It is now time to switch to a new Money AM football blog as the world cup is now over and we all look to the future.....World cup 2010 is over, Bravo Espana, and Forlan, once again and bring on the new season !.....I never expected the last thread to be such a success...thanks all.... so this new one might go on for years without the need to edit the title...we shall see...

From My seat: Aston Villa (A)
By Ken Buckley :: 26/10/2013
Comments (4) jump to end
We all assembled at Villa Park via pubs and clubs determined to cheer the lads home. Pre-match, our discussion was of team selection and could we keep a good run going? On the line-up’s arrival via Twitter, most congratulated themselves on guessing right. I wasn’t one of them as I thought he might rest Barkley and play Osman at number 10. Still, a strong-looking side and the bench gave room for optimism. With the faithful packed like sardines in the away end – and one of the better away ends, I might add – the game started.

Right away, Villa left us in no doubt about their intention to get about us and had us on the back foot, thus causing Tim Howard to earn his corn (has he joined the Hamish people?) After a series of good saves he excelled himself after Coleman tripped his man in the area, leaving the ref with little option but to point to the spot. (I have never heard the word ‘Shit’ uttered simultaneously by so many people.) Up stepped Benteke, a formality it seemed... but no. Tim firstly guessed right then got a good strong hand to the ball and deflected over and away. I got that feeling after those opening 10 mins that this just might be our day and I wasn’t to be disappointed.

After this interlude, we started to come more into it and the game became more open as both teams pushed to gain an advantage. End-to-end stuff with Barry and McCarthy getting the upper hand in midfield – slowly at first... but you could see both growing to the task.

Both teams had good chances in the first half and both goalies showed their mettle and why they are vying for the starting berth in the USA national team. Howard from Benteke and Guzan from Lukaku when both forwards looked favourite. Baines got knocked over and gained a free kick which he curled in but it was a bread-and-butter catch for Guzan.

We were playing with a purpose and indeed using the joined-up mode but alas not quick and decisive enough with Barkley being the biggest culprit as he needed too long on the ball and Villa were in no mood for that. Benteke got clear and looked miles offside but was allowed to go on into the box. "He must score" was on the lips of the faithful until our hero Tim made a fine blocking save. Be damned – he went and it did again some moments later, this time from the winger who had got through looking well off.

Barkley at last came to life and surged past his man and fired one that beat the keeper but not the bar. It must have got a deflection because we got a corner which came to nought. More end-to-end stuff as we approached the interval and it was an entertaining half on a knife-edge. Villa forced corners, we played players in and, but for Mirallas being too selfish, we may have snatched a lead. We also tried the long ball (sorry, ‘Long Pass' as Roberto will have it known) for Lukaku to use his strength and from one of these a Villa centre back pulled something in stretching to keep out the ‘Bull’ and had to be replaced.

Half-time and the chat was of how well we had picked ourselves up after an ‘iffy’ start and how well our keeper had done and to be fair so had his fellow Yank at the other end.

Second half and from the off you got the feeling the game could go either way as both teams seemed to attack in turns, with no-one immune from the odd mistake... well, except maybe Gareth Barry, who held things together very well indeed. Thought and word ahead for us and slowly but surely as McCarthy became more steady; we were winning the midfield battle and slow but sure progress all round saw us wrestle back the initiative but we were still tardy in that final third.

On the hour mark, the manager made the change that I thought he should make and replaced the misfiring Barkley with the experienced Osman. I got some stick from some of my mates as Osman is not universally liked in some quarters yet many fans still believe he has lots to offer and, if he can keep doing it as Barkley gains experience and finds his feet at his own pace, then why not? Today, we were to witness a vintage Ossie show as the game changed in our favour from that moment.

Just less than 10 mins after his introduction, the Bainaar plus Osman triangle struck. With the ball fed to Osman, he already had a picture in his head and without looking up he stroked the ball into the path of the moving Lukaku who slotted home with some aplomb. A peach of a pass and a peach of a finish. What a sight to see as the Blue hoards celebrated like only the Blue hoards can. Words are not enough to describe that outpouring. Think the street end when we beat Liverpool in injury time.

Villa tried to respond but we are a different kettle of fish under our present manager and instead of "What we have, we will hold", we now look to soak up and counter at every opportunity, thus preventing the opposition from having exclusive attacking rights as under a previous manager's regime. The faithful liked this approach and burst into song singing all that is in their repertoire plus: "Are you watching, Davey Moyes?" He seems to have upset a lot of his former disciples...

We continued in controlled joined-up mode and chances were never far away and it was of little surprise as we reached 80 mins, after just swapping the tiring Pienaar for the improving Naismith, that the excellent Barry was involved in a move after a cleared corner that saw him find Osman in space and the super sub fired home past a diving but forlorn Guzman. Oh dear – celebrations akin to the first goal – but times two.

Boy, were the faithful in good mood and voice now! Raucous ‘Oles’ rang around Villa Park as the ground emptied at a great rate of knots, leaving both Everton team and Everton fans as the dominant force.

Deulofeu came on for a cameo role as he replaced Mirallas. The Villa announcers attempt at pronouncing his name deserves a YouTube outing. Amid a rousing chorus of "We're gonna win the league" the final whistle blew. Carnival time for all assembled including the players.

MotM – Howard for giving us the platform; Barry for his solidarity and leadership; and Osman for changing the game. A three-way share from me.

