It’s an international break and I’m bored because we don’t have any proper footy to talk about.
Yes, England beat Bulgaria 4-0, but who really cares?
We all know we’ll get stuffed as soon as we meet any decent team.
It’s the way it is, as much as we’re supposed to have the “best” league in the world.
Whatever.
So then I’ve just been reading about Matt Targett, who’s suffered a hamstring injury, meaning he hasn’t really shown for us yet.
I’m not aiming ( I won’t say targetting) anything at him in particular, but it seems the injury wasn’t caused by a tackle or a cross, but a mere pass.
What’s going on here? How do you suffer a hamstring injury in just passing the ball?
I really don’t understand all this weight training stuff that modern players undergo, but I do remember having a conversation with a nose mate of mine, about 10 years ago, who pointed out the size of footballers upper legs.
The point being, that they were massive and overly so.
Is it the excessive training in the gym that causes these injuries, I wonder?
I only ask, because all I know is, that come rain or shine, if I fancied playing footy, I just played.
And never once got injured.
Ah, I just remembered.
I had to retrieve the ball from a roof once, meaning I had to jump down about 4 metres. (Ooh I’ve just remembered doing a similar accidental jump in the gardens in Witton Lane, too, where I thought I’d broken both legs, but that’s another story)
That one twinged my ankle a bit and in fairness, I was only about 14.
I think the pain lasted about a day.
But that wasn’t directly footy related.
When you’re in your twenties, you’re surely at your peak.
And yes, I appreciate you’re at the highest level.
But how the hell can you do yourself a major inury in just passing the ball?
There has to be something wrong somewhere.
Not the most stunning subject, but hey, I’m bored too and just wanted to write something.
It’s a polite way of saying that modern football players are just a bunch of fannies, in my opinion.
This might prove an interesting subject.
Or maybe not.
Watching England this evening just reminded me why I don’t generally watch anymore.
Boredom, simple.
I totally totally agree Badger, I played football till 37 years of age, I’ve been kicked in the foot, shin, and broke a shoulder, in my time of playing, I don’t get this cannot play because I’ve a leg strain I’ve twisted my ankle or got a bad cold. I honestly believe they are treated like big girls blouse into days games, they say you have to be 100% fit , me it was I wan’t to get on that football pitch next week to play football. As for the England game we will get hammered when we play other big name countries that’s for sure.
Totally bored of international breaks too. While I enjoy watching tournaments in the summer months, I absolutely detest these annoying qualifiers. There seems to be almost as many England games as club games these days. Just like European club competitions, the powers that be are sacrificing the domestic competitions to enable as many games for countries / clubs to be introduced. After all it’s important that Gibraltar get a chance to qualify! Give me strength 😒
Ps. Please pick me up on emojis. Not sure 🤔 which ones to use in the correct context.👀
Heh, it seems like you’re doing ok as it is, Holte.
Typical. I’ve got the weekend off and was looking forward to the game on Saturday, until I realised it’s on Monday.
Bloody Sky have a lot to answer for too.
So Kodja has picked up an “innocuous” head injury. Read into that what you will 🤕 Also Targett won’t be available for West Ham game but Marvelous Nakamba is pushing for a start and good to see Chester back in full training.
Hmm, after his last dodgy injury too?
Gone on strike, sounds more likely, to me.
But that’s a total guess.
In one hand this is the highest level of football and you cannot have a striker worth 50mil + going head to head with a fully fit premier league centre half. At this level, and even several divisions lower the finest margins win and loose you games. Those game ultimately being the difference between relegation and £180+.
Lower leagues take risks and it’s almost part of the package to play with a broken nose or shoulder. To explain it clearly and in my opinion, Money would most like be the biggest factor.
I believe massively in conditioning to some extent. Squats, lunges, leg presses are great for building speed and power. On the flip side I seem to remember a certain Agbonlahor bulking up so much to the point he actually lost his trade mark pace.
Everything in moderation I guess….
I would also add that are players bulking and conditioning for 100% football performance reasons or vanity
I’d mostly agree with you Tom.
It’s all well and good meeting the ideal performance stats, on paper, but your Gabby point is valid and shows how it can work against you.
Yes, it’s money, but I wonder if going for 100% all the time, is the best route?
I’d suggest a good player who is available most of the season is better than one who is brilliant, available for just a few games.
In the meantime, England are abysmal at the back.
God help us when we face a decent side.
Yes, Horseface may be experimenting, but god, we look dodgy and having a good attack won’t make much difference.
I’m actually quite happy Mings didn’t start in that back line, as I suspect he needs even better defenders/ a more disciplined set up around him to show his qualities at international level.
What I mean is, he’s prone to too much looking around and getting caught out and probably would have given one away a la Keene too.
I’m currently more interested in Engels, fwiw, as he was actually rated in the top 50 or so in the whole of Europe on some statistic site over the last six months and is on the radar to start for Belgium, a proper team.
