Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on December 26, 2011, 02:07:35 PM
-
Available Monday night.
-
Could be worse.
Thought we looked the better side throughout.
-
Yes.
-
We were the only team trying to play football.
We never really looked at risk. Fuck it, that will do, hopefully it'll be a boost for confidence.
-
Not great to watch but that'll do.
-
Reasonable point, but we desperately need to find some creativity. Clark pretty good in first half, defence fairly solid. Guzan did very well. We should have won the game though and I think we had the players on the bench who could do it. Awful game to watch overall, but at least we tried to pass it. Delfonz isn't going to make it.
-
A good point. An ugly one but a good one. We were the better team and deserved that
-
Guzan 9/10
-
I would have taken a point before the start of the game, at least we tried to play with the ball on the deck.
-
Anyone know why the pitch was made smaller, I thought it was illegal.
-
The manager could have been more positive and put Bannan on after 70 minutes. We should have won that one.
-
A very hard earned point. Stoke are the epitome of anti football and we survived their onslaught at times. Still, it's getting itchy bums at the bottom of the table with a few teams bunching up. We have get past the Chelsea game now and start to get a few wins at home.
-
We didn't look in any trouble, but lacked much of a threat. Everyone looked OK - a decent point on the road.
-
well done villa hard place to especially with our set piece defending. but we played well just didn't quite have the cutting edge. take the point happily though
-
Anyone know why the pitch was made smaller, I thought it was illegal.
It wasn't made smaller - they had to make it bigger for their Europa League games but allowed to revert it to its postage stamp size for PL games.
-
Those giving N'Zogbia are being a little harsh. I thought he played pretty well tonight. Some good balls across. Ok a couple of wild efforts at goal but at least he's gaining confidence to have a go. Realy missed bent tonight with some of those balls that did come across the area. But since it's against a team of anti football, I thought we still managed to play some good possession football rather than hoofing it like we have been most of the season.
A point at stoke isn't a bad result at all.
-
Anyone know why the pitch was made smaller, I thought it was illegal.
The league has minimum and maximum criteria. Stoke have the minimum to suit their style. Nothing illegal.
-
+ We didn't lose and played the ball on the deck.
- We lacked movement/options upfront.
-
Anyone know why the pitch was made smaller, I thought it was illegal.
UEFA have different rules on minimum pitch sizes so they have to make the pitch bigger for Europa Cup games. The cheating, anti-football wankers.
-
N'Zogbia was fine, but it's very difficult for the type of player he is on that pitch against them.
-
A Sally Gunnell performance for a point however we at least tried to pass. Stoke are horrible and it's a good point that keeps us on target.
-
Well done the villa
-
Mr Green says "The first set of traffic lights on the way home and it will all be forgotten" - made me laff.
We managed to frustrate Stoke City no many do that - they fouled incessantly. Should Dunne have got a penalty in the 1sy half?
Well organised, not easy to turn over.
Didn't feel we panicked in the last 20 minutes.
Not hugely skillfull but solid.
We need to get forward faster and bodies in the box - Ireland fit may help with that.
Cuellar and Warnock hrdly came into th 2nd half as everything went into the centre. Collins and Dunne did well.
Clarke had a solid game.
The Zog worked hard, Fonz is gonna be gone soon; Gabby worked hard but to no real end.
A point I didn't think we would get with some decent moments.
Well done.
-
Ugo in the studio referring to Villa as "we". Left the club too early along with Southgate.
-
I thought we were okay, but with N'Zogbia being shite, Albrighton not being much better, Petrov never capable of a killer pass and therefore only Gabby being creative we were basically toothless. Even Gabby isn't quick enough to get onto the end of his own crosses!
Positives - Defence was good, Dunne especially, we battled hard as you have to against Sturk, Petrov and Clark especially got stuck into them, Guzan was excellent.
-
Ugo in the studio referring to Villa as "we". Left the club too early along with Southgate.
For the money and to win things.Pair of wankers.
-
Could have played until midnight and not scored. I would be looking for a new club if I was BB. We got what we came for - a point. Says it all. Still it could be the one that keeps us up:)
-
Another game where we had more possession than our oppostion, that's good for moving forward.
-
Motm with a near faultless display -
Brad Guzan
-
It's called pass & move.
Mcleish needs to remind a few of the players that it isn't netball.
-
we were the better side overall, stoke played that horrible fckn style as always and at times we got dragged down with it.
Dunne immense again, clark good game. Still would have liked to have seen bannan threading a few balls through for gabby at some point but mcleish would never risk that much creativity versus physical presence.
-
Ugo in the studio referring to Villa as "we". Left the club too early along with Southgate.
For the money and to win things.Pair of wankers.
Yes, to some extent
-
Commentators were going about us missing Ash Young quality on crosses .... They obviously never watched him in every game as we did or the false legend lives on.
-
I'm encouraged by the fact that in the past two games we've tried to play football.
-
I watched 70 minutes, sooner Stoke get relegated the better, fuck me imagine having to pay to watch that.
-
Anyone know why the pitch was made smaller, I thought it was illegal.
Rory Delap. It can be any size as long as it's within the minimum and maximum measurements
-
Ugo in the studio referring to Villa as "we". Left the club too early along with Southgate.
For the money and to win things.Pair of wankers.
Yes, to some extent
They won more than if they'd have stayed with us.
-
Not exactly a feast of flowing football but a good point away from home
Focusing on the positives tonight we looked much more solid at the back, Brad Guzan seems to be making the most of his opportunity, no goals conceded from set pieces and we had the majority of possession
Onwards to Chelsea and hopefully we can get a result as they are hardly brimming with confidence themselves
-
As mentioned, that will do. Apologies to any neutrals whose Boxing Night was made tedious by a 0-0 inc Stoke.
Villa need a Paul Merson type in midfield - drive, creativity, goalscoring. Who is out there to fit that bill?BTW Nzog could do it, if he was not a lazy mercenary.
-
Great to see that Guzan has developed into more than just a shot stopper. Some impressive takes off his line and in the air to nullify the threat of long throws. Thoughtful of Stoke to dry the ball before throwing it to him though.
-
Solid performance but boring boring Villa.
Better boring that defeated anyway, so I don't complain.
The brightest moment of the day, imo, is when we entered the pitch with the good old light blue socks (and shorts).
-
N'Zogbia worked fucking hard and he did in the last game as well., people calling him lazy are off the mark. Ireland could play that attacking role we need, he showed that against Arsenal. It's a shame for Guzan, because he's done very well during Given's injury but he's got no chance of pushing for the number 1 spot.
-
For me a really vital point, we stood up well to everything Stoke threw at us and did it comfortably, a big well done to Brad who looked very determined and to Villa for being so solid.
-
Tried to play football and did ok I thought against just a physical hoof ball side..by far the better footballing side.
Last 3rd was poor, crossing wayward but it's a decent point and we passed it ok. Onwards...
As for Stoke, says it all that a player has a towel sewn into thier shirt for thier main attacking threat...
