What is it about the Villa going down to ten men?
That’s the third time in four games I believe and it’s either incredible bad luck or there’s something basically wrong.
I’m tempted to go with the first option myself.
While I don’t think Delph was malicious in the tackle and it looked fairly innocuous when seen live, I believe the ref called it right in giving the red. You just can’t go in like that these days, especially with the slippers that the players wear, which afford little to no protection.
Metatarsals and all that stuff springs to mind, so no complaints from me on that front.
As for the game generally, I don’t know what to think.
It was played between two very average teams and was strewn with errors, poor passing and poor crossing.
The truth is neither of us looked much like scoring and the less said about the first half, the better.
That said, again I’m struggling to really criticise anyone, as none of them played particularly badly.
If I have to pick flies about some of the players, I actually think Lambert got the subs right.
Bacuna was a good replacement for N’Zogbia, who although he was better than of late was not particularly great. The team needed beefing up once we’d gone down to ten men, in my opinion.
Okore replaced Clark and while the latter hadn’t done much wrong, he hadn’t done anything that I noticed either.
And Grealish came on for Cleverley.
Another correct call, as for me Cleverley offers absolutely nothing.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
We really shouldn’t be looking to buy him unless it’s a squad player type price, ie a couple of million quid.
I know I’ve previously said that Grealish needs treating carefully, but the fact is he created more in a few minutes than the rest of the attack did in all of the previous part of the game.
I’m now joining the clamour for him to start, especially against the weaker teams, like Palace.
Benteke had a bit of a torrid time and in fairness Sunderland marshalled him pretty well, although I thought he was harshly done by on at least a couple of occasions.
On the plus side, I thought Vlaar was excellent, one howler apart.
And what about Sanchez?
Yes, he gave the ball away a few times, but he was no worse than anyone else and I really like the player. He has great vision and an eye for a pass into space.
Good enough to possibly move further up the field and maybe be the creative No 10 that we so crave, in my opinion. Not that that’ll happen under Lambert.
All in all, it was a boring game mostly, although it did liven up near the end.
While I said in the preview that only three points would be good enough today, I suppose you can’t knock the fact that we held on for the point.
I still feel that’s two points dropped overall though and we have to beat the teams around us, especially at home, if we’re to stay away from yet another relegation fight.
There is no creativity in this side whatsoever.
Apart from the dabble at playing 5 at the back and 3 defensive midfielders, we have played the same pathetic formation for 3 years under this moron, with the same toothless attack.
He plays 3 defensive/headless chickens in midfield with none of them able to create anything. Weimann is nothing more that a jumped up little fart, Agbonlahor offers nothing and Benteke only scores when he creates something out of nothing for himself.
11 goals in 19 league games is a total disgrace – we manage on average 2 shots on target a game.
Lambert can convince himself of a change of style all he wants – but nothing has changed. Since the ‘change’, we haven’t won in the 4 games.
Whatever, this idiot does fails.
We’ve had young and hungry to cheap foreigners and then experience heads and STILL we are total garbage.
Sadly, the only way he will be gone is when/if a change of ownership happens.
Suppprting Villa is the pits.
Game of two halves again. First half was dreadful. Lambert got the team wrong again, how he justifies starting Nzogbia is beyond me and why we continue with this formation is beyond me. We created nothing again.
Rash challenge by Delph. Unecessary, but even still, a red was harsh. Then once again, we came out of our shells and put in a decent performance. Grealish and Bacuna changed the look of the team and we actually created chances. Surely these two have to start against Palace????
Sanchez was MOTM for me by a mile. He ran the show even when Delph had gone. Cleverley was very average again. It is useful to have him with both Delph and Westwood now out, but we should not buy him. Vlaar ran the back line very well too, i think if he and Okore have a run of games together, they will form a great partnership.
There can be no more excuses against Palace. We must get 3 points. And if Lambert doesnt at least start Grealish,he should be fired on the spot.
When you want away, but the manager says he does not want to sell you, one of the best ways to change his mind is to get sent off at home just before the transfer window opens. With apologies to Hitchens who does not like stats, Delph will surely take a club record away with him. Nobody in the club history has played as many games as he has and got a lower points gained record.
What was Benteke dreaming about when Grealish got to the goal-line and pulled the ball back to the 6 yard line in the middle of goal? Benteke was still on the edge of the area.
Grealish surely has to start but Vlaar had better pass the word round that if the lad takes corners – attack the near post. However there is still a doubt about Grealish, we saw his legs in close up after one tackle and he definitely wore no shin pads and no tape. The referees’ instructions I got at the beginning of this season cover all levels of football and state players are not allowed to play without shin-guards – there isn’t an exception for the Premier league. Does anybody know how he gets away with it?
