Judging by the crowd, which was around 23,500 minus 6,000 Citeh fans, it seems that my appreciation of the FA cup isn’t shared amongst the Villa fans in general.
It’s totally understandable that many didn’t bother to turn out though, as there have been a lot of games to pay for over the last few weeks and the over-riding feeling was always that we didn’t have much of a chance in the game.
I didn’t expect us to lose 4-0 though and welcome to what you’re going to see on a regular basis Mr Lerner; massively reduced crowds and the loss of merchandise sales that will go with it. I suppose Fox might actually start to be concerned about that latter point.
Never has the saying “you reap what you sow” been more apt, to my mind.
As for the game, I took part in a genuinely terrifying 6 mile Goan kamkikaze taxi run to try and see it.
We got to the biggest sports bar in the area, only to find that the game wasn’t being shown anywhere and we had to settle for the Arsenal game.
Which gave me the right hump, although I took great solace in the fact that the Burnley fans easily outnumbered the Arsenal contingent and were making a lot more noise too.
So, in short I can’t comment on what happened apart from what I’ve read.
Which is that we offered nothing up front.
I didn’t realise Gestede and Kozak were still injured, but it explained my surprise that Gabby started.
Which shows how desperate Garde must have been, after telling the player that he wasn’t wanted.
I know Gabby got a warm welcome and it’s understandable after his playing for us and being “one of our own” for so long, but to me he’s now become a typical example of what’s so wrong at the Villa.
The player is contracted to the club for another two and a half years at around £65,000 a week.
Quite simply unbelievable, although in fairness, maybe his pace might be some use next season. If he can actually get a game.
Am I the only one who’s wondering why on earth it seems our only incoming player is going to be a right back, in Debuchy, when it’s plainly obvious we need a striker who can put the ball in the net and a bit of quality to actually supply him?
I know we’re cutting back, but surely it borders on total negligence to not at least try and improve the side?
Unless of course, you think what we currently have is going to be good enough for the championship.
So while it seems many aren’t bothered about last night’s result, I’m disappointed that we’re out of the cup.
There’s only one thing to look forward to now.
And it isn’t good.
