Trust the Villa to go from a 4-0 win to a 4-0 defeat in a week.
Sometimes I just don’t know how we do some of the things we do, honestly.
I thought in the first half we actually did okay and just as I expected, we held our own, although I thought Watkins was poor. We were unlucky to go one down after a handball was given against Ash Young. His arm was well wide of his body and I get it, but it didn’t seem particularly unnatural to me and I’m not convinced about these rules at all. It is what it is and I thought Newcastle’s lead was somewhat undeserved then.
The second half however, was a different kettle of fish.
We just failed to compete and there were some abysmal performances on show.
Young was being ripped to pieces by Almiron and had his worst game probably since his return to the club, in my opinion. I can somewhat forgive him though, as he’s generally been excellent for us lately.
Watkins though; I really like him but he’s stretched my patience. I’ve overlooked his weaknesses for what seems ages, in the hope that he’ll come good, but he was shocking today. Too many times, good play was ruined by his poor touches and passes.
Mings? Yet again I find myself wondering why so many really rate him. I’ve tried to hide my dislike, but he has too many faults for me.
Ings was yet again invisible, Coutinho looks disinterested, which dumbfounds me considering the Brazil manager was at the game and the team generally doesn’t seem able to compete, fitness-wise.
In fairness, Newcastle are a big side, but that’s something we’ve complained has been lacking in our team for a long time. It’s the same old, same old and we don’t seem to compete physically, meaning we resort to fouling.
A lot of our play went down the left hand side, as did Newcastle’s as they continually played lovely diagonal balls to our left back area. Contrast that with some of our passing and it’s not difficult to see why we’re where we are in the league.
I expected a defeat today, but I’m now of a mind that says Emery needs to have a clearout and should probably start with all the players I’ve mentioned.
The only plus point today was I thought Luiz was excellent in the first half and showed more of the player I think he is. He wasn’t anything like as good in the second half, but it’s hardly surprising when you consider the overall performance.
Oh and it seemed obvious to me that Martinez should have gone straight off after Mings clattered him.
He looked totally out of it on the telly, let alone face to face and how our staff didn’t see it surprised me. With all this dementia stuff that we’re seeing these days, you can’t be too careful, especially after it’s taken minutes to decide.
I’m intrigued as to what Unai Emery thought of that performance, but no doubt he won’t have been impressed.
Man U next, hmm.
After today, I don’t know what to think.
Comments
93 responses to “Newcastle 4-0 Villa; A Jeckyll and Hyde performance”
Sigh 🙁
My gaffer will no doubt be gloating and I don’t blame him.
Absolutely awful. Today’s performance looked as if nobody could fix us, we need Emery to work his magic, and fast.
Absolutely awful. Looked today as if no manager could save us. Emery needs to work his miracles, and fast. Only Villa can win 4-0 one week and lose 4-0 the next, absolutely comical, haha!
Badger. I don’t know why you don’t like Mings I really don’t . Ok had some own goals, bad passes, and in defence scoring some classic goals . Please take a look at what he has to help him when under pressure. Mings would be one of the last players I would get rid of . This is what you see and what I see two different aspect of a game . Let’s ask O.L.L again what he thinks . Me he was the only one to put his body on line today .Mings did ok today in my mind the rest hopelessness.
It was Konsa who lost Wilson for their 2nd. Mings had a lot of work to do today with our full-backs losing their personal duels and I thought he was OK.
He’s the clumsiest defender I’ve ever seen and his heading is simply abysmal.
How someone who makes so many mistakes is well rated is beyond me. Trying to excuse him by just saying he always has a mistake in him (and we all know the vast majority say it about him) just isn’t good enough and it’s exactly why he should go.
I praised him for the Fulham game, because I honestly thought he was ok when many never.
Which hopefully shows that I have fairly neutral views about players.
But I want better and it’s probably because we’ve had a couple of handfuls of way better CBs over the years.
He quite simply isn’t going to move us forward and the question is would any top side take him?
No chance, imo.
Then again, there aren’t many at all who could move to a top club.
I should have also said putting your body on the line isn’t enough Bill.
If that’s the only requirement, we’re in trouble.
I’m sorta glad this happened, now Unai should have a true perspective on what he’s walking into, a handle on the size of the job.
Last week papered over the cracks but this shower of a performance showed this teams failings, warts and all.
Sorry Badger I don’t agree, look a little deeper in a player and not have an opinion of a game in the past, Mings did little wrong into days game , please don’t pick him as the reason we lost it wasn’t, we lost because we thought we had a good side we don’t !! He has players infont of him that are far short of playing football, Ok he’s not the best but better than some in our team , I rate him as a full back but has little to work with him . That’s my opinion.
