birminghammail--2020-07-16--Burntwood councillor who "could not use the internet" resigns

A Burntwood councillor who could not use the internet has resigned from Lichfield District Council .
Councillor Bernard Brown , ward member for Summerfield and All Saints , has resigned after negative comments were made on social media following a formal request to extend the six month non-attendance at council meetings rule .
Section 85 ( 1 ) of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a member of a local authority to attend at least one meeting of the authority within a six month consecutive period , to avoid being disqualified as a councillor .
LDC 's monitoring officer requested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for non-attendance at council meetings at Full Council on 14 July .
This followed a request for the dispensation by Cllr Brown who has been unable to attend virtual meetings as he does not use , or have access to , the internet .
Full Council agreed to the dispensation , but subsequently Cllr Brown resigned from his position on the council .
Christie Tims , monitoring officer for Lichfield District Council , said : “ I can confirm I have received the resignation of Cllr Bernard Brown following comments made online as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispensation , which was considered and approved by Full Council on July 14 .
“ I am sorry the report prompted this online response and for the distress this has caused Cllr Brown and his family .
However , the report to Full Council was the only way we could seek the dispensation , and the reason needed to be given in the public domain .
“ All members recognised this was an exceptional circumstance and for this reason granted the dispensation along with delegated authority to protect any member whose absence is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We welcome and encourage councillors to stand from all walks of life to represent their communities , and know that many residents do not use the internet or social media , and the make-up of councillors reflects this mix .
“ Use of technology , while an advantage , is not a specified requirement for anyone standing for election , and it is disappointing that Cllr Brown has been criticised publicly .
Many of the comments are incorrect assumptions and do not take into account the work we have done to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fact that Cllr Brown could not use the internet or dial-in over the phone to meetings , and until last week was shielding so was unable to accept visitors and support , is the only reason this request was made .
In every other respect he did and would have continued to carry out his role just as effectively were it not for the pandemic .
Comments that he received his allowance under false pretences are untrue , as once elected the basic allowance is payable .
“ I can also confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown and other members of the council to access virtual committee meetings since we started holding meetings in this way in May .
All options were discussed with Cllr Brown including additional support and training ( subject to Covid restrictions ) , IT provision and dialling in to meetings using a telephone were offered before he chose to request a dispensation .
“ I am deeply saddened that this necessary process as a result of the pandemic has resulted in Cllr Brown ’ s resignation .
I thank him for his service and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fill the vacancy is likely to take place in May 2021 due to the Coronavirus Act 2020 .

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A Burntwood councillor who could not use the internet has resigned from Lichfield District Council.
Councillor Bernard Brown, ward member for Summerfield and All Saints, has resigned after negative comments were made on social media following a formal request to extend the six month non-attendance at council meetings rule.
Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a member of a local authority to attend at least one meeting of the authority within a six month consecutive period, to avoid being disqualified as a councillor.
LDC's monitoring officer requested a dispensation to the six month rule for non-attendance at council meetings at Full Council on 14 July. This followed a request for the dispensation by Cllr Brown who has been unable to attend virtual meetings as he does not use, or have access to, the internet. Full Council agreed to the dispensation, but subsequently Cllr Brown resigned from his position on the council.
Christie Tims, monitoring officer for Lichfield District Council, said: “I can confirm I have received the resignation of Cllr Bernard Brown following comments made online as a result of his request for a dispensation, which was considered and approved by Full Council on July 14.
“I am sorry the report prompted this online response and for the distress this has caused Cllr Brown and his family. However, the report to Full Council was the only way we could seek the dispensation, and the reason needed to be given in the public domain.
“All members recognised this was an exceptional circumstance and for this reason granted the dispensation along with delegated authority to protect any member whose absence is as a direct result of the coronavirus.
“We welcome and encourage councillors to stand from all walks of life to represent their communities, and know that many residents do not use the internet or social media, and the make-up of councillors reflects this mix.
“Use of technology, while an advantage, is not a specified requirement for anyone standing for election, and it is disappointing that Cllr Brown has been criticised publicly. Many of the comments are incorrect assumptions and do not take into account the work we have done to support councillors in their roles.
“The fact that Cllr Brown could not use the internet or dial-in over the phone to meetings, and until last week was shielding so was unable to accept visitors and support, is the only reason this request was made. In every other respect he did and would have continued to carry out his role just as effectively were it not for the pandemic. Comments that he received his allowance under false pretences are untrue, as once elected the basic allowance is payable.
“I can also confirm that my team has worked with Cllr Brown and other members of the council to access virtual committee meetings since we started holding meetings in this way in May. All options were discussed with Cllr Brown including additional support and training (subject to Covid restrictions), IT provision and dialling in to meetings using a telephone were offered before he chose to request a dispensation.
“I am deeply saddened that this necessary process as a result of the pandemic has resulted in Cllr Brown’s resignation. I thank him for his service and wish him well.”
A by election to fill the vacancy is likely to take place in May 2021 due to the Coronavirus Act 2020.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Who is Kaine Kesler? The latest Villa kid called up to train with the first team

Kaine Kesler is the latest youngster to be called up to the Aston Villa first-team - and could be in contention for a spot during Villa 's run-in , with a number of full-back injuries affecting the side .
Matt Targett , Neil Taylor and Frederic Guilbert have suffered or are currently struggling with the piling injury issues at Villa Park - with just three games left of the season .
Kesler has been spotted travelling to games with Villa 's first team and the seventeen-year-old , contracted until 2021 , is one of a set of current youth graduates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way at the Villa .
The group includes a bright set of stars .
Louie Barry , who joined from Barcelona and Carney Chukwuemeka are amongst the highest profile players , but it 's only Barry , Tyreik Wright , Indiana Vassilev , Mungo Bridge and a select number of others who have appeared in first-team sessions .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here The first step towards their goal will be impressing Dean Smith and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the youngster will have the chance to do now that he is training alongside the likes of Jack Grealish , John McGinn and Tyrone Mings .
Kesler - alongside Barry and Wright - is part of a new club commitment to pushing youngsters on , and has made three appearances in Premier League 2 after impressing in nine games for the U18 ranks .
In fact , in the eyes of CEO Christian Purslow , the age of a player is irrelevant .
Youngsters should be eyed for first-team roles , and U23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upper limits .
For this reason , Barry , Chukwuemeka and Kesler despite their youth are regular features for the U23 side , placed in the deep end of the academy system at the club .
It 's a marked difference from prior days , when Villa would wait until a player hit eighteen before considering first-team sessions and an U23 's promotion .
It 's happening rapidly and earlier this days .
What is especially interesting is to think of Kesler 's position .
The player can be deployed as a full-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right for Villa 's youth sides - and his pace made him a tidy striker at youth level .
Villa have thin depth at right-back and left-back , and have used Ezri Konsa in lieu of both Ahmed Elmohamady and Frederic Guilbert , who is nearing a first-team return .
On the opposite flank , only Neil Taylor can back up Matt Targett - but Kortney Hause can fill in if needed .
A chance might be a long way away for Kesler , but with Villa set to push on with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of players falling to frustrating and niggling injury worries , it 'd be foolish to argue that it would never happen .
In fact , never say never .
With nine bench spots , and injuries surely on the horizon , there 's a chance waiting to happen .

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Kaine Kesler is the latest youngster to be called up to the Aston Villa first-team - and could be in contention for a spot during Villa's run-in, with a number of full-back injuries affecting the side.
Matt Targett, Neil Taylor and Frederic Guilbert have suffered or are currently struggling with the piling injury issues at Villa Park - with just three games left of the season.
Kesler has been spotted travelling to games with Villa's first team and the seventeen-year-old, contracted until 2021, is one of a set of current youth graduates who will be hoping to go all the way at the Villa.
The group includes a bright set of stars. Louie Barry, who joined from Barcelona and Carney Chukwuemeka are amongst the highest profile players, but it's only Barry, Tyreik Wright, Indiana Vassilev, Mungo Bridge and a select number of others who have appeared in first-team sessions.
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The first step towards their goal will be impressing Dean Smith and the coaches at the club - something that the youngster will have the chance to do now that he is training alongside the likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Tyrone Mings.
Kesler - alongside Barry and Wright - is part of a new club commitment to pushing youngsters on, and has made three appearances in Premier League 2 after impressing in nine games for the U18 ranks.
In fact, in the eyes of CEO Christian Purslow, the age of a player is irrelevant. Youngsters should be eyed for first-team roles, and U23 teams and U18 teams should ignore their upper limits.
For this reason, Barry, Chukwuemeka and Kesler despite their youth are regular features for the U23 side, placed in the deep end of the academy system at the club.
It's a marked difference from prior days, when Villa would wait until a player hit eighteen before considering first-team sessions and an U23's promotion. It's happening rapidly and earlier this days.
What is especially interesting is to think of Kesler's position. The player can be deployed as a full-back or winger, and has played on the right for Villa's youth sides - and his pace made him a tidy striker at youth level.
Villa have thin depth at right-back and left-back, and have used Ezri Konsa in lieu of both Ahmed Elmohamady and Frederic Guilbert, who is nearing a first-team return. On the opposite flank, only Neil Taylor can back up Matt Targett - but Kortney Hause can fill in if needed.
A chance might be a long way away for Kesler, but with Villa set to push on with an intense run-in, and a number of players falling to frustrating and niggling injury worries, it'd be foolish to argue that it would never happen.
In fact, never say never. With nine bench spots, and injuries surely on the horizon, there's a chance waiting to happen.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Albion man set for Championship offers ahead of transfer window

Jonathan Bond is one of the group of players at West Brom who sees their current contract expire once the current campaign is completed - and he ’ s been linked with a number of Championship clubs .
Bond , along with Chris Brunt , Gareth Barry and Lee Peltier , will become a free agent at the end of the season , which could bring to an end his two-year stay at The Hawthorns should the Baggies look to freshen their goalkeeping department in the window .
Bond , 27 , joined on a free transfer after leaving Reading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed a short-term deal ahead of the restart of the season to cover the remaining matches .
Swansea , Bristol City and Blackburn have all been linked with moves for Bond , who has never made a league appearance for Albion , but has made seven appearances in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup in that time .
Ali Al-Habsi has already departed the club , while Alex Palmer - a successful loanee at Plymouth Argyle this season - has been given a new contract and could have more of a look-in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blackburn and Bristol City will be in the Championship once again next season , while Swansea still harbour hopes of claiming the final play-off spot available with two games to go .

