Written by Damian Sunday, 07 March 2010 16:35
I said at half time on Twitter that we needed a second half performance that you will be able to tell your grandchildren about and guess what, we got it.
It wasn´t that the first half was bad. Sure, we were two down, but the game was very entertaining and very end to end. Reading actually produced a great counter attacking goal for their second, that even Martin O´Neill would be proud of, but the game was very open and they just took their chances.
But, Martin O´Neill had words at half time and Reading made a classic mistake. The words Martin O´Neill had were very specific and clear for everyone and no surprise to Villa fans.
The words Brian McDermott had were possibly something along the lines of ´soak up the early pressure´ when actually he should have gone for it, much like they did in the first half.
Basically, after starting the second half 2-0 down, we were leading 3-2 after 57 with goals from Webcam and two from John Carew. It was, sorry is, fairytale stuff. Then, John Carew got his third in the second minute of injury time after getting brought down in the box. It really was fairytale stuff.
I´m voting for Webcam as my man of the match. He has stopped falling over and is not staying down with fake injuries so much anymore and today looked a lot more like the player we bought instead of the player we have pampered with lots of money.
More like this from Webcam and he will find his stride again and as a club we will get better. More please Webcam; we both know you can.
But, you can vote to the right and I really wouldn´t be surprised to see John Carew win, but for me, it is Webcam, only because I thought he was fantastic, despite Carew scoring three and you know I am a fan of the Webcam.
Draw for the next round after Chelsea and I will update the site, but we are off to Wemberlee again and I would love to get Pompey.
Before I go, the March hoodoo is broken. Up the Villa.
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Mike Carter
said:
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... This diabolical first half business has got to stop. It really shouldn't take 45 minutes and a team talk to outplay Reading. Carew needs to take Heskey's place now as well. He's shown his ability to create opportunities and score goals. |
Dylan
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... Everybody moanin' at half-time. Have faith in the Villa and get behind the team! Up the Villa! |
paul mclafferty
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... to be honest this season so far has come down to one massive referee f**k up which cost us a cup, but hay ho its wemberlee part two ...bring it on..  |
Nik Skilton
said:
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... Ash made the difference but I dont care. We won. We are at Wemberlee again, and I cant wait. |
Scuffles
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... wow, i actually thought reading were going to go on and beat us for a while there, good stuff  |
paul mclafferty
said:
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... i meant to say the season has been brill untill the ref decision, but am just too excited.  |
James
said:
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... Some of Carew's hold up play in the second half was simply sublime, and I love the way he takes a penalty. If only he could find consistency... |
jimmy
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... sweet, what a change around. thats what carew can give you!!! bergkamp-esque control at times!!! |
hotmonocle
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... Got to agree Carew has to start everytime at least he is a goal threat this nonsense with picking Heskey has to stop!! |
Vaughan Ellis
said:
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... bloody delighted....supporting villa is not good for your health but it's exciting. We all need to realise that we are a team moving in the right direction. Yes we are frustrating and often play within ourselves but look at where we have come from. Remember the bad days under Turner, McNeil and O'Leary....O'Neill is taking us on. I have been supporting Villa since 1977 and this year I am getting to go to Wembley twice in one year. Believe the hype guys and gals we are moving on up.... Leave the criticism and ideas for rebuilding for the pre-season. We know we need a creative midfielder and another great forward but so does everyone else. I love this club and so should you... Vaughan |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Thought Warnock was great today, bounced back brilliantly from a poor performance last week. |
paul mclafferty
said:
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... thank god the march hoodoo has been broke, about bloody time and this could see us finishing a season on a high for once!! come on stoke now!! |
Spencer
said:
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... I bet Simeon is gutted. MON is a rubbish manager, clearly doesn't know what he's doing and can't motivate his players. Wemberleee! Again. |
Simeon
said:
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... Reading got exactly what they deserved today. They might have made us look silly in the first half, but from the moment the ref blew his whistle to start the second half, it was obvious that Reading had completely bottled it. This game was Reading's to win. It was all about what they did, and what they did, ultimately, was bottle it, and so they deservedly lost. Credit to O'Neill and the Villa players for taking advantage of Reading's pathetic abdication, but as Villa fans, surely we cannot fall into the trap of kidding ourselves that this was an abject performance from Villa. One question that must be asked is why is it that O'Neill puts out his strongest possible team the day after he's moaning about a congested fixture schedule? He even fluffed the change he was forced to make in failing to pick Delfouneso, who would have made a much better partner for Carew. The simple truth is that Reading handed the semi-final to us on a plate, and that we are where we are in spite of O'Neill and not because of him. Another 'valiant' failiure in a cup competition (which is probable, if not a certainty) does this football club no favours whatsoever as it simply means that O'Neill is here longer than he otherwise would be, and that means more mediocrity and more embarrassment. |
michael060670
said:
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... sorry to be saying this on a day we have reached wembley again but that 1st half performance was abismal. how can we give such a jeckle and hyde performance. we can't afford to do this against better teams from now on this season. we were lucky 2day. heskey is not doing the business and should be dropped, full stop. fonze should be playing. he'd be a good foil for carew. i changed the channel for a few mins in the 1st half so i could calm down. heskey was awful, couldn't hold it up and when he did he then gave the ball to a reading player. not good enough, and england may take him to the world cup? i don't understand why o'neill keeps picking him. it's time to drop him now. |
Damian
said:
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... Bakewell it is a little unfair to say that about Simeon - he is an Aston Villa fan and I can also see exactly where he is coming from ... he is looking at a much bigger picture - and while I don´t actually know him, I think I can confidently say he will be as happy as all of us right now ... great day. great 2nd half. |
Longman
said:
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... There was a team called City, they came from Birmingham, they got knocked out of the FA cup, by a man called av-a-ram, they dreamt about the final, they really f**ked it up, and now they'll watch the villa go and lift the FA Cup! |
Simon
said:
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... Why not Chelski? if we want to be taken seriously, we got to do the so called Big boys at Wemberleeeee. In fact, i'd feel more confident beating them in the Semi than the Final? |
jerry
said:
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...Bakewell You think so, Boss? Have a look at his earlier post - he's gutted. |
.vogra
said:
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... Thats what you call pulling it out our asses, MON must have read out some of our comments on this blog at half time, fair play, what a turn around. Carew must start now above Heskey when Gabbys fit. |
john doyle
said:
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... glad we came through in the end yes carew must start in front of heskey the one on one miss was his usual self and tells you all we need to know this gug cant score full stop still think that collins should be droped yet again he gave away both goals same as last week just watch him again all this guy dosse is ball watch the first goal he let the man go who he was marking just roll of him to find the space to score and the second goal he leaves his man in the center to come over ball watching again carlos must play center half and young at full back we will not get away with this back four against good teams rember reading are 4 th from bottom of the fizzy pop leage thought that the fonz should have com for the mule but still martin must wake up and watch the game and see it for what it is and not get to over excited all the time well done to big john but i wont be goin to wembler in my car this time 2 and a half hours to get out of that piss hole |
Simeon
said:
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... As an addendum to my previous post, I will confess that I'm not as happy as other Villa fans unquestionably are. I would love for us to win the FA Cup, although it isn't going to happen without a massive amount of luck, and with the help of the other remaining teams. I always have the bigger picture in mind, and my previous posts show very well what I'm seeing. What I saw today did nothing to change my mind about Martin O'Neill, because he did exactly what he always does. So, I'm happy we have a chance of winning the FA Cup, because winning an important trophy is much bigger than the short-term future of Aston Villa afterwards. But I'm not happy with O'Neill, and I'm not happy that we are a team who are only capable of getting results as a result of other's greater inpetitude. I hope this is simple enough to understand. |
AVFC 4 LIFE UTV
said:
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... i want portsmouth in the semis for two reasons- 1) to laugh at the scum because they wanted to play us. 2) we are more likely to get tickets to go to the semis if we play pomepy, i got a ticket for last weekend but my mate who gfoes with me couldnt as it was one ticket per booking reference and it was settled by a name in the hat. UTV |