-
Had to watch most of the game on mute as we had visitors. Was it deemed a goal that gabby cleared from behind the line ?
from what i saw it was a piss poor game, and another game gone without a win..how many points is that..1 in ?
-
Solid but boring, lacked a bit of quality but pleased with a point against the most boring team in the league
-
I pretty much agree with Mcleish, we tried to pass it and with more compsure and creativity we could have won. I'm glad he's seeing it how it is.
-
To go there and keep a clean sheet is a good effort, their manager, Tiny Penis, has a strong squad who are easily the most physical side in the league. Keeper, centre halves. Petrov, Clark and Gabby were very good. Full backs were ok, N'Zogbia worked his nads off and Heskey and Delfuneso also both put a shift in.
Albrighton looked a shadow of his performance last week, I think part of that was down to not having Hutton behind him, he feeds him much quicker than Carlos does. He kept working but his delivery was shocking.
It's a point that many didn't expect us to get and so overall though a big well done
-
Sounded like a solid performance and that we tried to play the football. Stoke really are horrible Team to watch most o the time. The scoring record is a real concern tho and very similar to blues.
-
We don't have the players with the control to play pretty football, thought Mcleish went after the point and got it, it was more stop them than beat them. I would have rather seen Gardner given a chace than the Fonz who has skill but very little drive or power.Two good play makers Ireland and Bannon were left on the bench, says it all really.
-
I hope Stoke falls into a sinkhole and through the planet into a supermassive black hole.
-
We don't have the players with the control to play pretty football, thought Mcleish went after the point and got it, it was more stop them than beat them. I would have rather seen Gardner given a chace than the Fonz who has skill but very little drive or power.Two good play makers Ireland and Bannon were left on the bench, says it all really.
Says what? That we needed stronger players to combat the most physical side in the league?
-
It's notable that Albrighton had a really good game against Arsenal in a far more technical match, but struggled against the physicality of Stoke today.
-
I predicted 21 points by 1.1.2012 before the season began. Expecting nowt at Chelsea, the surprises have been losing at home to Baggies & getting 3 points rather than 1 at Bolton. What dya reckon between now & May? How soon could Villa reach 40 points & give us a 3 month break from ulcer-generation?
-
I'm not worried about us getting relegated anymore really, I've seen enough to believe we are trying and to an extent achieving heading in the right direction.
-
That was our best result at the Britannia, we were in their faces when we needed to be, played football when we could, and coped for the most part with their set-pieces. They are a bloody awful side to watch and play against. Quite happy to be three minutes at the end of MoTD and have a point.
-
Watched the game in a pub with a zero interest in football couple. Apart from Sky highlighting Stoke's goal that wasn't, seemed like we played pretty well.
-
Yes, Steve, it was certainly better than that 94th minute nightmare last season and I would say it was a better display than the 0-0 under O'Neill the season before. Very impressed with Guzan & Clark.
-
It's notable that Albrighton had a really good game against Arsenal in a far more technical match, but struggled against the physicality of Stoke today.
There was no room for the wingers - did you see how they had moved the touch line in to protect their full backs and make it easier for the long throws.
-
We don't have the players with the control to play pretty football, thought Mcleish went after the point and got it, it was more stop them than beat them. I would have rather seen Gardner given a chace than the Fonz who has skill but very little drive or power.Two good play makers Ireland and Bannon were left on the bench, says it all really.
Says what? That we needed stronger players to combat the most physical side in the league?
You think the Fonz is a strong player do you Dave?
-
Great, thrilled. Fulham and Blackburn go to the home of giants and get a point. And West Brom get a point against Man City, the first team to stop them scoring. But hey, we looked improved in losing at home to Arsenal and we got a point against the mighty Stoke. Let off the party poppers.
-
Great, thrilled. Fulham and Blackburn go to the home of giants and get a point. And West Brom get a point against Man City, the first team to stop them scoring. But hey, we looked improved in losing at home to Arsenal and we got a point against the mighty Stoke. Let off the party poppers.
Cheer up fella, we get a chance to beat one of those 'giants' on Saturday and if we do then you can go mad with those party poppers
-
We don't have the players with the control to play pretty football, thought Mcleish went after the point and got it, it was more stop them than beat them. I would have rather seen Gardner given a chace than the Fonz who has skill but very little drive or power.Two good play makers Ireland and Bannon were left on the bench, says it all really.
Says what? That we needed stronger players to combat the most physical side in the league?
You think the Fonz is a strong player do you Dave?
I think our central midfielders were.
-
Great, thrilled. Fulham and Blackburn go to the home of giants and get a point. And West Brom get a point against Man City, the first team to stop them scoring. But hey, we looked improved in losing at home to Arsenal and we got a point against the mighty Stoke. Let off the party poppers.
Cheer up fella, we get a chance to beat one of those 'giants' on Saturday and if we do then you can go mad with those party poppers
I'm sure you knew this, but I was quoting our manager about Liverpool being giants. If we beat Chelsea I will do more than let off party poppers.
-
To go there and keep a clean sheet is a good effort, their manager, Tiny Penis,
That's a terrible thing to say - but I laughed!
-
Great, thrilled. Fulham and Blackburn go to the home of giants and get a point. And West Brom get a point against Man City, the first team to stop them scoring. But hey, we looked improved in losing at home to Arsenal and we got a point against the mighty Stoke. Let off the party poppers.
Cheer up fella, we get a chance to beat one of those 'giants' on Saturday and if we do then you can go mad with those party poppers
I'm sure you knew this, but I was quoting our manager about Liverpool being giants. If we beat Chelsea I will do more than let off party poppers.
I did and if we do beat them then that'll be you and me both doing more than letting off party poopers!
-
Nzogbia worked hard tonight, but he has got to work on his composure in front of goal. Three times a week in training concentrate on going round a man and hitting the target. Impressed with big Brad, Clarke and Cuellar tonight. 1pt in Nine is still poor .......
-
Very turgid, poor game of football.
We at least tried to pass the ball, but were lacking in quality in the final third. Bannan or Ireland could have won us that game late on.
-
as a villa fan i know ive paid to watch some shite this season, but im glad i dont pay to watch the utter shit stoke play, fuckin anti football or what..........wankers, ..................better football slowly by the villa
-
I thought we did well. We looked controlled, organised, and we seem to have the makings of a good 442 with proper widemen emerging. We looked fit and we looked cohesive. All things that I would not have accused us of 4 weeks ago. Something has changed in the squad and its happened in the last few weeks. For the first time this season I see a tiny bit of light at the end of this long dark tunnel.
-
As I said in the match thread, I think Clark is a better midfield prospect for us than Herd. I like Herd but I think he's all energy with a lack of composure, whereas Clark has class about him. Also I'm very pleased that Guzan has really developed, his command of his area was excellent.
-
It's notable that Albrighton had a really good game against Arsenal in a far more technical match, but struggled against the physicality of Stoke today.
There was no room for the wingers - did you see how they had moved the touch line in to protect their full backs and make it easier for the long throws.
Yep that's the problem with playing out and out wide players there, they can be very easily marked out of the game due to the small pitch.
