birminghammail--2020-10-04--West Brom star linked with transfer deadline day exit

Derby County and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly in negotiations about a transfer of Charlie Austin .
Sky Sports say the two clubs are discussing a short-term deal for the striker .
Austin 's Albion deal is up next summer and it is likely he has played his last match for Slaven Bilic 's side .
Bilic is trying to shift some of his fringe players with Kamil Grosicki and Kenneth Zohore wanted by Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday respectively .
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Google Play Store and App Store Austin only moved to Albion last summer , arriving in August on a permanent deal from Southampton for £4 million .
He scored ten goals last season as Albion clinched promotion back to the Premier League .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow 's clash with Southampton , Bilic said he hoped his fringe players would be able to find new clubs soon .
`` That would be good , '' Bilic said .
`` That 's also an important part of the transfer window , not only because of the budget and it would ease the wages , but because it 's not good to have a squad too big , who 'd continue to train after the transfer window shuts .
Sign up for our Albion newsletter with your email in the box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ click here '' We 'll see .
They have their contracts , the players who are missing are optimistic that something is going to happen in the club .
`` It 's not that easy to find a club .
They have their agents .
I 'm hoping that some of them will go . ''
Derby are 22nd in the Championship after three games , having lost all of them .
How to watch the game Albion ’ s game with Southampton is kicking off on Sunday at midday because it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s not the only game that kicks off at midday , either ; BT will be showing Leicester City ’ s clash with West Ham United on BT Sport 1 , while Saints v Albion takes place over on BT Sport 2 .
If you have a Sky box , the channel number if 414 , if it ’ s a BT TV or Talk Talk box it ’ s 408 and if it ’ s 528 .
The coverage from St Mary ’ s begins at 11:30am .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sport , then a highlights package will be available on Match of the Day 2 on BBC One - that begins at 22:30 .
BirminghamLive ’ s Albion reporter Joe Chapman will be based at St Mary ’ s to bring you updates via Twitter and reaction following the final whistle .
You can keep up to track by clicking here .
Slaven Bilic remains hopeful - for the players ’ sake as much as West Brom ’ s - that one or two fringe players may yet leave the club before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Albion are working hard to bring a new forward into the club , an addition that Bilic ‘ expects to happen ’ and one he has reiterated that they desperately need .
Potential outgoings are as intriguing right now as intended incomings , though ; Bilic , while admitting that it ’ s not an easy window to shift players who aren ’ t a part of his long-term plans , realises that working on deals to thin out his existing squad will in turn give him and the club ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to getting signings over the line .
Saul Shotton has become the latest promising West Brom youngster to leave the club on loan after completing a move to non-league Woking .
Centre half Shotton wasn ’ t involved in the Baggies U23s ’ 1-1 draw with Reading on Friday afternoon , and the explanation behind his absence has now been revealed - he ’ s headed out on loan .
Shotton , 19 , signed for Albion after leaving Bury prior to the club going under in 2019 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club ’ s Premier League 2 side under Deon Burton during that time .
West Brom travel to Southampton this weekend as their hunt for a first Premier League victory of the season continues .
Pegged back by Chelsea despite enjoying a 3-0 first half lead last time out , Slaven Bilic ’ s Albion have shown signs of improvement and finding their feet in each of their last couple of league games against high quality opponents .
Ultimately , they ’ ve fell down with their defending - the goals against column @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Saints won against Burnley last time out , but they don ’ t have a particularly strong home record in the last 12 months and Tottenham put five past them at St Mary ’ s in their first home game of the season .
Here is what their fans have been saying about Albion ahead of Sunday ’ s high noon kick-off .
Ralph Hasenhuttl reckons that there may be some of a Southampton persuasion who view West Brom at home as an ‘ easy game ’ - but they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hasenhuttl welcomes Albion and counterpart Slaven Bilic to St Mary ’ s for a midday kick-off this Sunday on the back of a hard fought 1-0 victory at Burnley , in which they gave their hosts very little leeway at Turf Moor .
Compare that to Albion , who have conceded an alarming 11 goals in their opening three games - albeit against three of the better sides in the division - and it leads to a perception that the Saints ought to roll the Baggies over , Hasenhuttl believes .
Slaven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raring to go and will travel to Southampton as West Brom hunt their first league victory of the season this weekend .
The Albion head coach is , though , a little more cautious about including fellow new arrivals Branislav Ivanovic and Filip Krovinovic this coming weekend in the knowledge that the pair could benefit from a full international break .
Bilic confirmed that the Baggies welcomed MK Dons this past week to their training ground for a behind closed doors friendly match , and the likes of Krovinovic , Gallagher , Ivanovic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
West Brom ’ s pursuit of a new centre forward is set to drag on into the final throes of the summer transfer window as Slaven Bilic once more emphasised the squad ’ s need for a fresh option in the attacking department .
Albion boss Bilic is desperate for the Baggies to recruit at least one player , that being a new forward , before the domestic window shuts on October 16 , with Huddersfield Town talisman Karlan Grant known to be the club ’ s primary target .
Until now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm in Albion ’ s attempts to extract him away from Yorkshire , but those negotiations are set to intensify further in the next week or so .
Leicester City forward Islam Slimani is also on Bilic ’ s short-list , though that is a deal that would have to be done before the first transfer deadline - that being this coming Monday .
West Bromwich Albion Kenneth Zohore is keen on a departure from The Hawthorns before the transfer window shuts .
That 's according to 's sister title in Sheffield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing Zohore , who wants to leave Slaven Bilic 's side for Hillsborough .
The Owls ' Championship rivals Derby County and Middlesbrough have also been linked with a move for Zohore , with the latter managed by Neil Warnock .
Watford manager Vladimir Ivic admits he is unsure about the future of Troy Deeney .
West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a move for the striker while Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur had been credited with an interest in August .
Deeney has only played one minute of relegated Watford 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the final minute of last weekend 's 1-0 defeat of Luton Town at Vicarage Road .
The Birmingham -born striker , Watford 's captain , will see his contract at the club expire next summer and could be tempted by a move back into the Premier League if it is in the offing .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Steve Wollaston, Joseph Chapman)

