Tuesday, 01 December 2009 22:26
Aston Villa find themselves in the hat for the semi-final draw of the League Cup, which will be taking place tomorrow night.
If we win the match, which will be played over two games, we will be playing at Wembley on February 28th next year in the final. Yes, you read that correctly; if we win the next round, we will be playing at Wembley and as you know, anything can happen at Wembley.
But, we shouldn't get carried away. United beat Spurs tonight, okay the game isn't over yet, but they are two up at Old Trafford and Arsenal and Chelsea are both probably going to make it into the last four tomorrow night.
We won't be playing bottom of the league again in this tournament and whoever we play next, even if Blackburn and Manchester City win tomorrow and Spurs score three in the last few minutes at Old Trafford, it is going to be a very different prospect.
So, on that, I will leave you for now as this is just a news post to say that we won 4-2, as I didn't watch the match and had to listen, like most, but it is a good result regardless of the team we played.
I'm now looking forward to Saturday and wondering if Heskey, who scored tonight, will start ahead of Carew, who hasn't really looked that interested as of late and I'm also wondering if Downing will start, who also scored, along with Milner and Webcam. There, got the names in before ending the post and before I go, I'm also wondering if it is too late for a cheeky beer, I'll decide on the walk downstairs.
At the end of the dayWinning is a fantastic feeling. I know I probably don't sound that excited above, but all I'm trying to do is keep things in check. If we beat whoever we have next, I'll be over the moon and I promise you they'll be a different tone and if you find yourselves in London on what will be a sunny February Sunday, I'll buy you a beer if you can find me and I can also promise it won't be hard too.
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Mike Carter
said:
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... Got to be pleased with the win. Bottom of the league or not, 4 goals is great news for Villa. This is a tournament we can win without a shadow of a doubt. I'd happily take Arsenal or United in the Semi's, we could take either over the course of 2 legs. Chelsea or City are the teams to watch out for. |
villarobin
said:
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... Dont care who we get next round, fact is we are there. We can beat anyone on our day (Chelsea / Liverpool) so bring it on. If we loose we loose, but we are there and thats what matters. Just like the top 4, we are there challenging, we are not a mid table team anymore.  |
David Griffin
said:
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... I am not at all worried about the draw. This campaign we have proven that we can beat and lose to anyone. I would rather us knock off one of the big boys just to make the cup run that much sweeter. |
lucky4
said:
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... Brilliant game and to score 4 is promising! I would like to see heskey and downing keep their places in the team ahead of carew and sidwell on aturday and igive them a chance to impress again! Wouldnt mind man city or chelsea in the semis because they will have key players missing for the semis in january because of the african cup of nations so we may be at an advantage but it will still be very difficult no matter who we face! |
Steve Oldaker
said:
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... same side sat freidel the only change for me. damian you asked me earlier would emile be in my 11 and it is still a yes for me, or would you bring carew back in sat |
Villa Sparton
said:
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... All we need is composure, the ingredients are right. Bring on the Semi's. UTV! |
Carl Main
said:
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... Frostie...Thats vid of MON is from when we beat Pompey in the league the season....He says how Gabbys goal was great and he didnt score tonight, he then goes on to say 'we could have gone 3-0 up in the first half', when in fact, they took the lead. |
Michael
said:
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...Winning is a fantastic feeling. I know I probably don't sound that excited above, but all I'm trying to do is keep things in check. If we beat whoever we have next, I'll be over the moon and I promise you they'll be a different tone and if you find yourselves in London on what will be a sunny February Sunday, I'll buy you a beer if you can find me and I can also promise it won't be hard too. Thats why we all love you! UTV! |
Chris Platt
said:
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... Great Result, same again Saturday please, and same team, although Guzan will loose his place |
Mike Carter
said:
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... Would absolutely love it if we made it to the final now. I was there as I'm sure were plenty of you guys, at the final in 2000 and I long to have that feeling back. Not the losing, obviously, but the whole atmosphere and experience at a cup final is brilliant. Bring it on!  |
fastbackace
said:
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... great to see all the midfield scoring... even petrov... hopefully mon will put 2&2 together... and come up with this idea: if we have more midfield we'll score more, 4-5-1 maybe... lol UTV and the advancement of ASTON VILLA |
James
said:
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... Belief Faith Hope and charity. In MON I trust. (Let the relentlessly positive enjoy the sun for a moment, it's been very dark) |
tubbydunne
said:
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... Heard MON interview there, Milner played in the middle, Downing started on the left and during the game swapped to the right with Young |
marcus taylor
said:
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... just got back from a looooong day at work, and missed the game. its good to see the goals being scored tho, even if petrov did get the goals mixed up  . can anyone fill me in on the formation? i all 3 wide men started so just wandered how we lined up?? |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... villarobin, Downing was on the left andMilner in the middle? JC on his way out? maybe but if he scores a couple of goals he will soon be everyones hero again |
John R
said:
