Aston Villa v Malaga Hyperstupendous Thread (post-match from page 16)

[CJ]

Yeah just spotted that Dave when I scurried off to that thread. Common sense seems to have prevailed

[Dave]

Did we just take our foot off the gas 2nd half then ?

Don't forget, we weren't playing a bunch of nobodies - they were seconds away from the Champions League semi-finals as recently as five months ago.

[Matt Collins]

For those who didn't watch the first half, we did play very well for much of it.

I'd definitely revert to the midfield we were playing at the end of last season though. We're just too open with that formation at the moment. Considering who we've got next I just don't think we can afford to play that way. It really helps the full backs to have midfielders who can shuffle across to help them

[tomd2103]

For those who didn't watch the first half, we did play very well for much of it.

I'd definitely revert to the midfield we were playing at the end of last season though. We're just too open with that formation at the moment. Considering who we've got next I just don't think we can afford to play that way. It really helps the full backs to have midfielders who can shuffle across to help them

Also helps us.  Lost count of the number of times Lowton got the ball and had no options in front of him.  Sylla provided some width for us when he played towards the end of the season.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Just back.
Great 1st half, some really promising passages of  play, and I still marvel at Benteke's lovely, subtle touches combined with his bullish strength - he really wanted that 1st goal!
Almost inevitably they scored before half time, made with the winger cutting inside Luna. As much as I love the guy he gets beaten for pace on that side a bit too easily. Other than that he played well. Far too much space for them in midfield and our full backs had a lot of ground to cover as well as defend.
We scored from a corner!!!
Thought Gabby and Weimann contributed little, esp Gabby, not really getting into areas where we can give him the ball to take advantage of his pace. Weimann got into good positions but made some poor choices - crossing ball too early, too close to keeper. With a slightly steadier head I think he could have set up a couple more.
Okore looks good and I hope will improve. Although Tonev looks as though he could cause a few problems most of his corners were a bit too strong and from the B Bannan school of overhitting beyond everyone.
Westwood looked very composed as usual and I think he will start against Arse.
We let them back into it a little too easily in the 2nd half but as Dave says, they are a good side and a better test for us than Crewe, Walsall etc.
Roll on next Sat'dy!
UTV!   

[Goldie.7]

I don't really understand the praise for Tonev. Outside a couple of decent passes he's been woeful.

Yep i thought he looked lost at times.

[Goldie.7]

From my seat i thought they should of had a blatant penalty awarded to them in the 1st half?

[john e]

never saw the game or followed it anywhere,
 but have just read through the game thread and cant make my mind up whether we are going to win the league at a cantor, or finish rock bottom judging by the comments made

[PaulTheVillan]

Thought Tonev was shocking. Totally wasteful the whole game.

Thought Weimann was useless and Gabby not that much better.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I don't really understand the praise for Tonev. Outside a couple of decent passes he's been woeful.

Yep i thought he looked lost at times.

I think he's got promise but needs to make the right choice of run/pass.
Playing just behind the front 3 today, a bit like Lambert plays N'Zogbia, means he got a bit lost.
Would he be more effective played wide?
I see him as an alternative to Gabby, who I thought was pretty poor today. 

[Matt Collins]

Tonev was hit and miss, but 'woeful' is way too harsh. He did set up two of our three goals.

[PaulTheVillan]

Tonev was hit and miss, but 'woeful' is way too harsh. He did set up two of our three goals.

Was surprised he played through the middle. Thought he was more of a wide man.

[usav]

Thought Tonev was shocking. Totally wasteful the whole game.

Thought Weimann was useless and Gabby not that much better.

I'm really excited for the new season now!

[Ron Manager]

Ive been thinking about it on the way home and havent the time to read the whole thread. Tonev's got something in the way that Tony Daley had something. He might flatter to decieve or he might be very good,we shall see. Weimann and Agbonlahor didnt do a lot.The defence will concede a few again. Ron Vlaar is not up to the mark.

On a sartorial note I thought the away kit looked bloody awful on most people wearing it except for the really thin ones. And, I nearly got interviewed by Steve Wotsit who used to do the sports bits on Midlands Today 200years ago. He started towards me then veered off to a dad and son who were wearing about £10,000 worth of Villa kit.

About 20,000 there ,not bad at all.

[PaulTheVillan]

Thought Tonev was shocking. Totally wasteful the whole game.

Thought Weimann was useless and Gabby not that much better.

I'm really excited for the new season now!

Not half as much as me