Josh
said:
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... Missed the match today. Anyone know if it will be shown in full on tv again sometime or am i gonna have to settle for the highlights. |
Simeon
said:
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... michael060670, this Jekyll and Hyde performance of which you speak is an illusion. It was Reading who allowed us to do what we did. Our approach wasn't any different, other than the players would have been fired up to some extent by a half-time rant. However, I agree with your sentiments entirely. Starting Heskey under any circumstances is an error. When the choice is between him and Delfouneso, then it is heinous. Of course, the truth is even worse than this, because we all know that for O'Neill, the choice was between Carew and Delfouneso - although I would actually question whether 'choice' plays any part at all. Apparently, the way O'Neill picks a team is as follows; he has a list of the players, and he simply 'chooses' the eleven players closest to the top of the list. Tactical considerations don't come into it. |
ads
said:
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... Simeon - mediocrity and embarassment? A cup final and a semi final and still chasing 4th in the league and you call it mediocre? Compared to some of the dross we've had over the years?? What manager would you get in that would do better?!!! It's your attitude that is the embarrassment! I'm not getting involved in the negatives vs eternal optimist debate - but that line is ridiculous! (I'm well aware that the first half was atrocious - but O'Neill clearly got into em with the desired result) - I am delighted. If we'd not been skanked by the ref last week we'd be on our way to a cup double! Perhaps he doesn't make as many subs as we'd like (as in none), perhaps he doesn't test Delph and Fonz as much as we'd like - but perhaps he knows better than we do that they are just not READY! Just enjoy the most thrilling season Villa have had since avoiding relegation on the last day of the season..... |
Longman
said:
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... Simeon, why can't you look at it that we were two nil down and the players were deflated and lacked confidence from the wembley defeat, they went into the dressing room and MON gave them the talking to of their lives and told them exactly how to play in the second half, resulting in us coming out and winning 4-2. You are a typical ant-MON fan who will spin anything into a negative. If we'd have played great first half, gone in 2-0 up then lost it it would have been MON's fault, so why can't you see that when we're 2-0 down at half time then come out and win 4-2 MON has had an influence. Stop shutting your eyes to anything positive that MON does and constantly looking for negatives as 1) IT'S REALLY BORING AND 2) HIGHLY UNPRODUCTIVE. |
john doyle
said:
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... simeon what you say is spot on this guy cant see the trees for the wood he plays his pets all the time and wont lisen to any one else we where lucky to get through with his team selection today but he wont look at that and will play the same next week he has no tactis except boot the ball and see where it lands i wish a few others would see that insted of being one eyed all the time |
Rod Bentley
said:
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... Surely MON is just doing this to tease us and as Damien says, it's fairy tale stuff. I that'a not the case what we are showing is resilience. Blackburn at home 2-0, Palace away 2-1 down with minutes to go, Reading 2-0 down at half time. We have invented Blitz football, ask Burnley. Can't agree with Simeon, teams don't win/lose solely on the back of others ineptitude, otherwise we wouldn't see great games and great goals. Giggs's semi final winner against Arsenal at VP - remember? |
Simeon
said:
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... Longman, I will happily admit that I am anti-O'Niell, because the man is a joke. That makes me PRO-Aston Villa. I'm not suggesting you're anti-Villa because you're pro-O'Niell. I don't doubt the sincerity of your support. But the fact is that you don't see that O'Neill is a joke, and you don't see that, today, Reading bottled it. What O'Niell said or didn't say at half-time today was irrelevant. By far and away the most important factor in deciding today's match was Reading's abject surrender. Had they shown some bottle, it would have been highly unlikely that we'd have scored a goal, let alone made a serious attempt to force a replay. That is the truth. As for you finding my posts boring, that's absolutely fine. I want to let you know that I will not be offended in any way if you stop reading what I have to say, so feel free to do as you wish. |
max sarasini
said:
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... Simeon, you;re having a laugh mate. we didnt win today because reading were inept, we won because we grabbed hold of the game and forced the victory for ourselves, with skill, confidence and sheer effort ..this was after a dreadful first half, understandable because the hangover from last sunday must've been immense: o' neill showed what great man -management skills he has and he really fired up the players for the second half. i'm baffled by your dismissal of o'neill, as he has brought us closer to the top in the last few years, than for years: this has occurred even as the financial gap between the so-called top four and the rest has widened considerably. i don;t know who you would prefer as manager, but please tell me and i will consider it, but o'neill has done a great job thus far. |
Damian
said:
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... There is nothing wrong with saying or having the opinion that O´Neill isn´t the right man for the job He hasn´t exactly got a proven record that demonstrates he is and I empathise with Simeon because I was much like his is now about O´Neill with O´Leary but I hold hope that Lerner will release the funds for O´Neill to do it ... because I believe that if you consistently give O´Neill the funds he will make it happen - maybe not the type of football we want, but with better players I think O´Neill could do it ... it is a spiral and maybe not the right one .. but ... well, who knows O´Neill needs the money and the players ... with that, I think he can do it. without, he wont and that i am convinced of |
Simeon
said:
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... John Doyle I'm glad for the support. I know that we are a minority at the moment (progress in cup competitions covers a multitude of sins for many fans), but I just hope that it isn't too much longer before more people see the light, realise that O'Neill isn't capable of managing a club who can mount a sustained, serious challenge to the best sides in this league, and that Lerner finds someone who can do the kind of job that all Villa fans want. I was surprised by the team selection today. I'd assumed that O'Neill, having expressed his concern at our upcoming fixture list, would have made a couple of changes. Silly me. How much longer will it be until we see widespread fatigue in the Villa team? Headologist Giggs' goal was very good, and though the defending could perhaps have been better, given Giggs' pace and skill, and given it was deep into extra time, I think it's fair to cut the Arsenal defence some slack. But when was the last time Villa scored a goal that could be described as unstoppable? The vast majority of goals come from set-pieces (corners, free-kicks, soft penalties), and are all preventable by organised defending. Credit to Villa for taking advantage of others' inpetitude at set-pieces, but please don't try and tell me we are irresistible. Marmite61 Just because I haven't called him a chimp today doesn't stop him being a chimp. You cannot alter your DNA. |
michael060670
said:
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... reading some of the comments and some are having a go at simeon when he is telling it like it is. my blood was boiling in the 1st half with the performance. i don't blame the players entirely, they don't get a rest. mon has some choices to make if he wants to win things with the club. if he hasn't got confidence in the bench, then why are they there? i love ASTON VILLA FC, i live and breathe the club, maybe too much some times and all i want is for the team to do well but when the manager continues to stick with players who are not good enough to wear the shirt then i have a right to say something. Reading are 4th bottom of the championship and yet if they had showed even half of what they did in the 1st half we were out of the cup...that's the truth of the matter, plain and simple. we were lucky they didn't do the same in the 2nd half. Yes, we are having a great season compared to the last 15yrs of mediocrity we've suffered but why shouldn't we expect better each wk. we are one of the biggest clubs in the country, time we acted like it. |
Simon
said:
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... Perhaps MON has a gambling addiction and lets face it, the odds for villa to win were pretty poor at KO, but come half time, they were certainly better. Just a thought  |
Simeon
said:
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... Damian You know what I think about O'Neill's record in the transfer market. He has wasted huge sums of money on players who are undisputably poor, or who O'Neill himself believes aren't up to the job. He has shown no imagination in the transfer market, and this has nothing to do with the sums of money he's had to work with. If he had more money, we'd have bought Upson instead of Collins. He'd have signed Glen Johnson instead of Luke Young. He'd have signed Jermaine Defoe instead of... nah, he'd have probably stuck with Heskey. The players wouldn't be much better than they are now, and the football would be exactly the same, and not good enough to compete. And even if he had Man City's budget, I can't see him being capable of utilising the very best players money can buy. And this is leaving aside the very relevant point that there are big doubts over whether Lerner can afford to spend more on top of what he has done already. I actually find your optimism (yes folks, Damian is a believer, if not necesarily in the cult of O'Neill) harder to understand than those who have faith in O'Neill. |
Bob Bhowmik
said:
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... John Doyle simeon what you say is spot on this guy cant see the trees for the wood he plays his pets all the time and wont lisen to any one else Who exactly is MON supposed to be listening to? Maybe us fans calling for Carew and others to be hauled off at half time? He's the gaffer and the buck stops with him. If he thought playing Delph or the Fonz would make his job easier, is there any reason why he wouldn't? Simeon - can't fault your passion mate but cannot agree with a word you're saying. In the cup we can only play (and hopefully beat) the teams we're drawn against and to say that we only won because Reading bottled it is just, well.....a bit silly really. Even if a team "bottles it" you've still got to come out and play and take full advantage, and that's what we did. I suppose by your logic that all our league wins have also come from the other team not being up for it too? |
frem
said:
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... great game and great performance for most the second half. Heskey is terrible but its nice to Ashley Young back. He was great. I never thought id say this but the last few games are defence has been shackey. collins, cullar and warnock have all been iffy. we just need to tighten up there again, get stephen ireland in and two top strikes and we are going to be fine. |
Simeon
said:
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... downingsleftfoot I'll give you my stock answer to your stock question. Frank Rijkaard. He's managing Galatasaray. He'd jump at the chance of managing Villa. Maybe there's a better candidate, but Frank'll do for the purposes of this question. |
Damian
said:
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... Simeon i know your views on o´neill yes and we probably dont agree on transfers only because i dont think you can realistically expect every signing to come good - however, we agree on the football my view is however that if you give o´neill the money to make the mistakes then he will get some gems - he just needs more money or basically to produce a list for lerner that says ¨with these 5 players we will win the league¨ and see what happens - and yes, there are degrees of that ... |
Simeon
said:
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... Stan Balaban I in fact gave credit to O'Neill and the players for taking advantage of Reading's capitulation, for what it's worth. I'm afraid the logic of what I say doesn't mean that every Villa win is due to the other side not turning up. On many occasions we are better than our opponents and 'deservedly' win - if you can ever say that a team who simply spend much more money than the other team 'deserve' it. O'Neill has spent a fortune. Unsurprisingly, our team is stronger than most. Big deal. |
Longman
said:
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... OK, lets look at facts, everyone who has played under O'Neill thinks he's a great manager, other players in the game think he's a great manager, all pundits think he's a great manager, the press think he's a great manager and top managers including Fergie and Mourinho think he's a great manager. But Simeon and a few othe 'villa fans' think he's rubbish. OK. You obviously know so much more about football than all those listed who have actually played the game at the highest level and managed at the highest level. Don't worry, I will stop reading your posts, because all they are is venom and bile against a man who has achieved so much for the team i love. Up the villa. |
Lew Chatterley's Lover
said:
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... It doesn't matter how lazy Carew may look to people he is a match winner and has now got us though the last 2 rounds, he's a natural goal scorer and our Talisman, start with him every game. I hope this puts rhe Heskey argument to bed, doesn't matter gow hard you try if you ain't got it you ain't got it. He should be 4th choice and only figure if there is ann injury crisis. Starting to realise why Collins was languishing in West Ham's reserves, he's a ball watcher and we need Cuellar to partner Dunne, with Young at right back. Collins as back up after he's had a couple of coaching sessions (bring in Southgate to do this while he's out of work). Gytsy fightback though, there is a spirit in this team that's been missing since Saunders days. |
dan
said:
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... This has a ten year turnaround written all over it. Villa v Chelsea final, crap game, 1-0 Villa, Jimmy Milner getting a scrappy goal after a goalkeeping howler. Worth a bet, right? |
Steve Oldaker
said:
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... poor 1st half superb second,100% credit to o'niell for getting the troops up for the second half. only 1 defeat in 2010 not bad eh simeon, just wandering pal who is this super manager that will bring us the title ? i say title because you could'nt possibly moan about winning that could you ? and why change the team they have had full week to recover have'nt they? and no game in the week either so i would assume the same team with gabby of course for next sat but as the month goes on we do have 2 games a week so maybe delph young delfounso and the like will have some game time. simeon you do puzzle me you really do, why don't you wait till we lose before writing anything please |
Longman
said:
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... Glen Johnson? Now I know you;re a clown, is this the same glen johnson that ruined Liverpool's defence and since he's been injured Liverpool look a much better side? Yeah, lets blow £18m on him!! Sit down mate, your making yourself look stupid. |
Simeon
said:
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... Damian Where are the gems O'Neill has bought? The only 'gems' we have are Milner (although he still has some way to go before he proves that his early season form wasn't a blip. Personally, I like him as a player, though for me he can only play alongside a beast in midfield if he's one of two, and even then I'm not convinced he has enough imagination to make the play against top opposition) and Young (though he has been very average for a year now, somewhat inexplicably), and though credit can be given to O'Neill for bringing them in, the rest of his signings show that it was more luck than judgement. And you also have to consider that we played full whack for both of them. On this basis, O'Neill will have to sign another ten players for goodness knows how much money in order to get just two gems, and where are all these players going to play?? |
Simeon
said:
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... Steveo The facts of our situation don't change in the light of one result. Being honest, how would you react if I only posted after a loss? I imagine you'd accuse me of being fickle and criticisng O'Neill purely on the basis that we lost. You'd probably tell me that defeats happen (which is true), and that we'll be back on the winning trail again (which is inevitable), and not to be so bloody morbid. I call it as I see it, win, lose or draw. And win, lose or draw, we are invariably poor, because this is O'Neill's team, and that's his style. He's not going to change, and my opinion is not going to change. That is honesty and consistency for you, and I make no apologies for that. |
oscars arse
said:
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... Blimey Damien he has had the money and what's he done with it? Wasted a lot of it imo Cannot believe Carew has been on the bench for most of the season while the cart horse has been picked ahead of him. Watching Villa of late is doing my nerves no good at all. Whatever MoN said at half time please say it before the kick off too, we were dreadful first half then 15 minutes of what we can do before settling back and letting them back in. I think Collins needs a bit of time on the bench, move Cuellar back to CB and Luke Young at RB we look unbalanced as it is now and sooner or later it is going to cost us big time. |
max sarasini
said:
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... Simeon, not a bad shout for Rijkaard, what with his pedigree of spanish league titles, champions league winner and also Holland coach...i also like his football philosophy of stylish, attacking football too, not to mention the connections he has throughout europe and his prestige would help to bring the quality players in. If O' Neill ever left i would be more than happy with Rijkaard..but this is O'Neill's team and we are so close to success, the carling cup final, fa cup semi final and still in the mix for fourth place testify to this: i simply believe we have to keep faith in this manager and i've seen enough evidence on and off the pitch that i trust him completely and respect his decisions. Yes, he could rotate a little more, yes, i would like a little more guile in midfield at times, and another forward who is an out and out goalscorer, but there is too much to be positive about at the moment to be atttacking o'neill. let's judge more clearly at the end of the season. |
Longman
said:
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... I hate to talk us down, but I think we need a bit of realism. Yes we are a great club, and we all love villa immensely, but we can't discount what MON is achieving. This article in the Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/spo...l?ITO=1490 really made me think. We love our club and think we're great like all fans do, but this is the reality of things. |
Chris Harper
said:
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... Simeon We know your views on O'Neil so just keep them to yourself from now on. You're getting boring. Try and comment on the present i.e aspects of the game. Nothing you say or do will have any bearing on who manages Aston Villa. |
michael060670
said:
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... why did mon take the villa job? i'll tell u why! he took the job cos he thought villa fans would be happy with any sort of success. he did turn down the newcastle job, didn't he. the geordies expect trophies and want success straight away and he didn't want that sort of pressure. he's a negative manager, when he was in the celtic hotseat he showed his thru colours. a game out in lyon where lyon had to win by two clear goals to make the last 16 ahead of celtic and he bottled it. he has a phylosophy and at this stage in his career it won't change, that's obvious to all now. yes, he has lifted villa out of the bottom half of the table but that maybe as far as he can take us. maybe we will have to look to a more successful coach to get us to where we wannna be. the problem with that is, will mr lerner pay for the best? will he pay the wages for top players to strenghten our squad? i don't know, i know nothing about the man himself. is he here just to make money or does he want the best for the club and fans? wouldn't it be something to stand in villa pk on the 1st day of the season and hear the announcer say, welcome to the home of the champions. why shouldn't villa fans expect it? i don't expect it, i want it!!! |
