The best part of the visit to Villa Park

A chance to watch my team was extended me by a Villa fan and of course I accepted readily. I was however in no doubt that on the evidence of the previous Saturday the Hammers were unlikely to score but comforted myself in the belief with the opposition's supposed state of disarray that a lame 0-0 draw was the most likely outcome.

I could not of course have been more wrong. This photo captures the best part of the day; my team taking the field and our supporters - diagonally across from me - gamely singing Bubbles before the slaughter began. I really can't imagine that it would be possible to play worse than we did in the first 45mins. If that's got it out of their system collectively - then thank goodness for that; let's hope "poor Bolton" suffer next week, because if they don't and if West Ham don't "turn up" next Saturday, then with two hard games to follow after that I can see us on zero points after 4 matches ... sounds like last year all over again.

There was a brief period at the beginning of the second half when (after a couple of substitutions) we looked as if there could be some hope for a recovery, but false dawns and all that and I was brought down to earth by a superb shot from James Milner - who is probably leaving the club. Says it all really.

The best part of the day (for me) was the pre-match drinks and the post-match curry - thanks to Alec & Alastair for their company and hospitality. Until the next time; being a Hammers supporter you get used to disappointment - "then like your dreams they fade and die".