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... Well done the villa boys. Great result and Heskey scored, is he on a run?. Over two legs I think we can beat any team. Wembley here we come. This could be an interesting season UTV |
Mark
said:
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... Damian, Are you going to be man enough to say that MON got it right? or should he have gone with your dream selection? I was one of a handful that supported Heskey when others were quick to write him off as a donkey. MON - What a fine manager. So many whingeing, negative fickle so called fans on this site make me puke. If you want a team that will win the prem for the next 3/4 seasons, f**k off to london or manchester. I like what MON is doing. That is, trying something different to make an audacious go at the big boys. We're no gimme for any team. |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Mostyn, I'm pasting what I wrote on the last thread; Chill lads, we're into the semis of the League cup. Rejoice, as I am. We sounded like we did fine and dominated the game (BRMB). Damian said it and it probably came across as a little harsh, but he was right, imo. We beat the bottom of the table team with half their players out. I'm just being realistic. Now it get's tough. Odds on us drawing United? I don't know, but if they put their second string out we'll beat them, no worries smilies/smiley.gif I have to say though, as much as I don't rate Heskey FOR US, I wouldn't want the bloke to break his leg. No doubt it was just meant as a footy fan and not a genuine wish. Footy does that to you smilies/smiley.gif |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Balls! I'll try that again; Chill lads, we're into the semis of the League cup. I like what MON is doing. That is, trying something different to make an audacious go at the big boys. We're no gimme for any team. I agree with this  |
Doc
said:
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... Downing in the middle - perhaps we've been harsh on O'Neill and the plan all along was that he was our midfield playmaker . And the stars suddenly fall from the skies. And Capello isn't an idiot after all.... Heskey starts ahead of Carew, does a better job and the world is put to rights . It's always a laugh to have a bee in your bonnet on this site: well mine is going to be Heskey in, Carew out. Up the Villa. |
Andy Scarborough
said:
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... I get home from work at about half past midnight, I have a fridge full of beer. Should I leave a note saying I will not be in tomorrow? Or wait until the morning and call in? Chris, can you run these pig flu symptoms by me again please? UTV - SOTC - JPEG |
Mark
said:
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... I'm sick and tired of the constant feeling of foreboding which this site generates, right from the top of the page. There's almost more satisfaction when we lose. We haven't quite mastered a winning mentality yet, but there is certainly a 'not losing' streak, which has mainly been seen since the inception of Dunne and co. We are becoming a consistent side. We have previously yo-yo'd up and down the league, MON has set a minimum benchmark and uniformity to the club. We have to believe as supporters that we will win, the positive energy is palpable. |
Damian
said:
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... Mostyn if you want me to say o´neill got it right, i will. but at the same time, don´t batter me if i sat he gets it wrong, like he did against spurs at the weekend as for heskey, seeing as you brought him up, i´ll say this again, for the 18th time. i was very happy when we brought him in last january, but i think o´neill has got it wrong with him, in so much that i think he should play up front in a 451. we beat bottom of the table club tonight and i´m not going to get carried away, even when we win on saturday - which we will, because hull are awful too, especially away from home lets hope o´neill gets it right though on saturday |
Steve Badger
said:
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...Heskey for England!!! Maybe, but not for Villa, imo. He has to do a lot more to prove himself to me, when it comes to playing for us. Carew everytime, when he can be arsed  |
Mark
said:
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... Thanks Damian. By the way, it's ok to get carried away; it's great fun! I sincerely hope that Downing proves to be a hefty piece of the jigsaw. He's done well considering he's still not fully fit. Good to see that MON hasn't totally forgotten about the Fonz. |
Chris Platt
said:
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...Good to see that MON hasn't totally forgotten about the Fonz. And the point of bringing him on in the 90th min was?......... |
Martin Clabon
said:
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... I don't get the "increasing number of people frustrated with MON" stuff. Perhaps in terms of style of play although that is overstated we are certainly not boring even if we could be a little more cultured. In terms of results, 6th to 8th is about where our squad is so if anything we are top end of where expectations should be. Maybe we should have a better squad though? But in terms of turn over we are again in that second bracket of clubs so how are we supposed to attract a better squad than the teams above us? But shouldn't we be demanding better? Maybe but that is taking a gamble that another manager could do better than other clubs with more resources and that it is not a basis for being frustrated with MON as he is if anything over achieving. Strange subs and tactics and transfer dealings - maybe or maybe he knows stuff we are not aware of. Maybe a different younger maanger could take us further, better football, pots and Champs League. I'm not convinced - just as likely back to mid table. We will see |
Steve Badger
said:
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... Sid, Maybe a different younger maanger could take us further, better football, pots and Champs League. I'm not convinced - just as likely back to mid table. I'm convinced it would be mid table. MON is absolutely the man until he's run his course. And he's not finished yet, by a long chalk. We're a work in progress, as much as I like to bitch and moan sometimes. |
Doc
said:
