Aston Villa News 24/7Writer: voiceoftheholte 
Date:Thursday October 8 2009
Time: 7:01PM
UK time is: 13:32:32
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Atmosphere Completely Changes Perceptions
The atmosphere completely changes perceptions
Not a catchy headline, but let me explain. Most of the comments on this site and most of the talk with a majority of supporters since the Man City game seem to suggest that fans were happy with the performance and the game. Some have even suggested it was a great performance against an expensively assembled team. What tosh!
It was nothing more than an average (and that is being generous) performance. There was no balance to the team, the midfield (for both teams) left enough room for an oil tanker to do a 3 point turn. Ashley
Young is completed out of sync with the rest of the team when playing in a 442 formation. Collins and Dunne put in great tackles and blocks but were so deep, they nearly played Friedel offside. Cuellar will never make a right back as long as I have a hole in my backside. Carew won every header but most went to a City player. Shay Given made as many great saves as Friedel (a total of none), there was no shots hitting woodwork and no great goal line clearances.
In short it was a game lacking in excitement, chances, there were no contentious referee decisions and was full of mis-placed passes. So why do so many say it was exciting?
The answer is fairly simple. The crowd got involved. There was an atmosphere, albeit a laced with plenty of foul language. The crowd (well the Holte End) sang, we booed at appropriate times and we celebrated with gusto. All of this involvement changed the fans perception of the game. It was dire, but because people got involved it actually made the whole spectacle much more enjoyable than normal. So this is the question. Why don't we create that sort of atmosphere at every home game? Unfortunately it seems that the atmosphere was only created because some hated Gareth Barry more than they supported the Villa.
I have long been critical of the vocal support of Villa fans, precisely because of this perception. If you come to the game and sing your heart out and get involved you will enjoy the game so much more, because you feel part of it. Exactly what happened on Monday. A crap game was made to feel better because the fans made it that way. No doubt when we play Bolton we will go back to normal, probably watch a better game than against City but will then complain that it was boring.
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Your Comments
I'll give you one thing voice, you don't hold back! I'll give you another thing as well, excellent use of the most underrated word 'tosh' !!!!!!! I do agree the atmosphere 100% lifts even the dullest of games.
the fear
I'll give you one thing voice, you don't hold back! I'll give you another thing as well, excellent use of the most underrated word 'tosh' !!!!!!! I do agree the atmosphere 100% lifts even the dullest of games.
the fear
I disagree. Yes Dunne and Collins were deep, but with Adebayor (spelling?), Bell-End and Tevez up front, what do you expect?! Sidwell, Carew and Young were all a bit of a let down, but on the whole a good game, with some great signs for the future. Yes the atmosphere lifts the game, but don't you think that the atmosphere is in direct proportion to the performance? We all know that the crowd can be a bit quiet if the game isn't going our way, but the way most of the team played against Citeh meant that the fans were in good voice. Onwards and upwards, bring on Chelski!!
juddy
I disagree. Yes Dunne and Collins were deep, but with Adebayor (spelling?), Bell-End and Tevez up front, what do you expect?! Sidwell, Carew and Young were all a bit of a let down, but on the whole a good game, with some great signs for the future. Yes the atmosphere lifts the game, but don't you think that the atmosphere is in direct proportion to the performance? We all know that the crowd can be a bit quiet if the game isn't going our way, but the way most of the team played against Citeh meant that the fans were in good voice. Onwards and upwards, bring on Chelski!!
juddy
I disagree. I was at the game and yes the atmosphere was quite good (despite/because of the boos - I did not boo) and I thought it was an enjoyable game. My Dad doesn't attend. He watched it on TV and not only did he say that he thought it was a really entertaining game but he also said that he couldn't really hear the boos (although he probably watched it in his workshop on a crap TV!!). I, by the way ALWAYS sing unless I disagree with the sentiment (i.e "Barry is a wangler"). I DO agree that I enjoy a game more when the atmosphere is good but I don't agree that the game on Monday was only entertaining because of the good atmosphere. I hope I didn't contradict myself with all that? I feel like I might have!! lol
Adam Deuce
I disagree. I was at the game and yes the atmosphere was quite good (despite/because of the boos - I did not boo) and I thought it was an enjoyable game. My Dad doesn't attend. He watched it on TV and not only did he say that he thought it was a really entertaining game but he also said that he couldn't really hear the boos (although he probably watched it in his workshop on a crap TV!!). I, by the way ALWAYS sing unless I disagree with the sentiment (i.e "Barry is a wangler"). I DO agree that I enjoy a game more when the atmosphere is good but I don't agree that the game on Monday was only entertaining because of the good atmosphere. I hope I didn't contradict myself with all that? I feel like I might have!! lol
Adam Deuce
It all depends on your definition of exciting, I'd say.
avfc48
It all depends on your definition of exciting, I'd say.
avfc48
I would suggest a look at the top right of this page where you can see a 2 min. taster of the game. This includes goal line clearances, saves and goals. What game where you at VOTH? This was the most entertaining game of the season at VP.
