mike_field
Vital Football Legend
Definitely, Bristol City/Derby will fold for sure, they always do. So the games in hand are a problem, but not a insurmountable one.Think we're right in the mix now
Definitely, Bristol City/Derby will fold for sure, they always do. So the games in hand are a problem, but not a insurmountable one.Think we're right in the mix now
I agree, I was so nervous during the second-half that we would concede one and then concede another With no real threat from them at all. I was so relieved when the third goal went in but realistically the game had been over an hour earlier. I’m surprised my heart actually holds out But honestly believe if we get into the play-offs we will walk them with what I’ve seen last couple of weeks. Do I believe in the Villa oh yeah but they don’t half make me nervousI think some of us are holding our breath. The remainder of the season has the potential to be one of those memories those of us around in the 70's cherish.
Long time since we've seen fluent, exciting, winning football consistently at Villa Park.
Given the last twenty years, I can't stop myself half expecting the wheels to fall off any minute. What ever the outcome, it looks like being another exciting ending to the season.
I will continue to watch in hope rather than expectation. VTID
Sorry to sound like a bit of a downer on the day we break into the top 6 but I have to comment on your last sentence McP.
I do hope that Villa fans treat Bruce with some respect. Please don't forget that he was the bloke who turned around the toxic culture at our club, he got us to the play off final and gave us John McGinn. All of this whilst losing both parents and having cancer.
Please gentlemen, we don't live in Small Heath.
I will look on with pride and what potential this team has for the future.I think some of us are holding our breath. The remainder of the season has the potential to be one of those memories those of us around in the 70's cherish.
Long time since we've seen fluent, exciting, winning football consistently at Villa Park.
Given the last twenty years, I can't stop myself half expecting the wheels to fall off any minute. What ever the outcome, it looks like being another exciting ending to the season.
I will continue to watch in hope rather than expectation. VTID
Fair clarification for those who didn't know, but doesn't change the overall impact given everything else going on and the associated worry that I assume it caused.Bruce did not have cancer in the sense that we perceive it.
Let's get it right.
He had a melanoma that looked dodgy and had it removed.
Yes, worrying, but not like he was riddled, with secondaries.
(Advisory)
Have you totally checked your body lately?
I'm certain I can't be arsed to look, but the missus will no doubt spot anything.
I'm just chuffed that we won, easily and look like we can beat anyone in this league.
He was superb against Derby and today just as good, if not slightly better. Of all the aging players in the current squad, he is making the best case for a contract extension right now. And I think he's dispelled the nonsense about him not being able to last a full match. In terms of fitness he reminds me of Sid Cowans at the same age.He was outstanding wasn’t he Brownevillan? Great to see the Holte acknowledging his performance and roaring his name every time he took back control of the midfield today. Certainly hasn’t been a fan-favourite since he arrived but has shown his worth a few times this season for me - never more so than today.
I'm sure fans will treat Bruce with dignity. We know what he went through in his personal life, particularly his parents, and skin cancer is a dangerous thing to have, which thankfully they seem to have caught in time.
It doesn't alter the fact I think his time here was a waste, for a number of reasons.
He was outstanding wasn’t he Brownevillan? Great to see the Holte acknowledging his performance and roaring his name every time he took back control of the midfield today. Certainly hasn’t been a fan-favourite since he arrived but has shown his worth a few times this season for me - never more so than today.
Apparently Conor Hourihane became a father for tthe first time last night. It explains him missing. He should have told her to wait for the International break proper. Congratulations are in order.
Well, wasn’t that just a pleasure this afternoon? 4th win on the bounce and the 4th 90 minute performance in the spin also. Against blues we made sure we competed throughout but today was like the Derby and Forest games - we were in full control throughout. It’s a pleasure to watch us at the moment - regardless of whether we make it to the playoffs I’d much prefer that than the Pulis play-for-a-draw anti-football every time! It was fantastic to see us winning and playing to increase the winning margin rather than settle.
Ratings:
Steer: 7 - once again a high rating for a keeper who had nothing to do BUT everything he needs to do he does well. Commands the box, wins punches, comes out when required - deserves huge credit for our defensive improvement.
Elmo: 7 - solid, supported the attack well.
Hause: 8 - couple of shaky moments where he conceded possession cheaply. More than made up for by his general dominance.
Mings: 9 - a colossus again. Outstanding defensively and outstanding with the ball at his feet. I don’t say this lightly, but he could be our new Laureen / Southgate / McGrath(?!) Sign at all costs.
Taylor: 7 Solid.
Whelan: 9 - outstanding. Always felt he’s undervalued but that was by far and away his best game for us. Won everything, superb passing - the Irish Pirlo! MOTM
McGinn: 9 - outstanding also and only narrowly pipped to MOTM by Whelan for me. Pure energy, desire and class. The way he turns and holds off players is a joy to watch.
Grealish: 8 - not as influential as recent games but still drags the opposition all over the shop (to the benefit of his midfield colleagues) and finds time to play killer passes all game.
Green: 7 - did ok, nearly scored him 6 but got the extra point as his endeavour led to the first goal (despite his initial lack of control costing us the throw in) and he worked like a trooper all match. Just a shame things tend to fall apart once the ball lands at his feet.
El Ghazi: 8 - best I’ve seen him live. If you could get this out of him every week we’d have some player on our hands.
Tammy: 7 - worked hard but nothing really came off. Almost too keen to score when he could’ve set up our third earlier in the second half.
Subs
Adomah: 7 - worked hard, nice to see him score.
Kodjia: 6 - poor touches, wasted a chance he would’ve buried two years ago, looks like the injuries have taken a toll that he won’t recover from.
Davies: 7 - lively.
Smith: 9 - had ‘Boro in the palm of his hand. They had no answer to how we played and we never relented, even after taking the lead. Worth giving credit also for how we utilised short corners / free-kicks rather than playing into Pulis’ hands. I’m not usually a fan of a short set-piece, but we’d clearly worked on them and had a plan rather than just playing short for the sake of it - i.e. we didn’t just play short because we didn’t fancy the aerial battle with no real plan, we’d clearly worked on set pieces to exploit a typical Pulis team of giants.
Delighted.