10-12-2014, 19:30
And so, after weeks of dullness and discontent, Alan Irvine beats a faltering path to the hurdle which he'll either clear at a sprint, or which will bring him crashing down.
There's not much more to say than that. If you're going to do a Don Howe on us, Alan, it behoves you to at least follow his example when it comes to dealing with the local sea-life. Our complaints about tactics will be cheerfully put on hold this Saturday provided you can get those three points. It's that simple, Mr Irvine. Beat. The. Villa.
![[Image: 2uolvnq.jpg]](http://s18.postimg.org/azg13xnbd/2uolvnq.jpg)
It seems like the worst possible time for a derby game, but paradoxically, it might actually be the best. Weeks of paint-drying performances and results of dubious merit have combined to leave Alan Irvine in a position which verges on untenable, at least where many fans are concerned. Even though he continues to enjoy the vocal support of the players, and the sword of Damocles (or Jeremycles, as the case may be) remains firmly suspended for now, defeat to local rivals could prove a point of no return. The pressure is on to win at all costs.
Can we respond to that pressure? It's been suggested that the Hull match last weekend was a turning point (though admittedly it felt more like a stomach-turning point to me); we kept a clean sheet for the first time in over a month, and some of our possession play was, if not dazzling, then at least more competent than it's previously been, while Joleon Lescott was a titanic figure with the captain's armband. However, the problem of being toothless in attack still loomed large. The fact is, if Irvine can't find someone capable of putting the ball in the net this Saturday, Christmas cheer is going to be in short supply.
Villa are on a high following back-to-back wins, and will no doubt fancy themselves to put us to the sword. We have to dig in and find a way to stop them. No slow capitulation this time. No shooting ourselves in the foot. I want eleven players on that pitch prepared to fight tooth and claw for a result.
There's not much more to say than that. If you're going to do a Don Howe on us, Alan, it behoves you to at least follow his example when it comes to dealing with the local sea-life. Our complaints about tactics will be cheerfully put on hold this Saturday provided you can get those three points. It's that simple, Mr Irvine. Beat. The. Villa.
If you can't catch the live event, highlights will be available on Sky Humdrum +1.
It seems like the worst possible time for a derby game, but paradoxically, it might actually be the best. Weeks of paint-drying performances and results of dubious merit have combined to leave Alan Irvine in a position which verges on untenable, at least where many fans are concerned. Even though he continues to enjoy the vocal support of the players, and the sword of Damocles (or Jeremycles, as the case may be) remains firmly suspended for now, defeat to local rivals could prove a point of no return. The pressure is on to win at all costs.
Can we respond to that pressure? It's been suggested that the Hull match last weekend was a turning point (though admittedly it felt more like a stomach-turning point to me); we kept a clean sheet for the first time in over a month, and some of our possession play was, if not dazzling, then at least more competent than it's previously been, while Joleon Lescott was a titanic figure with the captain's armband. However, the problem of being toothless in attack still loomed large. The fact is, if Irvine can't find someone capable of putting the ball in the net this Saturday, Christmas cheer is going to be in short supply.
Villa are on a high following back-to-back wins, and will no doubt fancy themselves to put us to the sword. We have to dig in and find a way to stop them. No slow capitulation this time. No shooting ourselves in the foot. I want eleven players on that pitch prepared to fight tooth and claw for a result.
Classic Match
In case there's any doubt, lads, THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT.
"I would rather spend a holiday in Tuscany than in the Black Country, but if I were compelled to choose between living in West Bromwich or Florence, I should make straight for West Bromwich." - J.B. Priestley