Aston Villa v Tranmere Rovers Post-Match Thread

[eamonn]

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.

I think we used to start in September due to being in Europe or being one of the designated top Premier League teams who get a bye to the third round.

[eamonn]

Great win to get at this time.

One thing though, attendance 15,319...when was there last an attendance that low for a first class game at Villa Park?...

Wednesday 21st September, 1994: Wigan Athletic, Coca Cola Cup Round 2, 1st Leg, 5-0, 12,433.

...and tonight's game was played 2.5 years to the day since we played Man United in the same competition at Wembley in front of 88,596.

Sexy stats...I don't suppose you have a list of our lowest 5-10 attendance since, I dunno, football was (re)invented?

[django]

I thought Enda Stevens gave a pretty good account of himself on his debut, looked to have taken a knock when he came off, but would be surprised if he doesn't feature a bit this season. Lowton looked pretty decent too.

It looked like Ireland was desperate to make an impression on Lambert. Lots of effort to go with his talent. My mate who was with me, a QPR fan, was really impressed. The best player on the pitch by a distance.

Bannan didn't have a great game I didn't think. Iwas struck by Holmans directness in terms of his off the ball movement.

Overall a decent performance played in a less than pre season like atmosphere.

[PeterWithesShin]

Great win to get at this time.

One thing though, attendance 15,319...when was there last an attendance that low for a first class game at Villa Park?...

Wednesday 21st September, 1994: Wigan Athletic, Coca Cola Cup Round 2, 1st Leg, 5-0, 12,433.

...and tonight's game was played 2.5 years to the day since we played Man United in the same competition at Wembley in front of 88,596.

Sexy stats...I don't suppose you have a list of our lowest 5-10 attendance since, I dunno, football was (re)invented?

You can look at all matches here, includes attendances http://www.11v11.com/teams/aston-villa/tab/matches

[russon]

Another thing about the attendance - I thought they were closing the Upper Trinity?  looked like a lot of people had relocated to one block to the left of the directors'/posh seats but there were still some people in the Upper

Another thing about the attendance - I thought they were closing the Upper Trinity?  looked like a lot of people had relocated to one block to the left of the directors'/posh seats but there were still some people in the Upper

I was surprised to see people up there, too.

When I turned up and queued outside the ticket office they said it was cash payment at the turnstiles for Trinity upper so that's where I ended up.

I was surprised to see people up there, too.

When I turned up and queued outside the ticket office they said it was cash payment at the turnstiles for Trinity upper so that's where I ended up.

Me too. Fully intended to go in the Holte but there was a 15 minute queue at the ticket office before the game and a steward said you can pay cash at the Trinity turnstile, so we did.

Ireland very good but I was very impressed with Bannan. He cut out the hollywood stuff, was constantly showing for the ball and made 2 last ditch tackles in his own box to prevent goals. Great attitude, lots of good link up play, well done Barry.

Tranmere looked good given their status and let's not pretend they weren't our equals until half-time, passed it around nicely but couldn't get a shot off.

The chap who said CNZ runs out of pitch is spot on. Absolutely brainless footballer.

[olaftab]

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.

It is also to with how everyone involved with football treats cup games now days. That includes the Football authorities, TV Companies, Clubs and fans. Many many years ago a cup game was a priority to me and I am sure lot of supporters. Cup games were special as after all these were one off's. There were plenty of League games you could go and watch. Plus there was a trophy at the end.  No one cares about the trophy now. It appears that a League position whether it's  4th from top or 4th from bottom is much more important.
I noticed that both Blackburn and Bolton got knocked out as did Fulham and disgracefully, I bet you, they probably fielded weak teams.

[UK Redsox]

I thought Enda Stevens gave a pretty good account of himself on his debut, looked to have taken a knock when he came off, but would be surprised if he doesn't feature a bit this season.

I wasn't impressed with Stevens. Upon receiving the majority of passes, his first move was to head back towards the Villa goal.
Also, in true Maradonna style, his right foot appears to be purely for standing on.

Ireland looked good. However, the last time that I was this impressed by him was against Hereford last season. Therefore, I think that its just poor opposition that brings out the best in him.

I was very impressed with Burke's cameo appearance. He appears to have the skills and energy to be a good bridge between midfield and the striker.

In "Manny-Being-Manny" fashion, its now "Zog-being-Zog". He's playing one game and the other 21 players are playing another. If Forrest Gump played football...........................

As for Tranmere, I liked the look of Liam "Son of Carlton" Palmer.

