It doesn’t get much tougher than this does it?
Liverpool are in my opinion, are the best side in the world at the moment and I firmly believe they’ll win the league.
So after sticking a fiver on them to beat Spurs (and losing), I think they’ve probably just had their worst run they’ll get for the rest of the season.
I know, they dropped two points is all.
Still, it proves that they are not totally invincible and you can get something against them.
We do have it in our favour that we only got beat 1-0 on their turf last time out and I don’t need to mention the major arse-kicking that we gave them, so maybe Klippety will be more cautious than usual?
Then again, I doubt it. He doesn’t do that, does he? and it’s probably why Liverpool are everyone’s favourites from the top however many clubs.
They play cracking football.
Squad news and on our part, Jacob Ramsey is still out. I’ve already said I’m not bothered by that. Is it a coincidence that we looked miles better without him on Saturday?
Kortney Hause is also out, as is Leon Bailey, our latest sicknote.
Gerrard has said that the squad will be very similar to that against Burnley.
Which makes sense. Why change what worked well?
Liverpool have Klopp moaning as per usual about the squad, but the actuality is that they’re in good shape and Roberto Firmino might well make it after being out for a good while. Otherwise, they have no issues.
Liverpool might look a bit down and out now they lag Man city for the title race and they have a cup final at the weekend, but I don’t think for one minute they’ll play a weakened side. Even if they did, it would still be seriously strong and probably enough to beat us.
Even so, I have a feeling and that’s all it is, that we might actually beat them.
I can’t back my feeling up with anything at all.
Liverpool have by far the better team and should beat us easily.
But it doesn’t always work like that, which is why we all love footy, isn’t it?
I’m going for a hopeful 1-1 as my realistic prediction, but you just never know.
I think I’m going to stick a tenner on Pool to win. Well, it’s a numbers game isn’t it?
Here’s hoping and UTV!
Comments
158 responses to “Villa- Liverpool; A sneaky feeling”
BFR, steady mate, we all have the right to say what we see, Villa played well and we lost. Get over it.
Yes, Bill. Villa played well and lost. That’s what we all saw. We didn’t see Gerrard colluding with Sky, or the referee, or anyone associated with LFC.
I tell you what, lads, I’ve come to realise: Gerrard WON’T be successful at AVFC. Which means AVFC won’t be successful. Why? Because some ‘supporters’ have decided he won’t be. Google ‘self-fulfilling prophecy.’ This reminds me of how Houllier was received. Ex successful Liverpool – coincidentally. But the reception isn’t a coincidence. Also coincidence, he was a better manager than his predecessor, MON, but we couldn’t see beyond his red past. Ah well, f*** it. I’ll keep posting and debating until Badger censors me. Then I’ll f*** off like Pat57 and others.
Ask yourselves, if we’d got the 1-1, would you still be rolling out the Gerrard comments?
I won’t add ‘UTV’, because the club’s going nowhere. I quote the Spurs fans before checking-out. “Your support is f****** shit.” Quite.
Bore off pal.
A pathetic comment like that shows what a lazy shit-stirrer you are. Why don’t you debate the comment I made, instead? Could it be you know I have a point? If you really are a guest, you’ve outstayed your welcome. Oh sorry, you built the site, didn’t you? Silly me. Debate my comment. Explain why I’m wrong. If you can, I will agree with you, but you can’t, can you? You just keep chucking lazy comments out to stir. So it’s you who should bore off, as you’re not contributing anything of substance whatsoever to the debate.
Says the guy who starts a post with ‘Bollocks’ and then ends it with ‘Grow up’.
I’ve debating the points with you, you just don’t want to hear it, you won’t hear a bad word said about Gerrard, it’s as simple as that.
I couldn’t reply to your last comment as the reply thread had become too long, but out of pure interest, why is Palace a must win game exactly?
