FA Cup Final Thread - 2014/15 season

[Fernando]

First topic message reminder :

FA Cup Final  

Arsenal vs Aston Villa

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Brown Ideye has been fantastic btw, why on earth they were looking to get him out and Cole in I'll never know

[Fernando]

Because he was 2 in 17 and even Carlton can do better then that

That being said i feel much better about my bet with John that Ideye would outscore Riviere

[Dolphin Ziggler]

What? Am I not allowed to celebrate a fantastic win & display. Knew the Pulis appointment would do wonders, so many people talking nonsense about his negative tactics. I'd be more worried if I was a WHU, season could peter out now into nothing now. Can't wait for the draw, we'll see you in the hat....or maybe not

It's the being a Kumquat that's the problem, although why I'd complain now and ignore it usually I don't know. You've been negative today, Saido and Sessegnon basically wingers, sat back and let us onto you like we're Chelsea. We've been gash, although having the ref get some balls would help.

I'm not worried, we're top half and played some great stuff this year. You'll do Frak all in the cup like you've added nothing to the Premier League every year of your time there

[compelling and rich]

negative but won 4-0?? hows them lemons dolph, they easily outplayed you today and deserved to go through

[Dolphin Ziggler]

They outplayed us, but they sat back and welcomed us on at home. West Ham. If we'd played half as good as we could then there'd be a different game, let alone if the ref gets some cards out. We were shocking, but Pulis hasn't done anything wonderful. He read the game well, fair play to him, but it wasnt exciting football. Handball and an offside (though both marginal so i'm ok with it) for the first goal, awful closing and a cracking strike for the second and the third and fourth are more woeful defending.

West Brom deserve to go through, but if you think 4 goals means they came out and played some attacking stuff then you're an idiot

FWIW, Pulis got the tactics right. But we were awful and they were lucky we were in many respects because they gave up possession, they gave up territory and they pinned 9 outfield players behind the ball immediately when we got it. Ironically, we needed Carroll and the long ball today, but we needed our two best centre backs too and Kouyate in midfield to deal with their energy. Had to catch up with us eventually, least Morgan has helped out by pushing Brunt in the face. As ever, if you're gonna do it then at least batter the bloke!

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Granted, their football wasnt anywhere near as awful as watching Man United.

[Fernando]

Granted, their football wasnt anywhere near as awful as watching Long Ball United.

Fixed

Before last week only Burnley & Metz has sent in more long balls then United in the top 98 sides in Europe

[FootballLight]

So much for the sophisticated management Big Sam. Maybe you do need to stick to more coaching based work because whatever his employee coaches are doing clearly aren't showing the results on the field.

I always knew that Ideye Brown was a talented striker and seems to be hitting the big time now as Pulis seesms to be installing some confidence into his strikers now. Who needs Berahino?

Reading start with Chalaboah and Williams, very strong central midfield which is pleasing to see (2 more holding midfielders as well, always good away from home). But no Guthrie unfortunately.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

The only bonus is I always get really anxious about the FA Cup in the latter stages cos one bad game knocks you out (as today shows) and never really enjoy myself watching us if we do scrape through. Least I can calm down on FA Cup weekends now

[Guest]

So much for the sophisticated management Big Sam. Maybe you do need to stick to more coaching based work because whatever his employee coaches are doing clearly aren't showing the results on the field.

I always knew that Ideye Brown was a talented striker

Who needs Berahino?

No, because they haven't beaten City at home, won a whole load of games & sit in the top half of the league, clearly, results aren't being found on the field.

Yeah, of course you knew Brown Ideye was a talented striker, after he suddenly scores. Funny

Who need Berahino? err.....WBA do, without his goals earlier in the season, they'd probably be in the bottom 3.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

FootballLight is to John what LiamB is to me

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Mat will probably be annoyed at me if he comes on and sees this, but for fans like you I'm happy for ya. I hope you get a semi-final trip to Wembley at least. Pulis has got his basics down, a transfer window with more than WBA's usual money (and the TV deal plus their early season form must make Peace sure he needs to give him a little wedge) and then some of the stuff he brought to Palace might come in

[FootballLight]

I don't see why managers drop some of their best players for these types of games. Understandably, there are other players in squads that need game time but isn't that what the league cup is for? Especially for big teams with packed schedule's during that time.

