Aston Villa v Wolves post-match thread

[olaftab]

Dull, but we're getting the basics right first. Not much sign of last season's shambolic defending yet, which is about the only positive.

Worryingly low crowd.

I am hoping this is it. Hopefully once Alex is confident that we  have eradicated "about to concede anytime" habit we can  go more aggressive.  Petrov and Delph together is far too defensive. I agree with others who have made a case for either Ireland or Bannan. We need one of them in place of either Petrov or Delph  to push forward through the centre and  also look sideways. This will mean demolishing "the wall" that we currently have in midfield.
Let's hope AM has enough nous to move the team on once we get closer to  xmas.

[TimTheVillain]

Dreadful fayre, unless AMc is able to get the board to part with some money next week, we really are in for a crap season.

30k against Wolves, AMAZING.

[maidstonevillain]

I wonder how many people looked at the e-mail from the club yesterday and were surprised to arrive at Villa Park today as everyone else was streaming out of the ground? I bet there was at least someone.

Ah, thats why we were 9000 down on attendance.

[UK Redsox]

Just got home, so here's some early thoughts.

Defensively, Villa are far more solid this season. Dunne especially, is playing far better.

I was very impressed with Herd (karate kick apart) both defending and going forward. We know about his heading ability from his time in the reserves but I wasn't expecting to see him beating players with ball at feet.

Zog played much better than in previous games.

Delph looks like being a key player this season but he's a ban waiting to happen.

Stan also played better than in previous games this year, almost catching Wolves out with a couple of runs. Somehow I doubt that the words, "we must keep an eye out for the attacking runs of Petrov" were spoken on the Wolves training ground this week.

Ivanhoe played well but I'd prefer to see Ireland playing in that position.

[Jockey Randall]

There are some miserable gits on here. Everytime there is a 0-0 some people will always bring out the old favourites, turgid, dull, uninspiring...
You can't expect to batter every team in this league and you will more than likely see a tight game when there is not that much of a difference between the teams. Wolves have improved and started the season well and look very organised, yet we still put then under a lot of pressure in the 2nd half and probably should have won.

I think Eck has produced a solid start and I expect it to continue. At least the players look up for the fight and ready to give their all, which can only stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. I still think we'll finish 7th/8th.

[Tuscans]

There are some miserable gits on here. Everytime there is a 0-0 some people will always bring out the old favourites, turgid, dull, uninspiring...
You can't expect to batter every team in this league and you will more than likely see a tight game when there is not that much of a difference between the teams. Wolves have improved and started the season well and look very organised, yet we still put then under a lot of pressure in the 2nd half and probably should have won.

I think Eck has produced a solid start and I expect it to continue. At least the players look up for the fight and ready to give their all, which can only stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. I still think we'll finish 7th/8th.

touche

[noodles_]

Heard EH was playing so turned off the wireless.  It beggars belief the guy is considered a football player.  AM wise up or fuck off.

Silly thing to say. We're 4th in the table and Emile has been good this season.

[LeeB]

There are some miserable gits on here. Everytime there is a 0-0 some people will always bring out the old favourites, turgid, dull, uninspiring...
You can't expect to batter every team in this league and you will more than likely see a tight game when there is not that much of a difference between the teams. Wolves have improved and started the season well and look very organised, yet we still put then under a lot of pressure in the 2nd half and probably should have won.

I think Eck has produced a solid start and I expect it to continue. At least the players look up for the fight and ready to give their all, which can only stand us in good stead for the rest of the season. I still think we'll finish 7th/8th.

Jocky's on the oche there.

[LeeB]

Heard EH was playing so turned off the wireless.  It beggars belief the guy is considered a football player.  AM wise up or fuck off.

Silly thing to say. We're 4th in the table and Emile has been good this season.

Tony Dunce.

[The Situation]

Hessi did alright today I just think we'd be better without him playing where he plays. Too many times it seems he's getting in the way of Bent... he had a couple of good chances today, very close to scoring, but I just don't think the system we're playing him in is going to work. He did put the effort in today.

[Matt Collins]

Is there any chance of having two post match threads. One for reasonable balanced comments and one for others to just fucking moan and moan and blow everything out of proportion? Its grating.

[Archie]

We didn't play bad imo, AML is doing quite a good job.
Gabby and Delph and the newbie Herd  were particularly good.
But Heskey behind Bent is useless and so Warnock on the left.
And it's a pity to see SuperMark and BB on the bench.
So, in order to gain a bit of effectiveness and creativity, I'd try this formation:

Given
Herd - Collins - Clark - N'Zogbia
Albrighton - Bannan - Agbonlahor
Bent     

Good suggestion however I think we should have 11!

Ehm, I meant:

Given
Herd - Collins - Clark - N'Zogbia
Delph- Petrov
Albrighton - Bannan - Agbonlahor
Bent     

[Matt Collins]

Heard EH was playing so turned off the wireless.  It beggars belief the guy is considered a football player.  AM wise up or fuck off.

Case in point.

[noodles_]

I think it will come together. Its a good system, our defence is rock solid and we have decent attacking options. Id take it over 4-4-2 any day.

[Brend'Watkins]

We're still a work in progress side.  Still, a much better effort than last season against a better Wolves team and us without nearly £40 million of talent.  I think we even did enough to win it as we were clearly the better side. 

We're tight at the back and that's an area we desperately needed to improve upon.  Good to see Dunne showing good form again and Herd looked streets ahead of Young barring his first 20 minutes.

Wolves got better once they changed, we didn't.  Bannan on the wing is a waste of time.