He wears tiny shin-guards. I think they were his brother’s. He does wear them though, otherwise they wouldn’t let him on. You’re right though, he has to start. He should have been starting a long time ago.
Thanks Benno – I will go to Specsavers tomorrow for a stronger pair.
No apology required OLL. It’s not that I don’t like stats, I don’t like the way some posters pick and choose when and how they use them; normally to criticise a Villa performance rather than trying to determine a wider view (as you so rightly pointed out).
Anyway on to today’s game; boring, boring, boring between two decidedly average teams. The first half was a travesty and probably contravened any number of EU regulations regarding accurate product advertising. The second half was marginally better but not by much!
The positives; Sanchez was IMHO outstanding and the best and most accomplished player on the Park MOTM and as I’ve said before we have bought one hell of a player – can we keep him? I thought the defence played well as a unit and Okore was unlucky not to start. I do think we missed Gabby; Weimann is not good enough.
Finally, we seem incapable of getting anyone to run towards the near post for crosses – basic failure in coaching?
Lambert must lose sleep trying to find a way of not scoring goals , the team have no idea on how they should play, backwards, sideways, then backwards, pass the ball and lose it to the opposition, in that game the only shining light was Grealish we started to get forward and he had them worried that a change was made by bringing on a right sided wing back. Erm I did say start of season Delph would end up getting red cards, was it one? I think so I sit under the camera middle of park it look like it to me, I’ll wage that MOTD Villa game last on tonight was shockingly bad, the commentator looked like a female she was bored stiff.
Benteke was hustled out today by having 3 players marking him, for me this is were having Gabby would have paid off because Sunderland would have had to change the man marking.
Nzzzzzzobbbbbbia was just that………sleeping and if he had have been tracking back like he should Delph would not have needed to make the rash challenge.
Vlaar may have played well today but he does not deserve to be number one on the pitch before Carke & Okore, and if Grelish & Bacuna do not start on Thursday, the whole of the ground should call for Laberts head.
We were useless in the first half we may have high % of possession but no creativity what so ever.
One more mention Guzan needs to start commanding his box and not relying on the two centre halves to do it for him, two occasions today he let Vlarr & Clarke pick up the scraps when they were his call.
Please Lambert, please sign an attacking player in January. When looking for gifted attacking players, already having Grealish is a start. I would say that with Delph suspended maybe he’d be in line for a start but Richardson is back for Palace.. Just please give him more game time.
As for the window, I can’t help but think Vlaar will actually stay and sign a new contract. As for Delph.. He’s already gone, in my opinion. I’m probably totally wrong though. What we need is a number 10, we know that.. Getting it is another question.
Is Westwood back next game? Wasn’t he originally ruled out until the new year? I hope he’s back, midfield looks better with him..
Why Lamberk wouldn’t know what to do with an attacker he is completely useless. One shit result after another for 3 years yet he is still here. Iv had enough I said at the start of season i will never set foot in VP until he has hone and so glad I followed it through. A friend of mine a lifelong ST holder text me today at half time to say how bored she was and wanted to go home shes had enough. Says it all.
“She” Didnt you say not long ago there’s no place in footy for women??
Therefore, I’ll discard the above comment 😉
Gareth, I’m somewhat minded to agree with your attitude, but come on mate, you have to look for some positives.
Most of us know Lambert isn’t the solution, but it is what it is.
Benno, Grealish should start, but for whatever reason, probably won’t.
VTID, NZog was OKish for me. We have no one with enough quality to go forward and track back the way the best do, imo.
As for Vlaar, if he’s playing well (and he is) he starts, regardless of the transfer situation.
And he’s the Captain, after all.
Guzan has looked a bit dodgy lately, but let’s not not be too harsh. He’s saved us plenty of times this season.
OLL, the lack of Grealish’s shin pads?
Who cares?
As for Delph, we’ll miss him when he’s gone, imo.
Oh, that Liverpool link that says they’re in for Delph and Vlaar is total bollocks, while I’m at it.
All imo.
I am actually appalled that Okore was dropped. Why? Our disloyal captain just walks straight back in. You say Vlaar has played well but so has Okore. The Okore/Clarke partnership is the only decent pairing we’ve had under Lameduck so he drops him pathetic.The game was boring boring boring and we have only scored 11 goals in 18 games ffs. Burnley have scored 14 it’s outragious Lamberk and Lerner should be forced out by the fans like we did with Mcleish. Lamberk is the worst manager iv ever seen at VP.
Okore may have been rested, it was his longest run of premier league games and he was a bit exposed against Swansea. Vlaar is our captain and while Okore is a beast when he plays we do have to keep our options open. Vlaar was great today and Clark I have to say has actually been better than Okore. Hasn’t put a foot wrong scored a goal and he kept up with the strong performances today. Hope he isn’t injured.