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... I'll say this too, again for the 118th time. Villa's pace works better when our quick players operate in a 4-5-1 formation. And in that formation, Heskey works far, far better than Carew because he links the play up better than Carew does. In fact, much, much better. The Carew lobby will always be strong because the lad has made himself into an icon at Villa Park. But some of us need to take the beer-goggles off and simply look at footballing facts: every time I've seen Carew recently, he's been an island: stuck up front on a planet of his own, and only making a contribution if the ball falls kindly. Heskey comes on and actually gets involved in the game. He links far more effectively with our other forwards, and shows a damned site more game awareness and urgency. Heskey in, Carew out. It's bloody obvious. |
oldnick
said:
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... Sid, Maybe a different younger maanger could take us further, better football, pots and Champs League. I'm not convinced - just as likely back to mid table. I'm convinced it would be mid table. MON is absolutely the man until he's run his course. And he's not finished yet, by a long chalk. We're a work in progress, as much as I like to bitch and moan sometimes Sid & Badger Its mon's team! If another manager took over us now our team would most likely be hopeless. I dont think many would doubt mon's ability of instoring faith and belief into our team, he is, probably one of the top managers in the league capable of putting a team that will work so hard for each other. The belief that i have and that im gonna say is pretty pointless but i have had an ale and a smoke so i feel only obliged. I belive that mr o'niell has turned Aston villa into a good football team. We feel that we are only a few players away from being a very good football team. When we fooked mr fickle out the door!!!! we never had a grand option of megastar managers availible!? new owners and mon was a great turn in our fortunes. They hve together built the foundations of a promising future. not bought or tinseled with glitter! but with passion and pride. F^&k it i cant be arsed im just 2 stoned.up the mighty villa |
david mc gorrian
said:
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... Just on the heskey carew thing,i think for obvious reasons heskey is more up for it these days.Im no fan of heskeys but ill give credit were credit is due,i would give him a run and let him prove himself maybe its a turning point for him and with disco stu in there maybe they could link up well and get us the goals that weve been lacking.could be 2 of them on plane to south africa..UTV |
Rio.Jockstrap
said:
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... Fantastic result tonight, and one that maybe gave us a glimpse of whats to come once Downing is up to speed. Heres to a Blackburn or Man city win tomorrow, then hopefully we draw one of them. Dont want to sound negative, but cant see us doing Chelsea or Manure over two games. We can beat anybody on a one-off game, so lets do that in the final! W |
Calgary Villan
said:
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... God you guys are so negative. MON is the best manager since Saunders, stop sweating that and get behind him. Villa have always been a league cup team, MON is a league cup man and Milly was always desined to play centre mid with two England wingers to chop and change with. Heskey is sheer class and will do brilliant 4-5-1, 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 if he's allowed a run and JC will be brilliant if he's 3rd choice and having to keep proving himself. Could be the most exciting team since Deehan, Little & Gray or even Graydon, Chico & Blockhead. Nuf said. UTV |
Nick
said:
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... Ive said it since like the middle of last season, Milner's future is in the middle. He has every attribute to make him a terrific central midfielder. And Guzan is the future in net, the guy is pure class. Delighted to be through, finally a decent cup run to get excited about. And im totally not worried about who we play next, we can beat any team in the PL. We can also lose to any team in the PL, and that theory will be tested this weekend haha. I hope MON sticks to this team with the 3 wingers in, I really want to see how it works with my own two eyes. |
fastbackace
said:
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... agreed with limerick villain. maybe even put downing left, gabby right, milner holding with petrov and ash center, with heskey up top. im no heskey lover, but he has shown he needs a chance. |
VillaNick
said:
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... Back in 1986 we beat Arsenal in the qtr finals, I remember before the game thinking - "we won't beat them, we are out." Amazingly we did! The cup is different, we could upset anyone in this competition. We beat Man U in the final in 1994. No-one expected that, so we should go into it without fear! UTV |
James
said:
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... Oh, by the way, can anyone smell a Spurs dry patch on the way. I wonder if the Spurs fans are starting to agonise over winning a cup or finishing 4th? I wonder if their fans are bemoaning their exit to a weak Man U outfit? What will happen if they fail to beat some mid-table nobody in the coming weeks? Redknapp out? Not seeing progress? Shgould've seized th carling Cup while they had the chance? Or will they still be proudly raised as the shining example of a football club on the move? We shall see, we shall see. |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
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... You sound sceptical Nanwasafan - they do have some good players. Interesting to see the MON interview after the game last night though. He was pleased that 'we actually managed to play some football' Maybe he's not as dumb as I thought |
Simon
said:
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... Wot, no mention of the number of passes? Scoring 5 goals (counting Petrov's) we must be in the high 400's, or is it all just Bollo**s |
jamie hancox
said:
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... Delighted with the result - looks as if maybe Ashley had a good game - spurred on by Downing perhaps? If so we might just get him back to form - and be the team to beat in this competition. |
Tim Hillman
said:
