http://videa.hu/videok/sport/cp-avl-11-DiUW00aFizLAQUHK?start=14.48
I thought this was a very decent game and while the result was ultimately disappointing there were some really strong signs of encouragement in the way we played at times.
Okay, we could possibly talk about our game not being pacey enough, but it was the same for Palace too, at least in the first half and let’s not forget it was roasting hot this afternoon.
That said, we looked a bit more comfortable with a slightly slower pace and I think we were holding our own, although Palace probably shaded it chances-wise.
We didn’t have many chances in the first half, but three do come to mind.
First was Gabby’s. He did his usual good work in outpacing the defender, leaving him a one-on-one with the goalie, only for him to hit it unconvincingly and too easily for the goalie.
Sanchez was next, with some good work before a shot that went well over.
Which is all fair enough, as he’s not a supposed goalscorer. It was just nice to see him have a crack.
And then Grealish played a nice ball on to Gabby, who, slightly wide of goal, caught it with the wrong foot and just made a complete Horlicks of it again.
Those two chances should have been two goals for any decent striker on form, it’s as simple as that for me, but it wasn’t to be and we went in 0-0 at half time, with Palace probably having edged things overall.
The second half was a different matter though and Alan Pardew had obviously given his players a rocket. Two were subbed.
His team duly upped their game and it showed as our lads began to look much less comfortable with the increased pace and pressure, which resulted in the ball ending in our net at around the hour mark.
Ultimately, while the ref originally allowed it, he had a prolonged conversation with the linesman and it ended up being disallowed for offside.
A very good decision on this occasion.
It was only a brief respite for us though, as Palace were firmly in control.
I think many of us were probably calling for Sherwood to change something and he duly did, with Traore coming on and Sanchez coming off, who had looked very competent.
As I’d suggested in the preview, I had a feeling Sherwood was winding us all up when he said Traore was miles away.
Where many of us might have had a problem with that substitution (indeed it seems some were asking for Gabby to come off), in retrospect, I can see exactly why Sherwood chose that option.
Whether we like it or not, someone at the Villa loves Gabby.
And the thinking was probably that if you going to keep playing him, it doesn’t make sense to knock his confidence.
He was, after all, getting in the right positions to make the runs wasn’t he?
I don’t think I’ll convince many of you with that argument, but it’s the only one I’ve got.
His finishing is simply awful.
Anyway, within a few minutes of Sanchez coming off, we conceded.
The ball came in from a corner and Scott Dan met it strongly to head in a decent goal.
Clark’s challenge was noticeable by it’s abscence and had me fuming. But it happens.
But then, Traore had what might have been his first touch out on the right wing and went on a blistering run that took out a couple of defenders. His cross deflected off another defender and the ball was in the net for the equaliser.
What was striking was the turn of pace. Defenders just aren’t going to be able to live with it.
The kid had another similar type run that resulted in a very decent cross.
Lip-lickingly good stuff and very likely to put bums on seats, if he doesn’t get hacked (as he was a couple of times) and does his ankles or whatever.
One each then and we were looking on target for the point.
Only for Amavi, who had had a very good game up until then, to give the ball away at the back and the defence, who, for once hadn’t worried me, went to pieces, for Sako to shoot and score.
I’m not exactly sure what happened and in fairness, it was a good shot, but I just had the feeling we were poor in our positioning and decision-making.
So 1-2 and then the game looked beyond us, with not enough minutes remaining.
I didn’t expect much from this one, so I’m not overly upset.
We played some very nice football at times, which is a great change from some of the rubbish we’ve played in recent years, although the way Palace play helped us, I think.
More importantly, I find it difficult to call anyone out for having played poorly today, although Gabby is the most likely candidate.
His finishing is just rubbish and you have to wonder how long Sherwood will put up with it.
I suspect we’re still looking for another striker, put it that way.
Here we go again – wonderful piece of defending by Mutton and so much space in front of the back 4 – in fact where were the defence?
Is Sanchez really at the back?? If so, this will be a disaster. HE IS NOT A CB DIM TIM
I assume he must be playing 3 at the back but from what I’ve seen we are playing none at the back
Is Tim trying to do a Mascherano with Sanchez? It won’t work.
What is going on? I know we are playing Notts County, but we have a scratch back 4 and one central midfielder! We better hope we can bang in a few goals!!
We haven’t even got a plan B defense on the bench,has Tim taken this game seriously I ask myself.
Traore – nice finish
When the ball hits the goal is not Shearer or Cole………That’s Traore!!!!!
🙂 🙂
😀 nice one kent77.
