It wasn't pretty and if we play like that for the most part next Sunday we will lose. We might even struggle against Crystal Palace playing like that for the most part, but it doesn't matter, because we won yesterday and we are now only one point from fourth place, but still seventh in the league.

But, against the same teams last season we are better off. Sorry, scrub that, I'm not going to start making excuses to try and justify our league position in February. The table, at the end of the season, doesn't lie. That is when it counts.

What the Papers Say

Richard Rae, guardian.co.uk
The best kind of wins, brighter Formula One drivers such as Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda used to say, are those achieved when driving as slowly as possible. For the best part of an hour today Villa pootled along, like a Ferrari keeping pace with a Mini. Then they yawned, glanced in the rear view mirror, and accelerated into the distance, leaving Burnley ­choking on the dust.

Jon Culley, The Independent
Burnley, looking increasingly vulnerable after only one win in 15 matches, took an early lead and were not flattered to finish the first half level. Unfortunately, they are a team prone to collapse spectacularly, as they did here in a calamitous 12 minutes early in the second half.

The Manager

Martin O'Neill, Club Site
We didn't get into gear. We were sluggish. We were hoping we would get to grips with the game. I thought we got the equalising goal and there was a kind of relief around the ground about that.

The Players and Some Stats

Big Brad, Ricardo Dunne, King Carlos, Stephen Warnock, Ginger Jim, Stewart Downing, Webcam, (Sidwell 82), James Milner, Stan the Man, Gabby Agbonlahor (Carew 71), Emile Heskey (The Fonz 76).

Stats are fairly useless when you play a team like Burnley in the position they are in, but I like stats, so you are getting them too. We made 310 passes (68 unsuccessful) and we had a total of 19 shots. Now, I'm not one one to manipulate numbers for my own position but that is almost a gaol for every four shots so I think it is fair to say that the more shots you have the more likely it is you will score.

If we have as many passes and shots on Wednesday and Sunday - we will win both games. That is my prediction.

Man of the Match

Now, I have to tell you - this surprised me. The winner is Webcam with 33.5% of the vote. I really did think it would go to Downing, who came in second with 29.7% of the vote, but it didn't. In third place was Gabby with 11.9%.

Final Analysis

This match was never about a result, we were always going to win, it was about the performance and for me, we did enough in those 15 minutes in the second half to show we are capable of winning on Wednesday and Sunday.

I worry about the strength of some of the players as O'Neill will play his preferred eleven on Wednesday too and he won't make changes at half time, even if we were leading 4-0 and come Sunday, it might be that some of the players run out of steam with 15 minutes to go. But, he is the manager.

So, that is it from me today. We have a big match on Sunday and starting from tomorrow, that is where the focus will be. That and Wednesday and the small matter of the FA Cup.

Comments (80)

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John Samuels said:

... Damian, I think he will change it on Wednesday. I think we'll see the obvious changes. Young in for Cuellar (maybe Collins depending on the head) Delph in for Petrov, Fonz in for Gabby and Heskey for Carew after 60 mins. -----------Friedel---------- Young--Cuellar-Dunne-Warnock Downing--Milner-Delph--Young -------Heskey--Delfouneso--- Other than picking Guzan, that is the team that I think will play on wednesday. It's important to rest players, but it also important to keep the momentum going and I think wholesale changes will be detrimrntal to the teams confidence. I think we will rest a few of the older players i.e Petrov and Heskey and maybe those with knocks i.e Gabby, Collins, Petrov (again) Warnock possibly but I doubt it. We'll win convincingly on Wednesday and give ourselves a boost for the Final.

Comment 1, made on February 22, 2010 at 8.51 am

david c english said:

... i like the write up in the guardian, although it does make it sound like we were toying with them 1st half

Comment 2, made on February 22, 2010 at 8.54 am

Dave J said:

... JPA - I'd go along with that. I don't think he will play first choice on Wednesday. If he was going to start Petrov for exanmple then I think he would have taken him off yesterday. Luke Young will also play and maybe even Curtis Davies. Carew and Fonz will start up front but that will be it I think. I would be against wholesale changes but I really wish Milner would be one of those rested for wednesday - but I don't think he will be. Does anyone know if Albrighton is fit again yet?

