Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Eigentor]

I like Houllier but if he insists on Gabby out wide why not have him right and Dowing left?

Because the balance in the team is better with Gabby on the left. Gabby is not really supposed to be a left winger (I believe), but a kind of second striker with the defensive duties of a wide midfielder (because the left back -- whether it's Clarke or Baker -- needs that protection). It will take some time before Gabby understands his role, but he did quite well today, I think.

[ozzjim]

It is the Rooney role for Man U Eigentor.

[pauliewalnuts]

Good performance overall, Ash and Bent seem to have struck up a good understanding already. Gabby was like a different player after his goal, Makoun looked neat and tidy but it passed him by at times and he was taken off at the right time. Downing worked really hard and although he was a little wasteful at times he was a long way from crap. Defended well but a bit panicky last few minutes after the flukey goal. Important thing though is the points and a bit of a gap from the bottom three.

The league is just so close at the moment.

Bolton, who were said to be having a great season and to have been transformed by Coyle, are now only two points ahead of us, having played the same number of games.

It is all very tight, though

[phantom limb]

Really important to get that win with Manure coming up next

They never score against us in the last 10, we play quality then throw it all away! Got a feeling we'll see that Macarena come on again seems to be fergie's trend against us.

If you mean Macheda, he's currently on loan at Sampdoria. I think he only ever scores against us so it is a small bonus.

[Ian.]

I like Houllier but if he insists on Gabby out wide why not have him right and Dowing left?

Because the balance in the team is better with Gabby on the left. Gabby is not really supposed to be a left winger (I believe), but a kind of second striker with the defensive duties of a wide midfielder (because the left back -- whether it's Clarke or Baker -- needs that protection). It will take some time before Gabby understands his role, but he did quite well today, I think.

Gabby does work his socks off for us, your probably right. Great engine in him. I'd just prefer him through the middle

[eastie]

Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!

[MattW]

Does anybody have any highlights links?

Chuffed with the three points.

http://www.101greatgoals.com/aston-villa-show-their-mettle-winning-back-to-back-at-wigan/81122/

[oldtimernow]

I think Makoun when up to speed will prove to be a very useful addition, especially on a decent pitch , he could help Reo-Coker a lot.

[Percy McCarthy]

Good performance overall, Ash and Bent seem to have struck up a good understanding already. Gabby was like a different player after his goal, Makoun looked neat and tidy but it passed him by at times and he was taken off at the right time. Downing worked really hard and although he was a little wasteful at times he was a long way from crap. Defended well but a bit panicky last few minutes after the flukey goal. Important thing though is the points and a bit of a gap from the bottom three.

The league is just so close at the moment.

Bolton, who were said to be having a great season and to have been transformed by Coyle, are now only two points ahead of us, having played the same number of games.

It is all very tight, though

Yes, it's got a lot more competitive recently. Two seasons ago, I think we had 51 points after 24 or 25 games. That would be a title challenge this season.

[Tony]

Good win, really important to get the three points there and give us some breathing space.

[midnite]

i thought downing played ok, he made some bad choices, he could of squared it to bent twice, but apart from that he was ok.
made some good runs, some nice crosses too. needs to be out on the left though IMO, he doesnt take to the right flank that well

[bertlambshank]

Downing - intelligent passing = funny.

Did you watch the game?  Someone earlier said he was "slow" - now that's funny (not to mention complete bollocks).

Yes i watched the game.He couldn't tackle a trifle and his right foot is for standing on.What he uses his bollocks for only you would know.

[bertlambshank]

Just seen the most disgusting attack on espn by holloway on houllier in his aftermatch interview tonight- disgraceful and disgusting., what a pathetic snide nasty little twat holloway is - shame on you for your disguting outburst tonight and let's see the fa throw the book at you- cowardly little man!

What did he say?

[swiss1968]

still wondering if gabby left sided role is houllier's finnished idea or is he just trying to fit him in,don't agree with it myself but if he's gonna play 1 up front then looks like it ?

[glasses]

Does anybody have any highlights links?

Chuffed with the three points.

http://www.101greatgoals.com/aston-villa-show-their-mettle-winning-back-to-back-at-wigan/81122/

Thanks Matt.