Overall though, considering the level we're now at I'd say that's one of our better away points this season.
-
A good if unspectacular draw. We competed well and continued to try and play football but lacked the killer ball and composure upfront. CNZ is definitely getting there but I must give Stan credit for being a good captain and influence in recent games.
-
Nice to read some positive stuff on here after the last couple of games. Not because I enjoy blind faith or optimism, but because these posts reflect and acknowledge there are genuine bright spots emerging. If I had to read yet another post (or thousand-word article in the fanzine) that included the phrase 'it's as if the board set out to deliberately undo all their good work and alienate as many fans as possible' I think I'd slash my wrists.
-
Swansea really is the must win game. Any sense in resting a couple - like stan or albrighton - v Chelsea or is that folly?
-
More of a lurker than a poster on here but you guys must have been watching a different game to me tonight... I thought we were awful.
-
Watching on TV in a pub, I was quite impressed at certain points. Thought Heskey had some lovely knock-downs etc. in the first half.
Thought the substitution for Delf was very good too.
Thouhht Guzan looked very confident.
Thought we were happy with possession and a draw.
My mate, Jedi (yes ...real name) a scifi fan who is not interested in football, kept saying "where is the support when they go forward? Villa are so much better".
Which sums it up.
-
VillaBoy23: we are pretty awful but, speaking for myself, I'm just pleased we seem to be improving a bit.
-
More of a lurker than a poster on here but you guys must have been watching a different game to me tonight... I thought we were awful.
For me awful was the spurs and Liverpool games, tonight was our best ever performance at the Britania,
I know that's not saying a lot judging by the total shitness that has gone before, but that still remains the case
-
We were far from awful, we all know how tough it is at Stoke so to take a point there is pretty good and we did try and play some football but just lack that cutting edge in the final third.
-
I hope Stoke falls into a sinkhole and through the planet into a supermassive black hole.
That is not far enough...a Delap throw will get them back.
-
Got back to knowle just after 11 pm to find all the pubs closed or closing. Grrrrrr
I didn't think it was that bad a game. Obviously we need to create more goal scoring chances but it certainly wasn't the worst game I've seen this season.
Atmosphere was good.
-
Awful game but a clean sheet anyway. all our players competed well. just we lacked quality in the final third and any play we did put together was predictable in the extreme. Stoke are awful to watch. To be honest the two sides are probably the two worst on the eye in the league so it wasnt a surprise.
The positives for me were Clark who was much better than against Arsenal. He gave us a real physical presence in midfield and won some tackles. He just needs to be more decisive in his passing. Guzan too did well. Was brave enough to come for a few balls aswell. Cuellar was very strong defensively at right back. The less said about his efforts on the ball the better. Dunne was very solid again. Collins bar a daft error in the first half was solid too. Warnock had one of his better games defensively.
With the ball we were pretty poor. Our full backs certainly didnt help our widemen. But it was all very predictable. Gabby has gone off the boil a bit though he did well for Fonzies chance. Nzogbia put in a good shift defensively but has got to start hitting the target. He can beat players one on one but his shooting has been dire for Villa thus far.
-
More of a lurker than a poster on here but you guys must have been watching a different game to me tonight... I thought we were awful.
Please explain.
-
A good point against the Stoke Intercontinental All-In Wrestling Federation. They do know that you're allowed to kick the ball to each other, right? Someone should probably tell them.
-
Gabby flattening Clattenberg was amusing.
-
we were a long way from being awful. We had no cutting edge in the final third of the pitch, and no midfielder willing to run with the ball through the middle. Something I believe Mcleish really values thus his interest in Jenas. But awful? This wasn't the Spurs game or anything close. We battled hard, defended really well and got a well deserved point.
-
Very impressed with Dunne and Collins tonight. Maybe they were assisted by having the likes of Cuellar and Clark around them to mop up, but if it fixes an area that has been an Achilles heel for the best part of 18 months now, then so be it.
Couldn't fault the defence at all tonight, they concentrated and looked switched on from the first minute to the ninety third.
A bit more concerned about our invention and ability in the final third though. Not many sides other than Stoke will let us have so much possession, and we really should have done more with it. The ball broke kindly for us in a few dangerous areas, yet we lacked that killer instinct, be it picking the final pass or the actual finish.
N'Zogbia's workrate was better than other times I've seen him, but his end product was pretty woeful. Again. The Fonz had an opportunity to really stake a claim for a place, but -neat touches and control aside- he doesn't look like a forward who wants to get into the box and make things happen. He'd rather come short and link up the play rather than get in behind and look to gamble on where the ball might break in the box.
-
I thought Cuellar was very solid, and while he won't give you Hutton's attacking intent he's a better defender. I hope McLeish doesn't toss him to the side as soon as Hutton is available again.
-
Re the Fonz, there were times in the game where he had drifted too far out to the wing and and was only a couple of yards from the winger so that limited our options up front. I like the fonz and hope he comes good when he gets opportunities.
-
Gabby flattening Clattenberg was amusing.
Loved it. Got a big cheer from the crowd. MoTD pundits seemed to like it as well.
-
With my extremely optimistic hat on, I am encouraged by what is happening. I'm not sure whether it is luck (injuries) or an actual strategy from AMc but today I though we looked like we were most definitely trying to play football. On a number of occasions it looked like the emphasis was on retaining possession rather than hoofball. Admittedly this often meant we went backwards but I'd prefer this than playing a long 50/50 pass.
My other reason for optimism is that today we played Guzan, Clark, Albrighton, Gabby and the Fonz with Bannan on the bench. Admittedly they're not all world beaters but they represent a pretty solid future for Villa. If we can have half the squad made up of youth (or cheaply acquired) players then the other 6 odd players can be of a better quality. Besides it's so much easier supporting players like Clark than it is say Warnock or Collins as they cost us 12m (?) in transfer fees and are often not significantly better than what we can produce ourselves.
It's VERY early days but the last two games have been a big improvement even if the points tally says otherwise.
-
Collins & Dunne did look good, but up against the stuff their good at dealing with - aerial bombardment. They've not looked so clever against swift, on the deck stuff which we'll be up against next.
-
Swansea really is the must win game. Any sense in resting a couple - like stan or albrighton - v Chelsea or is that folly?
No. we must always compete with intent to win even if we do play GIANTS.
-
Awful game that should never have been the only prem game of the day on the tv,
though for once we were in no way the main protagonists and indeed played the
more expansive football.
Quite interested to see our overall stats and play against Swansea,not interested enough
to travel up and pay good money for the priveledge as yet though.
Best part of the day for me footballing wise was Paul Merson trying to convince that fuckwit
Stelling that Villa are a bigger club than the toon,the very cheek of the fuckwit.
Much improved Villa keep it up.
-
A very boring game but at least we gave it a go. I thought Dunne and Collins played very well. Gabby worked hard and looked dangerous at times. Petrov had a good game as well and it was nice to see us keeping possession of the ball rather than just loft it aimlessly forwards all the time.
I thought Guzan did very well at dealing with the long throw ins.