“Disloyal” …. Love how you have this knack of making shit up!!!
Did “he” come out and say he wants to leave? (agents don’t count)
Can you pleeeeeease cut the crap, you’re worse than Lambert at this bullshitting lark
disloyal because he is the captain and therefore should not cause disruption in the squad if the guy could be taken seriously he would give up the armband but instead wants to sit and play the waiting game for the highest bidder same with delph in my opinion if you cant commit to the team at best your on the bench we don’t need treason
You’re going well overboard over this. He’s not causing disruption, the only disruption is from as per usual, the media over him. He’s not claiming he’s leaving, hell I remember reading a fair few comments from Vlaar claiming he wants to stay.
were these the same comments that if villa get relegated he was off hes the worst captain we have had i know its a short career but i cant earn five million in my whole working life never mind two years you say hes not causing disruption what does okore think “hang on ive been dropped for someone whose head has been turned by the big money of united”who probably are not interested anyway
I agree with Oohah,
Why should a player play as hard as he can if he is going to get dropped regardless of the situation? My opinion is that Clarke and Okore had a good system that needs to continue to be built and since Vlaar is on his way out. Let him warm the bench like the rest have had to. I’m inclinded to agree with everybody else on this matter as well beause as the captain, he owes it to the club to come out right and say whether he is leaving or staying come the transfer window.
Pass the band on, warm the bench and let the next lot get involved.
We played well today we just need a playmaker in midfield.I think we should cash in on Delph as I just don’t rate him at all.Im not saying that because of the red because from what I saw of it from the lower Holte it was a yellow but then again his studs went up his shin.Sell Delph and buy a more creative midfielder to mix it up a bit.We saw a lot of the ball and passed it around well but we need to go more forward in our passing.We battled hard,defended well as a clean sheet proves.All the defenders did well and Sanchez completely bossed the midfield.I think we were unfortunate not to Nick it in the end with young Grealish foxing Sunderlands defenders.Unlucky not to win…..We were in good voice today my friends loud and proud and the boys on the pitch thought so too.Villa family from all departments I thouroughly enjoyed myself today utv
Christ, if thats what you call enjoyment then you really do lead a sad life.
I was with my son we were on a father n son day out.We had a sing song watched the football the club we both love and enjoyed each other’s company.I love going down the villa.Ive been going since the late seventies with my grandad,dad and his brothers.The villa has given me fond memories throughout my life some golden some not so golden but always a good day out…..utv
Love this . Heart warming 🙂
Agreed Mike. That’s what it’s about.
Fair play Jay Dee.
Exactly what it should be about Jay Dee, through ups and downs the Villas an institution and I’m happy to be institutionalised! Too average teams cancelled each other out but I honestly believe we’re on the right track. The football has improved, we’re solid at the back and when everyone’s available we have a very strong spine to the team. Lambert clearly knows we need a playmaker hence bringing in Cole and the bid for Canales – IMO if we can bring in a Merson type we’ll be more than comfortable, however, the next step will require a lot of funding.
Couldn’t agree more. Treated by my daughter to a ticket so went with two of my kids and five of my grandkids and had a smashing day even though I thought the football very disappointing (from both sides) 🙂
I agree with you JayDee. Cash in on Delph and by a more creative player, or two is we possibly can stretch a potential 15 million that far. We need choice and competition (competition that actually pays off and gets you played).
Sounds like you had a good day, nice to hear the next generation of fans are enjoying themselves, even though it is on bad terms.
i think the only way sanchez will get that attacking role is when delph pisses off and westy takes on the anchor position which should give us a bit more balance with everyone knowing what to do
Delph is over rated and I will be glad when he’s gone and we buy a more creative fellow to replace him utv
Agree I dont get why some fans think Delph is any good. He reminds me of Nigel Reo Joker. If we get a decent offer for him and Vlasr Shoukd snap their hands off they are no loss whatsoever. Also Lets pray we don’t waste any money on Cleverley he is no better than what we’ve got and no way is he a £7.5m player. For £2-3m maybe worth a punt and gave him as a squad player but definitely worth no more than that.
Interesting one that, Billy’s, because I believe Sanchez does the anchor role miles better than Westwood.
Which leaves the defensive minded Lambert with a problem.
He’ll never move Sanchez forward; no way.
Only an experimental manager, who could explain why he’s trying things would do that.
And Lambert simply isn’t that.
It’s why he has to go, for me, as given the poor quality we’ve got, we should be trying things, especially when you have the likes of Grealish to try.
The club is far too big for him and he’ll never hack it, as he has no imagination.
He has his favourite players and will stick with them, even though we can plainly see they’re playing poorly, as he’s been worn down by the job, imo.