You haven’t debated, all you’ve done is make slanderous comments about a man’s professionalism. You haven’t once sensibly countered any valid argument I’ve made, not tonight or on other occasions. You say I’m biased but all I’m doing is “supporting” the manager of Aston Villa, who’s got some pedigree and hasn’t had a full season. Because I’m a Villa fan.
As you say, the jury is out, which means give a chance. You, on the other hand, have made your decision because you’re biased but you won’t admit it. If you admitted it, I would respect you. But you won’t. I supported Smith but thought, like many on here, his time was up. Now I’m supporting Gerrard and he hasn’t had enough time. So any comments explicitly calling for him to be sacked are patently biased. Does the swearing upset you, honestly? Are you a steward at VP? So even this site’s turning woke?
Anyway, I don’t even watch Gerrard’s press conferences. I don’t care. I don’t care what he says or how annoying his accent is. I don’t even care who he is. Really. It could be Cilla Black for all I care. I care about Villa’s results. Hitch’s post earlier suggests Villa would be 8th, based on Gerrard’s points since arriving. Can you seriously ask for more than that, with what he has at his disposal and the time he’s had? It sounds like he’s exactly where he needs to be going into the summer and a pre-season. But you’ve already decided, because he’s not ‘one of us’? Sorry, but that’s laughable, it really is.
*see PL table for why Palace is must win. And it’s at home. I’ve said before on here, it’s never OK to lose at VP. Not even tonight. But they gave it a go, and it wasn’t like the tepid performances of a few weeks ago.
If you disagree with any of that, great, but at least have the courtesy to debate and explain why you disagree, rather than make immature comments. If and when Gerrard looks ‘dead in the water’, like Smith, I will call for his head. That time is definitely not now.
And actually, whilst we are on the subject, your comment about me building the site has clearly been taken out of context, so let me clear this up, when i told you i built the site, that was because you had made a reference to me as being a newcomer, when in fact, i’ve been posting on the site since it’s first iteration way way back, my comment about about building it wasn’t to give some impression of authority, i have none, i am just a regular poster like anybody else on here, and Badger can ban me if he wishes, i have no sway here, it was just to inform you that i had been around a lot longer than you think.
But what i find interesting is you telling me i’ve outstayed my welcome, as if you are an authority on here, now unless i have missed something, i doubt that is the case, so, if you want to start posts with ‘Bollocks’ and end them with ‘Grow up’ i hardly think you can complain when i say you’ve got a hard-on for Gerrard, its hardly the most offensive comment anyone can make, and right now you remind me of a footballer rolling around, holding his knee, making card gestures to the referee, i think you need to grow up pal, and accept that not everybody has the same opinion as you, and that some on here don’t think Gerrard is the great white hope you seem to think he is.
Hope i’ve cleared that up for you.
Rolls eyes. The ‘outstayed’ comment was simply a play on ‘guest’. Nothing more. And no, I don’t think I’m an authority on here. I’d like to think my comments add to the fabric of the product, though. And like you, Badger can ban me if he wishes.
And to be fair, NOBODY seems to have the same opinion as me, yet at least I keep putting mine out there. The least you can do is debate them with some substance.
Was it just me who thought Jota fouled for their first goal with a karate type Bruce Lee kick?
Also agree that Buendia and Chukwuemeka seem to have a good understanding. I hope he signs a new contract. We don’t know what is going on behind the scenes. I won’t knock the lad for wanting to play regularly. Hopefully his agent isn’t feeding him bullshit that he can do that at a bigger club than Villa.
As for Buendia v Coutinho, I don’t know why our two most gifted players can’t play at the same time. Maybe instead of Ings!
It’s interesting that Chucky seems like Marmite.
I thought he was superb months back, but he’s done nothing recently, imo.
But it seems pretty universal thinking that Buendia should not have been dropped for PC.
And I totally agree. Buendia looks much the better player at the moment.
Gerrard says he’ll play those who look the best.
I’m just not seeing that at all.
It’s one of the reasons I’m not convinced by him in the slightest.