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Jonathan Bond is one of the group of players at West Brom who sees their current contract expire once the current campaign is completed - and he’s been linked with a number of Championship clubs.
Bond, along with Chris Brunt, Gareth Barry and Lee Peltier, will become a free agent at the end of the season, which could bring to an end his two-year stay at The Hawthorns should the Baggies look to freshen their goalkeeping department in the window.
Bond, 27, joined on a free transfer after leaving Reading in the summer of 2018, and agreed a short-term deal ahead of the restart of the season to cover the remaining matches.
Swansea, Bristol City and Blackburn have all been linked with moves for Bond, who has never made a league appearance for Albion, but has made seven appearances in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup in that time.
Ali Al-Habsi has already departed the club, while Alex Palmer - a successful loanee at Plymouth Argyle this season - has been given a new contract and could have more of a look-in into first team affairs next term.
Blackburn and Bristol City will be in the Championship once again next season, while Swansea still harbour hopes of claiming the final play-off spot available with two games to go.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--'Our best defender' - Aston Villa fans react to latest defensive setback

Aston Villa defender Bjorn Engels will miss the rest of the season , according to head coach Dean Smith .
`` He ’ s had an Achilles injury and is unlikely to be back , frankly because he hasn ’ t trained as yet .
To ask him to go into these last three games would be a big ask , '' said Smith when asked Engels ' Achilles issue - while not new - adds him to a rotating injury table that seems to be focusing on Villa 's defence .
Matt Targett , Frederic Guilbert , Neil Taylor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to injury , or were injured heading into the restart .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Targett has returned to fitness , since .
However , Engels will not feature for Smith 's side for the remainder of the short season .
@ AVFC741 : Hasn ’ t really had a look in since his lack of pace was exposed in the 4-1 home defeat to Leicester Nath : Solid defender , Best of Mings was with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he recovers .
Had a decent season next to Mings .
@ Cypher79 : Such a shame after a great start to the season I wish him a speedy recovery .
Jacob : At least we are more likely to keep hold of him for next season .
@ Onajib18 : It 's a shame he is n't coming back from injury early but hope a fast recovery .
Nathan : Fast recovery Bjorn hope you come back next season .
Anthony : He 's probably our best defender hopefully a fast recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off then , disappointing to say the least .
Looked a good pairing with Mings .

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Aston Villa defender Bjorn Engels will miss the rest of the season, according to head coach Dean Smith.
"He’s had an Achilles injury and is unlikely to be back, frankly because he hasn’t trained as yet. To ask him to go into these last three games would be a big ask," said Smith when asked
Engels' Achilles issue - while not new - adds him to a rotating injury table that seems to be focusing on Villa's defence. Matt Targett, Frederic Guilbert, Neil Taylor and Kortney Hause have all either succumbed to injury, or were injured heading into the restart.
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Targett has returned to fitness, since.
However, Engels will not feature for Smith's side for the remainder of the short season.
Here's the reaction of Villa fans...
@AVFC741: Hasn’t really had a look in since his lack of pace was exposed in the 4-1 home defeat to Leicester
Nath: Solid defender, Best of Mings was with Engels tbf.
Kai: Shame hope he recovers. Had a decent season next to Mings.
@Cypher79: Such a shame after a great start to the season I wish him a speedy recovery.
Jacob: At least we are more likely to keep hold of him for next season.
@Onajib18: It's a shame he isn't coming back from injury early but hope a fast recovery.
Nathan: Fast recovery Bjorn hope you come back next season.
Anthony: He's probably our best defender hopefully a fast recovery Bjorn.
Will: That's him off then, disappointing to say the least. Looked a good pairing with Mings.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Aldi shopper seething over 'irritating' comment from supermarket worker at till

An Aldi shopper has voiced her disgruntlement after a comment was made by a worker at her local store while she packed her shopping .
The German supermarket chain is a go-to for Brummies , with its first store in the UK opening right here in Birmingham way back in the early 1990s .
Ever since , the retailer has gone from strength to strength , accruing loyal followers and fans thanks to its wallet-friendly , bargain items , Specialbuys and more .
Aldi staff are also the stuff of legend , with a canny ability to scan your shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her local supermarket left one Facebook user very aggrieved recently - and she took to the social media platform to spill the beans .
Facebook group AldiMums saw an unnamed woman explain that she 'd been paying for her shopping , when the cashier made an unexpected comment about her pace .
Mirror Online reports she wrote : `` Feeling really really annoyed .
`` Just went into Aldi 's to grab a few items for dinner , a total of 10 items .
When the cashier started scanning them through and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said to me , 'next time you come into the store bring a trolley to load your groceries into ' . ''
She was baffled by his comment and asked why she would need to do that .
`` He said 'to load your groceries into , to make it faster for the other customers ' .
`` I was so irritated by this .
I HAVE 10 ITEMS MATE .
`` Here 's an idea Aldi , if you want to make things faster for your customers , how about you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lane for small shoppers or have self serve registers .
`` What ever happened to good old fashioned service ? ''
`` That ’ s ridiculous with how many items you had !
Fair enough if you were trying to load a whole belt full into bags but that shop is tiny !
!
!
! ''
one agreed .
`` I went in for three items once .
And the lady said the same to me and I laughed at her , '' a second chipped in with , sharing her own @ @ @ @ @ @

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An Aldi shopper has voiced her disgruntlement after a comment was made by a worker at her local store while she packed her shopping.
The German supermarket chain is a go-to for Brummies, with its first store in the UK opening right here in Birmingham way back in the early 1990s.
Ever since, the retailer has gone from strength to strength, accruing loyal followers and fans thanks to its wallet-friendly, bargain items, Specialbuys and more.
Aldi staff are also the stuff of legend, with a canny ability to scan your shopping at ridiculous speeds.
But a trip to her local supermarket left one Facebook user very aggrieved recently - and she took to the social media platform to spill the beans.
Facebook group AldiMums saw an unnamed woman explain that she'd been paying for her shopping, when the cashier made an unexpected comment about her pace.
Mirror Online reports she wrote: "Feeling really really annoyed.
"Just went into Aldi's to grab a few items for dinner, a total of 10 items. When the cashier started scanning them through and I place them into a bag, he said to me, 'next time you come into the store bring a trolley to load your groceries into'."
She was baffled by his comment and asked why she would need to do that.
"He said 'to load your groceries into, to make it faster for the other customers'.
"I was so irritated by this. I HAVE 10 ITEMS MATE.
"Here's an idea Aldi, if you want to make things faster for your customers, how about you open more registers, have an express lane for small shoppers or have self serve registers.
"What ever happened to good old fashioned service?"
"That’s ridiculous with how many items you had! Fair enough if you were trying to load a whole belt full into bags but that shop is tiny!!!!" one agreed.
"I went in for three items once. And the lady said the same to me and I laughed at her," a second chipped in with, sharing her own experiences of her local store.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Boris announces £3bn NHS funding to prepare for second wave of virus

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to announce £3bn in extra funding for the NHS - to prepare it for a possible second wave of coronavirus .
And he will say that emergency Nightingale hospitals set up to house coronavirus patients , such as the one at the Birmingham NEC , should remain in place even though they currently have no patients , because they might be needed in months to come .
It follows fears that a second wave of Covid-19 could coincide with cold winter weather , which could put a strain on the NHS even without the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , the Prime Minister will also confirm plans to increase testing capacity to half a million antigen tests a day by the end of October , to bolster the NHS Test and Trace programme .
A Number 10 spokesman said : “ Thanks to the hard work and sacrifices of the British people , the virus is under control and we have eased restrictions in a cautious , phased way .
“ But the Prime Minister is clear that now is not the time for complacency , and we must make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Tomorrow , he will set out a broad package of measures to protect against both a possible second wave , and to ease winter pressures and keep the public safe.
” This funding will be available immediately , and will allow the NHS to continue using additional private hospital capacity and maintain the Nightingale hospitals until the end of March next year .
It will provide additional capacity for covid patients should it be needed , and allow the NHS to carry out routine treatments and procedures , Downing Street says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already higher in winter due to other seasonal illnesses , such as the flu , and it 's thought this will make people more vulnerable to infection with coronavirus .
In addition , people with flu may have symptoms similar to coronavirus , adding to demand for Covid-19 tests .
A new marketing campaign will launch shortly to increase awareness of eligibility for testing , and access through local walk-in testing sites .
Get all the latest politics updates in our daily BirminghamLive newsletter Politics plays a huge part in all our lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
News and updates on the world of politics seemed to become much more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic as we waited for news of the Government 's responses to the crisis and how it affected our daily lives .
You can get all the latest politics updates in our BirminghamLive daily newsletter .
Sign up here or fill in the box at the top of the article .
There are all the Government briefings and announcements as well as new laws , decisions on the economy that affect businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as Universal Credit and of course local and national elections that decide who represents us .
There 's also all the news from Birmingham City Council and other Midlands authorities on housing , education , bin collections , roads , transport , public health and so much more .
And how much council tax they 'll charge us for delivering those services .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Find it on Google Play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has been developing scenarios for the winter to inform planning across government .
It will assess what the UK can learn from other nations , and carry out exercises to stress test winter plans in the coming months .
In the meantime , the government continues to audit winter stockpiles of equipment and personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks .
Mr Johnson is also thought likely to announce that he wants people to return to workplaces and stop working from home where possible .
But he appears to face resistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , who said working from home remained a “ perfectly good option ” and there was “ absolutely no reason ” to change the advice which urges people to do it .
Giving evidence to the Commons Science and Technology Committee , Sir Patrick said it was his view – and one shared by the scientific advisory group for emergencies ( Sage ) – that “ we ’ re still at a time when distancing measures are important ” .
“ Of the various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many companies remains a perfectly good option because it ’ s easy to do , ” he told MPs .
“ I think a number of companies think it ’ s actually not detrimental to productivity .
“ And in that situation , absolutely no reason I can see to change it .
”

