Written by Damian Sunday, 30 August 2009 17:50
My man of the match is Nigel Reo-Coker because he was everywhere. He might not have had as many touches as the next man, but he just looked really good today. In the same breath, I really want to give it to Milner or Gabby and you could probably include Ciaran Clark in that list and Carlos Cueller.
Basically, we played well as a team and it all fell into place because we played 4-5-1. For those that say we can't play 4-5-1 at home, just look at the result and look at the game.
The ironic thing is, for those that said we can't play 4-5-1 at home, we had another gear we could have gone into if we wanted, but Fulham, because of our formation didn't force it. We closed them out, we controlled the game and our back line was protected.
The thing that impressed me most about today wasn't just the formation, it was that when O'Neill took Reo-Coker off, for a well deserved rest and brought on John Carew, we didn't revert to 4-4-2. Instead, Gabby went to the right and Milner came inside, it was just fantastic to see.
Maybe, just maybe, Martin O'Neill has seen the light. We were so much better today and while there were quite a few empty seats, if we continue to put in performances like that, they'll fill up and Villa Park will be a very difficult place for any team.
We will have the post mortem tomorrow and you can vote for the man of the match to the right, but for now, my wife is happy and I am happy. I'm going to drink a beer and open up the live banter service that we had running for the second half here.
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Damian
said:
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... martin laursen was just asked if the change in the system hurt them last season. he said 'definitely yes' 4-5-1 is the future. laursen and redknapp have just agreed ... kick on villa! |
Paul Theiss
said:
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... I have been behind Reo-Coker for a while now. Everyone slated him but seemed to forget that, in the first of our two latest top-six finishes, Reo-Coker paired Barry in the midfield. The dude is good, no question. He has energy and constantly wins the ball and pressures the opposition's midfield. He isn't a good passer, but he is tidy enough. I must say, though, that I would prefer to see Delph in there over Sidwell. |
Steve Jones
said:
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... Great performance fed by competition for places.Lets have some more competition for places eh MON. |
Damian
said:
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... Rodin Villa you are right, it wasn't great, but fulham were unable to push us so we didn't move up the extra gear we clearly had today very solid 3 points and i like saying that so i'll say it agian very solid |
McParland
said:
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... Good performance and result, thought NRC , Sidwell, Carloss Milner, gabby all played well in fact the entire team did. Looked realy solid at the back. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Gabby my man of the match. Absolutely brilliant today, worked his socks off from minute 1 to minute 90. Work the channels (mostly the left) and generally caused havoc with his immense pace. Have to admit I had my doubt about him as the lone striker, and it still does cause a problem or two we were unable to solve, but fortunately today it didn't matter. Class performance. My ratings: Friedel 6 Beye 6.5 Cuellar 7.5 Clark 7 Shorey 6.5 Sidwell 6.5 Petrov 7 Reo-Coker 7 Young 7 Milner 7.5 Agbonlahor 8.5 |
Vijay Daryanani
said:
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... today was good, hopefully they will all settle down and we'll do this week in week out |
McParland
said:
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... Great performance and result.Thought NRC .Sidwell,Carloss, Milner ,Gabby played well in fact the entire team did.Looked solid at the back. |
Villa@herts1
said:
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... Hi Damian Just registered for the banter and when i loged on it said "You have been banned" !! Strange as I have never been on yet!!! |
Paul Theiss
said:
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... Not surprising that Cuellar, finally given a consistent run in the center of the park, has finally started to give consistent performances. We all would've taken six points from these first three games, although this isn't the way we expected. |
paddy62
said:
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... great to see Gabby on the score sheet today should give him a big confidence boost. hopefully we can get in a couple of players to supplement the team, would leave us in a good place to push on. |
Nick
said:
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... My MOTD went to Clark, not because he was the best player but because he's 19, thrown into the defence to replace Davies, and didn't look phased at all. He held of players well, listened to Friedel, didn't freak out and handled himself well most of the time. Maybe against better opposition he'd suffer, but he is only 19. He looks really hopeful, definitely no need for a fourth choice CB, we already have one. Everyone else did well, but Fulham were very poor. Their defence was all over the place (I thought Hughes and Hangeland were supposed to work well together?) and the passing between defence and midfield was awful. All in all a good, relatively easy win without straining too much. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Some more thoughts... Three in the middle is clearly the way to go. We dominated possession in the centre of the pitch and it really allowed Young and Milner to concentrate their work in the danger zones deep up the flanks. I mentioned it in the other post, but we saw one or two glimpses of some really nice one-touch football from Villa. Without 5 in the middle, it wouldn't have been possible and we would have been caught out. But with plenty of support, it worked well. Of course you have to take the rough with the smooth. The rough being that one striker left us getting so far up the pitch and not being able to create that killer chance. Gabby worked the flanks and left their area totally unoccupied. Sidwell tried to fill in as stand-in striker during these periods but it didn't work. Solution? A proper attacking midfielder. Someone who doesn't need to worry about tracking back and can be left to concentrate of providing proper support to the lone striker. None of Sidwell, Reo-Coker or Petrov can do that. If only there was somebody, in the Premiership we could target to play that role. ...Somebody young, probably no older than 25 or so. ...They would be creative and attacking. ...Preferabley they'd be well experienced, both at domestic and international level. ...They might even come from central Europe. ...And in a perfect world, they'd be in the last year of their contract, playing at a struggling team to make them easier to sign. If only there was somebody who fit this criteria. If there was, O'Neill should go out and sign him immediately. |
