Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Match Threads & Player Ratings => Topic started by: Legion on September 02, 2012, 09:55:00 AM
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Available Sunday evening.
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Good point, but we deserved all three.
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Really good performance, I thought KEA was superb before he came off. Defence looked solid and Guzan was great. We deserved to win, but a point up there is really good result.
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Good point, could easily have won with a bit more composure in front of goal. Hope KEA isn't too badly injured.
And what a fucking pleasure it was to enjoy watching a game involving Aston Villa again.
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Good point, but we deserved all three.
I think that a draw was a fair result. Newcastle looked the better team for the last 20 odd minutes
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Magnificent point. As it stands we're staying up ;)
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Excellent point from a great all-round performance. In PL we trust
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Was Gabby his old self? It sounded that way on here.
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Really good point. Decent performance in a game i thought we would lose. Should do wonders for our confidence. Well played Brad, deserves to start the next game.
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Really well done Villa, didn't see a thing but sounded good on the match thread!
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A vast improvement and much better than I expected. Guzan was excellent. Onto the next one.
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And Guzan has to be number 1 now for the time being.
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Enjoyed that - you could argue the Geordies were 'tired' after Thursday but we deserved to win. Great to see some football and a team with shape. We could be onto somehting good here.
Special praise to Brad - well played son.
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Played some cracking stuff. KEA, Vlaar, Lowton all did really well. Holman did OK aside from allowing Ben Arfa 20 minutes to pick out the top corner.
Good to see Gabby back. Good we didn't lose, shame we could take one of the many half chances we had and Bent looked off the pace to be polite.
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Good point, but we deserved all three.
Correct. But I'm still happy with the result AND the passion with which we played. Brad Guzan has more than staked his claim. I like the way he catches instead of punches. He really commands the area.
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Good point and lots of positives.
If Newcastle are supposed to be top 6, then we'll have no worries this season and it should be enjoyable along the way as this was a good match.
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Good solid point. Guzan to keep his place. I watched on a crap buffering stream but we looked like we had far the better of the chances. Relegation? Yeah right!!! Well done PL and the boys. Two weeks off now to sort the young lads and get them inducted into the new Villa way.
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About 65 minutes of total domination from Villa. Plus 25 minutes of Newcastle showing their class and matching us.
Deserved 3 but I'm delighted with the 1 point today and the performance with it.
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Good point, fair result. Played some lovely football at time. Holman worries me though, he has been poor every game he has played so far.
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We will be ok if we can play like that every week. We are roaring again, we really matched them. If we build on that we could be back in the top ten by May.
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Very encouraging to be honest and probably a fair result. We stopped passing it about after they scored but we had enough chances to have won it.
I thought that PL got it his team selection correct and it was good to see Gabby back at the end. Ireland is a cut above the rest when he can be bothered but thought Lichaj struggled today.
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Many positives.
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A good point but like others have said we deserved all three I enjoyed watching the match.
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Great game to watch- well done to the team , great effort and lots of chances, play like this and we can have a decent season and this team will only get better.
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from what i saw it was positive. looked hungry and confident. ball retention still not great but Im sure that will improve.
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Very enjoyable game. Guzan was immense. right off to watch PSV V AZ to see who we can sign next summer!
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Great point,maybe a bit unlucky not to get all 3 on another day. Things looking a bit brighter now,onto the next game,shame we got to wait 2 weeks.
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Above all, today, I enjoyed watching Aston Villa.
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Guzan very impressive. CNZ, shite again. Sorry, but he looks utterly lost to me.
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Out the bottom 3 according to the Beeb. Onwards and upwards. 35 wins away from being champions.
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well done...more like that please and we'll be fine
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Sitting drinking ubu at the Moseley Folk Festival all I had was the h and v match thread. Cheers for the updates. Sounds promising. Pleased witha point.
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How was Bannan?
How bad did KEA look, injury-wise?
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Guzan superb.
How much energy does Holman have? Brilliant
Great all round performance
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How was Bannan?
How bad did KEA look, injury-wise?
Bannan improved as the game went on and cut out teh hollywood passes after the first 20. KEA had his best game for us, looks the real deal to me.
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How was Bannan?
How bad did KEA look, injury-wise?
Bannan was the usual. Some good play, plenty of giving the ball away. Hard to tell with KEA. Will help having a 2 week break though.
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I wasn't expecting much from this game so I'm certainly happy with the point. Our midfield is neat. It's like a diamond shifter over to the left so Bannan can file in and allow Lowton to do most of the line work. I thought everyone played pretty well, too. I'm anxious to see what the team will look like with Bennett flying up and down the left. Thought Ireland and Karim played really well too, hope KEA is okay.
Also, I'm glad Gabby came back and he hit the boosters on Gutierrez so it seems like he's fit, I thought he was barely back to full training.. Guzan between the sticks for me now, too. He's done to well to just blindly concede the number one to Shay. Both good enough on their day.
Holman kind of reminds me of Villa's Dirk Kuyt. Just a non-stop work rate and all out effort, all the time. He doesn't always make the brightest decision but he's clearly taken advantage of the opportunity given to him and making a difference on the field.
Glad Lambert went with Clark today, not only because he got the goal but I don't think Baker was mean enough to play in the middle in this one.
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Happy with a good point away from home against a bogey side, some good passing movement, Ron Vlaar looked a little too cool at times, and we need to get in teams faces a little more. We can't afford to give Swansea a second on the ball next week
Guzan looked absolutely solid today, we been missing someone like that in goal, never looked like he was going to drop the ball or fumble it, fantastic keeping and I hope it spurs Given on!
UTV
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Lots of positives, the main three for me were a willingness to get the ball down and play football, the new signings (particularly Vlaar and KEH) looking solid and the second coming of Guzan.
With the new lads to come in giving us more options, and hopefully more confidence in the team as we climb the table, I think we'll do ok this season.
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And I got a prediction right for once. I had it as 1-1 with us taking the lead. Nostradamus is back!
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The performance was as important as the point. Happy with both.
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I think most people would have been happy with a good performance and a decent result, and that's what we got. It took a bit of a wonder strike to deny us all three points as well.
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We worked ever so hard and if there is one thing Lambert has preached it is team unity and graft. We saw that in abundance today. We have 5 players to add from the next game onwards that will all bring with them the same commitment, hunger and determination.
Really great to see Gabby back too.
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Unlucky not to get all three. Newcastle weren't getting a sniff second half until they found a goal from nowhere. It seemed to buck them up no end. We still had the better openings after that.
We still need to have more authority in midfield. I hope El Ahmadi has a knock rather than an injury.
Good to see Gabby back. He looked like he meant it. Well played Guzan too. A Villa goalkeeper coming out beyond the 6 yard box to collect crosses. Whatever next.
Sod our league position, that was a big improvement in all respects on anything served up last year. Maybe we are a lot better than we thought we were.
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A well deserved point, could have had all 3.
Eric looks very uncomfortable at left back, hopefully Bennet will be ready for the Swansea game.
Holman should have made some bit of an effort closing Ben Arfa down for the goal.
Shay may not see much action for a while.Ireland should have buried that chance late on.
Well done over all though, a vast improvement.
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Can't be anything other than happy with the result and the performance. I felt a bit sick during the second half as I was sure they were going to score. We could have won, could have lost.
Lambert deserves a lot of credit for the way he set up tactically and in the second half, our attacking players looked really dangerous on the break.
Guzan - 8. Excellent. Came for crosses, couple of really good saves.
Lowton - 7. Impressed with him. Very composed. Needs to improve a bit defensively.
Vlaar - 7. Thought he did really well. Scared me a bit with his dribbling.
Clark - 7. Very good overall. Much more combative. Still lost his man in the box a couple of times and needs to improve on that.
Lichaj - 5. Battled away. Not good enough on the ball for me. Looking forward to a left footed left back
Holman - 6. Worked his bollocks off all game. The only time he didn't close his man down, Ben Arfa scored a wondergoal with his wrong foot. Bit ropey on the ball though
KEA - 7. Calm on the ball and helped us pass it when we did. Would like a stronger defensive minded player as an option in there
Bannan - 6. Thought he did pretty well. Some good balls into the box including the goal.
Ireland. 7. Decent. Should have scored really, but was a threat.
Weimann 5. Worked hard, not really in the game much
Bent 6. Worked a lot harder than normal and his hold up play was better, also some good link up play. Thought he should have hit that late chance first time
Subs:
Gabby 7. A real threat. More of this please. Skinned his man a couple of times.
N'Zogbia 6. Thought he did pretty well really. Worked hard. Still goes down blind alleys. Him and Gabby were scaring them on the break I thought.
Manager: 8. Considering how we've started and the firepower Newcastle have, I don't see how we could have expected much better. Tactically very good. We clearly need to continue improving our passing, but we're already showing good habits.
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Unbeaten in two :)
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I'd have been happy with this performance a few weeks down the line, coming today away at Newcastle was a massive bonus.
I think with a bit more composure which will come as the season progresses and some young players, things look good for the future.
Keep progressing Villa, proud of you today
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Above all, today, I enjoyed watching Aston Villa.
Same, and for the first time in ages. We need to build on this now
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Can anyone shed any light on KEA injury? Walked off the pitch I heard but went down without being tackled?
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Lots of positives, some really good interplay, and tireless pressing and brave defensive work. Really impressed with Lowton, and now reasonably confident for the Swansea game!
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Can anyone shed any light on KEA injury? Walked off the pitch I heard but went down without being tackled?
Looked like a twisted ankle
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Season off and running. We looked good. Certain players stood up to the mark today. Bannan for one. Thought he did very well. Not just using the ball better but his work rate and tracking back were first rate.
Ireland too, very good shift and some nice play. Sometimes he's brilliant to watch. He can do something with a split seconds thought in a tight spot, and suddenly we're attacking. If we see it more consistently, he'll be fantastic for us this season. I think he's gonna relish Lamberts way of playing.
Guzan- 8: No chance for goal. Reminded me of Bosnich today, even down to a couple of dodgy punts. Very assured and dominated his box well. Some great saves too. Number 1.
Lowton- 7: Like him. Good on the ball. Great engine. He's still learning but he doesn't seemed overawed or out of his depth.
Vlaar- 7: Good. Solid and he and Clark kept their front two fairly quiet.
Clark- 7: As above.
Lichaj- 7: Did pretty well. Fullback looks a good area for us now. Good competition on both sides now. The more Eric plays the more he seems to look like a seasoned pro. Clever foul at the end too.
El Ahmadi-7: Tidy. Composed. Rarely wastes it.
Bannan- 8: Impressed me today. Clever use of ball. Much better delivery from set plays and good assist.
Ireland-8: Worked hard both ends. Some lovely skill at times and always looking to keep the ball moving.
