7500 To Holte - Aston Villa vs. Manchester United: It's As Good A Time As AnyVilla Til We Cryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46611/7500-fave.png2012-11-10T20:48:55+00:00http://7500toholte.sbnation.com/rss/stream/33911572012-11-10T20:48:55+00:002012-11-10T20:48:55+00:00Manchester United Are Terrible Houseguests
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<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
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<p>Aston Villa went at Manchester United with everything they had and an Andi Weimann brace had the home side on top 2-0, but the Red Devils did exactly what you would have expected and ran off three in a row to drive a dagger into Villa's heart.</p> <p>In a season that has had its fair share of kicks to the teeth, this was perhaps the swiftest and most forceful. On the balance of the game, this might have been the best team performance <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> has put together all season. Losing this game in such a manner was unpleasant, and I will admit to being pretty upset right now. But I have little doubt that, when looking back on things in 24 hours or so, what I take away from this game will be overwhelmingly positive.</p>
<p>Just as I'd hoped, the team came out and sought to play the game the way they've been playing it all season long. And though United had more of the ball, they couldn't do much with it while Villa put together promising spell after promising spell. They finally broke through in first-half stoppage time, with what seems to be the consensus moment-of-the-season so far; on the break, Andi Weimann released <span>Christian Benteke</span> down the left flank. After Benteke was done making <span>Chris Smalling</span> look like a ragdoll, he found Weimann's streaking run into the box and sent in a low cross, which was drilled past David de Gea. It was a dream goal and a dream move; Weimann's vision on the break, Benteke's sheer abuse of Smalling and calm and intelligence on the cross, the laser beam finish. And for the whistle to blow the second United took the ensuing kickoff was huge; for Villa to go into the break on that high was a big boost to an underdog side that played very well in the first half.</p>
<p>At the start of the second it was more of the same. United poking and prodding, but having little luck. And then, out of nowhere, <span>Stephen Ireland</span> found <span>Gabby Agbonlahor</span> in space down the flank, and Villa's elder statesman* placed an inch-perfect ball just out of de Gea's reach and into the path of Weimann, making yet another perfectly timed run into the box. 2-0. Euphoria. Mayhem. And nagging at the back of the brain, a familiar sense of inevitability and dread.</p>
<p>And of course, as you've probably gathered, that sense was justified. United pulled back their first just shy of the hour mark, with Chicharito-who was, I am increasingly convinced, put on this Earth for the sole purpose of tormenting me-tracking down a perfect over-the-top ball from <span>Paul Scholes</span> and finding the touch just in time to send it through the legs of <span>Brad Guzan</span>. Five minutes later it was Chicharito again, pounding Rafael's long cross-box ball into the ground, up, off a helpless and blameless <span>Ron Vlaar</span> and into the net to equalize. For the first time all day, Villa looked rattled, panicked and disorganized, and a third didn't seem to far away.</p>
<p>Encouragingly though, after a few minutes of terror, Villa regrouped and were back to doing what they'd been doing all day; keeping things tight at the back, ceding some possession and playing intelligently, but switching into an aggressive, attacking mode when the opportunities presented themselves. For the next fifteen minutes, Villa looked just as likely to score as United, and they came achingly close to doing so after <span>Barry Bannan's</span> perfectly placed cross ended with a stinging header from Weimann being saved well by de Gea. But in the end it was of course United; in the 87th minute, <span>Robin van Persie</span> bent in a wicked curled free kick that Chicharito (because of course it was Chicharito) met with a diving header to seal the win. There were 5 minutes of time added on, but United were content to bat the ball around the back and Villa just didn't have anything else to give as the clock ticked along towards the final whistle.</p>
<p>It was an agonizing loss, to be sure. But let's not miss the forest for the trees; it was agonizing because Aston Villa played <i>really, very, tremendously well all afternoon.</i> So often we've seen this team beat themselves. Today, that wasn't the case. They forced Manchester United to beat them, and the Premier League's leading club only just managed to do it. Was it the best performance United will have all season? Not by a long shot, but Villa can't control that. They can only give it their best, and they came as close to their best today as they have all season. It wasn't good enough today, against this opponent. But on other days, against other teams? I feel pretty confident in saying that it would have been.</p>
