Written by Damian Friday, 29 January 2010 08:56
Fulham are ten points and three places behind us but we don't like going to London and we haven't beaten Fulham at Craven Cottage since 2004 (before that it was 1970), so this won't be straightforward.
Also, Roy Hodgson is a tactician; he will have his team set up to deal with our 'placed long balls'.
However, I know that we will score. I know this because we have never gone five Premier League games without scoring. Never ever. Martin O'Neill is not going to be the manager that sets that record. Never ever.
It isn't going to be a pretty game though. Fulham like to pass, they will come at us and we are limited when it comes to passing through the midfield, so we are going to use the pace of Gabby and probably Webcam with support from Downing and Heskey to place a few well aimed balls in their general direction.
Prediction
I'm getting the prediction in early today because this game has draw written all over it for me. Fulham haven't won in the league since December 19th when they beat Manchester United 3-0. Don't smirk, we also haven't won in the league since that very same day when we beat Stoke 1-0.
Fulham however have scored in the league since then but for me, this has score draw written all over it so it is getting added to my coupon.
Other Friday Stuff
I'm not looking at early team news or anything like that today, just making my prediction, instead, seeing as we don't have a rumour or really any hope of a new player or two, I'm going to point you to a video about Randy Lerner that someone emailed me last night . I'm sure you know where the idea came from and the impression I am getting is they are not too happy with him at the moment.
It is a strange one, but I'm pointing you to it, as it did make me chuckle to see the complete opposite feeling for him at the club he has grown up with, but we do have a couple of links to a some other news today, so I'm going to list them.
- It's not long ball it's long placed balls according to Ricardo Dunne
- Bouma is back
- Another central defender gets stuck in on the long ball madness
- FA Cup 5th round match to be televised
On this long ball subject and I do want to put this to bed, nine of the sixteen teams that played league football this week played more long ball football than we did. Six played less long ball football.
This is a fact - not something I am just making up, so while it is fair to say we are not playing like Blackburn, we are also quite a long way off Arsenal because had Manchester United and Manchester City played league football, that would be another two teams that played less long balls than us this week.
However, these stats are just for this week, so I've asked OptaJoe if he can help us with the stats for the season to date - if he gets back to me, I'll update this page.
Response from OptaJoeI asked for the season statistics in terms of long ball football and the response from OptaJoe is that Aston Villa would be ranked 12th in terms of % of passes that were long, Arsenal 20th, Chelsea 19th, Manchester United 18th, Fulham 17th and Liverpool 16th.
But what exactly is wrong with long ball football, if we are using it as a stepping stone towards a more controlled passing game where we make space and keep the ball closer to each player? If it is a stepping stone, there is nothing wrong with and it has gotten us sixth the last two seasons so we shouldn't knock it.
Right, that is it and apologies for the rush, but the wife has me clearing out the garage and I've also got work to get on with, but try and think how you are going to be feeling exactly one month from today and walk tall.
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Stan Balaban
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... And Smalling goes to Man U for £10million??? He's only made 12 appearances! Show's what bargains our defence are, even Davies! UTV |
david c english
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... in a way i'm hoping for a 0 - 0 after we have had about 50 gilt-edge chances to score, then it may finally prove to MON we haven't got a finisher and saturday night he spends 25m on some fancy spanish/french/german striker |
Chris Harper
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...Show's what bargains our defence are, even Davies! Now thats a silly comment   I think we'll just nick this one. 1-0. Dunney Monster to score! |
Chris Harper
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...but try and think how you are going to be feeling exactly one month from today and walk tall. Gave me shivers!! Every time I read anything about wembley! Love it!  |
Tim Hillman
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... I think we will edge this one 2-1. We need to score a goal!!! I think after Wednesday Downing must be due one! |
Car Frost
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... Tend to go with grounded predictions, for this one I fancy a tough 1 - 2 Villa win. Looking at the table nobody has conceded less than Fulham at home, only 6 all season http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/h...efault.stm |
GPalmer
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... James Collins: "They were ridiculous comments by Arsène Wenger. I don't think he has any right saying that about teams," said the former West Ham centre-back. "It's the same on the pitch. You sort of get the impression playing against them that you can't tackle them. Spot on - there's an air of snobbery about Wenger, and he can't quite accept it when his polished football doesn't always produce results. They do play some great stuff but he needs to get down off his high horse. |