Holman- 6: Work his bollocks off. With space he looked good with the ball. When things were tighter his touch and decision making was a little sloppy. Let himself down with the goal, but generally I thought he did well and I love his work ethic. His one switch off and it cost a goal.
Weimann- 6: Didn't get in the game enough. Had some half chances. Looking fitter this season too. He's shed weight and looks more mobile.
Bent- 5: Looked more threatening but again, his general play wasn't the best because of his touch. Looks a shadow of his former self and really, really needs a goal. Wasted his one clear chance.
Gabby- 6: Did pretty well when he came on. Not fully fit yet but still managed to burn the Toon backline with his pace a couple of times. Looked up for it too.
CNZ- 6: Did okay. Looked more decisive on the ball, and more confident. Think he knows he's really got to shine now. Used his pace too, which he's not done nearly enough for us.
Overall a very good game and as away performances against good sides go, I think we deserved the win. We played some attractive stuff and we're still in the early days. Once things gel even more, things could get very good indeed. Most positively is, on this display, we look far, far too good to go down.
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Can't be anything other than happy with the result and the performance. I felt a bit sick during the second half as I was sure they were going to score. We could have won, could have lost.
Lambert deserves a lot of credit for the way he set up tactically and in the second half, our attacking players looked really dangerous on the break.
Guzan - 8. Excellent. Came for crosses, couple of really good saves.
Lowton - 7. Impressed with him. Very composed. Needs to improve a bit defensively.
Vlaar - 7. Thought he did really well. Scared me a bit with his dribbling.
Clark - 7. Very good overall. Much more combative. Still lost his man in the box a couple of times and needs to improve on that.
Lichaj - 5. Battled away. Not good enough on the ball for me. Looking forward to a left footed left back
Holman - 6. Worked his bollocks off all game. The only time he didn't close his man down, Ben Arfa scored a wondergoal with his wrong foot. Bit ropey on the ball though
KEA - 7. Calm on the ball and helped us pass it when we did. Would like a stronger defensive minded player as an option in there
Bannan - 6. Thought he did pretty well. Some good balls into the box including the goal.
Ireland. 7. Decent. Should have scored really, but was a threat.
Weimann 5. Worked hard, not really in the game much
Bent 6. Worked a lot harder than normal and his hold up play was better, also some good link up play. Thought he should have hit that late chance first time
Subs:
Gabby 7. A real threat. More of this please. Skinned his man a couple of times.
N'Zogbia 6. Thought he did pretty well really. Worked hard. Still goes down blind alleys. Him and Gabby were scaring them on the break I thought.
Manager: 8. Considering how we've started and the firepower Newcastle have, I don't see how we could have expected much better. Tactically very good. We clearly need to continue improving our passing, but we're already showing good habits.
Agree with that
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Brilliant performance, real energy and some great football on the ground. Holman at fault for the goal but apart from that I like what he brings to the table. I'm beginning to think we have always had good footballers but now the players are being allowed to show it. Newcastle were stunned, they were expecting a lazy Sunday afternoon. Relegation, my arse. Well done the lads.
8)
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Above all, today, I enjoyed watching Aston Villa.
Same, and for the first time in ages. We need to build on this now
We had a couple of games like this last year under TSM vs Arsenal and Chelsea. Unfortunately he was too negative and cautious to use it as a platform from which to build. I have much more faith that Lambert will see this as a stepping stone in his overall plan and push on from this. A win against Swansea now is so important.
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In an ideal world, we had chances to win
But i'm absolutely delighted with that performance. I think every player put a shift in, we looked hungry, up for it, eager and every other cliche i can think of
Signs we're finally clicking. Great stuff
UTV
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Watch MOTD tonight Holman appears in almost every frame. Yes the goal was his fault but as an Aussie he gives the lot for the whole 90mins KEA was very good as well.
Bannan gave the ball away a hell of a lot!
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Can anyone shed any light on KEA injury? Walked off the pitch I heard but went down without being tackled?
Didn't look too serious,should be ok in 2weeks I hope.
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Can anyone shed any light on KEA injury? Walked off the pitch I heard but went down without being tackled?
Twisted his ankle according to the commentator on my str...am...nevermind.
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And I got a prediction right for once. I had it as 1-1 with us taking the lead. Nostradamus is back!
Nostradamus was a good player. The trouble is that he was a bit predictable
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Can anyone shed any light on KEA injury? Walked off the pitch I heard but went down without being tackled?
Looked like a twisted ankle
Yep.
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Really happy with how we have played today, excellent one/two touch passing, movement around the pitch, creating lots more chances, good pressing. Can see how PL wants to get us playing, and if we can play like this wins will start coming our way. Guzan made some great saves, especially from free kick late on.
Definitely feeling a lot more confident in the team than I have for a good few years, yes it will take time, but I have faith in PL and what he wants to achieve at VP.
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Can anyone shed any light on KEA injury? Walked off the pitch I heard but went down without being tackled?
Looked like a twisted ankle
Yep.
He'll fine after the international break I imagine. He's been a very tidy signing.
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Holman Man of the Match for grumpyness, top work
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Great Performance from the lads. The season starts here.
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And I got a prediction right for once. I had it as 1-1 with us taking the lead. Nostradamus is back!
Nostradamus was a good player. The trouble is that he was a bit predictable
One for the future I think.
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In addition, wasn't it great to be able to enjoy watching our style of play? The feel-good factor is back for me.
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Holman's non-challenge for the goal looked a bit like Vlaar's against Everton. Very much a 'I don't mind you shooting from there' feel about it.
Lack of premier league experience perhaps.
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Given and NZogbia being dropped made a big difference today. Sums up where we are with our senior players.
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We could have won, in the past we would have lost, but we got a draw.
I'm pleased with a point, and the performance. If we can start creating chances for Bent we'll fly up the league.
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Good performance from us and deserved the 3 points in my opinion.
Our ability also confused the Geordies who I think thought they would stroll past us.
A Geordie mate text me saying "I thought u were meant to be shit!?"
UTV
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Guzan very impressive. CNZ, shite again. Sorry, but he looks utterly lost to me.
Harsh IMO. He didn't exactly have long and I thought he looked reasonably bright when he came on, as did Gabby.
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I'm not sure what our formation was in midfield
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Guzan very impressive. CNZ, shite again. Sorry, but he looks utterly lost to me.
Harsh IMO. He didn't exactly have long and I thought he looked reasonably bright when he came on, as did Gabby.
Agree it's harsh and I don't want to slate him for the sake of it, he just doesn't seem to know what to do when he gets the ball. Gabby on the other hand made two half chances out of nothing.
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Holman's non-challenge for the goal looked a bit like Vlaar's against Everton. Very much a 'I don't mind you shooting from there' feel about it.
Lack of premier league experience perhaps.
Gota agree with that but also think you can't take anything away from the goal it was special
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And I got a prediction right for once. I had it as 1-1 with us taking the lead. Nostradamus is back!
Nostradamus was a good player. The trouble is that he was a bit predictable
One for the future I think.
Certainly has vision.
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Paul Lambert on Sky saying we were brilliant today.
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Thought Gabby looked bright when he came on, couple of runs to scare the opposition, Cnz didn't have much time to do anything. Worried that our strikers weren't really in the game again. Good performance though, knocked the ball around nicely
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Paul Lambert on Sky saying we were brilliant today.
Wouldn't argue too much with that. Good to see the direction we're going in.
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After having three hours sleep and driving 400 miles from Bournemouth you ask yourself if its worth it.
Today it was. The difference was the effort. We pressed them everywhere and reduced them to percentage football. There goal was good.
We created plenty. Either Ireland or Bent should have one it for us. The former ran the show for me. Holman is an interesting one. His interchanges are fine but his final ball is so far poor. But then he is a complete pest and runs and runs and runs and runs.
Good to see Gabby back. His burst of speed nearly won us the game.
Some very neat passing. The slack Jawdees were getting very annoyed.
Lots of positives.
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Guzan very impressive. CNZ, shite again. Sorry, but he looks utterly lost to me.
Harsh IMO. He didn't exactly have long and I thought he looked reasonably bright when he came on, as did Gabby.
Agree it's harsh and I don't want to slate him for the sake of it, he just doesn't seem to know what to do when he gets the ball. Gabby on the other hand made two half chances out of nothing.
Wasn't it N'Zogbia that was dragged down by Gutierrez? Did well enough getting into that position I thought, and would have been a good chance if he wasn't fouled.
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It was a nightmare from a coaching point of view. We were better in the second half but they still had chances. Both managers probably walk away and think a point is fair but we won't come across many teams that will work as hard as Villa did.
It's been a long time since I heard an opposing manager say that about us.
Very happy. Good away point and sounds like a good performance from a team that's till gelling.
In PL we trust.
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Very pleased with that. A couple of minor points I thought:
Holman, needs time to acclimatise to our game.
Bannan gave the ball away far too often
Zoggy really has gone.
I still feel we look a bit lost when we are 20 yards out. I would like us to have more belief and shoooooot.
But, far outweighing those negatives is the biggest positive of all.
We actually looked like a team today.
Quite a decent team that will get better and better.
Well done boys.
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Despite the miss, Ireland probably man of the match for me. Worked hard both ways. Holman looked like he was in the early stages of a hangover, Bent in the final stage. But with efforts like this, relegation will never be an issue.
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Today it was. The difference was the effort. We pressed them everywhere and reduced them to percentage football
Agreed 100%
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Newcastle fans on that board I found are calling giving out stink about Pardew. Apparently some of them can 'see past the fact he finished fifth' and those who can't are 'idiots unable to analyse a football match'.
Just shows you we are not alone when it comes to post-match over reaction!
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Completely unrelated to the match, but have a new nickname for KEA;
Kari-Mel
Might be easier to come up with a song now. Sorry gents, carry on...
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Newcastle fans on that board I found are calling giving out stink about Pardew. Apparently some of them can 'see past the fact he finished fifth' and those who can't are 'idiots unable to analyse a football match'.
Just shows you we are not alone when it comes to post-match over reaction!
Yeah, but to be fair, Pardew really is a twat.
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Had to listen to the game on WM - who have a new, less cynical, commentator. They were very impressed with Holman's workrate even though he didn't quite close Ben Arfa down for the goal. A good point bearing in mind our recent record up there.
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Holman Man of the Match for grumpyness, top work
I noticed this. New chief moaner at the club. Excellent stuff.
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Newcastle fans on that board I found are calling giving out stink about Pardew. Apparently some of them can 'see past the fact he finished fifth' and those who can't are 'idiots unable to analyse a football match'.
Just shows you we are not alone when it comes to post-match over reaction!
Yeah, but to be fair, Pardew really is a twat.
