birminghammail--2020-11-28--'Utterly predictable' - Birmingham City player ratings as Blues struggle

A superb , late save from Neil Etheridge claimed a point for Birmingham City against Millwall .
The 30-year-old had been a spectator for much of a disappointing game until the 90th minute when he tipped over from Murray Wallace .
That saw Blues claim a third successive draw - but extended their winless run to five matches and once again they were found wanting as an attacking force .
In truth this was an utterly predictable and dull arm-wrestle .
Neither side tested the opposition goalkeeper in a first half of next to no notable incident .
Millwall got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked a decent position in the 17th minute .
Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for more than 1,000 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
If you ca n't get on Amazon , you can donate cash through the Winter Wellbeing VirginMoney page - just make sure to put the word BRUM in the comments so it comes through to # BrumWish .
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson swept in a cross from the right which skidded through the area to Troy Parrott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in to distract the Tottenham loanee .
Blues did something similar on the half hour , with George Friend delivering from the left but Maxime Colin was unable to direct the ball goalwards .
The Frenchman did better five minutes before the break though when he was slipped free by Jonathan Leko .
He sent a curling centre into the middle which was just too high for Lukas Jutkiewicz six yards out .
The second half was just as cautious , although Millwall did have a good chance in the 51st minute .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ near post where Bodvarsson lost his marker and met it in stride but headed wide .
Kristian Pedersen had a more difficult opportunity on the hour when Ivan Sanchez picked him out with an inswinging cross from the right but he nodded over .
He found Marc Roberts with a late corner but Bartosz Bialkowski .
Did n't have a single shot to save in the first half , in which he was a virtual spectator .
A bit of pressure on his goal in the second - but never required to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Involved in Blues ' two 'brightest ' moments of the opening 45 .
A right wing cross which just eluded Jutkiewicz and one from Friend which he could n't divert goalwards .
A decent enough showing overall .
Important sliding challenge to deny Parrott a clear sight in the 17th minute .
Won a couple of headers in the Millwall box too but teams are happy to let him have the ball .
Had a late header from a corner which was saved .
Barely tested in the first period .
Positionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , OK on the ball .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here Deployed at left-sided centre back and did OK .
Tried to support the attack on the left too but also conceded possession too often .
Good late block on Bodvarsson .
Back in the side as a wing back , kept his side battened down defensively , had one headed chance on the hour .
Battled away but didnt spark anything in an attacking sense .
His first touch was a pinpoint swept diagonal to Leko .
After that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the odd good tackle and interception but certainly no control of midfield .
Perhaps his most meaningful contribution came with 15 to go when he took the ball off Smith 's foot .
On the fringes for most of the game and struggled to make much of an attacking impact for the first hour , instead having to come deep to collect possession .
Came to life towards the end though and one good cross picked out Pedersen on the hour - and Bela with ten minutes to go .
Blues need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous positions .
If Blues were going to pierce the Millwall defence Leko had the responsibility for doing it .
There were one or two bright runs but in truth he looked like someone who had n't started a game in a month .
Subbed after 78 .
Looked to have hurt himself after an early slip and up against it versus Millwall 's back three .
Barely involved in the second half .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
A superb, late save from Neil Etheridge claimed a point for Birmingham City against Millwall.
The 30-year-old had been a spectator for much of a disappointing game until the 90th minute when he tipped over from Murray Wallace.
That saw Blues claim a third successive draw - but extended their winless run to five matches and once again they were found wanting as an attacking force.
In truth this was an utterly predictable and dull arm-wrestle.
Neither side tested the opposition goalkeeper in a first half of next to no notable incident.
Millwall got themselves a couple of early corners and worked a decent position in the 17th minute.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson swept in a cross from the right which skidded through the area to Troy Parrott.
Thankfully for Blues Marc Roberts slid in to distract the Tottenham loanee.
Blues did something similar on the half hour, with George Friend delivering from the left but Maxime Colin was unable to direct the ball goalwards.
The Frenchman did better five minutes before the break though when he was slipped free by Jonathan Leko.
He sent a curling centre into the middle which was just too high for Lukas Jutkiewicz six yards out.
The second half was just as cautious, although Millwall did have a good chance in the 51st minute.
Jed Wallace pinged a corner to the near post where Bodvarsson lost his marker and met it in stride but headed wide.
Kristian Pedersen had a more difficult opportunity on the hour when Ivan Sanchez picked him out with an inswinging cross from the right but he nodded over.
He found Marc Roberts with a late corner but Bartosz Bialkowski.
In the final minute Etheridge denied Wallace.
STARTING FORMATION
3-4-1-2
PLAYERS
ETHERIDGE 7
Didn't have a single shot to save in the first half, in which he was a virtual spectator. A bit of pressure on his goal in the second - but never required to do anything brilliant - until the final minute.
COLIN 6.5
Involved in Blues' two 'brightest' moments of the opening 45. A right wing cross which just eluded Jutkiewicz and one from Friend which he couldn't divert goalwards. A decent enough showing overall.
(Image: Getty Images)
ROBERTS 6
Important sliding challenge to deny Parrott a clear sight in the 17th minute. Won a couple of headers in the Millwall box too but teams are happy to let him have the ball. Had a late header from a corner which was saved.
DEAN 6
Barely tested in the first period. Positionally sound, solid enough in the air, OK on the ball.
FRIEND 6
Deployed at left-sided centre back and did OK. Tried to support the attack on the left too but also conceded possession too often. Good late block on Bodvarsson.
PEDERSEN 6
Back in the side as a wing back, kept his side battened down defensively, had one headed chance on the hour.
SUNJIC 6
Battled away but didnt spark anything in an attacking sense.
(Image: Getty Images)
SANJOSE 6
His first touch was a pinpoint swept diagonal to Leko. After that it was a bits and pieces display, the odd good tackle and interception but certainly no control of midfield. Perhaps his most meaningful contribution came with 15 to go when he took the ball off Smith's foot.
SANCHEZ 7
On the fringes for most of the game and struggled to make much of an attacking impact for the first hour, instead having to come deep to collect possession. Came to life towards the end though and one good cross picked out Pedersen on the hour - and Bela with ten minutes to go. Blues need to get the ball to him in dangerous positions.
LEKO 5.5
If Blues were going to pierce the Millwall defence Leko had the responsibility for doing it. There were one or two bright runs but in truth he looked like someone who hadn't started a game in a month. Subbed after 78.
JUTKIEWICZ 5.5
Looked to have hurt himself after an early slip and up against it versus Millwall's back three. Barely involved in the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
BELA (for Leko, 78)
Not used: Prieto, Clarke-Salter, Dacres-Cogley, Kieftenbeld, Gardner, Toral, McGree, Hogan.
OPPOSITION
MILLWALL (3-4-3) : Bialkowski; Hutchinson, Cooper, Pearce; Skalak, Woods, Leonard Wallace M; Wallace J (Thompson 86), Parrott (Smith 63), Bodvarsson (Bradshaw 87). Not used: Fielding, Malone, Brown, Ferguson, Williams, Burey.
GOALS
BLUES:
MILLWALL:
REFEREE: Andy Woolmer
NEXT UP: Barnsley (h), Tuesday, December 1, 7.45pm kick-off


birminghammail--2020-11-28--Anti-lockdown protest chaos as police arrest 60 demonstrators in London