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... Iw ent to the game last night (although had to do a bit of undercover work and sit in the pompey fans!!!) I thought Petrov was true class last night. It was a scrappy game and although Pompey had a lot of possesion they lacked that quality to make any of it count. Downing was good in spells but still looks like he is looking for match fitness. Was good to see Milner play a more central role and he did well. Heskey, gabby, young and downing were all swapping positions throughout the game which must have been a nightmare for the pompey defence. The only decent player they had on show was Kaboul! |
BillyBoy7
said:
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... Hi lads, not been on here for ages, it was too negative, and it still is, no matter what Aston Villa achieve there will still be 'fans' moaning! Anyway, i think we're having a fine season, and with Downing coming into convention it will get even better! I was at the game last night, Milner was outstanding in Center Mid, and our best player this season so far, and has Damien noticed this after knocking him so many times? Over and over? I dont know as like i said, i ent been on here. Here's to a good 2nd half of the season, and a trip to Wembley |
Andy Pepper
said:
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... Would love to see the same team against Hull and really go for it,but i'm not convinced it will be i can see him sliding Sidwell back in somewhere and giving the exscuse Downing needs a rest after 90 min (hope i'm wrong though).He also now has a big selection headache which is always a good thing (so the experts say!!)Collins or Cuellar,Downing or Sidwell or Reo Coker,Heskey or Carew we shall see on Saturday cant wait now i think we could be on a roll!!! UTV |
Andi
said:
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... EMULE is on fire, i said yesterday EMULE would score and DJ would get his first !!!!! now bring on HULL, hopefully CAREW might feel some pressure for his place and actually turn up against HULL |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Not trying to put a damper on this but the reality is MON will ultimtely be judged on our league perfromances and not on beating a Pompy team minus 4/5 first teamers in the carling cup. Yes its great we are in a semi and especially great that Downing has started so well but nothing has changed with me. I'll wait to see if the football and results improve over the next few games in the league now he has the Downing option. I wonder if the Spurs fans are starting to agonise over winning a cup or finishing 4th No NAN im sure they realise that winning the Carling cup means nothing in reality as they won it 2 yeras ago and they know that 4th is the new first. If that is a little reference to what we did last year in Europe i have to say that oddly enough i still think MON did the right thing at the time. |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
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... Anyone else think Young improved performance had anything to do with him being on the right? Much easier for him to deliver quality crosses first time instead of cutting back in on his left peg. I'd go with last nights team but swap Freidel for Guzan. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Oh and fair play to Heskey. Took his goal well and was supposed to have played a very good alround game. Hope he can keep it up. |
John Samuels
said:
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... I said after we signed Downing this is how we would eventually play and this is a sign of things to come as far as I am concerned. MoN clearly put his strongest team out and with the exception of Brad I think it'll be pretty much the same team on Sat. You can't drop Cuellar or Beye at the moment as they are both playing well and deserve a little run in the side and Collins will come back in soon anyway. Heskey has to start against Hull as he is the target man in form at the moment and it would be foolish to start Carew purely because he isn't playing as well at the moment. Downing should start against Hull as he needs match time to get his fitness up in time for the bigger games we have coming up in december. This now has to be our first choice midfield and is obviously what MoN has been considering for a long time. Whether Delph is a long term successot Petrov is something I hadn't really considered yet but Sidwell and NRC need to buck their ideas up because for one of them their number is probably up. There is a good chance Harewood, Gardner and hopefully Osbourne will go in Jan and it remains to be seen who will come in. One od NRC or Sidwell to go in the Summer along with maybe Carew or Heskey given the age issue. I'd prefer to keep Heskey despite Carew being more prolific. Heskey seems to really want to be at the club and has worked really hard to get back in the side. He looks fitter and hungry and this is somehitng I respect. If Carew hasn't upped his game by the summer it could be him making way for a fitter, younger version. Well played lads and it now gives us something to look forward to, Pompey weren't the best and neither were we, but it was nice to see something different being tried and it gives me hope that this is the beginning of something MoN has been looking forward to for quite a while. Hopefully Ash can kick on now and show us the form we saw last season, I told you it would be only a matter of time before we clicked, we have the second best defence in the EPL and now it's time we started knocking a few in at the other end. We've lost one in the last twelve games in all competitions I believe and a few goals against Hull on sat and we could really turn the corner in time for a tough Xmas schedule. |
KinsaleVilla
said:
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... UTV Great to see the Villa in the semis, don't care who we get. Wembley shimmers in the distance.... |
Andi
said:
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... ak-27_ you remember us saying about MON trying something new ???? did you phone him or something ?? SPOOKY |
Damian
said:
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... steve_2000 doc might be posting more soon, he has had a lot of work on the last couple of months and he might be getting more time soon BillyBoy7 milner - he isnt getting knocked as much by me but he is also not going to get heaped with praise after one match. i still think he is, at best, an average winger with terrific workrate - if that all changes when and if he moves into the middle, my views might change. ashley young did okay over on the right, so that might force o'neill to rethink and finally settle on a variation of 451 and if it does and it all falls into place and milner comes to life, it will be fantastic |