<p>It's happening. I'm very confident in saying that. This team is beginning to gel, and they're beginning to play well with some consistency. And I truly believe that they've got plenty of improving yet to do. This game sucked, but I can tell you this; I'm not numb anymore. And I have been quite numb for quite awhile now. This hurt, really badly, and it's been awhile since I felt that to such an extent with this team. That means that we're getting there. Keep the faith, everyone; something's building here, and it may well end up being quite special.</p>
<p>*<i>I have yet to decide whether this is sarcastic or not.</i></p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3628018/aston-villa-manchester-united-match-reviewAaron Campeau2012-11-10T19:37:20+00:002012-11-10T19:37:20+00:00GIF: Chicharito Scores Again, Gives United 2-3 Win
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<p>I said in the last update that <span>Javier Hernandez</span> had score his second goal to draw things even. Upon further review, the goal was charged - perhaps harshly - to <span>Ron Vlaar</span>. Chicharito did score his second goal, however. An excellent strike in the 87th minute put gave <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> a 2-3 lead that they would not relinquish, despite there being 5 minutes of stoppage time. </p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1716045/Chicharito3rd.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Chicharito3rd_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1716045/Chicharito3rd_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Despite the loss, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> played one of their best matches of the season. In my mind, <span>Andreas Weimann</span> was the man of the match, but arguments could be made for Ron Vlaar - despite the OG - and <span>Christian Benteke</span> as well. Both played incredible roles in providing the muscle Villa needed to keep up with a Manchester United side who are obviously above and beyond most everyone else in England.</p>
<p>Sure, it's disheartening, but this is what we've wanted to see all year in terms of process. The outcome could have been better, but look just at how this match played out and it's hard to be too upset. </p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3627998/final-and-video-chicharitos-2nd-goal-kind-of-his-third-give-unitedRobert Lintott2012-11-10T18:55:02+00:002012-11-10T18:55:02+00:00VIDEO: Weimann adds 2nd, Chicharito gets 2
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<p><span>Andreas Weimann</span> will not be stopped. He scored his second goal minutes after the whistle to begin the second half. A great run up the left by <span>Gabby Agbonlahor</span> followed by an even better pass put Andi in the position to hammer the ball into the back of the net. Even prettier than the first goal, since this was all finesse. </p>
<p>Moving pictures, of course: </p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715917/Weimann2nd1st.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Weimann2nd1st_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715917/Weimann2nd1st_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>And another view:</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715941/Weimann2nd2nd.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Weimann2nd2nd_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715941/Weimann2nd2nd_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Unfortunately for Villa, <span>Javier Hernandez</span> - who was a halftime sub for <span>Ashley Young</span> - added one for United a few minutes later. </p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715949/ChicharitoGoal.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Chicharitogoal_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715949/ChicharitoGoal_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Not much that <span>Brad Guzan</span> could do about that. Nor was there much he could do about Hernandez' second goal, which came as the result of some rancid Villa defending:</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715957/CHicharito_Seond.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Chicharito_seond_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715957/CHicharito_Seond_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1352573649840"></p>
<p>This match has been amazing so far, and if you aren't watching find a way to do so. I am shaking from adrenaline and this is just oh my god what is happening....</p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3627850/video-weimann-scores-second-chicharito-adds-two-villa-and-man-u-tiedRobert Lintott2012-11-10T18:36:51+00:002012-11-10T18:36:51+00:00VIDEO: Weimann Goal Gives Villa Halftime Lead
