Villa (Away) Saturday 4th Jan 3pm (Match Thread)

[DezFox]

Why the Fvck is our best play not staring again!! Compete joke. So boring. Seriously worrying from RVN IMO. I want to be positive and believe but they just make it so hard!!!!! 

[adam]

Unbelievable that we have managed the squad so badly that Luke Thomas is the only option at left back.

[winteriscoming]

1 minute ago, foxfanazer said:

You could be right. Don't see the point though personally. Just more expense and the problems run much deeper than the manager 

I agree. Just don’t think he’s helping himself with his team selection. 

[LCFCCHRIS]

Are people forgetting ayew has a decent scoring rate for us? Cut the guy some slack. 

[Ted Maul]

Buonanotte is better defensively than Ayew. Team always looks imbalanced when Ayew plays too.

[splinterdream]

I don't understand why you would alter a midfield that played so well the week before, makes no sense 

[The Guvnor]

6 minutes ago, Bilo said:

Nice of Ruud to do Emery's team talk for him with that line.

 

4-1 loss minimum. 

You think we’ll score?

Loving the optimism!

[LCFCCKEANO]

Id take Kristiansen and Buonanotte with casts on over their replacements, good lord

[StanSP]

I'd be fuming if I was Facundo. 

[Trav Le Bleu]

16 minutes ago, PhillippaT said:

Ruh-roh. GWS...  Here's hoping Thomas has a good one...

Ok Scooby

[splinterdream]

Just now, LCFCCHRIS said:

Are people forgetting ayew has a decent scoring rate for us? Cut the guy some slack. 

That's because he's a striker, not a very good one but that's what he is, out wide he's useless 

[Bert]

1 minute ago, adam said:

Unbelievable that we have managed the squad so badly that Luke Thomas is the only option at left back.

I would play JJ there and go for Faes at RB I really would. 

[Les-TA-Jon]

So everyone saying ‘terrible lineup’ they just mean Ayew over Buononotte, right? 
 

Because I’m not sure how else it could be particularly different? 

[mr wright]

If anyone in the media happens to read this forum could you please ask RVN to explain the ayew over buonanotte decision, the fans are growing frustrated and need an explanation. Do not accept the text book "tactical decision" and "all will play a part" drivel as a response.

[DezFox]

Just now, StanSP said:

I'd be fuming if I was Facundo. 

I would be be too. Should be starting every game if fit. We really make it hard to positive.

[Pliskin]

2 minutes ago, Bluearmyfox28 said:

He’s clearly played Ayew in an attempt to nullify Digne, what I don’t understand is when you play defensive like that you invite pressure onto you which makes the player your attempting to nullify more effective!

Which is exactly the issue. You don’t need Ayew to defend, you need an outlet, you can’t just sit back and invite pressure for 90 minutes and hope to hold on. I’m actually starting to lose a bit of patience with Ruud here, I know he’s not got a team full of stars, but surely if you’re struggling for players you go back three and play on the counter….. that team is begging to be ripped apart. A tactical **** up again. 

[Guest Bilo]

1 minute ago, The Guvnor said:

You think we’ll score?

Loving the optimism!

Consolation once Villa start bringing a few off and have some kid from the Make a Wish Foundation playing in defence for the last ten minutes at 4-0 up.

[filbertway]

At least Rodgers and Duran are out. The plus side is Watkins will miss at least 3 of the 4 or 5 sitters we present him.

Edited 4 January 2025 by filbertway

[honeybradger]

Crystal Palace win rate with Ayew starting last season: 20%

 

Crystal Palace win rate without Ayew starting last season: 70%

 

We need Ayew to start over Buonanotte so we can grind out wins though 

[volpeazzurro]

Just now, LCFCCHRIS said:

Are people forgetting ayew has a decent scoring rate for us? Cut the guy some slack. 

So has Buonanotte! Ayew was shocking against Wolves, he ponderous and a liability when trying to defend. Buonanotte is full of energy, fiesta against the opposition snapping at their heels, technically very good and can pass as well as score. Already a better player than Ayew will have ever been. 

[EnderbyFox]

3 minutes ago, LCFCCHRIS said:

Are people forgetting ayew has a decent scoring rate for us? Cut the guy some slack. 

His general play makes the team worse imo. We played fluid attacking football against Man City & Ayew slows things down too much 

[Pliskin]

1 minute ago, Les-TA-Jon said:

So everyone saying ‘terrible lineup’ they just mean Ayew over Buononotte, right? 
 

Because I’m not sure how else it could be particularly different? 

He should be going back 3 and set up to counter away from home. Thats the best solution, IMO.

[Guest Bilo]

Bet a pound to a penny that Forest's inevitable collapse starts Monday night as well. They've got Wolves.

[Realist Guy In The Room]

Everyone will be eating their words once Ayew wins that first free kick.

[PhillippaT]

4 minutes ago, Trav Le Bleu said:

Ok Scooby

Time for a scooby-snack!