paul
said:
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... Well I am getting excited! Villa have been up for this competition this year and are definitely in it to win it now. Whoever we get will have a tough 2 legs I'm sure. The interesting part will be does he stick with No2 Goalie Guzan, even if we get to Wembley? My guess is he will, but has BF played at Wembley? I dont know and at his age I'm not sure he'll get much closer so It'll be a real toughie for MON if we get through. We've got no one to fear in this competition, Utd and Arsenal are playing their 2nd teams, we've already beaten Chelsea and we can beat Man City. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Chiefy i just wish we could have seen the match. But Hull at home like JPA said above is the perfect game to play this formation again. I just hope we don't have to see too much of Sidwell from here on in. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... By the way i think Utd would be the best draw. They are playing their kids again in the semi and i expect City and Chelsea to go through tonight and they both seem to play full sides so UTD look the best option. |
Andi
said:
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... ak_27 -- I think if the performance was commanding to watch and we took it to them never really looked in trouble and we was comfortable on the ball and without i reckon MON might just go with the same team, but Hull have had a mini make over somehow and that might play on MON mind which will inturn make him pick Sidwell or Coker maybe ? |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
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... Sidwell didn't even make the bench. Reckon MON has finally seen the light!! Add Mesut Ozil and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in Jan and top 4 here we come!! Freidel L Young Dunne Cueller Warnock Petrov Milner A Young Ozil Downing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar |
Andi
said:
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... we can obviously sign huntelarr and ozil when Arsenal are sniffing around lets not get to carried away the glamour signings will come |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Chiefy if we take the game to Hull at home by playing our best team that will be able to pass the ball and attack then we should really be well able to give them a tanking. |
Andi
said:
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... I tell you who might be in our reach and might come in january CARRICK and KEANE now that would make a difference and they are both within reach CARRICK has said he wouldnt go back to SPUDS, KEANE is known to be stressed with being third choice and knowing Harry is looking for another striker he doesnt want to hang around, CELTIC cant afford him and we are known to have a long standing interest |
Andi
said:
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... ak-27 - i reckon MON might have got to the stage where he knows risks are going to have to be be taken and if he plays the team that played last night, changing EMULE for CAREW and half time HULL are going to be in for a bad time, get milner to keep bullard quiet thats all we got to do keep bullard and geovanni stum our defence is solid |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... Chiefy if Young or Downing whoever plays on the left can't beat McShane then i give up. He is dreadful player. Carrick and Keane would be very good upgrades on what we have. Where are you getting those links from? |
Andi
said:
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... just reading MON comments seems he is very happy with Milner in the middle and fluidity of the team with him there, Sidwell and Coker are now going to be worrying and so they should |
Andi
said:
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... Its just something i have heard from down VP, dont shoot me i dont know MON or nothing like that its just hear say, apprantley spurs know we want Keane Harry is looking for another striker and knows he has to raise funds, Carrick on the other hand a bit more cloak and dagger he is happy at Man Utd but Fergie doesnt want him or need him think he wants him of the wage bill but not sure, Carrick has said if he does leave he wont go back to SPUDS and when in one breath you say your happy and the next if you do leave it sort of tells its own story |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... I could see the Keane transfer happening. Would Fergie sell Carrick in Jan and then go through the remainder of the CL down a CM which is probably their weakest area of their team? |
John Samuels
said:
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... Chiefy, Carrick and Keane would be good business, like ak I can see the Keane deal as a possible, would he take Carew as a part ex? But Carrick is less likely for the reasons ak said above. If he does go it will be in the summer, unless he forces a transfer because of the world cup. Can't see that happening though. |
daniel wheeler
said:
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... team for hull should be if fit big brad l.young cuellar dunne warnock petrov and millner in the middle young on the right downing on the left gabby and heskey up front in jan get rid of sidwell , harewood salifou etc keep nrc and get a few more in. |
pete
said:
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... i think this game came at the right time for mon.it could of been a different story if we played an half decent team.i wont be getting my hopes up just yet. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
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... The guy i sit beside here at work is a big Utd fan. He said that the rumours coming from Old Trafford are that Fergie wants Modric from Spurs and wants to use Carrick as a part exchange. Modric wouldn't be cup tied in the Europe so that could make sense. He also said he really doesn't rate Carrick as all he does is the simple passes backwards and sideways( a bit like Petrov in a way) and that most Utd fans don't rate him one bit. |
Andi
said:
