I’m sighing as I think what to write.
What the hell was that?
To my mind, the result has been totally outdone by some of the scenes we saw.
I really wouldn’t be surprised if both clubs are charged with bringing the game into disrepute and get fined.
I think Brentford were mostly to blame, with some shocking tackling and diving.
Ben Mee demonstrated yet again what a disgusting player he is and his red card was 100% correct.
You just can’t tackle with your foot square on to an opponent’s leg. I might give him the benefit if he led with his toes, but it was nothing like and just looked totally reckless.
When the commentator said that’s the first time he’d been sent off in ten years, I was just stunned. The man is just an utter thug.
I’m not blaming our lads, because Brentford generally were doing everything to try and get decisions and I found that disappointing in itself, because I think they were the better side for about the first hour of the game.
The truth is Ramsey, Diaby and Cash were all poor and apart from Martinez, who had made a couple of great saves, nobody had come out of the game well. Again the subs worked wonders and we upped our levels. Not that I thought they weren’t already good enough. I think the workrate was adequate, but the achievement was just lacking.
I couldn’t see us getting anything out of the game, for a long time.
That tackle by Mee took a lot of their advantage away and the game began to come back towards us.
And then Moreno, who had already had chances, snuck in at the back post to score, leaving me to feel much more confident.
I still felt it was a close game though until Watkins got his goal.
Which, for me was one of the worst parts. I don’t know if Brentford’s fans had been abusing him, but why did he adopt that stance in front of their fans?
I thought it was just totally disrespectful. Imagine if Barry or Grealish had done that in front of us. We’d rightly have been fuming.
From then on, the whole atmosphere deteriorated and it got worse.
The game was littered with niggly tackles, again, mostly by Brentford, but we resorted to getting our own back.
Then Maupay deliberately ran into Martinez and that was quite simply a straight red too, in my opinion, yet nothing was given, which amazed me. Since when has blatant fouling and ungentlemanly conduct been permissable?
And then it got worse, with a melee occurring late on, which resulted in Emery being shown a yellow for acting as a pecemaker, but more likely for encroaching on the pitch and Kamara saw red for grabbing a player round the throat. Martinez didn’t help when he pulled Maupay’s shirt over his head, trying to get him up. It was all just ridiculous.
Perhaps I’m being a bit old fashioned about it all, because everyone I’ve spoken too doesn’t seem very bothered and are just glad that we got the win.
I’m ecstatic about the win too; of course I am. Brentford away is always a tough gig.
Perhaps I’m getting old, but Aston Villa has always been seen as an honourable club that does things in the right way. It’s something I want to see us upholding.
I know it’s a bit of a one-off thing and you could probably give me a very good argument that it’s actually what we need because “nice” clubs don’t win things.
I just felt disappointed, as I said.
Which is a shame, because this is yet another fantastic victory.
Any win is good, but when they’re coming on the back of generally poor performances, it demonstrates that we’ve moved up at least a notch.
Because that’s what good sides do isn’t it? Win against the odds and just somehow get the victory.
Does it mean we were lucky?
Who cares?
UTV!
Perhaps I worry too much?
Badger I don’t think we are that sort of a team, simply got dragged down to their level.
I think Franks set the tone with his reaction to the sending off, him and Brentford went down in my estimation after today’s less than savoury behaviour.
Lads and lasses, well having just looking at the fixtures AND should we win Friday (and come on we should) and it’s top of the league for Christmas 😁
Thank you Saint Unai of the Lower Grounds for the best ever present 💝
Agree, RSS. The Villa had no choice unless they wanted to leave that poxy stadium with a whimper, with zero points, and with their tails between their legs.
And if we gave Grealish a load of shit for 80 minutes at VP only for him to shove it down our throats, personally, I’d applaud him. I am very traditionalist and old-fashioned (for my age), but not as much as Badger. My rule is, if someone smacks you in the mush, you smack them back in the nose, even harder!
UTV!
And while we’re on the subject, I believe Wilder’s Sheffield will bring more of the same on Friday. I would recommend the Villa come out fast and put them away with 2-3 goals in the first half…
Agreed BFR.
We could do with putting Sheffield to the sword, any win will do but it would very advantageous to get that goal difference on par with the Scousers.
‘Aston Villa have won 25 Premier League games in 2023, their most top-flight wins in a calendar year in their entire history’.
Wow! And this record could extend further with two more matches to go. ASTONishing!!!