Derby today have left out Will Hughes and Jake Buxton who have been key players for them. Understandable with the long haul of a season in the Championship but it's hardly like they need resting now is it? On a weekend match (even though Derby did play in midweek, again though, understandable)?

It's an issue for me. Man City are wanting a trophy a season. So surely they have to be realistic and say, if we don't win the league, lets at least go for the FA/League Cup. They won't win the league this season, can't win the FA Cup, League Cup or any European competition now so that's a season gone by for City without a trophy. So that is something they need to work on. United this season must go on to get into a European competition and surely look to win the FA Cup? Same story with Liverpool?

[mystiroakey]

TP is a tactical genius. As I said last year this lad is much more than just defense. I think he would make a mockery of some of top side managers given the opportunity.

But if he wants to keep this staying up job.. He should start charging 15m a year.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Imagine thinking Jake Buxton is first choice at derby. Scenes

[Guest]

Stoke are out

[NickisBHAFC]

Blackburn and Reading could be going through. Both shocks.

[Hero]

I went for both of them on the podcast

[Hammersmith harrier]

I thought you were a man u fan, Liam?

The red was stupid, but when you're in the heat of the moment, and losing by three, the red mist sometimes flashes.

This a West Brom fan who decided to watch the Man United vs Burnley game on an online stream even though his actual team were playing at the same time.

[GSC]

YAKUBU

[Guest]

I couldn't get a good WBA stream, hence why I was watching the majority of the awful United game that night. Look, we're in the hat, playing good football now under Pulis. You're not in the hat & don't play good football under the clueless LVG. You worry about your club, rather than mine.

[NickisBHAFC]

Yakubu with the winner on his debut. Scenes.

[Hammersmith harrier]

Of course you couldn't Liam, is that why you watch every single one of our games, rarely comment on WBA and have only spoken up now that you've beaten West Ham?

You are an actual idiot, you say to worry about my own club which is in fact all I do whereas you're constantly complaining about LVG, irony much?

[GSC]

Yakubu with the winner on his debut. Scenes.

The Yak got fed some lambs

[Mat]

Them grapes are particularly sour this evening eh Dolph? I'll address a few points.

1) It wasn't total football, never going to be under Pulis, but it was quick, counter-attacking football which to me is just as exciting as watching a team string 40 passes together before scoring. Don't think you can't say we weren't attacking when we scored four, and should have had more. Off the top of my head-Gardner's shot off the bar, he also should have scored the volley earlier, then two good saves from Adrian in the second half from Dawson and Ideye.

2) We sit back at home to everyone, that's why our home record has generally been quite poor. Pulis is clearly trying to change that, we're pressing higher up the pitch and it was effective against both Swansea and West Ham. It's not negative to play to your strengths, it's something Allardyce generally does well.

3) The done nothing in the league comment could be applied to pretty much any side outside of the top 7 and Southampton this season. West Ham are doing well this season but realistically where are you going to finish? 7th at best, it's not really that great is it? Being one step away from a trip to Wembley is very exciting, furthest we've got in years and it's nice to see a manager of ours actually taking it seriously.

4) Yeah the West Ham fans were good while it was 0-0 and up to half time, and did out-sing us. But they were in the stand where our hardcore of support usually sit. Like taking the kop end away from Liverpool fans. And their support wasn't exactly unwavering, in fact there was some "Frak off Sam Allardyce" chants when he made the second half subs. Considering what he's done this season, pretty strange. There was also booing of West Ham passing it between themselves at the back at 2-0 down. Isn't that the West Ham way?

Anyway happy we won, perfectly entitled to your view on the game, even if I disagree! Have a good valentines day!

[hampo17]

Happy with that win, been a horrible place for us to go recently. Gayle annoyed me royally in the first half, twice he went down like he'd been shot from no contact, needs to look at what happened to Ashley Young because if he carries on he'll end up doing himself out of fouls.