Damian
said:
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... Villa@herts1 it wasn't that you were banned although that is the default message you basically hadn't authenticated your account. i have done that for you .. although the banter feature is there, it is mostly for live matches ... i might pop in again in a few minutes ... but dont expect it to be busy unless a match is on |
John Clark
said:
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... Yes, solid...and that's what Villa need to be. A workmanlike performance with more in reserve, and very comfortable overall. As you pointed out, Damian, seeing us shift around to stay in 4-5-1 was very encouraging when Reo came off. And it seems the setup with Petrov, Reo, and Sidwell is effective. Perhaps not sublime, but effective. I would imagine Delph, in place of Sidwell eventually, will provide the extra creativity and goals. Or that would be the hope, anyway. |
DocW
said:
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... Despite going out of europe on thursday that is three wins in a row, this is the stuff that really creates confidence and makes other teams very aware. I have said in past posts NRC and Petrov gives our defence a solid amount of protection, which is a favoured ploy used by all of the top four. Damian i too agree this is the system for us and with perhaps a really good playmaker and a top striker who knows what can happen... ps Taglor, tombone and all of you pessimists what do you have to say about that? |
bossofthemoss
said:
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...If only there was somebody, in the Premiership we could target to play that role. niko kranjcar |
Manuel
said:
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... Well said fella! 4-5-1 is how we need to play we did so well up last season until we bought Heskey. I am not blaming Heskey but it was then we went back to 4-4-2 and we all know the result. Well done villa boys One final note Gabby hit the barn door!!!! |
rake
said:
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... Good result but still not convincing.Carew only being sub is scandalous,whatever anyone says,you will never win many games with a lone striker,and Carew is the only real goalscorer we have.Villa need a world class forward before the window shuts,but we all know it's not going to happen because there is simply no ambition. |
geoff lenehan
said:
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...If only there was somebody, in the Premiership we could target to play that role. niko kranjcar |
Mike Carter
said:
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... What??? Surely not. All that description was purely speculative, if you think you've thought of someone who fits it perfectly, well, I'll leave that up to you. You crazy person. As if. |
steve keates
said:
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... oh... amos 4-5-1 works. we have been proved that today yet again. be upbeat and enjoy the nice convincing win. all players looked good. no need to put a downer on it is there UTV MON i have to agree goes to van dutch.. 19 yrs old and played well and as i have said for a year now will be the job. reminds me of cahill but i think hes better. did well heading today but thats the worst i have seen him header the ball. best header of the ball in have seen at villa in a long long time!! |
adam
said:
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... food performance all round methinks. who needs fatboy Dunne when weve got Clark he looked good. great goal by gabby just wish he would shoot more. UTV  |
Biriani
said:
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... That was nothing to do with 4-5-1 Fulham were crap, complete crap. We got an early goal from a set piece created by Fulham giving the ball away. And another goal from fulham being too knackered to actually bother closing Gabby down. What the F**K has that got to do with 4-5-1 ? You people are obsessed. |
Lukas
said:
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... Bloody hell I think we look in better form, shape and tactic wise than last season, I can't believe how good it was XD to see us not at our top top gear and play Fulham 'who are very good btw' out the park! Shorey & Warnock shall be a very interesting battle for startin against the SCUM. & Clark aye lets hope MON dnt see him as another Cahill (in his eyes) and sell him on before he has shown his true form. Agbonlahor looks like the furure of the perfect lone striker to me XD |
Damian
said:
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... b30 i dont think it is about clark .. its about the midfield 5 they protect the back line and when you have that, they'r enot called upon that much ... we saw it today and last monday. then look at thursday and see the chances rapid had .. they should have scored 3 more ... but i agree ... who needs dunne when we have clark and lowry |
Biriani
said:
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... Damian; agreed 4-5-1 makes us more solid and less likely to lose. But it does nothing to help break down teams that come to defend at Villa Park. Fulham were simply abject shite today |
James
said:
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... Beye looks much more reliable with 5 infront of him in midfield. As others have said, the boy Clark looks real steady. I agree with whoever it was that said they'd like to see Delph ahead of Sidwell. He needs to play every game in my opinion. Loved that moment when the crowd were singing to Laursen. Finally what did they sing to Carew, when he was warming up, that made him laugh? |
Damian
said:
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... faangler if teams come to defend, the natural formation of 451 becomes 433 by the very nature of the type of players we have; milner and young on the wings 451 is all good, trust me, i'm a championship manager player  sorry about that and for the recod i'm not .. it was just a joke |
Matt T
said:
