Reading v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[tomd2103]

Lichaj back in at fullback really? Some people have short memories. It was only a few weeks ago that some were baying for his blood. Personally I don't think there is a lot to choose from between Lawton, Bennett and Lichaj but Lichaj  was very poor around Xmas when he was in the team.

No short memory at all, like I said Lichaj isn't great, but I don't think he was "very poor" either. His worst fault is he gives needless free kicks away but so does Baker, and so did Lowton today.   I don't recall him ever playing as badly as either FB did today.   Lowton is really being found out, especially for lack of pace and poor positioning.  Milner's not that quick but  practically strolled past him a few times last week. I can't see Lichaj being as bad as Lowton's been recently.

Disagree.  I'd say Lichaj's worst fault is that he is poor on the ball and when you factor in that he is not a particularly great defender either, I would have Lowton and Herd in the side before him.

[Damo70]

Watching the game again on Football First, Lowton really was pretty shocking. He looks like he could really do with a break. Other than the obvious, I thought Baker did pretty well.

Lowton's been poor for ages now.  The good result shouldn't hide the fact that the defence, especially the full backs still looked dodgy.

I doubt anyone would be under that particular illusion. The defence is still frequently terrifying.

You will find people who don't accept the moon landings, people who don't accept the holocaust happened and people who don't accept a great number of scientifically proven facts. The one thing you won't find is someone who doesn't accept the Villa defence is ropey.

[ktvillan]

I don't think Lichaj is as bad as some are making out, but then there are those who think Lowton has been a good signing whereas I don't think he's been much cop even when on form.  It's all about opinions, but Lowton was awful on Saturday and has been below par for a few games.  To be fair our shape does ask an awful lot of the full backs especially against 4-4-2 with two wide players attacking, but they need to do/be better.