I haven’t said he’s the reason we lost Bill.
But you will never convince me that he’s anything other than a clown defender, who can’t read the game and is just way too clumsy.
He did little wrong?
Well, he caused Martinez to have to go off and while you might say it was an accident, this sort of thing just happens far too often with him.
Clumsy clearances, own goals etc, opens his mouth with agendas, it’s just all too often for me.
And you’re right, he wasn’t the worst player out there today.
But he just isn’t good enough, along with a few others who I’ve pointed out.
I want him gone.
And yes, it’s just my opinion too 🙂
Badger, I do think we need a major clear out. There aren’t many of them that I would want to keep. As for Mings, I would say Luiz apart that he was our next best player. Not that it’s saying much given the rest were absolutely dire. Konsa was shockingly bad and like you said, Young had his worst game, although in his defence he had the useless Bailey in front of him until he was hauled off. Cash too was rubbish but again had the useless Watkins in front of him. Apparently Dendoncker and Ings were playing too.
I think it’s going to be much worse before it gets any better.
Sky’s player ratings and Mings isn’t any more than similar to most players. It’s just another opinion though and nothing conclusive;
Aston Villa: Martinez (6), Cash (5), Mings (5), Konsa (5), Young (4), Luiz (5), Dendoncker (5), Watkins (4), Buendia (6), Bailey (6), Ings (5).
Subs: Olsen (6), Coutinho (5), Ramsey (5), Digne (5), McGinn (5).
Bailey 6! Really!! Martinez got 6 too even though he went off in the first half. Anything Sky say is total shite! I wouldn’t give any of them more than a 3 except for Luiz. I would also give Mings a 4! 😏
And here’s an opinion I’ve just read on the Birmingham Mail.
While I wouldn’t go quite as far, it shows I’m not alone in my thinking and Mings is definitely Marmite;
“Mings has been horrific since the start of the season, young was screaming at him today cos he kept goin missing. The worst cb we have had in 20yrs. He gives a goal away every 2 games but today it was two goals in a game……must be a record he kept drifting forward and they just popped balls in behind him. Does no manager we have see this. Im hoping the new man watched this today and had his notepad out….. ”
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/aston-villa-player-ratings-newcastle-25387644
Badger I don’t wish to be argumentative because I’m a person that sees both sides of a discussion, the Birmingham mail? Badger, a paper that’s ? Well best for toiletries rather than news, ok we beg to differentiate on Mings ,I don’t think he’s fully to blame and he’s playing along with shite players , but hes better than whats in front of him at Villa Park today .as for Young one of the worst on the pitch today and hes probably blaming Mings.
He probably blames Mings because he left him out to dry, in not helping him out!
This conversation is pointless Bill.
You rate Mings and I think he’s rubbish.
It’s probably best to just leave it there.
It was never about Mings costing us this defeat and I’m sorry if that’s how you read it.
He was poor along with quite a few others and I thought that was the point I made. Obviously not clearly enough though.
Ok discussion closed , I rate you don’t .
Good man. Opinions, Bill that’s all it is.
And long may it be so 🙂
*** BREAKING NEWS LIVERPOOL FANS ***
Not sure how true this is but from what I can gather Liverpool are looking for a new manager.
Apparently him and his family are moving home to Germany.
Not heard much detail but overhead a scouser who drinks in our pub say the klopps go back this weekend…
⏰ 🤣🤣
RSS, that’s funny.
I watched the first half tonight and Pool gave a goal away with a stupid backpass, where the goalie slipped.
It’s exactly why I hate this passing back rubbish.
😁 Trying to lighten the mood Badger.
Good on Leeds, high intensity, took their chances, good on em.
Nice to see 11 players that (to quote Sir Ron) give 110% for 90 minutes.
Remember back in the day when our lot did that and not capitulate on the first (or any) set back?
Poor as piss right in a relegation battle now shitty Leeds have won
Bloody hell, they won?
Boo 🙁
Liverpool are seemingly terrible this season.
Which is probably a good thing really.
And the difference between us and dirty Leeds is that they have the physicality and mentality to go to Anfield and win….whereas we just fold when the going gets tough.
When will AVFC recruit some tough characters who will compete and fight for the shirt as opposed to the weak bunch of tossers we have at the moment? Oh for a Stiliyan Petrov in the middle of the park.
Agreed, Steve.
As I said, same old,same old.
I suspect Emery will see this and look to sign “enforcers” asap.