Maybe he’ll come out and give us a good reason as to why he started PC, but I don’t think it needs to be said really, does it?
As Guest pointed out why would you start Marvelous who’s been out for months?
Very odd.
BFR – you’re right; individual mistakes by players on the field can’t be laid at Gerrard’s door but questions can legitimately asked over why certain decisions were made and did we play our strongest side?
OK we have a lot of games in a short period and some squad rotation can be expected but, for instance, was tonight’s game the right one to drop Chambers for Nakamba – after all Chambers has not played that many games all season and he was excellent against Burnley.
But my biggest concern is over his continual selection of Coutinho over Buendia.
Would it have changed the outcome – possibly not – but on current form Coutinho weakens the team and Buendia has earned the right to start.
Hitch, I totally agree about the Coutinho/Buendia point. I’ve explicitly said that I don’t want the club to sign Coutinho and that Buendia should have started tonight. Totally ironically, those who hate Gerrard have suggested they’d be pleased to see Coutinho sign for a ‘bargain’ fee. As I said, there are inconsistencies in the arguments. At least mine are consistent.
So how is one connected to the other?
Total nonsense to suit your own
( I’m always right) narrative.
Excellent question, RSS.
You hate Gerrard and that he loves Coutinho, but you want Coutinho.
You slam Gerrard for not playing Buendia and playing Coutinho. But you want Coutinho. No Gerrard – no Coutinho at VP. See the connection?
And I’ve never, ever once said I’m always right. Unless that’s what you think?
I do Ron.
Utter nonsense, Coutinho staying isnt completely dependant on. Gerrard staying at all.
BFR it’s libellous (speech vs written word)
Coutinho, lets see how that cookie crumbles, whether SG’s player charisma turns out to be as magnetic as PIF’s Saudi Riyal?
My likes / dislikes are irrelevant, sorry they upset you so much.
PS I’m over overly enamoured Pierce Morgan.
with
Whoa, calm down chaps.
I don’t want to ban anyone, as you’re all valued contributors here.
But let’s keep things civil, eh?
BFR, I’d take Coutinho at £20 million.
You think he’d only come here because of Gerrard? I disagree.
He’ll go where the money is, because footballers don’t have a brain and that’s what his agent(s) will tell him to do.
I think Coutinho has his place at the Villa.
I just don’t think he is worth £33 mill and his wages.
£20 mill is a much better price.
Not because I don’t rate him, but because I just think the higher price is too risky.
I don’t see the Gerrard/ Coutinho link at all and think it was a Purslow thing, tbh.
Can I be honest and say Purslow is someone I definitely don’t like?
Villa did play well. Scored a good goal and created some more chances. The players on the pitch each gave one of their best performances, which is all you can ask. The reason we lost is our players best performances are not good enough to trouble teams at the top of the EPL.
Failings: Mings’ heading. Yes he is 6′ 5″ but he cant jump – and certainly not jump early. This is OK for making a defensive header which you don’t mind going high. This isn’t a racial comment either: he hasn’t got the best skull shape for heading goals. Round skulls without a flat forehead are common amongst tall black people. If you have that shape skull then to head a ball level or down you need to get up high enough so the centre of the ball is level with the bridge of your nose. A player with a flat forehead e.g.Hateley, Ferguson, Shearer can head the ball level if the centre of the ball is level with the middle of their forehead – and none of them used to chew gum while heading.
Mings defensive work on the ground – one howler every game and usually costly.
Ings: not quite good enough, he needs more time to fashion a shot than he will get.
Watkins put in a real shift today, but like Mcginn his taking and controlling of a pass up to him needs work, he often knocks it six yards forward when he needs to knock it only 2 yards to prevent the defender nipping in. I think he can improve this.
Coutinho / Buendia. Who ever started was going to get kicked by Liverpool’s thugs and get no protection from Moss Side. I think either way round – the sub would look brighter because he has fresh legs and no bruises.
