Man u 1-0 Villa; I’m not bitter

Fair enough, I got a bit complacent in hoping for a win in this game, but it’s what you do when you’re on a 10 game streak, isn’t it?
I’m sure I wasn’t alone in thinking that we could beat a not particularly good Man U side.

But it wasn’t to be and the truth is that it was another pretty poor performance.
Again, it wasn’t a lack of effort, but more down to a lack of reserves from what I saw.
The energy levels just don’t seem to be there.

It’s no surprise and squad-wise we’re running on fumes.
Ash Young was a typical example. I thought he ran his lungs out for us and I really can’t fault him, but he’s worked so hard for so long for us this season that it’s no surprise he was shot when he got subbed.
He’s surely one that will be upgraded, along with a few others, although I’d expect he gets promoted to a coaching position or something. What an inspirational player he’s been.

Did anyone play particularly bad?
I’m often quick to criticise, but I can’t really say anyone did.
Well, I could say we were all rubbish, but I don’t think that’s fair.

If I had to pick a MOTM, it has to be Martinez, who kept us out of trouble more than a few times.

I just got the impression that they had reserves and we played players who you would ideally have rested.

The problem is that if we qualify for that conference tournament, it means the owners will probably invest more than if we don’t.
That would be a mistake, in my opinion.

Regardless of what happens from now until the end of the season (and I honestly expect us to fade), I believe now is the time to really invest in top quality players.

There’s a lot of stuff gone on over the last 20, 30 or even 40 years and it’s always been meh to me. I’ve never seen anything that has approached the Saunders years.
Taylor and O’Neil came very close.
The Little and Atkinson years were close too.

But I honestly believe Unai Emery has us on the cusp of success.

Hence I also believe that now is the time for our great owners to really invest.

Consider that normally I’d be moaning because we’ve lost.
Yet I’m totally sanguine.

We have the setup.
We have the academy (although I doubt we’ll use it, apart from making profit (£20 mill for Archer?))
We have the owners with the ambition that Ellis should have had.

It’s all there.

I’m expectant and it’ll be interesting to see where we go this year.

60 Comments

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  1. Gerry
    Gerry May 6, 2023 at 2:25 pm . Reply

    Great news that so many are available. Many more options. Much more hopeful now

  2. Holte
    Holte May 6, 2023 at 2:35 pm . Reply

    We need to break the Molineux hoodoo if we want to achieve Europa league. I’m not fussed either way if we get into Europe next season or not. It hasn’t done West Ham any favours and if we don’t qualify, we can galvanise our squad for a bigger push next season. I get the argument that we can attract better players if we are in Europe but let’s face it, it’s the Champions league most players want.
    Wolves have on paper a very strong starting XI so it’s a big underachievement for them this season. If they are fired up which is likely for a local derby and to get some self respect back after losing 6-0 previously, then we are in for a tough afternoon.
    Prediction wise I can’t call it. On current form we should win but I’m far from optimistic. I think it’s going to be 2-0 to Wolves. Hopefully Buendia can get back to form today after poor performances recently. At least there are options on the bench if they are failing.

  3. badger123
    badger123 May 6, 2023 at 2:49 pm . Reply

    Sorry, not had time to post.
    Going for a 1-1 here.

    Martinez; Young, Konsa, Mings, Moreno; Traore, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Buendia, Watkins.

    Subs: Olsen, Diego Carlos, Chambers, Duran, Coutinho, Digne, Bailey, Dendoncker, Kamara.

    1. Bill Pearson
      Bill Pearson May 6, 2023 at 2:56 pm . Reply

      Please Badger don’t predict I’ve no idea how this will go . My legs toes and fingers are crossed .

  4. Bum Bum
    Bum Bum May 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm . Reply

    Bloody Wolves!!!!!

