Aston Villa v Reading Match Thread

[JUAN PABLO]

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.

we will need more players off the wage bill in the championship.

[supertom]

Poor so far. We at least, somewhat, took control toward the second half of the half. A bit more composure is needed. Some of the players are just too nervy, in a rush to make something happen.
Today we've seen the worst of Bannan. He dwelt early on, was caught out, outmuscled. Then the mistake stays with him. First thing he does after is try a Hollywood that isn't on. He's been a been snipey too a couple of times. Again, inconsistency at this level, and not staying switched on will be the difference between him making it, or playing in the championship (fair enough, that could well be with us next season!).

For me though, Westwood has been excellent. You sometimes forget he's there but he's always available and always uses the ball well. Don't think I've seen him waste a pass and it's not that he just goes sideways or backwards, he gets things moving forward. Looks a class act.

Benteke just needs to work on his decision making. He looks most likely to make something happen.

I'd take of Weimann and bring on Ireland, switch Holman to the wide area. We could do with Irelands vision, and hope he has an on game.

Better 2nd half I hope. Generally we're poor 2nd half but hopefully the Arse game was a turning point.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Every time the ball comes into our area, our defence look like a bunch of teenagers scrabbling to hide the booze because their dad has just got home.

Utter chaos.

Haha! I know exactly what you mean. Solid they ain't, not that they're getting much support from the midfield.
I'd like to see Ireland on for either Bannan or Holman.We need to move the ball faster to Benteke and Gabby. Oh and Weimann. Forgot about him.

[tremzvillain]

It's ridiculous how far we've fallen. We look too inexperienced to be in this league, at the moment.

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Can't remember the last time we played with confidence against a team like Reading. Doesn't help when people moan loudly after a small mistake.

Goals to come in this game.

[Fergal]

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.

Goldie, have faith.

[ez]

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?

It will be our loss. Bent would be playing in the premier next season. Watching this i have real doubts we will.

[citizenDJ]

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. 

"Mutter, grumble, we go again, mutter, grumble, pick ourselves up, grumble, grumble"

[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.

It'd just be inaudible mumbling anyway.

"Eeeeherrrrr...quality...eeeerhhheeeerrrr...nevergiveop...ehhhhererreere...razorfight."

[Irish villain]

It's ridiculous how far we've fallen. We look too inexperienced to be in the this league, at the moment.

It is also very sad.

[Fergal]

last season I almost drowned in negativity and frustration.  I refuse to get into that state again....
We will WIN......

[PaulWinch again]

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?

It will be our loss. Bent would be playing in the premier next season. Watching this i have real doubts we will.

It's utter madness, suicidal madness. We must win this game and if we don't Lambert needs to give a proper explanation regarding Bent.

[Astral Weeks]

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?

It's the only conclusion I can come up with. Why? Fucked if I know.

[Steve R]

Reading are working hard and we are not exactly doing a great job of creating space. Hopefully it will open up a bit in the second half.

Come on youse Lions.

[Irish villain]

last season I almost drowned in negativity and frustration.  I refuse to get into that state again....
We will WIN......

Spread the optimism!