benireduk

Being synical here, has anyone else thought that maybe MON decided to chop and change today rather than against Sunderland to prove a point?? If he'd have rotated against sunderland and we'd have won, everyone would have been saying the rotation was overdue. MON rotates today, knowing that our chances of winning are a lot less, and can then say "well, I rotated and look what happened"

Seems strange to play a full strength(???) team against sunderland at home, and then play a weaker team against a stronger side.

As embarrasing as it was today, I can't see the point in getting rid of MON now. It was interesting that John Terry said that Chelsea we're told we would tire after an hour. That's what makes it frustrating. Other teams can see it so why can't MON??

I don't buy the "we got to the Carling Cup final and are in the FA Cup Semi" argument. No body remember's the losers in a final and on todays performance, there's not much to look forward to come the 10th April.

I don't understand how people can be disappointed with Delfouneso. I think it's a matter of expecting too much from a 19 year old kid. For what it's worth he surprised me tonight, didn't know he was so quick.

the problem is the fans are desperate for a goal scorer and may are pinning their hopes on him being that straight away.

Tonight I thought he looked good when on the ball and was positive, he often went forward to try and make things happened. Poor header at the end and poor decision to shoot just after.

Overall he showed he should have been given some chances earlier this season but probably isn't ready for a regular starting slot.

I thought he played well. The only way you can compare him is against Heskey's normal contribution, and based on that, he did as well, if not better.

Last season they took 4 pts off us, this season we've taken 4pts off them.

Point gained

That is one way of looking at it although we've lost them elsewhere so....

That's true but i don't subscribe to the view of some of the doom and gloom. Daz Hayle on Radio WM we're saying "Is that our champions league dream over?" I'm sorry, but we've got games in hand on those above us and there's a long way to go yet. I'm not saying we're gonna finish top 4 but you can't write us off yet.

Last season they took 4 pts off us, this season we've taken 4pts off them.

Point gained

Its

Were on the march with Martins Army

Were all Going to Wembley

And when we win the fa cup we gonna shake em up

cos aston villa is the greatest football team

I have it slightly different:

We're all on the march with Martin's Army

We're all going to Wembley

And we'll really shake em up when we win the FA Cup

'cos Villa are the greatest football team!

Another version

We're on the march with Martin's Army

We're all going to Wembley

And we'll really get pissed up when we win the FA Cup

'cos Villa are the greatest football team!

those wearing villa shirts to the game- are you going with the claret and blue, or the away strip? i normally dont like to wear different colours to what the players on the pitch are in...

I'd like to know peoples opinions on this too

Home shirt for me. Most people should wear claret and blue, that's our traditional colours, not white!

Hi General,

With regards to the screen/scoreboard at VP, Just wondering if it has ever been considered to let the clock continue after the 45 minutes are up?

I was getting very frustrated and anxious not knowing how much of injury time had elapsed last night, especially when you take into consideration the infamous Fergie time.

On the screen theme Geneal, is there a reason why the game isn't shown on the screen?? When I went to spurs on saturday, they showed the game and it was quite useful when the ball was up the other end.

Should have had a penalty for the pull on Carew. Having said that we didn't deserve to win. I'll take a draw if we beat em at Wembley!!

I think Blackburn will be pleased. They've got another week to try and up th attendance.

Disappointed it's off but wouldn't have enjoyed the trip there and back.

we been on itv yet?

Not yet. ITV in their widom decided to put the Reading V Liverpool game on first, the game that they showed Live about 4 hours previous. HONESTLY!!!

Not even close, imo. gotta be 4th place and the CL. The one year we are a viable club to break into the top 4, and people are choosing the rinky dink Coca Cola Cup?

it's not even the FA Cup, ffs!

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

This just sums up modern day football for me.

I take it you'll have a spare "rinky dink" cup final ticket then if we get there. Can I have it please??

Just an opinion regarding the turn out at the match. I couldn't give a flying one how many we took. At the end of the day, we're 10 days way from Christmas, it's the second time we've played at the SOL in 2 months, we're still on the back end of a recession, it was a Tuesday night, it was a freezing, tickets were £27, and a lot of people had just paid £50ish to go to Man Ure 3 days ago.