Police have arrested more than 60 people following the protests in London .
The Metropolitan Police said on Twitter : `` Officers have made over 60 arrests following groups gathering in London today .
`` These were for a number of different offences , including breaching coronavirus restrictions .
`` We expect this number to rise .
We continue to urge people to go home . ''
Police faced booing from demonstrators and chants of `` shame on you '' as they intervened in the anti-lockdown protest .
Traffic was temporarily blocked on Regent Street as officers attempted to handcuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the road .
Police continued handcuffing several demonstrators as an anti-lockdown protest weaved through central London streets .
Officers asked those in a noisy crowd to go home as the march abruptly changed its direction on the way to Oxford Circus .
Cops have led people away in handcuffs from an anti-lockdown protest in London 's Hyde Park .
A large crowd of demonstrators chanting `` freedom '' left the park near Marble Arch and marched along a road parallel to Oxford Street .
Police officers walked alongside the protesters who carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` no more lockdowns '' .
Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for more than 1,000 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
It is all through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
If you ca n't get on Amazon , you can donate cash through the Winter Wellbeing VirginMoney page - just make sure to put the word BRUM in the comments so it comes through to # BrumWish .
A further 289 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England , bringing the total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40,197 , NHS England said on Saturday .
The patients were all aged between 27 and 100 .
All except 16 , aged between 45 and 92 , had known underlying health conditions .
The deaths occurred between October 14 and November 27 .
Nineteen other deaths were reported with no positive Covid-19 test result .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Police have arrested more than 60 people following the protests in London.
The Metropolitan Police said on Twitter: "Officers have made over 60 arrests following groups gathering in London today.
"These were for a number of different offences, including breaching coronavirus restrictions.
"We expect this number to rise. We continue to urge people to go home."
Police faced booing from demonstrators and chants of "shame on you" as they intervened in the anti-lockdown protest.
Traffic was temporarily blocked on Regent Street as officers attempted to handcuff people on the ground in the middle of the road.
Police continued handcuffing several demonstrators as an anti-lockdown protest weaved through central London streets.
Officers asked those in a noisy crowd to go home as the march abruptly changed its direction on the way to Oxford Circus.
(Image: PA)
Cops have led people away in handcuffs from an anti-lockdown protest in London's Hyde Park.
A large crowd of demonstrators chanting "freedom" left the park near Marble Arch and marched along a road parallel to Oxford Street.
Police officers walked alongside the protesters who carried placards reading "stop controlling us" and "no more lockdowns".
A further 289 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital in England, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 40,197, NHS England said on Saturday.
The patients were all aged between 27 and 100.
All except 16, aged between 45 and 92, had known underlying health conditions.
The deaths occurred between October 14 and November 27.
Nineteen other deaths were reported with no positive Covid-19 test result.


birminghammail--2020-11-28--81 coronavirus deaths in Birmingham and Midlands as UK toll rises by over 300

289 more coronavirus deaths have taken place across hospitals in England .
In an update on Saturday , the NHS England confirmed it had recorded nearly 290 hospital deaths occurring over 12 dates .
16 were reported last Saturday , 304 two weeks ago and 283 three weeks ago .
Of these deaths , one took place at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust .
Three deaths took place at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust .
One death took place at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust .
Another two deaths took place at Northampton General NHS Foundation Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nottingham University NHS Foundation Trust .
Another death was also recorded at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust .
Another four deaths took place across Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust .
Another death was also recorded at Sherwood Forest NHS Foundation Trust .
There were a further three deaths at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Foundation Trust .
There were two further deaths at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust .
There were three deaths across the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust .
And another six deaths happened at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Foundation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless child and make a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for more than 1,000 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
If you ca n't get on Amazon , you can donate cash through the Winter Wellbeing VirginMoney page - just make sure to put the word BRUM in the comments so it comes through to # BrumWish .
There were nine deaths across United Lincolnshire NHS Foundation Trust .
There were eight deaths across University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust .
There was another death at University Hospitals Coventry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven deaths across University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust .
There were five deaths at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust .
THere were eight deaths at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust .
There were four deaths at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
Click to play Tap to play
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
See Our
See Our
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
289 more coronavirus deaths have taken place across hospitals in England.
In an update on Saturday, the NHS England confirmed it had recorded nearly 290 hospital deaths occurring over 12 dates.
16 were reported last Saturday, 304 two weeks ago and 283 three weeks ago.
Of these deaths, one took place at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Three deaths took place at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
One death took place at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust.
Another two deaths took place at Northampton General NHS Foundation Trust.
Another six deaths were confirmed at Nottingham University NHS Foundation Trust.
(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)
Another death was also recorded at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Another four deaths took place across Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
Another death was also recorded at Sherwood Forest NHS Foundation Trust.
There were a further three deaths at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Foundation Trust.
There were two further deaths at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.
There were three deaths across the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.
And another six deaths happened at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Foundation Trust.
There were nine deaths across United Lincolnshire NHS Foundation Trust.
There were eight deaths across University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
There was another death at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.
There were seven deaths across University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust.
There were five deaths at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
THere were eight deaths at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.
There were four deaths at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.


birminghammail--2020-11-28--Jonathan Leko one of three changes as Birmingham City face Millwall

Jonathan Leko has been recalled to Birmingham City ’ s starting line-up for today ’ s clash with Millwall .
@ @ @ @ @ start since Preston away on October 31 and his first appearance in three games .
@ @ @ @ @ in the starting line-up , as is Ivan Sanchez .
Jake Clarke-Salter , Scott Hogan @ @ @ @ @ .
New signing Alen Halilovic is not included in the squad and should make his @ @ @ @ @ .
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter here Neil Etheridge is in goal , @ @ @ @ @ Colin and Pedersen , with George Friend , Harlee Dean and Marc Roberts in central @ @ @ @ @ Mikel San Jose are in the middle and it is not yet clear whether Sanchez @ @ @ @ @ central role in a 5-2-1-2 , or whether Blues could go with a 3-4-3 with @ @ @ @ @ of Lukas Jutkiewicz .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Jonathan Leko has been recalled to Birmingham City’s starting line-up for today’s clash with Millwall.
The 21-year-old makes his first start since Preston away on October 31 and his first appearance in three games.
Kristian Pedersen is also back in the starting line-up, as is Ivan Sanchez. Jake Clarke-Salter, Scott Hogan and Gary Gardner drop out.
New signing Alen Halilovic is not included in the squad and should make his debut against Barnsley on Tuesday.
Neil Etheridge is in goal, protected by wing backs Maxime Colin and Pedersen, with George Friend, Harlee Dean and Marc Roberts in central defence.
Ivan Sunjic and Mikel San Jose are in the middle and it is not yet clear whether Sanchez will operate in an advanced central role in a 5-2-1-2, or whether Blues could go with a 3-4-3 with Leko and Sanchez either side of Lukas Jutkiewicz.
BLUES: Etheridge; Colin, Roberts, Dean, Friend, Pedersen; Sunjic, San Jose, Sanchez; Leko, Jutkiewicz. Subs: Prieto, Clarke-Salter, Dacres-Cogley, Kieftenbeld, Gardner, Bela, Toral, McGree, Hogan.


