I'm a cynical old fool at times but one of the things I've decided to not do on this new site, mostly because life is too short, is go out and look for a fight - something I used to do quite a bit at times on the old one and it was mostly Bill Howell or the people that run the official club site. It won't be happening any more, not unless they do something really stupid.

But people that are still open for a bit of a grilling are the players, Martin O'Neill and Randy Lerner. Today, not really getting a grilling, more a pep talk, is Martin O'Neill, because it reads to me like he's given up on top four and conceded the place to Arsenal and it sort of worries me.

You would have to say now there won't be much of a threat from us to Arsenal's position. It's no fluke that the top four are where they are and we are in a dip right now.

We are not as strong as those four clubs. I have said it many times before and I will say it again - we still have a lot of catching up to do. It is still reachable as Arsenal have many tough games to come. But they are getting some of their injured players back and it's going to be very, very tough.

Martin O'Neill, March 22nd 2009

Now, it's not that Martin O'Neill isn't entitled to his opinion - we all are, but last week he as wound a few up by drumming down expectations, when it's mostly the club setting them and he even criticised the new found supporters - which, I think was a bit harsh, seeing as I don't think there are any 'new found supporters'.

The new-found Villa fan that we have, who obviously wasn’t supporting the side a couple of years ago, has turned up now and has decided that winning supposedly mediocre games in the Premiership is a fait accompli.

Martin O'Neill, March 19th 2009

Now, basically, Martin O'Neill built our expectations of fourth place when he threw in the towel in Moscow, decided to rest most of the team and fly them off to Dubai for a break so they could concentrate on the league. Exactly how many points have we picked up since that rest and the towel throwing incident in Moscow?

We're told to 'keep the faith' and we're asked for 'support' and we're told a lot of things, by fellow supporters and the club, but last week you've still got Arsene Wenger claiming they can still win the league when they are ten points off United with only 24 to play, but when we are three points off Arsenal with the same amount of points to play for, we're told, maybe not directly, that we're not going to finish in the top four.

Behaviour breeds behaviour. The club started to build our expectations and they were successful and it's also a footballing philosophy, in so much that Martin O'Neill has often referred to just needing a win, to get out of the slump, but while the headlines are all 'tough to catch Arsenal now' and not really throwing in the towel, it's not a positive one.

How many of us really expected we'd get something yesterday? How many expect we'll get something against United? Even in the middle of our good run, the most I'd have given us was a point out of six and as it stands now, that is still possible.

I can't believe I'm going to say this as most will think I'm a mad man, but I believe fourth is still possible, but we've got to change this attitude that there isn't going to be much of a threat from us. It's in our hands. All we can do is win our matches and put pressure on Arsenal. If we win, we are a threat and we have to win, we can not simply give up now and start looking at Everton.

Yesterday was us playing a Liverpool team at the pinnacle of that behaviour breeds behaviour bit. After scoring four against Real Madrid and Manchester United, they believe, at the moment, they could beat anyone. We have to change our attitude and not give up on top four, because we're playing Manchester United next and if we look at the behaviour story again, they've just conceded six in two - when was the last time that happened?

Right, positive Damian is now going to go do some real work, but the fat lady isn't singing yet, hell, she's not even getting warmed up - there is plenty to play for.

Comments (72)

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villarobin said:

... of course 4th is still possible. may be his comments are just to keep the pressure off or something. To be fair he has always said that the top 4 are stronger than us, but that doesnt stop us trying. JUST STOP PLAYING PEOPLE OUT OF POSITION / BUY SOME MORE GOOD PLAYERS SO WE HAVE AT LEAST A DECENT SIZED SQUAD / AND CHANGE YOUR TACTICS ABIT MR ONEIL !!

Comment 1, made on March 23, 2009 at 9.31 am

Damian said:

... Okay - maybe it is reverse psychology or something .. but the problem with reverse psychology, if it is in fact that, is that it might not work ... I'm just in one of those positive moods today and don't think it is over. I think we've come this far and I think all we've got to do is go back three months and try and copy what we were doing then. Hopefully if we do that, then maybe, it will all start toc ome good again.

Comment 2, made on March 23, 2009 at 9.37 am

Na-Sei said:

... Mate stop dreaming! 4th place is sewn up, the big 4 will be the big 4! U guys are not good enough! We have our eyes on overtaking Chelsea, while Everton have their eyes on you. Arsenal raise their game against the big boys because we know we are as good as them and we know we can beat anyone unlike villa! Arsenal would NEVER lose 5-0 to Liverpool in form or out of form! Villa are GARBAGE!!

Comment 3, made on March 23, 2009 at 9.44 am

Andrew Murdoch said:

... I'm sorry to say it but I think it is over. With our current form we will be lucky to hold onto 5th. If we don't it will be a total disaster so that should be our no 1 priority. But as you say, all we can do is win our matches, maybe things will play back into our hands.

