onje_villa

This. Just hope if the results don't come straight away, that they stick with it because this is sooooo much nicer to watch and be associated with.

Two great blocks from Collins there, then HOOOOOOF!

Early days but we're playing really well

All I can see is goals. Like many others can't really see our hugely inexperienced defence picking up a clean sheet away at West Ham. Just hope we can score a couple ourselves. Not overly optimistic but hopeful as Lambert is a born winner and he'll try everything to try and get us a result. 1-3, 2-3, 3-2 or 3-3 (Is that too many guesses?)

Surely Bannan's going to be involved? Must say I'd be disappointed to see Delph play in less he's improved remarkably in the last few months.

Could he be Villa's answer to Dirk Kuyt? Unheralded, unloved but a grafter with a knack of scoring goals...

Let us not forget Matthias Breitkreutz.

Going on what that tweet, that is apparently from Paul Faulkener said, why would they choose to issue that statement now? You have to look at the timing of these things. Surely it's just trying to get supporters used to the idea that there isn't going to be much activity. Also, I'm definitely not anti-Lerner, certainly not as a person but the squad really does need major investment and the statements issued over the summer seemed to indicate that they realised this. Why not get the squad to a level it needs to be at and then try and run the club on an in/out basis, doing it from our current position is just going to mean we remain a lower-mid table side for some time to come. Anyway, there are a few weeks of the window to go so much can change, I just can't see the point in releasing that comment unless it's gently get the fans used to the idea of what's to come.

I really want them to play the passing game don't get me wrong, I just think our full backs are going to be getting pretty exposed. Don't forget for much of the last few years, we've had pretty much double full-backs, our wingers often doubled up as extra full-backs. I'm glad (delighted) we're going attacking but think it may take us a while to adapt!

My only advice is - don't bother Youtube-ing him

It seems from pre-season and the way Norwich lined up that Lambert is going to employ a very narrow midfield. In my mind this was always the way of teams like Barca who are spoiled with central midfielders and didn't really bother with wingers. If this was the way to go, why play N'Zogbia and Holman? Is it more that the wingers will look to play as a front 3? Two things stand out to me if we're going to play this way. Our midfield is going to have to get much more creative at fashioning chances through the middle (though with Ireland, Bannan and KEA this could well be achievable) and Our current fullbacks are going to get ceremonially buggered every weekend in the Premier League.

That's a lot of 'ifs'. Technically two. In reality only one. "If" he's a good squad player then we should be happy with that. I want more and I think he's capable of more. Of more 'ifs'?

He was I believe City's player of the season 3 years running. Obviously they agreed to let him go so they knew he didn't perhaps have the legs to be challenging at the top of the league but I just don't get everyone's short-term views here. Players are either amazing or shite, I don't agree. Though I do agree that he's not the future and he's struggled under the last few regimes (who hasn't?) he's proved himself to have been an above-average Premier League defender throughout his career.

Well sais that man.

Sorry Trentvilla, Dunne was an excellent signing. His fitness and his legs are definitely issues but as a defender he was a class act

Has Delph improved his first touch, always appeared to have poor technique to me whenever I've seen him play

Ethics coach? Have we got that much money to spend? I must say I like the thought of this though if the Premier League has taught us anything it's that this biggest rocket polishers tend to be the ones at the top, winning.

Good article, let's hope you're right, I've little doubt that in time if external things don't get in the way, Paul Lambert will do what is necessary to tun us into winners again.

Morning Richard / Shay (delete as appropriate) ;-)

Interesting point from that Guardian article that he seemed a different player after the League Cup final defeat to United. Was a more than decent player, probably a combination of fitness and confidence issues has caused the slump in form.

Agreed didn't want to sound negative. there doesn't look an awful lot there TBH - esp in terms of goal threat. Apart from Darren Bent :shock:

But surely Heskey's an explosive winger?

Yeah, that must be John Goodman - class! And gotta love the guy with the chainsaw...

Just watching this on Youtube. Have to say we look OK, not quite sure if I'd be singing our praises quite so much as others on here. Playing very narrow (which is fine) but can't help remembering one of the OGS training videos when we're all hyped over him. "Shoot! F***ing shoot! How are you going to score if you don't shoot?!" I love the intricate passing but don't think the likes of N'Zogbia and Bannan should be thinking twice about shooting if they have a chance on the edge of the area.

Optimistic for the future of the club. Delighted with the last few months, delighted with the decisions Lambert (and Lerner) seem to be taking. Loving the fact that proper football is at the top of his list rather than the "it's all about the results" bollocks. People pay money to come and support their team but they have to be entertained, they have to have heroes, the odd flash of brilliance - Lambert seems to be getting is to try and play in a really progressive way and I'm delighted with that. I am cautious about the opening fixtures though, a partisan West Ham crowd away, a very experienced Everton at home, it may just be a rude awakening but this is a long-term project. I just hope we all remember that. Us Villa fans know better than most, that optimism can be a scary thing!