I don’t go to away games so although I listened to the Fulham encounter on AVTV it is not the same as being there, and yesterday I was back there.
What did I think? I think I was delighted with a number of aspects of the performance. I loved:
1. The fact that we were set up to attack, whilst we were all ready for a more defensive approach based on AM’s background.
2. The enthusiasm from all the players to work their socks off throughout the 94 minutes
3. The use of Albrighton, Clark and Bannon as the subs, rather than the more experienced Ireland and Makoun
4. Petrov running for all the game and not only sideways but forward too
5. Bannon running the game when he came on and looking a fledgling, 1st class playmaker, something we have missed since possibly Mr Magic Merson
6. Clark looking calm and collected and ready to be in the team full time
7. Warnock playing as we remembered him doing when he arrived
8. Given being Given in goal
9. Gabby on fire, scoring the first goal of the season and enthusiastically looking for more
10. Heskey appearing 10 years younger
11. Bent doing what he does and snaffling a goal
12. The Villa supporters giving our new manager a great , spontaneous welcome as he walked to the dugout
13. The result and being top of the table for a good few hours
14. My burger van being there again and my car parking place still available
15. The small police numbers when leaving the ground
16. The politeness and helpfulness of the Villa ticket office when I explained that, like a fool, I had only brought one of my season tickets with me, could they help. They gave me a paper ticket for the game at no cost – excellent!
So a great day, a wonderful result, kind words from Alan Hanson and another home game to look forward to next weekend. UTV