Comment 4, made on March 23, 2009 at 9.47 am

Tom said:

... I'm a Gooner and while I obviously don't want you to hit 4th again there's still plenty of hope for you. We've still got Chelsea, ManUre and the Pool to play. I do think though that playing a weakened side in the Uefa didn't help your cause though. It seemed to me that putting all your eggs in the one basket just increased the pressure a great deal at a time when you were doing well and seemed to disrupt the flow and consistency of the team

Comment 5, made on March 23, 2009 at 9.55 am

gunner said:

... well, i'm a die hard arsenal fan and villa are certainly not garbage! Come on, stop being arrogant, we did loose to liverpool 4-1, 2 seasons back at Anfield. Villa are a good team with little to no strength in depth and very low on confidence right now. & also, maybe overachieving somewhat this season. Still, I hope villa will finish 5th and arsenal 3rd. Heh

Comment 6, made on March 23, 2009 at 9.56 am

Ramon Maklouf said:

... I cann see your point Damo, and you know I'm not generally one to disagree with you but I honestly think this is just to take the pressure off the boys. As soon as Luke Young, Friedel and Co. started talking up our CL chances I think it started to go pear-shaped from there. The younger lads are feeling the pressure and maybe this talk is just to say ''Boys heads up. Don't worry about where we finish, just worry about the game ahead.'' After all it is this 'one game at a time' philsophy that provided us with a 13game unbeaten run and an impressive record away from home. On the other hand, I honestly think MON has to bite the bullet and take responsibilty for the recent form. I'm not slating the team, I'm still proud to call myself a Villa fan, but to sacrifice the UEFA Cup, which when you look at the teams left, looks very winnable [I mean Man Citeh are the favourites?] to concentrate on the league and then choke you have to put your hand up and accept that you are contributing to this downfall. I'm all for setting goals. I don't care if you don't achieve them. I don't go through life without setting something to achieve. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail. Such is life... [I don't think some of the people on here can say the same.] There is no point in not setting goals because you get left behind. But what is frustating is setting up these goals and then taking it back. As you said Damo, the PR machine at Villa set this up, someone must take responsibilty. UTV - It's still possible.

Comment 7, made on March 23, 2009 at 9.56 am

Chris Harper said:

... Things can change in football very quickly, as we've all witnessed over the past month or so. A good display/result against Man U could be the catalyst to a fine run to the end of the season.....we shall see. I hope to God that Laursen is back for the United game and that Bouma is in contention. Our defence is a shambles as it stands with players playing out of position. Its costing us dearly. I felt sorry for Re-Coker yeasterday, its unfair playing him at RB, especially against a very decent Left winger. O'Neill is the only man to blame for this. True, O'Neill is the man that has got us to where we are over the past few years.......however, he's also the man that needs to own up to his mistakes and make the necessary changes/decisions to get us out of this slump. He needs to revert back to the drawing board and start from square one. I'll give you a helping hand Martin, to start you off....Use round pegs for round holes. Jeez, even my 1 year old niece can put the blocks in the right shaped holes in her early learning toy. Honestly, I would be happy with a top 6 finish this season. We would still be in Europe which is the main reason. However, saying that, that is if O'Neill takes it serious next season and makes it worthwhile for both the club/players and us fans, not waste the opportunity like this season. Who honestly believes we are ready for Champions League anyway? I for one think we are a mile off. We need another season of building and progression before we can even start to think about competing with Europe's Elite.

Comment 8, made on March 23, 2009 at 9.58 am

Goldie 7 said:

... Valley - Ins't that spamming or sould i say scamming

Comment 9, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.00 am

wandarah said:

... have some class 'na-sei'. villa stole 4th from us through good results, good football and because of an excellent manager. just because arsenal are sitting in 4th now, doesnt mean it's sewn up - you must have seen how quickly large point differences can change throughout the season - and we only have 3 on villa! you'd be a fucking idiot to say that villa are out of it, at this stage. the arse despite being unbeaten have rode thier luck in a few games recently and i think we're a long way from being convincing. obviously i hope villa dont get 4th from us, but calling them 'garbage' is totally retarded - they're a very good team with a very good manager.

Comment 10, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.04 am

Ramon Maklouf said:

... Na-Sei go to hell. Don't come here talking shit mate... F**k off to the Arsenal sites. Or did you get banned there? Tom and Gunner you make some valid points. I agree puttin all our eggs in one basket added too much pressure to these boys and that's why I believe MON must take some responsibility. He basically told the team they would be judged on where they finish come May and I think they have just got cold-feet at the moment. I mean, at times, some of these highly paid players struggle to get the basics right. Gunner, can't Arse still finish 3rd and Villa 4th? Love how sometimes these fans from other sites talk more sense then some of us... And sometimes they are complete fools but you win some you lose some.

