Wow, what a win that was!
I have to be honest and say that in my opinion, Utd were the better side tonight, with them looking the more aggressive and creating more chances.
And after about 80 minutes, I was saying to myself that I’d take the 0-0 draw, with me thinking that it would be a very decent point to take after generally being out-played away.
And then Snodgrass scores from a sweet left footed curler in the 89th minute and I’m jumping up and down in pure joy, as it was so unexpected on my part.
But it was exactly that, that has given me really strong belief that we have a very good chance of going up this season.
To perform so sort of averagely, yet dig out the win with a piece of class in the dying minutes is exactly the sort of thing that you need to pull off if we’re going to stay at the very top end of the table.
Johnstone was my man of the match by a mile, after making a few good saves while looking extremely confident, but I can understand how it was given to Snodgrass.
If I was a Blades fan, I’d be gutted tonight.
That win takes us up to third and if I heard correctly it was the first time we’ve won five on the trot in 20 years.
That’s some statistic.
So while I wasn’t particularly enthralled by our performance, it was still a very good game with Utd coming at us full pelt.
In fairness to us, you could probably say that while Sheffield created a lot more than us, so they never majorly threatened, apart from hitting the crossbar early on.
And even when they did, our defence looked mostly rock-solid, another sign of a confident team that’s seriously challenging.
But I still think they gave us a very tough game.
Which is what makes it such a sweet victory.
As for the title, have a listen to this. If you’re impatient type, skip to about 2:50;
And B6 has kindly sent an end of match video;
Absolutely ecstatic after that!
Sent you a couple of videos. The atmosphere after the game was awesome.
UTV.
B6.
Only got the one picture, mate. No vids???
Ok mate I’ll send some from my laptop when I get home. Prob to big to send. 🙂
Added to the post B6 🙂
Fantastic goal from Snoddy, but a poor performance in all honesty. Johnstone kept us in the game and Sheff Utd fans must feel robbed. Still you’ll take it overall.
The defence had always been solid with Chester and Terry, but the big difference now is Bjarnasson, who for me has been excellent in the DM role since he started playing there. The extra energy in midfield is crucial and our ball retention is infinitely better now Whelan isnt in the team handing out soft goals. No way should this Man Utd loanee be shoehorned in now, Birkir keeps his place.
Hopefully we can follow this up with wins against Burton and Blues now as youd expect, to set us up for the hardest remaining game away at Fulham, who I’d make our biggest challengers for 2nd.
Good point about the Man U lad. That’s going to be tricky, because knowing Bruce’s form he’ll only change things when he really needs too. Yet you would think he’s promised Maureen that he’ll play a few games at least.
So you think Derby are going to fade too, I assume?
Yep, Fulham are sneaking up quietly, agreed.
Blues game is even more massive than normal, if that’s possible, lol.
Derby will be up there but they do seem a draw a few too many. Fulham are the big threat, they massively underperformed the first third of the season but are on a similarly good run to us though almost going unnoticed. Craven Cottage is as tough a ground as any to go to in the league as well. If we can get out of there with a draw having beaten Burton and Blues, I’ll feel more confident of a 2nd place finish.
Of course, I am assuming we are fighting for 2nd as Wolves wont be caught IMO even if they do tail off a bit.
I do find the Tuanzebe signing a bit odd though as he won’t get in ahead of Chester and Terry barring injuries and suspensions, you’d imagine Bjarnasson and Jedinak are the main choices to play the DM role given form and Bruce loves Whelan. I just dont see where he’s going to get the game time to make Mourinho happy.
Wouldn’t be that surprised if he plays Saturday against Burton at home. Think he’ll largely be used during home games against the lesser sides.
Nothing better than scoring away from home in the 89th minute and winning 1-0.
Although the 4 mins of injury time weren’t exactly welcomed.
UTV
Fantastic result tonight, but definitely harsh in Shef Utd. With Burton coming up, Derby are definitely going to start feeling the pressure.
Loving Bjarnasson in that holding role, glad he has found his feet at last. We have to sign Johnstone before United realize he is worth more than 5 or 6m or another team tries to snatch him!
The only one area of our team that worries me are our full backs. We all know Hutton gives 100%, but we really need a left footed player there. Taylor isnt great, but he really needs to come back into the side. Elmo is a decent crosser, but I still think we need a proper right back in there. I really thought Bree would have been pushing for a place in the team by now.
Thought we were going to concede in the last few minutes so great feeling to get the winner in 90th minute. Great 3 points but need to play better
I hear that Steve Bruce mother was taken into hospital just before the game, that’s the reason he didn’t do a after match report. All the best to his mother hope its not serious.
I told you ages ago we would get promoted……. just saying!
Steve Bruce is on the hunt for a new forward and is in discussions over a potential loan deal for Grabban but he faces competition from Cardiff City.
The 29-year-old returned to Bournemouth earlier this month after terminating his loan spell with Sunderland.
Grabban fired 12 goals in 19 Championship appearances for the struggling Black Cats.
Villa assistant boss Colin Calderwood hinted a couple of new players could arrive before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
“I am sure there will be phone calls,” he said.
Aston Villa news: Steve Bruce’s assistant drops hint two deals could get done
Bookies now make Aston Villa favourites to join Wolves in the Premier League next season after a run of five wins on the bounce.
After winning away at Sheffield United last night, the Villans are evens with some bookies for promotion.
