It’s been a bit of an odd weekend, where a few things have all came together, resulting in me not being able to write a post or even reply to comments.
It’s my own fault. I decided to buy components for a computer to use in Spain, but thought “why use all these new goodies in a place that I won’t be frequenting as often as I’m at home?” Hence I made the decision to swap things into my home computer.
And as per, that’s where it all caused a load of issues. I’ve done this lots of times and I always manage to solve the problems, but they take loads of time and become all-consuming.
Hence I totally forgot about the game and missed the first half an hour!
Then combine the fact that the ultimate 4 letter word that is “work” has got in the way and it’s all been a bit hectic. It’s keeps the grey matter going though.
From what I did see, we played some scintillating footy at times, when attacking, but our defending left me still convinced that a certain someone (who I’m going to try not to name anymore, because even I’m beginning to feel that I’m naming him as a scapegoat) needs to be replaced.
That said, I thought Bourne were very good and totally achieved what they set out to do, which was stifle us, while still creating chances. It should be borne in mind that I’m sure I heard that the Cherrys have the 3rd highest shots in the league this season.
While a draw, on the face of it is a disappointing result, it reminded me more of a thought that had been crossing my mind, in that we seem to have turned into a big game side. Which is fine, if we can keep beating the top clubs, but I fear that won’t be the case.
It boils down to “how can you beat Bayern, yet not beat Bournemouth? Or Ipswich?
Of course, we always have the Premier league, where any result is possible, but I do wonder if we lack an edge when playing the “smaller” clubs. And of course, we can’t expect to win them all, no matter how much we would like to see it.
As some have said, it doesn’t feel like we’ve really got going yet, but as I type, Arse and Pool are drawing 2-2 and we’re 4th in the table. That’s nuts to me, but perhaps it says more about my fear of losing or more accurately, not winning.
We have pretty much the same record as Arsenal, who sit in third, so it’s all about perception, I suppose. If we really do get into our stride, you have to wonder how far we can go. I really ought to try and get away from always seeing the negative possibilties, I know. We’re in a good place.
But it’s difficult for me. At the end of the day, before the season started, this was a game we’d have expected to win at home (although I’m sure they have a good record against us?), so it’s two points dropped, simple as.
UTV!
Duran 1-1
Duran again. Wow. 8 goals already! Quality build up too.
1-1
Duran!!!
And BLACK SABBATH written in the back of our shirt too!!!!!
Ok. Downloader code 119368. It’s called Sportsfire. It won’t leave an icon so you have to start it from settings- apps-allapps
Amazing bit if football and unlucky for Jaden.
Definitely the band width a problem here! Threw the grand kids and missus off their games and voila – all solved š
Yeah – got my son and his family here for a couple of weeks – all Villa fans.
Palace have become a dirty side in the past couple of years.
I bloody wish they would stop pissing about at the back , we have the ability to beat palace letās go for it .
Hitch, I would swop my bandwidth, my equipment and my 4k picture for just 10 mins off that family time you are enjoying. Enjoy.
We are Gerry.
Time to spare and share on holiday in the sun – weāre very fortunate.
Another neat miss from Duran. We are going to nick this
Bugger.
Take McGinn off. Rest him for Spuds.
I’d throw this game but Palace have p1ssed me off with their fouling. Put them to the sword, our brave warriors!!!!!! š
Palace 2-1.
Such a soft goal for palace.
We look shattered and we haven’t run a yard
See now what I mean stupid stupid play .
It’s a bit of a training match tbf. Like a pre-season.
Itās a disgrace to play like that and take fans money .we still have weak players in defence shows up week after week .
We obviously don’t care about this game.
Which is fine, as I can’t be bothered to watch the tripe.
Disappointed that we’ve joined the “league cup doesn’t mean anything” crew though.
Utter gash and an insult, as you suggest Bill.
Sick to the back fucking teeth of getting knocked out of the cups by shit teams year after year after year all very well being in Europe but we’ve won fuck all for 28 years
Unai says he’s obsessed with winning a trophy well tonight doesn’t tell that story
So disappointed with that
Agree, but the players out there were good enough to win. Not Unai’s fault. Those players had a great opportunity to push for a starting place in the PL and CL. They didn’t take it. The team was far far stronger than the one played at Wycombe, which suggests Unai didn’t throw it; he used his squad wisely. The players blew it.
As for the Black Sabbath shirts. Naff. Kitsch. Extremely gimmicky. I’m all for making money, but let’s keep it classy, please.
Iām not happy that the club have the āI donāt care if we go outā attitude. Palace when they lost Eze and Wharton were there for the taking. Second half though they might as well have stayed in the dressing room.
Philogene doesnāt impress me at all and Buendia looked way off the pace. Bailey apart from the assist didnāt offer anything. And Carlos for the umpteenth time passes to an opponent which leads to their second goal. Gauci is another Olsen and isnāt adequate cover for Martinez. Heaven help us if Emi gets injured.
On the plus side though I thought Ned, Kamara and Mings for the most part looked good.
Now we go to Spurs on Sunday who tore us to shreds at VP. Then Bruges and Liverpool away! Iām not sure we will pick up anything from those games. Emery certainly has is work cut out!
I think that listening to Emery’s pressers in advance of either a League or FA cup tie in this country gives a clue. If he does not confirm he will field his strongest team, then he is prepared to throw it. It is Spanish attitude that domestic cups are worthless except for rehab and cutting cocky young players down to size. One look at that line up convinced me Villa would chuck it. I think Emery is not convinced by Mings either, so I don’t see Ty getting a starting shirt in any game we can’t afford to lose.
OLL – I agree to a certain degree.
When I saw the line up and bench it seemed clear that Emery was not in the least concerned whether we won or lost. More important was giving game time to a number of players which would include Kamara, Mings and Buendia.
On the other hand, for Palace, it offers a chance to win something so they had the whole of their first team squad involved in the game and, not to win, would have been pretty disastrous for them. What injuries to Wharton and Eze mean in league terms is hard to quantify but when they come to Villa Park in the league I expect to put them away quite comfortably.
Where I donāt necessarily agree is Emery not being convinced by Mings. I canāt see how you reach that conclusion with Mings being sidelined for so long. Now if you had questioned Buendia I would have to agree with you. He really hasnāt shown any quality since coming back from his injury. Kamara, on the other hand, was excellent.
So, not really that bothered. The Mekon won two tin cups with United but was deemed to be a failure. Emery hasnāt won anything but does it really matter? Heās made Villa a force to be reckoned with and given back to the fans pride in supporting a great side and currently one of the best teams in Europe – long may it continue.
UTMV