Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Newcastle 2 West Brom 3
Wednesday 21st December 2011, 10:00PM GMT.
Paul Scharner’s late winner handed West Brom a first league win at Newcastle for 34 years in a Christmas cracker on Tyneside.
The Austrian poked home an 86th-minute shot to give the Baggies a second away victory in five days and take them past the 20-point mark.
Demba Ba equalised twice and looked to have earned his side a point on 81 minutes with his second goal of the game.
The Magpies forward had cancelled out Peter Odemwingie’s opener, only for Gareth McAuley to restore the Baggies’ lead before the interval on the stroke of half-time.
West Brom’s evening started badly when they lost Steven Reid to an apparent knee injury after just seven minutes, but things improved when they opened the scoring on 20 minutes.
A brilliant curling three-ball by Chris Brunt released Odemwingie, who held off Fabricio Coloccini and fired into the bottom corner.
Ba had a goal disallowed for Newcastle for offside in the build-up but he made no mistake with his equaliser on 34 minutes, curling a free-kick into the top corner from 25 yards after a foul by Jerome Thomas on Gabriel Obertan.
West Brom restored their lead a minute before half-time when both McAuley and Paul Scharner were afforded free headers from a Chris Brunt free-kick, the former to nod home after the latter had sent the ball back across goal.
They had to survive a scare on the stroke of half-time when Haris Vuckic thudded a long-range shot against the woodwork and Ba missed from the rebound.
The Baggies should have extended their advantage early in the second half when a fine pass from Youssouf Mulumbu sent Shane Long clear.
But after going around goalkeeper Tim Krul, the Irishman’s touch took him wide and he hit a difficult shot against the angle of post and bar.
West Brom were hanging on and they were not helped by injuries to Thomas and Mulumbu.
They appeared to have been denied when a high ball forward caused a scramble on the edge of the box and Ba produced an emphatic finish for 2-2 with nine minutes left.
But, just four minutes later, the Baggies restored their lead.
Shane Long powered away from Coloccini on the right and crossed, Odemwingie did well to knock the ball down and Scharner poked in from 10 yards.
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Top Midlands club without question, now that’s what I call a Happy Christmas!!!!!!
On the song/poem theme from yesterday, obviously it has to be I m dreaming of a white (and Blue) Christmas!
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superb performance- merry christmas to one and all
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enjoying full match highlights on Fox here in Seattle – best xmas present I could have asked for :-)
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Best christmas present i have had so far!
First ever christmas in the premier league without being around the relegation zone also.
Thankyou Albion!
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What another cracking away performance, just watched highlight’s on MOTD we broke so quickly and the finishing was clinical, think it could of ended 5-5.
Hope we can put in a good performance in against city.
Well done to all those people who travelled to Newcastle away midweek and just day’s before christmas, you are true supporters I take my hat off to you all.
Boing! Boing!
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Did not see the game but great result. Is Reid ok? Just got back from England, was at the Wigan game, first time in the BRE for 20 years. Glad i picked that game. Hope they play a lot better at home next game.
BoingBoing
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What a result!!
2 wins on the trot, looking much better now and exactly what we needed ahead of some tough fixtures. Odemwingie looking back to his best too.
What a signing McAuley is proving to be, even chipping in with a goal tonight.
Boing Boing!!
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What a humdinger of a match. Probably a draw would have been fair, but with this teams never say die attitude we stunned the Magpie hoards. We got our passing game together again and it showed. Don’t let me hear that Osaze and Shane can’t play together, they were absolutely brilliant with their pace as well. Brunt was just about man of the match with that left peg commonly known as his wand. What cracking goal scoring games McAuley and Scharner had. Young Jones and Thorne came on and covered admirably. Foster was as safe as houses again. No player rated below eight out of ten. We are now passed the twenty points mark with two games to spare thanks to back to back away wins. What a “Bostin” Christmas.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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I said a few weeks back that we need to remain patient because our quality will come good in the end with the new coaching. I must admit that I have really enjoyed the last two performances, and it is great to see the whole team playing up to their potential again!
Having watched Wolves one night, and Albion tonight. It is fair to say that they were both very entertaining games. One was a classic Championship blood and thunder game, with lots of endeavour and little creativity, whilst the other was a proper Premier league game full of quality and drama.
Long was saying a few weeks back that he was learning from Pete. My God, he is fast learner. His runs off the ball, and his change in pace is just fantastic! I would also like to commend the other new boys, McAuley (good goal)and Jones. By the way Wulfies, that is how you do business on the cheap!!
Merry Christmas to all (Wolves and Villa included). I am now looking forward to the Man City game, whatever happens.
