Married to Claret and Blue - an Aston Villa Podcast

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss the game and the huge implications for Villa's chances of Champions League qualification for the second year runningThe toughest of the remaining games complete and that's 21 points from 24 and fast finishing Villa seem calmer than some very nervous teams above.A very measured performance, full of exceptional individual games Some unlikely heroes:Cash MOM?Onana MOM?Mings Emery team selection excellent and worked a treatThe tactics perfectPlayers scores Subs Ramsey sending off last minute drama Distributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss their trip to the Villa and their vital win in the chase for champions league qualification. Topics discussed:The safe standing area in the Holte End Overall thoughts on the performance - professional while also being sloppyTeam selection Scoring the players and MOM The weird substitutions Distributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

Rupert of the Husband and wife team bravely flies solo to try and find reasons why yesterdays FA cup semi final turned into such a horror, nightmare shit-show.He boils it down to 5 reasonsEmery's conservative nature on team selectionThe teams awful soporific walking football start Special section on Pau Torres (with a few others)The treatment of Donny Maalen Stop it with "great season" BS its only been 6 weeks and 9 games of good stuff, we have played like this beforeDistributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

Emery treats an ageing Man City like PSG and sacrifices momentum and in the end crucial points. CL qualification seems to have gone.Husband Rupert's attacks:Emery's strange tacticsEmerys subs Playing Rogers on the rightMartinez season turning into a nightmare Pau Torres contributing to this messCousins Nick and Jo try and bring some reason to this disappointing madness Distributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

Husband is joined by Cous Jo to do a quick final whistle chat after Villa's incredibly comprehensive victory over media darlings and previous team most likely to achieve UCL qualification Newcastle.No need to type further on what's on the pod - LISTEN TO HOW BRILLIANT VILLA WEREDistributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

Verna hosts Europe's leading Husband and wife podcast on all things Aston Villa. How do you summarise one of the greatest nights in Aston Villa's history - ever? Nick apologises to Mcginn, Verna thinks Rashford lifted the whole team to new levels, Jo and Rupert bang heads again about Rashford and Watkins.They discuss all the goals, all the misses, all the drama and those substitutions Distributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

The Cousins Nick and Jo join husband Rupert to discuss the Villa's impressive structure and defence against a superb PSG. Does having only 25% possession mean you played poorly? What a wonderful team goal for Rogers. PSG score 2.5 worldies to beat us.Villa still very much in this tie - believe! Distributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss Villa's excellent and vital win against Nottingham Forest. The married couple are in ClubMed in Marbella but took time out from crappy Pina Colodas to cheer on this fabulous 3 points.Talking points 8 changes by Emery, now he looks like a geniusfast start The game seemed over at 15 mins Garcia and particularly Maatsen were raiding forward New defence looked solid Youri and Onana dominant Maalen fast and dangerousAlex Morenos jacket Then the second half started and it was the complete opposite, 13 shots by Forest and scoring once, how? - incredible Wonderful 3 points Distributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

A full family pod, first ever!! Europe's leading husband and wife podcast on all things Aston Villa are joined by both cousins - yes the wife, the husband and both Cousins:Rupert so excited he forgets to press record and misses some great stuff We discussNicks trip with his kids in the away end - Limbs, Asensio, Rashford, the singing all game and before Bobblegate - Jo wore the Villa bobble hat in the home end last year, Jo has the hat thrown on the pitch and all hell breaks looseThe game Ramsey penalty Martinez save onto post Var rant Rashford finish Asensio what a player Maalen finish And of course the usual Watkins debatePlus Forest predictions Distributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

Immediate full time whistle discussion with the Cousins and the Husband. from Married to Claret and Blue, Jo discusses what its like to support a team where you are so confident that they will find a way to win. The husband Rupert admits to still remaining nervous at the end of the first half and Jo asks him to stop scapegoating. I cant help it - Digne had a dreadful first half and Watkins missed 2 sitters.We discuss playing Palace and whether its a good draw. Is Mings a warrior and legend class?Rashford/Ramsey/Rogers/Mings/Konsa/ Youri and Boub all starWe are now running into great form just a right time. Everyone scoring now with Rashford and Ramsey, defence now solid with the high line boys back.Brighton and Forest next With PSG week on wednedsay. Distributed by Audiomeans. Visit audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite for more information.