Yes but he took them to fifth on the heels of a spell in the Championship then one result is a the end of the world!
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One downside amongst the general positivity - 13 league games without a win. A club record.
Need to nail that against Swansea.
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Swans to the slaughter
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Blimey, Pardew being humble...there's a first...from the BBC
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is clearly a bit frustrated - to say the least - by his side's display in their draw with Aston Villa.
"I can't say that we deserved to win and you could argue that Villa did," Pardew explained. "We were a bit funny today, we lacked discipline and our set-plays were awful.
"It was a nightmare from a coaching point of view. We were better in the second half but they still had chances. Both managers probably walk away and think a point is fair but we won't come across many teams that will work as hard as Villa did."
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One downside amongst the general positivity - 13 league games without a win. A club record.
Need to nail that against Swansea.
It's ok. The first 10 happened in a universe that consisted totally of anti-matter. Totally unrelated to this one.
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I must admit I feared the worst before this game - but I thought we fought well , and occasionaly actually played some good football. Great to see Gabby back just to see the ball held up and running with power - first point somehting to build on and hopefully first win against Swansea
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And I got a prediction right for once. I had it as 1-1 with us taking the lead. Nostradamus is back!
Nostradamus was a good player. The trouble is that he was a bit predictable
One for the future I think.
Very good you two.
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All in all a very bright day.
The weather was good.
The football was good.
The result was good.
Couple of G&T's before the game was good.
I think I've got the feel good factor.
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Blimey, Pardew being humble...there's a first...from the BBC
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is clearly a bit frustrated - to say the least - by his side's display in their draw with Aston Villa.
"I can't say that we deserved to win and you could argue that Villa did," Pardew explained. "We were a bit funny today, we lacked discipline and our set-plays were awful.
"It was a nightmare from a coaching point of view. We were better in the second half but they still had chances. Both managers probably walk away and think a point is fair but we won't come across many teams that will work as hard as Villa did."
Well Mr Pardew, you've gone up in my estimation...not too much though.
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When we get our new boys fully up to the pace of the premiership we will be a force. KEA is the sort of midfielder I've wanted at the Villa for over a decade. He is going to be some player. And, we have a work horse in Hollman.
It's great seeing Villa players giving their all again.
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Wanted to add that I like the look of Lowton, he looks like he could be a reliable right-back. I also like Vlaar, who looks a good footballer (though I feel he will probably have a mistake or two in him from trying to play football, which is something I can take) and El Ahmadi impressed me with his tidiness and ability to just be there for our players and when the opposition move forward.
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All in all a very bright day.
The weather was good.
The football was good.
The result was good.
Couple of G&T's before the game was good.
I think I've got the feel good factor.
Funny isn't it Pauline? Yet half way through transfer deadline day with only 1 player in and the sky was falling in. That was only 2 days ago. Today delivered the message of progress. Very, very encouraging and a long way to go. We have to give this man time, and the players he has invested in all the encouragement in the world to fulfil their potential. It's going to be fun.
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Lots of comments on Holman. For me a bit Jekyll and Hyde. Some brilliant closing down work spoiled by some wayward passing. But I would pick him every time. He doesn't give anyone a second on the ball (except crucially Ben Arfa) and never stops running, even if it is sometimes like a headless chicken. Once he starts passing better he will be a 'find'.
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There was a confidence in our play today that we haven't seen for a while. Given that it was on the back of two defeats it says a lot about the manager that he got that type of performance out of them. I think we're going to enjoy watching us this season.
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A really good hard working performance, were off and running out of the bottom 3 and it feels great, what a relief, need to follow it up with our first win since god knows when against Swansea, off on holiday to Corfu next Friday, happy days. UTV
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Just back from the game. That was great fun to watch (and it seems like a while since I have thought that!)
I thought we bossed the game for 60 minutes and give the number of chances I am surprised there were not more goals.
Guzan - 9 MOTM I thought we was great today, very commanding in the air and made some smart saves too. Hope he keeps his place.
Lowton - 7 Very good plenty of running and nice and solid defensively
Vlaar - 7 Calm head at the back never really seemed to be troubled
Clark - 7 Defended well and right place right time for the goal hopefully the partnership with Vlaar will continue to improve
Lichaj - 6 Probably the least impressive defender, seems to struggle with the passing game early on but was solid enough in the second half
Holman - 6 Didnt really notice him much if I am honest. Real shame he gave Ben Arfa that little bit of space for the goal (cracking strike mind)
KEA - 8 I love him. I wonder how many passes he made today? I think he will be critical for us this season hope his knock isn't too bad
Bannan - 7 Plenty of running from him today always closing down and some tidy passing too seems to fit well into the PL style
Ireland 7 Was a little disappointed to see him throw his hands in the air after a few early wayward passes from Lichaj played some very tidy football. Made a storming run late on which Guzan missed, if he had picked him out would have been on for a promising break. Shame the ball didn't sit down from him for his chance late on.
Weimann 6 Worked his socks off but didn't seem to sparkle offensively today
Bent 6 I thought Bent had a good game, real shame he couldn't get the winner when Gabby played him in late on (it was a cracking tackle to stop him mind you). I thought he looked better once Gabby came on along side of him
Gabby 7 Good to see him back and he caused them some problems could maybe have gone for goal when he set up Benty.
N'Zogbia 6 I though he was fairly average. Perhaps with Ireland and KEA pulling the strings a bit more he might be able to play with a little less expectation on his shoulders. Still think there is a good player in there so hopefully PL can get the best out of him.
PL - He got us playing some really nice football today, really pleased to see him get his first point and nice to see him bringing Gabby on at the end to stretch the game a bit, positive stuff.
Crowd - I was gutted to be sitting in the Newcastle end, the Villa supporters seemed to be in good voice. I don't envy them the trip back down the A1 tonight. Its nice to live in the North East (sometimes).
Really looking forward to coming down for the Swansea game now, I wonder how many of the new lads can force their way into the starting 11?
Looking forward to MOTD2. UTV!
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I watched from about 35 minutes in and there were a lot of positives. Bent saw a lot more of the ball and was winning quite a lot of headers to lay it on. Weimann was lively and caused their defence a few scares. Bannan was keeping it more simple and was a big improvement on last week. The defence as a whole looked reasonably solid. We seemed to a have a lot more energy purpose and confidence and were getting players forward ahead of the strikers frequently. Gabby initially looked out of it when he came on but suddenly came alive, outpaced two defenders, and set up a great chance which Bent should probably have done better with. After that he produced some decent hold up and link play. Even N'Zogbia made a decent contribution when he came on.Bent still looks a little tentative and hesitant when it's time to pull the trigger. Just needs a PL goal to get his mojo back.
On the downside it was a very lazy/tired attempt by Holman to block Ben Arfa from shooting for their goal, he should have been closed down far more. And Ireland should have done much better with the late chance. He had plenty of time and space and should at least have hit the target.
On that performance I'd say we should pick up plenty of points, but we need to be a bit more ruthless with our chances, and close down tighter around the box.
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A good result in a game I was utterly convinced we were going to lose.
The most significant aspect was the nature of the performance. I actually enjoyed the football we played, totally unrecognisable from the shite we were forced to watch last season.
I was pleased that PL had the balls to drop Given, both because it paid off in terms of Guzan's performance, and because it sends out an important message to the rest of the squad: perform or you don't play.
Hugely encouraging, with good performances throughout the team. I think it's going to be an interesting season and I'm feeling optimistic for the first time in ages.
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Hands up, I got this result totally wrong too. Thought we were in for a spanking. This side has gt more about it than I thought.
Interesting comments about Holman - RadioWM were raving about his hard work. Good to see Gabby back, let's hope he can recapture his best form.
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All in all a very bright day.
The weather was good.
The football was good.
The result was good.
Couple of G&T's before the game was good.
I think I've got the feel good factor.
Funny isn't it Pauline? Yet half way through transfer deadline day with only 1 player in and the sky was falling in. That was only 2 days ago. Today delivered the message of progress. Very, very encouraging and a long way to go. We have to give this man time, and the players he has invested in all the encouragement in the world to fulfil their potential. It's going to be fun.
Quite agree. Having said that, I did the same with the previous two managers. Obviously In both instances I was wrong. I definitely believe this is third time lucky. I don't think we're going to win the league this year ;-) but I think we'll prove a lot of punters, like Robbie Savage, wrong.*
*typed while the train was rocking back and forth and drinking a well deserved G&T.
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A superb performance at a place where we have one win in 12 and totally took the game to Newcastle from the off. extremely encouraged by the performance of Aston Villa, i am thouroughly excited by the coming season if the energy, desire and effort can be replicated in the remaining games this season.
but to those who are giving 5 out of tens in your match ratings, you are talking out your arse, and for anyone to blame holman for ben arfa's goal, then you have never been tought anything in football! Basically, clap that fucker in and get on with it, he showed him inside and arrowed it straight in the top corner! great goal, wonder strike, contender for goal of the season, you dow save those and tek a bow son! no ones fault.
Well done Villa , very proud!
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A superb performance at a place where we have one win in 12 and totally took the game to Newcastle from the off. extremely encouraged by the performance of Aston Villa, i am thouroughly excited by the coming season if the energy, desire and effort can be replicated in the remaining games this season.
but to those who are giving 5 out of tens in your match ratings, you are talking out your arse, and for anyone to blame holman for ben arfa's goal, then you have never been tought anything in football! Basically, clap that fucker in and get on with it, he showed him inside and arrowed it straight in the top corner! great goal, wonder strike, contender for goal of the season, you dow save those and tek a bow son! no ones fault.
Well done Villa , very proud!
Agreed, both pienaar and Ben Arfa have hit wonder goals right out of the top drawer against us, very harsh blaming Holman for not closing him down.
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Very happy with that. lets kick on.
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A side note but I wonder if the death of his good mate Gary Speed has affected Given more than he realises- seems to me that he has not been the same player since and perhaps PL has recognised this ( especially at Newcastle). A pity if this is the case as Shay is, I have on good authority, one of the most genuinely decent professional footballers and a thoroughly nice guy.
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A side note but I wonder if the death of his good mate Gary Speed has affected Given more than he realises- seems to me that he has not been the same player since and perhaps PL has recognised this ( especially at Newcastle). A pity if this is the case as Shay is, I have on good authority, one of the most genuinely decent professional footballers and a thoroughly nice guy.
Not a bad shout actually. Couple that with how much his poor showing at the Euro's must have knocked his confidence and it's not hard to see why he's been playing so badly for us.
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On a side note, just had a look at NUFC forum after the game, people calling for Pardew's head, did they not finish 5th last season????
Seems very strange, also I think puts an end to the myth that Villa are bad fans and always on the team/manager's back!
