This might have something to do with me being a younger fan, but I’ve always respected Man United more than the average Villa fan. Why criticise and mock them for being poor but then fear drawing them in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford? It’s something that’s just never made sense to me.
But I must say, any team in the top ten coming to Villa Park I always fear that they could catch us on the break, and with our upcoming away fixtures, a win was crucial last night. Something I picked up from the game is that there wasn’t too many individual performances that were very impressive like there usually is, but then again we didn’t play too well as a team either, I thought. But last night’s win allows for us to drop points at Chelsea, a game that I’ve managed to pick up a £30 open return train to, from Moor Street to Marleybone, to then get the tube from Marleybone to Victoria Station, situated near Stamford Bridge.
So I suppose we should delve into the player ratings;
Martinez – 7.5 – I don’t think he had much to do, however he came out and made one decent save in the first half to deny Man United the lead. His distribution was, on the whole, poor and requires improvement against Chelsea and Arsenal.
Cash – 5 – Gifted Man United a goal, Merry Christmas Red Devils, I’m sorry but point blank giving away a goal just makes it impossible for me to rate any player higher than a 5.
Konsa – 6 – I may be wrong but I struggle to rate defenders because they aren’t on the ball as clearly as attackers, but I thought the entire right side was extremely shaky last night and their incompetence led to a forced foul that could’ve seen United score a late free-kick.
Lindelof – 8 – Extremely solid! He’s impressed me the last two games, and I think he is another one who is going to go under the radar just because he has acquired a reputation of being a ‘Man United Reject’ but I think we have a very solid centre-back who is good at marking players and is a good ball player.
Maatsen – 8 – Contrary to the right side, I thought the left side played very well yesterday defensively, and it was no shock that the one goal we conceded was nothing to do with that side. I remember vividly one moment where he single handedly dribbled left, right, forward and backwards to allow Villa out of a Man United cul de sac.
Kamara – 7 – I think he did okay, and I remember a few moments where he brought the ball down to safety, but it was nowhere near his best and maybe my rating is generous, but overall, nothing alarming.
Onana – 6.5 – I thought he was a little all over the place at times, and I am his biggest fan and love how we have a player like him, but considering we won the game, I’m glad he didn’t use much of his energy and I want to see him make a big impact in the Chelsea & Arsenal games.
McGinn – 7 – Pretty bang average for McGinn. Lost the ball a few times, but also broke us out of danger with his backside a few times too. McGinn putting in a horrible performance is 1 in 20; the fact we signed him for £2.4m is unbelievable. We all know who brought him in too, Steve Bruce, fair play.
Tielemans – 6.5 – I don’t remember him doing much to be honest. I usually remember him carrying the ball a little bit better than last night, and it was very noticeable that our midfield didn’t boss their midfield like we usually do to teams, so as lazy as it sounds, I’m going to presume Tielemans didn’t do much.
Rogers – 9 – Well. Need I say more, I was actually considering a 10, but that’s only for hat-tricks I think, or astonishing performances. He just keeps breaking us out of jail with absolute wonder goals and I am here for it! Watch the referee cam of both goals and see how quick both thunder strikes are. I actually watched a Man United channels reaction to the first goal, and even he said you’re nit-picking by blaming their defenders for it, as it was just sublime by Rogers.
Watkins – 4.5 – I’m sorry, just simply anonymous. Does anyone disagree because I’d love to hear it, but I just don’t get how anyone can say he played well. Although he has played okay in the last few weeks, but just not enough goals. He should’ve scored one of the chances last night at least. We won’t keep scoring 0.05xG goals all season, we need our striker to start putting the ball in the onion bag, or we need a new striker.
I’m not going to bother with subs, I don’t rememeber how any of them played, just weren’t on the pitch long enough.
All that leaves me to say is a massive Merry Christmas to everyone on this amazing blog. Also a massive appreciation to Badger for his effort. Someone else summed it up on a comment, best blog there is. Let’s beat Chelsea and Arsenal, UTV!
Well done Alfie – good article.
Of course, scoring players is pretty subjective – quite often, as you say yourself, it can be influenced by whether or not you actually (generally) rate the player.
Example might be Badger would generally tend to rate Cash low and Rogers high 🙂
The late on free kick was actually conceded by Bogarde so I might not be so hard on the right side of the defence – other than Cash’ mistake; but then players aren’t machines!
My only other comments would be – Tieleman’s, in particular, and Watkins combined well to produce the assist for Rogers second goal and Watkins led the line effectively, his hold up play was, as always, very good. I accept he’s not scoring but 4.5 is, I think, a little harsh!
Otherwise overall pretty fair and I agree that Lindelof looks like a decent deal on a free.
Cheers Hitch.
This might sound difficult to believe but I was well aware Bogarde gave away the foul and I recall it being a panic foul after we’d just been beaten on the right side? That’s what I meant by it though, honest.
