Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Arsenal 3 West Brom 0
Saturday 5th November 2011, 5:10PM GMT.
Arsenal swept West Brom aside as the Baggies slipped to a routine defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
But Roy Hodgson’s men produced an improved performance at time after last weekend’s tame home loss to Liverpool.
However, they lacked creativity in the final third as they failed to test Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and found the in-form home side in a clinical mood.
First-half goals from Robin van Persie and Thomas Vermaelen and a Mikel Arteta strike after the break sealed the game.
In a game of little goalmouth incident aside from Arsenal’s goals, the hosts went ahead on 22 minutes when a fine pass from Aaron Ramsey freed Theo Walcott on the right.
His cross-shot was blocked by goalkeeper Ben Foster but the in-form van Persie pounced on the rebound, to poke home his 11th goal of the season.
It was 2-0 on 38 minutes when van Persie helped an Alex Song pass across the face of goal and Vermaelen, who had ventured forward from centre-back, crept unnoticed into the box and finished from 10 yards.
The Baggies pressed the Gunners with energy but, ultimately, failed to register a shot on goal before the interval.
The survived a scare on 68 minutes, when Foster did well to save a shot from Song from a Gervinho pull-back.
But it was 3-0 on 74 minutes when Arteta finished off a fabulous Arsenal move involving van Persie and Tomas Rosicky.
Van Persie’s neat lay-off allowed the Spaniard to sweep home a simple shot.
West Brom looked a little more threatening after the break but the closest they went to a goal was when substitute Somen Tchoyi had a shot blocked by Vermaelen, after a clever pass from James Morrison.
Steven Reid saw a header saved by Szczesny from a corner while Graham Dorrans, who had replaced the injured Paul Scharner, also sent a couple of shots just wide.
The Baggies had to cope without the injured Peter Odemwingie, while reigning Player of the Year Youssouf Mulumbu was surprisingly dropped after a disappointing start to the season.
Sponsored Links
UK Sport
Latest Blog — Microsoft Comes to the University of Wolverhampton
Last week Microsoft visited the University of Wolverhampton to give students the chance to develop their own phone apps that could be published on the Windows Phone Marketplace.
Technology blog
Business Awards
Read the full story here
Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
LIVE traffic updates
Road, rail and airport - latest
Our new, live traffic and travel updates service - check before you set out.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
expressandstar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
Wasn’t that surprising he was dropped. I told you what the starting 11 was going to be yesterday. The post read –
12
inside man
November 4, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Foster, Reid, Mcauley, Olsson, Jones, Thomas, Dorrans, Morrison, Brunt, Gera, Cox. Mulumbu dropped as apparantly doesn’t listen to the gaffer. That’s what I have heard anyway. Come back to me tomorrow and heckle me if I’m terribly wrong. If I’m right the doubters may think twice before questioning me again :-)
Report abuse
No real suprise considering without Shane and
Peter is he really injured suprise Mulumbu
left out especially minus Scharner I would
have played Fortunea who not everyones favourite can hold the ball up better with
Cox just behind however to have had any chance
with this line up Arsenal needed to be well
below form they were’nt. We will struggle
without main men. Good to see Bereheano
banging em in on loan will Roy call Wood back from Blues if he’s not using MAF??
Report abuse
Yes we were playing a top side in good form but please can we have some passion, grit, commitment. just like last week we played as though we did’nt want to be there. The captain shows no passion or desire and the quicker Roy realises Brunt is a winger and not a midfielder the better and that goes for – Morrison – Thomas.
Dorrens is way off the pace and its time to give some of our youngsters a try Bring on Thorne…..and not just for ten mins. Very disappointed again at the lack of effort.
Report abuse
I’m glad you used the term ‘game’ as it certainly wasn’t a ‘match’. We still looked rather lost first half, not at all convincing that we deserved to be on the same pitch.
Second half was somewhat better.
One close-up camera shot brightened the gloom a little, there was Sir Terence, looking slightly bemused and scratching his ear.
Report abuse
Observations from today’s game:
1) It was a woefully inept performance from us. Szczesny hardly got his kit dirty as he didn’t have a save to make and Arsenal rolled past us without moving out of 1st gear.
2) That’s two weeks on the trot we’ve been pathetic. Remember, Swansea got a point at Anfield this afternoon and Arsenal had conceded 21 goals going into today’s game (before today, we’d conceded 13). Their defense is shaky at best and we put them under zero pressure.
3) Possession, them 59%; us 41%. Pathetic. How can Roy say we put a shift in. We weren’t ever in it.
4) What has happened to our vaunted midfield. Thomas has no confidence and keeps cutting inside when he gets the ball. When do you ever see him try beat his man and get to the byline?
5) Dorrans, Morrison and Brunt never in it. Gera needs games.
6) Last year we went to Arsenal and had a go at them. At home against Liverpool last season we had a go at them. This year, we don’t seem to have any confidence or the tactics being deployed have sucked the life and creativity out of the players. This is not the team I know and love.
7) Only upsides from today, Billy Jones and George Thorne although we should have brought him on a lot earlier given how poor everyone else performed.
Very disappointing.
Report abuse
improvement on the liverpool game but were allways going to struggle against a in-form arsenal, as well as wingie & no shane long up front to threaten it was a damage limitation game. there are easier games to come where we can hopefully pick up points.
Report abuse
Terrible game IMO and a terrible atmosphere too, almost boring! that being due to Arsenal fans being predictable.
An interesting line up and good to see Gera back plus Cox getting a much deserved run out(although out of depth). The midfield was packed out and pointed towards us looking for a draw. I only thought this when when we actually had a chance to shoot we crossed it to no one. Sadly though we were beaten by an in form Arsenal team away.