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Holman's non-challenge for the goal looked a bit like Vlaar's against Everton. Very much a 'I don't mind you shooting from there' feel about it.
Lack of premier league experience perhaps.
Gota agree with that but also think you can't take anything away from the goal it was special
I think he thought Ben Arfa was on his weaker foot
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Regarding Holman, for me he was'nt far off MOM.Links play well, runs off the ball well when in posession, always makes himself available, doesn't stop working when we have the ball.Seems to play well in central midfield to me.
Ireland showed today what he is, a top class midfielder.He outshone every Noocastle midfielder.
Don't forget, this is a team who haven't won in 17 games, low in confidence, low in belief.When we win a game we have the makings of a good season, and a manager who believes we should try and win every game.Refreshing.
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A side note but I wonder if the death of his good mate Gary Speed has affected Given more than he realises- seems to me that he has not been the same player since and perhaps PL has recognised this ( especially at Newcastle). A pity if this is the case as Shay is, I have on good authority, one of the most genuinely decent professional footballers and a thoroughly nice guy.
What has changed?
He made a bit of a balls-up for Fellaini's goal last week which he wouldn't normally, but other than that he's the same keeper we saw last season and that everyone has seen for the last decade or more.
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Holman's non-challenge for the goal looked a bit like Vlaar's against Everton. Very much a 'I don't mind you shooting from there' feel about it.
Lack of premier league experience perhaps.
Gota agree with that but also think you can't take anything away from the goal it was special
I think he thought Ben Arfa was on his weaker foot
even pardew after the match commented how it was his weak foot, so if you are showing an opponent onto his weaker foot, how can you anticipate that finish. it was an unbelievable goal!
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Hard working performance, we will be okay if we keep that workrate up for the rest of the season.
Anyone else think the referee was poor and the lino who let Newcastle play on when the ball was a foot out of play.
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Looking forward to MOTD2 tonight.
But I can't ring Dad up after. However, good goal. UTV!
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we have 1 point from 3 games, we were ripped apart by Everton last week,
yet i am feeling really happy and confident we are on the right track with Lambert, he is getting the side to play his way, and most of us are enjoying it because we believe in time results will get better and better,
i still think we will be unpredictable and struggle in games, but we are heading in the right direction, the manager has a vision, a plan, and its a long time since we could be positive about that.
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What about that Gutierrez booking? He should have had a red for that it was so openly blatant.
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Looking forward to MOTD2 tonight.
But I can't ring Dad up after. However, good goal. UTV!
Hope you're getting on alright.
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Great result, performance and goal... keep up the great work!
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That's a bloody good point, and we were close to getting all 3. (Honest, positive words from Mr Pardew!)
Confidence boosted!
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we have 1 point from 3 games, we were ripped apart by Everton last week,
yet i am feeling really happy and confident we are on the right track with Lambert, he is getting the side to play his way, and most of us are enjoying it because we believe in time results will get better and better,
i still think we will be unpredictable and struggle in games, but we are heading in the right direction, the manager has a vision, a plan, and its a long time since we could be positive about that.
We started better, but in MON/Randy's first season, we only secured our survival with a couple of games to go, away at Blackburn (iirc). I think the same will happen here. We'll finish 10-14th but win most of the last half a dozen or so (on way to the FA Cup Final of course....).
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Looking forward to MOTD2 tonight.
But I can't ring Dad up after. However, good goal. UTV!
Hope you're getting on alright.
Seconded, hope everthings ok Louise
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Looking forward to MOTD2 tonight.
But I can't ring Dad up after. However, good goal. UTV!
Hope you're getting on alright.
Seconded, hope everthings ok Louise
Thirded.
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Was a shame for Holman. He took a gamble and basically said "go on son, try it." Arfa's strike was fucking brilliant though. He's brilliant with both feet. Cracking player but a pain in the ass, because you'll get games where he's lazy, can't be arsed or just tries to be a bit too fancy, too often. Sadly we got hit by his one moment of brilliance in the game and it was goal. Holman probably should have closed him down, if only because he'd been at just about every opposition player with the ball in his general area for 95 minutes. The one time he wasn't snapping at someones ankle, and it's spanked in the back of the net. That's football though.
Guzan immense. I really think he's gonna be special. Our new Bosnich. He's a really strong character. Commanding, confident, decisive. The way Lambert picks the side is on merit, Goose knows it and will do his best to keep his place. To have Shay Given on the bench is pretty good too.
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I missed it all today but reading this it seems it was a strong hard working and enjoyable to watch performance which is good to hear. It all sounds very positive and a result I didn't expect. Well done to them all.
There does seem mixed reviews on here about Holman, from man of the match, involved in everything and reviews to lazy and anonymous. I saw an interview from Lambert a minute ago, he seems very positive about the game and said we worked extremely hard. I'll look forward to seeing it.
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there wasnt one lazy player in a villa shirt today.
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Good early signs of what's coming in my opinion. We'll be more effective and threatening in a month or so to go with the better ball retention and high workrate.
The new signings will help that too, as well as Gabby and Albrighton getting back to full fitness.
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there wasnt one lazy player in a villa shirt today.
That was good to see. It pleased me a lot that Bannan and Ireland really worked their socks off. N'Zogbia too had a bit of fire about him today. I think our late window action just gave an indication to some players, that it's do or die. They know that reputation means nothing to Lambert. He wants places to be earned.
Best thing for me though was that whenever we clicked going forward, we played some great stuff. We've got decent footballers, and when they're gelling it looks good. It's early days, but third game in, for Lamberts era, and to produce a display against a decent side on their patch, like we did, is impressive. Things will get better, and the cutting edge will soon come too. We've got Gabby to come back, Benteke, as well as Westwood in midfield. Plenty of options and plenty of competition to get players really going for it.
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Do feel a hit sorry for holman. Thought he was decent all game and very busy, a bit trigger happy if anything, then the one time he backs off we concede. I can see a good player there though.
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I'm now convinced that part of Lambert's plan in signing all of these young unknown players was to force the likes of Bannan and Ireland to fight for their place. For too long have they coasted on the fact that there's nobody else if they don't play well. It seems to have worked, and I bet we see a bit of an improvement in N'Zogbia once Albrighton returns.
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we have 1 point from 3 games, we were ripped apart by Everton last week,
It's been a decent week since the bad performance against Everton. A fairly routine cup win and a good point away at Newcastle was just what we needed for confidence going into the international break.
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How did we line up? I was surprised not to see there was no Herd or Delph in the squad too. Good to see Gabby getting a run out.
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How did we line up? I was surprised not to see there was no Herd or Delph in the squad too. Good to see Gabby getting a run out.
Herd and Delph injured
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How did we line up? I was surprised not to see there was no Herd or Delph in the squad too. Good to see Gabby getting a run out.
Herd and Delph injured
I see, I did wonder.
How did we line up?
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How did we line up? I was surprised not to see there was no Herd or Delph in the squad too. Good to see Gabby getting a run out.
Herd and Delph injured
I see, I did wonder.
How did we line up?
At the start, as usual, then we shook hands with the Newcastle players.
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Team on the BBC site:
Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Lichaj; Bannan, Holman, Ireland, KEA in the middle - Weimann and Bent up top
Gabby and N'Zog subs used
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Thanks. I was interested in his formation, there seems to be much less emphasis on wide players. For so many years of mainly relying wingers for supplying goals it will be interesting to see how it works out.
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A good well won point - well done PL and the boys.
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Excellent result. Let's hope it's the start of something special!
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We played a fairly narrow 4-4-2 from what I saw Ian. Bannan drifting left, Holman right of Ireland and KEA.
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The thought occurred to me earlier that everyone just assumed that Delph and Herd must be injured. They are, but they could equally not have been - for the first time in a number of years we actually do have a bit of depth to the squad.
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The results of the Lagos jury...
Guzan - 7 - Generally comfortable and commanded his area very well. came for the ball and claimed it every time. Will keep given on the sidelines if he stays at this level.
Lowton - 6 - Not seeing much of him going forward, and his defending is okay. But he's not Hutton so no complaints.
Vlaar - 8 - Very good at the heart of the defence. Won just about everything and very good on the ball. Great signing so far.
Clark - 7 - Nice goal and looked very composed at the back. Still has a tendency to get caught out and gives away needless free-kicks at times. But looked a Premiership centre-half today.
Lichaj - 6 - Not his best day but always willing. Tried to get forward at every opportunity.
El-Ahmadi - 7 - Got better as the game went on and i think he'll be a great player for us.
Holman - 6 - First full game so took time to find his feet but stuck to his task well. Don't really blame him for the goal. Ben Arfa was out of the box and on the angle. He jockeyed him and the player had to do some work to create an angle and scored a great goal. Thought Holman did okay with his defensive side of it. You have a split decision to decide to hold the player up or run towards him and despite the end result I think Holman's decision making was fair enough. Otherwise, poor on the ball but another who looked better as the game went on.
Bannan - 6 - Always looking for the ball and did okay.Some poor distribution some good. Hopefully Westwood can see this as his competition as its between him and Delph I'd expect, to get the shirt.
Ireland - 7 - Well it was a poor miss but comfortable on the ball. For the first time in a Villa shirt he didn't look lost in an aimless formation and seemed to revel in his role in the diamond.
Weimann - 6 - looked for the ball always but didn't see a lot of it in the first half.
Bent - 7 - Won a lot of flick-ons and did well at the back for opposition corners. Also, plenty of tracking back. Had a good couple of chances but looked generally more lively. I think he played the Benteke role in this game and Weimann played what I think will be the Bent role as he looks to get hold of the flick-ons.
Subs:
Gabby - Welcome back.
N'zogbia - Thought he looked lively and always wanted to link the play. No problem with him at all today.
Great point that could have been three. As has been said its great seeing us in such a positive frame of mind. Created plenty of chances and apart from a few chances they didn't create an awful lot to worry us. Onwards and upwards.
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Do feel a hit sorry for holman. Thought he was decent all game and very busy, a bit trigger happy if anything, then the one time he backs off we concede. I can see a good player there though.
According to Match of the Day 2 Holman was great.
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I think we all agree - or should - that his energy and work rate were brilliant. One moment aside he gave no one time or space.
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We played a fairly narrow 4-4-2 from what I saw Ian. Bannan drifting left, Holman right of Ireland and KEA.
Thanks Ozzjim. From the little I have just seen it did look good. We seem to have created chances too with Bent and Ireland guilty of misses.
Brad was solid, fair play to the big man. Cracking strike from them, no stopping them.
It's going to be hard picking the team from now on, but with how Lambert put Brad in the sticks today I have no doubt he is not scared to make changes.
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Apparently that **** Hensen reckons Newcastle played appallingly badly in the first half. Obviously not because we didn't let them play.
