Hey, look at that. One post in two months and now I’m on my second in a couple of days. It’s an indicator that the intermediate tosh is over and we go again, with proper footy.
Before I even consider the game, I have to comment on Archer going to Southampton on a 4 year deal for around £15 million. That’s a great signing for them and it seems cheap. So cheap that I can’t say that I’m happy about it.
But I’m keeping my pragmatic head on for this one and I quite simply think that if we were to consider a current pecking order of strikers, it’s Ollie no 1; the brat no 2 and then Archer no 3. And if you agree with that, Cameron is hardly ever going to get a look in. Even if the brat leaves, he will be replaced with a striker that Unai thinks will be at least equal or hopefully better. And that still leaves Archer in third place.
So the reality is that we’re probably doing him a favour in letting him go and probably be the no 2 option at a decent club with a history of bringing kids through.
I view the lad as one of our own and am very sad to see him go. But if we want to think higher level, the fact is we have to be ruthless. Archer has contributed greatly to the club, in the profit we’ve made on him.
And sadly, that’s all that counts nowadays.
Onto the really important stuff then and that’s the game tomorrow.
It’s quite simple for me. I haven’t got a clue because I don’t know who’s going to start for either team and first day games are as meaningless as friendlies.
I’m sure nobody needs reminding that we lost our first game last season at the Barcodes 5-1, I think, with only SAF thinking we’d played well (I still can’t get my head around that. He must truly be some sort of genius). Whatever, I think most if us thought we looked more relegation material after that game, which is the point.
I’ve previously mentioned a scouser who takes an interest in the Villa. He asked me who we’re playing. I told him and his immediate response was “score draw”.
And I found it hard to disagree with.
I’m going for a pretty subdued game, with many players finding their feet and some just trying to get fit again.
It’s a 1-1 draw.
Here we go. 2 changes…JJ and Duran!
Maybe bring Diaby on for Bailey?
Oh, hang on…Billy Jean??? Do it!!
More interesting changes!
Durannnnn!!!!!
Duran! 2-1!
That’s the maddening thing about him, we know he’s good, Arrghhh!
Wow, Duran just indicated that he’s staying at Villa.
My mind might change, given that.
Assuming he was looking at Villa fans, that is.
Maybe the comms have it wrong and he was indicating he wants to “come here” to Spam?
I hope not.
Onana just gave a great interview and he stated that Duran is staying. He will be needed with all the games we have coming up.
Loads of debutants on today…Bloody hell this Unai is good…
Duran’s touch map, wow.
He’s all over the place and obviously up for something.
Yes!!!!
Get the fuck in!!!!
In nearly 50 years of supporting Villa, I’ve never seen quality in depth like this.
2-1. Me and 1874 win!!! The rest of you are bloody wusses!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Tieimans was great too!!!!! Maatens, Jaden, Ned. Onana. Digne. Bloody love the lot of you!!!!
It was in the script wasn’t it? Duran comes on and scores the winner.
Onana MOTM. We broke a couple of hoodoos winning first game of the season and at a place we haven’t won.
Yeaaaaassss buzzing jhon Duran had to be wooo hoooo great start to the season
Gentleman
I was dancing in the Irish pub in Rome. Duran now knows what is good for him.
Emery played a tactical level above West Ham’s capability. Early season woes meant we were not 0-3 up at half time.
Cash’s face when he gave away the penalty said it all. He knows his position is under threat. I really like the guy, but Emery is merciless. I expect a new right back before the end of the month.
Great win at a graveyard for us.
UTV
A great day for me as my next door neighbour who is a hardcore hammer fan has finally shut his gob after flying a hammer flag in front of my camera while I’m in Cornwall, his words was we are going to hammer you from what I seen we won 2-0 as that was not a pen all day . So the change now in VAR is you don’t go against the referee decision? Load of Bol*^,ks again from twats who run the game . Emery a genius tactically in playing players were needed. Great game from the lads .
Young hardworking prospects are welcome at the Unaiversity
Gotta defend Cash. He gives bloody well everything. If he loses the ball he fights to get it back. The guy gets so much shite…Very unfair. Digne was so bllody good too. I am stunned at the qualif the subs that came on and uped the ante. What a situation we find ourselves in…!!!!
His effort can’t be faulted, but he is often out of position.
Walker or Cash? It’s a no-brainer for me.
We need better as RB now gets targetted, imo.
No sentiment nowadays, I’m afraid and working hard doesn’t cut it if you want the next level.
Gave up on Leicester v Spurs, so one sided. Watching Atletico on La Liga and no Felix. Not even on the bench. Just wondering…
Two points dropped already for Spurs. Let’s hope we take the three points from Leicester in a couple of weeks and fully capitalise.
UTV!
At least the Felix rumours can stop now that he is confirmed at Chelsea and Gallager has gone the other way.