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... Vivavilla Attacking midfielder? That'll be Young when Downing comes back, and takes the left hand slot, Milner on the right and Young behind Carew/Gabby Glad we won today, we needed that to bounce back  |
gingervilla
said:
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... the villa players should have booed the crowd today to be able to here the players shouting above the vans is embarrasing |
j3598
said:
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... Happy with a solid win and a clean sheet. Clarke really did look very accomplished. Reo Coker prob just edged MOTM for me for his work rate. Petrovs distribution again seemed very hit and miss, like he has trouble keeping his feet maybe? and Beye in posession is a little scary at times. Industrious from Milner and Sidwell. Hopefully we can take heart and be positive going forward...We have so much to be positive about! A good thumping coming up for the scutters in their own back yard next. UTV! |
Super Villain
said:
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... Very pleased with the 3 points today, just surprised MON didnit bring on Delph and Warnock for a run out. Lets hope we can bring in at least 2 before the transfer window closes |
FatKevs
said:
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... though clark was superb he did took the safe option when required did not flap lke Curtis. James worked his socks of but something was not quite right. i am glad ash was swaped about but we did not use the flans as efectivly as normal. What has hapend to the macots why are they super heros i hope it was a birf in the girl lion as the shorts where too tight |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Yes faangler you're right. What are we talking about. I guess the fact everytime we play 4-4-2 we look rubbish and 4-5-1 we look very impressive is just a complete coinsidence. |
Biriani
said:
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... vivavilla: we won a lot of away games, some very lucky, playing 4-5-1 yes indeed. That's because we stayed solid and were able to score on the break. I can't recall this 4-5-1 being a super system at home when we need to break teams down who come to defend. There is simply no evidence. |
david
said:
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... It felt like watching a completely different side today. It wasn't just about the formation, it was how they'd been told/coached to retain posession. When the ball was passed back to Friedel he passed it to a defender instead of booting it upfield. The crowd even started the Ole's a couple of times. It isn't as exciting as the 'hit them on the break' plan but today at least, it was really effective. Fulham may have been tired, but even when they did try to increase the tempo we just shut them out. Cieran Clarke will have tougher games, but he really couldn't have had a more assured debut. Some of the fans were getting frustrated and I heard a couple of shouts of 'get it upfield' 'pass it forward' but it was good to see that we have developed another dimension to our play. Three wins in six days, up to 8th, with a game in hand over 5 of the teams above us....it's not looking so bad is it? |
againsthesun
said:
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... Solid win. We looked like a team who went out there to do a job and did it. We have struggled in similar homematches way too often and Fulham is a pretty nasty team to breakdown anyways. As always, here is my player ratings: Friedel 6, not much to do really. Beye 6, okey match, never too much involved. Cuellar 7.5, solid again and maybe our best CB. Clark 7, great debut, looks very good on marking and positioning, promising! Shorey 7.5, think he had a very good match today and like him going forward Milner 7.5, as always a great effort and performance. Sidwell 6.5, faded a bit toward the end but strong 1st half Reo Coker 7.5, starting to deliver every match also this guy, composed and full of work-rate, quality display Petrov 7, good match again Young 6.5, maybe not his match but had a few good runs and set-pieces who were dangers Gabby 8, bags 2 good goals and was sharp today, hats off for a solid match and MOM imo. |
Michael panizza
said:
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... Happy with result and performance, once again baffled by the crowd at Villa Park, at times it was like being in a library. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... How about today? That's pretty good evidence from where I'm standing. Fulham were poor but we contributed to that. We didn't let them do anything with the ball. |
david
said:
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... Anyone listen to 606 on radio 5? Interesting hearing Everton and Portsmouth fans bemoaning the fact that their managers don't have the courage to take the game to opponents by playing 442. |
Biriani
said:
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... vivavilla; Yes ! can't knock a good win. Scum & Pompey next and back in the top four. |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Also one other point - how many people will say they miss being in Europe now? The tired, lethargic, uninspiring performances a few days after travelling? Yes I understand it's easy to say that with hindsight, but it's a worry off our minds isn't it? The squad still isn't big enough to handle 60 games so at least we can point at a performance like today and say we won't suffer from what Fulham did. |
david
said:
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... Agreed Monkeywrench. It's the first time (outside reserve and youth team games) that It's been possible to hear exactly what the players are shouting to each other. After the second goal and when Martin Laursen was spotted it started sounding like the Villa park of old, but the recent negativity seems to have sapped the confidence of the crowd. The real strength of character of a player is demonstrated when times are tough rather than when it's easy. Petrov showed he was made of the right stuff when it got tough for him and he battled his way back. Villa supporters (and bloggers) can show their character now by getting fully behind their team. This is especially important when we go behind or lose matches. That is when we really need to sing our support all the louder rather than going into our shells, or even worse lashing out at each other, the players, the manager, the owner. |
Steve
said:
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... From the exact three games last season, we had 2 pts, this year we have 6 points so you cant really complain about that and good to see us bouncing back after wigan. Think Delph and Warnock should have been brought on last 10 mins, but thats my only slight grumble so am happy! |
