Written by Damian Saturday, 30 January 2010 17:50
A headed goal from Gabby Agbonlahor and an excellent shot curled round the Fulham keeper with his left foot, both in the first half, saw off Fulham today, can I write this next bit, with ease.
Basically, we looked too good for them defensively with all of the back four in the action today, making superb blocks and interceptions which scuppered any chance of Fulham getting back into it.
But it was a day for Gabby and the first goal actually came from a cross but also from the most unlikely of players; Stiliyan Petrov. The cross was absolutely pinpoint and all Gabby had to do was put his head on it and direct it in.
The second was a bit of magic, in so much that Carlos played the ball into Gabby and he made a little space, shaped his body and bent it round the keeper. It was a goal worthy of the three points.
Fulham did come back into the game more in the second half but like I´ve said, defensively, we looked very good today. It was a good three points today and hopefully, the beginning of us getting back to winning ways.
So, all that is left for me today is to ask you to vote for the man of the match which, even though I think I know where this is going, it has to be done.
Post-mortem, statistics and newspapers tomorrow. For now, a beer I think as we are back into fifth place, which is where we need to be sixth place, which is where we need to be before the final push.
Set as favorite
Bookmark
Email this
Comments (173)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
adam
said:
 |
... too much long ball for my liking  great result missed the first half so cant wait to see the goals tonight |
Chris Platt
said:
 |
...we are back into fifth place Which table are you looking at Damian? I think you'll find we're sixth  |
Jake Gardner
said:
 |
... Great result good to see gabby getting a couple should give him the confidence to get scoring again. Wembley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
Chris Harper
said:
 |
... Really difficult to pick a MOTM, I thought Petrov was superb, as was Gabby's goals but I chose Dunne. He's just out of this world. He's an absolute man mountain! I never thought we would replace Laursen. Man City.....   |
Chris Harper
said:
|
... We'll also go above Liverpool and Spurs if we win our game in hand. Happy Days! |
dominic elmer
said:
 |
... Great performance today. 1st half we outplayed them and gabby got 2 great goals. 2nd half not so exciting but we controlled them and looked solid. 6th in the table point behind Liverpool lets hope we push on from this and go on a good run of form up to the cup final.UTV |
Anthony Laud
said:
 |
... great Result - not many teams will win away at Fulham all season. Lets get through the next 2 games still in touch for 4th then on paper such a run of winnable games. |
Michael
said:
 |
... cant remember a better 10 days for villa in a long time - into the league cup final, the 5th round of the cup and winning an away game in the league to put us 2 points off 4th with a game in hand very happy! |
Nix2
said:
 |
... I think Dunne is deserving Laursens old song. Duh duh duuuheeeeee Ricardo DunnEEEEEEEEEEE du du duuuheeeee good for Gabby to be scoring too get his head up. Heskey didnt sound that good but he got booked again whilst being furious about something, which is GOOD it means he's full of passion. Passion means points and points mean prizes. |
max sarasini
said:
 |
... Fantastic day for us, with Tottenham conceding late on..we're in with a real chance for fourth now. Watching the game on Fox Sports via ropey internet link, the away fans were brilliant, never stopped singing. Two great finishes by Gabby too, although he was able to turn the defender far too easily for the second. Wasn't too surprised that we didn't bring on any subs and i fear tiredness will creep up in the coming weeks. Apart from that, brilliant day...oh and i got Wembley tickets and coach tickets on Thurs...very. Pleased. |
Villa4Life11
said:
 |
... Gabby MOM, but it's great today because there was really 5 or 6 guys deserving. Dunne, Downing, and Petrov were all fantastic |
john doyle
said:
 |
... great result dont want to knock but why not give the lads a run out last 20 minns i dont know why we have subs we never use them few tired legs last 20 why will martin not have any faith in the subs we are being told it is a squad game but not at our club dunne must be the best defender in the prem if lescott cost 25mill he must be worth 50 mill as he is twice as good think even a stright swap for barry we still would have had the best deal thats how good he is |
Proxopera
said:
 |
... If Villa turn over spurs next week , it could be all over for them this season , they're not known for their bottle. |
Stan Balaban
said:
 |
... Gabby, Ash, Dunne, Petrov all great today. Special mentions for Carlos and Luke playing out of position but another clean sheet away from home shows how good these are. Took our foot off the gas in the second half but I wish MON had made a few subs just to protect the guys. Give Stan a rest by bringing on Delph, the Fonz for Heskey in particular. Anyhoo, great result, good performance and Gabby goals. 20 goal striker this season maybe? |
Paul Theiss
said:
 |
... We looked strong today, as we did midweek against Arsenal. We're not going away. |
Philip Arkinstall
said:
 |
... Next week against Spurs in looking a bit tasty now. Win that and we overtake them. Solid display today. Good goals and brilliant defensive display in the second half. |
Aaron Wilson
said:
 |
... Passing and possession was very sloppy at times but overall a good job. The fact that we were trying to play football most of the time tells me ARSEnes comments might have helped the team. Well done lads. UTV! |
Steve Badger
said:
 |
... Great first half, but it dropped off some in the second. Agreed, it was pretty comfortable for us. Many decent performances today, although I thought Jimmy had a rare quiet day. Heskey, credit where it's due, was very good on the whole. He seems to have a bit of fire in his belly and he looks better for it. No complaints whatsoever and very happy. One little criticism though. Subs. I've often defended MON not subbing, especially when games are tight, but I doubt we'll get a better opportunity to bring someone on for a few minutes. Must admit I got it wrong about Gabby today. I thought he needed a rest, but he proved me wrong. Let's hope that's the start of a streak. Also, if we're playing the direct comparison to fixtures last year, that's another 3 points up. All is well with my world today  |
Darragh McGeown
said:
 |