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to announce £3bn in extra funding for the NHS - to prepare it for a possible second wave of coronavirus.
And he will say that emergency Nightingale hospitals set up to house coronavirus patients, such as the one at the Birmingham NEC, should remain in place even though they currently have no patients, because they might be needed in months to come.
It follows fears that a second wave of Covid-19 could coincide with cold winter weather, which could put a strain on the NHS even without the virus.
At a press conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister will also confirm plans to increase testing capacity to half a million antigen tests a day by the end of October, to bolster the NHS Test and Trace programme.
A Number 10 spokesman said: “Thanks to the hard work and sacrifices of the British people, the virus is under control and we have eased restrictions in a cautious, phased way.
“But the Prime Minister is clear that now is not the time for complacency, and we must make sure our NHS is battle ready for winter.
“Tomorrow, he will set out a broad package of measures to protect against both a possible second wave, and to ease winter pressures and keep the public safe.”
This funding will be available immediately, and will allow the NHS to continue using additional private hospital capacity and maintain the Nightingale hospitals until the end of March next year.
It will provide additional capacity for covid patients should it be needed, and allow the NHS to carry out routine treatments and procedures, Downing Street says.
The pressure on the NHS is already higher in winter due to other seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, and it's thought this will make people more vulnerable to infection with coronavirus.
In addition, people with flu may have symptoms similar to coronavirus, adding to demand for Covid-19 tests.
A new marketing campaign will launch shortly to increase awareness of eligibility for testing, and access through local walk-in testing sites.
Officials say the government has been developing scenarios for the winter to inform planning across government. It will assess what the UK can learn from other nations, and carry out exercises to stress test winter plans in the coming months.
In the meantime, the government continues to audit winter stockpiles of equipment and personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks.
Mr Johnson is also thought likely to announce that he wants people to return to workplaces and stop working from home where possible.
But he appears to face resistance from his chief scientific adviser the Government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, who said working from home remained a “perfectly good option” and there was “absolutely no reason” to change the advice which urges people to do it.
Giving evidence to the Commons Science and Technology Committee, Sir Patrick said it was his view – and one shared by the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage) – that “we’re still at a time when distancing measures are important”.
“Of the various distancing measures, working from home for many companies remains a perfectly good option because it’s easy to do,” he told MPs.
“I think a number of companies think it’s actually not detrimental to productivity.
“And in that situation, absolutely no reason I can see to change it.”


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Aston Villa 1 v 1 Everton match report: All the fallout as late goal denies win

Aston Villa 's survival hopes were dented by a late and plucky , Everton equaliser .
Ezri Konsa had fired Villa into the lead , but could n't find the balance to acrobatically clear Theo Walcott 's effort .
Villa went ahead through Konsa on 72 minutes after the centre-back poked home a Conor Hourihane delivery .
Just 10 minutes later , substitute Anwar El Ghazi missed an absolute sitter to put the game out of reach , cannoning the ball over the crossbar from half-a-yard out .
That crucial miss would end up biting Dean Smith 's side in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back post to head home an Andre Gomes delivery just three minutes from time .
The result leaves Villa in 19th place in the Premier League , three points adrift of Watford and West Ham above the drop-zone with the two facing off against each other tomorrow .
As for Villa , they withstood early Everton pressure at Goodison Park as Carlo Ancelotti 's side look to prove a point after their hammering by Wolves last weekend .
Villa 's Ally Samatta endured a nightmare 45 minutes as he failed to hold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the break , substitute Keinan Davis made a huge impact and tormented Everton 's back line .
Captain Grealish dragged two efforts wide of the post as he now goes 13 games without a goal .
Villa , though , got their noses in front after Konsa latched on to Hourihane 's delivery .
Walcott , meanwhile , broke hearts with his late header which crossed the goal-line despite Konsa 's desperate effort to clear .
It leaves the relegation picture looking bleak for Villa ahead of Arsenal and West Ham next .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brian Dick, Ben Husband, James Rushton)

Aston Villa's survival hopes were dented by a late and plucky, Everton equaliser.
Ezri Konsa had fired Villa into the lead, but couldn't find the balance to acrobatically clear Theo Walcott's effort.
Villa went ahead through Konsa on 72 minutes after the centre-back poked home a Conor Hourihane delivery.
Just 10 minutes later, substitute Anwar El Ghazi missed an absolute sitter to put the game out of reach, cannoning the ball over the crossbar from half-a-yard out.
That crucial miss would end up biting Dean Smith's side in the backside as Walcott arrived at the back post to head home an Andre Gomes delivery just three minutes from time.
The result leaves Villa in 19th place in the Premier League, three points adrift of Watford and West Ham above the drop-zone with the two facing off against each other tomorrow.
As for Villa, they withstood early Everton pressure at Goodison Park as Carlo Ancelotti's side look to prove a point after their hammering by Wolves last weekend.
Villa's Ally Samatta endured a nightmare 45 minutes as he failed to hold the ball up when needed while, after the break, substitute Keinan Davis made a huge impact and tormented Everton's back line.
Captain Grealish dragged two efforts wide of the post as he now goes 13 games without a goal.
Villa, though, got their noses in front after Konsa latched on to Hourihane's delivery. Walcott, meanwhile, broke hearts with his late header which crossed the goal-line despite Konsa's desperate effort to clear.
It leaves the relegation picture looking bleak for Villa ahead of Arsenal and West Ham next.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--'Up in smoke' - Villa's groundhog day performance presents relegation reality

It was just so Aston Villa , was n't it ?
A shot of adrenaline to provide a moment of hope - only for acts of stupidity to condemn Dean Smith 's side to throwing more points away .
It was loss number 21 from 36 games and anyone with that stat next to their name in the table deserves to go down .
End of .
OK , had Anwar El Ghazi bundled home from underneath the crossbar then it would have been a totally different story .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or click here But , the fact is , the damage was done long before El Ghazi 's miss , it was done before Theo Walcott 's last-gasp header , too .
Villa have ultimately given themselves too much to do and it 's stemmed from a number of no-shows throughout the season .
You think back to gifting relegation rivals Bournemouth six points , rolling over at places like Watford , Southampton and Leicester .
The mistakes , the late heartbreaks .
After lockdown it 's been a case of being close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left Villa pre-planning for life back down in the Championship should the inevitable happen .
In comparison to last week 's result and performance against Palace , Villa played well at Everton but failed to rally right until the death .
It 's a 95-minute match .
Afterwards , Smith lashed out at the game management of his players who dropped deeper and deeper in the final eight minutes .
The truth of the matter is Villa should have done more - much more - to win games and to not rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odd freak goal .
Regardless of being unlucky , fizzing at officials or lamenting injuries , the table never lies and Smith 's Villa deserve to be where they are .
Around a dozen-or-so minutes was left on the clock when El Ghazi ballooned over but , looking at it , Villa 's survival hopes went up in smoke in the weeks and months that have gone by and , as tonight pointed out , nothing has ever changed .

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It was just so Aston Villa, wasn't it?
A shot of adrenaline to provide a moment of hope - only for acts of stupidity to condemn Dean Smith's side to throwing more points away.
It was loss number 21 from 36 games and anyone with that stat next to their name in the table deserves to go down. End of.
OK, had Anwar El Ghazi bundled home from underneath the crossbar then it would have been a totally different story.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
But, the fact is, the damage was done long before El Ghazi's miss, it was done before Theo Walcott's last-gasp header, too.
Villa have ultimately given themselves too much to do and it's stemmed from a number of no-shows throughout the season.
You think back to gifting relegation rivals Bournemouth six points, rolling over at places like Watford, Southampton and Leicester. The mistakes, the late heartbreaks.
After lockdown it's been a case of being close but not close enough and it's left Villa pre-planning for life back down in the Championship should the inevitable happen.
In comparison to last week's result and performance against Palace, Villa played well at Everton but failed to rally right until the death. It's a 95-minute match.
Afterwards, Smith lashed out at the game management of his players who dropped deeper and deeper in the final eight minutes.
The truth of the matter is Villa should have done more - much more - to win games and to not rely on crawling over the finishing line by the odd freak goal.
Regardless of being unlucky, fizzing at officials or lamenting injuries, the table never lies and Smith's Villa deserve to be where they are.
Around a dozen-or-so minutes was left on the clock when El Ghazi ballooned over but, looking at it, Villa's survival hopes went up in smoke in the weeks and months that have gone by and, as tonight pointed out, nothing has ever changed.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Bilic's message to his West Brom players amid Brentford battle