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Police issue update after pedestrian killed in crash

A man arrested over a fatal crash has been released under investigation .
The 30-year-old was taken into custody after a man was hit by a Volkswagen Golf on Hagley Road West , Quinton , at around 10pm on Friday , November 27 .
Despite the best efforts of medics , the 46-year-old was confirmed dead at the scene .
West Midlands Police said the man , who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and being unfit through drink or drugs , had been released under investigation as enquiries continued .
The force appealed for witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come forward .
Sgt Dean Caswell said : `` A man has sadly lost his life and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time .
`` We 're in the early stages of our investigation but we 're keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and has not spoken to us already .
Buy a gift for a homeless child and make a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for more than 1,000 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered before December 25 .
Make sure you set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can donate cash through the Winter Wellbeing VirginMoney page - just make sure to put the word BRUM in the comments so it comes through to # BrumWish .
`` We 're particularly interested in anyone who was in the area and has dash cam footage . ''
Anyone with information can contact collision investigators via email on FL_collision_invest @ west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight .
People can also call 101 , quoting log number 4670 of November 27 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
A man arrested over a fatal crash has been released under investigation.
The 30-year-old was taken into custody after a man was hit by a Volkswagen Golf on Hagley Road West, Quinton, at around 10pm on Friday, November 27.
Despite the best efforts of medics, the 46-year-old was confirmed dead at the scene.
West Midlands Police said the man, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and being unfit through drink or drugs, had been released under investigation as enquiries continued.
The force appealed for witnesses - particularly those with dashcam footage - to come forward.
Sgt Dean Caswell said: "A man has sadly lost his life and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
"We're in the early stages of our investigation but we're keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and has not spoken to us already.
"We're particularly interested in anyone who was in the area and has dash cam footage."
Anyone with information can contact collision investigators via email on FL_collision_invest@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight.
People can also call 101, quoting log number 4670 of November 27.


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Tom Heaton says he has 'not enjoyed VAR' and agrees with James Milner

Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton has lamented the introduction of Video Assistant Referee ( VAR ) technology in the Premier League .
Heaton was Villa 's starting goalkeeper last season when VAR was first brought into the top flight and Villa were at the heart of controversy surrounding the technology in its early days .
Goals ruled out at Crystal Palace and Arsenal left a sour taste while the controversy has continued into the 2020-21 season , the beginning of which Heaton has had to sit out because of a serious knee injury suffered on New Year 's Day at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were once again involved in VAR controversy last time out when Michael Oliver overturned a penalty decision at the end of the 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Villa Park .
Villa defender Ezri Konsa slammed Oliver 's decision to oveturn his original call , given when Trezeguet was felled by Solly March. ''
VAR sometimes just does n't make sense , '' he said .
Indeed , the controversy continued yesterday in Liverpool 's game with Brighton and Hove Albion .
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was incensed post-match following two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of offside before Brighton were awarded a last-minute penalty .
And inside the changing room the frustartions were shared .
`` It 's `` clear and obvious '' we need a serious discussion about VAR , '' tweeted James Milner .
`` Sure I 'm not alone in feeling like they are falling out of love with the game in its current state . ''
Heaton followed up the former Villa midfielder 's message with : `` I 've not enjoyed VAR - much prefer the instant reaction to goals rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in 2017-18 before being rolled out to the World Cup in 2018 .
The technology is designed to overturn 'clear and obvious ' decisions by referees .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton has lamented the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Premier League.
Heaton was Villa 's starting goalkeeper last season when VAR was first brought into the top flight and Villa were at the heart of controversy surrounding the technology in its early days.
Goals ruled out at Crystal Palace and Arsenal left a sour taste while the controversy has continued into the 2020-21 season, the beginning of which Heaton has had to sit out because of a serious knee injury suffered on New Year's Day at old club Burnley.
Indeed, Villa were once again involved in VAR controversy last time out when Michael Oliver overturned a penalty decision at the end of the 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Villa Park.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Villa defender Ezri Konsa slammed Oliver's decision to oveturn his original call, given when Trezeguet was felled by Solly March.
" VAR sometimes just doesn't make sense," he said.
Indeed, the controversy continued yesterday in Liverpool's game with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was incensed post-match following two decisions to disallow goals for his team because of offside before Brighton were awarded a last-minute penalty.
And inside the changing room the frustartions were shared.
"It's "clear and obvious" we need a serious discussion about VAR," tweeted James Milner.
"Sure I'm not alone in feeling like they are falling out of love with the game in its current state."
Heaton followed up the former Villa midfielder's message with: "I've not enjoyed VAR - much prefer the instant reaction to goals rather than a delayed one."
VAR was introduced in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in 2017-18 before being rolled out to the World Cup in 2018.
The technology is designed to overturn 'clear and obvious' decisions by referees.


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Aston Villa fans have Douglas Luiz fears as Fernandinho exit revealed

Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho is set to leave the Etihad Stadium - and that could see Pep Guardiola ramp up his efforts to buy back Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa .
According to the Mirror , Fernandinho is to bring his seven-year stay in Manchester to an end .
The 35 year-old is coming to the end of his career and has reportedly told close friends that he is n't expecting to sign a new contract with City .
Fernandinho wants to carry on playing and could move to America 's Major League Soccer - and link up with City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
City boss Pep Guardiola made Fernandinho 's defensive midfield role key in his setup and the former Shakhtar Donetsk man has won three Premier League titles with the club .
Douglas , who plays in defensive midfield like Fernandinho , was sold to Villa from City last year for £15 million with a buy-back clause inserted into the deal .
Now Fernandinho is set to depart with some Villa fans anticipating a move from City for Douglas .
It has been reported that Guardiola was keeping an eye on Douglas in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still keen on bringing him back having watched him flourish in the Premier League at Villa .
Douglas could n't get a work permit to play for City following his arrival from Vasco da Gama in 2017 , hence his departure to Villa .
`` You know what that means , '' one Villa fan said upon hearing the Fernandinho news while another simply added : `` Pain . ''
`` He 's going nowhere , '' said a third and another says : `` I know what this means . ''
Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest from City during international duty in October but played it down .
`` I 've been doing my job at Villa , I do n't really have conversations with City or Guardiola , '' he said .
`` But it 's a job that went together , I had help from City with Villa to be able to play in the Premier League .
`` It 's a very good thing to be able to play there without any difficulty . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho is set to leave the Etihad Stadium - and that could see Pep Guardiola ramp up his efforts to buy back Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa.
According to the Mirror , Fernandinho is to bring his seven-year stay in Manchester to an end.
The 35 year-old is coming to the end of his career and has reportedly told close friends that he isn't expecting to sign a new contract with City.
Fernandinho wants to carry on playing and could move to America's Major League Soccer - and link up with City's sister club New York City FC.
City boss Pep Guardiola made Fernandinho's defensive midfield role key in his setup and the former Shakhtar Donetsk man has won three Premier League titles with the club.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Douglas, who plays in defensive midfield like Fernandinho, was sold to Villa from City last year for £15 million with a buy-back clause inserted into the deal.
Now Fernandinho is set to depart with some Villa fans anticipating a move from City for Douglas.
It has been reported that Guardiola was keeping an eye on Douglas in the summer and they are said to be still keen on bringing him back having watched him flourish in the Premier League at Villa.
Douglas couldn't get a work permit to play for City following his arrival from Vasco da Gama in 2017, hence his departure to Villa.
"You know what that means," one Villa fan said upon hearing the Fernandinho news while another simply added: "Pain."
"He's going nowhere," said a third and another says: "I know what this means."
Douglas was quizzed by Brazilian media about supposed interest from City during international duty in October but played it down.
"I've been doing my job at Villa, I don't really have conversations with City or Guardiola," he said.
"But it's a job that went together, I had help from City with Villa to be able to play in the Premier League.
"It's a very good thing to be able to play there without any difficulty."