That’s the biggest problem we have. Too many snowflakes on the pitch. When we play a non physical team then we do okay but Newcastle like Bournemouth bullied our team of pussies. Bringing Coutinho on was pointless as we all know he is weak.
Emery’s main issue is to sort out not only the physicality problem but also the fragile mentality where players heads drop when going behind.
No argument from me there Holte.
Fortunately, it seems to me that Emery is much more of a pragmatist than Gerrard, who I now think is totally one-eyed in his approach.
Badger your header Jekyll & Hyde well mate I think Frankenstein would be more apt…
Aston Villa tells the story of manager who succeeds in giving life to a being of his own creation. However, this is not the perfect specimen he imagines that it will be, but rather a hideous creature who is rejected by Villa faithful and mankind in general.
Our first 11 needs a total overhaul. Some of the fringe players need to play to see if they have the drive and commitment missing from our current first 11. Chambers, Bednarek, Nakamba, Archer, Sanson they need an opportunity to shine. I hope Emery switches things up for United. Did anyone see Philogene Bidace goal for Cardiff. Talk about composure in the box, great goal by him. Ollie Watkins take note!… Aaron Ramsey’s 2nd goal, his 1-2 with Pukki in the box was also superb. These kids could come back and make a difference. I’d rather play Bidace every week and watch him grow than Bailey that’s for sure.
Bert Traore is twice the player Bailey is. I don’t care how ‘lazy’ he was; his productivity was tenfold what Bailey produces. Get him back, Unai!
Bailey has a good game once in a blue moon. He is absolutely useless when we are out of possession. Coutinho when he plays is the same.
Emery could end up like a certain Remi Garde if he puts too much reliance on the current group. NWSE need to give him a big fat pay cheque to fund what must be a massive overhaul of the current bunch of losers. The problem will be attracting anyone to come to a relegation battling team. We have to avoid anyone after a big payday because they are unwanted anywhere else.
I said after Fulham that I can see a resemblance to the previous relegation team of 2016 with a bomb squad of high wage ‘stealing a living’ players that we struggled to offload. Gerrard has left us with a few more that are looking like the new bomb squad. The Brentford win was a false dawn and we saw yesterday how they reverted back to their usual selves.
To support what Holte said, an interesting Tweet I’ve just seen:
“Players signed from championship:
Mings
Konsa
Cash
Watkins
Buendina
Couldn’t get games at their club:
Martinez
Dendoncker
Ings 1 good season at Burnley 1 good season at Southampton
Bailey signed with no PL experience
McGinn from tinpot Scotland
I could go on. Poor squad.”
I know it’s annoying when I do the ‘I said it’ routine, but I’m sure that’s the argument I used in SMITH’s defence before he was sacked. These players were bought to keep AVFC in the league, having won promotion; that’s why they hover above the relegation zone. IF the board want to go next level, the squad must be overhauled. The positive to that is because of the policy of buying young, many of the players who no longer cut it should bring in a tidy profit, inflation notwithstanding. We now have the ‘next level’ manager after a wasted year. He MUST be given time to reshape this squad with TOP quality. Dare I say the the next round of ‘boos’ will be for players not pulling their weight, as Emery’s record and reputation deserves patience and support. Back to square one.
It’s been the North London way for some years now, slimline players preferred by Wenger and whoever manages Spuds at the time. The bulkier Newcastle players seem better suited to the battle, on the verge of being a bit chunky without stepping over into being a bit of a fatty. When was the last time we had players like that who were bloody difficult to shouder off the ball? Look how tough Hangaerland is!
I listened to the game on the radio yesterday and it sounded like we bossed the first half and gave as good as we got but that penalty was as unlucky as the last for Ash. A bloody ridiculous rule. The MOTD highlights didn’t reflect the first 45 minutes i heard in any way, shape or form. Just w@nkfest stuff for Shearer to fawn over.
Considering last week’s performance, we have a squad who are more than capable to complete but there’s a lack of discipline, shape, consistency and fitness. If we’ve played brilliantly once, we can do it again. Can’t wait to see Emery get his teeth into this team. I don’t see us as a relegation candidate in the slighest. We’re miles away from the side that went down 5 years ago. Look at how close everyone is points wise. It mad! Chelsea and Pool both lost unexpectedly yesterday. It’s an absolute free for all. A couple of wins on the trot and we’re top 8.
Yes, but if we hadn’t won last week against a shocking Brentford team, we’d be rock bottom with Forest. Of course, we need to look up, but a lot of work needs to be done. Has MacPhee gone yet btw? Surely, Unai doesn’t want him on his staff?
