Just when I thought we were a side that struggles to create chances at times. A poor first half but an amazing 2nd half. Not much to say other than very satisfying. Ratings - Pope - 6 - Not much to do, good handling and positioning, some shakey moments. Cannot justify giving more than a 6 though. Trippier - 8.5 - Solid defensively. So much quality and great assist. Some much skill and composure. Schar - 8 - Solid defensively. More superb long range passes. Botman - 8 Burn - 8 - A couple of last ditch blocks to deny villa early. Good defending. Longstaff - 7 Bruno - 8 - No goals or assists, but some superb passing. A lot of great defensive work, his interceptions were outstanding at times. Joelinton - 8.5 - Good goal, provided attacking threat and dominated the vile bitches in midfield. Willock - 6 - Decent. Wilson - 10 - 2 goals, 2 assists, could have easily had more. Involved in every goal. Almiron - 9 - A goal and an assist. Cannot stop scoring, what a beast. Murphy - 7 - Looks like he's improving.
I agree however I cannot stress how important Botman is to this team and it’s current position. Look at the stats. We don’t concede chances. I know we have Schar playing well and also Trippier who gets the credit. But BOTMAN is the real ****ing deal.
Pope 7 Trippier 8 Schar 8 Botman 8 Burn 7 Bruno 7 Joelinton 7 Longstaff 6 Willock 7 Almiron 8 Wilson 9
Everyone 10 Botanist 9 Alchemist 9 / bogs there 10 Posada 7 Tillets 7 Centurion 8 Mile castle 7 Brew dog 7
Pope - 7 Tripps - 8 Botman - 8 Schar - 8 Burn - 8 Bruno - 7 Longgstaff - 6 Willock - 6 Joelinton - 8 Almiron - 8 Wilson - 9 Wood - 6 Murphy - 6 Lascelles - 6 Targett - 6 ASM - 6 Shelvey - 10
I absolutely loved annihilating these ****s. I wouldn't normally take pleasure in the suffering of others, but Villa fans have been ****s to us for no reason, so I see no problem with it here. They'd got rid of the under-performing Gerrard and kick started the new era with a storming 4-0 bashing of Brentford, the future was looking bright with the mighty Unai Emery about to join.... and then we destroyed them. Lol.
Anyone impressed with Murphy’s cameo yesterday? Lovely control and cross for Wilson’s header against the bar, then almost scored with a belter from outside the box. If Eddie can make a player out of him he needs a statue outside the ground
I felt for him yesterday as he could easily have had a goal and assist but got neither. Cue later in the season when people start using his poor stats to show he's still useless even though I'd argue he's comparable to the player Almiron was prior to this season.
I've been one of Murphy's biggest critics, but I have to give him credit for yesterday's brief appearance. As you say he could easily have scored a great goal and been the provider of a good assist for Wilson's hat-trick. That strike was deserving of a goal. If Eddie can make even this guy perform like that on a regular basis, then he must be an absolute miracle worker. We won't need to worry about FFP if Eddie can take average players and make them world class.