  5. Hitchens60
    Hitchens60 May 6, 2023 at 3:11 pm . Reply

    A lot of work to do now – about time we beat this lot

  6. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson May 6, 2023 at 3:14 pm . Reply

    I didn’t see Ramsey doing anything protecting the goal

  7. Hitchens60
    Hitchens60 May 6, 2023 at 3:27 pm . Reply

    Not winning any second balls – great shot by Buendia pity the GK pulled off a great save!

  8. Holte
    Holte May 6, 2023 at 3:56 pm . Reply

    We have had the better of the game but you can’t help but feel they will score a second on the break if we don’t equalise.
    Funny that Buendia is looking our most dangerous player. Still not convinced with Traore. He is like Bailey in being so one footed and easily robbed of possession.
    The last couple of games have reinforced the fact we need more players who can seriously challenge our current XI.

  9. badger123
    badger123 May 6, 2023 at 4:06 pm . Reply

    Agreed, Holte. Both crap for me and luxuries that don’t suit, imo.

    Bailey has come on for Traore and as I’ve previously said, it’s all about looking at them closely, I reckon.
    I honestly expect one, if not both gone in the summer.

  10. Gerry
    Gerry May 6, 2023 at 4:07 pm . Reply

    Could be a defining moment, bringing on a match winning sub who unfortunately can be even worse that the player he is replacing

  11. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson May 6, 2023 at 4:09 pm . Reply

    Well you’ve got your change albeit still status quo . I don’t know what it is but I don’t like Ramey I know you all do but not for me .

    1. badger123
      badger123 May 6, 2023 at 4:23 pm . Reply

      I’m not convinced either Bill.

  12. Bum Bum
    Bum Bum May 6, 2023 at 4:11 pm . Reply

    It’s pretty clear we need a bigger squad. Look on the bright side, at least we don’t need to sell a shed load of players before we can buy as we have so few players.
    It would be a travesty if we lose this especially as Spuds are winning.

  13. badger123
    badger123 May 6, 2023 at 4:24 pm . Reply

    Carlos on for Young.

  14. badger123
    badger123 May 6, 2023 at 4:26 pm . Reply

    Mings nearly drops Moreno in it. I honestly don’t get it, as much as I try.

  15. Bum Bum
    Bum Bum May 6, 2023 at 4:35 pm . Reply

    You’re a harsh lot!!!!

    I can’t believe we haven’t scored yet…’Deserve’ is an alien concept in football.

    1. badger123
      badger123 May 6, 2023 at 4:41 pm . Reply

      Duran on for Buendia.
      Quite frankly, I don’t think we deserve it, but I’ll expand when I do the write up.

  16. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson May 6, 2023 at 4:43 pm . Reply

    What was that change for Buendia for Duran? He was the only player getting stuck in . Ramsey doesn’t .

  17. badger123
    badger123 May 6, 2023 at 4:43 pm . Reply

    Bailey, what a shite free kick!

    1. Bum Bum
      Bum Bum May 6, 2023 at 4:44 pm . Reply

      Yup.

  18. badger123
    badger123 May 6, 2023 at 4:44 pm . Reply

    Kamara on for Digne.
    I suspect that’s about minutes and Emery has conceded this game.

    1. badger123
      badger123 May 6, 2023 at 4:45 pm . Reply

      Oops, not Digne?

  19. Gerry
    Gerry May 6, 2023 at 4:48 pm . Reply

    So many half hit short passes. Do they not practice

  20. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson May 6, 2023 at 4:51 pm . Reply

    I’m convinced now loads to get rid of ,what a shower of shit players today , no convictions from most that put that Villa shirt on shower of shit ,

    1. Hitchens60
      Hitchens60 May 6, 2023 at 4:59 pm . Reply

      Bit harsh Bill. We had the chances just not getting the rub of the green – which was the case earlier.

      1. Bum Bum
        Bum Bum May 6, 2023 at 5:38 pm . Reply

        Gotta agree Hitch. Just didn’t get the rub of the green today.

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