Looking at the some Sunderland sites, they're panning us for our turn out, but I can 100% confirm the 700 odd of us that were there could not have been more passionate and vocal. So to reiterate I couldn't give a shit if we take 50 or 5000 to an away game. We still all get behind the lads and make a good time of it no matter what.

You are right, add into the fact we are going to Emirates next week, and then 3 cup ties in 14 days - people don't realise how much it is costing at the moment. I'm a season ticket holder, go to the odd away game , by no wherer near most, and I've gotta fork out over 200 quid extra for me and the kids in the next two weeks.

Sunderland fans have to reailse, they are one of the least attractive games, probably only 2nd to Pompey due to the distance. I had a choice go to Sunderland , or Emirates AND the Cup Semi Final - guess which ones I chose !

In fact I commented last night to a guy at work - there is something to be said for being crap - at least it's cheaper !.

Well done for those who went up.

The sunderland fans can't exactly say they turned up in numbers. There was only 34k there. Doesn't their ground hold about 46k???Agree with what you say, lots of games in a short space of time + christmas + new year = less fans going to away games.

Cracking win. 2 away wins in 4 days can't be bad. Third in the leage for now and a carling cup semi a few weeks away....Long may this continue!!!

Any body else having any problems playin online?? Whenever I try to get into the lobby it says that the session is no longer active I can play COD online no problem, just wondered if there are any setting that need changing?

Job done today. Milner was immense, didn't think Young was that bad, agree with the earlier post that he's maybe trying a bit too hard, but saying that v pompey he was really good.

I liked the aplause when Bullard went off, hope his injury isn't too bad

Hi General,

Hope you are on the mend.

I hate to be negative about anything to do with the matchday experience at Villa Park but yesterday was the first time I came away feeling really frustrated, and it was nothing to do with the game. I sit in the lower North Stand in block R2 and from the first minute the security team were telling us to sit down, giving us no reason to do so. After around 10 minutes people in my area we're getting angry which led to a tense atomsphere. The police were called and a few fans were taken away. The Tottenham fans in the lower Doug Ellis were all standing up with no stewards telling them to sit down. When we questioned the security staff they said "We've got to sort you lot out first." Now as a season ticket holder for many years this is un-acceptable. I don't go to the villa to be spoken to like a 3 year old. I have sat in the Lower North Stand for two seasons and standing has never been an issue before. Block R3 to my right stood throughout the game and didn't have any stewards/security telling them to sit down.

I know it's difficult for you at the moment being away from the club, but could you tell me who I need to speak to about this?? I want to go to Villa Park and watch the football, not worry if a fight is going to break out between fans and security staff. Needless to say the atmosphere yesterday was nowhere near as good as it normally is for a big game.

Thanks a lot

Hi General,

I have just had Paul Owen's call me from security regarding the above. Whilst it's a bit of a sensitive subject at the moment, I thought he explained the reasons behind the stewards new approach well and I think the next action should hopefully sort things out. Just wanted to let you know that he's doing a decent job!!

Thanks

General Krulak here:

1. benireduk: My recommendation is that you notify Mr. John Handley (Hd of Security) at Villa Park. Be prepared to lay out exactly what took place and focus a clearly as possible where the events took place so John can narrow down the stewards who might have participated in this...to include the away seats.

2. Unfortunately, I was unable to view the game yesterday. I hope to see the replay today or tomorrow. I have read the game threads on 3 sites and confess that it sounds very discouraging...a game of two halves...that is for sure. As a fan, I am hesitant to comment on the game until I see what took place. Obviously, the overwhelming comments don't fill me with a good feeling....I need to see it.

Thanks for the quick reply general. I'll try and speak to John tomorrow.

Hi General,

Hope you are on the mend.

I hate to be negative about anything to do with the matchday experience at Villa Park but yesterday was the first time I came away feeling really frustrated, and it was nothing to do with the game. I sit in the lower North Stand in block R2 and from the first minute the security team were telling us to sit down, giving us no reason to do so. After around 10 minutes people in my area we're getting angry which led to a tense atomsphere. The police were called and a few fans were taken away. The Tottenham fans in the lower Doug Ellis were all standing up with no stewards telling them to sit down. When we questioned the security staff they said "We've got to sort you lot out first." Now as a season ticket holder for many years this is un-acceptable. I don't go to the villa to be spoken to like a 3 year old. I have sat in the Lower North Stand for two seasons and standing has never been an issue before. Block R3 to my right stood throughout the game and didn't have any stewards/security telling them to sit down.