Comment 11, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.04 am

Mark said:

... The key for me was when Ashley Young got suspended. We had failed to find any viable alternative system of play to that of giving him the ball and letting him create all our chances. This goes back to a non-existent pre-season and MON's usual habit of late signings. I said then it would come back to haunt us and in reallity we have been incredibly lucky with injuries to be end up where we are right now. I still believe we will be a force next season. MON is an intelligent, charismatic guy and he will get it right. It is the media and the fans (and yes recently the players) who have talked everything up, not MON - in fact he is still getting slaughtered for resting the team in the UEFA - surely our results recently do nothing but vindicate him?

Comment 12, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.08 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Without wanting to dissect what has already been written above, Chris you are right, we are still a long way off a CL place, and the building is still continuing. I know other teams have had injuries etc, but if Bouma had been fit, we could have probably had a settled back 4 with Young playing in his preferred position all season. Personally I think our biggest game is home to Everton, we need a win to maintain that distance and to finish respectably. I feel we will be thumped yet again by Man Utd - Heskey will start and we will play 4-4-2, but I am praying that both Bouma and Laursen will return and settle the back five. Good job the players have yet another break, eh? Where will they be off to this time......?

Comment 13, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.08 am

Fab4 said:

... Please ignore my "fellow" Arsenal fan above. Just as Villa may have attracted a new breed of fans that demand success and are abusive if they don't get it, so too have we. I actually hope that you guys do get fourth place - at Chelsea's expense. My brother lives up in Erdington and has married into a family of Villains.

Comment 14, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.10 am

Notts Villan said:

... Come the end of the Everton game, we could well be looking being 9 points adrift from 4th spot. MON has well and truly blown it. He can point the finger at the fans all he likes but at the end of the day he is the one who has 100% control of team selection and Footballing matters at Villa. laying down and dying in Moscow was unforgivable in my eyes. Not only did it destroy the momentum we had, it seems to have taken away the belief of the players and fans. The square pegs in round holes argument was in view for all to see again yesterday too. 3 Seasons to sort out the full back problem and its still a mess. 6 transfer windows to put some strength in depth and its still weak. Is MON a great manager? I don't care what the pundits says or what he did at Leicester and Celtic, until we see some silverware here at Villa then he is just a good manager who brought us some stability.

Comment 15, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.14 am

lloyd said:

... Im confused but we purchased a right back and played him on the left, we purchased a left back who never plays, we have reo cocker and other players playing in positions that you can see they are not comfortable with why. We have struggled in defence without Laursen but we still try to play out and out attacking football. Surely we should try not concide and go back to the winning formation of the past which was five in midfield and one striker up front. We have thrown it all away with some really bad tactical decision.Basically the inexperiance of being fourth is now showing. But the biggest mistake was not buying in the January window when it was so clear we had a small squad.

Comment 16, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.17 am

SteveSims said:

... If anyone finds the wheels for our season can they ring up Villa Park please. We lost them about 6 weeks ago and have been scraping along ever since......

Comment 17, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.22 am

Chris Harper said:

... If anyone finds the wheels for our season can they ring up Villa Park please. We lost them about 6 weeks ago and have been scraping along ever since...... It kind of coincides with the time we played Everton in the FA Cup doesn't it?? I've always been warned about parking my car around Liverpool

Comment 18, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.26 am

Goldie 7 said:

... *Isn't The answer is yes it's still possible even after the loss to manure to still get 4th everton could just make it aswell, it's mathmatically possible but highly unlikely? After the everton match we face teams that are in a dog battle scrapping for points it's not going to be pretty. Surely a win will come soon There is 1 positive you can take from the game *It was the last game in march

Comment 19, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.28 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... Good one Chris - how do you get that quote box up?

Comment 20, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.28 am

Chris Harper said:

... Who's going to be brave enough to go to the pub and watch the Man U game again?? Think I might just watch that one around the girlfriends!

Comment 21, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.29 am

Chris Harper said:

... Good one Chris - how do you get that quote box up? To the left of the Smileys in the comment box you'll see a speech/quote bubble Icon. Click that then insert their comment in between the quote brackets...

Comment 22, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.31 am

Chris Algie said:

... We got beaten 5-0 by a team that beat Man U 4-1, it was a shocking display and there's work still to be done. We would have jumped at being 5th 3 points behind Arsenal and 4 behind Chelsea with 8 games to play at the beginning of the season. We've got to play 4 of those games against the teams on less than 35 points, where as Arsenal need to play Chelsea Man U and Liverpool. Of course we can still make 4th, I'm gutted with the last few games but we've already drawn with United once this season and beaten Everton and West Ham. Even with defeat at United I think we can win the rest of our fixtures and don't feel Arsenal will do the same.

Comment 23, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.34 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... lloyd, the biggest mistake in the transfer window was buying Heskey, end of. I personally thought he would be used as a utility player, not our No.1 striker!!! In hindsight we should have spent the £3.5M on another left back and kept Harewood as the back up.

Comment 24, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.34 am

SteveSims said:

... ha ha, good point chris. I don't mind losing the wheels but when the scousers start stealing my pride i start getting all fickle! I tell you what, if I was an everton, west ham, god even spurs fan the results they've been getting lately, I'd be looking at villa and thinking 'we'll be up there next year'. and going back to the whole psychology thing, we've always been a confidence team, we string good results and poor results in bunches, so i think other teams will see us prime for a beating at the moment.