... Very happy with the result today. I seriously think Richard Dunne will prove to be the best buy this season -of any team. Great to see Gabby having a good game - hopefully he'll hit a run of form now and score a bucket load against spurs |
keith
said:
 |
... Fulham's dominated the second half with Zoltan Gera and David Elm both going close but Villa held on. And although the Londoners will consider themselves unfortunate not to have gained a point after a dominant second-half display, Villa will point to a professional first-half display and some ruthless finishing. from the bbc website badger, shall we leave selection to mon |
Spencer
said:
 |
... Dunne, Gabby, Petrov, Ash and Milner were all brilliant today. Was a bit disappointed with Emile's performance after him playing some really decent games. Fonz should've come on for the last 15. On the whole very happy that we've finally managed to get 3 points at Fulham. Wemberleee!!! |
George Templeton
said:
 |
... What an excellent day! JPA you were right, the goals were going to come and they did. Knowing Gabby this means a good run of goals from him the next few weeks ( ). And Agent Ridgewell, he scores own goals when we need him to and we scores when we need him to. If their Benitez wasn't a plank they would've beat Spurs. And like everyone else said, the reshuffled defense has done it again. Last year with Cuellar at RB and Luke Young at LB, Villa were conceding goals all over the park. What a difference Dunne and Collins have made in that regard. |
sean jones
said:
 |
... Great result today, I really thought we were going to lose 2day. Fulham have a great record at home, and we could'nt hit a Cows arse with a banjo before today. But great result and also our third staright clean sheet which is good for confidence to, bring on Spurs. |
Spencer
said:
|
... I think the Fulham fans must be the quietest in the league. At one point a steward told us stop singing the 'sh*t support' song. Truth hurts eh! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...badger, shall we leave selection to mon You make a good point keithj and it's one I tend to agree with. But it's starting to get a bit frustrating, imo. If you aren't going to give the kids minutes, the only alternatives are to drop them straight in from the start of a game when you eventually decide they're good enough or never use them at all and only go with tried and tested buys. I know which I'd prefer as a fan. The point is, I don't think we looked majorly threatened and a straight swap for a few mins for just one player wouldn't have upset anything today. I don't think Delph for Milner or Fonz for Gabby would have hurt and like I said, I'm only talking about a few minutes here and there (although MON not wanting to take Gabby off in the hope of a hat-trick is a good point). I think it was Pancho who said MON will play the same side until they are too tired to walk. I think he has a point. James Collins apparently complained on Twitter that they had played 5 games in 13 days, for example. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... keithj, I've just been back on the match thread and it seems you were referring to Gabby not starting. Yes, that's fair enough today and Gabby has earned a few more starts. I guess I'd just be a bit more ruthless wrt time given when you're not doing the bizz. Heskey seems to be playing better of late, but he'd never have got as much game time if I was the gaffer. And in all fairness, that's why MON is the manager and I'm not You can only call it as you see it though. And who's to say Fonz wouldn't have got a couple today? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...any way to contact u for that shirt??? try having a look at that 2" deep red bar at the top of this page. |
Stan Balaban
said:
|
... Gabby's finishes today were both great but that's Gabby all over. Both goals came from having no time to think about the finish, and this is something Gabby is great at. If he can convert more of the one-on-ones, or chances when he has time to pick his spot, then we'll have some player on our hands. Well done to all the boys today. UTV |
fastbackace
said:
 |
... can someone email me damian's email, maybe its cuz im from the states. fastbackace@yahoo.com |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...How did you win a competition? I was thinking that until I realised it was a guess job. I thought these Yanks were supposed to be IT savvy? Only playing fastback |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...maybe its cuz im from the states. I suspect so mate. Do you live in the deep south east by any chance? Sorry, sick British humour mate Have you got it now? |
Chris Platt
said:
|
...can someone email me damian's email, maybe its cuz im from the states Glad you got that. It was beginning to stress me out |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...ps... cuellar gets my motm! I love the bloke fastback. MOTM, I don't know about that, but I wouldn't disagree. Seems you've got the e-mail addy now, nice one. And sorry for taking the piss mate |
fastbackace
said:
|
... its all good, actuall, far south west U.S. like ocean side. and carlos played awesome, still feel he is best partner with dunne we got |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
 |
... great win today, really at to come thro this one today or it would have been back to the drawing board , my only consern with out being negative is how we just cant seem to play a two part game it reminded me of the spuds game who we have next funny thing is it will be harder to win that game if we play a one half game with them, so lets hope we can really gear ourselfs up for that and beat those over inflated t**ts, i still think we could of made a couple of subs in the second half 2/0 up and half cruising fresh pairs of legs to get us that 3rd and killer goal , still a great win but its next week is the one i want and grave for, great win good result god bless the villa |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...its all good, actuall, far south west U.S. like ocean side You lucky SOB. What I'd give for permanent warmth  |
James
said:
 |
... Cuellar was a close call for me too; superb in defence. However, his distribution was poor. Mind you, I was keeping a close eye on this aspect of our play and it struck me that Ash tends to pick up the ball wide right, turn back and feed Carlos and then run away from him very fast. Hence, Carlos punts the ball hopfully up the line. Shouldn't Ash be feeding Petrov, Heskey or Milner and looking for the one-two? |
Darren
said:
 |
