Villa 0 – 2 Liverpool; A fair result, but some plus points.

Well, I don’t know how the protest went as I unwillingly took part in it myself, because I missed the first ten minutes of the game due to me being collared to look at something on the way out of work.
From what I gather though, it was pretty ineffective, just as I thought it would be.
I’ll leave you to enlighten me on that, but I just hope it wasn’t so bad that it made us fans on the whole, look daft.

As for the important stuff, what to say?
Things looked like I pretty much expected they’d go before the game, in the first half.
Liverpool looked the total opposite of us, in that when they break forward, their attackers are all over the place and offer plenty of options, whereas we just don’t.

That said, I thought we sat back far too much and allowed them to come at us, which didn’t allow us to put any pressure on them. For me, that was a mistake, as Liverpool do look susceptible at the back.
Which co-incidentally, is something I noticed about us today.
I’m no defensive tactician. Indeed I don’t profess to know much about tactics at all, but I just hate the way we were lining up in defence in the first half. Watch the goal and there were three defenders all chasing the same player.
Surely that can’t be right?
We just looked totally out of shape at the back.

The long and short description of the first half is that we could easily have been 3 down, but only went in losing by a solitary Liverpool goal.

The second half started brighter, but not massively different from memory.
And then came the interesting part, where on the hour, Lambert took the utterly ineffective Cleverley and Westwood off to be replaced by Andi Weimann and our new signing, Carles Gil.
I see some complained that Delph stayed on, but for me it was a case of perm any two from three.

Gil’s introduction straight away massively raised the fan’s spirits and the difference was amazing, as the atmosphere and our play instantly improved, with Gil playing a great, actually threatening, “give and go” that stood out and immediately caught my eye. What a pleasant change that made.

It just goes to show, that if you give the fans something to hope for, they will strongly support the club and indeed get behind the players.
The worrying thing for me though, is that this was proof that the players are feeling the malaise that runs through the club just as strongly as we do. Even they’re hoping that Carles Gil can improve us.
And at first glance, it looks like he at least might.

The important part is that we truly put Liverpool under the cosh for a 15-20 minute period and probably could have had a couple of goals, if Benteke was in better form and we had a bit more luck.

Ricky Lambert ruined things though in getting a well taken second which took the wind out of our sails.

Yes, it’s a bad result, but not one that was unexpected really.

There are strong positives, in that Gil, (if it wasn’t a total fluke and I know it’s too early to really judge) looks a very good player who will give us options and put the likes of Cleverley and Richardson (who are far too average) under serious pressure.
And there was proof that if we can get at least another more attacking, wide player in, to give us and the players something to be encouraged about, we might still have something to cheer about this season.

I know we lost, but this was a more entertaining game today.

Man of the match?
Sanchez again, as I thought he broke up play brilliantly, even though he constantly sailed close to the wind with some of his tackles. He linked up very well with Hutton, who again was solid and often our most threatening player.
Hutton’s unlucky not to get the call, but there you go.
I’d even put Gil in with a shout, just for the impact he made.

I shouldn’t be happy and indeed I’m not, because we lost at home.
But after seeing Gil, I’m at least encouraged.

267 Comments

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  1. Benno
    Benno January 18, 2015 at 1:59 am . Reply

    Terrible team selection again by Lamberk. 4-5-1 with 4 defensive mids and Gabby across the middle, and surprise, surprise, we didnt look like scoring! In fact, we should have been 3-0 down by the time Lambert changed it.

    Was impressed with Gil though. Just the kind of player we needed. Sanchez played well again and was just as effective without Westwood and Cleverly standing next to him. Hutton and Guzan also stood out, and Baker filled in well at the back.

    Some definite positive points, but I’m so sick of Lamberk, its hard to look on the bright side any more. Urgh.

    We have the players, but we desperately need a new manager

    1. Ifiruledtheworld
      Ifiruledtheworld January 18, 2015 at 2:29 pm . Reply

      I thought Baker was shocking, fell asleep for the first girl and completely fluffed his lines at what would’ve been a certain goal if he just hit the ball rather than completely miss it and fall to the ground as he did..

