Whilst thinking about this game, I’ve been nosing around the Birmingham Mail site and came across an Erdington band’s version of the song “Fairytale in New York”.
I didn’t listen to it, but it’s apparently quite good, as it’s typically self deprecating, which is what we Brummies excel at.
Which got me to thinking that if you didn’t laugh at our current situation, you’d have to cry.
Which is exactly how I feel at the moment.
I spoke to my very knowledgable Derby mate today, saying that we had no hopes of getting anything tomorrow and his banter aside, he totally agreed.
Then again, he also agreed with me that getting rid of Bruce would be a massive mistake for us, so what does he know, given that it seems I’m in quite a small minority at the moment?
It’s the Pulis factor, isn’t it?
You just know he’s going to at least make Boro difficult to score against, even though he’s only been there for five minutes.
Couple that with the fact that even if we create anything, we don’t look like we are going to score many and I can only see this going one way.
Thinking positively, Bruce has said we will be better.
Hmm, how’s that going to work then?
Can we expect to see a totally different midfield, with some pace in it?
Two hopes and my bet is that his big idea of a change-up will involve not playing Whelan and Jedinak together again as defensive central mids. Whoopy doo!
It’s all ok though, as Wyness has told us that the lads haven’t had their day off and have had extra training instead.
Really?
REALLY?
I suspect it’s the training that is totally wrong in the first place, given that we can barely pass the ball, let alone pass it and look for the return.
Ah, it’s all basic stuff and you certainly don’t need me to tell you about it.
I could rattle on about who’s available and who isn’t, but I’m pretty sure you all know that too, so instead, I’ll just comment on the Express and Star’s article, where, while the headline is about Terry doing 6AM sessions, it appears that five or six players are doing their “B” coaching licenses. It would seem that the club has also applied to hold the course at Bodymoor Heath.
That’s all very well and good, except I wonder what they’re going to learn, given that our coaching seems abysmal and has oft been criticised by us fans?
My point here is that I’d much rather these players put 100% into getting us promoted and worry about the coaching side later, after they’ve actually achieved something.
It makes me wonder where their priorities are and if indeed that’s the carrot that Bruce offered them to come to the Villa in the first place?
I can’t see past a 2-0 defeat.
And strangely, I find myself not quite laughing about it, but just shrugging it off.
It’s what we Brummies do isn’t it?
Take the mickey out of ourselves, take it on the chin and moan.
It could always be worse. You could be a Blues fan, where they’re having hysterics.
villa have done ok but its down to boro standing off us
Another 45 mins of painful viewing……
was a none event 1st half. i cant believe boro tactics they should go for our throats we are their for the taking
Best part was Pullis having a fit because we was taking ages with a throw in…..
truth thou his team aren’t in any hurry. they are too cautious. paying villa too much respect. villa score they will rue not going for us earlier
We’ve missed Gabby today!
Wow 1-0 up
goal snodgrass
Stunned
we have seen this out no way
Credit where credit is due. That’s a good result today.
Well done Bruce and the boys.
UTV
A good result and totally unexpected. Now the team must do this week in week out.
Agree Sid. We MUST beat Bristol City on Monday otherwise this result will mean nothing.
UTV
Too true B6 – I should have never have doubted Bruce LOL
We’re all fickle Hitch. 😉
How did we manage that today. Still Bruce out. Glad Onomah was injured shouldn’t be playing anyway
Missed 2nd half but on the 1st half evidence Boro will be sacking Pullis…Ha ha.
great victory but don’t get carried away. boro were very negative, they allowed villa to knock the ball around at the back they failed to press us, which was inviting villa to progress, boro would have won had they kept monk. pulis turned them into a cautious team in my opinion. i watched them at wednesday and against bolton this was their worst i saw
…and well done to Blues and Bolton…
murphy i forgot to say was bright and led a few breakaways. we also did well seeing out the game
I didn’t see game but I’m not sure why we have to make excuses when we win? We’ve handed the game to the opposition on more than one ocaission – now it’s our turn to benefit – seems to be the way of the Championship
Fair play to Bruce, he got it spot on today tactically. Forcing Boro to change there way of playing.
Well done Bruce and the boys.
UTV
Gap to second down to 7 points – can still do this!
Before this round of games started on Friday night Boro were 7th- we’ve beaten a top 7 team now, away as well- whatever next.
it was lucky the ball hit snodgrass lol and 7 is not top 6
But Before yesterday we hadn’t beaten a team in the top 7 so it’s a start right? If we beat Bristol City I want an open top bus parade for Brucey and the guys!
i was pulling your leg owen
An important result for Bruce because is formations and tactics have been debatable, but Middlesbrough’s style of play suited us probably with thanks to Pulis who will nullify them offensively, but like Bruce will try to make them hard to beat. Tougher game next against Bristol City who play on the front foot so hoping at home Bruce sets up to win rather than not lose.
bristrol city will be a much harder task. they press without the ball and they move into space when they have the ball, makes life easier. also they are a major threat from corners, 0 0 with wolves h/t
if we are looking for a manager. then anybody want this Lee Johnson if they miss out on promotion, villa should offer him anything he wants. his team are going places. certainly up their with the best team in this league
Bloody piss stalks!!!!
I’m shocked that we won this game. It’s nice for a change. Doesn’t alter my views on Bruce but I’m not going to have a moan for once and will simply enjoy the rest of my weekend.
Oh, and a few minutes pitch time for RHM. I hope he can stay clear of injury so we can see what he can do at this level.
well bristrol will have to play us with their reserve goalie and they really put in a shift and still lost 2 /1 but they will beat us i am sure then we sack bruce and the world is ours