Steve Oldaker
said:
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... yeah lets get rijkaard in for next season rip up what we have started here and instantly win the league next season and then we can all go home very happy the end |
Spencer
said:
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... I really struggle to get my head around all the anti MON comments, mainly lead by Simeon, right after we have just got to the semi finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 10 years. Unbelievable. I'm a fan of MON but do get frustrated with decisions like everyone else - could use his subs more and rotate the players a little more as well. His use of Cuellar and Melly before him puzzles me sometimes as well. But Jesus give the guy a break and enjoy the moment and the final run in. Why not judge at the end of the season? I don't care to an extent if all his transfers don't work out - no managers do and if you think otherwise then you're very naive. For the rest of the season how about getting behind the team and the manager instead of eroding what has been a great season so far. This may well lead to something even better i.e. CL qualification, looking at the bigger picture. |
Jonathan Walker
said:
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... Simeon I like reading your veiws and opinions on MON and I see where you are coming from. I was sat there at half time thinking why is delph and delfonuso not playing this man doesnt have a clue at times. Then second half with the same team he managed to motivate the players they came out and performed and we got the result. I like MON I love his passion and desire though he does frustrate me at times. I would love to see us play though the middle sometimes though it just never happens. My concern with changing managers is it means starting again, just look at spurs when they had Martin Jol. They were doing what we were doing not far away from making that step up into a challinging team. They then sack him and it goes to shit that is my concern, I belive this next per season is going to be the most important to date. It will tell us fans where we are going as a team, MON has assembled a good squad now of his players. I think we are only maybe 3 or 4 players off from having a team that can challenge for the title. Weather MON it the man to take us to that level is to be seen though i think the next transfer window will tell us all. UTV |
Mike Carter
said:
|
... On another note, since when did everyone start emphasising the "ba" part of Drogba's name? I thought it was just "Drogba", but commentators everywhere seem to be saying "Drogbaaaaaaaaaaaaaa". It infuriates me. |
Tony
said:
 |
... This is real time and I have had a gallon of proper pints of corvedale beer. I watched the match using Sky record and I have just sen the end. I AM BREAKING CONVENTION BYGOING CAPS AND NOT READING THE PREVIOUS POSTS. BUT DAMIAN YOU LEAVE MON ALONE. HE IS THE MAN. I AM AN OLD BUGGER AND DO NOT SET THE AGENDA TO REMOVE MON. I'VE BEEMN HERE BEFORE. THE TROUBLE IS YOU ARE TOO YOUNG AND YOU AINT BRUMMIE AND OLD ENOUGH TOO UNDERSTAND TRUE PASSIUON. YOU HVAE NOT BEEN IN THE PLAYTGROUND WHEN AV ARE IN THE PITS OF THE SECOND DIVISION AND YOU HAVE WOLVEWS AND BAGGIES SURROUND YOU. GET REAL BOY . I STILL LUV YOU BECAUSEYOU ARE AV BUT YOU LACK THE GUTS. UTV OK here we go. |
dan
said:
|
... Simeon; You suggest that simply by changing manager we would automatically start attracting "big names". However, this is not Champ Manager, simply wanting a player does not mean they will join the club. I would be very much surprised if Villa were not in the mix for many of the players that you mention ie. Defoe & Johnson, even though you dismiss them as unimaginative, as well as the Snijders and the VDVs etc. However, it is all well and good making inquiries but if a player has to say "who are Aston Villa" then it is not going to happen. Villa have already played in one final this season, are in the mix for a second as well as the top 4. Next time we go shopping on the continent I imagine MON will have an easier time of it. First and foremost, the players must want to come to us but Martin must be allowed to make mistakes, (Veron, Forlan, Wiltord, Taibi, Jeffers, Shevchenko, Mutu....Need I go on?) transfers sometimes dont work for whatever reason, you must realize this. Also did it ever cross your mind that because of our position/reputation over the past 20 years players like; Harewood & Sidwell etc were the best we could attract and for a manager with the motivational skills of MON do you not think players like the aforementioned pair were likely to recover their best form? You are a very reactionary writer and seem to fail to look beyond the past 90 mins. We do not have the funds of a Chelsea or a City and so have to build slowly. A weight in the market severely hampered by the fact we have never been big players in said market, particularly on the continent. Chelsea had 7 years inside the top 6 prior to the Russian taking over and his massive wealth, while Man City have unrivaled wealth at their disposal. However, even Man City could not attract the calibre of player to challenge for the title, BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT A WELL KNOWN CLUB. Is it any wonder how fast Chelsea became prominent? They were already well known and were not stating effectively from scratch. Would you expect a Sunderland or a Stoke or a Bolton to challenge for honors given 3 years of investment? Indeed Sunderland have had 2 years of investment and are no better off now than they were 2 years ago. Success breeds success, look at United, if we win a trophy this year it will be the first of many as unlike Pompey we have not sold our souls to get there. Interesting interview with David James on FFocus yesterday saying that it was wining the FA Cup which ruined the club. Harry et al had set up the bonus structure to attract players, but winning a trophy meant so many payoffs that the club is now buggered. Villa have not done this and so can use this season to push on. The short sighted nature of your comments astounds me. |
john doyle
said:
|
... simon is dead right why has he brought squad players if he wont use them i think martin must be the next england manager as there only him and cappelo who think heskey is a footballer did you see his one on one chance how meny villa fans thought that he would score this only franks that he is one reason simon is right point 2 is why is young not full back why was collins played again after giving away both goals last week and both goals again today 3 why is our best forward the fonz not played we need some above martin who can point out his errors as the rest of the coaching staff just agree with everething that the god martin says .why dose sir alex rest players then bring them back for big games please martin just look at yourself in the mirror o i forget you will see a god |
Greg Hill
said:
 |
...Simeon No it’s not. Carry on Simeon with your constructive criticism: both interesting and productive. Fans have been making changes to clubs ever since McGregor got the league going. That’s because fans ARE the club. Everything else is transitory. And it means I can pen less. With the amount of luck we are getting we can win the cup! Why no Delph in a 3 man central midfield? Why no emphasis on trying to control a game? Why no using the squad? Why play players out of position? These things will continue to amaze me. All Villa fans must always demand the best for the mighty lions. |
Tony
said:
|
... Yeah look up Corvedale brewrey on the web and if you show with a Villa scarf I'll buy you a pint. UTV Great day better than the European Cup final BECAUSE its today! |
Longman
said:
|
... Why no Delph in a 3 man central midfield? Why no emphasis on trying to control a game? Why no using the squad? Why play players out of position? These things will continue to amaze me. Because we MAY have lost had we done this, BUT, unless I am massively mistaken we won today and made it our second trip to Wembley in one season. I really wonder what this guy has to achieve to get the backing of some of our fans. |
VillaDude
said:
 |
... Would rather play Chelsea in the semi than the final. If we get past Chelsea we should win it! |
max sarasini
said:
|
... Well, we've already spanked them this season so it's all possible...and we will be determined after the heartbreak of the Carling Cup..we are set up well to counter Chelsea and i think it will go into extra time.. |
Simon
said:
|
... Like i said (comment 25) I fancy us against Chelski in a semi more than a final and lets face it, if you wanna win it you gotta beat them. So its a Villa Spurs final eh |
.vogra
said:
|
... as just said, we'de have to play them in the Final anyway, who knows..rather lose now than in the final, don't want another final disapointment, i know we beat them in the league but they'll be a completly different propositon at Wembley, |
adam
said:
 |
... must apologise for my statement on previous post i thought they looked bolloxed due to no subs throughout the season. turns out they just needed a bollockin at half time |
Cian Donaghy
said:
 |
... i have been a advocate of replacing carew and i stand by it but god i love it when he decides to play. you know him deciding to hit form could be paramount to our season finish... |
Aaron Wilson
said:
 |
... Ashley Young is beating players and him and John Carew are scoring goals again. Its like 07/08 . Lets hope he starts for now on. Heskey looked lost and confused again. He appeared mystified of what that spherical object was... poor guy. I hope he finds his way home.  Ok, joke, hes been good this season. But it is funny taking the p**s out of him sometimes. It was the only thing keeping up my spirits last Sunday! |
Martin Clabon
said:
 |
... Greg, really suprised by your comment about Simeon, you are normally more intelligent than that. Your criticism is usually well grounded and thought through. Simeon calls MON an idiot and a chimp. He is a twisted, spoilt little individual who twists every possible cirumstance to met his own bizarre theories. If he ever met MON face to face he'd shit his pants. You do yourself no credit associating with him, you are better than that |
James
said:
 |