West Brom ’ s players have tunnel vision with Huddersfield Town waiting at the end of it , as Slaven Bilic reiterated that the results of teams around them won ’ t matter as long as Albion do their own job .
Bilic wants his squad to block out the noise from elsewhere , namely from Brentford who are continuing to keep the Baggies honest in their pursuit of promotion , ahead of his side ’ s final two league matches .
Albion know that promotion back to the Premier League is theirs if they claim all six points left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players to watch the Bees in action on Saturday - once they ’ ve seen to Huddersfield themselves .
“ It ’ s in our hands .
We have been in that situation since September , and even then we were checking other results - it was always the same clubs , ” Bilic reasoned .
“ It was Leeds , Fulham , Brentford , Forest .
At the beginning it was Sheff Wed , Preston - even Charlton .
We were checking even then , but I never rushed in at half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We didn ’ t need to , so we don ’ t have to think about Brentford at all , no .
Because it ’ s in our hands , and we ’ re not playing Brentford .
“ We must think of ourselves and , big time , of Huddersfield .
That ’ s all , and finish .
After Huddersfield , okay we can check on Brentford at Stoke , but that ’ s on Saturday .
“ Then , after that , all we have to do is think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
”

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West Brom’s players have tunnel vision with Huddersfield Town waiting at the end of it, as Slaven Bilic reiterated that the results of teams around them won’t matter as long as Albion do their own job.
Bilic wants his squad to block out the noise from elsewhere, namely from Brentford who are continuing to keep the Baggies honest in their pursuit of promotion, ahead of his side’s final two league matches.
Albion know that promotion back to the Premier League is theirs if they claim all six points left on offer, and Bilic welcomes his players to watch the Bees in action on Saturday - once they’ve seen to Huddersfield themselves.
“It’s in our hands. We have been in that situation since September, and even then we were checking other results - it was always the same clubs,” Bilic reasoned.
“It was Leeds, Fulham, Brentford, Forest. At the beginning it was Sheff Wed, Preston - even Charlton. We were checking even then, but I never rushed in at half time to check my phone.
“We didn’t need to, so we don’t have to think about Brentford at all, no. Because it’s in our hands, and we’re not playing Brentford.
“We must think of ourselves and, big time, of Huddersfield. That’s all, and finish. After Huddersfield, okay we can check on Brentford at Stoke, but that’s on Saturday.
“Then, after that, all we have to do is think about ourselves and QPR. That’s it.”


birminghammail--2020-07-16--'Gone' - Watford and West Ham fans react to Aston Villa survival blow

West Ham and Watford fans were thrilled to see Theo Walcott 's late goal deny Aston Villa a huge victory in their survival fight at Everton .
Dean Smith 's side looked to be one course for three points when Ezri Konsa 's first Premier League goal had put them within touching distance of a much-needed victory .
But Walcott shattered their hopes of a win when he came off the bench to score with just two minutes remaining .
The result leaves Villa three points adrift of safety with just two games remaining .
But with Watford and West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door is still ajar for what would be an incredible Great Escape .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here But Watford and West Ham fans were grateful to see Villa 's hopes take another setback .
One Hammers fan went as far as to suggest that the result had sealed Bournemouth and Villa 's fate .
He wrote : `` Villa and Bournemouth are gone ! ''
Another added : `` Theo Walcott - the scourge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have scored one of the most important goals of our season .
`` Thank God for the Everton equaliser , '' said another fan .
`` Villa & Bournemouth both need four points from two games to go above us .
`` A point against Watford ( obviously hoping for three ) will mean Villa and Bournemouth need to win both games .
Keep the faith Hammers and roar the boys home from your sofas tomorrow . ''
Meanwhile a Watford fan said : `` Walcott is a Hornet !
He looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought 'One day I 'm going to save those from relegation . ''
And finally another Hornet wrote : `` Thanks Theo Walcott from every Watford fan ! ''

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West Ham and Watford fans were thrilled to see Theo Walcott's late goal deny Aston Villa a huge victory in their survival fight at Everton.
Dean Smith's side looked to be one course for three points when Ezri Konsa's first Premier League goal had put them within touching distance of a much-needed victory.
But Walcott shattered their hopes of a win when he came off the bench to score with just two minutes remaining.
The result leaves Villa three points adrift of safety with just two games remaining. But with Watford and West Ham playing each other tomorrow night, the door is still ajar for what would be an incredible Great Escape.
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But Watford and West Ham fans were grateful to see Villa's hopes take another setback.
One Hammers fan went as far as to suggest that the result had sealed Bournemouth and Villa's fate.
(Image: Getty Images)
He wrote: "Villa and Bournemouth are gone!"
Another added: "Theo Walcott - the scourge of West Ham on so many occasions - may have scored one of the most important goals of our season.
"Thank God for the Everton equaliser," said another fan. "Villa & Bournemouth both need four points from two games to go above us.
"A point against Watford (obviously hoping for three) will mean Villa and Bournemouth need to win both games. Keep the faith Hammers and roar the boys home from your sofas tomorrow."
Meanwhile a Watford fan said: "Walcott is a Hornet! He looked over that Arsenal training ground hedge and thought 'One day I'm going to save those from relegation."
And finally another Hornet wrote: "Thanks Theo Walcott from every Watford fan!"


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Aston Villa fans feel the pain after late Everton heartbreak

Aston Villa came close to securing their second win in a row after defying Crystal Palace on the weekend , but it was not to be .
A late Theo Walcott effort denied Villa their hard-earned lead and took two points from their three - after Ezri Konsa had fired Dean Smith 's side into a lead .
Anwar El Ghazi could n't make good of a wickedly hit cross from Jack Grealish to double the scoreline , and Villa came close to regretting that shortly after when Dominic Calvert-Lewin managed to replicate the Dutchman 's poor finish after missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got their chance though , and Konsa could n't find his footing to clear it from over the line .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here Smith 's team now prepare for a must-win clash against Arsenal next week , and will be watching on closely as Watford and West Ham battle tomorrow .
Here 's what Villa fans made of the game ... @ AVFCGhana : To be honest we should have won the game .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay .
Matt : That game has just killed my hopes of surviving .
Alex : It ’ s become a bit of a perfect storm , that ’ s why it keeps happening .
Were we great tonight ?
No .
Did we do enough to win ?
Absolutely .
Would most teams have seen it out from that position ?
Yes .
It ’ s those really fine margins we ’ re missing now .
Mark : Gutted .
Can still survive but a tall order now .
17 goals conceded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what gets you relegated .
Colin : Yes , El Ghazi missed a sitter , but a season full of missed chances and defensive blunders got us here , and the blame for that is spread far and wide , plus our tactical naivety and failure to have sufficient strikers at the outset .
Josh : For what seems like the 100th time this season my optimism is crushed .
Ca n't wait for it to be over now .
CH : Not sure how Smith is going to get those players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make changes Trez & Samatta can not play from the start in a must-win game after there performances today .
Adam : It 's not the end of us in the Premier League we have to beat Arsenal and West Ham now

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Aston Villa came close to securing their second win in a row after defying Crystal Palace on the weekend, but it was not to be.
A late Theo Walcott effort denied Villa their hard-earned lead and took two points from their three - after Ezri Konsa had fired Dean Smith's side into a lead.
Anwar El Ghazi couldn't make good of a wickedly hit cross from Jack Grealish to double the scoreline, and Villa came close to regretting that shortly after when Dominic Calvert-Lewin managed to replicate the Dutchman's poor finish after missing from point blank range.
The Toffees got their chance though, and Konsa couldn't find his footing to clear it from over the line.
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Smith's team now prepare for a must-win clash against Arsenal next week, and will be watching on closely as Watford and West Ham battle tomorrow.
Here's what Villa fans made of the game...
@AVFCGhana: To be honest we should have won the game. I still have the faith that we can stay.
Matt: That game has just killed my hopes of surviving.
Alex: It’s become a bit of a perfect storm, that’s why it keeps happening. Were we great tonight? No. Did we do enough to win? Absolutely. Would most teams have seen it out from that position? Yes. It’s those really fine margins we’re missing now.
Mark: Gutted. Can still survive but a tall order now. 17 goals conceded in the last 15 minutes of games is what gets you relegated.
Josh: Heartbreaking
Colin: Yes, El Ghazi missed a sitter, but a season full of missed chances and defensive blunders got us here, and the blame for that is spread far and wide, plus our tactical naivety and failure to have sufficient strikers at the outset.
Josh: For what seems like the 100th time this season my optimism is crushed. Can't wait for it to be over now.
CH: Not sure how Smith is going to get those players up for Tuesday now. He needs to make changes Trez&Samatta can not play from the start in a must-win game after there performances today.
Adam: It's not the end of us in the Premier League we have to beat Arsenal and West Ham now


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Dean Smith makes bold relegation claim after Everton heartbreak

Devastated Dean Smith has acknowledged Aston Villa 's fight for survival could well over after Theo Walcott 's late equaliser at Everton .
Ezri Konsa put Villa within touching distance of a heroic three points - only for Walcott to snatch two points back from Villa 's grasps with an 87th-minute header .
The 1-1 draw leaves Smith 's side in 19th-place , level on points with Bournemouth ( 31 ) but three off Watford and West Ham ( 34 ) above the drop-zone .
The two clubs play tomorrow but , at Goodison Park , Smith admitted Villa will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arsenal and West Ham on the last day to stand any chance of staying in the Premier League .
`` I think so , '' he admitted , when asked if Villa would need to take six points .
`` The lads are devastated in the dressing room .
El Ghazi had a massive chance to put us 2-0 up .
If he scores that it 's game over . ''
Smith added : `` I expected a wounded animal in Everton and they caused us problems early on .
I flipped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No.10 .
`` It was a good , solid performance , though .
We created some half chances and big one with El Ghazi .
We 've gone all out to win this game and done enough to win it .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' All we 've lacked is concentration which has cost us .
`` We have n't had the quality in the final third that we had before .
We were sloppy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We needed to show more composure .
We gave them a lot of the ball back .
There was massive pressure on us to get three points .
We 're disappointed .
We ca n't change it .
We 're still in it .
They 're a resilient bunch . ''
Smith confirmed afterwards that Kortney Hause ( groin ) will be back for Tuesday 's game against Arsenal with Neil Taylor ( hamstring ) still struggling .
The players will go straight back to Bodymoor Heath tonight for recovery and a debrief @

