birdman

12 minutes ago, Adam2003 said:

To be fair I think that’s pretty funny from Southgate and I’m a big critic of his.

It's actually a good article and states he's going to play Mount and Grealish together tomorrow night. Looking forward to it but please no injuries

2 minutes ago, choffer said:

It’s a shame he phrased it the way he has. Reading the whole article, he’s very complimentary of Jack. Being jokey and jovial rarely translates when you’re reading things and he should have known those two particular comments would immediately be taken out of the context in which they were made. 

True. I'll just have to accept he actually has some ability to joke/troll us regardless if it doesn't really suit him. Credit where credit is due, there are now plenty on twitter whose piss is boiling once more

12 minutes ago, Awol said:

Rent free: 

 

When I first read this I thought it was a meme/joke comment from someone else not sure whether to appreciate the bants or dislike him even more. Help I'm confused

3 hours ago, villa4europe said:

if southgate took the leash off him and let him push forward* then saka and grealish would make a good combo on the left, let saka get up and down and overlap him

* he wont

Beaky take the handbrake off his Nissan Micra? Chance would be a fine thing! Our Jack is like an Aston Martin... Classy, fast, very expensive and partial to a few naughty donuts

2 hours ago, The Fun Factory said:

Yep. Jack has been unfortunate in that the first third of his Villa career  has coincided with a utterly dreadful run of managers, players, and owners until 2018. Its a miracle he stuck by us.

I still can't believe we managed to keep him. An absolute masterstroke by Dean and the owners And look where we are now! I can't remember the last time I looked forward to the next match without fear of the opposition. This season could be a big turning point in our history. Maybe even getting back to somewhere near where we were with Martin O'Neil except in vastly better financial shape!

22 minutes ago, TRO said:

I do fear that the universal acclaim he is getting, is working against him in some quarters, Like the England Camp.

I understand an arm went around Saka from Southgate consoling him for the week ends Game...saying " Troublesome Weekend"......couldn't imagine Jack getting that if the score was reversed.

What does Jack get, reportedly a " don't mention the game in hand for your top of the league plans" from the kit man.

The jealousy is mind blowing.....I just hope the kid can Laugh it all off.

 

Yeah do you reckon Gareth congratulated the Villa boys on a nice win?! He'll probably make them train on their own as punishment

What was his injury?! Must have been serious to be out for so long! 

3 hours ago, punkiller1981 said:

I am assuming that if our game against Iceland is called off that will be the one Southgate says was the one Jack was going to play in but as it’s cancelled he won’t get a game

We all want to see him bossing for England but at the same time not picking up an injury! It's a nightmare lol. 

Would be good if that Iceland game was cancelled! 

Our second most important signing after Jack. He's been outstanding! I love his can do attitude and European ambitions. I think the only thing that could stop us having a shot at top 6 is depth of the squad and the way Dean is reluctant to use subs will see us have injury concerns I fear. 

Arsenal defenders were terrified! Like  a rabbit in the headlights. Every game he's getting stronger and more confident. There really isn't much opposition managers can do, you kick him and concede fouls... you don't kick him and you get skinned! Amazing to watch at the moment. 

Targett was brilliant last night. Really stepped up this season and looks more focussed and determined. Better players means better shape and I think this has taken the pressure off his side a bit. 

1 hour ago, Zhan_Zhuang said:

And you could also argue if Nakamba had played against Leeds and Saints we might have been sturdier because Barkley offered us very little in those games.

However he was back to his best tonight, can he do it consistently though against the teams we'd think we should beat i.e, Leeds, Brighton....

 

To be honest at about 70 mins I was thinking Nakamba should come on for Ross as I thought he was crocked! But then he was still bombing around lol

He worked so hard today and kind of dictated the pace of the game. Slowed it down or pushed forward when needed. Always in the thick of it! 

Jack was never slow but my word he's upped his pace this season. He's also shooting more and was very unlucky  not to have scored 2 tonight. That volley was heading in no doubt in my mind!

When Southgate insinuates he lacks pace and athleticism what actual narcotics is he on?! 

On 04/11/2020 at 22:20, birdman said:

Bit early to judge Ross I think guys. Early days. 

This

Bit early to judge Ross I think guys. Early days. 

3 hours ago, PaulC said:

 

Shows how small minded Southgate is 

Harry is spot on and we all knew it. Southgate was gutted when Jack put in a MOTM performance. That's why he couldn't talk about it. 

I don't think there is a big problem with fitness necessarily although that side can always be improved. The main problem is that we've lost control of the last two games and whatever tactic Dean set out at the start was either flawed or not carried out by the players. So when the goals start flying in its headless chicken mode and when that happens you cease to be efficient with your energy. You've lost control it looks bad. Somehow Dean needs to learn how to regain control and composure when things go wrong. 

2 hours ago, paul514 said:

They only had four legitimate shots on target, we were unlucky on that front but our performance was very disjointed for the reason I posted above regardless, that’s what needs fixing.

Yes Of course, all very well fixing the situation when we've practically lost the game but the team needs to be setup right from the kick off. Can't repeat same mistakes going forward. Then there's silly things such as defensive mismatches putting Meatball on the big guy. These details are important and the players need to know what the crack is in those types of situations.

We've had a very decent start to the season despite today's disappointing result. We reduced the goal deficit at least which was important and something to take into the next game against Arsenal. Southampton scored 3 superb goals and that's pretty unfortunate for us so I actually don't feel too bitter about the result. Onwards and upwards

2 hours ago, Zhan_Zhuang said:

Second-half against Saints he was good and linked well with McGinn, Luiz and Grealish.

First-half though absolutely invisible, how often do we start slow and give teams the impetus to score. When will we learn, Leeds and now Saints we've started poorly and lonx

Our slow starts really wind me up. Dean needs to do a better job preparing/firing the players up for kick off. I know the players shouldn't need it but it is Dean's responsibility to send them out there to give 110% from the off, and if that isn't happening damn well shout and scream at the team and let them know it! Don't want to see him stand there muttering to himself. 

Like the fact that on a few occasions today he was looking to shoot early. The keeper did not expect that shot at the end did he lol

Typical that Southampton keeper was on fire today as Trez could have bagged a couple! He had a very good second half. 

I think Traore started to give Trez a rest more than anything. Was unlucky to get injured so the wait goes on to fully evaluate him. Get well soon Traore!

10 minutes ago, VillaChris said:

They need to be on it next weekend as Southampton can also mega press as they showd v us last season.

I think Dean could have got Davis on earlier but all ifs and buts now. As long as the team can bounce back.