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... AK-27 - JPA - i hear what your saying its just talk but we shall see come jan, cant wait till saturday now though shame i am driving though arse be nice to see downing playing at home and would be nice if we could open a big can of |
Andi
said:
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... Ak-27 -- this is where it has steemed from the MODRIC thing but Carrick wont go back to spurs which means straight cash is needed and would make Carrick surplus. Think Carrick is weary as he has seen the situation KEANE is in having gone back |
Greg Hill
said:
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... Nan What will happen if they fail to beat some mid-table nobody in the coming weeks? Redknapp out? Not seeing progress? Should've seized the carling Cup while they had the chance? Nan you’re trying to make comparisons that aren’t valid. Their fans, like ours, moan when the football is dire. If we were playing like Spurs MON would be given two season’s leeway at least, as HR will. The quality of the football dictates fans’ perceptions. My dream is still a simple one: a team comes to Villa Park with fear and foreboding – no matter who they are. All our problems remain – and more – because a lot of fans on this site don’t seem to understand that the ‘form’ of a top quality player like Ash is a product of MON’s system – or rather lack of it. |
John Samuels
said:
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...All our problems remain – and more – because a lot of fans on this site don’t seem to understand that the ‘form’ of a top quality player like Ash is a product of MON’s system – or rather lack of it. Firstly I'd like to know what the additional problems are please. Plus, I agree Ash's poor form may be attributable to O'Neill, although was his excellent form of last season and the season before not attrubutable to O'Neill also? Players dip in and out of form, Gabby has, Petrov took time to settle, as has Cuellar and Heskey who seems to have the bit between his teeth. Players thrive on confidence and given the fact that our most influential player is out of form yet still getting assists and goals and we are in the semis of a cup for the first time in years and at the right end of the league, still picking up points and contesting matches with the big sides is all the more amazing and all attributable to O'Neill. |
Ammar
said:
 |
... Was a cracking atmosphere at the game last night. Thought L.Young,Ash,Milner & Downing, Cueller were the pick of the bunch. Very poor Porthsmouth side should have heard the local natives they felt sick to the stomach as to how there team played almost like how we have been feeling for the last year. UTV... |
Andi
said:
|
... Greg1981 - Why can the feel good vibe never last ??? We tried something new ! it worked ! we won ! EMULE scored ! downing scored ! young socred ! milner scored ! we are in the semis ! we played well ! it wasnt all route 1 ! we have Hull saturday ! its enough to give you a semi, what possibly can you moan about other than what is in the past and can not be changed ? |
Ammar
said:
|
...... Would pretty much agree with that. Result was great but performance was pretty much the same against a side that was crippled with injuries. We do have some talented players but its just the way we play really beggers belief sometimes... |
marcus taylor
said:
|
... cheify i think your right about the keane situation, i think its very possible to see him come to the villa. it would be a brilliant buy aswell. its something villa have needed for a while now, a natural goal scorer, someone to be in the right place at the right time. i also think that keane would be a great mentor for gabby, as i believe thats the 1 area of gabbys game that is lacking, he doesnt get many poachers goals, and im sure keane knows every trick in the book. |
Andi
said:
|
... can you hear that ?...............its the winds of change plus i dont care how we play as long as we win simples, pretty football when we have something to play pretty about until then WIN at all costs ! |
Martin Clabon
said:
|
... Chiefy "shame i am driving though arse"???? you sound like you are coming out but a bit guilty about it! Say it ain't so |
Rob
said:
 |
... The midfield was looking good last night, hope this is a sign of things to come. Perhaps we could try playing a diamond in midfield, that'll give us a bit more bite in midfield whilst keeping the ability to go wide. Team for Hull: -----------Friedel------------ Young--Cuellar--Dunne--Warnock -----------Petrov------------- ----Milner---------Downing---- ------------Young------------- -------Gabby-----Heskey------- |
tubbydunne
said:
|
... Hope we are not in for Keane, he is a very frustrating player to watch, lacks strength, spends a lot of time on the deck and I don't think he would be prolific at Villa. He is another player like Carew who has had a lot of different clubs and this tells its own story. Keane would be a legend at Celtic,but we have all seen his track record in the preimership, brilliant at times but ordinary for long periods as well. We need some one that is going to be consistent and get near that 20 goal a season mark. Keane is not the answer. In relation to formations its a simple as this if you have two centre forwards in your starting eleven then its 4-4-2 no matter where they might drop into to help out during a game. If you start with one centre forward then its 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 or whatever and it should be only called 4-3-3 if you have three centre forwards on the field. |
marcus taylor
said:
|
... yhh ive saw the interview ibe been searchin all morning and i can find in the manure v spuds game |
Aaron Wilson
said:
 |
... http://www.lovefooty.net/manch...rling-cup/ thats the United v Spuds match. two beauties!... from a young Irishman i might add! |
THE AV VILLAN
said:
 |
... Downing was not played in the middle. Milner played there mainly with Young and Downing swapping from the left and the right flank. However, Downing did seem to spend more time on the right than the left!!. All 3 looked class though!!!! UTV!!!!!!!! |
Peen Vageen
said:
 |
...Chiefy ....line of the century  |
THE AV VILLAN
said:
|
... Big Brad Young -- Cueller -- Dunne -- Warnock Petrov Ashley -- Milner -- Downing Gabby -- Robbie Keane Subs: Carew, Collins, Delph, Beye, NRC, Sidwell, Albrighton. Top 4 Here We Come!!!!!!! UTV!!!! IN MON I TRUST!!!! |
Greg Hill
said:
|