  2. jimbo
    jimbo January 18, 2015 at 6:44 am . Reply

    For me its relatively simple….

    1. We need to change our counter attacking style particularly at home, teams know exactly what we are going to do and its easy to set up against,

    2. You need competition for places, agbonlahor, weimenn, cleverly, nzogbia are not playing well and need to be shown if you don’t play well your arse warms the bench. The trouble is he is stuck in his ways and has to play his favourites. Give the youngsters and fringe players a bash, not just one game either to show the others you stay in the side if you play well.

    3. lambert is holding the team back, he sets way to defensively every game. Like yesterday, playing 4 centre midfielders, never going to work. You need players who are used to being high up the pitch, used to creating chances, finding that killer pass. Too many players who pass back, left or right.

    4. You need a couple of players in the side who can beat someone, this threat alone can draw players to them and leave space for the others or by beating their man they then have space to run into, draw players towards them and create space for those players higher up the pitch. Players like Gil and grealish need to get a run of games.

    5. Try playing wingers and 2 strikers more regularly, the players who have the ability to beat someone can isolate opponent players on the wing and then have more than one body in the box to aim for.

    6. Villa fans have had enough of other fans and pundits feeling sorry for them, they can see we are s~~t and what we are putting up with. Ahh bless them having to put up with that crap. Tell you what, eat s##t and die, lets show some fight and flair, lets stop being that wet fart, all limp and stale.

    7. I can understand the lerner frustration and reduced funds but there is enough in that side to comfortably be mid table and play more attractive football, then when new investment comes in we can take that next step.

    All in all lambert needs to grow some balls, really be adventurous and try a cocktail instead of red wine, take the blinkers off and give other players a chance, not just one game, his favourites have had enough chances now, time to let them warm their arse for a while because its pathetic.

    He has had long enough to show what he could potentially do with the side and its been pretty boring from day one, hence season ticket holders like myself feel that spending their hard earned cash is better spent on watching paint dry. At least with the highlights it shortens the pain

    These are my humble opinions on the matter after being woken by my boy at 4.45 and wont go back to sleep, I may be a little sleep deprived and this be a bit of a ramble but im pissed off with it.

    cheers

    1. bencey83
      bencey83 January 18, 2015 at 10:16 am . Reply

      Totally agree with everything you’ve said Jimbo (except you mentioned “highlights” – what are they?!). It seems obvious what changes need to be made to everyone except the person who can make the changes.

      1. Jimbo
        Jimbo January 18, 2015 at 5:29 pm . Reply

        Ain’t that the truth, so how the f##k does this guy get paid loads of money and the fans see it first, we knew first the system wasn’t working, his plan on using young and hungry, joe cole, playing long ball, employing Roy Keene etc etc

  3. VTID
    VTID January 18, 2015 at 8:47 am . Reply

    I want Lambert out as much as the next person, but yesterday’s game was lost with some pretty sloppy play, for me a lot are failing to see we did not just play out from the back we mixed it up a bit with Guzan playing the long ball occasionally….

    Having said that I am fed up with Guzan getting away with no slating because he does a couple of good saves, again yesterday he was at fault for the second goal, if commanded his are with more authority and moved off his line to close the attains players down maybe the defenders would be I a position to play further up the pitch………but no they have to protect him cause he will only move 4 feet off the line, and I counted 6 times he should have cleared the ball out quicker as players sprinted up the pitch for the early ball, guess what he hung on to it…………he needs to be dropped and Given should have a chance not like he’s an unknown!!!

    Cleverly is a total joke he had an opportunity to put the ball in the net twice what did he do slice one shot and allow the defender to close him down to tackle him with the other, if he’s worth 7 million then my Grandson is worth 30 million on the pitch that is, he should never put the Lions shirt on again.

    Delph was in total “it’s Liverpool I need to show what I can do mode ” he gave the ball away far to much and again does not deserve as tarting place, he should have been subbed off and not Westy.