They remain tied very closely with Derby County, who presently occupy second spot and are evens with BetFred.
Villa have transformed their fortunes, and risen to third in the league, after a string of wins. Odds 11/10 favourites
Has Oohah left the country? Don’t hear much from him lately.
Bill Oohaa must taking a sabbatical with all the positive results. UTV
Grabban on loan til the end of the season will suit us fine. He scored a decent amount in that dreadful Sunderland team which is promising. A decent squad player to have incase Hogan’s injury problems resurface as we cant heap all the pressure on Davis. Lets get it done Villa.
Cracking signing. Grabban on loan. proven at this level.
Def have enough competition in every position to get promoted.
UTV.
Reported Grabban currently having medical
Here it is Hitch,
As Grabban undergoes a medical and finalises his loan move from Bournemouth, it’s worth taking a look at what Villa will be getting.
Steve Bruce has said he wants an out and out No.9 to compete with Scott Hogan between now and the end of the season. Leonardo Ulloa was his top target and Grabban isn’t exactly a player of similar ilk. However, what Grabban does offer is goals and that’s what Villa crave. The 30-year-old has 12 Championship goals to his name in just 18 starts this season and flourished in a struggling Sunderland side.
He is also capable of playing out wide or as a No.10 and played a key role in Reading’s surge to the Championship play-off final last season.
Put simply, Grabban is a player that will do no harm to Villa’s chances
Thanks Bill; what a great feeling seeing our team winning again. It seems an awful long time since we could say that – even if it is the Championship
Grabban is a decent acquisition to backup Scott hogan and alongside Davis and Hepburn Murphy we have options up front for rest of the season. On a disappointing note I think Hutton has done more than enough for a contract extension. Talk that he will be allowed to leave doesn’t make sense and will do nothing for his morale for remaining games.
Holte – I am (and always have been) a real supporter of Hutton because of his professionalism and his commitment; never ever gave less than 100%.
He’s 33 and coming to the end of his career – time was when clubs rewarded servants of the club with a free transfer to enable them to make the most of their remaining career. So, whilst I understand your view it could equally be the club being fair and honest with Hutton, offering him options and plenty of time to find a new club.
Personally, I wish him well and thank him for his contribution.
Grabban is perfect signing for us. Although I honestly think Davis and Hogan could do the job between them, if one of them gets injured, we would be in trouble.
If Bjarnasson carries on performing the way he has last few games, then you can’t see Jedinak, Whelan or Tuanzebe getting much of a look in. Tuanzebe’s best chance of playing at moment is centre back. Although Hourihane wasn’t at his best he has performed in previous games and I would hope that Lansbury rather than Onomah is his backup.
Why am I being moderated – again!
Is Ooohaah and JV and BS being moderated too?
Sorry, Hitch.
I really don’t know why it happens randomly as it does and trust me, I’ve looked into it!
As for the nay-sayers, they have certainly been very quiet lately.
I’d expect them back as soon as we lose a game, don’t worry 😉
No problems Badger but thanks for the response – appreciated
Blimey Pat never thought of that Oohah being moderated 😲😂, JV he will be on when we lose, B.S., ? Oh happy days.
Very same thought Badger.
It’s not been a bad window. Grabban will be a welcome addition. He can play alongside the main striker Hogan or Davies in much the same position that Kodjia played. Now really like Hogan starting with Davies coming on for the last twenty to bully tired defenses (or the other way around).
Our defence is good and if we have goals coming from Hogan/Davies, Adomah. Grabban and from mid-field with Snodgrass, Hourihane and Grealish then we should be more than okay.
Not sure about Tuanzee but I’m sure that Bruce knows what he wants to do with him.
I agree that the most improved player is Bjarnasson and his constant looking to move the ball forward has been the springboard for a lot of our attacks.
Quietly optimistic.
I made a comment yesterday about Huton , it looked like he was carrying a problem , I couldn’t believe he had been told to go, yet they played him and it was at first showing , I’ve always thought he played his heart out and like him for that. This is what the club told him.
Alan Hutton has been told his contract at Villa Park won’t be renewed and supporters are unsurprisingly split on the decision.
Hutton, 33, has been one of Villa’s most consistent performers under Steve Bruce over the last 15 months but the club has taken the decision to let him leave at the end of the current campaign.
Birmingham Mail polls on whether Villa are right to offload him have shown a divided fanbas
That to me its never right.
Hutton has always given 100%. He isn’t the most gifted player but I have always defended him because of his attitude. I guess age is against him but even so it seems harsh
Hutton was supposedly told 3 weeks ago. If nothing else, he’s been an absolute professional. Can see him getting one last contract with Rangers before he retires.
Sulliman to Grimsby on loan for the rest of the season.
Hutton is the last of my personal bomb squad still playing, once he departs I will buy tickets to watch Villa again. Having said that – Hutton is by far the best in both attitude and performance of the remnants that got us relegated, so I am not surprised there is some sorrow in the camp.
You won’t find many goal scorers available for loan in January – hell they’re difficult to get if your paying! So Grabban is a very shrewd piece of business – since his chances of getting in a side that can beat the Champions 3-0 away seem slim tonight. I will be very happy if he’s lost that Daesh-style face-fungus before his debut. He is not a deadly striker, he fluffs more than he converts, but he does position himself well – both for loose balls and passes.
What have you got against beards?