I got a lift with a Stoke supporter to and from the game and after the game he was going on about how they had in fact scored as the ball had definitely crossed the line at some point? I must have missed that bit as I can't even think of a moment where anyone was appealing for a goal so if anyone can shed any light on the incident for me. I'm sure he must have nodded off and dreamt it.
Off topic but in the programme Stoke had our manager down as Harry Redknapp.
-
A very boring game but at least we gave it a go. I thought Dunne and Collins played very well. Gabby worked hard and looked dangerous at times. Petrov had a good game as well and it was nice to see us keeping possession of the ball rather than just loft it aimlessly forwards all the time.
I thought Guzan did very well at dealing with the long throw ins.
I got a lift with a Stoke supporter to and from the game and after the game he was going on about how they had in fact scored as the ball had definitely crossed the line at some point? I must have missed that bit as I can't even think of a moment where anyone was appealing for a goal so if anyone can shed any light on the incident for me. I'm sure he must have nodded off and dreamt it.
Off topic but in the programme Stoke had our manager down as Harry Redknapp.
All of the ball did'nt cross the line,was pointed out in match of the day as a
highlight along with ref falling over.No reason for anyone to moan about
BBC bias tonight as it certainly looked the game of least interest today.
-
performance aside, when it comes to the stage that a 0-0 draw with the likes of Stoke City is considered progress, one has to ask what the hell has happened to Aston Villa Football Club.
-
performance aside, when it comes to the stage that a 0-0 draw with the likes of Stoke City is considered progress, one has to ask what the hell has happened to Aston Villa Football Club.
You mean as opposed to the season we won the league, and drew away at Stoke? The second division promotion season when we set a record for away wins, and drew at Stoke? The Champions League-chasing days of Martin O'Neill, when we lost then drew at Stoke?
-
I am surprised at some of the criticism and faint praise on here.
That was easily our best performance at the Britannia against probably the strongest Stoke team we have had to face.
It wasn't perfect - the passing could have been crisper and we need more football from N'Z, on top of his workrate - but there were many positives to take from the game.
We conceded one decent chance in the whole game, created more by Pulis' lottery football more than error on our part. What football there was came from us. Despite a postage stamp pitch and hard working opposition, we footballed some very good chances of our own. A team that looked frozen with fear a couple of weeks ago is starting to look like a cohesive unit. The intent to play is there, that's an enormous step forward.
Excellent games from Clark, Guzan and Petrov. The back four did very well.
As for Stoke, they are entitled to play the game they wish to play, it's up to the opposition to deny them and play football their own way. We did exactly that and almost got the win we deserved.
mom - Gabi's right nipple, followed closely by the left hand he used to push Clattenburg over.
-
With my extremely optimistic hat on, I am encouraged by what is happening. I'm not sure whether it is luck (injuries) or an actual strategy from AMc but today I though we looked like we were most definitely trying to play football. On a number of occasions it looked like the emphasis was on retaining possession rather than hoofball. Admittedly this often meant we went backwards but I'd prefer this than playing a long 50/50 pass.
Everyone plays football against Stoke, mainly because they can't. It's nice but not too much of an accolade, but yes it is slightly enjoyable. Really the quicker that Stoke are deducted billions of points and relegated several divisions because the FA found out that they are just a load of massive blokes from the pub who physically assault people for a living, the better.
-
Really the quicker that Stoke are deducted billions of points and relegated several divisions because the FA found out that they are just a load of massive blokes from the pub who physically assault people for a living, the better.
Sentence of the night.
-
Agree on the faint praise but disagree with the performance being the best at the Britannia.
Last season we were all over them for 70 odd minutes and really should have been 2/3 goals to the good before they got a sniff.
-
Stoke are the boil on the arse of football.
The cap wearing twat of a manager gets my goat.
The constant fouling off the ball boils my piss.
The long throws make me want to vomit.
The way the press say they love the noise makes me want to kill.
They are ****** the lot of them.
That's better.
-
But they've made the humble throw in an event!
TBH, I don't have an issue with the way they play. It works for them, and has seen them go from relegation certainties to European contenders, playing the likes of Dynamo Zagreb and Valencia. Their own fans seem happy enough with them, it's not their job to entertain the opposition.
The onus is always on the supposedly better sides, sides who play more expansive football, or sides who have spent far more than them to break them down.
-
But they've made the humble throw in an event!
TBH, I don't have an issue with the way they play. It works for them, and has seen them go from relegation certainties to European contenders, playing the likes of Dynamo Zagreb and Valencia. Their own fans seem happy enough with them, it's not their job to entertain the opposition.
The onus is always on the supposedly better sides, sides who play more expansive football, or sides who have spent far more than them to break them down.
It's not really football at all though is it? It's just a load of big blokes tonking the shit out of the opposition until sometimes the ball bounces off some random massive guy's head and goes into the goal. I'm surprised that they got this far in Europe, as I can see at least eight of their players being sent off against Valencia. Can't wait.
-
There's always been clubs like them - Wimbledon, Leicester, Bolton et al. They do well for a time then get found out and return from whence they came.
-
performance aside, when it comes to the stage that a 0-0 draw with the likes of Stoke City is considered progress, one has to ask what the hell has happened to Aston Villa Football Club.
You mean as opposed to the season we won the league, and drew away at Stoke? The second division promotion season when we set a record for away wins, and drew at Stoke? The Champions League-chasing days of Martin O'Neill, when we lost then drew at Stoke?
I think he means that Stoke should be one of those teams we expect to beat, not one that getting a point off them is acceptable. That's what I think he means anyway...
-
Happy with the determination we showed and Nzogbia, although still a few yards off the pace at all times, seems to be showing improvement.
I can't quite understand this "Fortress Britannia" myth. They get turned over at least five times a season at home every year. Perhaps it's down to the volume that the creatures who inhabit the place screech at?
Also, Heskey can control the ball further than most humans can kick it.
-
Happy with the determination we showed and Nzogbia, although still a few yards off the pace at all times, seems to be showing improvement.
I can't quite understand this "Fortress Britannia" myth. They get turned over at least five times a season at home every year. Perhaps it's down to the volume that the creatures who inhabit the place screech at?
Also, Heskey can control the ball further than most humans can kick it.
Made me laugh...
-
I am surprised at some of the criticism and faint praise on here.
That was easily our best performance at the Britannia against probably the strongest Stoke team we have had to face.
It wasn't perfect - the passing could have been crisper and we need more football from N'Z, on top of his workrate - but there were many positives to take from the game.
We conceded one decent chance in the whole game, created more by Pulis' lottery football more than error on our part. What football there was came from us. Despite a postage stamp pitch and hard working opposition, we footballed some very good chances of our own. A team that looked frozen with fear a couple of weeks ago is starting to look like a cohesive unit. The intent to play is there, that's an enormous step forward.
Excellent games from Clark, Guzan and Petrov. The back four did very well.
As for Stoke, they are entitled to play the game they wish to play, it's up to the opposition to deny them and play football their own way. We did exactly that and almost got the win we deserved.
mom - Gabi's right nipple, followed closely by the left hand he used to push Clattenburg over.