... JPA 1. I think the increasing amount of defensive cover that Ash has had to do has changed his role. 2. The game wasn’t ‘up’ while he was ‘playing better’. Teams realised they just needed to sit back as we hadn’t the creativity to break them down. A running winger can’t run past defenders who are grouped and are back nearer the goal line quite as easily. No space and too many bodies and few options. 3. Even without the quality MON won’t even put bodies there. That a midfielder didn’t come on for Carew in the spurs game was simply unbelievable. It was inept management. 4. So I don’t agree it’s form in most of the cases that are put forward. You have to judge a player in his optimum position/environment. It’s mainly tactics and organization. Heskey is an e.g. of someone who is badly used. MON is more of a culprit here. Em is not great but we have a habit of getting the worst out of any player it seems. He’s the England centre forward for gawd sake. Our first for 50 years!! 5. For Ash it’s like the boy with a finger in the dyke. Jimmy too. Some fans are saying he should be benched. Senseless. And the points he’s won have been crucial. Chelsea for instance. He is awesome. 5.So I have the opposite view to you. I think MON is culpable and Ash is a victim of poor management. Ash will come alive at odd times but will only sparkle when MON sees the light and puts the Central midfield together. Something that a manager like Harry R knows that it’s the first thing to do. 4th year in and no playmaker in the team to go alongside Petrov and then Barry out = the nightmare I had to endure on Saturday. Chiefy Refer to point 5. No playmaker. And I’ve been to ALL our League cup final victories. It will, indeed, be great to go along to another one. But it is the mickey mouse cup and light years from where I want us to be. It’s all about expectation. I hated the game on Saturday. It was like watching your family get mugged and the head of the household sitting on his backside while it’s going on. |
McParland
said:
 |
... Great result and team effort last nigh lads ,you showed some true grit after going 1down through an own goal .Would have been so easy for you to have felt sorry for yourselves and capitulated mbut you did NOT and fought on for a fine win.Just looked on the Spurs site and they are bitterly disapointed after losing to Man Us reserve team while having their full first team squad out,seem to be pulling their top players apart vigourously.Wel you yourselves have had to put up with lots of critisism yourselves at times but not tonight lads you did just fine. Hope you carry it into the hull city game next up . |
John Samuels
said:
|
...1. I think the increasing amount of defensive cover that Ash has had to do has changed his role. I agree and believe that our excellent defensive record is the result of our hard working midfield. A running winger can’t run past defenders who are grouped and are back nearer the goal line quite as easily. No space and too many bodies and few options. Agree, I wish he'd just get a ball in at times instead of trying to beat his man That a midfielder didn’t come on for Carew in the spurs game was simply unbelievable. It was inept management. No, he bought on Heskey and moved Gabby out wide, thus playing five across the middle...Heskey then almost got the winner. Em is not great but we have a habit of getting the worst out of any player it seems. He’s the England centre forward for gawd sake. Our first for 50 years!! He's also got a terrible goal scoring record and I'd argue he's improved after being left out and having to work for it. 4. So I don’t agree it’s form in most of the cases that are put forward. You have to judge a player in his optimum position/environment. It’s mainly tactics and organization. I disagree, I believe it's because we miss Barry and we have had Downing unable to play for so long. For Ash it’s like the boy with a finger in the dyke. Jimmy too. Some fans are saying he should be benched. Senseless. And the points he’s won have been crucial. Chelsea for instance. He is awesome. I agree again, but he is capable of better and I am not one who thinks he should be benched althoug it did cross my mind at one point. So I have the opposite view to you. I think MON is culpable and Ash is a victim of poor management. Ash will come alive at odd times but will only sparkle when MON sees the light and puts the Central midfield together. Something that a manager like Harry R knows that it’s the first thing to do. 4th year in and no playmaker in the team to go alongside Petrov and then Barry out = the nightmare I had to endure on Saturday. How you can argue it's poor management is beyond me. He signed a replacement by proxy in the summer for £6m less than he should have cost and he was just injured. We have a good side with quality in all positions, we could do with offloading Carew eventually and signing a younger player such as Cole or a link up player like Keane and also another central midfield player who can pass, apart from that we are ready and the style just needs tweaking. I feel you argument that Young is not culpable is a cop out because I watch him and at times wish he just played a more simple ball or just got it in the box. His performance last night is one of his best in a long time and eclipsed his excellent performance at Upton Park this year despite us losing that one. |
Geoff
said:
 |
... I was thinking..the slashes indicate a platoon (no clear cut starter, two equally good players sharing time) taht after the Jaunary Window ends, this would be my squad. it mandates some investment on the ownerships part thogh. Friedel Miguel (Valencia) Cuellar Collins/Dunne Warnock/Young Petrov Milner Cristian Daniel Ledesma (Lazio) Ashley Young (LW/drift towards center) Agbonlahor (Right forward,feeds main finisher) Carew/Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse?) |
Geoff
said:
|
... Subs: Delph, Jovanovic (Standard Liege), Albrighton, Beye, Guzan Sell: Sidwell (should not be on top 6 team in Prem.), NRC (same), Heskey (needs more PT than he would get in my squad) |
Greg Hill
said:
|
