his down sides yet 😉

  95. Mark King

    Rags- Ha 🙂 let me put it like this, he should be on 200 goals that’s the frustration with gabby and sub double figure is where he has settled, a number a midfielder should be aiming at if he’s any good. Are you telling me Gabby will score 15 this season?

  96. Mark King

    Interesting to hear a Bournemouth player saying Gestede is far more than a big man and good in the air, he was bigging up his choice making and ball control in the box and ability to bring others into the game.

  98. Rags

    No Mark, I’m saying the constant stream of dribble fired in his direction is grossly unfair. Nice video. Is this where I’m supposed to upload a video of him scoring a goal to prove my point? As you well know Gabby hasn’t been used as a striker for about 8 years.

  99. John Lerwill

    Mark: “84 in 318 appearances over ten seasons going into eleven isn’t good he has never hit 20 in one season.”

    How many times must I say I’m aware of his shortcomings!!! 🙂

    However, he did hit a reasonable scoring rate for 3 seasons under MON, but then, when the management nonsenses really started I think he got a bit lost.

    Under TS he may get re-born … But scoring or not he’s still dangerous and puts the wind up defences. And if he can keep a defence unsettled then he’s almost won the game without scoring.

  100. Mark King

    rags- no your meant to smile as its only good humoured fun mate 😉

    JL isn’t that just showing where we are? are most feared forward is actually poor at consistently putting his chances away but gets played as he stops the opposition from pushing up too much because he’s quick. I don’t think there is a team in the league that uses a player like that, we have done it for the last 3 years .

  102. Rags

    Oh yeah I remember now Mark you’re a massive troll. I’d think Gabby will get between 7 and 10 goals and have a significant contribution in countless others. Id be happy if Gestede gets 15. The fact people expect Gabby to score 15 goals per season from the wing is part of the problem.

  105. Mark King

    Rags- nope I sincerely mean what I say and wish gabby could finish but he can’t consistently, but I do appreciate him and a Laugh when it comes along 😉 I hope he gets thirty to add to the 25 Gestede will get 🙂

    the fabulous arse go one down 🙂

    here’s a decent write up of our tactics yesterday

    http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2015/08/tactics-review-bournemouth-0-1-aston-villa/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29

  106. Rags

    Yeah I know Mark but the video was done to pure wind me up! I can’t wait until every club in the land are linked with Gesetde next summer and the Scouse Mafia will say ‘but but… but he only scores from crosses’ 🙂

  107. Rags

    Peter McParland: ‘Right on the meat’ this is how I will describe a bullet head from here onwards. What a turn of phrase!

  108. Mark King

    Superb rags like that 🙂
    if you look at Gestede when he meets a ball he’s jack knifed, he gets massive power from his core and upper body. Never saw Tekkers use that technique, he tried to use the power of the cross, Gested generates his own.

  109. John Lerwill

    Mark: “[our] most feared forward is actually poor at consistently putting his chances away but gets played as he stops the opposition from pushing up too much because he’s quick.”

    You *could* deduce that reasoning … and you do! That’s not what I was inferring, though.

    My “half-glass full” view is that he helps keep the Villa on the front-foot.

    As I said before, if you can find a better player then I’ll welcome him with open arms!

  111. Rags

    Honestly I don’t think I’ve seen technique like it from anyone ever, I’m sure JL/Steamer can give us a few names maybe Andy Gray, Joe Jordan or McInally, but before my time. Benteke could really head the ball though and the Gestede goal did remind me of the Sunderland header where he jumped from a corner about 8 foot into the air, above the cross bar. Westwood has been trying that corner for the last 3 years, looks like it could be about to pay off!

  113. Mark King

    JL – My “half-glass full” view is that he helps keep the Villa on the front-foot.

    for me he’s used like a rugby tactic to release pressure and gain yardage not a consistent attempt to hurt the opposition.

    maybe Ayew can be that player but long way to go yet and I am surprised that Sellars hasn’t been named in the squad, a real goal threat.

    arse 2-0 down oh dear

  114. James Gill

    amazing to think the team put out yesterday compared to cup final contained only westwood starters
    would like to see few more players come in lerner prove that your pockets have money in them our transfer dealings are showing about level sinclair was agreed by lambert ,wiemen only used as sub no bent or lowton yesterday either

  115. Mark King

    For what its worth I think gabby is still too heavy, Gestede is 5-6 inches taller and a stone heavier and he’s a big lad. Making 40 yard sprints at top speed means when he gets on target he’s fecking Knackered.
    Now the question is whether he’s played that way because of his size and ability to mix it up? or rather than in his slimmer racing snake days where he was played off the CB’s shoulder, he probably needs to practice table pushaways to get back his best, not sure that he can do that 😉

  120. Rags

    Yeah deffo mate, all strapped in today in front of the pc, cus I’m still a poor student. Frankly, however even if I wasn’t would I pay 50 quid per month to watch Man U play every week? Probably not.

