https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x55lx9r_qpr-vs-aston-villa-0-1-championship-all-goals-highlights-18-12-2016_sport
I have to say I really enjoyed that game as much as any I’ve watched in a while.
Okay, the quality wasn’t the best, but I felt the team did what I mostly want and that’s keep the pace up and try to entertain.
Unfortunately, it seems that keeping that pace up introduces more errors and we looked really poor early on, with simple passes being mislaid.
Fortunately, QPR’s quality is worse than ours and we won out in the end; a result that still keeps us in the promotion game.
Steve Bruce made several changes and my opinion says we looked better for them.
I’m going to concentrate on the pluses, as it’s alway easier to moan, isn’t it?
I know some of you don’t rate Bunn as any better than Gollini, but I have to massively disagree.
There were a few situations where Bunn commanded his area in a way I don’t believe Gollini would and I feel the defence trust him more.
Dare I say, I thought Hutton played well? That’s another one that many might disagree with, but for me, he simply did. Rangers certainly didn’t get much change out of him, but I should also point out that he had much better support, with Chester and Jedinak helping him out.
Chester? He was excellent along with Baker, who was a welcome return.
Amavi was very good, getting back for good defensive work, while also looking to get forward. I felt he faded somewhat in the second half, which wasn’t surprising, given his work-rate.
Jedinak, after a dodgy start, where all he seemed to do was give the ball away, got better and he really is a rock in covering the defence.
Adomah, I thought looked a threat and he also helps Hutton too.
Gardner didn’t do a fat lot, but he does provide more work than Westwood. This is the position we need to improve on, I’d say.
Bacuna looked like he deserves a run to me. I don’t think he was anything special, but he just offers more, especially over someone like Westwood.
McCormack? He was played out wide and it just doesn’t suit him, as he needs to be around the box more. He was again anonymous and as I’ve previously suggested, I don’t think he suits Bruce’s thinking.
Kodjia worked his socks and indeed his shirt off. He led the line and provided lots of movement. His penalty attempt was poor, but his hard work paid off and he got a thoroughly deserved goal.
Subs:
Gabby? I can only think that Bruce is trying to keep him in the shop window, with a view to getting rid. We all know he’s finished, after all. Who’s going to pay anywhere near his wages though?
Westwood was purely about fresh legs, surely. He offers nothing in attack and doesn’t help in defence in the last few minutes.
Gestede serves a purpose, but should he have done better in the one on one? I think so.
This game offered us a few things.
We won for the first time on Sky in ages.
We have another away win in the bag.
And it was an away clean sheet.
All in all, a very good day, where I believe we’re six points off the play-offs.
It’s all still to play for, which is no doubt a position we wouldn’t be in, if we were in the Prem. Well, not in a positive way, at least.
I’ll add the video as soon as I find it.
UTV!
Great result yesterday, 3pts in the bag. I had a few beer’s watching the game and they tasted nicer after the victory . There is no reason why we can’t collect 6 pts in our next 2 games.
I am not worried about Leeds two individual mistakes cost us in that game. UTV
A total load of rubbish, but this would do for me;
http://talksport.com/football/championship-201617-table-super-computer-predicts-end-season-final-places-161219220971?p=23
I’d be pleased if that happened but to forecast the future I’m a pessimist.
Ps it does make you wonder if we had brucey from the off where we’d be positioned now, RDM was costly imo
Villa are on course to sell out the Burton game;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2016/12/19/manager-on-monday-bruce-fan-delight
Best support /supporters in the world by far, I saw the piss poor amount of Brighton fans at the stye & there doing well shambolic VTID UTV SOTC
Just a thought will grealish be sobber for the Burton game???????
Villa in the midlands are beyond any doubt the best suppeded club, I’ll take you back to our first European game, in our national papers we was saluted as being a well behave football club and welcome , that was after the likes of Liverpool, Man utd had previously been abroad and tarnished the British clubs, that’s why I love my club.today it follows on with our supporters, we are envied.
what has happened to oohahahaha his posts are so honest and very positive, i totally in agreement with him, rendering my posts as nothing but a echo. long may it continue.
i just like to say again, transfer budget in my opinion. will depend on what players are sold and amount of money wage budget recoup.goalie and right back, the first and maybe a midfielder. but if bruce can sell two of his forwards, one being kozak. then i guess he will start the midfield makeover.
just to add to only beating QPR one nil debate. thou QPR lost last four games all of um where only by one goal. had we not lost last two and confidence drained low, we would have converted more off our the chances.
plus to reply to the gollini mistake against leeds, i think thats a harsh statement. because i recall that cross was a beauty. or is it a peach of a cross. not all goals are mistakes by defenders or goalies. that one i think was all down to the cross. yeah the goalie could have punched the ball. but the cross had been whipped in and well directed, the attacker just had to nod home, where was the defending ?? and for the record the game was equal up too that goal. if anything villa had been shading it sightly.
