Aston Villa v Tranmere Rovers Post-Match Thread

[newtonsballs]

A quote from a fan on the BBC's live match text for the League cup games, well said Mike:

 :)Mike in London, via text: "At the risk of been a troll, it appears you got most of your predictions wrong!! Maybe next time you will think twice before trying to write off a great club with a proud history like Aston Villa after two league losses!!!"
I'm crying Mike. Crying! You see what you've done? No.... just leave it, I need to be on my own right now.

 :

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

A solid performance from a reasonably inexperienced side. Baker, on the whole looks assured at CB. Lowton did well alongside him too I thought.

Bannan playing the quarter back role frustrates me. He's clearly being instructed to to drop back alongside the central defenders to receive the ball and then our width comes from our full backs who push on as our central defenders spread out. We're going to need a left back who distributes the ball well. I'm not confident in Lihaj doing that or Enda Stevens from the left and it remains to be seen if Lowton will from the right.

I agree with earlier comments about Ireland, I thought the best spells of the game we had came via his runs and intelligent passes. He needs to play against Noocassul at the weekend in my eyes. 

[hipkiss92]

I liked the look of that Burke kid.

Genuinely thought his shot just after coming on was going in, struck it so well and was good to see he had the confidence to do that on his debut.

[PeterWithesShin]

Paul Lambert admitted he was really pleased to get past the "tricky" Tranmere test.

Lambert said he knew from experience the possibility of cup shocks and was on guard to avoid one with his new Villa side.

The Villa boss insisted his team deserved maximum credit for the way they powered past the Super Whites via goals from Fabian Delph, Chris Herd and Darren Bent.

He said: "It was very good. I know from experience it can be tricky - these type of games - and it was really pleasing.

"It's never easy to win a football match, whatever level and whoever you're up against.

"Tranmere gave a really good account of themselves. Ron has got them going really fine in their own league.

"As I said before, I know from experience there's not an easy game. I am just delighted with the team for winning.

"Any game you win, it makes you feel good. The lads deserve a lot of credit for the way they bounced back from the Everton loss."

Bent bagged his first goal of the campaign, with an expertly-taken second-half effort.

And Lambert was thrilled with the quality shown to make the chance and finish it.

He continued: "I thought the third goal was excellent, a really good move. The finish was top-class."

Lambert now hopes Villa can take the momentum gained into the Newcastle match on Sunday.

He added: "We will give it everything we've got, we have a really hard game on Sunday, we will go and try to win.

"Hopefully some of the injured lads will be back so we will see what happens."

[JJ-AV]

Just saw the goals. Bent's finish was phenomenal.

[Pete3206]

Thank fook for that

[wookster]

For the first time in ages i think i'll watch a footy highlights show

Its on tommorow night.......BBC1

What time, i can see it on my guide

[Karl Bridges]

Thursday after 11.

[dicedlam]

Just a quick mention for Graham Burke, I thought he did well in his 15 minute cameo and looked very comfortable when recieving the ball in tight spaces.

Yes, looked very composed on the ball. Good to see him having a go at goal so quicky after coming on.
Looks a good prospect for the future.

[Louzie0]

Considering there were 2 disallowed goals as well, it seems the lads were knocking 'em in with gay abandon.

Glad to hear that the Villa have found their scoring boots this season.  Hope they can transfer this confidence to the next game at the weekend.

[Karlos96]

Not long been back, the crowd was disappointing but I was expecting it.  To be honest I think the ticket prices were too high should have been £10.

With regards to the game I thought Ireland was our best player we really need to get him playing week in week out he is the only one with an eye for a pass, and knows what service to provide to Bent.  I thought Bannan was better than Saturday but I really wish he would cut out these 50 yard passes, every now and again one comes off but most times he just gives away possession, he just needs to keep it simple.

I have been really impressed with Baker he has the makings of a very good centre half and I liked the look of Burke, he looked really confident on the ball I really thought that shot he had when he came on was going in.  We really needed this result hopefully they can build on this and kick start our season.

[dave.woodhall]

I wonder if part of the reason the crowd was so low is down to the competition starting so early now that it feels more like a pre-season game. When for whatever reason we started it during September we got respectable crowds of over 20k but the last two season have seen gates much lower.

[PeterWithesShin]

Probably doesn't help that as it's so early in the season a lot of folks may be away as it's still the school holidays.

[Mazrim]

A minor fussy point but I would have liked to have seen Johnson get a run out.

[KRS]

Just seen the goals on SSN...the first 2 were a bit scrappy but Bent finished the 3rd like he meant it which was good to see.