How did that happen? Villa battered Bolton and came out the losers? And are Bolton really wanting to be the new Wimbledon? I thought football had moved on, dirty buggers!
As Martin O’Neill said in his post match reaction, the fact Bolton’s keeper was given man of the match speaks volumes and indeed, if not for 3 superb saves by
Jussi Jaaskelainen, Villa would have come out of the game worthy winners.
This afternoon I lost all respect for Big Sam Allardyce and his Bolton team. They spent the first half trying to take out our players and if that is what they think football is all about, then they can stick it. Dirty, cheating, nasty players trying to injure fellow professionals. The ref should have been far harsher than the four yellow cards he gave out but Clatengburg never takes control of a game and this was no exception.
The first twenty minutes Bolton didn’t see the ball, maybe that is why they continually felled our players instead but as has been the case for Villa for many a long season, we had all the possession but no penetration – bit like me really, then again, I don’t have the possession either! Bolton got in our box threateningly once, got a penalty thanks to a stupid challenge by Stiliyan Petrov, and took the chance. IF that was a penalty, and it was, then Villa should have had two. One was clear as day when Angel was brought down by Side Show Bob or is it Ivo Campo, I get confused, the dirty midfielder who chops players and has girly hair, you know who I mean and Baros was also pushed over in the box by one of their defenders, although to be fair I only saw that whilst having a quick look at the highlights.
Villa had all sorts of chances, goal line scrambles and peppered shots, Gary Cahill made a wonder strike only to be tipped over by Jaaskelainen – shame the strikers don’t watch what Cahill does when shooting, they might get some ideas and try it, you never know, they might score if they did? Then later Craig Gardner had a gilt edged chance only to shoot just wide.
I could go on but I’ve a beer waiting for me and it is going flat, much like our crowd today with only just over 27 000 in attendance. What ever happened to men being men, most would have been down the match in years gone by, nowadays they are dragged to the shops by their trouser wearing wives!!!!! That said, I’m surrounded by ladies by me, four to be exact, so maybe the roles are being reversed!? Nice to see the Bolton fans all clubbed together and came in the same car though, hopefully they all chipped in for the petrol. Bet they are all going home with smiles on their faces, must admit if my team played like that, I’d not be happy at all, tough tackling and a competitive spirit is a must but being hatchet men in the modern game is just not on.
All in all, a good performance and a terrible result and with the tough games we’ve got coming up this Christmas starting with Man Utd next Saturday, we might regret the missed points today.
Match stats: Click Here
Player Ratings
Gabor Kiraly
He had nothing to do apart from face the penalty, seriously not tested at all.
Olof Mellberg 6
Sorry, he is out of position, we need his strength in the centre, don’t care who has to move for him, get him back there.
Gary Cahill 8
Outstanding defending, fantastic shot, what a prospect.
Liam Ridgewell 6
Not that tested really but did go sloppy a few times when in possession.
Gareth Barry 6
Wasted as full back today, we missed his forward play in midfield, needs to be back there against Man Utd or we’ll be in trouble.
Gavin McCann 6
Ok, just ok, was replaced at half time due to injury.
Stiliyan Petrov 5
Meant to be our playmaker but offered little going forward and the challenge giving away a penalty was not needed.
Steven Davis 7
Best game for ages, kept trying to move the ball forward.
Gabriel Agbonlahor 6
What is the use of having his speed and ability when the team don’t get the ball to him? He should be put up front with Chris Sutton, I’m sure he’d read the flicked headers that Baros misses.
Milan Baros 6
I don’t know how to rate him really, so it is just as well it doesn’t matter what the feck I think! He is a quality player, I have no doubt, but he’ll never succeed the way we play. We do not set him up, we do not play to his feet and he contributes very little else when he isn’t fed the ball. He is one of those strikers who will take a chance when given but rarely sets one up for himself. And WHY can’t he stay on his feet, he isn’t the smallest of lads and yet he falls over more than something that falls over a lot.
Chris Sutton 7
The old war horse (Jeez, I’m calling him old and he is five years younger than me, I think I’m depressed). He worked hard and gave their defenders something to think about, unfortunately nothing fell for him and his flicks and passes were seldom read by those around him.
Juan Pablo Angel (on for Baros on 71)
Not sure why Angel has been dropped in favour of Baros. That said, I’d rather both dropped and Gabby up front with Sutton.
Craig Gardner (on for McCann 46).
Should have scored and he’ll know it. Filthy tackle on a Bolton player, I was quite pleased judging by what that lot dished out!
Manager Rating
Martin O’Neill. I bet he can’t wait for the January transfer window. Trouble is, will any of the top players (we want top players now don’t we?) really be available then and will they come to Villa and fight for a chance of Europe? Many players these days seem to want it all handed to them.
Opponent Rating
Big Sam. Local Brummie lad, would love to have had the Villa job so some press say, but on today’s performance, I’d be ashamed of his players. He did at least admit they were lucky today.
Mixed
So a mixed day out, had the SCG meeting this afternoon, once again the champagne and caviar was flowing and a very constructive meeting was held. Also met up with an old friend, great to see you again June, don’t make it so long next time eh!?
Now where is that beer?
