Written by Damian Sunday, 08 November 2009 10:13
A fantastic result yesterday and while one we would have all hoped for, you have to hold your hands up and say you were surprised by the final result. Deep down we would have all fancied a win, if only because we usually score a few against Bolton, but it was a surprise.
But, it was a very good win and it is always nice to score a few goals and having five different goal scorers yesterday was the icing on the cake and going fifth is a nice feeling.
So, to the post mortem and we'll let the papers and the manager do the talking before we look at some of the interesting stats, player ratings and I get my final say on the whole performance.
What the Papers Say
Paul Doyle, guardain.co.uk
Aston Villa's biggest win of the season lifted them to within a point of the Champions League places but, more than reinforcing Martin O'Neill's ambitions, this match strengthened Bolton's credentials as relegation candidates.
David Instone, Independent.co.uk
There will be bigger Premier League wins than this, but it's difficult to imagine goals coming so gift-wrapped. In cruising to the victory that eluded them on Wednesday, Aston Villa found opponents as accommodating as can be in a Bolton side now beaten by four goals in each of their past three games.
David McVay, Telegraph.co.uk
Bolton Wanderers produced a performance of stultifying defensive incompetence at Villa Park yesterday as Aston Villa confirmed their ambition to disrupt the Premier League elite in dramatic fashion.
The Manager
Martin O'Neill
It's very pleasing. It's great to come to Villa Park. The crowd are right behind us and we've started to win here which is very important.
The Players and Some Stats
Brad Friedel, Luke Young, Richard Dunne, Carlos Cuellar, Stephen Warnock, Steve Sidwell (Craig Gardner, 86), Ashley Young, James Milner (Nathan Delfouneso, 82), Nigel Reo-Coker (Fabian Delph, 86), John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
38,101 people saw the five goals and interestingly enough they saw Aston Villa try to make more passes in this game than all but one other game this season (Fulham at Villa Park). We tried 336 and were successful with 277 passes. It was much more than most games this season and I have to hold my hands up and say I was wrong - I didn't expect it, I expect a lot number of passes.
Man of the Match
John Carew is your man of the match with 51.6% of the votes. James Milner comes in second with 18.1% and Nigel Reo-Coker is third with 10.2%. Every single player got a vote yesterday, which is something to note.
Final Analysis
We made a lot more passes yesterday and we got a good result. I'm not surprised by that although I am surprised that we passed it about a lot more and I'm taking it in my stride. It's a good sign.
It was however one match and while I want to believe O'Neill has turned the corner, I want to see this a few more times before I start believing he has finally got it to work and we should also not forget that Bolton helped yesterday.
Bolton were poor and it's hardly surprising that they are conceding, on average, more than two goals a game this season and why some consider them potential relegation candidates. Still, we scored five goals and it was a good win that put us to fifth and with other results going our way yesterday, it was even sweeter.
Let's just hope that the performance was the turning point of our season, because if it was, then we might really be contenders for fifth place or better.
As for today, there is little else to talk about apart from the rumour in the News of the World that Liverpool will be after Martin O'Neill is Red Rafa fails to secure Chumpians League football for them this season.
If that is true, I would suggest that Lerner starts spending some money right now on hiring the professional services of a specialised firm to put together a short list. In fact, he will probably be doing that once a season anyway, so I'll say no more on the matter apart from I don't think O'Neill would go to Liverpool if the opportunity arose and I think if they get rid of Red Rafa, after what he has achieved for Liverppool, they'll probably find it hard to get any decent manager, instead I'm going for a late breakfast.
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Celtic_Villan
said:
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... great to see a few headaches for the manager regarding places collins or cuellar cuellar or young petrov or reo reo or sidwell personally id like to see cuellar dropped to the bench along with sidwell i think then we have our strongest 11 out on the pitch quite excited about seeing downing return, which will probably happen in december. itll be interesting where he is deployed. so who will move in to the middle or up front to accommodate downing milner and young you'd have to suspect that either petrov, sidwell or reo will give way - and i suspect sidwell. |
Villa_Chris
said:
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... I never went to the game for the first time in years due to a bad neck. I said we'd play like Barcelona and stuff Bolton..... Im gutted! But happy too!  |
Steveo
said:
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... i thought cuellar was outstanding yesterday sidwell was not bad either a great performance yesterday mainly because we started the game in a vey positive fashion if we could start like that more often who knows what we could achieve maybe 4th or 5th is not a million miles away, oneill has showed regardless of performances he will pick his favourites so when collins is fit again cuellar will be dropped not sure i agree with that i've always been of the belief if you get in the side and play well you keep the shirt we shall see and carew was just awesome yesterday if only he showed more of this on regular basis utv |
Damian
said:
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... Steveo i also though cueller did well yesterday ... a bit of a headache for o'neill there as cueller was purchased before collins and collins, while has had a very good start with us, i dont think has made that position his fully yet |
Villa_Chris
said:
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... Collins has possibly been our best player this season, I fully expect him to come back in. Shame for Cuellar of course, but thats what having a strong squad brings. Don't you just love it?!?  |
Super Villain
said:
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... It's nice to have some real competition for places happening at last, I just hope MON uses his squad wisely and rotates to keep everyone happy. Great win yesterday  |
jonnycarew
said:
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... Its simple why we looked threatening. We have the best header of the ball in the prem and for the first time this season we actually whipped decent balls into the box for him to get on to. Carew in the box in the air is a monster. Casing point - goal 1 and goal 4 which he created. Secondly, there is no chance MoN would go to liverpool, why would he?! |
Steveo
said:
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... its a shame for cuellar because since he arrived he has never had long run in the side at centre back we shall see how long collins groin strain keeps him out for |
Badger
said:
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... I really don't understand this obsession about the number of passes, as it infers that a 10 pass move that results in nothing is better than a hoofed ball that a striker gets hold of and scores from. There are only two stats that concern me Damian; 1) Goals for 2) Goals against |
DanWilson82
said:
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... As soon as Collins is fit Cuellar will just be moved back to RB in place of Luke Young. I don't like it, but MON is all too predictable and Carlos is one of his favourites. Yesterday the side had real balance and IMO it will be dissapointing to see a centre back playing right back when we have a class act sitting on the bench. I will eat my own pants if When all fit we see L.Young/Collins/Dunne/Warnock. |
Damian
said:
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... Badger my obsession with passing is because if you look at the league table at the end of the season and look at the league table of successful passes - they are almost identical we were the exception the last two seasons. we were much lower than our actual league position and i put that down to our fight and determination. if we can get the passing up then maybe we'll go higher in the league |
keithj
said:
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... ive said from the start i expect top 4 this season and the way we played yesterday shows its possible. i have however noticed something that i hope dj will rectify, that is our possesion stats are not something to write home about and after watching other games i know why, when we break quickly and put i crosses if its cleared it always goes to the opposition. what made me realise this was petrovs shot against wolves it was the first time i remember someone being there to have a go. its time our midfield had confidence in our defense and moved up with our attack, does anyone have an oppinion on this? |
Damian
said:
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... Steveo i'm not going to get carried away with one match especially when bolton were so poor, coming to us off the back of two defeats and conceding 8 goals. i'd love it if we have turned the corner and while i will hold hope that that is what has happened, most of me wants to see it a few more times before i start believing it has happened when mark hughes gets the sack next month, just in time for the january window and the new manager, man city will be a force ... and you can not write off spurs or liverpool but lets go to burnley next and win and not worry about anyone else just yet |
VillaNick
said:
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... I personally wouldn't change a winning team, I saw a good balance for the 1st time since last February. MON on the other hand is likely to change it back to the usual suspects. I actually feel sorry for Curtis Davies. When he gets back to full fitness he will be lucky to make the bench. Same goes with Freddie Bouma. I don't think he will play for us again. |
edvilla
said:
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... Over the moon! I was nearly right with my 4-1 prediction. Obviously these are the games we have to win but it was nice to do it in such good fashion. Burnley away up next - that's a tough one to call |
Steveo
said:
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... agreed damien and thats a first for me !!! we have had a stutter no doubt about that and i'm sure there will be more stutters throughout the season but the league is so tight this year that burnley drawing at city is not that such a freak result |
edvilla
said:
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... I also think that Cuellar should not be dropped as I believe he deserves his starting place but also how often do defenders once they've scored a goal for the 1st time in years they go and score again in the next game. Like Dunne did or Craddock at wolves. |
r0bb0
said:
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... Wayne Bridge wasn't great yesterday....wonder who might be a more suitable candidate for South Africa? Another Villa player for England anyone? |
Badger
said:
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...we were the exception the last two seasons So it's a meaningless stat then, hard work or not, imo. I know what you mean, but a counter attacking team are never going to have the most passes or possession. |
r0bb0
said:
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... It isn't so obvious who should play in central defence now. I thought we missed Collins heading ability yesterday, and he has shown real composure on the ball so I think he has to play. Cuellar has done nothing wrong and I'd like to see him have a chance to play alongside Dunne. It could be that it's Dunne's leadership that makes both of those two play well though. |
churchill
said:
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...I will eat my own pants if When all fit we see L.Young/Collins/Dunne/Warnock. I hope there's no skid-marks on them, Mr Wilson |
holteend paul
said:
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... i cant believe what i am reading on here concerning cueller and collins because as far as i see it i think it should be cuelleer/ collins partnership at the back and drop dunne who i think is the lesser out of the three but that will never happen as he wasnt going to be number 3 at citeh with all their billions so why at villa? |
DanWilson82
said:
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... holteend paul, I think someone summed it up perfectly earlier by saying Dunne is most likely the calming influence at the back that makes whoever he plays along side a far better player in themselves. It's a close call at the back, but i'd probably just about go with Collins/Dunne right now but it's nice to have this dilemma for a change! |
SCOTT1
said:
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... keithj thats exactly what sidwell was bought for.hes supposed to be our lampard latching on to clearances that fall just outside the box.he played well yesterday and if you looked at the chances hes had this season there have been a few.they just havnt really tested the opposing keepers out.as for the l young/cuellar debate ill put any money l young gets dropped which is wrong but mon is predictable as hell |
churchill
said:
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...Cullar won't be dropped. Luke Young will. ak, I tend to agree and it disappoints me. Everyone is talking about 'balance' and it's the word that springs to mind about the performance yesterday. We did look balanced. I feel sorry for Cuéllar - he's very good - and we looked like an effective 11 man unit yesterday. Nevertheless Collins must play when fit and L Young must play alongside him. Coker and Sidwell both played well yesterday but someone has to make way for Petrov. And what happens when Downing is fit? Isn't it wonderfull? Difficult decisions to make but it's nice to be spoilt for choice. Up the Villa. |