Mostyn
said:
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... Poor performance, great result. Crying out for a midfield linchpin. Give Delph a go for a few gamws and drop Sidwell. |
amar Sunar
said:
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... fantastic performance, and we were cruising the whole game. fulham had next to no chances at all! MON was brilliant too, for putting carew and heskey on the bench like i said had to be done, and stick agbon by himself, he played brilliantly and ran the channels great. Just got to mention Cieran Clarke who played very, very solidly, always took a touch, and NOT ONCE lost possession (cuellar im looking at you). Lost a few headers, but encouraging debut, altho nevland and kamara arent the greatest front pairing in the league.... SHOREY- played well also, always supported young, and whipped in a few crosses. Great to see him rising to the occasion, and the competition of course.. REO-COKER- did his job well, solid and nothing else, defintely not man of the match, but fantastic engine and brilliant protection to the back four, passed well also which i wass surprised with. Milner and BEYE worked well together on the right, PETROV was immense in the middle, CUELLAR dealt with everything at the back and YOUNG always looked dangerous, although a little tired. I'm not picking on SIDWELL now, because he had a solid game, but for ME, we need someone a little more creative. He had alot of chances to spread the play and gabby and ashley were making runs, but he just does'nt have the confidence (0r ability) to make THAT killer pass, which we need( and which barry clearly did). I like the guy, and hes great for the bench, but for our 11 to be complete, we need either DELPH to come in and replace him, which i think is the way forward, or for someone else to come in.... Anyway, im really happy, we were, in essence, comfortable, the whole game. Against the better teams we may need a little more zip, and penetration through the middle, but as i said, im happy! UTV |
vdv
said:
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... brilliant. reo i never new u were that good. your vision and passing use to be poor but today it was fantastic. |
Michael panizza
said:
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... r0bb0 - Couldn't agree more..the crowd should be there to support, not to wait for something to trigger them off..I was cringing on Thursday against Rapid Vienna because of the noise and non-stop chanting of the Austrians. Naively, I expected a full house - regardless of the fact we were playing 'only' Rapid Vienna so, when I walked in, I was gutted. I've read of many mentioning low crowds are due to the quality of the team we play but can we really afford to be that picky, considering we've barely featured in Europe over the past 10 years and we were 1-0 down from the 1st leg? It was a bloody awful night, put things a bit more into perspective. It's easy to have a moan on players and managers but where the hell is that voice when you're at VP? |
david
said:
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... Luke Young, Bouma, Warnock, Davies, Guzan, Delph, Albrighton, Downing, Heskey, Carew, Delfouneso. Not bad as a list of 11 that that weren't in the starting line up today.....and maybe one or more names still to add to that! |
Biriani
said:
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... r0bb0: Great point. Let's hope one of those names is Rafael Ferdinand van der Vaart |
stavenfaa
said:
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... have to say i taught petrov did great, as well as gabby, i liked carew up on his own with gabby and young right and left, with milner in the middle... drop sidwell and you could have those 3 switch around all game. i liked what i saw today- poor match granted but everyone seemed so comfortable and tireless work for each other. through downing in to the mix and delph and i think we have alot of options going forward. i think kranjaer would be a great buy, and would allow alot of mixing it around. |
nigel
said:
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... I wished people would stop being so negative about the obvious improvement because of the 451/433 sytem. Statistics prove it to be more effective. Lucky or not last season, I'd much rather us win luckily than lose by not playing to our strengths. So lay off the 451/433 club please, and rejoice in our success. |
bobvillian
said:
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... great win poor performance;451 works well but our passing was so so slow.we dont use the pace we have to our advantage.i still think gabby is useless we need a top class goalscorer and creative midfielder.dont forget fulham were shit;playing like today against spurs;man utd;chelsea ect would be a completey different story.451 is our stystem but our midfield players are to much alike. |
lee from belfast
said:
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... when watching the game at liverpool you can hear the villa suporters all the time yet at home we are so quiet i think we get to nervous and it spreads to the players when the holt sings it is truly class and inspiring you never heard any walk on after monday at the dump |
Keith
said:
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... Monkeywrench Do you think the low attendance Thursday was due to the disgraceful way we gave up trying to win the competition last season? Very good performance and result. Loved the way we closed down Fulham and gave them no room. Young, Milner, NRC and Gabby did this very well. Gabby my MOTM, worked tirelessly and great goal. Clarke showed we only need 1 CB and not the 2 we thought. |
George Templeton
said:
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... faangler, 4-5-1 means we can defend better and have more confidence to go forward without being exposed at the back. That is why it makes a difference, that is why we are a better team in it. You want more evidence look at the two Chelsea matches last year (4-4-2) and the two Arsenal matches last year (4-5-1) and tell anyone here that there isn't a difference. How often have you ever heard announcer say about a Villa opponent "They look like they could play for a month and they wouldn't score." That is what I heard them say about Fulham at the end of the match and I was astonished. Also glad to see Gabby return to goal-scoring form. Shut up the haters Gabby! |
Michael panizza
said:
