I know some of you don’t like the posts coming thick and fast, but the recent good run and increased positivity has seen a rise in submitted posts. Given that we like as many views as possible, I’m happy to continue the optimism by posting this submission from MR_CHEESE. And at least it’s better than us having nothing to say. Cheers Mr C;
The 12th Man
There is no need to rehash how many games we have played and the points we have taken from them, we’ve seen it on every media outlet. We know the standings and we are more than happy with them, but can we keep it up?
I am very excited for the Arsenal game, everything about it seems to ooze excitement. I am not deluded enough to think that we are unbeatable, but I am confident in the way our team has presented itself in commitment and passion. We are seeing something that has been missing from the previous dark years, a defence. And now not only do we have it, we also have some sort of selection and competition for those lacking roles! Are the younger players really coming of age (Baker?) or was it a fluke?.
In addition to the defence, we have also bulked out the midfield considerably with the ability to offer players that can change the style of the game. Our forwards have played as admirably as ever, with 2 goals coming from both Wiemann and Gabby; they are both showing their commitment and passion to the badge and now we are being handed another boost with the Belgian returning to training and potentially contending during our back to back fixtures from FIFA hell.
It all seems to be going right, so what else can we do?
I firmly believe that in order for us to win the game tomorrow, the fans have to become the 12th man and play their part like the team have been for the past 4 games. It is clinical that from the get go, the fans are intimidating and unforgiving towards Arsenal; they need to know that we are not hosting a game for them to take 3 points. The stadium needs to be rocked and shattered like the thrilling 6:4 Carling Cup Semi Final against Blackburn in 2010. It almost feels like there could be a pitch invasion, just for winning another game. Our defence are on form, the team is solid and the management duo are making waves. It now comes down to the fans.
I’d like to see the same team as last week (Provided Ron Vlaar is still out) with one change being Richardson for Sanchez.
MR_CHEESE
Comments
51 responses to “The 12th Man”
Sanchez needs to come off. This is just not his game whatsoever. We really miss Westwood. The one player who can keep possession and make the small passes. Don’t have anyone like that right now.
Why why why does everything in the box fall to calamity Clarke?!!!!?
Surprised the fans are tame… Villa have showed no passion whatsoever this 2nd half. No running, no pressing, nothing. No “lets go for a comeback” at all. Thought this was what Keane was brought in for?
We have found our level like iv been saying we’ve overachieved first 4 games we simply arnt good enough. Pande why o why did we reward lamberk with a contract extension with just 4 games appalling. The club is a fuckin joke lamberk out
Oh I’ll continue to agree with Lambert out and it’s pitiful he got the extension.
I do think the illness (see Weimann having to go off due to what seems to be like it) and I’d suspect a few of the players on the pitch aren’t feeling great either.
I don’t think we overachieved, we simply met teams we can beat. I didn’t think Arsenal would be great, and honestly bar 3 minutes they weren’t and were open for the taking (plus Chambers should’ve seen a 2nd yellow but that’s not the point). I just don’t get why he can’t change a single thing. Richardson has been ineffective for just about every game, bar a bit of hard work. Why no Cole? Why can’t Bacuna start in midfield or on the wing? He starts the same players and makes the same subs. It’s not always going to work.
Fans are a disgrace look at Newcastle massive protests to get rid of pardew where we just sit there and fuckin accept it. The club is shit shit and shit and I’m sick of us being humiliated at home. So glad I didn’t buy ST
Pretty sure they’re glad you didn’t too. 1 loss in 4 games and ur calling fans a disgrace….look in the mirror matey!!! Perhaps we should get OGS, wasn’t he one of your choices last season?? Deluded!!!
Too be fair he was my choice too, but good god was he a failure at Cardiff. Even in the Championship, he was terrible and the fact I don’t think he kept the same back four once, despite being able too, shows how much he needs to grow.
On my post that ‘disappeared’ I did comment that losing Baker and Westwood to a sickness bug just before kick off must have impacted today – also Bent sent home with same problem. Two thinks we’ve learned – Sanchez has a massive learning curve ahead of him and Westwood is a key member of the midfield.and the team. Mush better player than he’s often given credit for.
Disappeared or deleted??
Don’t bring that up again.
It wasn’t deleted.
But another one of Hitchens posts was found in the spam.
I don’t know what’s happened, but contrary to common belief, we rarely delete anything.
*things we’ve learned
Bill you at the Nuneaton game now 🙂
Things I’ve learned:
Clark will be made a scapegoat.
Sanchez does need to learn a lot about the Prem.
Westwood is our most key player in midfield.
We still massively need a winger.
I don’t see the point in Richardson.
Cissokho’s crossing is horrid.
Normal service has been resumed.
“Normal service resumed”, too right. The same people who were lauding the fact Lamberk was given a new contract are now having a go again.
Idiots.
Second half report. Since the title of this blog is the 12th man I’ll start with the crowd. Trevor Francis commentating said he was surprised the crowd allowed the Villa to play the second half as if they were 3-0 up. The crowd certainly did not barrack this woeful display.
A clue from the commentary spoke of the “Villa Virus” affecting Westwood – and a few others not looking great. Boy I hope that is right because an illness it is only temporary. They all looked listless, the Arsenal keeper did not have save to make in the second half and Richardson appeared on camera after 32 mins as he was substituted, not having been in possession of the ball since the restart.
Forget this one – see what happens next week.
I did not see him on TV but the Yankee blog on this site says Randy Lerner was at the game for the first time in 2 years (I think that is wrong). Still he could have a second career as a Witch Doctor if he can instantly reduce a competent side to a shambles just by showing his face.