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Devastated Dean Smith has acknowledged Aston Villa's fight for survival could well over after Theo Walcott's late equaliser at Everton.
Ezri Konsa put Villa within touching distance of a heroic three points - only for Walcott to snatch two points back from Villa's grasps with an 87th-minute header.
The 1-1 draw leaves Smith's side in 19th-place, level on points with Bournemouth (31) but three off Watford and West Ham (34) above the drop-zone.
The two clubs play tomorrow but, at Goodison Park, Smith admitted Villa will have to win two from two against Arsenal and West Ham on the last day to stand any chance of staying in the Premier League.
"I think so," he admitted, when asked if Villa would need to take six points. "The lads are devastated in the dressing room. El Ghazi had a massive chance to put us 2-0 up. If he scores that it's game over."
Smith added: "I expected a wounded animal in Everton and they caused us problems early on. I flipped the system and had John McGinn as a No.10.
"It was a good, solid performance, though. We created some half chances and big one with El Ghazi. We've gone all out to win this game and done enough to win it.
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"All we've lacked is concentration which has cost us.
"We haven't had the quality in the final third that we had before. We were sloppy in the last eight minutes.
"We needed to show more composure. We gave them a lot of the ball back. There was massive pressure on us to get three points. We're disappointed. We can't change it. We're still in it. They're a resilient bunch."
Smith confirmed afterwards that Kortney Hause (groin) will be back for Tuesday's game against Arsenal with Neil Taylor (hamstring) still struggling. The players will go straight back to Bodymoor Heath tonight for recovery and a debrief.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Aldi's Specialbuys baby and toddler event is on next week

It 's the discount supermarket that shoppers love and if you have a baby or toddler then mark July 26 in your diary as that 's when its popular sale starts .
Parents will be able to buy everything from clothing to furniture and toys online from July 26 at Aldi.co.uk and in stores from July 30 .
Stay ahead of the hordes by checking out the 100 items that are available to purchase now with free standard delivery included with purchases over £20 .
Our sister title Hull Live also took a quick look at will be available next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dry Air System Nappies – from just 74p per nappy ( 24 pack ) You ’ ll have to hurry to snap up the deals when they arrive because they ’ re only available for a limited time .
Take a look at some of the store 's top deals below : The basket comes with a stand and mattress and is appropriate for babies up to 9kg .
It has a handy water-resistant mattress cover and the foldable stand means it 's easy to store and transport .
Aldi say it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And why not grab two Moses basket sheets to pop in for just £3.99 , too .
Many mums swear by the German retailer 's nappies and thankfully they are also on sale .
Skin Heath Alliance accredited and dermatologically tested , the range is available in sizes newborn to 6+ plus at 79p a pack they ’ re great value .
Or opt for Aldi Mamia Nappy Pants available from sizes 4 to 7 and on sale from £1.99 .
Always a popular brand with mums , these Tommee Tippee bottles feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with your little one .
They come in a pack of four so why not buy two sets - Asda is selling the same pack for £21.99 - so these are a real bargain .
If you order any items online and spend less than £30 , you ’ ll also need to pay £3.95 on the delivery charge .
Find your local Aldi using their handy Store Finder tool .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Sophie Foster, Cathrina Hulse-BM)

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It's the discount supermarket that shoppers love and if you have a baby or toddler then mark July 26 in your diary as that's when its popular sale starts.
Parents will be able to buy everything from clothing to furniture and toys online from July 26 at Aldi.co.uk and in stores from July 30.
Stay ahead of the hordes by checking out the 100 items that are available to purchase now with free standard delivery included with purchases over £20.
Our sister title Hull Live also took a quick look at will be available next week which includes:
Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappies – from just 74p per nappy (24 pack)
Mamia Sensitive Baby Wipes - £5.59 per 12 pack
Children's Bamboo Dinner Set - £5.99
Moses Basket - £29.99
Cot Bed Set - £9.99
Wooden Play Gym – £16.99
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
You’ll have to hurry to snap up the deals when they arrive because they’re only available for a limited time.
Take a look at some of the store's top deals below:
Moses Basket -£29.99
(Image: Image: Aldi))
The basket comes with a stand and mattress and is appropriate for babies up to 9kg.
It has a handy water-resistant mattress cover and the foldable stand means it's easy to store and transport.
Aldi say it comes in a Woodland or Rainbow design.
And why not grab two Moses basket sheets to pop in for just £3.99, too.
Mamia Ultra Dry Air System Nappies -79p
Many mums swear by the German retailer's nappies and thankfully they are also on sale.
Skin Heath Alliance accredited and dermatologically tested, the range is available in sizes newborn to 6+ plus at 79p a pack they’re great value. Or opt for Aldi Mamia Nappy Pants available from sizes 4 to 7 and on sale from £1.99.
Tommee Tippee Feeding Bottles (£7.99, 4 pack)
Always a popular brand with mums, these Tommee Tippee bottles feature a unique shape to ensure relaxed feeding with your little one.
They come in a pack of four so why not buy two sets - Asda is selling the same pack for £21.99 - so these are a real bargain.
If you order any items online and spend less than £30, you’ll also need to pay £3.95 on the delivery charge.
Find your local Aldi using their handy Store Finder tool.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Aston Villa ratings as Walcott makes El Ghazi pay for horror miss

Aston Villa shot themselves in the foot again after Theo Walcott 's late equaliser ruined hopes of survival .
Villa went ahead through Ezri Konsa on 72 minutes after the centre-back poked home a Conor Hourihane delivery .
Just 10 minutes later , substitute Anwar El Ghazi missed an absolute sitter to put the game out of reach , cannoning the ball over the crossbar from half-a-yard out .
That crucial miss would end up biting Dean Smith 's side in the backside as Walcott arrived at the back post to head home an Andre Gomes delivery just three minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 19th place in the Premier League , three points adrift of Watford and West Ham above the drop-zone with the two facing off against each other tomorrow .
As for Villa , they withstood early Everton pressure at Goodison Park as Carlo Ancelotti 's side look to prove a point after their hammering by Wolves last weekend .
Villa 's Ally Samatta endured a nightmare 45 minutes as he failed to hold the ball up when needed while , after the break , substitute Keinan Davis made a huge impact and tormented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dragged two efforts wide of the post as he now goes 13 games without a goal .
Villa , though , got their noses in front after Konsa latched on to Hourihane 's delivery .
Walcott , meanwhile , broke hearts with his late header which crossed the goal-line despite Konsa 's desperate effort to clear .
It leaves the relegation picture looking bleak for Villa ahead of Arsenal and West Ham next .
Here 's how Ashley Preece rated the Villa players after the painful 1-1 draw .
Panicked for a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of his crossbar .
Everton failed to land a glove on Villa up until Walcott 's devastating equaliser which was their first effort on goal .
Reina was a steady Eddie whenever the ball went back to him but could n't react quick enough when Walcott headed back across his goal .
Showed class delivery yet again and put in a perfect whipped ball for Ally Samatta early on , only for forward to head way over after getting beyond Keane .
Elmo was caught out too high on occasion by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Konsa .
Should have stopped Gomes ' cross for the equaliser .
Booked .
Did well up against Richarlison and was prepared to put his body on the line to block a powerful Andre Gomes strike .
Cool as a cucumber all game and had ice running through his veins as he watched Hourihane 's ball float over to poke home his goal from inside the six-yard box .
Did everything to clear Walcott 's header but the ball crossed the line .
Villa 's mouthpiece at the back , effing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanding absolutely everything .
Grew tiresome at the likes of Samatta and Trezeguet for failing to hold the ball up .
Encouraged much more in the second 45 .
His man , Calvert-Lewin , almost scored right before Walcott 's equaliser .
Move over Hourihane , Targett 's got a left-footed wand equal to the Irishman 's .
Targett was committed and craftsman-like in the opening 45 minutes as he attempted to spread the play to Elmohamady on the right .
Worked well with Mings next to him up until when he lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Theo Walcott to ghost in to head home .
Pure sauce .
Flip-flapped his way around Bernard and played kick-ups with himself around Everton 's midfield , only to be fouled by Gomes .
Enjoyed himself out there and oozed class yet again .
Expected a trademark worldie just before half-time , only for his effort to curl way over the target .
Rallied until the end as Everton piled it on good and proper late on .
Looked better than at Palace four days ago , which is n't saying anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ win free-kicks and to alleviate Everton pressure .
Slapped a ball out wide to Grealish in the second half to conjure up a chance .
Pushed up front late on as Villa looked to grab an unlikely winner .
A bit quieter but put a shift in again in the middle of the park .
Failed to hit the target from range when unopposed while he had dangerous-looking free-kicks blocked by the wall .
Set up Konsa with another sweet delivery and has assisted the last four Villa goals in the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' at the final whistle in pure frustration knowing a big three points was in Villa 's grasps .
Ever so wasteful in the opening 45 which was hammered home when he was all too sluggish after receiving a cute Grealish pass inside the Everton box .
No end product at all tonight with his performance chalk and cheese compared to what he put in against Palace .
He does work hard but , again , it was just all hot air rather than having that ice-cool quality on the ball .
Replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Endured a horror first 45 .
Failed to hold anything up , much to the frustration of Mings .
Hold-up play is clearly not his game but , when given near-perfect deliveries , he failed to work Pickford .
Did n't happen for him at all .
Dangerous when one-on-one but possessed a little less conviction with his play .
He dribbled right at the heart of Everton in the first half while , in the second , dragged two efforts wide of the mark as he goes searching for his first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always , he made the opposition think and enjoyed a good tussle with Coleman .
Villa were crying out for Davis all game as Samatta was all too weak up front .
He immediately made an impact and won a foul off Brathwaite in a good position .
His hold-up ability came to the fore for Villa 's goal , he won the free-kick off Gomes and almost got on the end of Hourihane 's ball - but for Konsa to strike home beyond him .
This fixture cclearly suited him , look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inexperienced Brathwaite at the back , the latter petrified by Davis .
Bullied Everton after coming on and made a huge impact on proceedings .
Went straight over to play on the right and put in the odd teasing ball .
Missed an absolute sitter which would have put the game out of sight with just over 10 minutes to go , somehow hammering the ball high and wide from underneath the crossbar .
Must be miss of the season in the Premier League , that .
El Ghazi defended well after , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unforgivable miss .

