Reading v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that? 

Have you got spycams in my place? Went off to make some tea - I very rarely drink the stuff. Tidied the kitchen up a bit, even thought about washing up.

[Mister E]

Fair play to Lambert today. I have long accused him of tactical ineptness but he got the tactics and selection spot on today. We bossed midfield most of the game. We still looked to attack in the last 10 mins too, rather then clinging on for dear life. Guzan MoTM for me. Just so reassuring and authoritative in the box. On the negative side, Weimann does seem to have lost his killer instinct recently. Lack of confidence perhaps? I'd go for the same team against QPR with Zog for Andi. Brilliant win though. If we can beat QPR, then I can't see them finishing ahead of us.

That - in bold - is the key. With the attack we have, the MF is the critical unit to keep forward momentum and break up opposition play before they have a chance torment our defence.

[PaulWinch again]

Beat QPR and we are out of it however we Must not lose to them. A win would be ideal but draw would be OK.

I wouldn't say we're out of it, because we'll still need 8 points I'd say but we'd be on our way.

[PeterWithesShin]

Eat my goal!
 

[PaulWinch again]

Guzan 8

Lowton 5
Vlaar 6
Clark 6
Baker 6

Sylla 7
Westwood 8
Bannan 7

Gabby 7
Benteke 8
Weimann 7

N'Zog 7
Bennett 6

Some really good parts in there. Our second goal was Barca-esque and would be right up there for goals of the season if Bannan had slotted it in first time rather than rebounding off the post for a Gabby wallop. Baker I thought was good aside from his OG mistake. Lowton is solid enough on the floor but let us down a bit in the air. Neither Clark or Vlaar were solid throughout. Midfield was excellent from all three, Sylla looks like a canny buy despite moans and groans from some on here about his purchase. Benteke was once again unplayable but really it's Weimann that sets things up for us. It's always him bursting into space that unlocks defences, something that Gabby rarely does these days.

All in all a good performance, Reading were second best in every department.

I'd say Sylla 8 and Westwood 7, and I'd give Lowton and Baker 3 at most.

[caster troy]

Credit where it's due that is a massive win. I was too scared to watch it, so I'm particularly pleased to hear that Sylla had a good game which is an unexpected bonus. If he helps Bannan and Westwood play their natural games that would help a lot.

We must beat QPR and kill their momentum, I'm not too fussed about them winning today because it really brings Sunderland into the mix, who we still have to play at home. Ultimately it is at Villa Park where our fate will be decided, having been terrible at home for the last few seasons we really need to win three out of five because our away games look very tough.

[RossLeach]

Does anyone else disappear to another part of the house and stop listening because you think nothing else will happen in the game if you do that?

That's what I did

[PaulWinch again]

Sylla offered us a different dimension and allowed us to compete in midfield. His energy, passing and physicality were excellent.

[eastie]

Beat QPR and we are out of it however we Must not lose to them. A win would be ideal but draw would be OK.

I certainly wouldn't say we will be out of it - we will be on 30 points if we beat qpr , promising yes but certainly still more work to be done yet.

One game at a time but lets hope we can finally get back to back wins.

[maidstonevillain]

Guzan 8

Lowton 5
Vlaar 6
Clark 6
Baker 6

Sylla 7
Westwood 8
Bannan 7

Gabby 7
Benteke 8
Weimann 7

N'Zog 7
Bennett 6

Some really good parts in there. Our second goal was Barca-esque and would be right up there for goals of the season if Bannan had slotted it in first time rather than rebounding off the post for a Gabby wallop. Baker I thought was good aside from his OG mistake. Lowton is solid enough on the floor but let us down a bit in the air. Neither Clark or Vlaar were solid throughout. Midfield was excellent from all three, Sylla looks like a canny buy despite moans and groans from some on here about his purchase. Benteke was once again unplayable but really it's Weimann that sets things up for us. It's always him bursting into space that unlocks defences, something that Gabby rarely does these days.

All in all a good performance, Reading were second best in every department.

I'd say Sylla 8 and Westwood 7, and I'd give Lowton and Baker 3 at most.

I agree.

[damon loves JT]

The great thing about Villa games is I get a lot of things done. Today I put a load of stuff in the attic, did the shopping, mended the cracks in the living room ceiling and hung a picture. All with the expression of a man on death row

[Rip Van We Go Again]

Matt Lucas has just been on Skysports and seems to think they were hard done by with the refs decisions.

Fuck off Baldilocks.

[kippaxvilla2]

Matt Lucas.....always makes me laugh.

[andyh]

Sylla had a very solid game.
Could be interesting to see him in with Westwood and Delph when he's back.

[Oscar Arce]

Relieved. Simple as. Looking forward to seeing Sylla next week after all the good comments on here.
After questioning Lambert's selection earlier I have to concede that he is a tactical genius.