Tactics. Reverted to long balls upfield to avoid being pressed when passing out of defence. Brain dead against the Reds or MOC – because the ball comes back, and even though it starts from further away, it does not take long to be in our final 3rd. Difficult to see the current squad getting the confidence to bin this fault, which is caused equally by no midfielder offering himself for a short pass.
” Doing the same thing and expecting different result is the definition of madness ” or something like that.
Gerrard does it every match – not just on this occasion.
Too much pessimism!
Villa played either the best or second best team in the world last night.
It was an entertaining match and we created chances to score more goals.
In terms of improvement:
1: Replace Mings and Konsa. Neither of them were capable of playing out of defence and did not look comfortable on the ball. Martinez would play it out, where they both played tippy- tally before passing back to Martinez who was then under pressure from the Liverpool press and launched it normally to the opposition.With 2 No. 9s on the pitch either the keeper of the two defenders can launch the ball. Same probability of retaining the ball as previous mentor but reduces the chance of the press helping the opposition score a goal due to own mistake.Both have at least one howler of a mistake in them at the moment.
2: Defensive Midfielder: Nakamba gave his all and would be a good back up.
3: Buendia V Coutinho: Room for both but pick who is on form.
4: Striker: Lethal finisher required with Ings as back up.
5: Youth players to gain more playing time next year: Kesler Hayden (RB) Archer (Striker), Philogene-Bodace (Winger) Iroegbunam (midfielder) and Chukwuemeka (midfielder- if he signs a new contract).
6: Sell or not renew contracts:
Traore
El Ghazi
Trezeguet
Davis
Mings
Targett
Luiz
Wesley
This should bring in funds to help purchase at least one good player.
Ings is awful, first touch terrible, wastes too many chances.
( Two absolute sitters last night)
For me he’d be one of the first out the door.
it was a good performance last night against a team far superior to ours. Liverpool’s squad depth too was significant. We brought on Buendia who many fans (including myself) think should be starting plus Chukwuemeka and Traore. Liverpool bring on Henderson, Thiago and Salah! We don’t possess one player good enough to start for Liverpool IMO, and that’s why we are where we are.
As for Gerrard we have another Marmite situation going on. What are the reasons why there are Gerrard haters? Firstly I want to point out I’m not one of them! One reason is some fans think Smith wasn’t given time plus he is one of our own. Another reason is the stepping stone issue. To be fair on Gerrard, it’s the media and not him who constantly bring up the subject. We poached Little and Smith (Villa men) because they were doing well at Leicester and Brentford. I’m remember too that Sheffield Wednesday fans weren’t too happy when Ron Atkinson joined us and he had previous Villa links.
Fact is Gerrard won’t be Liverpool manager if he doesn’t succeed at Villa, so I will wish him well if he has got us into the top six, which I think will be a bare minimum for his hopes of getting his dream job.
I do have concerns regarding what looks like favouritism towards Coutinho and Ings maybe because of his previous association. Thing is decisions like this could prove a flaw in his management and ruthlessness which is shown by the likes of Pep or Klopp get success. Look at Grealish who cost £100m and isn’t playing regularly!
If we beat Palace and Burnley we should get a top half finish and put us in a better position to attract better players. By the time the World Cup starts we MUST be top half minimum. If not, there will be many fans questioning whether Gerrard is the manager to take us forward, myself included.
I think I’m leaning towards the Buendia camp with PhilC misfiring.
And can you lot speak nicely to each other! Otherwise I’ll get yr Missus to cancel your Sky subscriptions!!!!
Good robust, honest debate but I do have a concern with the use of the term ‘Gerrard haters’.
Hate is a very strong emotive word and to use it generically is not, in my humble opinion, a fair representation of those who have, reasonably, asked questions over Gerrard’s decision making but have not blamed him for the defeat.
Now I accept that questioning Gerrard’s decision making and ‘hating’ him are not mutually exclusive but neither do I think one can conclude that they are one and the same.
