Well, we had a great chance to take what I’m sure would have been a much needed three points last week against Leicester and totally blew it with some horrendous defending and our constantly trying to play out from the back when we’re really not very good at it.
By all means do it when the odds are definitely in your favour, but jeez, just go longer, quicker if it’s at all iffy. It shouldn’t be too difficult, but footballers aren’t known for being the sharpest tools in the box, are they?
Still, I won’t harp on it.
Yes, I will, it was awful and I’m still bloody fuming.
Which brings me to the Juggernaut that is Man City and their never ending ability to spend ridiculous amounts of money while always dodging the FFP rules.
Guardiola can protest about how everyone is out to get them, but we all know they’ve been at it for years, even though nothing has been proven.
I’m not even sure the Premier league can prove anything this time, but if they can, it’s nice to know that there will be no CAS ready to overturn any guilty verdict this time and we can only hope punishment will be extremely severe, as is only reserved for when clubs, just like individual crooks who have taken the proverbial for years, get punished.
And if the league can’t ultimately prove it, at least City will know the whole football world is on their case.
It’s a last chance to prove it though, as another attempt would surely lead to a claim of harassment.
And if City aren’t massively punished and are just hit with a fine and a points deduction, it’ll have been a waste of time anyway. A club of City’s resources would be laughing at that.
Only relegation and the striking off of any achievements would be adequate punishment for me.
And then add in the enforced sale of a load of their players too.
Let’s see how they like having their best players taken off them.
Am I bitter? You bet I am.
I don’t dislike City as a club. I’ve always rated them as very much on a par with the Villa before the current owners arrived and they play great football that is good for the game.
But I dislike the idea that it’s all been done illegally.
Anyway, on to the game and the usual squad news, which is not too bad for us.
Ash Young is fit after going off against Leicester, Traore is training again, but it’s too early for him and Diego Carlos should begin training this week after suffering his Achilles injury months ago. No doubt he’ll be weeks away from playing, but it’s welcome news.
As for City, with their squad, it’s hardly important, but John Stones is the only player that’s not available. Phil Foden has trained after a bout of illness.
I find it very easy to think that if our defence play like they did last week, we’re probably in for a hiding by double figures. Things are hard enough even if your defence is playing well, but as much as I think at least some of our defenders need to leave, I also think they can’t possibly be as bad tomorrow. Two games running? No, surely not.
And City are just frightening when they attack too.
But by no means unbeatable. Indeed, in their last six games both teams have collected 10 points according to this table
As an aside, there’s some interesting numbers, generally in that table and they’re worth a look.
But then, we haven’t beaten City in our last 14 games. It doesn’t bode well.
I expect goals, probably more than 3, but I can’t see us getting anything out of it.
I’m going to go 3-1 to City.
Great effort from Coutinho then and we actually have them under the cosh!
Great to see Villa playing with pride in a desperate situation.
I don’t know whether we have lost pace in the game , we seem to be a lot slower playing the game. We certainly don’t have the brains from what I’ve seen lately. This second half showing Chambers Ramsey have not got it along with the other defenders, if this stays the result then I called it right. We need to get rid.
We’re winning the second half 1-0 🤣🤣
We won the second half. Mind you we didn’t turn up for the first. Coutinho is looking much sharper in these 20 minute cameo’s
Watched the last 20 minutes and thought we played well. Duran looks like he might be the real deal – great shot on the turn that hit the bar – typical of Villa’s luck – or lack of it.
Bl**dy coms doing my head in with their sycophantic Citeh commentary.
I thought we would be buried but I think we finished with pride in tact.
Badger, we all know your views on Mings which, fwiw, I don’t fully agree with. The facts says that we lose when Mings isn’t playing.
UTV
And Watkins scored again – a big positive
Hitch, we looked terrible at the back again.
I agree, the stats say we lose when Mings doesn’t play.
But I don’t think Chambers is even decent back up, let alone an improvement.
We need a better CB. If not 2.
And after that first half performance, I stand by the comment the other week. Most of that team need to go.
The reality is that City totally took their foot off the gas and let us look better.
As for Grealish, they’ve just shown a replay and Keyes said he went over two minutes late.
Gray said Ramsay caught his heel and that’s probably true.
But it didn’t cause him to go over. His belated dive did that.
I often defended him, because he was often genuinely knocked over, albeit it easily because of his light weight.
But that was blatant cheating today and I’ll call him out this time.
Cheating Bastard!
On a positive note, Villa Women move into the top 6 with a 6-2 (away) win over Brighton.
We’re also attracting some of the top women’s players which is a massive positive.
Some way to break into the WSL (usual) top 4 – just
Ike the men’s game – yawn – but at least our owners are showing positive intent.
The summer transfer window will show whether that can be translated into the men’s team.
I just have a feeling that we might be on the edge of something really spectacular!
Badger, I know you love a conspiracy but Emery has confirmed that Mings has a ‘minor’ injury and whilst it was hoped he’d be fit for the Citeh game are pencilling him in for a return against Arsenal.