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<p>The first half could not have gone much better for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a>. The defense, led by <span>Ron Vlaar</span> has allowed pressure but has buckled down in front of the goal. Using opportunities started (often from Vlaar) there, and some excellent linking play from the midfield (especially <span>Stephen Ireland</span>), Villa have put together significant pressure on the counter. </p>
<p>It looked like Villa would go into the halftime break with a 0-0 score on their hands, but a last-second effort in stoppage time saw <span>Christian Benteke</span> take the ball up the left flank, muscle his way around the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> defense, and send a ball to <span>Andreas Weimann</span>. Once the ball got there, Weimann rocketed a shot into the back of the net and gave Aston Villa a 1-0 halftime lead. </p>
<p>In case you missed the goal (and good lord it was pretty), here's some moving images of it to keep you happy:</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715861/Weimann_Overhead.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Weimann_overhead_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715861/Weimann_Overhead_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>and another view:</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715885/Weimann_Pitch.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Weimann_pitch_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715885/Weimann_Pitch_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>And because it made me smile, here is Weimann celebrating:</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715893/Weimann_Happy.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Weimann_happy_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1715893/Weimann_Happy_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1352572549603"></p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3627804/video-weimann-scores-to-make-it-avfc-1-0-man-u-at-halftimeRobert Lintott2012-11-10T16:50:15+00:002012-11-10T16:50:15+00:00Lineups for Villa vs United
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<p>Can you imagine this conversation?</p>
<p><span>Paul Lambert</span>: So, Enda, we're going to give you your full Premier League debut soon.</p>
<p>Stevens: When were you thinking, boss?</p>
<p>PL: Well, how's against United sound?</p>
<p>Stevens: (puddle forms on the floor)</p>
<p>But hey -- fun attacking lineup! I'm kind of reminded about the "kids" match that occurred two seasons ago, when we saw the best of Gerard Houllier's ideas only to have United come back and even the score.</p>
<p>Sigh.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> Starting XI: <span>Brad Guzan</span>; <span>Matthew Lowton</span>, <span>Ron Vlaar</span>, <span>Ciaran Clark</span>, <span>Enda Stevens</span>; <span>Ashley Westwood</span>, <span>Barry Bannan</span>, <span>Stephen Ireland</span>; <span>Andreas Weimann</span>, <span>Gabby Agbonlahor</span>, <span>Christian Benteke</span>.</p>
<p>Substitutes (from): <span>Shay Given</span>, <span>Marc Albrighton</span>, <span>Brett Holman</span>, <span>Fabian Delph</span>, <span>Karim El Ahmadi</span>, <span>Jordan Bowery</span>, Derrick Williams</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a> Starting XI: David De Gea, Rafael, <span>Patrice Evra</span>, <span>Chris Smalling</span>, <span>Rio Ferdinand</span>, <span>Michael Carrick</span>, <span>Paul Scholes</span>, <span>Antonio Valencia</span>, <span>Ashley Young</span>, Robin Van Persie, <span>Wayne Rooney</span>.</p>
<p>Substitutes (from): Anderson, <span>Anders Lindegaard</span>, <span>Javier Hernandez</span>, <span>Danny Welbeck</span>, <span>Tom Cleverley</span>, <span>Darren Fletcher</span>, Alexander Buttner</p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3627232/aston-villa-vs-manchester-united-lineupsKirsten Schlewitz2012-11-10T16:30:45+00:002012-11-10T16:30:45+00:00Villa - United: Keep calm and chat on
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<figcaption>I have no idea why this photo is available but I love it. | Phil Cole</figcaption>
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<p>First place Manchester United come to Villa Park on Saturday, where Aston Villa are still thrilled with picking up all three points last weekend. Can the Villans take anything from United?</p> <p>Hey guys! We ready for Aston Villa to take on Manchester United? Are we? Are we? It's always fun when a club hovering just above the relegation zone takes on the team at the top. Especially since Villa always come back against United and take points at the last minute. Oh yes, everything will be glorious.</p>
<p>Excuse me while I go slip some more whiskey in my coffee.</p>
<p>Of course, others aren't quite as panicked as I am. This could be because no one finds it worth getting into a tither over United, as it's just a given we aren't taking points. Or it's because they believe that the Red Devils (do people really call them that? Like with a straight face?)<a href="http://www.7500toholte.com/2012/11/10/3626192/aston-villa-vs-manchester-united-match-preview" target="_blank"> have some weaknesses that Villa could exploit</a>.</p>
