Well, we didn’t totally embarrass ourselves, but that was frankly rubbish wasn’t it?
The first half, I couldn’t understand what we were trying to do, as it seemed we were trying to play for a draw, which wouldn’t have suited us at all.
I think both sides created one chance each, which says it all, as we parked the bus and it made for incredibly tedious watching.
It seems both managers thought the same and the second half was totally different and the pace was immediately stepped up, meaning we had much more of what I was expecting in a cup tie.
The trouble is, as soon as the pace moved up a gear, so our deficiencies showed and Spurs were always more likely to score.
You don’t need me to tell you we lack creativity and I’m afraid Grealish, who should be having the same sort of laugh he has on his nights out at this level, doesn’t do enough for me. Perhaps I’m being unfair there, but we know he has more skill in his little finger than most Championship players. We just too rarely see it in my opinion.
I’m being critical, but you really have to remember that Spurs made nine changes for this game. Yes, Nine.
This was basically their second string and I’m afraid I find that very worrying, as they were easily the better side overall.
That said, there were plus points.
Tshibola worked hard and surely demonstrated that he’s way better than Westwood or Gardner as it stands.
And Johnstone looks way better in goal than any other option we have.
I immediately felt he positions himself better, not that I’m any expert when it comes to goal-keeping.
Once Spurs got the inevitable goal, Bruce bought Green and Davies on, which seems to demonstrate that he’s willing to look at the kids and that’s surely a good thing.
But the reality is the opposition were mostly at the same level, so it’s not a real test.
Baker seemed to twist his back or something, which is a concern, as we can’t afford to have him out.
I don’t know, perhaps you’ll think I’m being far too negative in my assessment.
But I can’t get away from their nine changes, where we played our strongest side.
Any incoming players can’t arrive fast enough, I’d say.
Aston Villa have bid accepted for Championship ace: Medical now expected
ASTON VILLA’S £3million offer for Henri Lansbury has been accepted by Nottingham Forest.
You can’t level what Fox did at Xia!
Did you think Elphick or RM were bad buys when we bought them?
If you did, you’re in a very small minority, I’d say.
Look, at the end of the day, we’ve all got 20-20 hindsight; you better than most.
The simple fact is, it seems the fall has been arrested.
I’m sure we’re all agreed we aren’t turning it around as quick as we’d like, but that’s how it is.
How many were predicting that if we didn’t improve, we had every chance of going straight down again?
As for the footy, I couldn’t care less in this league. Getting results is the priority and us just being here is only going to lose us fans.
We have to be pragmatic and concentrate on getting up asap.
At least we seem to be agreed on that point 🙂
With that, I’m off for a while, as I have other stuff to do.
I’ll probably look in later.
Bill, ta for letting us know.
I always knew it was in the bag, myself.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Bruce said do the deal or I’ll pull it.
He’ll play against the Wolves, I’d bet.
Lansbury should be a decent buy – but then same applied to Elphick and RM…
Anyway, glad he’s coming in; we need a bit of creativity as well as steel in midfield.
Should be, agreed.
He adds both.
Regardless, I’d suggest at that money the odds are in our favour.
Seems Forest fans think he’s marmite.
Great news but I feel sorry for JV – his castle is beginning to crumble 🙂
I’m sure JV has our interests at heart Hitch.
It’s just that we have different ways of looking at things.
badger
on summer signings hadn t heard of most of them,first time heard elphik was when he had signed he has been fantastic not, on ross when play 6 defenders not much point playing ross
and gabby still playing
i also never put fox and doc on same level,but who gave 4 year deal to gary gardner
After the last 5 years I can’t blame any Villa fan for being completely cynical; however, so far Xia & Co appear to have been mostly true to their words – albeit with the occasional ‘gaffe’ – although I put that down to the Doc being as much a ‘fan’ as a new owner.
[Oh, and as far as I know, he hasn’t done anything stupid like having himself tattoed with the club badge yet…]
HItchens, i’m surprised you are able to read any of JV’s posts from up there on your high horse mate.
I think you need to lay off the rum, i seem to remember you taking umbrage at comments directed at you a while back, now you seem to be doing the same to to others, the equivalent of the bullied becoming the bully.
Let’s move on to the Lansbury thing, eh?
Fwiw, I’m not seeing any bullying; just differences of opinion about how we achieve the same objective.
I’m confident both are holding their own povs and posting them with respect for each other 🙂
It will be interesting to see if JV thinks this is a decent signing or not, though.
Guest there is a big difference between personal insults and a bit of banter. I try hard not to call people names but disagreeing with someone’s posts is perfectly legitimate. My comment was meant humourously hence the smiley – or did you miss that?
If JV wants to take a completely negative and critical stance about everything then any poster is entitled to respond. For the record I think JV makes some valid points and am on the record for saying so and tbf he’s dropped a lot of the unnecessary invective.
In the meantime I’ll hold on tight 🙂
Hitch, you get a 10 from Bill.