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Austin exit?
Derby County and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly in negotiations about a transfer of Charlie Austin.
Sky Sports say the two clubs are discussing a short-term deal for the striker.
Austin's Albion deal is up next summer and it is likely he has played his last match for Slaven Bilic's side.
Bilic is trying to shift some of his fringe players with Kamil Grosicki and Kenneth Zohore wanted by Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.
West Brom daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox Why should you sign up? We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer gossip and comment pieces in our daily Baggies bulletin, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Just type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up by clicking here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest West Brom updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download via Google Play Store or the App Store. It is always up-to-date with the latest news .
Austin only moved to Albion last summer, arriving in August on a permanent deal from Southampton for £4 million.
He scored ten goals last season as Albion clinched promotion back to the Premier League.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of tomorrow's clash with Southampton, Bilic said he hoped his fringe players would be able to find new clubs soon.
"That would be good," Bilic said. "That's also an important part of the transfer window, not only because of the budget and it would ease the wages, but because it's not good to have a squad too big, who'd continue to train after the transfer window shuts.
Sign up for our Albion newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
"We'll see. They have their contracts, the players who are missing are optimistic that something is going to happen in the club.
"It's not that easy to find a club. They have their agents. I'm hoping that some of them will go."
Derby are 22nd in the Championship after three games, having lost all of them.
How to watch the game
Albion’s game with Southampton is kicking off on Sunday at midday because it’s been selected by BT Sport.
It’s not the only game that kicks off at midday, either; BT will be showing Leicester City’s clash with West Ham United on BT Sport 1, while Saints v Albion takes place over on BT Sport 2.
If you have a Sky box, the channel number if 414, if it’s a BT TV or Talk Talk box it’s 408 and if it’s 528.
The coverage from St Mary’s begins at 11:30am.
If you don’t have access to BT Sport, then a highlights package will be available on Match of the Day 2 on BBC One - that begins at 22:30.
BirminghamLive’s Albion reporter Joe Chapman will be based at St Mary’s to bring you updates via Twitter and reaction following the final whistle. You can keep up to track by clicking here.
Outgoings
Slaven Bilic remains hopeful - for the players’ sake as much as West Brom’s - that one or two fringe players may yet leave the club before the domestic transfer window shuts later this month.
Albion are working hard to bring a new forward into the club, an addition that Bilic ‘expects to happen’ and one he has reiterated that they desperately need.
Potential outgoings are as intriguing right now as intended incomings, though; Bilic, while admitting that it’s not an easy window to shift players who aren’t a part of his long-term plans, realises that working on deals to thin out his existing squad will in turn give him and the club’s recruitment team a little more wriggle room when it comes to getting signings over the line.
Defender loan
Saul Shotton has become the latest promising West Brom youngster to leave the club on loan after completing a move to non-league Woking.
Centre half Shotton wasn’t involved in the Baggies U23s’ 1-1 draw with Reading on Friday afternoon, and the explanation behind his absence has now been revealed - he’s headed out on loan.
Shotton, 19, signed for Albion after leaving Bury prior to the club going under in 2019, and he has been a regular in the club’s Premier League 2 side under Deon Burton during that time.
(Image: WBA Official Website (https://www.wba.co.uk/news/2019/september2/albion-seal-shotton-signature/))
Saints say
West Brom travel to Southampton this weekend as their hunt for a first Premier League victory of the season continues.
Pegged back by Chelsea despite enjoying a 3-0 first half lead last time out, Slaven Bilic’s Albion have shown signs of improvement and finding their feet in each of their last couple of league games against high quality opponents.
Ultimately, they’ve fell down with their defending - the goals against column already stands at 11.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints won against Burnley last time out, but they don’t have a particularly strong home record in the last 12 months and Tottenham put five past them at St Mary’s in their first home game of the season.
Here is what their fans have been saying about Albion ahead of Sunday’s high noon kick-off.
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Ralph's warning
Ralph Hasenhuttl reckons that there may be some of a Southampton persuasion who view West Brom at home as an ‘easy game’ - but they’d be wrong, the Austrian insists.
Hasenhuttl welcomes Albion and counterpart Slaven Bilic to St Mary’s for a midday kick-off this Sunday on the back of a hard fought 1-0 victory at Burnley, in which they gave their hosts very little leeway at Turf Moor.
Compare that to Albion, who have conceded an alarming 11 goals in their opening three games - albeit against three of the better sides in the division - and it leads to a perception that the Saints ought to roll the Baggies over, Hasenhuttl believes.
Injury update
Slaven Bilic has confirmed that Conor Gallagher is raring to go and will travel to Southampton as West Brom hunt their first league victory of the season this weekend.
The Albion head coach is, though, a little more cautious about including fellow new arrivals Branislav Ivanovic and Filip Krovinovic this coming weekend in the knowledge that the pair could benefit from a full international break.
Bilic confirmed that the Baggies welcomed MK Dons this past week to their training ground for a behind closed doors friendly match, and the likes of Krovinovic, Gallagher, Ivanovic and Ahmed Hegazi all played various parts.
Striker alert
West Brom’s pursuit of a new centre forward is set to drag on into the final throes of the summer transfer window as Slaven Bilic once more emphasised the squad’s need for a fresh option in the attacking department.
Albion boss Bilic is desperate for the Baggies to recruit at least one player, that being a new forward, before the domestic window shuts on October 16, with Huddersfield Town talisman Karlan Grant known to be the club’s primary target.
Until now, though, the Terriers have held firm in Albion’s attempts to extract him away from Yorkshire, but those negotiations are set to intensify further in the next week or so.
Leicester City forward Islam Slimani is also on Bilic’s short-list, though that is a deal that would have to be done before the first transfer deadline - that being this coming Monday.
Eager
West Bromwich Albion Kenneth Zohore is keen on a departure from The Hawthorns before the transfer window shuts.
That's according to BirminghamLive 's sister title in Sheffield, YorkshireLive .
Sheffield Wednesday are keen on signing Zohore, who wants to leave Slaven Bilic 's side for Hillsborough.
The Owls' Championship rivals Derby County and Middlesbrough have also been linked with a move for Zohore, with the latter managed by Neil Warnock.
Waiting game
Watford manager Vladimir Ivic admits he is unsure about the future of Troy Deeney.
West Bromwich Albion have been linked with a move for the striker while Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur had been credited with an interest in August.
Deeney has only played one minute of relegated Watford's 2020-21 campaign this season, coming on for the final minute of last weekend's 1-0 defeat of Luton Town at Vicarage Road.
The Birmingham -born striker, Watford's captain, will see his contract at the club expire next summer and could be tempted by a move back into the Premier League if it is in the offing.


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Wolves reveal transfer deadline day stance as club receive boost for the future

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has pledged his future to the club with a bumper new deal to keep him at Molineux .
The Mexico international has inked fresh terms that will keep him at the club until at least 2024 .
Jimenez has been heavily linked with a move away from Nuno Espirito Santo 's side , with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool credited with an interest in the 29 year-old .
Italian giants Juventus had also been mentioned as a possible destination but he has today comiotted his long-term future with Wolves .
There 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter .
Delivered straight into your email inbox each day , the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news , views , gossip and opinion .
All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - it looks just like this ... And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Jimenez has flourished since he arrived at Wolves , initially on loan , from Benfica before making a permanent move for a club record fee last year .
He has been Wolves ' top goalscorer for the past couple of seasons and already has two goals from three games for the current campaign .
There could be more good news on the way for Wolves fans , with The Telegraph reporting that the club are going to commence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract .
Rayan Ait-Nouri looks set to become a Wolves player , too with the Angers defender on his way to Molineux to sign initially on loan with an option held in the deal for Wolves to make the move permanent for €20 million .
Wolves are keeping their options open ahead of Monday ’ s transfer deadline .
Nuno Espirito Santo has brought six senior players to the club this summer - and have just three days left before the window for international deals closes .
The Wolves boss says he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admits ‘ we ’ re still in the process ’ .
Speaking ahead of Sunday ’ s clash against Fulham he said : “ As long as the transfer window is open , you have to know anything can happen .
`` We need to react and we know on the last day things move , but we ’ re not anticipating anything , but always knowing anything can happen .
“ I am happy with what we ’ ve done .
We ’ ve been able to react well and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we think can bring us different things .
“ At the same time , we ’ re still in the process .
It ’ s not finished .
When it ’ s finished , then we can do a proper analysis .
“ I ’ ll be glad when it ’ s finished .
I think all the managers have been asking when the start the competition that the transfer window can be closed .
Due to the pandemic everything has changed , so it ’ s not good for all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fabio Silva , Marcal , Ki-Jana Hoever , Nelson Semedo and Vitinha have all arrived at Molineux , while Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty are the most notable departures .
It was claimed yesterday that Ruben Vinagre could also be on his way , with Olympiakos his most likely destination .
How to watch the game Wolves welcome lowly Fulham to Molineux this weekend looking for an immediate response to the hammering they took at West Ham United last time out .
Nuno Espirito Santo will expect a reaction from his players after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of by the Irons at the London Stadium .
Fulham , who were well beaten themselves in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night , represent a good opportunity to get back on track .
Here is how you can follow the game and all the other information you 'll need .
This game will be on Sky Sports Premier League ( Sky channel 402 ) .
The game kicks off at 2pm , but the programme building up to the start of the match will begin at 1pm .
Highlights will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on BBC One at 10:30pm , while you can follow our Wolves reporter Alex Dicken - who will be at Molineux - on Twitter by clicking here .
He ’ ll provide regular updates and reaction .