Badger, the reason we got the “fantastic victory” is because we stood up to them and didn’t lie down in the face of their bully-boy tactics. When in Rome…
We weren’t lucky, Badger. At worse, we were plucky; at best resilient and courageous. All the best sides get results like this in successful seasons. As I said earlier, at least as big a win as the last two. Reminded me a bit of the 2-1 at Rotherham when we really looked to be up the creek. Superb.
Badger, don’t worry about the class of Aston Villa. Looking at Unai on the touchline, immaculately clean-shaven, hair glossy, in his overcoat and tie, I had to have a dig to my wife about Pep’s shabby, shitty turtleneck and cardigan look, as she has a thing for the bald one. Class club. Class act of a manager. There’s the traditionalist coming through – you have to have your best on and scrub up properly on a Sunday! 😉
You sound very old fashioned, Ron! 😁😁😁
Did anyone notice Ollie go up to Frank after the final whistle? He seemed to be explaining his actions…McGinn did the same thing too. Like they were both trying to explain what had happened. I wonder what their exchnage was???
Brentford tried to rough us up like a newly promoted team of bruisers. It never worked, but we did fall for their tricks. Emi especially. I thought he was going to get sent off…
Bloody comical last 25 minutes in all honesty, and funny the ever decent Emery getting a card but he’s hardly turned into Arteta!
What a game and what a result!!!!!
Top at Christmas???? Villa and The Pogues??? I wouldn’t bet against it!!!!
I’m desperate to hear Unai say “Would you bet against us?” in his Spanish accent. Preferably on the eve of winning the league or the Europa Conference! I’d also love to see a massive, black and white Benitez Anfield style banner of the gaffer fluttering around in the Holte End in the not-too-distant future…
gure aurka apustu egin nahi al zenuke
😂
Martinez is getting some stick from the journos, and rightly so I hate to say. He needs to reign it in. He’ll be on referees’ radars now and I hope the boss has told him in no uncertain terms to stop the clown routine and just keep the ball out of the Villa’s net.
I think we should give Diaby time to adjust.
Initially he was dynamic and his partnership with Watkins was excellent – I think you’ll find it’s still the best goal / assist partnership in the Prem. I also think he was the initial catalyst for Bailey’s improvement.
He’s been found out a little and teams have doubled up and closed him down but I wouldn’t bet against him!
Look at Bailey 12 months ago and now – so I think we need to give him some room and some time.
Heh, I’m glad it’s not just me, although I am perhaps making an overly big deal out of it.
Some good points there. I’m sure I remember saying I didn’t think they were like that, previously. Well, they obviously are and deserve all they get.
Frank defending Mee for that tackle is really poor and he should have called it for what it was; a bad tackle.
I agree, we were reduced to their level, but Emery wasn’t overly impressed either and has said he will manage it.
Which I’m sure will involve something along the lines of “I don’t want anything to do with that, but well done for standing your ground and giving as good as you got”.
I’m liking Emery more and more. He seems totally in control of any situation, to me.
BFR, I was impressed with how we came out fast and tried our best to “put them away” today, even if they couldn’t achieve it. I think we look a lot better for it and if we do get an early goal, it takes mental pressure off, which is probably as good as being able to take your foot off the gas.
I usually agree with most of what you say Badger but not today!
Firstly, I blame the referee for not controlling the game, he made poor call after poor call, from the yellow that wasn’t given for the audacious pull of the scruff of the neck of Pau’s shirt that was a clear yellow card, to not sending Mee off straight away for that challenge, to booking Bailey for a what seemed like a standard challenge, and if it was a foul it certainly wasn’t worthy of a card. Essentially he was never in control, and made some pretty odd decisions.
I’d also say that for once we got stuck in and showed fight, they were not the better team for the first hour at all, stats will back that up and I think they were incredibly lucky to go at half time 1-0 up. But what I’m impressed with this season is our ability to carve out the wins, we keep going, we show patience, and we have players we can bring on to change a game, the subs were perfect today.
Add to that we beat them on their own ground for the first time in decades and are 4 points clear of Man City I’d say pour yourself a glass of something strong and enjoy it mate.
It seems Watkins was abused throughout the game by one spectator in particular hence his goal mouth celebration. It’s easy, outside the emotion, to say that he should rise above it – not so easy in the heat of the moment.
In any other circumstance I believe you would have seen a much more respectful response by Watkins.
I know many people admire Franks – personally I’ve never liked the guy – arrogant, mouthy and self-centred; the complete antithesis of Emery.
