http://videa.hu/videok/sport/cp-avl-11-DiUW00aFizLAQUHK?start=14.48
I thought this was a very decent game and while the result was ultimately disappointing there were some really strong signs of encouragement in the way we played at times.
Okay, we could possibly talk about our game not being pacey enough, but it was the same for Palace too, at least in the first half and let’s not forget it was roasting hot this afternoon.
That said, we looked a bit more comfortable with a slightly slower pace and I think we were holding our own, although Palace probably shaded it chances-wise.
We didn’t have many chances in the first half, but three do come to mind.
First was Gabby’s. He did his usual good work in outpacing the defender, leaving him a one-on-one with the goalie, only for him to hit it unconvincingly and too easily for the goalie.
Sanchez was next, with some good work before a shot that went well over.
Which is all fair enough, as he’s not a supposed goalscorer. It was just nice to see him have a crack.
And then Grealish played a nice ball on to Gabby, who, slightly wide of goal, caught it with the wrong foot and just made a complete Horlicks of it again.
Those two chances should have been two goals for any decent striker on form, it’s as simple as that for me, but it wasn’t to be and we went in 0-0 at half time, with Palace probably having edged things overall.
The second half was a different matter though and Alan Pardew had obviously given his players a rocket. Two were subbed.
His team duly upped their game and it showed as our lads began to look much less comfortable with the increased pace and pressure, which resulted in the ball ending in our net at around the hour mark.
Ultimately, while the ref originally allowed it, he had a prolonged conversation with the linesman and it ended up being disallowed for offside.
A very good decision on this occasion.
It was only a brief respite for us though, as Palace were firmly in control.
I think many of us were probably calling for Sherwood to change something and he duly did, with Traore coming on and Sanchez coming off, who had looked very competent.
As I’d suggested in the preview, I had a feeling Sherwood was winding us all up when he said Traore was miles away.
Where many of us might have had a problem with that substitution (indeed it seems some were asking for Gabby to come off), in retrospect, I can see exactly why Sherwood chose that option.
Whether we like it or not, someone at the Villa loves Gabby.
And the thinking was probably that if you going to keep playing him, it doesn’t make sense to knock his confidence.
He was, after all, getting in the right positions to make the runs wasn’t he?
I don’t think I’ll convince many of you with that argument, but it’s the only one I’ve got.
His finishing is simply awful.
Anyway, within a few minutes of Sanchez coming off, we conceded.
The ball came in from a corner and Scott Dan met it strongly to head in a decent goal.
Clark’s challenge was noticeable by it’s abscence and had me fuming. But it happens.
But then, Traore had what might have been his first touch out on the right wing and went on a blistering run that took out a couple of defenders. His cross deflected off another defender and the ball was in the net for the equaliser.
What was striking was the turn of pace. Defenders just aren’t going to be able to live with it.
The kid had another similar type run that resulted in a very decent cross.
Lip-lickingly good stuff and very likely to put bums on seats, if he doesn’t get hacked (as he was a couple of times) and does his ankles or whatever.
One each then and we were looking on target for the point.
Only for Amavi, who had had a very good game up until then, to give the ball away at the back and the defence, who, for once hadn’t worried me, went to pieces, for Sako to shoot and score.
I’m not exactly sure what happened and in fairness, it was a good shot, but I just had the feeling we were poor in our positioning and decision-making.
So 1-2 and then the game looked beyond us, with not enough minutes remaining.
I didn’t expect much from this one, so I’m not overly upset.
We played some very nice football at times, which is a great change from some of the rubbish we’ve played in recent years, although the way Palace play helped us, I think.
More importantly, I find it difficult to call anyone out for having played poorly today, although Gabby is the most likely candidate.
His finishing is just rubbish and you have to wonder how long Sherwood will put up with it.
I suspect we’re still looking for another striker, put it that way.
Comments
183 responses to “Palace 2 – 1 Villa; Disappointed but not downbeat.”
A lot of people seem to be complaining about Gueye, yet a recent report has him in the top 5 for tackles + interceptions so far this season. He’s been very very solid and doesn’t give the ball away like Delph.
He also doesn’t needlessly dribble like a high school kid, kicking it 10 yards in front of him to chase it and doesn’t try to take on players, knowing he doesn’t have the foot skill to do it. Gueye’s a far better version of Delph so far. But he’s not attacking enough so our fans won’t like him. They think “attack attack attack” is the only way to go.
Tora Tora Tora!