Au Revoir
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Not on as often as I have been busy with work. However a great performance tonight against a decent Newcastle team albeit on a poor run of results. We only need one half – spot on and in tribute to our lofty position a small Christmas song…
Christmas time
Hear the Villa whine
They’ll go down
If they give Eck the time
With Wolves in the Mire
And Blues nowhere to be seen
Time to rejoice
You were born a Baggie!
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I’ll be back for the Sunderland home game, if all goes to plan – first game in 3 years since moving to US.
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I’d put my hands together, looked up with reverence and longing, “Gee we ‘Appy Christmas aer kid”. I know He’s got a sense of humour as I can’t hear you coming, (one good ear, I can’t see you coming, one good eye, but I can smell you from 100 yards, one excellent nose! So off to The King Arthur. The car park was packed. A group of elderly folk coming out said, “You here to watch the match”? “Yes, and I want a result as in September 1953″ quoth I. I was lying on my thin, hard, Army bed in Aldershot. It was 10.30pm, the radio booming out the Division 1 results. “Newcastle 3″, a huge roar of triumph from the 4 Geordies, “West Bromwich Albion 7″. Total silence. I was far too polite to take the pee and I had no wish to die so young. My new friends smiled and wished me good luck and I went in. The place was heaving and expectant. Reid flattened in 5 minutes. Fast, furious and unforgiving approach by Newcastle. Brunt plays the perfect
defence splitter ball, Pete shows us his nightmare is over and the noise was FRIGHTENING in there. Then Thomas forgets you mustn’t shove people over near your own goal, (again) and it’s 1-1. Scharner is having one of those games where he must be taken seriously in spite of his often crazy expessions. A great deep ball from Brunt again, Scharner reads it superbly, finds out new hero McAuley, 2-1 and the place erupts again. We then played far too deep and lost the midfield. Ba goes Baa-Baa and gets his second. 2-2. “We shall lose this if we play deep” I yelled to Mick, my nephew.
Well we day did we, because we knew we deserved to win, chucked the kitchen sink at ‘em and the angel Scharner shone brightly to complete my prayer. Cars can float home you know.
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thank you roy and the lads for a great xmas present, fantastic result.
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The attack was good,I see Odemwingie and Long doing more havoc,we must beat Man City to give them a 2nd loss.
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Wow what a game a draw would have been a fair result but life ain’t fair so glad we won.
good performance by all and Foster made some exellent saves. The third goal pleased me the most Long’s pace PO’s awearness in the box and a great finish.
Man City next and i believe we can get something out of that
And finally merry christmas to one and all
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Fantastc post Cyril, crikey I’ve read books that aren’t that well written!
Have a great Christmas everyone.
Boing Boing!!
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I watched the match online last night, and when we play the ball on the floor at speed to each other, we are excellent. I like Brunt on the left, and the two in the middle of the park were superb, especially Scharner. Foster did the business when needed, and came far more confidently for catches. Superb display and proof that 4 4 2 does work, when PO puts in the effort. Long work tirelessly again and the two are jelling nicely. Boing Boing!!
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Went to The Robin last night,the main act waited ’til the Baggies finished before coming on stage,so we were flyin’ high on the dance floor ’til midnight.
Mallorca Kev was floating over everyone’s heads.
Got home to watch the highlights,then went to bed very,very happy.
Top 10 for Xmas!!
Alrighhhhhhhhhhhttt !!!
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A great result. We can take on City now with no pressure.
Boing Boing
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Well done Baggies, a good win on the road. Once again West Brom show Wolves how to win games.
Still, at least we’re not in the bottom three at Christmas. Pass me a sprout.
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Best Albion Christmas since I was a nipper and Ally Brown (2) and Bomber (1) helped us to a 3-0 away win at Molinuex (Dec ’78 I think) – my first visit there.
Jingle bells
Jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to see the Albion win away
Oh …
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Cyril Randle No.12
Your best contribution of the year Cyril – Evocative and brilliantly written from the heart.
I remember that 7 – 3 victory on Tyneside all those years ago and I think Ronnie Allen and Johnny Nicholls scored most of the goals between them. Shortly after the game Newcastle made a then record joint bid for both players which was rejected. That’s how good they were.
Watching last night’s game I thought it strange that both Roy Hodgson and Alan Pardew who are often accused of being too defensive in their approach by the media should serve up one of the most exciting premier league games of the season.
Whilst the players deserve immense praise for their display our star began to rise the minute Roy Hodgson walked into the Hawthorns.
The value of having a world class coach has never been more apparent.
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Woke up this morning and I’ve still got this lovely warm glow inside. Can’t see it going away for “Yonks”. Thanks Roy for giving us your head coaching skills and experience, also to the rest of the staff, not forgetting Appy.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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Love it, happy christmas boing boing
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Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to see THE WEST BROM WIN AWAY, AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Happy Christmas
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Well done you baggies you deserve it unlike our useless team with our useless thick manager we are going down and deserve to
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Excellent performance to a man and despite national media suggestions to the contrary in couple of write-ups, I never felt Newcastle looked likely to score or break us down, Djemba Ba conjuring 2 goals out of nothing in what otherwise would’ve been a comfortable victory.