I hope Villa pursue a complaint about the abusive spectator and he’s dealt with – no doubt Franks will try and defend the indefensible.
Watkins did seem to be singling out someone in the crowd. Very unlike him so I’m betting he had good reason. Anyway, 3 points that I felt for most of the game we wouldn’t get so I’m happy. Kamara will be a big loss but we have to find ways to win when we are tested so bring it on
See Franks is whinging about the referee – well so could we!
Now doubt he was poor but for Franks to say Mee’s tackle didn’t deserve a red card and VAR got it wrong is laughable. Mee’s an animal and it’s about time he got his marching orders.
Let’s see how far they get trying to overturn the decision!
Very annoying to lose Kamara for three key games though – let’s hope Tielemans injury isn’t too bad as he’s the natural stand in.
Hitch, it puts me in mind of when Garry Shaw came to me over one fan by the dugout week after week giving him verbal. I personally stud in the crowd and nailed the chap. Shaw told me every match he was conscious of that person when playing and put him off his game . I think Watkins had that same problem.
Bloody dope Stood not Stud
Off to school now .
I don’t think I’m the only one who feels Diaby isn’t looking anything like a £50+ million player recently. His physique means he is easily dispossessed and he doesn’t show any signs of turning things around. Bailey on the other hand despite his crazy back pass is looking like the first choice when fit.
With the January transfer window nearly upon us, we have a chance of building on our opportunity in at least qualifying for the Champions League. We must be a more attractive proposition to the big name players than we were 12 months ago because of Emery and our current league position. Add to that we are still in European competition! Edens and Sawris need to make every effort to add quality to our squad or risk blowing our biggest hope in decades.
Just as Emi Martínez said, “I’m a believer”
I know it’s unlikely Emery will buy British, but would Jarred Bowen and/or Emile Smith-Rowe fit in at Villa Park? Both play positions where Zaniolo and Diaby are flattering to deceive…
Diaby will come good, absolutely no doubt about that, he’s class, next season I think you’ll see a different player, bailey has only just come good consistently, Luiz took at least 3 seasons to become the player he is now.
Diaby, and a few others haven’t been at their best recently. It’s a bit tough to slate them overnight. They’ll come good shortly as it’s been a tough season. I think Emery is doing a stunning rotational job with the squad this season, and don’t forget JJ and Moreno have just come back and are hardly match fit.
Loved the fighting spirit today. Can’t wait for MOTD!
It’ll take time for Diaby to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League.
Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga are a good standard but imo lack the intensity of the EPL.
Sounds like he might have Jadensanchoitis…
Jadon seems to have an attitude problem – unless it’s gross mismanagement by Ten Fags?
I notice there is hardly ANY coverage of our comical win yesterday in the press. I love the anonymity of us! Quietly does it…
The press are starting to get uneasy after completely disregarding our top 4 potential so they’ve decided if they ignore us then we’ll just go away.
Rather like children who put their hands in front of their face and believe you can’t see them 🙂
I know I’ve said it before, but the ‘press’ are totally infatuated by the soap opera called ManUre, with Klopp at L’pool.
A few of the more traditional journo’s are obsessed by Arsenal & Spurs (of course, they’re London-based / biased).
Apart from Villa, I find it interesting that even Citeh don’t seem to get too much coverage at the moment, unless it’s someone writing about their ‘decline’, likewise Newcastle.
I have seen a few pieces in the ‘proper’ papers (Guardian, Indy, Telegraph) over the last couple of weeks which suggested that Villa might just have to be taken seriously this season, but even there the un-written part seemed to be that they expect us to fall away any time between now and the end of the season. None of the writers want to stick their necks out about Villa just now because they don’t want to look daft if we fall out of the top 4.
Mind you, if we’re still up there by the end of January, I can imagine we might suddenly get an awful lot more coverage…
Thought you all knew that all news paper editers north and south are
either Manchester, Newcastle, or London , Midlands are nobody. They forget it was the midlands that was the heart of industry and started the league. We’re back .,
Bill, if there’s one thing I know about modern journalists & ‘media people’ it’s that none of them know any history whatsoever. As far as they’re concerned, the world started sometime around 2010.
I love this from Garth Crooks naming Ollie in his team of the week… Not seen anyone else say this, and think without Ben Mee and this, the game wouldn’t have erupted, when (justifiably so) there’s been most of the attention on what Emi did.
“Quite why Brentford’s Saman Ghoddos, followed by his team-mates, had the audacity to try and stop Watkins from enjoying his moment beggars belief. How dare they? How about trying to stop Watkins from scoring in the first place, that way you don’t get a response from the opposition at all.”