Thomas I think needs to have a few games off. Plus Fosters kicks were generally going straight to the stands for some reason.
The only plus to this game was seeing George Thorne getting 10 minutes and only 30 minutes away from my house.
Albion Til I die!
Report abuse
Have to say was slightly disappointed with our result yesterday, highlight of the day was the guys sitting 2 rows in front giving us an operatic performance of the tchoi song, lol…there was no passion and I am sorry, but what the he’ll has happened to brunt?? Gone missing the past few games.
Report abuse
Granted, we would not normally be expected to beat Liverpool and Arsenal. Having said that, we did last season. However, over the last two games, we seem very lacklustre and lethargic, as if we feel we’ve done enough after winning the two local derbies. Gera, definitely isn’t up with the pace yet. but? as long as we beat the teams who matter, (bottom half) we’ll be okay. Inside man, you will get heckled on this site, no matter what you write, whether right or wrong. Human nature mate.
Up the Baggies.
Report abuse
I think that Roy should apologise to all of the supporters who travelled to the Emirates. I am usually pretty level as I don’t go overboard when we win but altough I get disappointed when we lose I don’t get too down when we lose but I have to say what a poor team selection yesterday. Against a team of swift passing I think that we needed some sort of a physical element so Roy chooses Cox up fron on his own, Gera in behind and Dorrans and Morrison in central midfield. He may as well have asked Ant & Dec to play instead. Terribly poor choice. Tchoi and Mulumnu were nailed on for yesterday. Yes I honest enough that I didn’t really expect to get anything from the last two games but the level of performance has been very poor and that is very concerning. Big home game against Bolton and a big improvement is expected. Sort it out Roy!
Report abuse
Another negative, directionless and quite frankly abject performance. I don’t care who we are playing or how many players, out of form or otherwise, are missing. We showed zero passion, desire or intent, much like the Liverpool game.
Our once vaunted midfield looks frightened to step out of shape. The forwards look lost and we seem to press in 1s and 2s but not as a team. Admittedly, we look more solid at the back, but then when the tactics are as negative as they are, you would hope so.
We have the players to push on from last season, but something needs to change. Time to return to two sitting midfielders and a fluid attacking four in front.
Report abuse
Allowing for Long and Odem not available, the result was never in any doubt. We are realistic enough to accept that. But frankly, we haven’t got a clue right now. The defence looks better but we’re still shipping loads of goals, Foster’s kicking is not, at times, even as good as the much maligned Carson, we are being outplayed without putting up a fight. I won’t pretend I have the faintest idea what is wrong, I’m not qualified or in possession of the facts. But something is.
I watched on the computer, not always easy to make out fine detail, but I was again BORED !
Report abuse
I think one or two above are going over the top, put things into perspective guys, Arsenal are a side that will finish in the top 4 this season in my opinion and put 5 past Chelsea at Stamford Bridge only a week ago, they are on fire at the moment, who realistically thought we could get anything at the Emirates?
I agree we were outplayed, though we didn’t play that badly I don’t think, Arsenal were just too good for us.
I was surprised at Mulumbu getting dropped as I don’t think he’s done much wrong and I’m not sure Gera should have started in this game, from the bench perhaps. Its clear we missed Odemwingie and Long, particularly as I don’t think Tchoyi is a striker. I would like to see him play out wide as I think he would more capable of hurting teams there.
Another one of the big boys out of the way, next up Bolton and more realistic chance to pick up points.
Boing Boing!!
Report abuse
13.Shropshire. No, we are not getting things out of perspective. We actually BEAT both of those last two teams last season. We didn’t even give them a MATCH this time round. We know we won’t win this dreadfully unbalanced
League, but I expect the team to SHOW UP.
The mentality of ‘If we finish 17th we have succeeded’ is what is wrong. For Heaven’s sake, let’s give it a real go. The play is stifled right now and the team choking to death.
Report abuse
First things first. As probably the main doubter of the inside man I can only offer sincere apologies. I shall look out for your next coup with great interest.
On the same lines I can’t believe that Roy decided to wait until Paul Scharner is missing to leave out Mulumbu. We then go to Arsenal of all places with a midfield that hasn’t got a tackle in it. Were we expecting to outfootball Arsenal? Naive beyond belief, a case of back to the future with echoes of Tony Mowbray.
I’m sorry to sound a bit paranoid but wasn’t that as stone cold a penalty as you’re ever likely to see by Koscelny on JT? Perhaps JT needs to work on his ‘throwing himself to the ground’ technique. No big fuss in the media just another case of it’s only little old Albion again so it doesn’t matter. Or is it me wearing blue and white tinted specs again Max?
Off topic but Stephen Hunt also suffered yesterday by attempting to stay on his feet he was denied a certain penalty (perhaps Suarez has got it right.) How can we ever expect to get rid of diving while referees continue to punish honesty?
PS Before anybody thinks I’m going soft on Wolves wasn’t that Wigan defence the worst you’ve ever seen in the PL? Combined with Rodellega seeming to be unable to hit the bovine posterior with a plucked instrument Wigan appear to be in big trouble.
Other things of note over the weekend. Interesting to see a referee that had the common sense to tell his linesman he was wrong (was it just a coincidence it was at Old Trafford?)
Brad Friedel showing us what we missed out on, not bad for an ‘old man.’
And that young female lineswoman. I know that me and Cyril often come over as football Luddites on here but we are both big fans of Sian Massey and again at the weekend what looked a dodgy decision by her proved to be spot on. More female officials please if they’re like Sian. She’s unfussy and gets it right most of the time, I wish some male officials would take note.