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Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez has pledged his future to the club with a bumper new deal to keep him at Molineux.
The Mexico international has inked fresh terms that will keep him at the club until at least 2024.
Jimenez has been heavily linked with a move away from Nuno Espirito Santo's side, with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool credited with an interest in the 29 year-old.
Italian giants Juventus had also been mentioned as a possible destination but he has today comiotted his long-term future with Wolves.
Wolves daily newsletter. Free. To your inbox There's a quick and easy way to stay on top of all the Wolverhampton Wanderers news with our daily newsletter. Delivered straight into your email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Wolves news, views, gossip and opinion. All you have to do is punch your email in at the top of the article - or sign up here. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Jimenez has flourished since he arrived at Wolves, initially on loan, from Benfica before making a permanent move for a club record fee last year.
He has been Wolves ' top goalscorer for the past couple of seasons and already has two goals from three games for the current campaign.
There could be more good news on the way for Wolves fans, with The Telegraph reporting that the club are going to commence negotiations with Adama Traore about a new contract.
Rayan Ait-Nouri looks set to become a Wolves player, too with the Angers defender on his way to Molineux to sign initially on loan with an option held in the deal for Wolves to make the move permanent for €20 million.
Transfer stance
Wolves are keeping their options open ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Nuno Espirito Santo has brought six senior players to the club this summer - and have just three days left before the window for international deals closes.
The Wolves boss says he is not anticipating any more additions - but admits ‘we’re still in the process’.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Fulham he said: “As long as the transfer window is open, you have to know anything can happen.
"We need to react and we know on the last day things move, but we’re not anticipating anything, but always knowing anything can happen.
“I am happy with what we’ve done. We’ve been able to react well and we’ve been able to bring players in that we think can bring us different things.
“At the same time, we’re still in the process. It’s not finished. When it’s finished, then we can do a proper analysis.
“I’ll be glad when it’s finished. I think all the managers have been asking when the start the competition that the transfer window can be closed. Due to the pandemic everything has changed, so it’s not good for all the managers.”
So far Matija Sarkic, Fabio Silva, Marcal, Ki-Jana Hoever, Nelson Semedo and Vitinha have all arrived at Molineux, while Diogo Jota and Matt Doherty are the most notable departures.
It was claimed yesterday that Ruben Vinagre could also be on his way, with Olympiakos his most likely destination.
How to watch the game
Wolves welcome lowly Fulham to Molineux this weekend looking for an immediate response to the hammering they took at West Ham United last time out.
Nuno Espirito Santo will expect a reaction from his players after the lacklustre performance which was taken advantage of by the Irons at the London Stadium.
Fulham, who were well beaten themselves in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night, represent a good opportunity to get back on track.
Here is how you can follow the game and all the other information you'll need.
This game will be on Sky Sports Premier League (Sky channel 402).
The game kicks off at 2pm, but the programme building up to the start of the match will begin at 1pm.
Highlights will also be available via Match of the Day 2 on BBC One at 10:30pm, while you can follow our Wolves reporter Alex Dicken - who will be at Molineux - on Twitter by clicking here. He’ll provide regular updates and reaction.


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Dean Smith hails perfect Aston Villa & raves about Ollie Watkins

Delighted Dean Smith beamed hitting Liverpool for SEVEN was his best-ever moment in his nine-year managerial career .
The Aston Villa boss spoke of his sheer admiration of his squad of players after humbling champions Liverpool 7-2 at Villa Park in a memorable - and mental - night in B6 .
Record-buy Ollie Watkins grabbed a super hat-trick with John McGinn , Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish ( 2 ) adding the other four .
`` It has to rank at the top to get a performance and a result like that against an exceptional team , '' Smith said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Premier League after their 100 per cent start .
`` It takes something special .
It was a special performance from the players tonight .
`` I 'm extremely proud .
We executed the game plan to perfection .
It was n't just the game plan but the work rate , work ethic .
If you get outworked by Liverpool you get beat .
They 're an exceptional pressing team .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for transfer updates before deadline day Why should you sign up ?
Villa have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley .
But there is still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 11pm on Monday .
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin .
We 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store '' If you take two touches you 're going to get mugged of the ball .
We played exceptionally well and I 'm incredibly proud of every single one of them - from Emi Martinez who made some good saves to the subs who helps see it through . ''
On his £28 million man Watkins , Smith added : `` I think people questioned the price tag for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt I 'd get a performance like that from him .
I 've known him a long time .
He 's a great kid and his application and attitude is getting better and it 's there with the best I 've seen .
`` I 've never doubted that performance he put out today .
It never surprised me and that 's the best accolade I can give to him . ''
On the scenes in the dressing room afterwards , Smith said : `` Nobody expected what happened .
There were a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going on international duty now as well and I told them to look after themselves .
Certainly we 'll take a moment to realise what they 've done today .
`` They know they 're a good team with good players .
I said before the season started that physically we 're in a better position now .
We 've got more athletes in the team and better quality .
If you 've got that you 've got a better chance of getting results like today . ''

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Delighted Dean Smith beamed hitting Liverpool for SEVEN was his best-ever moment in his nine-year managerial career.
The Aston Villa boss spoke of his sheer admiration of his squad of players after humbling champions Liverpool 7-2 at Villa Park in a memorable - and mental - night in B6.
Record-buy Ollie Watkins grabbed a super hat-trick with John McGinn, Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish (2) adding the other four.
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
"It has to rank at the top to get a performance and a result like that against an exceptional team," Smith said, who helps Villa to second in the Premier League after their 100 per cent start.
"It takes something special. It was a special performance from the players tonight.
"I'm extremely proud. We executed the game plan to perfection. It wasn't just the game plan but the work rate, work ethic. If you get outworked by Liverpool you get beat. They're an exceptional pressing team.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline Why should you sign up? Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1. You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up . If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
"If you take two touches you're going to get mugged of the ball. We played exceptionally well and I'm incredibly proud of every single one of them - from Emi Martinez who made some good saves to the subs who helps see it through."
On his £28 million man Watkins, Smith added: "I think people questioned the price tag for a Championship player. I was never in doubt I'd get a performance like that from him. I've known him a long time. He's a great kid and his application and attitude is getting better and it's there with the best I've seen.
"I've never doubted that performance he put out today. It never surprised me and that's the best accolade I can give to him."
On the scenes in the dressing room afterwards, Smith said: "Nobody expected what happened. There were a lot of happy faces. A lot are going on international duty now as well and I told them to look after themselves. Certainly we'll take a moment to realise what they've done today.
"They know they're a good team with good players. I said before the season started that physically we're in a better position now. We've got more athletes in the team and better quality. If you've got that you've got a better chance of getting results like today."


birminghammail--2020-10-04--UK coronavirus cases skyrockets by 23,000 after PHE counting error

Public Health England said its investigation into a technical issue with the Government 's coronavirus dashboard identified more than 15,000 cases which were not included in the daily reports between September 25 and October 2 .
For example , 4,786 cases which were due to be reported on October 2 were not included in the daily total on the dashboard that day , when the figure was given as 6,968 .
Michael Brodie , the interim chief executive at Public Health England , said : `` A technical issue was identified overnight on Friday 2 October in the data load @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into reporting dashboards .
`` After rapid investigation , we have identified that 15,841 cases between 25 September and 2 October were not included in the reported daily Covid-19 cases .
The majority of these cases occurred in most recent days .
`` Every one of these cases received their Covid-19 test result as normal and all those who tested positive were advised to self-isolate .
`` NHS Test and Trace and PHE have worked to quickly resolve the issue and transferred all outstanding cases immediately into the NHS Test and Trace contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank contact tracing and health protection colleagues for their additional efforts over the weekend .
`` We fully understand the concern this may cause and further robust measures have been put in place as a result . ''
Test and Trace and Public Health England joint medical adviser , Susan Hopkins , said the issue had not prevented people receiving their test result or affected decision-making in local areas .
She said : `` Our analysis now shows that this issue affected a total of 15,841 cases from the period between 25 September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurring in recent days .
This means the total number of positive cases over this period was higher than previously reported .
`` Of these , over 75 % ( 11,968 ) relate to cases that should have been reported between 30 September and 2 October .
`` This issue did not affect people receiving their Covid-19 test results and all people who tested positive have received their Covid-19 test result in the normal way .
It also does not impact the basis on which decisions about local action were taken last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transferred to the contact tracing system by 1am on 3 October and a thorough public health risk assessment was undertaken to ensure outstanding cases were prioritised for contact tracing effectively .
`` The advice remains the same .
If you have tested positive you must self-isolate immediately for at least 10 days from when your symptoms began and we urge everyone who is contacted by NHS Test and Trace to provide details of their recent contacts . ''
The Government 's dashboard said that , as of 9am on Sunday , there had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in the UK .
It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 502,978 .
The daily figure includes 15,841 additional cases which were recorded between September 25 and October 2 but not included on previous days because of a technical issue , the dashboard said , adding Sunday 's data is `` therefore artificially high for England and the UK '' .
The Government also said a further 33 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Sunday .
This brings the UK total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's statistics agencies show there have now been nearly 57,900 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate .

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Public Health England said its investigation into a technical issue with the Government's coronavirus dashboard identified more than 15,000 cases which were not included in the daily reports between September 25 and October 2.
For example, 4,786 cases which were due to be reported on October 2 were not included in the daily total on the dashboard that day, when the figure was given as 6,968.
Michael Brodie, the interim chief executive at Public Health England, said: "A technical issue was identified overnight on Friday 2 October in the data load process that transfers Covid-19 positive lab results into reporting dashboards.
"After rapid investigation, we have identified that 15,841 cases between 25 September and 2 October were not included in the reported daily Covid-19 cases. The majority of these cases occurred in most recent days.
"Every one of these cases received their Covid-19 test result as normal and all those who tested positive were advised to self-isolate.
"NHS Test and Trace and PHE have worked to quickly resolve the issue and transferred all outstanding cases immediately into the NHS Test and Trace contact tracing system and I would like to thank contact tracing and health protection colleagues for their additional efforts over the weekend.
"We fully understand the concern this may cause and further robust measures have been put in place as a result."
Test and Trace and Public Health England joint medical adviser, Susan Hopkins, said the issue had not prevented people receiving their test result or affected decision-making in local areas.
She said: "Our analysis now shows that this issue affected a total of 15,841 cases from the period between 25 September and 2 October, with the majority occurring in recent days. This means the total number of positive cases over this period was higher than previously reported.
"Of these, over 75% (11,968) relate to cases that should have been reported between 30 September and 2 October.
"This issue did not affect people receiving their Covid-19 test results and all people who tested positive have received their Covid-19 test result in the normal way. It also does not impact the basis on which decisions about local action were taken last week.
"All outstanding cases were immediately transferred to the contact tracing system by 1am on 3 October and a thorough public health risk assessment was undertaken to ensure outstanding cases were prioritised for contact tracing effectively.
"The advice remains the same. If you have tested positive you must self-isolate immediately for at least 10 days from when your symptoms began and we urge everyone who is contacted by NHS Test and Trace to provide details of their recent contacts."
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The Government's dashboard said that, as of 9am on Sunday, there had been a further 22,961 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK. It brings the total number of cases in the UK to 502,978.
The daily figure includes 15,841 additional cases which were recorded between September 25 and October 2 but not included on previous days because of a technical issue, the dashboard said, adding Sunday's data is "therefore artificially high for England and the UK".
The Government also said a further 33 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 as of Sunday. This brings the UK total to 42,350.
Separate figures published by the UK's statistics agencies show there have now been nearly 57,900 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.


birminghammail--2020-10-04--'An act of mercy' - How Liverpool's players rated in 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins netted a hat-trick and Jack Grealish scored two goals as Dean Smith 's men put the Premier League champions to the sword and kept up Villa 's 100 per cent record while ending Liverpool 's in the process .
Ross Barkley added another during his Premier League debut for Villa while John McGinn also got in on the act with a deflected volley .
Mohamed Salah scored twice but they turned out to be mere consolations for the Reds .
BirminghamLive 's colleagues in the north-west at the Liverpool Echo were alongside us in the press box at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rating Jurgen Klopp 's Premier League champions tonight .
You can read how they rated below ...
Terrible mistake for the opener , although backpass to him was n't the best .
No chance with any of the others but his general play was n't exactly convincing .
Below par with some poor defensive choices and wasteful deliveries when in possession .
Unfortunate that fifth went in off him .
Got away with an early misjudgement that led to a Barkley miss , and was at fault for the second .
Nightmare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave away ball for the fifth .
Subbed as an act of mercy shortly afterwards .
Unlucky to deflect in McGinn ’ s shot for the third .
Had to make a slide tackle first half , underlining the pressure Liverpool were under .
Booked .
Continually posed a threat down the left going forward and his crosses deserved better .
One shot saved by Martinez .
Kept going second half .
Struggled to keep up with matters in midfield and was too often harried out of possession .
Lack of pace alarming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ switched to centre-back for final half-hour .
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Villa have made a promising start to the season after signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley .
But there is still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 11pm on Monday .
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin .
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Google Play Store and App Store Persistence helped set up Liverpool ’ s first-half response but rarely involved otherwise .
Game continued around him in the second half .
Shot blocked early on and part in Salah ’ s goal but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Subbed .
Found space although he wasn ’ t always found , and on hand to score before the break .
Another good finish for the second .
Always a threat .
Effort smothered by Martinez and forced decent save from keeper but disappeared for large parts .
Assist for Salah 's second but not much else second half .
Subbed .
Liverpool 's best attacker first half , and close with one chip .
Was dragged down by the general malaise the longer the game progressed .
Sign up for our Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the top of the page or click here Slotted into midfield and at least provided some energy .
Not the ideal game in which to enter but showed some spark .

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Ian Doyle, Richard Cusack)

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Aston Villa gave Liverpool's defenders nightmares in tonight's historic 7-2 thrashing at Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins netted a hat-trick and Jack Grealish scored two goals as Dean Smith 's men put the Premier League champions to the sword and kept up Villa's 100 per cent record while ending Liverpool's in the process.
Ross Barkley added another during his Premier League debut for Villa while John McGinn also got in on the act with a deflected volley.
Mohamed Salah scored twice but they turned out to be mere consolations for the Reds.
BirminghamLive 's colleagues in the north-west at the Liverpool Echo were alongside us in the press box at Villa Park and had the unenviable job of rating Jurgen Klopp's Premier League champions tonight.
You can read how they rated below...
Adrian 3
Terrible mistake for the opener, although backpass to him wasn't the best. No chance with any of the others but his general play wasn't exactly convincing.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 4
Below par with some poor defensive choices and wasteful deliveries when in possession. Unfortunate that fifth went in off him.
Joe Gomez 3
Got away with an early misjudgement that led to a Barkley miss, and was at fault for the second. Nightmare time up against the lively Watkins and gave away ball for the fifth. Subbed as an act of mercy shortly afterwards.
Virgil van Dijk 5
Unlucky to deflect in McGinn’s shot for the third. Had to make a slide tackle first half, underlining the pressure Liverpool were under. Booked.
Andy Robertson 6
Continually posed a threat down the left going forward and his crosses deserved better. One shot saved by Martinez. Kept going second half.
Fabinho 4
Struggled to keep up with matters in midfield and was too often harried out of possession. Lack of pace alarming at times. Not much better when switched to centre-back for final half-hour.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline Why should you sign up? Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1. You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up . If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Gini Wijnaldum 4
Persistence helped set up Liverpool’s first-half response but rarely involved otherwise. Game continued around him in the second half.
Naby Keita 5
Shot blocked early on and part in Salah’s goal but too often bounced off the ball. Subbed.
Mohamed Salah 7
Found space although he wasn’t always found, and on hand to score before the break. Another good finish for the second. Always a threat.
Roberto Firmino 4
Effort smothered by Martinez and forced decent save from keeper but disappeared for large parts. Assist for Salah's second but not much else second half. Subbed.
Diogo Jota 5
Liverpool's best attacker first half, and close with one chip. Was dragged down by the general malaise the longer the game progressed.
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Takumi Minamino (for Keita 46) 6
Slotted into midfield and at least provided some energy.
Curtis Jones (for Gomez 61) 6
Not the ideal game in which to enter but showed some spark.
James Milner (for Firmino 68) 5
Couldn't make much difference.


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Liverpool fans classy in defeat after 7-2 reverse at Aston Villa

Liverpool fans have shown their class in defeat tonight with the Anfield faithful congratulating Aston Villa after their 7-2 defeat to Dean Smith 's men tonight .
Jurgen Klopp 's Premier League champions have been demolished by Villa , with Ollie Watkins scoring a hat-tick and Jack Grealish bagging a brace .
Ross Barkley and John McGinn were also on the scoresheet for Villa tonight , while Mohamed Salah notched a couple of goals which turned out to be only consolations .
It was a historic night at Villa Park , with Klopp 's side suffering their first defeat in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quality of their performance was alarming at this early stage .
Not that some Reds fans are willing to take anything away from their opponents , who were superb .
`` First , I have to say well played Villa , well up for this match and it showed , '' one fan said .
`` Got to give credit where it 's due , '' said a second .
`` Well done Villa .
`` Well done Villa , '' a third fan said .
`` We were absolutely shocking , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ashamed of that performance . ''
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' Well done Villa , took us apart tonight , '' said a fourth fan .
`` All credit to Villa , '' added a fifth .
Villa sit in second place with three wins from three games .

