Aston Villa v Fulham Post-Match Thread

[glasses]

So, a day where an official gets a decision wrong, and our left back scores a header, to add to the own goal and long range shot from nothing. Stunning football that.

So what's the solution, if you're unhappy with it?

My solution would be to play our wingers more appropriately. We have two good, experienced wingers playing out of position currently, and a bright prospect in Albrighton on the bench. All capable of delivering quality first time crosses to the striker/strikers. The insistance in playing people on their weaker sides (and Gabby on the wing) means our attack slows down as they need to cut inside.

[glasses]

How many chances did we create today Paulie?

I'm not denying we didn't create many chances today, I'm saying that today was one match, which I'm comparing against the last two years of home matches.

I was referring to today in my original post. That was my point

I know, but you then went on to talk about people acting like O'Neill did nothing for us, and he had us playing good stuff etc etc etc.

I thought we looked toothless today, but I'm prepared to give GH time to sort it out, and I think he's getting there, albeit slowly. Under O'Neill, we were - my opinion - terrible to watch at home for at least two entire years, and I always had the sense that we weren't really going to get any better, as that was the only thing he knew how to do.

We've given Houllier lots of money to spend, and are clearly giving him time to make the job his own. We shouldn't be mooking around the relegation places, that much is definitely right, but to expect him to get us playing effective, devastating football within a few months is the stuff of fantasy.

I was writing my 'solution' whilst you posted this Paulie. Why have you picked that out of my original post? I think you have jumped to a conclusion.

Someone said, on the post match thread, that the 'Tippy Tappy' stuff, was better than the shit we had watched in the last couple of years. I disagreed with that, and pointed out why I thought the way we played today was not good. Then that we didnt create anywhere near enough chances, and have now provided a my suggestions.

[JJ-AV]

Disagree, the fat lad at the back and the OAP in goal cost us.

We scored 2 goals, could have had 2 more. That's better than the drab bollocks under O'Neill where we scrape a 1-1 from a set piece after being behind for most of the game, waiting for the inevitable arrivals of Ivanhoe and Sidwell complete with a collective stadium-wide groan.

We didn't ever really get going but Fulham were spoilers, we'd have barely mustered a shot on target today under O'Neill.

[glasses]

What the hell did Dunne do wrong? I can see the stick for Freidel, fumble for the first goal and nowhere near the second, but Dunne wasnt at fault for either goal.

[JJ-AV]

If he wasn't such a fat fucker he might have been quicker off the mark and stayed tight to Johnson for their first.

And for the second, clear the bloody ball and you don't have to worry about the eccentric old man behind. May have been Collins going up for that though.

[Chris Smith]

If he wasn't such a fat fucker he might have been quicker off the mark and stayed tight to Johnson for their first.
And for the second, clear the bloody ball and you don't have to worry about the eccentric old man behind. May have been Collins going up for that though.

You're trying too hard to be offensive, have you got a Top Gear audition lined up?

Dunne isn't fat and had a decent game today, Freidel had an off day and should have done better for both goals but he deserves a bit more respect than that as he's been mostly very good for us.

[glasses]

Dont let a fact get in the way of slagging someone off though JJ. You just dont like him I guess. Its ok.

[JJ-AV]

You're right, I don't. I think he's unprofessional and he's too much of a hoofer for the current style.

Friedel's cost us more points than he's saved us this season.

[SteveD]

Bottom line is however aesthetically pleasing some think the football we are now seeing under Gerard is, we are still far from effective in creating chances or winning matches and this can't simply be blamed on "MON dross/deadwood". Looking around the Premier League today there were clubs with fewer resources digging out results when it matters. Horses for courses, while we're pissing about with dressage. I still think we'll pull clear but pretty patterns and possession around the centre circle will not save us from the drop.

[VillaZogmariner]

Well, stat fans, JIIM was once again our highest passer - 73 passes, 61 of which were completed.

[ROBBO]

After watching the replay there's a couple of things that stand out. Bent is a great addition and will score heaps all we need is players with the skill to feed the through ball properly. Three times he made space but on each occassion the ball was over hit, none of those balls however were from a midfielder and that's the big problem. We now have two midfielders playing a defensive role, i didn't think Petrov was terrible he tried but he has no creativity for that matter neither does Ash when he plays more central. Fulham have no stars but are a hard working solid unit and deserved the draw. Finally not sure what Gabby is doing out on the wing but his first touch is terrible.

[pestria]

Too  many players didn't perform - Friedel, Young, Gabby and (because of the paucity of service) Bent. 

Petrov was OK for hour - we all know he tires and should have been bought off earlier.

If GH persists with 4231 then he needs to spend/(trade Young and Gabby?) for players who are more suited to the 'inside forward' role.



 

[Chris Smith]

Well, stat fans, JIIM was once again our highest passer - 73 passes, 61 of which were completed.

Sounds about right, he plays in a position where he will see
 most of the ball but I bet the majority of 12 not completed were in the last 15 minutes. I like him but he visibly wilted towards the end.

[Ian.]

Well, stat fans, JIIM was once again our highest passer - 73 passes, 61 of which were completed.

Sounds about right, he plays in a position where he will see
 most of the ball but I bet the majority of 12 not completed were in the last 15 minutes. I like him but he visibly wilted towards the end.

I can not comment too much on the game, I only saw the very brief highlights on MOTD, but hopefully from what I hear is again played very well and if he did falter towards the end hopefully the more games he gets under his belt for sooner he will adjust to the speed of our game.

[Shrek]

I for one hope that IF Ash is going in the summer, that it's true City, Untied and Liverpool are interested.

Especially City because the price will be bumped up.

Everyone wants to keep Ash, but we want him as a wide player, if he is going too continue in the central role there are far better options out there. Remember if sold he will be played as a winger at his new club.