Well said Steve.
I've been really encouraged by the last two games, we've been tested in very different ways and we've stood up to it and imposed our own game.
I have real hope that that Liverpool game was the darkest hour before the dawn, and we can look forward to a much improved 2nd half of the season, and of course it goes without saying that it's absolutely, most definitely our year for the cup.
-
Result/Performance 6/10.
Entertainment 1/10.
-
Result/Performance 6/10.
Entertainment 1/10.
I'd say that sums t up nicely.
Dreadful game. Decent point.
-
Not a bad point at all in my book, Stoke away is always a tricky game.
Even if the football itself wasn't the best, I actually enjoyed the game and thought we did pretty well with the defenders impressing especially.
I am suRe, after the last two games, that something has changed. There seems to be a clear determination to pass the ball, to work it forward and be patient. Last night, even Collins looked for simple passes. That's not to say there were no hoofs (and it doesn't need to be eliminated totally) but we seem to me to be really trying to change the way we play.
If that's so, then I am more optimistic than I was a few weeks ago and for that McLeish deserves credit (not least because a fair number of our squad have seemed, er, less than receptive to new ideas!). With the right addition in midfield, he could be onto something.
A special mention for Guzan who I think has done really well for us, he looks a much better 'keeper than last time he had a run in the team and I thought he was excellent last night.
I've also moaned about Dunne and, mostly, Collins over the season but last night they were very good indeed. I also thought Cuellar was good, too, and as I have said before I wouldn't be averse to a return to the MON defense ,with Hutton missing out.
I thought Clark played very well again and he and Petrov make a solid if unspectacular midfield two. The two wingers worked very hard and as a midfield four I think that last night's is wrth carrying on with, too. It's tough for wingers at Stoke, but on more expansive pitches they could and should provide the creative stuff that Clark and Petrov probably won't from the middle.
And up front, well.....a bit toothless really but a good display from Heskey showed for me that he really is only any use as a target man up front; in fact he's pretty good at it. Agbonlahor wasn't at his best again, but still provided the most potent threat and worked hard for the whole game.
Not bad, then.
-
The rightous indignation of some on here about the way Stoke play football makes me laugh.
It may not be pretty, but fuck me, we have played uglier football than them this season.
When you get the likes of Swansea and QPR taking the piss out of your football, and TV and newspaper 'experts' telling the world you are shit, like we have, things aint exactly rosy.
I had to watch the game with my laptop on mute as we had visitors, it did not look very good from either team.
If thats the way Stoke play, then fair enough, I am not exactly sure why some of us should be so fucking pompous about it.
-
The rightous indignation of some on here about the way Stoke play football makes me laugh.
It may not be pretty, but fuck me, we have played uglier football than them this season.
When you get the likes of Swansea and QPR taking the piss out of your football, and TV and newspaper 'experts' telling the world you are shit, like we have, things aint exactly rosy.
I had to watch the game with my laptop on mute as we had visitors, it did not look very good from either team.
If thats the way Stoke play, then fair enough, I am not exactly sure why some of us should be so fucking pompous about it.
We've struggled at times this season because we're rebuilding after losing six first team players in the summer. Stoke play that way by design, Tiny Penis has had time and a lot of money to develop the squad and it's just a refined version of the Wimbledon style, playing the percentages game and relying on being bigger and stronger than their opponents.
They've every right to play that way and it gets them results but it is also our right to criticise as we see fit.
-
Where have all the Stokies who used to post on here gone?
-
MotD highlights (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/stoke-0-aston-villa-0-motd/)
-
Gabby clatters Clattenburg (http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/the-one-worthwhile-highlight-of-stoke-0-aston-villa-0/)
-
I'm happy with the point we got the defence played better and Guzan was very good I said before the game I would take a point so not too bad.
-
performance aside, when it comes to the stage that a 0-0 draw with the likes of Stoke City is considered progress, one has to ask what the hell has happened to Aston Villa Football Club.
You mean as opposed to the season we won the league, and drew away at Stoke? The second division promotion season when we set a record for away wins, and drew at Stoke? The Champions League-chasing days of Martin O'Neill, when we lost then drew at Stoke?
I think he means that Stoke should be one of those teams we expect to beat, not one that getting a point off them is acceptable. That's what I think he means anyway...
Why should we expect to beat them? To listen to some of our supporters we're shit and we're going down, yet we should always expect to beat 'the likes of' Stoke et al. Remind me again of how many times we've beaten Stoke since they got promoted.
-
Plus points, a good draw from a very hard place to get something from, as Spurs found out a couple of weeks ago. The defence was very good and mainly dealt with everything they threw (no pun intended) at us. Guzan and Clark were also decent again and Carlos showed he's a better right back than Hutton.
On the downside, it was another game in which we have'nt scored, although it was'nt for the lack of trying. The formation and team were fine but we did'nt test their keeper enough and that's been the story of the season so far and something that needs to be rectified.
-
Plus points - Clean Sheet, we looked more likely to nick it.
Minus points - everything else
To be honest I think you have to view this game in isolation and not draw any conclusions from it. Stoke were awful, and not just their normal effective awful, but bad awful.
A point gained and we can be reasonably satisfied we coped with a team that make us look like 70's era Brazil.
Now let us never mention this game again.
-
Stoke are a dreadful club with dreadful supporters.
Nick Hancock.
Says it all really...
Decent point, crap game, N'Zog really is working hard now.
-
I thought that we were the better side and the only team who tried to play fotball. The created nothing from open play and had one meaningful effort all game.
As many have said, the main problem was the creative side from the middle of the park. I thought at points Clark (who I like a great deal) and Stan were sitting maybe 5 or 10 yards too deep when we were keeping possession. I'd have liked to have seen us really press the possession advantage a lot further up into the Stoke third.
That said, despite them being an awful anti-football side, they're well organised and difficult to play against. On that narrow post stamp of a pitch, wing play is difficult, but I thought Charlie did well in everything bar his final ball.
Its probably the best we've played up there, but we need to create more.
-
N'Zog really is working hard now.
He's still crap though. Half a season and no goals, that really is dreadful from a winger.
-
I don't have a problem with Stoke's style of play - I have more of a problem with people like Arsene Wenger claiming to be the game's moral guardian, and judging that anything outside of their parameters is not 'football'. As far as I'm concerned it's all 'football', and its incredibly pretentious to pretend otherwise in order to make youselves feel like the good guys.
Football teams don't have an obligation to play entertaining football - they have an obligation to get results. It's up to them whether they can do this more effectively playing like Stoke or like Swansea (or like Arsenal for that matter). In my opinion it is more entertaining to witness the underdog win against the favourite by hook or by crook, rather than witness the favourite win every time playing beautiful football (utilising the players only they can afford). I can't help thinking that this is wrapped up with an acceptance of the commodification of football. When on occasion I've sat amongst home supporters at the Emirates with things not quite going to plan, I've heard what has sounded like spoilt children demanding their money back for not being sufficiently entertained.