Comment 3, made on February 22, 2010 at 9.04 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... I really think MIlner has to be rested. He above all else has looked tired over the last 4/5 games. Good result and some good perfomances on Sunday. Downing was very good but it was Ashley that really stood out for me. Was it just me or were his delivery's far better then usual? Also Heskety did well and he took his goal brilliantly. As for the game i thought we scored some really good goals but a worry for me is that we really only scored them when Burnley showed the naivety that will get them relegated. They played right into our hands in the second half by trying to play such a high line. That is where we are at our most dangerous and up to that point we really had struggled to create that much. My worry is when other lesser teams come they won't be so naive and im not sure we have it us to break down others that don't push on.

Comment 4, made on February 22, 2010 at 9.14 am

Matthew Smith said:

... I didn't get around to posting for MOTM yesterday, but if I had I would have given it to Webcam. Not only did he work exceptionally hard when off the ball, tracking back and pressing all the time, when he got the ball he actually looked a threat. Also, when he did get nailed by the Burnley defence he got straight back up and didn't make a fuss. His pace, awareness and creation for our second goal was simply fantastic and is the exact response we should be hoping for further to Damian's post last week about big players stepping up to the mark. That said, he still has massive room for improvement, the largest area is decision making, i.e. when to cross, take players on, make runs behind the defence and playing the simple ball back. Other than the goals he scored, I thought Downing was average at best, the jury is still out on him. But I'd like to see him cut inside from the right and shoot more often rather than launching cherries into the six-yard box for the opposing keeper to pick. We don't need a massively strong side against Palace this week. We're at home, they're a poor side that performed well against us given the occasion. They will not play that well again. Luke Young needs to start, also Bouma. Curtis should be given a go and maybe little Brad, I can't see him starting the cup final. Midfield will need to be finely balanced, I expect sidwell and delph to start. I'd like to see Fonz get the nod too, he looked lively and full of energy yesterday when he came on. Overall an exciting week ahead of us, doesn't it feel great? And we got off to the best possible start. UTV

Comment 5, made on February 22, 2010 at 9.22 am

Darragh McGeown said:

... Good result yesterday. Shame wigan couldn't do us a favour but have to be happy with the result at MC. Just think, this time next week we could be on here complaining of a wicked hangover after winning the carling cup

Comment 6, made on February 22, 2010 at 9.46 am

John Samuels said:

... ak, I don't think tiredness is what is affecting MIlner, I think he is just having a little dip in form. I am all for MoN sticking with him much like ha has with Ash all season. A good preformance on wednesday could be enough for him to raise his game on sunday. Making sure Petrov, Gabby and Heskey get enough rest is more important imo. Jeddy, I understand wanting to rest players, but I'd think twicw about making wholsale changes to the best defence in the league, especially bringing two players that have barely played all season. We''' see, but I think the only change to the back four will be Young in for either Cuellar or Collins.

Comment 7, made on February 22, 2010 at 9.49 am

leighton said:

... i think mon will start with his best team on wednesday as he very rarely rests players, he should of took milner off yesterday at 4-1 as he looks tired.... jeddy.... i think dj had one of his better games yesterday, he looks very good in possesion, just final ball sometimes, however the 2 goals would of give him confidence, im sure he will come good soon as he is a quality player...... does anbody know the best/closest tube station 2 wembley????? its been that long i cant remember......

Comment 8, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.02 am

tubbydunne said:

... Yes hopefully Little Ashley is back to the form we know he is capable of. It would be a big boost for the run in. Am I the only one that thinks Milner is performing very poorly. Its not that he is tired either. I am worried because it seems to me that his close control and first touch aren't good enough to be the top center mid we all crave. When we were struggling to break them down yesterday he offered nothing. He was running around wildly in his half crouched style alright but was unable to get his foot on the ball. He dived in on a couple of occasions and missed the tackle. At least Petrov helped out the defence with a few interceptions. Milner wasn't helping at the back and when he went forward with the ball he either fell over when challenged or miss controlled and gave possession away. It all looked untidy and substandard and has for a few games now. Granted when we went ahead and they caved in he popped up with a couple of assists but there was acres of Villa Park left open a this stage and the game was over. It didn't take much lockpicking. Maybe I am being a bit harsh but since playing brightly in his first few games in the middle, Milner has been very average and on current form will struggle to be on the plane to S.A.