Rupert is joined by his cousins Nick and Jo to discuss the comfortable 3 nil win over FC Bruges PSG up next Brilliant Emery engineers a masterclass Rashford superb Assensio superb Maaatsen superb

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert are reunited to discuss Villa dogged, resolute, heroric, bodies on line defending that was an Emery team from 18 months ago,Big talking points: Disasi MOTM and what a fun defender - head it, kick it, fuck it Mings and Konsa - the band back together and weird that then clean sheets return. Watch out PauRobin Olsen - take a bow. ridiculed and reviled and now a cult hero. After a nervy 3 minutes start, he was faultless Watkins - excellent second half and V admits to eating a bit of humble pie Bailey - that's it mate, see you in Turkey next year. the free kick summed up your value to the team A GREAT WIN< CL QUALIFICATION BACK ON - WHAT A WEEK

Married to Claret and Blue discuss last nights glorious victory and try and understand how Villa took a game that was drifting to a draw and turned it into such a convincing victory.Key points Early goal for Bailey Rashford half chance Bruges equalise great save from MartinezSecond half the incredible clearance/save by Mings Emery changes the game with 4 subs the incredible final 4 minutes of normal time Talking points - redemption for Mings, much better defence with Mings/Martinez and Konsa. The formation didn't work with the 2 wide players, Poor Watkins looks lost and out of form.

Europe's leading Husband and wife team on AVFC Rupert and Verna visit their beloved Villa and stand outside the Trinity entrance A for 25 minutes, missing 12 mins of the match.Villa cruise into last 8 Garcia/Bogarde/Assensio the stand out players. Rashford also does well - created 6 chances Watkins played to get his scoring touch back - hmmmm!Emery taking this cup very seriously now.Who might be being replaced in the Summer?

Husband Rupert begs his cousins Nick and Jo to come on to a final whistle pod to try and understand what on earth happened in that second half collapse against Crystal Palace. Emery's formation and team selection seemed to completely undermine all that excellent work in the second half against Chelsea. Villa, the show pony, pass the ball around a bit, achieving very little but Emery enjoying the controlPalace score from their first attack (where have we heard that before)Emery watches and waits, waits and waits some more until the game is lost and further chaos ensures.Poor stuff from Villa vaunted coach Ramsey over Rashford just one example of baffling slections

Mark discusses........ The fabulous end of to last season The sale of Olisse and buying of the 3 replacement players How do they play? Glasner and his attributes plus his Austrian maximIsmaila Sarr - he was nearly a Villan.WhartonThank god that Mathew Turner isnt playing

Verna returns to join husband Rupert to discuss the pulsating, riveting, nerve shredding victory over CL qualification rivals Chelsea.Rashford arrives at half time and with Mcginn, Youri, Maalen and Assensio somehow get Villa over the line to a win with 2 goals in the second half ,Another slow start, another goal given to the opposition, another masterclass in ineptitude from Watkins.Bit this is what they new guys were bought for, to drag this sluggish side over the line and now there are delivering. More nice results today and we didnt blow it this time.wonderful, wonderful stuff

Husband is joined by the cousins Nick and Jo, as its a midweek game and Verna the wife is only contractually obliged to appear at weekend premiership games,The cousins discuss the pulsating, heart aching nature of the gamecould have won and could have lost it the villa midfield dominantMartinez saves wow Garcia recovery was superb form after this crucial mistake Watkins brilliant Nick and Rupert believe another draw compounds our problems in European qualification where as Jo is still a believer

Husband - of European's leading podcast on Aston Villa by a married couple - does a solo, final whistle pod on the very disappointing result against a team with only10 men for over 50 minutes.Same old, same oldLazy, casual and complacent defending Poor finishing from Watkins and now too consistently... Dreadful corners Not capitalising on other teams also losing around us In fact Villa went backwards today to 9th and still with negative goal difference - simply not good enoughThe new players were the big positive - in particular Marcus Rashfordwho is indeed Marcus Rashford. He was superb

Husband and wife team get together (virtually) from the Midlands and Paris to give an enthusiastic thumbs up to Villa's win against Spurs.Close to the best performance of the season.Emery surprises with leaving the new stars on the bench. But Garcia and Maalen both do exceptionally well. Garcia goes from Spanish second division to playing against the Big 6 without a blink. Great poise from the young man.Both replacements CBs deserve a mention, impressive stuff Mcginn and Rodgers immense - get the ball on the half turn Ramsey lucky to score as his 5 shots we all at the goalkeeper.Asenssio my new favourite player Rashford definitely wants to play and perform

Husband from Europe's leading Husband and wife podcast on all things Aston Villa discusses the Villa's hectic transfer window with Cousin Jo Harper.They discuss in detail the departures of Billy Jean Bidace, Human Statue Carlos, the Skittle Buendia, Kosta N , who is Joe Gaucia? and finally the big transfer of the window the departure of Jhon Duran to Al Nassir, leaving his beloved Aston Villa.Jo and Rupert also discuss whether Rashford and Assensio will work out, plus they both appear to like Maalan. TheDisasi signing key as it was 6/7 out of 10 window but his signing turned it into a 9 out of 10 Scratchy internet, but some good views all the same.