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Did I read the stats correctly - 9 shots on target away from home? I thought some of the football I have just seen was fantastic, such a refreshing change seeing players looking for space and playing close passing. Signs are good now in my view. Bent really needs Benteke and/or Gabby to help him. If Bent scores 1 he will score 20 I am convinced of it.
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there wasnt one lazy player in a villa shirt today.
Yes and confirmed just on MOtD2 when I saw Ireland covering and stopping their fullback on the goal line for a corner to them.
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How did we line up? I was surprised not to see there was no Herd or Delph in the squad too. Good to see Gabby getting a run out.
Only saw the highlights on MOTD2 so have no idea about his overall performance when he came on, but the way Gabby turned Coloccini and left him for dead in the 2nd half was like his old self.
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Really encouraging and positive performance today the way we played - it was really good to see. Newcastle are a good team and we've found it tough playing up there. We looked confident and made our chances where we could of scored more. I liked how we didn't let our heads drop after they scored looking like we just wanted to settle for a draw there and then, we got back up and looked like we still wanted to win the game. It was also nice to see Gabby come on and go into turbocharger mode with the ball, unlucky Bent couldn't of got his shot away though. Ireland did well I thought and so did N'Zogbia when he came on. In general it was a good team performance.
Defence didn't look panicky as it has been in recent times too. Vlaar looked good on the ball and Clark redeems himself getting the goal. Nice cross from Bannan too.
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Ireland has been working much harder for a while now. He and Bent start getting a bit of confidence in front of goal, I am sure we are going to give someone a proper tonking.
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Ireland has been working much harder for a while now. He and Bent start getting a bit of confidence in front of goal, I am sure we are going to give someone a proper tonking.
It would be fantastic if Ireland recaptured the scoring form he had that season with Man City.
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Let's just settle for a scrappy 1-0 win, eh?
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Holman is a strange one, he seems to be very divisive. I happen to think he was brilliant today and should start every away game. His effort and work rate is absolutely astonishing, he's not Messi though unfortunately.
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Its been a pleasure reading such a positive post match thread.
Long may it happen!
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All you doubters. Watch this game and start to believe. Our new signings will have watched this and been dribbling of the thought of being involved in this team.
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Let's just settle for a scrappy 1-0 win, eh?
Totally. But there's promise we can build from there. But yes, let's just get a win under our belts. Score a goal against Swansea and then park the bus! Whatever it takes!
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The squad is a lot better than I though it was . ;)
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A good point and a good performance.
I was happy to see Guzan start and it seems that PL is not afraid to drop players unlike some of our recent former managers.
Onwards and upwards!
It's a shame that we have to wait till after the internationals for the next game now.
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Listened to the game on Radio WM...very enthused by todays performance and the media seem to be very impressed with Holman in particular so not sure why hes been receiving a bit of criticism on here. Also nice to hear and see some of media pundits eating humble pie after the game.
It was refreshing to see us play good passing football and players grafting all over the pitch...the hunger and desire was definitely there. We now have 2 weeks for the new players to get settled so lets hope this positivity continues and we continue to improve whilst also keeping up the impressive work rate. Their seems to be a good team spirit building already which is very good to see.
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It's lovely to come on here and be positive, played some lovely football and I honestly think think that could be the turning point. Thought Bent played well. Took this off Twitter..Darren Bent won more aerial duels than any other Villa player vs Newcastle, with 6
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Somebody told me they thought Holman would be our Dirk Kuyt. Looking like an accurate assessment.
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Let's just settle for a scrappy 1-0 win, eh?
Totally. But there's promise we can build from there. But yes, let's just get a win under our belts. Score a goal against Swansea and then park the bus! Whatever it takes!
That is what we tried to do last season with TSM?
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this game was one small step for Lambert, one giant leap for Villa fans
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Last season we parked the bus the moment the whistle blew.
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Very pleased with the performance. It looked like we actually knew what it takes to win a football match for the first time in a long time. The next step is actually winning one!
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Holman might not have the same quality on the ball as some of the others but he puts the hard yards in. I thought the goal looked like a misunderstanding between Holman and Lowton. You could clearly see Holman thought Lowton would step up to cover the inside channel as he offered Ben Arfa the outside, it's one of those things that will improve as they play together more. It was an absolute thunderbolt tho' poor old Guzan had no chance, at least he made an effort.
I'm increasingly relaxed after the horror show that was the home game, and hoping that it was just a bad day at the office for all concerned. We have 2 weeks now for Lambert to work with HIS squad, and I hope we will see positive results.
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Holman might not have the same quality on the ball as some of the others but he puts the hard yards in. I thought the goal looked like a misunderstanding between Holman and Lowton. You could clearly see Holman thought Lowton would step up to cover the inside channel as he offered Ben Arfa the outside, it's one of those things that will improve as they play together more. It was an absolute thunderbolt tho' poor old Guzan had no chance, at least he made an effort.
I'm increasingly relaxed after the horror show that was the home game, and hoping that it was just a bad day at the office for all concerned. We have 2 weeks now for Lambert to work with HIS squad, and I hope we will see positive results.
Yes, Holman looks as though he could fit in well - it will probably take him a few more weeks to get fully up to speed with the pace of the Premier League, but this was encouraging.
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I'd be very intersted to see how many kilometers our players ran.
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I don't think anyone was saying Holman had a bad game. His work rate was fantastic and I'd much rather have someone like that than a NRC. I think people were just saying that he gave it away a fair bit. I don't know the stats but I'd be surprised if he didn't have the worst pass completion stats of our midfielders.
Also, you can see why lambert rotates his side. I can't imagine Holman being able to play a full paced game on Wednesday after that. He must have been exhausted!
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There were rumours preceding Paul Lambert's arrival of the tactical nous of his backroom staff. That they took time to properly evaluate the opposition. Tactical evaluation also takes into consideration a deep knowledge of ones own weapons. As Lambert, Culverhouse and Karsa get to know our own players better they'll be that much more effective in game planning for our opponents. We saw the first glimpses of that yesterday. Newcastle is a tough place to go, and aside from a moment sheer brilliance from Ben Arfa they struggled to create too many clear cut chances.
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Listened to the game on Radio WM...very enthused by todays performance and the media seem to be very impressed with Holman in particular so not sure why hes been receiving a bit of criticism on here. Also nice to hear and see some of media pundits eating humble pie after the game.
It was refreshing to see us play good passing football and players grafting all over the pitch...the hunger and desire was definitely there. We now have 2 weeks for the new players to get settled so lets hope this positivity continues and we continue to improve whilst also keeping up the impressive work rate. Their seems to be a good team spirit building already which is very good to see.
It wouldn't surprise me if it's because he's a McLeish signing.
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Does anyone know anything about El Ahmadi's injury?
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I think we will see quite a bit of squad rotation in midfield. Midfield has been my main worry since we lost Jimmy, Downing, Young and even Barry before that. I simply haven't been all that impressed with Bannan, Albrighton, N'Zogbia Delph, and think Ireland has been an enigma. Herd did well last year. For the most part, we were horrific in midfield last season. I just felt that we were very ordinary there despite having a lot of options. None seemed to stand out as the first choice midfield.
However, after yesterday I have a feeling that the management team will play to the strengths of what we have. That is Bannan will feature maybe in 15-20 league games, alternating with somebody who keeps it a bit more simple in tougher games. Likewise players like N'Zogbia and Holman will alternate depending on the opposition. If graft is needed, Holman will get the nod. I think Delph and Herd will get their chances to anchor the team alongside KEA in a fair number of away games.
I am confident that Lambert will use the squad, thereby getting the best out of what we have. Things are really looking up. :)
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Listened to the game on Radio WM...very enthused by todays performance and the media seem to be very impressed with Holman in particular so not sure why hes been receiving a bit of criticism on here. Also nice to hear and see some of media pundits eating humble pie after the game.
It was refreshing to see us play good passing football and players grafting all over the pitch...the hunger and desire was definitely there. We now have 2 weeks for the new players to get settled so lets hope this positivity continues and we continue to improve whilst also keeping up the impressive work rate. Their seems to be a good team spirit building already which is very good to see.
It wouldn't surprise me if it's because he's a McLeish signing.
Holman has so far been very Kevin Richardson-esque. He does a lot of the unnoticed dirty work. Unlike Captain Kev he's capable of a lot more in attack which I believe we will see in the months ahead. Any criticism as nothing to do with the fact that he was really a TSM signing.
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Does anyone know anything about El Ahmadi's injury?
Turned his ankle, nothing serious. Should be fine for Swansea. What a nice signing he is turning out to be.
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Saw Sky's extended highlights last night. As one of Bent's critics, I should mention how impressed I was with his performance. I would happily take a few less goals in return for the team play he delivered yesterday, much better than usual and he showed he can do it. Great to see Gabby putting the wind up them as well.
I think Holman was probably following instructions for the goal, channeling Arfa inside thinking he'd run with it into the congested area. He did that bit right but Arfa did well to get a great shot off so quickly.
We already look absolutely transformed in terms of confidence, technique and attacking intent from last season - think we've got ourselves a good 'un in Lambert.
Good performances all over the pitch, it really was a delight to watch.
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There were rumours preceding Paul Lambert's arrival of the tactical nous of his backroom staff. That they took time to properly evaluate the opposition. Tactical evaluation also takes into consideration a deep knowledge of ones own weapons. As Lambert, Culverhouse and Karsa get to know our own players better they'll be that much more effective in game planning for our opponents. We saw the first glimpses of that yesterday. Newcastle is a tough place to go, and aside from a moment sheer brilliance from Ben Arfa they struggled to create too many clear cut chances.
I think that's the big difference we'll see with PL. MON had a Plan A, and if that failed he'd play players out of position in Plan A; TSM just parked the bus and played to not lose (and invariably failed); but on MOTD last night I think they said PL used 7 or 8 different starting formations at Norwich - and if the starting formation didn't work he'd change it at half time. I'm looking forward to the football we'll be playing for the first time in ages as we stifle the strengths and exploit the weaknesses of the opposition, and I think we saw that especially in the first half yesterday
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Does anyone know anything about El Ahmadi's injury?
Turned his ankle, nothing serious. Should be fine for Swansea. What a nice signing he is turning out to be.
Good to hear.
And I completely agree, he looks like a perfect midfield general.
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That's a good point CJ about changing tactics and formations. We are all armchair football managers and we all have our views on tactics, positions and line ups ups. What infuriates us is when we see something clearly not working and the manager not changing anything. Lambert will do that and while we might now all agree in unison about the change itself, we'll at least appreciate that his thinking and willing to try different things to win a game.
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Saw Sky's extended highlights last night. As one of Bent's critics, I should mention how impressed I was with his performance. I would happily take a few less goals in return for the team play he delivered yesterday, much better than usual and he showed he can do it. Great to see Gabby putting the wind up them as well.
