Born-Not-Made

I came in here to see if there was a Delph chant yet.

I always sing "Delph, Delph will tear you apart, again!" ala the Giggs chant. Simple and easy to get going.

It's a learning process and I'm sure PL has his own belief of how he wants the team to play, but the key is spacing.

Whereas we had a good structure vs Swansea, we lost it all vs Southampton and that's why you saw a lot of our back line kicking it up to Benteke.

Once Ireland was gone, KEA got moved to the right while Westwood took the middle. Holman's simply not talented enough to play the fulcrum at the top of the diamond while KEA is just Bannan on the left.

The diamond won't work without raiding fullbacks and center mids tryin to play as outside mids.

Agreed, I'm not convinced either.

I also noticed KEA doesn't seem disciplined enough to play the foot of the diamond thus far. On more than one occasion I noticed Clark having to step into midfield to plug a gap left by him. This is fine if eveyone else can quickly adjust, but lichaj stood there like a spare prick at a wedding, rather than tuck in.

If there's one thing I've been slightly disappointed with Lowton for, it's been his attempts at getting forward. We don't know his orders from Lambert, of course, but a fairly fundemental part of the diamond is the requirement for the full backs to add attacking pressure further up the pitch.

My only worry is that our 'wide men' don't seem any more suited to this formation than our centre mids. Albrighton could be coached into it, I've no doubt, but N'Zogbia is just an enigma. He seemingly just plays where the **** he wants.

Back to the original topic, I'm not sure of my first XI. Having said that, I'm not sure Lambert is yet, either.

There's not much to choose between them. I'd choose Given.

They have their strengths and weaknesses, as already identified earlier in the thread, but one thing that is a requirement of a goalie in the modern game is the ability to actually play football.

Brad Friedel is an excellent shot stopper, his positioning is usally pretty good and he makes relatively few mistakes. But I'm better with the ball at my feet than he is. His distribution was (and still is) awful, he inspires no confidence in his back four to use him as an outlet under pressure, and surrenders possesion on a regular basis when asked to 'go long'.

Given is marginally better. But still not great. And that is the reason why these two excellent premier league goalkeepers have never been signed by a 'top four' club. Thy're fine with their hands, but not good enough with their feet.

I'm wondering what size to get, too. Here's an idea - Maybe I'll actually try one for size in a shop? No, that's a stupid plan. I'll ask a bunch of strangers on a forum what size I should get. That'll be best.

PLeased with the shirt. Looking forward to seeing it in the felsh.

I was hoping for something a little more 'slim fitted', but aside form that I quite like it.

Shame they don't do the same as the rugby shirts - the have the replica kit 'second skin' type shirt for the muscle bound adonis's amongst us, and a more casual fitting shirt for the masses.

I like the look of that, alas Albrighton has so far confirmed the fears I had about him when he first broke through. For want of a better phrase, he's ten pence short. He's a good player, very fit, obviously well coached but he lacks an outstanding attribute. He's not genuinely quick, he's not particularly skill full and he's not a great passer/crosser of the ball. We need another winger desperately, IMHO.

I was wide eyed with excitement when I watched JDM's first match. There were glimpses of a real quality footballer. Nothing fancy, but some of his first time link up play was sublime. I hope Lambert can find a place for him and get the best out of him.

Back to the topic of our new manager, I'm really pleased with his appointment. However, I can't help thinking that he's got a very tough job on his hands and that we shouldn't build our hopes too high, too soon.

This is by far the biggest test Paul Lambert has faced in his managerial career, in my opinion. I hope it turns out to be the making of him. UTV

On the face of it, it seems a ridiculous decision. What will prove it one way or the other is who they bring in to replace him. Carlos is an excellent defender, but he's not a great footballer and his distribution has, with the occasional exception, been decidedly poor.

He played nearly every game for Leeds the season before he came here iirc... I think injury prone is a little harsh.

I think he just needs game time. I really rate him, he has the potential to be a proper player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-IbHHBnSEU

This video contains content from FA Premier League and EMI, one or more of whom have blocked it on copyright grounds.

Sorry about that.

lol @ "Sorry about that"

Anyone who thinks he's slow and lacks pace should look at the way he breezed past the Blackburn defence for his goal.

6th league goal this season, he could easily be on 10 now given some of the chances he's missed and if he can get to that before the season is out which is realistic then that will be a pretty good season from him.

I would guess that, once up to top speed, Downing is one of the quickest players at the club.

His weakness (and why some perceive him as slow) is his short burst speed. He'd piss all over AY7 over 100m... but over 10m it would be the other way round.

I think he's getting better all the time. Double figures in goals and assists should be his target this season.

Milner and Makoun in the middle? Mouthwatering.

Shame

He was out of position alright. Especially in the second half.

But for a 19 year old on his premier league debut, and not playing in his preferred position iirc, he did very well.

Another fantastic product of the AVFC Academy :-D

Hamstring injury apparently.

As a side note, thought Baker looked good to start with but lost the plot a little positionally. Luckily our Centre Hero's appear to have found their form again.

Hi General,

Just wondered if you could pass on a message to the team responsible for the new website. It's a massive improvement! Well done!

I'm not sure where people have got the idea that he'd be loyal to Villa.

He left his boyhood club to further his career. He left Newcastle for us after handing in a transfer request..... He's a great pro, for one so young, and will always give 110% for whichever club he plays for

But he's also very driven and very, very single minded. I've garnered the impression that James Milner is only really interested in the success of James Milner (like the majority of players, I'd wager)

Very good player (with the potential to be brilliant) and will be sorely missed, but as long as we get enough from the deal we'll be just fine.

I like him. He's shown glimpses of what he's capable of and it looks good.

I like to think he'll continue to improve and hopefully score a couple more goals.

Ditto on the comments about his pace. I reckon over 100m he'd be one of the quickest we've got. Very pacey when he gets into his stride, but not notably quick off the mark. Needs to work on his acceleration imho.

I like!

Sad, but true.

I don't begrudge them it tbh. They've been the second team in their city for... well, always really. At least we've never had to suffer that lol

I'd buy it for matchdays. Deffo.

If every one of MON's signings turn out to be as inspired as Dunne, I'm happy to look like a word removed every time lol

Not sure Guzan is better yet. But he deserves the start for what he's done to get us there.

+1

Yup... We'd be out if it weren't for him. 100% Genuine match winning performance against Sunderland.

Like that one ^^

Will never make a chant, but I've had the tune in my head after watching The Green Mile, and have been whistling it all day lol

Tune here I think we might have to change the key slightly!

Heaven, I'm in heaven,

And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak

And I seem to find the happiness I seek,

When I'm watching Villa winning every week

General, can you thank Brad Guzan for his phone call this afternoon, and assure him that I'll be there for the match and be right behind him. Well, not right behind because I sit in L2, but you know what I mean! ;-)

First year as a ST holder for many years and never had anything like that - Was a pleasant surprise!

James Milner can fold a sheet of A4 13 times.