Here we are then, the eve of our biggest game since our last Cup final.
What’s to say that hasn’t been said on loads of other websites in the last week?
To be honest, not a lot, as it’s all been said. Many times over.
Cut through the analysis, opinion and some might say the undermining of our position by the London-based press though and the basic fact is we are about to partake in the ultimate game in the biggest domestic cup in the world.
And let’s not forget that.
The FA cup might have been scandalously debased by certain clubs over the last few years and the Copa del Rey (probably the nearest competitor) has had a lot of promotion over a similar period.
But the FA cup is the big one, by miles, if the world audience is anything to go by.
While the pull of the cup may have been reduced slightly by the top clubs placing more emphasis on the Champions League recently, I actually think it bounced back somewhat this year.
Who can forget Bradford turning over the mighty Chelsea on their own turf, after going two goals down, for example?
And this is the beauty of the FA cup, in my opinion.
While the money is in the Champions League, there is no chance that a one-off lesser club can ever win it. Which means there’s no romance in it at all.
Those of us old enough will remember Sunderland beating Leeds, Southampton beating Man United, Wimbledon beating Liverpool and of course, more recently, Wigan beating Manchester City in previous finals, I’m sure.
They’re unforgettable results that prove that the underdog can win.
Which leads us to where we are now.
We face an extremely good Arsenal side, who on their day can beat anyone. In spades.
There’s no getting away from it; they play great football and are massive favourites.
Indeed, they’re bound to win it, by all accounts.
But this is the FA cup, where form can totally go out of the window.
Hence I’m not even going to comment about previous form or even who’s available to play.
I believe that the game is in the lap of the gods.
I’ve been suffering mood swings this week whenever I think about the game, for what it’s worth.
My dark moments see us getting thrashed, which is my worst nightmare.
But my better moments see us winning by the odd goal.
That’s the truth of it.
But the difference between tomorrow’s game and the Champions League?
I truly believe we can win this.
Why? because we’re the Villa.
We’ve won this cup seven times and are well overdue an eighth win.
Ok, it’ll mess the old song of “seven times we’ve won it now” right up, but it’s already out of date and we need to add to our collection.
Surely us fans deserve it after what we’ve had to suffer over the last four years or so?
While of course we have no divine right to win, Arsenal have had their share of glory over the last couple of decades.
It’s our turn, I say.
And under Sherwood, we have a fighting chance.
Whatever happens, I can guarantee you, it’s going to be emotional on my part.
As Tony Butler used to say;
Get yer prayer mats out.
COYL! and UTV
marvin
hope its long list
The exact quote…
Tim Sherwood has just said:” Some of the boys have been told they will not be here next year and they can go and find other clubs.”
Hope Lerner goes with them. I think we will see swift movement on that front also.
Hope so
Best thing Sherwood has said. Hope he dosnt include Gil in that
And altogether now …. “Fuck”
I can’t bring myself to write a review, as I just know I’ll go OTT 🙁
Maybe oohah will write one? ha ha ha ha ha
Just written post a positive one to
In fairness, Oohah would probably write similar to what I’m thinking.
But at least I do try to look on the bright side.
IV just put post up Badger with a bit of a twist
https://www.astonvillanewsandviews.co.uk/tactics-tim-strikes-again/comment-page-1/#comments
It was said that Timmy’s tactics were weak, naive and lacking real imagination but those who dared to speak what was obvious were denigrated as fools who have never played the game but today what the manager of Benfica said about Timmy has been proved true, all true and we will need a miracle next year to survive because Timmy is no Miracle Man
I am NOT an Arsenal plan nor am I a prophet but let me remind you what I said prior to today
I am so afraid that the gunners are going to do what Southampton did to us just a couple of weeks ago but it will be on a world wide stage. Their pace, passing, incisive play and their movement may kill us, it is Arsenal a proper team, not Liverpool a mid table team.
gutted
not our day.
Arsenal are a top top team. Sanchez cost 40+million.
with the exception of grealish this is lamberts team.
in Feb we were as good as down and Leicester would have done us in the cup.
the semi was our final – beating liverpool was fantasticbut if anything created over expectation.
have a good summer everyone.
i’m looking forward to seeing what Sherwood can do in his own right. can’t be any worse can it.
p.s. i’m well bladdered.
me to im taxied . as in that [edit] pissed get him a taxi lol
today i felt so pissed off at full time . i never gave us much hope but was hoping the lads would prove me wrong but no. im hoping there will be a clear out and vlarr will be first out the door as he is shit., tim looked lost today which makes me think the spurs fans were right all along and i dont like saying that as i think most spurs fans are dicks.next few weeks will be interesting seeing who stays and who goes . cant understand why the like of gil and sinclair never got a look in today . i really do wonder about sherwood.
Richardson looked up for it and hungry for victory.
Sherwood said some of the “experienced” players have been told they can move on. Who is he referring to? Does he mean players who are passed it i.e. Gabby, Hutton, Richardson, Given, Vlaar, Cole, Senderos?
All of them I hope all shit