Brendanormsby
I would suggest a look at the top right of this page where you can see a 2 min. taster of the game. This includes goal line clearances, saves and goals. What game where you at VOTH? This was the most entertaining game of the season at VP.
Brendanormsby
It wasn't necessarily a 'good' game in the technical sense but it was competitive, close and good to watch.
I totally disagree with you about getting that atmoshpere every match. The atmosphere comes from all sorts of side-issues, old rivalries, personalities and so on. All those ingredints make every game different - and Long Live that I say.
LewChatterley'sLover
It wasn't necessarily a 'good' game in the technical sense but it was competitive, close and good to watch.
I totally disagree with you about getting that atmoshpere every match. The atmosphere comes from all sorts of side-issues, old rivalries, personalities and so on. All those ingredints make every game different - and Long Live that I say.
LewChatterley'sLover
The Villa performance may not have been that wonderful, but relatively speaking, compared to our performances this season, it was excellent. We were playing a much superior side who, in part as a result of our efforts, had an off day. We were hardly going to outplay a team who are better than us. Yes we could have lost the game, and yes, there wasn't too much danger that we'd win the game, but even so, this was the best performance of the season. This, ladies and gents, is as good as it gets under O'Neill: A hard-fought point against a side who will probably challenge for the title. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Albarnista
The Villa performance may not have been that wonderful, but relatively speaking, compared to our performances this season, it was excellent. We were playing a much superior side who, in part as a result of our efforts, had an off day. We were hardly going to outplay a team who are better than us. Yes we could have lost the game, and yes, there wasn't too much danger that we'd win the game, but even so, this was the best performance of the season. This, ladies and gents, is as good as it gets under O'Neill: A hard-fought point against a side who will probably challenge for the title. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Albarnista
thevillan1074 - here's a clue, offer an opinion without sounding like a council house chav.....oops did it myself. Post removed.
mike_field
thevillan1074 - here's a clue, offer an opinion without sounding like a council house chav.....oops did it myself. Post removed.
mike_field
really atmosphere was awful . holte is getting quieter, when the holte is rocking trust me all 4 sides get involved, i sit in trinity as i prefer the view, and when the golte is on form the trinity does its bit, a little singin from sum of us, shouting and roaring, but hlte ay bin the same for a while
meakers
really atmosphere was awful . holte is getting quieter, when the holte is rocking trust me all 4 sides get involved, i sit in trinity as i prefer the view, and when the golte is on form the trinity does its bit, a little singin from sum of us, shouting and roaring, but hlte ay bin the same for a while
meakers
the article is a load of TOSH...but i guess it generates comment.
i watched the game on a TV in India - with the sound down low due to the timing...all i could here was the boos...But it was a very enjoyable game. At no time IMHO did the pace let up and it was very open. A good performance as a Team but with 3 or 4 below par form of principle players...so this bodes well...we managed to carry layerd that were not on top of their game. I totally agree that our defence had to play deep with Man City's strke force. MC are the Team on form right now and you could argue that we played them at the right time to gauge our spirit. Well done the lads....do it again against Chelsea...but 433 MON please.
Bangkok Villan
the article is a load of TOSH...but i guess it generates comment.
i watched the game on a TV in India - with the sound down low due to the timing...all i could here was the boos...But it was a very enjoyable game. At no time IMHO did the pace let up and it was very open. A good performance as a Team but with 3 or 4 below par form of principle players...so this bodes well...we managed to carry layerd that were not on top of their game. I totally agree that our defence had to play deep with Man City's strke force. MC are the Team on form right now and you could argue that we played them at the right time to gauge our spirit. Well done the lads....do it again against Chelsea...but 433 MON please.
Bangkok Villan
carry players
Bangkok Villan
carry players
Bangkok Villan
We're not Arsenal, and under MON we only look like an attractive team when we counter attack using Ashley. The game was exciting and the atmosphere was good because we were playing against the biggest spenders and robbers of GB, and we got/were getting a result (in a sort of underdog stylee.) Not every game is a 4-4 with goalmouth scrambles and 10 man fights in the middle of the park!!!!
Villan444
We're not Arsenal, and under MON we only look like an attractive team when we counter attack using Ashley. The game was exciting and the atmosphere was good because we were playing against the biggest spenders and robbers of GB, and we got/were getting a result (in a sort of underdog stylee.) Not every game is a 4-4 with goalmouth scrambles and 10 man fights in the middle of the park!!!!
Villan444
Generally agree but there was a goal line clearance in the first minute I'd like to add this - he may have scored a good goal but Dunne will score own goals for you over the next two seasons.
SkyBlueSuedeShoes
Generally agree but there was a goal line clearance in the first minute I'd like to add this - he may have scored a good goal but Dunne will score own goals for you over the next two seasons.
