Stoke City v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Risso]

wonderful old-fashioned tackle from Clark

Best bit of the match by a long way, "thunderous" is the best description I could use, but totally fair.  Hutton should be shown a video of that, and be made to watch it over and over again until he understands that diving in two footed isn't the way to go about things.

[Legion]

Yes, it was a cracking challenge.

[TheBarneyArmy]

Delighted with a point and a clean sheet. Thought Guzan looked good coming for balls launched into the six yard box.  Clark's 'meaty' challenge was definately the highlight for me.

[Mister E]

We looked more organised than I've seen for a while. And we tried to pass the ball around much more.

5 things we learned from last night:
1. The Fonz ain't the Messiah. Move him on and give Weimann some pitch-time.
2. Guzan can come for crosses and make them. He played well when called-upon.
3. Clark has some real class. His eye for a pass and general positiongin was excellent.
4. Petrov continues to be undervalued by some on here. He played well again.
5. Cuellar has a calmness and poise sadly lacking in the other CB whose surname begins with C (clue: Collins).

[TheBarneyArmy]

We looked more organised than I've seen for a while. And we tried to pass the ball around much more.

5 things we learned from last night:
1. The Fonz ain't the Messiah. Move him on and give Weimann some pitch-time.
2. Guzan can come for crosses and make them. He played well when called-upon.
3. Clark has some real class. His eye for a pass and general positiongin was excellent.
4. Petrov continues to be undervalued by some on here. He played well again.
5. Cuellar has a calmness and poise sadly lacking in the other CB whose surname begins with C (clue: Collins).

Agreed re: Petrov, he certainly is putting a shift in each time I see him play. Clark surely has to get more game time along with Cuellar. 

[Irish villain]

Ugo in the studio referring to Villa as "we". Left the club too early along with Southgate.

If we had more loyalty over the last 12 years, we'd have won a trophy.

[Irish villain]

When he's not needed at right back, Cueller should be our main centre back. Why this hasn't been the case I will never know.

Clark is a class act. He has so much potential. I am genuinely excited that he is at our club and will continue to improve over the next few seasons. With Albrighton and N'Zogbia we have the makings of a potent attacking force once Bent is fully fit (if we hold onto him).

The second half of the season no longer scares me. I think we will be mid-table, poised to grow in the future.

[KevinGage]

More than merely putting a shift in, I thought Stan was absolutely outstanding yesterday. The move where he feinted to go right and then sent N'Zogbia away on the left was top quality. 

His best days are behind him, but I'd be reluctant to get rid. Particularly in Jan. It might be shades of when we moved Kevin Richardson or Andy Townsend on too soon -you don't quite appreciate what you've got until it's gone.

The summer might be a different story.  But even then - providing we don't persuade him to stay by offering him silly money- we could so a lot worse than keeping him around as a squad player. I accept we're quickly approaching the time when he can no longer be a guaranteed starter.

[Irish villain]

Petrov for me is now , alongside Gabby, the Mr. Aston Villa of the team. I'd hate to lose him. He gives a lot for the cause and seems to have genuine affection for the place.

[Brend'Watkins]

At least we tried to play football and looked the more likely to score from our rare attacks. 

We got the defensive part spot on, the midfield too to a lesser extent but the attack was nowhere near right but for the one move where Fonz had his chance.  Against Stoke there is little point in having lots of the ball to then put it out wide to Albrighton who then crosses it into an area with six bean pole defenders and Gabby.  Not that it mattered too much as those crosses were pretty poor deliveries in any case (not Marc's best game for us).  I would have like to have seen us try to cut through them more when we had opportunities as we were well capable. 

But all said a point at Stoke is okay.  Even though it wasn't a great game we are now starting to show some spirit and some form.  We might even get a point at Chelsea if we can keep it up.

Clarke was MOM for me, he reminded me a lot of Barry.

[Nirog72]

I thought the Fonz was a lot better than a lot of other posters. Thought he held the ball up well on several occasions and it encouraged us to play it on the floor. With a bit of luck he'd have opened his account for the season. I hope we give him more pitch time and am sure when he gets a goal his confidence will kick in and he'll get a few more.

Clarke was really good and I agree totally with the Cuellar v Collins debate. It baffles me why he isn't playing centre back week in week out.

[Chris Smith]

I think the Barry comparison is a good one, he's got the same sort of composure on the  ball and ability to make time for himself. Not quite got his range of passing but then again Barry was a bit older when he moved into centre midfield so still time to develop.

[wookster]

I agree totally with the Cuellar v Collins debate. It baffles me why he isn't playing centre back week in week out.

With the aftermatch quote from AM that Collins is probably out for a while as the injury he's been carrying flaring up, I assume that Carlos may be up for a run in the 1st team.

[Ian.]

A mate of mine has said MON wants Collin's at Sunderland. Lets hope he fishes around for him, Warnock and Beye. I'd be happy to see the back of these players.

[London Villan]

£6 million ( plus add ons) and snap there hands off!