    Benteke has not been firing on all cylinders and is a former player of last session (So was it a one session wonders) he missed 3 good opportunities to score and didn’t whether that’s confindence or not we will never know, but he also needs to be benched for next game to make him a little more effective and challenging.

    I think our new man Gil is just what we needed and will be interesting to see how he plays against the likes of Oscar, Hazzard, and Matic, if he gets a game over Cleverley.

    Liverpool are half the team they were last year and whatever anyone says with their opinions Gerrard is a big loss to them and Henderson will never fill his boots, but they were the better side the stats show Villa had more shots on goal and the same amount on target and 3% less possession, the only difference Liverpool put two of them shots in the net.

    Now I know all the Guzan lovers are going to slate me for my comments, but please start looking at his commanding of his area and tel me I am wrong……..bring it on……….

  4. nath
    nath January 18, 2015 at 9:29 am . Reply

    day after the game ….. i still stand by my assessments of the match, if we can repeat this performance and cut out the defensive mistakes, get some luck, good fortune in front of goal. we might get ourselves out of shit, whoever is manager or owner is…..

    our movement was better, still needs move movement,also a better final ball, makes all the difference is another area to work more on. benteke was alive again moving well and this time was found. we stopped the aimless slow build up of last few weeks. this time we mixed it up far better. the new amigo has a cutting edge and hunger to his game. which will improve game on game and other players will feed off.

    nobody in their right mind thinks we are safe, in fact i believe we are in the brown stuff. whether we change manager or owner. signs yesterday were better than lately. so if they can build on this. we stand a chance. QPR and villa i think are nailed on the poorest up to now. thats were i would bet on going down, with hull for the treble but things can change.

    1. bencey83
      bencey83 January 18, 2015 at 10:22 am . Reply

      Guzan is rubbish

      1. Miffedvillain
        Miffedvillain January 18, 2015 at 1:38 pm . Reply

        Guzan is rubbish I agree, no more than a back-up keeper in my opinion.

  5. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 18, 2015 at 9:45 am . Reply

    A perfect view of the game Nath, we only put one man on and a game changer, that don’t to me hide the fact that the first half nothing was different, what happens on the pitch is Lambert’s way, we all could see this keep ball was going to fail ,I’m waiting now to see if Lambert has learnt a lesson with our new man Gil, we still need him to use wing play and creative midfielders plus attentive strikers. Again two defensive error’s cost us the game but on the bright side we could have had two goals.

    1. nath
      nath January 18, 2015 at 9:49 am . Reply

      what are your views from yesterday whole performance and say the leicester game. i know we were beaten in both. but in our position you need to get out of the bad streaks and look to positives. could you see improvements can you see a light down the survival tunnel

      1. Bill Pearson
        Bill Pearson January 18, 2015 at 10:21 am . Reply

        Yes in a way but its whether Lambert changes his methods, Gil was like a breath of fresh air to the game, you could even see Benteke wake up to his movement in the game, we have Blackpool the weekend I’d like to see a few goals and a patten of play with wide men, other than that we will fight to stay up relying on other teams to be worse than Villa.

    2. Bill Pearson
      Bill Pearson January 18, 2015 at 10:26 am . Reply

      Or even Bournemouth, silly old sod, its OK got that flu had it for 3 weeks.

      1. nath
        nath January 18, 2015 at 10:48 am . Reply

        totally 100% agree, benteke woke up from his hibernation, the new guy looks a real find. this will create more chances for benteke. goals will breathe new confidence when they finally come. but they need to get a move on the games are running out.

        i think they need another attacker maybe two ( attacker i mean like this new aimgo somebody that can breathe new life to the attack like he seems to have )

        1. bencey83
          bencey83 January 18, 2015 at 6:13 pm . Reply

          The only reason everyone’s creaming themselves about Gil is because he did more in his brief cameo than the rest of the midfield have done all season! Says it all really!