TS showed he wasn’t scared to drop Guzan last year. I’m suprised he let Shay go really. It does seem like Guzan and Gabby are our week spots at present. I also heard, although it could be BS, that TS doesn’t rate Kozac and that’s why he’s not getting any game time…Back to the game, Amavi had time to clear but looked tired at that point. Gabby should have hit his first chance to the left of the keeper. He had loads of space! Onwards and upwards anyway 🙂
Given was aloud to leave because he was on high wages for a back up keeper. bunn is probably on about a third of what shay was on.
talk of Adnan Januzaj going to everton on loan for the season. wouldn’t mind him coming to us bit of backup on the wings and has premier league experience .
I don’t think Guzan’s really a weak spot, yes I know his kicking is awful but he does what Sherwood wants in throwing it more often, rolling it out, etc, and as an all around goal keeper is still better than Given is. Bunn’s probably a better back up keeper as Domingo said on lower wages.
Gabby’s the clear weak point and I’ve heard that about Kozak too, wonder if we’ll see him against County, I think it’s possible.
Maybe not the weakest but we coyld do much better. It’s almost like we need a talisman type figure. A Freidal, James or Schmeichel. Guzan just doesn’t do it for me.
Apparently (according to reports!), Celtic are in talks over Kozak – Mainz are also said to be interested. Loan move might be on the cards?
If that’s the case it’s 100% that we have to have another striker lined up.
Reported in The Times and picked up by Sky – also in The Scotsman over the weekend so probably some substance to it.
On a different tack I would like to see Ayew and Gestede partnered up front with Gabby cleaning their boots. Ayew looks a mobile sort of striker and might be perfect for picking up Gestede’s flick ons.
I agree about Ayew and Gestede, I haven’t seen many pointing it out either, but against United Ayew actually won some very good flick ons. He also looked for the ball on numerous occasions and created a space for himself, it hasn’t worked for him yet but I don’t understand the criticism he gets from fans after the two games he’s played.
Italian football insider Gianluca Di Marzio, claims that aston villa have held talks with Roma over a deal for Serbian forward Adem Ljajic. reported in hitc so probably bullshit.
but if kozak is on his way maybe some truth in this story.
its on talksports . now we know its definitely bullshit.
On SSN now…
Di Marzio’s probably the best source for transfer news, especially with Italian clubs. Not known to make up BS.
So we cant score and ship out a forward and get another midfielder……..sounds like cheeky chappie Harry Rednap when at Spurs………..wonder how we thought it might be a good idea.
He scored 8 goals from midfield (32 appearances for Roma) last season – I would take that tomorrow.
Agreed H60 and he looks quality, has played as an attacking midfielder and a winger….. I remember seeing Thierry Henry in similar positions, and he turned out ok… !
I’m wondering how true the Celtic talks are as Kozak’s on the bench tonight. Ljajic is absolute quality though. Gotta wonder what this means for either Gil or Sinclair though. Traore and Grealish will obviously play, and so will Ljajic if/when he comes in. Gil was talked highly of by Sherwood before the season started, so that could either leave Sinclair playing the support striker role or back up at best.
just reading online and came across this quote…
Tim Sherwood remains keen to allow Villa’s youth players to develop and will draft in 17-year-old defender Easah Suliman to his first team squad tonight against Notts County.
Academy graduate Suliman was wanted by Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool but the centre-back committed to Villa after they assured him he would get his chance if he continued improving.
Anyone know much about him? Decent teams interested so must have some potential too.
Why not? He cod be our Harry Kane…
agree Bum Bum – just don’t know much about him so wondered if others had. I think giving youngsters a chance is a massive attraction for us pulling in future talent such as Traore and i’m all for it.
Do feel sorry for Kozak, if reports about Tim not liking him are true, he scored 2 v Wolves in pre-season, 1 of them was a cracker. We really need a goalscorer, Ayew and Gabby aren’t going to score a lot between them so that just leaves Gestede if Kozak does leave. Unless Tim is planning a late plunge on Adebayor….God help us!!
Do we know that Ayew isn’t going to score many? Gabby bang on – lucky if he gets a couple.
Sherwood odds for sack have shortened from 14.1 to 10.1 now 3rd favourite to go after advocart and bilic. What bookies don’t know is Letner won’t sack a manager till we’ve had at least 3 years of dross
Bookies have got to have some reason to steal your money!
Lads am I seeing things Birmingham and Villa a home tonight? Both 19.45 ko , anyway I can stream it ? .