Oh, and “a lack of discipline, shape, consistency and fitness” = poor management and coaching; over to you, Unai!
Yep, a couple of wins or losses and you can be rooted or in the top half. It’s a crazy league, where very few teams are good and the rest are all poor, imo. And it seems to be getting worse every year.
In other news, related to how much we’ve spent;
“Mbappe’s contract is believed to be costing PSG around £540million over the course of the three-year duration with a third of the amount [£180m] being included in last season’s accounts.”
And PSG still have never won a European cup/Champions league!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11370491/Paris-Saint-Germain-post-record-317m-losses-details-emerge-Kylian-Mbappes-bumper-contract.html
While looking at their (lack of) achievements, I saw that Unai Emery holds the record for win percentage at PSG, at 76.32%
If he fails, we will have to accept that the problem probably won’t be down to the manager.
Will we give him time to build something if things are not good from the off?
My money says no.
I firmly believe this could be one of the most defining periods in the clubs history over the last few decades.
Badger, if Emery is not given time, then AVFC may as well have been liquidated back in 2018. Everyone, literally everyone, is wasting their time if this guy isn’t given time. He’s not a magician, or God. But he’s a world class manager, 50 years old in his prime, already won multiple honours in different countries, with less fancied teams, including several European honours, which are not easy to win. GIVE THIS MAN TIME. And some money for decent players might be a good idea, too.
I totally agree BFR.
The problem is football fans have less patience and a very big shout with the internet, where owners take what’s said into account much quicker nowadays.
As I read on here or elsewhere, if Emery can’t succeed, the question has to be who can?
Our owners have established a good structure, with a plan for all levels of the club. Parts of it might not be 100%, but mostly, it’s pretty good I think.
They’ve invested decent, but not stunning amounts of money and I expect Emery to be backed more than Gerrard was, because they’ll have looked at his CV and seen that he’s worth the increased risk and there’s more chance of getting results.
I’m convinced Gerrard was more Purslow’s vanity project and you have to wonder how much our owners trust him now.
They aren’t stupid and will probably be well advised as to the pros and cons of throwing more money at the club.
The point is, if I’m right and after increased investment we still don’t achieve more than we have for years, I really don’t know where the club would have left to go.
As I suggested, I suspect this next stint really could be pivotal.
Reading through all this brings me back to a podcast I heard the other day ( I did put it up if anyone bothered to listen).
We have not had a top notch manager since MON and his record don’t touch Emery’s.
The highest Smithy ever finish, apart from our promotion season was 8th in any division.
This is the best manager AVCF have ever employed, he needs time and if we don’t give him that ( given his pedigree) we deserve all we get.
It seems there is some agreement that we have to give Emery time.
I’m interested to see if this becomes a wider stance amongst the fans.
I suspect it possibly will, but I just have a nagging feeling that our patience will soon run out.
Don’t forget, Arsenal sacked him off for outperforming Arteta (until now, by the looks of it) over 3 seasons.
Arteta was given time because even though he wasn’t getting the results, the owners could see what he was doing in getting rid of troublemakers and establish his ideas. The fans were on his back for a good while, as I remember things.
It would seem Arteta got better backing than Emery, who was somewhat undermined by player power.
I suspect there’s a message in there somewhere and it’s possibly that we need our owners to hold their nerve longer than us fans!
If indeed, things don’t go well at first.
You never know, Emery may get off to a flier.
But it’s the Villa we’re talking about, isn’t it?
Things are never straightforward for us 🙂
No mate unfortunately it never is but saying that can anyone name the last time we had a manager with this track record?
Sevilla
UEFA Europa League: 2013–14, 2014–15 2015–16
Paris Saint-Germain
Ligue 1: 2017–18
Coupe de France: 2016–17] 2017–18
Coupe de la Ligue: 2016–17, 2017–18
Trophée des Champions: 2016, 2017
Arsenal
UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2018–19
Villarreal
UEFA Europa League:2020-21
It’s about as good as it gets so let’s all get on board and enjoy the ride.
“This is the best manager AVCF have ever employed, he needs time and if we don’t give him that (given his pedigree) we deserve all we get.”
A brilliant line RSS and absolutely correct. “Ever employed” is some statement. I really hope I don’t need to quote you in the future because the owner didn’t “hold their nerve” , as Badger says.
Sir Ron was, imo the best we’ve ever had but employed?
Little- MON – Atkinson – whoever name them all mate, no-one came in with a track record/ trophy haul that compares to this fella.
I totally agree, RSS.
Concerns over changes in Villa’s back room staff?
