Aston Villa v Swansea City Post-Match Thread

[Mister E]

Did anyone else notice how, after Holman went off, KEA became more prominent in midfield? It seemed to me that rather tahn being a holding palyer, KEA started pressing and intercepting higher up the pitch, just like Holman had been. It shows to me that the players are working for each other, know what their jobs are, and are adaptable to changes. Very impressive.

As someone else said, for the first time in what seems an age, I was totally absorbed in the game, and celebrated the goals like a mad man.

The times they are a changing.  I like it!

Yep, Westwood dropped a little deeper.

[Mister E]

One thing not mentioned much here: I thought Bent played well. He was dropping back to join in moves and dropping wide to provide options and stretch the opposition. He worked hard, closed down, joined in the 'hunting in packs' pressing which is the key feature of our game now, and actually a lot of his touches were very good, very assured and much more confident. For the first time in ages, when he got the ball he seemed to have his head up, looking for options. If Lambert can keep getting those performances out of Bent when he starts scoring, we've got a hell of a forward on our hands.

I don't know what game you were watching? Bent did the occasional run down the channel, but was lazy when it came to closing down, Holman chased down 3 players from our own half back to their keeper, he ran passed Bent in the process.??
Another occasion we lost possession and Weimann ran back and closed down while bent just casually strolled back from an offside position.

He was better in some instances, like aerial he won a lot of balls and he when he did run the channel was more composed than usual.

But he has a lot of work to do to improve or he will be dropped by Lambert.

The main thing though, is I can see improvement in everyone and I think it's only a matter of time before Bent gets back into form, because if we keep up performances like that and get Bent scoring, we will finish top 10 no problem.

So what's the problem with that. If you have one of the best forwards in the League, whos main forte is beating defenders and running on to through balls, he is not going to be particularly effective if he is totally knackered fron chasing balls all day. There are other players who can do that.

Bent was fine yesterday: I was impressed with the way he started to become provider, for Weimann in the first half and Benteke (at least twice ) in the second.

If we play like that consistently, Bent, Weimann, Gabby and Benteke will all get plenty of chances to provide and to score. It's a formidable set of strikers, I'd say.

[Ron Manager]

Holman= Des Bremner???

Holman = Des Bremner = Frank Carrodus

You are obviously of a certain age..like me!

and spot on!

[Chris Smith]

One thing not mentioned much here: I thought Bent played well. He was dropping back to join in moves and dropping wide to provide options and stretch the opposition. He worked hard, closed down, joined in the 'hunting in packs' pressing which is the key feature of our game now, and actually a lot of his touches were very good, very assured and much more confident. For the first time in ages, when he got the ball he seemed to have his head up, looking for options. If Lambert can keep getting those performances out of Bent when he starts scoring, we've got a hell of a forward on our hands.

I don't know what game you were watching? Bent did the occasional run down the channel, but was lazy when it came to closing down, Holman chased down 3 players from our own half back to their keeper, he ran passed Bent in the process.??
Another occasion we lost possession and Weimann ran back and closed down while bent just casually strolled back from an offside position.

He was better in some instances, like aerial he won a lot of balls and he when he did run the channel was more composed than usual.

But he has a lot of work to do to improve or he will be dropped by Lambert.

The main thing though, is I can see improvement in everyone and I think it's only a matter of time before Bent gets back into form, because if we keep up performances like that and get Bent scoring, we will finish top 10 no problem.

So what's the problem with that. If you have one of the best forwards in the League, whos main forte is beating defenders and running on to through balls, he is not going to be particularly effective if he is totally knackered fron chasing balls all day. There are other players who can do that.

Because this season Bent hasn't been making those runs or making space for himself, add that to not helping out in other areas, it was like playing with 10 men.

Yesterday he was better, but still not doing his job.

Weimann was a real team player, made runs, held the ball up and was getting shots away and was very unlucky not to score. I think he deserves to keep his place instead of Bent for Benteke.

I really don't get this at all, Bent seemed more involved in the game yesterday than he has for a while. Weimann is a busy player but Bent played the link role very well I though, in fact he suprised me a little with how good he was.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I reckon if we have Given in goal, we would lose this one. Well Done Paul for sticking with Guzan

I had a feeling Guzan wouldn't play, not because Lambert preferred Given but due to the air miles Brad made with the US team. I'm assuming he flew to the States, then down to Jamica and back to the US before returning to Brum.

The save from Dyer was outstanding. It really was heading to the top corner.

[Yossarian]

I am definitely in the Bent played well yeaterday camp. I thought he put a good shift in and had some deft little touches.

[Risso]

I am definitely in the Bent played well yeaterday camp. I thought he put a good shift in and had some deft little touches.

Same here, thought it was the most complete performance he's put in in ages.  Would have been nice to cap it with a goal, but if the rest of the team is creating chances and scoring, who cares?

[SashasGrandad]

Holman= Des Bremner???

Holman = Des Bremner = Frank Carrodus

You are obviously of a certain age..like me!

and spot on!

The hair style is more Frank Carrodus

[Dave]

But for Benteke missing a near-open goal and a brilliant clearing header from Tate he would have made three goals yesterday.

Not bad for a player who can't do anything but score tap-ins.

[darren woolley]

We played really well if we can produce that sort of performance for the rest of the season I will be more than happy we were a joy to watch.

[SashasGrandad]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Westwood start v Southampton, with KEA slightly further forward. Then its Holman plus either Bannan or Ireland on the other side.

Of course, he may keep the midfield the same

I don't think Ireland can think quick enough to be be able to play this type of football. Too many times he was caught in possession or too slow to react.

[JUAN PABLO]

Just watched football first.

First mention of Lowton and 'good enough to push into the England setup'.

Admittedly it was Dave Bassett, who possibly has an axe to grind. But he (Lowton) does show promise of becoming a very good player.

did you not get the Fulham commentary .lol

[peter w]

I am definitely in the Bent played well yeaterday camp. I thought he put a good shift in and had some deft little touches.

Same here, thought it was the most complete performance he's put in in ages.  Would have been nice to cap it with a goal, but if the rest of the team is creating chances and scoring, who cares?

and winning.

[Toronto Villa]

There's no need for Bent bashing or questioning. We all know he needs a certain type of service to be most effective. It's coming. He lost two superb providers in Ash and Downing and is just coming off a disastrous year for the club coupled with his own injury. Now, with a new manager and a steadily improving team he's going to get better support and we will figure out a way of getting him and the other forwards better service. You can already see he is working harder to be a more complete player, and there is already some evidence of a growing understanding with Wiemann. Add in a Benteke and a healthy Gabby it only bodes well for him and for our entire strikeforce.

[JUAN PABLO]

I thought everyone worked hard yesterday even some who had a little off day worked their claret and blue bollocks off.

Bent was great yesterday , can't believe people still moaning after  that win and the performance. Fickle comes to mind.

The squad is now looking a lot better , all hungry players.

And the manager will work his magic on Albrighton , Delph , Bennett and Gardner in the future too.

Lambert is a top manager and I am so happy he is with us.   I feel good again.