Well, well, that was a turn up for the books wasn’t it?
I’d predicted a 1-0 win and I did have a bit of a feeling, but I don’t think I can honestly say I expected it.
So how pleasant was it, that we actually came away with all the points?
From a ground where we have a really poor record too.
I find myself wondering if we were good or Palace were poor and while I know many of you don’t like it if I say I thought the opposition were poor, I have to say I partly think they were.
But let me hasten to add that while I didn’t think much of them, a lot of that was because we made them look poor.
We’ve discussed, or at least given passing mention, to the new manager bounce and I think there was definitely some of that.
Yet I also felt there’s more to it than just that. The players looked to me like they’re playing with a purpose. Either Gerrard and his crew have immediately worked wonders or Dean Smith and his team had just massively run out of ideas and more probably, quite simply, motivation.
Which again suggests it was the right time for the club and the manager to part company.
We’ll know better after more time, but I’m guessing that’s how things are.
There was a lot to commend today and some very good performances.
My man of the match?
Tyrone Mings, who I thought was immense.
Erm yep. Make the most of that, because if he performs poorly, I’ll be quick to give him pelters again. Seriously, he was good though.
There were also other noticeably good performances.
Martinez goes pretty much without saying. Yes, he had a couple of dodgy games, but he was back to his usual self and just inspires confidence.
Matski Cashki was superb and worked his guts out against Zaha, who is one dirty, snakey footballer.
Targett also played well and of course, got the first goal.
Konsa was his usual not noticeable self and apart from one bit of a mix up with Cash, where we could have got an own goal, he just got on with his job. I’d love to see him get a cap, but he just doesn’t get noticed does he?
The consummate Rolls Royce defender.
Nakamba and here’s one for the haters, who it seems are legion. I thought he was immense in his blocking and passing today. He did make one sloppy pass and the haters pounced upon it, but it all seems so unfair to me. Hardly put a foot wrong and some fans need to open their eyes to what he brings, imo.
McGinn had another cracker. He worked his guts out and of course culminated things with a lovely placed effort for our second goal. It’s great to see he’s back on fire.
Bailey was one of the weaker performances today. Some stuff came off, but he also came across as lightweight at times. Hopefully he’ll get better and better.
Young was a surprise starter for me, but he played really well. The ultimate pro, who has surprised me in his effectiveness and of course, he hit the bar from a free.
Ramsey played well too and while I’m not convinced about the number of daft fouls he commits, he is now beginning to justify his starting position. He’s added an edge to his game and it’s a bit nasty. I like it and all he needs to do is find the balance.
And then the fly in the ointment.
Quite possibly my favourite player, Ollie Watkins. I thought he was mostly awful today and he doesn’t look like he could finish his breakfast. His touch is abysmal and the only good thing I can say about him is that he retains the effort. He had three shouts for a penalty today, but I wasn’t convinced by any of them. He looks like he’s lacking sharpness and I’d say he needs to be rested for a few games, because he looks mentally tired to me.
What does that say about Ings though, if he gets dropped before Ollie?
I’d say Watkins is more effective in trying to get involved at least.
Luiz’s Red card?
I thought it was at first sight, but watching the replay, no, it wasn’t. VAR worked well this time.
It was put to me that the ref was very unfair towards us, but I’m not so sure. I will concede that some tackles were let off without punishment. But then I just think Palace are much more professional in how they commit their fouls. That might sound daft, but I’m sure some clubs actually coach how to commit fouls that are on the edge, so to speak.
Certainly a few of our players were clattered on multiple occasions. McGinn, Young and Watkins were all roughly tackled off the top of my head, yet when we commit one, it’s more likely to be an absolute shocker, which is always going to get punished.
Not that we’re a dirty side.
But Palace definitely are and I never realised it before. I suspect that’s down to the Viera type of coaching they’re getting.
Can we expect a bit of that from Stevie G too? I’d expect so and while I’d never have liked the idea previously, I’m now coming round to the thought that you have to do everything to gain an edge.
The days of the honourables winning anything are well and truly gone, sadly.
So it’s six out of six and I think we’ll need them as we face a tough few games coming up.
Then again, who’d bet against us getting something out of our next three games, where it looked impossible just over a week ago?
