ferguson1

Yep. Bill Murray in Stripes moment. I understand the players woke up around noon at Bodymoor and ran over to Villa Park just in time for kickoff.

Was he grossly underused under Gerrard? 4231 formation, which seemed obvious and something most fans had been screaming to see. This guy has led training for two days and we see a performance like that.

Honestly, wasn’t sure he even existed a few weeks ago. Deserves all the plaudits today.

Won the lottery this fella didn’t he? We pay a fortune getting him Can’t join summer tour cos of some passport issue and stays at home Barely seems to speak whilst on the bench during opening games Sacked inside four months We pay a fortune paying up his contract

Dendoncker?

Perhaps the lack of full fingers says it all.

Funny thing is, he’ll probably be playing with him next season. Can see Newcastle splashing £50m on him and giving him a stupid contract.

Hands up, I had my doubts and thought perhaps the Premier League was too big for him but……obviously take the shackles off and with two protectors behind, then he’s a real asset. Just a joy to watch today.

Not gonna bad mouth him because he’s given us so much but it’s the beginning of the end for him I feel.

Thank goodness he signed that contract. Arsenal wanted him for a reason. He could really blossom now he has someone decent next to him.

He’s a destroyer, nothing more nothing less. Win it, simple pass. Glad someone finally knows how to use him correctly. Could be really important for us going forward.

What I really liked today was every player seemed to applaud each sub, each subbed player applauding fans etc. There was real togetherness. It was a feel good factor. Not to dwell in the past but something was abundantly wrong and today there was freedom to express, no confusion. It was a joy to watch.

What is this wizardry?

DANKS IN

Can we order an open top bus and give Danks the keys to the city?

We had a game plan, used our subs well and just blew Brentford away. Wow, what is this wizardry? DANKS IN

It looked severely limited from the outside but I’m sure with all people around the first team we must have had a plan for each individual game, especially at the start of a match. Initially when he came it was to push the fullbacks on and drop a couple of midfielders back to cover. Get endless crosses in. At times it worked but was ultimately flawed. In game tactics were the biggest issue though as there just didn’t seem to be any. Go a goal down or needing to score for a win or close a game down for a result. He looked lost here. No impact changes at all during games. Whether it be a change in formation or personnel. Very disappointing.

Interesting listening to Lampard’s post match comments on MOTD, saying how Tarkowski and Coady have transformed the dressing room. Both their professionalism and work ethic etc has been a breath of fresh air. Shows how important recruitment is but also a plan on how to get the very best out of what you have. The type of signings might not blow people away but will give you a solid base. Lampard doing much better now and perhaps showing Gerrard the way?

It’s a bit early but perhaps he’s a fan????

With Luiz no longer banned and if we believe the Telegraph leak, then could we being seeing the team below? Martinez Cash Konsa Mings Young Dendoncker Luiz Bailey Buendia Coutinho Watkins Would love to see Archer start in the Watkins role but just can’t see it being tomorrow. It’s brave from Danks though if the do line up like this.

Would love to see Archer get a starting place. Imagine the crowd would get really behind him and could then inspire the rest.

Let’s not dwell on the past and let’s look forward. Just a solid 90 minute performance and a clear plan on how to beat the opposition would be nice. No more magic moment nonsense please. Martinez Cash Konsa Mings Young Dendoncker McGinn Ramsey Buendia Archer Watkins Subs: Olsen, Bogarde, Bednarek, Chambers, Nakamba, Sanson, Coutinho, Bailey, Ings. I just can’t see Nakamba or Sanson starting as they’ve had zero minutes and think it would be suicidal to start one or both here. Bring them off the bench and build up some minutes into them that way if we think they can offer something. Let’s just see a change in attitude and show some fight and quality. 1-1 and something to build on UTV.

I honestly wasn’t expecting a statement from Stevie as quick as this. All the best.

He knows. Looked totally beaten leaving the field. It’s a really really low point of the season. We all need a lift.

Whoever comes in, I hope they bring a full coaching team with them. We can’t keep any of the existing first team staff.