That said, Stoke do operate on the edge of fair play with respect to some of their gamesmanship. I think it was QPR who insisted on being able to use the towels that the ball boys carry for Stoke players to dry the ball before a throw in. Once Stoke realised that this couldn't easily be refused, the ball boys came out in the second half without towels. Was it me, or did anyone else notice that Ryan Shotton had a towel sewn onto the inside of his shirt last night for this purpose? I also think the body checking, persistent holding, and going through the back of a player's legs when he receives the ball, should be punished more.
-
Didn't see any of the game, but I'll be honest, if there's one fixture in the list where I'm perfectly happy for Villa to grind out a dull nil-nil draw, it's Stoke away. Substance has to triumph over style at the Britannia, surely, so I won't have a go at McLeish for any negativity.
Sounds like we withstood the aerial bombardment ok, Dunne had another good game and Guzan didn't put a foot wrong by all accounts.
I'm quite content with that result.
-
Poor game, great point. We've been far more solid the last couple of games, hopefully we have turned a corner.
-
I think N'Zogbia should take more free kicks. His effort that troubled Sorensen was different to many that we have seen this season in that it was below the crossbar. Young always used to grab the ball and boot it over the bar. We need to vary things a bit. Not all Petrov, who can hit them well and not all Bannan, when he plays.
-
I am glad of the point, the game was not very good, although we played the better of the two sides.
I am concerned with our lack of goals, had Stoke scored last night I doubt we would have been able to respond.
Gabby is playing far too deep to be able to be affective, this may work (or not) when Bent is in the team but when you have Heskey (who ends up deeper than Gabby) or Fonz up front it does not work.
Our forward line is incredibly weak, IMO Fonz is not prem class and would be better suited to the Championship, Heskey (enough has been said) and I don't think that Bent suits McLs style of play. That leaves Gabby who is for the most part our best player who gets pulled deeper to pick up the ball and becomes ineffective.
I can't see much funds being found for either or the next transfer windows so I can only see our goals for column looking pretty bare (with the results that that entails)
-
I think the problem is we have been so so woeful in certain matches, we have now lowered our expectations to believing or at least trying to believe that a point against a very poor Stoke side was somehow an achievement and we have now transmogrified into an attacking team. It was still painful to watch at times, they look like a team playing in 2nd gear - at times they look like they just want to burst into action but are conscious that the schoolteacher on the sidelines may tell them off and keep them in detention if they dare to be too expressive. Boring, boring Villa.
-
Heskey is now sidelined for a while. Bent may be back for Chelsea.
-
I think there have been plenty of times this season where "boring, boring Villa" was about right, but last night wasn't one of them.
We at least tried to play football and managed some decent possession. We didn't turn this into goals, which is a legitimate concern, but we at least didn't get drawn into a hoofing match (although Collins continues to be infuriating in that sense).
Hopefully what we will take from last night is a little bit more confidence. We have Chelsea next, from which we will get little if anything, but after that we have a run of easier games.
We must start picking up wins from those matches, no excuses, or we are going tI get sucked towards the relegation zone.
-
We have Chelsea next, from which we will get little if anything, but after that we have a run of easier games.
I don't know, we have'nt got a bad record down there and Fulham got a point there yesterday on the back of a 5-0 drubbing by Man Utd. That said, i can't see it being a 4-4 again.
-
Heskey is now sidelined for a while. Bent may be back for Chelsea.
How many injuries has Heskey had since he's been at the club?
He struggles to last the game at the best of times, when he then somehow puts a few games together you can almost guarantee he'll be out for a long stretch.
Just write him off as an insurance job. Best all round, I think.
-
Our forward line is incredibly weak, IMO Fonz is not prem class and would be better suited to the Championship,
I'm really sorry that Fonz doesn't look like he can make it. He lacks strength and aggression but most of all he lacks belief in himself. I am sure he is a thoroughly decent, shy chap but that isn't much good when you are trying to boss the penalty area.
He needs a good long run in the team to be sure but we can't afford that. Sorry, Fonzie but good luck elsewhere. Bon chance.
-
N'Zog really is working hard now.
He's still crap though. Half a season and no goals, that really is dreadful from a winger.
He's better playing on the right and cutting inside to use his left foot.
Playing Albrighton and N'Zog may not be the best formation.
He is getting into the game far more, and he's playing in a poor passing team, so let's see what 2012 brings.
-
AM went there for a point. Winning or scoring was not high on his list. Sad but true or else he wouldnt have started with Heskey and would have used BB or Ireland as we were devoid of killer passes. If we played the same way as the Arse game we would have prob won. At least we keep much more of the ball and looked more composed. I like the look of Clark the more I see of him. Want to see a midfield with him, Gardner and BB in. When Heskey is fit he will bounce back into the team even if we have progressing without him.
-
I understood why he played Heskey last night against them, but i hope he's nowhere near the side against Chelsea.
-
I understood why he played Heskey last night against them, but i hope he's nowhere near the side against Chelsea.
He won't be. He's out injured.
-
Can't say i was happy with the team selection, but AM probably got it right for once against stoke. Its all very well saying you should try and play football against them but much better teams than us have been bought down to their level.
-
But playing Heskey is never acceptable under any circumstances against any team. He is utterly rubbish and stops the progression and building of the team.
-
The thing about N'Zog is he's not a typical winger, so if we were to drop him for Bannan or Ireland (the Ireland who performed well against Arsenal rather than the Ireland we've seen for most of his time with us) it's not as if we'd be losing any width.
And we'd be getting a player cute enough to unlock defences and slide Gabby (or the Fonz) through.
Clark and Petrov has worked recently and made us look more solid, so I'd be reluctant to jettison that. But we do need a bit more invention and guile in the middle and final third of the park.
-
Our forward line is incredibly weak, IMO Fonz is not prem class and would be better suited to the Championship,
I'm really sorry that Fonz doesn't look like he can make it. He lacks strength and aggression but most of all he lacks belief in himself. I am sure he is a thoroughly decent, shy chap but that isn't much good when you are trying to boss the penalty area.
He needs a good long run in the team to be sure but we can't afford that. Sorry, Fonzie but good luck elsewhere. Bon chance.
I have to agree I'm afraid, he looked woefully out of place when he came on last night.
-
But playing Heskey is never acceptable under any circumstances against any team. He is utterly rubbish and stops the progression and building of the team.
thought he caused them problems. Reminded me of my sister's dog who came round over christmas and generally caused chaos by bumping into things and nicking stuff off the tables. Totally harmless but hard to ignore
-
The good out-weighed the bad for me yesterday, with the much improved defensive performance and the work put in by everyone against a side that you really do have to work hard against. Wonderful, wonderful old-fashioned tackle from Clark, and particularly pleased to see Guzan being assertive too.
It's always interesting to watch a half of football and then read the corresponding Match Thread, because you can guess what wil be said by whom. Last night there were the bankers of the anti-fans who squael "Mum, Mum he hoofed it again. He hoofed it Mum!" whenever a ball of longer than 10 yards is played by Collins. Both against Bolton and Stoke, Collins hardly hit a long ball all night, and most long balls were hit out of necessity.