Report abuse
No defensive minded Midfielder against inform Arsenal Away ?? oh dear. Perhaps Hodgson should follow Appleton to Pompey. No desire, total lack of effort and we needed a road map over the half line. I agree totally with Cyril Randle we are choking to death .
Mark Hughes Blue and White army anybody ???.
Report abuse
Shropshire I’m not one for throwing the baby out with the bath water but I’m with Cyril on this one. The signs are worrying, yes it was Arsenal, yes they are a top side and yes we are missing players BUT… No player in the midfield to offer any cover to the back four, Gera in from the start after such a long layoff and as Steve Poole points out no Tchoyi but a JT who looks very off colour this season.
We seem to have an increasingly long list of players that look a mere shadow of their former selves Brunt, JT, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Odemwingie, Shorey. Is it a coincidence or is there some sort of problem? The fact that Long, McCauley and Jones have come in and done well seems to have papered over some of the cracks.
It’s not my way to be down or to give in to negative thoughts but I’m a bit concerned that I can’t point to one game this season where we’ve looked a good footballing side. Perhaps I owe an apology to some on here that I’ve had a go at for being negative.
Report abuse
Jp should have Hodgson in the office this morning and ask him whats going on,because this result had all the hallmarks of when we lost 3-0 at man city and RDM was sacked,i will tell you again this man is taking us down.
Report abuse
Cyril, upsets happen in isolation, just because we beat Liverpool and Arsenal one season doesn’t mean we will the next. Arsenal coasted the second half and would have stepped up a gear if necessary so our performance was irrelevant to an extent.
Boing Boing!!
Report abuse
Shropshire – I don’t think anyone realistically expected anything from the Arsenal game, but we certainly expected the team to put up a fight. It’s rare to come out of a game with few positives, but both the Liverpool and Arsenal game fall into that category.
I know we were missing Shane Long, who would have undoubtedly made a difference, but I was actually embarrassed by our performance on Saturday. For the second week on the trot, we actually just rolled over and begged for our bellies to be tickled.
This isn’t a situation where people should be calling for Hodgson’s head. However, questions need to be asked. Two derby wins have simply papered over the cracks an I just pray that Hodgson, privately at least, understands this…
Report abuse
TRBH
I agreed totally with your thoughts on the female linesman and the diving. I even agreed with your thoughts on the Albion and you are right 11 games in and we have not convinced once. Worrying times .
Report abuse
Hodgson decides to play 4-5-1 with NO holding midfielder. PRICELESS!
Fair play to Inside Man – correct call of an absolutely ridiculous decision.
Report abuse
No shame in losing to Arsenal, particularly in their current rich vein of form…..but our performance was abject. Both full backs were completely overrun, Brunt and Thomas were awful & pairing Cox and Gera up front was just plain ridiculous. There are enough poor sides in the division this season to ensure that we will stay up & we will probably end up somewhere near halfway but I completely agree with Cyril – we are boring to watch.
Report abuse
Agree with most of the above.I Thought our performance against Liverpool was at best dismal, and Saturday at the Emirates on a par. Whether its Roys more defensive strategy that the players are struggling with? Too many of last years best performers are just not doing it this year. I am starting to get a little nervous as the “bankers” for relegation ie; the promoted clubs seem to be coping quite well at present. However this is a marathon not a sprint and Roy has been there and got the T shirt. I do hope we can keep Appy though!
Report abuse
Unfortunately, on current performances we are looking over our shoulders rather than forward (as this squad is capable of). Thankfully, there are some really poor teams in this league (Wigan, Wolves, Blackburn) and I would rather be in our shoes than theirs.
That being said, this season’s standard of play has been fairly abject.
Man Utd – solid defensive performance but no attacking intent; worthy of draw
Chelsea – awesome for the first 55 mins; worthy of draw
Stoke – good first half performance, terrible second; worthy of draw
Norwich – terrible performance against a toothless Norwich team
Swansea – terrible from start to finish
Fulham – negative display; strange tactics; struggled against Fulham’s reserves
Sunderland – played well for 5 mins; good mental strength to grind out draw after 2-2
Wolves – played well in fits and stars against toothless Wolves side
Villa – comfortable win but difficult to assess performance
Liverpool – negative display; strange tactics; bordering on embarrassing
Arsenal – negative display; strange selection/tactics; embarrassing
Report abuse
Good point Mboy – 5 Man midfield and NO holding player. There midfield had a nice easy day and if there were just one player biting at the ankles then I believe it would have changed their approach.
Obviously we can’t stop Van Persie as he’s flying but the other 2 goals were soft.
Report abuse
Some good posts have hit the nail on the head above.
I must admit the second I saw the team sheet I feared the worst. The way Roy’s been setting his teams up deep we need the ball to stick when the inevitable lengthy ball to the front man/pairing comes, so we have Cox….by himself???? It’s just going to keep coming straight back. You’re virtually conceding they’ll have all the possession and play the game in your half and we drop our only tackler to break up the play???
Tchoyi and Mulumbu must’ve really upset Roy!!
It was such a Bryan Robson-esque away performance, hugely disappointing.
Inside Man- hats off, you were spot on.
Report abuse
After travelling a few miles on Friday, arriving back in West Brom at 3:30pm,had a few hours kip,it was off on a train journey from hell.
After a few livener’s,purchased from an off licence while waiting for a taxi to completed our quest and at a cost of another 50 quid,the taxi not the ale,we arrived a little late and as expected we lost.
As I say it was expected so it wasn’t that disappointing,but what upset me most was the support from our fans,it was abysmal and yes we didn’t play well but that’s when the supporters should try and give them a lift.
