KevinRichardsonsMoustache

Probably not relevant but anyone know what watch Emery is wearing?

Carlos caught in no man’s land too often

Commentator somehow mangling the name ‘Douglas’

Couldn’t concentrate on the interview. Who is that masked gesticulating fella?

As we're all going for goals from this season, we can't forget this one Like he's playing golf.

He was in such a rich vein of form when he scored that goal. Love the celebration, too: Duran needs to adopt it as his own.

We're seeing the pragmatist side of Emery in action: it's as clear as day to anyone with eyes that we're limping across the line. He's trying to manage it by using the players at his disposal and picking his battles. By using the squad, he's also breathing some life into what are, at the end of the day, the club's assets. So, for example, if KKH isn't good enough, the fact that he's been in the first team adds a bit of value. if we sell him. I'm not saying Emery is playing 4D chess, but I think we're seeing a different side of his managerial abilities. Keep in mind that in taking this approach, he knows he needs to sell it to the players, too. Confidence at Villa has been so paper thin over the last {forever} that he needs to be careful: but perhaps this sort of thing, if it works, builds character in the squad in general (think of how we've bounced back from heavy defeats this season).

Talk this morning of United wanting him. Unless they can sell him some new vision of how they're untended to rise from the ashes (version 17), it's clear that they're broken. He's on the upvhere; first England caps, probably going to a major championships in the summer, European football with us, playing with a manager who has taken him to the next level.

The old adage stands: complexity favours the incumbents. The only way this is sorted is if an independent regulator writes a new set of rules and punishments that are transparent and applied routinely. Whether they get us or not, the rules are a farce.

Being a football fan is a lot like sitting an exam but you’ve done f*** all revision: FFP and amortisation, VAR and offside, coefficients.

Stupid question but I'll ask it: How will we know if the Premier League haas bee given that additional CL place? I don't understand the coefficient system, I just want to know if 5th will get a CL place!

There's something about the font and then seeing Kane's face there, but all I can see is the word TIT.

Konsa for players' player of the season. Clearly a popular fella.

Tbh, it is wishful thinking on my part: I see flashes of what I want to see, I guess. I'm thinking about those moments when Duran tracks further back and can hold off a man, turn and get the ball to a teammate coming forward. Perhaps it is simply a matter of him getting more minutes that we're latching onto anything that looks remotely positive. People want to get behind the lad: if their perceptions are clouded by that desire to be positive about him (and in the absence of anyone else behind Watkins), so be it. Do I think he is Benteke mk 2: no. Do I think he's better than we've seen so far: yes, undoubtedly.

He has showed big improvements in his link up play in recent cameos. In performances before Christmas, he looked a bit alone up there. Hope he can keep doing it: turning into a bit of a Benteke throwback with his harrying and turning of defensive midfielders. Hope his physicality can leave space for Bailey and Diaby, or vice versa. He wanted an opportunity, now he’s got it. So hope he can take his chance.

This is such a great point: the clubs aren't stupid enough to not know this, but are so desperate for a symbol of intent (or sports washing) that they splash the cash. What a shame that such a generational talent became an ornament for the Sheikh's mantlepiece.

I really hope we didn't pay so much for Chris Heck...*insert gif that reflects what a tw*t I am to derail the thread*

I find it remarkable that there hasn't been more scrutiny about the fee. He remains the most expensive British player of all time (= with Rice?) and that sort of thing used to bring massive attention. Perhaps it's a reflection of how insane transfer fees have become or that it is just pocket change to Citeh that it is barely even mentioned? Sometimes it feels like the media doesn't consider the fee a relevant issue or one that should be considered alongside his performances. Is it tacit acknowledgement that he wasn't worth it or that somehow when the fee was going to little ole' AVFC that it doesn't matter? I remember conversations in his first season there about his price tag, but it suddenly disappeared when he seemed to click into gear there. Now he's clearly on the downturn with Citeh, the small issue of the price is invisible. If you put the money back into the equation, you have to ask yourself: does he look like a £100m player? Does he exert the sort of influence that £100m should buy for any club? Does he get the media attention that comes to a £100m talisman? The answer to all three is no. And I think Jack knows it.

I know they're being paid bucket loads of money but working in a different country when you've a young son miles and miles away must be bloody difficult. He's a young man himself, will have a lot of downtime after training, and has had to face this gambling thing to boot. The comment about a lot of players being married and not being able to hang out and help him settle underscores how isolating it must be. Incredibly difficult for the man. It must be electric having 40 odd thousand people behind you at the weekend. Then the come down when you're on your own again. If he were to move to us permanently, I suppose his family would feel it worthwhile to come and join him here in the UK. Perhaps we'd see a very different player? V much respect him for coming out and saying these things. Go well, Nicolo.

The other Little Phil is definitely getting action.

I like the thumbnail. Like Jack is about to punch the b*stard.

His English is unbelievably good. Seems like a good character: v level headed and pragmatic.

I stand by my decision to watch that video to the end.

I think we should retire all of the seats directly behind the goals. It's a matter of time before he breaks the net or the posts. Thinking about it, maybe we've delayed announcing the development plans for the North Stand because they're hoping Jhon will reduce the demolition costs with a few goals in the run in?