Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers Post-Match Thread/Ratings

[Chris Smith]

Agree about the crap gate - only 33,000-odd. If Blackburn had bought a normal away allocation of 2-3,000 rather than their traditional taxi load it would have been more respectable. But a lot were on holiday (at least 6 who sit by me) and not an attractive fixture contributed to the poor numbers IMO

I agree, crowds are always a bit down in August so I only expected around 35k but didn't account for them only selling 350.

[SteveD]

It was the worst possible fixture to start the season with in terms of a crowd - but we couldn't have asked for better opponents to give McLeish his first three points. They were truly awful (again) and I hope they go down.

A bit like last season's West Ham game, we shouldn't read too much into it, but it was a bright performance, and we look more organised and played the ball around nicely. Apart from one poor touch, thought Heskey made a big contribution too. Good to see Delph get 90 mins and N'Zog was better than last week - has Young's skills and burst of pace, but also seems less selfish - head up rather than head down.

[VILLAZONE]

SG 6
LY 5 (CC 7)
JC 7
RD 6
SW 6
SP 6
FD 8*
CN 7
EH 6 (BB 7)
GA 6 (MA 6)
DB 6

We played a bloody awful side in Balckburn who will see relegation if they don't buy wisely
As for their Manager odds on he will be the first to go this season from the Premier

[Shrek]

I was particularly impressed with the way he countered their brief period of threat by bringing on an attack minded midfield player who helped us regain the dominance of possession that we'd had for most of the first half. Bannan s going to be a star.

I said the same to my mate yesterday. Delph and Petrov were'nt as effective in the second half as they were in the first and they lost their way slighty, which helped Blackburn get a foothold back in the game. I thought at first he made that last sub about 10 mins too early, but it was a spot on decision. As for Bannan, we could have something very special on our hands.

I think that's a tad unfair on Petrov and Delph, gabby was playing really well and when we lost him we lost his presence which put more pressure on the midfield, Albrighton was nowhere.

[TheSandman]

The only change I would make from yesterday for the Wolves game is Bannan in for Heskey.

I agree. Gabby looks happy in that wide position so I'd like to see Bannan coming in to midfield and a front three of N'Zogbia, Bent and Gabby with Hesk as an option from the bench.

On Tuesday I'd like to see some players who have not really had a run get a game. In particular I'd like to see Gary Gardner have a game.

[Richard]

The only change I would make from yesterday for the Wolves game is Bannan in for Heskey.

I agree. Gabby looks happy in that wide position so I'd like to see Bannan coming in to midfield and a front three of N'Zogbia, Bent and Gabby with Hesk as an option from the bench.

On Tuesday I'd like to see some players who have not really had a run get a game. In particular I'd like to see Gary Gardner have a game.

Agree with all of this - the way to go in modern football is quick passing on the ground not hoof ball.

And for Tuesday I'd go something like :

Guzan
Lichaj
Collins
Clark
Warnock
Makoun
Ireland
Gardner
Bannan
Fonz
Heskey

[brian green]

I agree with all of that Richard and welcome Villazone (don't agree with the 6 for Gabby though).

I think our tendency to play hoof ball last season was because our midfield was constantly being overrun.   Yesterday was a good win but sterner tests will stretch our midfield.   If we do not strengthen our midfield the defence will have to resort to balls over the top to the front men.   Hoof ball is often a forced tactic not a voluntary one.

[Monty]

Eloquently put, Brian. The midfield has to be a three, or at least with a player like Bannan the forward option in the 4-2-3-1, so as to give it the flexibility to move properly off the ball. The defence need short options to play out from the back, and it is up to the midfield to do this while making sure they don't get too distanced from the forward players. The three allows them to do this better.

[CJ]

And for Tuesday I'd go something like :

Guzan
Lichaj
Collins
Clark
Warnock
Makoun
Ireland
Gardner
Bannan
Fonz
Heskey

I'd pretty much go with that except I'd have N'Zog in for Heskey, who I think went off with a groin 'twinge' yesterday according to AM, and N'Zog could do with more game time to get up to full speed.

Which reminds me - where's the pre-match thread?

[Matt C]

Enjoyed the game and day yesterday and the solid but positive start McLeish needed. We'll have far sterner tests but you can only beat the opposition that turns up and we did that pretty comfortably. Delph and Petrov did well I thought but Collins was my MoM; won everything.

[Dante Lavelli]

Eloquently put, Brian. The midfield has to be a three, or at least with a player like Bannan the forward option in the 4-2-3-1, so as to give it the flexibility to move properly off the ball. The defence need short options to play out from the back, and it is up to the midfield to do this while making sure they don't get too distanced from the forward players. The three allows them to do this better.

I'd imagine the consensus here is that Bannan offers more than Heskey in a 4231 formation so I am probably preaching to the converted but I am not sure this point has been covered.  Tactically if we are under the cosh if we include Bannan then it is very easy to convert to a 433 and strengthen the centre of midfield, whereas a midfield three including Heskey will be physically strong but very clumsy.

I suppose it could be argued that with Heskey it is easy to change to a 442 (pulling the wide players into a flat midfield four) but as we saw under MON a 442 often gets out numbered in the centre of the pitch (especially with a tiring Petrov).

Heskey's biggest attribute is that he is a pain in the arse for the opposition: harrying, physically intimidating the opposition and provides additional strength at set pieces; however I'd also argue that he is also a pain in the arse for Villa with his bad first touch losing possession and an inability to receive the ball in tight circumstances.

I really hope that AM starts playing Bannan as ultimately I think we will be a better team.  Furthermore I think we'd be a VERY good team to watch.

[Monty]

In full agreement there, Dante. It's noticeable that Petrov tired towards the end of the Fulham game where Heskey played the 90 but seemed fine physically yesterday after Bannan came on to offer more dynamism and options in the midfield. I'm very pleased that AM recognises the general advantages of 4-2-3-1 over the 4-4-2, and Heskey's positioning shows clear instructions from the manager, which is good to see. However, I do agree, Bannan would offer much more in terms of creativity, not to mention making our style more incisive (rather than bludgeoning) and would make us easier on the eye to boot. Overall, however, yesterday's game made me MUCH more optimistic about AM's tenure - as long as he doesn't persist too much with bloody Heskey!

[Aston Manor]

I think it's becoming almost a cliche to have a pop at Heskey. He scored! How about Bannan for Delph?

[Monty]

I think it's becoming almost a cliche to have a pop at Heskey. He scored! How about Bannan for Delph?

Delph was man of the match, and Bannan's best position is where Heskey was playing, just different. Heskey may have scored, but his contribution was always let down by his poor touch and lack of vision, and I don't think we can rely on his goalscoring to justify his selection in future.

[Percy McCarthy]

Blackburn is not in the shape for today. Losing Samba is big impact to them in term of defender.

Good to see Gabby score the 1st goal like that. IMO all work quite OK again the poor side.

Anyway the midfield and forward is still have more to do in term of connection. If we face the strong side we need to be more control in the ball.

Cheer,

You've talked me into it. Hurray!