A few,including myself did try but too no avail and to those got up to ballock the team,yes I know it’s frustrating, but try to put your energy into support not criticism.
Sir Terry.
Nice to see you,sorry if I was mumbling,but I was still on me ‘oladis.
Adéu
Report abuse
Lacklustre at best.
RH is good enough to get us the 40 points we
need but don’t expect much more than that.
In-form Bolton next then Spurs and QPR worrying times ahead me thinks
Report abuse
How did he pick that team. With a pin ?.
With Scharner injured it was crazy to leave out Mulumbo. Dorrans is injured again surprise surprise.
Report abuse
On the dark side I’m amazed at the number of Wulfies crowing that they’ve gone above us by the narrowest margin on goal difference. The fact that we are on here saying how poorly we’re performing suggests they have more problems.
I watched their game on TV and it brought back happy memories from my childhood. Bob Monkhouse used to host a programme called Mad Movies showing the golden days of silent films. Wolves and Wigan were very like the golden days of Laurel and Hardy and the Keystone Cops as players of both sides struggled to bring the ball under control in a scenario reminiscent of a pinball machine.
Hunt denied a penalty but Rodellega denied a good goal by a diabolical offside decision (luckily for Wolves it wasn’t our friend Miss Massey on the line.) Berra also got away with another WWF tackle in the area. I still struggle to understand what does and doesn’t constitute a penalty any more.
I only mention all of this to put our own problems into perspective.
Report abuse
When Cyril , Bully and Warren struggle to be positive , i know we are in trouble. Cantello you are my last hope.
Report abuse
Inside man if you are reading this where do you get this information from mate? Been spot on every time
Report abuse
I thought it was the Laydeee’s who had the worst of the menopause but obviously not judging by all the mood swings amongst you lot,after the 2 derby wins it was “great to be a Baggie”,”sorry Roy,we were wrong about your system” etc!
We’ve just played 2 of the supposed “top 6″ with not our supposed “1st eleven”, Tranquilooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
You’ll all be going to the Bolton game with your heads down,after 10 mins those “I’ve paid my money I can say what I like” will be up shakin’ the fist’s at the slightest mistake.
I think the expectations after last season’s strong finish are a little too high and so every defeat is doubly disappointing,yes to some of you it may seem that there was no effort from players but I’m sure that’s not the case, we were just beaten by a much better team,I’m sorry I can’t say the same about our support.
Max
I know we haven’t spent much time on the couch,but shame on you for your comment on Roy.
Adéu
Report abuse
Twice I’ve made an observation which has produced no response; it’s not my ego I’m concerned about – it’s the direction of the team.
Clean sheets help protect Premier League status, no one would disagree. Being hard to beat, is important too, but if this requires players to “unlearn” the skills and ability that brought them to the club in the first place, it will be counter-productive. At the moment I’m reminded of how Ron Saunders “coached” the Albion dry and I fear a repeat performance.
I’m not asking for a gun-ho approach like
Mowbray’s or even di Matteo’s, but I want to watch a team able to express themselves and use their skills rather than go around like aimless robots.
Report abuse
Hope Roy is saying the same as Mad Mick on the
19th of November.
Adéu
Report abuse
Baggiebob
I wholeheartedly agree with you. This squad of players was brought to the club during an era of attacking football, primarily because they fit that mindset, they’re all good footballers when allowed to express themselves.
If you want to build a side who are tight and difficult to break down, then the personnel has to change, as Brunt, Dorrans, Morrison, Thomas etc aren’t players to get you 1-0 wins.
Trying to keep that personnel and asking them to do a different job is often counter-productive. Perhaps like asking George Graham’s Arsenal team to play like Barcelona.
You see the players Saturday. How many times does one of our midfielders pick the ball up, look up and there’s nothing in front of him?
I must admit I’m desperately worried about where this will all lead. As a few have mentioned, I believe there will be 3 worse teams. I also believe this sort of away performance will occur more frequently than we’d like and our points will probably come mostly at home. Perhaps most worryingly, we get to the summer and Mulumbu, Odemwingie, Brunt etc etc all want out because their instincts are being negated and they’re not enjoying their football. Then we have to unearth some more gems just to stay where we are.
Perhaps this is paranoia, I hope so, but we’re so much better than this.
Report abuse
34 LAGUNA KEV
Your point is noted and i have said three hail Mary’s. To say i am disappointed however is an understatement, team selections/tactics leave me baffled amd so why many players out of form at the same time ?.
Nice to see you out of retirement and i look forward to our next meeting down the Vine.
Max.
Report abuse
22 and 26 – I know how it looks on paper, but we didn’t play a 5 man midfield, Gera played as a second striker on Saturday, just behind Cox. But, I agree about the lack of holding midfielder, this was a mistake in a 4 man midfield.
Seriously lacking in creativity this season, even with PO and Shane Long on the pitch, it is worrying.
And, sorry Warren, but I have seen nothing this season to suggest that Thomas deserves a starting place. woefully found out this year, I would rather see Dorrans play there or Brunt.
Report abuse
Baggiebob
That is about as good and pertinent a post as i have ever read on here.
I mentioned last week that our performances this season have been laboured, however the last two have been sterile in the extreme.
We have suffered many beatings at the hands of Liverpool and Arsenal, but during those beatings we at least always created some chances.
Bully
I`ve seen the many posts exclaming their elevation above us.
I honestly do not know of, or can imagine a more polar set of fans anywhere on this planet.
It would appear there is no middle ground, it`s either euphoric potential world masters or no one is fit to wear the shirt, the former is probably what the majority believe.
They should re-name themselves MDFC……..