[Fernando]

You're going out Mysti.

You know Gerrard will go out with the FA Cup before he Frak off to America...

Put £10 on it

Easiest money you will ever make...

[Guest]

Them grapes are particularly sour this evening eh Dolph?

very sour. Agree with Mat on most of your points, Pulis has got us tactically spot on & playing to the squads strengths now. Hopefully we can get another home draw & I can get some tickets & go watch. WBA, Liverpool, Reading, Blackburn in the hat so far, really is anybody's this year.

[Guest]

Them grapes are particularly sour this evening eh Dolph?

very sour. Agree with Mat on most of your points, Pulis has got us tactically spot on & playing to the squads strengths now. Hopefully we can get another home draw & I can get some tickets & go watch. WBA, Liverpool, Reading, Blackburn in the hat so far, really is anybody's this year.

via Old Trafford?

[Hammersmith harrier]

Haha spot on John.

[mystiroakey]

You're going out Mysti.

You know Gerrard will go out with the FA Cup before he Frak off to America...

Put £10 on it

Easiest money you will ever make...

Did you take my bet though????

It's easy to to say in hindsight.

[Fernando]

You're going out Mysti.

You know Gerrard will go out with the FA Cup before he Frak off to America...

Put £10 on it

Easiest money you will ever make...

Did you take my bet though????

It's easy to to say in hindsight.

I said this 2nd or 4th of February I never saw your bet so no Have you sent a mango & some skittles yet?

[mystiroakey]

Oh sheez.. Erm yeah mangos.


I will sort a pic with a tramp holding a mango and skifttes. Lewisham is only a few miles away..they must have a tramp or two.

[Fernando]

Nah no need I knew you wouldn't do it hence why i went for something randomly ridiculous

[mystiroakey]

I kind of feel like doing it anyway......... But don't count on it

[FootballLight]

Yakubu with the winner on his debut. Scenes.

That wasn't his debut because he was played in midweek when we lost to Leeds 2-0 at home. And to say that us beating Derby is a "shock" I think is truly an understatement. Derby are a very good side, yes, but I'd hardly say the talent we have in our squad is far behind theirs. We just haven't had the consistency we had under McDermott. Adkins stepped in and took this club backwards, relegation from the PL (although that was on the cards when he was appointed anyway), missing out on the Play-Offs last season and lowering us into mid table this season. I'm more than positive Steve Clarke will get us out of this rut now.

[Dolphin Ziggler]

You do know what the word "understatement" means, right?

[Dolphin Ziggler]

Them grapes are particularly sour this evening eh Dolph? I'll address a few points.

1) It wasn't total football, never going to be under Pulis, but it was quick, counter-attacking football which to me is just as exciting as watching a team string 40 passes together before scoring. Don't think you can't say we weren't attacking when we scored four, and should have had more. Off the top of my head-Gardner's shot off the bar, he also should have scored the volley earlier, then two good saves from Adrian in the second half from Dawson and Ideye.

2) We sit back at home to everyone, that's why our home record has generally been quite poor. Pulis is clearly trying to change that, we're pressing higher up the pitch and it was effective against both Swansea and West Ham. It's not negative to play to your strengths, it's something Allardyce generally does well.

3) The done nothing in the league comment could be applied to pretty much any side outside of the top 7 and Southampton this season. West Ham are doing well this season but realistically where are you going to finish? 7th at best, it's not really that great is it? Being one step away from a trip to Wembley is very exciting, furthest we've got in years and it's nice to see a manager of ours actually taking it seriously.

4) Yeah the West Ham fans were good while it was 0-0 and up to half time, and did out-sing us. But they were in the stand where our hardcore of support usually sit. Like taking the kop end away from Liverpool fans. And their support wasn't exactly unwavering, in fact there was some "Frak off Sam Allardyce" chants when he made the second half subs. Considering what he's done this season, pretty strange. There was also booing of West Ham passing it between themselves at the back at 2-0 down. Isn't that the West Ham way?