FatKevs
said:
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... f**k i hope you get nowhere near any kids playing football if you think hoofing the ball forward is acceptable. It can be a beautiful game if not for spoilers thinking its all about 3 points. £40k a week to hoof the ball i would say watch Rugby instead but that is unfair to an egg chaser |
qashqai
said:
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... I enjoyed the balance of the team yesterday and thought Luke young at right back was really good. Carew seemed a different player to the one of the last few games perhaps his been reading this blog. Cahill and Knight could not match him,he reminded me of Drogba,hopefully he will be this commited every week from now on. Good performance from NRC suprised MON made him captain,maybe they have finally made up! Very pleasing to see the whole team flying out of the traps from the 1st minute of the game. Hopefully,with this squad of players MON will rotate BUT let players play in the correct positions which makes the balance of the team more comfortable. |
SCOTT1
said:
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... i think we are gonna see the chelsea formation when downing is fit.petrov will sit and protect the back 4 then u will have milner/downing and a young interchanging between the left/right and just behind the 2 strikers (carew/gabby)which will make them virtually unmarkable!!im excited and 100% certain mon will go with this formation.we are set up to play like that. |
mon 4-5-1
said:
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... Cueller on the bench it’s fairly obvious it adds more balance to the side with 2 good out and out full backs as they supplement the midfield as well as add good cover for the centre backs with there pace. Cueller is a good centre back as cover as I am sure through the season either Collins or Dunne will have there inuries or suspensions and he is a good player to come on in that position. NRC showed he adds that agility and engine to our midfield that we have been missing. Would like to see Delph along side him with both Sidwell and Petrov on the bench as cover. Front 4 pretty much pick themselves though it would be nice to see Fonz come on more in future games. |
cockneyvillan
said:
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... I agree with the debate on who should be the centre back pairing, if you look at it who has been better for us so far this season dunne or collins = collins, and who was better yesterday cuellar. I dont think anyone has a divine right to ther place in the side and i agree that dunne is experienced and probably is good to play with, but i think collins is a big presence and a good talker aswell so on current form collins and cuellar could be great together and probably deserve a chance,either way great options. |
VillaNick
said:
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... SCOTT1 i think we are gonna see the chelsea formation when downing is fit.petrov will sit and protect the back 4 then u will have milner/downing and a young interchanging between the left/right and just behind the 2 strikers Spot on Scott, I agree. Also MON will look to groom Delph to deputise for Petrov. |
symbas
said:
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... How many recall early November 1989 when villa destroyed Everton 6-2. That was the catalyst that sent Villa on to the brink of the league title finally missing out to Liversscum (funilly enough the last time they won the league) So lets hope yesterdays result has a similar impact with the Mighty Villa pushing on to a top 4 place. You never know Live the dream  |
VillaNick
said:
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...How many recall early November 1989 when villa destroyed Everton 6-2 I still remember quotes from Brian Moore on the ITV commentrary as it was live on Sunday afternoon for some reason. David Platt was king & Ormondriod was better than Ashley Young that day! The best Villa game ever on TV IMO. |
ronrabbit
said:
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... Great result yesturday, and a real headache for the manager in who does he start at centre back next match, cuellar, collins, dunne, 2 from the 3. What about in the middle sidwell, coker, petrov, all though up top hopefully this performance from carew will resign hesky to never pulling on a villa shirt again. I think alot of people have over looked the difference luke young on the right made yesturday. Having two attacking full backs not only causes their full backs problems, but gives us extra numbers in the middle. Milner was fabulous, and he was helped massivly with support from young that he doesnt get from cuellar. On a slightly down beat note, ashley young was little more than average again yesturday. flashs of brilliance, where you can see he has the ability to be a world great, but no consistancy. When we have milner who is mr consistant though, you can have a luxuary player like young, who could do something special at any time, knowing you will get some decent service into the box from milner. Gabby will go to the world cup if he carrys on like he is, and on his current form i would have him above defoe to start alongside rooney, i think we will see gabby and rooney start up top in the next england match. Milner will also start on the right for england. If we could get carew to do waht he did this match every week he would be devastating. yesturday he was, well almost, not quite, but almost as good as drogba, strong, powerfull, awsome in the air, and cool finishing. Fabulous result, The last two performances have been superb, It was a shame about the west ham result where we were almost as good as yesturday, but just didnt get the goals. Looks like a 4 way scrap for that 4th spot, us, spurs, man city, and the pool. We will have to on top form all year if we want to take it, But on the flip side if one of those sides wants to finsih above us they are going to need to be on top form all year also. Shame about the international break now, It always seems to come at the wrong time for us. |
vivavilla
said:
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...Wayne Bridge wasn't great yesterday....wonder who might be a more suitable candidate for South Africa? Another Villa player for England anyone? Forget Bridge... the more I see Warnock play, the more I think he should be on the plane instead of Ashley Cole. |
holteend paul
said:
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... symbas.... i was at that game and as i remember it was one of the first live games on tv on a sunday as the attendence was dire because me and my mates had the fron of the holte to ourselves. |
Tonebone
said:
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... lol vivavilla!!! thats cole who has been in the form of his life this season yes? and is probably the best left back in worls football right now!! warnock has been solid but come on! |
HolteEndersInDubai
said:
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... Tonabone - The same Ashley Cole who Gabby out paced and out played for 90 mins?!?! Wornock is quality, so is L Young! With Collins and Dunne, we really do have arguably the best defence in the league! |
clevelandvillian
said:
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... Check out the live league table on Sporting Life. Spuds bottom of the table on 0 points-Villa 4th!!! |
USvillaDavid
said:
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... Not to bring any sourness to great feeling of a 5-1 thrashing but just as we cant get to down after a loss we have to contain our joy somewhat after a victory. We have a very touch match-up next with Burnley. Our away form is terrible and there home form is excellent. Also Damien I believe the higher placed teams have a greater number of passes because the poorer teams bunker against them which leads to them having to execute a high number of passes to break them down. |
Greg1981
said:
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... Badger a counter attacking team are never going to have the most passes or possession. A primarily counter attacking team are not going to win the league or make top 4 either. We need an ace central midfielder. How many recall early November 1989 when villa destroyed Everton 6-2 I was there too. Happy days. And probably second only to the greatest night of my Villa life which was (another 5-1) at the back of the Holte at half time in 1977. 5 up v Liverpool after 45 mins. Ecstasy. I want those days back. |
SidCowanslovechild
said:
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... Saw the Everton match on TV but what a game - weren't we 6-0 up or 6-1 up atleast an let in 1 or 2 late ones. That was a decent Everton team as well Just seen someone brushing their teeth at the Chelsea Utd match. Might cut my toenails at the next televised Villa match as it seems to get you on TV |
kiddervilla
said:
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... the result aginst bolton was great to see all the players playing for each other (superb) but what pleased me most of all was seeing that the lunutics was finerly not running the asylum, players playing in thier right positons, players who sould have been playing weeks ago playing were they sould be playing, great i thought and then to cap it all off was blooding in the youngsters 3 in one match and playing football as it sould be played, blimy i thought christmas as come early, nice to see luke back a proper full back at last and sidwell always seems to play better with coker next to him , and coker captain whats giong on we had so much good things this game i tottaly forgot about the result, long may it continue well pleased |
Badger
said:
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...We need an ace central midfielder I don't think anyone would argue with that. Just seen someone brushing their teeth at the Chelsea Utd match You're kidding? What a tool. Might cut my toenails at the next televised Villa match as it seems to get you on TV  |
SidCowanslovechild
said:
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... I wish everyne would get off Rafa's back, he deals in facts and has proved it this season with the teams he has lost to: F ulham A ston Villa C helsea T ottenham S underland FACTS |
kingfisher villa
said:
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... i was glad to see nrc captain for the bolton match i think mon should give him a new contract |
Greg1981
said:
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... Badger We need an ace central midfielder I don't think anyone would argue with that. Are you positive that MON does? I'm not convinced as I think he's happier for work horses in the middle. And that's my main gripe. Petrov has come on but we need another; a real playmaker. For me this is the key position in any top club and it's been the least of MONs priorities - but I'm living in hope. Passing and possession is how we'll beat the big boys and would improve the game of our two wide superstars. Waiting for Delph could be like waiting for Godot. |
SidCowanslovechild
said:
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... Been thinking about the battle between dark and light on this site and came to the following conclusion. - I respect many of the depessives as long as they show a bit of thought instead of just criticise - ie AK, Fitzy, Tonebone and Jinksy - although I would prefer a less relentless wall of depression sometimes - I respect many of the positive posters as long as they are not too off their nut on Prozac, ie Badger, Nan, R0bb0, RobH, but wish some wouldn't get over excited sometimes as it tends to lead to disappointment. What I don't respect and plan to attack at every opportunity is: - posters who seem to celebrate our failures - these are not Villa fans - posters who don't live in the real world and think we can sign players who wouldn't come anywhere near us at moment - mainly children I guess so some slack due - Posters who think we are shoe in's for the Champs League when we win and getting relegated when we lose - fickle - People whose arguments are based on MON being an idiot, he may have short comings but he is an intelligent and driven man - these are the idiots themselves - posters who are snide and pretend to be supportive but are actually just putting the boot in more subtlely - includes mine host I haven't named any of the above as maybe unfair except for anyone with half a brain the one who should be big enough to take it, knows my views and can always ban me when he has had enough! The gems I guess are the great British eccentrics who see following Villa and Blogging as a great adventure and a chance to inspire and lift the curtain a little - Churchill is their king and perhaps only inhabitant on this blog. He is also mad as a goose of course The strange thing is 90% of posters who actually classified themselves would say none of the above, I am a realist while everyone else is a depressive/ sheep/ not a proper fan etc and I guess I am one of those We will see |
SidCowanslovechild
said:
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... Greg, completely agree with need for improvement in central midfiled however - MON tends to concentrate on one part of the pitch at a time. He has bought multiple Goal keepers, Centre Halfs, full backs and wingers at same time. Defence is now sorted, wingers now sorted and upfront while we would all like that Marco V B or Rud V N we look reasonably strong and the squad is now a decent size which leaves central midfield as big priority and MON knows this, he is stubborn but not stupid. MON will buy one or 2 central midfielders this Jan or next summer. Whether this is in time and whether the quality makes a difference (not Jenas or Huddlestone!) remains to be seen We will see |
mon 4-5-1
said:
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...... Thought NRC was excellent for the role he was supposed to do for the team. Lots energy getting the tackle in and what i liked the most was he has the ability to run with the ball. I also think he should stay as captain. I will eat my own pants if When all fit we see L.Young/Collins/Dunne/Warnock. DanWilson82 you may be in a catch 22 situation there if L.Young does play... |