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Liverpool fans have shown their class in defeat tonight with the Anfield faithful congratulating Aston Villa after their 7-2 defeat to Dean Smith's men tonight.
Jurgen Klopp's Premier League champions have been demolished by Villa, with Ollie Watkins scoring a hat-tick and Jack Grealish bagging a brace.
Ross Barkley and John McGinn were also on the scoresheet for Villa tonight, while Mohamed Salah notched a couple of goals which turned out to be only consolations.
It was a historic night at Villa Park, with Klopp's side suffering their first defeat in the Premier League after four games but the quality of their performance was alarming at this early stage.
Not that some Reds fans are willing to take anything away from their opponents, who were superb.
"First, I have to say well played Villa, well up for this match and it showed," one fan said.
"Got to give credit where it's due," said a second. "Well done Villa.
"Well done Villa," a third fan said. "We were absolutely shocking, the players should be totally and utterly ashamed of that performance."
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"Well done Villa, took us apart tonight," said a fourth fan.
"All credit to Villa," added a fifth.
Villa sit in second place with three wins from three games.


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Aston Villa player ratings as Dean Smith's Villa destroy Liverpool

Aston Villa spanked champions Liverpool to remind the rest of the Premier League Dean Smith 's men mean business this season .
Ollie Watkins grabbed a brilliant hat-trick with John McGinn , Ross Barkley and a brace from Jack Grealish doing all the damage in a memorable 7-2 victory .
For Jurgen Klopp 's side , Mo Salah scored twice but , in the end , the Reds were , well , left red-faced as Villa looked rampant from start to finish .
Here 's how we rated Villa 's superior players as they maintained their perfect Premier League start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself big to deny Firmino inside the box after 15 minutes .
Almost gave one away in similar fashion to Adrian when his pass out from the back evaded Mings .
Soon made it up for it , though , with a string of solid stops to deny the likes of Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota .
Kept Villa 's backline concentrated until the end .
9 Liverpool kept getting down Cash 's side with Robertson the more eventful Liverpool full-back in the first 45 .
It was a two-on-one attack on Cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robertson and Jota .
Good and unnerved in possession which helped Villa get out .
Will take huge confidence from this , going toe-to-toe with the champions .
Contributed a loose pass which Liverpool took full advantage of , Firmino picking it up before threading in Salah to score his second .
8 '' Look at the best centre-back this club has ever had , Paul McGrath .
He was just very , very good and very effective .
The less you see of players like that in a game , the better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith 's assessment of Konsa on Friday pretty much summed up the centre-back 's performance against Liverpool .
He was always in line with his partner in crime next to him , Mings , and was brave to put his body on the line to block shots at Villa 's goal .
9 Blocked and headed everything in the first half .
Mings is having a fantastic season and was equal to everything Liverpool launched at him .
Rallied Smith 's men until the end .
A class act .
10 Villa 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts , kept Salah at bay up until the Egyptian drifted inside to lash home to make it 2-1 .
Always looks good with Grealish ahead of him .
8 Sat in and made sure Firmino was kept in check .
Did well to put his body on the line to deny Keita 's goal-bound effort in the first half .
Replaced by Nakamba after taking a dead leg .
Very effective again .
8 Scored his first goal in over a year to make it 3-1 , striking home a deflected effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midfield and backed up his performance at Fulham with another lung-busting display .
Assisted brilliantly for Grealish , too , picking a pass out from deep to slice Liverpool wide open .
10 Played as a No.10 and was given license to get forward and play off Watkins .
Looks as if he 'd been playing with the likes of Grealish for a long time , such was their understanding .
A physically-imposing midfielder who added pace , purpose , strength and guile to Villa 's midfield , fully justifying Smith 's somewhat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get go .
Scored a rasping drive which took a nick off Alexander-Arnold and raced away to an empty Holte End .
9 Had a really good first-half which was capped off with a fine , whipped-in ball to find Watkins for his hat-trick .
Fights for the claret and blue cause , does Trez .
Tracked back throughout to help Cash .
Put in a brilliant through-ball to Watkins on 70 minutes , carving through Liverpool 's leaky defence .
9 A club-record £28 million you say ?
What a night for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tap-in , a rasping top-corner drive and a bullet header .
He 's got it all and became the first hat-trick hero for Villa in the Premier League since Benteke back in April 2015 .
Gave Liverpool nightmares , especially Gomez .
Missed a one-on-one with 20 to go , a chance you 'd have put your house on him scoring .
Hit the bar with six left .
10* Oozed confidence from the first whistle and looked bang in the mood , trapping balls cleanly from the air and playing neat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of him .
Immaculate and grabbed a goal via a deflection , his right-footed effort from range hit Fabinho before going in .
Back-to-back goals in the Premier League for the first time since last year ( Brighton and Norwich ) .
Added his second and Villa 's seventh with a brilliant and deadly chip past Adrian .
10 Had a long-range drive late on which really would have been the icing on the cake .
Sat in and protected what Villa had .
7 He slotted in at right-back and put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who hit the bar when well-placed .
7 Next up : Leicester City ( a ) after the international break ; Pre mier League , Saturday , October 17 , 3pm kick-off .

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Aston Villa spanked champions Liverpool to remind the rest of the Premier League Dean Smith's men mean business this season.
Ollie Watkins grabbed a brilliant hat-trick with John McGinn, Ross Barkley and a brace from Jack Grealish doing all the damage in a memorable 7-2 victory.
For Jurgen Klopp's side, Mo Salah scored twice but, in the end, the Reds were, well, left red-faced as Villa looked rampant from start to finish.
Here's how we rated Villa's superior players as they maintained their perfect Premier League start:
Starting formation
4-4-1-1
Emiliano Martinez
(Image: Peter Powell/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
Saved well down low, making himself big to deny Firmino inside the box after 15 minutes. Almost gave one away in similar fashion to Adrian when his pass out from the back evaded Mings. Soon made it up for it, though, with a string of solid stops to deny the likes of Andrew Robertson and Diogo Jota. Kept Villa's backline concentrated until the end. 9
Matty Cash
Liverpool kept getting down Cash's side with Robertson the more eventful Liverpool full-back in the first 45. It was a two-on-one attack on Cash at times but he stood firm against Robertson and Jota. Good and unnerved in possession which helped Villa get out. Will take huge confidence from this, going toe-to-toe with the champions. Contributed a loose pass which Liverpool took full advantage of, Firmino picking it up before threading in Salah to score his second. 8
Ezri Konsa
"Look at the best centre-back this club has ever had, Paul McGrath. He was just very, very good and very effective. The less you see of players like that in a game, the better they’re doing."
Dean Smith's assessment of Konsa on Friday pretty much summed up the centre-back's performance against Liverpool. He was always in line with his partner in crime next to him, Mings, and was brave to put his body on the line to block shots at Villa's goal. 9
Tyrone Mings
(Image: Will Oliver/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
Blocked and headed everything in the first half. Mings is having a fantastic season and was equal to everything Liverpool launched at him. Rallied Smith's men until the end. A class act. 10
Matt Targett
Villa's left-back did well and, for large parts, kept Salah at bay up until the Egyptian drifted inside to lash home to make it 2-1. Always looks good with Grealish ahead of him. 8
Douglas Luiz
Sat in and made sure Firmino was kept in check. Did well to put his body on the line to deny Keita's goal-bound effort in the first half. Replaced by Nakamba after taking a dead leg. Very effective again. 8
John McGinn
(Image: Catherine Ivill/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
Scored his first goal in over a year to make it 3-1, striking home a deflected effort off van Dijk. Was everywhere in midfield and backed up his performance at Fulham with another lung-busting display. Assisted brilliantly for Grealish, too, picking a pass out from deep to slice Liverpool wide open. 10
Ross Barkley
(Image: Rui Vieira - Pool/Getty Images)
Played as a No.10 and was given license to get forward and play off Watkins. Looks as if he'd been playing with the likes of Grealish for a long time, such was their understanding. A physically-imposing midfielder who added pace, purpose, strength and guile to Villa's midfield, fully justifying Smith's somewhat surprising call to start him from the get go. Scored a rasping drive which took a nick off Alexander-Arnold and raced away to an empty Holte End. 9
Trezeguet
Had a really good first-half which was capped off with a fine, whipped-in ball to find Watkins for his hat-trick. Fights for the claret and blue cause, does Trez. Tracked back throughout to help Cash. Put in a brilliant through-ball to Watkins on 70 minutes, carving through Liverpool's leaky defence. 9
Ollie Watkins
(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
A club-record £28 million you say? What a night for Watkins. The hat-trick hero scored a tap-in, a rasping top-corner drive and a bullet header. He's got it all and became the first hat-trick hero for Villa in the Premier League since Benteke back in April 2015. Gave Liverpool nightmares, especially Gomez. Missed a one-on-one with 20 to go, a chance you'd have put your house on him scoring. Hit the bar with six left. 10*
Jack Grealish
Oozed confidence from the first whistle and looked bang in the mood, trapping balls cleanly from the air and playing neat, threaded balls into Barkley and Watkins in front of him. Immaculate and grabbed a goal via a deflection, his right-footed effort from range hit Fabinho before going in. Back-to-back goals in the Premier League for the first time since last year (Brighton and Norwich). Added his second and Villa's seventh with a brilliant and deadly chip past Adrian. 10
Marvelous Nakamba (on for Douglas Luiz, 80)
Had a long-range drive late on which really would have been the icing on the cake. Sat in and protected what Villa had. 7
Ahmed Elmohamady (for Matty Cash, 80)
He slotted in at right-back and put in a brilliant ball in for Watkins who hit the bar when well-placed. 7
Bertrand Traore (for Trezeguet, 87)
No time.
Subs not used: Steer, Hourihane, Traore, Davis.
The opposition
Liverpool, 4-3-3: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez (Jones, 61), van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Keita (Minamino, HT), Wijnaldum; D.Jota, Firmino (Milner, 68), Salah. Subs: Kelleher, Henderson, Origi, Williams.
Goals
Aston Villa: Watkins (4, 23, 39), McGinn (35), Barkley (55), Grealish (66, 75).
Liverpool: Salah (33, 60).
The ref: Martin Atkinson
VAR: Jon Moss
Next up: Leicester City (a) after the international break; Premier League, Saturday, October 17, 3pm kick-off.