And anyone suggesting that Bannan or Ireland be brought on towards the end must be mad - they don't possess a single tackle between them at a time when we were most vulnerable and Stoke pressing for all they were worth.
And it wasn't an awful match, neither were we awful. As said before, awful was Spurs, Man U and Liverpool.
-
Our forward line is incredibly weak, IMO Fonz is not prem class and would be better suited to the Championship,
I'm really sorry that Fonz doesn't look like he can make it. He lacks strength and aggression but most of all he lacks belief in himself. I am sure he is a thoroughly decent, shy chap but that isn't much good when you are trying to boss the penalty area.
He needs a good long run in the team to be sure but we can't afford that. Sorry, Fonzie but good luck elsewhere. Bon chance.
I have to agree I'm afraid, he looked woefully out of place when he came on last night.
Bit harsh as I didn't think he did too bad.He got in the right place for Gabbys excellent cross and
should have finished.Bent has looked just as ineffective for much of the season after an extended
run in the side.Think the Fonz needs an extended run in the team to prove himself which I fear
he won't get with us.
-
But playing Heskey is never acceptable under any circumstances against any team. He is utterly rubbish and stops the progression and building of the team.
thought he caused them problems. Reminded me of my sister's dog who came round over christmas and generally caused chaos by bumping into things and nicking stuff off the tables. Totally harmless but hard to ignore
Very good :)
-
Perhaps the sherry & egg nog distorted my view but I was pretty encouraged by the performance last night. Fair play to Guzan, considering he'd never started a PL game up until a couple of weeks ago he looked pretty assured and as a defensive unit it goes without saying we were vastly improved. N'Zogbia is improving but still don't think we've figured out how to best use him yet - that's the next challenge for McLeish along with getting the team creating more chances.
-
wonderful old-fashioned tackle from Clark
Best bit of the match by a long way, "thunderous" is the best description I could use, but totally fair. Hutton should be shown a video of that, and be made to watch it over and over again until he understands that diving in two footed isn't the way to go about things.
-
Yes, it was a cracking challenge.
-
Delighted with a point and a clean sheet. Thought Guzan looked good coming for balls launched into the six yard box. Clark's 'meaty' challenge was definately the highlight for me.
-
We looked more organised than I've seen for a while. And we tried to pass the ball around much more.
5 things we learned from last night:
1. The Fonz ain't the Messiah. Move him on and give Weimann some pitch-time.
2. Guzan can come for crosses and make them. He played well when called-upon.
3. Clark has some real class. His eye for a pass and general positiongin was excellent.
4. Petrov continues to be undervalued by some on here. He played well again.
5. Cuellar has a calmness and poise sadly lacking in the other CB whose surname begins with C (clue: Collins).
-
We looked more organised than I've seen for a while. And we tried to pass the ball around much more.
5 things we learned from last night:
1. The Fonz ain't the Messiah. Move him on and give Weimann some pitch-time.
2. Guzan can come for crosses and make them. He played well when called-upon.
3. Clark has some real class. His eye for a pass and general positiongin was excellent.
4. Petrov continues to be undervalued by some on here. He played well again.
5. Cuellar has a calmness and poise sadly lacking in the other CB whose surname begins with C (clue: Collins).
Agreed re: Petrov, he certainly is putting a shift in each time I see him play. Clark surely has to get more game time along with Cuellar.
-
Ugo in the studio referring to Villa as "we". Left the club too early along with Southgate.
If we had more loyalty over the last 12 years, we'd have won a trophy.
-
When he's not needed at right back, Cueller should be our main centre back. Why this hasn't been the case I will never know.
Clark is a class act. He has so much potential. I am genuinely excited that he is at our club and will continue to improve over the next few seasons. With Albrighton and N'Zogbia we have the makings of a potent attacking force once Bent is fully fit (if we hold onto him).
The second half of the season no longer scares me. I think we will be mid-table, poised to grow in the future.
-
More than merely putting a shift in, I thought Stan was absolutely outstanding yesterday. The move where he feinted to go right and then sent N'Zogbia away on the left was top quality.
His best days are behind him, but I'd be reluctant to get rid. Particularly in Jan. It might be shades of when we moved Kevin Richardson or Andy Townsend on too soon -you don't quite appreciate what you've got until it's gone.
The summer might be a different story. But even then - providing we don't persuade him to stay by offering him silly money- we could so a lot worse than keeping him around as a squad player. I accept we're quickly approaching the time when he can no longer be a guaranteed starter.
-
Petrov for me is now , alongside Gabby, the Mr. Aston Villa of the team. I'd hate to lose him. He gives a lot for the cause and seems to have genuine affection for the place.
-
At least we tried to play football and looked the more likely to score from our rare attacks.
We got the defensive part spot on, the midfield too to a lesser extent but the attack was nowhere near right but for the one move where Fonz had his chance. Against Stoke there is little point in having lots of the ball to then put it out wide to Albrighton who then crosses it into an area with six bean pole defenders and Gabby. Not that it mattered too much as those crosses were pretty poor deliveries in any case (not Marc's best game for us). I would have like to have seen us try to cut through them more when we had opportunities as we were well capable.
But all said a point at Stoke is okay. Even though it wasn't a great game we are now starting to show some spirit and some form. We might even get a point at Chelsea if we can keep it up.
Clarke was MOM for me, he reminded me a lot of Barry.
-
I thought the Fonz was a lot better than a lot of other posters. Thought he held the ball up well on several occasions and it encouraged us to play it on the floor. With a bit of luck he'd have opened his account for the season. I hope we give him more pitch time and am sure when he gets a goal his confidence will kick in and he'll get a few more.
Clarke was really good and I agree totally with the Cuellar v Collins debate. It baffles me why he isn't playing centre back week in week out.
-
I think the Barry comparison is a good one, he's got the same sort of composure on the ball and ability to make time for himself. Not quite got his range of passing but then again Barry was a bit older when he moved into centre midfield so still time to develop.
-
I agree totally with the Cuellar v Collins debate. It baffles me why he isn't playing centre back week in week out.
With the aftermatch quote from AM that Collins is probably out for a while as the injury he's been carrying flaring up, I assume that Carlos may be up for a run in the 1st team.
-
A mate of mine has said MON wants Collin's at Sunderland. Lets hope he fishes around for him, Warnock and Beye. I'd be happy to see the back of these players.
-
£6 million ( plus add ons) and snap there hands off!
-
£6 million ( plus add ons) and snap there hands off!
If we get our money back on him I'd snap there hands off!
-
Clark in midfield is his best position for me, and it is no coincidence we keep the ball better with him in the side, as he is so composed. I thought Ireland or Bannan should have been in for Heskey at half time, the Fonz had a real tough ask against the sheer physicality of the stoke back 4, whereas Gabby is a physical match for anyone. I think he needs 12 months regular football up front to toughen up.
Petrov, Dunne, Clark, Cuellar, Gabby and Guzan were all terrific, the latter is impressing me every game at the moment, and could be unlucky to get ousted straight away when Given is fit.
