Newcastle United v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Monty]

Lichaj looked weaker going forward but was defensively very strong which seems to have been missed by a lot of people.

Holman was generally good but because of the amount of involvement he had he also made more mistakes in possession than most, but was really good to see a midfielder demanding the ball so much, we've not had that for a few years (ditto Bannan who I thought did a great job of anchoring the midfield and always being available for the simple pass).

Agree with all of that, there was one moment where that cheetah-like Obertan tried to beat Eric for pace down the outside, but Eric kept up with him for the first few strides, did really well to get his body between man and ball and won the free-kick. That was very good work, and crucial because if Obertan got free he was in the clear.

Also agree on Bannan, and he should yesterday that the size thing doesn't really matter: if you can work hard, be a pest to the opponent, stay on your feet and - most importantly - press intelligently as a team and in groups, you can win the ball.

[pauliewalnuts]

On MOTD2 last night, Dion was highlighting how well we kept the ball - always making sure there was someone to pass it to - and forced Newcastle to resort to long balls.

I'm not getting carried away and proclaiming us to be like Brazil or anything - there will be plenty more lows along the way, still - but I genuinely can't remember the last time a Villa side got talked about in that way, playing with some technical savvy and always looking to receive the ball.

Even under MON, when we were doing very well, there was none of that - that's not a dig at MON btw, he did very well for us, we just never got talked about for playing that way.

In fact, it was so strange to hear, I actually rewound MOTD2 afterwards and watched it again.

[Boz]

Losing those first two games could be a blessing in disguise. We've been written off as relegation fodder, no-one is paying us any attention and the manager has been able to do drop some big names without the upset that normally occurs.

There's no doubt that before yesterday the BBC and papers generally had written us off, but as ever, a couple of good results and they'll turn faster milk in the hot weather and no fridge

[Jarpie]

Losing those first two games could be a blessing in disguise. We've been written off as relegation fodder, no-one is paying us any attention and the manager has been able to do drop some big names without the upset that normally occurs.

There's no doubt that before yesterday the BBC and papers generally had written us off, but as ever, a couple of good results and they'll turn faster milk in the hot weather and no fridge

No no, they will be "They are just riding high at the moment but soon they're gonna fall and relegate"

[brontebilly]

finally off the mark with a solid point and one we should have probably turned into 3 with the chances late on.

Positives - the manager. Big call in goal was justified, bringing Clark back in was justified also as was dropping Nzogbia. Positive substitutions late on bringing on Gabby and Nzogbia helped us no end. We also played some good stuff in the second half I thought and Ireland and/or Bent should have won it for us. Wiemann too had a decent chance but lacked conviction in the shot.

Negatives - Brett Holman ran around like a headless chicken for the 90 mins. Also thought we were desperately negative in the first half after we scored. Hardly put 5 passes together and just hoofed it clear. Lowton pushed on a bit but we need more from our full backs considering how narrow we are set up in midfield.

Guzan 7 - came and caught a lot of punts from Newcastle. His kicking particularly from the hand needs to improve and Id worry about the all or nothing come out for long balls but he has assured yesterday and it gave confidence to our centre back pairing.
Lowton 6 - still finding his feet at this level. Most of what he did was ok.
Vlaar 6 - Solid enough display but thought he was outshone by his defensive partner. M
Clark 7 - Good goal but no stupid tackles either and was assured in possession. Would like to see him win a few more aerial duels.
Lichaj 6 - Picked to counteract Ben Arfa turning in field and defended very well. Dreadful on the ball though, cant kick the ball with his left foot.
Holman 4 - Ran around an awful lot but did zilch with the ball and was poor for the goal. Thought Lambert should have withdrew him long before the end as he was running on empty for the last half an hour.
Kea 7 - decent display. Clever in possession and always find a bit of space for himself. Mobile too without the ball. Already a key player for us
Ireland 7 - Very good second half. Talent not in doubt but a player of his ability has got to start scoring and laying on chances. Seems to do a lot of his best work away from areas that will hurt teams. Then again kept the ball pretty well. Chance to score could have really got his season firing. Needs a goal I reckon.
Bannan 6 - Great delivery for the goal but disappeared after that until Kea went off. Finished the game pretty well in the centre. Tidy in possession. Some good deliveries too from set pieces. One of his better games in the last 12 months.
Weimann 6 - Far more lively than the Fonz for example. Started well and I would be happy enough with that showing. Lacks a bit of spark in front of goal
Bent 7 - good display from Bent I thought. When he got the ball to feet he seemed to use it well. Had a couple of decent chances too but took an unnecessary touch for the better one.

Gabby 7 - cracking cameo appearance. Gave a much needed physical presence up there and skated away from the Newcastle defence for the Bent chance. Id bring him back into the side slowly if I was Lambert but that was a decent first outing from Gabby that would have been key if one of the late chances had been taken

Nzogbia 6 - No way did he deserve to start. Trundled along as he often does but was actually on a decent run when Gutierrez dragged him back. Bit better anyway

Id like to see Herd come back into the side when fit. Holman had a bit of a shocker I thought. Bennett and Benteke are surely likely to come into consideration as is Westwood. Hopefully Kea isnt out for too long.

Certainly a lot better but I wouldnt be as overly positive as some here. Newcastle were dire I thought. Cracking goal from Ben Arfa but Cisse was anonymous. Wonder if he will struggle this season and they badly missed Tiote in midfield. We badly need more from our full backs out wide and the midfield still needs a lot of work I reckon.

