There’s not really any other title this article can be attributed other than exactly what our season opener was, a total shambles top to bottom. After a fairly lively start, with three attempts at goal in the first ten minutes all whilst Brighton struggle to touch the ball, a stupid mistake at the back completely turns the game on it’s head and Brighton score 4 in the space of about twenty-five minutes.
One thing that’s definitely going to go under the radar due to a defensive cock up for virtually all the goals is the fact that a lack of attacking threat has cost us that game arguably as much as the defence. If we have a proper striker to bury one of our first chances then chances are we go a goal up and it changes the course of the entire game.
The headline stealer though, the defence. What an utter disgrace! First goal was completely the fault of Torres and Bizot, I really do not think Lindelof could’ve done much about that to be honest, if he doesn’t touch it then the Brighton forward taps it straight in anyway. Having said that, a silly cock up at the back – we’ve seen it before. Not at all the start we wanted, but I can live with it. The issue is, we did it again, and again, and again to the point where we were lucky to go in at 4-0 as opposed to double that!
Gomes. I have no words. What a terrible debut. Straight off the bat he asks for a yellow card. He’s played in the Premiership before with Wolves, he knows the rules about doing that. I think that ultimately causes him to lose his head, and he kicks out at the Brighton player and is sent off for violent conduct. The most frustrating thing is him being ruled out for the next three games, I genuinely think he is a good player and has potential to be a good player for us. He needs a huge mental reset though after that shocking debut, hopefully he can recover from that for the better. Welcome to Villa, Joao.
Out of all the issues that contributed to the dire performance on show yesterday afternoon, the most frustrating one is the physicality issue. I have to put it how it is, we are physically the weakest side in the league. I’m watching other teams who are nowhere near as good as us in terms of the football they play and the players they have, but they win the physicality battle and it wins football matches in the modern game. We’ve been outdone by it time and time again, and I’ll never forget the two evenings where Olympiacos shown us how to do it and absolutely battered us over two legs. It’s a shame we never seem to learn.
The individual I feel most sorry for out of all of this, slightly more than the 3,000 Villa fans who made the 6-hour round trip to Brighton, is Unai Emery. The man looked so frustrated, and I fear it’ll only be so long where he puts up with financial hinderence before he’s had enough. Having said that, the Europa League win last season has probably helped a lot, but we need now to focus on reaching the QF of the Champions League whilst maintaining a high league finish.
A few more signings are needed ahead of Monday’s game, which could be a fantastic chance to stick the finger up to all who are doubting us, including the thousands of punters tipping us to go down, which is daft, in my humble opinion. A bigger issue that one may like to point out is the goalkeeper issue. Whilst Marco Bizot is a great back up goalkeeper, he plays far too many games for a 35-year old average back up. I rate him but we do concede more when he plays and I am hoping Suzuki will fancy playing midweek fixtures unlike Emi Martinez, who always seemed to pull out of the lineup twenty minutes before kick-off.
This takes me right back to the 23/24 season, where Newcastle hammered us 5-1 on the opening day and we finished 4th come the end of the season. Mind you, difference that day is we played well. We didn’t have a shot on target yesterday, and that’s what worries me. We even had Sir Alex saying how well we played against Newcastle and how much of a freak result it was, and right he was come the end of the season.
I am not going to overreact. We just need a win in the next two games, it is vital to get off the mark. Never mind how we started last season. The season just gone was a product of a winning run that teams pretty much NEVER pull off. The chances are we won’t do that again and that consistency is absolutely key, that’s the reality. The only advantage is, it can’t really get any worse, or can it? Arsenal on Monday, but we know how we can play at Villa Park and we need to show that on Monday. I’ve no doubt the atmosphere and support for Unai Emery will be poignant.
In summary, not overreacting, and the remainder of the window will determine how worried I am.
I know I’ve said it before. But Adam Wharton is a classy player. Only 22. Maestro. Worth a cheeky 80 million bid in my opinion. He will be over 100 million in 3-4 years and will play for one of the giants. He has that unassuming vibe Paul Scholes had – just plays football – brilliantly.
£80m. The world’s gone mad!!
Yep. But that would be the going rate for his age and talent.