  6. DSVilla
    DSVilla January 18, 2015 at 9:53 am . Reply

    Lambert’s first instinct is to defend. He is packing the midfield, even at home. We only show attacking threat when we are behind, and he is forced to change, and with our goalscoring record it’s ultimately ineffective, and we just get picked off again.

    It doesn’t seem to matter who the opposition is. We are just handing the initiative to all teams, even ones equally as poor. The more we lose (or don’t win) the worse he gets. Gil is the right kind of player to get, but it has taken 3 seasons of dross before getting there, when all of us and Lambert have know that weakness is there. Cole was just an attempt to do it on the cheap.

    I don’t agree that changing the manager will not make a difference. A manager with a better approach would be an improvement. It wouldn’t make us a top team, but it should put us in a top 10 spot, which is so much better than we have right now. For there to be any hope of real progress Lerner needs to go, but everyone including Lerner himself knows that.

  7. kerryvillan
    kerryvillan January 18, 2015 at 2:51 pm . Reply

    Don’t see what people are talking about with Benteke? If you look at the service he got all season how can he possibly do better? Yesterday he had a couple chances and yes should hav scored 1 but that’s the 1st time all season I’ve seen him played in properly where u think he MUST score! Can anybody give me another game where he had more than 1 chance that he didn’t create himself? Wit more opportunities in every game he will score! And nobody seemed to mention that baker and okore wad their 1st time playing together and I don’t think it works but what other choice did we hav? Gil finally looks a proper player so we can send cleverly back ASAP cause he is fucking useless especially in a team with Westwood delph and sanchez. I would like lambert to grow sone balls and play a team like this.

    Guzan
    Hutton, okore, Clark, cissoko
    sanchez, Delph
    Bacuna, gil, grealish
    benteke

    Maybe not grealish for the next 2 games because he has very little experience but that’s all lamberts fault for never playing him because he has no balls and prefers he favourites who do fuck all! So maybe weimann because both him and bacuna will track back.

    1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath January 18, 2015 at 11:50 pm . Reply

      But last season he only needed one or 2 half chances and it was in the net he still gets that but dosnt convert

  8. Jay Dee
    Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 3:25 pm . Reply

    Has anyone noticed how weak in depth the Villa squad is?Lerner won’t give out money to build a deep squad.The man won’t even give out money to buy decent players.Hes a twat IMPO a man who bought a whistle blew it once then put it in the draw never to be seen again.Then on certain small occasions he gives it a little blow and puts it back again.Did you know Lambert was the only one who would take the job because of Lerners restrictions.Then you got people the grass is greener lot remember Mcleish you heard sack Mcleish we want Lambert.Mcleish had restrictions to that’s why he couldn’t do anything either.When are supporters going to wake up.Ok the manager we have he had done really well before Lambert came to Villa.Same as Mcleish he’d just won a trophy.Lerner wrecks managers reputations he’s the one who should cop it full barrels he’s the prick.Im not defending Lambert but his job was wrecked before he even took it.Bad ownership and we only back the manager when we are winning.Its time for change not just ownership everything utv

  9. Dave67
    Dave67 January 18, 2015 at 3:33 pm . Reply

    We can all talk about tactics and formation if ur not putting the ball in the back of the net you won’t win games. This all falls down to Lambert,we played well for 15 to 20 min and still no goals. Gil made an impression when he came on and it was great to see. I am really worried about this season that Lambert is taken us down. I don’t like Lambert but I want us to stay up. I think Villa are caught between a rock and a hard Stone about Lambert. Stay with him or get rid, who will take the job.

  10. VTID
    VTID January 18, 2015 at 3:35 pm . Reply

    KV, Benteke has missed at least one shot or header in every game, and the problem with Grelish is any 50/50 ball he backs out of, yes he has skill and is learning his technical ability, but for me not quite ready for the big games on a 90 min bases. As for Guzan I am fed up of him not being focused on just cause he pulls out a few stoppers, there are keepers out there who command their goal area with more control and substance, he relies totally on the back four to help, which is why we can not play higher up the pitch.