I noticed that about Bent yesterday. Got involved more, dropped deeper and won a lot of headers. Whilst still getting in the box. I reckon he's had a bollocking and realised that with Gabby being fit and 2 new strikers coming in Lambert will drop if players are not pulling their weight or are making mistakes (Given).
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I think it was clear that although he played well, Bent isn't fuilly match sharp yet. He took extra touches he wouldn't normally take. He could have had at least a couple yesterday if he was fully up to speed. It's an exciting prospect. As was Ireland's business and string pulling.
Ireland's return to form is why I wasn't too disheartened to lose out to Dempsey because I think he'll do a great job linking it all up in the final third and we have other goal threats. Speaking of which it was nice to see Gabby back in action and looking something like his old self. When he's fully up to speed he'll be awesome. Another weapon and dimension to scare the shit out of people. As will Benteke with his pace and power.
I have to say it's looking very encouraging. There will be more backwards steps to come but yesterday was a glimpse of a bright future. We went to a hard place to get anything, written off and with no league form at all and were very unlucky not to win.
Only rustiness in front of goal (a temporary problem) stopped us winning comfortably. Yes we could have lost it too but that would have been especially harsh.
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Villa now have genuine competition for starting places, that, and the style of football we played for large parts of the game against Newcastle, are the two things that excite me the most this season. 4 strikers vying for 1/2 places?! Wow. I still think we will have a few blips along the way and will probably finish bottom half this season but the atmosphere around Villa is changing, and changing for the better. I'm happy to accept that the next few months or even most of the season will be difficult as we bed players in and PL takes time to find the system(s) and players he is happiest with for any given game but we are sure as buggery going to have some fun along the way!
UTV
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I think we will see quite a bit of squad rotation in midfield. Midfield has been my main worry since we lost Jimmy, Downing, Young and even Barry before that. I simply haven't been all that impressed with Bannan, Albrighton, N'Zogbia Delph, and think Ireland has been an enigma. Herd did well last year. For the most part, we were horrific in midfield last season. I just felt that we were very ordinary there despite having a lot of options. None seemed to stand out as the first choice midfield.
However, after yesterday I have a feeling that the management team will play to the strengths of what we have. That is Bannan will feature maybe in 15-20 league games, alternating with somebody who keeps it a bit more simple in tougher games. Likewise players like N'Zogbia and Holman will alternate depending on the opposition. If graft is needed, Holman will get the nod. I think Delph and Herd will get their chances to anchor the team alongside KEA in a fair number of away games.
I am confident that Lambert will use the squad, thereby getting the best out of what we have. Things are really looking up. :)
Very much like Ferguson does (or did when he had Fletcher and Park)
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There were rumours preceding Paul Lambert's arrival of the tactical nous of his backroom staff. That they took time to properly evaluate the opposition. Tactical evaluation also takes into consideration a deep knowledge of ones own weapons. As Lambert, Culverhouse and Karsa get to know our own players better they'll be that much more effective in game planning for our opponents. We saw the first glimpses of that yesterday. Newcastle is a tough place to go, and aside from a moment sheer brilliance from Ben Arfa they struggled to create too many clear cut chances.
Good point about the backroom staff.
Lambert, Culverhouse and Karsa... our new Little, Gregory and Evans?
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The Sun have got our line up a little wrong.
(http://p.twimg.com/A12uj_RCIAABX2K.jpg)
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I think players noticed pretty quickly after Everton and Tranmere matches that how much more enjoying it is for them to play for manager who does his job properly and actually gets them to play proper football.
I think first time in ages we've seen Villa players who actually looked happy to play and genuinely enjoyed playing.
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The Sun have got our line up a little wrong.
(http://p.twimg.com/A12uj_RCIAABX2K.jpg)
That's brilliant! How on earth do you confuse 'El Ahmadi' with 'Given'?
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Who's Wellman?
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Saw Sky's extended highlights last night. As one of Bent's critics, I should mention how impressed I was with his performance. I would happily take a few less goals in return for the team play he delivered yesterday, much better than usual and he showed he can do it. Great to see Gabby putting the wind up them as well.
I noticed that about Bent yesterday. Got involved more, dropped deeper and won a lot of headers. Whilst still getting in the box. I reckon he's had a bollocking and realised that with Gabby being fit and 2 new strikers coming in Lambert will drop if players are not pulling their weight or are making mistakes (Given).
Showed real willingness to get involved and move off the ball and into space. He did look like he didn't know what to do as soon as he actually got the ball, mind, but at least he's trying.
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I thought yesterday was a very good performance from the whole team and I have to say I'm suprised by the amount of people giving 5s and 6s to players. 7s pretty much all round for me except Guzan and Ireland who I'd give 8 each.
Lichaj looked weaker going forward but was defensively very strong which seems to have been missed by a lot of people.
Holman was generally good but because of the amount of involvement he had he also made more mistakes in possession than most, but was really good to see a midfielder demanding the ball so much, we've not had that for a few years (ditto Bannan who I thought did a great job of anchoring the midfield and always being available for the simple pass).
Finally Bent, I thought he did really well. He was much more involved and did a good job with his back to goal which isn't his strong point. The only thing I'd say is that he was getting the ball too deep too often when he was facing goal. I want him to only take 1-2 touches when he's facing goal as that is what he excels at. Yesterday he was having to carry the ball a lot because he was getting it 30-40yards out. If we can start feeding him 10 yards further forward we'll see the goals start coming. I think Benteke has been signed mainly to facilitate that.
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Maybe the highlights I saw were kind to him, as highlights tend to be, but I thought there were numerous times when he controlled and kept it well and constructively. This is from someone who thought Tranmere was a nadir for him.
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That's brilliant! How on earth do you confuse 'El Ahmadi' with 'Given'?
Given time Shay may well develop into a midfield general!?
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The Sun really is an abyssmal publication.
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Who's Wellman?
Well man he is Holman!
From the obvious mistakes here it's clear to see why the Press and Radio talk crap!
I was listening to Talksport and they announced that N'Zogbia has come on to replace Ireland and 10 mins later they announced that Ireland has missed an almost open goal!
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Who's Wellman?
Dunno but I reckon he's a clinical finisher.
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Watched the game live here on cable and thought Villa played really well and deserved the point and with better finishing could have had all three .Was good to watch a Villa game again and actually enjoy it.Relegation? after watching all Liverpool games this season i would say they are in more trouble than us.
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That's brilliant! How on earth do you confuse 'El Ahmadi' with 'Given'?
Given time Shay may well develop into a midfield general!?
Did...did you mean to make the pun with his name or is this just a beautiful accident?
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The hope is coming back, and of course it is the hope that kills you. Really impressed with what the Manager has done to date.
Very pleased with what I saw from the highlights, loved the burst of speed from Gabby when he laid on the chance for Bent. He's back I thought.
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I think it was clear that although he played well, Bent isn't fuilly match sharp yet. He took extra touches he wouldn't normally take. He could have had at least a couple yesterday if he was fully up to speed. It's an exciting prospect. As was Ireland's business and string pulling.
Ireland's return to form is why I wasn't too disheartened to lose out to Dempsey because I think he'll do a great job linking it all up in the final third and we have other goal threats. Speaking of which it was nice to see Gabby back in action and looking something like his old self. When he's fully up to speed he'll be awesome. Another weapon and dimension to scare the shit out of people. As will Benteke with his pace and power.
I have to say it's looking very encouraging. There will be more backwards steps to come but yesterday was a glimpse of a bright future. We went to a hard place to get anything, written off and with no league form at all and were very unlucky not to win.
Only rustiness in front of goal (a temporary problem) stopped us winning comfortably. Yes we could have lost it too but that would have been especially harsh.
Looked like the whole team yesterday were aware that nobody's place is guaranteed, and they all played accordingly. I think the dropping of Given helped reinforce this point. Well done Lambert.
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Who's Wellman?
Isn't he the bloke who makes the mayonnaise?
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Losing those first two games could be a blessing in disguise. We've been written off as relegation fodder, no-one is paying us any attention and the manager has been able to do drop some big names without the upset that normally occurs.
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Lichaj looked weaker going forward but was defensively very strong which seems to have been missed by a lot of people.
Holman was generally good but because of the amount of involvement he had he also made more mistakes in possession than most, but was really good to see a midfielder demanding the ball so much, we've not had that for a few years (ditto Bannan who I thought did a great job of anchoring the midfield and always being available for the simple pass).
Agree with all of that, there was one moment where that cheetah-like Obertan tried to beat Eric for pace down the outside, but Eric kept up with him for the first few strides, did really well to get his body between man and ball and won the free-kick. That was very good work, and crucial because if Obertan got free he was in the clear.
Also agree on Bannan, and he should yesterday that the size thing doesn't really matter: if you can work hard, be a pest to the opponent, stay on your feet and - most importantly - press intelligently as a team and in groups, you can win the ball.
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On MOTD2 last night, Dion was highlighting how well we kept the ball - always making sure there was someone to pass it to - and forced Newcastle to resort to long balls.
I'm not getting carried away and proclaiming us to be like Brazil or anything - there will be plenty more lows along the way, still - but I genuinely can't remember the last time a Villa side got talked about in that way, playing with some technical savvy and always looking to receive the ball.
Even under MON, when we were doing very well, there was none of that - that's not a dig at MON btw, he did very well for us, we just never got talked about for playing that way.
In fact, it was so strange to hear, I actually rewound MOTD2 afterwards and watched it again.
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Losing those first two games could be a blessing in disguise. We've been written off as relegation fodder, no-one is paying us any attention and the manager has been able to do drop some big names without the upset that normally occurs.
There's no doubt that before yesterday the BBC and papers generally had written us off, but as ever, a couple of good results and they'll turn faster milk in the hot weather and no fridge
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Losing those first two games could be a blessing in disguise. We've been written off as relegation fodder, no-one is paying us any attention and the manager has been able to do drop some big names without the upset that normally occurs.
There's no doubt that before yesterday the BBC and papers generally had written us off, but as ever, a couple of good results and they'll turn faster milk in the hot weather and no fridge
No no, they will be "They are just riding high at the moment but soon they're gonna fall and relegate"
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finally off the mark with a solid point and one we should have probably turned into 3 with the chances late on.
Positives - the manager. Big call in goal was justified, bringing Clark back in was justified also as was dropping Nzogbia. Positive substitutions late on bringing on Gabby and Nzogbia helped us no end. We also played some good stuff in the second half I thought and Ireland and/or Bent should have won it for us. Wiemann too had a decent chance but lacked conviction in the shot.
