West Ham v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Mister E]

I don't agree with all the negativity expressed on the match thread. Yes, we were weak in their half; yes, Bent had nothing all game; yes, some of the final passes were poor.

But from what I saw we will get a whole better: KEA and Vlaar got better through the game; Lowton, Baker and Delph played okay. Ireland fizzed in parts.

Holman will improve, IMO.

We let ourselves down and N'Zog particularly failed to give us a senior-player performance.

I hate playing newly-promoted sides in the first game, especially away.

I particularly dislike playing against Sam-sides - his teams are always set up to stop and bludgeon.

I am optimistic that after a slow start we will start to do rather well this season...

... on the back of one or two more signings.

[taylorsworkrate]

Well, its pretty difficult to make season long predictions or evaluate players, tactics and such after only one game.

So I'll just review today's performance.

It was really really poor. Nothing about us whatsoever going forward. Apart from the 1st 15 minutes ball retention not good enough and looked a bit ropey at the back at times.

West Ham will not have a game remotely as easy all season.

[Rip Van We Go Again]

I am better off staying where I am in the Canaries.

I bet something similar to that crossed Lambert's mind.

[olaftab]

Based on what  I saw at Werder last week I am not surprised that we lost this one. The Dutch contingent will take time to adjust and the new players and formation will improve as we go on.

[ez]

Aside from the goal i thought the defense was good. The midfield was gash... nowhere... crap. And if the midfield is crap the forwards are are going to be starved, which they were.

[pauliewalnuts]

Thought the defence looked reasonable, and of the new boys, Vlaar and El Ahmadi can be pleased with their first match.  I though Holman was shite though, as were N'Zogbia and Delph.  Did Bent actually touch the ball?

All in all, disappointing.

I thought Vlaar looked like he needed to calm down a bit.

[Mister E]

Thought the defence looked reasonable, and of the new boys, Vlaar and El Ahmadi can be pleased with their first match.  I though Holman was shite though, as were N'Zogbia and Delph.  Did Bent actually touch the ball?

All in all, disappointing.

I thought Vlaar looked like he needed to calm down a bit.

He did, in the 2nd.

[Diablo]

Totally new system / method of play introduced and it will obviously take some time and a change of personnel for it to come to fruition. Some really encouraging signs - despite the defeat I know who I'd rather watch all season (thought West Ham were turgid - not surprisingly the new Bolton- no wonder their fans aren't happy).  Lack of chances and pace a definite concern. I think we missed Gabby's pace and strength today. 

[johncvilla88]

Well, its pretty difficult to make season long predictions or evaluate players, tactics and such after only one game.

So I'll just review today's performance.

It was really really poor. Nothing about us whatsoever going forward. Apart from the 1st 15 minutes ball retention not good enough and looked a bit ropey at the back at times.

West Ham will not have a game remotely as easy all season.

I wana bet they will against Norwich, QPR and Liverpool lol.

[littlevillain]

Not really sure why everyone was expecting us to beat these. I must be one of the few that still thinks we are extremely lightweight and really not good enough. I do believe we will be playing much better football than before but still think we will struggle. Didn't expect much and got exactly that.

[Mister E]

Totally new system / method of play introduced and it will obviously take some time and a change of personnel for it to come to fruition. Some really encouraging signs - despite the defeat I know who I'd rather watch all season (thought West Ham were turgid - not surprisingly the new Bolton- no wonder their fans aren't happy).  Lack of chances and pace a definite concern. I think we missed Gabby's pace and strength today. 

Yes, I agree.

[nick harper]

We've won 1 of our last 17 league games. Quite a stat.

[Risso]

Football continues to get less and less interesting and engaging.

[AvFc4eVeR]

Well at least the transfer window is still open

[Percy McCarthy]

Awful display. Once again we couldn't create a single chance for Bent. Would be interested to know our win percentage with Delph playing in central midfield, I can't remember us getting a point with him starting.

He was playing at the start of last season when we went 9(?) unbeaten.

As for Bent, for £24m I expect a player who can scuff them in from 2 yards and play football.