... Right, I feel a bit weird here. I must come clean. I was at the keyboard typing my most negative post ever when we scored the first of our 4 second half goals, so I abandoned my post and sat back and enjoyed the second half. Football makes fools of us all. At half time, Carew MUST be taken off, Heskey was far better. Warnock is a liability when teams are coming at us (lost his man for their 1st goal- 2 weeks running he's let teams into the game) so you can see why MON likes a defender out wide who is good defensively (ie the Cuellar Debate). However, coming forward Warnock gives us firepower. Ash at half time had done zilch. We had no obvious plan and I am amazed that Damian thought we were OK. I thought we were as crap as I've seen us. Scarily, I agree with Simeon that Reading let us back into the game. Once the door had been opened we looked awesome, especially Carew, who, surprise surprise, stopped fouling his man and started bringing the ball down and feeding in other players. Todays' performance from Carew highlights the reason why I would let him go in the summer: he is an awesome player when he wants to play and that is not good enough for Aston Villa. A very strange feeling, happy we are through but my happiness is tinged with negative doubts. Was that REALLY a good performance? |
proxopera
said:
 |
... Has Carew been in a coma ? His chip for webcams goal and the finish for his 2nd goal were incredible. It makes me even more annoyed that he is capable of this brilliance but plays like a muppet most of the time . Whats his game , is he showcasing for one last big payday? I think we can have Chelsea , but not on todays first half performance. |
proxopera
said:
|
... We conceded from an almost identical situation to rooneys goal last week ... three players + the keeper drawn to the left post when the only ball on was a cutback to the middle .Two questions arising here, ...(1) Do our CH's trust warnock and (2) I like him , but does Collins have any f**king positional sense or peripheral vision ? |
proxopera
said:
|
... Is there any point in hoping that Sidwell got homesick and put shane Long on the bus back to brum instead? |
john doyle
said:
|
... i am dead pleased with the draw would much rather play chelski than spurs the twice we have played supers they have played us off the park in fact they are the only team to do this all season yes i know we lost 3 nill to wengers lot but for 70 mins we were in the game yet againt spurs they out played us for 90 mins both games yet we magaged to draw i think we have more chance of beating chelksi and hope for portsmouth to pull off a fluke as i dont want spurs in final for the reasons above dose any agree |
Villa since 1958
said:
 |
... To Simeon - please keep posting. If you don't, I'll have to, and I really am too lazy. Basically, I agree with every word you write. I think the people who take this personally should chill, there's a big difference between bind support (good to have on the terraces) and technical analysis - the very raison d'etre of this blog. Technically, Simeon's posts are flawless, and in my opinion, correct. Cuellar - great CB, worst RB in the history of history. O'Neill, buys Shorey and lets him play for Fulham - and lets face it, Roy Hodgson is no dummy - if he rates him, O'Neill's wrong. With Warnock, Shorey, Bouma you've got quality cover at LB, but does O'Neill use cover - nope. Luke Young is played. O'Neill can get the best out of his players - I would put forward the examples of both Shorey and Luke Young. Luke Young - one of the best right backs in the country - miles better than Glen Johnsson, gets to sit on the bench next to Habib Beye - what!!?? Squad rotation - nope. Perhaps he makes them sit on a roundabout at the park, but that's as close as O'Neill is likely to come to rotation. Substitutions - well that'll be Sidwell then. Or Reo if O'Neill's not p****d off with him that week. Tactics? Well, do you remember the Graham Taylor video "Do I Not Like That" - I have a copy. Substitute "Should I bring Sidders on?" for "Do you think Wrighty?" and there we have the tactical genius laid out on the table for all to see. As you may be able to tell, I'm not impressed. At all. I've been watching Villa for longer than most of you have been alive, and I see no improvement, just a bigger debt. Oh yes, I want Villa to win every game, every league, ever trophy and the lottery too if it's not too much to ask. But as Simeon, and quite often Damian, point out, you're only going to do that if you play good football, and in the last xxx years we've had 16 minutes against Burnley, and 10 minutes against Reading. Look forward to being insulted vilified boiled in oil and occasionally agreed with. UTV PS - Chelsea are ours, looking forward to the final. |
Greg Hill
said:
|
... Sid I think you’re all being unfair on him. And I think most abuse is aimed, as I said on Thursday (which unleashed a riot!), to the people who think Mon has a long way to go. I think his reaction, in turn, is essentially responsive. But his general points are reasonable. Before I came onto this site I heard tales of this ‘Talgor’, whom I thought must be biting off children’s heads given the tales that were being told of him. There should be a broad church for the followers of the lions. If you distil down the points that Simeon makes most of them are well argued. I don’t agree with them all, but we all have our own views. I think we could have won last week with 3 in centre mid. Today with two slow central attackers I think it’s in conflict with our fast wide play. Moreover, there’s been no control and ownership of the ball for over a year. (Yes, I know this is relative). For me we have a good team but I think another Manager might have done more given the opportunity that Lerner presented. Of course these are heady days, and I enjoyed my day out last Sunday. But I think they could be headier. And for me it’s the ‘ship and a halfpenny of tar’. We are a Sid, a striker, and some sensible tactics away from being a very good team. So near, yet so far. But be sure, if this is not remedied, what is good now could unravel. I’m not in the slow build camp. We would be a much better team with Barry. And so glad me have drawn Chelsea. Let’s play the best. I think we will be better against them than the other finalists. It's a big stage on which to play the best in the world. Let's go for them. It's a great, exciting draw. |
Steve Oldaker
said:
|
... For me we have a good team but I think another Manager might have done more given the opportunity that Lerner presented. Of course these are heady days, and I enjoyed my day out last Sunday. But I think they could be headier. rubbish greg, has simeon got you under a spell or summat, o'neill built this team and no other manager would have done it better on the budget he had when your competing with the top teams |
Steve Oldaker
said:
|
... villa since 1958, according to you we have played well for 26 mins all season and in your next breath were gonna beat chelsea!..... priceless |
Ammar
said:
 |
... I was at the game and sitting at the reading end. First half performance was shocking and to be honest embarrassing. Could have been a lot worse and they could have been out of sight by half time. Reading fans were furious as they did not feel they had been beaten by class act unit but basically there team had bottled it. Simeon, You make valid points and questions that some fans looking at the bigger picture are asking. Every game from now until the end of the season is going to be a cup final if we are going to try and challenge for the top 4. So I guess that means playing the same 11 we saw today until the end of the season unless we have injuries. What faith does that show in the squad players we have when we cannot even bring them on as subs against a championship side fighting off relegation? |
Villa since 1958
said:
|
... Steveo - I was in "Terraces" mode when I said we'd win. The "analyst" in me is just too dep[ressing. |
john doyle
said:
|
... mon 451 you are dead right the trouble is though that our fringe players may be better than some of the pets and that if they perform he might have to let them keep there place and this would never doo for martin the pets must be played no matter how tired of unfit they might be just had a call off some who knows the fonz dont be suprised if he is gone at end of season he has had enough of not being given a chance when he knows he is better than what we have cerew today was great but where is he the rest of the time and how could any one who is not blind play heasky insted of any of the 2 above |
Chris Parry
said:
 |
... Sorry Steveo but how axactly do you know that another manager wouldn't have done any better? where as It seems difficult to criticise MON you must agree that there are glaring opportunities to improve the starting XI i.e L.Young in and Heskey out, and the lack of substitutions when the game needs changing is baffling! For me MON does not react tactically as a game unfolds to change the flow of the game attacking or defending. We showed that in spells we can dominate but we often ease off letting the opposition get back on the front foot. Would be interested in any views good or bad?? |
Steve Oldaker
said:
|
... why most people dissagree with simeon is because he wants o'neill sacked and for the life of me WHY? yes i sometimes moan about the lack of subs and squad rotation and why he persists with cuellar at right back week after week god only knows why, personally speaking i think cuellar is playing better at right back the longer he plays there but there are games where i think young would be better suited. but having said that take a step back will you and see our positions league and cup wise we surely can't whinge can we? |
Leroy
said:
 |
... When o when will people just take a win for a win?? I think we all agree that MON is quite one dimensional with his "tactics" and substitutions etc....we can see that Milner, Petrov and Ash Young are exhausted by the end of the first half etc..... But because we dont play the same style as Arsenal, Real Madrid or Cambridge U Futsol team, people are carrying on again. I doubt wether many Portsmouth fans would be up in arms about how they won a match..... When did it become about winning a certain way? Especially when we actually won today trailing from 2 down.... The club is reasonably stable financially as far as we know, we have added some good pieces and are starting to see some results in the way of a couple of good cup runs.....for the first time in 10 years or so... Fourth would be nice but i for one am happy to be in a final for something and have a real chance at another, the FA Cup. I think a few are making the mistake of looking too far down the track and missing the enjoyment of what the team is achieving at the moment... |
burberry council estate
said:
 |
... MOAN MOAN MOAN AS USUAL Are some of you on a bi-polar downswing or something? Some of you sound like my missus when she watches the occassional game. We have to score every 5 minutes or we're crap. |
Chris Parry
said:
|
... No were not whinging mate but we are striving for improvement in the areas we think need addressing and it will always be frustrating when these things are continually overlooked. Its human nature my friend....... |
James
said:
|
