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?
What is going on?
Load of absolute bollocks – again
Hook Bailey – he’s back to his old rubbish self.
Good article. But we didn’t need a tactics expert to tell us. I think he got his info from here, as we’ve said it all before.
A note on Martinez: if I hear one more person say he’s the best in the world, I’ll punch them in the face. Stats are shocking. Stop the pantomime shit and believing your hype and start keeping the ball out of the net. Under Smith, with a far inferior team in front of him, he often single (or double) handedly allowed for impressive 1-0 wins. Nowhere near good enough at the moment.
P***** off.
This time last year we were unstoppable and banging goals in left right and centre. 😔
I suggest Bailey get his hair cut. The wooliness has transferred to his game. Return to sharpness, please. Hair and form.
At last!
That’s a great goal. 👏👏👏
F*************CK!!@@@@@!!!!!
That’s me done – had enough of this sh*te
How can there be no FUCKING defence every time we take FUCKING corner???!!@@
Even my 7 year old five asides don’t forget that! 😡😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
This is serious now. We can’t lose at home to Palace.
We can BFR and we probably will!
Do you see the stats as he placed the ball down to take the pen? Took 5, missed 3.
Given that track record then wft was he taking it?
Over to you Mr Emery.
🤦🤦🤦
He might bang them all day at BMH but those stats quite obviously bottles it in games.
Emery was sacked at Arsenal after 5 consecutive defeats – just saying!
And Rogers, f**k me, just how bad is his first touch?
Garry Megson and bag of cement comes to mind.
Agreed RSS – continually giving the ball away.
🤣🤣🤣
😫
And – how annoying is the female commentary – turned it off!
Very very annoying 😤
She’s not one to express an opinion 🤦♂️
Cash miles away from his opponent.
Last 2 matches so far conceded 4 goals. All breakaways. A Carlos / Torres defence is too slow. Lack pace to recover.
Yep – we’re the architects of our downfall – handing the ball to the opposition in midfield with a high line.
Emery is supposed to be a master of tactics – I’m honestly beginning to have serious doubts. It’s not about what you have achieved but continuing to achieve and improve!
I think we’re just not very good?
Overachieved last season and got lucky with Chelsea, Man U and the likes off the boil.
Totally underwhelmed by Emery and his transfer guru Monchi’s signings.
Onana £60m?
I think not.
Philigene, is he premier league quality?
Tielemans, an improvement on Luiz?
The quality in the team he inherited.
Not sure it’s individuals but the pairings.
Villa with Luiz / Kamara and Konsa / Mings gave the defence a lot more stability.
Solution? Defend deep? Or deeper than the half way line???
I called a draw but we have to stop giving goals away.
Better than a loss but only just with Chelsea away next.
If we need a CB we should make a big bid for Gheui?
Or Lacriox?
The spine/quality in that side are Smithy’s signings, the rest of the dross, Emery.
If we finish above 9th I’ll eat my hat.
I’m on a cruise and in St Lucia. Just managed to get free wi-fi to check result and wish I hadn’t bothered. Typical Villa! What’s with the injuries and crap defending? This season is going to be a massive anti climax once we go out the Champions League. Has Emery’s tactics taken us as far as we can? Grrrrrrrrrr
Emery not a tactical genius.
Starts with 2 full-backs who are not as good as those benched. Learns nothing from being out-run from half way by several teams before today, and imagines Palace cannot do likewise. Well they did. Brings on Jaden who is not now a premiership player, he did not win a single duel.
Calling for the team to improve is eventually wishful thinking. When the are not improving any more then you have to start covering the holes and disguising the weaknesses – such as a slow defence.
Has anyone seen Glasner’s comments about Villa’s spaces and how he told his players to exploit them? Worrying. Very worrying.
Mate we were bubbled against Lille last season, they kept hitting a diagonal ball either left to right or right to left into the space behind the defender and it killed us.
High back line, no pace.
It’s not too hard to work out.
(It’s not too hard to work out.)
I mean for the opposition.
I, sadly, think that Emery’s star may be waning.