Nanwasafan
said:
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... Just done the Chalkboards and it's all about Carew. Played a completely different game than against West Ham. He had most tackles. Made load of passes too. Also, he was on the right against Bolton and on the left against West Ham. Interestingly, the boards also suggest that Sidwell did very little. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
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... Were Bolton poor yesterday? Yes they were, i do however think that mentioning that does do us an injustice, in that i think we made them look poor! We bossed and pressured them from start to finish, held the ball when we needed, and attacked with some real guile. For the first time this season we had Ashley, Carew and the mightely impressive Gabby all playing to their strengths. Another aspect of the team yesterday was Balance. Luke Young gave us a much more balenced look, which made us a little more dynamic going forward, since the balled was not going left all the time. And NRC gave us a glimpse of what we have been missing in Midfield. The ability to get back and break up the oppositions forward play, then play a simple pass. He must start intstead of Sidwell. This was emphasised shortly after we took the lead, when he gave away a needless free kick which they almost scored from. He does it all the time, and its cost us already and will do again. Collins or Cuellor? Collins will get the nod, since him and Dunne have been forming an impressive partnership. Its unlucky on Cuellor whom has been playing excellently, but we need to keep that balence we had yesterday. My MoM was Gabby. His reading of game and link up play, and timing are improving all the time. |
Jimbo Daventry Villa
said:
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... I was well happy with the defeat at West Ham! We should sign Rooney in Jan if not Ronaldo will do. After yesterday we should get in the top 4 but if we lose to Burnley we may aswell get relegated now. I've also heard that MON was in all the bottom classes at school - Idiot! Am I in for a tongue lashing from Sid? |
edvilla
said:
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... Touching on what someone said earlier, how great would this team be..... Friedal L Young Collins/Cuellar Dunne Warnock Petrov Young Milner Downing Gabby Carew The 3 in the middle would all interchange and we'd have 5 goal threats. Alot like Chelsea at the moment |
mon 4-5-1
said:
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...but I'm living in hope. Passing and possession is how we'll beat the big boys and would improve the game of our two wide superstars. Waiting for Delph could be like waiting for Godot. Agree with you on the above point MON needs to put this as top of his shopping list to get a creative midfielder. . Who can pass the ball foward and not side ways. . Dribble with the ball because both Petrov and Sidwell do not have this ability. . Good ball control. . Good agility. . Good positional Sense. We are were we are and january in still a few months away so who can we have in the centre midfield for now ? Central Midfield pair need to work in tandem same as Centre Backs and Strikers. Its basically the spine of the team. NRC – Delph Petrov – NRC And more of a last resort NRC – Sidwell Petrov - Sidwell Sidwell – And anyone else. |
churchill
said:
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...He is also mad as a goose of course Funnily enough that's just what my missus says. And my mates. How could you tell, Sid? |
SidCowanslovechild
said:
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... Jimbo you're a very naughty boy Churchill - that's why we love you Nan - busy all week, only get to post b0ll0cks at weekend. You've been a bit more cautious this season, we going to see the rise of the Prozac nation again or are you waiting until it's in the bag this time? Yes we can? We will see |
Nanwasafan
said:
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... Sid I have to say, after West Ham, the voice of the dark side was becoming very difficult to ignore. Thank God for Bolton. I really wish I could recall who it was, a week or so ago, that claimed Cahill was the BEST of the CB's that MON had the option of using. Please tell if you know, as I wish to laugh at them. |
Jimbo Daventry Villa
said:
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... Nan, Before Bolton was we not all thinking we wish Cahill was still with us? I don't think he was actually that bad yesterday it was more that Carew was simply world class and playing like he did would have given even the best defenders the run around. |
SidCowanslovechild
said:
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... We can't move for good defenders now. Even with our top 6 defenders out we could muster a defence of Baye, Davies, Clark and shorey. I wish Cahill well but defence is a long way from our problem now. 1 or 2 top central midfielders and a world class centre forward and we are a very, very good side. Easier said than done I know but - one last push? We will see |
Chater1703
said:
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... first time ive posted in a while due to lack of anything intresting to say but i thought we play very good yesterday, gabby n carew really seemed to have a good understanding of each other. gabby wud wait for carew to flick it on then play it to our wide men...knight trying to bring down carew and failing highlight of the day |
whitey09
said:
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... stevie warnock in the england squad- quality it will soon b aston villa v brazil in the world cup final in s.africa there mite even b a place 4 heskey on the bench lol |
vivavilla
said:
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... Warnock in the England squad. Made up for the lad, thoroughly deserves that selection, been outstanding for us. No Gabby though. That's a bit of a joke when you look at who made it. |
VDV
said:
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... sidcowan- i agree, great defence, two gold goalkeepers, three wingers who r top class, petrov brill, but we need anothe two in with gardner going out and hate two say it but maybe with either sid or reo going as well, and then huntaler or vagnar love in january and we r fine. |
SidCowanslovechild
said:
|
... VDV - Reo has played well when given chance in the middle this season. He would be a great partner for a top rate playmaking central midfielder, despite his shortcomings. Gardner isn't quite going to make it at Villa I'm afraid and Sidwell is really going to have to turn it around if he is going to be good enough. Van Der Vaart would have been perfect but that ain't going to happen now. Delph will be class one day but not yet. Who's out there, I don't know but it's time for top quality now, not more squad fillers We will see |
r0bb0
said:
|