If he gets that start sometime this season, he’ll instantly be worth double the £9 mill we paid for him.
Yes Badger, Mings perfromance at Wembley – watching from the Recaro seats – will have done his chances of a centreback role with England no harm at all. Unlike Keane who defends like Smalling and Jones.
Correction St Mary’s not wembley
Fair points. I think Chillwell, Maguire, Mings, and Alexander-Arnholt would be a pretty decent defence. Mings reminds me of Tony Adams in the way he’s constantly communicating and barking order. Yes, he needs to cut out the dodgy moments, but if you play out from the back, that’s inevitable, hence my earlier post about it being a seriously dodgy tactic! Both Maguire and Mings are propoer ‘warrior’ defenders while the other two are the epitome of the modern attacking full back. You can always add another CB to reinforce it, but nor keen on Keane (see what I did there) and Stones is probably one of the most overrated players in history…in which case, I’d probably add the lad from Liverpool, who’s name escapes me…
Apologies BFR, I’ve only just spotted your point about Mings being similar to Adams. I really need to read more closely.
I think you’re spot on there.
Mings leads the line really well and does indeed seem to have the “gob” that all top defenders have.
The big difference is that Adams always looked very awkward, playing out, to my mind, whereas it seems much more natural to Mings.
I’m not quite in “raving” mode about Mings just yet, as to my mind, he still has a bit to learn.
But he commands the side at the back and does have the makings of an excellent CB.
Long overdue, considering some of the superb central defenders we’ve had over the years..
I ‘d love it if we can get back to the equivalent of some of our classic pairings at the back, over the years.
I’d go so far as to saying that it was what we were known for.
I knew Southgate would get it wrong , his stupid not looking at Championship players would come back and bite him. 80 million McGuire was not a player to marshal a defence and Rice words fail me ,4 times he fluft his passes, but I have to say nothing wrong with the forwards, we will get hammered playing othe nations that’s for sure.
here here bill
southgate is making a stupid mistake not considering players, who might not play in the premiership. top championship isn’t much fall in standards than say bottom eight of premiership.
also agree with the rice comment, what is needed by a protector of defence ?? maybe he offers some protection lol rice was totally crap. a holding midfielder shouldn’t be giving the ball away as he did all game,
mings is a ball player and a proper old central defender. somebody who relishes a tackle, why was he not selected, when looking at england they were short of tacklers. our back line can all pass the ball, nice and pretty. but when we was without the ball. we were lost, no organisation / no steel. that will mean if we play a half decent opponent we will concede a hat full
that brings me to this qualification all the top countries have basically got byes into the major tournaments. why dont they do away with meaningless qualifiers. have the lower teams playoff to make the big end of season tournaments. instead of ripping of the customers of the beautiful game.
Abraham 4 goals albeit 1 own goal.
Lol! Spot on!
Going back to the original topic as, mercifully, enjoying life has kept me from watching either of the England games 🙂
On the flip side of the Agbonlahor point (with which I do agree), hasn’t it been generally recognised that JG bulking up has benefited his all round game?
It does appear that there are more ACL injuries these days than I can remember which may, ironically, be a symptom of a higher level of fitness coupled with a faster game than of yore.
Good job the surgeons have similarly developed their skills
Turning thoughts to Monday and with one eye on the subject matter of this string, I see that Kodjia is out for a further 4 or 5 weeks with a fractured cheekbone. Is he the new Villa sicknote?
So now we are down to Wesley and Davis as our number 9’s and with Trezeguet out it’s looking a bit sparse up front.
Not wishing to be overly pessimistic but would you believe we have Mike Dean as ref on Monday?
just hoping for a fair referee, somebody who hasn’t made the decisions before the game has started.
Let’s see how much favour the cockneys get over us this time…
kevin friend fooked up again. man city defender caught the ball literally lol inside the box but no penalty. he will be getting massive pay rise for these decisions 🙂
Whilst it’s a result that doesn’t suit the villa, I’m pleased Norwich saw that out and got them selves a few goals ahead. But! What the hell is going on with these refs? Clear as day hand ball by stones and the ref doesn’t even consider VAR.
I always thought Tammy would get goals in this league. Such a shame we couldn’t hold onto him. One thing we are missing is a 20+ goals a season striker. Hopefully we won’t be rooted to the bottom 3 come January so we might be able to get a top striker in then.
Does anyone on here think we can emulate what Norwich did today? Although our spend was massively more than theirs, our overhaul of the squad was more dramatic, so we are almost starting afresh in some areas of the team.
Monday night is massive because West Ham at home is the kind of game we need to win. Against Everton, Villa Park was rocking and played a major part in our win. A repeat of that night, minus shite London biased refereeing and I think we can pick up 3 points.