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Ozzy Osbourne's bedroom 'is being rented out for £400 a night'

Ozzy Osbourne has claimed the bedroom where he spent much of his childhood is being rented out - and you could stay a night .
In a recent interview , the Black Sabbath Prince of Darkness claimed the current owner of his former family home are charging to rent out the room for a night .
The two-bedroom home is located on Lodge Road in Aston - and Ozzy said the house was n't even worth the price of the rent when it was bought .
Osbourne told GQ in a recent interview : `` He charges £400 !
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
They must be doing an expensive extension on the bathroom.
” “ I tell you what was really weird : I went back to that house many years after I left .
`` When you ’ re little everything seems massive .
But that house was me , my mum and dad and my five sisters and brothers – eight of us in this house .
`` It ’ s so tiny , I ’ m going , ‘ How the hell did we do this ? ''
Ozzy also spoke to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upbringing .
When asked if he was able to tell his parents that he loved them , he replied : “ No , never .
My parents never told me they loved me .
That wasn ’ t a thing you did in our house .
If I ’ d told my sister I loved her I ’ d have had the piss taken out of me .
“ Even now I say to my older sister that I love her and she won ’ t say she loves me back .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign of weakness to tell your parents that you loved them .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Chris  Harper)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Ozzy Osbourne has claimed the bedroom where he spent much of his childhood is being rented out - and you could stay a night.
In a recent interview, the Black Sabbath Prince of Darkness claimed the current owner of his former family home are charging to rent out the room for a night.
The two-bedroom home is located on Lodge Road in Aston - and Ozzy said the house wasn't even worth the price of the rent when it was bought.
Osbourne told GQ in a recent interview: "He charges £400! The f****** house weren’t worth £300! They must be doing an expensive extension on the bathroom.”
“I tell you what was really weird: I went back to that house many years after I left.
(Image: Getty Images for The Recording A)
"When you’re little everything seems massive. But that house was me, my mum and dad and my five sisters and brothers – eight of us in this house.
"It’s so tiny, I’m going, ‘How the hell did we do this?"
Ozzy also spoke to GQ about his parents and about his upbringing. When asked if he was able to tell his parents that he loved them, he replied: “No, never. My parents never told me they loved me. That wasn’t a thing you did in our house. If I’d told my sister I loved her I’d have had the piss taken out of me.
“Even now I say to my older sister that I love her and she won’t say she loves me back. When I was a kid it was a sign of weakness to tell your parents that you loved them.”


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Arsenal vs Wolves TV channel, live stream and how to watch Sky Sports

Wolverhampton Wanderers head to Arsenal on Sunday evening with both sides looking to kick-start their respective Premier League seasons .
Wolves could climb back into the European places should they beat Mikel Arteta 's side tonight while Arsenal will be hoping to end a two-match winless run in the top flight .
The hosts sit in 14th with 13 points while Wolves are four places above them with one more point from their nine games so far .
Wolves , who drew 1-1 with Southampton last time out , kick off a tricky run of fixtures against Arsenal that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chelsea , Burnley , Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United before the end of the year .
Arsenal , meanwhile , looked like they were making strides under Arteta following a first win at Man United since 2006 at the beginning of the month before being shocked 3-0 by Villa before the international break .
A 0-0 draw at Leeds United last week marred by ill discipline from winger Nicolas Pepe saw them register a second straight game without a goal and they will be keen to put that right today .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides and one that is sure to draw in plenty of neutral interest from elsewhere .
As part of the Premier League 's agreement while matches are still being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic , all top-flight games are being shown on subscription television domestically .
Tonight 's match is being shown live on Sky Sports , with coverage on the satellite provider 's Main Event and Premier League channels .
The pre-match build-up begins at 7pm on both channels and the game is also being broadcast in Ultra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fans who do n't have Sky Sports on subscription can also tune into the game through Now TV , with the streaming provider offering day passes for £9.99 .
There 's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Now TV is available on most smart televisions and set-top boxes while viewers who subscribe to BT TV and Virgin Media can also access Sky Sports through their provider .
Viewers abroad can watch the game on a plethora of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on beIN Sports in the MENA ( Middle East and North Africa ) region and beyond including in South America and across Europe .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Wolverhampton Wanderers head to Arsenal on Sunday evening with both sides looking to kick-start their respective Premier League seasons.
Wolves could climb back into the European places should they beat Mikel Arteta's side tonight while Arsenal will be hoping to end a two-match winless run in the top flight.
The hosts sit in 14th with 13 points while Wolves are four places above them with one more point from their nine games so far.
Wolves, who drew 1-1 with Southampton last time out, kick off a tricky run of fixtures against Arsenal that will see them play Liverpool, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United before the end of the year.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Arsenal, meanwhile, looked like they were making strides under Arteta following a first win at Man United since 2006 at the beginning of the month before being shocked 3-0 by Villa before the international break.
A 0-0 draw at Leeds United last week marred by ill discipline from winger Nicolas Pepe saw them register a second straight game without a goal and they will be keen to put that right today.
So it's a big game for both sides and one that is sure to draw in plenty of neutral interest from elsewhere.
As part of the Premier League's agreement while matches are still being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, all top-flight games are being shown on subscription television domestically.
Tonight's match is being shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage on the satellite provider's Main Event and Premier League channels.
The pre-match build-up begins at 7pm on both channels and the game is also being broadcast in Ultra HD for those with compatible devices.
Fans who don't have Sky Sports on subscription can also tune into the game through Now TV, with the streaming provider offering day passes for £9.99.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Now TV is available on most smart televisions and set-top boxes while viewers who subscribe to BT TV and Virgin Media can also access Sky Sports through their provider.
Viewers abroad can watch the game on a plethora of channels, with the match being screened on beIN Sports in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and beyond including in South America and across Europe.