... Got a joke early that made me giggle, thought i would share it. Martin O'Neill , Arsene Wenger, Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez are in a pub. O'Neill Gets up and gets a round in, Wenger gets up and gets the next round in, then Ferguson and then Benitez. O'Neill then gets up and buys himself a pint and sits back down. Wenger, Ferguson and Benitez ask what the hell is going on? To which O'Neill replies "This is the fifth round lads and your not f**king in it!" |
frem
said:
 |
... victor moses going to wigan is defiantly the sign that we are not going to buy anyone. we only have 3 mil to spend, moses has gone for 2.5 mil and hes the type of player oneill likes. Fast, english, young and a bright future. cheap as well. gillete soccer saturday said is all we need is a poacher, but oneill does not listen to anyone. |
THOMAS PRYCE
said:
|
... it would make sense nan wouldnt it keep the attacking flow going but to be fair they are getting there ,the passing has improved the balls up to heskey are a waste of bloody time though did he win one today ? cut that out of our game and we could be up there with thev rest of them , watched martins today in the anc and thought if only we had something like that, you know what i mean still maybe next year |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...However, his distribution was poor It often is. He hit one particular 5 yard pass out and I was embarrassed, tbh. Indeed it's why ak_27 and others hate him there. I don't disagree with it either, but as was demonstrated today, his covering more than makes up for it, imo. He was also good backing up Ash against BB after having a crap first half. He was ok against the arse too. Ash tends to pick up the ball wide right, turn back and feed Carlos and then run away from him very fast. Hence, Carlos punts the ball hopfully up the line. I've watched this too, especially after the constant criticism of CC at RB. My take is yes, it should be going inside for a one-two normally. But we don't play that way. So our full backs are expected to be superhuman in that they can out and out attack with the winger, but also be a stunning defender who is always in the right defensive position at the right time. Imo, this is bollocks and why something has to give. The classic example is Glenn Johnson. Great in attack, but absolute garbage in defence, imo. CC is the opposite, but can have a stab at going forward. Fwiw, I think Warnock is only a fair defender who often needs to be helped out, but I doubt that will go down too well. |
Steve Oldaker
said:
 |
... did not see the game but just wondering how petrov played considering he is carrying an achilles injury, these particular injuries do not go away over night either and did he use any subs today? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Damnt...I'm from the deep south.... I don't think Texas qualifies in this case. Think of the film "Deliverance" Mind you, you did have a certain father and son outfit that were 4th division at best, imo. I'd better leave that one there, I think. |
frem
said:
|
... WHAT has happened to Robbie Keane’s career?He was a hot property when he left Tottenham for Liverpool and still was when he returned. [> [> But as Spurs boss Harry Redknapp signs another striker in Eidur Gudjohnsen, Keane has become yesterday’s man at White Hart Lane. [> [> Redknapp complained recently that it was difficult to juggle four strikers. Well, he’s got five now and something has to give. [> [> Keane needs a new challenge. His career is going nowhere . [> [> Surely the Republic of Ireland captain is worth a gamble before the window closes on Monday? yes he is. |
Fatkevs
said:
 |
... Just Read Gary Gardner will be out for 9 months with crucial damage lets hope he makes a full recovery |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... keithj, I forgot about this one; http://www.thevillablog.co.uk/.../#comments Post 125. I do agree with you. |
colin badger
said:
 |
... great game today and deserved the lead in the first half, dont think we looked in any danger in the 2nd and presume mon instructions were to sit back and go on the break. but fulham were not really committed going forward even in the last 20 mins due to the threat of gabbys pace. hesky looked a bit tired but played well. i think the biggest factor is the work petrov does and the amount of closing down and organisation. did notice fergie watching and bet he thought how the feck are they gonna deal with gabby lol dont forget gabbys age, as strikers dont normally peak till about 25 to 28. pleased the way he out muscled the fulham centre halfs as his gym work is paying off. |
villatx
said:
 |
... Think of the film "Deliverance" ahh your thinking of tennesee... now im feeling ya... ...squeal like a piggy boy... |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...ahh your thinking of tennesee... Yep, that and decidedly dodgy ancestry. Similar to how we describe Wolves fans But of course, only in jest |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...did notice fergie watching and bet he thought how the feck are they gonna deal with gabby lol dont forget gabbys age, as strikers dont normally peak till about 25 to 28. pleased the way he out muscled the fulham centre halfs as his gym work is paying off. Absolutely. I commented on this when a defender tried to shove him over the line and lost out. I love the kid, but it seems me and others asking to rest him got misinterpreted somewhat. It's not because he's crap, it's more that he could do with the rest mentally, imo. I just think he'd have more of an edge. |
AVFC 4 LIFE UTV
said:
 |
... i was there today can i just say the support was brilliant but when is it not on an away day but anyway MOTM was Gabby because of his goals but i thought Heskey eas really good today, my problem with him is he has been brilliant the last few games but he hasnt scored. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...can i just say the support was brilliant In my experience it always is. i thought Heskey eas really good today, my problem with him is he has been brilliant the last few games but he hasnt scored. When he's performing and doing his job (as he has been lately, imo) I can live with him not scoring. It's when he's totally useless all round (as he had been for months on end) that I can't stand him in the side. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...When he's performing and doing his job (as he has been lately, imo) I can live with him not scoring. The difference? Workrate, imo. |
AVFC 4 LIFE UTV
said:
|
... can i make one point in the summer i think there will be a bit of a clearout because today mr o'neill didnt make one sub today whichshows little faith in what he has on the bench, When warnock is fully fit who do we drop? cuellar is a great defender but he has poor distribution |