Overall a very enjoyable day out. A game where we could have been three-nil down and game over by half-time but for some inspired keeping, a bit of luck, and a couple of glaring misses. Instead, we rode our fortune and in the end ran out worthy winners courtesy of a togetherness of spirit and not a small measure of decent football.

Barkley seems to be having a dip but that is normal for such a fledgling player in the role he is asked to play and, no doubt, with the help of the manager, the potential that is evident will come shining through. Although the bench looked strong, the absence of Kone was noted. Is he injured again?

It is nice when you can enjoy a game and result like today's and the week will just fly by as we get ready to welcome those Spurs. I expect this to be a real test for us and hope that all our players are fit and ready to roll.

Sunday lunch in a boozer in L4 – Not quite the Ritz... hell, I wouldn’t swap it for anything. See you there!
UP THE BLUES

Reader Comments
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Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
067 Posted 26/10/2013 at 22:52:17 Great report, Ken, one of your finest.
And the Choral manoeuvres in the Park came across fully amped for the watching diaspora. Fantastic stuff!

Paul Ferry
074 Posted 26/10/2013 at 23:08:29 Lovely report KB, captures the game I saw and heard pitch perfectly.
God I envy you your Sunday roast, Americans have no idea how to do proper gravy and roasties and stuffing that aint effin sweet.

By the way Ken, did that hoped for half-time tribute for that poor lad who lost his life last week, so ashamed I can't remember his name, take place?.

RIP.

Paul Ferry
075 Posted 26/10/2013 at 23:35:42 James Greenop, so sorry I forgot his name.
RIP

Brian Garside
078 Posted 26/10/2013 at 23:30:11 I am making the trip from Sweden with the family for next weeks game against the spuds. I hope and pray that RM gets the boys ready for a long 90 mins. We cannot afford such a slow start as we had today.
Pienaar will be fitter but how will Ross look in training next week?
Howard seems to far more stable this season. Is this due to Woods leaving?
Coleman must get his finger out otherwise I would choose Hibbert next week.
See you in the Upper Bullens on Sunday.
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Stan , as an unbiased (lol) football fan I salute Burnley.

After 13 games you've got 30 points while last seasons runaway Championship winners had 28 at the same stage.

We were top after our first game (we opened the season on the Friday night and won) and next hit the top after winning game 9 and stayed there for two weeks.

By game 14 we had fallen to 3rd and regained the top spot after game 18 and stayed there til the end of the season.

Good luck but most promoted teams have to splash out in Jan to do it ... we got Frazier Campbell for 600k.

"Stan , as an unbiased (lol) football fan I salute Burnley." I am commissioning a craftsman to make and frame that statement for posterity... I thank you -):

Yes, good point about squad strengthening in January if we are still up there, in fact our midfield has already hit trouble as Jones, Arfield and Marney could be out for the next game against West Ham on Tuesday. The small squad will be tested over the next week and a big test for the 3 who come in. I agree, loan signings are the way forward for clubs like Burnley.

That was some match at the Bridge yesterday, didn't think City deserved to lose. Torres is on fire (kerching) and Aquero (kerching) banker to score every week.

Manager of the Month candidates for October:



Blimey, looks like Sean Dyche is in line for another one.

Having a wee flutter on Burnley v West Ham tonight. Burnley to win, home advantage and flying high. And Danny Ings to score anytime, you going the match Stan?

Tight odds on that one CC. I wonder if Burnley are going to be more focussed on staying at the top of the Championship, than chasing other silverware. Stan should be able to tell us if they are putting out a decent squad or not.

True Harry, same can be said for West Ham re Premiership though :O)

While waiting for a haircut, nipped into Corals and tested the water on tonight's matches with the incumbent gambling 'experts' and they reckon Burnley & Leicester are definitely worth a punt.

Hold up boys! Before Saturdays game Burnley were favourites and yes West Ham will play their youngsters but Burnley's midfield 3 are all doubtful so only 50/50 now I would guess.

Ed; Just to add I think/hope that Dyche wants to win every game so he won't be blooding players for the sake of it, Interesting tie this one. Not going tonight as I think I have a link for the whole match online.

Thanks Stan, is Ings starting?

I do hope so CC, Yes as far as I know he finished the game on Sat. with no problems.

Great, thanks Stan.

Just out CC:

"The doubts surround Scott Arfield who missed Saturday's game with a groin strain picked up in training the day before and Dean Marney who was forced off towards the end of Saturday's win.
Sean Dyche has suggested that he'll wait as long as possible before making a decision but it is looking most likely that both will miss out. It's a blow given that David Jones will also be on the sidelines tonight as he sits out a one match ban having collected his fifth yellow card of the season in that QPR win."

... Back to 50/50 then.

Still fancy Burnley Stan, home advantage. Tough game for the Hammers Sat, Aston Villa at home only one point between the two.

Home advantage yes that true, might swing it, good luck anyway.

0-0 HT, Burnley the better team and West ham a bit clueless going forward, keep our shape and Burnley can do this.

Unlucky Stan.

Yeah thanks CC, Inexperienced management I'm afraid, still concentrate on the league as they say.

Out of the League Cup but still in this new one:

"Clarets make third round of U21 Premier League Cup: Report by David Hynds

ALEX Coleman’s last gasp heroics set up a tie with Sunderland in the third round of the U21 Premier League Cup.

The Clarets defender struck in the dying seconds of an absorbing tie at the Alexandra Stadium to complete a second half comeback that saw Ryan Noble cancel out the hosts' first half lead."

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I love these Youth/Reserve team games, Crewe and Burnley put on a very watchable and enjoyable match... And what a finish, brilliant!