Anyway happy we won, perfectly entitled to your view on the game, even if I disagree! Have a good valentines day!

I'd say you werent attacking because the team wasnt set out to go and get goals. You conceded possession and territory very readily and on that basis you are asking the opposition to play badly rather than trying to outplay them. Which I think is negative. It can be right, but its not positive football. I don't think you should have had more either, pot shots and a very difficult volley arent really goals you "should" have had.

Not sure its playing to your strengths if thats why your home record is poor

Its not just this season with West Brom, its every season. I like the club for its way of running itself and its reasonably inoffensive image, but the ambition is minimal and the excitement level low. I don't apologise for thinking there should be more to West Brom than balanced books and 15th place finishes.

We'll get somewhere between 8th-10th, but we've done fantastically well to be up in the top four and top six at different times on merit. We've outplayed the bigger teams a good few times and played some cracking stuff along the way. The season was always going to catch up with us, we don't have the money to build the squads of any of the teams above us, including Southampton (who people consistently forget have spent big money for years in a row) but we've gone into every game thinking we can do something to the opposition, except Liverpool away cos thats never happening, so its been fun every week.

Don't get me wrong, we can't have the unwavering support you have for Steve Clarke, Pepe Mel or Alan Irvine, but there is a fractious relationship between Sam and our fans. Old habits in his management have crept back in and a lot of last years stuff will take a long time to heal too, especially when he takes off our top scorer and arguably our best player in what amounted to "we're done, get the good ones off". I can understand booing passing at the back too, no progression is what gets annoying.

You deserved to win, but that mouthy little gobsh!te wanted to have a pop so he got something back. Least he'll pretend he is gonna go next time, cos that would have been hard yesterday with tickets still on sale for a home game. Look out for him trying to get tickets to any trip to Wembley even over people who do make the trip to games. Like I said, I'm happy for you Mat, some people deserve to revel in things like cup runs.

My thoughts also to the families of the three West Ham fans killed in a crash on the way to the game.

[mystiroakey]

my grapes are sour. It tastes like scouse potin rather then beautiful kent wine

[Guest]

my grapes are sour. It tastes like scouse potin rather then beautiful kent wine

One love Mysti.

[Hero]

If Liverpool were to make a wine it'd taste bitter, it wouldn't have made a good vintage for over 30 years yet would always suggest next year they'll make a great wine again.

[Guest]

Hero, who do you despise more, Liverpool or City?

Folk can't believe I (a Liverpool fan) favour United over City.

[1GrumpyGolfer]

Cracking save by Given. Shocking counter attack by Villa. Is that symptomatic of their season?

[mystiroakey]

I favour Brighton and arsernal over most teams, I also like Eric Cantona ... Years ago I used to chat on a palace website and I "am not a real palace fan"

[Guest]

Ignore the sheep Mysti.

[mystiroakey]

Thats what's good about this website- we have a good mix of fans. Ok we could do with more representation.. But I cant deal with Specific club forums- You end up realising your fans are no better than any other- Its allways the same. Everyone that isnt one of yours(player/manager) is in the wrong, but when one of your's does something similar its justified.

[westisbest]

Another poor first half.
Quite sad when the only player that has shown any passion is Given.

What is more annoying is that a hole Savage.
Struggling to listen to him.
Sh1t footballer and just as bad commentating.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

I can't wait until villa go down

[Hero]

Hero, who do you despise more, Liverpool or City?

Folk can't believe I (a Liverpool fan) favour United over City.

I don't really despise any team, obviously with Liverpool is the history between the two clubs and of any club I'd least like to see win the league it would be them. City for decades were just an afterthought, whilst I'm not a fan of the route to their success I can say I'd happily have taken the cash at Utd and the investment they've made into grassroots in the area is second to none, given a choice at present if both Utd and City offered my son a trial I'd recommend to go to City.

[Hero]

Another poor first half.
Quite sad when the only player that has shown any passion is Given.

What is more annoying is that a hole Savage.
Struggling to listen to him.
Sh1t footballer and just as bad commentating.

He's just as much a twonk meeting him in real life.

[Sponsored content]