Comment 9, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.06 am

John Samuels said:

... does anbody know the best/closest tube station 2 wembley????? its been that long i cant remember...... Wembley. lol

Comment 10, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.14 am

leighton said:

... jpa there is bout 4 on the map

Comment 11, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.17 am

John Samuels said:

... Maybe I am being a bit harsh but since playing brightly in his first few games in the middle, Milner has been very average and on current form will struggle to be on the plane to S.A. Very harsh imo. On a number of occasions he was back clearing his lines and he also got a couple of assists. Admittedly he wasn't as good as he has been recently, but I think he is just having a little dip in form. He is still better than most EPL midfielders and I think a little faith in him and the some encouragement will see him put in a few big performances in the coming games. We have good players that can make the step up and they are all over the pitch. It's good not to have to rely on when player all the time and this is now the case with Villa. Milner will be fine. He will go on to be a top quality CM for years to come. I also think his place on the plane to SA is nailed on.

Comment 12, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.18 am

John Samuels said:

... leight. Get the Jubilee or Metropolitan line to Wembley park. That's the only Wembley tube station I know of, if there are more I apologise. Wembley Park is the new station that's been overhauled for the new ground. It's literally ten minutes when you get off the train and has a big thoroughfare leading right up to the entrance. You'll see the ground as soon as you come out the station.

Comment 13, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.22 am

Tim Hillman said:

... does anbody know the best/closest tube station 2 wembley????? its been that long i cant remember...... Leight... Depends if you are travelling rom Central London to Wembley or not. I find the best thing to do is get the tube to Marlyebone station then jump on the overland train to Wembley Central station. The train takes about 8 minutes (much quicker than taking the tube the whole way there) and Wembley Central station is minutes from the ground. They lay on loads of trains on cup final days so should be a train every 10 mins. Is the qiuckest way I have found to get there from central London.

Comment 14, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.23 am

Andi said:

... Choice words from MON sorted them out I dont know the little wee man could get angry ?? Apart from when he bashing someone

Comment 15, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.26 am

SuperBox said:

... The Burnley game taught me a lesson about myself as a Villa fan. When we went 1 - 0 down, I reverted to negative SuperBox Villa fan, expecting yet another calamatous TV performance! (Is it just me who gets more nervous before a TV game, I always have flash backs to Enckleman against the Blues and the therapy just ain't working to shift it from my tiny mind!) Yet I should of had more faith in the side MON is building. Yes we were slow to start, but the goals bred confidence at a time when we need it. We do have ability and belief to fight back, shame on me for getting edgy so soon. I thought Downing look much improved after his goals, a welcome confidence boost. Plus Man City and 'Pool drew and the Bluenose's got beat - in the words of Sky TV - 'Super Sunday' indeed!

Comment 16, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.27 am

SuperBox said:

... P.S If Man Utd actaully turn up on Sunday (they went missing it seems against Everton), and we play like we did in the first half - we won't win anything. Need to be up at them early doors. (When are 'late doors' ever mentioned?)

Comment 17, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.29 am

Andi said:

... I am going to be driving down to junction 5 , I think, then getting the train from there to Wembley. By the time we get out the ground, after we have been given the cup and sang a few songs all the Mancs would have crawled under their rocks and its back to the Midlands listening to Queen we are the champions on volume 15

Comment 18, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.29 am

Rattus NorVillicus said:

... Good times are being had by all

Comment 19, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.33 am

leighton said:

... chiefy, ha ha.. that sounds like a plan... jpa/csm cheers, parking the car at stanmore i think is best cos wembley park is only 4 stops, stanmore is 2mins from jct4 m1.....sorted up the villa..

Comment 20, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.33 am

John Samuels said:

... leight, sounds like a marvellous idea. Enjoy the game you lucky sods. I'll be watching in HD with surround sound and a sh*tload of beer. I'm getting all my Arsenal mates to come and cheer on the Villa, or at least just boo the Mancs! lol

Comment 21, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.41 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... When we were struggling to break them down yesterday he offered nothing. He was running around wildly in his half crouched style alright but was unable to get his foot on the ball. He dived in on a couple of occasions and missed the tackle. At least Petrov helped out the defence with a few interceptions. Milner wasn't helping at the back and when he went forward with the ball he either fell over when challenged or miss controlled and gave possession away. It all looked untidy and substandard and has for a few games now. All the signs of fatique if you ask me.

Comment 22, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.45 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Anyone know a good bar near wembley to watch the game?