Negatives - Brett Holman ran around like a headless chicken for the 90 mins. Also thought we were desperately negative in the first half after we scored. Hardly put 5 passes together and just hoofed it clear. Lowton pushed on a bit but we need more from our full backs considering how narrow we are set up in midfield.
Guzan 7 - came and caught a lot of punts from Newcastle. His kicking particularly from the hand needs to improve and Id worry about the all or nothing come out for long balls but he has assured yesterday and it gave confidence to our centre back pairing.
Lowton 6 - still finding his feet at this level. Most of what he did was ok.
Vlaar 6 - Solid enough display but thought he was outshone by his defensive partner. M
Clark 7 - Good goal but no stupid tackles either and was assured in possession. Would like to see him win a few more aerial duels.
Lichaj 6 - Picked to counteract Ben Arfa turning in field and defended very well. Dreadful on the ball though, cant kick the ball with his left foot.
Holman 4 - Ran around an awful lot but did zilch with the ball and was poor for the goal. Thought Lambert should have withdrew him long before the end as he was running on empty for the last half an hour.
Kea 7 - decent display. Clever in possession and always find a bit of space for himself. Mobile too without the ball. Already a key player for us
Ireland 7 - Very good second half. Talent not in doubt but a player of his ability has got to start scoring and laying on chances. Seems to do a lot of his best work away from areas that will hurt teams. Then again kept the ball pretty well. Chance to score could have really got his season firing. Needs a goal I reckon.
Bannan 6 - Great delivery for the goal but disappeared after that until Kea went off. Finished the game pretty well in the centre. Tidy in possession. Some good deliveries too from set pieces. One of his better games in the last 12 months.
Weimann 6 - Far more lively than the Fonz for example. Started well and I would be happy enough with that showing. Lacks a bit of spark in front of goal
Bent 7 - good display from Bent I thought. When he got the ball to feet he seemed to use it well. Had a couple of decent chances too but took an unnecessary touch for the better one.
Gabby 7 - cracking cameo appearance. Gave a much needed physical presence up there and skated away from the Newcastle defence for the Bent chance. Id bring him back into the side slowly if I was Lambert but that was a decent first outing from Gabby that would have been key if one of the late chances had been taken
Nzogbia 6 - No way did he deserve to start. Trundled along as he often does but was actually on a decent run when Gutierrez dragged him back. Bit better anyway
Id like to see Herd come back into the side when fit. Holman had a bit of a shocker I thought. Bennett and Benteke are surely likely to come into consideration as is Westwood. Hopefully Kea isnt out for too long.
Certainly a lot better but I wouldnt be as overly positive as some here. Newcastle were dire I thought. Cracking goal from Ben Arfa but Cisse was anonymous. Wonder if he will struggle this season and they badly missed Tiote in midfield. We badly need more from our full backs out wide and the midfield still needs a lot of work I reckon.
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Are there any highlights - still not seen our goal yet
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http://www.101greatgoals.com/goals/england/team-sheets-newcastle-v-aston-villa/
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finally off the mark with a solid point and one we should have probably turned into 3 with the chances late on.
Positives - the manager. Big call in goal was justified, bringing Clark back in was justified also as was dropping Nzogbia. Positive substitutions late on bringing on Gabby and Nzogbia helped us no end. We also played some good stuff in the second half I thought and Ireland and/or Bent should have won it for us. Wiemann too had a decent chance but lacked conviction in the shot.
Negatives - Brett Holman ran around like a headless chicken for the 90 mins. Also thought we were desperately negative in the first half after we scored. Hardly put 5 passes together and just hoofed it clear. Lowton pushed on a bit but we need more from our full backs considering how narrow we are set up in midfield.
Guzan 7 - came and caught a lot of punts from Newcastle. His kicking particularly from the hand needs to improve and Id worry about the all or nothing come out for long balls but he has assured yesterday and it gave confidence to our centre back pairing.
Lowton 6 - still finding his feet at this level. Most of what he did was ok.
Vlaar 6 - Solid enough display but thought he was outshone by his defensive partner. M
Clark 7 - Good goal but no stupid tackles either and was assured in possession. Would like to see him win a few more aerial duels.
Lichaj 6 - Picked to counteract Ben Arfa turning in field and defended very well. Dreadful on the ball though, cant kick the ball with his left foot.
Holman 4 - Ran around an awful lot but did zilch with the ball and was poor for the goal. Thought Lambert should have withdrew him long before the end as he was running on empty for the last half an hour.
Kea 7 - decent display. Clever in possession and always find a bit of space for himself. Mobile too without the ball. Already a key player for us
Ireland 7 - Very good second half. Talent not in doubt but a player of his ability has got to start scoring and laying on chances. Seems to do a lot of his best work away from areas that will hurt teams. Then again kept the ball pretty well. Chance to score could have really got his season firing. Needs a goal I reckon.
Bannan 6 - Great delivery for the goal but disappeared after that until Kea went off. Finished the game pretty well in the centre. Tidy in possession. Some good deliveries too from set pieces. One of his better games in the last 12 months.
Weimann 6 - Far more lively than the Fonz for example. Started well and I would be happy enough with that showing. Lacks a bit of spark in front of goal
Bent 7 - good display from Bent I thought. When he got the ball to feet he seemed to use it well. Had a couple of decent chances too but took an unnecessary touch for the better one.
Gabby 7 - cracking cameo appearance. Gave a much needed physical presence up there and skated away from the Newcastle defence for the Bent chance. Id bring him back into the side slowly if I was Lambert but that was a decent first outing from Gabby that would have been key if one of the late chances had been taken
Nzogbia 6 - No way did he deserve to start. Trundled along as he often does but was actually on a decent run when Gutierrez dragged him back. Bit better anyway
Id like to see Herd come back into the side when fit. Holman had a bit of a shocker I thought. Bennett and Benteke are surely likely to come into consideration as is Westwood. Hopefully Kea isnt out for too long.
Certainly a lot better but I wouldnt be as overly positive as some here. Newcastle were dire I thought. Cracking goal from Ben Arfa but Cisse was anonymous. Wonder if he will struggle this season and they badly missed Tiote in midfield. We badly need more from our full backs out wide and the midfield still needs a lot of work I reckon.
Amazed you listed Holman as a negative, I thought he had a really good game and deserved great praise for his efforts. Ben Arfa scored a wonder goal on his weaker foot - harsh to give Holman a 4 mark in the extreme.
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I loved Holman's performance, almost because of his flaws: he'd give the ball away, run about 70 yards to win it back, play a lovely neat one-two then give it away again, cue more running etc. It was great fun.
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The differing opinions on Holman's performance are quite startling.
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The differing opinions on Holman's performance are quite startling.
I think he will be that kind of player. We'll see what Lambert thinks from how often he starts him.
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I think he'll be a success and a leader. Please let there be one good thing to come from TSM's season.
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He mostly gave the ball away when he was closed down quickly or in tight spaces. He's not as technically deft as Ireland say. When he has time on the ball he's better. The more he adjusts to the pace of the Premierleague and improves his quickfire decision making, the better he'll get.
I was impressed with him though. When he had a bit of pitch to run into and time, he showed he could pick a pass. His workrate alone and his attitude make him a regular starter for me.
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I loved Holman's performance, almost because of his flaws: he'd give the ball away, run about 70 yards to win it back, play a lovely neat one-two then give it away again, cue more running etc. It was great fun.
Also, don't know if you have noticed, but his usual facial expression (when not playing, too) is one of a slightly scowly, put upon Australian who has been told to run up several large hills, and has just done so.
It's a kind of mix of a thousand yard stare with exasperation.
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Holman's pass completion rate so far in the 3 games has been 73%. Not too shabby and will certainly get better. Delph's is impressive and I'd really like to see him play again. Bannan's performance yesterday made it a very interesting battle for that spot, along with Westwood to come in. It seems we don't waste too many passes. KEA in particular keeps the ball impressively. 86%
Aside from Lowton, no ones attempted more tackles than Holman thus far. Lowtons stats are impressive too. It might be his gangly appearance, but he reminds me of Delaney. He's not as strong in the tackle, but he's better on the ball. Otherwise his engine and attitude and willingness to get up and down are very similar to MD.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/5037767/Aston-Villa-Football-Club-Players.html
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I'm another in the pro-Holman camp.
How much of it is he's having to try extra hard since it wasn't PL who brought him in?
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The differing opinions on Holman's performance are quite startling.
I think he will be that kind of player. We'll see what Lambert thinks from how often he starts him.
I thought he was the least impressive of all the Villa players BECAUSE HE'S A MCLEISH SIGNING AND I HATE HIM!
Ahem, not really. Holman worked hard, but his final ball was ofen a bit rubbish, and several good moves broke down because of it.
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Also, don't know if you have noticed, but his usual facial expression (when not playing, too) is one of a slightly scowly, put upon Australian who has been told to run up several large hills, and has just done so.
It's a kind of mix of a thousand yard stare with exasperation.
Haha yeah, I think some mud on the face would complete the image perfectly. I think he could become something of a cult hero - and, unlike Salifou, for all the right reasons!
Tom, that's all very interesting stuff from the Telegraph there. Something which caught my eye was Lowton's 83% success rate from 12 tackles attempted, the highest in the team. Also, despite their respective reputations as a ball player and a tackler, Bannan and Herd have attempted the same number of tackles, with the same success rate, while Bannan has made 5 interceptions to Herd's 1. Granted, Bannan has had more games, but it is interesting reading nonetheless. Also, KEA's 60% success rate from 6 attempted and 7 interceptions are positively Petrov-esque statistics, a very encouraging sign considering his real tidiness on the ball.
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Holman's work rate is an attitude - it's part of him; his dodgy passing is a technical aspect of his game, something that can be coached. With time he'll be a better passer of the ball, probably a better all-round footballer, but his tenacity appears to be in his DNA, which is why he can be very important for us.
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Bent 7 Holman 4.......please?
I think Holman could ell prove to be our Frank Carrodus of the current era
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Holman gets the thumbs up from me. Des Bremner was a bit before my time but would I be right in saying he was a similar type of player: busy, in the opposition's faces, never wanting to give up? Holman seems to have a bit of fire in his belly and every team needs that. I think he has it in his locker to weigh in with some crucial goals, too. A very good all rounder to have in the team/squad, in my view.
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Losing those first two games could be a blessing in disguise. We've been written off as relegation fodder, no-one is paying us any attention and the manager has been able to do drop some big names without the upset that normally occurs.
There's no doubt that before yesterday the BBC and papers generally had written us off, but as ever, a couple of good results and they'll turn faster milk in the hot weather and no fridge
No no, they will be "They are just riding high at the moment but soon they're gonna fall and relegate"
We'll be riding high and then they (the media) will start annointing Lambert as Fergie's successor. The media can't actually visualise/compute a stable, successful, long term Aston Villa. Hopefully the club will have learnt from past experience with MON that planning long term and batting the media aside is crucial for future success.