Speaking for myself,I don’t hate Gerrard but neither do I love him – another strong emotive word – but I do want him to be successful because that will mean my team Aston Villa – a team I do love and have supported for over 60 years – will be successful. And if that means ultimately he moves to Liverpool then we will probably be recognised as a consistent top six side playing in Europe and in a strong position to attract a top manager to replace him – what’s not to like?
I suspect fans respect Gerrard as a player but he has yet to earn their respect as the manager of our club.
Hmm, for some reason, I’ve only just seen your reply Hitch, even though I keep looking.
Same sentiments as me, basically.
I’m happy to give Gerrard time to prove himself, same as I have done every single manager in my time as a fan even if I felt he was the wrong appointment. I don’t think some on here have done that but I suppose that’s their right.
I’m glad Coutinho has signed. It looks like a good deal. Lowish fee and if it’s true the size of pay cut he has taken then we have done well and it shows he is committed. Many have said he would be off to Newcastle but it appears he isn’t motivated solely on money.
The signs seem a bit more positive on Chukwumeka too. A couple of decent signings over the summer could see us showing some progress but the reality is that all clubs are busy doing the same. I think. I’ll are on the right track but progress may well be incremental rather than spectacular.
Meanwhile, the transfer rumours are going into overdrive and we’re not in the window yet.
I’m not even going to post any links, as they’re all rubbish imo.
The worst thing for me is that the Birmingham mail is practically leading the way.
To think I used to really respect the paper as a news source.
Now it’s just a typical click-baiter 🙁
Coutinho signed for 20 million Euros, according to this;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-philippe-coutinho-completes-permanent-26950423
So around £17 mill.
I think that’s a good deal.
Just confirmed we’ve sign Coutinho.
Yep.
4 year deal though, which I’m not so happy about.
I wonder what his wage is?
I’m possibly being unfair, but I just keep thinking about us making so, so many poor, overpriced signings on a consistent basis.
It’s gotta change at some time. Hasn’t it?
Who next????!!!!!
I think this signing was pretty obvious, tbh.
As for who might come in, it’s Lange’s last chance, imo.
He hasn’t convinced me in the slightest, fwiw, particularly with those we signed after the Grealish sale.
A 50% sell on clause!
I can’t say I’m bothered by that.
He’s yet another player who will see out his days at the Villa.
Hopefully he’ll be great for us, as opposed to others.
I’ve just watched Holding get a red against Spurs.
I’ve seen it 4 times and really don’t know what it was for???
Ref can’t be any worse than Moss…
Bbc say it was for an elbow on Son.
I think the overall cost seems reasonable, but Gerrard has to get the best out of him…
Now I’ve seen it again, I agree, it’s a card. The first Yellow looked iffy though.
And the pen?
No way, for me.
It looks like Sky want the race to keep running and running.
Finished things really don’t suit them until the very last minute and it’s just confirming what many of us think.
The game is totally bent now.
Coutinho looks a good bit of business at £17m + £125k per week for 4 years = £43m
There are no two ways that it is Gerard’s presence that has resulted in this purchase. I very much doubt he would have come to Villa otherwise, so well done Stevie G. The other side of the coin it ramps up the pressure on Jim to deliver.
With regards to Buendia (who I rate) and Coutinho fighting it out for them same position, so be it. If we want to compete with the best the class players are in the bench. Look how Liverpool under Klook have got into the position where Fiminio, Salah, Sane, Jota, Diaz, Miniminio and Origi all fight for 3 starting positions. If we want to get there then we must follow suit. Conversely, I accept there are other areas of the team that need strengthening more, such as defensive midfield.
So overall, well done Villa in a good bit of business. I am assume there is more to come!
My thoughts the other evening.
It appeared as though Jon Moss had been given the mandate “Liverpool to win at any cost, keep the interest going to the wire.”
No Ref of all those years of experience suddenly turns into the biggest numpty ever to officiate a game.
