Villa 1-0 Saints - Match Thread

[coalman]

This could well be a fixture where we don't get any points. With Jack Stephens' calm leadership to organise the defence and Will Smallbone pulling the strings in midfield, Russell Martin knows he can give any team a game. Even a champions league team like Villa. But, both of them are out - one injured, one persecuted by the PMGOL - so Russell Martin will need to shuffle the pack. This could well be the game where he decides to surprise our opponents with people playing in their natural position, choosing players in form or overlooking his mates. It also might not. He'll just have to load up the selection tombola and see what happens.

Fortunately, after a summer during which Martin and Ankersen didn't just dive into the transfer market but positively plumbed its depths, we have the weakness in depth to make sure we keep playing the system to its full potential. For Smallbone we have an equally dominant box to centre circle midfielder in Adam Lallana. For Stephens - ok Stephens is irreplaceable so we'll have to make do with not fucking with the formation to accommodate him. This could well be the week it all clicks and Unai Emery adds his approval to the growing chorus of awe from Premier League managers. As they queue up to praise Martin's footballing philosophy in what is definitely not some kind of sick bet as to who can get away with the most ludicrous statement. 

On the pitch Villa face their toughest game of the season against a team in record breaking form. They won't know whether we're going to simply fold from the start or play well for twenty minutes then simply gift them a goal. They'll be hoping we score early so we can sit back and invite the inevitable equaliser and injury time winner that has become a Martin trademark as the team fades in the second half. However, Saints have scored fewer goals than every other team so Villa may just have to do it the hard way.

Bearded excuse monkey, Russell Martin, will be hoping the referee is involved at some point so he can soulfully bemoan the injustice of it all in his post match interview in-between heartfelt sighs. Before repeating his mantra that it's all part of the long term plan and he's proud of everyone.

Villa go into the game knowing a win could take them as high as fifth. Saints could climb as high as 20th and ensure they don't have the lowest ever Premier League total at Christmas. There really is everything to play for for both teams here.

Edited Friday at 13:51 by coalman

[Weston Super Saint]

8 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

That'll largely depend on if we sign more terrible players.

We've definitely got form for it.

[CB Fry]

With every passing game we've improved and improved and learnt and grown and improved and improved that in my mind there's no doubt now that we have everything in place to lose two or three nil.

[Gloucester Saint]

There’s an away end that grew a pair of bollocks when it comes to challenging an appalling and insipid away display where they should have been hammered 3-0 or 4-0.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c878xrw894eo

[Turkish]

14 minutes ago, CB Fry said:

With every passing game we've improved and improved and learnt and grown and improved and improved that in my mind there's no doubt now that we have everything in place to lose two or three nil.

Agreed. We’ve lost 11 games this season. 11 opportunities to learn. 11 opportunities for growth. That’s far more opportunities we’ve had than even our nearest relegations rivals. So proud of how much we’ve learnt and grown, so much love for these guys. 

Edited Friday at 07:49 by Turkish

[Turkish]

3 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

There’s an away end that grew a pair of bollocks when it comes to challenging an appalling and insipid away display where they should have been hammered 3-0 or 4-0.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c878xrw894eo

I don’t like their negative energy. Another clubs fans not understanding the process. 

[Miltonaggro]

5 minutes ago, Turkish said:

I don’t like their negative energy. Another clubs fans not understanding the process. 

They just don't get the brave.

[coalman]

13 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

There’s an away end that grew a pair of bollocks when it comes to challenging an appalling and insipid away display where they should have been hammered 3-0 or 4-0.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c878xrw894eo

Christ, imagine losing 1-0 to Bournemouth. And by "imagine" I mean "dream fondly of being able to".

[EssEffCee]

16 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

There’s an away end that grew a pair of bollocks when it comes to challenging an appalling and insipid away display where they should have been hammered 3-0 or 4-0.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c878xrw894eo

Martin wouldn't come close enough to the away end.

[EssEffCee]

Can see there being quite a few empty seats here. Lots of spares coming up from people who suddenly 'can't' make it.

[Gloucester Saint]

19 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

Martin wouldn't come close enough to the away end.

Microphones can pick up discontent and chanting though. And do.

He can’t avoid you at home games next up. The best way to get rid of him is to lose his head in interviews like Jones did. He’s not far off it, hence the Walter Mitty ‘everybody is so supportive in Southampton and Winchester’ after Chelsea.