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Police pelted with bottles as they break up 150-strong rave

Police had bottles thrown at them when they broke up an illegal rave in Birmingham .
Around 150 people were found to be flouting lockdown rules by holding the massive music event in Digbeth .
Officers were called to a disused warehouse on Saturday night and found themselves under attack , with some revellers throwing bottles at them .
The details of every single person at the rave were taken and each was given a fixed penalty notice for breaching lockdown restrictions .
This is a £200 fine to be paid within 28 days .
Because of social distancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led out and dealt with in small groups .
Under coronavirus restrictions , social gatherings between different households indoors are banned .
This will also apply when lockdown is lifted on December 2 and Birmingham enters Tier 3 .
West Midlands Police has set up Operation Reliant to track down and fine all Covid restrictions breachers .
Force Response tweeted details of the incident in a tweet on Sunday morning .
They posted : `` Op Reliant - An illegal rave in a disused warehouse in Digbeth was discovered tonight .
Buy a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a # BrumWish come true Thousands of children in Birmingham face a Christmas without a proper home this year - but there is something you can do .
Our campaign , Grant a Christmas # BrumWish , aims to help buy presents for more than 1,000 youngsters cramped together , sharing beds , in soulless rooms in B & Bs , and others who will be in a Women 's Aid refuge .
It is all through an Amazon Wish List - meaning you can personally buy a present that will be delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set delivery to the # BrumWish Campaign , and we will ensure the presents get to the kids .
If you ca n't get on Amazon , you can donate cash through the Winter Wellbeing VirginMoney page - just make sure to put the word BRUM in the comments so it comes through to # BrumWish .
`` Around 150 people were inside , some started to thrown bottles at officers .
The building was contained by Response WMP , Operational Support Unit , FSU_WMP and many others .
`` All persons were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details were taken and fixed penalty notices were issued for breaching lockdown restrictions .
The fine is £200 to be paid within 28 days . ''
Chief Insp Stuart Bill , head of the Operational Support Unit , praised the officers ' work on Twitter .
He said : `` Really challenging policing COVID regulations and balancing individual ECHR [ European Court of Human Rights ] freedoms with public health .
`` We all have a part to play to help us recover quicker .
Well done to all the officers involved with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was one of several mass gatherings West Midlands Police has had to deal with during the pandemic .

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Never miss breaking news by signing up to our free email updates
Police had bottles thrown at them when they broke up an illegal rave in Birmingham.
Around 150 people were found to be flouting lockdown rules by holding the massive music event in Digbeth.
Officers were called to a disused warehouse on Saturday night and found themselves under attack, with some revellers throwing bottles at them.
(Image: West Midlands Police Force Response)
The details of every single person at the rave were taken and each was given a fixed penalty notice for breaching lockdown restrictions. This is a £200 fine to be paid within 28 days.
Because of social distancing, the 150 revellers were divided up and led out and dealt with in small groups.
Under coronavirus restrictions, social gatherings between different households indoors are banned. This will also apply when lockdown is lifted on December 2 and Birmingham enters Tier 3.
West Midlands Police has set up Operation Reliant to track down and fine all Covid restrictions breachers.
Force Response tweeted details of the incident in a tweet on Sunday morning.
They posted: "Op Reliant - An illegal rave in a disused warehouse in Digbeth was discovered tonight.
"Around 150 people were inside, some started to thrown bottles at officers. The building was contained by Response WMP, Operational Support Unit, FSU_WMP and many others.
"All persons were lead out in small numbers. Their details were taken and fixed penalty notices were issued for breaching lockdown restrictions. The fine is £200 to be paid within 28 days."
Chief Insp Stuart Bill, head of the Operational Support Unit, praised the officers' work on Twitter.
He said: "Really challenging policing COVID regulations and balancing individual ECHR [European Court of Human Rights] freedoms with public health.
"We all have a part to play to help us recover quicker. Well done to all the officers involved with this."
Last night's incident was one of several mass gatherings West Midlands Police has had to deal with during the pandemic.


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Families must isolate for 10 days before Christmas, warns scientists

Families have been told to isolate for 10 days before spending Christmas together according to a chief scientist .
A warning has been issued by the Sir David King , the former Government chief scientific adviser , as children have a large infection rate .
Meanwhile , Boris Johnson is facing a backlash from other Tory MPs because of the new tier system .
It is believed around 100 MPs are planning to vote against the new strict system .
Sir David King said because Christmas is a  “ multi-generational time ” it poses a “ big risk ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Many children will unwittingly have the disease '' reports the Mirror .
“ People will need to be exceptionally careful unless they isolate for between 10-12 days beforehand .
There will be a price to pay for Christmas.
” Independent Sage scientists echoed his call .
University College London ’ s Prof Susan Michie said : “ There is a big risk if younger people have not isolated before contact with older relatives .
“ If parents know there are going to be vulnerable people around they should want children to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson should have kept restrictions tight at Christmas and introduced two new public holidays in spring and summer next year instead .
He added : “ The spirit of Christmas should mean the love and strength to keep our distance.
” And epidemiologist Prof Gabriel Scally warned : “ There ’ s no doubt Christmas will increase cases and result in deaths.
” Mr Johnson will lift restrictions for five days from December 23 so that up to three households can gather .
But Prof Michie said the huge numbers of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmission ” .
Although cases are generally dropping along with the death rate , infections are rising among schoolkids .
One in five children – 900,000 – are not in class either because they have the disease or are isolating with symptoms – a 50-fold increase on September .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Nigel Nelson, Chris  Harper)

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox
Families have been told to isolate for 10 days before spending Christmas together according to a chief scientist.
A warning has been issued by the Sir David King, the former Government chief scientific adviser, as children have a large infection rate.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson is facing a backlash from other Tory MPs because of the new tier system. It is believed around 100 MPs are planning to vote against the new strict system.
Sir David King said because Christmas is a “multi-generational time” it poses a “big risk” to those most vulnerable.
He added: “Many children will unwittingly have the disease" reports the Mirror.
“People will need to be exceptionally careful unless they isolate for between 10-12 days beforehand. There will be a price to pay for Christmas.”
Independent Sage scientists echoed his call. University College London’s Prof Susan Michie said: “There is a big risk if younger people have not isolated before contact with older relatives.
“If parents know there are going to be vulnerable people around they should want children to self-isolate first.”
Prof Stephen Reicher said Mr Johnson should have kept restrictions tight at Christmas and introduced two new public holidays in spring and summer next year instead.
He added: “The spirit of Christmas should mean the love and strength to keep our distance.”
And epidemiologist Prof Gabriel Scally warned: “There’s no doubt Christmas will increase cases and result in deaths.”
Mr Johnson will lift restrictions for five days from December 23 so that up to three households can gather.
But Prof Michie said the huge numbers of people travelling “would be a disaster for transmission”.
Although cases are generally dropping along with the death rate, infections are rising among schoolkids.
One in five children – 900,000 – are not in class either because they have the disease or are isolating with symptoms – a 50-fold increase on September.