Villa have announced Neil Cutler will leave the club and Java Garcia (who worked with Martinez at Arsenal) will come on. Martinez’s statement suggests he’s less than happy with that.
Aaron Danks is being ‘removed’ from the first team set up but maybe offered a job elsewhere in the club – I suspect he’ll be able to secure a first team coaching role elsewhere.
But Nanny MacPhee retains his first team role and you have to ask why? What does this guy have that keeps him at the club when from a fan’s perspective he’s done absolutely nothing to improve our set piece plays – attacking or defending!
I hope Mr. Emery enjoys being under extreme pressure!
I’m staggered that MacPhee keeps his position. Surely, Emery wants his own team?? I’ve only ever hear very good things about Cutler, so that’s a shame. Villa’s loss will, no doubt, be another club’s gain.
What is Martinez’s statement, Hitch?
Here you go, BFR;
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-neil-cutler-martinez-25399474
Thanks, Badger. Nice words from Emi, but they don’t necessarily mean he’s not happy at the new arrival. Just a respectful and appreciative comment for his coach. Nothing wrong with that. I hate this social media garbage; everything is there for people to analyse, misinterpret and criticise. Players should really think: does everyone need to know this? Will any good come of me posting this publically?
BFR – mea culpa.
Given thar Martinez was unable to ‘break through’ at Arsenal, my interpretation of his comments is that he has less confidence in and had a worse relationship with Garcia (Emery) than he had with Cutler.
Potentially it adds up to a less confident Martinez in the future?
Just an opinion which may be entirely misplaced?
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
Love a bit of Latin Hitch (-:
RSS – your Latin a bit more extensive than mine which is restricted to hackneyed legal use of the language, 🙂
Eh? Those green pants go so well with that pink shirt and the plaid jacket?? What you on about RSS? LOL
Or is that what Purslow’s wearing in the ‘cheeky’ snaps? 😉
Lmao
The most random Latin statement I could find BRR
😁
I’m keeping an open mind on all the decision making Hitch. I was hoping they would keep Cutler and offload MacPhee but for whatever reason Mr Teflon is retained.
It’s going to be a rough ride till the World Cup me thinks but we have to be patient and allow Emery time to build his philosophy on the club.
We have stood still for a couple of years now when we were all hoping for a challenge on the big six. Unfortunately time isn’t a luxury bestowed on managers and it won’t take too many bad results till the Twitter frenzy begins.
I’m starting to think maybe MacPhee has got some ‘cheeky’ snaps of Purslow or something. How is he still in a job? Both Gerrard and now Emery have had to ‘inherit’ him. Very odd, to say the least! MacPhee OUT!
Richt purslow let’s git this straecht yin mention o’ a p45 ‘n’ they picters gang public.
Free kick? richt, wirk it oot amongst yourselves ‘n’ bygae me a tinny oan th’ wey oot.
😁
Purslow: pardon, never understood a word of that!
Nanny: auch aye nae do tha’ lot ont’ pitch. Bye th’ noo
Purslow: Eh? Oh he’s gone again.
🙂
Purslow: tu stultus es, MacPhee.
Nanny: Yous callen me stuped, Purrsslor, yer beg fekker?
Purslow: Yes, you heard me.
Nanny: Reight, those photos arr a goen tooo the prreeess…
Purslow: No no no! I’ve was kidding! Come back!
Fair comment Holte and I didn’t mean my comments to be read as anti Emery. I’m as open minded as anyone on his appointment and would love to see him succeed atVilla – but there is no doubt he has grabbed the serpents tail.
This may be the first time Emery has taken on the managers role with a club clearly threatened by relegation that has significant challenges within the squad.
Who makes them decisions? He’s not at the club to say who is who . He wouldn’t know who does what .again inside meddling it seems McPhee right dick .
So – Mr. Emery starts in earnest tomorrow – like all things Villa a day late!
I genuinely hope he succeeds BUT in his career he has never taken on a team in potentially terminal decline. Every team he’s managed has been from a relatively comfortable platform with the potential for upward momentum.
Now, I’ve always advocated that the true measure of a quality manager (coach) is their ability to turn an under performing forming team around given always that they can rely on not only significant financial backing but unwavering owner support.
No one is arguing the merits of managers like Guardiola and Klopp but there’s no way they would take on Villa in their current position no matter how much money is available.
In that regard I applaud Emery for his self belief and ability to embrace the challenge. Yes, he maybe being paid mega bucks but he’s prepared to put his own reputation on the line and for that alone he’s earned the right to succeed.
UTV