Braga Match Thread.

[andyh]

Did Gabby play alongside Bent or in the hole?

And what do you think about Heskey on the wing? Bit of a waste?

Heskey on the pitch is a bit of a waste IMO.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I hope the Petrov/Makoun partnership isn't long term. Too alike and Makoun is the better player.

Absolutely. An extremely dull game on our part, very few ideas, no width, constant back passes, a return to hoofing and no pace, only livened up by the introduction of Bannan and Ireland who seem to be on the same wave length. Why Heskey, I have no idea. Time to say goodbye to Petrov and Heskey.

Unless something changes it's going to be a very long, dull season.

The lack of creativity was a bit frightening! We looked a bit clueless at times, but there were a few sparks of something when Bannan and Ireland came on and Marc's crossing was good. A draw against a pretty enterprising side was a decent workout, but AM has much to do before Fulham methinks!

[The Situation]

On another note Alan looked pretty good for Braga... he reminds me of Vagner Love (and not just because of the hair!).

[Big Dick Edwards]

That was a tough and useful workout against a team who reached the Uefa Cup Final only a few months ago. I'd like to have seen more of Ireland playing in Gabby's position though.

[Salsa Party Animal]

I would like to see villa use a midfield with Makoun, Ireland, Bannan, Zoggy, and a defensive midfielder (Gardner) with Bent upfront.

Game is not too bad but not too exciting but that preseason friendly. Oh Portugal TV say 7. Ashley Young instead of Stephen Ireland. LOL

[Rudy Can't Fail]

On another note Alan looked pretty good for Braga... he reminds me of Vagner Love (and not just because of the hair!).

I thought that kid Pizzi looked good. Not sure where they got him from.

Just checked, he's from their youth team.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

That was a tough and useful workout against a team who reached the Uefa Cup Final only a few months ago. I'd like to have seen more of Ireland playing in Gabby's position though.

Agreed BDE. I'd like Bannan to have had more time too, at the expense of Stan who looked a bit too much of a weak link IMO.

[Clampy]

Little Barry has made an impression every time he's played this pre-season, he could be a hell of a player with two really good centre mid's behind him. Glad to hear Makoun had a good game as well. If he properly settles into his role, he could very very good for us.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I would like to see villa use a midfield with Makoun, Ireland, Bannan, Zoggy, and a defensive midfielder (Gardner) with Bent upfront.

I'd certainly go with something like that for home games. The thought of a season of Petrov and Makoun making 5 yard passes to each other frightens me.

[gervilla]

Heskey and Petrov  looking pointless again today eh ?
Is AM seeing this aswell ?

[Mazrim]

Just catching up with the match reports.
I've just been at a wedding barbecue (Hogroast) with none other than Des Bremner.

[Percy McCarthy]

Who won?

1-1 Percy. They were the better team, and had more possession, but we didn't do badly. The defence had a lot of set piece practice and look a hundred times better defending them than last season.

Thanks TV.

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

Right been out most of the afternoon so... if someone could recap the previous 17 pages,

What was the score and scorers if applicable?

Were we any good?

We were the poorest and best players?

edit - just seen the above post for some of the info.

[Michel Sibble]

1-1 Zog got the equaliser

We were decent, good passing play, but the usual last-ditch defending and route one bollocks is still there.

Best: Makoun - a real gem in the middle. Worst: didn't hear Heskey doing too much - he was out on the wing.

[garyshawsknee]

Glad that Jean the second had a good game. I think he could be class,keeping things ticking over and using the ball intelligently,he needs someone with legs besides him though,doesn't look like we have that for now.


Shame Nrc went,as I think Delph is too naive at the minute.