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Thomas Partey injury latest as full Arsenal squad for Wolves revealed

Wolverhampton Wanderers ' game against Arsenal is one too far for Thomas Partey with the midfielder set to miss today 's match at the Emirates Stadium .
BirminghamLive 's colleagues in the capital , Football.London , report that the Gunners ' top summer signing from Atletico Madrid will be absent for the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo 's side .
Partey , a £45 million arrival from La Liga before the 2020-21 season began , was substituted out of Arsenal 's 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa earlier this month with a thigh complaint .
He has missed a Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip to Molde in the Europa League with Arsenal looking to bring him back into the squad for next Sunday 's North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur .
Football.London report Arsenal are unlikely to risk him in the Europa League this week given Arsenal 's qualification is already secured .
Elsewhere , Arteta will be picking his team for tonight 's game with injury and suspension troubles heavily influencing his decision for the 6.15pm reveal .
Nicolas Pepe is suspended having been sent off at Leeds last weekend , while fellow winger Willian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was subsituted from the Leeds game with injury .
On Willian , Arteta said : `` He was feeling something muscular and we had to take him off . ''
So the Brazilian is a doubt for Wolves and so is wing-back Bukayo Saka , who was also injured against Leeds .
He is going to have a dead leg checked on and will be the subject of a late decision .
Sead Kolasinac is still following Government guidance having tested positive for coronavirus during the international break while Calum Chambers and Gabriel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full Arsenal squad available to Arteta against Wolves ...

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Wolverhampton Wanderers' game against Arsenal is one too far for Thomas Partey with the midfielder set to miss today's match at the Emirates Stadium.
BirminghamLive 's colleagues in the capital, Football.London , report that the Gunners' top summer signing from Atletico Madrid will be absent for the visit of Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
Partey, a £45 million arrival from La Liga before the 2020-21 season began, was substituted out of Arsenal's 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa earlier this month with a thigh complaint.
He has missed a Premier League clash with Leeds United and Thursday's trip to Molde in the Europa League with Arsenal looking to bring him back into the squad for next Sunday's North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Football.London report Arsenal are unlikely to risk him in the Europa League this week given Arsenal's qualification is already secured.
Elsewhere, Arteta will be picking his team for tonight's game with injury and suspension troubles heavily influencing his decision for the 6.15pm reveal.
Nicolas Pepe is suspended having been sent off at Leeds last weekend, while fellow winger Willian didn't travel to Molde after he was subsituted from the Leeds game with injury.
On Willian, Arteta said: "He was feeling something muscular and we had to take him off."
So the Brazilian is a doubt for Wolves and so is wing-back Bukayo Saka, who was also injured against Leeds.
He is going to have a dead leg checked on and will be the subject of a late decision.
Sead Kolasinac is still following Government guidance having tested positive for coronavirus during the international break while Calum Chambers and Gabriel Martinelli are still out.
Here's the full Arsenal squad available to Arteta against Wolves...
Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Runar Alex Runarsson & Matt Macey.
Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Cedric Soares, Gabriel Magalhaes, David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding, Pablo Mari & Kieran Tierney.
Midfielders: Dani Ceballos, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Mohamed Elneny, Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Willian & Reiss Nelson.
Strikers: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette & Eddie Nketiah.


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Aston Villa fans want Abraham back as loan hero sends four-word message

Aston Villa loan hero Tammy Abraham has taken to social media to send his old side a message .
And the response from Villa fans has been unanimous : They all want to see him back at Villa Park .
Saturday marked the two-year anniversary of a 5-5 draw with Nottingham Forest in the Championship , a game in which Abraham scored four goals for Dean Smith 's men .
Abraham netted 26 goals in 2018-19 as Villa clinched promotion through the play-offs .
There was hope the England international would return to Villa but his form was too good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignore and Abraham scored another 18 goals last season .
Abraham , still a fan favourite with Villans who have not forgotten his contribution to the club 's promotion , replied to a tweet from Villa about the Forest game .
`` Felt like only yesterday ! ''
he said .
Villa fans had one message for the former Bristol City loanee , whose place at Chelsea is up for grabs following the big-money summer arrivals of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig and Hakim Ziyech from Ajax .
Abraham has started five of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the increased competition well , netting twice in his last couple of Premier League games .
A Villa return for Abraham is very , very unlikely given he is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2023 and Dean Smith 's men are doing just fine with Ollie Watkins up front .
But that has n't stopped the B6 faithful from expressing their wish to see Abraham back at the Villa .
`` Come home king , '' one fan said while another had a similar message : `` Come back . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcomed back anytime ! ''
says a third supporter .
`` Come back please mate , '' another added while a fifth fan says : `` Fancy a return to the mighty Villa in January Tammy ?
Always welcome back at Villa Park . ''

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get Villa transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Aston Villa loan hero Tammy Abraham has taken to social media to send his old side a message.
And the response from Villa fans has been unanimous: They all want to see him back at Villa Park.
Saturday marked the two-year anniversary of a 5-5 draw with Nottingham Forest in the Championship, a game in which Abraham scored four goals for Dean Smith's men.
Abraham netted 26 goals in 2018-19 as Villa clinched promotion through the play-offs.
There was hope the England international would return to Villa but his form was too good for new Chelsea boss Frank Lampard to ignore and Abraham scored another 18 goals last season.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Abraham, still a fan favourite with Villans who have not forgotten his contribution to the club's promotion, replied to a tweet from Villa about the Forest game.
"Felt like only yesterday!" he said.
Villa fans had one message for the former Bristol City loanee, whose place at Chelsea is up for grabs following the big-money summer arrivals of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig and Hakim Ziyech from Ajax.
Abraham has started five of nine matches this season and has dealt with the increased competition well, netting twice in his last couple of Premier League games.
A Villa return for Abraham is very, very unlikely given he is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2023 and Dean Smith's men are doing just fine with Ollie Watkins up front.
But that hasn't stopped the B6 faithful from expressing their wish to see Abraham back at the Villa.
"Come home king," one fan said while another had a similar message: "Come back."
"You, Sir, would be welcomed back anytime!" says a third supporter.
"Come back please mate," another added while a fifth fan says: "Fancy a return to the mighty Villa in January Tammy? Always welcome back at Villa Park."


birminghammail--2020-11-29--'I didn't lie' - West Brom backed up Bilic's claim after key win