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... keefvilla - I'm not sure if it was down to the Moscow thing but if it had something to do with it then it was just as daft an idea as MON's snub of the Uefa Cup in February. I thought Reo-Coker was superb today and I liked Sidwell and Clark too..overall it was a solid job but we'll need more against better teams... Van Der Vaart? Nah, I've given up on that kind of player - I'd be happy with Kranjcar who fits the MON's foreigner usual purchase: with experience in British football. Hey, don't knock it: saves the club thousands in scouts travelling around the world |
Biriani
said:
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... George Templeton: you make my point for me. of course 4-5-1 works against teams like Arsenal and Chelsea who expect to beat us and we can hit on the break with pace It's against lesser teams who sit back and say 'come on break us down' where the system doesn't work - because there's no space to use our pace in. now more teams sit back against us at home, the less effective 4-5-1 will become at home. 4-5-1 against Liverpool away - of course. But at home against, say, bolton ? I don't think so ! |
James Clift
said:
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... We looked very comfortable today, poor game but 3 points is 3 points. Clarke didn't look out of place which was good to see. We still need a couple of signings if we are to challenge but the signs are good. |
Biriani
said:
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... Heskey ???? Young, and Milner in England Squad. Reo should be in there too in my view |
Andy Pepper
said:
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... Good solid win today thought we played well and controlled the game,although there were still moans everytime we went backwards rather than forwards,but i'd rather do that as the oppositon cant score if they havent got the ball |
Dave
said:
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... Fulham were bad today folks and offered nothing in attack and whilst Clarke did have a good game he wasn't tested at all. Really the perfect 'bedding in' match for him. I'm obviously pleased with the result and we didn't have to play well to beat them however, i feel that Utd or Arsenal would have beaten them by 4 or 5 today and I wish we could have done that. I'm really hoping that MON has a big surprise in store. |
deleted
said:
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... Just as I was saying to the boysGabby is not my fave and my opinions ar ethat he's lazy etc etc he gets the ball and scored two seconds later! I just hope he does not dine out on this performace, as he tends to do. All credit, he actually looked like he turned up to play footy today. More of that please Gabby. We never looked like we were under threat today. It did actually look like that was the case because we dominated the centre of the park and it was not that Fulham had nothing to offer. If we can see these performance often, then we should be looking at a favourable finish. Christ, whats with my optimism... |
Kenneth "The Viking"
said:
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... Cieran Clark was fantastic today. Just bring in Rafael Van Der Vaart and we will be challenging for top 4 !! Id Rather have Brede hangeland than R Dunne. I am a happy Norwegian villa today!As long as we dont buy J Collins i wil continue too be happy! Cieran Clark is the future!! |
Shane Cooper
said:
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... back on track. as bad as fulham were, we still had to go and win the game and there was some very good peformances. looks like it's back to normal at home. i bet certain media stations, bbc wm, who were quick to say there was a crisis at villa are eating there words today. bring on the scum! |
John Clark
said:
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... I think Delph for Sidwell will happen eventually...as long as Petrov, NRC and Sidwell are effective, there's no need to rush Delph. And of course there'll be some changes when Downing is ready, though I'd expect MON to ease him in slowly. When teams sit back against us, it's fine having Gabby run the channels and keep them deep...That's when the five-man midfield can fill in that space, and the Lampard/Gerrard goals come in. We just have to have the right person playing up off that striker. Young? Delph? With who we have now, I do have to say, Gabby should be the lone striker. If he can't seize the position, then it goes to Carew. But Gabby should be able to do so much more than Carew. It's just up to him to kick on, if he can. The goal taken today was very encouraging, every bit as good as Carew's, well taken, well finished. I'm thinking he must do that a lot in training, which is why MON sticks with him. If he can bring it to game day more often... |
vdv
said:
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... people stop saying drop sidwell he was fantastic against liverpool and fullam today. some of u r talking out ur backside. |
Eoin Greene
said:
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... Great three points, and delighted for Clark...Well done MoN for getting the team bak on track..........BUT I think the next 2 days will make or break our season!! |
steve41
said:
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... i think delph will come in for petrov eventually and we will stick wiv gabby up front on his own as this forces the other team to defend deep and deny gabby space behind.when we play heskey or carew the opposition defend high and cramp milner , young and petrov . yes last season this 4 5 1 was forced on us but it worked so lets carry on wiv it ,me hopes lol |
MON - 4-5-1
said:
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... Good win today but why can Carew not play in place of Gabby if required ? He's no slouch holds the ball up well and can bring in the midfielders...can also score the 15 goals we need from him...and gives us the extra hegith advantage..he could be our drogba... would prefer delph to replay sidwell just to add to that creativity in the middle. |
david
said:
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... villapep. I heard the groans when we went backwards too. If we want the team to play 451, keep posession and play the ball forward when there's an opening, we're going to have to get used to the more patient build up. After pleading for 451, I hope the fans are going to have the patience to watch us playing in the more measured way that will come with it. |
MON - 4-5-1
said:
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... Damian, can you activate my account please as i have not recieved as activation email but has registered... |
