Aston Villa v West Ham United Post-Match Thread

[The Left Side]

Phewwww

[PeterWithesShin]

Fuck me I loved that win, even if I did have to change my trousers on the way home, and it wasn't from the rain!

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Allardyce came for the point and got what he deserved, nothing. First half they managed to kill the game, making it very difficult for us to find the space for Benteke. Second half, he'd obviously told them to have a go and to be fair, for 5 minutes they did. But in doing so, they opened up the game and we could finally start running at them. Two-nil would have been a fair result against such negative tactics that have seen West Ham score only two goals outside of London all season. He should shut the f*uck up and concentrate on trying to keep them up. They've some very tough games coming up and with his tactics, I can't see them picking up many points.

It was a tough game for us but mainly because West Ham didn't want to know, which is kind of strange after their convincing win against Swansea. Almost feel sorry for the West Ham fans. It's probably only their demands on the team to perform at Upton Park that will manage to keep them up, though it may not be enough to keep Fat Sam in a job come the summer.

Pleasing performances from Guzan, Clark, Delph and Zog (second half). We really missed Gabby today, Bowery put in a shift but never really managed to threaten their defence. No worries, he played out of position and he's still learning. At least Holman wasn't brought back. Overall, the 3 points are what count but with Gabby hopefully back against Arsenal, we'll have a bit more balance to the side, not to mention, a bit more confidence. Just a shame we never kept a clean sheet, the defence deserved it today.

Tuscans, sorry for you loss. Stay strong.

[Billy Walker]

Sorry.  That was simply a terrible game between two very very poor teams.  We will be lucky to play against a team as bad as WHU in what remains of the season.  We are going down. 

Dear Lord...

[Holte132]

Allardyce has just been on SSN saying how West Ham deserved something from the game, as he reckoned they had dominated most of it, particularly in the second half!

[Jockey Randall]

I dont understand why Bowery was on the pitch....just dont understand Lamberts thinking.

Personally I thought him, Lowton and Charles linked up well on the right although maybe over elaborated. He also helped at set pieces and gave Lowton some cover. When West Ham broke from our corner in the first half, Bowery ran the player down.

I doubt he has got what it takes to make it in this league - but today he made the most of his limited ability & experience and did the best he could. He fully deserved the applause when he went off for his commitment and effort.  He looked better today as he was playing against Wet Spam who have a team full of championship players.

I think it's hats off to Lambert for again finding a player playing in a lower division who doesn't look out of place at a higher level. For peanuts as well.

[taylorsworkrate]

Performance was largely poor against an abysmal West Ham but who cares. 3 points was an absolute must given the next couple of games.

Must admit I fully expected them to equalise in injury time.

I think Lambert really has to get Bent into the side. We looked much better when he and Dawkins came on.

[SoccerHQ]

I thought on balance we deserved it just about, and won ugly as Lambert had talked about.

I thought Vlaar had a good game and Clark made some essential interceptions on low crosses into the box. Guzan was, IMO, slightly out of position and got caught for the goal but had an excellent game apart from that.

Westwood looked and played like a man who had not eaten for a few days, and should not have been out there really.

Weimann let the miss kill his whole match and unless scoring, his all round game is very suspect. He is great with confidence and dire without, but works his bollocks off whatever so should be forgiven and is on the way to being an excellent player.

Benteke struggled I thought, and I think he feels the pressure a lot more at VP than away from home where he is a beast. Amazing pen though.

NZogbia was woeful until Bent and Dawkins arrived, and they drew defenders to give him the room to get at the defenders. Stunning free kick, and he is and has proven in the past to be a ticket out of the situation we are in. Give him the ball in areas he can hurt teams. Get him confident.


Delph I was impressed again. Energy, fight, some nice touches, but he runs the ball on his 3/4th touch too far time and again and loses it or has to make a tackle. Take a breath, calm and keep the ball lad.

Baker played well at left back IMO, but needs to not dive in. Brilliant header of Carroll.

Delighted to win. It feels nice to win.

I thought Baker was very suspect at left back, they constantly used that channel to get crosses in and he never stopped them and also he gave away some stupid fouls. Agree that Bent and Dawkins massively helped N'Zog.

Probably shows how terrible Bennett and the other options are at LB that I was quite happy to see Baker there today probably just for the extra height.

[Chipsticks]

I was on my knees at the end of the game.

Well thats one way to relieve stress I suppose.

[villa kicks]

I think all those calling for Diame were generally embarrassed today Delph MOM and far superior

Guzan 8
Vlaar 7.5
Clark 7.5
Baker 7.5
Lowton 7
N'Zogbia 8
Westwood 7
Delph 8 
Benteke 8
Bowery 6
Weimann 6.5

Bent 6.5
Dawkins 6.5
Sylla n/a


UTV

[PeterWithesShin]

Special mention to Bent. That goal line clearance could be invaluable come the end of the season. Felt it worth a mention as i've given him stick in the past so credit where it's due.

[Dave Clark Five]

You could hear the tackle that Baker got booked for.
It was a cracker.

[CJ]

After Weimann missed that early open goal I really thought it wasn't going to be our day. Pretty flat first half and very flat atmosphere. West Ham looked like they'd come for a point and didn't really offer a threat until the last 10 minutes then it was all hands to the pump to repel the inevitable aerial bombardment, and thank fcuk we've got Brad Guzan in goal. Thought we defended pretty well, although we still give away far too many unnecessary free kicks. Not sure what Bowery can offer - looked out of his depth - Gabby in that position would have had a field day. Didn't see enough of Sylla to form an opinion. Men of the match for me were Delph and, for his heroics at the end, Guzan. Massive 3 points

[eastie]

I was on my knees at the end of the game.

Well thats one way to relieve stress I suppose.

Depends whos standing in front of you chipsticks 

[rob_bridge]

Alladyce can fuck right off - he is full of shit most of the time.