Loving that Kent 🙂
Another piece of Villa defensive rubbish on the stroke of half time. Who backed Bunn to play in the PL – absolute rubbish defending again. Got to say we don’t look like winning this.
Who gives a shit? As long as we stay in the premier league jobs a good un. 🙂
True hope we get knocked out crap competition
We have a highly rated CB on the bench in Suliman and hell, could’ve called up Toner. If we’re playing a loan midfielder, the only one who can do that is Sanchez in covering the back 4, not Veretout.
Have some faith Villa fans. 45 to go
Not the point we should be pissing over a team like county
And we probably would if we played our strongest team. Other Prem sides struggle against lower league sides and always have, Sherwood has given other players competitive game time in a match that is less important than, say, picking up 3 points against Sunderland. Frustrating? Yes but lets get some perspective on this.
Bring back Lambert. This Dim bloke is even more off his head than I first thought. Persists in the Prem with a shit Gabby, gets in a shit Bunn, plays a shit Ayew over Kozak, puts a CM’er at the back with an AM in Veretout in Sanchez’s natural position (I’m led to believe). Like someone said above, we have CB’s on the bench, why not bloody use them!!!!!
We have had enough chances to be winning tbf, and so we should v a Notts County side!!
Sinclair tap in but set up by Grealish again having set up Traore first half. Grealish is going to be key this season
Bring back Lambert, my arse!
We’re halfway through a game and Sherwood is obviously trying to find out about his players in a game that doesn’t matter in the scheme of things.
I’d rather this than do what Lambert did, in playing his best side and still losing to lower league clubs.
Still trying to find out about his players….. I’d have thought he’d have done his homework before he bought them. Then, at least play them in their actual positions. Not to do so, and lose is completely incompetent. In a team that will be fighting for survival again, a cup run would be ideal.
Bunn ffs, Ayew, Baker extension…ughhh. Seasons only just begun and Dims making me wish it were over…
Lambert for Villa 😉
I give in, a chimpanzees could do a better job as manager, O hang on I know fuck all about football, patience is required ? will we be the whipping boys this year. From what’s going on its guess work.
Of course patience is required Bill.
How many of us said it would take time?
Even Sherwood has said the same.
I don’t profess to understand what Sherwood is thinking, but I’m at least willing to give him more than 4 games with his own team before I make any judgement.
Well I said 6 and then I’m going up the garden to find my bow and arrows, I always said a good cup run makes pounds shilling and pence , but it can also lose you money.
Fair enough he deserves time but he ain’t doing himself any favours with the line up he has used, didn’t need to play players out of position, shooting yourself in the foot. With the amount of attacking players he started with he has showed little respect, I know it’s league 2 but it’s still 11 against 11, showing lack of experience.
Jimbo, I can’t argue with that.
As I said, I don’t know what he’s thinking.
I’m guessing he just wants to see all his attacking players and he’s doing it entirely on purpose.
I do like the way he is trying to get something from the game rather than just the same old same old under lambert but sometimes it can just put unneeded pressure on the team and himself. He will learn what his players have regarding attitude
To think about it Jumbo the regular player’s probably laughing at the out come, I see where Badgers coming from ,but its about bums on seats, plus gaining respect from other teams.to loose today would no doubt worry many fans.
Badger with all due respect, he should do that in friendly games, or A against B at the training grounds.
Yes I know its 3-3
Jimbo, that’s it, attitude mate; that’s what I’m on about.
Bill, the training ground isn’t good enough. It has to be in real games.
It isn’t about bums on seats either. It’s about finding out who’s got the balls for it.
At least this is how I think Sherwood is looking at it.
Sorry badger, not about bums on seats? Would you like to see a empty ground like the scum? Course its about winning and entertainment, that’s how clubs generate fans, gone are the days that sons followed dad in support of local teams, I’m still hanging on to radiation of bringing up grandkids to be Villa, only winning makes fans, you’ve got to believe it.
Only 21k tonight more than i thought though
I think we have the makings of a good team, but some players will take time to get up to speed. i don’t want us to lose tonights game, but let’s look at the bigger picture. Competitive game time for some players who haven’t had it yet. A chance to show the manager they are up to it. The more I think about Lescott the more sense it makes. An experienced centre half pairing will probably serve us well. Right Back is still an issue unless Crespo is the answer. A good number 10 and maybe a decent forward and we are in good shape.
I’ll still be pissed off if we lose but I’m more concerned that we get a good result against Sunderland
Amen DS, this is what I’m talking about.
Extra time lads.
Bill, I’d suggest this might be more entertaining than the crap we saw under Lambert?
It doesn’t mean we’ll win ’em all though,
I know that badger, I believe in winning, the old school, that’s me.
Of course, the ideal world is both, Bill.