Albion 0 – 0 Villa; Tedious and ultimately not good enough

Well, that wasn’t pretty, was it?
I’m struggling to think of a more boring game and given that we’ve experienced plenty of them over the last few years, that’s saying something.

The whole game can probably be summed up by the lines from one of the commentators I was listening too, where he said;

“This is the Prem. This is supposed to be the best we’ve got”

And he was absolutely correct.
The standard of set pieces and balls in general, from both sides was woeful and backs up my claim that the Premiership is just a load of over-hyped rubbish.

I’m not going to go into the ins and outs of the game too much, as it really doesn’t matter and all that really did, was the result. Which we simply didn’t get.

On the face of it, a draw at the Baggies isn’t too bad a result really and I’d have happily taken it, if we weren’t in our current situation.
But we needed a win and the annoying thing is I think we could have got it, if we’d actually gone for it, as frankly Albion were no better and it could even be said that they were actually worse than us on the day.

Yes, maybe we should have had a penalty and I was calling the referee all sorts at the time, but my feeling was that he let a lot of things go, in an effort to keep the game flowing, something many fans have called for, for years.
It was a fairly robust type of game, just the sort you expect to see in a Derby and I was personally glad the ref did play it that way.
I doubt some of you will agree.

So in a game where I thought Gil looked bright, Gana worked hard and Ayew looked dangerous, again it doesn’t matter.
We needed the points, but ultimately didn’t get them.

Albion will comfortably survive, but we won’t, because it’s too late.
And that’s frustrating, given that we at least matched them today.

148 Comments

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
  1. GIDDYVILLAN
    GIDDYVILLAN January 23, 2016 at 6:30 pm . Reply

    We should have won that.

    1. Bill Pearson
      Bill Pearson January 23, 2016 at 6:33 pm . Reply

      We didn’t win that.

      1. BWS
        BWS January 23, 2016 at 9:03 pm . Reply

        Coulda Woulda Shoulda?

  2. steve
    steve January 23, 2016 at 6:39 pm . Reply

    it is too late for us but to start winning you have stop losing and start keeping clean sheets. if anyone wants proof of this just look at the season before we won the league.
    the ‘ I saw geddis score season’

    1. BWS
      BWS January 23, 2016 at 9:00 pm . Reply

      Jesus that was a collector’s item. Was that the season we went for ever without scoring and if memory serves me right Des Bremner scored and broke the duck.

      1. Hitchens 60
        Hitchens 60 January 23, 2016 at 9:14 pm . Reply

        BWS – we were playing badly and Sir Ron bought Des (who) Bremner and he built a change through not losing. I remember it well as we went into a series of draws and then wins built on not conceding.

        Unlike some I don’t expect us to suddenly start playing brilliant football but I’m encouraged that we are becoming more resilient and difficult to beat. From small acorns……

        In my book Garde is doing OK – we shouldn’t make the mistake of looking for some sort of messiah that will miraculously turn round our results. Keep going Remi – you’re doing OK in my book. Clear out the deadwood and create the basis for the Pheonix to arise from the ashes of the last five years.

        1. BWS
          BWS January 23, 2016 at 9:18 pm . Reply

          Them was happy times at VP Hitchy, ho for a time machine.

          1. Hitchens 60
            Hitchens 60 January 23, 2016 at 10:00 pm . Reply

            Too right mate – happy, happy times.

      2. steve
        steve January 23, 2016 at 9:15 pm . Reply

        that’s the one

        1. BWS
          BWS January 23, 2016 at 9:22 pm . Reply

          Sir Ron bought him and he was part of the squad that won the tittle so respect. But I never saw whatever Sir Ron did myself but then again I’ve never built a championship winning side!

  3. GIDDYVILLAN
    GIDDYVILLAN January 23, 2016 at 6:53 pm . Reply

    I cant think when the last time we’ve strung a 5 game unbeaten run together.

  4. Stubbs
    Stubbs January 23, 2016 at 6:56 pm . Reply

    Most annoying thing is again results went our way today. We win today and the deficit is 7 points and we still have Norwich, Swansea, Bournemouth and Newcastle to play. 3 of those games are at home too!!

    Definitely a wasted opportunity today.

    1. steve
      steve January 23, 2016 at 7:04 pm . Reply

      and man utd

  5. Benno
    Benno January 23, 2016 at 7:03 pm . Reply

    We have to get a striker from somewhere, especially if Gestede is out for a while. We cant continue with Kozak or Gabby up front.

    In reality, our only way of picking up a decent striker is on loan, but we have to do something and quick.

    1. GIDDYVILLAN
      GIDDYVILLAN January 23, 2016 at 7:18 pm . Reply

      We could face a bit of a dilemma when selecting a striker next match 2 left the field today shabbys got a dodgy back I wonder what Grant Holts up to??

    2. steve
      steve January 23, 2016 at 7:27 pm . Reply

      Ayews brother ?