villarobin
said:
 |
... ive never felt so comfortable watching the villa in london as i did today, never felt panicked, no clinging on for the points, a really solid performance . Milner looked absolutely shagged at times and needs a rest i think, that was the main talking point in our area of the stand. MARTIN ONEILS LONG BALL ARMY !! |
villarobin
said:
|
... just read the comments above about Heskey. I think hes great at what he does , really good, and thats why manager after manager always raves about him. He gives it all , works hard , and links the play. He just needs a shifty little goal scorer playing next to him. I think hes looking really slim / fit, and up for it at the moment as well. He fits into our team because they are all workers / chasers, always looking to chase the opposition down. I think Gabby needs to work on his movement. There are loads of times where he has the ball in the box , passes it to Young or Milner or someone , and then just stands there walking around !! He needs to pass and move abit .. Great 2nd goal though, he is getting better and better, and just might get 20 this season. |
villarobin
said:
|
... Have to say Petrov's passing was class today , he was spraying the ball around all over. If only he could score ! |
villarobin
said:
|
... Also no idea where this "Fulham dominated the 2nd half" is coming from , they did f**k all |
John Jordan
said:
 |
... Genital Grinder! I love gabby!..I love a glass of wine!....Gentle Grinder would be more appropriate I think! |
GD
said:
 |
... Petrov really is some player. He ran the midfield. Right now he's the only player in the team that if he's not there we would really struggle. I hope this injury he has isn't serious. Its a shame delph is a bit of a headless chicken, I hope he can get it together and clam down a bit. I think this is one of the reasons O'Neill wont bring on the youngsters. When he came on against arsenal suddenly the midfield turned to chaos. Delfouneso is too small to bring on for heskey, and he couldnt be brought on for gabby who was on fire, so there was literally no other changes MON could make. The risk is too big. Although we want to see these lads get a chance, theres no room for risk in the PL theres too much at stake, so I can respect MON's non sub strategy. Gabbys all round game has come on so much this season, and I reckon he is definitely the poacher we need. Both his goals were finishing inside the box today, thats what a poacher does. The crossing has just been woeful the last few weeks, and ashley was not in form. Now its a different story and the goals will keep coming from Gabby. A fit and confident Carew beside him is major handfull for any defence. Oh if Carew had never gone to that strip club..... |
Villajames
said:
 |
... Good to see us finally score today, the finish by gabby on the second goal was top class  however i have drawn two conclusions, 1.)heskey is a waste of space 2.)we need a clinical finisher... and finally, without wanting to sound picky, this spelling of "wemberlee", I think its stupid, whats the point except to make villa fans look abit idiotic, spell properly! were not the illiterate scum from across town! |
frem
said:
|
... im really really annoyed and worried about this window. every villa fan has said we need a striker, gillete soccer saturday said we need a striker, and spurs and everton fans has said we need a striker. thats alot of people. gabi, ok he scored two yesterday but we cant be so nieve and say we dont need one now because we do. hesk has improved but wont get goals. we had one striker on the bench yesterday who is 19 years old and i dont think hes scored a prem goal. A team who is challenging for 4th place should have at least two good strikers on the bench and we dont. this will be difference from us getting 4th place or spurs and city. |
Spencer
said:
|
... Robbie Keane off to Sunderland apparently for £9m. I think they're paying about £4m too much IMO. |
frem
said:
|
... keane, 9mil, bargain. just what we need oneill. when it said villa need to sell to buy, does that mean learner wont even give 4, 5, 6 mil? |
patrick37
said:
 |
... he dosent score enough goals and its to much money for a player of his age and its ben a while since he has played well. |
Spencer
said:
|
... £9m is far too much. Keane's not been the player he once was for the last couple of seasons now so chances are he is only going in one direction. When you consider his age aswell and the fact that no one seems to have much money there's no way he's worth the risk of £9m. I'm a little surprised we haven't signed Moses though. Maybe MON thinks the Fonz is better. |
frem
said:
|
... who else better are we going to buy then keane this january then? getting one in the summer is not going to help for the rest of this season is it. |
Mike Carter
said:
 |
... I hope these past two games stop people moaning about playing Cuellar "out of position". He's been outstanding at right back during the past week, and I don't think he is out of position at all anymore. |
Damian
said:
 |
... but we never seem to strengthen in january. from a fantastic position last january we brought in emile heskey the season before, from a very promising position, wayne routledge basically, what i'm saying is, if we didn't do it last season - when things were going well at the end of january - we were 4th, 5 points clear of arsenal and we didn't do it the seaosn beofre that - when we were 5th - two points off 4th - don't put any hopes on us strengthening now. in fact as thing stand we are much weaker -but nobody could have seen reo-coker getting an injury mostly because he wasn't playing |
Spencer
said:
|
... I'm not saying Keane isn't worth a punt but not for £9m. What if that money spent prevents us from buying someone who will kick us on in the summer? Someone who could transform the midfield or be the 20 goals a season striker we all want to see at the club. We are seeingmore than ever that football clubs (bar a select few) are not bottomless money pits. MON never spends big in Jan (apart from Ash) and that isn't going to change this window. |
frem
said:
|
... Damian- thats true but what happened after we bought heskey ? we fell apart the second half of the season and we were all saying that we need a new striker. we did not even get one in the summer. it is now time. |
Damian
said:
|
... Bakewell what is £9mn these days though and isn't it maybe worth the gamble because right now we are 6th - within touching distance of the top four. if we don't bring in a player to help i'd put money on us not finishing in the top four and the top four been man utd, chelsea, arsernal and liverpool there comes a time when we need to take a gamble |
