Aston Villa v Stoke City Post-Match Thread

[gervilla]

Take his throw ins out of his game and Rory Delap really is shit.

He hasn't got anywhere the Republic of Ireland team in years and they're shocking to watch. Not one decent midfielder in the squad.

[AlexAlexCropley]

First trip to B6 for a while and what a sterile pile of poo that was.Two reasons for optimism being Bent`s header and Downing.Best player on the pitch before his exit after which we died as an attacking threat.
On Stoke`s "tactics" a Stokie got quite irate on the train back to Brum after hearing all the Villa fans moans about them.He was quitened down with the reasons why people dislike their football-the timewasting,the barely legal tackles and shirt-pulls,Pulis and the "infamy,they`ve all got it infamy" attitude.
We`ll play how we want will you?Sounds like the Premiership Millwall.
Bigup to select-a-seat,great move.Wish there was a facility for debit cards at refreshment bars.Forgot to go to ATM before and was dying for a warm £3 lager.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Stoke are a vile, vile team.
The Premiership would be a much better place without their shit football.

We didn't come out of the blocks very well.
Downing was wasted on the right, they knew he would have to keep cutting inside and they had two Stoke players shadowing him to negate it.

McAllister then brings Albrighton on and ends up on the opposite side too.


Good performaces from Brad, L Young, NRC and Walker.
Good goal and work from Bent, Heskey doesn't quite look 100% fit at the moment.

Dunne was easily bullied away by Jones for their goal.

We need to learn how to break down these anti-football, negative teams.

[WikiVilla]

Brad made a couple of great reflex saves but should he not have been coming out and catching some of Delaps throws ??

[Villa'Zawg]

It was a dreadful, boring game. I think I would have been tempted to leave at half-time if I hadn't brought  guest with me. Stoke are desperate for points and if it takes dogged defensive displays to get that they're entitled to try, it certainly isn't their job to help us play our game.  That they got their first point from their last 8 away games says as much about us as it does about them.

[Dave P]

As an aside, did Chris Foy leave the centre circle all game?  He reffed the game like a school PE teacher.

[The Man With A Stick]

Amazing to think that they'll probably be playing in Europe next year.  If Stewke and Birmingham are playing away at the same time, I'm all for closing the borders and not letting the bastards back in.

[Clampy]

As an aside, did Chris Foy leave the centre circle all game?  He reffed the game like a school PE teacher.

He was rubbish really. He played safe yesterday, got the easy decisons right, but for anything else, he did'nt seem to want to know.

[richard moore]

Stoke play the most ghastly football imaginable, last seen when Wimbledon frequented the top division.

In fact, I think Wimbledon were marginally more skilful and at least they had some characters to go with it

It's a real shame as I could get to like Stoke otherwise - as it is, it is impossible when they play the way they do

[Mazrim]

A terrible game indeed. I was on the piss straight after the game and thank Christ because it would have drove me to drink in any case.
I love Villa no matter what but if we played football like Stoke I would probably not go and watch.
A horrible side and unfortunately another shite team of officials allowed them to punt their turgid wares with impunity.
"Shit refs. We always get shit refs, we always get shit refs..."

A real pity we couldnt put them to the sword but we were sloppy and ponderous at times when a bit more sharpness would have paid off.
Too much ambling up to the half way line and then punting it up to Heskey in the first half. Their big donkeys were geared for this. Also very galling to concede from one of those bollocks throws that havent been working for them this season.

We completely bossed the second half, Walker was very good, as was Luke Young. Bent is a godsend. The first chance he gets, he scores and what a header.
Downing, well it didnt really come off for him today and Albrighton was almost trying too hard. Ashley Young looked a bit subdued.
Reo Coker (especially) and Petrov did well but we could have used Delph (who I'm amazed doesnt make the bench) or Makoun at some point to move the ball quickly. Stoke wouldnt have liked that or been able to deal with it I think.
Gabby should have started but certainly come on before he did.

So yet again a very poor side has mugged us off for a point. I wish their fans well and have no love for Man City but that team will stink up the FA Cup final.

[WikiVilla]

I did enjoy the "if Heskey scores, we're on the piss" chants from the lower North 

[JUAN PABLO]

We need to learn how to break down these anti-football, negative teams.

We have been saying this for 5 seasons 

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I love Villa no matter what but if we played football like Stoke I would probably not go and watch.

Exactly what I said to mate during the game.

How the hell do they stomach watching that shit every week?

[VillaZogmariner]

We need to learn how to break down these anti-football, negative teams.

We have been saying this for 5 seasons

We've been saying it since 1874

[olaftab]

Chris Foy was lazy. That is the best thing I can say for him.