January window is always a lottery with average players being overpriced. Which club is going to readily give up its better players at the season mid point unless they are desperate for cash! I agree with JVillan (now there’s a rarity 🙂 ) in that we have to use the loan system effectively. Looks like we are planning loans for a GK and RB – the latter is a must – although I can never fault Hutton for endeavour we need a bit more quality. Not so sure about the GK though.
How many loans are we allowed – 2?
If we have to spend then priority has to be a quality mid fielder but will any be available – and I wouldn’t sell McCormack like some have suggested.
not sure but think we can loan as many players as we want pleague rules where 2 from pl and 2 from abroad
as for agree with me not bothered its a blog for every one voice
me not happy with bruce and laugh at stick i get for it yet same bloggers complain about gabby westwood playing he has won a few games but it is garbage to watch worse than lambert
and every where bruce has been ended in tears
In fairness, JVillan where ever any manager goes, it ends in tears.
Even Fergie left a poor team and he was (grudgingly) probably one of the best ever.
As for loans, I’m not sure if there’s an overall limit at all, having read this;
52.4.1 A maximum of 5 Players registered on a Temporary Loan Transfer can be named in the Players listed on a team sheet for any individual match played under the auspices of The League. This maximum shall reduce to 4 Players where a Club names a Player on the team sheet who is registered on an Emergency Goalkeeper Loan; and
52.4.2 No Club may sign more than 4 Players on a Temporary Loan Transfer from another Club (or club) in any Season, of which no more than 2 Players may be over the age of 23. The deadline for determining a Player’s age in this respect shall be as at the 30th June prior to the Season in which the Temporary Loan Transfer is intended to take place. Any Temporary Loan Transfer which subsequently becomes a permanent transfer (which can occur any time during the period of the Temporary Loan Transfer) shall not count against a Club’s quota of such Temporary Loan Transfers for that Season.
Read more at http://www.efl.com/global/section6.aspx#O5z67gdAe63psjQz.99
badger
at least utd had happy days
you mentioned sunderland as a basket case not in bruce time
5 loans would do
full back
2 centre mids
winger
goalscorer
suit me fine
the year watford where promoted had they not 9or 10 loan players
Are loans in January temporary or permanent loans? Limit of 2 loans over 23 (if I read it correctly) so Johnston probably counts under 23 which may be one reason for him coming in.
All a bit complicated.
Think Rhodes would be a permanent transfer although according to reports there is a difference of view within Middlesbrough management about whether or not they should sell? If you believe any transfer speculation then it’s likely Gestede will go in January plus (according to SB) Kozak. I also think Ayew might be off so we would then need another striker.
Just to add – according to Mail, Albion are also now tracking Gestede – so that’s three clubs. Does that suggest SB has made it known he’s available in January?
I have a feeling Rhodes might be on a wishlist that possibly a loan, I think Mccormack will get his chance come January he needs a good run out & a few goals under his belt he’s got it in him despite not showing it atm.
The problem Hitch, premier clubs pay a little more than we do, if players sitting on bench gets a chance to get playing time in they rather sit it out gone are the times when playing is a honour, we could have had Barry, Milner, why didn’t they come?we are a big club and needed help, no money became the reasons.one day we will be back and all will want to be at Villa.llv
Nail on head Bill – too many players happy to take the money whether they actually play or not – sad really
Andre Green scored last night for the u23’s. Don’t know why we haven’t seen more of him when we need width and pace!.. I know why Hepburn Murphy isn’t playing it’s all because he hasn’t signed a contract according to Dr Xia don’t know of that’s good player management or not?
for years gabby hasn t been committed yet still gets picked,
norwich was an disgrace and it was gollina elphik grealish and ayew get dropped gollina grealish hard done by and qpr was awful and if ref or linesman had picked up the foul throw by gabby or jedi elbow it could been worse
play the young lads
Gabby’s playing for a reason, JVillan.
He has to be, because I don’t believe he’s been good enough/deserved it in any way.
Let’s just see how it pans out.
badger
the more he plays the worse he looks
all i want for xmas is a villa squad shot off gabby hutton richards bacuna westwood rudi ayew for starters not a big list santa
According to the Sun Scott Hogan from Brentford in and Gestede to the barcodes.
Anythoughts?
I can’t comment on Hogan, but Gestede to West Brom sounds reasonable to me.
Pulis would use him as he should be and the player wouldn’t even have to move house.
I wouldn’t say his careers not over just yet, but I think he’d struggle in the national league tbh
We often talk about the money in football and the cynicism that goes with it. Wonderful gesture by the Wolves players to help the little girl with cerebral palsy – all credit to them.