Chris Harper
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... James Collins wrote on twitter: Tired today.....5 games in 13 days!!! Followed by... Am i not allowed to be tired just cause im a footballer..... Think he's hitting out at people who say they shouldn't burn out, especially not when they earn so much spondoolie. He's right to do so too. They aren't super-human. |
Stan Balaban
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...Now thats a silly comment Yeah fair do's I stretched it a wee bit too far there, but if MON spend £10million of this guy what would you think? On the other end of the scale, Hull are doing their best DFS impression and practically the whole team is available if (we're to believe the Star  ). Cheeky bid for Geovanni perhaps? |
Tim Hillman
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... Geovanni sat behind me at church a few years ago. He was having trials with pompey and came to our church on the Sunday with his dad and agent. He didn't speak English so his dad or agent was interpretting the sermon for him when one of the old members of the church thought they we just talking and told them to shut up! Classic! Needless to say they didn't come back, and a few days later he signed for Man City. |
Damian
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... From @optajoe Villa would be ranked 12th in terms of % passes that were long, Arsenal 20thbasically, as a percentage of long balls played in the season to date - arsenal have played the least amount - no surprises. but is anyone surprised at us coming in 12th? |
Stan Balaban
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...in a way i'm hoping for a 0 - 0 after we have had about 50 gilt-edge chances to score, then it may finally prove to MON we haven't got a finisher and saturday night he spends 25m on some fancy spanish/french/german striker I understand what you're saying but don't you think MON can see what he needs as he works with the team day-in-day-out? But lets say MON does go out and spend £25 mill on one player, assuming he can actually buy a player that is obviously so good that his current team is gonna let him go in Jan. Doesn't matter what league he's good in as long as it's foreign and his name is fancy. Never mind that some of these leagues make the SPL seem like the pinnacle of football, but we wouldn't want Kris Boyd as his name has too few syllables and not enough of the letter 'z' in there. Then, assuming his team have let their star striker go, a European conquering striker with 50 goals in 12 matches in the Moldovan Priminski League, will his wife settle in Birmingham in the in the middle of winter? Will she appreciate the asthetic delights of the Tesco carpark at 5 ways? We'll all be on MON's back after that cos he's wasted £25 million pounds and may as well have gotten Nii Lamptey and Guy Whittingham out of retirement. Plus we drew with Fulham!!! The goals will come, the fixtures have just made it loolk slightly worse than it is. We have a game in hand on Spurs and Liverpoo and our play is evolving by the game. Faith, patience and trust in the people that have got us this far will see us go much much further. UTV |
Car Frost
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...Spot on - there's an air of snobbery about Wenger, and he can't quite accept it when his polished football doesn't always produce results. They do play some great stuff but he needs to get down off his high horse. The answer is he's French.. his dad, half brother sex toy and even Nicolas Sarkozy would say the same because they are French. Not going to comment too much as we don't want the Arsene Wenger of cyber-space returning.. |
Andi
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... Love that video, 3-0 think we are going to be treated this weekend to a MULE goal as well |
keith
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... cheify good to know your back, we heard you made a fortune selling snoods got hammered during the cup match, took on the islands then got locked up and the key was thrown away. cant you just tell that nothing happened on the transfer front |
Damian
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... Further update from OpteJoe Liverpool 16th Fulham 17th Man Utd 18th Chelsea 19th Arsenal 20th, so virtually.when asked if the traditional top four were the top four in least amount of long balls as a percentage |
Andi
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...The answer is he's French.. his dad, half brother sex toy and even Nicolas Sarkozy would say the same because they are French love it France is a nice place its just a shame its full of FRENCH people can i also point out that i Bet WENGER STINKS !!!! all french do but he looks really smelly |
Andi
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...good to know your back, we heard you made a fortune selling snoods got hammered during the cup match, took on the islands then got locked up and the key was thrown away. Stella and SNOODS dont mix !!!! Gpot my cup final ticket wooohooooo bring it on lets be having YOU !!!! Special final SNOOD to be made me thinks, no stella for me on final day |
Chris Harper
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... I wouldn't risk going on the train to Wembley! I don't trust trains... I missed the first 25mins of the Arsenal game the other night because of one!! KEEF!!  |