... Dammit Sid, there I was thinking I was a realist. Less prozac please nurse! Really pleased for Warnock.....fully deserved, and with the way Bridge is playing, our Stephen deserves some time on the pitch against Brazil. Now let's see Luke Young getting more of a run out and staking his claim too. Surprised and pleased that Ash gets another go but surely Gabby has done enough recently to be included? |
neil57
said:
 |
... Agree with a lot of posts. We were balanced for 1st time, imo, this season. Agree with diamond type formation. Bolton were bad because we were good, no, brilliant. Jaaskalainen was terrific and good craic also. I like him. Heskey should not even be a sub. Cole is the top defender, Warnock is as good. Dunne is the master, he has improved JC and CC. We do not miss Cahill, good, I admit. Need no more defenders, good midfielder and striker. Trust MON. Gabby will enjoy the rest We must beat Spurs and not lose to Burnley. UTV |
SidCowanslovechild
said:
|
... England Centre Forwards is a strange one. Half the names in frame don't play regularly (Heskey, Rodney). The ones who score a load of goals in the League don't seem to be fancied (Bent, Defoe). Rooney isn't really a Centre Forward, same with Walcott. Owen past it? And then our Gabbi who can be brilliant or not so - not consistent enough yet but may just be turning in to a complete beast but not sure if 2010 world cup will come too soon. The answer of course is to play Fonzi who is going to be the best of them all, least here's hoping Stevie Warnock won't let anyone down and nor would Luke Young at right back, I think they could be the back up full backs this summer without being out of place at all. |
vivavilla
said:
|
... Agreed Sid. Apart from the fact I think Rooney is a centre forward, a complete centre forward at that. |
Badger
said:
|
... Sid, I respect many of the positive posters as long as they are not too off their nut on Prozac, ie Badger, Nan, R0bb0, RobH, but wish some wouldn't get over excited sometimes as it tends to lead to disappointment. Elation when we win, despair when we lose. I thought that was the law when it comes to being a footy fan? Rios., Were Bolton poor yesterday? I know what you're saying mate, but they were gash. Partly to answer Nan's comment re Carew too, look at the time Carew had with the ball for his goal. It wasn't exactly a Dalglish-esque type of turn was it? Utterly disgraceful defending for the Prem, imo. My Nose mate sent me a text thanking us for doing them a favour. My response (as much as it choked me) was to say that their mugs are way better than that tripe we saw from Bolton yesterday. If Bolton don't improve they're certs to go down imo. But all that said, yes, you're right. We played well. We'll see how good we are when we play Burnley. That's a much better test. Chater1703, due to lack of anything intresting to say So what? It's never stopped plenty of others (myself included, don't worry ) |
mon 4-5-1
said:
|
... quote]Delph will be class one day but not yet. He needs to be given a run. With what we have in that area and how much we paid for him MON needs to show more faith in the lad. Lets look at it this was Ramsay played for Arsenal against Wolves and his a year younger then Delph. I would regard Delph just as good but will never know until his give a run in the team. If your good enough you old enough... |
nick_not_nicky
said:
 |
... I think Ashley Cole is one of the most overrated players around now. I mean Gabby embarrassed him at every opportunity when we played chelsea. Im also really surprised Ashley Young made the team, unless he starts to step it up I dont think he'll be going to SA. IMO the player to start beside Rooney is C Cole. Assuming he can keep his form up. Defoe is too similar to Rooney, Crouch is not mobile enough to start up top, maybe a sub plan B option. Gabby is the only other option as he can hold the ball up like your normal targetman but also has that pace. Could be a lethal combination playing alongside Walcott and with guys like Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard etc putting balls through. Beside Rooney England need a striker with an all round game. Cole or Agbonlahor, maybe Bent if he can keep his form up. Heskey is shit as we all know, not international class despite how highly Capello rates him, it will be a mistake if he plays. And I'll happily eat my words if we win the WC with Heskey playing a starting role.. or any role. I actually worry about the center backs with how Ferdinand has been playing, dont rate upson or lescott that highly, I like Jagielka (spelling?) a lot but he has that horrible knee injury. |
Headologist
said:
 |
... Nowt wrong with Webcam. Yes, he's a featherweight in a mixed weight contact sport - I'd go base over apex regularly if in contact with someone 50% heavier. He produces ripping crosses and very threatening free kicks. He's agile, quick as a mouse and probably wasted on the wing. Interested to know what MON will do with him when DJ is fit. If the £12m he spent on Milner is as well spent as the £12m on DJ we are in for some fun. |
vivavilla
said:
|
... Headologist You must have been blinded by his last two games, where he's played quite well (only quite well mind, nothing spectacular). Prior to that he put in over a dozen or so very poor performances. The kind of form that meant he should have been kept as far away from the national team as possible. In truth I still don't think he's playing well enough to play for England. I'm hoping he's turned a corner now with the last couple of games though, we'll see. |
ak_27
said:
 |
... I didn't think Ashley Young was overly impressive on Sat either to be honest. His delivery is still poor enough for the ammount if times he tries to cross it in. I thought Warnock supported him very well during the game. |
Chiefy
said:
 |
... Warnock has been called up to the England sqaud we got Young, Milner and Warnock little superised Gabby didnt get the nod though |
ak_27
said:
|
... Gabby deserved to called up before Young going on this season. Which strikers were called up? |
Chiefy
said:
|
... bent has been called up with crouch defoe and rooney, I would have said gabby ahead of young as well, Bents stint wont last nor Defoes they have hit form scored a few now they are both of the boil a little |
Chiefy
said:
|
... Cahill has been called up after Saturdays display Fabio needs to have a rethink on the decision |
croni
said:
 |
... was at the game - great atmosphere and great performance carew was briliant and even sidwell was decent enough woeful defending by bolton dunne was immense and cuellar is far more comfotable in the centre it looks like young needs a few more good games |
ak_27
said:
|
... In fairness to Cahill one bad day doesn't mean he shouldn't be called up. Young has had plenty of bad days this season and he is being given a chance. Its not easy playing CB with Zat Knight. I can't believe that another manager was stupid enough to sign him. Cahill has been very good for the most part of the season and i worthy of his spot. Anyway if you didn't call him up who would you call up instead? |
Chiefy
said:
|
