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!
Elliot not even in the squad for this one. Looks like he’s a goner to me.
Martinez (GK); Cash, Konsa, Pau, Digne; Kamara, Onana; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins.
Bizot (GK), Lindelof, Maatsen, Bogarde, Mings, Barkley, Guessand, Malen, Sancho.
Yeah – you have to wonder whether there’s an issue with Elliott or whether he’s been struggling with fitness / minor injury.
In the context of the transfer window, I was pleased with his signing but really seen nothing of him.
Of course it could just be Liverpool have made Villa aware they’re going to recall him – needs must and all that 🙂
Digne back already too. I thought he’d be out for a while with that gash.
Well, Badger you summed it up perfectly to me, I’ve said a long time ago that Watkins wasn’t the player we saw in the past and he’s not the only one, yes I was fuming as well and the thing is you notice what’s going on in the game and yet Villa staff don’t. I only hope that this game gives the fans more hope that Emery and co play players whose heart and soul are needed in every game, and cup games included. Utv I’m not predicting due to giving them bad luck.
Nothing but a defeat today can’t get over the eagles game hoe the fuck did we lose that 0-3 today
Bollocks to the lot of you! I’m going for a 2-1 win along with a goal by Ollie!!!!!
😁
Cash! Get in!!!
Cash!!!!!!
I’m in heaven, you beauty Cash well worked goal. make the league take notice we are about and the Midlands have a footballing team.
According to Sky in the run up, you’d think Citeh were the only team playing in this match…
We need a second. And a third.
Citeh have become a proper dirty Simeone side…
Excellent first half – only marred by Buendia going off because he looked top class.
Can we keep up that standard and can City continue being less than dangerous?
We will need another goal that’s for certain.
Excellent first half with Citeh having very few chances. Only the Haaland effort comfortably saved by Martinez. We need a second though as they will undoubtedly have more of the ball in the second half. Hopefully Buendia hasn’t picked up a serious injury as he looked lively.
Dirty Citeh again. I might have to switch off. I’m too nervous!!!!
Great blocked by Pau! Keep focused lads!!!!!
Sancho comes on for Buendia and now we’re playing with 10 men!
Best I’ve seen Onana play – absolute rock in defence – so far!
Best I’ve seen Onana play – absolute rock in defence – so far!
Best I’ve seen Onana play – absolute rock in defence – so far.
Can hardly watch!
Sorry for the repeat posts – got a bit carried away 🙂
We all did!!!!!!!! He was phenomenal today.
Bloody hell. Hold your breath!!!!!
Superb win and I called it totally wrong, I’m happy to say.
GAE – who; I don’t care we’ll still qualify.
But this; this is an outstanding performance and Onana has shown today why we paid £50m for him – but he needs to do it consistently,
One super happy, going to get pissed, Villa fan
UTMV
Badger. Litte8. You both owe me a pint!!!
What a win!!!!!!!!
I can’t stand Sky going to other games or blocking the screen….W@nkers.
Considering our so called terrible start to the season, with Bournemouth and Sunderland’s results yesterday, were we being to harsh on ourselves?
Looking forward to playing the crisis team at Anfield next week!!!!
See Citeh are complaining that the corner we scored from should have been a foul!
Sky showed a replay and it was definitely a corner put out by the Citeh defender and Digne didn’t lay a glove (or foot) on him.
Typical Citeh – reality is they just weren’t good enough.
Emery has really tightened up Villa’s defence this season but the attack is now spluttering. If he puts the two together we’re going to be one hell of a team to beat.
Fantastic win which I didn’t expect. A nervous last 10 minutes or so but defensively we were solid. All across the back we had 10/10 performances with Onana and Kamara protecting brilliantly. Add to that we currently have the best CB in Konsa.
My biggest gripe was how Sky couldn’t wait to swap over to the other games. How dare Villa beat one of their favourites.
I know. That infuriated me too…Onana was massive today amd Kamara always in the right place. Konsa and Cash were 9/10 each too. Digne is also bloody priceless.
Deffo owe you a pint bum bum I am absolutely buzzing to eat my words mate wooo hooo grrreat win
Go ahead eagles squad worth 26 million man city squad worth 1.4 billion wow the contrast
So made up today liverpool away next