Aston Villa shot themselves in the foot again after Theo Walcott's late equaliser ruined hopes of survival.
Villa went ahead through Ezri Konsa on 72 minutes after the centre-back poked home a Conor Hourihane delivery.
Just 10 minutes later, substitute Anwar El Ghazi missed an absolute sitter to put the game out of reach, cannoning the ball over the crossbar from half-a-yard out.
That crucial miss would end up biting Dean Smith's side in the backside as Walcott arrived at the back post to head home an Andre Gomes delivery just three minutes from time.
The result leaves Villa in 19th place in the Premier League, three points adrift of Watford and West Ham above the drop-zone with the two facing off against each other tomorrow.
(Image: Getty Images)
As for Villa, they withstood early Everton pressure at Goodison Park as Carlo Ancelotti's side look to prove a point after their hammering by Wolves last weekend.
Villa's Ally Samatta endured a nightmare 45 minutes as he failed to hold the ball up when needed while, after the break, substitute Keinan Davis made a huge impact and tormented Everton's back line.
Captain Grealish dragged two efforts wide of the post as he now goes 13 games without a goal.
Villa, though, got their noses in front after Konsa latched on to Hourihane's delivery. Walcott, meanwhile, broke hearts with his late header which crossed the goal-line despite Konsa's desperate effort to clear.
It leaves the relegation picture looking bleak for Villa ahead of Arsenal and West Ham next. Here's how Ashley Preece rated the Villa players after the painful 1-1 draw.
STARTING FORMATION
4-3-3
REINA - 6
Panicked for a second after Bernard's miss-hit cross struck the top of his crossbar. Everton failed to land a glove on Villa up until Walcott's devastating equaliser which was their first effort on goal. Reina was a steady Eddie whenever the ball went back to him but couldn't react quick enough when Walcott headed back across his goal.
ELMOHAMADY - 6.5
Showed class delivery yet again and put in a perfect whipped ball for Ally Samatta early on, only for forward to head way over after getting beyond Keane. Elmo was caught out too high on occasion by the tricky Bernard and Richarlison who kept peeling off Konsa. Should have stopped Gomes' cross for the equaliser. Booked.
KONSA - 7.5*
(Image: Ian Hodgson NMC Pool)
Did well up against Richarlison and was prepared to put his body on the line to block a powerful Andre Gomes strike. Cool as a cucumber all game and had ice running through his veins as he watched Hourihane's ball float over to poke home his goal from inside the six-yard box. Did everything to clear Walcott's header but the ball crossed the line.
MINGS - 6
Villa's mouthpiece at the back, effing and jeffing and rallying his troops forward, demanding absolutely everything. Grew tiresome at the likes of Samatta and Trezeguet for failing to hold the ball up. Encouraged much more in the second 45. His man, Calvert-Lewin, almost scored right before Walcott's equaliser.
TARGETT - 5.5
Move over Hourihane, Targett's got a left-footed wand equal to the Irishman's. Targett was committed and craftsman-like in the opening 45 minutes as he attempted to spread the play to Elmohamady on the right. Worked well with Mings next to him up until when he lost concentration three minutes from time, allowing Theo Walcott to ghost in to head home.
DOUGLAS LUIZ - 7.5
(Image: Ian Hodgson NMC Pool)
Pure sauce. Flip-flapped his way around Bernard and played kick-ups with himself around Everton's midfield, only to be fouled by Gomes. Enjoyed himself out there and oozed class yet again. Expected a trademark worldie just before half-time, only for his effort to curl way over the target. Rallied until the end as Everton piled it on good and proper late on.
MCGINN - 5
Looked better than at Palace four days ago, which isn't saying anything. Used his body in trademark style to win free-kicks and to alleviate Everton pressure. Slapped a ball out wide to Grealish in the second half to conjure up a chance. Pushed up front late on as Villa looked to grab an unlikely winner.
HOURIHANE - 6.5
A bit quieter but put a shift in again in the middle of the park. Failed to hit the target from range when unopposed while he had dangerous-looking free-kicks blocked by the wall. Set up Konsa with another sweet delivery and has assisted the last four Villa goals in the Premier League. Cried "f*** off, man" at the final whistle in pure frustration knowing a big three points was in Villa's grasps.
TREZEGUET - 4
Ever so wasteful in the opening 45 which was hammered home when he was all too sluggish after receiving a cute Grealish pass inside the Everton box. No end product at all tonight with his performance chalk and cheese compared to what he put in against Palace. He does work hard but, again, it was just all hot air rather than having that ice-cool quality on the ball. Replaced by El Ghazi just after the hour.
(Image: Andy Stenning/NMC Pool)
SAMATTA - 4
Endured a horror first 45. Failed to hold anything up, much to the frustration of Mings. Hold-up play is clearly not his game but, when given near-perfect deliveries, he failed to work Pickford. Didn't happen for him at all.
GREALISH - 6
Dangerous when one-on-one but possessed a little less conviction with his play. He dribbled right at the heart of Everton in the first half while, in the second, dragged two efforts wide of the mark as he goes searching for his first goal in 13 games now. As always, he made the opposition think and enjoyed a good tussle with Coleman.
SUBSTITUTES
DAVIS (FOR SAMATTA, 64) - 7
Villa were crying out for Davis all game as Samatta was all too weak up front. He immediately made an impact and won a foul off Brathwaite in a good position. His hold-up ability came to the fore for Villa's goal, he won the free-kick off Gomes and almost got on the end of Hourihane's ball - but for Konsa to strike home beyond him. This fixture cclearly suited him, look fired up and tormented Keane and the inexperienced Brathwaite at the back, the latter petrified by Davis. Bullied Everton after coming on and made a huge impact on proceedings.
EL GHAZI (FOR TREZEGUET, 64) - 5
Went straight over to play on the right and put in the odd teasing ball. Missed an absolute sitter which would have put the game out of sight with just over 10 minutes to go, somehow hammering the ball high and wide from underneath the crossbar. Must be miss of the season in the Premier League, that. El Ghazi defended well after, though, and tracked his runners. Unforgivable miss.
Not used: Nyland, Guilbert, Kesler, Lansbury, Jota, El Ghazi, Davis, Vassilev, Nakamba.
OPPOSITION
EVERTON (4-4-2) : Pickford; Coleman, Holgate (Branthwaite, 16), Keane, Digne; Iwobi (Walcott, 62), Davies (Sigurdsson, 74), Andre Gomes, Bernard (Gordon, 62); Richarlison (Kean, 74), Calvert-Lewin. Not used: Stekelenburg, Joao Virginia, Baines, Sidibe.
GOALS
EVERTON : Walcott (87)
VILLA : Konsa (72)
THE REF : Anthony Taylor
VAR : Chris Kavanagh
NEXT UP : Arsenal (h), Tuesday, July 21, kick-off 8.15pm


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Watch: Dramatic scenes as Mini overturns in Great Barr sparking traffic chaos

These were the dramatic scenes when a car overturned at a major city junction - sparking traffic chaos .
Images have emerged showing the '20 plate Mini on its roof in Great Barr .
The car was understood to have flipped over on Walsall Road at the junction with Tower Hill , triggering a flood of emergency calls .
A silver Seat Leon was left with front-end damage in the smash - pictures show the airbags also inflated .
The incident happened at around 5pm on Thursday , July 16 , outside the Amici hair salon .
Traffic was brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ junction , while the fire service , police and ambulance crews all worked at the scene .
Footage shows five firefighters attempting to flip the Mini .
Following the incident , the road was partially shut while the area was made safe and the vehicles removed .
One eyewitness said : `` It happened right in front of my eyes .
It was all so quick but everyone ran over to help . ''
Other drivers were warned to avoid the area after the collision sparked 'gridlock ' .
BirminghamLive is awaiting statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not thought anyone was seriously injured in the smash .

