Aston Villa v Manchester City Post-Match Thread

[eamonn]

A bit churlish to complain after such a result but I spent most of the game tearing my hair out as we constantly gave away possession cheaply and defended deeply. Yes they have good players but it's Man City for fuck sake, not Barcelona. That stat that came up in the second half showing Sheikhy had completed 400 odd passes to our 150 was a tad embarassing. Fuck it, we won but next time we play them I hope we don't play like a lower league team showing too much respect.

It was a classic MON away/against a big team performance (reminded me a lot of the Spurs and ManUre games last season). The counter attacks weren't as frequent as they might have been though as our last ditch clearances invariably went straight back to the opposition. Oddly, though the defence was over-worked, Friedel didn't really have any saves to make. Bent pounced with the one chance he had. A clinical striker is something we've lacked for years.

A big, big result but we're in a similar position post-Chelsea. Win at Wigan and we're on the march. Fuck up like the Sunderland game and the struggle continues.

[Archie]

Fully agree with you Emamonn.
We are improving, that's for sure, but still we tend to stop attacking and to retire in the box in the last 15 minutes of the game, it's that sort of  conduct  that costed us points  with Fulham and ManU. Yesterday we have been lucky because the ball defleted by Clarke hit the post. When shall we learn?

[andyh]

Superb result and performance last night. As most have said, the whole team defended superbly.
We were under the cosh for most of the game, and struggled to hold the ball up the final third.
Can't wait for Heskey to come back and play up front with Bent.
That will be some partnership.

[Chris Smith]

A dream start for Bent. He was on the move as soon as Ash shot, anticipating where the keeper was going to push it and made it into a simple chance.

I thought they were bound to score and was thinking one all wouldn't be a bad result but when it hit 80 minutes I dared to think we would win it so became really nervous. Fair play to them though as we defended manfully and earned the bit of luck with the one that hit the post. They all worked their socks off and credit to the manager for being bold with his selection and seeing it come off. I hope all of the people advocating selling Downing were paying attention as he had a great game.

It is games like that which remind you why you go to football.

[ozzjim]

A dream start for Bent. He was on the move as soon as Ash shot, anticipating where the keeper was going to push it and made it into a simple chance.

I thought they were bound to score and was thinking one all wouldn't be a bad result but when it hit 80 minutes I dared to think we would win it so became really nervous. Fair play to them though as we defended manfully and earned the bit of luck with the one that hit the post. They all worked their socks off and credit to the manager for being bold with his selection and seeing it come off. I hope all of the people advocating selling Downing were paying attention as he had a great game.

It is games like that which remind you why you go to football.

He was woeful Chris. Sorry but he has not got the heart or ability to play central midfield. Fine on the left, but he did about a third of the work that the other 2 did in there, and Petrov was immense thankfully. I would slot Makoun straight in for Downing and let him fight it out with whoever to play left hand side.

[citizenDJ]

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.

[Dazvillain]

Gabby doesnt seem to be able to get to grips with it out wide and doesnt like the amount of defending he has been told to do so i think he will drop to bench, Downing out wide and Makoun with Stan in the middle for Tues night

[gervilla]

I think Downing is too much of a wuss to play in the middle and he does't have that killer ball in him either.
Its on the wing or not in the team at all for him.
Gabby on the wing doesn't work for me either.

[Archie]

Quite true but still Gabby started the action of the Darren's goal, though.

[gervilla]

Quite true but still Gabby started the action of the Darren's goal, though.

Indeed he did Archie, but he has to play up front if he plays at all.

[ozzjim]

Thanks gervilla. Thought I was the only one that thinks he is too weak to play centrally. On the flip side, it is a position made for Delph with Downing going back out wide.

[villasjf]

Anyone know why Kyle Walker wasnt in the squad, I presume illness?

[Witton Warrior]

Watching the highlights again it was good to see Ash so involved in such a direct manner (3 shots) and at his argumentative best with the corner kick appeal - he does appear to care!

[koreanmeatballs]

Anyone know why Kyle Walker wasnt in the squad, I presume illness?

Ged said it was a back injury sustained in Friday training.

[gervilla]

Anyone know why Kyle Walker wasnt in the squad, I presume illness?

Back injury.