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thunderball

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Everything posted by thunderball

  1. thunderball
    Lille were decent, well drilled, and clearly Fonseca has talent but my objective view is they were not the better team over two legs. It was pretty even but we prevailed. I am not sure on the agrregated stats but I think we are better. Ultimately we did enough and won the tie, for me that makes us better. For all their combativeness they weren’t really that scary. We had a big game on Sunday and they rested. I am happy that we deserved to win
  2. thunderball
    Legend.
  3. thunderball

    Unai Emery

    thunderball replied to PeterSw's topic in Villa Talk

    Unai has a semi
  4. thunderball
    I thought the female commentator was OK
  5. thunderball
    When everyone is fit we have an excellent squad. It’s subtle, but Monchi has really added very decent quality and versatility with his signings. Roger’s looks built for the PL and seemingly great business.
  6. thunderball
    Who knows, far too early to say, but why the question? Philogene has shown some brilliant offensive flashes at a much lower lower level so far, but you have to be a complete player and defensively/tactically disciplined to make it at this level. Both have lots to prove, both have lots of potential, and as you say, play different positions.
  7. thunderball
    Would be happy if we signed him. I think he’s another who would look better for a prolonged run in a settled role. As an Italy international and a young star (prior to injury), there’s clearly some talent there. He doesn’t quite look at ease here, maybe it’s because he’s the only Italian?
  8. thunderball
    A lot of chips on shoulders, I sense those who ‘never want to see him in our shirt again’ are determined to take offence at a gesture they want to interpret as against them. If you dish it out accept some back. Maybe be less sensitive and celebrate the goal? Looked determined and energetic, definitely playing for the shirt and scored. Does that alter the narrative? Moussa has been poor for a decent stretch but doesn’t seem to get the hate.
  9. thunderball
    I would to hear this!
  10. thunderball
    I love him. I would hate for him to be coming on against us, he is an old fashioned handful: big, strong, quick, direct and happy to shoot. His finishing was his weakest link yesterday but still scored.
  11. thunderball
    Looked very composed and a Premier League standard when he came on. He is quick of thought with good feet. He is quite a unit too, and still growing, I reckon he will fill the McGinn void and be a better player for us for it. I think he has a future at the club.
  12. thunderball
    All I can say was I was there, it was a terrible game, with very little to get enthused about, but I made a point of watching him, especially as he was warming up pre-game infront of me with Carlos, and he kept losing the ball or miskicking it, so I thought that might translate into a terrible performance. But when he came on he looked really determined to make a difference. He even took a snap shot from about 50 yards out when the ball was going out into touch. He ran across the pitch to his opposite side to make a challenge which he won. The clip shown is a moment, which honestly I didn’t notice. But if you are looking for a scape goat there are plenty of other candidates ahead of Zaniolo.
  13. thunderball
    It’s not working out for him, but today he turned out one of our better performances. No lacking in effort or determination, if anything he was channelling what seemingly only McGinn had in the game. Don’t know why it hasn’t clicked, I don’t get the impression he wants to be here though. But I cannot accept anything negative against him today.
  14. thunderball
    Apparently he red cards in 40% of his games. Not blaming him for our performance, the changes and Ajax’s willingness to press and harry, meant we didn’t manage our usual control and rhythm. Was very happy with the result, if not the performance or sending off. I can see a reinstated McGinn, Bailey, Pau and possibly Ramsey should restore that, I saw enough to be reassured Bailey will add a level of chaos they are unused to and will be key to unlocking them at home.
  15. thunderball
    Abysmal, criminally inept officiating for a premier European tournament, it would have received the same criticism for non-league. So many down right wrong decisions. Two players sent off in a luke warm encounter, players booked for no offence; bookable offences ignored 2 minutes after a less innocuous similar carding events; throw-ins given to the opposite team. Judging by the line up and pace of the game, we are juggling and prioritising the premier league. No harm in that, given the prize for getting 4th is worth £40m+ and underwrites our FFP, team investment etc. A goal would have been nice, but we were hardly full throttle. If we beat Spurs the plan has worked perfectly.
