Aston Villa v Manchester City Post-Match Thread

[PeterWithe]

Downing works very hard to get into positions to receive the ball but he does tend to shy out of tackles, thats a lot more noticable to the crowd.

[Clampy]

Normally in a game like yesterday's, i'd be screaming at us to get the 2nd goal, but just for once i felt we did'nt need it. I just could'nt see Man City scoring. We worked bloody hard for those 3 points. Let's hope that gives us confidence to go on a bit of a run.

[richard moore]

I'm with Mr Smith on this one, I can't believe anyone would describe Downing's performance as 'woeful'! I thought he was absolutely superb yesterday, a vital part of our win.

I'm with these two.  It was a very mature performance from Downing.

Downing wasn't 'great' and certainly not 'absolutely superb'....hyperbole gone mad yet again
However, neither was he 'woeful'

Nope, not hyperbole Richard, just a different opinion to yours. That is allowed you know.

Goodness me Chris, what's the saying I'm searching for, I think it has got the words 'pot' and 'kettle' in it

But thanks for the telling off

I'll stick with my view that calling Downing last night 'absolutely superb' is way over the top

However, I'm just an old git so you must excuse my aversion to hyperbole

[The Situation]

The Truth's post-match interview with ESPN

Stan's interview with ESPN

[SteveD]

I suppose tactically that was as negative an approach I've seen at Villa Park for years but it worked brilliantly, as we stifled Man City; even when they had the ball, they struggled to break us down and were pushed wide (although Johnson had a go late on) and relied on long range efforts. We still looked more dangerous on the break then they did. Work-rate from the likes of Petrov, Young and Allbrighton was immense and that was the best across the back we've played all season. Downing, Gabby and Clark were all doing jobs they're not best suited for but gave everything. We played with our heads and hearts. General Collins claim your medal. Welcome Cpl Bent, you did what you had to do.

[olaftab]

I don't like the way she was holding that mic!

[Chris Smith]

Richard, I accept the age argument, your senses have been dimmed and you are unable to interpret the evidence that your eyes are supplying  you with but I won't gloat as it will happen to me in due course.  <wink>

[Somniloquism]

So Darren Bent helped us earn a good point did he? Has anyone told her the rules of the game before they armed her with a mic and Camera?

[luke25]

Just a quick mention for Carlos's through ball in the second half to Albrighton, simply magnificent, totally sliced the Citeh back line wide open, did'nt think he had that kind of pass in his locker

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Ye that pass suprised me as well. Players are now realising they really have got to be on top of there game or they will be replaced. Think its time for any "Houllier out" subscibers to put there hands up and realise he is turning things around ......

[Monty]

I thought that pass was by Collins?

[Somniloquism]

Just a quick mention for Carlos's through ball in the second half to Albrighton, simply magnificent, totally sliced the Citeh back line wide open, did'nt think he had that kind of pass in his locker

Carlos can play some decent passes. Even last year when he was RB under MON he played some good passes but everyone remembered the times he played it down the byline and it went out or his crossing (which isn't the best) and conveniently forgot the rest.

[cdbearsfan]

It was Collins who did the excellent pass to SMA.

[BILL DE VALL]

Tactically we set up in a strange way,but fair play to GH the tactics worked-we won!
I though that with Darren arriving gabby would have been dropped to the bench for this match,but he persevered with him on the left-this is still not quite working but it may be stopped soon anyway

When we get Emile back i assume GH will switch to a 442type set up-but you never know these days(which is a change from MON's 'set in stone' set up)

[luke25]

I thought that pass was by Collins?

Now you've mentioned it I think your rite, aaagh fuck it, it was a fantastic defence splitting ball by one of our back four ;-)