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Aston Villa v Liverpool LIVE goal and score updates from Villa Park

Rampant Aston Villa hit champions Liverpool for SEVEN at Villa Park to provide a timely reminder to the rest of the Premier League that they mean business this season .
Surviving by a single point on the last day back in July feels like a real watershed moment for Dean Smith 's revitalised Villa - and it proved so after leaving Jurgen Klopp 's men feeling red-faced .
Villa , with new signing Ross Barkley in the starting XI , started off like a house on fire and they were ahead after just four minutes .
It was two-goal Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adrian 's error .
The skipper passed to Ollie Watkins who made no mistake from eight yards out to fire home his first Premier League goal .
It proved to be a historic night for Watkins after he added further two to make it a hat-trick and silenced those who doubted Villa 's club-record £28 million transfer fee to get him .
Watkins ' second was incredible .
The striker was picked out by Grealish but he still had it all to do and , with confidence high , he took Joe Gomez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Liverpool 's goal , spanking home a sliding effort into the top right-hand corner .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for transfer updates before deadline day Why should you sign up ?
Villa have made a promising start to the season after signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley .
But there is still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 11pm on Monday .
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Klopp 's champions pulled a goal back through Mo Salah .
The Egyptian drifted in from off the left to fire home a loose ball from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , merely shocked Villa into life once more as John McGinn replied just 120 seconds later - hitting home first time from Gomez 's clearance which struck Virgil van Dijk before going in .
That was the Scot 's goal in over a year with his last effort coming in the 2-2 draw with Burnley at Villa Park .
Smith 's sizzling Villa side made it four before the break - and it was Watkins again who thundered a header home from inside the six-yard box after being picked out by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for a fifth just 10 minutes after the restart , debutant Barkley grabbing a goal his workrate , quality and performance deserved .
His strike came via another deflection - this time nicking off Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Adrian flat-footed and beaten with Barkley racing away to an empty Holte End .
Villa , meanwhile , let Liverpool have one more and it was Salah who pounced again .
Right-back Matty Cash gave the ball away in a dangerous area and Roberto Firmino picked up the bits before sliding in his Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emiliano Martinez .
Now it was time for Grealish to get in on the act - and in some style too .
The No.10 strutted his stuff throughout and Liverpool simply could n't deal with him .
It was football in the playground stuff for the star from Solihull and he scored his first in similar fashion to Barkley 's - striking his effort via a Liverpool player , Fabinho was the culprit this time .
Just over 10 minutes later , Grealish and Villa really did take the Mickey .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brilliant ball from deep and Grealish did the rest - nonchalantly chipping past a stranded Adrian before whisking away with a big fat grin on his face .
Smiles were aplenty at the final whistle , too , and none more so than Smith who remained classy when he gave Klopp a fist-bump .
Prior to this one , Smith admitted he watched tapes of Liverpool 's dominant performances .
As for Klopp , he best get the Villa tapes out as they 're in for a real battle this season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Who knows but it 's going to be one helluva ride , that 's for sure .

Rampant Aston Villa hit champions Liverpool for SEVEN at Villa Park to provide a timely reminder to the rest of the Premier League that they mean business this season.
Surviving by a single point on the last day back in July feels like a real watershed moment for Dean Smith's revitalised Villa - and it proved so after leaving Jurgen Klopp's men feeling red-faced.
Villa, with new signing Ross Barkley in the starting XI, started off like a house on fire and they were ahead after just four minutes. It was two-goal Jack Grealish who took advantage of back-up stopper Adrian's error. The skipper passed to Ollie Watkins who made no mistake from eight yards out to fire home his first Premier League goal.
It proved to be a historic night for Watkins after he added further two to make it a hat-trick and silenced those who doubted Villa's club-record £28 million transfer fee to get him. Watkins' second was incredible. The striker was picked out by Grealish but he still had it all to do and, with confidence high, he took Joe Gomez to the cleaners before unleashing hell fire at Liverpool's goal, spanking home a sliding effort into the top right-hand corner.
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline Why should you sign up? Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1. You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up . If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
Klopp's champions pulled a goal back through Mo Salah. The Egyptian drifted in from off the left to fire home a loose ball from the penalty spot.
Salah's first, though, merely shocked Villa into life once more as John McGinn replied just 120 seconds later - hitting home first time from Gomez's clearance which struck Virgil van Dijk before going in. That was the Scot's goal in over a year with his last effort coming in the 2-2 draw with Burnley at Villa Park.
Smith's sizzling Villa side made it four before the break - and it was Watkins again who thundered a header home from inside the six-yard box after being picked out by Trezeguet's whipped delivery.
It was time for a fifth just 10 minutes after the restart, debutant Barkley grabbing a goal his workrate, quality and performance deserved. His strike came via another deflection - this time nicking off Trent Alexander-Arnold to leave Adrian flat-footed and beaten with Barkley racing away to an empty Holte End.
Villa, meanwhile, let Liverpool have one more and it was Salah who pounced again. Right-back Matty Cash gave the ball away in a dangerous area and Roberto Firmino picked up the bits before sliding in his Liverpool teammate who struck a powerful effort past Emiliano Martinez.
Now it was time for Grealish to get in on the act - and in some style too. The No.10 strutted his stuff throughout and Liverpool simply couldn't deal with him. It was football in the playground stuff for the star from Solihull and he scored his first in similar fashion to Barkley's - striking his effort via a Liverpool player, Fabinho was the culprit this time.
Just over 10 minutes later, Grealish and Villa really did take the Mickey. It was McGinn who sliced Liverpool wide open with a brilliant ball from deep and Grealish did the rest - nonchalantly chipping past a stranded Adrian before whisking away with a big fat grin on his face.
Smiles were aplenty at the final whistle, too, and none more so than Smith who remained classy when he gave Klopp a fist-bump.
Prior to this one, Smith admitted he watched tapes of Liverpool's dominant performances. As for Klopp, he best get the Villa tapes out as they're in for a real battle this season. What can Villa realistically achieve this season? Who knows but it's going to be one helluva ride, that's for sure.
Goals
Aston Villa: Watkins (4, 23, 39), McGinn (35), Barkley (55), Grealish (66, 75).
Liverpool: Salah (33, 60).


birminghammail--2020-10-04--'Easy, easy, easy!' - Aston Villa fans in dreamland after Liverpool hammering

Aston Villa fans are in dreamland after a stunning day of Premier League football ended in a 7-2 win for Dean Smith 's side against the Premier League champions .
Jurgen Klopp 's side , who were without Sadio Mane , Thiago Alcantara and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson , went behind after four minutes and it was all downhill from there .
Villa 's club-record £28 million buy from Brentford , Ollie Watkins , capitalised on some poor defending to slot home and added two more before the half-hour mark .
John McGinn scored ten minutes before half-time with Mohamed Salah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at half-time .
Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish added three more between them with Salah also on target for a second .
It finished 7-2 with Villa fans , tinged with regret that they could n't be there to see an historic win , in dreamland .
`` This could have been ten , '' one fan said .
`` Easily .
Ridiculous . ''
`` We could ’ ve had 12 tonight , '' another added .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What a night , '' a fifth fan said .