    Your team I would have with exception of Given for GUzan and Westy for Gralish until 20 mins then do the change.

    1. Dave67
      Dave67 January 18, 2015 at 4:14 pm . Reply

      I think most off us know Grelish is not ready for the Prem. If he is not getting a chance to come on he will never be ready. As for Guzan it was a bad goal and should of been saved. Given won’t get a shout on less Guzan is injured. Lambert can’t see past Guzan and Gabby.

    2. bencey83
      bencey83 January 18, 2015 at 6:10 pm . Reply

      Can’t expect a striker to put every chance away! Have to create a few more chances so it’s not such a huge surprise when he actually gets one! Whether Grealish is “ready” or not, might as well play him instead of any of a number of players who we have clearly seen week after week are not good enough for the Prem! With a bit of game time under his belt, Grealish may become Prem material.

  11. Bill Pearson
    Bill Pearson January 18, 2015 at 4:07 pm . Reply

    What’s the problem with Gardner , is he not midfielder , its OK saying Grealish is inexperienced so what it better than that load of shit being played the last 2 1/2 years, get them on that football pitch.

  12. Jay Dee
    Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 4:27 pm . Reply

    I’ve been reading a lot about Lamberts had 45 million to spend on players but considering how long he has been at AVFC and how many seasons that’s not a lot in the Premiership.Club the size of Villa should be getting 30-40 million each summer.

    1. OohAhPaulMcGrath
      OohAhPaulMcGrath January 18, 2015 at 11:51 pm . Reply

      But most money he has had he’s wasted.

      1. Andrew
        Andrew January 19, 2015 at 5:48 am . Reply

        Only reason he wasted the money is because he’s not smart enough to use the players he buys, and has no idea how to use them.

    2. Andrew
      Andrew January 19, 2015 at 5:47 am . Reply

      Very, very few Premier League clubs spend 30-40m a summer… lol

  13. BWS
    BWS January 18, 2015 at 4:41 pm . Reply

    Would be nice but never going to happen under Lerner, sky money drops through the door and goes straight in his sky rocket and AVFC get the loose change of the shelf for players. Welcome to life under Lerner.

    1. Jay Dee
      Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 4:44 pm . Reply

      Then let’s not call for Lambert like Mcleish declare war on the fuckwit Lerner

      1. BWS
        BWS January 18, 2015 at 4:47 pm . Reply

        Bang on mate.

      2. Dave67
        Dave67 January 18, 2015 at 4:50 pm . Reply

        Jay Dee the two of them should go. But Lambert is at fault what happens on the field and that is why fans are pissed of.

        1. Jay Dee
          Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 5:27 pm . Reply

          To an extent yes but this is no ordinary managerial appointment.Just like Mcleishes reign Lamberts is very similar and looking like to have the same outcome.Both had obscene cash restrictions where in a league of big money surviving costs millions.All Lambert has had over his tenure is about 45 million.Our squad is small with no depth because of cash restrictions so you have to buy players under developed and take a chance on them to succeed.This plan is flawed to the maximum and eventually is doomed to failure as players from lower leagues are exactly what they are lower league.Some cool good but only a few.Some able to hold their own but barely,making silly mistakes because of their lower league quality costing our club dearly.But who eventually cops it?The manger who had the balls to take it on with the outlandish restrictions in the first place.This has been a cost cutting club selling motive since Oneill left and that’s why he left he didn’t want his good name tarnished by Lerner.Lerner wrecks managers careers he is to blame not the managers as the managers can barly do their jobs with the funds given in a multi million pound league.Castrate Lerner I say fuck him up like he’s fucked the Villa up make his final days,months or forever how long he is here a nightmare call him out every game sing for the pricks head.Call him a twat embarrass the dickhead like he now embarrasses us loyal supporters.utv

          1. nath
            nath January 18, 2015 at 5:33 pm . Reply

            spot on jaydee and BWS

            lerners put you in moderation giddy lmao

          2. Jay Dee
            Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 5:36 pm . Reply

            i needed to get that off my chest that felt good lol UTV

          3. nath
            nath January 18, 2015 at 5:41 pm . Reply

            you certainly did and you couldn’t have said it any better, its how i see it, so frustrating we are powerless to stop him robbing us blind

      3. bencey83
        bencey83 January 18, 2015 at 6:16 pm . Reply

        Lerner can’t wait to get shot of Villa, but he’s left the club in such a poor state that nobody is willing to make a bid for us! What’s the point of protesting about someone who doesn’t want to be there anyway?!

