Lerner's Driver

7 minutes ago, david-avfc said:

Still not convinced on this one at all. 

Even disregarding the obvious criticisms for a second, the reality is we need a ball winning defensive midfielder, that’s certainly not Barkley, and for deeper “playmakers” we are already well covered with Tielemans and Luiz, Barkley is a step down in quality on those two. With the squad restrictions I don’t see where he fits in. 

Back to the obvious criticisms, I am not at all convinced that a player who has suffered his entire career with injury and fitness issues, general poor athleticism and severe lack of consistency has suddenly overcome all of those problems in 1 season, at a relegated team who were playing under no pressure all season.

Even if you are right, there's no joy at all in that. Alternatively, you are wrong and perhaps you could enjoy the possibility that you are.

Decent option for cheap.

The reality of this team and it is a team more than a squad, is that we have massively overachieved this season, with all things considered.

That's exactly why the defeats hurt so much because for a long time they were the norm and then they weren't at all because our first eleven excelled for long periods during this season!

Unsurprisingly, the second string players aren't as good and it has showed. Big time. To my mind, we very obviously need a deeper squad because the drop off is too big.

We got away with it this season by over performing, but that is pretty unlikely two years in a row. If deepening the squad with quality is unlikely, so is us producing similar results next year.

8 minutes ago, foreveryoung said:

2-0 is irrelevant. 5-0 with hardly a shot on target. F*** me!

Bigger picture mate. If you want to be disappointed that's your choice. Virtually everyone else doesn't care. There is no need to care. Take it from someone who does all too often.  

4 minutes ago, foreveryoung said:

I'm not sure Emery will feel the same way, I'll stick with him thanks.

Sure thing. You do you pal. It's still irrelevant.

2 minutes ago, CarryOnVilla said:

It’s a dead rubber match. Why care?

Indeed so, the clientele on sow and performance would be different if it mattered. It doesn't.

Just now, jimmygreaves said:

Is a nothing game, we're playing half a team. Callum Chambers is starting FFS.

Calm down you cockney prick.

Err, I think we agree.  

3 minutes ago, foreveryoung said:

They should care when it goes to 4 and 5.

Nah. Objective achieved. On the beach. Before today I was their harshest critic despite the injuries. Now, irrelevant. 

Just now, Jas10 said:

We need better defenders…

more depth, in midfield too

This I agree with. Second string defence is cack. Enjoy the rest of the match lads. 

The commentator says it is breathtaking, but it isn't if one side doesn't care and there is no reason why they should. End. Of. Story.

Just now, VillanousOne said:

bring the kids on they can't do any worse

It doesn't matta

Well played Mateta and Crystal Palace, an excellent hatt trick that you were always on course to secure today. Today is irrelevant.

The game is irrelevant.

1 minute ago, Stevo985 said:

Get a **** grip

He's feeling a bit non-binary and there's nothing wrong with that.

Irrelevant.

Just now, Demitri_C said:

I just dont understand why he is sending same players out. Honestly at least give one youngster a half.

He clearly does not rate kesler or timmy

Don't fret fella, across the course of any season there are lots of things you don't understand and it normally doesn't matter at all.

Well played Palace btw. Lovely efficient football.

6 minutes ago, DCJonah said:

Yeah I hope so. Just a slight worry. 

Conceding goals and not winning games is becoming the standard as we end the year. 

We played well above expectations for 50% of the year, just about above in the next quarter and now, we are down to the bare bones, with our main objective realised. That's why. It's fine.

2 minutes ago, DCJonah said:

My only worry is we are on a seriously downward momentum. 

The strong finish to last season set us up for this one IMO, I just hope the opposite doesn't happen.

I know what you mean and usually that analysis is accurate, but we achieved our main objective, so today is irrelevant and the injury-hit missing players have massively contributed to our loss of form, so I don't think a hangover to next season is something you can realistically conclude. 

Whatever 

Superb achievement you Villa boys!

Thank you Unai.

Unlikely point.

Thank you John Dhuran

43 minutes ago, PaulMcGrath_5 said:

I’ve nearly lost all energy to care, at this point.

Yeah, all so predictable.

Liverpool aren't great, but they can pick a pass and they know how to finish. End of story.

2 minutes ago, thejoker said:

I don’t think I could take the disappointment of missing out on 4th now. Man City had better turn up tomorrow. 

It's the Villa way.