... Right, this is just a theory but at least it is based on some observation in the last few games. Cuellar is playing at RB because Warnock is at LB. Luke Young would give us more at RB going forward but would be less reliable when required to shift over to CB or deal single handedly with attacking pressure at RB. Dunne and Collins are often needed to come over and cover holes at LB left by Warnock (some positional errors, some because of his attacking brief) When they are dragged across we need a defensive tactician at RB because we are not a side that can command the ball and push both full backs on knowing that we will face very little attacking threat from the opposition. A theory, but at least it offers something more than the 'we all know Luke Young is better than Cuellar at RB, so how come MON doesn't?' stalemate. |
Keith
said:
 |
... To paraphrase the Fat Spanish Waiter.... We have progressed every season under O'Neill. FACT. We reached the League Cup final. FACT. We have reached the FA Cup semi final. FACT. We have a great chance to finish 4th (4 points behind Spurs with 2 games in hand). FACT. Get behind your team or get lost. |
Steve Oldaker
said:
|
... fox in a box, name me a manager at that particular time better than o'neill whilst doug was handing the reins over to randy ? just interested, and do you want o'neill sacked come the end of the season |
john doyle
said:
|
... keef villa i hope you are not one of the chosen few who think that martin can do no wrong with your facts we all support villa myself never missed agame in the third div went to rotterdam and all the games on the way wwatch them and the 2nd team every week must have seen them play at least 3000 times we know that martin has don ok but we want better and when can see black from white you must speak out kike simon and the rest do we want villa to win everything and we want to see foot ball played the way it should be played just because people have diffrent points of veiw to you dose not mean we all want martin sacked or do not support the team we just like to voice our points of veiw my 2 main grips are the full back issue and delph and the fonz should play more the fonz has scorsd more goals for england kids and in the 2nd team than anyone else ever has is that not enough also he hs scored 5 goals in 7 games for the first team thats why i think he should play also we dont want to lose him as he will be the next england center forward for the next 10 years |
Chris Parry
said:
|
... No Steveo just playing devils advocate but these are my frustrations with the team at this present time and MON picks the team. If I ever had the chance to speak to MON I would love to know why he doesnt use the squad and the whole carlos/young RB debate, Heskey etc but as such i will prob never have the chance to. As such it is interesting to come onto a blog where I can read other fans opinions/views positive or negative. For example Nan has given me a different take on the RB scenario which I hadnt considered so for me the blog has done its job. its not a case of you or keef loving villa anymore than me or anybody else its just differing points of view on a shared passion. Not dodging the manager question by the way but cant think of any clever answers at the minute, if I do you'll be the first to know.......... |
Steve Oldaker
said:
|
... would anyone on this site prefer us to start afresh next season with a new manager or does it depend on finishing 4th? me, i'd stick with him for next season regardless of where we finish |
Chris Parry
said:
|
... Dont let it get to you mate, still struggling to think of a manager back then, was MaClaren available? |
Ollie_Villa
said:
 |
... Would have loved to have seen the Fonz and/or Delph come on. To be honest i was calling for the Fonz at half time (shows how much i know). I feel this goes to show how well O'Neill knows his players and the faith he has in them, which can only instill belief in the players themselves. Nanwasafan, Hadn't even thought about that but now you say it, it makes a lot of sense. But going in against chelsea without Ashley Cole, Bosingwa or Zhirkov, their wing play isn't great i know they have Kalou, Cole and Malouda but they dont strike the fear of God into me like Rooney, Messi and Ronaldo do. So perhaps we could gamble putting Luke Young at RB for the league game and see how we do. just a thought. UTV |
max sarasini
said:
|
... On the day of such a storming comeback and victory to progress to the semis of the fa cup for the first time in ages, it seems bizarre to me that there is so much negativity...this is indeed a rotten, maggot-infested blog at times. I will distill my view down to this: people need to get real with their demands and expectations. The gulf between the so called top four and the rest has been growing for the last decade, with the elite `sky' clubs enjoying repeated champions league entry, tv rights revenue, global exposure and status around the world...we should appreciate that Villa are doing so well this season by challenging for the top four and doing well in the cups, despite the fact that we cannot compete financially with those clubs, nor can we attract the top players at the moment. We can see a slow but steady progress upwards; no shortcuts, no russian billionaires, no suicidal borrowing.. We still have our values and identity as a club and we certainly have a great manager. |
Chris Parry
said:
|
... Ollie - I agree about the Fonz he looks pretty special, not sure about delph yet, when you see him live hes tiny but very tenacious. Petrov has started to look a bit leggy to me of late but prob just needs a rest, anyone but Sidders welcome!! On another note the Salifou song sounded great again!! |
jerry
said:
|
...Cuellar is playing at RB because Warnock is at LB. When you take general impressions of the match after the final whistle you look back and, setting aside the positional allocations, think that Cuéllar was playing CM. He’s so often in the thick of it especially with his clearing headers. Then you remember all the good work he does as a conventional RB. Wingers rarely get by him. This is why O’Neill plays him in preference to Young who is, admittedly, better going forward. Cuéllar is a two for one. It’s like having a back five. This is the best defence in the PL. Fellas, put your personal rancour to one side and try to see what O’Neill sees. One last thing, cherubs, Her Majesty, the Queen herself, has given us the full SP on Simeon. He’s a pompo. Nan, you know that post you were compiling at half time? Put it up - it would be funny. |
keith
said:
 |
... this is mons defense and he prefers to play warnock, dunne, collins and cuellar. meanest defense in the prem - so if these are crap i for one am glad we have them. glad we have chelsea there will be a gabby - terry moment so lets hope the ref has balls. |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Greg, I hope you know I am not a blind MON follower and I think honest criticism is fine and even healthy. Simeon is completely one eyed. He is ridiculously insulting to MON who at the least is a passionate and effective manager - he calls him an idiot and a monkey which is ridiculous and insulting. Every posiive thing is down to luck. Every thing is terrible even though we are obviously doing pretty well - of course there is obviously room for improvement but this is a really tough thing we are trying to do. Simeon is also pompous and writes as if he is somebody. He was MON's bigest cheerleader last year till he got his heart broken. So unless he can be more balanced and respectful I can't take him seriously |
John R
said:
 |
... Great result today,eventually. Being a villa fan is certainly not for the faint hearted, remember the league cup semi final when we gave blackburn a two goal start. We certainly don't take the easy option. However, we have developed as a team and become a difficult to beat outfit. We produced a 15 minute burst which won the game,but we did produce. I always enjoy reading the blog for the different opinions offered though i'm a MON supporter. If he does'nt use subs to much there has to be an underlying reason for this. I think we should all savour our trips to wembley I still feel that the refs non decision re vidic was a contributing factor in our narrow defeat. Today we also put paid to the unwanted March record. Carew for me is an enigma sometimes very good, his second goal was classy, other times it seems his mind is on other things, clubs of a certain kind perhaps!!!. We are also very much in the running for 4th place I dont think we will see a collapse like last season UTV |
James
said:
|
... Right, just for Churchill, this is what I was writing during half time and was about to post as we scored our 1st goal. It went something like this.... 'The people who slag us off when we are average (we've drawn against a poorish side or lost to a good one) have shot their load too early. You should have saved it because today is the day. That shower out there on the pitch, against an average lower league outfit, are not fit to be wearing the shirt. We can't pass, wee can't mark. Warnock is running round in circles, Carew isn't running at all. Now THIS really is worth moaning about. On this evidence our season is over. Martin I am starting to hear dark sounds.......' |
Leroy
said:
|
... I tried to post earlier but as its been a while i can only assume something went awry.....ill try to duplicate the sentiments.. Id just like to know at what point of the season did a side have to win a certain way? As i have not been in any comas of late, i can only assume that if one wins a game in the league, it is still worth three points, just as if a team wins a quarter final of a cup they progress....Simeon, please feel free to step in and correct me on these points.... I think we would all like to see a bit more in the way of tactics, especially the utilization of the bench...but who are we to say....it has got us one cup final and now the FA semi final....fact is MON is the key component to the recent successes we have had, yet many are waging war on him for this. Yes he had had significant backing in the way of funding etc, but he has gotten some results of which we havnt had in years. I love this blog because of the difference of opinion and because most manage to conduct the support for our fantastic team in an objective way..... Unfortunately, rather than being happy with the team coming through the match with a victory and booking another cup semi, the neggos come out and spout the usual tripe. Even if some of the points are true, when does it come time to just put it aside and take in some of the football achievements we have conjured up thus far? Simeon, you must be a very unhappy little man around home....at what point did MON steal the jam out of your donut? I call on all the neggos to just push it all aside till atleast the end of the season.....many of us also believe and agree with certain points you are making, but lets just watch the team play and give all at the club our support..... I would think Pompey (not pompo Churchill ) would be in dismay if they were to read this blog....a team toward the top of the table, making a cup final and just gaining entry to another, calling for the manager out......take a good hard look at your selves you spoilt little gits seriously....... |