John Samuels
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...he looks like a kiddy fiddler I believe the popular Spurs song goes something like this: 'A bag of sweets...., that cheeky smile....., Wenger is a f**king paedophile!!' |
Car Frost
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...we wouldn't want Kris Boyd as his name has too few syllables and not enough of the letter 'z' in there Silly as it sounds I agree.. Kris Boydovzoski and we'd all want him SPL or not.. |
Damian
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... I say, get to London the day before, have some fun and a few beers in the capital, get yourselves a cheap hotel and make your way to the final in a calm and orderly fashion .. If enough do this - there is every chance of a few beers in London on the saturday night and then wjhy not travel to london together on the sunday... I know of a few people that are doing that and I'm all for a few beers Saturday somewhere - just not too late as I dont want to be too bad on the sunday |
Chris Harper
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... Sounds good Damian but I've booked the coach travel now! Oh well. Hopefully it will be like a party on the coach! |
Adrian Kilgallon
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...If enough do this - there is every chance of a few beers in London on the saturday night and then wjhy not travel to london together on the sunday Have you sorted a venue yet? |
Andi
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...Chiefy! Emile scored while you were away I am going to have search for the highlights god damn just my luck |
Damian
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... ak_27 yes and no. it really depends on numbers. if numbers are not that much then yes, if numbers are more then no. closer to the date - i'll start taking email addresses of the people that will be in london and then i'll email out a few suggestions or actually, create a thread in the forum and then take suggestions/ideas .. it wont be an issue either way but lets say there are 10 of us, then we can go anywhere no problem .. but if there are more, then i might need to call ahead and just make sure a few tables can be reserved for us ... in fact. i'll start a thread in the forum now and update here with where it is |
John Samuels
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...I am going to have search for the highlights god damn just my luck Good movement but he tried his best to miss and still fell over Go mule! |
Damian
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... Okay - I've started a thread in The Members Lounge in the forum called The Local - as I dont really want unregistered users getting involved - so pop in ... |
John Samuels
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... I reckon i'll pop down on the train saturday night even if I can't get a ticket. It's only 45mins on the train for me. |
peter haworth
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... The problem with Wenger is that he is a bad loser.His team are very lightweight and cannot ride a tackle and fall over at the slightest touch,it looks bad to the ref as the british players are much bigger,like to play a physical game and the refs protect the little Arsenal players. The problem is that when the little,frail,Gunners commit a fail the ref does not appear to believe it ie Arshaven!!! This season in the Premiership some of the teams with mainly british squads who cannot afford Superstars are doing pretty well, ie Villa,Stoke,Birmingham |
Max
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... That video link is the highlight of the day, hoping that gets me through the next few hours of work now! Not seen a game in the last few months other than some highlights so not up to date on how we have been playing, good to see some comments about how the play style is slowly improving. Saw some highlights from Arsenal match and looked like we gave them something to think about. Nice to see Ashley running and taking on the full back. Fulham seem to have been struggling on and off this season but on their day are a good footballing side. So tricky one to call but desperately want a win so we can start the climb back up. 2-1, Milner & Petrov to score a belter to win the game. |
Steve Badger
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...but is anyone surprised at us coming in 12th? Frankly I'm amazed. The way you always comment on our football, I'd have thought we'd be in the bottom 3 or 4 for long ball. So we're about average, who cares? It's like Churchill said there are different types of long ball. I've commented before that I think a crossfield ball which is always going to be 30 yards plus is a sight to behold. But it's still long ball in the stats. The only long ball type play that bothers me is the blind hoofing from our defenders when we hit panic mode, but I guess you'll always get that. As has been said, there's a big difference between just hitting it forward and hitting it into a space where you know a pacy attacker/winger is going to be running to (or at least should be). It plays to our advantage, simple as. And when it works, there's no better team to watch. As for us not playing through the middle, well yes I'll concede that one on the whole, but I thought we did plenty of it on Wednesday. Not too bad when you consider it was against the arse, imo. If we only had that lethal finisher we all keep talking about, we'd have probably had at least 5 goals as contenders for goal of the season, but hey ho, that'll have to wait no doubt. I do want to put this to bed Please do, as you've gone about it more than anyone. As for a prediction, this has one apiece written all over it, so I agree with your draw prediction. |