Damian
said:
|
... frem but at the time - we were playing 451 - doing very well and many thought, assumed if you like, that we were buying heskey to continue playing 451 and because he had played it to such great effect at wigan - it all dropped away last season when we changed a successful formation - not just heskey |
frem
said:
|
... 9 mil is nothing in footy these days bakewell and for a striker with a very good goal scoring record in the prem, its even more of a bargain. you said about the money going towards a 20 goal a season striker, well keane for me is that striker. if we finish 7th or 8th this season which could happen, do you really think learner would give us the cash to buy a top striker? |
Damian
said:
|
... £9mn is a lot of money its just, in the grand scheme of things, when players are getting paid £5mn a season these days (okay, not in our team) it doesn't seem like much |
James Clift
said:
 |
... I went yesterday and missed both goals whilst waiting up the bar for a half time beer! |
keith
said:
|
... frem i do believe lerner would provide funds for a top striker however i don't believe he will give funds for one catch 22. he provides funds then gets slated for adding to the debt |
Damian
said:
|
... keithj the debt that stats at over £140mn right now? i'm playing now ... on the back of these loans to the club as the accounts come out soon and we will get to really see were all that money has gone |
keith
said:
|
... damian what does £140 million debt mean to avfc? i am no economist but if i had massive debt then i would tend to clutch the purse strings |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
 |
... Keane is a washed up has been on a very lucrative contract. THe type of PR signing we used to do under Doug. Luckily Martin knows that signing this prima donna will do nothing but enable us to finish eighth. There are better and younger out there, but unfortunately they are not available until the summer. Better saving the eight million and the has beens wages until then. After all, the evidence seems to be that we are not in a to bad position, and have a very interesting run in to the end of the season, that could end up with silverware and fourth place. Cant see the gaffer upsetting the teams focus by signing has beens for the sake of it... |
Spencer
said:
|
... Damian didn't we take a gamble last Jan on Heskey? I appreciate your point but unless a signing comes off then MON will get slated. Last year the gamble back fired. Keane is still a decent player but I personally wouldn't want to see us spend 9m on him - what has he honestly done since he went to Liverpool? |
Adey Stuttard
said:
 |
... Anyone see Barry Bannans goal for Blackpool - stunning strike, one for the future, do him good on loan. |
Damian
said:
|
... Bakewell i dont really think heskey was a gamble - i will admit that at the time i thought it was a master stroke - but i also thought we were going to continue playing 451 keithj and that is my point - i think we are borrowed up as far as we can borrow up under lerner. look what hte man city owner did - he transferred over £300mn that he put into man city into shares in the club - they are now relatively debt free - he did that because he wasn't using it as a vehicle to make money but instead as an investment into the club to help is succeed |
david
said:
 |
... It looks as if MoN is being true to his word this transfer window. He did say early on that it was unlikely that we'd be buying. We struggled to make useful additions in the previous two January windows when the need was greater so it is wishful thinking to imagine that it will be different this time. It's not actually something I've even wished for. Everyone knows it's difficult (but not impossible) to make valuable additions at this time of year and even good additions may be disruptive rather than helpful. Heskey is a good case in point. His value to the team is becoming increasingly apparent, but bringing in and bedding in a new player at this point in the season can do as much harm as good. If we suffer from many more injuries we may start to suffer but tehre is more depth than ever before and maybe it'll give some of the current fringe players a chance to shine...after all...that's what many on here are calling for. |
keith
said:
|
... damian as i said im no economist but that £300 million is a donation not an investment because no one else would be stupid enough to buy their shares without the oil money |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
 |
...Anyone see Barry Bannans goal for Blackpool - stunning strike, one for the future, do him good on loan Yes i did. He is the one young player above all others i would love to see make it. The Blackpool fans have been signing his praises since he joined them on loan. He really looks a class act in possession. If only he was a bit bigger but he might just be our own Messi. What a goal. Anyone who hasn't seen it should keep an eye out for it on SSN. |
Spencer
said:
|
... Damian every player is a gamble to one extent or another. I agree on the surface Heskey looked a fairly safe bet vs cost/4-5-1/his current form for Wigan but signing him didn't have the immediate impact we expected. Keane is 3 times more expensive, isn't playing particularly well or much and isn't a prolific scorer anymore. IMO he is too big a risk at 9m. If wecould get him for 5m or on loan then fair play but that won't happen. |
James
said:
|
... Villa James Some points to consider... 1. Gabby had 2 shots and scored twice. Clinical? 2. Heskey (arguably) did more than anyone to stop the opposition gaining ant foothold in the game. He made more successful tacles than any other player (7). 3. I think the chosen spelling is an attempt to convey some of the jubilation and chest bursting pride of our team playing in a cup final. On the other hand a correct spelling may simply suggest that we loved the architecture or something. |
Fatkevs
said:
|
... Damian thats a key point that so many miss under the Yanks Hype "he did that because he wasn't using it as a vehicle to make money but instead as an investment into the club to help is succeed" He runs the club like a PLAYBOY SHEIK not devoting his time & energy to give us a chance to succeed |
villatx
said:
|
... http://soccer-portal.org/media...-city.html bannan's goal if you havent seen it quite a strike...flash of class lets hope he keeps it up there... |
Billy Villa
said:
 |