So many times we saw him last season unashamedly jubilant after a victorious game , proud of what his West Brom players had achieved , as he captured the imagination of the press room that had assembled before him .
Here , via a Zoom link and not in the media lounge , there wasn ’ t quite that zip .
It ’ s pretty understandable , really ; Bilic had , for the second successive week , almost shouted himself hoarse on the touch-line as he desperately sought to guide his tiring players over the line against frantic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make sure you do n't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter Ultimately , though , the final whistle here was met by a collective puff of the cheeks and sparked the need for a good night ’ s sleep , rather than excessive celebration .
It was epitomised by Kyle Bartley , who upon making his way out of the ground made for Bilic and assistant Danilo Butorovic and delivered great bear hugs to both men .
Bilic reflected those emotions as he fielded questions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge three points , it was crucial for both teams , that ’ s why it was a good game .
We ’ re delighted with the points , I ’ m pleased with the way we played , ” Bilic enthused .
“ Although it ’ s not late in the season , it ’ s more than three points - a six pointer .
It was against a team that is around you , so it is one of those games that is more than a normal win .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s the first win , no matter how well we think we ’ re playing , we didn ’ t get anything from the last few games .
Then there ’ s that cloud , when are we going to get our first win ?
We had to capitalise on that and bring something home with us .
“ I didn ’ t lie - we had a great work ethic on the training ground , a great atmosphere , but we weren ’ t getting the results or the rewards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must take it into our coming games.
” After their trip to Old Trafford last weekend was engulfed in injustice , perhaps it was about time that Albion the rub of the green .
While Manchester United ’ s victory was largely down to human error and related to technology , this was more to do with Sheffield United ’ s ineptitude in the Albion area .
They might ’ ve won the game , but Sam Johnstone was still the Baggies ’ man of the match - that tells you plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Baldock and Lys Mousset would ’ ve hopped on the coach after the game and been left to rue their passing up of gaping opportunities all the way to Yorkshire .
He 's been a supporter of the club his whole life and has been covering the Baggies since 2019 , throughout Slaven Bilic 's promotion winning season .
His aim is to be the voice of the Albion fanbase and discuss the major talking points on a weekly basis - be it transfer related , manager related or match related .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Albion that you 'd like to get off your chest , or something you 'd like to share or have discussed , please feel free to drop him a line via any of the following points of contact ... You can drop him a message via email at : joseph.chapman @ reachplc.com We 're also on Facebook : Joseph Chapman BM Oli McBurnie , Oli Burke and Rhian Brewster would ’ ve regretted meeting a goalkeeper in perhaps the form of his career .
In the aftermath , that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ ll take their three points and run with them , thank you very much .
“ We deserved the good fortune , ” Bilic reasoned .
“ The most important thing was to win - I ’ m played with the way we played , they had a few chances but we did too .
“ Of course they ’ re risking more at the end , they ’ re throwing bodies .
We should ’ ve used the counter attacks a bit better to kill the game off , but @ @ @ @ @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Slaven Bilic was a relieved man.
So many times we saw him last season unashamedly jubilant after a victorious game, proud of what his West Brom players had achieved, as he captured the imagination of the press room that had assembled before him.
Here, via a Zoom link and not in the media lounge, there wasn’t quite that zip. It’s pretty understandable, really; Bilic had, for the second successive week, almost shouted himself hoarse on the touch-line as he desperately sought to guide his tiring players over the line against frantic, pink tides of Sheffield United pressure.
Make sure you don't miss a thing - click here to sign up to our Albion newsletter
Ultimately, though, the final whistle here was met by a collective puff of the cheeks and sparked the need for a good night’s sleep, rather than excessive celebration. It was epitomised by Kyle Bartley, who upon making his way out of the ground made for Bilic and assistant Danilo Butorovic and delivered great bear hugs to both men.
Bilic reflected those emotions as he fielded questions on the six pointer.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“It was a huge three points, it was crucial for both teams, that’s why it was a good game. We’re delighted with the points, I’m pleased with the way we played,” Bilic enthused.
“Although it’s not late in the season, it’s more than three points - a six pointer. It was against a team that is around you, so it is one of those games that is more than a normal win.
“It’s great to win - it’s the first win, no matter how well we think we’re playing, we didn’t get anything from the last few games. Then there’s that cloud, when are we going to get our first win? We had to capitalise on that and bring something home with us.
“I didn’t lie - we had a great work ethic on the training ground, a great atmosphere, but we weren’t getting the results or the rewards. We have now, and we must take it into our coming games.”
After their trip to Old Trafford last weekend was engulfed in injustice, perhaps it was about time that Albion the rub of the green.
While Manchester United’s victory was largely down to human error and related to technology, this was more to do with Sheffield United’s ineptitude in the Albion area.
They might’ve won the game, but Sam Johnstone was still the Baggies’ man of the match - that tells you plenty of how the game panned out.
Indeed George Baldock and Lys Mousset would’ve hopped on the coach after the game and been left to rue their passing up of gaping opportunities all the way to Yorkshire.
Our man at Albion: Joseph Chapman Joseph Chapman is BirminghamLive's dedicated Albion reporter. He's been a supporter of the club his whole life and has been covering the Baggies since 2019, throughout Slaven Bilic's promotion winning season. His aim is to be the voice of the Albion fanbase and discuss the major talking points on a weekly basis - be it transfer related, manager related or match related. If you've got something to do with the Albion that you'd like to get off your chest, or something you'd like to share or have discussed, please feel free to drop him a line via any of the following points of contact... Joe is on Twitter: @ChapmanJ92 You can drop him a message via email at: joseph.chapman@reachplc.com We're also on Facebook: Joseph Chapman BM
Oli McBurnie, Oli Burke and Rhian Brewster would’ve regretted meeting a goalkeeper in perhaps the form of his career.
In the aftermath, that’s not really Albion’s concern. They’ll take their three points and run with them, thank you very much.
“We deserved the good fortune,” Bilic reasoned. “The most important thing was to win - I’m played with the way we played, they had a few chances but we did too.
“Of course they’re risking more at the end, they’re throwing bodies. We should’ve used the counter attacks a bit better to kill the game off, but we sustained the pressure.”


birminghammail--2020-11-29--Six unsolved murders which remain a riddle to this day

