Confession: I watched this game on delay, having been out at the basketball all afternoon. It was a bloody miracle that I managed to avoid the scoreline. My iPhone has a self-imposed ban for around three hours. I quite enjoyed the silence.
I did start the playback knowing the #lolspurs scoreline, losing 1-0 away at the Stadium of Shite. This made watching Forest at home to Villa a slightly less stressful viewing. I would have been happy with a draw, but also had the fallback that a defeat would still keep us two points ahead of #lolsours.
I’ve always rather liked Villa. It must be a Midlands thing. There’s never been a nasty streak in them - be it the fans or the players. Plus there’s the shared heritage of a Midlands club lifting the European Cup. Still - three points here would be most welcome.
In true Crap Match Report style, I forgot to log any notes of interest during the playback. I felt for Murillo with the OG. He looked a little clumsy, a little leggy. The guy needs some luck to end his season with.
Neco meanwhile was outstanding. It was disappointing to hear him being booed whilst playing for his country. He’s always welcome at the World Famous, especially when he has his shooting boots on, as was the case this afternoon.
Forest were half decent at home - that’s something that we’ve not been able to say in the PL for some time. I like our choice in goal - either Sels or Ortega are a safe pair of hands.
It was good to see Sangare back, bossing what is a very strong Villa midfield. I thought Anderson was a little anonymous, as was MGW.
Jesus ran his bollocks off, Birtles style. The switch to two strikers was unexpected. Woody didn’t really get a look in. But at least he gets another thirty minutes or so of running off the injury.
And so we finish the first game back after the silly international break with a three point cushion between us and #lolspurs. West Ham look to be on the up. I hope that Leeds fall apart, again, on Monday night.
SHOUT OUT the Forest fans, who kept the faith throughout this afternoon.