Jon Moss has consistently favoured the bigger club in a contest for all the years i have seen him reffing. He refs too many games involving the big Lancs clubs and Villa so we rarely get a point. I think the last time we won a game he reffed was against Norwich at Carrow Road. Thank goodness he has retired and was given the send off he deserved – a standing chant of “You’re not fit to referee!” from all sides of Villa Park.
So in essence he’s always been a
useless bent twat?
🤔
£17m transfer and a reported drop in salary by 70% to a guesstimated £125,000 per week. As much as I hate the ridiculous salaries paid out to players for just kicking a ball around, it’s the only way that Villa can compete with the big boys.
I think it’s a good signing based on a relatively small fee and players like Coutinho will help attract better players to the club.
Agreed – at those numbers why wouldn’t we sign him?
£125k per week is not outrageous in comparison to some of the wages being paid out and I think it says a lot about Coutinho being prepared to accept such a large pay cut – I suspect he could have gone to Newcastle and got more!
I do though, hope that Gerrard will not start him every game if Buendia (or others) have earned the right to start – that’s my only concern.
And a word of praise for Lange et al for negotiating the deal.
A big hat’s off to SG and Lange, I’d have put my house on Philippe Coutinho working for the Saudi dollar next season.
Well I’m off for a cup of tea and a large slice of humble pie.
Gerrard’s quote on announcing the signing of Coutinho.
‘As we look to build towards next season it’s incredible to work at a club that does it’s business so decisively and smoothly’
For all the concerns voiced on the selection of some of the signings we’ve made (and every club gets it wrong at times) Purslow and Lange do work well in the transfer market.
It will be interesting to see who Gerrard has asked them to get this summer – and who he doesn’t rate in the current squad.
Based on previous transfer windows, we tend to get most of our business done early. I’m sure Gerrard has already identified who he wants, so hopefully we will see signings of equal calibre as Coutinho.
The next two games will be important in getting a top half finish against teams we should beat with home advantage. The last game against City will be interesting if Pool are still in contention. Gerrard will want to do his utmost to prevent a Villa defeat if it costs Pool the title. Unfortunately for him I can’t see any hope of spoiling Peps day.
I think Gerrard doesn’t want most of our players and would like to change the squad up totally.
I’m also wondering why we didn’t have to compete with any other club to sign Coutinho?
I know, I’m a cynic.
But I thought there were loads of clubs after him?
It would seem that was total BS, yet again.
Perhaps it’s true, PC is totally in love with Gerrard?
I doubt it, myself.
I see where you’re coming from Badger, but I think a lot of people must have known the reason PC was at Villa was Gerrard (he’s said it publicly) and to break that relationship was a long shot. Newcastle were rumoured, as were Arsenal. Who’s to say they didn’t make enquiries and get knocked back?
I’d like to think you’re right Tex.
(Long time, no see, by the way 🙂 )
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good signing , I reckon.
I agree Badger, it does ponder as to how did Villa pull that deal off? ,I have to say his first few game I was in cloud 7 thinking hey we’re going places. But lately he’s no better than Buendia and is this an ex player helping a mate out in the game. We all can only wait and see if it pans out to be a good move or not.
My biggest worry is no matter how well Buendia plays, Coutinho will always be Gerrard’s favourite and first pick. I think there is room for both in the starting line up. Coutinho playing left and Buendia right with Watkins or Ings or another playing down the middle.
It’s a relatively small fee so we have done well to get business done early. I would like to think he is happy at Villa and that’s the main reason he put pen to paper early. I’m sure there would have been options for him if he had waited till the summer window.
That is also my concern Holte and it’s something I’ve voiced previously.
In regard to the Coutinho deal, I do think in this instance Gerrard was pivotal – it seems Coutinho trusts him and is looking for someone he feels can help him to re-establish a career that has tailed off in the last few years.
I also think Purslow and Lange are extremely good negotiators in the transfer market – whatever other concerns we may have about them.
Lads rejoice!!
Don’t you have to pinch yourself that we have two players of such quality?