Harry

'One of our own' says the Holte end and I agree. Really excellent tonight.

Class act tonight.

Just got back - pretty turgid first half but much better second half. Again we could and should have scored more. I don't like Bruce going all defensive for the last 15 minutes as it invites pressure. Hourihane MotM for me, finally a creative CM.

13 minutes ago, snowychap said:

I think that's been said every year for the last five or so.

I think you are probably right. lol

Loved that tackle on Saturday.

We need to look at the operating profit / loss. The exceptional items will most likely be non recurring one off write downs and charges. No need for alarm IMO.

10 hours ago, dont_do_it_doug. said:

Big big fan here. 

With some players you wonder whether they are going to make it, they might have the talent but perhaps not the application, and you're left judging them on potential. 

Green to me just looks like he has 'it'. Natural winger, pace to burn, a few little tricks and as what is distinctly noticeable is his desire to get into the box. It wasn't his best on Saturday, but I am always left wanting to see more. 

Agree with all that but needs to work on his defending though which looks poor.

1 hour ago, limpid said:

Again. Villa Park redevelopment isn't about seats (have you read the thread?). When do you think the club should make the plans? Considering how slow the planning process is and how many parties need to be involved in transport plans, this needs to be happening continuously.

Totally agree if the planned redevelopment really is all about the whole site and probably the general area where there a derelict buildings and poor infrastructure but as fans it is quite difficult to get past the swathes of empty seats. Even in the PL we were struggling to sell out against the so called top sides.

We need to have an attractive 'product' to attract the lost Villa fans and floating football fans which who will fill the ground. That in turn leads to corporate match day sales for whom we ultimately need better facilities.

What I saw yesterday was a committed and gutsy performance that is often sadly lacking in many of our players although yesterday it was much more evident in the whole side.

1 hour ago, Rob182 said:

How about this exaggeration... Before Bacuna got sent off, we were playing with 7 midfielders! Super attacking Bruce going for the win, in Barcelona style!

Ignoring the exaggeration slightly and making a general observation. We were winning and I guess what he did was try to preserve our only fit striker for Tuesday night.

Back on topic it is nice to see a decent LB in a Villa shirt who knows how to defend.

26 minutes ago, Nigel said:

Yet as soon as it happened we almost scored!  Kodjia had nothing left, we had to do something.

At least it gave them something to worry about.

Also whisper it quietly but it has to be said that the decision helped win the game.

Totally agree and we have a game on Tuesday and one fit striker

1 hour ago, Wezbid said:

For all of Derby's possession they didn't create a lot. We sat way to deep, it is only natural when the players are desperate for a win. Bruce didn't instruct them to sit so deep. 

Of course it wasn't pretty and scrappy but the players worked hard and ground out the 3 points yet it's just the same names slagging off players. It's not wrong to want a nicer performance but some almost sound bitter that we came through with a clean sheet and a victory. Sad. 

Hopefully we can use it as a stepping stone and confidence builder. 

Spot on

Bizarrely I think we might win this one, maybe 2-1 / 1-0 with the usual buttock clenching last five minutes.

Lose and I think it will get ugly with the fans. Lose again on Tuesday and I think Bruce is a dead man walking.

Samba is slow and ponderous with the turning circle of a super tanker. Those were my thoughts when he played against us in the Carling Cup Semi Final in 2010 (?). Seven years later I doubt very much if he has improved.

He might give us a bit more bite at set pieces and defending corners but I shudder to think what he will not give us in open play.

Best avoid.

1 minute ago, DaveAV1 said:

I think it's unfair to say we haven't got a plan B, we're on at least plan G! 

And none of them work and nor should one plan being tested to destruction in one game without any attempt to change it.

How can anyone now defend what is completely indefensible? I hate the idea of changing our manager but I have no idea what else we can do.

I rate Bruce as a manager but he just looks totally out of his depth and bereft of any ideas. The bit that really worries me is the total absence of any sort of Plan B coupled with his patent inability to instil any sort of confidence or backbone in the players.

Surprised it was only 2-0.

Time for Bruce to walk? Get Rowlett in who seemingly can work wonders with dreadful players?

Just now, maqroll said:

Plenty of time to concede another

Bound to happen.

Just now, KSV said:

So who's available? Rowett? Too inexperienced. Warburton?

Anyone really.

Just now, NurembergVillan said:

Don't think he'd fancy managing in League 1 anyway.

I don't many Villa fans would want him managing us in League 1.

Glad I have not even got the TV on, just checking the score every so often to see how many Newcastle score. I'm going for 4-0.

3 hours ago, kurtsimonw said:

I'd argue the opposite. Because he's "one of our own", he gets massive amounts of stick every time he doesn't play well. Despite being 21. People just use the fact he's a Villa fan as a stick to beat him with "because he should want it more".

My point was more about the fact he not really as good a player as many think he is rather than how he plays in any game.  Over the years all the evidence suggests that our academy isn't that good at producing premiership or perhaps even championship grade players. 

If Grealish's name was Westwood VT would be all over him. As he is 'one of our own' he gets away with murder.