Comment 25, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.35 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... To the left of the Smileys in the comment box you'll see a speech/quote bubble Icon. Click that then insert their comment in between the quote brackets... Doh!

Comment 26, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.35 am

Michael said:

... heard an interesting stat yesterday, martin o'neil has never won a game for villa in the month of march, i even think they said he has lost every game in the month of march since he took over.

Comment 27, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.36 am

Harry Barracuda said:

... Martin O'Neill is bang on. He is an educated and experienced manager, and when he criticises the knob-ends you have booing your own players, he's absolutely correct. We have the same johnny-come-latelys that boo some of our players when they have a dip. I am sick of the cunts. How the hell does that help motivate the team? I listened to your away support last night and it was as good as ours the night before. It's these premiership newbies, spotty faced little turds who think they know it all that spoil it. Someone needs to give them a slap. So Arsenal are three points in the clear with a better goal difference? There are still 24 points to play for - so support your team and give a newbie a fucking slap when he boos them!

Comment 28, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.36 am

Chris Harper said:

... Martin O'Neill is bang on. He is an educated and experienced manager, and when he criticises the knob-ends you have booing your own players, he's absolutely correct. We have the same johnny-come-latelys that boo some of our players when they have a dip. I am sick of the cunts. How the hell does that help motivate the team? I listened to your away support last night and it was as good as ours the night before. It's these premiership newbies, spotty faced little turds who think they know it all that spoil it. Someone needs to give them a slap. So Arsenal are three points in the clear with a better goal difference? There are still 24 points to play for - so support your team and give a newbie a fucking slap when he boos them! Has that been brewing for a while mate?? That's last weeks news. time to move on.

Comment 29, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.41 am

Goldie 7 said:

... Who honestly believes we are ready for Champions League anyway? I for one think we are a mile off. We need another season of building and progression before we can even start to think about competing with Europe's Elite. Deepdown none of us but when your flying so high you get carried away another year or 2 in europa will do us good

Comment 30, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.42 am

Brian Kavanagh said:

... remaining fixtures suggest that its more than achievable for us to steal 4th. We've got: United Everton West ham Bolton Hull Fulham Boro and newcastle While arsenal have Man city Wigan Liverpool portsmouth Chelsea United stoke as well as champions league and the fa cup I can see them losing 3 of those and possibly a draw against city that gives them olny 13 points out of the remaining 24. Which means we would have to get 17 points out of our 24. lets say we lose to united and everton then that still leaves us with a chance. So in my opinion to give up on a top 4 finish now when we are so close is totally insane. If at the start of the season I told you we would be within 3 points of arsenal for 4 th place with an easier run in you would say thank you very mucH! But because of a recent results everyone is being negative! For gods sake people, a few years ago under o dreary we were nearly relegated!

Comment 31, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.42 am

John the Gunner said:

... Villa players have impresssed me alot. Though I'm a gooner, Villa team has played very well. I think the team has a thin squad and most players are looking tired. MON has done a commendable job however the whole team is curretly facing a lean period. Reo is playing in a wrong position. The lad is a midfielder but not a defender. Riera gave him a hard time because the lad is not a right back. MON should look at the reserve team to get the right back defender.

Comment 32, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.44 am

TheArse said:

... I'm a gooner too, and I'm not here to cause start abusing you all but just to point out a few things. Firstly, without wanting to sound arrogant, I never really saw Villa as much of a threat to 4th and when you lost to City the last of my worries disappreared (although obviously I could still be proven wrong). Like I said this isn't arrogance, it's just based on the simple fact that we are the better side and have a bigger and better squad. As O'Neill said, there's a reason why the top 4 are the top 4. The reason I never thought you could finish ahead of us is the size of your squad, which brings me on to my second point. A lot has been made of the fact that you've only used 19 players this season, and similarly a lot of people have been hailing O'Neill as manager of the year. But for me O'Neill has badly let you down by not providing you with a larger, more robust squad. I recently saw an article listing the total spent on each of the Premier League clubs' squads and Villa were 7th (75 million) and we were 8th (65 million- after the signing of Arshavin). It's not like Villa haven't had/got the resources to put together a top 4 squad (in fact with your billionaire yank you're a lot stronger financially than we our with our huge stadium debt, and the totals spent on our squads reflect that) and the fact that you have been unable to rests squarely on one person: Martin O'Neill. Despite what a lot of our fans say, I firmly believe there's not another manager in the world who could do what Wenger does, but a if you ask me manager of the year should be either David Moyes (again) or Roy Hodgeson at Fulham.