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These were the dramatic scenes when a car overturned at a major city junction - sparking traffic chaos.
Images have emerged showing the '20 plate Mini on its roof in Great Barr.
The car was understood to have flipped over on Walsall Road at the junction with Tower Hill, triggering a flood of emergency calls.
A silver Seat Leon was left with front-end damage in the smash - pictures show the airbags also inflated.
The incident happened at around 5pm on Thursday, July 16, outside the Amici hair salon.
Traffic was brought to a standstill at the usually busy junction, while the fire service, police and ambulance crews all worked at the scene.
Footage shows five firefighters attempting to flip the Mini.
Following the incident, the road was partially shut while the area was made safe and the vehicles removed.
One eyewitness said: "It happened right in front of my eyes. It was all so quick but everyone ran over to help."
Other drivers were warned to avoid the area after the collision sparked 'gridlock'.
BirminghamLive is awaiting statements from the emergency services, but it is not thought anyone was seriously injured in the smash.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Albion fans hoping for similar as Leeds all but seal promotion

Leeds United have all but secured the first promotion spot from the Championship to the Premier League after a dogged performance and narrow victory over relegation battling Barnsley at Elland Road .
The 1-0 success means that they have pulled five points clear of Albion , and six clear of third placed Brentford - who have a superior goal difference - with just two league matches left to play .
Indeed it now appears as though the Baggies - heading to Huddersfield on Friday - are playing for second place .
That ’ ll do just nicely , provided they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot on their heels and who have cut the five point gap to just one in the last week .
This is what the Albion fans made of the Leeds display and victory , and what it means for the bigger picture .
If you want to follow all things Albion via social media then this is the place to find out how .
Transfers , injuries , match-day videos and photos and the thoughts of the manager and his players , we ’ ve got you covered .
We ’ ll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and around the clock .
Make sure you keep yourself updated with our social media accounts ... Twitter : All the latest news as it happens For all your latest WBA news , opinion , analysis and transfer gossip , click here You can follow our reporter Joseph Chapman on Twitter , and his email address is Joseph.Chapman @ reachplc.com Albion News and Gaming : # WBA Congrats to # LUFC on ( pretty much ) promotion , hope we join you .
Big Semi Ajayi : Now it ’ s just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re leading the race and the only way we ’ ll lose it is if we trip over Aaron Walker : Leeds showing how to win ugly .
Something Albion need to do again if necessary .
Forget all the missed chances against Blackburn , and throwing away silly points against Blues and others .
Just win tomorrow .
And assuming Brenford beat Stoke ( which they will ) win Wednesday too Stuart Bailey : Congratulations Leeds Utd , I know its not mathematical yet but it ’ s a formality now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part , got that tonight , just praying that we have some tomorrow evening Dominic Chapman : Fair play to Leeds , you can see what it means to them .
What I ’ d give for celebrations like these of our own tomorrow Steve Nock : Leeds getting the job done .
Brom take note Dave Neale : Pretty much accepted Leeds promotion after their last minute winner vs Swansea .
Brentford or Albion for 2nd .
Pretty poor if we can ’ t beat Huddersfield and QPR to get 2nd spot @

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Leeds United have all but secured the first promotion spot from the Championship to the Premier League after a dogged performance and narrow victory over relegation battling Barnsley at Elland Road.
The 1-0 success means that they have pulled five points clear of Albion, and six clear of third placed Brentford - who have a superior goal difference - with just two league matches left to play.
Indeed it now appears as though the Baggies - heading to Huddersfield on Friday - are playing for second place. That’ll do just nicely, provided they can see off the Bees who are hot on their heels and who have cut the five point gap to just one in the last week.
This is what the Albion fans made of the Leeds display and victory, and what it means for the bigger picture.
Albion fans on Leeds win
Albion News and Gaming : #WBA Congrats to #LUFC on (pretty much) promotion, hope we join you.
Big Semi Ajayi: Now it’s just a race between us and Brentford. We’re leading the race and the only way we’ll lose it is if we trip over
Aaron Walker: Leeds showing how to win ugly. Something Albion need to do again if necessary. Forget all the missed chances against Blackburn, and throwing away silly points against Blues and others. Just win tomorrow. And assuming Brenford beat Stoke (which they will) win Wednesday too
Stuart Bailey: Congratulations Leeds Utd, I know its not mathematical yet but it’s a formality now. Always need luck to play a part, got that tonight, just praying that we have some tomorrow evening
Dominic Chapman: Fair play to Leeds, you can see what it means to them. What I’d give for celebrations like these of our own tomorrow
Steve Nock: Leeds getting the job done. Brom take note
Dave Neale: Pretty much accepted Leeds promotion after their last minute winner vs Swansea. Brentford or Albion for 2nd. Pretty poor if we can’t beat Huddersfield and QPR to get 2nd spot.


birminghammail--2020-07-16--Warning over 'sharp spike' in coronavirus cases

Smethwick has seen a 'sharp spike ' in Covid-19 cases , prompting health chiefs to urge people to act fast to combat the spread of the deadly virus .
Sandwell Council said the rise was not yet at a level to trigger a local lockdown - but people needed to be extra vigilant .
The number of known positive tests leaped up from four to 28 in a matter of days in Smethwick postcodes .
It 's that sudden surge that has caused alarm bells to ring , said the area 's public health director Dr Lisa McNally .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clock ' to ensure people , businesses and community venues follow safety guidelines to try to prevent any spread .
She said : `` A pattern is emerging showing the infection affecting higher numbers of people in a small number of properties , two , three and four people sometimes in one household – often in multi-generational households - rather than lots of single cases across a lot of households .
`` I know it isn ’ t easy but it ’ s very important that if someone is infected , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household as much as they possibly can , especially from elderly people .
`` This rise in cases reminds us the virus hasn ’ t gone away .
We can ’ t afford to drop our guard .
If we experience symptoms then we must self-isolate at home and get tested .
Anyone in the same household also needs to self-isolate .
Doing this saves lives . ''
Dr McNally continued : `` We can protect ourselves and those we live with by keeping at least one metre apart from others .
Wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or when shopping also reduces the spread of the virus .
`` We are not at a point where we are looking at a ‘ lockdown ’ situation like in Leicester .
But we will keep monitoring the situation carefully and we really need everyone to follow the guidance . ''
In a worrying development , Dr McNally confirmed she does not yet have the details of all the workplaces or other vital data of all those infected , nor can she be certain that the contacts of those involved have been traced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source of frustration for her and other public health directors that they are still not getting all of the details they need from NHS Test and Trace to identify cases and clusters quickly .
She said the rising numbers only came to light when her team spotted repeated postcodes in the incomplete data they receive and began to ask questions .
Her team is now working with Public Health England 's West Midlands team and other agencies , including the Health and Safety Executive , to investigate if any workplaces or other community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common link between the cases .
She said her team would be ringing around and calling into communal venues around the town from tomorrow to remind people about social distancing and the need for good hand hygiene and other vital measures .
If cases continue to rise in the coming days , more steps would be considered , likely to include mobile testing facilities to offer extra testing .
She said : `` This is a small number of cases but the sharpness of the rise is what concerns me .
This could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure we are taking steps now .
`` We are not at the stage of locking down , far from it , but it is vital we are now tracing contacts and reminding anyone with symptoms to stay off work , off school , out of the pub or mosque , and stay home . ''
She also appealed to employers , head teachers and places of worship leaders to be extra vigilant and urge anyone with the slightest symptoms to stay away .
She added : `` We want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing .
We may be worrying about nothing but we would rather say to people in Smethwick , this is a worry , let 's work together to reduce the risk . ''
She added : `` Anyone who thinks they may have symptoms - such as a high temperature , a new , continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste - is urged to book a free test by visiting the NHS 111 online service here or calling 119 .
The NHS Test & Trace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus and use the information provided to get in touch with anyone who may have been infected .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Jane Haynes, Politics and People Editor, Kelly Ashmore)

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Smethwick has seen a 'sharp spike' in Covid-19 cases, prompting health chiefs to urge people to act fast to combat the spread of the deadly virus.
Sandwell Council said the rise was not yet at a level to trigger a local lockdown - but people needed to be extra vigilant.
The number of known positive tests leaped up from four to 28 in a matter of days in Smethwick postcodes.
It's that sudden surge that has caused alarm bells to ring, said the area's public health director Dr Lisa McNally.
She and her team are now working 'round the clock' to ensure people, businesses and community venues follow safety guidelines to try to prevent any spread.
She said: "A pattern is emerging showing the infection affecting higher numbers of people in a small number of properties, two, three and four people sometimes in one household – often in multi-generational households - rather than lots of single cases across a lot of households.
"I know it isn’t easy but it’s very important that if someone is infected, they isolate themselves from the rest of their household as much as they possibly can, especially from elderly people.
"This rise in cases reminds us the virus hasn’t gone away. We can’t afford to drop our guard. If we experience symptoms then we must self-isolate at home and get tested. Anyone in the same household also needs to self-isolate. Doing this saves lives."
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Dr McNally continued: "We can protect ourselves and those we live with by keeping at least one metre apart from others. Wearing a face covering when on public transport or when shopping also reduces the spread of the virus.
"We are not at a point where we are looking at a ‘lockdown’ situation like in Leicester. But we will keep monitoring the situation carefully and we really need everyone to follow the guidance."
In a worrying development, Dr McNally confirmed she does not yet have the details of all the workplaces or other vital data of all those infected, nor can she be certain that the contacts of those involved have been traced and alerted.
It has been a source of frustration for her and other public health directors that they are still not getting all of the details they need from NHS Test and Trace to identify cases and clusters quickly.
She said the rising numbers only came to light when her team spotted repeated postcodes in the incomplete data they receive and began to ask questions.
Her team is now working with Public Health England's West Midlands team and other agencies, including the Health and Safety Executive, to investigate if any workplaces or other community venues like places of worship are a common link between the cases.
She said her team would be ringing around and calling into communal venues around the town from tomorrow to remind people about social distancing and the need for good hand hygiene and other vital measures.
If cases continue to rise in the coming days, more steps would be considered, likely to include mobile testing facilities to offer extra testing.
She said: "This is a small number of cases but the sharpness of the rise is what concerns me. This could fizzle out within days but I need to ensure we are taking steps now.
(Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
"We are not at the stage of locking down, far from it, but it is vital we are now tracing contacts and reminding anyone with symptoms to stay off work, off school, out of the pub or mosque, and stay home."
She also appealed to employers, head teachers and places of worship leaders to be extra vigilant and urge anyone with the slightest symptoms to stay away.
She added: "We want to be open and transparent about what we are doing. We may be worrying about nothing but we would rather say to people in Smethwick, this is a worry, let's work together to reduce the risk."
Anyone who thinks they may have symptoms - such as a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste - is urged to book a free test by visiting the NHS 111 online service here or calling 119.
The NHS Test & Trace service will contact anyone who tests positive for the virus and use the information provided to get in touch with anyone who may have been infected.


