Liverpool 2 – 0 Villa; I didn’t enjoy that.

So I went to the game and quite frankly hated it.

This is not an analysis of the game in any way and I’m just talking about the experience.

As per usual (and I’ve been to Anfield a few times), it’s generally a very good ground to go to. The stands are massive and it’s basically a different version of Villa park. The big difference is it’s seen a lot more achievements in it’s time, which adds to the feeling of it being somewhat sacred.

I always like the experience of Anfield.

Consider that I’m currently staying about 3-4 miles from the ground.

I spoke to many a red fan asking the best options and the replies were all similar. It used to be not so bad getting in/out, but since they increased the capacity, it’s a nightmare.

And this time was different. Since my previous torrid time, which I don’t want to discuss any more, I can’t stand the cold. It really annoys me, as I’ve worked in the middle of nowhere in the middle of winter many times and it’s never been a problem. But the weight loss, which I just can’t put back on is probably the cause and I was already a skinny wretch beforehand.

But that’s how it is and the truth is, with the weather suddenly turning nippy, I really didn’t fancy going at all.

On arriving at the ground, I was already cold and stood in the stand where things just got worse. I was so cold by half time, I decided to leave, having not been able to concentrate on the game at all.

So basically, it was an hour trip each way and more involving a short drive, a train and a walk, as I decided to quickly walk to Lime St, in a vain attempt to warm myself up. Add in waiting time, it was more like an hour, 15 minutes.

I concluded that leaving the digs at 5.15pm, arriving back at around 11.50pm and spending about £100 just isn’t worth the hassle to me anymore. Particularly when I can just pay a sub or whatever and watch it on telly, with a far superior view and all the comforts of home.

So what did I think of the result?

Well, it wasn’t as bad as I thought, but the performance was poor and if it offered something, I’d have struggled, but stayed to watch more.

More of a concern is that we’re now 15th in the current form league. That probably won’t stay like that.

But it’s obvious that the Champion’s league is too much for the squad. The players just can’t handle the mental requirements in my opinion and swapping players out too much is detrimental to the team.

Which leads me to a question that’s very controversial, but nagging away at me.

What do we do now? Concentrate on doing our best in the CL?

Or prioritise the Premier League, to make sure we qualify again next year?

I know what Emery will want, because it’s best for him and his ambitions.

But I have said previously that the way forward for the club is to consistently keep qualifying for the very top table.

There’s absolutely no point getting to, say the quarters or semis if we’re not there next year.

And anyway, if we’re not playing in warmer climes, how am I ever going to see an away game again?

205 Comments

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  1. BFR
    BFR November 10, 2024 at 7:36 pm . Reply

    Our form is identical to Arsenal’s and Chelsea’s. As I said on the previous thread, 3 out of the next 4 games are at home against opposition you’d like to think we should beat at VP. Let’s see if Unai can reset over the very timely break…
    I’d also identified weeks ago that the last run of (away) games looked, on paper, to be a tough one to navigate, and so it proved.
    All is not lost. But we do need to go up a couple of gears when we return. More of the same and dark clouds will gather. Hopefully not…
    UTV!

    1. BFR
      BFR November 11, 2024 at 7:02 am . Reply

      Not only that. Had the match against Bournemouth finished 60 seconds earlier, we’d be sitting pretty in 3rd place on 20 points. The margins are so small. The fact that we’re clinging on to the chasing pack, despite playing abysmally, is encouraging. But there has to be a significant change in attitude, gear, and overall level when they return. Palace at VP is must win. We need to batter them to settle nerves and allay fears.

      Unai would to well to watch review the 3-0 win against Newcastle in his first season. I still think that was Villa’s best performance under him. All-out attack literally from the first minute when we hit the post. It was 3 going on 8. We need to get back to those levels. Quickly! And Dendonker started that one, so no excuses about playing staff!

      UTV

  2. Bradley Ricketts
    Bradley Ricketts November 10, 2024 at 8:30 pm . Reply

    Weren’t the experience any of us was hoping for at Anfield to be fair with the atmosphere, result, etc.

    But what do you expect against Liverpool, the best team in the world at the moment?