LIfe-long Spurs fan Gary Collins bravely joins the Husband, Rupert to discuss Spur's season - the injuries, Ang ball, levy, the signings and the kids keeping it going. They also discuss the history between the clubs in the cup and parallels in their recent poor trophy haul Gary gives a view on whether Ange will survive a defeat at Villa and go out of both cups in a week A digital fireside chat between old friends

Rupert - the husband- does a quick final whistle view of the very disappointing 2 nil loss at WolvesWhat's Emery's plan after a mid week game, continue to play a tired team?The injuries are not helping Wolves should have been 4 nil up at HT Villa make 4 subs - 3 make a differencethe Ref and Var deliver another awful performanceThat's probably it for Leon Bailey We need some new players, lets get Rashford and Felix and any CB

Husband and wife Verna and Rupert have an immediate reaction to more dropped points against West Ham. Villa's position as the 8th be team feels right as they are now adrift from better teams above No doubt more excuses of tiredness to follow Great start and lovely one touch football, great finish from RamseyMing's injury definitely impacted the Villa and the positively the Hammers. We held our breath and feared the worst, but our defensive hero appeared on the bench in the second halfCeltic now a massive game Ramsey, Konsa, Youri and particualry Kamara

The family get together - the cousins Nick and Jo join Rupert; (the husband) while Verna continues her slow journey back from Nice/Monaco. We discuss in detail what went wrong:Was it the substitutions that stopped any momentum why didn't they hit the ball longer down the channels? to 2 strikers?What is plan A and B for Emery?Emery looks pissed off with the playersWhat's happening with Bailey? Where's the width? Will Donyell Malan start against West Ham My experience in Benidorm with a black card Will we now qualify in 8th yes or no?The Arsenal game for a small part And finally we say goodbye to the Human statue Diego Carlos

Husband manages the pod on his own as V watches the Villa in bed with flu.Rupert discusses the brave comeback, the courage to fightback after looking dead and buried A great game for Sky - goals galore, lots of woodwork and a VAR handball goal ruled out Kamara/Martinez, Mings, Konsa, Youri all heriocNeither team could defence crosses Villa still a perplexing team , what is our identity now - possesion or counter or both Ramsey and Rodgers slugged their way into oblivion

Husband and wife team Rupert and Verna chop up up Newcastle 3 Villa 0. Villa lose a game that was spoilt by referee Anthony Taylor, who sent off Jhon Duran far too quickly for most supporters, managers and pundits. Except the perfect idiots commentating and reviewing on Amazon Prime who all agreed Duran deserved it and then seemed thoroughly disappointed that 10 men Villa didn't play better in the remaining 70 mins against an excellent Newcastle. Wonderfully stupid and biased commentary.Mad dog Jason Tindall continues his centre spot-light desire, despite being a perma tanned 2 time mangerial loser The kinda game that make you question why your watch Amazon Prime football and the PremiershipWell done Antony Taylor - a new high in his peacocking, preening career

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss Villa moving back to 6th from 12th after 2 home victories. Duran's excellent 2 performances and a goal, Mcginn much better in the 10 role, Rodgers playing better (rampant against Brentford. But what in sweet jesus is going on upfront - Watkins in 12 minds dithering, Bailey with cheese string hammys and Billy Jean is well...........shit

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss the worst period during the Sultan of Unai's amazing reign.No notes just freedom to express the struggles in the league cup, Europe and twice in the League We will get better

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss the week when Villa finally find full match form and deliver 3 complete performances, except the final kick of the 3rd match.They start with Bournmouth and their trip to Villa Park - watching from The Cells and being pitch level and the perspective that givesThen a view of the comprehensive Bologne performance And finally the elation of a great win at Fulham and Mr Bishop has left the stadium

Europe's leading Husband and wife podcast team on Aston Villa invite Cousin Nick to join in a conversation with Rupert on the season so far. The Boys discuss Has it been a successful start so far?Has the Bayern result papered over a few crack? Have we not played that well yet? Have we lost to the only good team we have played in the league so far? Who are the star performers?Has Emery evolved and changed tactics again - where is the high line? Why do we look vulnerable in transition? The Bench in 2 weeks will look incredible. Will Mings be Ok?Not missing Diaby?Rodgers, Tillemans of course Duran the Crazy Horse all incredible Some themes already - right side of defence (of course), missing chances, losing the ball in transition, very late goals to win games, Substitutions working