[Nirog72]

Got in late so posting now, quite relieved we won as had overturned my self imposed ban on league cup games (since Leicester at home!). I know it was just Tranmere but thought it was really positive. First half we controlled but with little cutting edge. After the goal we looked likely to get more. I thought the back 4 were tidy with Baker outstanding, both full backs need either a bit more pace or a bit more confidence to take their opposite numbers on. Have read some overly negative stuff about Stevens, thought he looked like a player trying to have a solid if unspectacular debut(?). Thought Bannan and Delph were good and Ireland was ok , Herd was Herd. Apart from the goal Bent didn't offer much but I guess that's Bent. Of the subs, Holman looked good but I was really impressed with Burke, who wanted the ball all the time, was quite direct and didn't waste it when he received it. N'Zog looks like he needs a confidence boost but in fairness to him he didn't hide and some of the abuse he was getting from near me from the minute he walked on the pitch was tiresome. Last point really is about Guzan, didn't have a lot to do but appears very confident and very ready to step up.

[andyh]

A nice result, and a decent performance in what was a potential upset game.

I thought Baker was outstanding....very, very commanding and Lowton looks to be coming along nicely.

Zoggy was his usual self when he came on, but if was interesting that Bents goal was scored from one of the very few times the ball was taken to the by-line and cut back.

Ireland was tidy.

Bannan was half decent, and by that I mean he looked decent given the quality of opposition. Maybe that is his level.
I really didn't like his 'billy big bollox' attititude  - and berating Stevens for a lose pass was bang out of order.
I didn't see anyone berating him when he made shit passes including one very poor back pass that could have led to a goal.
No, for me he ain't good enough and his attitude is questionable.   

[tom jennings III]

When is the draw for the next round then?

[Mazrim]

You need to try and get more words into your location Tom. 

[London Villan]

With Stoke and Fulham knocked out it reduces the number of teams that should actually take this seriously. Take away the top 6 or 7 chasing Chimps League and the 7 or 8 battling relegation (being optimistic that we aren't one of them) we should be making a proper effort to win it.

I was a bit concerned that we left out Vlaar and El Hamidi last night, but that performance was more comfortable than most home League Cup games we have had at home in the past 5 years!

To echo other post Burke looked half decent.

[Hookeysmith]

If i have to watch the ball being passed sideways to Barry Messi all the time then i think i might fall asleep through a fair few games. Tedious is not the word for it.

Guzan - Think at one point he had his Kindle out he had so little to do

Lichaj - I really like him but whether his own decision or Managers he did not get to byline enough for me or attacked in general - but i think best RB at club so that is where he should play

Baker - Superb - i am sorry Mr Clark but that place with Ron should now be his - very commanding

Lowton - actually looks better at CB than at RB

Stevens - Bit nervous i thought but have to remember its a huge step up from Irish league football - some good touches and got furthest forward of both backs - set up the 1st goal with an excellent byline cross

Delph - just dont see what all the hype has been over the time we have had him - championship player at the very best - maybe try at LB but yet again in a nothing game a really wild tackle when it wasnt neded means you just could not trust him

Bannan - I might be on my own but this kid is a tenth of the player HE thinks he is - he stolls around the pitch picking up every ball / free kick / corner taking every pass in our own half and then - does nothing with any of them. One decent free kick was all i saw of him other than that i dont think he will ever be a prem player

Herd - really like him but on the right wing?  He is a centre Mid player if anything - got forward well and took his goal decently

Ireland - some of his range of passing is superb and he is the key to unlocking defences - we just have to get the right combination around him to help him do his thing

Weinmann - Really rate this kid , his runs are intelligent and he works really hard for the team

Bent - If we paid him for his game time contribution we would save a fortune - what he does do well he did brilliantly last night and that was score - other than that he was the usual passenger for 89.5 minutes

Subs Contributions:

Nzog - Football talent / football brain - why is it Charlie can only take one onto the pitch at anyone time? I have never known a player make so many wrong decisions - he is the ultimate You Tube clips player - flashes of total brilliance surrounded by absolute dross. Not sure if he will ever be the player we thought we were getting

Holman - I do like the look of him - gets the ball and goes forward all the time - always trying to make something happen - not sure where his best position is though to be honest

Burke - very promising and certainly not overawed for his debut

Manager - IT easy to see why he is considered MONLite - he dresses, prowls the technical area, drinks and swears just like him. One thing though the amount of times he was getting frustrated with our play, especially the full backs not getting forward and Barry Messi fannying about with it was good to see that he will improve that

What happened to Carruthers - i would have thought he would have got on the bench last night?

Overall we never looked in danger and our fitness paid off. I think if he picks the right balance on Sunday we could give the barcodes a game

Guzan
Lichaj
Baker
Vlaar
Delph / Stevens
Herd
KEH
Ireland
Holman
Weinmann
Bent

[PaulTheVillan]

Any highlights knocking about?

[PaulTheVillan]

The goals.
http://youtu.be/blbGsjvxN3g