We’re too easy to score against and Emery seems to be oblivious to the facts although we are our own worst enemy giving the ball away in crucial areas.
It wouldn’t surprise me though if he takes us deep into the CL this season.
Did Arsenal recognise his limitations? Have no doubts if NWSE doubt his ability to take us any further forward he will be gone.
Trying to keep an open mind.
UTMV
I honestly think he overthinks it, some manager of yesteryear (Cloughie I think) was asked about the secret of good management, his reply…
“Good players!”
I don’t think that’s too far from the truth.
The players we’ve bought are a downgrade on what we had.
Rogers better than Diaby?
Onana than kamara?
Tielmans better than Luiz?
Duran better then Ollie?
Mattson better than Moreno?
I think unfortunately emery has been found out.
The defence is crap Rogers seems to have lost his way Bailey back to square one,Carlos to slow.
Why not put Rogers out wide left mcginn behind Watkins or even put Watkins left with Duran in middle, maybe go with 3 cb pau,mings,konsa and either 1fb or both further forward.
Start from the back solid.
I think biggest miss maybe diaby although Luis controlled the tempo of play I think. Baean may make a big difference instead of Bailey perhaps buy Luis back in January plus rb,cb. Also think martines needs a good kick up the backside he’s not best in world right now.
But all this just my opinion what does everyone else think should be done???
☹️
Mind you Citeh have now lost five on the trot – Rodri is a massive loss for them!
I don’t think that’s the issue.
Arsenal, after they had the man sent off just sat back with two banks of four and the genius that is Pep ( Yawn) couldn’t find a way to break them down.
Hence everyone is doing the same, two banks of four hit them on the counter.
I love it if I’m honest 🤣
Hang on dudes, we’re seeing problems here that are far from unsurmountable.
Some of the reactions here are shocking! It’s close to some sort of ‘Emery Out’ brigade! Verging on O’Leary’s comments of yesteryear..
I’ve gently suggested that Emery isn’t the great messiah for months at least.
I had a very strong feeling that we wouldn’t win today and it’s why I haven’t posted before or after.
Emery is incredibly naive in his “we’ll score one more than you” approach and many are saying he can’t carry on with his gung ho tactics which I’ve slated Spurs for.
We are great to watch for a neutral, but that defence is bloody awful and totally ill-disciplined.
What happened to the high line that caught out attackers for fun?
And mostly because the fact that we needed a RB was poking us in the eyes like a sharp stick, yet not acted on.
It’s nuts because I keep hearing Pool fans saying how we’re a good side, yet I keep telling them I don’t expect a result.
Don’t expect to hear much from me because I think we’re going to seriously struggle in the Prem this season.
We are frankly dogshit and couldn’t beat a bottom 3 team at home. Again.
And if I keep posting about it, I’ll only keep repeating that.
Sod the CL this season and concentrate on qualifying for it again next season, imo.
We have absolutely no chance of doing that, are we better than Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal or Chelsea?
Man U could possibly be back in the running with a change of stewardship and to be totally honest I simply don’t think we are good enough neither management or personal wise.
As posted earlier, we finish higher than 9th, then I’ll eat my hat.
“We are frankly dogshit”
Harsh, but not too wide of the mark.
Not long ago we beat Bayern Munich at home. We were the best thing since sliced bread at that point and now Emery isn’t good enough.
The reality is probably that Emery is a victim of achieving too much too soon.
Managing CL football whist trying to keep a top 4 position in the Prem and keep within the financial parameters dictated to us is hugely difficult.
People need to be a bit more realistic. Let’s see how the season pans out. We need a few players to regain form and a couple of decent results and we are back on track.
UTV
Well said. And it’s probably more impossible than difficult.
No, don’t agree with that RSS but I do think we’ve been weakened in terms of player quality – partly through injury and partly through a transfer policy that may well be dictated to by PSR rules (or whatever the current acronym is).
I find it interesting that Villa generally vote with Citeh against proposals on changes to EPL rules to further restrict funding / investment.
