Benwell Lad

Lot's of worthless hindsight from Villa and assorted others regarding the ref's appointment and alleged lack of experience. Did anyone raise the issue before the game or was it just after they felt something went against them during the game ?

A Spanish friend told me that he gets parodied on a Spanish TV programme about the way he speaks English. If that's the case he certainly provides them with plenty of material.

Always had a huge chip on their shoulder, understandable maybe, living in the shadow of their neighbours. Their nickname is very apt and I don't mean the Toffees one.

His comments post match about the noise at SJP influencing the ref was right from the Steve Bruce playbook not what you'd expect from a real top manager.

Not been doing a very good job of it based on Villa's recent form up until yesterday

Those goalkeeper charges on a forward who is running at full pace and can't brace himself should be serious foul play anyway not just denying a goal scoring opportunity. A real cowardly challenge.

Yep, only raising the issue beforehand would make it valid. Complaining after a perceived injustice is just petty.

Yes, despite often brilliant performances and dominating games, yesterday was a performance that we seem to have in us from time to time. Too often probably when you're competing at the top end of the league.

Based on that it's Leeds for the title and Burnley nailed on for a European place.

Mutual for me like. After Sunderland there's not a team I dislike more.

I don't think the atmosphere got anywhere near what it was against Chelsea. There was tension in the stands and it transmitted to the pitch.

Possibly, probably, but my point is that keepers get too many over protective decisions and it happens regularly. Probably wouldn't have heard about it if it hadn't been such a crucial game

Fuck me, all those permutations and scenarios we were sweating over last week were justified after all.

As I say, I can understand their grievance but I've seen loads worse where over protected goalkeepers get decisions no outfield player would.

Just seen the "goal" for the first time. While I understand their grievance, more often than not the keeper gets those decisions so not really the biggest controversy ever, as Villa and the media are trying to make it.

The "finished 24 points outside the promotion places and fluked the play offs parade"

They'd have to spend a fortune just to get to the level of Leeds and Leeds are going to struggle.

The Sunderland manager looked scared at the final whistle more than elated. I really don't blame him, the prospect of taking that into the PL after finishing 14 (16) points behind third, having never looked convincing against even the poorest teams in the division and not having one player who looks PL standard is quite scary and he knows exactly who the scapegoat will be.

The "S" in sad mackem bastards has never been more appropriate.

Last August winning the League Cup and Europa league would have been deemed as a successful season by most. Perhaps it should still be, but with a home win against Everton between us and an even more successful season yes it's the worst thing that can happen to us, as things stand today. Personally I just don't want the Thursday/Sunday gig next season, but more importantly the club needs CL qualification to move to the next level and cement our place at the top of English football.

Reality is the SoL has had more empty seats than any other stadium for years. Even they know that. Only MK Dons can rival them. An empty seat is an empty seat even when their weird "tickets sold" defence kicks in.

I really hope that should the unthinkable happen on Sunday we put disappointment aside and give the players and coaching staff the ovation they deserve for what under any circumstances has been a brilliant season.

Love this, brilliant, thanks SCT. I've spent the last 72 hours staring at the league table and remaining fixtures wondering if I'd overlooked something or had anything changed, now I'm just going to stare at this diagram from now until Sunday.

Without doubt. To a rational, neutral observer looking from the outside a home game against an Everton side with nothing to really play for is the best fixture of all the CL contenders. To us lot though....? Wish it was being played tomorrow.

Please, please.........