  16. thunderball
    I think the rot started with Roger’s tactical ill discipline. Luton were physical all game, (somehow we were getting the bookings though?), but Rogers gave them an in, they just targeted our weakness. Rogers looked great going forward, he will come along nicely, but he showed he isnt up to speed just yet for the discipline this team and Emery demands, that is the difference Emery makes. Control returned after the subs (in particular Rogers being replaced) and we nearly always have enough quality to score given the opportunity these days. Oliver was dreadful, the officiating this season is criminal. Best league, worst officiating. Their goal looked offside too, and Chong had Oliver as a mug, kept tricking him all game. 3 very valuable points, it was always going to be a tough away game, Luton can unsettle anyone and Kenilworth Rd is a leveller.
  17. thunderball
    Looks great, I’m taking my daughter for the Spurs game. I am down the M5 in South Wales, but would love to go much more often if it was an easier proposition: parking, access and egress, catering and secondary entertainment, I would happily spend a day in a captive environment and family members who are fans too would absolutely suck it up. That totals a big spend, but instead the club gets next to nothing from me as a non ST holder. I am not alone in this so it just underlines there is a market for a premium spend above ST, pie and pint.
  18. thunderball
    He is playing at a very high level for us now. He would be a great addition to the squad. I suspect Barca will accept a very reduced fee as they are run by children, I don’t think wages will be an issue. I did read somewhere that we have a Spanish CB/LB in our sights who is out of contract in the summer. I would think Digne will leave and this guy will come in. I think we will move on the Williams brothers too. Not sure on our finances but all of this plus buying back Archer does sound unrealistic unless there is a big departure which we are reassured won’t happen?
  19. thunderball
    Someone has summarised the liquid football:
  20. thunderball
    McGinn’s shaved head is so white I thought he came out wearing a bandage.
  21. thunderball
    We’ve not really seen the best of him. When he arrived he looked like he only needed time and there was a player in there waiting to explode. Not sure if his head is in it any longer, but that hope has gone for me.
  22. thunderball
    They would be mad to not explore a brand new stadium, of course they are. They can legitimately say they have no plans to leave until an application for a new ground is in hand - plausible denial. Villa Park needs so much to bring up to what is needed for the modern sporting experience, any money spent is a waste. I suspect they will explore options if we regularly look like qualifying for CL. Our owners are the real deal, they won’t do things by half or fight with one arm behind their back.
  23. thunderball
    I still take the athletic, still has some decent stuff. Jacob Tanswell is first rate, massive upgrade on the quality of output without being too damning on Gregg Evans. Not much subscriber Villa support on there though, comments section is always pretty lame. Have to say I miss @omariqy’s Villa Talks pod, particularly enjoyed the latter pods on Gerrard’s shambolic tenure and tactics. Pulled no punches, maybe Nasef was listening?
  24. thunderball
    Exactly. Judge Heck on his economic performance. He’s like a pantomime villain because of badgegate, Lower Grounds/Terrace view and the North Stand. All of which will likely be sensible decisions. (Not being a season ticket holder, I am taking my daughter to watch the Spurs game thanks to lower grounds ). We all liked Dean Smith, but look what Unai has done. If you want results you need the right people.
  25. thunderball
    Great result, and those results around us too. Played well, especially as we were away and given our injury downer, and the terrible officiating/VAR. How important Pau is to this team, felt so much more comfortable and had a greater range, he settles the side and offers so much. Brilliant he’s back, goes a long way to comfort the Kamara loss. Watkins and Bailey looked dangerous, fair play to Watkins, he was hot today. When you look at him vs Haaland, he is so much more efficient. Offside goal should have stood; we should have had a penalty. The stats were close, but we were far and away the better side today. Could win and should target 4 wins in the next four games looking at it. I feel we have shaken off our Christmas down turn.
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