    2. GIDDYVILLAN
      GIDDYVILLAN January 18, 2015 at 5:03 pm . Reply

      Isn’t Lerner how can I phrase it embezzling money out the club??????? ( Allegedly Giddy) Oohah

      1. GIDDYVILLAN
        GIDDYVILLAN January 18, 2015 at 5:05 pm . Reply

        Lol I mention Lerner embezzling I’m moderated, is this CBB.

      2. Jay Dee
        Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 5:40 pm . Reply

        He’s a leech trying to recoup all he spent while being a wrecking ball to our club.Its Defo why Oneill left Lerner asked him to cost cut and dismantle all he built.I can hear Ebeneezer now ooooh I will make it worth your while Martin got to pick a pocket or two.Hes a fuckin disgrace of a man to wreck something that’s so old,traditional,successful and means the world to so many.

  14. Jay Dee
    Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 5:47 pm . Reply

    Lerners crafty all right the fans always turn on the manager while Lerners skulking in the corner rubbing his dirty hands together bet he’s laughing who’s going to be his next mug.We should give Lerner all the abuse.

  15. Jay Dee
    Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 5:52 pm . Reply

    He’s hiding now isn’t he letting Tom Fox just like fatty Paul do his bidding.About time the abuse was directed at he right man.Hiding behind oh I’m now selling the club he had to do that as he knew the supporters had figured him out.Thats why he stays away the Effin Coward.How do we even know he’s selling and it’s not a smokescreen until he’s recouped all his millions until the club is sucked dry languishing in the bottom tiers where it definately doesn’t belong.

    1. nath
      nath January 18, 2015 at 6:14 pm . Reply

      selling the club for a price which is too high. hes likely to be here for many more years. like you said, at least until he regains his dollars. i think fox has done more in the short time than the last muppet. i heard hes got good sponsors lined up for next season. but with the team floundering and crowds falling its hurting his barging tools, all knock ons from lerners tight regime. what happens if we do go down. lerner must have been told that’s a real threat this year, hence the spanish guy arrival

  16. B6
    B6 January 18, 2015 at 6:09 pm . Reply

    I’m not defending Lerner by any stretch but to say he is ruining the club is somewhat extreme. Why would he ruin something he owns and is trying to sell? Maybe….Just maybe he saw what football fans are and decided he’d had enough. He put in a shed load of money the first 3 years and, whilst i agree it was mostly squandered, there does need to come a time when it had to stop. You can’t keep throwing money at things, at what point should Lerner have stopped? The bloke saw a huge investment failing, so, like any other normal human being he’s cut costs and recouped what he has lost.

    All this lets hang Lerner talk is unreal. Think if you had invested 2-3 hundred million into something that had failed BUT you had the chance to re-coup that money (sky) what would you do? You would cut costs and no longer invest huge amounts of money, as well as putting that thing up for sale. All Lerner is doing is exactly the same as any person would do given the chance he has of recouping his loss.

    1. Jay Dee
      Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 6:22 pm . Reply

      Aston Villa is a football club first.We play football.The premier League is a multi million pound league and we are not Forest Green Rovers bless em no disrespect to em.We are Aston Villa.Its Lerners duty to keep us competitive and we are definately not that.He has been cutting his losses since 2010 that was the plan get it all back then sell not giving a shit what it does to the supporters.This is not just his business.It is unfair and unrealistic to treat it just as his play toy.Where is he he is hiding.If you read a previous post I sort of state he spent once then washed his hands of it when his circumstances changed.Oneill left because he knew this was the direction Lerner wanted to go recoup all his money at the expense of Aston Villa Oneill wanted no part of that as it wasn’t right.He has been recouping his losses and now to get everything back and a little bit on top he floats the club His Stock on the market until it’s sold.It isn’t just a business.