Comment 33, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.44 am

__ said:

... you are indeed a mad man

Comment 34, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.45 am | url

Jonny said:

... "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking america recapturing 4th place from Arsenal." - President Barak Obama, Inaugural speech Seriously though, its still all to play for. There's a feeling at the moment that we just want the season to be over and we dont care where we finish now. We have to get past that, theres a way to go before the end of the season. We just need to get our mojo back (and drop Heskey) and finish the season with our heads held high. UTV

Comment 35, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.50 am

SteveSims said:

... OK, i posted this on the old site, but make no apologies for repeating the gist of it. When we were on form, it was speed, interaction, movement etc that defeated teams. With 5 in the middle we had the flexibility to mix it up, long and short balls, and we retained possession. with 4 in midfield we are overrun, so we can't keep possession, so we look for Heskey with a high ball or the speed of Gaby with a long ball, which means we lose the ball even more. so with a thin squad, chasing the ball most of the game (when was the last time we had more possession on the stats?) we get tired, less energy to pass and move, so we hit the long balls again. We've turned into a long ball team recently because we haven't invested in the squad or given the likes of Shorey with fresh legs a chance. It's still all to play for though, Arsenal have a terrible run in and there's hopefully a couple of more twists and turns yet.

Comment 36, made on March 23, 2009 at 10.51 am

Ramon Maklouf said:

... Doh! Don't worry it took me like three attempts before I actually figured out how to use them properly. At least you got it first go. Shame the same can't be said about Heskey's first touch

Comment 37, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.00 am

Chris Harper said:

... OK, i posted this on the old site, but make no apologies for repeating the gist of it. You mean you posted on the o*****e site but nobody saw it.... there have been only 6 replies since yesterday afternoon! Anyone know what O'Neill sees as a shocking mistake for the 1st goal?? Did he not see Barry just let Riera run away from him for the 2nd? Or the daft fouls for each penalty? Or the shite tackle from Cuellar for the free kick they scored??>

Comment 38, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.00 am

Mark said:

... I'm 100% with Damian on this one. In a 4-4-2, centre of the park, Barry does not have the mobility to allow us to win the midfield battle. I thought against Liverpool Milner was hugging the touchline too much and playing as a winger. To think that we can beat probably the best team in the world right now on their own turf with two (less than world class) wingers and stand-in full backs is just preposterous.

Comment 39, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.01 am

Christian said:

... I understand Martin No'Deal hasn't won a game in the month of March for 9 years! That takes him back to his Lecicester days. Anyway, AK_27 made a point yesterday when i was too appalled to comment that in Martin O'Neill we have a flawed manager. I agree. He cannot operate in the current football climate. Yes he may lead us to Top 6 with his solid, British purchases but beyond that I feel he may be lacking. Unfortunately as Villa fans I feel we have been yearning for a hero. A figure that we can cling to and lead us out of the dark days to our former glories, and for this reason we feel it impossible to question O'Neill's wisdom. Well, I think it's time we did start to question it. Playing players out of position (wrong role, wrong side of the park), ineptness in the transfer window, playing an entire season without a recognised rightback, criticising the fans, failing to make substitutions, tactical bemusement, forfeiting the uefa cup, crashing to lower league in league cup twice. These are all flaws that the Top 4 do not suffer from. Forefeiting the UEFA cup had massive implications. It told the players, essentially 'I can't believe we're top 4 because you guys shouldn't really be good enough, so I'm gonna forfeit this game and hope we carry on'. We've not recovered since. Despite our heroic strat to the season and some amazing luck, we find ourselves 4 points ahead (albeit worse goal difference) of a side who played for 2 months without a striker in the squad! I'm gonna be labelled fickle and everything else under the sun for questioning MON, but I feel after 2 and half months without a win at home and a team in utter freefall that I'm entitled to my opinion. I'll still roar the lads on every week and pray for some glory but it's time for the rose-tinted glasses to come off. Up the Villa.

Comment 40, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.04 am

Leroy said:

... primeminister - valid point. I think despite the scoreline, that isnt even the most worrying loss. I mean we have one of those shockers every year (last year think 5-1 vs Man U with Carsen sent off). The most disappointing losses are against Spurs and City. Even the Newcastle game earlier in the year and the Stoke matches. You can make the top 4 even if you lose to the other three teams at the top, but you have to take care of the lower teams. There is no excuse not to show up against the Stokes and Necastles of the world.....we have dropped points to some lowly teams and thus made it harder on ourselves.

Comment 41, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.08 am

Christian said:

... Now this may be incorrect, but from what I understand MON has angered a lot of the squad with his trip to Dubai. I understand many of their players, their wives and family had holidays booked for the break. Then at the last second, after our poor defeat, MON decided a trip to Dubai was needed and all plans had to be cancelled. Like I said, I'm only passing on what I've heard from reliable source, it might be untrue, but we don't look quite so tightknit at the moment.

Comment 42, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.10 am

Leroy said:

... One more thing.....why the hell doesnt MON play Barry at LB? If we dont have anyone fit (Bouma) or good enough (Shorey) then you have to use the next best thing......I dont understand at all why MON would prefer to play Luke Young and Reo out of position just so Barry can play his beloved "attacking midfielder" role, where in my opinion he is the wrong person to have there anyway.