... If Villa can get 4 points out of the next six, we are on for a great run in, with a real Chance....and as everyone around us is dropping points i reckon we can really give it a go......£40,000,000 for a run in the CL....Against the price of a top striker.... Has to be worth a shot....even if it is a 25 yarder.... |
Scrumpy
said:
 |
... Owen on loan til end of season (with maybe even a deal where he gets a bonus if we make top4). He still knows where the goal is, and at Villa he either knows he will get 30mins when MON subs Heskey or we can play Heskey/Owen or Gabby/Owen, which have their different pros and cons. Presumably he would also help Gabby and Fonz to develop as no one is better than those five yard burst into the six yard box to poach a few goals. |
Stan Balaban
said:
|
...spurs dont want keane so why not stick a 5 mil bid in. Sunderland are looking in the region of £9 million so I'm sure a £5 mil bid will do it!?!? What Rios Jockstrap says is spot on in my opinion. Whether its £5 mil, £9 mil or whatever, if MON doesn't want Robbie Keane then the price is of no issue. Our manager is meticulous in his attention to detail when bringing players in. If it's not exactly who or what he wants then he won't spend the money. It may be 'our' Villa, but it's his team and his job, and he'll hand pick the people he wants to work with, and he can clearly see what's needed. If they're not available until the summer then that is when we'll see them. Yes we're in a fantastic position to build, but if the right building blocks in MON's mind aren't available to him, for whatever reason, then what's he going to do? This is not championship manager, the knock-on of an appeasement buy will be felt in the summer budget and isn't in the man's character. I'm with most peeps in thinking we do need another striker but who knows what MON knows about The Fonz and players in the market. If MON can get someone that's going to make achieving his ambitions easier then he'll do it. |
colin badger
said:
|
... i think people miss the point with ash young, yesterday he still put the crosses in and they were decent but we need the strikers to take a gamble rather then wait for the ball to land on there head/boot. plus you will notice most teams have 2 men on him when he has the ball thus leaving us a unmarked man in the box. did like the way he was cutting inside yesterday and his trickery dont half piss defenders off and usually gets us fouls in dangerous areas. the way we play with the 2 wingers stretches defenders across the pitch which allows the likes of milner/petrov and even luke young into the box, notice he was unmarked for his header? |
Matty Boy
said:
 |
... Interesting points about buying another striker that may give us a chance of breaking into that top 4. With Spurs snapping up Gudjonhson on loan until the rest of the season, do they now have a better chance than the Villa boys on getting into the Champions League?? It would be great to see MON do some wheeling and dealing over the next 24 hours. It's a shame about injuries to Reo-Coker and the Hare, maybe shipping those two players could have brought in some income? My only concern is to at what cost will some clubs go to for success. Aston Villa has been around since 1874. I want us to be financially sustainable for many many years to come. This article has worried me slightly . . . http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2010/jan/27/aston-villa-randy-lerner . . . . clubs just can't go on running at losses and relying on sugar daddys! |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...It would be great to see MON do some wheeling and dealing over the next 24 hours. Don't you mean the next less than 8 hours? The deadline is midnight. |
fastbackace
said:
|
... so we buy a striker now, and we get top 4... then what? if we do get top for, without buying in jan... do we ive delf the chance to keep us in champs league... or buy a great striker... my guess... next year is the 5th in the 5 year plan... |
Damian
said:
|
... Matty Boy i wouldn't worry so much about that - lerner is smart - he isn't going to put the club in a position where it cant meet its creditors - mostly because, technically, he is one and he wants his pound of flesh each year its a bit like the glazers - sure the club is in a huge amount of debt - but it isn't so much that the business can not afford to finance it and they also get what they want out of the club each year - they were also oversubscribed on their offering earlier this month so it just goes to show that they are sound - as long as they keep winning things, which, they always will |
Damian
said:
|
... kane not for arsene wenger it isn't. his deadline is wednesday, some time after lunch |
Scrumpy
said:
|
... The more I see Heskey play, the more I think that he wasn't bought as an impact signing expected to make an immediate impact (although his Pompey goal suggested otherwise). I don't think MON does the panic/rushed buy - everything seems to be meticulously planned with a long term view. I think a few buys were quite obviously temporary make-weights or low-cost calculated gambles while more suitable or better targets become available. I think MON always wanted to play 442 or variations of - lets face it we only played 451 through necessity when Carew was injured/titilated. Heskey happened to be available at a good price at that time (wasn't he out of contract in that summer?), and given the guys experience and recommendations from other managers and MON's own experience from Leicester, was worth the outlay. I think recent performances justify his purchase. Also we couldn't play as well in a 442 while we had the fairly slow/immobile engineless Barry, but Milner couldn't move into the m iddle until Downing (or a Downing-like player) was there. The next step is a player that plays either of the roles that Gabby or Heskey fulfils but adds something else as well (maybe Fonz is it, from what I've seen he has more strings to his bow). Look at the possible long term replacements in the middlefield for the likes of Petrov - Delph - he has potential to do what Petrov does well, but you could argue may be even better going forward/shooting. Likewise with players like Downing, Warnock, Young etc They offered the same as the players they were bought into replace but have one or more additional things as well. Its all about improving in each area of the field over time, and then as a team. There's also the aspect of bringing in more experienced players so that day in day out, those that have potential, learn and develop and improve. I suspect that Gabbys improvement in the last twelve months (especially holding up ball) has something to do with Heskey's presence. Likewise the likes of Albrighton will improve with the presence of players like Downing and hopefully in time turn out to be even better. Hopefully MON is lining up bids for Rooney and Messi to aid the development of Gabby and the Fonz..., although I'm not so sure those two will be happy to come and sit on Villa's bench, so it may just be to avoid upsetting the squad that bids haven't been forthcoming |