We know it’s made up but when he really crosses the line and loses it with us like Jones did, SR will act. You don’t even have to swear or risk ejection, a slow handclap in place of the ‘we’ve got the ball chants’ is audible and no-one can eject you for that. But it will wind Russell Martin up a treat. We all hate the style of football as much as did Branfoot 30 years ago.

Edited Friday at 08:14 by Gloucester Saint

[EssEffCee]

5 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Microphones can pick up discontent and chanting though. And do.

He can’t avoid you at home games next up. The best way to get rid of him is to lose his head in interviews like Jones did. He’s not far off it, hence the Walter Mitty ‘everybody is so supportive in Southampton and Winchester’ after Chelsea.

We know it’s made up but when he really crosses the line and loses it with us like Jones did, SR will act. You don’t even have to swear or risk ejection, a slow handclap in place of the ‘we’ve got the ball chants’ is audible and no-one can eject you for that. But it will wind Russell Martin up a treat. We all hate the style of football as much as did Branfoot 30 years ago.

Did the TV microphones pick up the 'sacked in the morning' after the 5th on Wednesday?

I had some middle aged woman start shouting at me when I tried starting a 'martin out' chant. We've got a strange fanbase.

Edited Friday at 08:17 by EssEffCee

[coalman]

34 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

Did the TV microphones pick up the 'sacked in the morning' after the 5th on Wednesday?

I had some middle aged woman start shouting at me when I tried starting a 'martin out' chant. We've got a strange fanbase.

Don't go dissing the housewives' favourite. 

[notnowcato]

48 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Microphones can pick up discontent and chanting though. And do.

He can’t avoid you at home games next up. The best way to get rid of him is to lose his head in interviews like Jones did. He’s not far off it, hence the Walter Mitty ‘everybody is so supportive in Southampton and Winchester’ after Chelsea.

We know it’s made up but when he really crosses the line and loses it with us like Jones did, SR will act. You don’t even have to swear or risk ejection, a slow handclap in place of the ‘we’ve got the ball chants’ is audible and no-one can eject you for that. But it will wind Russell Martin up a treat. We all hate the style of football as much as did Branfoot 30 years ago.

I bloody love our style of football, I fucking hate the calamitous ball retention in our defensive third. 

[Saint Billy]

I sense from previous posts that everyone is looking forward to another game of bravery, sublime possession and constant threat on Villa's goal along with a team selection to accommodate all our wonderful strengths selected by the master and supreme technician Russell Martin...............or not.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

3 minutes ago, notnowcato said:

I bloody love our style of football, I fucking hate the calamitous ball retention in our defensive third. 

But surely that's part of the style. Why else would we do it?

[notnowcato]

4 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

But surely that's part of the style. Why else would we do it?

It’s the execution of the style… Often it works really well, occasionally, well 9 times so far this season, it’s blown up in our faces. 
Honestly, I bloody love it when we pass through the 1/3s. 

[Mr X]

No away fans should attend this to start sending a clear message 

[EssEffCee]

29 minutes ago, Mr X said:

No away fans should attend this to start sending a clear message 

You reimbursing me my ticket?

[Mr X]

Just now, EssEffCee said:

You reimbursing me my ticket?

You've got to right it off I'm afraid just like this season 

[EssEffCee]

Just now, Mr X said:

You've got to right it off I'm afraid just like this season 

I'll pass on that thanks. 

[Mr X]

2 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

I'll pass on that thanks. 

Russell will be proud 

[Lighthouse]

10 hours ago, CB Fry said:

Thanks for confirming that in your mind nothing will ever ever be Russell Martin's fault.

Incorrect. He make many, many mistakes and if there were too many games like Bournemouth and Forrest I'd want him gone. As it is I think the vitriol and hatred on here goes far beyond his share of the blame for this season.

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, notnowcato said:

I bloody love our style of football, I fucking hate the calamitous ball retention in our defensive third. 

And the style in midfield and the final third doesn’t need to change, if we get the ball there much more efficiently it’ll also be more effective because the opposition has less opportunity to get set and Archer/Dibling can play off the shoulder as suits them best. 

[Miltonaggro]

21 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Incorrect. He make many, many mistakes and if there were too many games like Bournemouth and Forrest I'd want him gone. As it is I think the vitriol and hatred on here goes far beyond his share of the blame for this season.