Watching Palace play and if money was no object, then Adam Wharton would be the perfect replacement for Tielemans.
As I said before – perhaps we should ignore the click bait (he said as an avid addict 😂😱 and accept that Villa will be looking at a number of options they want to strengthen.
Accepting we’ve lost the (ageing) spine of the team, on balance (and assuming Mbaye joins) we seem to be putting together a nice blend of experience and exciting young players.
The big challenge will be for Emery to pull the squad together as a force both in the PL and CL.
If Mbaye joins what else do we need – a CB (or maybe 2) and possibly another central midfielder and central striker. Or is that asking for the moon?
If we can shift Bailey – anyone? Then it opens up another possibility.
Reports suggest we are still pushing for Mateta at around £20 / £25m which, if true, seems a bargain to me.
A CB must still be a priority but if Abraham goes out on loan then bringing Mateta in makes sense. Jackson, Mateta and Madjo as a wild card sounds pretty exciting to me.
Following reports that Villa and PSG had agreed a deal for Mbaye brokered by Sawiris relationship with PSG’s owner – it’s noe being reported that Mbaye has agreed to the move and will have a medical tomorrow.
Don’t know a lot about him but it seems he’s highly regarded (only 18).
It fits with Villa’s model to bring in Europe’s best youngsters, mix them with experience and look to the future.
This is not about NSWE or Emery looking short term; this is about building on the Europa League success and a new dynasty to challenge Europe’s best.
Oh bo***cks getting carried away again 😂
Very interesting and certainly worth a read:
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/czjz9j3r8p8o
Forest v Pool. 1-0 HT.
Mbaye in Birmingham having his medical today? Would like to see him over the line then just for that elusive CB.
Ordonez failed medical at Palace too.
So watkins the rat apologised to te club for not being arsed last week but never apologised to the fans who made the journey down there leaving us with no striker
Leaves a sour taste for me but I’m sure he’s not bothered the greedy selfish fucker
Bad advice from greedy, selfish f***** agents, I would imagine. No doubt they will get a very fat wad and didn’t want to risk their client getting injured.
Come on Newcastle! Hate Spurs and De Zerbi! Love to see it!
Fave comment on the socials: “bring Beyonce on”
LMAO 😀
Everyone’s raving about Newcastle’s Bosnian right-back. Just a shade over 30 million. There are good players out there! The World Cup should make research a lot easier!
Norway…
*under 30 million
Classy statement by Villa by Dibu.
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/emi-martinez-emotional-aston-villa-34541029
Leaves as a legend untarnished – that’s how to behave.
Loved every minute of his time with us and wish him well (except against us – actually he might get ‘injured’ just before our games 😂😂)
Watkins should take note!
*by Dibu on leaving Villa
No sign of a top-class central defender. If it doesn’t happen, it will prove to be a problem and it will be costly…
I refuse to use pay sites.
“Seven years ago, I arrived at Aston Villa with a dream. Today I say goodbye with a heart full of memories, gratitude & pride. This club became so much more than just a place where I played football. It became my home. From my first day to the unforgettable nights, the victories, the difficult moments & everything in between, I gave everything I had for this badge. But what I will carry with me goes far beyond football. The friendships I made during these seven years, the people I met & the moments we shared together will stay with me forever. Some of those people became more than teammates & colleagues, they became my family. To my teammates, coaches, staff &, most importantly, the Villa fans — thank you for believing in me, supporting me & making these seven years so special. I leave with incredible memories, lifelong friendships & a love for this club that will never leave me. Thank you, Aston Villa. Thank you, Villans. Once a Villan, always a Villan.” 💜
Can you believe that Oliver is refereeing the game when yesterday he was VAR at a game. That man must up the backside of the FA.
Still no news on Mbaye. Are they waiting for a better offer? Possibly Liverpool who have already shown interest. Never mind one CB, we could do with two if Torres doesn’t improve.
It’s always slow over the weekend. Reports say he’s signing his contract today – so likely an announcement tomorrow. Skysports also reporting we’ve agreed a deal with Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Again best goalie in the world sold for peanuts awful business by the club
Still no centre half either unbelievable
Need to look forward not backwards.