Manic Depressives Football Club
Report abuse
I can sort of see why Roy picked the midfield that he did. Against Liverpool our passing was atrocious and it was no suprise we played much better when Morrisson and Dorrans were on so may be that was his thinking?
However, when we’re playing one of the best teams in the world at free flowing football surely you want your main tackler in the middle to disrupt thei play, especially when your other one is out injured? And to drop Tchoyi was mind boggling. His unpredictability would have wreaked havoc with Arsenals ‘defence’ and maybe we might have nicked a goal back.
And why oh why have we resorted to hoofball? Against Liverpool I can’t remember Tchoyi or Odemwingie getting one decent ball and it was the same against Arsenal with Cox and Gera. True, I didn’t expect anything from either game and it’s not the results that have irked me – it’s the team selection and tactics.
Looking forward though we have some very winnable games in Bolton, QPR, Wigan and Blackburn and we got a point at both Spurs and Newcastle so let’s hope we click back into gear…and fast!
Report abuse
For a funny, no hint of irony, self important in a, “we are wolves” way.
Check out post 14 on Speirs blog over on the dark side.
Report abuse
Royley
I’ve argued in the past but at the moment I hold my hands up and agree with you on Thomas.
I think this season we’ve seen:
a) Roy expect him to play a deeper role, which has seen him picking the ball up in places where he’s never going to threaten in the way we saw last year; and
b) He seems to be cutting inside and taking the easy option every time he gets it. We saw this a lot last year, at Wigan, at home to Fulham, at Spurs away, but I guess these were mixed in with some match-winning performances. This year we’ve only seen the former. We’ve speculated on this before, but it’s difficult to tell whether this is down to confidence or him not ‘feeling 100%’.
He certainly couldn’t argue if he were dropped, it might give him a kick up the backside.
Report abuse
On a slightly lighter note, has anybody noticed Mad Mick is going on a charm offensive with the Wolves supporters?
Late last week he said things weren’t going great at 2-0 down against Swansea but “didn’t they (the fans) get behind us at 1-2 and 2-2?”, then this week he hailed the “brilliant” support during the win over Wigan.
All this within a fortnight of making reference to being angry with ‘mindless idiots’ and ‘numpties’.
He’s either had a big slap on the wrist or he knows his job is hanging by a thread.
Report abuse
Ok, so it was a disappointing display, its going to happen over a season, I would far rather it happens against teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, than say Swansea, who we know we need to beat. The law of averages, and the way the Prem is set up we are going to lose some games, that’s a given, has long as we can keep beating the teams we know we should will do me for this season. If we manage to pick off some big clubs on the way, even better, but lets not lose sight of reality. That said, we are unfortunate in our timings of playing teams, Arsenal early season were all over the place (8 past them at OT, not even we have been hammered that bad in the Prem) now, largely in part thanks to Van Persie, they look the dogs. Same with Bolton, dire all season, then go and stick 5 past Stoke. We just have to persevere, we have players who we know can play, rather than passengers (who would you sell out of the current crop? and what would you get instead?) we just need to hope they come good sooner rather than latter.
Keep the faith.
Inside man, never doubted you.
Report abuse
35Bob and 40wbaf. Spot on both. And the last comment about MDFC was superb! That just might stick.
I have said on here many times that even if we were in Division 4 I “would be there”, because it’s what I do, like so many others of you. May I say that if we carry on playing in this totally featureless manner, I may withdraw that dedication. I communicated with Sir Terence yesterday. He too was ‘bored rigid’ and he had every right to be, having spent a huge amount going to The Emirates. Imbibing the brown liquid had not diminished his observation. Let’s get rid of this, “If we finish 17th we’ve succeeded”. The players will get paid obscene wages still. The club will be able to pay those wages. We will have forked out large sums to be driven to sleep!
Baggiebob mentioned Ron Saunders who sold Steve Bull to Wolves. I would add Don Howe who coached the team to boring relegation, telling King Jeff he ‘headed the ball too much’. I take Sudokus to do to help ignore the 97dB racket of the PA before the game starts. You cannot speak to anyone. I nearly got one out against Liverpool while the game was on.
Report abuse
For all those who have praised INSIDE MAN , shame on you, he is a total idiot and if i am not mistaken almost certainly a dingle taking the proverbial.
Report abuse
Went to the game on saturday, great stadium, but now know why its still referred to down there as the Highbury Library, worst atmosphere in a ground that i have ever been to.
On the pitch i thought we were awful and appeared to be going through the motions, our midfield was totally unbalanced with 5 players all used to playing a similer role that totally lacked any bite. In last seasons two games against them our midfield got in amongst the Arsenal midfield all match and made life very uncomfortable for them so i think we missed Sharner and Mulumbu should not have been on the bench.
at the back Steven reid looked uncomfortable against the pace and i may have preferred to see him move into midfield supporting Mulumbu with Shorey being restored and Jones switching to his natural position, with Gera and Morrisson on the bench.
One positive point is that Graham Mcauley continues to look the part in every game.
All in all i think the game emphasised the fact that at the moment we cannot compete against the top 6 to 8 sides in the division but as a fan you want to see more effort than we have witnessed in the last two games
Report abuse
33 – I couldn’t possibly tell you who or where the information comes from. I just try my best to keep people informed of anything I can. Can I just say I go to all the games but look at the teams we’ve lost too Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal – realistically any points there are a bonus. We’ve also lost to Stoke – again a side no matter how good we are we struggle to beat. Swansea – who are very good at home and have yet to lose there this season. The teams we’ve picked points off are Norwich, Villa, Wolves, Sunderland and Fulham all teams around us this bodes well for the season
Report abuse
BaggieBob/Warren – I share your concerns. From out the outside looking in (on match days) it doesn’t appear to be a happy camp at the moment.