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Aston Villa fans are in dreamland after a stunning day of Premier League football ended in a 7-2 win for Dean Smith's side against the Premier League champions.
Jurgen Klopp's side, who were without Sadio Mane, Thiago Alcantara and first-choice goalkeeper Alisson, went behind after four minutes and it was all downhill from there.
Villa's club-record £28 million buy from Brentford , Ollie Watkins, capitalised on some poor defending to slot home and added two more before the half-hour mark.
John McGinn scored ten minutes before half-time with Mohamed Salah on the scoresheet to make it 4-1 at half-time.
Ross Barkley and Jack Grealish added three more between them with Salah also on target for a second.
It finished 7-2 with Villa fans, tinged with regret that they couldn't be there to see an historic win, in dreamland.
"This could have been ten," one fan said. "Easily. Ridiculous."
"We could’ve had 12 tonight," another added.
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here
"Easy, easy, easy," a third said.
"Who’s playing FIFA on amateur?" another asked.
"What a night," a fifth fan said.


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Trick or treating to be banned under lockdown restrictions

Trick or treating is to be banned across most of the West Midlands if lockdown restrictions remain .
Downing Street has revealed today all areas with restrictions , which presently includes Birmingham , Sandwell , Solihull and Wolverhampton , will NOT be allowed to trick or treat .
The annual October 31 tradition is coming up for kids - the vast majority of whom spent months away from school friends due to lockdown .
Going from door to door and interacting with neighbours and friends still counts as mixing - which is against the rules under the terms of household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , while people will be discouraged to take part in the tradition , they wo n't face a fine unless they step inside someone 's home - and then a £200 fine could follow .
Downing Street today said the rules are `` clear '' that people living under extra restrictions across the North East , North West , most of Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland , and part of the Midlands , ca n't mix between households - or send their kids to do so either , reports The Sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which presently includes Walsall and Dudley , will still have to stick to the `` rule of six '' .
A Downing Street spokesperson said : `` The rules are clear on household mixing , dependent on whether you are in a local lockdown area or not .
`` We are clear that everybody needs to follow the rule of six to ensure we can control and try and reduce the spread of the virus . ''
He added : `` We are asking everybody to abide by that rule .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are asking the public to do . ''
Meanwhile , Boris Johnson was condemned as `` out of touch '' after he told Tories that the coronavirus crisis represented a `` massive opportunity '' to change the country .
The Prime Minister told Conservative members at the party 's online conference that the pandemic had highlighted productivity issues in the UK but also how to `` short circuit '' them to get things done faster .
Mr Johnson said he wanted to win the public 's support for a tax-cutting agenda in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments reported by the Daily Mirror , Mr Johnson said : `` We have a massive opportunity now to use this unquestionable crisis , I mean it 's been a huge thing for our country , to build back better . ''
Mr Johnson defended the decision to end the furlough scheme at the end of the month , a move which has prompted concerns about a sharp rise in unemployment .
`` On the Left , there are forces saying we must keep furlough going forever , we must keep paying people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bigger , '' he said .
`` And it will be up to us to say it is not for the state to pre-empt virtually half the wealth and spend it on behalf of people because that is not the government 's job . ''
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said : `` It shows how out of touch the Prime Minister is that he would see this crisis as an opportunity to accelerate a Tory approach that has held our country back .
`` We can not let Boris Johnson take us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and forcing people on the lowest incomes in the North and the Midlands to pay the highest price . ''

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Trick or treating is to be banned across most of the West Midlands if lockdown restrictions remain.
Downing Street has revealed today all areas with restrictions, which presently includes Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton, will NOT be allowed to trick or treat.
The annual October 31 tradition is coming up for kids - the vast majority of whom spent months away from school friends due to lockdown.
Going from door to door and interacting with neighbours and friends still counts as mixing - which is against the rules under the terms of household bans, according to The Government.
However, while people will be discouraged to take part in the tradition, they won't face a fine unless they step inside someone's home - and then a £200 fine could follow.
(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)
Downing Street today said the rules are "clear" that people living under extra restrictions across the North East, North West, most of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and part of the Midlands, can't mix between households - or send their kids to do so either, reports The Sun.
Those outside of lockdown areas, which presently includes Walsall and Dudley, will still have to stick to the "rule of six".
A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The rules are clear on household mixing, dependent on whether you are in a local lockdown area or not.
"We are clear that everybody needs to follow the rule of six to ensure we can control and try and reduce the spread of the virus."
He added: "We are asking everybody to abide by that rule.
"The guidance is clear in terms of what we are asking the public to do."
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson was condemned as "out of touch" after he told Tories that the coronavirus crisis represented a "massive opportunity" to change the country.
The Prime Minister told Conservative members at the party's online conference that the pandemic had highlighted productivity issues in the UK but also how to "short circuit" them to get things done faster.
Mr Johnson said he wanted to win the public's support for a tax-cutting agenda in the wake of the crisis.
In comments reported by the Daily Mirror, Mr Johnson said: "We have a massive opportunity now to use this unquestionable crisis, I mean it's been a huge thing for our country, to build back better."
Mr Johnson defended the decision to end the furlough scheme at the end of the month, a move which has prompted concerns about a sharp rise in unemployment.
"On the Left, there are forces saying we must keep furlough going forever, we must keep paying people, the state must get bigger and bigger," he said.
"And it will be up to us to say it is not for the state to pre-empt virtually half the wealth and spend it on behalf of people because that is not the government's job."
Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said: "It shows how out of touch the Prime Minister is that he would see this crisis as an opportunity to accelerate a Tory approach that has held our country back.
"We cannot let Boris Johnson take us back to 1980s-style levels of unemployment, and forcing people on the lowest incomes in the North and the Midlands to pay the highest price."


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Watch police break up lock-in at city pub two hours after curfew

This is the moment police barged into a lock-in at a Birmingham pub with dozens of revellers still there at midnight .
The video above was captured by West Midlands Police officers at The Greyhound pub , in Erdington .
When they arrived more than two hours after the curfew , they found a wedding party with drinks still being served , a DJ set up and a gazebo in the garden .
There were between 60 and 70 people gathered - with no social distancing being observed .
Now , the pub has been handed a £1,000 fine - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of six '' laws were being breached .
Police did not reveal when the raid took place but confirmed it was after new laws introduced last month to combat coronavirus .
It came after a complaint about noise and the size of the gathering from a member of the public .
Police officers dispersed the gathered guests and then met with the licensee earlier this week .
Sgt Nick Giess , licensing lead for Birmingham , said : “ This was a double whammy of breaches .
Not only were they hosting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was twice the number allowed at the time , but they were still open at midnight with no signs of shutting down .
“ No officer wants to barge in on someone ’ s wedding day – but we ’ ve got a duty to enforce these new rules to protect not only the guests , but their loved ones and the people they ’ ll come into contact with .
“ Our officers took a sensible approach and chose not to fine the guests , but those running licensed premises should know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to impose a £1,000 fine , and not the £10,000 maximum , because it was on a much smaller scale than some other events , and the pub has not been in trouble with us before .
”

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This is the moment police barged into a lock-in at a Birmingham pub with dozens of revellers still there at midnight.
The video above was captured by West Midlands Police officers at The Greyhound pub, in Erdington.
When they arrived more than two hours after the curfew, they found a wedding party with drinks still being served, a DJ set up and a gazebo in the garden.
There were between 60 and 70 people gathered - with no social distancing being observed.
Now, the pub has been handed a £1,000 fine - recognising that both curfew and "rule of six" laws were being breached.
Police did not reveal when the raid took place but confirmed it was after new laws introduced last month to combat coronavirus.
It came after a complaint about noise and the size of the gathering from a member of the public.
Police officers dispersed the gathered guests and then met with the licensee earlier this week.
Sgt Nick Giess, licensing lead for Birmingham, said: “This was a double whammy of breaches. Not only were they hosting a wedding party of around 60, which was twice the number allowed at the time, but they were still open at midnight with no signs of shutting down.
“No officer wants to barge in on someone’s wedding day – but we’ve got a duty to enforce these new rules to protect not only the guests, but their loved ones and the people they’ll come into contact with.
“Our officers took a sensible approach and chose not to fine the guests, but those running licensed premises should know better.
“We’ve decided to impose a £1,000 fine, and not the £10,000 maximum, because it was on a much smaller scale than some other events, and the pub has not been in trouble with us before.”