      1. Jay Dee
        Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 6:25 pm . Reply

        As it sinks in it stings doesn’t it.

        1. Dave67
          Dave67 January 18, 2015 at 6:42 pm . Reply

          O Neil ran away because he was told to sell and tighten the belt. Lambert took the job on after a couple years its not working . Football is all about results. Its not working with Lambert ,you can argue that Lerner spending no money. What ever happens on the pitch is down to Lambert full stop.

          1. Jay Dee
            Jay Dee January 18, 2015 at 6:45 pm . Reply

            True it’s a results business but if your tools arnt up for the job because you can’t afford proper ones your always going to fall short mate not all Lambert.Ecks reign the same.

      2. B6
        B6 January 18, 2015 at 8:05 pm . Reply

        To Lerner it IS just a business. Do you seriously think he gives a shit if we win, lose or draw? The only thing he is interested in is the same as any other business (man)………MAKING MONEY,

    2. BWS
      BWS January 18, 2015 at 8:25 pm . Reply

      B6 you are spot on about him simply wanting to make money but the bit about him throwing x amounts at it had an ulterior motive. David Conn in the Guardian wrote a good piece a couple of years ago where he told how Randy bought the club (pre man c) with the aim of getting us in the CL and turning a quick profit via tv rights but he blew it.
      He is a cold hearted mf’er that gives not a jot about AVFC other than turning a profit, he should be (edit)

  17. OriginalLondonLion
    OriginalLondonLion January 18, 2015 at 6:19 pm . Reply

    For once I didn’t see the game, only the clip on MOTD. Guzan who I don’t rate, has played better this season but he does have a weakness which Prem teams have sussed. That is shots low to his right.

    The defensive frailties this week were down to Baker who hadn’t the pace to catch at least two Liverpool forwards. Okore obviously knew this – which is why he was positioned behind rather than beside Baker, and through that poor positioning allowed the first goal.

    Delph back, disaster back. Everybody was on the front foot out of defence when he passed to them – and the cover hadn’t returned when the shot beat Guzan’s right mitt.

    Gil looked useful. The front 3 didn’t. I disagree with the comments made about lack of service to Benteke, how many runs did he make away from his markers?

    I hope Benteke gets to play with Robinson and Grealish on Sunday. The Cherries have played their reserves in cups this year. They made 10 changes to their first team against Baggies and Liverpool and 6 changes against Rotherham, so Lambert can take his cue from that. Gil can probably do 90 on Sunday against Bournemouth Res – not that they are a bad team – at least they scored against Liverpool.

  18. Benno
    Benno January 18, 2015 at 6:46 pm . Reply

    I dont think Bournemouth will put out a weakened team this time. They know they have a good chance of getting a result, even if its a draw, its a money-spinner for them.

    Gil needs to start and hopefully Grealish too. Be interesting to see if there any other players in (or out) by next weekend

    1. OriginalLondonLion
      OriginalLondonLion January 18, 2015 at 8:41 pm . Reply

      Bournemouth are financially less strapped than us. But their priority is automatic promotion, and having lost to Norwich last weekend, they have a 1 point lead only. Therefore I think they will not risk all key first teamers or any nearing bans, so I guess they will put out as many of their reserves as they dare.

  19. GIDDYVILLAN
    GIDDYVILLAN January 18, 2015 at 7:15 pm . Reply

    I think even if the reddies were available I’d have no faith whatsoever in Lambert spending it.so far it’s been more miss than hit,the twats fucking useless full stop.

    1. DSVilla
      DSVilla January 18, 2015 at 8:37 pm . Reply

      Sort of disagree with you there Giddy. I think, given the money to buy decent players Lambert would do just that. Whether he could make them play well is a different matter.

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