Getting Martinez wages offcthe books became a critical consideration after we bagged Suzuki.
Sky reporting we’ve agreed a deal for Harwood-Bellis (24) seen as a real prospect.
We’re back with Smith buying up Watkins and Konsa – highly regarded players that have frown with Villa.
What’s to say that the young exciting players joining us won’t be tomorrow’s Watkins and Konsa under Emery’s guidance.
Add the experience of Goretzka and the obvious excitement of Emery / Jackson reunion and why shouldn’t we be cautiously excited.
Bailey out of the door and maybe one more coming before Tuesday – then who knows?
*grown with Villa
When is handball not handball?
Answer: When it’s Manure and Maguire.
Stupid rule that allowed goal to stand!
😇🤣
Have to say it’s quite sad watching Ollie’s farewell message and video montage. Wish him all the best. A tremendous servant to the club. And we can forgive one small blemish is a spotless 6 years. Emi had more than a few ‘slip ups’ and seems to get more love. Let’s be fair. Ollie Watkins. Villa legend. And like Unai said, a great player and an even greater guy.
* and at almost 31 and six year’s service, Villa make over 50 million, having given his best years to the club.
Except Exeter City are trying to claim a chunk of the fee because ‘under FIFA rules they originally developed him’.
So if this is true and not a load of codswallop why didn’t they claim it when Watkins left Brentford for Villa?
I’ll leave others to answer that.
Suzuki
Wan-Bissaka
Torres
Harwood-Bellis
Ruggeri
Kamara
McGinn
Mbaye
Manzambi
Garnacho
Jackson
Subs: Gomez, Goretzka, Madjo, Hemmings, Cisse, Cash, Maatsen, Barkley, Bogarde, Buendia, Bizot, Alysson, Lindelof… etc etc
Anyone recognise this team? It’s the new Aston Villa and with Unai Emery’s guidanc , the rest of the PRL will soon be simultaneously quaking in their boots and shitting their pants! (no irony)
UTMFV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One question, have we got any English players that would play for England.
Don’t really care Bill – they only get tapped up!
More interested in Villa than England.
Same here Hitch, I was wondering how many of these foreign players will go missing during their country games.
It’s a good question, Bill. With Konsa and Watkins leaving, it’s looking very bare in that department!
Absolutely brilliant comments from Unai about Chelsea. Brilliant. Spot on!
This evening’s team (I hope)
Suzuki, Cash (last chance?), Ruggeri, Pau, Mings (although if Unai only want one left footer, I would drop Pau for this one – so Lindelof and Mings)
Kamara, Goretzka
McGinn, Buendia, Garnacho
Jackson
There are enough warriors (Mings, Goretzka, Buendia, McGinn) in there and enough quality to give the Gooners a scare. I will be delighted with a point of any description.
BFR
Just don’t buy into Cash’s last chance. He had an excellent season last year. I assume because his arm played Brighton onside he should be dropped? No chance. As far as I am concerned he has a lot of mileage in the bank. I also wouldn’t play Mings, personally I think he is in decline and a potential liability this season. I hope I am wrong, but he has not been the same since his last injury. The rest of the team I agree with you.
Two offside errors also cost goals and (maybe) wins against Bayern and PSG in the Super Cup. I’ve always been his main supporter here when he was criticised, but the errors lately have been costly. But I take your point!
*Going with 2 slow CBs against Arsenal is suicide.
Those two offside were absolutely tiny. Down to the pathetic VAR.
Gonna be an interesting game tonight!!!
Down to poor positioning, too!
Let’s hope the arse aren’t out of sight by half-time. Then it will be interesting…
Hmmm. Starting line up looks underwhelming, I don’t get how I’ve spent the last 3/4 weeks glued to my phone watching players come in and yet I really only see 2 new boys in the starting 11. I guess with another 2 all but guaranteed not yet through the door,injury to the most exciting signing and then suspension for another big signing, it just reminds you how many players you need….. Am I being dramatic? My lad said Arsenal is the worst team to play in our current situation but I did say I think it would be worse playing somebody we should beat and getting another pasting. I sort of want to get to the international break with a few draws or a win and just let Emery and team work their magic.