Powehi

1 minute ago, lapal_fan said:

I wonder who the classiest spitter is?

Ruud Gullet? Got to be up there.

Grahame Le Seux?  Nah.. didn't own it.

Savo is a goodun, proper Eastern European "I don't give a hoot who this hits".

New thread idea! 

Rijkaard?

43 minutes ago, Creeper said:

We played brilliant. Only downside was the Lazio fans doing the Nazi salute in the first half. Police and security did nothing. Very disappointing.

Oh, was that it? I thought they just didn't know how to wave

I find it interesting that Emery is not being as ruthless as some expected with Olsen and Chambers, and believes he can get more out of them instead of spending money on replacement GK and RB, contrary to what most fans believe should happen.

For me, it's a big call as, with four competitions on the table, they should get games. It will be a test of his management. But if anyone can do it, Unai can do it.

1 hour ago, Icarium said:

The only relevant question about a backup keeper is this: Does the prospect of said keeper playing a stretch of games fill you with dread? If yes, you need a new keeper.

I don't think anyone here is ok with the idea of Olsen having to play a string of games if Emi is out of action.

This is a really good point, and what is frustrating me about this situation - we'll all be in the match thread saying "Olsen ffs!!" when he drops another inevitable clanger, even after an OK 43 minutes. It's so inevitable, and it seems the club are sleepwalking towards it. Hope I'm wrong.

Potential first mistake in retaining Olsen, really hope he - and we - aren't left to regret that.

15 minutes ago, Marka Ragnos said:

Let's beat this tinpot club.

Weird comment - they're London's oldest professional club and two-time title winners. Best away day in the top flight too.

Can anyone confirm if the fans are now making their way to their seats?

8 hours ago, Lerner's Driver said:

The internet is basically the wild west where you can experience (just as in real life), the full gamut of human behaviour, but it is particularly true that the loudest opinions get heard more on there, often without merit.

This isn't one of those occasions, Olsen clearly isn't good enough, so much so, that he's a glaring weak link.

We can't have that much of a drop off in Emi's absence, if we are serious about doing well again this year. The majority opinion on this occasion, with the crazies included, are absolutely right.

I feel seen, thanks mate.

Cross-posted from the Olsen thread:

----------------------------------------------------------------

Looking on Transfermarkt for GK free transfers:

Samir Handanovic - 39, experienced Slovenian international, played in Serie A

Timo Horn - 30, experienced German international, played for Koln for years

Benoit Costil - 36, experienced French international, extensive Ligue 1 career

And that's just the ones I know (didn't include De Gea)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Can anyone slip this into Monchi's drawers please?

Looking on Transfermarkt for GK free transfers:

Samir Handanovic - 39, experienced Slovenian international, played in Serie A

Timo Horn - 30, experienced German international, played for Koln for years

Benoit Costil - 36, experienced French international, extensive Ligue 1 career

And that's just the ones I know (didn't include De Gea)

It would be so, so Villa for the following to happen:

Get rich and great owners

Get a world-class manager and coaching staff

Get a deep squad with quality internationals and exciting youngsters

Be in competition for three and arguably four competitions going into the new season....

....

and then keep faith with a crappy backup keeper for no discernible reason who then costs us cup games and valuable league points when our world-class number 1 gets injured or suspended.

Just go, please. 

2 hours ago, 479Villan said:

A Top 7 side has upgraded each of its 3 lines in the transfer window, with 3 signings. It did not upgrade at keeper because it has the best keeper in the world per FIFA. 

 

Folks, that’s Aston Villa in 2023. We live in extraordinary times. 
 

ON THE PISS M’LORD

Please god no, we need a new number 2. Not upgrading admittedly, but I will be so pissed off if we keep Olsen for the LC and ECL

Depending on formation, this could easily be an opportunity for Buendia or Bailey to play alongside Diaby in supporting Watkins and nail a starting spot down, giving them a proper incentive to play well. I like JJ a lot but we need a squad of everyone pushing for a starting spot, no guaranteed places. Obviously we'd all rather he wasn't injured, but trying to see the positives here.

I really liked him as a player at Derby, was brilliant at free kicks if I recall.

Reminds me of the Alan Partridge quote:

Quote

In tennis, if you win a rally, you get 15 points for the first or second rallies you’ve won in that game, or 10 for the third, with an indeterminate amount assigned to the fourth rally other than the knowledge that the game is won, providing one player is two 10-point (or 15-point) segments clear of his opponent. It’s clear and simple.”

I know this sounds a little harsh to say the least, but is anyone else not letting themselves get too excited about preseason and beyond until we announce a new no.2? No point in having a top-class defence if the goalie is a bit crap. And as it stands, with us being in 4 competitions, he definitely would get games.

1 hour ago, TheStagMan said:

So if I am understanding that correctly, what that means is....

 

 

 

 

I should wait until after the draw and just accept whoever they say it is. 

This last sentence should be **** pinned to this thread

Bit disappointing this hasn't been announced yet. We reckon YouTube might be an option for the Walsall game at least?

16 minutes ago, Aston_Villan4 said:

It’s too late, I already have mental images of him winning the Europa League single-handedly for us.

lol I’m trying to not get carried away considering who’s been “reporting” on this. I’d be a little bummed but not disappointed.

Can we do two Kenneth’s on one page?

He's definitely shifted some timber since Unai arrived

2 minutes ago, Captain_Townsend said:

I cannot stand them.

Why? 

Player of the year: Mings has been a titan, but Luiz was so so close

Young player of the year: Ramsey - kinda by default here, but you can't argue with those important goals

Most improved player: Young in terms of his impact from last season to this

Most regressed player: Cash

Best new signing (summer or winter window, loans count): Kamara because his ceiling is potentially higher, but Moreno is an honorable mention

Worst new signing (ditto): Olsen has been actively detrimental to our results this season

Most underused player: Not a crowded field, so I'm just going to state that shipping out Hause in favour of Chambers was a mistake in my book

Best victory: Manchester United at home just beats Newcastle at home because of the hoodoo-breaking

Worst loss: Bournemouth on the opening day - the emperor wearing no clothes revelation was hard to take

Goal of the year: Bertie against Leicester

5 hours ago, KentVillan said:

That Vidic red card in the League Cup final still gets me

Yeah as much as the current VT obsession with refeering slights or conspiracies is annoying, I keep reminding myself of this as an example of 'no smoke without fire'

On 12/05/2023 at 19:32, Dante_Lockhart said:

We've agreed to a friendly against Barca as part of bringing in Alemany. Messi will be lining up against his old club in the claret and blue in time for this

>_>

Can't believe Messi wasn't the part that aged badly in this post