Comment 23, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.47 am

Andi said:

... Anyone know a good bar near wembley to watch the game? Villa have hired a pub out the silver spoon i believe early doors nice little tipple NOT STELLA, should be good

Comment 24, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.53 am

Andi said:

... All the signs of fatique if you ask me FAT----IQUE you have solved it thats when MULE has FAT -------- IQUE

Comment 25, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.54 am

GPalmer said:

... What's impressed me recently is the way we confidently went about getting back into the game when we've conceded a stupid goal or two. (Actually conceding soft goals against Palace & Burnley wasn't so impressive, but at least we know how to remedy the situation!) Great to go into the Cup games with a 5 goal win under our belt, and Downing & Young looking more up for it. There were times yesterday when we got glimpses of just how powerful an attacking force that pair & Milner could become.

Comment 26, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.02 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Villa have hired a pub out the silver spoon i believe early doors nice little tipple NOT STELLA, should be good Cheers. I'll be on the magners.

Comment 27, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.09 am

Josh said:

... There were times yesterday when we got glimpses of just how powerful an attacking force that pair & Milner could become. Very true. We had some nice attacks however this only seems to happen when: 1) were on the counter so have lots of space. 2) The opposition give us the space like Burnley did yesterday To be able to consistently have fluid attacks i think the players need to be able to create this space for themselves. Hopefully we will end up seeing this in the seasons to come as this is what seperates the good teams form the great teams. Look at Man U for instance. They had 10 men to our 11 yet still foud the space to play. Im confident it will come with time but for now ill take scruffy wins and a cup or two!

Comment 28, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.26 am

Andi said:

... Look at Man U for instance. They had 10 men to our 11 yet still foud the space to play All swings and round abouts they had 11 against Everton and got stuffed. Its about fitness, how much you want it and how you play on the day.

Comment 29, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.35 am

cockneyvillan said:

... Does anyone know if the palace game is live on tv wednesday?

Comment 30, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.40 am

Damian said:

... cockneyvillan it is on the fa website

Comment 31, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.50 am

nath888 said:

... cockneyvillan Its not on tv but apparently you can watch it for free on the fa site

Comment 32, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.51 am

nath888 said:

... ha damian! Scratch that last email. Your just to goddam quick!

Comment 33, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.53 am

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Does anyone know if the palace game is live on tv wednesday? Its on Setanata 1 which only exists now in Ireland i think.

Comment 34, made on February 22, 2010 at 11.56 am

tubbydunne said:

... Listening to Merson and McCallister before the match yesterday was very interesting. They made a couple of points that really hit home to me. First of all they both said for a team thats challenging the top four its amazing how easily Villa give away possession and secondly the both agreed that if a team can hold onto possession and pass it around a bit it gives them a chance to get a breather during a game. They were saying that Villa's style of play can lead to them tiring in the latter part of the season. Basically Villa are either flat out on counter attacks or chasing the opposition who have possession and it requires an awful lot of work and energy. Now I hardly ever agree with Damian but now I can see where it would make a bit of sense if we could pass it around a bit more and hold onto possession. If we could do this we could start to dictate the tempo of games more and get a bit more rhythm into our play. At the moment we just go with the flow and wait for a chance to counter. I am not having a go at anyone, but when the real experts speak you have to listen and what they said makes perfect sense. I just wonder have we got the players especially in midfield to dictate the tempo of a game?

Comment 35, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.17 pm

Damian said:

... tubbydunne those two are added to the list of football pundits that have said the same thing this season ...

Comment 36, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.19 pm

ads said:

... Not sure if this comment just got lost because of the transition onto the new post but I thought you chaps might like this: In the Times newspaper yesterday - they had a prediction of all results for rest of season for the 4th place contenders. Ended up with 'pool and city on 65 pts ('pool taking by GD) and Villa on 63 with Spurs on 61. I thought the predictions were pretty reasonable all in all EXCEPT one glaring mistake was that they'd left our game against Hull (p/p for Cup Final) off our fixtures -if we optimistically add 3 pts for that - this makes us 4th! By a clear point! Should I email them to ask for a correction?!

Comment 37, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.24 pm

thom said:

... I have a question. I didn't ask at Vital Villa because there's some t**t on there called voiceoftheholte who thinks that if you don't own a season ticket you aren't a real fan. It's been almost impossible for me to buy a cup final ticket, I have owned a season ticket for the last few years and i commuted to every home game from London, where i study, but couldn't continue it this year because i am in my final year and i couldn't afford the time or money anymore. In fact I have only made it up for one game so far at home. Anyway, because of my situation then i think i am going to be out priced, and a tout is out of the question. So what i want to know is does anyone know of any good Villa pubs in London where i could watch the game?? I want to be with fellow fans when we lift that trophy and not in a pub full of neutrals.