I know it's difficult for you at the moment being away from the club, but could you tell me who I need to speak to about this?? I want to go to Villa Park and watch the football, not worry if a fight is going to break out between fans and security staff. Needless to say the atmosphere yesterday was nowhere near as good as it normally is for a big game.

Thanks a lot

Why we changed from 4-5-1 I'll never know. Not bringing a Midfielder in for Milner tonight was pathetic. He's said already that he will use the squad when suspensions and injuries come into play. So what happens, he plays (arguably) our best striker on the wing. Great management. How must our reserves feel about that???

I'm just so frustrated with tonight. Another chance to go fourth wasted. If we really want to challenge we need to be beating teams like west ham, wolves, everton and blackburn

Hi General,

Not sure if this has been mentioned before. Is there any plans to have a red poppy on the players shirts in the next couple of games with rememberance sunday round the corner?? I know a couple of teams have had them on their shirts last weekend.

Thanks a lot

UTV!!!!

If Martin O'Neill doesn't stop this bleeding stubbornness - we are going to finish about 12th this year !!!

There was no other thing to do today - 4-5-1 !

But no - he wants to prove himself right again.

We have been feckin appalling this season, apart from one game and guess what we played there !

CHANGE IT !!!!

I despair sometimes!!! It's 1-0 at half time, there's not been a lot in the game, keep the faith!!!!!!

Sorry, can't !

I haven't got the faith in O'Neill anymore.

We went 4-5-1 and got up into the top 6 of the league.

He, for some mysterious reason goes 4-4-2 (and in my opinion, just to accomodate his love-child - now Carew has been shite, no question he didn't deserve the shirt, but NRC, Berger and all speak out and don't kick a football for months - he does, and is in the starting line up with 7 days !) , and we have been utter aweful since.

Chelsea - some say, we won - superb - but it wasn't out of "outstanding play" - it was born out of the fact that Chelsea missed about 6 open goals that 99% of the time they would have buried. We had 30% possession that day.

Sorry - feck it - cant be bothered - just seen the change and can only say one thing.

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Lets ALL hope your wrong

COME ON VILLA!!!!!!!!!!!

Second half underway

1-1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAREW

Come on!!!!

If Martin O'Neill doesn't stop this bleeding stubbornness - we are going to finish about 12th this year !!!

There was no other thing to do today - 4-5-1 !

But no - he wants to prove himself right again.

We have been feckin appalling this season, apart from one game and guess what we played there !

CHANGE IT !!!!

I despair sometimes!!! It's 1-0 at half time, there's not been a lot in the game, keep the faith!!!!!!

Sorry, can't !

I haven't got the faith in O'Neill anymore.

We went 4-5-1 and got up into the top 6 of the league.

He, for some mysterious reason goes 4-4-2 (and in my opinion, just to accomodate his love-child - now Carew has been shite, no question he didn't deserve the shirt, but NRC, Berger and all speak out and don't kick a football for months - he does, and is in the starting line up with 7 days !) , and we have been utter aweful since.

Chelsea - some say, we won - superb - but it wasn't out of "outstanding play" - it was born out of the fact that Chelsea missed about 6 open goals that 99% of the time they would have buried. We had 30% possession that day.

Sorry - feck it - cant be bothered - just seen the change and can only say one thing.

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

Lets ALL hope your wrong

COME ON VILLA!!!!!!!!!!!

Second half underway

WM say Carew coming on!!!

Jimmy Milner off

hmmmm

If Martin O'Neill doesn't stop this bleeding stubbornness - we are going to finish about 12th this year !!!

There was no other thing to do today - 4-5-1 !

But no - he wants to prove himself right again.

We have been feckin appalling this season, apart from one game and guess what we played there !

CHANGE IT !!!!

I despair sometimes!!! It's 1-0 at half time, there's not been a lot in the game, keep the faith!!!!!!