As a footnote, it appears that a single member of the crowd behind the goal was giving him grief all match long. I’m no lip reader but I could easily make out that he was shouting ‘F***ing wanker’ at him.
Loved Wrighty’s and Shearer’s backing for Ollie. They said that they would have done the same and ‘if you can dish it out then you have to take it as well’.
Scoring that goal and facing a big mouth down must have been so satisfying.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/12/18/aston-villa-title-contenders-unai-emery-premier-league/
worth a read.
Need to subscribe to The Telegraph to read it!
Not as far as I know.
I don’t subscribe to it… (& use an ad-blocker, too)
I like this piece by Oliver Holte of The Mail totally supporting Watkins goal celebrations.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12877769/Aston-Villa-Ollie-Watkins-Brentford-moron-abuse-player-90-minutes-impunity.html
He says he might be in the minority but, from what I’ve read and seen, he isn’t.
Friendly banter is one thing, abuse of players and / or their families is something else and, imo, totally unacceptable.
I trust Brentford and its ‘proper’ fans will support the police in identifying the fan in question and a lengthy ban (from all football grounds) will follow. Football does not need these morons on the terraces.
Aston Villa can top the table at Christmas – and Unai Emery knows they can win the title
After back-to-back wins against Man City and Arsenal, Villa have unexpectedly and suddenly thrust themselves into the title race
John Percy
18 December 2023 • 9:30am
John Percy
Unai Emery- Aston Villa are title contenders – and Unai Emery knows it
Unai Emery’s side sit third on the table after 17 Premier League matches this season with leaders Arsenal just one point ahead of them Credit: Getty Images/Eddie Keogh
Can Aston Villa win the Premier League? It is the question which continues to become more of a hot topic with each passing week, as records and opponents continue to be smashed apart in Unai Emery’s magical transformation of this famous old club.
With many of Villa’s rivals fading away like specks of dust in the rear view mirror, Emery is running out of ways to defuse the excitement surrounding their season.
Yet there was a telling moment on Sunday, after Villa’s 12th victory in 17 matches was secured away at Brentford.
The question was posed to Douglas Luiz, one of Villa’s star men this season, who was suspended for the match which ended in another statement of intent.
“Yes. We can win the league, of course,” he replied on his Twitch platform, and it perfectly captured the mood of soaring confidence in Emery’s dressing room.
If Villa can beat Sheffield United at home on Friday night, and then Liverpool draw against Arsenal the following evening, Emery’s outsiders will be top of the league on Christmas Day.
Villa last won the league in 1981 and there will be many older supporters who recall the 1998-99 campaign, when John Gregory’s resurgent team led the table after 20 games and then slipped away.
Emery is a wily, experienced operator and will continue to be cautious.
There are still a few concerns over a lack of strength in depth, and an injury to a player such as inspirational captain John McGinn, leading scorer Ollie Watkins or – whisper it – goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, could be seriously damaging.
Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa are title contenders – and Unai Emery knows it
Ollie Watkins’ 85th-minute goal sealed a comeback win for Villa at Brentford Credit: Getty Images/Chloe Knott
Boubacar Kamara is facing a three-game suspension after his dismissal at Brentford and is one of those players whose importance only becomes more stark when he is missing from the team.
Their away form also needs improvement, despite the victory at Brentford which required resilience and fortune in equal measure.
But why can’t Villa dream big? The amazing turnaround under Emery over 13 months is propelling the club forward on a tidal wave of momentum.
Emery continues to break records
The stats are, quite frankly, ridiculous. Villa have won 15 league games in a row in front of their own supporters, for the first time in their history.
Emery has 81 points in this calendar year, which is a total surpassed only by Treble winners Manchester City. That represents another club record, after 25 league wins in 2023.
Villa are nine points above fifth-placed Newcastle.
Hell, they are even beating ‘bogey team’ Brentford away from home now, for the first time since an FA Cup tie 70 years ago when Tommy Lawton scored for their opponents.
Could Villa emulate Leicester in 2016?
Villa’s emergence as title contenders has drawn some comparisons with Leicester City’s triumph in 2016, primarily because they are two clubs who have dared to gatecrash the private members’ party.
Emery’s reluctance to address winning the title is certainly reminiscent of the dotty, genial Claudio Ranieri.
It was not until April 22 when Ranieri finally admitted Leicester could win it, four games before the end of their remarkable season.