    Next time I’ll try get a summer game. 🤣

  3. Alfie Ricketts
    Alfie Ricketts November 10, 2024 at 9:22 pm . Reply

    This is just the start , taking you to an away game in Reykjavik next month, wrap up warm 😁

    In all seriousness I didn’t think of 6 years ago when you left villa Sheffield at 3-0 because you was cold and drew 3-3! Imagine the same omen last night and we won 1-2 😆

  4. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson November 11, 2024 at 4:40 pm . Reply

    I’ve just heard the referee David Toot who did our game been suspended with immediate effects, anyone know why ?

  5. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson November 11, 2024 at 4:53 pm . Reply

    Role, BBC Sport
    11 November 2024, 15:26 GMT
    Updated 1 hour ago
    Premier League referee David Coote has been suspended after a video allegedly showing him making derogatory comments about Liverpool and the club’s former manager Jurgen Klopp was circulated on social media.
    Refereeing body PGMOL says the suspension comes into force with immediate effect and is pending a full investigation.
    The video, widely shared on social media, has not been verified by the BBC. It is unclear when it was filmed or its authenticity.
    Coote, 42, refereed Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Aston Villa on Saturday. He is one of the Premier League’s most-experienced officials and has been refereeing matches in the top flight since 2018.
    The video being shared appears to refer to a Premier League match that Coote officiated between Liverpool and Burnley in July 2020, which finished 1-1.
    Klopp criticised Coote after the match, saying the referee failed to give fouls for challenges made on Liverpool’s players.
    Referees are required to inform PGMOL of the club they support.
    Coote, from Nottingham, is registered as a Notts County fan and is therefore unable to officiate County or Nottingham Forest matches.
    PGMOL says it will not be making further comment on the case until its investigation is completed.
    What happened against Burnley?
    With their first Premier League title secured, Liverpool’s aims in July 2020 had switched to becoming the first club to win every single home game during the course of the season.
    The Reds were on a 24-match winning run at Anfield, which had given them a 25-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
    In addition, Klopp’s side were hoping to become the second team to amass 100 points during a 38-game Premier League season, matching Manchester City’s achievement in the 2017-18 campaign.
    Andrew Robertson gave Liverpool the lead against the Clarets before Jay Rodriguez equalised to give the visitors a share of the spoils.
    At full-time, Klopp appeared to argue with Coote and his officials on the pitch.
    “The referee let lots of challenges go so it was clear that if the ball comes into the box it was dangerous. They did what they are good at and I respect that,” said Klopp after the match.
    “We were angry with the referee but we have to criticise ourselves first for not finishing the game.”
    Liverpool lost their next fixture against Arsenal, which ended their hopes of reaching 100 points.
    Jurgen Klopp
    IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES
    Image caption, Klopp was angry with Coote following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Burnley in July 2020
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  6. The Ron Saunders Stand
    The Ron Saunders Stand November 11, 2024 at 7:56 pm . Reply

    (https://www.thisisanfield.com)
    “The PGMOL have suspended referee David Coote after a video resurfaced allegedly showing the official labelling Liverpool “s***” and Jurgen Klopp a “c***.””

    He just gone way up in my estimation 🤣

    1. The Ron Saunders Stand
      The Ron Saunders Stand November 11, 2024 at 8:12 pm . Reply

      He’s

  7. Badger123
    Badger123 November 11, 2024 at 9:01 pm . Reply

    In better news, Morgan Rogers has been called up for England.
    Well done son!

    I assume that means a hefty hike in his wages, assuming his agent knew what he was doing.

    https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c39nr2x8324o

    1. The Ron Saunders Stand
      The Ron Saunders Stand November 11, 2024 at 9:59 pm . Reply

      wish the lad all the best but if I’m totally honest I don’t really get the all fuss, gives the ball away too often and far from the best finisher.
      A luxury player personified.

    2. Hitchens60
      Hitchens60 November 12, 2024 at 7:41 pm . Reply

      Rumoured Villa are lining up a new bumper contract.

  8. Holte
    Holte November 11, 2024 at 9:28 pm . Reply

    I’m happy for Rogers but felt he could have done with two weeks off based on recent form. Knowing our luck he will come back injured.
    In other news, Kamara and Ramsey join the never ending list of players out with hamstring injuries.

    1. Badger123
      Badger123 November 11, 2024 at 9:45 pm . Reply

      It’s got to be over-training/ too many weights causing it, hasn’t it?

