So I’ve made the move to Liverpool for six months and it’s been a nightmare. It’s said that moving house is one of the most stressful things in your life and although I haven’t moved house, I can see why, if my experience this week is anything to go by. I’ve done nothing but make phone calls and send Emails every evening this week. I won’t go into the ins and outs, but a good example, which is probably the weirdest is that the previous tenant and my missus have both taken supposed gas readings from the water meter. To be fair, it appears it was only because the letting agent told us the meter was in a room on the ground floor. Anyway, she took the reading and texted it to me and I gave the reading to my supplier. It was only when I actually checked the meter myself that I realised. Now that I’ve found out where the meter actually is and I’ve a key to open the box, I can get a proper reading. That’s going to involve an interesting call to the supplier tomorrow.
Anyway, onto the important stuff and how important is this game?
If fifth gets you Champion’s League it’s not quite so important, as it will take a big change in fortunes for Man U to catch us, but if it’s only the top four who qualify, this game is massive.
If we win, we open up a nice eight point gap, although they have a game in hand. Lose and it puts them within two points of us, which really puts the pressure on.
Squad news and Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia and Boubacar Kamara are all still out. Ramsey is a doubt, but Pau and McGinn will be back after being rested for the Ajax game. There seems to have been some concern about Pau coming off on Thursday, but it was apparently all planned and I suspect it was more about easing him back in gently rather than him not being at all fit.
As for Spurs, Pedro Porro will probably be back, but Richarlison, Fraser Forster, Ryan Sessegnon and Manor Solomon are all still out.
I’m not sure what to think about this game or how to even predict a result, to be honest.
Spurs play a very gung ho style of football and while it can be very successful, it can also be their undoing when they’re attacking and playing a high line. It sounds a bit familiar doesn’t it?
Whatever, it gets goals, although the numbers are very much on a par with us, which surprises me a bit, because I thought they’d have been superior in that aspect.
I see a lot of goals, at least three, but I honestly struggle to see who is going to win, as it could go either way.
I’m tempted to say I think we’ll edge it, but my predictions have been terrible recently, so I’m going to play safe and go for a draw.
2-2 it is then.
PS Well done to Bailey being voted as Player of the month by the Villa fans. Totally deserved in my opinion.
UTV!
The home form is a serious concern. Since Arsenal, it’s been desperate. Seems like decades ago.
If I’m honest with myself I think Spurs are a better team overall. They are cavalier in their style and are a better watch. Sometimes their high line gets caught out and we couldn’t take advantage of that today. Really disappointed with everything and a shame we will be without McGinn for the next few games, especially as he was our best player before his reckless tackle.
The problem Emery has is unlike the top 3 clubs, we do not have as much strength in depth to change things. We clearly miss Kamara and Ramsey who both offer physicality and ability to push forward.
You could see this result coming. Villa down to bare defensive bones without Kamara as holding midfield: but it is a tactical mistake to play 5 defenders because you think 4 aren’t enough. Cash and Digne at FB, but who was doing what out of Pau, Konsa and Lenglet? Gettting in a muddle. Emery hoiked Digne for one goal and Lenglet for the second, Lenglet playing Maddison onside.
As for McGinn I hope he loses the 2 week’s wages and the armband for that tackle -which was sheer spite because we were losing. And Tielemans often goes missing against tough opposition as he did today. I guess that is the season gone in a flash.
The subs: seriously would any Champions league qualifying side have Zaniolo, Diaby, Iroegbunam and Moreno as a bench? They lived up to expectations.
You’re spot on OLL. I posted before kickoff that 3 CB’s were too many cooks. We should always play to our strengths and not set up to try and nullify them.
Problem is emery blew it by trying not to lose the game with his selection
They should have played their normal game.
Our away form has improved at expense of home form now similar to start of last season
The worse thing is not only losing but having GD wiped out and given advantage to spurs,plus mcginn missing for vital games.
At least he can play Thursday and then be rested for final 7 games is only positive out of disastrous day
Mind you he could still go in Europe
Agree in principle, Roy. But maybe Unai knew they wouldn’t have enough energy to go toe to toe with Spurs for the full match, given the circumstances of both teams. He tried to mitigate it and contain them, and we would all have taken a draw before the match. But once they self-destructed, there was no way back.
I think that’s correct, Ron.
It helps with our coefficient.