  6. Benno
    Benno January 23, 2016 at 7:05 pm . Reply

    On another note, just watching West Ham play. Cresswell and Byram playing ful lbacks….both quality players we were supposedly after! More good decision making from the transfer committee!! And how good is Payet!!

  7. GIDDYVILLAN
    GIDDYVILLAN January 23, 2016 at 7:47 pm . Reply

    I see pullis said it wasn’t a penalty PRICK yes MATE you & every baggies fan.

    1. BWS
      BWS January 23, 2016 at 9:14 pm . Reply

      Giddy mate to be fair to em on the wm phone in most the biong biongers were saying it was a pen and slagging Pulis mate.

    2. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath January 23, 2016 at 9:44 pm . Reply

      Fuck the penalty it’s not important. We shouldn’t be in this position where one or two dodgy ref decisions can relegate us in the first place. We are at the bottom because we have been shit all season not because of a couple of dodgy decisions

  8. BWS
    BWS January 23, 2016 at 8:55 pm . Reply

    Pretty bang summing up Badger although a decent performance it’s to little to late.If we’d have had Reme from August I truly believe we wouldn’t have been in this position but it’s just a case of games left versus points ratio, simply to late to repair the damage.

    1. BWS
      BWS January 23, 2016 at 9:05 pm . Reply

      Bang on.

  9. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 23, 2016 at 9:34 pm . Reply

    We’re done for BWS, to me Lerner could and should have given the money first week in January, I know players wouldn’t come but to me he’s still holding back and has no respect for the fans.He’s getting his own back for the times other mangers ripping him off. We Are the fans that will suffer for the next few years.

    1. BWS
      BWS January 23, 2016 at 9:41 pm . Reply

      We are Bill, he was never going to open the cheque book mate anyone who thought he was was on class A drugs mate.

      1. Bill Pearson
        Bill Pearson January 23, 2016 at 9:53 pm . Reply

        Bloody true mate, took us all to the cleaners,

        1. Hitchens 60
          Hitchens 60 January 23, 2016 at 10:16 pm . Reply

          At the risk of being beaten to a pulp – I think Lerner, belatedly, may be starting to see the truth. It’s bo**ocks to throw good money after bad and spending now isn’t (if we’re honest) going to change things. Bolting the stable door comes to mind.

          What I want to see now is proper investment for the future starting in the summer.

          1. BWS
            BWS January 23, 2016 at 11:12 pm . Reply

            Hitchy mate the bloke is a serial dickhead, he did the same at the browns, one poor appointment after another to the piont they (the fans) were begging him to go.
            The guy’s a looser that inherited daddy’s money,he’s been winging it for years and he’s been found out.

            1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
              OohAhPaulMcGrath January 24, 2016 at 2:53 am . Reply

              And according to reports his 18 yr old son Max will be on the board soon. Lerner is taking the piss!

  10. Jvillan
    Jvillan January 23, 2016 at 10:38 pm . Reply

    Hitchen
    My big problem with not spending now we go down with crap squad we are behind the gun for next season our players plus remi are showing little fight now what are they going to be like sun Wed Sat next season
    Don’t think remi is the man for championship no plan b ,not even lobbing kitchen sink at it that’s 4 matches west ham Newcastle leiscter wba we were drawing never pushed boat out to win them,stuck with guzan Hutton Richardson week in week out,let Gardner go out on loan yet plays the crab every match

    1. Hitchens 60
      Hitchens 60 January 24, 2016 at 8:31 am . Reply

      JV – I’m not saying we shouldn’t invest now if the right player becomes available that will improve us for next season and, of course, at the right price like Kalinic. My comment was specifically aimed at the (apparent) decision not to invest short term i.e. the Debuchy loan fee and hopefully not chasing pensioners like Vidic.

    2. Colonius81
      Colonius81 January 24, 2016 at 12:23 pm . Reply

      I don’t get the criticisms of Garde, whats absolutely sure is that he is making mistakes as he goes, bit like Mourniho, Wenger, ferguson, ancellotti that way, in so far as every manager does that.

      I see absolutely snail paced improvement from Villa, I think Garde has the toughest assignment of all the Villa managers of the last 5 years, and the worst squad.
      so at this point, after 12 premier league games, we are finally showing minuscule signs of improvement, the passing has improved, we seem to be conceding less goals, and we are a little tougher to beat,
      3 games unbeaten in the prem, 5 including the FA cup ..

      ah but the FM experts are convinced he hasn’t done enough yet,

      Ridiculous, I don’t see any evidence of any catastrophic decisions that warrants serious criticism, absolutely made a few selection mistakes, possible tactical errors, all absolutely crystal clear mistakes that were pointed in hindsight.

      He looks like a man that is desperately working and shaping and experimenting to me.
      Don’t understand how some could have made their mind up already.

      1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
        OohAhPaulMcGrath January 24, 2016 at 1:32 pm . Reply

        I agree I think Garde is a decent manager but could of done with him at start of season

  11. VillaAwayInDiv3
    VillaAwayInDiv3 January 23, 2016 at 11:56 pm . Reply

    MOTD…… Vllla just shaded it…..havin a laugh…or wot.
    Think they should have a pen….2nd week running…thats 4 point you idiot refs.