... instead of Cahill, good point not sure i can think of anyone, Upson is already in the team, Collins is Welsh, Cuellar is Spanish, Dunne is irish oh go on then let cahill have a game but i would only use him as cover at the minute and in friendlys still think is a long way off being the finished article and the reports of him being linked to inter and stuff i though where madness i dont think he is all that yet |
Chiefy
said:
|
... croni - Sidwell suprised me first half second half he must have had something else to do cause i never really seen much of him, as usual but i will say he was good first half |
croni
said:
|
... uhm just reading a few posts and i'm a bit confused about how people prefer cuellar to dunne dunne was the best player on the pitch after carew he read the game brilliantly and cleaned up every ball dunne is first choice, then its collins and then cuellar carew was absolutely brilliant and heskey can jump in a lake for all i care young is improving but he is nowhere near the form he was at last year gab lead the line brilliantly reo was ok, he goes missing a lot and tends not to look enough for the ball, still he's better than sidwell i read that o'neill stayed up till 4 in the morning watching the video of the west ham game |
vivavilla
said:
|
... Disagree on Dunne ahead of Collins. If there's been a better centre back than Collins in the Premiership over the last two months, I haven't seen him play. |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
...Gabby deserved to called up before Young going on this season Although a little suprised about Gabbys omission, im not overly worried about it. When a player is picked and then not selected for the following squad, it does give a negative impression. I would however, not read to much into it. Capello has his "hardcore" of players whom he knows will be on the plane to South Africa. What it seems he is now doing, is keeping tabs on the fringe the players and keeping his options open. I mean, im sure he would like to look at everyone, but calling a sqwuad of around 40-50 players together is not going to tell him much. It explains the inclusion of players like Ashley, whom have been suffering with form. In a sense you can call it rotation. The players that are in the best form will go to the World Cup, so all Gabby needs to do is keep up what hes doing now, and he will be on that plane. |
ak_27
said:
|
... I think what is really helping Cahill's case as a target for many clubs is his danger in the oppossitions box. He could nearly be a striker. Even the last day he nearly scored. I mean we will ever forget that goal agianest the blues? |
Chiefy
said:
|
... Viva - i am with you on that i think Collins is and should be signing of the season, i think the cantre backs will be rotated, so next game you will see either dunne and collins or collins and cuellar and then after that cuellar drops to the bench and so on and to be honest ironically in that position we can comfortably roate our players without any danger |
Christian1983
said:
 |
... I'm delighted for Warnock getting an England call-up He's a class act, plus I can now say 'I told you so' to a few of my Villa mates who were bemused when we signed him for quite big money! He was exceptional on Saturday- didnt put a foot wrong. I'm surprised Gabby's missed out, though, the games Cappello has attended, Gabby has looked poor (eg West Ham). Glad Ash is back in contention too. Although I imagine it must leave Gabby scratching his head even more... Great result on Saturday. Bolton were absolutely dreadful, the worst team I've seen at VP for some time, but to score 5 past any Premiership opposition is pretty impressive. Well done boys. |
vivavilla
said:
|
... Got one over on my Blues mate as well. Last night (before the squad was announced) I mentioned how Warnock definitely deserves to go to the World Cup, and he laughed in my face. |
Chiefy
said:
|
... ak_27 -- not until we have another to talk about, i.e Salifou extra time half way line lob or similar |
Rios.Jockstrap
said:
|
...i read that o'neill stayed up till 4 in the morning watching the video of the west ham game Did you also know, that immeadiatly after our game at the scum, both him and Robbo were back at Bodymoor looking at the game again and making notes? People always pick on the negatives when it comes to MoN, but forget his devotion to the club. |
ak_27
said:
|
... Chiefy it the position where we have the best options for rotation but it is the position where you should not rotate unless totally necessary. You need a CB pairing to have an understanding and as it is right now i think the Dunne/ Collins one is the best. Dunne seems to take the responsbility to go outside the box and follow the striker if needed while Collins mops up behind. I don't know if Cullar could do that role. Im biaseda i think Dunne is a class act but right now i think Cullar is number 3 choice. A very good number 3 it must be said. Was anyone else dissapointed that MON did not use his subssitutions the last day until the 85mins? I just don't understand him regarding that. he will never get a better chance to put Delfouneso and Delph on the pitch for 20mins n a game where it is already won. What exactly could they prove in 5mins? |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... Im joining the 'Collins Brigade'. The bloke is just a class act, shame he's not English ay?!? Shame for Gabby but to be fair, he shouldn't get down about it, we have some very talented players in this position. Again I thought he was superb on Saturday though. Well done Warnock!!....he's possibly the only scouser I like! |
rob h
said:
 |
... the main difference between the west ham game and the bolton games was john carew. At west ham he could not be bothered, against bolton he could! He needs to show the bolton desire each week if we are to finish top 4 |
rob h
said:
|
... viva villain. How possible is it that the world cup squad could hold. young - milner - gabby - warnock - L young? how amazing would that be |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... Anyone else see the comments MON made about Milner?? Says he wants to put him in the middle of the park in the near future. Sound like Downing LW, Young RW and Milner replacing Sidwell possibly?? Interesting times ahead! |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
..."Fabio (Capello) knows what he can do. James’ last excursion in the England team was playing at left back. And, while I accept that that was an emergency, even at that time he was able to get himself forward and hit a post. So James would obviously be a player that Capello would really enjoy having because he’s prepared to put the work in and obviously he’s improving in ability. |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... Ha ha funny..... Congrats to Bolton's Johann Elmander, who broke an 11-month goal drought by scoring against Aston Villa on Saturday. It was a shocking barren run, yes, but as his previous goal also came at Villa Park, the Holte End faithful have still seen him score more goals than Emile Heskey in the past year. |
Villian_Within
said:
 |
... I am all for Cuellar for CB. Collins and Dunne have done brilliantly so far, but before them Cuellar was there with Curtis and just a couple of days ago carlos was there again, and he hasn't had a bad game this season has he? So cuellar and anyone. |