<p>Which way do you lean? Are you keeping calm and carrying on? Or are you spiking your tea? Whichever way, stick around and chat awhile.</p>
<p><b>TV</b>: Sky Sports 2 (UK), Fox Sports (USA)</p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3627156/aston-villa-vs-manchester-united-open-thread-chatKirsten Schlewitz2012-11-10T10:51:06+00:002012-11-10T10:51:06+00:00Villa-United: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Clive Rose</figcaption>
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<p>There's no such thing as a good time to face Manchester United, but on the back of a big win at Sunderland and little if any expectation that Villa could take anything from the league leaders, the lack of pressure makes this a better time than most.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> don't tend to perform well against Manchester United. That isn't much of a secret. Their last home win over the Red Devils came on the opening day of the 1995-96 season, the lone United goal coming from <span>David Beckham</span>. That squad was anchored by Eric Cantona and captained by Steve Bruce, while Villa rode Paul McGrath, Ian Taylor and Dwight Yorke to a 4th place finish in the Premier League and a League Cup title. It's been awhile, in other words. </p>
<p>Last season wasn't any exception. United entered that game looking quite vulnerable and turned in a pretty uninspired performance, but Alex McLeish was unwilling to go forward and <span>Phil Jones</span>' 20th minute goal was more than enough. It was objectively one of the least entertaining games of the season, and the beginning of the end of my patience with that regime. That doesn't have much to do with this game, but there's a lesson that can be taken from it; you can sit back and try to hold on for a 0-0 all you want, but teams like United are so good that they can play like relative garbage and still nick a win more often than not.</p>
<p>Aston Villa put a very attacking team on the pitch against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a>, and they played their best game of the season. Clearly United is a <i>little</i> bit better than Sunderland, but the point remains; good stuff happened last weekend. Perhaps good stuff could continue to happen! These games are largely zero stakes, and sometimes throwing caution to the wind and going for it can yield positive results. Remember two years ago at Old Trafford? That never would have happened had Villa gone into that game with grinding out a result their primary goal. It's not that I have any real objection to playing bunker-and-counter, it's just that this team isn't really all that well constructed to do so. One of my biggest frustrations is teams playing against their strengths in deference to the opposition; more often than not, it comes back to bite you.</p>
<p>Look, Aston Villa isn't a good team right now, and United is one of the best in England if not the world. But Villa is talented, and on the occasions they've been good this year they's been <i>really</i> good. If this were an aging team just looking to hang on to safety and make it through a transitional period things might be different, but it isn't. This is a team that's going to have to get some major contributions from some young and inexperienced players in order to be at their best. They need to know that <span>Paul Lambert</span> believes that they can get it done in order to show the kind of confidence that will lead to consistently good performances. When this team is playing well, it's because they're trusting their instincts and moving the ball around quickly. When they struggle, it's because they look unsure of themselves. I don't think that's an accident, and being told that they're good enough to go out their against Manchester United and play the same kind of football they'd play against the Readings and Sunderlands of the world-<i>even if it's a lie</i>-might be the best approach. I don't know as much about the football, the squad, man motivation or stylish eyewear as Paul Lambert and no matter what happens I'm not about to second guess him. To the contrary, I feel like I'm picking up on the theme he's decided to run with; we're Aston Villa, and this is what we're going to do come hell or high water. It's not always going to work, but that doesn't mean it's the wrong decision.</p>
<p>I'm committed to what's going on at this club right now, and after last weekend I'm excited. And if Aston Villa come out and try to take this game to United and get blown apart, it's not going to change my mind. But if they come out tentatively, looking to play on the back foot and lacking aggression, it will be a disappointment. This team needs an identity and a philosophy, and it shouldn't be one that embraces a defeatist attitude. It's too early in the season for that. I want to know what this team is truly capable of, and this game could give us a pretty solid idea. </p>
https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/2012/11/10/3626192/aston-villa-vs-manchester-united-match-previewAaron Campeau