[Hookeysmith]

Are there any highlights - still not seen our goal yet

[PaulTheVillan]

http://www.101greatgoals.com/goals/england/team-sheets-newcastle-v-aston-villa/

[eastie]

finally off the mark with a solid point and one we should have probably turned into 3 with the chances late on.

Positives - the manager. Big call in goal was justified, bringing Clark back in was justified also as was dropping Nzogbia. Positive substitutions late on bringing on Gabby and Nzogbia helped us no end. We also played some good stuff in the second half I thought and Ireland and/or Bent should have won it for us. Wiemann too had a decent chance but lacked conviction in the shot.

Negatives - Brett Holman ran around like a headless chicken for the 90 mins. Also thought we were desperately negative in the first half after we scored. Hardly put 5 passes together and just hoofed it clear. Lowton pushed on a bit but we need more from our full backs considering how narrow we are set up in midfield.

Guzan 7 - came and caught a lot of punts from Newcastle. His kicking particularly from the hand needs to improve and Id worry about the all or nothing come out for long balls but he has assured yesterday and it gave confidence to our centre back pairing.
Lowton 6 - still finding his feet at this level. Most of what he did was ok.
Vlaar 6 - Solid enough display but thought he was outshone by his defensive partner. M
Clark 7 - Good goal but no stupid tackles either and was assured in possession. Would like to see him win a few more aerial duels.
Lichaj 6 - Picked to counteract Ben Arfa turning in field and defended very well. Dreadful on the ball though, cant kick the ball with his left foot.
Holman 4 - Ran around an awful lot but did zilch with the ball and was poor for the goal. Thought Lambert should have withdrew him long before the end as he was running on empty for the last half an hour.
Kea 7 - decent display. Clever in possession and always find a bit of space for himself. Mobile too without the ball. Already a key player for us
Ireland 7 - Very good second half. Talent not in doubt but a player of his ability has got to start scoring and laying on chances. Seems to do a lot of his best work away from areas that will hurt teams. Then again kept the ball pretty well. Chance to score could have really got his season firing. Needs a goal I reckon.
Bannan 6 - Great delivery for the goal but disappeared after that until Kea went off. Finished the game pretty well in the centre. Tidy in possession. Some good deliveries too from set pieces. One of his better games in the last 12 months.
Weimann 6 - Far more lively than the Fonz for example. Started well and I would be happy enough with that showing. Lacks a bit of spark in front of goal
Bent 7 - good display from Bent I thought. When he got the ball to feet he seemed to use it well. Had a couple of decent chances too but took an unnecessary touch for the better one.

Gabby 7 - cracking cameo appearance. Gave a much needed physical presence up there and skated away from the Newcastle defence for the Bent chance. Id bring him back into the side slowly if I was Lambert but that was a decent first outing from Gabby that would have been key if one of the late chances had been taken

Nzogbia 6 - No way did he deserve to start. Trundled along as he often does but was actually on a decent run when Gutierrez dragged him back. Bit better anyway

Id like to see Herd come back into the side when fit. Holman had a bit of a shocker I thought. Bennett and Benteke are surely likely to come into consideration as is Westwood. Hopefully Kea isnt out for too long.

Certainly a lot better but I wouldnt be as overly positive as some here. Newcastle were dire I thought. Cracking goal from Ben Arfa but Cisse was anonymous. Wonder if he will struggle this season and they badly missed Tiote in midfield. We badly need more from our full backs out wide and the midfield still needs a lot of work I reckon.

Amazed you listed Holman as a negative, I thought he had a really good game and deserved great praise for his efforts. Ben Arfa scored a wonder goal on his weaker foot - harsh to give Holman a 4 mark in the extreme.

[Monty]

I loved Holman's performance, almost because of his flaws: he'd give the ball away, run about 70 yards to win it back, play a lovely neat one-two then give it away again, cue more running etc. It was great fun.

[not3bad]

The differing opinions on Holman's performance are quite startling.

[damon loves JT]

The differing opinions on Holman's performance are quite startling.

I think he will be that kind of player. We'll see what Lambert thinks from how often he starts him.

[Percy McCarthy]

I think he'll be a success and a leader. Please let there be one good thing to come from TSM's season.

[supertom]

He mostly gave the ball away when he was closed down quickly or in tight spaces. He's not as technically deft as Ireland say. When he has time on the ball he's better. The more he adjusts to the pace of the Premierleague and improves his quickfire decision making, the better he'll get.
I was impressed with him though. When he had a bit of pitch to run into and time, he showed he could pick a pass. His workrate alone and his attitude make him a regular starter for me.

[pauliewalnuts]

I loved Holman's performance, almost because of his flaws: he'd give the ball away, run about 70 yards to win it back, play a lovely neat one-two then give it away again, cue more running etc. It was great fun.

Also, don't know if you have noticed, but his usual facial expression (when not playing, too) is one of a slightly scowly, put upon Australian who has been told to run up several large hills, and has just done so.

It's a kind of mix of a thousand yard stare with exasperation.

[supertom]

Holman's pass completion rate so far in the 3 games has been 73%. Not too shabby and will certainly get better. Delph's is impressive and I'd really like to see him play again. Bannan's performance yesterday made it a very interesting battle for that spot, along with Westwood to come in. It seems we don't waste too many passes. KEA in particular keeps the ball impressively. 86%
Aside from Lowton, no ones attempted more tackles than Holman thus far. Lowtons stats are impressive too. It might be his gangly appearance, but he reminds me of Delaney. He's not as strong in the tackle, but he's better on the ball. Otherwise his engine and attitude and willingness to get up and down are very similar to MD.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/5037767/Aston-Villa-Football-Club-Players.html