James Collins is the ginger Paolo Cesare Maldini
said:
 |
... Nice Villa_Chris...team/bench doesn't look bad does it?? Friedel L Young Dunne Collins Warnock A Young Perov Reo Downing Milner Gabby Guzan Cueller Bouma Delph Sidwell Carew Heskey Well done to MON for finally playing Luke Young and Reo!! Reo was MOTM in my opinion and just showed what we have missed there. Pity it took MON that long to realize it!! |
croni
said:
|
... dunne is much better at anticipating and attacking the ball, he's a great comunicator and organiser and at the bolton game you could see him telling players to take certain positions. collins tends to sweep up a lot more, has better feet is better on the ball. Dunne is much more of an attacking threat and will be getting us goals i also agree that centre backs are not for rotating, they need to have a clear understanding between them so they need to be playing regurlarly together cuellar however is a fantastic replacement and it just shows that extra quality we have in the squad this season for me dunne and collins are the best pairing in the premiership at the moment and the fact that we are not still lamenting laursen's absence tells you a lot |
Chiefy
said:
|
... villa-chris -- love that piece on Heskey hahahaha dj - petrov - milner - young wk - dunne - collins - young arent we all excited now ?? |
Chiefy
said:
|
... do you think Curtis's agent will be sending out the player brochure soon ?? cant see him getting a look in cant see us getting our money back either, Bolton might have him |
Villa_Chris
said:
|
... I would be devastated if I saw Curtis in the starting 11 in front of one of the other 3. I will produce the brochure for him. |
ak_27
said:
|
... Chiefy i just don't see that midfeild as good enough for challenging the top 4. I don't think you should at this stage try and change a winger into a CM. We need to bring in a quality CM who has played there all there professional life. I can't see Milner ever being more then an adequaote CM and we need better then that. Also that midfield would no matter how you try and spin it would be composed of 3 wingers and one out and out CM. I think that would get killed by any top CM pairing. As for Curtis i was going to write earlier what are the odds that Megson will bring Davies in to replace Cahill if he leaves? |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
 |
... Hey Chiefy, I've decided only to pop on here when cheerful individuals are about. Would you say that Curtis does have quality at times but has a lot ot learn and is quite incinsistent?? I would say so and I believe that if he gets fit and has to play his way back into the side, he will only get picked if he is at the top of his game. What a wonderful situation to be in where one of our biggest players from last season will struggle to get back in the team. I am of the opinion that he could be a really great defender in time and hope he stays. What a joy to have four top CB's to choose from. I was also thinking about something someone said about CB's having an understanding and something MoN said after Cuellar played RB against Brum. He said it wouldn't be long before Carlos understood the way the other lads play. I think it may have helped Cuellar to develop an understainding of Dunne and Collins game while playing at right back and this knowledge will help when deputising in the centre. Was good to see Lukey Luke back tho. |
Chiefy
said:
|
... Villa_Chris - i will email you the template for the brochure, i have been working on EMULE's. We could have some spending money in jan as well if you consider the players who are now surplus: EMULE for obvious reasons Shorey never infront of Bouma or Warnock Davies never in front of any of our current back 3 Sidwell if milner moves inside surplus Reo if milner moves inside a MON keeps Sidwell or both if MON puts faith in Delph anytime soon then all we would need to buy is striker (elmander from bolton anyone ) no need for creative midfielder as would have dj, young and milner in the middle you know i said last week when we lost to west ham " a big win at weekend against Bolton and thinks will look different" and my god dont they just its exciting |
Chiefy
said:
|
... JPA -- I would agree but i just dont think Davies has the balls to stay and play his way back in to the turn, his choice will be moan moan and spit dummy out till he plays lets face it he has already tried that with his contract and as he cant see any team coming in for him he has gone quiet. AK_27 -- if Milner does not successfully transfer into a CM who we would be happy with in january with the outs and the money brought in from them it would still allow us to buy a creative midfielder if need be, i am of the belief that good players can adapt and if they are really good you wouldnt be able to tell he hadnt played there all his life, i am sure he could play there but time will tell |
Juan Pablo Angel
said:
|
... Chiefy, I agree about Milner. He has all the things needed to play there. He has vision, two good feet, he can tackle win the ball and track back, excellent positioning, a good shot and a decent cross/long pass and most of all a brilliant engine and loads of commitment. I imagine he would sit in the middle alongside petrov much like Essien/Lampard, Alonson/Mascherano, Song/Fabregas. Our creativity will come from Gabby, Downing and Young. |
ak_27
said:
|
... Chiefy i would go for Jonanvic or/ and Defour. Jonavic as our creative striker who can drop back and get on the ball the way Van Persie and Rooney do for their clubs (we currently have nobody in the club who can do that) and Defour to play beside Pertov as the playmaker. I think we would see far more going forward from Petrov if he had someone who was technically gifted beside him. Didn't Milner play CM againest Sunderland and wasn't supposed to have been that impressive? I just don't see that as a move that will ever bring much success. |
Chiefy
said:
|
... AK_27 -- oh yeah of little faith my friend, Some of us didint think Collins would be the move of the season but it is, I truly beleive that milner could be great in the middle of the park but only time will tell could always try EMULE there for a giggle |
villarobin
said:
 |
... dont kid yourselves we still need a class , proven, attacking central mid, and another 15-20 goal a season striker, then we are a force. |
andy5759
said:
 |
...I will eat my own pants if When all fit we see L.Young/Collins/Dunne/Warnock. Red sauce or brown?  I am embarrassed asking that! |
Jimbo
said:
 |
... credit where credit is due on Saturday, a performance level we expect, was given. Now for some consistency, and with Liverpool imploding, a centre forward of world class (Pav from Spurs?) signed in January, and we're a cert for top 4. Where we go beyond that (if at all) is anyones guess. |
shemmanz
said:
 |
... FREIDEL CUELLAR YOUNG DUNNE COLLINS WARNOCK MILNER PETROV A.YOUNG DOWNING GABBY That team will 100% put us in to the top 5 this year and even if we get any injuries this are brill subs to replace the 1st team subs: BOUMA DAVIES BEYE SHOREY SIDWELL DELPH CAREW |
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