A great Christmas present and perhaps we can all relax a bit more now.
Final point- I’m a couple of weeks late for the cretin watch but:
“Brunt should be stripped of the captaincy”
“Foster’s a liability”
“Odemwingie can’t be bothered now he’s signed a contract, sell him in January”
I hope you realise how stupid you all now look. Get behind them……….
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P.S.
I’ve just got back from a Christmas holiday to Copenhagen and Malmo. Every time I mentioned to a local or even the Inter-Milan-supporting Italian waiter we came across that I supported Albion and who our manager was, their face lit up, usually followed by “fantastic manager” or in the case of the waiter “Senor Hodgson!!! Buenissimo!!”.
There’s even a corner of Malmo’s newly-built Swedbank Stadion called ‘Roy’s Jorna’ or Roy’s Corner.
It’s been a bumpy few months with the transition in style and we’ve all at times probably questioned the wisdom of some of his decisions, but let’s not kid ourselves, the man’s no fool and knows more than any of us. Perhaps we should feel a bit more grateful sometimes.
Similarly those who questioned Brunt and Odemwingie amongst others- there’s no substitute for class in this league and anyone outside the top 6 would snap our hands off for these two and many of our other players.
It’s a great time to be a Baggie.
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great preformance again from the lads and all what was needed with the lads was time. now who did those fans want to “”sell”"! merry xmas and happy new year to you all.
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Against Wigan Odemwingie was absolutely dire; Saturday, he scored a great goal, but last night I thought he was superb! A wonderful clinical goal supported by neat exchanges and a fantastic cushioned header to set up the winner. One of my criticisms of Odem has been his weakness as a team player, but last night he led the line perfectly.
Again, I’ve questioned Brunty’s performances of late, but over the last two games he has impressed. Two great assists from our Captain!
So to all those who think Foster isn’t an improvement on what we had, I hope Santa brings the glasses you are obviously in need of.
There’s some great comments here and may Xmas and the New Year be a white and blue one!
P.S. As it’s the season of goodwill, I wish Villa and Wolves all they deserve for the rest of the season!
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I am eating copious amounts of humble pie and it tastes real good to be honest. My apologies to Mr Hodgson and Mr Odemwingie , i will try to be more patient in future, Honest.
Merry Xmas to all.
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It’s all clicking together nicely. The forwards are linking well, the midfield are pinging the ball around for defence splitting passes and the defence are scoring, not to mention our keeper doing some incredible match winning saves.
Pete’s finish was awsome the kind he can repeat time and again provided he gets the service. He must be confident now and one only hopes he is on a run. I am gutted Shane didn’t get that goal but his cross was superb.
It’s nice to have players of that pedigree in our team.
Thank you Mr Hodgson and Merry Christmas!
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Christmas time
Miss the goal and whine
Dingles shrieking un-Christian rhyme
Mick’s under pressure, the gunners are next
A time for rejoicing , NOT I suspect
Christmas time
Villa in decline
They’ve been playing like they’re on the wine
Big Eck’s in trouble, the Clayheads are next
Albion top dogs at New Year I suspect
Christmas time
Scoring goals so fine
Albion winning time after time
Woy’s working wonders, Man City are next
Just give them a game, no points I suspect!
Christmas time
Here’s the last line
Football’s a game, that has us all cryin
Tears of joy, tears of sorrow
It’s the same whoever you follow
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Tried reading my son a bedtime story & listen to the game at the same time? was not easy, hence my lad taking the book out of my hand & leaving me with a glance which read “forget it mate,i.ll ask mum!” message to my mate over on the dark side who was quick to remark when wolves were third in the table “the league don’t lie!” it certainly doesn’t does it!!!
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Just back from Newcastle, thoroughly enjoyed the night and the subsequent house party with the Newcastle depot up there. Hope everyone has a good Xmas. Pressure is off for our next 3 tough games any points are good points.
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31 Max,
looks like the Megson/McInnes dreamticket’s put on hold for now.
So maybe time to plan for games in Europe next season?
Have a good Christmas mate.
p.s.- Kev missed you last night,maybe The Vine before Man. city?
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In winter when we were at the HAWTHORNS, at half time with my five mates we used to have what we called our ALBION drink, as this was the only time we would drink it. It consisted of a double scotch with a shot of lime. Actually it is disgusting and wouldn’t recommend it even to a DINGLE. I’ve just made me one to celebrate our back to back away double win, so to all of you cheers Urrgh gasp choke yuk deep breath shudder. All the best.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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16Shrop & 22 Robin. My humble thanks.