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Bent 7 Holman 4.......please?
I think Holman could ell prove to be our Frank Carrodus of the current era
Thats exactly who he is....Frank Carrodus!
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finally off the mark with a solid point and one we should have probably turned into 3 with the chances late on.
Positives - the manager. Big call in goal was justified, bringing Clark back in was justified also as was dropping Nzogbia. Positive substitutions late on bringing on Gabby and Nzogbia helped us no end. We also played some good stuff in the second half I thought and Ireland and/or Bent should have won it for us. Wiemann too had a decent chance but lacked conviction in the shot.
Negatives - Brett Holman ran around like a headless chicken for the 90 mins. Also thought we were desperately negative in the first half after we scored. Hardly put 5 passes together and just hoofed it clear. Lowton pushed on a bit but we need more from our full backs considering how narrow we are set up in midfield.
Guzan 7 - came and caught a lot of punts from Newcastle. His kicking particularly from the hand needs to improve and Id worry about the all or nothing come out for long balls but he has assured yesterday and it gave confidence to our centre back pairing.
Lowton 6 - still finding his feet at this level. Most of what he did was ok.
Vlaar 6 - Solid enough display but thought he was outshone by his defensive partner. M
Clark 7 - Good goal but no stupid tackles either and was assured in possession. Would like to see him win a few more aerial duels.
Lichaj 6 - Picked to counteract Ben Arfa turning in field and defended very well. Dreadful on the ball though, cant kick the ball with his left foot.
Holman 4 - Ran around an awful lot but did zilch with the ball and was poor for the goal. Thought Lambert should have withdrew him long before the end as he was running on empty for the last half an hour.
Kea 7 - decent display. Clever in possession and always find a bit of space for himself. Mobile too without the ball. Already a key player for us
Ireland 7 - Very good second half. Talent not in doubt but a player of his ability has got to start scoring and laying on chances. Seems to do a lot of his best work away from areas that will hurt teams. Then again kept the ball pretty well. Chance to score could have really got his season firing. Needs a goal I reckon.
Bannan 6 - Great delivery for the goal but disappeared after that until Kea went off. Finished the game pretty well in the centre. Tidy in possession. Some good deliveries too from set pieces. One of his better games in the last 12 months.
Weimann 6 - Far more lively than the Fonz for example. Started well and I would be happy enough with that showing. Lacks a bit of spark in front of goal
Bent 7 - good display from Bent I thought. When he got the ball to feet he seemed to use it well. Had a couple of decent chances too but took an unnecessary touch for the better one.
Gabby 7 - cracking cameo appearance. Gave a much needed physical presence up there and skated away from the Newcastle defence for the Bent chance. Id bring him back into the side slowly if I was Lambert but that was a decent first outing from Gabby that would have been key if one of the late chances had been taken
Nzogbia 6 - No way did he deserve to start. Trundled along as he often does but was actually on a decent run when Gutierrez dragged him back. Bit better anyway
Id like to see Herd come back into the side when fit. Holman had a bit of a shocker I thought. Bennett and Benteke are surely likely to come into consideration as is Westwood. Hopefully Kea isnt out for too long.
Certainly a lot better but I wouldnt be as overly positive as some here. Newcastle were dire I thought. Cracking goal from Ben Arfa but Cisse was anonymous. Wonder if he will struggle this season and they badly missed Tiote in midfield. We badly need more from our full backs out wide and the midfield still needs a lot of work I reckon.
Amazed you listed Holman as a negative, I thought he had a really good game and deserved great praise for his efforts. Ben Arfa scored a wonder goal on his weaker foot - harsh to give Holman a 4 mark in the extreme.
Sorry bronte.
I know it's your opinion on Holman, but I think your talking ballcocks with a 4 ::)
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I loved Holman's performance, almost because of his flaws: he'd give the ball away, run about 70 yards to win it back, play a lovely neat one-two then give it away again, cue more running etc. It was great fun.
So basically, Holman is our Golden Retriever - give him a ball to chase and he'll go haring off after it and come back with it, panting and looking for Lambert's approval.
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finally off the mark with a solid point and one we should have probably turned into 3 with the chances late on.
Positives - the manager. Big call in goal was justified, bringing Clark back in was justified also as was dropping Nzogbia. Positive substitutions late on bringing on Gabby and Nzogbia helped us no end. We also played some good stuff in the second half I thought and Ireland and/or Bent should have won it for us. Wiemann too had a decent chance but lacked conviction in the shot.
Negatives - Brett Holman ran around like a headless chicken for the 90 mins. Also thought we were desperately negative in the first half after we scored. Hardly put 5 passes together and just hoofed it clear. Lowton pushed on a bit but we need more from our full backs considering how narrow we are set up in midfield.
Guzan 7 - came and caught a lot of punts from Newcastle. His kicking particularly from the hand needs to improve and Id worry about the all or nothing come out for long balls but he has assured yesterday and it gave confidence to our centre back pairing.
Lowton 6 - still finding his feet at this level. Most of what he did was ok.
Vlaar 6 - Solid enough display but thought he was outshone by his defensive partner. M
Clark 7 - Good goal but no stupid tackles either and was assured in possession. Would like to see him win a few more aerial duels.
Lichaj 6 - Picked to counteract Ben Arfa turning in field and defended very well. Dreadful on the ball though, cant kick the ball with his left foot.
Holman 4 - Ran around an awful lot but did zilch with the ball and was poor for the goal. Thought Lambert should have withdrew him long before the end as he was running on empty for the last half an hour.
Kea 7 - decent display. Clever in possession and always find a bit of space for himself. Mobile too without the ball. Already a key player for us
Ireland 7 - Very good second half. Talent not in doubt but a player of his ability has got to start scoring and laying on chances. Seems to do a lot of his best work away from areas that will hurt teams. Then again kept the ball pretty well. Chance to score could have really got his season firing. Needs a goal I reckon.
Bannan 6 - Great delivery for the goal but disappeared after that until Kea went off. Finished the game pretty well in the centre. Tidy in possession. Some good deliveries too from set pieces. One of his better games in the last 12 months.
Weimann 6 - Far more lively than the Fonz for example. Started well and I would be happy enough with that showing. Lacks a bit of spark in front of goal
Bent 7 - good display from Bent I thought. When he got the ball to feet he seemed to use it well. Had a couple of decent chances too but took an unnecessary touch for the better one.
Gabby 7 - cracking cameo appearance. Gave a much needed physical presence up there and skated away from the Newcastle defence for the Bent chance. Id bring him back into the side slowly if I was Lambert but that was a decent first outing from Gabby that would have been key if one of the late chances had been taken
Nzogbia 6 - No way did he deserve to start. Trundled along as he often does but was actually on a decent run when Gutierrez dragged him back. Bit better anyway
Id like to see Herd come back into the side when fit. Holman had a bit of a shocker I thought. Bennett and Benteke are surely likely to come into consideration as is Westwood. Hopefully Kea isnt out for too long.
Certainly a lot better but I wouldnt be as overly positive as some here. Newcastle were dire I thought. Cracking goal from Ben Arfa but Cisse was anonymous. Wonder if he will struggle this season and they badly missed Tiote in midfield. We badly need more from our full backs out wide and the midfield still needs a lot of work I reckon.
Amazed you listed Holman as a negative, I thought he had a really good game and deserved great praise for his efforts. Ben Arfa scored a wonder goal on his weaker foot - harsh to give Holman a 4 mark in the extreme.
Sorry bronte.
I know it's your opinion on Holman, but I think your talking ballcocks with a 4 ::)
agreed nigel. lowton was superb as well
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Losing those first two games could be a blessing in disguise. We've been written off as relegation fodder, no-one is paying us any attention and the manager has been able to do drop some big names without the upset that normally occurs.
There's no doubt that before yesterday the BBC and papers generally had written us off, but as ever, a couple of good results and they'll turn faster milk in the hot weather and no fridge
No no, they will be "They are just riding high at the moment but soon they're gonna fall and relegate"
We'll be riding high and then they (the media) will start annointing Lambert as Fergie's successor. The media can't actually visualise/compute a stable, successful, long term Aston Villa. Hopefully the club will have learnt from past experience with MON that planning long term and batting the media aside is crucial for future success.
"Newcastle also drew 1-1 at home, this time to Aston Villa, to go to 300/1 for the league. Villa, meanwhile, have once again been cut for relegation despite winning their first point of the season at the Sports Direct Arena. Paul Lambert’s side are now 2/1 from 5/2 to be playing Championship football next year."
http://bwinbetting.com/leagues/premier-league/arsenal-141-title-glory-villa-cut-drop,23847.html
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Bent 7 Holman 4.......please?
I think Holman could ell prove to be our Frank Carrodus of the current era
Thats exactly who he is....Frank Carrodus!
Who I used to pretend to be aged about 14 playing lunchtime football matches at my old school in Yorkshire. None of my friends (all Leeds, Man Utd and Man City fans) knew who he was...
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That's brilliant! How on earth do you confuse 'El Ahmadi' with 'Given'?
Given time Shay may well develop into a midfield general!?
Did...did you mean to make the pun with his name or is this just a beautiful accident?
Inspired by Paul's post match "in this given time" comment!
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Think the comparisons with Frank Carrodus and Des Bremner are spot on. Neither of them were great footballers, but they were great team men and never stopped working. Holman seems to have the same attitude and there needs to be a mix in every team and I think he could become a big asset to the team. Think the stick for the Ben Arfa goal is a bit harsh as well, though perhaps should have got a little closer to him. It was a screamer with his right foot. The passing at times was as good as I have seen from a Villa team for many years
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Holman is a gut-runner; because he's constantly tearing around the place being a nuisance, when he's got the ball he's exhausted and that's why he can be a bit sloppy.
Once he has had time to adjust he will be a little more prudent with his running and then his impact on the ball will increase.
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We were crying out for a 'Carradus, Bremner, Holman' last season, and probably a few seasons before too.
Now we've got someone who'll graft his balls off for the team, it's this type of player that allows the Bannan's and Ireland's to play their game so let's
stop knocking him guys.
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Couldnt agree more Nigel. He may not be as evident as some others in the team, but I bet his team mates appreciated the work Holman put in on Sunday for the good of the team
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Holman is a gut-runner; because he's constantly tearing around the place being a nuisance, when he's got the ball he's exhausted and that's why he can be a bit sloppy.
Once he has had time to adjust he will be a little more prudent with his running and then his impact on the ball will increase.
Your right there Caiphus, he is very highly rated down under and once he adjusts to the Premier League he will be a big asset to Villa. I was very pleased when we signed him.