How enjoyable was that?
I have to admit that I’m a little confused. Is it actually legal that we win at West Ham on the first day of the season?
Straight from the off, my MOTM was Onana. He is an absolute beast and most importantly looks like a player who is enjoying his game. I don’t know what it is, but Emery no doubt has it.
Next I have to say how well Duran did in replacing Ollie, who was frankly invisible. That’s no slur on Ollie, because I like what he does, but it seemed Duran had been given a totally free role and his touch map confirms that. He was just all over the place and running his guts out. Emery seems to have sprinkled his magic there too. Which is the frustrating thing about the lad. Knuckle down, listen to a very good manager and you WILL go far. And stop with the brattish behavior. It’s as simple as that.
Whatever, he’s either playing for the club or playing for a move. I honestly hope it’s the former.
And then there’s tactics.
I feel Spam got the first half totally wrong in allowing us to dominate to such an extent where I thought we were the home side, given the way we were constantly attacking them and they were so defensive.
A lucky penalty after Cash was judged to have fouled, even though he’d touched the ball beforehand gave them the equaliser, when we really should have been 3-1 up at half time, such was our dominance.
The second half changed things and Spam played a much more attacking style and it worked, as they had us on the back foot for long periods. We had a bright spell around 65-70 minutes, but we lost the momentum again; so much so that I thought the game was ebbing away from us.
But here’s the best part for me. Unai’s subs were spot on and we got fresh legs at just the right time.
The end result was that overall, we just had too much for West Ham.
To keep things in perspective, Spam didn’t look anywhere near the level I expect from them, but then I think we’re nowhere near peak either.
Another big tick up for Bailey, who I thought looked a massive threat. Playing against him must be a nightmare and he was unlucky when his best chance hit the post.
I wish I could say the same about Matty Cash. I just always get the feeling that while he works hard, he’s always seen by the opposition as our weak spot now. It used to be that other teams used to target our left, but that’s no longer the case.
Philogene added something on the right, I feel. But the whole right hand side doesn’t sit right with me. We need to improve on Cash at RB and he should be a very good No 2, in my opinion.
I think bringing Philogene on is an indicator that Unai is approaching this season with a view to totally utilising the squad. I’ve criticised his tactics occasionally, but he’s a damn sight better than me at running clubs and it all bodes well.
I’m my usual incredibly low level expectation self, garnered from years of depressing experience, but today has given me massive encouragement.
We won. Away. At West Ham.
It’s almost unprecented!
A fantastic win, simple as!
Ah, I forgot Tielemens. I thought he was excellent too.
Yep, that was nice on the eye that one. Not sure how many crap VAR decisions I can take this year. However, the difference today is our boys are settled and they are being coached by (in my opinion) one of the top 3 coaches in the world right now, possibly higher. I absolutely love the brand of football this guy has brought to the villa
And… you know you manager is something special when the 3 subs he brings in all combine to create and score the winner! If you are on the pitch and just watched that happen you must feel like your manager has just looked after you.
Badger
Without attempting to be sycophantic, I totally agree with your evaluation of the game.
My only variance was where I felt Bailey played a couple of Hollywood through balls.
I have no doubt Emery is going to take us to higher levels. We are already +2 points on last year.
Sid, in fairness, I understand what you mean. He was a bit greedy too, in not passing, a couple of times.
I think I can live with it though. He’s a big unknown in that the opposition don’t have a clue what he’s going to do and I like that.
He scares the opposition into kicking lumps out of him and another bonus, he now works incredibly hard too.
Remember when we first got him and he thought chasing back was below him?
A very much improved player and a key component in the team, I feel.
Badger
I can’t disagree.
As a 15 year old I saw us win the European Cup. I actually thought that was the best it would ever be in my life time. Then along come NSWE and Emery. I truly believe my expectations were wrong and we can surpass the past.
Brilliant win and my only gripe was that we should have won by more.
However, for me, our two most important players going into the new season might well be Onana and Tielemans. They played the double pivot wonderfully well and I think that they might become the engine room of the team. They both look so comfortable on the ball and the fact that they did something similar in the Belgian national team obviously helps.
Also Onana did a killer interview after the game. He is eloquent and open and presents very well. He also said that Duran will be with the team going into the new season which is good.
I’m beginning to think that having Onana+Tielemans we won’t miss Luiz in the slightest. Happy days and UTV
That’s a very good point and no doubt why Monchi/Emery wanted to pair them.
I thought Onana seemed to bring out the best in Tielemens, who I rate highly, but never reached his peak for us last season, imo.
Maybe a bit of a bruiser behind/next to him just gives him that bit more confidence?
Today was a tough test for physicality, but Arse will be a good test for a more intelligent midfield. If the pair pass that test, it bodes very well.
Great way to start a season and an important 3 points with Arse up next.
Sadly, I only got to see the first five minutes and the last 20 – although they were the best bits with both goals – as we were at our daughters house and I was on barbecue duties with the SIL (whose a Liverpool fan) while the rest of my family all watched the match!
Duran might be naive and has behaved immaturely but he’s without doubt a very talented lad and I’m sure he will get a lot of minutes this season. It seems the players want him to stay, clearly Emery wants to work with him and I suspect a new contract with a very big release clause will soon be on the table.
UTMV
Something about that one felt so pure and special, to think we’ve got that one out the way with a win is actually quite surreal, I am more confident for games like Spurs, Arsenal and Man United away than I am West Ham away.
Onana was superb too, but every single player you could say something good about their performances, even the ones who looked less understandably less confident at times due to their young age, like Bidace, and Nedelkjovic.