The euphoria on here can be eaten or drunk. I’ve just placed both feet on the ground for the first time in many hours. However, we do have to play Man.City on Punching Day (a little girl, now a lady, used the expression)
The injury list is worrying. A patched up team playing the Trillionaires is requiring of steady, deep thought. Stoke looked like a Division 5 team last night. Do we attack them, probably our best approach? I think yes
but would love to hear what you think. I would like to think we may catch them in a
“It’s all too easy mood” so they start looking for each other. Don’t pay them any respect. Make them earn it.
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In O hee O Hi Oh, there’s a gal I used to know, I don’t drink much, but when I do, I think about that girl I knew, In O hee O Hi O ho o, In Ho hee ho hi ho ho.
So Jack, try a 50-50 mix of vodka and orange,
I don’t drink much, but when I do…..
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Fantastic way to go in to the Christmas schedule on the back of two away wins…watched the highlights last night on MOTD, superb counter attacking football, PO and Long will be a partnership that will strike fear in to any defence when they play like that!! Sound at the back in front of a top keeper in Ben Foster, and a midfield that works hard and spreads the ball around….all good stuff….
Looking forward to City on Boxing Day, no pressure on us, plenty on them with United breathing down there necks….one City fan said to me that he would take a point!!!
Merry Christmas to you all,…fellow Baggie fans and a Happy Boing Boinging New Year…..
BOING BOING………..
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Sir Cliff
That is superb. Makes my effort look rather poor! Merry Christmas.
Warren
I think you call it right. In the land of instant gratification changing things at the first sight of any trouble is en vogue. But those in the know understand that it’s hard to make good decisions and judgments in the heat of the moment.
Odemwingie looks happier now and the partnership with Long is looking useful.McAuley had a good game last night (not just because of his goal) and really gave one in the eye for all us who said – Gareth WHO ? when he arrived – even me!
Foster’s contribution too must not be underestimated. He made some top quality saves last night.
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AMS
I agree with everything you say. Particularly picking up on the Foster point, he was excellent last night. I couldn’t make the trip as I’d just got back from what turned out to be a pricey trip away, but watching it in the pub, some bloke nearby repeatedly made the point that Foster was a liability.
So just if I said to him, if we replaced Foster, who would we get instead? If Man Utd can’t get a reliable keeper, what chance do we have? In truth, I don’t think there are too many better keepers in this league, certainly not around the level we’re competing at.
Similarly, Odemwingie. How many of his critics would swap him for John Carew, Steve Morison, Danny Graham, Bobby Zamora, Nicklas Bendtner, Kevin Doyle, Emile Heskey, Kevin Davies, DJ Campbell, Connor Salmon, David Goodwillie or Louis Saha? That’s the level we’re competing at and they’d all snap our hands off for a player of Odemwingie’s quality.
Furthermore, Brunt. He hasn’t hit the heights he did at times last season. But instead of complaining, let’s appreciate this guy’s ability to unlock the door. Something daft like more assists than Xavi in the last 3 years. He set up our first and second last night.
It’s so easy identifying faults, much harder rationally providing a solution. If these lads were playing against us, we’d all be saying “wish we had a player of that quality”.
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Ty23
Just remembered the surprise of a fresh pint of iced water waiting for me when I returned from wherever I’d been,multi grases.
Cantello
I’ll be in the Vine at 12pm,hope we see Mad[I'll apologize in advance]Max.
Thanks again for the lift.
Adeu
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(42)
Warren,
Great post mate.(41) AMS, Ditto.
(39)
Cyril,
Long neck bottle, let go of my hand. So the old country and western song goes.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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I’m still glowing inside. What a simply superb match that was on Wednesday. The word ‘match’ says it all. Fast, furious football at a high level of skill, both wanting to WIN! And there is the magic ingredient. Had we lost I would still have been proud of them because we wanted to win.
The Geordies will beat many a team playing like that, but so will we. And that’s the best bit.
IF, and WHEN FIFA bring in the ‘balance your books’ ruling, we may see many more games of that type. Then get in the electronics to video evidence the cheats and football will be clean again.
What’s the update on our injuries?
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(45)
Cyril,
Yes, Newcastle certainly played their part in making it a memorable game. That Ba is a cracking striker, I am in the position to judge as we have two of our own. When the latter part of your post comes true, Football will be fair and wonderful again. it’s up to us fans to keep banging on to the powers that be. It’s us fans that made it what it was, it’s us fans world wide that will bring it back.
*****Merry**Christmas**all**you**BAGGIES******
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It’s all becoming clear now, the people slagging off Odemwingie, Brunt, Morrison, Scharner etc the list really does go on weren’t wrong. Apparently a few games ago they were all rubbish or not trying or sulking but now they’re all great again. Or is it just that we’ve won a couple and they’ll be back to being rubbish when we lose a couple?
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