Sorry for the terrible title, but it’s as good as anything else I can think of.
I’ve seen it said a few times over the last couple of months that we’re on the edge of hammering someone, but you could have fooled me and I don’t know what game they’re watching. In fact we look more like the team that could get hammered, with our defence, in my opinion.
Not today though and I’ll be watching this one with some interest. Firstly, because we only knocked the Irons out of the cup a couple of weeks ago. The big questions are was the reason they lost last time because Potter hadn’t had any time to work with them and has he managed to improve what wasn’t a great side?
And then there’s Donyell Malen, who, when you consider we got £20 million plus £3 million in add ons for Philogene, was a bargain at an initial fee of £21 million, rising to £27.7 million. That’s for a Dutch international and it seems to be a really excellent purchase and a great bit of business by Monchi and the Villa. Or is he just somewhat over-hyped and we’ve just got him at fair value? I suspect not.
Let’s hope playing on the right (which I’ve no doubt is where he will play) proves more fruitful for him than it has for a fair few players over the last few years. The position seems to destroy players for some reason and it’s a bit of a coincidence that I believe our biggest weakness is who will no doubt be playing behind him; IE the right back.
Regardless, Donyell has talked about how he wants to get goals and assists, but has recently talked about how training has involved defending. And this is the part I’m interested in. How well does he track back and help out? It took Bailey ages to learn to work back, after all and I hope it’s not the case here, because as much as we want that attacking part of the game, defence is equally important in my eyes.
I believe the Dutchman has decent pace too and that’s something we sorely need.
Squad news and nothing has changed. McGinn is training with the squad, but it doesn’t sound like he’s ready yet. Onana is still training on his own and is obviously miles away, as is Pau. Ross Barkley still isn’t ready either
As for West Ham, they have central defender Konstantinos Mavropanos out having been red carded last week for two yellows. Fellow central defender Jean-Clair Todibo is also a big doubt. Jared Bowen isn’t ready and it’s the same with Crysencio Summerville. Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug are definitely out.
Am I the only one who’s never heard of most of those players? Whatever, it sounds good for us defensively and attack-wise.
After hearing of West Ham’s woes, I’m encouraged. They beat Fulham in their previous game but lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace at home in their last game. It doesn’t seem Potter’s had enough time to change much and given our home advantage, I have to go for a Villa win. I’m going to stick my neck out and say I think Malen will get a goal too. Perhaps that’s wishful thinking, but I do see goals. If we can’t take advantage of a West Ham side without their two best defenders and a weakened attack, well…….
So what do I think the score will be, then?
I’m tempted to say 3-1. But I think a repeat of that previous 2-1 win is more likely.
I’ll take either.
UTV!
Pen.
Penalty.
And it is at first sight.
If that’s not a penalty I’m a fuckin kangaroo.
Watkins, you utter wanker!
You can’t blame him for that really, Badger.
Can’t watch
I knew it.
That penalty. Very, very unlucky.
‘Slippy O’…
Neil Lennon thought it was ‘soft’. Soft….no, I’ll leave it.
Great save from baby Pete
SELL WATKINS AND DIRAN AND BUY ISSAK
Isaac Hayes? We’ll be proper shafted then. I’ll get my coat…
I do love Isaac Hayes…But Villa more!
I’m not balming Ollie, but that’s FIVE chances on goal. He must be gutted…
Sorry to say but maybe we should shoot instead of passing to Ollie.
Hands up, great ball from Bailey then.
Bailey’s pass. 👏👏👏👏👏
Commentators love to chat about Celtic don’t they?
Yeeesssss!!!! And…Phew!!!!!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Yes, Rogers. Well done son, well deserved.
4-2
BIG smiles from Emery!!! Bloody well done Villa!!!!!
Sooooooooooo thrilled!!!!!!
Are we through????
Despite our flaws we were several classes above Celtic. Give some credit FFS
No Duran. Deffo off.
They did it! 😁 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👌🤌💪🫶
I’ve only noticed this trend under Emery, but it was during the opening game of the season last year when Tyrone got injured and we capitulated – but how many times has that happened to us in the last 18 months? We lose a player, lose shape, lose discipline and then lose the game in really spectacular fashion…. I was worried that was what was going to happen tonight. So glad it didn’t! And yes, DS, we did look a class above. Really enjoyed that first 20 mins – and best we’ve looked in 4-5 games.
Duran not coming on the last few games seems for sure he’s gone. Disappointing, but I’d rather us bank the cash, strengthen and move on. I’d really like to see us go for Mbeumo instead of the rumored playmaker – but given that we’ve let Buendia go (big mistake imo), it seems like there’s some incoming there.
I think it’s about Emery and his assessment of individual players. If he isn’t confident of a player he would rather play someone out of position. That says he doesn’t trust Maatsen, Ned etc. He might be right but it calls into question the transfer policy.
I think both Maatsen and Ned will prove to be e good buys. Whether they become mainstays in the team only time will tell.
If we sell Duran I expect we will have a much stronger and more dangerous squad. I like him but I would be happier to see him gone with 2 or 3 quality replacements and PSR dealt with for another season.
Top 8!!!!
Just like Villa to put us all through the wringer first but a magnificent performance from the boys.
Have to say that Celtic are a better team than many here thought. Great resilience and a great result.
One of the great days supporting Villa.