Damian
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... Badger long ball is long ball wether you play it into space for a striker to run on to or you play it hoping. wimbledon used to play long ball to fashanu because he was tall and good in the air - we play long ball because gabby is fast - they are different, but they are both long ball and when it works .. but it doesn't really work that often does it |
Jake Gardner
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... Damian That video comes as the clevland Browns response to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeJpQlGW_GA |
Andi
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... Whats the odds on SALIFOU getting a cameo role on 89minutes and wembley ?? I think he should !!! I have him as a friend on facebook along with CUELLAR, ATKINSON, DALEY, BANNAN, ALBRIGHTON look at me friends with the stars SNOOD SUPPLIER TO THE STARS |
Damian
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... GonzoAvfc yeah - i was sent in an email last night from a cleveland browns fan - they were basically taking the piss |
Tim Hillman
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... Chiefy I think you should create 'SNOODBOOK' Where all members have to have profile pictures of themselves in Snoods. People can update the status of their Snoods i.e hanging up in the coat cupboard, on the spin cycle of the washing machine, currently with my mum sewing my name in it. That sort of thing. It could be the next big thing in the Snood networking Phenomenon. |
Andi
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...Chiefy I think you should create 'SNOODBOOK' love it along with SNOODTUBE and SNOODBAY |
Steve Badger
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... Damian, I remember about 6 crossfield passes and I'm sure 4 of those worked to put Ash in a position to skin Clichy (yet again arse fans  ). Like I say, that's playing to a strength and there's nothing wrong with it. I can't say I remember arse playing a single really long ball, but all teams do it at some stage. I've just seen a table where Spuds are actually a place higher than us for long ball. Does that make them a crap team? I'd suggest on their day, they're one of only a couple of teams better than us. And the fact that you can't seem to find any definitive agreement on the stats says a lot too. What's that saying? There are lies, dammed lies and statistics. They're a pointer that's all and shouldn't be relied on too much, imo. One thing I totally agree with about MON's response was when he said Wenger has made a few ridiculous statements  |
Damian
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... Badger i'd love to see that table but what do you mean about 'definitive agreement on the stats' i'm only going on the numbers. as a percentage of total passes arsenal play the least long balls, followed by chelsea, man utd, fulham and liverpool - then we have 3 teams that i dont know before we get to us - i would put money on that spurs were one of those teams i think that is fairly definitive especially when you factor in our total number of passes are also less than the 'traditional top four' but like i've said above - why is everyone getting so defensive over our long ball football? most are in agreement that the football has looked better this season and the stats show that in some games we have also passed it a lot more - if we are still 'building foundations' and this long ball football is just a stepping stone to better and more controlled football, what is really wrong with it? |
Richard
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... Randy is an excellent chairman, we are not a 'long ball' team and MON knows his onions when it comes to football and football players. The facts do not lie. |
Adey Stuttard
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... Marky Mark on BBC: Fulham have struggled on the road all season, winning only one game, but they have obviously been solid at home. Happy with that... |
John Samuels
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... Damian, It's fair to assume that while we had certain players we played a certain way and now with the gradual introduction of different players over three seasons the football is changing. I agree that this style has been a stepping stone, but I feel it is only now that things are showing signs of changing that you have perked up a bit. It was very gloomy here beginning of the season and when you started bossing the passing stats, but I't's refreshing to hear a positive chirp in your posts as you seem to be cvoming round to what I've been incessantly banging on about for so long. Many of our signings and tactics under O'Neill have been a means to end in the pursuit of gradual improvment. Every decision has a reasoning and it's own part in the process. Nearly four seasons down the line and the change in the personnel and the way we are beginning to play is there for all to see. Next season is the inimitable fifth year and I wait with anticip[ation to see what can be achieved. If the progress is as steady and unrelenting as it has been since MoN and RL got started then I feel compelled to place no ceiling on my hopes of what can be achieved. |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