Martin really isn't 'hated' but the majority of the fanbase are exasperated by him, and moreover the incompetent Board's decision to retain him.  If his skin is so thin he can't take banter or heat he probably shouldn't be a football manager.  Nathan Jones was roasted on here by comparison but not many felt sorry for him - maybe because Nat isn't a looker!

[notnowcato]

7 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Martin really isn't 'hated' but the majority of the fanbase are exasperated by him, and moreover the incompetent Board's decision to retain him.  If his skin is so thin he can't take banter or heat he probably shouldn't be a football manager.  Nathan Jones was roasted on here by comparison but not many felt sorry for him - maybe because Nat isn't a looker!

Sounds like you want to hate Russell but just find him too darn attractive. Understandable. 

[Miltonaggro]

4 minutes ago, notnowcato said:

Sounds like you want to hate Russell but just find him too darn attractive. Understandable. 

Does it?  All about perception and projection I suppose.

[Lighthouse]

10 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Martin really isn't 'hated' but the majority of the fanbase are exasperated by him, and moreover the incompetent Board's decision to retain him.  If his skin is so thin he can't take banter or heat he probably shouldn't be a football manager.  Nathan Jones was roasted on here by comparison but not many felt sorry for him - maybe because Nat isn't a looker!

1. He is hated.
2. Why do you think he has thin skin, or even cares at all about people on the internet calling him a c**t?
3. Jones tenure saw a massive drop in performances and results from his predecessor when he was supposed to be an improvement.
4. If you find Martin more attractive than Nate then that's your prerogative, I doubt that's the issue here.

[notnowcato]

2 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Does it?  All about perception and projection I suppose.

Touched a nerve I see. 😂

[notnowcato]

Call someone a cunt and then the ever so important you get to judge them on how they react to that?? World’s gone mad. 
 

[Colinjb]

33 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Martin really isn't 'hated'

The kids that follow us at my School want a word.

Edited Friday at 11:01 by Colinjb

[miserableoldgit]

Not really sure why I am asking, but have I missed the presser for Villa?

[Miltonaggro]

55 minutes ago, notnowcato said:

Touched a nerve I see. 😂

No not at all. 🥰

[Miltonaggro]

40 minutes ago, Colinjb said:

The kids that follow us at my School want a word.

Do they post on here? 

[saintant]

2 hours ago, notnowcato said:

I bloody love our style of football, I fucking hate the calamitous ball retention in our defensive third. 

But according to Russell we have to go through the 'calamitous ball retention in our defensive third' so that you can 'bloody love our style of football'. That's the deal I'm afraid.

[saintant]

1 hour ago, Lighthouse said:

Incorrect. He make many, many mistakes and if there were too many games like Bournemouth and Forrest I'd want him gone. As it is I think the vitriol and hatred on here goes far beyond his share of the blame for this season.

For what seems like the hundredth time the vast majority on here have no hate for Martin. You seem to mix up criticism with hate.

[saintant]

21 minutes ago, miserableoldgit said:

Not really sure why I am asking, but have I missed the presser for Villa?

Probably not but if you've seen any previous pressers it'll be much the same and include the usual stock phrases and glib comments as Russell blows smoke up his own arse.

Edited Friday at 11:50 by saintant

[S-Clarke]

4 minutes ago, saintant said:

But according to Russell we have to go through the 'calamitous ball retention in our defensive third' so that you can 'bloody love our style of football'. That's the deal I'm afraid.

Passing out from the back is all well and good if you've got players in the defensive third/pivot who are good enough to carry and move quickly. The only player I see who has been good enough on the turn to move forward is Lallana, and he's an OAP.

When you don't have players good enough to do said things you end up going backwards, backwards, backwards and getting in a knot. I don't know how many times we need to witness that before the club realise that we don't have the quality to play this way at this level. We'd have a much better shot if we had a much more pragmatic and sensible approach (that doesn't mean long ball).

The main thing I notice with our ball retention is that we panic when we get pressed, rather than move it quickly we panic further and move it backwards, whilst the opposition use this as their alert to aggressively counter press. The centre backs play too narrow, and the full backs come inside too much - so in some occasions you have the back 4 on top of each other, the opposition pressing us and we're still trying to play it between each other in tight angles. It is just stupid.

This isn't anything new either, we did exactly the same last season and it's why we gave up shit goals to Huddersfield and Plymouth to name a couple.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

2 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

Incorrect. He make many, many mistakes and if there were too many games like Bournemouth and Forrest I'd want him gone. As it is I think the vitriol and hatred on here goes far beyond his share of the blame for this season.

