Well that’s ten wins in ten games and whatever I thought, you can’t knock that.
We weren’t quite at it today, but that’s not surprising as I’m sure Friday’s game combined with the heat over this weekend must have taken it out of the players.
The main thing is we won, but while we played some lovely one touch stuff at times, so we were also very sloppy, with Jedinak being the biggest culprit in my eyes. It’s hard to complain about him though, as he was again immense in the air.
McGinn was lively and his usual tricky self, although I thought he dropped off in the second half.
El Ghazi looked dangerous and had chances.
As did quite a few, as we did have a few attempts.
Again I can’t really moan about anyone and contrary to what some thought, I thought Kodjia did ok. Fair enough, he doesn’t put himself about and get involved as much as Abraham, but his job is to score goals and he simply got the winner today. I’ve watched the replay and it was a lovely striker’s touch too.
And while Millwall looked threatening enough to worry us, they really didn’t create that much. I haven’t seen their shots on target stat, but I doubt it was many, although we gave their keeper a bit of work to do.
All in all, that’s another three points and a new record for consecutive wins.
What’s not to like?
The run continues.
Now things get tougher.
Have we done enough to guarantee the play-offs?
They had 13 shots compared to our 18. 1 on target compared to our 7 . Figures courtesy of BBC Website
Ah cheers.
That’ll be the one that stung Jed’s fingers then.
Sounds about right on my reading of the game.
Bristrol city losing so they cant haul us back we should be safe in 5th. also Sheff utd winning 3 nil massive statement to leeds that 2nd has gone. forest winning at home to middlesbrough. all in all good day for villa SOFAR
sorry miss one scum losing to rotherham millwall will also be unhappy with that thou they have a commanding gd on them
Massive game at Wednesday. They’re 2-0 up which means, if it stays like that, then Bristol can’t catch us as they’re nine points behind with three to play and our GD just improved on theirs again. Derby also drawing which means they can’t catch us either as they need to win all four.
Fingers crossed but we could be confirmed as being in the play offs today!
Sing, sing wherever you may be
Dean Smith’s Villa have made history
5 more wins will surely see us through
Its the Premier League for the Claret and Blue
UTV
Awesome, Charlie 🙂
I’m browns and list and enjoying the day. It’s a long way to get to Wembley but we’re get there we know. Scum are winning.
derby grabbed a late winner it seems. so they could knick 5th spot if that matters. in fact it could be a blessing, it will mean villa will still have things to play for against leeds and remain competitive.
Bristol can’t catch us and only a couple of last minute goals give Derby a chance but they would have to win all three, one of which is against Bristol.
A point from Leeds or Norwich and we’re there anyway .
We’re mathematically certain of a playoff spot. Borough can’t catch us and whilst Bristol could equal our points total our GD is so superior. So now we need just one point to finish 5th.
Great Easter with the sun smiling on the greatest club in the land.
UTV
Would it be a good idea to rest our key players against Leeds and Norwich or do we go with momentum and stick with winning team? It’s a tough call for Smith because we could field a 2nd string team against Leeds and suggest they put in some tough challenges against their best players! Alternatively aim to win final two games and pip Albion to 4th to get 2nd leg at home. Personally I think the importance of maintaining a winning habit is more important despite there being a risk of injuries or suspensions.
Holte – playing a ‘weaker’ side always come back to haunt you. Having said that, it gives time for Abraham and Tuanzebe to make full recoveries.
Personally I would give starts to Elphick and Davis and maybe rest either McGinn or Grealish for one game but then I suspect neither would take kindly to that suggestion. Of course if McGinn were to pick up another yellow ……
Anyway good problems for Smith to have.
UTV9
On one hand the best way of keeping players sharp is through actual match play while on the other we don’t want to get players injured or carded unnecessarily.
I’d guess that Smith might give some match time to supporting players who might be needed in the play-offs e.g. Davis, Green, Elphick and if it was up to me I’d either not play Jack and McGinn or just give them a half or so in each game.
It’s a nice problem for Smith to have and I’ll be interested to see what he does.
We’re in the play offs – still pinching myself.
The pressure’s obviously getting to everyone but us and Sheffield Utd. Norwich four draws in a row, Boro lose, Bristol lose and not forgetting Leeds who are blowing up in a spectacular manner.
They had all the possession but Brentford skewered them with quick attacks and should have won by a lot more than two. They were even taking the piss at times.
IMHO Leeds are finished and I believe join a list of Bielsa’s old clubs who blow up near the end of the season.
Looking at the form of the other three clubs currently in the play offs none have won more than 2 out of the last 5. I think that any of them will be shaking in their boots at the thought of playing us.
leeds go down at Brenford 2 nil. they were deservedly beaten as well, should have been 3 nil but for some over playing and selfish play by canos. i thought brentford had a good shout for a pen too.
leeds look shattered and minus confidence, if villa beat them next game, not only will it give us the edge in playoff final if they make it. it might knock them out so they fall apart totally. i almost feel sorry for them NOT
I watched the first half of the Leeds – Brentford game and came away with the conclusion that Leeds are all huff and puff, with little behind it.
Their workrate is good, but get the tactics right and match them and they’re easily beatable.
I’m not at all surprised that it finished 2-0.
So who’s left to worry about?
As I keep saying, NO ONE.
While we shouldn’t take things for granted, my opinion says promotion is ours to throw away.
And the best part is, I believe if we can achieve it, we’ll have the best chance of staying up out of all the promoted teams.
Still every part of my body crossed, but I remain confident and even more so after today.
RIP Billy McNeill
He’s the same age as me, i remember him sitting in the Trinity blue seats with me watching the football games in the European matches. Hell time goes so quickly if you let it, RIP Billy McNeil.
Not one of our better managers Bill but he was a really nice bloke!
RIP Billy McNeill. Shame he didn’t have a good experience at Villa but his playing and managerial career was not bettered by many.