I said after both the Man Utd and Chelsea game that our midfielders looked frightened to move when we had the ball. It looked like they were being told to keep their shape at all costs. I had hoped that this was because of who we were playing but 11 games in this still seems to be the case.
Report abuse
42) I think this ones funnier!
Molineux Max
November 7, 2011 at 9:49 am
“Typical-we’re on a roll,undefeated in 1 game and along comes an international break to disrupt the routine”
When you consider one win a “roll” in November you know you have had a s&*% season so far!
Report abuse
46) Bit harsh, to my memory he has got far my right than wrong, and who would have predicted the player of last season being dropped, I wouldn’t have.
Report abuse
WHB
If I’m not mistaken almost everything Inside Man has ever said on here has turned out to be true. Not quite sure how you think he’s a dingle?
Then again that seems to be a snap judgement on here by more than a few people as I on more than one occasion have been the victim of it.
Report abuse
32 Max,
every cloud has a silver lining.
Will that do for now?
Although I have to admit,it’s p*****g down from my cloud at present……..
Report abuse
47 WHB – That is a bit harsh! I guarantee you I’m not a dingle, first season I went to with my dad was the season after we got relegated to what was then division 3, now league 1. If you want me to prove I was an Albion fan, just tell me how n I’ll do it. i was 7 when i first went up.
Report abuse
Kev.
As you know I’m not one that changes with the direction of the wind. My reaction to Saturday is borne out of concern that after the Liverpool game I (a) expected a reaction but (b) didn’t expect a team selection that seemed to hamstring any hope of getting a result by not having anybody in midfield capable of getting down and dirty (why was Mulumbu left out to coincide with Scharners absence?) On top of this there is the concern as I said earlier that so many players seem to have lost their mojo.
I didn’t think there was necessarily a lack of effort against Liverpool last week but something was very wrong, as many have already said we didn’t compete which is the worrying thing. The result against Bolton is important but just as important is the performance.
The problem is that we don’t know what is going on inside the club and it leaves us open to some of our own and plenty from the other side to start inventing conspiracy theories. Nobody will be happier than me if we play with fluency against Bolton, doubly so if we win as well.
When someone as level headed and sensible as Cyril starts commenting so strongly on the way we’re playing I think we can safely say all is not well.
PS Forever.
I love it, I can hear them now ‘And it’s Hi Ho Manic Depressives everywhere we go, I see the sun isn’t shining and I will make a fuss cause we’ve parked the bus.’
Report abuse
51
Yes it is very amusing, but the comedy is clearly intentional, the one i was on about, the author is in complete denial, thats what i found so funny.
Report abuse
52 WONOH
Not with Scharner out granted.Pretty sure that Inside Man is actually our friend Shirley/Clacka as i detect the same lack of humility .
53 Lords my shepherd
See above, if wrong i will eat huge amounts of humble pie.
Report abuse
53 LMS.
I’m one of the ones that’s had a go at you, argued with you, agreed with you and I’m sure apologised to you in the past. I’ve done the same with inside man. The thing is it’s a forum, I get disagreed with, ridiculed, mildly abused and agreed with but it’s no good whining ‘poor me, I’m a victim.’ It’s a rough and tumble and we live with it. I’ve never spoken to Warren, Cyril, Rocket etc we just coincidentally make the same point sometimes. We don’t do it to upset anybody but because if we don’t say what we think there’s not much point coming on here and we might as well all pick up our ball and go home.
Max rarely agrees with me or I him, we often give each other a good natured kicking but that’s all it is. Max has doubts about inside man, maybe it is a snap judgement or maybe he has some inside information. Either way it’s his right to say it.
Report abuse
55 INSIDE MAN
If i am wrong i apologise , but that first post reminded me for all the world of Clacka/Shirley.
Report abuse
42 Forever.
I would have mentioned that one but I couldn’t overcome my overpowering feeling of inadequacy.
The sad thing is that I think anbody from over here pretending to be a Wulfie would be immediately unmasked by the lack of pure bile when they lose one or the sheer sense of invincibility when they win one.
Report abuse
38 Max,
I’m gonna stick with what Laguna Kev says at 34,because-
1 I usually agree with him.
2 he’s a ‘proper’ fan,he told me sometime back that he’ll always be there whatever the Baggies are doing.
3 He owes me a pint.
And 4- He’d bigger than me.
No more to be said.
Report abuse
One day I’ll learn to use this here eye-phone so I can start to spel propa.
Report abuse
Wall heath Baggie, how is he a dingle? He has been spot on with everthing he has said. That’s the trouble with this site, say something that some people don’t agree with and they are automatically a dingle. Also we lost to ARSENAL, not Wigan, who do we think we are? We over achieved last season and 16th would be an okay season. Come on people be realistic.
Report abuse
WHB – no need for apologies its only opinions and banter. Whatever I comment on here is only what I’ve heard from within the club. I’d never claim to know exactly what is going on. The next 2 months are crucial, if we can get results against the teams in the bottom half that’s important as it brings confidence and with confidence the style will come.
Report abuse
Bully
When i read that post,i found it ridiculous, that the writer of this jem almost certainly and steadfastly believes his own preposterous ramblings.
So much so, i decided to redress the balance between fact and fantasy, and therefore hit the reply icon.
There are a few posts on there from Baggies, all of them in praise of their win, one post conspicuous by it`s absence is, lo and behold my riposte.
That alas, is about as surprising as a favourable refereeing descision for Man Utd.