Holte, from what I’ve seen, Norwich look far more fluent than we do. Far more comfortable at this level. I don’t if that’s because they’ve got better players or a better coach. Or both. Hopefully, it’s neither and we’ll click…
Lampard’s just explained why he switched to a back 3, wanting to be ‘adaptable.’ I suggested we should line-up like Wolves after the Palace defeat and impotent attack. Over to you, Dean Smith…
As for Tammy, sadly, he’s the ‘fox in the box’ poacher we were talking about all summer. We should’ve put 30-40 million on the table. Abramovic would’ve taken it. Now Tammy’s probably worth double that. Our window was good, but perhaps we just bottled it when it came to what really matters in the league – goals.
I’m surprised BFR that we paid £22m for a striker relatively unknown when like you say, could have paid another maybe £10m extra to buy Tammy who already knew our style of play. Whether we had the funds to buy both is uncertain but we have left ourselves weak up front. I suppose it’s possible that Tammy wouldn’t have left Chelsea regardless if that’s where his heart was set. Even so we are now heavily dependent on goals from our wingers and midfield without him.
On a different note, I read Hourihane had an outing at LB for Ireland. Is this worth considering given his ability from set pieces?
I suspect Chelsea would not have sold Abraham, whatever the offer, for two reasons. First off the transfer ban means they had no opportunity to buy a striker and second Lampard is already seen as a manager that favours youth – and home grown youth at that.
Holte, you’ve just solved a conundrum! I’ve been thinking how we could line up, if Smith is brave enough to change formation. My only issue was our two wingbacks, Elmo and Gilbert, are both right-sided. But your point on Hourihane is a masterstroke. I believe we’ll have more success with 3 CBs, 4 in the middle and 3 proper forwards. Lampard was brave enough to change things and tried it yesterday. The result speaks for itself. Here is my suggested team:
Heaton
Mings, Engles, Hause (SOLID!)
Gilbert or Elmo (right), Luiz and McGinn (centre), and Hourihane (left)
Jack, El Ghazi, and Wesley up top with Jack given licence to link midfield with attack and under strict orders to stay in the attacking third.
I know Smith probably won’t do it, but this formation excites me. It gives perfect balance with the personnel we have. If offers more strength in defence, with the wingers able to drop back. You could even say to Hause to shuffle over to left back to go to a back 4 if Hourihane doesn’t fancy defending. Luiz and McGinn have Keane/Scholes levels of ‘box to box’ and tenacity. Guilbert, Elmo and Conor are all capable of putting dangerous crosses in the box (not like Taylor). Finally, putting El Ghazi and Jack right by Wesley’s side gives the opposition a fearsome combo of pace, skill, power and guile to contend with and Wesley quality players to combine with!
Excuse me while I take a bow. 😉
What do you think lads?
Over to you Deano! Happy for you to take the credit of this works! 😉
More staggeringly stupid examples from Arsenal today of why playing out from the back is a really bad idea. Dean Smith, please take note. West Ham will be ready for kamikaze defending. Please just boot the f***er clear! (preferably to a Villa man)
Just seen the City one too (missed it yesterday). More credence that playing out from the back is a mug’s game. Teams have wised up to it now. Ultimately, that’s lost them the game and Arsenal have also dropped 2 because of it. We can’t afford to give away points. Please, please, don’t play out tomorrow! Their attacking players will be ready!
Mick McCarthy said after that game that “Hourihane has a wand of a left foot, but won’t be playing LB again”.
In other words, he was abysmal
It isn’t going to happen under Smith either, as Conor isn’t particularly good as a holding mid, let alone a defender.
I see the logic in him being able to cross etc, but defence has to be the priority in the Prem.
3 at the back might be an option when Targett finally comes in though. His defending isn’t supposed to be too clever, but he should at least have some clue and is supposed to be good attacking/crossing wise
I agree, which is why I’m suggesting left-mid, Badger. Definitely not left back. Like I said, when under pressure, you could still switch to a back 4 with Hause shuffling over to left-back and Guilbert or Elmo dropping back to right-back. Hourihane would be attacking left mid under my proposal, which is a good position for him. I think the suggestion gets all our best players into the team with the added bonus of an attacking threat on the left with Taylor omitted. And most importantly, support for Wesley. It worked for Lampard. He who dares…
Trezeguet’s suspension could be a blessing if Smith gets it right…
I guess it might work, but I see Conor as better in the middle, making runs.
Exactly where Jack seems best too, imo.
If you’d suggested McGinn, I’d probably go with that, as like Milner, I reckon he could play anywhere. Indeed, I’m sure I read he played at LB in an article quite recently.
Conor and McGinn could alternate to keep ’em guessing. If McGinn’s getting no joy in the middle, swap with Conor, and vice-verse. Flexibility!
Hmm, that’s actually an interesting thought.
If we don’t get anything tomorrow, I think Smith is going to have to start thinking about changing it up.
I’m really nervous about tonight. West Ham are a decent team, and we need to get some more points quickly. I would be happy for us to get through the game with no gifted goals for them, and nicking 3 points however it’s done.
Me too, DS! I’m convinced that a change in formation would bear fruit and suit the personnel in our squad much more!