Welcoming a struggling side to Villa Park isn’t always as straight forward as it seems. To be honest, I’d say that it only occurs with Villa, but let’s be honest, any side can struggle when their opponent desperately needs the points the climb out of the relegation zone – I am not going to sit here and say that we are the only victims of this.
Now, the title of this article will stand providing two outcomes today;
Bournemouth DRAW or LOSE today (Kick-off 14:00)
Aston Villa WIN today (Kick-off 19:00)
So, Champions League football next season can be secured by late tonight, and we know exactly what we are playing for if Bournemouth do not win. That would be some great momentum to take into the second leg against Nottingham Forest on Thursday. On that note, apologies for not getting a post-match article out in time.
After Thursdays unproductive display, there are several changes I would make. I would, firstly, rest Watkins and start Abraham simply because I can see Watkins starting again on Thursday, I would bring Barkley into the team to replace Onana because he is ineligible for Europe, and I would bring Sancho in, maybe even for Rogers.
Onana and Kamara are out for us, whilst Spurs have an injury list that you cannot fit on one page – the only reason they’re in 18th, by the way; I firmly believe they would be comfortably safe if they didn’t have the rate of injuries that they have – Kulusevski, Solanke, and Kudus to name a few.
Well, the entire nation are relying on us to beat Tottenham tonight. Personally, I am not fussed. I generally like Spurs, I prefer them to Arsenal by a mile – however this current group of Spurs players I really detest, they have always played shin-kicking football against us, which has been reciprocated at times, in all fairness.
I think this has potential to be a tough one tonight, at a very awkward kick-off time. Spurs should travel fairly well considering it is bank holiday Monday tomorrow, but I feel we may have enough to get this one over the line given the injuries Spurs are dealing with. I am going to go for a tight 2-1 victory, but anything like the last two games in all competitions, we will not get a sniff in front of goal.
Come on lads, seal the deal! – UTV!
Alfie I think the reason we haven’t blown 5th is because this is a very poor league and very poor players simple as
Mate I seriously cannot see us winning another game this season, we look woeful. We didn’t look that bad under Gerrard.
Glad I never got a season ticket or bought a shirt this year, let’s face the fact, the fans were robbed of money on more than one occasion, I cannot except any excuses for the way the manager came up with decisions that totally baffled me and the fans that paid for that game. I believe his eyes are on CL and the honour of being the first to achieve 5 times in the final and rested players. I don’t want to see so called footballers again and humiliate us fans . Emery it’s not about you, it’s the paying public disgraceful show you put out . BFR don’t blame you for switching off, should have done the same.
The 11 players on the pitch should be ashamed. Not Emery.
Unai Emery has punched way above Aston Villa’s weight for nearly 4 years. He’s taken us to heights the club has never been and broke numerous records. All with essentially a net zero budget and a squad that was relegation fodder when he arrived. Stark facts. He’s squeezed every last drop out of what he has at his disposal. He is a ‘maximiser’ in that he is constantly demanding more. The mentality of the players, which Unai has referenced in the past, is what needs to be questioned.
As for him going for some silverware, I’m pretty sure the majority on here, when debating CL qualification or a cup, even the League or FA Cup, always say they want silverware. Desperate for silverware. Bar me and Sid I think, for the financial reasons. So make up your mind, lads. With the Europa, you get BOTH. The silver and the golden ticket. So why not prioritise it? Especially – and this is key – with Bournemouth 6 points behind with 3 to play. There is some margin for error there, which is why the players eased off. Because they’re not mentally strong enough to get over the line. They’re not good enough. They’ve shown that. Emery, on the other hand…
I think the reason Unai wasn’t animated was he was seeing exactly what he expected. And he’s quietly sick of it. Bargain bucket, ageing rag-tag squad of misfits. Would love to see what Pep would do with the likes of Noscho and Bogarde.
As for Bailey’s hair. Well f***me. It’s no coincidence that since he started ‘experimenting’, his performances went off a cliff. A player’s appearance is often a giveaway if they’re actually focused on their football or not. Trent admitted it when he went for dreadlocks and his performances dropped for Liverpool – he went back to ‘standard military’. Coutinho was sharp and slick then turned scruffy greb, like his game. Likewise Dele Ali. Sancho’s general demeanor and body language doesn’t scream confidence, does it? Psychology is a big deal in elite sport. Are the club tapping into data and evidence? Are they even aware?
Yep. I saw that. It’s like he’s wasting his time. This PSR thing is totally screwing us over, just like the Sky 6 wanted.
Would still love to see Spuds go down.