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... Can someone PLEASE give me some positive news about us signing a striker? Someone must have some gossip to spread?!?!! |
Steve Badger
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... Damian, Here you go mate; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246912/Do-Aston-Villa-really-play-long-ball-game-Arsene.html?ITO=1490 The table is at the bottom. What I meant about the definitive stats, is that they vary where ever you look. It wasn't meant as a dig at you. |
Damian
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... Badger okay - well they didn't count them they got them from opta and if i had made a bet - i would have lost but - you do accept that we dont pass it as much as other teams and we are a long way off the top four in terms of % of long balls you must accept this. but at the same time you must also accept that it is getting better and as long as it continues to get better - it is a good thing and a positive thing so we are heading in the right direction - now more players please mr lerner, or more money please mr lerner |
Steve Badger
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... James Collins, I can give you some news, but it isn't pleasant reading; Birmingham's new owner Carson Yeung is reportedly ready write a £23m cheque to bring Roman Pavlyuchenko to the club. Tottenham are prepared to sell the Russian but want to recoup the £13m they paid for him 17 months ago with £50,000 a week wages and a signing on fee taking the package to a Blues club record. (Daily Express) Alex McCleish has also admitted the striker is top of his wish list but thinks Tottenham might be asking for too much... I'll be amazed if it happens. But if it does, what a sign of intent. |
Adey Stuttard
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... Personally who gives a shi-ite about whether we are a long ball team or not? Facts are that we are 7th in the league and in a Cup Final, with a good chance of progressing to another. To hell with statistics, let's concentrate on facts. |
chipper
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... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/spo...riend.html some are saying it is john terry and the girlfriend is wayne bridges the other story is on the same page Last month, a married Premier League manager succeeded in keeping his identity out of the papers despite being spotted visiting a brothel. |
Steve Badger
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...you do accept that we dont pass it as much as other teams and we are a long way off the top four in terms of % of long balls Yes, I do accept it Damian. Indeed, it seems you do too. And yes, it's getting better. It also follows to me anyway, that when we get that final piece or pieces of the jigsaw, that our football will move up another gear. And it'll still be long ball to some extent, with the difference being it'll be bang, bang bang, goal. And the opposition defence thinking "what happened there?". Well, that's what I'm hoping for And there is also another side to Arsenal's slick passing, in that I remember commenting a good while back that arse were totally toothless in attack, because although they could pass it around all day on the edge of their opponents box, they still didn't look like scoring. Sometimes it pays to be direct, is the point. Whatever, onwards and upwards. As JPA alluded, it's nice to see you taking a more positive tone overall of late. |
Damian
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... i am mr positive Badger ... its my middle name as for the manager - will it be phil brown? |
Steve Badger
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...i am mr positive Badger ... its my middle name Hmm as for the manager - will it be phil brown? I don't know why, but i've got McCarthy in my head. I'm not sure if I read it somewhere or not. As for that picture, yeah, I reckon Terry. I always thought he was a shady character. |
Rattus NorVillicus
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... This is a joke: to even discuss pass-stats and long ball percentages plays right into the hands of people like Arse Winger who want to turn football into a non-contact sport for girls. If we'd had a proper goalscorer on the pitch we'd of won 3-0, and nobody would be talking this crap (except maybe Damo, who seems obsessed by it) |
jimbo
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... I heard the brothel is in Hampshire and rumour has it that Avram Grant likes nothing better than a rub down after a beating at Fratton Park. |
keith
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... i think ( not going to check ) that the highest paid, most recognisable player in the world has no pace cant get round a defender but has made a career out of playing the long ball |
Tim Hillman
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... Didn't realise Heskey was the highest paid most recognisable player in the world!!!! |
Andi
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...most recognisable player in the world has no pace cant get round a defender but has made a career out of playing the long ball EMULE ?? |
keith
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... forgot to add the championship medals,la liga medals, champions league medals, cup medals, england caps and anything else ive forgotten |