... JPA That a midfielder didn’t come on for Carew in the spurs game was simply unbelievable. It was inept management. No, he bought on Heskey and moved Gabby out wide, thus playing five across the middle...Heskey then almost got the winner. This is the crux for me. This simply won’t wash. Why not bring the specialists on? 5 across the middle? I don’t think so. This is the premier. It’s not a parks game. We need specialists against such good opposition. When Heskey came on our central midfield was empty and we were overrun. I looked down from the top of the trinity. There was a big whole in the middle from where Spurs controlled the game. Players gravitate to what they are comfortable with. Put simply; we haven’t got ‘a middle’ – no matter who pays lip service to the position. So Gabs is a potential Sid? Why not put Brad there! You need someone who thinks on the ball not a Gabs who’s is thunder and quick reactions and instinctive. Center mid is a clear thinker; a calm player; head up; picking a pass; controlling the ball; No panic; comfortable in possession; sees the game; looks for runs; weights a subtle pass. I could go on but it seems so many fans just don’t understand the pivotal role of a Sid or Merse… Sure converting Downing or whoever will get us another 6th. But that's not what I and some other are looking for. |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...A running winger can’t run past defenders who are grouped This is where I think we disagree Greg. Young just isn't that gifted at getting past defenders be that 1 or a group. He often picks the ball up in acre's of space and still does not have the skill or trickery to get past his man and normally the best he hopes for is to put it past the full back and run straight into him and then throw himself to the ground and win a free kick. Just look at the Wolves match or Chelsea game to see how many times he received the ball with no defender within yards of him. He is very predictable winger regarding how he try’s to go past players and this is why he is being found out and not down to 2 men marking him or MON's instructions. Now if Duff, Robben, SWP, Martin Petrov or Lennon to name a few got the ball in the same area's they would be far more dangerous. Even Barry out there was better at taking players on and he had limited pace but he had the skill to beat his man. He has his great attributes like crossing, pace and finishing (even though 2 of these haven't been up to his own standards for nearly a year now) but he lacks real skill/ vision or guile to ever be a really top winger. |
Andi
said:
|
... Greg1981- i do hear you mate but things are getting better slowly the first step was MON trying something new which he did and it worked, ROME wasnt built in a day we are at the right end of the table and challenging where we should be |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...That a midfielder didn’t come on for Carew in the spurs game was simply unbelievable. It was inept management This i do agree with 100%. I think a 10 year old boy could have seen we needed an extra midfielder who could actually hold onto the ball to come on. And who was sitting on the bench? Downing. It was the most obvious of changes you can get but once again MON just either could not see it or did not want to make that change. Tactically MON is weak. |
Greg Hill
said:
|
... Chiefy ROME wasn’t built in a day Nope but Harry’s Version of it is a good model and would do for me. ie gone beyond us in half the time. Ak but he (Ash) lacks real skill/ vision or guile to ever be a really top winger. I don’t agree Lennon was relatively quieter against our doubled up defence on Saturday even though his team was on fire. And Ash did do it before. And when you say yards of space yes – but that’s only when he’s backed off. The alligators lie grouped ahead like waiting for wildebeest in the Serengeti. That a midfielder didn’t come on for Carew in the spurs game was simply unbelievable. It was inept management |
Andi
said:
|
... Greg1981 - but how much further forward than us SPUDS are remains to be seen our opinions count for nothing the table come may tells the story and some would argue we are already in front of SPUDS having got through to the next round of the cup. SPUDS could have a really bad time soon then what ???? no one knows what will happen so why right us off ?? ok the football aint pretty but who cares win at all costs and as long as we do i dont care, we have some problems yes but so does every team SPUDS are only 3 points infront ARSE 2 and we are level with LIVERPOO, Downing is getting there MON has worked out MILNER in the middle, the MULE is on speed and scoring goals so i am quite optimistic SPUDS have Everton this weekend away and i am sure Everton wont make it easy for them yes things could be better but they could be a damned site worse as well |
Calgary Villan
said:
|
... Chiefy said: its enough to give you a semi, what possibly can you moan about other than what is in the past and can not be changed ? Comment 91, made on December 02, 2009 at 12.03 pm ====== Well said! They'll still be moaning about how MON could've used a different tactic even while they're parading the European Cup around VP again! |
John Clark
said:
 |
... First off, when we beat a poor/understrength team and apparently look pretty good doing it, we should be pleased. That's what we'd expect, not playing down to their level. So, enjoy the victory. As to a lot of the other discussion, it seems that beyond 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, it's simply been the case that Sidwell hasn't come good, which is affecting our creativity, our ability to break sides down, Ash's role, and so on. In 442, Carew is too lazy most of the time, and I can see playing Heskey instead. If we are playing a "442", I'd like it if Heskey were the link between midfield and Gabby. I think all along MON has been playing for time to get Downing in the side. I do think, though, that playing Gabby up front with a five-man midfield is probably our best formation, Ash-Downing-Milner pushing up (in whatever overlapping combination), NRC and Petrov behind. If we're chasing the game, then go 442. |
afvcbob
said:
 |
... Greg 1981 Your comment (no107)I totally agree with you about the spurs game. Something occurred to me 10 minutes from the end of the game that for the first time in years I didn't want to watch my team been out classed, out played , out run , because MON would not change the way he plays the game when the opposition are ripping us apart It dosn't have to be this way, but he still persist in being constant in this inept tactic that would not be excepted on a Sunday parks pitch - I left Villa Park ranting that he is holding us back as a team - I really hope I'm wrong UTV |
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