Aston Villa v Reading Match Thread

[Small Rodent]

I'm pretty convinced we're forcing Bent into a corner to put in a transfer request. I have no evidence, but unless he's done something terrible, I can't see a reason why he's not on the bench. Still, we won't be the first team that's done this to him.

[Apyadg]

Either Lambert is a stubborn and colossal bellend - his mentor is Mo'N, so it's plausible I guess - or Lerner's austerity measures are ongoing and he wants Ireland and Bent off the wagebill as well. Who knows.

[Goldie.7]

We're still in the game pretty much sums up the first. Go 0-1 down though and we all know how it will end.

[Jon Crofts]

If we can't beat Reading at home, we deserve to be relegated.

[PeterWithesShin]

So, what's anyone eating during HT. Any Reggae Reggae sauce recipes?

I don't think even Rustie Lee could save this one.

She couldn't come with anything as nice as the Admiral's Crumble i'm about to eat. It's the lucky pie that will help us to a comfortable win. Wibble (as I believe the crazy kids say these days)

[hilts_coolerking]

Partly down to nerves I think. But stick one of our two great chances away and I think we'd be more confident.

Thing is, the most likely player we have who can do that is inexplicably sitting in the stands.  I think we at least deserve an explanation from Lambert.  But I don't think we'll get one.

[PaulWinch again]

Ireland on, not good enough at all.

[Rigadon]

One more minute of torture to go.

That made me chuckle mate.  Do you think that half would've been made better by Darren Bent playing by any chance? ;-p

Truly uninspired, insipid half of football.  As Pauliewalnuts said earlier in the thread, akin to a cup game against minnows, or a friendly in terms of tempo. 

Also, did I hear murmurings of booing at the end of that half?  If so, the crowd could turn if we lose this one.

Need a much much higher tempo and a sense of urgency in the second half.  Do that and we'll win the game.

[pauliewalnuts]

I'm pretty convinced we're forcing Bent into a corner to put in a transfer request. I have no evidence, but unless he's done something terrible, I can't see a reason why he's not on the bench. Still, we won't be the first team that's done this to him.

I have to say, it looks that way, doesn't it?

[Tuscans]

C'mon lads, we can beat these and the hoops next Saturday. Bit more composure and we shall all go home happy tonight.

[Total knob-head]

If we can't beat Reading at home, we deserve to be relegated.

This.

[PeterWithesShin]

Well I'm having a cup of tea and the first mince pie of the winter.  Too soon, I know, but that's what Lambert has driven me to.

I bought a box the other day, they were all eaten within 2 days. All by me, not that i'm a greedy fecker.

[citizenDJ]

Clark alongside Laursen, Westwood alongside Barry, Bannan alongside Milner. Just examples, but some of these young players of ours learning the game alonsgside some experienced heads would have been genuinely quite exciting. All in together though, and it could end badly.

They might have developed a bit better but it would still have weakened our squad.

How many of these players would have got in to our first 11 3-4 years ago? Or even the bench? Benteke maybe, Guzan on the bench. That's about it I'd say.  It's all well and good rebuilding, and I'm sure given time they won't always be bottom-three players, but there's very few of them who look like they'd be comfortable in a mid-table to top 6 team.

All being well, we'll be up there with the Fulhams of this world in a few years.

I mean that they would have had the chance to play the odd game alongside those experienced players, as well as train with them and perhaps enjoy a less stressful introduction to Premier League football. Anyway, it's just ifs and buts.

[Risso]

Partly down to nerves I think. But stick one of our two great chances away and I think we'd be more confident.

Thing is, the most likely player we have who can do that is inexplicably sitting in the stands.  I think we at least deserve an explanation from Lambert.  But I don't think we'll get one.

It'd just be inaudible mumbling anyway. 

[PaulWinch again]

Unless it's something truly appalling he's done, Bent should be involved.