Andi
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...Didn't realise Heskey was the highest paid most recognisable player in the world!!!! just behind salifou ! |
Andi
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...forgot to add the championship medals,la liga medals, champions league medals, cup medals, england caps and anything else ive forgotten It has to be Salifou |
Andi
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... Benjani in talks with Sunderland ?!?!?!?!? West Ham keep getting shafted by everyone for strikers Benjani worth a punt ?? |
Andi
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...give you a clue, he wore a sarong not a snood Oh Mr TEVEZ my best customer at SNOODS R US |
Andi
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...chiefy read that wrong BECKHAM but i think you will find he has also adopted the SNOOD and gave in to peer pressure from RONALNDSNOODINHO |
Andi
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... To prevent themselves being shafted again in their quest to sign a striker WEST HAM are going to sign MIDO, shouldnt be any danger they will get shafted in the 11hour for him |
carl
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... right.... People comin to the game tomora... looks like 'The Eight Bells' is the away only pub right next to the putney station.. |
Steve Badger
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...i think ( not going to check ) that the highest paid, most recognisable player in the world has no pace cant get round a defender but has made a career out of playing the long ball Quite. |
Andi
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... long ball short ball who cares really apart from a smelly french bloke does anyone really give a monkey's ???? I personally dont care what our football is labelled as long as it gets us where we deserve to be !!!! 1 final 7th and still in another cup not doing to bad with what ever the style of football is called. |
John Clark
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... There are so many qualifications to "long ball"...Sometimes we do just lump it up at the big man, especially from the back four. But I've no problem with the basic concept of getting it upfield, catching the other team out of position, etc. The problem for teams like Arsenal, as we saw Wednesday, is that they can pass and pass and work it ever closer to goal. But in all that build-up, a disciplined team has time to get set, and it's much harder, the closer you get to goal, to find room with more and more players crowded in a smaller area. This requires that laser-beam pass, etc., and while Arsenal have that in their locker, it's not always going to come off. Given that MON has known Villa don't have a Fabregas, Ronaldo, whoever, it's made eminent sense not to rely on trying to score that way. The quicker it goes upfield, the more space, the more defenders have to do, and so on. Likewise, a crossfield ball to Young on the wings, switching play...If Arsenal do this via 2-3 passes, the stats go up, but the end result is the same. "Pretty" football can work, but only if the other team is just athletically incapable of keeping up, or too intimidated to just get a boot in to stop it. In basketball, you have fast-break and halfcourt teams. In football, "fast-break" equals "counterattacking". It's gotten a negative connotation, but there's nothing negative about looking to break and score quickly. The biggest change I've noticed about Villa this year is that we don't seem to get cut to shreds as often as we used to when playing these top teams. Credit Petrov, the back four, and all the tracking back players like Ash are doing. Arsenal will always have their chances, but mainly on Wednesday it was moments of individual brilliance that made them dangerous, not the inevitability of their set-up. |
Andi
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... not sure how true this is but WIGAN are trying to sign SHOREY for 6 million ?!?!?!?!?! just something i have heard, what happened to BEYE going sunderland that would give us 9.5million for a striker gazump LIVERPOO for jones ?? |
robb david
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... Why havent we been linked with Victor Moses? He is exactally the sort of player o-neill likes, (young and british) he can play where we need a player (behind gabby, infront of milner) and he is on the cheap, (~4million). Now im not suggesting that he is the player i would like for villa, that he is the player that will turn us round the courner, or that he would be my choice. It just seems strange we havent been linked with him, and surely that storey could fill some coloum inchs in the daily mail? |
robb david
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... Arsenal will always have their chances, but mainly on Wednesday it was moments of individual brilliance that made them dangerous, not the inevitability of their set-up. I couldnt agree with this statement more. In fact to take it to the next level, i dont think we have been beaten by a set up in a good while, i would suggest fulham and blackburn are perharps the only two this year. I think o-neill does a pretty good job setting the team up, and if we had those players to produce that individual bit of magic we would be a formidable side. |
Cian Donaghy
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... im going to this one and couldnt be more up for it im in the new putney end but not with the villa fans. paddy in a villa jersey - im sure they'll love me!! UTV |
