Reading v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Lastfootstamper]

Lichaj gets a bad rap, he's not half as bad as some make out and would look a much better player next to a couple of decent centre halves and a more solid mf. It's hard to judge alot of these players as the majority would look the part in a better collective team

Agreed, I think it's a little unfair to judge him mainly on the Christmasy period when he was playing at left wing-back in our comedy formation of the time. If Lowton does need pulling out, I'd stick Eric in at right-back in a flat back four, better option than playing someone else out of position

[Lastfootstamper]

Bizarrely the match reports I've read (BBC, Guardian, Independent) have all said the offside decision was marginal/controversial - did they not see the multiple replays showing that Hunt was actually definitely offside?

Best one was the Reading fan on 606 that reckoned he wasn't interfering with play!!!

[paul_e]

I'd agree with a few that Lowton has had a drop off in form, I think he's looking worn out in all honesty.  We really need the option to give him a few games out.  Maybe Herd back and in the side for a game or 2 would be a good idea.

I'm glad Bannan is pretty much getting the credit he deserves after today, watching the 2nd goal all through, he was very important all through it and probably deserved it to sneak in rather than bouncing along the line.  Iknow he's frustrating but there really is a good player in there and I really hope performances like today lead to fans giving him the chance to prove it.

[seanthevillan]

Bizarrely the match reports I've read (BBC, Guardian, Independent) have all said the offside decision was marginal/controversial - did they not see the multiple replays showing that Hunt was actually definitely offside?

Best one was the Reading fan on 606 that reckoned he wasn't interfering with play!!!

Haha yeah - though tbf to Savage he gave him the respect he deserved.

[ROBBO]

The back four are an accident waiting to happen, any decent side would have taken them apart, what concerned me most was the inability to handle crosses. This was our easiest game of the season and we had to win but next week is even more important.

[KRS]

The back four are an accident waiting to happen, any decent side would have taken them apart, what concerned me most was the inability to handle crosses. This was our easiest game of the season and we had to win but next week is even more important.

Any decent side such as Arsenal or Cit£h? I think you're right but they have held their own lately and seem to be improving slowly but surely...Man Utd at Old Trafford could be very painful for all concerned though.

[Hillbilly]

I take it all back, we're not completely hopeless.

[brontebilly]

Lichaj gets a bad rap, he's not half as bad as some make out and would look a much better player next to a couple of decent centre halves and a more solid mf. It's hard to judge alot of these players as the majority would look the part in a better collective team

He is beyond inept at left back but at right back he is pretty solid. Limited player on the ball but a better defender than Lowton I reckon. That deep cross to the back post has caught Lowton out all season. Absolutely shocking for a full back to be caught under the ball like that at this level.

[tomd2103]

Lowton may have made some mistakes, but I have to say by and large I have been quite impressed with him this season. Only player who has played in every game in think and maybe need a rest

One of only three Premiership players to have played every minute of every league game this season. 

[Matt C]

A deserved and very welcome win.

Bulid-up to the second goal was excellent, quite amusing too as the co-commentator over here (Tony Gale?) was saying it was all very pretty but not really going anywhere. Next thing you knew Gabby was breaking the net. Kiss my face.

[brontebilly]

To be fair Benteke was unplayable at times today. Some blatant fouling on him went unpunished but he held the ball up superbly. Hit the bar, scored and was a threat all game. Gabby too on second viewing played well, particularly in the second half. Just wide with what would have been the killer third goal. Weimann annoys me at times with his poor decision making but his movement is superb. Involved in both goals, lovely ball in the first half that Benteke probably should have got at the end of, plus had 2 decent chances himself. Nzogbia too played well on his introduction and really should have finished the game. Very disappointing that we didnt get a third really considering how dominant our attacking players were.

Midfield was much better than usual but Reading helped us here by only playing 2 in there. We murdered them at times with the extra man. Sylla was solid rather than spectacular. Bannan and particularly Westwood kept the ball really well at times. Having both of them in the midfield at the same time is a risk though as they have the little presence. Delph will have to come in ahead of Bannan for QPR. It took until the 2nd goal for the players to realise that if we kept it in midfield, Reading would find it very difficult to get it back.

Guzan was very assured again. However our back 4 were incredibly poor. Clark was by far the best of the four but even then wasnt great. Vlaar was atrocious really. Not sure if he is fit but Reading should have buried that chance in which he got caught horribly under the ball 12 yards out in front of goal. Lowton's defending wouldnt be fit for the Conference. right from the first minute he was a shambles defensively. Tony Gale was rightly giving out yards about him throughout. Simple ball played inside Baker in the second half had Reading in, not to mind an own goal that Stephen Warnock would have done well to emulate.

We were vastly superior to Reading really throughout the 90 mins but with how desperate our back four was, we were very lucky 2 goals was enough.

Guzan 7, Lowton 4, Vlaar 4, Clark 5, Baker 4, Bannan 6, Westwood 7, Sylla 7, Weimann 7, Benteke 9, Gabby 7. Nzogbia 7, Bennett 5

[Duncan Shaw]

There's a few on this thread saying Delphi needs to come back for QPR, but he's got a two match ban so can't!!

[damon loves JT]

I really hope that win gives them some belief and some confidence. The way QPR are playing I reckon a point against them wouldn't be a disaster.

[john e]

Did anyone count the number of passes in the lead up to Gabby's goal ?

And that's why I think Lamberts different from what's gone before, I can't remember the last time we played like that, the pasing game doesn't always work, especially with inexperienced players, but at least we are trying to go that way for a change

It's what gives me a bit of hope for the future

[Lastfootstamper]

Gotta love modern tellys and stuff.
GABBYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
pause, rewind,
GABBYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
pause, rewind, make a cup of tea,
GABBYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!
Ace.