I have never gone as crazy at the TV as I did on Friday night. Absolutely ridiculous game, and I aged 10 years in 5 minutes. But so proud of yet another monumental effort from the players - there have been many times this season when we've just played other teams off the park and they haven't been able to touch us, but as the season has gone on, we have learned to be resilient, dogged, determined with a never say die attitude. Plenty of parallels to the Boro match but the manner in which we won was infinitely more satisfying. The very best teams have that extra gear that can pull them through tricky games, and we have that alongside the quality football we try to play whenever possible.
That 2nd half performance from Ruben Neves was something else. Watching him gee up his team mates, calming things down in possession, the space he found, the fact he almost always picks the right option when he has the ball - that performance epitomises the sort of player he is - he ran the midfield and his goal was outstanding. I could watch him all night. A colossus.
Ruddy was immense, as was Ryan Bennett. Boly v Zohore was a fantastic battle which Boly eventually won as Zohore faded in the 2nd half but the 1st half duel was awesome. I'd have Zohore here next season, I really like him. Coady was imperious except in the 92nd minute....
We deserved the 3 points but it's so nice to see lady luck on our side with the 2 penalty misses. No complaints whatsoever from me with either decision - Mike Dean had a good game and they were both definite fouls.
Not that I particularly care, but I do wonder what damage that might do to Cardiff. I'm looking forward to watching Warnock and Bruce squirm on the touchline tomorrow night because that game is huge for both clubs. If Villa don't win, there's no chance they're getting in the top 2. If Cardiff don't win, they may well find themselves out of the promotion places by the end of the night.... I can't wait for the schadenfreude and TBH I'll enjoy it if it's a scrappy clusterfuck of a game with arguments, bookings and bad tackles. Lolz.