-
Clark in midfield is his best position for me, and it is no coincidence we keep the ball better with him in the side, as he is so composed. I thought Ireland or Bannan should have been in for Heskey at half time, the Fonz had a real tough ask against the sheer physicality of the stoke back 4, whereas Gabby is a physical match for anyone. I think he needs 12 months regular football up front to toughen up.
Petrov, Dunne, Clark, Cuellar, Gabby and Guzan were all terrific, the latter is impressing me every game at the moment, and could be unlucky to get ousted straight away when Given is fit.
With you about Guzan. He impressed me how positive he was yesterday, he made a big difference attacking the high balls thrown into the box. Clarke really does look a classy player, no wonder Manure have been reported as possible bidders.
-
.. Clarke really does look a classy player, no wonder Manure have been reported as possible bidders.
Well, they were before they bought Phil Jones; are they still being touted?
-
N'Zog really is working hard now.
He's still crap though. Half a season and no goals, that really is dreadful from a winger.
Couldn't agree more. The move last night when the Delfouneso held it up brilliantly worked it to the right and it was then worked back across to the left was crying out for N'Zogbia to have the composure to find a pass as the were backpedalling and under pressure and yet you just knew he was going to blaze it into row Z again.
-
Clark in midfield is his best position for me, and it is no coincidence we keep the ball better with him in the side, as he is so composed. I thought Ireland or Bannan should have been in for Heskey at half time, the Fonz had a real tough ask against the sheer physicality of the stoke back 4, whereas Gabby is a physical match for anyone. I think he needs 12 months regular football up front to toughen up.
Petrov, Dunne, Clark, Cuellar, Gabby and Guzan were all terrific, the latter is impressing me every game at the moment, and could be unlucky to get ousted straight away when Given is fit.
With you about Guzan. He impressed me how positive he was yesterday, he made a big difference attacking the high balls thrown into the box. Clarke really does look a classy player, no wonder Manure have been reported as possible bidders.
I think for the money spent on him and his wages, Given has to come straight back in. He has also been one of our best players this season.
But Guzan is now a definite option, rather than merely a last resort in a crisis. If Given has a dip in form at any time, Guzan has done enough to suggest we shouldn't just stick with the former and hope he rides it out. Given will need to be at his best to keep his place in the side. Genuine competition. How it should be.
I do wonder whether Given would have been so commanding coming for those Delap throw in's yesterday mind. And he does have a girly shriek.
-
Fonz seemed to be his usual lightweight self until he realised that, for once, he was in a team of hard workers. I would give him a few more chances, not as a starter, but will be surprised if he ever rekindles the great form he showed for one season in the youth team.
-
.. Clarke really does look a classy player, no wonder Manure have been reported as possible bidders.
Well, they were before they bought Phil Jones; are they still being touted?
They have always been linked with him. I am sure before he signed a new deal last season the rumours got stronger. To be fair Clarke and Jones look similar to me, worth £20m then.
-
Happy with the point last night, never thought we looked under pressure tbh.
For me Clark makes a big difference as he always tries to play a pass, and not give the ball away.I thought N'Zog was our MOM tbh, always a good outlet ball, always kept it, and always tried to link up with our other fowards.
Cuellar showed why he is a CH, great defensively, poor in his distribution.
For me Petrov was the reason why we nevver won last night.Yes he worked hard, yes he put a shift in, but he needs to be more creative and offer a defence splitting pass/shot.
In the 2nd half we broke away on numerous occasions, but failed to create enough chances.Imho we missed Ireland last night.
-
Harsh on petrov
-
Happy with the point last night, never thought we looked under pressure tbh.
For me Clark makes a big difference as he always tries to play a pass, and not give the ball away.I thought N'Zog was our MOM tbh, always a good outlet ball, always kept it, and always tried to link up with our other fowards.
Cuellar showed why he is a CH, great defensively, poor in his distribution.
For me Petrov was the reason why we nevver won last night.Yes he worked hard, yes he put a shift in, but he needs to be more creative and offer a defence splitting pass/shot.
In the 2nd half we broke away on numerous occasions, but failed to create enough chances.Imho we missed Ireland last night.
You and Ireland!!
But I agree, actually Ireland should have come on for Heskey since we lacked the movement to benefit from a "defence splitting pass/shot". Ireland would have given us the movement from deep.
-
I didn't see the game as I was out with friends. Caught the MOTD highlights, what there were of them. When a home manager says after the game that a fair result was a draw, it usually means the away side had the better of the match and this backs up most of the comments on here.
Somebody commented about Albrighton not having such a good game as he had Cuellar behind him rather than Hutton. Many have said that we looked solid defensively. Where we are now is that when we play effectively 4 central defenders in the team we look solid, when we play two we get taken apart. Also, playing so many defenders impacts on our ability to score goals. Unless we have a world class central midfield player to play in the team as it is at the moment we are not going to be a top ten side
So, where do we go from here. IMO, we need to rebuild the defence so that we do not have to stack it full of central defenders and we get the balance right in midfield. Albrighton and N'Zogbia are not good enough to have them both in the side together as we lose too much in the centre of the park and are committed in trying to attack down the flanks as they both seem to lack that incisive inside ball from half way that can play in Bent or Gabby.
Plus points from the last two games are that we have played a bit more football and looked more composed. Negative points are that we are not scoring and it is still only 5 points from the last 7 games.
-
Isn't it quite depressing that if we follow the above action this will be our third rebuild of our defence in three years.
-
Hasn't our defence been largely the same for about three years?
-
Hasn't our defence been largely the same for about three years?
Two and a half, give or take Luke Young and Kyle Walker.
-
Fonz seemed to be his usual lightweight self until he realised that, for once, he was in a team of hard workers. I would give him a few more chances, not as a starter, but will be surprised if he ever rekindles the great form he showed for one season in the youth team.
The Fonz needs a run of games to show his undoubted ability. Constantly playing then on the bench is no good for rhythm or confidence - he's a better option than Heskey. Finally, McLeish is giving Clark a run to show his ability - this should apply to the Fonz and Stephen Ireland.
-
Hasn't our defence been largely the same for about three years?
Two and a half, give or take Luke Young and Kyle Walker.
Has it? It doesn't seem that long ago when we were purchasing Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Young and Beye? By heck where does the time go?
-
Watching five hours of Riverdance TWICE would have been more exciting than what was offered
up the other night - Pullis & McLeish should be prosecuted by Trading Standards if they believe
football should be played in such a manner.
-
Watching five hours of Riverdance TWICE would have been more exciting than what was offered
up the other night - Pullis & McLeish should be prosecuted by Trading Standards if they believe
football should be played in such a manner.
Whilst we were'nt great, at least we tried to play it on the floor. Stoke on the other hand, not content with having one specialist long thrower, now have two, which says all you need to know. Win a throw in, gain a few yards down the touchline and launch it into the box is their main tactic.
-
Yeah - we weren't as good as we were against Arsenal, but we were trying to play it around as much as possible.