What worries me more than our current form is NSWE getting so frustrated by the restriction on their ability to invest that they put the club up for sale. This is driven by teams with much lower opportunities to raise funds (and also those that want to retain the status quo) and their jealousy of teams with the ability (for instance)/to leverage Sponsorship through related companies.
Just my view of course.
Don’t agree with (A) dog shit
Or
(B) We won’t finish above 9th.
?
The politics?
Well, what control do we have over that?
It is what it is and they’ll do what they’re going to do.
Or (C) Quality for the CL?
Absolutely no chance Hitch.
(Qualify)
Apologies RSS – I didn’t agree with the dog shit.
The stats were interesting – Palace over performed their XG and we massively under performed our XG; which is a recurring theme.
We’ve now conceded four goals from turnovers where our defenders have been poorly positioned (too high) and out paced.
Emery said we ‘deserved to win’ – I don’t agree with that – but on the balance of play and had we taken our chances we should have won.
Top coaches need to find a way to break down the parked bus whilst defending against fast transitions. I would suggest at present we don’t have enough quality players to do that.
Well that’s it – close the club down. Sack Emery and sell off all the players, as they are a bunch of losers!
Really! Clubs lose football matches and most clubs lose regularly. Remember we have had a history of this for multiple years.
Along comes Emery and our defacto has been winning. I’m amazed at the fickleness of some fans.
There are a few factors at work impacting on Villa:
1: Injuries – Konsa, Onana, Ramsey etc all out yesterday. Before Cash came on there were 5 missing regular starters.
2: PSR – NSWE would fund Emery on required purchases. For example, Villa wanted a right back last year but were not able to do so due to the financial restrictions. Further, watching the match yesterday I was wandering if the team has less quality than last year. Selling of Luiz and Diaby have not improved the squad.
3: Form – too many players are off the pace at the moment and injuries / lack of quality to replace comes to the forefront. Who would have thought Bailey would regress to the level he has – rendering the entire right hand side of the team’s attacking potential as useless.
Finally all this rubbish about Emery not being good at it. Look at the multiple trophies he has won with multiple clubs. Then compare them with the trophies all the other managers in the league have won. Yep that’s right, it’s only Pep who has done better and he has lost 5 on the trot. Perhaps City should sack him.
Apart from your opening sentence, all very fair points Sid.
I think perhaps we’re all asking similar questions – maybe some of us in a more ‘outspoken’ way. There’s no denying that we’re not playing at the same level as last season on a consistent basis.
However, we all want the same for our club and that’s success.
👏👏👏
Spot on Sid. Changes are needed but Emery will sort it. He seems to be going mental on the touchline. I’m looking forward to the Juve game!
The defence is a worry, though. Way too high. Deeper with a strong offside trap is what’s needed. He needs to react. He can’t keep doing that. When we get a corner, it’s a goalscoring opportunity for the opposition. That’s wrong. And embarrassing. And it has to change or the problems and pressure will mount. I don’t think we were catching teams offside by playing on the halfway line last season. Why has the system been changed?
Totally agree Sid. So many players off their game at the same time. Most people say we are in desperate need of a RB and CB but we have players growing into those positions. What we really need is a goal scorer, the guy that knows where to position himself for the easy chances. We cannot depend on Watkins or Duran to convert the great chances we make for them. Rogers isn’t a goalscorer he is a tank. Bailey is just off. There were still moments of magic yesterday but they are getting fewer and further apart. Crazy talk about Emery. Total shite comments about his coaching. Although I do wonder why we send everyone forward for corners. At times yesterday it was chaos with more Villa players protecting the Palace net than Palace defenders. No panic by a long way. I really enjoyed the game and like the real supporters looking forward to Juventus. I bet they are not looking forward to Villa Park.
Heard all this ‘Real Supporters’ BS on here before when Randy decided to throw the towel in, support your club, the 12th man blah blah blah.
That ended well didn’t it?
Relegation, The Doc, 24 hours from going to the wall?
People have a right to criticise, to tell it how they see it. By towing the line doesn’t give you the morale high ground or the right to Real Supporter moniker.
Also true.
I bet they (Juve) are, Gerry.