srsmithusa

Dear fellow poster.  I see what Zaniolo offers.

I do think we have a goal in us today. 

Just now, jimmygreaves said:

He was fouled....

When a player leaves the ground and is pushed in the air.  it's not being bullied, it's being fouled.  Can't be a fair charge if the man doesn't have his feet on the ground.  VAR didn't give it.  I doubted they would. 

the first VAR (no handball) was atrocious, but in fairness the second (handball) was equally atrocious.  Equally inept.

Emi was fouled

really need to get the ball to Bailey more.

2 minutes ago, Digavilla said:

Rogers is way off Ramsey level

Hence, why he's not first choice there.

1 minute ago, JAMAICAN-VILLAN said:

Seems very narrow to me

part of that is while they have used the width some,  we have attacked very direct down the middle, so their defence is packed there as well

field is about 68 wide, (can tell by the 10 yard hash from corner)  much harder to judge length from a TV.  But you're right, it does feel compact the way it's being played

Ollie and Jhon have actually linked up pretty well thus far.

WH lose their minds over a throw in and mid-field.  Thankfully, this Aussie ref doesn't react much to fits of hysteria.

Tim Howard predicted that two up top forces their wing backs to play a bit narrow to offer support which opens up the wings.   I think Unai threw a complete wrench into whatever Moyes was thinking.   I would love to have seen practtice this week to see how they worked on moving the ball into attack without a slightly withdrawn forward, unless Ollie is going to play that role, which seems even more daft.   This is going to be interesting.  It will work a trick and we'll be several up early and coasting, or it will be a disaster like changing the defence for Tottenham.   But Unai kinda needs to try some "creative" things to cover for all our unavailable roster.

6 minutes ago, Blasterpocket68 said:

Will still be twits and turns , lot of games to play . If we pick up a point I’d be happy 3 fantastic. 

Trust me, in the match thread, the players will be TWITS if we get one point.   They’ll need to TURN that into three.  

Fulham looking like they aregoing to do us a favor today.  

10 hours ago, VillaChris said:

Would start Moreno in this. He hit a lovely cross for Ollie's goal in the 1-1 last season and while Digne has done little wrong I'd like to see us on the front foot a little more rather than just sitting in and trying to get to 0-0 at half time.

They're starting Antonio again so I think Diego Carlos stays in to match the physicality and Konsa will return at RB to look after Kudus so think that's how Moreno starts.

Beyond that it will be interesting. Looked a cert Tim would start but not playing v Ajax I don't think Unai is fully convinced yet despite his quotes in the press. Think it will be Luiz and Tielemans in the pivot and then probably a similar combination to what we saw last night if Ollie is o.k.

Thought it would be two tired teams just playing out a draw but in reality we both breezed through and there's a potential freshness to both 11s so this could be a 3-2 either way game, let's say to us....

I thought diego was assured out with hamstring. ?

1 hour ago, turvontour said:

But who decides that? And is it a rule or just down to the refs discretion?

technically, there is a law that forbids this.   But i have, in similar situations, checked with both managers if they preferred to shorten Extra time.  I don't think i ever shortened it to zero, though.  Brave ref, he may well face a rough time from the match assessor.

17 hours ago, Vive_La_Villa said:

Not going to lie. I enjoyed the Ajax fans singing a Bob Marley song.

Lord, Villa keep on, Winniii -iiing.  Lord Villa  (or Ollie, or Moussa, or Bailey, or Big Jhon, or ...)   gonna score.  

Viktoria Plzen please

Just now, Davkaus said:

Can someone reboot Birdman please

insert kenneth here?   and again because of my question ?

3 minutes ago, DCJonah said:

I like diaby and bailey on the same pitch.

They have such potential, but historically, they have sometimes negated each other by making the same run and  pulling more defenders into the same area....getting in each other's way.   Based on this thread it sounds like diaby is staying more central which, if bailey stays wide, will create more space for each and help both shine.

this thread is my only coverage.  (pity)  This thread is often misleading.  but I haven't heard McGinn at all.  I really thought he would be a force this evening.   Is the man to man marking in midfield keeping him out of any ball contact?

It's a good thing I don't manage Rogers.  if I did I would call him over to the touch line and say..  One of three things is going to happen.  1)   get a second card and i sell you to a conference team this summer.  2) You commit a foul and i take you off immediately.. 3)  I take you off at half time and we help you work on composure so you can keep playing here.  Now go contain them, control the ball, but don't lunge in stupidly or take any silly risks with this whistle happy ref.

7 minutes ago, troon_villan said:

Genuinely got a stiffy when Ollie started jogging there

normal service, then??    (not a dig mate, just couldn't resist)

Will we be wearing Acorn shirts again?  I would love the option to buy one.  I hate gambling sponsors.