Well, the Leeds game bit me on the arse just as I said it probably would in the preview.
I ought to know better really, but I much prefer to feel optimistic than pessimistic; which means that while I was massively disappointed with the result initially, so I’m actually quite sanguine about it all, on reflection.
It won’t be the last game we lose this season.
We should remember that Leeds away is up there as one of the toughest games in this division, especially when they’re on a roll.
I was talking to a (non Villa supporting) workmate and this result actually cost him £560 as a bet. He said that looking back, he couldn’t understand why he’d backed the Villa for this one. I merely explained that he wasn’t the only one who thought we might win.
The reason I’m not so bothered now is because I thought the game was very even overall.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say we were unlucky, but I do feel we at least held our own for most of the game. Ultimately Leeds, combined with what I think was poor goalkeeping and defending, took their chances and we didn’t.
Not that their were many chances on either side, which to me, further confirms that the game really could have gone either way.
What does disappoint, is the fact that we could have made up some very serious ground on the clubs above us, but as I’ve often seen quoted as I’ve read around this weekend is that “that’s football”. Indeed it is.
I want to gloss over the game really, as I feel there’s plenty more we can actually win, but feel I have to comment on a few things.
On the plus side, Jedinak again impressed me. Yes, I know a few won’t agree after him giving the ball away, but beforehand I thought he was excellent in mopping up.
Gestede is simply a waste of time if you don’t put the ball on his head; his first touch is honestly as bad as I can remember for a well rated player.
And Gollini is too inexperienced and doesn’t dominate his area. I remember slating Guzan for the same thing, but he managed to improve, at least for a while. I’ve no doubt Gollini will improve too, but my opinion says we can’t afford to have him learning if we’re serious about going for promotion.
Yes, he’s done the odd good thing, but I remain totally unconvinced at the moment and I’d put money on another goalie coming in, in a few weeks.
Likewise, I suspect Gestede might be gone to raise funds.
McCormack too, if you believe the Daily Mail, who have now jumped on the “strikers out” bandwagon.
If the continued talk of Jordan Rhodes is the answer though, we’re asking the wrong question and I’d rather keep McCormack.
Then there’s the quality central mid, a centre back and a right back that are all required.
The problem with all the above is that we have the little issue of Financial Fair Play to consider. Squad numbers too.
Which means that even if some of the outgoing players rumours are rubbish, we will have to sell to bring players in.
We all know we need a good few players ideally, but I don’t think we’ll see more than around three with a couple leaving.
It’s going to be a make or break window, I reckon.
And then we face Spurs away in the FA cup.
And to my dismay, all the Twitter comments from both sets of fans are immediately suggesting neither side should put any effort into it.
My strong belief is that you should play every game with the utmost desire to win, it’s as simple as that.
I don’t care if it detracts from any promotion push. Because if you don’t play to win every game, what’s the point?
The progress in any competition should be based on a team giving it’s best effort and finishing accordingly, not throwing it away.
I was speaking to a typical Man U fan about this yesterday. He hails from Luton and is slightly older than me.
I asked him about playing second strings etc and his answer totally summed it up for me.
He said he thought it was totally disrespectful to the opposition.
It’s not very often I agree with glory hunters.
In other very good news, Sepp Blatter has had his appeal denied and is now surely finished in the game.
Good, because he’s a total crook and part of the ruination of the game, in my personal opinion (which could see me in trouble, but pfft! sue me.).
Now charge and punish him.
Which won’t happen of course. Because it never does to his type, does it?
Yes very Quiet Nath, Think all have an apprehension on what the score might be, Hitch is on his way back so he’s not on here, Nath I’m going with you on this 2 Nil Villa, Wigan are no mugs should be a hard game, Think the player’s will know this game matters. No stream anywhere been looking does anyone know of one?.
I’m back……..
Not too optimistic about this afternoon. Of eight previous meetings at VP, Wigan have only lost won, winning four and keepin innumerable clean sheets. They are unbeaten in five away league games. Wouldn’t surprise me if it ended 0-0. Sorry guys, I have a really bad feeling about this game.
*lost one – duh!
Im going for 3-1, I think Bruce will get em fired up, we have to start killing teams off early, to have the remotest chance of getting to the play offs !! Other results always seem to go against us – this league is like trying to swim in porridge !!
Testing 25
4-0 VILLA
Yes its a tough league alright but I’m going for a 3-0 win for Villa.
We’ve got to put all out chances away in one game and I’m hoping this is the one.
UTV
I’m going for a comfortable 2.0 to us
I have memories of an opening of the season home game v Wigan. It was Delph’s home debut. I remember saying to my friend “WTF is that Idiot? I have never seen one player completely screw up a team’s playing style like that.” Wigan won 0-2 in a canter and I retained the same opinion of Delph until City confirmed it.
New manager, far more firepower up front. Which is where we need to get the ball by any means route 1 or agricultural, until we have 2 goal lead and can pass the ball about.
I remember that game and a lot of fans wanting Martinez as manager just on that one game
please tell me theres a link to watch this game. i rushed back from hell and no links please please let me be wrong
I’ve looked, no not a sausage Nath.the shite clubs on but No Villa.
i cant find us as well,thanxs for looking too
SCUM getting shit on lol 😁
34 minutes gone and still nil nil, hope this is not another shit game by Vila.
Paul lambert baggies legend 😀
Desperately need some landmark injection to the squad else we will be just another of those mediocre Championship (or worse) teams season after season…..falling gates…never on TV etc etc…..
More forwards than any other team and the only goalless match…so far !!
McCormack on for the terrible Gardner. At least Brucie’s going for it. We are pathetic though, couldn’t finish our dinner. Most boring side in 2 leagues now
Last 10 mins……squeaky bum time……
Proven thing this no midfield creative player at Villa, they stopped the leaks at the back but cannot get the ball into the box, bet Westwood helped to Yes yes goal
1-0…Grealish…
Get in there COYL