Adz
said:
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... This site is complete and utter garbage, i am the biggest of Villa fans, and i am ashamed to think that most people on here call themself villa fans...disgusting, damian you have to be the worst of the lot, Awful!!! Get yourselves down Villa Park, where there are 10,000 empty seats, appaling attendance...If you call yourselves villa fans, get your arses off this pathetic excuse for a villa fan website, and support the lads and cheer them on in person instead of moanin' about every little thing, that goes remotely wrong with the villa...Get a grip!!! |
John Clark
said:
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... vdv: I'm not saying "drop" Sidwell, I've been in his corner, and have wanted him to do well. I'm just thinking that eventually, if Delph fulfills his promise, then he's got to offer more than Sidwell. |
amar Sunar
said:
|
... robbo well said. vdv: sidwell was not fantastic today, infact, nonone was 'fantastic', the boys put in a hard working shift and came out with a professional performance. If everyone in our team was 'fantastic' today, then sidwell was the least. he doesn't have the ability or confidence to play a forward thinking ball, let alone spread the play. He plays best in a 5 man midfield because, in a 4 man midfield he is exposed and shown up to be an average player. He works best when closing down an opposition player with someone like reo and when the ball pops out, hes onto it, and usualy plays it sideways to petrov or back to beye or cuellar. i like him and i think hes an option off the bench, but id rather play a more creative player such as delph, despite him being a little raw. |
david
said:
|
... vdv and kahoutek. The really encouraging thing is that Sidwell and Delph are very different players but both look good and can perform slightly different roles for us. Sidwell may be better at breaking up opponent's play whereas it looks as if Delph may turn out to be the new creative midfielder we've been looking for. Delph likes a tackle too but is going to have to curb his enthusiasm a bit if we want to top the fair play league this year! |
Vijay Daryanani
said:
|
... No need to rush Delph, we can play him in carling cup, but the boy is going to be really really top class in a couple of years but we are maybe 2 top players short of challenging the top 4 |
John Clark
said:
|
... r0bb0: What I like is that we're starting to have options, different combinations of players, and that's very refreshing. When Downing is fit, and if he has anything to offer, it will be interesting. But of them all, and I've slagged him off a bit, his passing, anyway, perhaps Reo has laid claim to being an automatic selection...our Gattusso. |
jerry
said:
 |
...This site is complete and utter garbage Adz No it's not. It does, as you say, have a tendency to moan about every little thing. But it has its strengths. It allows you to express your views. Try to make a difference - like you did today. Encourage people to be positive. Slagging peeps off just antagonizes them, try to be positive. In any event, keep coming back and giving us your views. Up the Villa |
david
said:
|
... Kahoutek, I agree about us now having real options in a number of positions and also, increasingly, in playing style/formation too. It was good to see a non injury induced substitution today and it would be nice to see a few more of those this year. If we're going to keep the players happy then I imagine that will have to happen. |
jerry
said:
|
... http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/...LzkUJoih.c D'you think he wants to buy a football club? |
jerry
said:
|
...Quick on the NewsNow updates this evening vijay cleveland, that's very unfair. vijay knows lots of influential, in-the-know people at VP. |
Will
said:
 |
... hope we bring in 3 new faces by tuesday including dunne collins and a mystery player and i think kranjcar should be it and for 6-8m would be an absolute steal the next 2 days are gonna be exiting UTV |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
... A decent performance today against an awful Fulham side, imo. I'm not slating our performance, but I saw it purely as a job done, no more. We lacked pace in our general game and I always felt we could step up a gear if required. BUT, what a cracking game to bring the kid Clark into. They only had a couple of half chances and even then didn't offer much threat. He did everything right, imo. Bit over-cautious for one clearance, but I'd rather that than mess it up. Looking forward to seeing more of him I thought it would be a much trickier game, but it wasn't. So the Villa go marching ON, ON, ON. |
david
said:
|
... Did you hear them on MOTD comparing Gabby to a developing version of Drogba and Adebayor? He did play well today and it was a cracking goal. If he can keep it going for the whole season he should force his way back into the England squad. I wonder how many we'll have in South Africa next year. |
Will
said:
|
... daily mail reckon shorey off to pompey as he has bin told he is not first choice here anymore what a load of shit the daily mail talk i dont reckon he will be going anywhere |
Vijay Daryanani
said:
|
... i think he will go cos bouma should be back in a few weeks but he played well again today, we shud keep him |
david
said:
|
... Don't forget the Daily Mail do have a lot of 'previous' in totally fabricating bullshit stories |
bradz
said:
 |
... Clark, Gabby, Shorey, Beye, Sidders and Coker all very good today! Glad to see people are warming to NRC at last, the amount of arguments ive had one here saying he is a very good player was doing my nut in. Dunne, 2nd Centre back and attacking midfielder still needed! Dissapointed we didnt get Tuncay |
Aaron Wilson
said:
 |
... Robbo, i heard that too on MOTD! He is looking good and according to MON he is unbelievably committed, which I love in a player regardless of their abilities. MON said he was in the gym constantly and is at the top of his fitness. Keep it up Gabby, Clarke and Reo. UTV! |
villa4life35
said:
 |
... I have just seen that Shorey id off to Pompy!!!!!!!..... surely not...... is Bouma back?..... I also hear we are after Colins from West Spam..... I truely hope not..... what a numpty. WE still need to replace Barry. Did anyone see his performance for citeh???? what we are missing |
Adz
said:
|
... GET YOUR ASS'S DOWN TO VILLA PARK YOU BUNCH OF TIMEWASTERS!!! IF EVERY1 OF YOU MOANING GITS WERE DOWN VP, INSTEAD OF SITTIN ON YOUR BACKSIDES ON THIS SHIT SITE WE'D OF HAD A FULL HOUSE 2DAY, BUNCH OF p***kS!!! |