      1. Bum Bum
        Bum Bum November 12, 2024 at 1:14 pm . Reply

        ‘Woke’ hamstrings. Lightweights.

      2. The Ron Saunders Stand
        The Ron Saunders Stand November 12, 2024 at 5:50 pm . Reply

        You might be into something there Badger given not only the amount but also the severity of these injuries?

    2. Hitchens60
      Hitchens60 November 12, 2024 at 7:43 pm . Reply

      Kamara – unsurprising. Majority of players after a long spell out of the game quickly pick up injuries on their return. Might be a similar story for Ramsey.

      Lady Luck is not riding well with the Villa at present.

      1. BFR
        BFR November 15, 2024 at 7:25 am . Reply

        Kamara has been injury prone since the Scouser purchased him. One to move on ASAP.

  9. 1874 was a good year
    1874 was a good year November 12, 2024 at 2:29 pm . Reply

    If anyone’s interested the under 21s are on Sky at 7 pm in the EFL Trophy playing Barrow.
    I watched them in their last game and enjoyed it. Some future stars here perhaps: Smith-Kerr and Swinkels at CB, Kadan Young on the wing and especially Oliwier Zych in goal who looks like a young Emi.

    1. 1874 was a good year
      1874 was a good year November 12, 2024 at 7:51 pm . Reply

      HT 1-0 to Barrow. Getting a bit battered for most of the half but it seems that a good few of our u21s are off on international duty. Proctor in goal is only 17, nice to know that we’ve got a production line going.
      Anyway still looking forward to the second half.

      1. 1874 was a good year
        1874 was a good year November 12, 2024 at 9:00 pm . Reply

        FT 3-0 Oh well, it was literally men against boys as a lot of the u18s were playing. However we can still qualify if Bolton win.
        Interestingly even though it didn’t always work it was pass, pass, pass and a high line at the back.
        I’m hoping that, as Emery has appointed a Barcelona youth coach that he is trying to create our own La Masia which of course produced the likes of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas etc and more recently Yamal, Cubarsi and Gavi.
        Teaching the kids how Emery wants his players to play right from the start will make it much easier to slot them into the first team when they get a chance.

  10. Badger123
    Badger123 November 12, 2024 at 11:38 pm . Reply

    I missed your comments 1874, else I’d have watched this after watching the last game too.
    Nice, straightforward footy where the result is somewhat secondary and the experience is primary.

    Meanwhile I sat watching BBC news all night, but did get something out of the evening. Return flights to Alicante for £90 for the two of us in February.

    It cost me more than that to go to the Pool game! That’s crazy.
    Plus Ryanair doing their best to flog me a million extras never fails to make me laugh.
    You can’t beat not giving the odious Michael O’Leary a penny more than I have too.

    1. Hitchens60
      Hitchens60 November 13, 2024 at 2:13 am . Reply

      Ah – not just Ryanair.

      The increase in seat prices on BA are just ridiculous!

      Managed to get air mile seats to Barbados but it gets more difficult every year! The length of our stay dictated by air mile seat availability – not that we’re complaining!

  11. Bum Bum
    Bum Bum November 13, 2024 at 8:24 am . Reply

    Badger, I visited a friend in The Lakes last November. It was so bloody cold that I had to buy a full length 2 piece thermal body suit from a mountaineering shop. I had some funny looks stripping off in the local pub toilet putting them on under my regular clothes.
    I can highly recommend getting kitted out.

    Back to the footy, Canadian Pete said on his latest show that when Villa lose, he gets about half the views. Weird that. His analysis of the ‘Pool game is good. Very balanced and no panicking.

    Finally, anyone shedding tears over Lineker leaving MOTD? 🤣 I see the BBC are looking for a diversity solution having both a woman and a man presenting. Typical.

    1. Badger123
      Badger123 November 13, 2024 at 7:07 pm . Reply

      Given the way I feel the cold now, my priority when I get over to the Bungalow for Xmas will be heating. Amazon and a calor gas type heater spring to my mind, with a view to getting a solar panel/heat pump setup. I might even do a self-install, given that it’s just up my street, as in similar to my job.
      Even though it apparently averages 17c and 10 hours sun a day in the winter.

      Half the views is no surprise. Who wants to talk about bad stuff, that only depresses you?