villadave
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... my dad a life long villa fan passed away suddenly last week his funural's this tue's weve been discussing songs and would really love a villa themed song thats suitable for church any suggestions welcome thanx in advance also how would i go about announcing his passing in a villa programe thanx again dave |
Matthew Smith
said:
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... On a slightly different note.. you heard it hear first... John Terry has been sh*gging Wayne Bridges wife, He got her pregnant and she had an abortion. Bridge found out and he is refusing to play for England. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246931/Premier-League-star-wins-gagging-order-secret-affair-team-mates-girlfriend.html hahaha overturned http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jan/29/premier-league-footballer-gagging-order Will hit the Sunday papers this week apparently. |
John Samuels
said:
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... Always tough to lose a member of the Claret and Blue Army. I'm sure he'd be chuffed to get a mention in the programme. My condolencies Villadave, lets hope the lads can lift the cup for him at the end of feb eh. |
Geoff
said:
 |
... I cant believe they are still not going to buy SOMEONE. If they really do draw this team and keep inconsistent results. Theyre not going to finish 4th or even 5th. They may go 6th and be back in the Europa league preliminary rounds. They HAVE to win the Carling Cup to get some notorierty and cash. That would boost them a bit. If they cant afford to buy, then LOAN SOMEONE IN HERE. I dont care. Get a decent player - ANY position, any age, any nation. I dont care. Bolster the squad, for goodness sakes. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Sorry for your loss Villadave As for Terry, well it makes you wonder doesn't it? How do people with such high profiles persistently (as it would seem in this case)expect to get away with it? No wonder people say footballers are thick. |
fastbackace
said:
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... villadave- sorry for ur loss, he'll be going to the wembley in the sky, with aston villa holding the cup, both fa and carling. as for a striker... how about a 12 mil bid for theo wilcott, put him on right side, and ash right behind gabby. the pace we would have!!! makes me think of how fast rabbits make babies. |
tonky
said:
 |
... February 2010 6 Sat17:30ATottenham HotspurPREM 10 Wed19:45HManchester UnitedPREM 21 Sun14:00HBurnleyPREM 27 Sat15:00AHull CityPREMP-P March 2010 6 Sat15:00HSunderlandPREM 13 Sat15:00AStoke CityPREM 16 Tue19:45AWigan AthleticPREM 20 Sat12:45HWolverhampton WanderersPREM 27 Sat15:00AChelseaPREM April 2010 3 Sat15:00ABolton WanderersPREM 10 Sat15:00HEvertonPREM 17 Sat15:00APortsmouthPREM 25 Sun12:00HBirmingham CityPREM May 2010 1 Sat15:00AManchester CityPREM 9 Sun16:00HBlackburn RoversPREM not a bad run of fixtures coming up if you ask me. Think we could make a real charge for 4th place. UTV  |
Andy Scarborough
said:
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... Villabiker, I think that no one is posting comments. The young ones are doing their homework and the older ones are down the pub - where you should be! (and me). |
pete
said:
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... andy5759 got your message thanks will log on later ps work 2morrow so no drink. well a few tinnies may be |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...not a bad run of fixtures coming up if you ask me Yes, a few of us have mentioned this and it's why we won't fade like did last year. I look at them and the majority are very winnable. It's whether we can get rid of this stupid habit of not getting results from the lesser clubs, that's going to decide things, imo. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... We do appear to have three quarters of a perfect squad. That's what makes it so bloody frustrating at the moment, we are not consistent. One day we go to OT and beat the mighty ManU, the next we seem to be firing blanks. There's no need to panic and buy players wholesale like Spuds, but I would hope to see some real quality in the summer. After all, next season is the one where I really do expect us to push for the Prem title, not just 4th place. |
frem
said:
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... villadave- very sorry for your loss. lets gets three points for him tomorrow and lift the carling cup. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
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... Looks like we may have a new LB coming in the next few weeks. http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/Foo...6,00.html? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...with that run in we should get 70 points on games winnable Which would put us well in the mix, I'd have thought? Re: Bouma Having regained fitness in October 2009 he then suffered unbelievable bad luck, picking up an unrelated toe problem. This is "turf toe" apparently. This is what sportingclinicinjuries or whatever say about it; Recovery of this injury can take three to four weeks depending on how bad the sprain is. So why so long? I'm really not convinced about this. My guess would be a cameo late on in the season and that's it for Wilf. His contract is up in September, although we do have a year's option on him, so at least he's been looked after. I hope he proves me wrong though and comes back as good as before. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