Report abuse
Inside man, if you dont tell them where your seat is or meet them in the vine your cast a dingle,they dont like intruders on this site.
ps dont ask where the moneys gone.
Report abuse
62 CANTELLO
Cannot argue with that logic mate.
64 BRUMMIE ROADER RYAN
People who never strive to be better stay where they are or get worse. At the moment we cannot expect to beat Arsenal , but we have a right to see our team make a fight of it, the last two games in particular this has not happened. As for Inside man , i have apologised , he has accepted , matter closed.
Report abuse
I’ve never been down the vine, my dad used to back in the day. What time does everyone normally get there on match days i may make an appearance there for the spurs game. I could do with finding a new watering hole on match days.
Report abuse
I would ike to thank inside man, not only did he get the team spot on, it also saved me 4 points on my fantasy football team. You wouldnt have the 6 balls on the euro millions on Wednesday would you?
Report abuse
I see Simon Cox as said he dont mind dropping back to the bench,Simon on saturdays performance i will second that.
Report abuse
Inside man dont bother mate they dont go to the games,they just pretend to.
Report abuse
Outside Man
Are you still looking for the Woodman?
Report abuse
Jack I am getting a little concerned. Your not on here giving advice and somewhat suprisingly you are not on the site of the team that is now above you. Your not poorly are you?
Report abuse
Just bin looking at matches to come back for and thinking what,if anything, I’m going to do for my 60th and after a quick look at The Robin 2 gig guide, my weekend was planed,Friday 6th April,my birthday,20th anniversary of the Robin Merry Hill with the Soul Survivors plus special guests, Blackburn on the Saturday 12pm in the Vine.
Anybody who fancies it is very welcome to join me and the long suffering,I’ll buy you a pint but yow’ll have to pay to get in,contrary to popular belief I ain’t rich.Get the money off the long suffering cause I’ll be dancin’.
Adéu
Report abuse
67.OutsideMan. We don’t welcome ‘intruders’, quite rightly. An intruder is an unwelcome visitor, often a burglar, someone who may mean harm. REAL Baggies are always welcome regardless of differing opinions.
I thought ‘Inside Man’ to be genuine from day one, simply had a ring of truth about him, so I actively encouraged his input. Topics he brought to the table invited discussion.
Mathew71. Hardly Cox’s fault mate. I don’t think Rooney would have made any difference for us on Saturday.
Report abuse
Why the priority on snuffing an alias out? If anything it’s more fun.
Report abuse
Bedford Wolf ~ Molineux ST holder ~ travels from Bedford to each game. A Tesco supporter suggested I read the blogs on the Albion site, particularly the criticism of Roy Hodgson and asked me to comment. Read carefully you stripey moaners. JP saved your bacon last season by appointing RH because the team were heading one way and you all know where that was. He has been at The Hawthorns for less than 12 months so for lords sake give him time. It was a shrewd move and a number of Wolves fans expressed their desire that he should have been at Molineux. We have had McCarthy for nearly 6 years (I think only 3 Premier managers have been at their clubs longer) and after our dreadful run this season the fans, to be fair, have only just started to get on his back. Two years after he arrived at the Molineux we were thumped 6 – 0 at home by Southampton and we were all doing the Mexican wave and singing “we are going to win 7-6″ and so on. I thought you Tescos were more patient than our crew. Obviously not!!!!! One defeat against a resurgent Arsenal and the world has caved in. On another note ~ yes we were somewhat fortunate to beat Wigan yesterday. It was a poor game between 2 sides who will probably be contesting relegation come next May. Keep RH and I do not believe for one minute your lot will be in the same position. After all clubs like Albion, Wolves, Bolton, Wigan, Blackburn and so on, only really have one or two realistic ambitions and that is survival and maybe consolidation. Hodgson will give you that comfort factor.
Report abuse
69) If your at the Bolton game and in BRE, come and have a word, I am easy to spot, I m the biggest bloke in the stadium and I will be carrying either a Shillelagh or a Zulu Knobkerrie.
(Alternatively, just have a look at Row M 202, ;-)
Report abuse
Kev.
I love the Soul Survivors and started going to the old Robin just after they started having bands on (the atmosphere in the new one ain’t a patch on it.) All things being equal I’d be honoured to attend.
Report abuse
74 JtH headmaster-
Jack has gone quiet here recently,for whatever reason.
Much like the wolves fans disappear from here whenever they’re below Albion,or just losing games,but there are occasions when they suddenly come flooding back-
like in this case,when they win their first in 9 games,at home,against the worst team in the league.
Had you noticed?
Report abuse
75 Kev,
it’s hard to keep up with you jet-setters,talk about a dazzling world tour-
Mallorca-West Coast,U.S.A.-Bilston-
from an idyllic Island,to Hollywood,to a Ross Kemp location on the front line-wow!!
The Robin sounds good in April (also my Birthday month)if there’s no other commitment booked(although I may be staying in to wash my flowing blonde locks that night).
See if you can get Lone Wolf to come,I’ve got a private room in the gaff where we can have a quiet drink-
just look for the ‘Noddy Holder’ bar………
Report abuse
78) Are you reading these pages in a parallel universe? no one on here is seriously suggesting we get rid of Roy? re read my post at 45, and tell me, does that sound the same as a whingeing Wolves fan? I think not, how bizarre!
Report abuse
I agree with Cyril. Our performances are inept and uninteresting. Is this a surprise with our Head Coach? No.
I have two wishes. I hope Roy has a successful season and enjoys his retirement next year, and that we still have some footballers left in the squad for next season!
Where has all our football gone?
Au Revoir
Report abuse
It appears we dont seem to be doing alot to keep Appy,Roy must be rubbing his hands with glee.