Comment 38, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.27 pm

Damian said:

... thom there will be villa fans at the sport cafe in haymarket and i think later this week we will tell you of a pub or two closer to wembley where you will be able to watch sports cafe will have aston villa fans in though

Comment 39, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.29 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Tubbydunne its just common sense. You use up more energy when you are not in possession of the ball. Merson is the probably the one pundit i put a lot of weight into his comments. At least with him you know he is actually watching most of the Villa games. He also said that he fancied us to maybe get 4th on Sat when they were asked who would get it. I think Charlie Nichlos said it also.

Comment 40, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.29 pm

tubbydunne said:

... Damian I don't listen to a lot of so called pundits but when former top class players speak, I listen. Especially when they talk about areas in the game that they were top notch at. McCallister and Merson would know all about possession and use of the ball, they were quality.

Comment 41, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.30 pm

Damian said:

... tubbydunne most (vast majority) pundits come from the game and these two are at the end of a growing list of pundits that have been saying this for a long time we dont keep the ball - this isn't new we dont pass enough - this isn't new we hit long - this isn't new we play counter attacking football - this isn't new all these things are not new - the hope was that it would change over time - it hasn't and it isn't it still could and i apologise for being blunt but i have been banging this drum for a long time now

Comment 42, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.33 pm

Chris Harper said:

... Yes Damian, but we have mad an improvement on those things. Since Downing has come into the team, and Milner going into the middle, we've seen more passing, more time on the ball. We also know O'Neil is trying to get them to be more comfortable on the ball too. Give it time. I know I won't be fussed Snday afternoon when we've scored the winner from a break-away goal. Will you?

Comment 43, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.40 pm

Andi said:

... So what i want to know is does anyone know of any good Villa pubs in London where i could watch the game SILVER SPOON by the ground before the game been hired out/taken over by the claret and blue !!!

Comment 44, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.40 pm

Chris Harper said:

... made* Sunday*

Comment 45, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.41 pm

Andi said:

... if are long ball football gets us into champions league, fa cup final and carling cup win long may it continue

Comment 46, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.44 pm

tubbydunne said:

... Damian I know these issues are not new and have been staring everyone in the face. But we have been steadily progressing and was happy to go along with it and its not going to change and I am a big O'Neill fan (he has been brilliant for the club) But I suppose there is some merit to that drum you have been banging

Comment 47, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.45 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Yes Damian, but we have mad an improvement on those things. Since Downing has come into the team, and Milner going into the middle, we've seen more passing, more time on the ball. There is definitely an improvement on last season. But there has to be a good deal more if we are to be really a force to reckon with and not just a nuisance of a team. I know ive said this before but i just can't help in thinking that its a coaching issue with us more then personnel.

Comment 48, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.48 pm

Damian said:

... tubbydunne if you are certain it isn't going to change then you are going to have to get happy with 6th place and a cup final, on average, every two seasons Chiefy as it stands now - it has us a league cup final. much like what o'neill got with leicester. everything else is just something we are hoping for and you are right, if it works, fantastic. but not many people really think it will

Comment 49, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.49 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... SILVER SPOON by the ground before the game been hired out/taken over by the claret and blue Why do i get the feeling you are sending us to a gay bar?

Comment 50, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.49 pm

Andi said:

... Is the style of football that much of an issue?? really?? If our style of football wins us games and gets us to where we need to be does it matter how tired players get towards the end of a game or how many passes we made during a game ? Surely the whole point of a football match is winning. I understand your points and I understand the argument, but on a grand scale of things it will only increase your chances of winning and provide a more easy on the eye football match. But if we are winning doing what we do does it matter that we don't play particularly pretty ?? I cant see the point in fixing something if its not broke just to make the stats look better and increase are chances marginally, I say marginally because look where we are doing what we do on that basis if we did keep possession we could win the league and this is I assume the plan if we keep improving then surely that will happen

Comment 51, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.54 pm

tubbydunne said:

... Its obviously not going to change this season. But I think we will still finish fifth behind the Pool, which is progression and then we will see what happens in the summer. I think this possession thing is down to personnel in the midfield and if he can address that in the summer who knows.

