So the Villa did it again.
Just as you think things are picking up and we’re getting back into form, so we get kicked in the teeth and are beaten by, respectfully speaking, a far inferior side.
I was fuming after that game and given some of the scores giiven to the players by other Villa sites, I was far from alone. We looked like we just couldn’t be bothered because the result would just come to us.
To play a Europa cup game as though it was a training run out was just unforgiveable and some of those players should take a really hard look at their performances, in my opinion.
There’s being out of form and then there’s not really trying and the latter isn’t good enough.
Anyway we face far stronger opposition in Citeh, but strangely I don’t think we’ll see anything like Thursday’s lack of effort, which is wholly demonstrative of a lack of mental strength to me. Or is it more than that and there are underlying issues going on that we don’t know about? Nothing would surprise me. Watkins looks like he couldn’t care less, for example.
Whatever, I’m sure it’s not because Emery doesn’t tell them before every game that we must give 100% effort at all times.
So while I expect to see a proper effort for this game, Villa have totally destroyed my confidence again.
Squad news and it’s not too bad. We came through the GOA game pretty much unscathed and the only bad news is Lucas Digne’s nasty gash on his ankle following an unfortunate follow through last week. You’d have to think he’s going to be out for two or three weeks at least, which is a blow because I really don’t rate Maatsen, I’m afraid. Tielemans’ ongoing calf problem is expected to last another two or three weeks at least and Amadou Onana might be out again, but squad news is very thin on the ground for some reason and I’m not sure if that’s correct or not. It wouldn’t surprise me, as he seems to be made of glass.
Man City then and Rodri is out and Niko Gonzales is a doubt after picking up a knock, but it’s not the end of the world when you can just slot Kovacic in his place. Abdukodir Khusanov is also out, but it doesn’t matter much with Man City’s squad.
So as I hinted, my confidence has been shattered, as I just can’t see how we’re going to get anything from this game.
They have Haaland who has scored something like 27 in 24 games while we have Ollie Watkins, who has one goal and zero assists in 12 games. I’m not sure who comes in, because Guessand wasn’t very good on Thursday and Malen wasn’t very good last week, but I’m now of the opinion that Watkins needs a break away from the side. He’s been frankly awful all season and even worse, just doesn’t look interested.
And then, we have our defence. Even when we put 10 men back, we look utterly shambolic and it’s something I’ve been criticising for a long time. I just can’t see us conceding any less than 2 goals.
I see a much improved effort coming up, but there are too many players just not performing at their best for us to be able to compete in my opinion.
I’m going for a plain and simple 3-1 defeat.
UTV!
Pep apart it seems that the media generally think we won because ‘Citeh were off their game’; infuriating!
Tbf to Pep he was balanced and gave credit where it was due.
Stories saying Buendia left the ground on crutches and could be out for weeks.
Just as he’s come good too 🙁
What a b***er; feel gutted for him after playing himself back into the side and top form; so unlucky.
Any idea on his injury?
Nothing from Villa and pure speculation on the ‘click bait’ sites but it doesn’t look good.
Probably anything up to 15 weeks or more out which may, in reality, finish his season; it’s so unfair on Buendia.
Wishing him the best – be strong.
UTV
Cash signs new contract until 2029 – good.
I’ve always been a ‘supporter’ of Cash but I admit I was close to posting a negative ‘pass back’ comment over the first five games – I’m glad I didn’t!
His form, both in defence and attack, has been exemplary over the last few games; I’m pleased for him. Like Hutton he exemplifies the true professional footballer giving all for our club week in and week out; so undervalued in this age of instant stars.
UTMV
Eating my words is going to be a diet.
After slagging Buendia he became the star turn, then it was Onana’s turn to put in a £50M player’s performance, not in attack but in defence. I almost forgot Michael Oliver – we have won a match he refereed, put that in your scrapbook.
I doubt I will be eating my hat after an 8.00pm ko at Anfield. Evening games favour the home team; the bin dippers will be on a revenge mission after a torrid October, the ref will be intimidated, probably one of the bald ones. So zilch for Villa, but hoping to avoid a hiding.
I think we’ll be bang up for it. I can’t wait!!
Exploit the bindippers choas and the 3 points are ours!
Jed Steer has had to retire fond memories of jed but never knew he was here for 10 seasons wow he played 36 times but the pens against baggies was brilliant
May his retirement be happy and prosperous! Cheers, Jed!!!
Agreed Bum Bum – he was a good servant of the club and respected for it by the fans.
IFAB are now looking at a number of changes which if implemented will continue to ruin the spontaneity of football.
Increasing the role of VAR and further stupid rule changes backed by timers (like internet games) will effectively kill football as a sport and reduce it to a series of third party judgements over on-field activity.
Why?
Sport is not an infallible science – it’s very unpredictably and susceptibility to mistakes make it what it is – an exciting experience giving rise to controversy and debate. Take all that away and it becomes a sterile experience which may as well be decided by a computer as real people on a pitch or in an arena!
The future is not very appealing.
They aren’t listening to the fans. Not one person I know wants VAR, let alone more involvement. Unfortunately, spontaneity has been shown the red card. The euphoria of a goal being scored has been removed while we anxiously wait to see how many options the idiots at Stockley Park can find to disallow the goal, unless it’s one of the Sky 6 favourites.
As for the bin dippers on Saturday, we do have the benefit of more recovery time as Pool have to play Palace first.
It all sounds very American…One day, like the American Buffalo herds,fans will simply not come back.
Hooray, I’ve finally got the like button working without that stupid sharing popup.
I’ve been in touch with support about it and been trying different things for days.
Yes it worked.
Ta for the confirmation Bill 🙂
Phew. I thought it was just my phone!!!!
Emery giving positive news on Buendia’s injury – hopefully not as bad as anticipated – feared – fingers crossed
What have you heard???!!!