Comment 43, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.12 am

Chris Harper said:

... Like I said, I'm only passing on what I've heard from reliable source, it might be untrue, but we don't look quite so tightknit at the moment. Maybe you're right. If I remember rightly, a couple of weeks back there were articles (Think it was L.Young) said that they often joke around in training that people don't know what position they are going to be playing in? Maybe they are starting to get pissed off with O'Neill over this too as they can see there is a problem just as much as we can. I mean, you're telling me Reo-Coker won't be pissed off being made to look a fool because he's not a RB and got slaughtered for it??

Comment 44, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.20 am

Christian said:

... I mean, you're telling me Reo-Coker won't be pissed off being made to look a fool because he's not a RB and got slaughtered for it?? I agree totally Chris, if i were him I'd be majorly pissed. He got made to look like a mug and, in the pub i was watching in, jeered off when he got subbed. That's not good for a guy who is apparently the life and soul of the dressing room. Still, easy game next week so it'll be alright

Comment 45, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.26 am

Damian said:

... Would the real AVMark please make himself known, there is someone posing as him on this site.

Comment 46, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.41 am

Adey Stuttard said:

... But the good thing is they (and I include Luke Young and Cuellar) are not publically have a whinge at being played out of position, so fair play to the guys for that. Just such a disappointment that Bouma was injured and that MoN obviously doesn't believe in Nicky Shorey (and if I were him I would be bleating like a lamb!!!)

Comment 47, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.42 am

5th_isoursnow said:

... while i see why you guys love mon i see he's now getting found out for the ability he really has. it won't be long before the players are also sticking the knives in his back with the way he is running things. the players wont want to be carrying the can will they, so be very worried..! we blow it ourselves this weekend too, but after we have played you, you will be in 6th and us in 5th. all we hear from villa is 'big talk', but where is this talk backed up with any real ambition. Heskey ffs! Now that's what I call ambition!!

Comment 48, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.44 am

Damian said:

... Most of you will know I'm usually the first to have a moan when things don't go our way, but I'm a positive person at the moment about all things Aston Villa and like O'Neill says, it takes time. Sure, he's continuing with 4/4/2 when it might not look the best option, but imagine, after this summer, if we add three more players that are as good, if not better than what we already have. Our squad will ultimately be stronger, if only becasue they are as good - we'll have strength in depth, but if they are better than what we are starting with at the moment, then surely, we're going to be doing better than we we have done this season. If we port 12 months into the future and we've got those 3 better players, I fancy we'd be fourth now, just behind third, not just fourth. I know it's a hard pill to swallow and that we want it all now, but I just fancy that it's all part of a much bigger picture - as most of us actually agree with and that we are getting better. The key thing is getting in those players and while we know Man City will, I think it's going to take them time to catch us up despite all the money they'll likely spend this season - it might not all work for them in the first season. Everton will be as good next season as they have been this one and Spurs will be up there too .. but it will be possible to catch Arsenal and who knows, maybe even Liverpool or Chelsea. The one team I think is way out of our reach for the next two or three season is Man Utd, but I suspect that might change a little when Sir Alex finally retires.

Comment 49, made on March 23, 2009 at 11.49 am

Jack Villan 1985 said:

... I'm looking at it this way; Last season we suffered a quite embarassing 4-0 at Old Trafford, we then went on to beat bolton 4-0, derby 6-1 and birmingham 5-1 followed by a 2-2 at everton, fingers crossed.

Comment 50, made on March 23, 2009 at 12.16 pm | url

daniel wheeler said:

... damian we wont catch any of the top 4 next year. unless we invest heavily in players this summer we will struggle to keep up with Everton. If they had had a better start to the season we would be 6th now instead of 5th,they also have players to come back in to the fold. spurs and man city will no doubt improve on this season also. It may be there's a lot more teams going for 4th,5th,6th next season imo.

Comment 51, made on March 23, 2009 at 12.22 pm

Damian said:

... av dan 78 But don't you agree that there has to be a value, maybe not the right word, something put on squad consistency? What I mean is, sure, Arsenal and Everton could do better next season but they could just as well falter like they have done this one but if we keep the core of the squad together and add, just a little, then we could/should be better/stronger, becasue we're doing it slowly? Sure - it could go completely the other way and I'm really not set on it yet, I'm just trying to look for the positives in something where, none of us have a clue what is going to happen, i.e. the future.

Comment 52, made on March 23, 2009 at 12.26 pm

TechnoTurkey said:

... Several observations from the game: 1. On a positive note I thought Petrov was superb 2. Ashley didn't get a chance, never really in the game 3. Starting with Carew and Hesky doesn't work, they were trying to play the same game 4. We need a proper rigth back, Reo Coker got caught out too many times, not his fault but this is an urgent buy for the summer 5. Liverpool to be honest were in a totally different league Based on the way we are playing and the fact that Arsenal have worken up, I woudl be chuffed with 5th right now.

