This was yet another strange game.
We walked the first half and looked totally in control, even though Sheffield took the early lead.
I remained totally confident, until the home side seemed to get their act together and were all over us.
I thought Whelan was not at all suited to the way we were playing and Green seemed ineffective. Until he put that cross in for McGinn’s very nice take.
Which shows what I know.
So 1-1 at half time and I thought we were well worth that and should have led, even though we never had many shots on target.
The second half and Sheffield looked a different side and much more threatening.
It seemed we were struggling to contain the onslaught and I was blaming Whelan at the time, as he did very little right today.
Taylor still looks lightweight to me, even though he made a great tackle at one stage. He just always looks out of position to me.
So while we were being battered as the game went on, injuries were ocurring throughout.
Which had me thinking that given the really fast early pace of the game, it has to be down to fitness.
I thought both sides looked tired as the game went on, but obviously we had the edge, which sounds about right if supposedly Bruce doesn’t put the emphasis on fitness.
Given the balance of the game, I’d have called it a draw, but the fact that we got two goals in the last few minutes, tells me we either are much more fitter, or possibly just have the winning mentality.
I strongly suspect it’s the mentality.
But it’s combined with the fitness.
That, plus the fact that we have very good back-up in reserve.
Which is exactly where Steve Bruce should have positioned us,
regardless of what he says about our financial position at the time.
I’m wondering how he ultimately managed to make such a mess of his time at the Villa.
If we win this one then I’ll believe that they can do anything
COYL
Great save by Steer – this isn’t won yet
Are we actually on top of the game hitchens60, What’s deano done after the sending off shape wise?
Kodjia up top with Abraham who pulls into wide positions when we don’t have the ball, jack Hourihane McGinn and back 4
Not on top but definitely causing Rotherham problems.
Jedi on for Adomah after Mings sent off and Kodjia on for El Ghazi so playing a lot narrower and relying on Taylor / Elmo playing as wing backs. Hourihane playing a little more forward.
Both Jedi and Kodjia making a difference. Kodjia causing all sorts of problems in the penalty area. Abraham anonymous.
Cheers lads! Hopefully we can see this one through..
Agree with BFR – this referee is pants
Correction – with Tekkers not BFR
F**cking get in the villa boys! That there is a big big result! Destiny lads, it’s gotta be our year! How have we pulled that one out the bag. Absolutely buzzing!!! Coyl
Weird, whilst on this site tonight we were crap. Stayed off and Villa pulled it together. Super John McGinn is fast becoming a legend. What a player, reminds me of James Milner with his never say die attitude.
Sid – McGinn was immense second half but Kodjia was back to his best and deserves a start Saturday.
Get fucking in there. Thats a big big result.
What a f***ing win but at what cost?
Rather than an easy night when we rest our stars, it’s been a long hard grind with10 men. No Mings on Saturday and Bristol having a day extra to rest.
But, for now, brilliant team effort. Every single player second half were magnificent in what they did for the cause. Proud Villan
UTV
New Post up.
Fat lady’s singing, chaps! What did I tell ya? 😉
Had a feeling because the team has shown so much resilience this season. Would defo take a draw on Saturday now!
Sounds like a scruffy win but it shows we’ve got guts, something that was sadly lacking pre-Smith days.
Four more wins and we’re in the play-offs. Start believing.
COYL