Maybe the spirit of Christmas is alive and kicking after all.
why do some fans constantly slate hutton. great you told us once twice or is it more like thousand time. i think we get it. but bare in mind, he is the only right back at the club which is able and fit. also bare in mind he hasn’t been at all bad in any games. he might not cross a decent ball, but he has managed to defend pretty good. did he also assist last game lmao if this guy turned into a world class act overnight some of these fans would still berate. really time to move it on, so boring now
iam sure bruce will replace him, as soon as the window opens without any advice from us experts.
oh oh oh merry christmas
Totally agree Nath. If only some of the other players had shown the same level of commitment over the last few seasons we wouldn’t be where we are now. Bear in mind he was frozen out under Lambert for a long time as well.
Well thing is Nath he often gets caught out in his position, he’s not all bad but unsafe , then again he’s playing under instruction, it is a place under criticism, but my main want is that midfield men or man. The team would most likely settle down if we could get them attacking players. Merry Christmas to you Nath.
yeah hes not all bad. don’t get me wrong if i was manager i would look to replace him. he does get caught out of position. this is because he is always helping the team offensively. he is always a option for a pass and always looking to help out with width. doing this means sometimes you will be out of position.
i think we are too critical sometimes.including me take ste bruce been here 10 ish games. hes made massive steps forward. i can see a stronger defensive unit without the ball. which we was not in RDM short reign. offensively takes more time to to work on patterns of play. but we will get there. we should get behind bruce, he will get us promoted. i said playoff final before a ball was kick. its going to be tough but its still possible to achieve that, if not likely its still possible
yeah merry Christmas bill 🙂
Whatever Hutton’s weaknesses are he’s always given everything for the team – one of the few to do that last season and I’ve constantly supported his commitment.
Happy Christmas to one and all
Mail suggesting Tshibola’s future at VP not looking good with a loan move most likely in January to put himself ‘in the shop window’ either to convince SB he has a future at VP or for a permanent move in the summer. Mail seem to suggest latter is more likely outcome.
Seems the speculation about his relationship with SB or his attitude might have some foundation
wouldnt blame tish for having an attitude to bruce,bruce picking westwood and gardner ahead of him same as rhm not signing a new contract not getting game time especially with bruce pickig no goal gabby
Moving Tshibola on, where we’re massively light in midfield is utter madness to my mind.
Something must have gone on there and if he has thrown a wobbler, I really wouldn’t blame him.
The only plus I can take from that is that it surely means we’ll be getting at least a couple of mids in.
As for Hutton, I totally agree and try to look at his performances objectively, as in the headline post.
I think some of us are just so used to slating him that it’s become the default position.
badger
rewatch the norwich match and just concentrate on hutton hoofed ball down line to no one ,every time he took throw ins ball played back to him he gave it away, norwich left winger had plenty room
go back to cardif game goal came from where he should have been,leeds game first goal leeds player standing all alone in hutton area ,hutton in middle plenty time to cross it,
sorry still worst full back in my time watching villa,
JVillan,
I accept that.
But again, it’s always like we highlight player’s mistakes.
If you want to play that game, I could probably give examples of mistakes by any player in the squad.
That said, I agree he isn’t the best and I’ve said it’s a position that needs improving. But not as important as the midfield, imo.
Bear in mind we have Delaet to come back eventually and Bacuna can do a job there too, if you discount Richards.
Just reading the above about Hutton and it got me thinking. Yes he likes to go forward and sometimes that means he’s out of position if the ball is lost but shouldn’t someone be covering?
When e.g. Moses for Chelsea bombs down the line there’s always someone (usually Matic I’d guess) who’s covering up.
Not saying that we couldn’t do better than Hutton but it’s possibly not all down to him.
Anyway feeling optimistic this Christmas for the first time in years. We’re far from where we need to be but I feel as though we’ve at least made some headway.
Merry Christmas to you all and let’s hope for a fantastic Claret and Blue New Year.
UTV
Your point is well made Pat. The back four of Hutton, Chester, Baker and Amavi have done pretty well and with Jedinak sat protecting the back four it all looks pretty solid. It’s often about how players work together in a team rather than they all individually have to be top players.
Good, honest interview with Jack Grealish this morning on TalkSport. Think Uncle Brucey will be good for him.
My concerns is what’s going on regards Tish?, if Bruce lets him go that will be the start of losing fans respect.I like Bruce, but cannot understand why he’s turned on Tish, 21 year old and loved by Swansea fans and now letting him go.i agree with Badger its mind boggling, still Bruce has not up till now done nothing to say he’s not wrong, lots of reason might be hidden to us.only a few days to find out.
Try formerly Reading player, Sorry senior moment lads.
Bill we might never know what the reason is but IMHO we have to trust SB on this one. Its his team and its his call and I’m sure he’ll have his reasons.
TBH while he hasn’t been the worst mid-fielder for us he’s not been the best either so I find if he did go I won’t be crying.
Managers don’t and shouldn’t have to explain everything they do and perhaps Tish was an okay square peg but SB wanted a round hole filling. It happens.