      As for MOTD, I wasn’t bothered about Lineker, but then I wondered who could do a better job and I struggled to answer my question.
      I’d like to see Crouchy, but I believe the chap who presents MOTD2 is the favourite.
      And I believe BBC’s gaffer has knocked back the idea of a man/woman combo.
      Bloody good job too.
      Even my missus thinks women having anything to do with men’s footy should be illegal.

  12. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson November 13, 2024 at 2:51 pm . Reply

    BumBum
    said as much to the wife, I just cannot accept a woman’s commentary, we now have more and more even top matches we get two-to-one commentating matches, sod it going on holiday next week in sunnier countries.

  13. OLL again
    OLL again November 13, 2024 at 8:41 pm . Reply

    Lineker’s replacement could be a transvestite – saving the Beeb half the salary needed for a man and a woman.
    A second viewing of the Pool game confirmed that Watkins and Bailey were double marked. That meant some Villa players were unmarked, until they received the ball, and they were McGinn and Ramsey. The surest sign of a need for us to upgrade certain players is when opponents are content to let them have the ball.

    1. BFR
      BFR November 15, 2024 at 7:21 am . Reply

      Ramsey’s star, sadly, appears to be fading already.

  14. OLL again
    OLL again November 13, 2024 at 8:45 pm . Reply

    Jaguar Land-Rover have invited Mings to appear in their advertising for a new 2025 model – a Defender Pickup.

    1. Bum Bum
      Bum Bum November 14, 2024 at 11:35 am . Reply

      Ba-Dum Tish!!!

      He’s here all week Ladies & Gentlemen!

    2. BFR
      BFR November 15, 2024 at 7:22 am . Reply

      I gotta get me one of those!

  15. Bum Bum
    Bum Bum November 15, 2024 at 8:36 am . Reply

    Just read Konsa came off injured in this pointless International joke of a competition.

    1. Hitchens60
      Hitchens60 November 15, 2024 at 11:08 am . Reply

      Great – just what we need – yet another injury!

  16. Bum Bum
    Bum Bum November 17, 2024 at 12:54 pm . Reply

    A couple of tidbits from the Beeb:

    Aston Villa manager Unai Emery wants to bolster his defence with the January signing of Spain centre-back Diego Llorente, 31, from Real Betis but the defender’s long-term contract may prove an obstacle.

    Aston Villa are also leading the race to sign Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish attacking midfielder Oihan Sancet, 24, but are unsure whether to meet his 80m euros (£66.9m) release clause.

    If either of these are true, then Emery must have recognised certain shortcomings in the squad. He’s performed miracles so far, but it looks like our superb owners realise what’s needed to push on.

    That Bolagnaise result was shite. That’s the only one I’m really annoyed about. The Prem is incredibly tight. If the whistle had gone a few seconds earlier at Bournemouth, we’d be 3rd.

  17. 1874 was a good year
    1874 was a good year November 18, 2024 at 8:49 pm . Reply

    While I rate both Llorente and Sancet, I want Santa to send us Oscar Mingueza. A right back who can defend, attack, pass and shoot. Two goals and five assists so far for Celta Vigo, a bottom half team, and now in the Spanish international side. He’s ex-Barca academy and still only 23.
    Here’s hoping…

    1. Bum Bum
      Bum Bum November 18, 2024 at 9:25 pm . Reply

      Sounds like a good punt!

      1. BFR
        BFR November 19, 2024 at 5:09 pm . Reply

        It really does!

        1. Gerry
          Gerry November 19, 2024 at 6:50 pm . Reply

          Great news that”Chesty” Morgan just extended contract to 2030.

          1. Bum Bum
            Bum Bum November 20, 2024 at 8:02 am . Reply

            Great news! I wonder which genius gave him that nickname! 😉

  18. little8
    little8 November 19, 2024 at 2:53 pm . Reply

    Hi all just been watching saint and greavsie from 13 may 1989 on you tube where alan mcinaly got itv goal of the season against Millwall can’t link it here but it’s near the end of the programme with an interview well worth a watch

  19. OLL again
    OLL again November 20, 2024 at 5:28 pm . Reply

    Does anyone know about the socks pro-footballers wear now? They seem to be in two parts, an ankle sock which is nearly always white and a tube of the correct colour.

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