Portland Timbers v Aston Villa Combined Match Threads

[PeterWithesShin]

Well not too bad. Some lovely passing at times but too often it lead to nothing. Still it's only a friendly and it's early days. Looks promising for the long term.

[Edvard Remberg]

its about how we GO play. love it

[Desi]

What a pleasure to see us playing possession football. Also, looking comfortable doing it and at pace, terrific.

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

The difference that Lambert and his coaching staff have made is enormous. We have a game plan, every player already knows their role in the team and we are playing with movement and do have the ability to retain the ball. We've even scored from a corner.

I like how Lambert has made us pretty solid, whilst using our wide players as extra midfielders. Holman and Ireland tucking in has helped massively and their movement is good, particularly when El Ahmadi and Bannan drop to receive the ball off the back 4. The full backs pushing on then helps us to retain the ball.

Given the fact that we're playing on a synthetic surface in another time zone against a team already in their season we should be very pleased with what we're seeing. I can't believe some are saying we've been 'cack'. This team has moved forward loads in a matter of weeks, give Lambert time and he'll have us where we should be.

[PeterWithesShin]

American bimbo's bouncing. And now kids in what look like Celtic shirts bouncing. And now someone in a very stupid hat bouncing.

[Toronto Villa]

Well not too bad. Some lovely passing at times but too often it lead to nothing. Still it's only a friendly and it's early days. Looks promising for the long term.

Yep, we just lack that cutting edge and quality. Doesn't help not having Gabby or Bent, but we need a Sturridge type player that makes more inventive runs and offers something different in the final third. I like Weimann and Fonz but they look quite ordinary much of the time.

[PeterWithesShin]

Great parenting, just pick your kids up and wave them around for the cameras.

[PeterWithesShin]

Well not too bad. Some lovely passing at times but too often it lead to nothing. Still it's only a friendly and it's early days. Looks promising for the long term.

Yep, we just lack that cutting edge and quality. Doesn't help not having Gabby or Bent, but we need a Sturridge type player that makes more inventive runs and offers something different in the final third. I like Weimann and Fonz but they look quite ordinary much of the time.

Hoped for a bit more from Weimann this game must admit. Still it's preseason, we're winning and we're not treating the ball like it's a bomb about to go off. So i'm pretty happy.

[Toronto Villa]

Well not too bad. Some lovely passing at times but too often it lead to nothing. Still it's only a friendly and it's early days. Looks promising for the long term.

Yep, we just lack that cutting edge and quality. Doesn't help not having Gabby or Bent, but we need a Sturridge type player that makes more inventive runs and offers something different in the final third. I like Weimann and Fonz but they look quite ordinary much of the time.

Hoped for a bit more from Weimann this game must admit. Still it's preseason, we're winning and we're not treating the ball like it's a bomb about to go off. So i'm pretty happy.

Agreed. All of the players have gone up in productivity in the space of few short weeks under Lambert. They are going to progress at different rates so we need to give them some time.

[PeterWithesShin]

For anyone interested.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151058356672236.462768.182844932235&type=1

[Toronto Villa]

N'Zog, Stevens and Lichaj on. Warnock, Weimann and Collins off

[PeterWithesShin]

Another offside goal. Some nice stuff in the build up though.

[Toronto Villa]

Balls. Fonz goal won't count. Ireland offside again after a lovely move.

[Toronto Villa]

Is it just me and you on here Peter?

[PeterWithesShin]

I believe so. The rest are a bunch of lightweights! It's only just gone 5am the big girls.