FatKevs
said:
|
... That goal of Rooneys superb, the detemination to get there. We should also score goals like that every week with our pace. Lets hope we do |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Badge i wish we had JPA just arriving again with the service we can provide. Or Even just to give the Fonz a run at it along with albrighton |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... I wonder what excuse that p***k Wenger will use for this game? Utd look like they are hitting form at the wrong time for us. |
pete
said:
 |
... Arse excuses will be on the lines of: rooney was too physical they played the short ball and only we are allowed to do that the weather was against my players the ref was so bias - in other words it will be everybody elses fault bar him. p.s. he should go to specsavers |
Stan Balaban
said:
|
... Frem stanbalaban- sunderland are not interest in keane http://goal.com/en/news/11/tra...sunderland |
pete
said:
|
... just got a text bit cruel but some might like it. Wanyne bridge sent his ex a replica of his nod made from cadburys chocolate she sent it back saying she prefered Terrys |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
...The more I see Heskey play, the more I think that he wasn't bought as an impact signing expected to make an immediate impact (although his Pompey goal suggested otherwise). I don't think MON does the panic/rushed buy - everything seems to be meticulously planned with a long term view Heskey was bought at a time when it looked like we were going to loose Carew. There was nothing long term to it. He knew Heskey was available, and he knows Heskey....so there was no risk. I think Martin has had enough of Carews sulks, so is happy to keep Heskey happy until the summer at least. Hes has to! There is no striker of the quality we require available, and those that are come at an extortionate price, due to the nature of the January window. Im like everyone on here. I would love a new striker yesterday, but im happy with the teams progress at the moment, and i dont want anything upsetting the apple cart. This team is developing, and there is more to come from it. Millner will get better in central Midfield as the season goes on, and Downing will get better as he gets more games. Ashley is now starting to come to the boil, and Gabby looks like his confidence as returned. And for me, Petrov as been the the Petrov of last season over the last two games. So maybe we are beginning to see the start of something? And if we are, then does it make sense not to tinker with it at the moment, then form any decisions on whats needs to be done at the end of the season? Dont forget, we may have a trophy and a high league placing to entice players with aswell! On a different not, Manure have just won the London Derby 3-1 with their long ball tactics |
frem
said:
|
... stanbalaban- skysports news said sunderland are not interest in keane and reports that a bid was made was miles of the mark. |
James
said:
|
... That was strange: watching Man U and wanting them to banter another team. Arsene looked quite cross didn't he? |
James
said:
|
... Oops. I meant batter not banter. (Mind you, Arsene's so childish, maybe you could banter them to defeat.) |
FatKevs
said:
|
... Vengers team is a bit like a transsexual they can look good , but the only cutting edge is to remove their balls & they have to take it up the Arsenal. Long ball or no balls how sweet is the French t**t |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...badger the deadline is 5pm on monday Is it? I stand corrected Seems they change the rules every 5 mins. Keep posting lads, so I've something to read. The only alternative is doing my tax return |
frem
said:
|
... we need a striker. gabi will get burn out at the end of feb, hesk and and carew are to injury prone and simply not good enough ,delfounse has not scored a single prem goal and is not experienced enough. we really really need one by 5 pm. |
James
said:
|
... Arse had 100 more successful passes than Man U. Guess Man U must've been hittin'em on the break, eh? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...i wouldn't worry so much about that - lerner is smart - he isn't going to put the club in a position where it cant meet its creditors - mostly because, technically, he is one and he wants his pound of flesh each year It's nothing like the Glaziers, imo. All of the Man U money is leveraged and they're taking a fat cut, whereas Lerner is borrowing off himself at 2% above the inter bank lending rate (which is peanuts) as a tax dodge. That bond job that you say is oversubscribed is going to pay 7% pa (all dependent on them being sucessful). Where's that coming from? It's getting tedious Damoan, imo (that "o" was a genuine mistake, but I'm going to leave it). Let's hope we get one of the richest groups in the world to take over and push us on eh? It's the only way we'll ever be any good isn't it? |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...Arse had 100 more successful passes than Man U. Guess Man U must've been hittin'em on the break, eh? No Nan. Arse must have won, the stats say so. Expect the result to be turned over tomorrow. Sorry if I seem arsey in my posts, that's what tax returns do to you |
Steve Badger
said:
|
... By the way, what is 7% of £500 mill a year? On top of the existing debts, that is. |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...On top of the existing debts, that is. I should have said on top of the existing interest. |
James
said:
|
... Great passing side, mind. That's how football should be played. It's not about winning. Football is a visual art. |
keith
said:
|
... badger we need to find a more generous multi millionaire to pump in obscene amounts of money then maybe we will be able to satisfy inland revenue |
Steve Badger
said:
|
...badger Just don't  The tax return is rapidly going out of the window Much like our chance of signing a difference. I'm well pissed with the taxman, but surprisingly not bothered about MON not signing anyone. I predicted as much. Whether it will affect things in the run in remains to be seen. And as for our debate/discussion last night, MON is the man, simple. I still totally believe in him and am proud to say it |
Forest Hill Villan