Why do you want him to stay in charge? When is your cut off point for sacking him? Is bottom of the league with only five points from 14 games not enough for you yet?

[Colinjb]

58 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Do they post on here? 

Of course not, Forums like this are for sad old men. 

[Miltonaggro]

2 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

1. He is hated.
2. Why do you think he has thin skin, or even cares at all about people on the internet calling him a c**t?
3. Jones tenure saw a massive drop in performances and results from his predecessor when he was supposed to be an improvement.
4. If you find Martin more attractive than Nate then that's your prerogative, I doubt that's the issue here.

Lordy...

[goodymatt]

Bednarek is ‘touch and go’.
Onuachu is ‘unlikely’.

[Pamplemousse]

4 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

Incorrect. He make many, many mistakes and if there were too many games like Bournemouth and Forrest I'd want him gone. As it is I think the vitriol and hatred on here goes far beyond his share of the blame for this season.

Yup, completely agree. I think some are desperate for us to keep on losing so they can be proven right about RM, it's very sad. Bournemouth and Wolves were awful and that was on the manager. I'm not blaming RM for the Chelsea game at all, down to 10 men with a team full of players who didn't even play much last season. And before that we put in two decent performances against Liverpool and Brighton, where had the officials done their jobs properly, we could very easily be talking about 6 points instead of 1.

If we put in the same level of performance tomorrow as we did last Friday, we have a chance. Villa may be too good for us but with THB, Downes and Dibling back, and hopefully Bednarek as well, I'm hopeful that maybe we can cause a surprise. And, unlike the muppet who suggested the away end boycotts the fixtures, I and the other away fans tomorrow will be full of optimism as we always are.

 

[BarberSaint]

4 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

1. He is hated.
2. Why do you think he has thin skin, or even cares at all about people on the internet calling him a c**t?
3. Jones tenure saw a massive drop in performances and results from his predecessor when he was supposed to be an improvement.
4. If you find Martin more attractive than Nate then that's your prerogative, I doubt that's the issue here.

1/ Nah, not yet.

2/ His skin's so thin it's translucent. You can p.see his heart. It says "Brave" with an arrow pointing back towards the goal.

3/ I know quite a lot of  people who swerved P.E. It must be contagious.

4/ Perception is reality and he's been voted #1 dreamboat as someone else pointed out elsewhere.  I'm sure it had an  effect on Rasmus W when he decided to ask Wilcox to sign him.

[bpsaint]

Can easily see this being a surprise hammering from Villa, they’re very good on the attack and we’ll play right into their hands.

[goodymatt]

Just now, bpsaint said:

Can easily see this being a surprise hammering from Villa, they’re very good on the attack and we’ll play right into their hands.

Not sure a current champions league team hammering bottom of the league at home would be a surprise?

[franniesTache]

Seriously what's the fucking point?

 

We all know what's going to happen, we'll piss about with it at the back, Villa will score, our heads will drop, they'll score a couple more, in the post match interviews their manager will patronise Martin and Martin will say we're brave, we're learning, he saw a lot he liked and completely fucking ignore the fact he's the worst top flight manager in our history, worse than even Steve fucking Wigley.

 

Team for the game - I couldn't give a fuck whilst the useless lego headed cunt is still in charge. We could have prime Maradona, Cruyff and Beckenbauer in the side and he'd still train them to pass it sideways and backwards.

[Sheaf Saint]

5 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

1. He is hated.
2. Why do you think he has thin skin, or even cares at all about people on the internet calling him a c**t?
3. Jones tenure saw a massive drop in performances and results from his predecessor when he was supposed to be an improvement.
4. If you find Martin more attractive than Nate then that's your prerogative, I doubt that's the issue here.

So what are you saying? That because RM has turned out to be just as shit (or worse) as a PL manager than his predecessor, we should just accept that? 

[Andy Hill]

Look on the bright side - he won’t be able to shoehorn JS into the team. This might give us a squeak of a chance.

[Whitey Grandad]

6 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

Incorrect. He make many, many mistakes and if there were too many games like Bournemouth and Forrest I'd want him gone. As it is I think the vitriol and hatred on here goes far beyond his share of the blame for this season.

If you give him credit for last season then you gave to give him the blame for this.