Yeah I see your angle, but how long are we going to go scoring outside the box? If our striker doesn’t start bagging we could be in trouble.
I like Lindelof, yeah.
Yes, strikers can do other things but their primary goal as indicated by their closest proximity to the goal, is to score. I like Watkins and don’t think he’s finished but this is definitely a bad spell. To me he’s not running the spaces, or attacking with verve the way we’re used to seeing. We can talk about attitude but I truly don’t think once you’re out on the pitch, you’re thinking “I wish I was out of here, so won’t run”. It’s either confidence, or injury. I think it’s both.
That said, the amount of people who used to tell us when we had Heskey “Well he brings so much more” – misses the fact there are literally 9 other outfield players who should be doing that. So for me, yes, as much as it pains me to say, we should very much be judging (any) forwards based on goal return.
Interesting comment about JCM – cos other forums thought he had a good game – whereas I thought he was ineffective yesterday.
JCM? Guessing you mean McGinn.
But, anyway, I think Watkins doesn’t do enough outside of scoring to justify his lack of goals, and we’re third in the Premiership now. If we are serious title contenders, we should be thinking how they hell have we got away with still being in the mixer despite our striker not producing, and should look to go all out on a striker in January.
I noticed one time in the first half too, where Watkins was out right lazy and didn’t want to press the Man United defender. Considering they broke out of our press easily last night, I thought that was so noticeable and such a poor moment from Watkins.
A very considered post Alfie, good job.
I’m not sure I’d say Watkins was a 4.5, but he wasn’t great. I agree with the consensus, strikers are there to score and he isn’t.
I’m not sure about McGinn. For a few games now, I’ve thought he’s been poor overall, but he has an uncanny knack of digging in just when we need it. Quite simply, he’s the first name on the teamsheet for me, as long as he can run. A superb example to the game and a great captain who is already on my Villa legends list, even if I slate him at times.
The onion bag? There was me thinking that’s a real old time saying, heh.
Rogers? I honestly begin to wonder how long we can hold onto him.
The first £150 mill player? It could well be, imo.
There’s really not much else to argue over. Hmm. 🙂
Thanks. I did realise I was being harsh on Watkins, but similarly to what I said to TexasVillan, a lot of fans seem to think his work outside of goals justifies his lack of goals this season, I don’t think we can go that far in my opinion.
Yeah I agree about McGinn, he just breaks us out of jail time and time again and I love him for it. McGinn is superb and I hope Bruce knows Villa fans still give him credit for that signing, because I like Bruce as a bloke. But yeah, as for Super John McGinn, I think the first Villa legend where I can fully say I attentively watched his entire career at Villa.
Lol, the onion bag, yeah I use it sometimes.
Think Rogers is outstanding yeah. I am quite worried for the World Cup because I think it is going to be the summer where everyone is after Rogers. I seriously think we need to win the title to have a shot of keeping him.
Not much to argue over? Keep looking, you always find something. 😉
My only other point is – and I’m sort of surprised to hasn’t been mentioned – is mentality.
It’s just been applied to the English cricket team in Oz in an excellent article by Glen McGrath.
After 37 defeats and only one win at VP in 30 years against our Nemesis it must affect the players mindset – it would be strange if it didn’t.
To me we seemed hesitant in our play on Sunday – like we set out not to lose again rather than to win – mentality. What pulled us through was the teams outstanding quality of resilience and grit and it’s that quality – alongside some exceptionally talented players and a world class manager – that will hold us on good stead in the fight for a top four finish.
UTMV
Alfie, a little harsh on Cash giving him a five, I would think he frightened players attacking down the right but yes he did contribute to giving them a goal, Man Utd Dalot gave us the chances in the game as right back , Keane said it all in the studio, Man Utd defence was shambolic what with 4 against them with Bournemouth and 2 with us tells me they have problems as well . Good article though Alfie keep it going . As for Watkins who I think lost his confidence and needs time to get it back by sitting it out for a while.
Fair enough, Bill, I just think the fact that we did the exact same at West Ham and never learned one bit just really ticked me off so it may have got in my head whilst rating him.
Yeah, I’d have liked to see us carve Man United open a bit more, but it’s near impossible when the midfield isn’t the power house it usually is. Looking back on everything, I’m quite shocked we won. I don’t think we played bad, but given our record against Man United you’d have thought we’d have had to do a little bit more.
Yeah, we deffo need a new striker in January as much as I rate Watkins the last few years.
A good post Alfie and I agree with your ratings.
Martinez had a solid game despite a whack to the head that would have been a count out for Jake Paul. The goal however was a good finish by Cunha.
Cash was responsible for the goal and looked shaky most of the game but he put in a goal saving block that deserves credit.
Konsa however looks way off it. Whether it’s because he hasn’t got Torres or Mings alongside him, that’s a possibility for his recent performances.
I agree too that Lindelof and Maatsen looked very solid for the majority of the game.