Report abuse
MIKE UPTON
You have more front than Blackpool mate.Your fans are possibly the worst in the country for fickleness , so to come on here preaching to us Baggies is a bit rich. I suggest you sort your own house out before sorting ours. Jog on and keep your sanctimonius Wulfie comments to yourself.
Report abuse
Cantello
Nice to know I’ll be second best in your busy sKedule and I’m sure you mean DYEING your flowing blonde locks.
I don’t think All Alone will attend,doesn’t he have to travel from up north?
Looks like Max is too busy with his dictionary to reply.
Trboo.
Hope Max can make it,but please no fisticuffs.
Adéu
Report abuse
86 Mark (numpty from the wolves site)-
spotted any ‘intruders’ over here yet?
As you’re a wolves fan,I guess your idea of an intruder is an Albion fan on here?
You were definitely last in the queue when they gave the brains out……..
Report abuse
78MikeUpton. I, probably more than anyone on here, have done the moaning for the last two matches. Not once have I suggested a change of management, quite the contrary in fact.
But I have been honest about the type of football we have played in those matches and several others. If I may express another opinion that almost amounts to treason, I don’t like the Prem.,I hate the idea of ‘survival’ which means losing one fewer game than say Wolves or Wigan and most of all, I loathe the methods of achieving this aim. Defensive approach, diving, cheating, trying to cripple better players and justifying it by ‘It’s a man’s game’ comments. I like my football fast, attacking,
exciting and HOPEFULLY, winning, but most of all entertaining. Whichever division we happen to be in!
Report abuse
88 LAGUNA KEV
I have tried to reply but having technical problems, you may get more than one now !!!.
I will do my utmost to be there mate , as for Bully i will be my normal charming self. I would not be surprised if he cry’s off now LOL. As anyone on here actually met Bully ???.
Report abuse
88 Kev,
I would’ve commited to your ‘do’,but I might be on holiday that week.
I saw an advert from this guy in Mallorca who said he’s away that week,and needs someone to look after his donkeys and chickens.
It’s free accomodation,and as much local brandy as you want,either to drink or put in the car.
It’s a tempting offer,what do you think?
Report abuse
91 Max,
Kev said he saw Bully In The Vine,and he looks like Derek Kevan.
Then again,the state Kev’s usually in after the game,he said the barmaid looks like Queen Victoria,so…………
Report abuse
Mike Upton
Interesting thoughts and I can see what you’re saying. But as Cyril rightly points out above, I don’t think any of us want a change in management.
What you’re reading is frustration. Frustration that a team of players bought predominantly for their ability to create, seem so inhibited by defensive tactics. Last season we were something like the 6th highest scorers in the division, this year I believe only 2 teams have scored less. We attacked everywhere and it was great to watch.
It might be argued that we needed a change in emphasis, I think most Baggies would agree we conceded too many and I don’t think many of us expected a repeat of last season’s heroics at the Emirates. To the contrary, I had accepted and resigned myself to defeat there, but had hoped we’d see a little fight from our team. Instead we mustered one shot on target.
I often get accused of mistaking criticism on here for barracking managers and players, but on this occasion I can safely say I think the vast majority of Baggies will be there against Bolton cheering the side on and singing Hodgson’s name. I guess that doesn’t mean they’re immune from honest criticism on forums like this.
Cheers
Report abuse
CANTELLO
Is that Kevan in his playing days or now ??. Non the wiser because Kevan was a bit before my time mate . Never actually been drunk in the Vine and at those prices, no wonder. I thought she looked like Queen Elizabeth II , the boat not the Monarch !!!.
Report abuse
Mike Upton as a disabled person I am so used to people talking down to me and acting as if they know better than I do about my needs and situation.
Having supported Albion since 1977 I believe I’m in a better position to assess my team than an arrogant, long-winded Dingle who has taken the majority of negative comments out-of-context.
I experienced brain damage at birh, but despite by appearance and speech, I’m well educated. I therefore know the world isn’t black and white – or even worse, gold and black – unlike so many Wolves’ supporters I and the majority of Baggies here understand how to discriminate between tactics and ability – where are the “Roy out demands”? We want watchable football, if Wolves’ fans are happy watching what Mick dishes up, that’s fine by me.
Report abuse
95 Max,
as Bully is the same age as Kev I guess he means how he looks now-
actually I used to see the REAL Derek Kevan drinking in The Hawthorns on match day not that long before they closed the pub down.
Although I’m now wondering if I was mistaken,and it was Bully I used to see…….?
Report abuse
Cantello, Max
It was only a fleeting glimpse of a bloke who popped his head in one of the small rooms in the Vine [How he found his way out again without his head I'll never know],Trbhoo later said it was probably him but we don’t know for certain.
The bloke reminded me of Derek Kevan with teeth with a Buss Aldrin haircut,so Max might be onto something,he might be a well disguised Dingle.
Adéu
Report abuse
98 SUPER KEV
As you know i have always doubted Bully’s real allegiance/identity is he really Lone Wolf ? Clacka ? Petenuts ? Farmer Ted ? the world needs to know.
Report abuse
Big Kev, i would love to come and help celebrate your birhday.
Never would have guessed you was 60 though. Must be all that Sun and good living in the Med. ( got a feeling you will have a few grey hairs by the end of THIS season though )haha.
Is the Robin still in Bilston opersite the police station ?
I hope Bully and the Rocket will never be in the same room together. I for one couldnt stand all that agreeeeing with each other that that un-holly alliance would generate.
Who’s got the biggest opinions ??
Theres only one way to find out. FIGHT !!
(But dont worry, ide throw em both out.)
Report abuse