Faccundo
said:
 |
... Job well done - agree that one whole gear went unutilised and we could have stepped up if we had to The key was 4-5-1 The only weakness was Sidwell who looked lost at times, and occassionally got in his colleagues way. Looking forward to Delph phasing him out of contention Clark - brilliant, unflappable debut from a 19yo who I'd rather see at CB than Collins any day of the week Gabby - great to see him back in fine form, running the channels, hustling and his switch to right wing when bid bad "Rocket Club" Carew came on Heskey - so good to see his ample frame shining the pine and nowhere near a blade of grass. MON keep him there Time for Lerner to put in some work - VDV or failing that Kranjcar who again put in a servicable performance for Pompey against City. If we haven't the ambition to go for VDV (who wants Premier league football) then Kranjcar would be the second best lock-picker solution Dunne - noi thanks, mercenary more concerned about his 6m payday than the Villa, we don't want Citeh's refuse UTV - for now, forever |
steve keates
said:
|
... swap krancjar for shorey plus cash give them a frunge player like the hare and a few loan players on the edge for experience. would also love bellamy at villa, seems to have changed his ways, i would give him another go. can play on the wings too! UTV |
peterwithe
said:
 |
... bobvilla - I fully agree with you. I was at a Championship game yest and our passing was slower!! We held the ball well, but was it only me or could Shorey (who did play well) and Beye (decent enough game) both have played the ball down the lines quicker. I knew that Big John wasn't offside today... |
steve keates
said:
|
... dunne yes but please not collins. we, aston villa are better than that surely! |
SlimJimVilla
said:
 |
... Just got back from a great performace, not least from Gabby and Clarke. Love for the youngsters as a few have been saying. By the way, It was 4-3-3 today and damian, if you are going to keep rambling on about the formation, as you clearly are, at least do a coaching badge or something and realise that 442 433 451 are all basics. Its what you do in game with the above that counts. Gabby leads a line well, but only with support. I don`t remember you calling for Gabs to run the line lately so don`t tell man you called the result. And learn some game. This was a result for the faithful, congratulations. |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... Don't forget Collins would likely only be a direct replacement for Knight, and therefore a 4th choice on the depth chart. Having said that, I'm more than willing to let Clark play that role after seeing him today. |
SlimJimVilla
said:
|
... just back, great reslut. So many dumb fans need to do a coaching badge. You reckon 4-5-1? It was 433 that done them today, with a drop to 442 and a mix of the combo doing the bizzo. Go and take a coaching badge damo before claiming credit for recent tactics. Gabby held the line well (who`s dissing him now?), and the back line was perfect...Clarke was immense, much beter than his opposite number who most on here have been pining after. Go f**k yourselves anyone whos called for maritin, gabby, reo or shorey. Go f**k yoursleves haters. Up the villains. |
FUhaters
said:
 |
... blocked and forgotten. As a web designer I will start my own blog, and not censor IP addreses. If you dont like the season ticket holders, you dont like the club. See you at the blog awards dumb f**k. What a p***k you are. |
ronrabbit
said:
 |
... I have been pretty critical of villa of late, and although today's game was not with out fault I am just pleased to see us revert to 4-5-1. My only real criticism is id like to see MON use more subs. Bringing on Albrighton with ten to go when young picked up a little knock, and Delph on for Sidwell, to boost his confidence and get him a bit prem experience. We need centre back cover, although Clarke had a fantastic début and when we bring Dunne in that will be fine. Then I think the only position that should be addressed is a creative cm. I fear we may not see one come in before the close of the window, although I live in hope the Van Der Vaart will be seen in claret and blue this season. he will be a decent price and England or Germany is his preferred destination. |
Villa_Bled
said:
 |
... Whoever thinks Reo-Coker was man of the match has rocks in his head. Damian, you got no idea buddy, why do you think O'Neill took Reo-Coker off, because his shit. Petrov consistently puts in good performances and plays in an anchor role providing the link between defence and midfield. You take him out of the team, and we dont win that many games. I know you feel sorry for reo-joker but the bloke cant pass and always loses the ball at least once a game. Someone of you people, really dont know who the good players are in this team. Thank god, oh-his-a-choker is not captain. |
Ramon Maklouf
said:
 |
... Oh no we're in turmoil. Fire MON, Get rid of Lerner, change the whole squad. We are in trouble.. Oh wow, look at that, we win 3 games in a row and all of a sudden the postivity is back. Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased with this result, but I now hope those stupid children who keep complaining about how we are going to get relegated, we have poor players and the rest take a hike. Nice to see a good crowd, although be nice when we start getting sell-outs. Have faith guys. UTV! |
George Templeton
said:
|
... Ah but faangler, Villa did win games playing 4-5-1 even when they struggled to break the team down (Hull, West Ham away). Now there is no denying the luck that was involved in both, but the key to getting that luck was the constant possession and pressure Villa put on those two clubs. In the case of the Hull match the Tigers barely had a shot on goal. In the case of the West Ham match Villa were dominated in the first half but stepped it up a gear. Now the biggest reason to stick with 4-5-1 against even the lesser teams (because last year I would've agreed with you 4-4-2 at home against bad teams, 4-5-1 the rest of the time) is that Villa are a much better defensive unit in 4-5-1. In my mind that is down to not getting overwhelmed in midfield which mean the defenders aren't under the cosh as much. It also helps that no one is plaling out of position I hope Villa get James Collins he's another good young player to give us depth in defense. Collins, Dunne and another MF and Villa are sorted until January! UTV. |
Dubai Dave
said:
 |
... Wello done to the lads. A LITTLE gripe, we still do not seem to have the out and out goal scorer. 3 wins in 3 games, great news. how many own goals and penalties? |