And Wolves and WBA at home. They must have stopped all police leave 🙂
It’s only nots county not many fans will watch that even if it was free. Especially in a Micky mouse cup
BILL I thought the very same this morning, if anything does go off in the city the FA & the police will have to answer a few questions.Ooha it only takes a few idiots you don’t need a full house.west mids police are going to be busy tonight I feel get on with it.
True not sure why they didn’t make our game tomorrow
Giddy sat on the board with policing in the past, they must be running short of funs and need the arrests, never have I ever seen that before. Interesting this.
Yes very strange even got three black country teams playing home aswell it’s laffable MATE
I see Lamberk is still a bitter little man even pretending a job has to be right for him lol. He’d be lucky to get a job managing a local under 16s team ffs http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/600672/Paul-Lambert-Aston-Villa-Tim-Sherwood-Transfer-News-Gossip
To be fair, Sherwood’s record is beginning to be very Lambert-esque. Lots of money spent in one window too.
See Kendrick has given Lamberk a broadside over his latest comments on Sky – Kendrick has it spot on – Lamberk is entitled to his views but they are beginning to smell like sour milk.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CNRabaSWUAAx0HV.jpg The team tonight.
Are we really playing
Bunn
Hutton-Baker-Sanchez-Richardson
Veretout
Gil-Grealish-Traore
Sinclair-Ayew
Because if we are that’s some crazy changes.
Well Andrew, some crazy things do happen at Villa Park.
At least with this kind of line up, we don’t need our fullbacks running down the endlines or whipping in awful crosses (Hutton), as the heights not there. It’ll be through ball city for Sinclair and Ayew to run onto.
Vertout will need to up his work rate with that lot in front of him. Attack attack attack. 0-0 written all over it!
Even though I can’t work out the defense it’s a breath of fresh air not seeing shabbys name in the starting 11.May that exclusion continue.
Ps I really hope kozack comes on & bangs in a hatrick.
Actually, that’s about the sort of line-up I expected, as it gives those who are currently peripheral a run out.
I reckon Sherwood’s thinking will be that we ought to be beating County comfortably, even with the second string.
And it’s totally the right way to look at it.
Woe betide anyone who doesn’t perform or at least show desire today, imo.
More importantly, look at the list of subs;
Brad Watkins
Joe Bennett
Joe Cole
Jerell Sellars
Easah Suliman
Libor Kozak
Corey Taylor
I’d expect at least one of those kids to get on.
Oh, no chance of a stream for this game.
Pantomime defending. 0-1
Here we go again – wonderful piece of defending by Mutton and so much space in front of the back 4 – in fact where were the defence?
Is Sanchez really at the back?? If so, this will be a disaster. HE IS NOT A CB DIM TIM
I assume he must be playing 3 at the back but from what I’ve seen we are playing none at the back
Is Tim trying to do a Mascherano with Sanchez? It won’t work.
What is going on? I know we are playing Notts County, but we have a scratch back 4 and one central midfielder! We better hope we can bang in a few goals!!
We haven’t even got a plan B defense on the bench,has Tim taken this game seriously I ask myself.
Traore – nice finish
When the ball hits the goal is not Shearer or Cole………That’s Traore!!!!!
🙂 🙂
😀 nice one kent77.
Loving that Kent 🙂
Another piece of Villa defensive rubbish on the stroke of half time. Who backed Bunn to play in the PL – absolute rubbish defending again. Got to say we don’t look like winning this.
Who gives a shit? As long as we stay in the premier league jobs a good un. 🙂
True hope we get knocked out crap competition
We have a highly rated CB on the bench in Suliman and hell, could’ve called up Toner. If we’re playing a loan midfielder, the only one who can do that is Sanchez in covering the back 4, not Veretout.
Have some faith Villa fans. 45 to go
Not the point we should be pissing over a team like county
And we probably would if we played our strongest team. Other Prem sides struggle against lower league sides and always have, Sherwood has given other players competitive game time in a match that is less important than, say, picking up 3 points against Sunderland. Frustrating? Yes but lets get some perspective on this.
Bring back Lambert. This Dim bloke is even more off his head than I first thought. Persists in the Prem with a shit Gabby, gets in a shit Bunn, plays a shit Ayew over Kozak, puts a CM’er at the back with an AM in Veretout in Sanchez’s natural position (I’m led to believe). Like someone said above, we have CB’s on the bench, why not bloody use them!!!!!
We have had enough chances to be winning tbf, and so we should v a Notts County side!!