Comment 52, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.54 pm

Andi said:

... SILVER SPOON by the ground before the game been hired out/taken over by the claret and blue Why do i get the feeling you are sending us to a gay bar? I wouldn't it s going to be cracking day out and the more villa together in any one place the better

Comment 53, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.55 pm

Andi said:

... Chiefy as it stands now - it has us a league cup final. much like what o'neill got with leicester. everything else is just something we are hoping for and you are right, if it works, fantastic. but not many people really think it will I understand why people think it wont work and it probably wont and i also understand why it wont work but at this point in time i would rather choose to think it will work, it will go against the odds and we will be victorious. Its to late in the season to do anything about anything so lets keep going season after season little things have changed and improved us, next season perhaps we might play the passing football you long for but till then lets not worry about it and enjoy what is here and now.

Comment 54, made on February 22, 2010 at 12.59 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... I wouldn't it s going to be cracking day out and the more villa together in any one place the better Cheers. I'll be there.

Comment 55, made on February 22, 2010 at 1.12 pm

Quinn said:

... Ive got to say some of you really annoy me this is the best season we have had in over ten years and all you can do is moan about the way we play the best teams in this country play a pressing game like us all we lack is a drogba or a rooney

Comment 56, made on February 22, 2010 at 1.29 pm

John Jordan said:

... A Villa match always reminds me of a Heavyweight boxing match! The fighter moves around the ring for the first few rounds,slowely checking out the opponents strengths and his weaknesses,slowely trying to find out how he's going to go about beating you and....BANG!!...The opponent strikes!...and the fighters lying on the floor...Dazed!!! We are now halfway though the fight and it's time to start fighting back!

Comment 57, made on February 22, 2010 at 2.12 pm

Andy Rock said:

... Can anyone explain why Luke Young isn't first choice? For me he is consistently one of our best players and adds balance to the team. On current form, Collins should be dropped with Cueller moving inside. It frustrates me beyong belif to see two right backs on the bench every match.

Comment 58, made on February 22, 2010 at 2.56 pm

StickyAV said:

... Damo. Your opening paragraph: It wasn't pretty and if we play like that for the most part next Sunday we will lose. We might even struggle against Crystal Palace playing like that for the most part, but it doesn't matter, because we won yesterday and we are now only one point from fourth place, but still seventh in the league How it should be written to give a supporters view: A great result for us yesterday and one that moves us to within 1 point of 4th place, keeps us in the battle with spurs, city and liverpool and gives us confidence going in to the coming games, which are very important! We didn't play the best football, and some might say playing like we did in the first half we deserve to lose. But time and time again we get results ugly, and at some point those people will have to concede we are at least effective. I don't care if sid says you are getting better. I still think you have a lot to desire when it comes to running a supporters site! Mainly on the SUPPORT front. That link posted by someone the other week, to a spurs website which was deemed to be really negative...at least it was very witty and well written. In fact I really enjoyed the read! Booo damian, booo.

Comment 59, made on February 22, 2010 at 3.10 pm

Andi said:

... A Villa match always reminds me of a Heavyweight boxing match! A Villa match reminds me of constipation ! You go to bog knowing that this is the day, you sit down get prepared as your stomach is in knots but you know its gonna happen. For the first 20mins nothing apart from more stomach pains and your thinking about what is going on as you have never felt so much pain or been waiting for something you know has to happen, you take a breather before the final push and ....... all hell breaks lose the feeling of joy as what you knew all along has finally happened and you can now breath easy as everything rushes forward and begins its onslaught. Then you put your paper down flush the chain and walk away knowing it was always going to happen it was a matter of when not if

Comment 60, made on February 22, 2010 at 3.15 pm

frem said:

... not looking good for the summer, or even oneills future Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is facing a battle for transfer funds with chairman Randy Lerner. The Peoplesays O'Neill wants cash to turn Villa into genuine Champions League contenders but Lerner is demanding cutbacks. And sources at Villa Park claim that could even drive the Irishman into the arms of another club. O'Neill is preparing for next weekend's Carling Cup final but behind the scenes there is major trouble ahead, with huge question marks over his future at Villa Park. Villa supremo Lerner has other business interests - including his American football side Cleveland Browns - and he is looking to CUT spending at Villa rather than give O'Neill greater power in the transfer market. O'Neill's top spies have been told to look for bargains and free agents for next season - big names are definitely OFF the shopping list. is this crap or true, we did not get any cash in january.