Simeon
said:
|
... First, I'd like to say to those of you who have shown sympathy for my views, thank you. It's good to know that I'm not alone in my interpretation of events. And I will continue to post, because I care about my club. I had vowed after this summer that I'd post no more, because I didn't see the point of posting when I knew we'd have the same old same old this season from O'Neill. But I feel compelled to post because, as I said, I care. Villa since 1958, I agreed with virtually all of comment 106 (which will come as a surprise to those who misinterpreted one of my earlier posts and understood me to have said that I'd rather we'd spent £16m on Glen Johnson rather than £6m on Luke Young. Luke Young is in my opinion a far superior right back, because he is capable of defending. No, what I'd rather is that O'Neill had signed Luke Young a season earlier, and for half the price. That way we could have had Mellberg partnering Laursen at centre back instead of Knight, and had a substantially better side both defensively and going forward). However, I'd disagree with what you say about Cuellar being a terrible right back. He can do a reasonable job there. Where I'm sure we'd both agree is that the Villa defence would be so much better with him at centre back and Young at right back. Which leads me on to nanwasafan's theory as to why Cuellar is selcted at right back by O'Neill. nanawasafan, I'd suggest that you may have descibed O'Neill's exact thinking (although I still think it's possible that he has a list of players, and selects the next player down as and when necessary). However, this thinking is wrong. Last season (and this, when he's played), Luke Young has been excellent defensively. His defending is his strength, even if he can offer a little something going forward as well (which Cuellar, god bless him, cannot, being a natural centre back). Having him instead of Cuellar at right back strengthens the defence, not weakens it, because he's so much more comfortable defending in the right back area, and defending against the types of players who tend to play in wide areas. I will accept that he is not as strong aerially as Cuellar, but Luke Young is 6ft tall, and perfectly capable of holding his own in such situations. To conclude, the fraction that we gain from set-pieces is massively off-set in every single other area of the game. If anything, this shows an unhealthy obsession with set-pieces on O'Neill's part, and this obsession seriously impairs his judgement. By the way, nanwasafan, I understand that you were trying to explain O'Neill's selection, rather than advocating it yourself. |
Simeon
said:
|
... Leroy, I appreciate your (mostly) balanced comments about my posts, despite the fact that you wouldn't agree with many of the opinions I express. Let me respond to the points you made in the second paragraph of comment 140. I am not some kind of football idealist. Like anyone I suppose, I prefer to see 'beautiful' football being played. But what I want to see is results above all. When the Italians were the best defenders in the world, and their club sides were dominating European football, I enjoyed watching them play. I love to see a team with a mean defence, playing tactically sophisticated football that shuts down the other team completely, and allows its own attacking players the opportunity to create. Mourinho's Chelsea were the best English club side of this decade, because they were superbly organised, utterly ruthless, and won games comfortably. Wenger's Arsenal teams, for all their pretty football, have a soft underbelly, are defensively slip-shod, and only sporadically ruthless. Even when they had Vieira, they were still brittle. Of course it's the winning that matters. But O'Neill's Villa team are the opposite of ruthless. Contrary to what many think, neither are we particularly well-organised. You might cite our defensive record as evidence of our organisation, but the fact is that our defensive record owes more to the negative football we play the vast majority of the time, rather than defensive organisation. And only very rarely do we beat sides comfortably. Again, I will re-emphasise that it's results that matter. But we have won nothing under O'Neill, and what we have achieved is exactly this: Unnder his guidance, we have managed to rise from being a lower mid-table club to an upper mid-table club, curtesy of a net spend in the transfer market that is slightly smaller than that of the Big 4 clubs put together in the same period. What I mean by 'upper mid-table' is that we are not seriously challenging for honours, and nor are we seriously challenging for a CL spot, which, unfortunately, constitutes a significant achievement in the business of football. So we don't even have an end to justify the means. We don't have the results to prove that the football we play works. I do not consider the league cup an honour, because big clubs don't take it seriously. The FA Cup is a different matter, and yes, we are in the semi-finals. But we haven't won it yet, and even if we do, it will either be because the team produces an abnormally good performance on a big occasion, or, more likely, we get lucky. And I'd remind you, in case you needed it, that plenty of clubs have won a major cup competition without being a good team. Neither do I consider us as being serious challnegers for a top four place. Ultimately, we didn't challenge last season, and ultimately, I don't believe for a moment that we will challenge this season, because the other three teams vying for that place are all better than we are, and are going to be less tired in the run-in than we are. Quite reasonably, I can't see all three of them imploding and leaving the way clear for the inferior, fatigued out fit that we are. If O'Neill was getting results on a consistent basis, and these results weren't the result of a mile-wide lucky streak then, by definition, we would be playing good football. But we aren't, because we're not. |
Nathan Price
said:
 |
... Simeon, which team do you manage? Is it a prem team? I'll bet it is isnt it, is it man yoo, no? Arsenal? Liverpool? .... Blackpool? You have some serious skills which are going to waste, if your just a "fan" with an "opinion". This is the best season ever, I was only 2 in '81 so I dont remember it, for me this is the best season ever. |
Steve Oldaker
said:
|
... simeon just read your comment 143.... your a tit and if anyone wants to defend what he has just said well your a cock too i can't be arsed to continue writing goodnight |
Simeon
said:
|
... As a final word, I seem to remember some comments to the effect that we shouldn't replace O'Neill because, after three and a half years and all the investment, we're committed to him, and sacking him and bringing someone else in would result in us being back to square one. Two points in response: First, if you realise you're going down the wrong path, you don't just carry on in the hope that things turn out right. You retrace your steps and, having learned from experience, choose the right path (or at least another path, which at least has a chance of being the right path). Secondly (and this will, no doubt, astound some), I don't believe we'd be back at square one if we sacked O'Neill. I have never said that we have a squad that consists solely of poor players. O'Neill has managed to sign quite a few good players. That tends to happen when you spend £130m. A new manager would have the basis of a good team immediately, and raising funds for new acquisitions would be possible because, in football, there's always someone stupid enough to buy a poor player. A new manager (assuming we get someone decent in; my top-of-the-head choice would be Rijkaard, though I'm sure there are plenty of other managers with impressive track records and managerial nous who'd jump at the Villa job) would get more out of the current crop of players than O'Neill does, because he would have a level of tactical sophistication that O'Neill could never hope to require, and would instill in our players some real belief, and encourage them to play more football. And it goes without saying that our forays in the transfer market would be infinitely more astute, if only because the new manager wouldn't limit himself to a tiny pool of players. Sacking O'Neill would not be a backwards step. If it were, I wouldn't be suggesting it, because I'm a Villa fan, and all I want is what's best for my club. |
max sarasini
said:
|
... Simeon. We have reached the final of the carling cup. we are in the semi finals of the fa cup. we are four points off fourth place with games in hand on spurs. This season we have beaten Man Utd aat Old Trafford. Liverpool at Anfield. Chelsea at home. We have statistically one of the best defences in the league. we have several players going to the world cup and the most english players in our first team of any in the premier league. In your post you say: "But we haven't won it yet, and even if we do, it will either be because the team produces an abnormally good performance on a big occasion, or, more likely, we get lucky" There's no getting around that kind of crushing negativity. I don't know why you bother. |
Doc
said:
 |
... Hi Simeon, I haven't been posting for a while, so firstly good to take up arms with you again. Your arguments are well written. But being able to write eloquently can't disguise the fact that your arguments are also fundamentally misguided. Villa fans like us, who have been so starved of success for so long, are enjoying a season in which we are about to book our tickets for a second trip to Wembley. It may turn into a third - who knows. Unlike you, I suspect that if it does, it will rely on a careful exploration of Chelsea's weaknesses and the training ground preparation that will go into exploiting those weaknesses. Martin O'Neill has bought intelligently to create one of the EPL's most difficult defences to break down. Beyond that, he has created a midfield with skill, pace and - most importantly - fluidity. The results are plain to see: two fabulous cup runs built on exhilirating counter-attcking comebacks, and resulting in two Wembley visits. And a league position which, if you work it out on points-per-game basis, sits us between 4th and 5th. If you can't see progress there, then you are utterly myopic. Most posters on here who understand this game accept 1) that the key players in Villa's attacking set-up are young and still learning and 2) that we need to invest some money in a top-level finisher. Are you so arrogant that you don't think Martin O'Neill knows that too? We have shown, when it's been needed, that we can destroy opponents with the balance of pace, skill and fluidity that O'Neill has brought in. Sure - we need more consistency. But tell me another side at the top which doesn't. Sure, we need a proven goalscorer. But show me another side at the top which doesn't have a weakness it needs to fix. This is turning into one hell of a season, period. And I rather suspect you might be panicking that the reasons to whine, moan and denigrate may be running out. But that's the cynic's life I'm afraid: always worried that success may be around the corner and you'll run out of "I told you so's". Sorry to be harsh: but cynicism has it's moments...and this just isn't one of them them. So crawl back under your stone for the moment and save your negative energy for when we lose the next home "banker" against a relegation side. I'm sure you'll need it for then. Doc |
