The threat of relegation has been a constant theme around Villa Park since Martin O’Neil had left to club in 2010. However, under the leadership of Tim Sherwood, it’s believed that this maybe our last relegation battle, at least under Sherwood.
‘I am allowed to sign whoever I want in the summer as long as I can justify it, but I believe even if we didn’t make a signing we wouldn’t be in this position again,’ – Sherwood
I actually believe Sherwood, Aston Villa have become a completely transformed side from February and many experts are already tipping Villa to be come the surprise package of 2015-16 season and being more than capable of challenging for a position in the top half of the table. The tactics that Sherwood has employed is a contributing factor to this success. The midfielders know their job well, Delph and Cleverly are given the freedom to move around the pitch with either Sanchez or Westwood protecting the defence. It has worked. As too, our attacking play. All our forwards look decent, and movement is creating space for our midfielders. Why couldn’t Lambert see that!
Another factor is the individual contribution, a handful of players have been transformed under Sherwood and many who were young up-and-coming talents under Lambert are now reaching the full potential. And improvement across the pitch is recognised. Clark, Bacuna and Richardson have improved under Sherwood, so much that Clark has been linked with a move to Manchester United. In midfield, Tom Cleverly is playing some of his best football and Delph is arguably the best midfielder in the League! In attack, Benteke has been a revelation, he can’t stop scoring, and he’s also contributing to the team, on average Benteke has made 2 key passes per game under Sherwood.
Challenging for the Europa League spots next season is a realistic target, what could challenge that claim will be interest from Europe’s elite clubs. Between our two best players, Benteke and Delph I reckon Aston Villa could net more than £50 million. I’d rather keep Benteke and Delph for at least one more season though. I really want to see what Sherwood can do with Aston Villa in a full season in the Premier League. What can Sherwood do if he is able to keep our best players and add to the side. Surely Villa have the capability of having one of the strongest sides in the Premier League.
I had a very vivid dream we bear West Ham 3-0 last night? Hope it’s an omen!
I don’t think you’re wrong Giddy when you consider Tekkers averages a goal every other game and Bale (€100m) averaged about 1in 3 at the spuds, different type of players admittedly but using the Bale fee as a yard stick £30m does seem derisory.
Arsenal need Benteke more than anyone else.
Man U might be interested but I see him staying in England, and a move to Arsenal is most likely in my opinion.
Especially if he hopefully has a barnstormer in the final.
I don’t have any relegation worries now. Six teams won’t leapfrog us in the last three games. Win Saturday and we’re safe and can rest players against Burnley.
Benteke has been a great servant but is in a position to move no now, be fantastic to get him on another four year contract but part of me feels he deserves a chance for a shot at the title. He has battled back from horrendous injuries and still found his form.
He’s been fantastic for Villa, I hope he goes out in a blaze of glory, and wish him well wherever he goes.
Arsenal is his dream move he said that when he signed for us on day 1. Having said that a lot of arsenal fans I know don’t really want him they don’t think he has got the nouse to play for them and has a poor first touch. Their game is fast paced one touch football the ball won’t be lobbed up and crossed in for him arsenal rarely cross a ball and play thru the defence plus they take short corners.
Have you watched them as of late, how do you think Giroud scores? Giroud’s not this small, quick paced striker who’s making runs into the box like Aguero does, Giroud’s similar to Benteke’s size, uses strength and is great in the air. They often cross the ball into the box, this isn’t 2008 anymore. Arsenal aren’t that team, yes they can play fluid football with the best of them when on their game, but that’s a rare case.
Difference is giroud gas that bit more class about him IMO and arsenal fans would only want benteke to maybe replace well beck on bench
Disagree, in fact Arsenal fans disliked Giroud for half the season until he started showing up. Giroud’s not prolific by any means and Benteke would score twice as many at Arsenal.
Arsenal DONT need Benteke whilst they have Giroud. I believe that they are one of the highest scorers in the PL. Their priorities are elsewhere IMO. Arsenal would need to completely change their style to accommodate Benteke.
Their fans would disagree, they seem to think they need a world class striker still.
They have one in giroud benteke is not world class and never will be he will be a top prem striker no doubt about but world class no chance. He dosnt even understand offside rule ffs and not prolific enough over a whole season
My thoughts exactly.
I’m meeting up with a couple of Gooners at the final.
They really don’t rate Giroud AT ALL. Could you imagine Benteke at his best in a team that attacks and gives him half a dozen good chances a game ?
I hope he stays here but wouldn’t begrudge him a move.
I would begrudge him a move if a player didn’t want to play for us then I hope they fail miserably elsewhere. Barry is the exception as he gave us his best years and gave us every chance to finish 4th.
I don’t wish to appear contrary to your every opinion Oohah, but I have to disagree.
Barry went to the NOTW bleating about how he has to have a move to Liverpool, and Villa aren’t being fair not letting him go, shameful behaviour, worst since Yorkie strolled about the pitch at Goodison.
They dont rate Giroud…..for lords sake, are you serious. I would swap him for Benteke anytime. He has the class that Benteke will never have. Benteke certainly does not the football brain to play the Arsenal way and Wenger will never change his way of playing to accommodate him. He would have change the way Arsenal play completely and he’s not likely to day that anytime soon.
He’s not wrong though, up until about March a lot of Arsenal fans I know didn’t like Giroud, they’re growing on him but he’s not world class and that’s what they need. Benteke isn’t either but he he’s still has time on his side at 24. Plus Wenger can smarten him up, he is known as the Professor afterall.
Tony piss head Adams taking us over ffs http://news.sky.com/story/1479493/ex-arsenal-captain-adams-eyes-villa-takeover