rubberman

1 minute ago, Villan_of_oz said:

Should brie's past them

One more goal and it's still ton. 

Just now, alreadyexists said:

It’s just as much contact for our disallowed goal, if one is a foul so is the other 

Yep, this. 

51 minutes ago, rubberman said:

Coefficient FC is back on the horse! 

And back in the stables she goes. 

Coefficient FC is back on the horse! 

I have to say I was a bit surprised that we went so hard for him - seemed like at least 3 bids. But boy, was it worth it. 

1 hour ago, Vive_La_Villa said:

They did indeed. Amazing achievement. They did however finish 7th in the league so I think fans will need to accept it’s going to impact our league placing. 

I think most level headed fans will be able to handle this.

However let’s just get there first. 

Part of the genius of Unai is how we've handled it this season. We've played about 50 more games than Spurs and a few more than Utd/Chelsea/Newcastle and yet we are ahead of all of them in the league.

50 minutes ago, CVByrne said:

I know it's crazy but hear me out. 

There is a case to be made for us going into the Europa League on sporting terms (not financial).

1) The Format has changed to be the same as the Champions League, ie 2 extra games in group stages and a 2 leg knockout for those in 9th to 24th. This essentially removes some of the jeopardy for the top teams and increases the prize pool. 

2) No Champions League teams will drop into the Europa League in the new format, plus the 5th best Italian and German sides will also not be in it s they will go into CL. So the 2 teams from the PL who qualify will surely be the top 2 favourites for the competition

3) Having weaker European games for a club at the stage we are (when a European Championship was on in summer) will be a benefit to our Premier League performance and potentially our ability to make a go at the domestic cups.

4) Progression to Semi final or final stage in Europa League would bring good prize money and be close enough to the level we would get from going out in the playoff phase of the Champions League

5) Winning it is the biggest prize we can realistically win under Emery. We can't win the PL or CL and this is the 3rd best title available.

That is exactly what Spurs fans are saying. They are desperate for a trophy of any sort. We've never had CL and I want it and the team want it. Test ourselves against the very best and see what might happen. 

13 minutes ago, stewiek2 said:

balanced compromise.

Well that's that idea in the bin for starters. 

According to opta's power ranking, we are the 18th best team in the world right now. We can definitely hold our own in a 36 team champions league and stand a good chance of getting through the first round. After that it's all gravy (and £££). 

4 hours ago, Tubby said:

 

PPG form table still sees us fourth.

It doesn't weight for most recent form, but reaffirms that we are a solid top 8 team despite the injuries, suspensions and game volume.

 

I kind of get when you say 'barely a top 6 team' (previous post) and 'solid top 8 team', but we are still actually 4th by both of those metrics.

I guess we need to win the CL next season to get the boost we need pre-new rules. And build a new mega stadium. And bring in a few far eastern players. And put up the balti pie price.

Noticeable that tonight all the out balls bounced off Rogers & Watkins where last week they stuck and we're able to turn and initiate a counter. 

Terrible performance overall and I think the energy-saving play really bit us second half. We should have seen that we needed to up the levels much earlier.

Still a decent result in the bigger picture. 

Definitely strongest side. Bench beginning to look a bit healthier too. 

47 minutes ago, one_ian_taylor said:

Has been a very enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. First time in ages my wife and I haven't  had the children and have decided to not do work/admin of some description. Couple of drinks,  look up the football scores - nice to realise that none of the results really affects us in the slightest, and even Man U winning wouldn't  really have made the slightest bit of difference. Good point to stand back and take stock of how good the season has been. A strange feeling. Hope I'm  feeling  as good in 4 hours

I said this the other day. Very odd to not have anything riding on any of the games from our point of view - very relaxing. (for now) 

So, do we get Archer back now or can they still keep him? 

Just need to build on this tonight. Amazing season. 

Fancy Newcastle to overtake Utd now. 

16 minutes ago, CarryOnVilla said:

I’d hope Villa will never be a club that pays £100m (or the inflation equivalent in the future) on a player, despite how big we ever get. 

I expect this will be a (relatively) quiet summer throughout the league. Points reductions have focussed minds and the record spending days are gone. Also see how many big money signings just haven't provided value. If the changes to a spending cap being voted for on Monday go through then we'll see another lift in prices when that kicks in IMO.

Yep, no Enzo and Gusto unlikely. Really hope Palmer is still sick as well.

Would still bring in Doug to help own midfield and drop one of Diaby or Bailey (depending on his knee) and give us more oomph from the bench.

26 minutes ago, rubberman said:

I don't think man utd are going to catch us. 

Dammit. Spoke to soon. 

I don't think man utd are going to catch us. 

What's kind of amazing is that we couldn't care less what happens in any games apart from ours and Spurs. No other jeopardy from Man U, Chelsea, Newcastle et al, we are so far clear. Would be nice to be even closer to those above us, but that's for next season. Otherwise can just sit back and enjoy.

Athletic (paywall) article on Emery and the future. I think in the summer we'll see a new contract to 2030 or so.

https://theathletic.com/5438265/2024/04/24/unai-emery-aston-villa-contract-dynasty/

Quote

Edens and Sawiris want Emery’s tenure, which began in October 2022, to replicate the authority and longevity Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson had at the start of the Premier League era with Arsenal and Manchester United respectively. And, most importantly, Emery feels the same.

Poch out before the weekend please. 

18 minutes ago, RicRic said:

You cant look at football like that , for example our win at the emirates but drew against brentford 

We're predicting the outcome of future games. No-one knows and yeah, anything can happen, but form is all you can use. Spurs and us are very equal all season long, we're both playing the same team but one at home and one away. All the odds are that we are more likely to have the better result. 

Anyway - we'll soon know for sure.