Yet there was no mention of any injury just this morning on the OS.
Not that that means much, as was proven by Duran not even being on the bench.
“We’re also attracting some of the top women’s players which is a massive positive.”
Call me a cynic, but I’ll bet that’s only because of the wages we’re paying.
No doubt FFP doesn’t apply to the womens game yet.
Not that I’m in the slightest bit interested.
But no doubt some are.
Cynic 🙂
Come on Badger – it’s not all doom and gloom mate.
I’m sure we’re paying competitive wages but the players we have signed – notably Daly – could pick and choose where she went. Like Emery, in Carla Ward we have an elite WSL manager – and I want Villa at the top of men’s and women’s football.
UTV
No, you’re right Hitch, it’s not all doom and gloom.
It just is when we lose and play poorly.
I don’t think we’re an automatic relegation candidate anymore this season, for a start.
“notably Daly – could pick and choose where she went.”
I rather suspect that proves my point.
I find it difficult to appreciate us doing well when I criticise City for buying their way to the top.
But at least there’s no suggestion that we’re doing anything illegally, I guess.
Badger – there is a difference between fiddling the numbers to buy any player you want and pay any wages necessary and trying to work within FFP limits – even though I acknowledge there will be attempts at stretching the rules.
It doesn’t really matter what I think – or does it?
Isn’t there a general feeling amongst fans that team backed by sovereign wealth have been able to ‘outsmart’ FFP because they have the financial strength to do so?
We have incredibly wealthy owners but when faced with sovereign wealth they are powerless. That’s the reality for the future.
I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying, Hitch.
I’m just being my usual grumpy self after losing a game 🙂
Going back to the game, I expected us to lose anyway, so I don’t know why I’m so annoyed, tbh.
It’s probably best that we just move on as a club and think about the next game.
Which is Arsenal.
(sigh 🙁 )
https://twitter.com/avfc_vilr/status/1624824622108516355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1624824622108516355%7Ctwgr%5Ede021e38ff8640903b7600f9f860dda05b5c3afe%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fforums.vitalfootball.co.uk%2Fthreads%2Fman-city-v-aston-villa-sunday-12th-february-4-30pm-k-o.129941%2Fpage-26
What do you expect – this is Citeh?
VAR is and continues to be a complete and utter joke that is biased towards the Sky 6 or whatever they’re called today.
It’s pointless complaining – the EPR is fixed – they really don’t want an open competition.
That’s a pen but the Chelsea one isn’t?
Football’s not bent??
It’s not Badger it’s a total piss take.
But shows you how much Snakelish really really gives a f**k about this club.
I accept the point re: Daly – but….
As an established England player she will want to go to a team that reinforces her selection. For England she was selected as a full back but she plays an attacking role for Villa.
I think it’s more than money (although I’m not saying that we aren’t paying top $ – of course we are) but Daly must believe that playing for Villa reinforces her selection for England.
Blimey – that’s a bit long winded!
I’m sure you get my point – the same is true for Nobbs, Staniforth and Turner.
Hitch
It is a time to be positive! City’s first 11 blows is away. We can rightly have our gripe over the penalty. Watkins scored for. 3rd successive game and Coutinho nearly scored a corker.
Just Arsenal to go and then we can start to take on teams at or below our level. Under Emery we will be fine.
What is this sell most of the team? There is a core of decent players. Emery will add over the summer.
Let’s try a new philosophy for football. It’s called patience. Rome is not built in a day. But under NSWE and Emery I think in 3 seasons we could be special. And let’s wait! It’s been 40 years since the last great squad. If it does not happen then, I doubt it ever will again and that kills hope.
Add to that the strike for Duran. Great control and the shot was like a missile. I’ve watched it several times but in real time it’s pretty stunning. 19 years old. This could be exciting.
Agreed, DS.
Without a doubt, that effort was quality and showed real ability for his age.
I found myself encouraged by that.
Rome built in a day? If thought Emery was Spanish, ot Italian!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣.
That Grealish dive was vile. Especially against us. Twat.
Absolutely agree – Duran looks like a real find and, in the second halve, we looked a decent side. Just how many times have we hit the woodwork- and not just this season!
It’s just as Villa fans we have to transition from fear to belief and that takes time.
Having said that I really believe we can take something from the Arsenal game.
Now it’s for Emery to make the players believe.
What do they say about form and class?
As much as I detest man c Harlem Globetrotters they have a serious amount of class (player wise).
Arsenal on the other hand are a form team and are (imo) definitely beatable 🤞
RSS, it’s easy to fill your side with class when you have that much oil money. (And break the rules).
More respect for Brentford and Fulham at the minute.