|
... It would fit in with the "honourable" way we are doing things to look after our long serving servants. I would expect nothing less from RL and MoN (RL especially). I'm with you though in hoping that he comes back fit and as good as he was before his injury. When Shorey was loaned out I got hopeful that Wilf was about ready, so maybe there is hope yet. |
Scrumpy
said:
 |
... I have expected on weds for Wenger to come out for the second half dressed in a cloak, a pointy hat and long white beard. With his team of hobbits it really was like us playing against the team from middle earth. I guess thats why the Holte end were singing about what Campbell does with his ring? |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
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...andy5759 said: |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
|
... This site don't work tooo good What I meant to say was andy5759 said: We do appear to have three quarters of a perfect squad. That's what makes it so bloody frustrating at the moment, we are not consistent. One day we go to OT and beat the mighty ManU, the next we seem to be firing blanks. There's no need to panic and buy players wholesale like Spuds, but I would hope to see some real quality in the summer. After all, next season is the one where I really do expect us to push for the Prem title, not just 4th placePlay Delfouneso or buy Huntelaar, Endof ! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...lets go for victor moses. 3 mil would do it. new defoe. Perhaps we are frem. It quite amuses me that the journos don't have a clue what MON is up to. But I suspect the fact that we aren't being linked to anybody at all means there will be no one coming in mate. I really think we're going with what we have. |
FalmouthVillan
said:
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... Condolences villadave, try the club media dept on 0121 327 2299 they work with a company called "programe master" who produce our programe. |
Pat The Rat
said:
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... i 4 1 can't c Mon going out 2 buy someone just because the window is comming 2 a close 2 keep some fans HAPPY.I would give Gabby a break 4 2 R 3 games & play Del Boy.Villa 2 beat Fulham 2-0 |
arsene wenger
said:
 |
... lol some funny comments on here today, including that cheeky boy frosty, anyway goodluck this weekend, seems like oneal has turned into kevin keegan an let small talk get right under his skin, he's a good manager but this is becoming almost his favourite subject |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...I miss angel if only we had hes class up front with gabby I like the sentiment, as i loved Angel. But he was not that good in reality, imo. I would give Gabby a break 4 2 R 3 games & play Del Boy. I think a lot of us would. But, somewhat unwillingly, I'll let MON decide. I think we will see him if we keep underperforming up front. |
Eoin Doyle
said:
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... Villadave Sorry to hear the news. I hope our boys give something tomorrow for your dad to be proud of. UTV. |
Panos
said:
 |
... O'Neill on Wenger and long ball football. http://www.guardian.co.uk/foot...ene-wenger "We will continue to play in the manner in which we play until we drop." |
James Clift
said:
 |
... I've been to Fulham twice in three seasons and lost both times. Going again today so gotta be third time lucky.. I might have to do something different like drink more lager or something. |
cockneyvillan
said:
 |
... I actualy think arsenal over play with ther football, i agree i think we sometimes do play a bit to long but its good to have a variation to your game and thers nothing like seeing a 30yard pinged pass. IF you asked me who is playing the most entertaining football i would have to say its spurs, ther playing a good mixture of short and long passing at a high tempo..arsenal can bore me sometimes!! ps.. wenger is french...nuff said!! |
paul
said:
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... You hear that Randy? They dont like you. Sell the poos sorry the Browns and but us a new Centre Forward with the money. |
doubledown9
said:
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... According to the telegraph, Gabby, Petrov and Milner did not train yesterday and Warnock's injury is serious. NRC's season looks to be over as well. On the plus side, Bouma is training again |
Stan Balaban
said:
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... My condolences Villa Dave. My thoughts are with you pal. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/h...488124.stm Nice little piece about MON by Jonanthan Pearce on the bbc. |
mjasghar
said:
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... LOL thought the Terry one was Lampard's ex.... what a tw*t he get's it hushed up legally then gets tons of cash of his image - no wonder the papers stuck the knife in, they knew, he knew they knew, yet there they werer having to call him Dad of the Year etc. I think a major factor is that the git has gone and got himself a (ghostwritten) newspaper column, talking work away from real journos. BTW the manager was Avram Grant, people ided the photo of the trading estate as being near Portsmouth. |
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