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Jurgen Klopp explains Alisson injury situation ahead of Aston Villa vs Liverpool

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been discussing the injury to his starting goalkeeper , Alisson , which has ruled him out of tonight 's Premier League clash with Aston Villa .
Alisson misses the match at Villa Park with Liverpool sweating on the severity of the problem , which Klopp has confirmed occurred because of an injury sustained in training .
Spaniard Adrian deputises for Alisson , who has suffered his third injury inside a year .
Adrian plays against Villa , his third stint in goal after moving from West Ham United last year with the stopper playing Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for transfer updates before deadline day Why should you sign up ?
Villa have made a promising start to the season after signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley .
But there is still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 11pm on Monday .
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin .
We 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Alission , Klopp has revealed , clashed with a team-mate in training yesterday and he is hopeful that the Brazilian international will benefit from a two-week lay-off because of the international break to recover .
`` Yesterday an incident in training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky Sports .
`` Two players clash with each other , one gets up and one does n't .
`` The one who did n't get up was Ali so I think after the first few things ... .we do n't know 100 per cent but we know he ca n't play today .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' We have to do further assessments but he 's injured let me say it like this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ very quickly .
`` We have the international break and then we are pretty sure after that he will not be ready and then we have to see week-by-week . ''

Sign up to our Villa newsletter for updates ahead of the transfer deadline
Why should you sign up?
Villa have enjoyed a fine season so far after signing Ollie Watkins, Betrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley in the summer. Morgan Sanson is the only January addition so far but there is still time to reshape the squad before the January window closes at 11pm on February 1.
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin. We'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans.
How do you sign up?
It's easy and only takes seconds.
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up.
And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to.
And what's more, it's absolutely free!
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter.
We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Aston Villa fans taunt Man United after shocking Spurs collapse

Sign up to our Villa newsletter for transfer updates before deadline day Why should you sign up ?
Villa have made a promising start to the season after signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley .
But there is still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 11pm on Monday .
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin .
We 'll be bringing you the latest breaking news , transfer features and comment pieces , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do n't think you 'll want to .
And what 's more , it 's absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store


birminghammail--2020-10-04--'Liverpool ain't ready' - Aston Villa fans react to Ross Barkley decision

Aston Villa fans have been reacting to the team Dean Smith has faced for tonight 's Premier League clash with Liverpool .
Villa host Jurgen Klopp 's Premier League champions in B6 with both sides heading into the match with 100 per cent records .
Smith 's men suffered their first defeat of the season on Thursday night when Stoke City won 1-0 in the Carabao Cup clash between the two teams at Villa Park .
Smith has made a raft of changes from that team but the performance in the last Villa League game , a 3-0 win at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that only one switch has been made .
Sign up to our Villa newsletter for transfer updates before deadline day Why should you sign up ?
Villa have made a promising start to the season after signing Ollie Watkins , Betrand Traore , Matty Cash , Emi Martinez and Ross Barkley .
But there is still time to reshape the squad before the window closes at 11pm on Monday .
You can find the latest transfer news in on one pace - in our daily Aston Villa bulletin .
We 'll be bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features and comment pieces , as well as the key talking points for fans .
How do you sign up ?
It 's easy and only takes seconds .
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up .
And that 's it , you 're all set .
You can also sign up here .
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails , simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And what 's more , it 's absolutely free !
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter .
We also have a free app which you can download .
It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region .
Google Play Store and App Store Ross Barkley , who signed on loan from Chelsea in midweek , makes his full League debut for Villa at the expense of Conor Hourihane .
And Villa fans are excited to see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new players and in particular captain Jack Grealish .
`` Liverpool ai n't ready for Grealish and Barkley , '' one fan said .
`` Feel bad for Conor actually but let 's go Barkley , '' another added .
Sign up for our Villa newsletter with your email in the box at the top of the page or click here '' Harsh on Hourihane but the right call , '' a third fan said .
Another added : `` Excited to see Barkley and Grealish link up ! ''
`` Can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link up . ''
said a fifth fan .


birminghammail--2020-10-04--Aston Villa team for Liverpool - Dean Smith brings in Barkley

Dean Smith has thrown Ross Barkley a shock start in midfield making one change for tonight 's encounter with Liverpool .
Conor Hourihane is the fall guy this evening as the Irishman drops out of the starting XI despite an impressive performance against Fulham last week .
At the back , meanwhile , Smith 's side have been resolute with Emilano Martinez , Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa all starring as Villa are yet to concede in the Premier League .
Tonight , it 's the same back five with Martinez in goal , Konsa and Mings the centre-back pairing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right and left-back respectively .
In midfield , Barkley will partner John McGinn with Douglas Luiz sitting deeper once again with the Brazilian potentially playing a vital role in keeping fellow countryman Roberto Firmino quiet .
Staying with Liverpool , they 're without Alisson Becker through injury meaning back-up stopper Adrian comes in for his first Premier League start since March 7 .
Villa menace Sadio Mane and Thaigo Alcantara are both ruled out having tested positive for coronavirus in the past week .
New signing from Wolves , Diogo Jota , comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Back to Villa and Ollie Watkins will lead the line once again as he looks to get off the mark in the Premier League .
`` The players are very appreciative of his work rate and , as I 've said before , he gives us a different dimension , '' Smith said of Watkins prior to tonight 's fixture .
The £28 million signing will be flanked by captain Jack Grealish and Trezeguet once again .
As for Grealish , the 25-year-old trained for the first time on Friday after picking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half against Fulham last Monday .
£19 million summer addition Bertrand Traore is an option from off the bench .
You can follow kick-by-kick coverage and post-match reaction HERE .

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Dean Smith has thrown Ross Barkley a shock start in midfield making one change for tonight's encounter with Liverpool.
Conor Hourihane is the fall guy this evening as the Irishman drops out of the starting XI despite an impressive performance against Fulham last week.
At the back, meanwhile, Smith's side have been resolute with Emilano Martinez, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa all starring as Villa are yet to concede in the Premier League.
Tonight, it's the same back five with Martinez in goal, Konsa and Mings the centre-back pairing and Matty Cash and Matt Targett at right and left-back respectively.
(Image: Will Oliver/NMC Pool/PA Wire)
In midfield, Barkley will partner John McGinn with Douglas Luiz sitting deeper once again with the Brazilian potentially playing a vital role in keeping fellow countryman Roberto Firmino quiet.
Staying with Liverpool, they're without Alisson Becker through injury meaning back-up stopper Adrian comes in for his first Premier League start since March 7. Villa menace Sadio Mane and Thaigo Alcantara are both ruled out having tested positive for coronavirus in the past week. New signing from Wolves, Diogo Jota, comes in for Mane on their right-hand side.
Back to Villa and Ollie Watkins will lead the line once again as he looks to get off the mark in the Premier League. "The players are very appreciative of his work rate and, as I've said before, he gives us a different dimension," Smith said of Watkins prior to tonight's fixture.
The £28 million signing will be flanked by captain Jack Grealish and Trezeguet once again. As for Grealish, the 25-year-old trained for the first time on Friday after picking up a dead leg in the first half against Fulham last Monday. £19 million summer addition Bertrand Traore is an option from off the bench.
Here's how Villa line-up vs Liverpool, 4-3-3: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Barkley; Trezeguet, Watkins, Grealish. Subs: Steer, Hourihane, Elmohamady, El Ghazi, Nakamba, Traore, Davis.
Liverpool confirmed XI, 4-3-3: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita; Salah, Jota, Firmino.
You can follow kick-by-kick coverage and post-match reaction HERE.