They are the killings which shocked their neighbourhoods at the time - but which years later remain unsolved .
These six cases are lying on West Mercia Police force 's files , marked `` undetected '' .
One goes back 74 years , another just five .
But all involve families who , years on , still do not know who killed their loved one .
They include a single mum who was butchered while working as a prostitute , a young dad stabbed to death in his own home , and a bus driver who vanished into thin air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his girlfriend .
WorcestershireLive has dug into the archives to tell their stories once again .
Taking place in 1946 , this is the oldest of the force 's unsolved murders .
John Farmer Powell was 42 when he was killed at Banstone Farm in Pencombe , Herefordshire .
More than 70 years on , there is little on record about who he was and how he came to be murdered .
All we know is he was a farm worker listed as being `` tragically killed '' .
Given the passage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely ever to be found , but he remains on West Mercia Police 's records as 'unsolved ' .
Bus driver Derek Saville was just 25 when he went missing in the Herefordshire village of Canon Pyon in December 1954 .
He had been on a date with his girlfriend and vanished after he escorted her home and then set off back to his lodgings , less than a mile away .
Despite extensive searches and local and national appeals , his body was never found .
The case was reopened in 2007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia came forward with new evidence .
The witness claimed his father told him he 'd seen a group of men digging a makeshift grave at the time of Mr Saville 's disappearance .
Police from West Mercia travelled to Australia to interview the witness and dug up the spot , but found nothing .
Det Insp David Llewellin , from Hereford CID , said in 2007 : “ The disappearance of Derek Saville was one of the highest-profile inquiries of its time and remains an unsolved crime to this day . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacked and killed – although possibly not intentionally – by someone motivated by jealousy .
The `` murder in the mansion '' has become one of West Mercia 's most infamous unsolved killings .
Simon Dale was a 68-year-old retired architect who was found bludgeoned to death in his remote country mansion in Hopton Heath , Shropshire , in September 1987 .
He was partially-sighted and described as an `` eccentric recluse '' .
His former wife , Baroness Susan de Stempel , was tried and cleared of his murder .
The case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the murder investigation did lead to de Stempel , two of her children and her second husband being convicted of fraud relating to a separate case and jailed .
No weapon was found and the evidence against Mr Dale 's former wife was circumstantial .
To this day detectives have not arrested any more suspects for the murder .
It remains one of the Midlands ’ biggest murder mysteries – who killed vice girl Janine Downes ?
The 22 year-old was brutally murdered in 1991 in Telford and her body dumped in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolverhampton road .
No-one has ever been tried for the young mum ’ s horrific murder .
Originally from Wolverhampton , Janine came from a broken home and moved between care homes throughout her short life .
She turned to prostitution out of desperation .
She was just 5ft tall and weighed less than eight stone .
She was strangled and sexually assualted and had also suffered extensive head wounds caused by a jagged-edged weapon , so bad that police at first could not get a positive identification of her .
It emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept as a virtual slave in a seedy Wolverhampton flat .
Originally from Stirchley , David Currier , aged 35 , was murdered at his home in Birmingham Road , Bromsgrove , in February 2009 .
The dad-of-one died from a fatal stab wound to his leg .
His six-year-old son was in the house at the time and was found alone when police went to the address .
There were signs of forced entry to the premises and a disturbance .
There was also clear evidence indicating several people had been present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last year , in a bid to solve the case , West Mercia Police issued an appeal for information on the tenth anniversary of the killing .
His family also issued an appeal , with his brother , Nick Barry , saying : `` It has now been ten years since David ’ s devastating murder and while nothing will bring him back , as a family we are desperate to find out who is responsible for taking him from us . ''
Det Insp Mark Walters , from West Mercia Police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on offer .
“ I am confident there are people out there who know the identity of those responsible for David ’ s murder and encourage anyone who may have any information , no matter how small or insignificant they may feel it is , to please come forward , '' he said .
The 30-year-old died after being stabbed in the arm and back as he walked in Hereford after visiting his daughter on Father 's Day in 2015 .
Three years ago his brother , Wayne Wood , made an emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would ever be charged because of a lack of DNA evidence .
Police said officers had followed a wide range of inquiries and the investigation was still open .
Speaking in 2017 , Det Chief Insp Leighton Harding , from West Mercia Police , said : `` This was a callous and brutal murder of a young father and Christian ’ s mother , daughter and wider family have been left completely devastated .
“ This is made even more difficult in that the person or people responsible have yet to be caught @ @

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Stay in the know. Share your email to get all the latest Court and Crime news from Birmingham Live directly to your inbox
They are the killings which shocked their neighbourhoods at the time - but which years later remain unsolved.
These six cases are lying on West Mercia Police force's files, marked "undetected".
One goes back 74 years, another just five. But all involve families who, years on, still do not know who killed their loved one.
They include a single mum who was butchered while working as a prostitute, a young dad stabbed to death in his own home, and a bus driver who vanished into thin air after walking home from a date with his girlfriend.
WorcestershireLive has dug into the archives to tell their stories once again.
John Farmer Powell
Taking place in 1946, this is the oldest of the force's unsolved murders.
John Farmer Powell was 42 when he was killed at Banstone Farm in Pencombe, Herefordshire.
More than 70 years on, there is little on record about who he was and how he came to be murdered.
(Image: PA)
All we know is he was a farm worker listed as being "tragically killed".
Given the passage of time, his killer or killers are unlikely ever to be found, but he remains on West Mercia Police's records as 'unsolved'.
Derek Saville
Bus driver Derek Saville was just 25 when he went missing in the Herefordshire village of Canon Pyon in December 1954.
He had been on a date with his girlfriend and vanished after he escorted her home and then set off back to his lodgings, less than a mile away.
Despite extensive searches and local and national appeals, his body was never found.
The case was reopened in 2007 after a witness who had moved to Australia came forward with new evidence.
The witness claimed his father told him he'd seen a group of men digging a makeshift grave at the time of Mr Saville's disappearance.
Police from West Mercia travelled to Australia to interview the witness and dug up the spot, but found nothing.
Det Insp David Llewellin, from Hereford CID, said in 2007: “The disappearance of Derek Saville was one of the highest-profile inquiries of its time and remains an unsolved crime to this day."
Police believe Mr Saville may have been attacked and killed – although possibly not intentionally – by someone motivated by jealousy.
Simon Dale
The "murder in the mansion" has become one of West Mercia's most infamous unsolved killings.
Simon Dale was a 68-year-old retired architect who was found bludgeoned to death in his remote country mansion in Hopton Heath, Shropshire, in September 1987.
He was partially-sighted and described as an "eccentric recluse". His former wife, Baroness Susan de Stempel, was tried and cleared of his murder. The case remains unsolved and the files open.
But the murder investigation did lead to de Stempel, two of her children and her second husband being convicted of fraud relating to a separate case and jailed.
No weapon was found and the evidence against Mr Dale's former wife was circumstantial.
To this day detectives have not arrested any more suspects for the murder.
Janine Downs
It remains one of the Midlands’ biggest murder mysteries – who killed vice girl Janine Downes?
The 22 year-old was brutally murdered in 1991 in Telford and her body dumped in a lay-by on the A464 Shifnal to Wolverhampton road.
No-one has ever been tried for the young mum’s horrific murder.
Originally from Wolverhampton, Janine came from a broken home and moved between care homes throughout her short life. She turned to prostitution out of desperation. She was just 5ft tall and weighed less than eight stone.
She was strangled and sexually assualted and had also suffered extensive head wounds caused by a jagged-edged weapon, so bad that police at first could not get a positive identification of her.
It emerged during the investigation that she had been kept as a virtual slave in a seedy Wolverhampton flat.
David Currier
Originally from Stirchley, David Currier, aged 35, was murdered at his home in Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, in February 2009.
The dad-of-one died from a fatal stab wound to his leg. His six-year-old son was in the house at the time and was found alone when police went to the address.
There were signs of forced entry to the premises and a disturbance. There was also clear evidence indicating several people had been present around the time of his murder.
Last year, in a bid to solve the case, West Mercia Police issued an appeal for information on the tenth anniversary of the killing.
His family also issued an appeal, with his brother, Nick Barry, saying: "It has now been ten years since David’s devastating murder and while nothing will bring him back, as a family we are desperate to find out who is responsible for taking him from us."
Det Insp Mark Walters, from West Mercia Police, said a £10,000 Crimestoppers reward was still on offer.
“I am confident there are people out there who know the identity of those responsible for David’s murder and encourage anyone who may have any information, no matter how small or insignificant they may feel it is, to please come forward," he said.
Christian Bagley
The 30-year-old died after being stabbed in the arm and back as he walked in Hereford after visiting his daughter on Father's Day in 2015.
Three years ago his brother, Wayne Wood, made an emotional appeal - and said he feared no-one would ever be charged because of a lack of DNA evidence.
Police said officers had followed a wide range of inquiries and the investigation was still open.
Speaking in 2017, Det Chief Insp Leighton Harding, from West Mercia Police, said: "This was a callous and brutal murder of a young father and Christian’s mother, daughter and wider family have been left completely devastated.
“This is made even more difficult in that the person or people responsible have yet to be caught."