Aston Villa v QPR Post-Match Thread

[PaulWinch again]

Bennett came back well after his mistake in fairness to him.

[citizenDJ]

I think Sylla has, and I'm genuinely surprised, really, made a pretty good impact into our midfield - two games he's played, and we have been much better in possession AND in protecting the back line. I know they have been against two poor teams, but he has done what's been asked of him. Westwood seems revitalised alongside him, and is playing what I think is his more natural game as a result.

I think I'd be inclined to put Delph in there ahead of Bannan at the moment (and I didn't think I'd be saying that any time soon!), and that would give a theoretically sound trio; the 'water carrier' industry, Sylla, the pacesetter passing of Westwood, and the running and surges forward of Delph.

I still think we should be looking for a fair upgrade in that whole area, though.

[Somniloquism]

Thought the linesman was awful too second half, some very dodgy decisions when QPR looked offside.

Well second half would make it the lines woman but I didn't notice any blatant decisions missed there.

But this match is the first one I've seen when the ref waves play on, the attacking team gets a good shot at goal that just brushed over the bar, and the ref calls it back and gives them the Freekick. As they never scored from that freekick, surely he should have let them have another go as the advantage wasn't taken then either.

[SoccerHQ]

I thought Sylla was pretty poor actually, seemed a bit off the pace. That said that joker of a ref I'm pretty sure he booked Sylla when it was Vlaar who lunged in for the free kick on the edge of the box?!! Clueless.

And as for the 5 minutes....some bloke behind me who said Joe Jordan added it on was probably right, he was in the 4th official's ear all game. There were only 4 subs in the second half and no Baker type injury so I would've been fuming if that Hill shot had flown in.

[neo_Villan]

To be fair, it wasn't Friend who was in charge of deciding how many mins are added on. I think it is the 4th official isn't it? But adding an additional 30-40 seconds on top of the 5 minutes just showed what a word removed he is. His awarding of advantages were quite amusing too. Giving us pointless advantages only so he wouldn't have to book their players. Yet always pulling play back when their advantages broke down and booking our players. No harm done in the end, so I'll let it go.

[PaulWinch again]

I didn't think Sylla was off the pace at all, I thought he was very good.

[PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt]

I thought the whole ground were superb today in support of the team. Seeing the players come charging towards the Holte end at the end of the game looking a foot taller than when they first entered the pitch was brilliant.
I think the players saw today how good a crowd we can be and that they shouldn't fear playing at Villa Park

[neo_Villan]

@joebennett27: Good 3 points after my mistake! Well done lads

Fair play to him. IIRC he held his hands up after the Bradford game too. Like Baker last week, I thought he recovered well after his error and looked solid for the rest of the game.

[Risso]

Bennett came back well after his mistake in fairness to him.

I don't think he'll make it as a left back.  Too small, and positionally rubbish, but going forward looks quite good.  The new Gareth Bale then.

[eastie]

I think Sylla has, and I'm genuinely surprised, really, made a pretty good impact into our midfield - two games he's played, and we have been much better in possession AND in protecting the back line. I know they have been against two poor teams, but he has done what's been asked of him. Westwood seems revitalised alongside him, and is playing what I think is his more natural game as a result.

I think I'd be inclined to put Delph in there ahead of Bannan at the moment (and I didn't think I'd be saying that any time soon!), and that would give a theoretically sound trio; the 'water carrier' industry, Sylla, the pacesetter passing of Westwood, and the running and surges forward of Delph.

I still think we should be looking for a fair upgrade in that whole area, though.

Totally agree, Westwood, sylla and Delph for me too.

[SoccerHQ]

Ozz says he reminds him of Peter Whittingham, could be some legs in that. Probably the right idea as him as a wing back or even left midfield.

[Ads]

I have aged 10 years watching these two games!

I thought we lacked penetration first half and although we moved the ball well, we did it from ten yards in our own half. The referee was awful and I thought got QPR into the game as it was his decision to award them a free kick which Samba went close from.

They were very direct and had some good chances, but its about taking them and if you defend as badly as they do, then you get all you deserve. Great to see Gabby back in the goals.

The second half was what I was expecting from Lambert. Committed, epitomised in Andi, in the challenge and playing 100 mile an hour football. We looked better with Charlie on, but we had pushed further up and stretched them outwide.

We were much better and dominated second half. Samba began to tire and Benteke got a yard on him time and time again. He is never a 100k per week.

Great to do what the CPS couldn't with Redknapp. Tarrat made a difference in that he used the ball well but gave us acres of space.

Great to hold on, although they didn't force a save in the six minutes the awful Kevin Friend added.

A brilliant atmosphere too.

[neo_Villan]

I think Sylla has, and I'm genuinely surprised, really, made a pretty good impact into our midfield - two games he's played, and we have been much better in possession

You could argue that is more to do with Bannan's return to the the line up.

[olaftab]

Thank you Aston Villa for a great birthday present of 3 points. Guzan and Weimann were amazing. Kevin Friend was shocking.

Happy birthday Lee. Missed you under the tree today but I was a bit late.

[myf]

wish i was in the aston social tonight after that. didn't get any stress today as tuned in at half time and full time! bring on MOTD