said:
 |
... Haven't heard from Churchill for ages. His insights are always welcome. I hope he is not ill, especially as we are getting closer to the Final. Glad to see ManU playing like they are just now - they won't be able to keep this level to the end of the month. Watch Rooney's performances begin to decline as the weeks go by. |
James
said:
|
... I suspect Churchill is suffering from a case of 'Bin Dippers Revenge.' Maybe one of 'em robbed his keyboard. |
Leroy
said:
 |
... Wouldnt be a bad idea using a sub or two on occasion....MON himself said that the boys looked a bit tired in the second half, so why not bring on a sub or two? Milner and Petrov look shagged....great to be back in the winners circle in the prem though i must say... |
kistik
said:
 |
... Evaluate players' efforts in the game with Fulham http://www.voteplayers.com/Mat...-4101.aspx |
david
said:
|
... Badger..finished your tax return yet? Finished mine earlier and am worried...apparently I qualify for a rebate! Was able to empathise with those that found themselves cheering for Man Utd for the first time today. When you're a neutral it's often only once the game has started that you are sure just who you want to win. Previously I'm sure I'd have cheered Arsenal so was surprised to find just how pleased I was when Utd scored! I reckon MoN has been quite clever. I'm sure it won't just be Villa fans who will increasingly look at Wenger and Arsenal in a slightly different light. Have they always been guilty of the cynical 'over the ball' fouls for example or have I only just started noticing them? |
david
said:
|
... I'm sure someone else has already said it, but after recent performances, can we now accept that Cuellar makes a good right back and let MoN get on with deciding just what positions players should fill? It's fine questioning whether someone else may be better suited, but we've had the 'position police' on here stating categorically that someone IS a right back or left back or whatever and therefore should play there and only there. Anyone on here could name any number of players who've started in one position and then made a success in another so it just seems a rather shallow argument to state that just because a player was brought in ostensibly to fill one position that is what they should do now and forevermore. |
Mark
said:
 |
... Nanwasafan said: ... I suspect Churchill is suffering from a case of 'Bin Dippers Revenge.' Maybe one of 'em robbed his keyboard. I doubt it. Scouse keyboards only contain the letter A. |
James
said:
|
... That's where you're wrong Pancho... Q How come there's all this fuss about Terry having an affair? How come they tried and failed to stop it? A The story is a cover for the bigger, yet more obvious story. He's gay. |
PAUL WARREN
said:
 |
... Don't know whether it's been mentioned or not, but it was a sad weekend for football. Dave Pundit was killed on a stag do in Ireland http://davepundit.blogspot.com/ R.I.P. Dave Pundit |
frem
said:
|
... spurs really want keane to go. they have apparently said he can go for a 1 mil loan deal with a permanent move. 1mil, lets get him. |
Rattus NorVillicus
said:
 |
...Nanwasafan said: That's where you're wrong Pancho...Do you know, my wife swears the very same thing - she says it's obvious. Funny, you're only the second person I've seen suggest that though. |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
 |
... If only this was true... http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/811163-villa-plan-owen-swoop-transfer-talk? |
rocky marciano
said:
 |
... rObbO you make me laugh, take your glasses off man, cuellar is nowhere near luke youngs standard of rightback,he should be in the center with dunne and luke should be rightback. |
VillaNick
said:
 |
... I see MON could be looking to take Michael Owen from Man Utd on loan until the end of the season! It would make sense for Owen but not really for us? |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
...... Yes if MON is prepared to rotate his strike force and use his bench during matches. |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
|
... Why wouldn't Owen on loan make sense? Cheap as chips and "could" score the goals to get us 4th. Agree MON has to play him though!! Still can't see it happening though but fingers crossed!! |
Adrian Kilgallon
said:
|
... Could you pair Gabby and Owen together? Owen and Heskey have a good history of playing together. |
Darragh McGeown
said:
|
... I think MON has realised that he can't rely on Gabby for both cups and the league. Would prefer Keane on loan but would be happy enough with Owen. |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
|
... I don't think we should get our hopes up, I just can't see the Owen deal coming off. |
Write comment
Latest Aston Villa Wallpaper
The VILLA BLOG FEATURED ON FHM.COM
FHM have chosen their favourite football blogs and chosen thevillablog.co.uk as the number one blog for Aston Villa! Click the badge to read the article or head to FHM.com for the kama sutra and the UK's finest girls. Login
Follow Us
More Posts
- Something for the ladies and Gérard Houllier
- Curbs, not catch 22 and time gentlemen please
- Transfer window shut, Lerner has to invest or sell and four months of fun
- Kevin MacDonald: The new Aston Villa manager
- Post-mortem: Three points is three points
- Press release from club on search for new manager. This is mostly spin and blarney
- Aston Villa 1 Everton 0: Fourth place looks good from here
- Everton at Villa Park, Robbie Keane coming, Petrov calls for strengthening and Randy Lerner
- Aston Villa have imploded, Webcam and Spurs, Koeman interested, Everton tomorrow and Saturday bets
- Aston Villa out of Europe but can we show a little respect please
Lucozade Sport on Facebook
Lucozade Sport loves Football as much as we do. They’ve been fuelling Aston Villa players for over 15 years and using this expertise to support amateur Footballers across the country. Visit their Facebook page for expert advice, video clips and Football chat. Latest AVFC Blog Tweets
Basic authentication is not supported
Featured on Aston Villa Central
The Villa Blog on FourFourTwo
Leaving Comments
Only registered users can post comments without the need for it to be approved. Registration is free and takes two minutes so if you want your comments to show up straight away click here to register.
Get your online avatar
This blog is Gravatar friendly. That basically means, if you use Gravatar and leave a comment, as long as it's the same email address you registered at both sites, we'll show your avatar. It's a cool little site, we like it. Register here! The Internet is Changing
