Married to Claret and Blue - an Aston Villa Podcast

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 gives

Then 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 top

Watkins and Rodgers heroic first half

Philogene surprsie choice but delivred and more

Only 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 rugby

• How 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