Lotus

We've done it so many times that it's not a coincidense. Pardew is clearly setting us up to defend the lead, with every fucling player, except Shola, behind the ball. Of course, that just invites pressure. Also, what Steve Stone said a while ago... Pardew is a tactical mess which has it base in him being a f***ing coward. When did Steve Stone say that?

Didn't honestly think it was a pen. I think Debuchy will come good

Tbf, Villa's first 10 minutes or so after the break were frightening. They were really on fire. I think quite a few teams would have struggled with that. Pardew's subs didn't really help, Shola can't hold a ball up nor chase down defenders. If Obertan would have been on the bench then he may have used him instead, try to hit them on the break. What we really needed to do last night was counter attack and players we didn't have available, HBA, Marveaux and, yes, even Obertan would have been good for that. No idea why he left Jonas on, he did nothing. Sometimes i think Pardew judges a play more on character than ability.

Yup Marveux for Guti and it would have been 3/4 goals in the first half. We haven't scored four in the league since April 2011. Just 3 then

Yup Marveux for Guti and it would have been 3/4 goals in the first half. Yeah, i think so too. Having Marveaux and HBA in the team/squad will make us quite a different proposition. They'll combine so well with Sissoko.

Tbf, i do think we'd have played a lot better if Marveaux had played today. Think he'd have got an assist or possibly even a goal.

There's giving credit where it's due, and there's taking it too far. He might end up a good manager, but he left out the two players who would clearly hurt us most and he set up his midfield to be dominated from the off. First half they were limp, you're right. But the way he changed it, wow. End up a good manager? He IS a good manager. Despite that, i think they could go down. To give everything the way they did and still lose. They'll be shagged next game. I understand why he's rated, but to me he's actually actively pursuing relegation. He's playing young players when they aren't really ready, and he's putting them in complicated formations they can't really handle. Fair enough if they are prepared for relegation, but it might be very expensive for them. I completely get what you're saying. I think in some ways it might be good for them to spend a season in the Championship. I think they'll dominate (if they keep the players he likes), gel as a team and come up a better prepared side. They've some good footballers there, but, as you said, too many of them are young, inexperienced and clearly feeling the pressure. Bit too emotional. Yep, longer term they might end up stronger for it. As you said though, it's a very long term view!!

There's giving credit where it's due, and there's taking it too far. He might end up a good manager, but he left out the two players who would clearly hurt us most and he set up his midfield to be dominated from the off. First half they were limp, you're right. But the way he changed it, wow. End up a good manager? He IS a good manager. Despite that, i think they could go down. To give everything the way they did and still lose. They'll be shagged next game. I understand why he's rated, but to me he's actually actively pursuing relegation. He's playing young players when they aren't really ready, and he's putting them in complicated formations they can't really handle. Fair enough if they are prepared for relegation, but it might be very expensive for them. I completely get what you're saying. I think in some ways it might be good for them to spend a season in the Championship. I think they'll dominate (if they keep the players he likes), gel as a team and come up a better prepared side. They've some good footballers there, but, as you said, too many of them are young, inexperienced and clearly feeling the pressure. Bit too emotional.

There's giving credit where it's due, and there's taking it too far. He might end up a good manager, but he left out the two players who would clearly hurt us most and he set up his midfield to be dominated from the off. First half they were limp, you're right. But the way he changed it, wow. End up a good manager? He IS a good manager. Despite that, i think they could go down. To give everything the way they did and still lose. They'll be shagged next game.

Odd that because Goof and Moussa looked far fitter than Jonas. Surprised he kept Cabaye on too. He was gone (understandably) after 70 mins.

Credit to Lambert. He really fired his team up, made astute changes, got them believing they could get something from the game and they nearly did. Considering the age of their team too. If they do go down but keep the core of the players, i think they'll bounce back up and much better side. Can see why he's highly rated.

Aye, Gabby is very quick. Debuchy didn't look like he had much pace against anyone though. Hopefully he's just learning.

Thing is, he can't hold it up. He doesn't have the control and gives away more fouls than he gets.

What does this guy drink, man? Who, Jonas?

I agree.

I would imagine the fact that Benteke's about is 6' 3'' might colour Pardew's thinking.

I reckon we couldn't put out a better side or formation. Le Goof and Marveaux to swap sides now and again to cut in. Pards has got to get them walking onto that pitch feeling like lions. Just tear into them. Can't wait!

I'm surprised as i thought Pardew would have wanted him to have more training with the team. He's obviously too good to need it. If i was Villa i'd be pooping myself

Easily believe he'll start Jonas over Sissoko. Probs keep Jonas on despite a totally insipid display and bring on The Moose to replace Cabaye (who will probs need replacing) after 70 mins. Don't think he'll start Willo. Not sure with Shola, wouldn't be surprised if he did. Don't know what Pards see's in Shola but whatever it is, Pards clearly thinks it's invaluable! Think we'll win this one no matter what Pards does. Think the underperforming players will up their game (Colo, Santon, Cisse and to an extent Marveaux). Jonas and Shola can't do any better imho.

Yep, sad as f***. Going around every thread as a pair with the same boring default position is sad as f***. Aye, two people with a similar position would be unacceptable like. Missionary?

Whats does Gorilla warfare look like?

Tbh, though i don't like the bloke, have a suspicion he's just a chancer, etc. etc. I'm sure he went into training this morning with a bounce in his step having spent most of the night dreaming of different ways of tearing Villa a new one. He's GOT to be excited and that kind of enthusiam should positively spread around the squad. I think we'll have a very healthy mindset for Tueday night.

It's the new 4 according to Martinez. Worked wonders for them...er...or has it?

I think it could work, but Pardew won't even consider it. I know, i know....