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert jump onto a pod to discuss Jhon Duran slightly surprising decision to increase his deal with Villa. Verna not that surprised. Rupert impressed by the Villa's decision and protecting their newly prized, priced asset. Crazy horse's value skyrocketing, from zero to cult hero and now on some serious wedge!Oh and we spend 1 minute on the bore draw against Utd

Husband and wife team Rupert and Verna discuss Villa's win over European royalty Bayern Munich. They record straight after the games finish and share the raw emotions of a simply incredible night.They talk Duran Duran - no stopping this 20 year old rise to the very topWatkins and Rodgers heroic first half Philogene surprsie choice but delivred and moreOnly slight downer the injuries and Bailey Defence much better and organised a clean sheet when we really needed it Emi - of course pulls off a great save

Husband Rupert flys solo as wife Verna is back in the Uk.He droans on: the glorious feeling of knowing you will win even if losing (it feels like Utd in the 90s)Its the bench and subs innit - starters and finishers/special teams and SA extra pack in rugbyHow many comebacks under Emery - its 4 the goals it was a "shit" start says Emery How good is Tellimans/Rodgers and Duran Diego Carlos should quit football and become a nude model in an art school

Husband and wife team Rupert and Verna climb from their sick beds to discuss the comeback against Everton and then the trip to Bern.They discuss the Duran's screamer for nearly 14 minutes of the pod.They marvel at the control of the first 17 minutes and the the whole of the second half. How can an attacking team be so exciting and yet the defence be soooooo bad? Rupert's over his love affair with Pau and Verna is sick of Konsa's whining and bitching. When is Mings back? Rodgers another marvelous game.Off to the Wankdorf and a very impressive return to Europe's premier competition and debut in the new champions League format. Villa could and should have scored 5 or 6. Strange 2 disallowed goals. Is their a better sight than Ramsey and Rodgers running at defences? Wait until Bailey also returns. Duran superb again and Watkins unlucky

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss the successful victory and another 3 points. Villa sit in a solid 7th before the International break:Game review The free kick Tielemans and Ramsey Players scores Emery's subs work again In other news - we were right Watkins is carrying an injury, club in full Duran PR effort, the toilet fiasco at Villa park, price gouging for CL tickets and did Joao Felix actually ask for a black Nando's card?

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss their emotions after the frustrating loss to Arsenal - V proud whereas R very annoyed at the missed chances. If you lose after playing well can you find some satisfaction in the performance? Or is it even worse because you blow a big chance and must you capitalise when you play well? Lots of positives: - Superman Rogers: opponents just bounce off him - Uri Tielemans, how many times did his wriggle out of tights spaces? - All the midfield - Our defence strong - Unai's plan worked perfectly - 18 years old RB - Even the ref had a good game All the players scored - lost of 10s and one player with a 2 (guess who) Finally is Olly Watkins a bit of odd ball? And should he be playing?

The 24/25 premiership return of husband and wife team Rupert and Verna on Europe's leading podcast by a married couple about Aston Villa. This week they celebrate the brilliant start to the season by Villa after a deserved away win at West Ham. They discuss how Unai and the boys in 90 minutes dispel the concerns over: - pre season losses and poor performances (emery clearly doesn't care) - Luiz and Diaby will be missed. Uh no they wont - Team weaker squad better, uh apparently not starting team excellent - Slow start expected and wont see the best until after the window closes. Goal after 4 minutes - Archer better than Duran, dont think so A superb Villa performance, right up there with Arsenal away. The fans can semi relax now knowing we are very good again (nothing like a rest, long term injuries returnees and others fit) All Players ranked out of 10 and lots of 10s and 9s V talks Duran and Cash Exciting and impressive start

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss the incredible feeling of achieving CL qualification. What it means to them individually, how's it's so significant in the modern day of ownerships by Oligarchs, Private Equity funds and State owned premiership clubs. They discuss what it means for the Club and its finances How it keeps the majority of the team in tact Attracting better Talent The Liverpool and Crystal Palace games The rumour mill

Husband and wife Team Rupert and Verna discuss the limp and insipid exit from the Europa Conference League semi Final. Well done Olympiacos but boy did Villa fail. Here's why? Fitness, Injuries, Form, Lack of Defence, Experience in Europe, Emery tactics, Predictably, Rotation, the Royal Doulton figure Diaby and Away form in Europe We love this club and this season is remarkable - Emery and the players have raised our expectations very high. But its still ok to call out our mistakes

