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?
With all the spending restrictions on Villa, does the appointment of Monchi seem a bit like having a Porsche without having any money left to spend on fuel?
The next two games are massive. If we lose both, then serious questions need to be asked about what is going wrong and who are responsible.
My feeling is that complacency is a big factor in many clubs reaching a peak before free falling. If you look at Liverpool with exactly the same players. A new management team and coaches have brought the level of their team to a new level with refinements where needed. Just like happened when Emery took over from Gerrard. Can Emery reinvigorate the squad or will it need an overhaul of players there or new ……?
I’m certain that Sawris and Edens won’t be happy at all with a mid table finish and no European football next season. Maybe an FA Cup or at least a Wembley final might surpress the disappointment.
I see your point but has Monchi ever had this much money to spend? It’s not a great series of results but I certainly can’t see the owners even consider throwing the towel in.
I don’t get why we let Diaby go, and Luiz’s head was turned by Juve. Sorry, but Turin sounds a nicer place to live than Brum, and I’m from there. I think Diaby went because of FFP pressure and it hasn’t quite worked out for us with just an out of form Leroy. We haven’t looked fluid all season.
I still think we’ll get there. Even if the top 4 is out of reach, but it isn’t even December yet! Wednesday will be the biggest game for us in years. It could change our season if we look nailed on for the top CL8. I still can’t get over Mings moment of utter, utter madness. I just hope it doesn’t cost us.
Mings and Buendia’s returns haven’t been all we hoped they would either. I can see both going in the summer in a significant shake up.
What’s the net spend? I don’t think Monchi has any money to spend. More wheeling and dealing. More Delboi that Monchi.
Does Grealish ever get a game at Citeh anymore?
Not big on players returning to former clubs, it rarely works out Thanks for the memories and all that but not for me.
Ooops. He’s playing tonight for a change. Talking of dips in form, Foden and Haaland aren’t performing as they did last season.
Louie Barry has 13 goals in 17 games in L1, and 1 assist. He’s 21 years of age. Has he missed the Villa boat or is there still time? A successful Championship loan next season and then…?
Natural finisher.
Thoughts?
He’s been pulling up trees at stockpot, apparently grabbing the attention of a number of clubs but it appears none from his parent club?
Perhaps if he changed his name be deed poll to Luis Barquero and did a stint at Villarreal, then just maybe there may spark a bit of interest?
Tough game tonight. I would expect us to play a bit defensively and we will probably suffer a lack of possession like against Bayern. Juve concede very few goals so it could be a real struggle
I would happily take a draw now but I hope to be surprised.
My money is on a draw. Juve have been playing with a low block and their only true striker, Vlahovic, is out with a midfielder taking his place.
Although they are unbeaten in Serie A they have drawn seven times. A draw would do me fine with Opta saying that ten points gives us a 99% chance of finishing in the play offs. However, a win would be better.
COYL.
Just watched Premier League 100 featuring Dion Dublin. What a great striker. Villa legend. 👌👌👌
Team announced. We will lose.
Sorry, I was reading the subs! 😆
Quite the vote of confidence for the bench.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You bloody plonker! Been at the Christmas sherry already???!!!
Who’s the awful female presenter on TNT????????? She should stay on ‘Love Island’ or that sort of bo…cks.
I knew we’d draw against Palace. I see a win tonight.
😆😆😆
Was going to mention the dreadful presenter. Not the best, is she?
Ref is a twat. Juve diving like they’ve been shot. Same old same old Italians…
Rogers a passenger and a liability. Too much too soon. Needs to come out of the team. Put Ross in. More guile and knowhow.
These are ridiculous on the ball. It’s glued to their feet and we’re chasing shadows. Impressive. 👀
What a save.
Come on lads! I can smell a Villa goal!!!!
And Pau gets a Yellow???? European refs hate the English. Eff ‘Em!!!
It’s been a good half for us. We’ve had the best of the chances.
I wouldn’t change a thing atbthis stage. Watkins has been unlucky…
How good has Kamala been? So glad he is back.
Agree with comments that Roger’s is a passenger tonight. The good news is Bailey is looking to have belief back and is playing way better than any other time this season.
Juve so good at stopping us playing out from the back – they show how ponderous we are, whilst they are like grease lightening closing us down.
Still, we will have a chance or two next half, which we must take.
I am assuming the ref will look to have us playing with 10 before too long. So card happy against us.
Emi!!!! Save of the year!!!!!!!!
Hard to see us scoring.
That should help us as I’m usually wrong
I can fxxxing smell a Villa goal!!!
COME ONNNNN!!!!!!!
They’ll disallow it.
Bent or what?
Bent.
Disgusting. Why bother playing? Joke competition. Elite? F*** off. Pathetic officiating not fit for Sunday league.
Wonder if a recorded phone conversation will come to light regarding disallowed goals and a good bet?
No, that could never happen 🤔
Should be compulsory and available on demand. By media or managers. Then there’ll be full transparency. And then they’ll have to stop cheating. Tom’s right. We should all walk away. But it’s a drug. And they know it.
No classic but they’re a good side, keep the ball well, don’t concede and dangerous on the break.
Happy with a point if I’m honest.