Comment 53, made on March 23, 2009 at 12.38 pm

Andy Oliver said:

... I agree that some of the tactics/positionings have been a little suspect lately but its times like this we really need to step back and look at the bigger picture. We have improved every season under MON and have continued to this season also, the league tables don't lie. As Mon rightly says, it is no fluke the top 4 are where they are. Their squads are just simply better than everyone elses in the league by some way. I know people say how MON is flawed in the transfer market but the simple fact is we cannot attract the same type of player as what the top 4 can because we don't offer champions league football. Although I admit some signings haven't come off, MON is not the first manager to buy a player that didnt work out and he won't be the last. When he signed ashley young for £9m everyone thought he was mad.... 1 year down the line... what a bargain! I really believe MON is building something special at this club, but it is a work in progress. It takes time to build successful teams it can't just happen in a couple of seasons. The problem is the improvements have just happened too quickly and now it seems people have forgotten how far we have come in such a short space of time. Its easy to criticise when things aren't going well and maybe MON has made some mistakes along the way but if we take a step back and take into account the positive things that have happened at this football club since MON took over, they far outweigh the negatives! UTV!!!!

Comment 54, made on March 23, 2009 at 12.39 pm

Christian said:

... damian we wont catch any of the top 4 next year. Everton will be strong next year, Moyes has already asked for cash backing and they wont have the horrendous injuries of this season. They're so solid at home and are experienced top 6 campaigners. Quality manager too. Also they're unlikely to be raided for their stars this summer. Tottenham will be there or thereabouts, too many good players not to feature unfortunately. Stability with Redknapp now too, wont be long before they're back where Jol had them. Man City will eventually buy enough decent players and get a reasonable manager, so they'll be expecting to challenge for Top 4 too. The Villa? Well, i expect we'll lose Barry, so he'll need replacing and that's not easy for anything less than £15-20m. Beyond that, we have a boss who will wait til August 31st before realising we don't have any players (usually fullbacks) and then make some last second panic British purchases Can't see anyone else joining the party though.

Comment 55, made on March 23, 2009 at 12.45 pm

Mark said:

... Sod off Damian you know it's me,anyway I agreed with you once before - June 2008 was it? Can't remember. Anyway thanks for letting every one else know about the move and not telling me, nice try matey!

Comment 56, made on March 23, 2009 at 12.55 pm

Chris Harper said:

... Oh my God....the reserve team news worries me. Now O'Neill is going to play BOTH Bouma and Shorey tonight! So what's this mean?? Bouma will be CB?? I'm confused!

Comment 57, made on March 23, 2009 at 1.05 pm

Chris Harper said:

... Or Shorey Left Mid because Little Barry on loan??

Comment 58, made on March 23, 2009 at 1.06 pm

Christian said:

... Oh my God....the reserve team news worries me. Now O'Neill is going to play BOTH Bouma and Shorey tonight! So what's this mean?? Bouma will be CB?? Don't be stupid Chris, Bouma's going right wing and Shorey's gonna sit in the hole behind the front 2.

Comment 59, made on March 23, 2009 at 1.22 pm

Chris Harper said:

... Silly me,should of known!

Comment 60, made on March 23, 2009 at 1.24 pm

redanddread said:

... As an Arsenal supporter I hope 4th place (if not higher) is sown up. However, we have a VERY punishing end of season schedule and thus Villa, if they still have the belief, could still get a CL place. It will be difficult, as results determine overall squad moral and after the mauling at Anfield yesterday MON will have to really gee up the team to ensure that you finish on a positive note. You game at Old Trafford, as daunting as it looks is the perfecet opportunity. A good result there and there will be a fresh injection of optimism and hope that could fuel a revival for the end of season push. Hopefully you could push Chelsea down into 5th! Keep supporting your team fervently and don't be too hard on MON.

Comment 61, made on March 23, 2009 at 1.32 pm

Cookie Monster said:

... After sleeping on that result and following a bout of 'shock therapy' in my opinion, we have some reasons to be cheerfull........ 1) We can (I mean are well capable) win 5 of our last 8 fixtures 2) That would be enough for 4th place (just about) 3) Yesterdays display may just bring home to MON some home truths that have been apparent to many for months ie - Friedel is well past his sell by date, you can't play players out of position, Heskey should only be used as an impact player of the bench with 20 mins to go 4) That we have the best supporters in the land - never stopped singing right to the end 5) IF WE DON'T GET 4th BARRY WILL BE OFF - Maybe it's just me and don't get me wrong as I like Barry, but won't this give us an opportunity to bring in a dynamic, pacey, penetrating midfielder that actually wins games for his team (a la Gerard)and doesn't go missing in the big matches. 6)At very worst we are establishing ourselves as a perenial top 6 club - if we take the cups seriously we could win a pot every couple of years or so and who wouldn't settle for that. I have been lovin the Villa for 35 years - in that time I have watched us win 4 League Cups, Championship, European Cup and the Super Cup. Seven trophies in 35 years - one every 5 years, I am a patient man. I am sure MON will get us some silverware on a more regular basis than this - so maybe stick 4th after all and show me a cup! UTV