Very disappointing but not unexpected. The starting point is our context- too many injuries. When you think that Mings, Kamara, Ramsey and Buendia could all have started in this match, it is a big hit to take. Emery’s genius management has maximised our achievement but today was a bridge too far. With Kamara out I was desperate for Ramsey to play to add some steel to midfield. Personally I think Tilesman is light weight on the defensive side. Too often teams run through us when he plays unless and does not have Kamara, McGinn and Luiz around us.
Tactics – personally I don’t know why Emery went for this set up, but I think Holte is probably right. A thought struck me that Liverpool throw in the youngsters. Why Iroegbunam does not start I don’t know? Emery rates him go for it rather than set up a new system for the most crucial match of the season.
I hope Zaniola never gets in the pitch again. The way he gave up chasing back for one of the ball and was throwing his arms up in the air was disgusting. He’d only recently come on as a sub and had energy.
Still 10 matches to go in the league and everything to play for.
Fk me. Just saw the final score. I turned off and went for a beer at 2 nil. Disgraceful result today. Shameful, and the players need to hang their heads over this.
I’ve been 100% supportive since the idiot Gerrard left but that was awful today.
A wake up call for the rest of the season?
Even Canadian Pete can’t excuse this one!
They’re running on fumes, Bum Bum, and the squad’s decimated by injuries. McGinn being sent off is a massive blow and the synic in me says the officials took their chance to sabotage Villa’s next three league games. No one would have batted an eyelid if he gave a yellow.
Postecoglou says he could see them tiring and Keane says Thursday took the edge off their performance. All excuses, yes. But all valid. I agree with both. Ref gave us nothing and they were nice and fresh ready to pick us off. I’m seriously concerned we’re gonna limp over the line. Images of Derek Redmond come to mind. Unai needs a miracle and as many players fit AND performing as possible!
Never mind Derek Redmond, we could do with Derek Mountfield back for a few games.
Nonidea what to think about today. We still have a great GD amd 5th may be enough, but boy is our squad under pressure.
UTV!!!!!
The squad really is down to the bare bones. And if we progress on Thursday, playing twice a week at the business end of the season. Big question. Would I sacrifice progress on Thursday for a guaranteed 4th and CL football for the first time in Villa’s history. Yes. Sacrifice progress to the next round, yes. Sacrifice winning it, not sure. For what it’s worth, I think we’ll be knocked out on Thursday.
Derek Mountfield, blast from the past. Scored some cracking OGs if I recall correctly!
We never had enough strength in depth to deal with 38 games in the EPL and Europe – you only have to look at West Ham last season and even this to realise that.
The reality is, no matter how wealthy one’s owners are, FFP is designed to keep upstarts like Newcastle and Villa in place – that’s unless the Saudis decide to buy the EPL and EUFA and lift Newcastle into the Champions League permanently – like they’ve done with golf!
We’re well over performing and I think most Villa fans, in their hearts, know that. We should embrace and enjoy the success we’ve had / are having and I still believe we can win the ECL. If we do that and get 5th – whatever European Competition that puts us in – I’ll be well chuffed.
Most people will now be writing us off. F**k them and f**k Spurs, this is about us winning some silverware and keeping ManU out of the Champions League.
UTMV
Here here, Hitch.
And I’ve decided to ignore the media’s predictable Spurs love in.
Interesting that Emery is suggesting (and has done for some time) that we’re not in the top seven teams in the EPL which includes Newcastle and Spurs but goes on to say we’re fourth purely by being consistent.
In other words he’s confirming we’re over performing and need to improve the squad in the summer.
Can we do that under the increasingly restrictive PSR rules – I doubt it – and if not will Emery be tempted to go elsewhere.
I fear we’re facing another peak of expectation followed by a long period of disappointment. I hope I’m wrong!
I can’t see Emery even contemplating walking out, or an enforced mass exodus. We’re doing brilliantly but yesterday was a shit show. I’m avoiding the press this week too.
We’ll need some clever accounting, like the £400m Etihad Stadium sponsorship deal to get a significant cash injection. Again, don’t forget we have a lot of first team players due back.
Went back on my word and just read the Telegraph review. It was actually lacking in hyperbole, said Emery chose the wrong tactics with 5 at the back, and McGinn lost his head. All quite truthful really, and Spuds were the better team on the day.
