Newcastle United v Aston Villa Match Thread

[London Villan]

WM must be watching a different Holman, they seem to think he is playing ok.

[PaulWinch again]

Really good performance in first half.

[PeterWithesShin]

I'll take that. Went off the boil a bit after we scored and needed HT to come.

[joecrow]

very encouraging 45 mins. another couple of games and we will be totally unrecognisable from last years bag of shit. nice to see players looking up before passing. defence looks the most organised in a long time.

[django]

Good performance, a bit nervy at the back at times but there's no disgrace there with their front two. Generally it's been pretty comfortable.

[Mortimer's Bear]

Needed half time then, PL needs to ask for more of the same second half.

[PaulWinch again]

Need to be a bit reinvigorated for second half though.

[l_mckay]

Good first half hour,already nervous for the second half!

[onje_villa]

I still can't say with any certainty what exactly Holman's position is, but I do think he works very hard for the team, he pops up all over the pitch and chases back very well. He also does seem to have a decent eye for a pass from time to time. Those are qualities that may well keep him in and abuot the first team, I reckon.

I like him to be honest. He does pop up here and there, his best position maybe the one Ireland currently occupies and I think his work rate is excellent.

[citizenDJ]

Half time, and a pretty impressive showing from Villa. I mentioned it at the atsrt of the match, but Bent definitely seems to me to be to putting effort into helping the team out more than usual. Responding to Lambert's instructin or the increased competition for a place I don't know, but it HAS made a difference to our attacking play.

But not as much as N'Zogbia not being on the pitch at all.

[eastie]

Encouraging half and much better than last week, keep it going lads!

[Fergal]

I still can't stand Andy Gray

[CJ]

Good half. Linked up well and pressed them when not in possession. Would like to see Gabby on for Holman

[Toronto Villa]

Bennet will push lichaj hard

Bennett, being a specialist LB will replace him. He's a very attacking full back and hopefully sound defensively.

[bertlambshank]

44% possession away from home looking good.