At that time they were five points ahead of nearest rivals Tottenham, yet it was very late in the campaign when Ranieri abandoned his trademark caution.
Wes Morgan (R) and Claudio Ranieri (L) –
Villa’s fine start is starting to draw parallels to Leicester City when they defied all odds to win the league in 2016 Credit: PA/Nick Potts
Emery has been fending off discussion over Villa’s title prospects like an opening batsman facing the first over of the Ashes at the Gabba.
Even talking about challenging for the top-four has been a stretch, pointing to the likes of more established rivals such as Newcastle and Brighton.
There are similarities between Villa and Leicester, in that they are both super-charged from their exploits in the previous season.
It could be argued that Leicester’s title win of 2016 will always be more significant even if Villa can go the distance.
Leicester lost only three league games that season – three! – and did not have the financial backing that has been supplied by Villa’s ambitious owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens.
They relied on shrewd recruitment, with arguably their best two players Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez costing just £1.45 million between them.
Over the years, many have tried to belittle Leicester’s achievement by claiming that the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United were in a bad moment. Dilly-ding, dilly-wrong.
It came out of nowhere, and a club the size of Leicester may never repeat such an achievement.
Emery is an elite coach
Yet Emery’s revitalisation of Villa has been stirring ever since his appointment, when Manchester United were beaten at home on his debut for the first time since Alan Hansen uttered that memorable quote about not winning anything with kids.
Their results and performances, particularly against Manchester City and Arsenal in the space of four days earlier this month, mean they have to be taken seriously. Villa have blown the title race apart.
Emery is an elite coach, and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as his peers Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
He is the puzzle solver, a tactical genius who makes players better.
His most substantial challenge now is keeping a lid on expectations.
Make no mistake, though: Villa are title contenders, and he knows it.
Hitch, it’s not blocked for me either, but whatever, look for a browser extension called “bypass paywalls clean”. It works a treat and I use it all the time to read the Times (doncha know? 🙂 )
Anyway, the last paragraph;
“Emery is an elite coach, and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as his peers Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
He is the puzzle solver, a tactical genius who makes players better.
His most substantial challenge now is keeping a lid on expectations.
Make no mistake, though: Villa are title contenders, and he knows it”
Ah, Ardent has beaten me to it 🙂
Guest, no problem with you disagreeing with me, fella.
How boring would it be if we agreed with each other, all of the time? 🙂
I do actually agree with you that the ref was weak.
As for them being the better side for the first hour, I can’t cede that one. They looked far more likely to win the game and would have gone on to win it if Mee hadn’t been sent off, imo.
Either way, I’m content in thinking that he cost them the points.
I thought I’d watch the last 25 mins of the Bloose game, just to keep my eye in on the competition.
Leicester look a class above, but it wouldn’t have surprised me if Bloose had got an equalizer, as they graft.
Laughable comment of the day;
“The completed Tilton Rd and Spion Kop are such great allies to the team”
While both were half empty.
How jealous must the noses be?
It’s not the done thing to rub their noses in it though.
They’ll be stewing in their own juices of wishing they were good.
🙂
If the Blues chairman had any sense he’d go back to Eustace on bended knee and ask him to come back. Rooney is just another Zola.
If you are worried about Diaby get an outside thermometer. When it reads 20 C at k.o. Diaby will be our star forward. Meanwhile be patient, the mind-numbing cold is tolerable if your body has acclimatised and is turning food into heat, but that takes 6 months to adjust.
Err… but didn’t he play In Germany for 3 years? I’ve heard that it gets quite cold there in the winter.
I’m not sure I agree with OLL’s weather-related diagnosis either, but do agree that it usually takes new players a few months to come from a completely different league & get up to speed in the Prem.
Bailey is an example – looked rubbish for much of last season, but now…
Reading past a firewall: There’s a great little trick for this guys. Go onto the homepage on yur phone or tablet, then when you click on the article you want to read, as the page starts to load, flick over and turn off your WIFI or mobile data on your phone quickly. As the pictures are the last thing to load before the paywall kicks in, you trick the page into allowing you to read it.
It sounds like a faff but isn’t difficult at all! You just stop the page from fully loading. I’ve done this for years! Just call me Mr Scrooge!
Like Hitch, I used to think that the Telegraph was (like the Times) protected by a paywall of some sort.
Then a few months ago I was reading something on the BBC Sport site which had a link to the Torygraph, and pressed it without thinking. Lo & behold, it worked with no problems.
Can’t say I’ve ever liked the politics, but their sports coverage is very good!