birminghammail--2020-07-17--The decisions which have cost Wolves Champions League football

Wolverhampton Wanderers ' Champions League charge ( in the Premier League at least ) has been ended by VAR .
Those words should never have been written but the way in which the new technology has worked against Wolves all season has made it inevitable .
Mike Dean 's decision to award Burnley a stoppage time penalty on Wednesday , coupled with VAR 's failure to correct it , means Wolves can no longer finish in the top four .
It 's a catastrophic climax to an outstanding season for Wolves and former Molineux man Michael Kightly summed it up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision , I 'm absolutely fuming , '' raged Kightly .
`` The rule of handball in football is embarrassing .
That 's cost Wolves a Champions League spot .
( Matt ) Doherty has not taken it off ( Chris ) Wood 's foot with his hand , he 's miss-kicked it .
`` How 's he supposed to get his hand out the way in zero seconds ?
The game of football is becoming embarrassing . ''
‘ It ’ s not football anymore ’ has echoed around Premier League grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of the drama has unfolded .
Wolves ’ anger hasn ’ t always directly been caused by VAR , it ’ s the use of the technology to enforce two new rules in particular which has frustrated Nuno Espirito Santo and his players .
However , the decision on Wednesday can be traced back directly to the VAR control room at Stockley Park .
It 's just one of several absolutely pathetic uses of the technology which has cost Wolves a shed load of points this season .
Offsides are now detected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ error , hence why we ’ ve seen so many goals ruled out in the Premier League this season .
Three of the five contentious calls we ’ re about to highlight centre around VAR ’ s interpretation of offside .
The argument put forward by the game ’ s lawmakers is that a line has to be drawn somewhere .
However , unless players looking across the line possess X-ray vision which allows them to determine exactly where they are in relation to the last defender , it ’ s impossible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t offside .
In other words , the accuracy of the system has made it nigh-on impossible for attacking players to know whether they are on or offside .
Like most Premier League bosses Nuno wants a system which spots ‘ daylight ’ , i.e clear and obvious offsides , not ones which can ’ t be seen by the human eye .
Wolves were undone by the new handball rule on the opening day of the season at Leicester , so you ’ re probably well versed in what comes next .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attacking player inside the penalty area in the build-up to a goal it ’ s ruled out .
Nothing else matters .
Doherty had a goal ruled out in the FA Cup third round tie against United at Molineux for handball , while Pedro Neto ’ s effort was disallowed in the replay - both because of the new handball rule .
So , how many points have Wolves lost due to VAR ?
Wolves were left baffled by Dean 's decision to award a penalty to Burnley - but they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
`` It was never going to get overruled anyway as they do n't overrule referees , do they ? ''
said captain Conor Coady afterwards .
The argument was that Doherty was just protecting himself from being kicked in the face by Wood , who was attempting an overhead kick inside the penalty box .
Wood got nowhere near the ball and Doherty , with his arms in front of his face , connected with it .
This was anything but an intentional handball , despite those of a Burnley persuasion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Willy Boly ’ s header against Leicester City was chalked off in February due to an offside in the build-up .
Boly was onside , as was Doherty who set it up , but Neto - who crossed the ball - inexplicably left his left heel behind Leicester ’ s defensive line .
Again , there is absolutely no way Neto could have known he was in an offside position .
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolves would have beaten Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield in December .
However , VAR concluded that Adam Lallana didn ’ t handle in the build-up to Sadio Mane ’ s goal and Jonny Castro Otto was offside before he crossed for Neto ’ s .
Yet another offside so tight that Jonny couldn ’ t possibly be gaining an advantage .
Mexican striker Raul Jimenez actually had two goals ruled out during the first half of October ’ s 1-1 draw with Southampton at Molineux .
One was for quite a clear hand-ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An intricate move ended with Jimenez firing home but VAR detected another marginal offside in the build-up against Patrick Cutrone .
Leander Dendoncker ’ s disallowed goal still rankles with Wolves to this day .
An impressive performance a matter of days after a jaunt to Armenia would have ordinarily yielded three points , but not now .
Nobody batted an eye-lid after Dendoncker headed the ball onto Boly ’ s back and slammed home the rebound .
Stockley Park quickly flagged up a possible handball though and after a few very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With Boly facing the opposite direction , unbeknown to him the ball had struck his arm .
If you take those two points off Leicester and give Wolves the four they would have earned without VAR 's farcical interventions , the teams would be level on 60 points with two games to go .

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Get Wolves transfer latest, team news, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Champions League charge (in the Premier League at least) has been ended by VAR.
Those words should never have been written but the way in which the new technology has worked against Wolves all season has made it inevitable.
Mike Dean's decision to award Burnley a stoppage time penalty on Wednesday, coupled with VAR's failure to correct it, means Wolves can no longer finish in the top four.
It's a catastrophic climax to an outstanding season for Wolves and former Molineux man Michael Kightly summed it up best.
"It's a ridiculous decision, I'm absolutely fuming," raged Kightly. "The rule of handball in football is embarrassing. That's cost Wolves a Champions League spot. (Matt) Doherty has not taken it off (Chris) Wood's foot with his hand, he's miss-kicked it.
"How's he supposed to get his hand out the way in zero seconds? The game of football is becoming embarrassing."
‘It’s not football anymore’ has echoed around Premier League grounds all season, especially at Molineux where plenty of the drama has unfolded.
Wolves’ anger hasn’t always directly been caused by VAR, it’s the use of the technology to enforce two new rules in particular which has frustrated Nuno Espirito Santo and his players.
However, the decision on Wednesday can be traced back directly to the VAR control room at Stockley Park. It's just one of several absolutely pathetic uses of the technology which has cost Wolves a shed load of points this season.
The offside rule
Offsides are now detected by sensors which allows no margin for error, hence why we’ve seen so many goals ruled out in the Premier League this season.
Three of the five contentious calls we’re about to highlight centre around VAR’s interpretation of offside.
The argument put forward by the game’s lawmakers is that a line has to be drawn somewhere. However, unless players looking across the line possess X-ray vision which allows them to determine exactly where they are in relation to the last defender, it’s impossible for them to be certain they aren’t offside.
In other words, the accuracy of the system has made it nigh-on impossible for attacking players to know whether they are on or offside.
Like most Premier League bosses Nuno wants a system which spots ‘daylight’, i.e clear and obvious offsides, not ones which can’t be seen by the human eye.
(Image: PA)
The handball rule
Wolves were undone by the new handball rule on the opening day of the season at Leicester, so you’re probably well versed in what comes next.
If the ball hits the arm/hand of an attacking player inside the penalty area in the build-up to a goal it’s ruled out. Nothing else matters.
Doherty had a goal ruled out in the FA Cup third round tie against United at Molineux for handball, while Pedro Neto’s effort was disallowed in the replay - both because of the new handball rule.
So, how many points have Wolves lost due to VAR?
Matt Doherty vs Burnley
Points lost? Two
Wolves were left baffled by Dean's decision to award a penalty to Burnley - but they weren't shocked that VAR didn't overturn it.
"It was never going to get overruled anyway as they don't overrule referees, do they?" said captain Conor Coady afterwards.
The argument was that Doherty was just protecting himself from being kicked in the face by Wood, who was attempting an overhead kick inside the penalty box.
Wood got nowhere near the ball and Doherty, with his arms in front of his face, connected with it.
This was anything but an intentional handball, despite those of a Burnley persuasion insistent that it was a penalty.
Willy Boly vs Leicester
Points lost? Two
Willy Boly’s header against Leicester City was chalked off in February due to an offside in the build-up.
Boly was onside, as was Doherty who set it up, but Neto - who crossed the ball - inexplicably left his left heel behind Leicester’s defensive line.
Again, there is absolutely no way Neto could have known he was in an offside position.
Sign up for our Wolves newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
Pedro Neto vs Liverpool
Points lost? Three
If VAR wasn’t in play, Wolves would have beaten Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield in December.
However, VAR concluded that Adam Lallana didn’t handle in the build-up to Sadio Mane’s goal and Jonny Castro Otto was offside before he crossed for Neto’s.
Yet another offside so tight that Jonny couldn’t possibly be gaining an advantage.
(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Raul Jimenez vs Southampton
Points lost? Two
Mexican striker Raul Jimenez actually had two goals ruled out during the first half of October’s 1-1 draw with Southampton at Molineux.
One was for quite a clear hand-ball but the other was far less clear-cut. An intricate move ended with Jimenez firing home but VAR detected another marginal offside in the build-up against Patrick Cutrone.
Leander Dendoncker vs Leicester
Points lost? Two
Leander Dendoncker’s disallowed goal still rankles with Wolves to this day. An impressive performance a matter of days after a jaunt to Armenia would have ordinarily yielded three points, but not now.
Nobody batted an eye-lid after Dendoncker headed the ball onto Boly’s back and slammed home the rebound. Stockley Park quickly flagged up a possible handball though and after a few very confusing minutes the goal was ruled out.
With Boly facing the opposite direction, unbeknown to him the ball had struck his arm.
If you take those two points off Leicester and give Wolves the four they would have earned without VAR's farcical interventions, the teams would be level on 60 points with two games to go.