Our midfield on Sunday were all below average IMO. I thought we would dominate United’s makeshift midfield but they were quicker and more efficient with their passing.
McGinn had a couple of instances when he was robbed of possession but his turn and pass that led to Rogers first goal is why he’s my current favourite player and already a club legend.
Rogers was undoubtedly MOTM and hopefully will be able to maintain his current form. No doubt the likes of Citeh and others will try to turn his head in January in an effort to disrupt our team morale.
Watkins has clearly lost a yard of pace and a boatload of confidence. He made a big contribution to the second goal however to show he can always affect games. Malen doesn’t have the same presence but is a better finisher. If we can get a Watkins from previous seasons in January, I think that would be the most important signing we can make. If we are to challenge for the title we need a 20 plus goals a season striker.
One positive is we can now afford to lose against Chelsea and Arsenal while still remaining 3rd. I’m sure Emery will scrutinise both games to try and get something though.
A big thank you to Badger for running this site to allow us to let off steam or to celebrate which we have done recently!
A merry Christmas to everyone who uses this site from me and let’s hope for 11 from 11 on the 27th.
UTMV!
Great write up but would give Cash a smidge more credit despite his effing error. Ollie? I don’t know what to say? He splits defences, pulls defenders away but isn’t netting. Thank God goals are coming from other sources!
We were both knackered and overrun Sunday. But as mentioned, our grit and new mentality got us the win via the spectacular Chesty. We’re developing a hive mentality when not at our best.
Anyway, cheers for the site again, Badger!!!
Merry Christmas to all Villians!!!!!! Don’t drink too much!! 🤪🤪🤪
Alfie, I will come to your match analysis second, but first let me correct your London distances.
Victoria is nowhere near Stamford Bridge. From Marylebone Station get the Underground west to Paddington, change there for a southbound District line train heading to Wimbledon and alight at Fulham Broadway.
Generally fair comment. I thought United set up well given their resources. They tried to hassle us with a high press knowing that was where we were vulnerable. Villa di not make many mistakes, but one was enough for their goal.
Watkins has a difficult task up front on his own without a midfield player who is always willing to push up in support. Those are Barkley and Buendia when playing. It helps if long balls up to him are aimed wide of where he stands – so he can run sideways and lay off to our wide player on that side. But playing the balls straight up the middle to Watkins gives him less chance.
Alfie. You might wonder why us older Villa fans have such a dislike of Man United. There is an element of jealousy about it but no more than for the other ‘big’ clubs. You may never have heard of Jimmy Armfield or heard his live radio commentaries on the BBC – he was the worst of the sycophantic pundits whose commentary was all about Manure, never about their opponents. Prior to Chelsea and Citeh – moneybags meant Manure who assumed they only had to call a Villa manager and inquire the price for any player they wanted. In the Fergie era they were notorious for tapping up players, often using their England squad players to unsettle other players while on England duty. Then there was Fergie himself – a great manager. But he had an inability – on the rare occasions Manure were beaten – to admit that on the day they were beaten by a better side.
Even today they have bad manners, and always did. When Fernandes pulled up injured the Villa player did not take the ball off him and play on – he kicked the ball out. It is good manners when that has been done to throw the ball back to the team who kicked it out – whatever the score. United played on.
It was worse before your time Alfie. The Surrey glory-hunters have more choice today – even a local club who play in blue – but it is satisfying to see them squirm when the Red devils are beaten.
Met Emi Martinez at the checkout at Sainsbury’s Mere Green today!
No way!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep! Had a tub of Pringles in his hand… hopefully he doesn’t eat too much… we need to beat Chelsea & Arsenal! 🤣
Merry Christmas everyone! 🎅 🤶 🎄
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!
Indeed, Merry Xmas all.
Merry Christmas to all on here and all Villans wherever you may be.
Apparently we’re talking to Barce about goalie Marc-André ter Stegen.
If that’s true, why? He won’t be coming to play second fiddle to Martinez and Bizot already makes a decent no 2.
I’ve a sneaky feeling Martinez will be off in this window and if not, definitely in the summer.
You could be well right Badger, I’ve had that sneaky suspicion for a while, apparently he’s a
Pain in the backside in the dressing room and jokes a lot. I would think he’s looking for big money and more entertainment elsewhere, shame if he goes as definitely one of the best I’ve seen.
Big tax free money, I’m guessing, if he does go at all. His missus is apparently happy here, which I’m sure will seriously sway his decision.
I wonder if the club have serious concerns about his dodgy back and would be quite happy to just get a fee?
Chelsea. Two more London Pantos to see the year out. Last season at the Bridge it was Cucurella & the Ugly Sisters who outplayed Villa more than any team has done since. Chelsea have the firepower to do it again, but the current Villa best XI is much better than the last time here. Will we see them though – or is Emery prepared to field the B team tonight and save the A team for Arsenal?