  122. Rags

    Funny you say that, GofT is something I would like to watch but never have as its only on Sky. I have netflix though, some pretty great stuff on it.

  123. John Lerwill

    Rags (re: heading technique),

    Oh, Tony Hateley was *the* master at heading. And Shearer in modern times was great but in heading ability, Hateley was the tops.

    Mind you I’ve seen Gerry Hitchens and Johnny Dixon score a few like Rudy’s, too, plus Andy Lochhead and even Peter McParland. Dixon is the earliest example I can go to as I was too young to evaluate Trevor Ford.

    Mind you, in the old days there was a much better all-round expertise in the heading department i.m.o. … you could list great centre-forward headers of the ball ’til the cows come home at one time … in the late 50s you had Gerry Hitchens, Bobby Smith, Ray Pointer, Nat Lofthouse, Derek Kevan and dear old Brian Clough, just to name the pick of the bunch.

  125. Rags

    Cool, thanks John. Maybe that’s why they say it’s a lost art. Sounds like there were many a great header of the ball once upon a time. I do remember Shearer of course, well all I really remember are elbows. Lots of elbows.

  126. John Lerwill

    Rags,

    There is a story about Jimmy Cowan, the Villa centre-half of 1889-1902 (perhaps the greatest c-h of his day at a time when centre-halves were more super midfielders than defenders. They did defending *and* attacking.).

    It’s said that he used to make every effort to *avoid* heading the ball as he thought he was playing “football” and not “headball”!

  127. Rags

    John, with the weight and casing on them things I don’t blame the guy! On a serious note the link between dementia and footballers who played in the 70’s and backwards is attributable to those things. There is Jeff Astle and there are a hell of a lot more that due to the stigma of dementia we don’t know about.

  128. Mark King

    rags/JL I suspect if you tried to allow the ball to hit you rather than you hit it with the old ball the result would be stars and a rigged neck.
    That’s why I like Gestedes technique as he adds so much power to the lighter balls there’s not much the ball can do but go straight where he’s looking, although he does have great ability in curling it in too.

  129. John Lerwill

    Rags,

    Yeah, but it didn’t affect everyone I think. Andy Lochhead is still around and kicking and Tony Hateley didn’t have the problem I believe … nor others like Cloughy.

    I think there’s more to the dementia thing than they’re saying, though I’m not saying that heading such a ball didn’t contribute to it.

  130. John Lerwill

    There’s an old joke that in the famed 1953 Cup Final, Stan Mortensen got upset with Stan Matthews as he didn’t centre the ball with the laces on the right side.

  131. @RonnieBiggs

    One word describes the prem now outside of the 1st tier of mega rich clubs and that is parity! We have no choice but to be better as every team has at least 3,4 players who can hurt you on any given day. Just look at the arse match today. Also it seems like every club has a top class manager! Leicester for christ’s sake have a world class manager, Leicester! I do trust in Tim though he’s a passionate, hard working and bright guy and the two other blokes he’s working with are good at what they do so we’ve upgraded in the mgnt area! Utv

  134. Mark King

    Rags glad Stoke didn’t buy gestede he’d of had a couple today. Bet TS is thinking I told you they wouldn’t suit you . Rodgers was bigging up tekkers game and how he “occupied” their defence good job he had f all to go at otherwise 🙂

  135. Rags

    Jenny,

    I had the same kind of thought! I was looking at the way Adam was whipping in those free kicks and thinking ‘cor, I wish Villa signed Adam’ before day dreaming about Jordan Amavi practising free kicks at Bodymoor 🙂

  138. Jenny Truman

    It’s uncanny isn’t it – Mignolet was coming so far up the pitch to pick him out I thought he could have gone for goal ! Don’t get me wrong – I think Benteke is a fantastic player – but it seems to be the “pass to Benteke who will hang round the goal” which is so easy for the opposition . There’s direct and there’s mixed up and subtle . Fantastic goal by Coutinho when he ignored the script though.

  139. Mark King

    For me Benteke did what he did a lot for us, not move. when he moves great, when he doesn’t pot luck if he gets anything. Something you can’t lay at Gestedes door he moves, he side stepped the centre half for his goal left him watching the ball, that takes great timing.

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