Manchester City v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[AV82EC]

Well I was there today and it was shit on a scale I haven't seen in a while. Houllier make no mistake is living on borrowed time if this carries on much longer. I'm firmly in the camp that believes he needs to be given time but much more of todays shambles then I'm afraid I'll be firmly in the out camp. Let's see what the next 3 games brings.

[Irish villain]

I just can't see Randy sacking him though?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

There must be someone out there who can organise a defence, and by hook or by crook get 20 points from the next 18 games.

When Houllier was first appointed, the general feeling from the Liverpool fans was that Houllier's success at Anfield was largely down to first team coach, Patrice Berges. As soon as he left, things started to go down hill and they never recovered. He was apparently a defensive coach and Houllier when appointed Villa manager, did try to get him on board. He turned us down, claiming the timing was not right. I do hope Houllier is on the phone to him tonight.

[E I Adio]

My biggest worry is something Steve Claridge said on BBC after the game. He claimed that Lescott's goal did not definitely cross the line and said that not a single Villa player appealed against the decision. No fight and the players are accepting their fate - that is indefensible.

I haven't felt like this since There's Only One King Billy That's McNeill was in charge....

This was one of the obvious incidents that really exposed the players acceptance that they were prepared to lose, so early on in the game.

Cuellar's three inch high jump when he found himself unmarked at the far post, with the cross aimed perfectly for him, only to sail a couple of inches over his head was equally indicative.

[kippaxvilla2]

Villa's Central Defensive Rock James Collins apologised to the travelling supporters following today's 4-0 reverse at Eastlands.  Villas defeat now extends a run of just two wins in 12 league games - a run that has seen them plummet to the fringes of the Premier League relegation zone.  Speaking after the defeat Collins pointed to two poor refereeing decisions but was also candid enough to admit to defensive errors that cost them the game.  'The first was a very harsh penalty decision and the 2nd didn't cross the line as far as we were concerned but we can't escape from the fact that we let Joleon have a free header.  I am sorry for the genuine supporters who travelled to the game today and can promise them we will roll up our sleeves in an attempt to pull up our socks for the next game at Chelsea.  It's about us working hard in training and getting the basics right.'

[DaveD]

Getting the basics right in matches would be preferable James.

[tarzansbrother]

Big Sam Allardyce can sort us out and get us organised again at the same time reminding the players they play for the clucb and not the other way around. Am i going mad?

[WikiVilla]

What's Houllier had to say ? Blamed the ref ?

[villa1]

Big Sam Allardyce can sort us out and get us organised again at the same time reminding the players they play for the clucb and not the other way around. Am i going mad?

In my opinion, yes.

[Karlos96]

What's Houllier had to say ? Blamed the ref ?

Probably something along the lines "It was a poor result but we kept the ball well in the second half"

[Shay]

Randy won't sack him but if Houllier had any self-respect he would resign. We Don't even look like scoring- he is clueless!!!!

[Salsa Party Animal]

Get Big Sam in and he will whip those players in shape. But he must make us play passing game as well.

[madirishvillain]

What's Houllier had to say ? Blamed the ref ?

hopefully something along the lines of

the city is ours, the city is ours, au revoir moi, the city is ours

[kippaxvilla2]

It will take a heart attack and a suicidal maniac with a claymore and a kilt to get rid of Houllier.

[damon loves JT]

It will take a heart attack and a suicidal maniac with a claymore and a kilt to get rid of Houllier.

Christophe Lambert? He turned down the defensive coaching job apparently