Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Pete3206]

Just flicked through the match thread. Amusing and entertaining as always. Had to chuckle at the clamour for Keane's removal before the break.

[WarszaVillan]

It may have been mentioned elsewhere, but does anyone know why N'zogbia wasn't in the squad yesterday?

[Legion]

Heel injury, I believe.

[Somniloquism]

Gardner had a good debut and will get better with more games. Clark was excellent when he came into midfield and Keane was excellent. He was constantly shouting at Bent to keep moving and Bent responded and worked harder than usual. Collins had a great game and it would be criminal to let him go in this window .......

Just watching a delayed Goals and they just commented on his 3rd goal on how he was telling players where to play it and then was outside the area because he knew we were committing a lot forward and needed someone to stay out for cover. They also showed he is constantly looking around him even before he gets the ball. Something we haven't really had since Merson I would say

[Risso]

Have to say that I've been quite impressed with the way Keane has been instructing the other players and generally geeing up the lads.

[Ryu]

Re Gardner's header: what an absolutely fantastic ball from Clark.

And a great cushioned header from the kid to set up Keane's goal, too.

That was a real gutsy, hurly burly derby.  To come out with the three points with a team that featured so many of the young lads speaks volumes.  I thought Gary Gardner had an excellent game considering the circumstances:  what an assured debut.  Some people are comparing him to Lampard whilst others see a touch of Gerrard in the way he plays.  It sounds a bit corny, but I think the lad has his own way of doing things - he has a superb shot, he has a great pass and his heading is top-notch, too.  (Was Lampard as good at nineteen?  Was Gerrard?  I can't remember to be honest.)  I'd possibly be inclined to play GG behind a front two, but that's beside the point, he is simply a great prospect.

Seeing these young lads in the side - and winning - restores my faith and gives me huge hope for the future.

Gerrard yes, Lampard no.

[frank]

Not read the thread yet but some great performances my some of the much maligned players, I thought Collins and Warnock were excellent and Hutton was reasonable. Kightly never had a kick second half.

Agreed. I was at Warnock's end in the 2nd half and thought he played very well: strong, determined, good going forward. And Collins defended superbly when we were under pressure in the last few minutes.

[Ger Regan]

Back to our home from. Do you think the tense atmosphere, regarding McLeish and the low attendances, has affected the players? As gervilla has said, they just seem to freeze at Villa Park and look under constant pressure. They play with more confidence and flair away from home.

Without a shadow of a doubt for me.

[Rigadon]

Back to our home from. Do you think the tense atmosphere, regarding McLeish and the low attendances, has affected the players? As gervilla has said, they just seem to freeze at Villa Park and look under constant pressure. They play with more confidence and flair away from home.

Without a shadow of a doubt for me.

That must be a contributory factor but it's probably as much to do with not having the players to break down teams who are well organised.  We're better on the break and home teams are obliged to come out and attack.   We've been a counter-attacking team since early MON days.

[Rigadon]

I'd also add that this is why AM has bought Keane in as he does have a bit of guile and is still a match winner as yesterday proved.

[hipkiss92]

I'm surprised more isn't being made about how many of our young players played yesterday.
Clark and Gardner were superb in the midfield in the 2nd half, for a 21 and 19 year old that is really impressive.
Add to this Albrighton coming into the game more as it went on, as well as Bannan and Weimann coming on towards the end. With Gabby included as well it really does seem that the academy has found a really good generation of players for the 1st team.

[garyshawsknee]

It's still worrying how much trouble we have with crosses and high balls into the box. The sight of Dunne and Collins taking each other out for their goal was pretty alarming. Surely it cant be down to a new goalie,as Dunne would know how Given reacts to crosses. I think thats 10 goals conceded from corners now.

[Toronto Villa]

Have to say that I've been quite impressed with the way Keane has been instructing the other players and generally geeing up the lads.

That's the boost and energy I was talking about when I thought it would be a good deal to bring him in. He's a vibrant, intelligent player, and despite being at the tail end of his career he can still offer something as we all saw.

[Dante Lavelli]

I'm surprised more isn't being made about how many of our young players played yesterday.
Clark and Gardner were superb in the midfield in the 2nd half, for a 21 and 19 year old that is really impressive.
Add to this Albrighton coming into the game more as it went on, as well as Bannan and Weimann coming on towards the end. With Gabby included as well it really does seem that the academy has found a really good generation of players for the 1st team.

As someone very rightly mentioned elsewhere, imagine what our squad would look like without these players.

[barrysleftfoot]

  Interesting point you raised ozzjim about whether you can play Gabby and Bent in the same team.I think you can, but as you suggested i think Gabby needs to stop sulking and work harder.

 On his day Gabby can be unplayable, pace , strength, aggression, skill, he has it all, but he needs to focus on his workrate.

  On ydays performance, just to add, i was well impressed with Weimanns workrate, and more importantly movement off the ball.He played well with Bent as well.We are a better team away from home, maybe ALL of our supporters need to get over McL being our manager.