Aston Villa v Stoke City Post-Match Thread

[Mister E]

Well, I thought our central 5 were excellent - Westy, BB, Herd, CC and Baker were all very good. Unfortunately we  lacked that final cutting edge - with the chances we created in the first half we should have been done and dusted.
I was very disappointed with Ireland: although he got into some good positions, he was ineffectual.

Bent's a goner, I think - he cut a very lonely figure and didn't really engage in the game at all.

If we're going to play 3-5-2, we will need two good wing-bavks: neither Lichaj or Lowton are good enough in those positions.

[rutski]

Well, I thought our central 5 were excellent - Westy, BB, Herd, CC and Baker were all very good. Unfortunately we  lacked that final cutting edge - with the chances we created in the first half we should have been done and dusted.
I was very disappointed with Ireland: although he got into some good positions, he was ineffectual.

Bent's a goner, I think - he cut a very lonely figure and didn't really engage in the game at all.

If we're going to play 3-5-2, we will need two good wing-bavks: neither Lichaj or Lowton are good enough in those positions.

lowton definitely is, lichaj is a right back filling in at left back.. Lowton and westwood will be in england squads in 2 years time!

[silhillvilla]

Just home, highlight of the day was definitely the Chinese up town after the game. Stoke are a disgrace to football, I thought we looked great at the back and Westwood was great. Lichaj is very poor and needs to go out on loan to learn the game he did make 1 excellent change at the end on Jerome though.
Benteke missed the games best chance he really should have done better.

[paul_e]

Last comment:

Baker was excellent today but he looks much better alongside Clark than anyone else.  They seem to have a really good understanding, both were showing signs of developing that understanding with Vlaar as well, we could end up with a really good defense in a couple of years with this lot (and Herd looks like he could potentially make it as right sided defender, was very good today against a very tough side).

[Mister E]

Well, I thought our central 5 were excellent - Westy, BB, Herd, CC and Baker were all very good. Unfortunately we  lacked that final cutting edge - with the chances we created in the first half we should have been done and dusted.
I was very disappointed with Ireland: although he got into some good positions, he was ineffectual.

Bent's a goner, I think - he cut a very lonely figure and didn't really engage in the game at all.

If we're going to play 3-5-2, we will need two good wing-bavks: neither Lichaj or Lowton are good enough in those positions.

lowton definitely is, lichaj is a right back filling in at left back.. Lowton and westwood will be in england squads in 2 years time!

Don't get me wrong: I think both players are good (although, as you point out, Lichaj is not a left back). But as wing-backs I think they are only reasonable.

[ozzjim]

I think Lowton could be a great wing back, once the confidence is there to leave his defensive duties to others.

[Legion]

Would have preferred Weimann to be brought on as opposed to Bent. My only minor quibble about today's game. We did not lie down and let Stoke bully us. With a bit more composure in the final third we would have won this easily.

[rutski]

Last comment:

Baker was excellent today but he looks much better alongside Clark than anyone else.  They seem to have a really good understanding, both were showing signs of developing that understanding with Vlaar as well, we could end up with a really good defense in a couple of years with this lot (and Herd looks like he could potentially make it as right sided defender, was very good today against a very tough side).

agreed, baker was physically strong and calm in possesion. he stood up well to their 'style' of play and will make a great cb if he has patience and bides his time.

[ozzjim]

Would have preferred Weimann to be brought on as opposed to Bent. My only minor quibble about today's game. We did not lie down and let Stoke bully us. With a bit more composure in the final third we would have won this easily.

Composure is a great word for today. First half, 3-4 times a bit of composure to slip the final ball or take the chance, or delay the movement that split second could have got us rewards. Benteke looked incredible in build up play but I though snatched his chances his fair bit.

[rutski]

Would have preferred Weimann to be brought on as opposed to Bent. My only minor quibble about today's game. We did not lie down and let Stoke bully us. With a bit more composure in the final third we would have won this easily.

villa's best performance against stoke since they came back up to the premier. we have had better players on the pitch before but not play as well and competed as a unit like we did today. very proud of them.

[silhillvilla]

Would have preferred Weimann to be brought on as opposed to Bent. My only minor quibble about today's game. We did not lie down and let Stoke bully us. With a bit more composure in the final third we would have won this easily.

Agree Weimann would have made more sense than Bent but I think Lambert had to give him a run.

[pauliewalnuts]

The more I see of Baker, the more I am impressed.

He has that "making it look effortless" thing about him.

[SoccerHQ]

Didn't see the match, sounds like I missed nothing.

I think you missed plenty. I thought we played some really good football and had some good chances.

How many times did Begovic make a really hard save though? It was hardly a 0-0 when we've battered their goal.

Benteke is fantastic but he never seems to get enough power on his strike.

Still gives the impression he's going to be amazing next season, hopefully still with us.

[Dan England]

Really thought at nil-nil with 25 minutes to go today was the opportunity for Bent and Ireland to make a statement. Disappointingly , if anything, we went backwards once they came one. Bent contributed nothing, Ireland created nothing. I don't think they are bad players but it does seem that they really don't fit with Lambert's Villa.

[Dan England]

Would have preferred Weimann to be brought on as opposed to Bent. My only minor quibble about today's game. We did not lie down and let Stoke bully us. With a bit more composure in the final third we would have won this easily.

Agree Weimann would have made more sense than Bent but I think Lambert had to give him a run.

I'll third that. Wiemann seems far more willing and the amount of work he get's through far exceeds that of Bent. He is also one of the few players we have that will risk having a shot or gambling on a run/second guessing a mistake.