Comment 61, made on February 22, 2010 at 3.16 pm

Andi said:

... frem done yesterday its rubbish

Comment 62, made on February 22, 2010 at 3.23 pm

Adrian Kilgallon said:

... Can anyone explain why Luke Young isn't first choice? For me he is consistently one of our best players and adds balance to the team. On current form, Collins should be dropped with Cueller moving inside. It frustrates me beyong belif to see two right backs on the bench every match I really don't understand this myself to be honest. For me Young has been a great purchase at RB and when Cullar and Dunne play together in the centre i also feel that is our strongest pairing. I think MON is picking the team this way to accommadate Collins (perhaps for his threat in the oppossions box?). But also possibly as a result of reported bad blood between MON and Young going back to the summer when Young refused to play Left back. I very much doubt that Young will be at Villa park at the start of next season which is a pity as he is a very capable full back.

Comment 63, made on February 22, 2010 at 3.34 pm

John Samuels said:

... Andy Rock, On current form, Collins should be dropped with Cueller moving inside. It frustrates me beyong belif to see two right backs on the bench every match. I disagree, Cuellar has been perfectly good enough at RB and gets better with every match. I do think L.Young has a case, but he has played well and gives us strength in depth. Beye and Young on the bench give us cover at CB, LB and RB and Beye has some experience of playing RM too. It's more of a case of versatility and covering your bases. ak may be right in saying that there is a little bad blood between the two, but I just simply thikn that O'Neill prefers the physicality and set piece threat of Cuellar. Luke Young is a good player who can play LB too. He's had games this season, I just think Cuellar is first choice and that's it. People argue that we lack balance in defence with him there, but we are where we are and he's played there for a large chunk of the season. MoN said we would rotate and we are. Chelsea rotate their FB's as do Man Utd. We are blessed with competition across the back four and I believe that this, combined with the hard working defensive mindset of the whole team has helped us defensively this season. Cuellar has grown on me in this position and we continue to win games and not concede too many with him there. Until our form changes this situation won't. I hope L. Young doesn't leave as he is a good player, gives us options and could perhaps bag a couple of trophies in the next few seasons. The reality is that a big squad is needed to compete at the very top and players come in and out of the side. Had we had more injuries at the back this season Young would have played mmore games. He is after all ahead of Beye and Shorey in the pecking order.

Comment 64, made on February 22, 2010 at 3.56 pm

Steve Oldaker said:

... got my £10 ticket for the silverspoon, remember it is ticket only and i believe you can not pick up a ticket on the day either

Comment 65, made on February 22, 2010 at 4.05 pm

StickyAV said:

... I think if we play cuellar at right back, we should be much more dynamic. Warnock should be pushing forward much much more to a level similar to A Cole. When he pushes forward the three centre backs should become a 3 man defence. It was become predictable, but it seems if cuellar is going to get forward, then we may as well play Luke young in that position. HOWEVER, we are top of the scoring headers league, and bottom of the conceding from set pieces league. That says something.

Comment 66, made on February 22, 2010 at 4.18 pm

ryan hobbs said:

... hey up!!! i havnt been on site for two weeks due to work so there is a bit to catch up on!! 1 - oscar cardozo. . . . . for me, he is litterally the best striker we could sign, and i tell you why, we have all figured he likes a big bloke up top !! he is tall , quick and powerfull, not disimilar from john carew. with the exception he scores more goals and generally is a goal threat, which unfortunatly big jon has decreased with to the point where i (even considering the fact he is on the back of my home shirt!!) think he should probably move on this summer and cardozo would be a quality improvement 2 - damien, any idea when we can expect the published accounts as i think it may prove a decisive clue in randys direction for the club, hoever i would be lying if i said i believed any thing in the people, and there are far more glamourous occasions for mr lerner than selhurst park recently and he still cuts a commited figure to me, not that im implying there was any disagreement from you on either point just my opinion. 3 - pub for sunday!! 'the greyhound' is where i was under impression most villa fans go to, been there twice on villa games and have 100% record so i will be attending there again!!!

Comment 67, made on February 22, 2010 at 4.30 pm

tonky said:

... The fonz has been called up for England u21's. UTV

Comment 68, made on February 22, 2010 at 5.32 pm

Martin Clabon said:

... Sticky, Damo is getting more positive and I have been a critic in the past - we can all get better though! Villa are getting better at the possession game and you saw a lot of going backwards and sideways yesterday to retain possession. This did not stop us scoring 5 goals. We should not lose our strengths - getting forward at pace and defending like demons but, even it is just when we have a lead to defend, keeping the ball, moving it about and not inviting the opposition on to us has to be a positive???? There are only a few players in the team not comfortable on the ball (Cuellar as a right back and Gabby) although they bring plenty else to the party. I feel with the players we have our retention and passing should be better with probably movement off the ball to accept passes being our biggest flaw ar - but over all I am very happy