  12. pat57
    pat57 January 24, 2016 at 1:08 am . Reply

    In all games now they are unbeaten in five. What would have given for that earlier on? Too late now unfortunately.

    I think Remi is doing a good job and, although we’re going down, if he sticks with us I’m fairly optimistic that we won’t be in the Championship too long.

    With regard to the penalty shout it was definitely a pen but you can’t rely on the ref to save you, you have to make your own luck.

    1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath January 24, 2016 at 1:30 pm . Reply

      Only looks about 12 ffs. Lerner taking the piss big time now

  13. GIDDYVILLAN
    GIDDYVILLAN January 24, 2016 at 8:49 am . Reply

    That’s a FUCKING joke has LERNER lost the plot??

    1. saddened
      saddened January 24, 2016 at 9:30 am . Reply

      I wouldn’t surprise me at all, be Lerners little grass !

    2. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath January 24, 2016 at 1:30 pm . Reply

      Lost it years ago

  14. GIDDYVILLAN
    GIDDYVILLAN January 24, 2016 at 9:55 am . Reply

    Who next his Gardener????

  15. Hitchens 60
    Hitchens 60 January 24, 2016 at 10:24 am . Reply

    OK let’s see what Hollis is truly made of. Whilst the Board have collective responsibility for appointing Directors, Hollis, as Chairman has already stated that he doesn’t want any token appointments; this in response to fans questions over adding a footballing ‘name’ to the Board. In response and I paraphrase – Hollis said any new Director has to add the skills needed to create a successful future for the club – we shall see.

  16. swampduck
    swampduck January 24, 2016 at 10:54 am . Reply

    reminds me of when the bendalls ran the club .what a mess they made of it

    1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath January 24, 2016 at 1:31 pm . Reply

      At least we won major honours with them

      1. bws
        bws January 24, 2016 at 4:47 pm . Reply

        What God damn awful times they were, all that winning league tittles, European Cups and Super Cups business. Them was dark dark days at VP not like today under our glorious leader and his unparalleled stewardship of AVFC.

        1. Bill Pearson
          Bill Pearson January 24, 2016 at 5:23 pm . Reply

          Hear hear BWS, we never had nail biting, hair loss,, ulcers, fighting to get into the grounds, not like today’s games. They don’t know how lucky they are.

          1. bws
            bws January 24, 2016 at 5:29 pm . Reply

            Bill as former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan said “You have never had it so good”.

          2. Hitchens 60
            Hitchens 60 January 24, 2016 at 7:36 pm . Reply

            I remember when we won the European Cup. My boss (lovely guy) and his son were big Baggies fans – he told me his son had asked him ‘can the Villa really win the (European) Cup’. He told him and me he believed they could …….and so it came to pass. Oh for a repeat of those times when we were feared although it’s interesting looking back – even then the press didn’t favour us and were right royally pi**ed off when we beat Ipswich to the league title.

            Do you remember the interview with Sir Ron after Ipswich beat us and he said to the reporter ‘do you want to bet against us’ absolute class.

  17. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 24, 2016 at 12:02 pm . Reply

    Sure is Swampduck, Ellis going behind the board’s back by flying to the isles of Man and buying shares to gain control. me think dirty dealings are coming.

    1. mike
      mike January 24, 2016 at 1:36 pm . Reply

      With decent striker we would of won yesterday. Get Rhodes in

      1. Hitchens 60
        Hitchens 60 January 24, 2016 at 3:59 pm . Reply

        Agreed Mike and said so yesterday. Rhodes and Gestede have a good partnership and with a half decent team supporting them we would be in a good position next season if we’re looking to bounce straight back up. No, I haven’t completely given up on a miracle but if we’re going to invest we should do so looking at what will be needed next season not short term fixes on a wing and a prayer – we’re too far behind for that.

        1. Dave67
          Dave67 January 24, 2016 at 4:30 pm . Reply

          Rhodes , Gestede , not good enough for Prem.

          1. mike
            mike January 24, 2016 at 6:31 pm . Reply

            We staying up then dave 67 ?

        2. Dave67
          Dave67 January 24, 2016 at 4:46 pm . Reply

          Sorry Hitch only glanced through your comment, might be OK for champ.

          1. Dave67
            Dave67 January 24, 2016 at 7:26 pm . Reply

            Mike in my opinion Rhodes not good for Prem, I could be wrong, I hope and pray that we stay up, Talking to a Spurs fan today, said 3 wins in the next games and results go our way we are back in the mix. I said wishful thinking .

          2. Hitchens 60
            Hitchens 60 January 24, 2016 at 7:30 pm . Reply

            No need to apologise Dave. Rhodes may well make it in the prem – who knows but in terms of a sensible, affordable strategy I think he fits the bill. The question is – I suspect he has premiership ambitions and wants to go to a prem club – so why would he come to us? Interesting that no prem club seem to be that interested which supports your view.

Post Comment