Dave
said:
 |
... I'm not moaning as all is well at VP But... Can't help but think how goals are penalties or own goals so far, we need gabby to get some form and become the goal scorer I think he can be - hopefully his goal will help. Impressed with the crowd singing gabbys song, I think it helps him play. 12th man - MON for me |
Doubledown9
said:
 |
... If you guys actually looked at the stats you would see Fulham had more possesion and territory. 4-5-1 worked today against a piss poor side. The formation is not really very important in terms of tactics,Where truly great players are involved (the front four at united last year, the fluid movement of barcas front three last season) it just happens that our midfielders are not good enough to play 4-4-2 as you have to be a more complete player to work in a central two. Top 4 would have routed that Fulham side, as it is we are not good enough to do that. Even with the messiah formation (4-5-1) against a more resolute defence we would have been out of ideas with no room behind to play into so we would have to come through the middle. If you are going to use pace and hit the channels with the early ball 4-5-1/4-3-3 gives you options, but when a team parks it and plays on the break against us there will be no room for the counter. A lock picker is needed and I think it could be Delph. There is little surprise in the fact Gabby has hit the weight gain 4000, think about it, Delph & Nrc in the Alonso & Mascherano / Carrick & Fletcher roles, with Downing & Jimmy on the wings, Young in the Gerrard role and a beefed up Gabby leading the line. Liverpool have looked insipid in the middle all season because Alonso is not handing the bullets to Gerrard so he can load the gun for Torres. Follow your dreams, you to can achieve your goals, I am living proof. Beefcake! Beefcake! |
colm tarpey
said:
 |
... There's nothing wrong with Collins, I've seen him play a few times and he's as solid as my cock. Yes he would be behind (at least) Dunne and Cuellar in the order but in that regard he is just as good as say, John O'shea...who comes in for Utd in that regard...strenght in depth. Clark wads good yesterday...I even voted him for MOTM... but he got that for his composure and use of common sense...he could'nt have asked for an easier game to make his debut, still very much a work in progress.. |
HEM09
said:
 |
... Great match yesterday, was there and the atmosphere is improving. However I dont think enough praise is given to Shorey. He played his socks off yesterday and didnt set a foot out of place. How the hell he can have less votes that Beye for MOTM is beyond me who seems to have issues comming forward. |
Biriani
said:
|
...If you guys actually looked at the stats you would see Fulham had more possesion and territory. 4-5-1 worked today against a piss poor side. The formation is not really very important in terms of tactics,Where truly great players are involved (the front four at united last year, the fluid movement of barcas front three last season) it just happens that our midfielders are not good enough to play 4-4-2 as you have to be a more complete player to work in a central two. Top 4 would have routed that Fulham side, as it is we are not good enough to do that. Even with the messiah formation (4-5-1) against a more resolute defence we would have been out of ideas with no room behind to play into so we would have to come through the middle. If you are going to use pace and hit the channels with the early ball 4-5-1/4-3-3 gives you options, but when a team parks it and plays on the break against us there will be no room for the counter. Read the above people - this person understands football |
Damian
said:
|
... Dubai Dave No you are not. You have to be registered to leave un moderated comments. There is a notice at the very top of the site. Ramonicus Many were disappointed with O'Neill because he went from a winning 451 to a 442 and failed. SlimJimVilla first, i am not your son. second, if you read the site you would know whay unregistered users are getting comments moderated prior to approval. third, the reason i am moderating comments of unregistered users is to make sure that posted like you, with your attitude, actually don't get to post so, i'm leaving your comments up, under your name slimjim and FUhaters, just so people can see that it is working |
Will
said:
|
... i agree with harleystaggers collins looks a decent CB and for 4th choice compared to zat knight is a much better option just a shame upson is not 3 years younger or i fancy MON would of just payed the money for him |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Ramonicus so all of a sudden we are world beaters? You have a short memory, how did we fair the last part of the season We were taken apart by wigan Yes we caught liverpool on a bad day (which squad would you prefer) Knocked out of Euro at 1st try Still have a small squad with no real quality additions Everthing has not been put right |
James Clift
said:
|
... We may see a signing or two today. Dunne is obviously on his way but one more would be nice. |
Alan Bridgment
said:
 |
... Aug 30, 2009 3:38:33 PM Tottenham Hotspur will make a last-ditch attempt to bolster their squad before the transfer window slams shut by bidding for Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart. I guess i'm a bit late with this but where does that leave us - no hope I guess ???? |
Biriani
said:
|
... Scum, Portsmouth, Blackburn, then put City back in their place. 12 points here we come. Top four and the holy grail is within reach again |
steven haynes
said:
 |
... nanwasafan,get your tits out get your tits out get your tits out for carew,that was what made him laugh |
James
said:
|
... Cheers Steve Carew is going no where. He loves the Villa fans. He looked really chuffed when thet were singing, like he was on a night out with his mates. Class. |
jerry
said:
|
...As a web designer I will start my own blog, and not censor IP addreses. SlimJim That’s interesting. Keep us posted on your progress. ‘Course, you could try to remember that you’re part of a great Villa family. If you are a web designer and you’re any good, you might have some suggestions for this site. Just a thought. I was also interested in your comments on ‘formation’. I’m an old codger who grew up with ‘inside forwards’, ‘wing-halfs’and ‘half-backs’ so I have plenty to learn about these new fangled things. Your views are interesting and informative. Just drop the hostility and use a civil tone. Look forward to hearing from you. |
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