Manager Paul Lambert did something earlier tonight that few of us expected. Over the last few days a number of us, including me, have questioned our playing style, at length, with great criticism, and quite vociferously to boot.
As well as that, because the ‘product on the pitch’ (as 90 minutes are now called) wasn’t exactly what the ‘customers’ (which is what we are now called) wanted to see, there was no reason to hold back in the criticism afforded to all levels within the club because of the state we now find ourselves in.
Were we wrong for doing so? No.
Did we also point out that all we wanted to see was a return to the football being played on the deck, at pace, down the wings and through the middle, like we did play at the end of last season, and for the opening few games (in points) this season – topped off by our 10-20 minutes spell at Arsenal before we went long ball again. Yes.
Well the likes of me tonight, and I am very happy to say so (not that I matter or anything like that though – this isn’t about me) are gladly choking as Mr Lambert set us up tonight to go at Liverpool in a way we have not really gone at a team in a long time. Mr Lambert encouraged them to play the game the right way, to our strengths, and we also kept the defensive solidarity that we have gained to our play this season.
He has stuck the proverbial ‘words’ right down our ‘throats’ and the only thing I’m now wondering is if we should continue moaning, just to encourage him to do it again next match? I’ll let you know what I decide on that score when I come down from Cloud 9 and my trousers dry after I finish watching Match of the Day tonight.
For now, thank you. The gaffer got it spot on tactically, and the players performed more than admirably. When he called them ‘outstanding’ in his after match interviews, he was 150% spot on tonight, and he should take credit for it as well.
Were we perfect, no. Were there things we could’ve done better, things we can learn and so on, oh absolutely yes. But they should be worked on from this kind of standard of football and desire to win, and not what has come before this season.
But tonight, really, who gives a flying can of lager about anything other than a great performance, and a great point. And this was a great point.
The performance was quite possibly the best we have ever played since Lambert arrived, it was also probably the most consistent performance since the thumping win over Sunderland last season.
We let a two goal lead slip…who cares. Liverpool were going to come at us after we shocked them, we also had the injury to Gabby to contend with which would’ve upset plans. We didn’t go on to lose, we continued playing football and stroking it around trying to attack. Far more positives than negatives tonight and they should all be proud of their efforts on their journey back – I know I am, and it’s been a long time since I could say that.
Make that the norm, and everything else will disappear. Happy and entertained fans provide massive leeway on things that could be raised, an almost blissful ignorance – but of course that creates time to fix them. Play like that week in and week out and for the vast majority of fans Lambert will get all the time in the world to sort out other issues.
‘It was top drawer, I thought we were outstanding. We should have been out of sight after that first half, it could have been at least three. But the way we played the game was fantastic. I thought we were brilliant, there were some big performance.’
Lambert goes on to say that Benteke really did look like his old self again, and of course that’s two in two for him again now. He credited the debut of Ryan Bertrand who was solid, and he described Roncrete as ‘tremendous’ – so have quite a few fans tonight!
‘We looked a real threat all game. I was really happy.’
You can tell I’m happy, I’m not even going to quote the bits of the after match I could take issue with because I don’t want to tonight.
As for Gabby who was an absolute livewire again today, it’s a case of wait and see on the knock he took that led to his substitution. It is a foot injury, but as of yet, the severity is not known. I won’t be alone in saying I hope it’s nothing major, because that kind of performance is truly what we all wish Gabby could do regularly, because in that kind of form he’s dynamite.
In our favour is the next match is a while off now, Wednesday the 29th, so there is plenty of time for players to rest up again, recover and get themselves clear of knocks, and then hopefully do exactly the same to really get Villa Park roaring!
Fantastic game.
I also wonder if some of the more idiotic press who couldn’t wait to jump on the ‘moaning Villa fans’ bandwagon, saying we weren’t happy because we aren’t top of the league, might consider balancing it up tonight and realising that following the performance we are all pleased as punch – because the performance is all we wanted.
I’m not so happy following the game that I think for a second any of the ‘said’ media will be man enough to admit their spin and BS and correct in light of the praise that has and will continue to go towards the gaffer and the players tonight, but you live in hope don’t you.
Quotes from Official Site.
Liverpool Match Thread – happy, oh you betcha! But still probably not safe for work, little eyes, or those of a nervous disposition, but for a change it is happy strong language in the main!
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