I just love the fact that for now at least, the gloom, doom and despondency has gone.
Jingle bells, jingle bells…….
UTV!
Van Bronkhurst becomes the eighth consecutive Rangers manager to win his first game.
Hmm, I’m sure that suggests something.
I think its shows the strength of the league in reality. For example if Villa were put in to the Scottish Prem we would likely be joint favourites along with Celtic and Rangers to win it so when you compare that to the English Prem and to win the league we are what 500-1 or something it shows the gulf in class and how much harder it is to make strides. Great win on Saturday. here are my thoughts FWIW.
1. Tactically we look so much better under Gerrard. Pre game and in game. The players clearly know their roles and seem to be enjoying the battles. You can see since he’s come in Gerrard’s number one focus has been on defending first and foremost. We look so compact and solid again. Ok Wednesday will be more of a gauge but its a free hit and not much pressure as we will be expected to lose. Brighton and Palace are likely to be around us come the end of the season and they’re the matches we need to be winning so job well done for Gerrard so far.
2. Watkins – Needs to work on his close ball control and maybe thinking/moving the ball a bit quicker at times. Lost count of how many times he lost possession at the weekend. Credit to him though his effort is always 110% and he’s not one to shy away from pressure. He will come alive again. We also dont have anyone else who offers more of a threat.
3. Mings – Wow, what a difference a manager can make. Totally dominant in both games so far and seems to have re-found that confidence again. Long may that continue.
4. The Midfield – all of them have worked their socks off so far. Nakamba looks a world class DM at the minute, was all over the pitch and hopefully will only get better with consistent game time. The communication is back and they all seem on the same wavelength again, closer together, quicker passing. We just need someone to take control at times and keep the ball when were under pressure (i.e. he who shall not be named) we still get a bit panicky at times, but we cant solve everything in 2 weeks.
Sorry for the long post, but all in all a great weekend and lots of positives to take. It’s definitely looking like the right move at the right time to part with Deano. UTV
Nakamba has often showed touches of defensive brilliance over the last couple of seasons, but he also used to give away a lot of posession at times as well – usually when he was trying to pass forward.
That part of his game seems a lot better under Gerrard – don’t know whether it’s a ‘confidence’ thing, but perhaps it is: no matter how well he played for DS, it seemed that he would always get dropped for the next game if someone else was back to fitness. Maybe just needed to be told that if he’s playing well then he’s going to be picked?
I’m no expert on these things but Gerrard has talked about the importance of ‘distances’. On MoTD they talked about how the midfield were closer together.
It may be that Nakamba now has someone to roll the ball to without having to overplay it. Simple things?
Having said that he was outstanding on Saturday and it was a close call between him and McGinn for MoM.
Long may it continue.
Good summary, Adam.
It is odd how suddenly we’re passing to feet and at speed.
It makes you wonder why it wasn’t happening previously?
Is it really just a confidence thing?
The latest rumour is that We’re after Joe Gomez and Mings is going to Newcastle.
Haha, seriously, who makes this rubbish up?
Everyone’s going to Newcastle according to the media.
As if Citeh need any help, Mike Dean is ref Wednesday and Kevin Friend is on VAR.
So now playing against 13!
Is Mike Dean actually Jasper Carrot ?
Suppose he can’t really be, ‘coz he’s rumoured to be a Liverpool fan, & that might -just possibly – work in our favour for once…
Just watched The Holy Trinity’s show following the Palace Game.
Made some really good points / observations – worth a watch on You Tube.
Don’t forget the Citeh game is on Amazon Prime Wednesday!
This is very encouraging;
https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/11/30/im-hearing-rio-ferdinand-shares-behind-the-scenes-insight-on-gerrards-training-at-villa/
I read that Badger; has a ring of truth to it and a really positive message from the players.
It also underscores Beales reputation on the training ground.
The last Holy Trinity show made, what I thought, was an excellent point about Villa losing their identity both on and off the pitch when ‘He who shall not be named’ left the club’. He went on to say that the avuncular Smith was not able to fill that gap whereas Gerrard arriving has filled the void giving Villa that new identity to build around.
OK he’s not a Villa man but he has already projected the club back into the limelight on and off the field.
Long may it continue.