Chelsea v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[PaulWinch again]

I think now we are playing that way we can create chances for Benty and he'd be happy to stay. This change of philosophy has transformed us.

[rob_bridge]

Yes Yes and Yes Again. Love it love it - first time I looked at the team sheet this season and thought - that is the most appropriate team to pick based on availability and recent performances.

Did you hear the sound of the nail going into the wall - for the hanging up of 'Gentleman' John Terry and Totally Fwank's boots.

And Yes as a result of the last 3 performances which showed effort, endeavour and a little enterprise I have purchased a ticket for Monday's game in the Sir Witton Lane stand.

[jonc73]

Steve Kean and Alex McLeish deserve a beer tonight-they both had the balls to turn things around. Far more like it Villa-optimistic for the future as the spirit is evident. Ireland, Nzogbia & Clark All playing well have really made a difference. Petrov has been fantastic this year

[Mister E]

Agree with most / all of the above. Special mention for Gary Gardner's first appearance in the Premiership: announced by the commentator as Craig's brother, I predict that by the close of 2012 Craig will be welcomed by commentators as "Gary's brother".

[Witton Warrior]

I was pleased but resigned to a draw at 2-1 then couldn't help myself as Ireland ran through and fed Bent and went running round the house - this is what the Villa do to you - the utterly wonderful bastards!!!!!

[richard moore]

"England striker comes off the bench to get Villa's third at Chelsea." Sounds good, that, doesn't it?

Ireland, Petrov and Zog (before he tired) especially ran rings around their midfield at times, especially first half. Rode our luck at times in the 2nd - esp when they brought Lampard on - but we deserved that. Brad made some good saves and we could have had more (two penalties denied and a Gabby one-on-one). 

As did 'Villa storm the Bridge' on the R5 sports report headlines

I must remember to be all nonchalent about this when I see my Chelsea following friends the next few days. I may even pretend I didn't know we won...

[villaparkb6]

Ireland was class today

[old man villa fan]

Who would have thought it, me for a start.

Great performance with the difference between the sides being Ireland, who had an excellent 1st half.  He drifted out of the game in the 2nd half as we dropped deeper.  Whether his effort dropped or the other players stopped finding him as in the 1st half, I do not know but he came back strongly at the end.

The shape of things to come (selection), hopefully.  Although at home we need the extra striker as we will not be able to counter against sides sitting deeper.

MOM - Ireland for showing that star quality when it mattered

[caster troy]

Credit where it's due, that is a brilliant result. Great to see Ireland finally do well.

I can't help but think McLeish has stumbled onto a winning formula by accident with the injuries forcing him to bring in the likes of Ireland and Clark, but nonetheless he deserves praise for at least setting the team up to attack more in the last three games. Big game against Swansea now, we have to build on this.

[Irish villain]

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

I love it!

[hawkeye]

Still buzzing what a great way to end the year.

[Witton Warrior]

Gabby bullying Terry - love it...

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Great effort and how refreshing to see us play football on the deck. Delighted for all those that made the effort to go down there today.

Where ever you are, have a great night and a happy new year to y'all.

[Legion]

I'm a bit happy, to say the least.

[Toronto Villa]

"England striker comes off the bench to get Villa's third at Chelsea." Sounds good, that, doesn't it?

Ireland, Petrov and Zog (before he tired) especially ran rings around their midfield at times, especially first half. Rode our luck at times in the 2nd - esp when they brought Lampard on - but we deserved that. Brad made some good saves and we could have had more (two penalties denied and a Gabby one-on-one). 

As did 'Villa storm the Bridge' on the R5 sports report headlines

I must remember to be all nonchalent about this when I see my Chelsea following friends the next few days. I may even pretend I didn't know we won...

I recall a headline many, many years back when I think we won 3-0 down there. Platty got on the scoresheet. The headline was "Blue murder at the bridge"

Love it