Agreed BFR. Archer has that natural strikers instinct which Watkins doesn’t have IMO. He seems to have a better football brain too even at his young age. He can also finish with both feet. He would have been getting at least 30 mins every game this season if it was me but hopefully the Middlesbrough loan continues to work out and Emery is impressed so we can integrate him next season. I must also add that Duran looks half decent too, that instinctive control and volley against City was class and shows he’s got something. Duran and Archer as a front 2 in 2 years time maybe!?
V sports (the club’s owners) have bought/are buying Portuguese club Vitória Sport Clube, after 2 years of negotiations;
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/february/14/club-statement/
Interesting.
Our new feeder club?
How come V sports doesn’t ring a bell for me?
I thought it was NSWE ltd who owned us?
NEWS was taking up too much printer ink so they ditched the NES, and chopped the W in half.
Cost cutting exercise.
https://www.ft.com/content/ee668cd3-1927-411c-ab7b-dfecb19c9f08
Football’s finished as we know it
)-:
2 for Archer at Sheff Utd tonight. Good finishes too. Hope he continues to do well. Playing for a top 3 Championship side will probably show us if he is up to it. Looking good so far so could come back a very useful player
The same happened a year ago, DS, but the young man was not given a chance. He is already a very useful player. I don’t see how Duran deserves to be ahead of him.
An important question: if Emery ditches Archer and he goes on to be a great success, to what extent does that damage Emery’s relationship with the fans?
Archer is a natural finisher and a rare talent. He MUST be afforded the same opportunities as Ramsey, at the very least!
All fair points BFR.
In mitigation, Emery hasn’t had much chance to assess Archer other than I training, so sending him on loan to a top 3 Championship side where he’s going to get game time isn’t a bad option giving Emery a real good chance to see what he’s about.
On Duran, he’s not an Emery buy insofar as Villa have been after him for 6 months (according to reports). I suggest NSWE May we’ll have told Emery it was going to happen when they offered him the managers position.
If Archer really proves himself at Middlesbrough then Emery can bring him back into the first team squad giving us (potentially) three strikers which most top teams would require.
So I’m keeping an open mind at the moment.
Absolutely, Hitch. My mind is open, too. I said it last summer and I’ll say it again; give Cameron Archer the number 9, tell him he’s Villa’s future and watch him fly. His potential is limitless, in my view.
Not knocking the lads talent but at 5ft 9 don’t you think he’s a little on the short side for a No 9?
Tell that to Messi. Or Tevez.
Fair comment but they don’t play an out & out No9 role.
2 + 2 = 5
I note there are rumours that Emery wants Martinez out in the summer.
It is also interesting that Martinez has indicated he wants Champions League football.
Now this is where I get 5 from. Bayern Munich signed a 34 year old keeper to replace injured Neuer. I think the stop gap is that they know they can get Martinez in the summer. Perhaps we will receive £40/50m in return.
And that’s my theory!
Sid, the (Daily) Mail have been reporting that Villa are open to selling Martinez in the summer to help fund a ‘rebuild of the team’. Villa will not be under any pressure to sell him though as he’s contracted to 2027.
Martinez recently gave an interview on France – why France? – in which he said that he wanted to play in The Champions League and win trophies but would like to achieve both with Villa.
Anything’s possible but selling Martinez to fund a team rebuild sounds like an oxymoron to me!
Surely the pressure will come from us continuing to languish in mid table rather than the need to raise funds?
*in France not on France 🙂
Agreed BFR. If he does the business at Middlesbrough I think he will be given a shot.
I’ll be very disappointed if he isn’t
Wow, Aston Villa upset Badger now. Just signed Ming’s on a new contract. More to come I’m sure…
🙂 my thoughts exactly Bill!
But you can’t really argue with the stats – we just do not win football matches when Ming’s not playing!
He may not be captain but he’s still a leader on the field. Great move by Villa imho.
Anyone getting a new contract is Emery’s man. Ming would be very sellable. Delighted he is staying.
Unai Emery says Tyrone Mings was rewarded with a new contract because he is in the best form of his career.
The centre-back signed a two-year contract extension with Villa on Friday, committing him to the club until 2026.
Emery said: “I am very happy with him. I think his commitment here is great and his performances are great.
“He is in a good way. The club was speaking with me about the possibility to extend the contract and I agreed.
“I think he is in his best moment in his career. Of course we are trying to improve as a team collectively and individually. With him we are trying to help him, to support him.
“He is strong and I think he can progress with us. He is very integrated in the club and I think the supporters love him.”
Mings missed the defeat by Manchester City, but Emery has confirmed he will return to the squad for Saturday’s game against Arsenal.
He said: “He is in the squad. He trained today and yesterday, but we are going to decide tomorrow morning before the match. The last moment is going to be very important.”
Great news on Ming’s signing. I think it buys Villa time for the likes of Feeney to develop. Also means he will become excellent cover when upgrades are purchased.
What it does prove was how right Villa were in sacking Gerrard. Not only was he devoid of tactical nous but allowed his ego to jettison players to the detriment of our club.
This is quite a long read with Neil Cutler talking about Martinez but it’s well worth it.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64568155