Maatsen shocked me, I thought he would need time to adjust. I’m not saying he is better than Digne or Moreno as I have not seen enough of him, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like many Villa debutants wouldn’t have completely sliced that first touch ball to Rogers, which eventually led to Duran’s goal. Not being negative, but we just lack confidence sometimes and tend to be bullied.
On that topic of bullying the opponent, the sky is the limit for that in Duran’s game. You can’t write the script for that, and the clear apology to the Villa fans in his celebration would have been the highlight of the game for many.
Overall, I have to say, Villa you have shocked me. I was depressed watching pre-season, but I am also mindful now that this is only one game, and we have a very tough, albeit winnable, fixture against Arsenal, no idea why but I have a good feeling.
UTV.
Let’s give credit where credit due, Emery was working on the fact that we had a few international players away from the club and training, the pulling off of 3 main players was due to lack of training and late returns. But it was a masterpiece in understanding where his new players was needed, I don’t yet think the media or tv pundits fully understand Aston Villa are a team equal to any London, Manchester, or Alan Shearer mob of teams . Aston Villa are Back .
It would seem that Emery / Villa have decided on Maatson and Digne for the LB shirt – I think that makes a heap of sense.
Widely reported that Moreno can leave the club (loan or permanent deal) and there’s interest from Forest and three Spanish clubs. It appears Moreno favours a move back to Spain.
He was brilliant in that first season but never the same after his injury although tbf last season he seemed to suffer a number of injuries which didn’t help.
Emery also suggesting both Carlos and Duran are staying.
I can’t believe how well Onana, BJ, Maatens, Ned did yesterday. JJ back was a thrill. Digne was brilliant. Konsa, Mr Solid, Pau stormed forward, Cash fought and fought, Bailey a constant threat, Ollie…just rusty and off his best, McGinn a bit rusty but combatative, Duran worked his rocks off, Emi Brilliant!, have I forgotten anyone?
You were all fantastic guys!!!! Bring on Arsenal!!!!
Chesty!!!!!!!!!
Indeed. I like Morgan.
He’s JJ no 2 .
I love a driver of the ball and he looks a threat who will only get better.
It seems Chelsea and Athletico have agreed on a Gallagher / Felix deal not that I ever really thought he’d come to Villa.
So now he joins the Fred Carno’s circus at Chelsea!
No doubt there squad is a little short on numbers so expect them to buy a few more players in the next week or so 🙂
I think we’ve dodged a bullet there quite frankly. Bit of a Billy Big Bollocks…
And a moron. Didn’t he go there already and flop? You’ve got an elite manager asking for your services in the elite European competition. And you go to Chelsea. Tit.
I’m glad Felix is going to Chelsea. He would want to be starter and I think that would upset the current squad dynamic. We need more players like Rogers who are young, talented and hungry to get better.
Another Coutinho, as others have already said. We know who perform best at circuses…don’t forget to pack your red nose and curly wig.
If Villa are looking to reinforce the right back position Tariq Lamptey might be worth a look – is in theclast year of his contract so the price might be affordable.
Just a thought?
With Ned and Cash, I’d be surprised. I’m more concerned that Lenglet hasn’t been replaced. Key position is currently exposed…
Relying on Carlos staying and Mings coming back with Bogarde as a reserve?
I agree BFR – risky strategy.
On RB, my thoughts were – would Lamptey be an upgrade on Cash?
Just browsing the fixtures. Spuds and Liverpool away in a week at the start of November. If that’s sandwiched with an away CL game, it’ll be a massive test, probably bigger than some of the sequences last season, namely early December and the Lille away week in the spring. Big tests to come…
BFR, alternatively, what a big bloody exciting week for the players, club and fans! Mad for it!
Have the CL fixtures been announced yet?
Absolutely, Bum Bum! Wasn’t being negative, just looking ahead! Lots to look forward to!
Very risky, Hitch, imo. But it might have to be, given the financial straightjacket.
Who does Lamptey play for? Not familiar with him…
Brighton and he’s highly regarded.
Rather like Maatson – very quick.
If he leaves there will be a lot of clubs across Europe / UK interested
Kane Taylor checks in. Anyone know anything about him? And Bogarde signs new deal. Looks like Unai will be looking to bed him in. Good news with two talented youngsters looking to the near future…
I can’t see Mings being up to speed before Christmas but I hope I’m wrong!
A word on Arsenal on Saturday: from the snippets I’m seeing from Gooners online, they’re looking for vengeance as (they believe) we cost them the title. It could be an absolute blockbuster but we’ll need to weather the storm they will bring. No doubt they’ll be looking for an early goal and to be out of sight by half time, which they’re capable of. And with they’re defence, if we want to take anything, a clean sheet has to be a priority. I’d take a an entertaining score draw, or even a stubborn, battling 0-0. Thoughts?
We’ll ****ing batter them! Bring them on! I think we’ll be buzzing. The new players got off to a rollocking start on Saturday. Who says they need months to bed into a system where the majority know the plan inside out?
Love your enthusiasm, Bum Bum! It will be a battle…
A battle it will be, but one we can win!!
The only people that cost them the title are themselves.
To pick out Villa is purile and may yet rebound on them come Saturday.
Not on this site, but seeing a lot of people have this opinion so I thought I’d call it out
People who are saying Duran is an impact player and should not start over Watkins are the same bunch who are bringing up Watkins’ euro campaign, in which he spent the entire tournament as an impact player, it’s quite hilarious, actually
There’s nowt as daft as folk, Alfie 🙂
Too true Badger.
As Duran matures and becomes a ‘team’ player in the broadest sense of the word he’ll become a top, top striker.
He should stay as Emery is one of the very few coaches in the World that can get the best out of him.
Just hope he gets better advice from his agents (Father and a friend) than he’s had to date.