Comment 62, made on March 23, 2009 at 2.27 pm | url

Nick said:

... Dunno if anyone has been reading on the official website but: Villa have lodged an appeal against goalkeeper Brad Friedel's sending off in the defeat at Liverpool. The club should learn tomorrow afternoon whether the red card and one-match ban will be overturned. I for one think it should be rescinded. I doubt it will, knowing what the officials can be like. It's a pity because it has broken Brad's continuing record of appearances. Still it might be good to see Brad the Younger start against United, a big challenge but I think he is an improving keeper who, hopefully, could come good for us in the future.

Comment 63, made on March 23, 2009 at 2.53 pm

Mike Carter said:

... Oh my God....the reserve team news worries me. Now O'Neill is going to play BOTH Bouma and Shorey tonight! So what's this mean?? Bouma will be CB?? Bouma is an accomplished CB, he played there many times for PSV and has also done so for the Netherlands.

Comment 64, made on March 23, 2009 at 2.55 pm

CSM said:

... Luckily for me I missed the game as was at the in-laws house by the sea. Never thought I would have actually been pleased to miss a game. Watching the highlights I felt we just lost our confidence after the 2nd goal went in. Earlier in the season if we conceded, we never gave up and always looked like we had goals in us to come back. It felt like that feeling had gone. We really could do with Laursen back to give us that lift.

Comment 65, made on March 23, 2009 at 3.04 pm

Chris Harper said:

... Bouma is an accomplished CB, he played there many times for PSV and has also done so for the Netherlands Im well aware that he has played CB in his career..... my point is the fact we need a LB desperately for the First team and would therefore hope its Bouma playing there for tonight's reserve game, not Shorey.

Comment 66, made on March 23, 2009 at 3.07 pm

Alec said:

... This is getting ridiculous-we are three points behind and most people are just assuming its over! I felt sick yesterday but at the same time with Laursen/Bouma back and some proper support,bit of luck we can win 5-6 of these last 8 games...........once they run into a fixture list that arsenal team will definitely drop points so i for one am not giving up yet and am hoping for a point or a respectable scoreline in 2 weeks then we have to stop this typical villa moaning/negativity and go into that everton game like its our cup final!

Comment 67, made on March 23, 2009 at 3.25 pm

johnvilla7 said:

... Martin O neills seems to like playing players out of there best position that is his biggest problem and the reason we are struggling at the moment Luke Young is a good right back but the team is unbalanced with him playing left back, also Nigel reo Coker is a good midfielder but not a good right back, like wise for Carlos Cuellar (good central defender, poor rightback), Craig gardner (good central midfielder poor right back). Although we had a period from November when we got results this was mainly due to being hard to breakdown as we played with a fiveman midfield however the team was very unbalanced with players playing out of position unless we go back to basics and play people in there best positions and not out of there natural position we will continue to struggle

Comment 68, made on March 23, 2009 at 3.49 pm

emperialis said:

... stop dreaming villa fans the gunner will gon on to third place, but still u might still fight it out with d like of chelsea and verton for the crumbs anyways. sorry u had fun while it lasted, then we had a scraooy team, not any more now. this is d start of much things to come. that we wld happen to lose champ lge spot is that we lose belief in ourselves. Remember we always finish d season strongly. my predictions; of the remainng games with the big three, i am sure of at least six points, hmm this will be a photo finish season tho, massively interesting. sit tight and enjo the ride.

Comment 69, made on March 23, 2009 at 3.58 pm

Ken Bonker said:

... "But Aston Villa might not be, for the next 25 years, in with the same chance of qualifying for the Champions League. You never know. MON also said the above last week, that worries me, is he saying that if we don't qualify this season, there is no way we will be in with a chance for the foreseeable future? Does it mean the funds wont be available for top class signings if we don't qualify this season? Does it mean he has thrown the towel in on the CL if we don't qualify this season? What does it mean? It's an extraordinary statement, one I can't work out at all, and one I would rather not hear from a manager with ambition.

Comment 70, made on March 23, 2009 at 4.54 pm

jfourplusone said:

... Damian You are right - I think you are a mad man. 4th place is gone, Arsenal are bang on it at the moment and we are all over the place (1 point from the last 1. 5th is up for grabs and if we drastically improve we can nail that 5th spot. Nobody has got near the "big 4" in recent times simply because it is so hard to do, you need strength in depth, experience and a pedigree that we are still working on. The dissapointment for me is our approach to cup games, MON came with a great reputation and record in cup competitions that has failed to materialise.

Comment 71, made on March 23, 2009 at 5.41 pm

Nick said:

... I dont think MON has given up on 4th. I think he is publicly challenging his players, something he has last done... I cant remember.

Comment 72, made on March 23, 2009 at 6.59 pm

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