Christopher Dello Russo
said:
 |
... Great Comeback! Didn't play the game in the States until 5pm on replay, so I avoided my computer like the plague as to not have the result ruined for me. Amazing! Look like crap in the first half, but what a bounce back..must of been some speech. Couple things to take away from the game: 1. Time for Collins to drop down the pecking order..silly mistakes, and ballwatching at times, again. Think the back four should be: Young, Dunne, Cuellar, Warnock. His role should be an off the bench guy or starter against lower sides to give Dunne and Cuellar rest at times. His errors would of been much more costly against a better side. 2. Carew over Heskey as target man. He deserves it. Never felt he should of been below him in the first place. I don't believe he's the long term answer to pair up with Gabby, but with no doubt the better man on the squad for the job. Little shocked not to see Fonz out there to give a pace option but... 3. Once again can't bust MON for his handling of Delph/Delf. I maintain the "you don't rush young talent" axiom and if he doesn't see them as ready yet, I have to respect his opinion as coach. These two are going to have plenty of time to shine for us in years to come. Can't wait for the semis!! Bring on Chelsea!! UTV! |
tashofmountfield
said:
 |
... Brilliant comeback. I think Villa did that in the first half to piss off people like you, boo boys. That's what this blog's all about, isn't it? It was utterly entertaining. We chose to play for 10 minutes... and we were brilliant. Like to see Carew do that more often though. Ash was good. but JC took the pressure of him umpteen times. He let him play... We continue to entertain. Chelsea's going to be a proper game. UTV but for f's sake let's support the Villa rather than pick up on every sleazy 'Red Top' sub, below sub scandal...????? Damian. Ignore the Beye thing for eg. It can only be negative. We all saw it. So what... |
Simeon
said:
|
... Doc Bowles You think I'm wrong, and I think you're wrong. We apparently measure success on different scales, and this explains why your mood is so bullish, and why you are so impressed by Martin O'Neill's work. From what you say in your post (and I hope this is a fair deduction on my part), you think that we play exciting, stylish football. This is your opinion, and I can only assume that it's sincerely held. I certainly won't begrudge you your happiness, nor your hope that things will improve still further. I think it's a good principle to take pleasure wherever you can find it - so long as no-one gets hurt, naturally. Whatever the arguments are, and whatever the truth might really be, you can take solace in the knowledge that your man will remain manager of this club for the forseeable future. Lerner loves him, and the majority of fans love him. On those terms, you're the winner and I'm the loser. Congratulations. Enjoy the success. |
Andi
said:
 |
... To all the doubters and MON doubters, That somes up exactly why MON is the right man and why we are going in the right direction. Anyone that can contemplate the idea that we aren't well to you i feel sorry for you and can only assume that you may huge gapping holes in your life, as you could never be happy as you expectations will never be met in any part of you life. Once again MON has proved how he can single handed get us into the S"£T and the motivate the same 11 players that got us in the S""t to go out and get us out the S£$t. NO 30million striker came of the bench, NO 20million midfielder came on to pull the strings. It was a fantastic come back, and while some would argue we should never have been that position NO we shouldnt be we was so it doesnt matter that arguement is a MOO point. EMULE i am sorry but you are S"£t, Carew you have won your place in the line-up by right although this can not be a one game wonder you have to perform consistently at this level. We have shown once again we can play its now capturing the second half performance and doing time and time again if we can do that we have every chance of silverware. Well done MON and well done VILLA you deserve it UTV, SOTC Just incase anyone is interested got 31,000 blue and white foam hands for sale, never been used genuine reason for sale |
Andi
said:
|
...To paraphrase the Fat Spanish Waiter.... I am on TEAM KEEF !!! |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... Team KEEF, f**k yeahhhh, coming again to save the mother f**kin' day yeahhhhh! |
Jim Guest
said:
 |
... I really do not see that Ashley Young had a good game. In fact, he's been a weak link for weeks now, and never more evident than the Carling Cup final, and the first half of this game. His crossing is woeful. He's not alone in this. Downing is putting over balls of such poor standard, neither player should be starting right now, let alone hoping to go to the World Cup, cos neither is doing the basics, and neither is doing anything special right now, either. I'm not suggesting I have the answers to how to get the maximum out of these two players, but with the number of trips to Wembley, and with a World Cup place up for grabs, I don't know what else as a player you need to give you a kick up the arse? To play Chelsea, on a par, we have to have these two really firing and up for it. Would be nice for Dunne and Collins to get us more clean sheets too. The 'air' clearences these two have BOTH done in the last few games is giving me major heart scares! Me, I'd go L. Young, Cuellar, Dunne and Warnock from here on in. |
Damian
said:
|
... Chiefy your comment was removed as it was basically copying a post from yesterday - it had nothing to do with the above post and you were doing it to stir things up |
David J Jones
said:
 |
... I find it difficult to understand the anti MON posts especially those questioning his understanding of the game. Success in this League will not come overnight. In my time following AVFC I have experiencing the downturns and then the rise to the pinnacle in 80/81/82/83. In the period between 75 and 79 there were many frustrations but eventually the manager (Ron Saunders) sorted the problems and we had a team capable of great things. I learned in that period there was only one view that mattered - the managers - and I have faith that MON will bring that greatness back to Villa Park. All the talk of 5 year plans is nuts in this day and age it will take far longer than it did in the 70's to achieve the same result. It will need a structured and disciplined approach to achieve that result now and frustrating as it is we have to accept the managers decisions. I would not want MON driven out of the club as Saunders was - and we know who was instrumental in that. Like many of you I am frustrated at Heskey's selection and Cuellar at right back. I would like to see more of Delph and Fonz and others but are they ready yet? Play them too often and too soon and they may suffer accidents like Aaron Ramsey's and I am sure we would not want that. I do not believe there is a better manager than MON available to Villa. Remember SAF did not have successful years when he first went to ManU but I can say I knew he would eventually work things through. MON is a similar manager he will succeed in the end - it is just going to take time |
DavidC
said:
 |
... We play terrible football tho. We're dull to watch. We're long ball. Tell you what, ask any neutral, and they'll probably say we're the most entertaining team outside of Man U to watch based on our games on BBC and ITV this year. |
keith
said:
|
... do you know what made me smile about yesterdays game? the number of posts i have seen, and not disagreeing, about if we had experienced player X how the younger players would learn. now i know who teaches gabby the one on one |
Panos
said:
 |
... Thank you Villa for the great win, and many thanks to WHill for the 12/1 they gave at half-time. |
Andi
said:
|
...now i know who teaches gabby the one on one dont you just love EMULE, even when he gets given a goal on a plate he still manages to mess it up. You gotta love a trier |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... Carlos is a centre back!! I want to know that too.... don't think I can make it if its the Sunday!!   |
Darragh McGeown
said:
 |
... Morning all. I've been one of the biggest Carew critics for a while now but yesterday he was awesome. If only we could get him to play like that consistently. Good result |
keith
said:
|
... after reading last nights posts something has just come to mind. when man u won the european cup with 2 late goals were they not the greatest side in the world because even when they were playing average football they were capable of a few miutes of football that could change a game. oh forgot, this only applies to liverpool, manchester and london, if you are from birmingham its luck |
chico
said:
 |
... simeon you can moan all you like about MON's tactical ineptness, fact is villa have conceded fewer goals than anyone in the league this season, with a defence he and Walford put together from scratch. Must be doing something right. You might think we are going one day to dominate every other team in the country with our finesse, but that's not how football - or life - works mate. Rijkaard's Barcelona teams never did that, and like it or not the world's best players would rather go to the Nou Camp than Villa Park. You work with what you have. We might not have spent as much money as you'd like, but we have still spent a fortune - almost all of it on players who seem to genuinely want to play for the club. You'd have to go back to the Saunders teams to find players who put in shifts week in and out like Milner and Dunne. Get a grip. |
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