Comment 69, made on February 22, 2010 at 5.50 pm

Damian said:

... ryan hobbs re. accounts - exact date isn't known for sure as there is only a legal requirement to file by a certain date - most people file on or just before that these days but from memory (not at my desk at the moment) i am thinking end of march .. but could be sooner or i am also thinking may - basically not long StickyAV i say in the post above above that i think we demonstrated that we are capable of winning in sunday but for me the fact remains - if we come out and play like we did in the first half for the first half on sunday - i think we will be beaten on sunday we need to be on our game for 90 minutes, not a half or 15 minutes - for 90 minutes. o'neill is capable at getting the players up for the game - no doubt that he is capable of that

Comment 70, made on February 22, 2010 at 6.00 pm

John Clark said:

... We are capable of winning, and we do seem to raise our game for the big matches. Undoubtedly, Maure's big-game experience will be a factor, however weakened a side they might field, and our lads will probably be a bit nervous. We can't afford long spells of ineffective play. But like always in these games, if we come out, keep them from getting too comfortable, it's a good way to start, run off the nerves, and get stuck in. I do think we could do a better job of passing it around, not to create Arsenal style buildups so much as to take the air out of games and dictate tempo a little more, especially when we have a lead. We've been pretty effective, playing as we do, and I'm not fussed about passing for passing's sake. And I don't care how goals come, as long as they come. But it would make us a much more formidable side, and it's something I would think we'd have to add to our game if we're to consolidate a position at or near the top and compete in the CL.

Comment 71, made on February 22, 2010 at 6.34 pm

oldvillan said:

... we scored goals yesterday because ash and dj swopped wings so instead of just trying to cross the ball for anyone that might get into the box they both enjoyed cutting in and shooting= goals roll on sunday.utv

Comment 72, made on February 22, 2010 at 6.57 pm

bigjimvilla said:

... i think that we need to keep the ball in defence and pass it about .. include petrov in that .. as soon as it goes to the attacking players it should be zipped about like nobodies business into the channles for gabby behind the defensive line ... or to heskey who did awesome for a flick on ... this way we get our rest and we play our tempo .This is what we did against burnley in the second half and is what we do best because we cant play like the traditional top four which i think we can use to our advantage.

Comment 73, made on February 22, 2010 at 7.17 pm

Dave J said:

... Re the next accounts I expect they will show a pretty substantial loss as they will include the big spend in the summer of 08. There were also new contracts for ash , gabby, big john and others. Revenues will not have increased massively. The big question is whether the continued operating losses continue to be propped by loans from Reform Acquisitions or whether Randy has converted that debt to equity. I wouldn't be surprised if mon has been told to trim the wage bill by offloading some fringe players but really hope Randy isn't going to be scaling back in a big way. As for Sunday I think so long as we start well and get a foothold in the game we can go on and win it - but we don't want to be playing catch up. Very interested to see the team sheet on Wednesday. I hope and think that a few will get the night off.

Comment 74, made on February 22, 2010 at 7.21 pm

FatKevs said:

... I do not fear any the the players will not be up for it. How often do you get a chance to play at wembley. My concern is will MoN have the balls to use his subs not just his fall back like sidwell

Comment 75, made on February 22, 2010 at 7.37 pm

Lovetheforkingvilla said:

... I think the accounts will tell the whole story of what rl intends to do with the villa...can't we find a rich sheik ??

Comment 76, made on February 22, 2010 at 9.15 pm

villagaz74 said:

... im walking to wembley,leaving tuesday

Comment 77, made on February 22, 2010 at 10.29 pm

walshy said:

... ak_27 u couldnt be more rite about milner he has been tired last 3-4 games and def needs a rest.get fabian in and maybe try beye at right back.

Comment 78, made on February 23, 2010 at 1.23 am

Jonathan Wood said:

... Hey Damian. Are you seriously telling folk to go to the Sports Bar? Tourist trap!!! That Wemberley place sounds good, but there's gonna be a few of us in the Hob Goblin just outside New Cross Gate station. 2 minutes from London Bridge. More the merrier obviously... South London spot perhaps?? Just putting it out there...

Comment 79, made on February 23, 2010 at 2.34 am

thom said:

... legsofbremner i live right by the hob, never had south east down as much of a villa hot spot though. but that sounds good. if you reckon there will be a good bunch down then perfect cheers

Comment 80, made on February 23, 2010 at 11.06 am

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