After the Liverpool game I’m finding it difficult to have much confidence in the lads.
It’s totally unfair of me really, because we have had very decent results against Utd and Brighton, but it’s just really easy to see how poor a side we are when compared to the top sides.
I watched all the games yesterday and there’s a gulf in quality between those at the top of the table and the rest.
Arsenal’s third goal in particular stuck in my mind. It wasn’t anything special, but it was noticeable to me that they had something we never seem to have, which is players racing into the box for a rebound.
It led me to asking myself why we never seem to do that and I think the answer is that we can’t go gung ho, because we have to be so careful at the back.
That and we don’t have the same pace or energy either.
Or quite frankly, the quality, which is the same conclusion I came to the other night.
So going back to the first line, I’m not expecting much from today’s game, purely because of that seeming lack of energy and desire. I’m actually wondering if the new manager bounce is over already.
Squad news then and the big one is that Emi Martinez is available and will surely be back between the sticks.
Diego Carlos and Jacob Ramsey, who I thought might be ready by now, are both out.
Tottenham have Cristian Romero available, but Rodrigo Bentancur has a calf problem, so is out, while forwards Richarlison and Lucas Moura are both longer term injuries which is just as well with our defence, although they do still of course have Kane and Son.
I’m pretty downbest then, but am going to put my positive head on and say we can get a point. It’s more blind hope really, but I’m going for 1-1, mainly because Spurs don’t strike me as anything special.
Emery has indicated that there will be movement in and out of the squad in this window and while I don’t expect much in the way of players coming in, our current squad seems stale and could really do with a shot in the arm. A striker with some athleticism and decent finishing would do as a starter, but a quality central defender wouldn’t be bad either, although I’ve read that a new left back is being targeted. That’d be a good move, because he’s just another who I don’t particularly rate, because he’s just so average.
Players should bear in mind that they’re playing for their Villa futures, because I’ve no doubt Emery would like to have a good clearout, as much as he says key players won’t be leaving.
1-1 it is then.
Great result.
Good performance (although I was surprised by just how ‘average’ Spuds are, for a so-called ‘elite’ team).
Emery clearly knows exactly what he’s doing with the players available to him already.
But I STILL hate the constant back-and sideways- passing between the back 4 and the goalkeeper. There were a great many opportunities to pass forward where Kamara, Luiz and Buendia were in space waiting to make a break, only for the ball to go backwards yet again.
Mate I think you’re have to get used to it under Unai, that’s the way he does things.
Personally if he keeps getting these results then bring on the half hour borefest.
😁
And in all honesty Ardent, I think we made them look average.
That’s the part that I still haven’t quite worked-out in my own mind. Yes, I thought we did some things really well (as in the L’pool game-), but Spurs looked like a team below us in the table.
Were we really that good?
That well organised and drilled. It’s the taking the chances bit (see Liverpool).
I think we have a master tactician at the helm mate.
Clinical finisher up top and we’ll be force to be reckoned with.
Welcome new year to all villa fans and all on this forum
That’s how you win a chess game
Must admit I thought we’d lose especially with olden in goal
I think emery wants emi to be better with his distribution and I can see him selling emi to bring money in for better players in attack
Well drilled team today kamara and Louis are dovetailing brilliant and Watkins although not scoring is working hard for the team happy new year everybody
I don’t want to watch chess.
I want to see full-bodied, full-fat attacking football, with optional blood where required!!
(Happy New Year..)
Badger 123 WARRIOR Here Badger just read your pre-match comments and before the match, I couldn’t agree more I have just read your words after the game and my question is Where did that performance come from they picked up from the rebound and we’re gun how in the box and all over the pitch long may it continue we didn’t move up the table but looking at our next fixtures surely we should we’ll come on the VILLA WARRIOR VTID. UTV
I’m gonna sleep in till 10 and miss more games if this is the type of result we manage to spring! Can’t wait to watch the replay.
You might want to skip the first half Tex.
Although as part of a chess match, maybe not.
Simple request to Emery & Villa: make 2023 the year we win the FA Cup!
I don’t see it Ardent. I think he’ll throw it to concentrate on the league.
I hope not. Play to win etc.
Shortest way left for us to reach Europe – which presumably the owners would take even if it meant finishing 9th or 10th?