Husband and wife team Rupert and Verna discuss the strange Villa Performance against Chelsea. The highs, lows, very lows and then a mini high! Rodgers the only star performer. A lucky first half lead and then full on domination by Chelsea in the second half. VaR definitely a Villian. And now we have Olympiacos and Brighton to come - another incredibly important and exciting week to come. Verna worried by depleted squad and more injuries, should we focus on 4th? Rupert annoying Verna at games

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert talk about their adventures in Northern France and the incredible scenes they witnessed and the pride the feel in this group of courageous young men. They discuss the tired players - the 49 games and the time off given to Lille The cojones of the whole team, but particularly the 5 penalty heroes They give the finger to the French media, the Lille Fans and the Lille President for their abuse of Martinez Martinez stands out proud as Ole said in Argentina - "...like Qatar he beat them, shut then up and then he danced" And they save a special mention for the worst referee in Europe

Wife is away so Rupert try solo to explain Villa's incredible away win of the season against the Gunners. No more written words just enjoy his stunned enthusiasm

Husband and wife team Rupert and Verna discuss a very entertaining Euro conference Quarter final against an excellent Lille team. Some super stars - Martinez 10, Watkins 9 with Mcginn and Bailey always threatening and 8s. The dynamic and exciting forwards who seem to always score are mirrored by increasingly incompetent defence- another woeful performance from Diego Carlos, Konsa picked on by Lille and Pau inaccurate and unsolid. Say it quietly Douggie Luiz also been tired and out of sorts for over a month. Briefly touch on the Brentford 9 minutes of hell. UTV and another massive week to come away at both Arsenal/Lille and some much needed co-effcient comebacks needed to help race for 5th

Husband and wife Rupert and Verna slag off bullying Pep's public treatment of Grealish and could he manage Luton? Will the Villa, the team of the unloved scpaegoats take it to the world champions?? Can something so unlikely happen and CL qualification just about secured? Send for Duran and Zani

Husband and wife team Rupert and Verna discuss Villa's comfortable win against Wolves. Could this be Emery's favourite game? After the first 20 minutes - and the one chance for the dogheads - it was total control from the Villa Boys. It was an masterclass from the students of the Unai-versity. This was a win for undesirables, the cast offs, the scapegoats, the unwashed and the unloved - the squad that people didn't believe we had come in and on to win the game. Tillemans MOM The Chaos brothers Duranizolo a joy to watch - release the fury Carlos solid Diaby back in form Bring on City

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert are relieved to escape with a valuable point. They discuss how much they love Jhon Duran. Brave Emery tactics that didn't quite work 1st half. And how Diaby, Zaniolo and particularly Cash changed the game and a point secured. Captain Mcginn missing, nay bother, the squad help to deliver a point after Spurs loss.

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert discuss the capitulation against Spurs. Rupert compliments Spurs to a point where Verna is annoyed. Rupert then controversially blames Emery for the negative tactics at home which started a chain reaction of long balls, spurs possession, low crowd engagement and eventually the Captain being sent off. Emery over thinking and doing at Pep.? Mcginn goes from hero to Villain. 29 minutes of lament and concern over the future sans SJM

Husband and wife team Rupert and Verna discuss their absence for 2 games and Rupert pays tribute to his dear Aston Villa supporting friend Richard Chambers who passed away two weeks ago. The team then discuss the rollercoaster ride of an evening at Kenilworth Road. Dominant first half display with men against boys displays. Those men then turned into Jello as they lose the 2 goal advantage and with an unsatisfactory draw hurtling towards us up stands Petite Darby and Lucas Digne - the french two some to grab all the points They also discuss. Is Olly Watkins now world class? Did anyone mention we are back to 11 points ahead of Utd? Ramsey injury, Daddy Longlegs and why Nanny Mcphee can,t now organise a defence from corners

Husband and wife team Rupert and Verna left speechless after Villa somehow fail to convert their complete dominance of Man Utd and a hatful of chances. MISERY LOVES COMPANY> So cheer yourself up by listening to Verna and Rupert try and mash up some postives And this was before the Kamara news

Husband and wife team Verna and Rupert do 2 podcasts in one day. And boy was this one easier!! They enjoy the comprehensive thrashing of Sheff Utd and marvel at Leon Bailey, Luiz and Watkins. The first 30 minutes and 4 goals was a pure surprising pleasure! Just what was needed and hugely enjoyable