What the hell is our midfield going to look like for the next 3 games though?????? Will Lengolet or Carlos be forced into a DM position?
Must admit I still think McGinn’s foul was a yellow. I’ve seen worse this season with no booking at all…
I thought it was a red when I saw it – if the club differ then they’ll appeal it – but don’t hold your breath.
Although not relevant to the result, the referee once again did us no favours yesterday.
I’ve just gone over the remaining games for us, Spuds and ManUre for a laugh.
Despite yesterday’s result, and being quite realistic about the upcoming games, there’s no chance of Utd catching us unless we totally throw the towel in, and with Spuds up and coming games being really tough, i still think we’re in pole position for 4th…
Do the maths and tell us what you think!!!
Just posted this…
Spuds last 2 games – Burnley at home and Sheffield away.
That’s 6 points more or less guaranteed, so you may as well say they are on 59 points already, that 4th place is theirs to lose?
Can’t see Man U catching us, their fixtures look daunting so 5th looks a safe bet 🤞
Chambers holding midfield. Just sit, tidy up, and pass the ball forward. He is capable.
Rss I agree but there’s always a hope thaif both teams relegated they may play with freedom and pride and surprise spurs who I hope would have us breathing down their necks.
It’s easier to chase down someone than pressure of trying to keep in front mistakes happen look at villa yesterday,and where was the crowd yesterday I’ve heard more noise in a funeral.
Yes emery blew it big time with team selection
Why didn’t he go with diaby and Bailey take game to spurs.
The 5 at the back just confused the players as to who was doing what I think,look at konsa he looked lost,was he cb or fb?
Stick to your strengths let other team worry about you I say.
But this is villa same happened with oneill we bottle it when chips are down.
Emery has, I believe averaged 2 points (1.93) per game, should that continue we would end up on around 75 points and that (given previous seasons) should be enough to comfortably qualify for the CL.
But saying that and looking at the fixtures I can’t see us picking up much more than around 15 points, putting us on 70 and that would still probably be enough.
The Spuds fortunately, have some tricky derby’s to navigate (Chelsea – Arsenal -West Ham -Fulham) plus Man City, Liverpool and Newcastle away so it’s far from cut and dried.
We can but hope Roy.
Ron, I’d guess Spuds qould get 2 points from that list of games you’ve just listed.
BB as you know with local derby’s form goes straight out the window and two of those, Arsenal and Chelsea, there is absolutely no love lost.
So the roller coaster of a season continues. One minute we’re up and the next down. We’re not alone in this, after all looking at form over the last 5 games Villa, Spuds and Man Ure aren’t that different and, after all, Spuds were done at home a few matches ago by Wolves.
It’s what we do from now that counts. A win against Ajax is a must and anything against West Ham would be good.
With the fixtures that all the teams near the top have coming up, there are going to be more ups and downs. Hold on tight, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
I’m going to post something positive for a change.
Remember when we lost 5-1 against Newcastle and had just lost Buendia and Mings in that very game but we bounced back. Emery up till now gets good results after a poor performance and setback.
McGinn is available for Ajax game and if we beat them then there’s no team we should be worried about going forward.
West Ham also have a Thursday game and will have to come from behind so a tough game for them too.
It was expected Emery would bring in his own first-team coaches. But the ruthless firing of the U-21 and under coaches as well was quite a thumbs-down for Old MacDonald’s farm, E-eye-out-U-Go. But when you see the young players other teams have just introduced, then Villa’s return over ten years of Grealish, Davis, Chukwuemeka and now Iroegbunam is very thin.
In one way I feel sorry for Tim. It is clear the first-team big players clique does not rate him, they ignore him. He only gets the ball through a tackle or an interception, and very few of the latter. It is early days and he is young, but I don’t see in him any spark of a potential Premier League starter. I watch the U-21s a bit, lost 4-2 to Palace U-21 tonight, and I don’t see any good midfielders except Tommi O’Reilly amongst them. They do have a good forward, playing up from the U-18 team and scoring called Rory Wilson. Watch out for a big end of season clear out of U-21s not on loan.
As for yesterday – the number of Spurs A team players fit and available was in total contrast to our threadbare squad. Tielemans is useless against the big in both senses teams. McGinn could not have picked a worse time to deplete midfield further.
Moving off topic – I read that the EPL clubs have (again) failed to agree a funding deal for the EFL.