Of course Sanchez does. it befuddles me when people claim Westwood should be the deepest player. He’s not a defensive player, he’s a deep-lying play-maker. Much in the style of say, Pirlo is. No I’m not claiming they’re even close to the same ability (before some of the negheads claim I am), but he’s not a defensive midfielder, never has been, never will be. Sanchez is, which is why those two would work well in a 2 man midfield.
if you look back delph has cost us more goals than he has created, and in my opinion was the main reason our left backs were under so much pressure. i know from when i used to play at full back if i had someone like delph in front of me that i was going to be left exposed at some time in the game, he goes missing at the least excuse and the opposing team knows this. also i think its time we had a proper coach who can teach them how to tackle every ref will now be waiting and watching for his moment of glory
Shit game overall, had its positives and negatives. I’d cash in on Delph n Cnz and wait on Cleverly, we got him until season end anyway. (Defo not worth the rumoured £7m) Perhaps even Richardson should go, all to make way for a ACM.
Cant see anybody else leaving in Jan.
Sanchez is becoming the talented player we heard/saw he was and Grealish is lively v a side like Sunderland when constantly allowed 1v1 situations. Him coming on and driving forward allowed Cissokho sit back, which is a good thing!!!
Please Mr Lerner, sign somebody who can create and cross a ball.
We’d need at least 1 CM if Delph goes. And Richardson too I guess, seeing as we’ll never change from the garbage 4-3-3 or 5-4-1 formations. Gotta have the numbers desperately.
If you are looking for a positive negative 🙂 then we have the best defensive record outside the top four (plus Swansea who have played a game less). So PL has solved our defensive problems, pretty much got rid of ‘hoof all’ but now we can’t score to save our lives!
Agree we should sell Delph, NZog and Richardson to fund an attacking CM and winger (do they still exist?). Keep Cleverley ’till the summer on loan and we have enough DM’s with Westy and Sanchez; Clarke (who was excellent Saturday) could also play in this role.
‘Hoof ball’ but I suppose ‘hoof all’ covers it 🙂
Because we now have 9 at the back.
That ‘s an enlightening observation?
Does anyone know when Westwood is back?
Sell Westwood,Weimann,Delph,Lazy Nzogbia and bring in some proper players…utv
Not sure how selling our best midfielder in Westwood is going to solve… Anything.
January I would like 2 creative midfielders to play infront of King Carlos and 2 wingers to provide Benteke utv
Not exactly how football works… You need balance. Can’t have Sanchez doing the work most teams have two midfielder’s doing.
jaydee
that was cruel day out with son take him to villa what an awful thing to do joke
but in realty whose son or daughter will want to support our great club have 3 myself none support villa dont blame them and longer lambert is here lerner has no chance of selling who would want to get involved with a club with the way its run into ground must be one of lowest villa gates over xmas for long time
Hitchen 60, that maybe so on saying solved defense issues but sod this side to side, and back to defense then pass and not find the man, not any of our players can measure a pass ,a corner, or open the door in passing, all in all not good enough in my book ,the middle to the forwards are shite footballer’s and a clear out is required. You was there yesterday I think you said? The highlight of the day was seeing passed players scoring goals on the screen, the club must be fed up and tried to please the crowd
Hi Bill, Best wishes for 2015. My comment about our defensive record was meant slightly toungue in cheek but I do remember all the moaning on here a couple of years ago about our naive defending and how awful Vlaar and Clarke were. I’m not defending PL just saying there are areas of our game and players that have improved although the end result has not. Yes, I was there yesterday with my kids and grand kids all Villa fans – even my 4 year old grand daughter was shouting for the Villa – lovely day but disappointed for them that we didn’t win (not sure they really cared about ‘the performance’ or stats 🙂 )
I do have some respect for PL (cue for lots of abuse!) but it’s becoming increasingly frustrating that he seems unable to put all the pieces together at the same time.
Surely Bacuna is in line for a bigger role next game, didn’t he score 6 or 7 goals last year? That’s exactly what we need right now.
John Gregory going in for heart surgery. Good luck fella! Maybe you can ask the docs to take a picture to show Lambert as he hasn’t a fucking clue what ‘heart’ is.
Bum Bum, agree with the sentiment – all the best to John Gregory, hope he makes a full recovery. Not sure you needed to add the rider though.
We should sign will Hughes from derby he may be the answer
So it seems we’re looking at Lasse Vigen Christensen to replace Delph. 5 goals, 5 assists in the Championship at Fulham, though he’s 20 so he wouldn’t play for the next 3 years. Interesting that he’s mainly played on the right just ahead of the DM of a 4-1-3-2 formation. Though reports claim they want 5m for him as they view him as an important player and has a contract till 2017.