SkyBlueSuedeShoes
agree avfc48, I really enjoyed the game, maybe I'm just easier to please these days, but I thought it was end to end, not a classic and would love to have seen more goals etc, but better than some of the paint drying performances of the last God knows how many years (not just under MON)
The Fear
agree avfc48, I really enjoyed the game, maybe I'm just easier to please these days, but I thought it was end to end, not a classic and would love to have seen more goals etc, but better than some of the paint drying performances of the last God knows how many years (not just under MON)
The Fear
I think the game was full of excitement. I suppose 48 is right, in that it all depends on your definition of excitement. I think the amount of pace that each team had meant that neither team could fully relax, especially both back 4's. That made it for me. Ill watch pretty much any match, but I'd much prefer to watch another one like Mondays compared to say the Fulham or Pompy game again.
PBAVFC
I think the game was full of excitement. I suppose 48 is right, in that it all depends on your definition of excitement. I think the amount of pace that each team had meant that neither team could fully relax, especially both back 4's. That made it for me. Ill watch pretty much any match, but I'd much prefer to watch another one like Mondays compared to say the Fulham or Pompy game again.
PBAVFC
the game was terrible although it was a good collective performance. we were buoyed by the fact that we didnt lose to them or it would have added credence to barry's move. we havent played well since teams learned how to stop ashley young by doubling/tripling up on him although you'd then expect the other 2 central midfielders exploit the space but they are so scared of being hit on the counter attack that the halfway line is as far as they get. What they have been told to do tactically is also a factor so its not all their fault. i'm hoping that when downing is back we get him on the left and have young in front of a midfield two behind a front man as its the only way i can see him/us becoming effective again.
themightyatom
the game was terrible although it was a good collective performance. we were buoyed by the fact that we didnt lose to them or it would have added credence to barry's move. we havent played well since teams learned how to stop ashley young by doubling/tripling up on him although you'd then expect the other 2 central midfielders exploit the space but they are so scared of being hit on the counter attack that the halfway line is as far as they get. What they have been told to do tactically is also a factor so its not all their fault. i'm hoping that when downing is back we get him on the left and have young in front of a midfield two behind a front man as its the only way i can see him/us becoming effective again.
themightyatom
Atmosphere does change perceptions, but your view of the game in my humble opinion is Tosh! lacking in excitement! Tosh I say, Lacking in chances! Yet more Tosh! To state that some hate Barry more than they support the mighty Villa! Sacrilegious Tosh! You infer that only the Holte end were singing, TOSH! The North were in fine voice I tell you. I thank our lord McGrath that you do not do the match reports, but I do agree and wish that more would add their voices to the others who sing their hearts out on match day, no matter who the opposition.
steff_the_villan
Atmosphere does change perceptions, but your view of the game in my humble opinion is Tosh! lacking in excitement! Tosh I say, Lacking in chances! Yet more Tosh! To state that some hate Barry more than they support the mighty Villa! Sacrilegious Tosh! You infer that only the Holte end were singing, TOSH! The North were in fine voice I tell you. I thank our lord McGrath that you do not do the match reports, but I do agree and wish that more would add their voices to the others who sing their hearts out on match day, no matter who the opposition.
steff_the_villan
Fear - with all this talk of atmosphere and singing, perhaps now would be a good time to introduce an amended version of my poll question?? :) just an idea....
gmvillan
Fear - with all this talk of atmosphere and singing, perhaps now would be a good time to introduce an amended version of my poll question?? :) just an idea....
gmvillan
So most disagree with me and apparently there were chances galore, goalmouth incidents and an exciting game. So I decided to watch the highlights in the clip as advised. It showed Gabis first minute flick, Dunnes goal and his header wide, Adebayors header straight at Friedel and Bellamys goal and . . . . . . . . . . . er . . . . . nothing else, because that is all that happened. So whilst most disagree that it was a crap game, I actually think I have justified my point. It was a poor game made to feel better by the atmosphere. By contrast the Pompey game was considered to be poor. Well that game had 9 more efforts on target, a penalty, 2 goals for the good guys, great saves by both keepers and was generally a more exciting game. However as people unconciously judge the game by the atmosphere, it was considered a boring game. In fact it was a more exciting game than the Man City one, but the perception (which is the point of the article) is that it wasn't.
voiceoftheholte
So most disagree with me and apparently there were chances galore, goalmouth incidents and an exciting game. So I decided to watch the highlights in the clip as advised. It showed Gabis first minute flick, Dunnes goal and his header wide, Adebayors header straight at Friedel and Bellamys goal and . . . . . . . . . . . er . . . . . nothing else, because that is all that happened. So whilst most disagree that it was a crap game, I actually think I have justified my point. It was a poor game made to feel better by the atmosphere. By contrast the Pompey game was considered to be poor. Well that game had 9 more efforts on target, a penalty, 2 goals for the good guys, great saves by both keepers and was generally a more exciting game. However as people unconciously judge the game by the atmosphere, it was considered a boring game. In fact it was a more exciting game than the Man City one, but the perception (which is the point of the article) is that it wasn't.
voiceoftheholte
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