It seems there is a feeling within (some) clubs that the wealthiest clubs shouldn’t Utd contribute proportionally more. No doubt the ‘protects few’ see it differently as making (say) Sheffield United or Burnley pay the same or a disproportionate amount keeps them ‘in their place’ and the wealthy benefit (where have I heard that before?).
If the Regulator intervenes it will be interesting to see whether it* agrees!
* thought I better be gender neutral 🙂
* Aghhhhh – b***dy predictive text
should contribute proportionally more and
no doubt the ‘select few’
I see Ajax snatched a late draw at home to a mid table team last weekend. We need to go for the jugular from the start on Thursday. We have shown too much respect against them and Spurs recently. Let’s believe in ourselves at Villa Park. We have a very good team and will still have McGinn available who I’m sure will desperately want to make up for his sending off.
Does anyone know if Ramsey is available Thursday or Sunday?
Holte – Ramsey not available tomorrow and Emery is unsure about his availability for Sunday.
Looking at the training pictures it seems Carlos is fully fit which is important with Konsa suspended. McGinn can play tomorrow and with a three game ban in the EPL I would expect him to start.
Don’t believe this is a foregone conclusion. Ajax will be up for this game and I suspect they will play a deep block and try and catch us with balls over the top. Our recent home form is very patchy (thank goodness away form has picked up) so we have to get our midfield into the game or we’ll struggle – early goal is vital.
Just reading that (according to Brum Live) Villa have a ‘dual’ buy back clause written into the sale of Archer.
The first is an option to buy at an agreed price which is higher than the sale price but, the second interesting ‘buy back’ is an obligation to buy him back if United are relegated but at a lower price.
So, it seems, Villa are obligated to take him back but it’s not clear whether the lower price is less than the option price or less than the amount we sold him for.
It’s become clear that the sales of Archer, Bodace, Ramsey and Azaz were FFP related with the income designed to boost the 24 / 25 results not the ones just declared as the amortised purchases of Torres and Diaby will also fall into the same period.
As the accounting year is to 31st May then any sales / purchases in this years summer window will fall into the 25/26 accounts.
Season shaping game tonight. KO at 8pm on TNT/BT.
No Konsa or Ramsey. I wonder if Emery is resting Ramsey for the Hammers game?
We should have enough in the tank for this but if we play with fear Ajax will smell it and go for the jugular. We need Villa Park to be mental tonight, not a bunch of pussies leaving early if things don’t go to plan. I can’t actually believe that fans were leaving early Sunday after the brilliant work Emery has done. What did O’Leary say again???
COME ON VILLA!!!!!!!!!!
This is a good piece – well worth a read.
https://myoldmansaid.com/has-aston-villas-sinister-seven-results-shaken-unai-emerys-confidence/
Some fair points but to be fair, a lot of it is unfair. Demanding 90 minute performances is all well and good, but the squad is depleted and tired physically. And now they’re struggling mentally as the weight of expectation begins to crush them. Mental and physical strength are needed but is there enough in the tank?
The weight of expectation. It’s why we blew the title in ’93. And United in ’92. And Newcastle in ’96…
It’s why Gregory and his team didn’t lay a glove on Chelsea in the cup final, even though they had Merson, Dublin and Carbone in the team. It’s why Brazil got slaughtered at home in the World Cup. The weight of expectation creates fear. Which in turn breeds doubt in both players and manager. A time for big balls. A time for warriors to step forward, forget the aches and knocks, eliminate the fear of failure from the mind and be brave! The skipper needs a performance tonight to drag his team through…
UTFV!!!
Martinez, Cash, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Bailey, McGinn, Luiz, Diaby, Rogers, Watkins
So Emery’s going for it and has thrown the cautious 5 at the back approach.
UTV
Wow. 4 strikers? McGinn and Luiz will need to put a shift in. If those 4 play well, we should scare the shit out of Ajax and blow them away. If…
West Ham thrashing Frieberg which is good and bad.
It helps significantly with Englands chances of getting a fifth European Championship place yet doesn’t bode well for our visit to them on Sunday.
Absolutely imperative we win tonight and win well.
Going into the West Ham game on the back of a defeat would be a disaster.
We cannot be tired tonight. This is our Mt Everest and we will not fail.
Bum Bum, Badger – anyone got a stream?