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

[PeterWithesShin]

I want to know why there was a Leicester City flag in the Malaga section.

[silhillvilla]

I want to know why there was a Leicester City flag in the Malaga section.

Did they play them in Europe when MON was the manager ?

[UK Redsox]

I want to know why there was a Leicester City flag in the Malaga section.

There was a Nottingham Forest one in there as well

[Jimbo]

The first goal is like an advert for the cult of Benteke. Power, pace, skill, brutalism, finesse, an injured defender and a goal. Brilliant.

[PeterWithesShin]

I didn't see the Forest one.

There did seem a fair few neutrals at the game.

[warleyboy]

I'll be the first to put my hands up when it comes to being Pessimistic with my beloved Villa.
I have seen players come into this wonderful club that have been utter dross, woeful, but mostly not willing to kiss that badge with meaning and loyalty.

But now I have so many reasons to be optimistic.
1. A manager who believes, has a vision, seems to have great scouting techniques and can spot a future talent.
2. We now have a vibrant, youthful, energetic, exciting bunch of lads who seem to not shy away from the ball.
3. Our emphasis of play now seems to be attacking football, which is a breath of fresh air.
4. Cannot remember how long it has been since I have felt so excited about this season and our future.

I for one thoroughly enjoyed the game yesterday, first half was much more than I expected, we made a very good team look lacklustre at times, but also managed to hang on for a victory when they put on the pressure.
I cannot wait to see how this team will perform and change over the coming season.
I can already see gabby losing his spot to tonev or maybe Helenius striking a partnership with Tekkers. I think Vlaar has got to work his socks off this season or may fall behind Baker and see Okore as the general now.
And midfield looks like Delph and anybody.

I am so optimistic now that my 11 year old boy is going to see some of the football that I seen as a young lad, the future looks Claret & Blue.

[ktvillan]

At least Tonev looks as if he can whip in a decent corner, and we scored from one, a rare bonus in itself.  So glad BB won't be sending in his floaters this season.

[Clampy]

At least Tonev looks as if he can whip in a decent corner, and we scored from one, a rare bonus in itself.  So glad BB won't be sending in his floaters this season.

Beat me to it. I wasn't there yesterday but from what I've seen of the highlights on AVTV, I reckon Tonev could be a useful player for us. We'll need to give him time and not get on his back though.

As for Vlaar, I can see him knocking in a few goals this season. He might be worth backing as a first goalscorer from time to time.

[Percy McCarthy]

Re Tonev's corners: he hit one good one and the rest were awful.  I said to my mate after Vlaar scored 'Kin 'ell, we've got someone who can take a corner', and he took the piss out of me after every subsequent one.

He's quick though, with good technique, and could be a star if and when he realises how quickly he's going to be closed down in the Premier League.

[tauntonvilla]

I can only assume Lambert is still looking at other formations. I can't see how we could field Tonev, Benteke, Weinmann and Gabby on the pitch all at the same time, no wonder midfield were overun 2nd half. Tonev for me will be a luxury player or one to bring on if were losing and need to have a real go.

1st 30 minutes was great yesterday, really aggressive and full of running and neat passing but faded badly after that, but that's what these games are all about though right?
 

[WALTERS WARRIORS]

Great day talking to Malaga fans in the Witton Arms. Vlaar my only major concern. Okore is solid and has had little game time. Tonev needs at least a couple of games to get up to level but looks like he could be quality. Gabby was poor with his control but he can always come good when needed. CB with commanding aerial dominance still required. Baker would be my choice at the moment with Okore ...... 

[Salsa Party Animal]

I can see Tonev becoming 4th choice midfielder and 3rd choice wide strikers to play in the wing  upfront as the main role will be CB with the gladiator covering when needed.  But we will have to see as the season unfold.

[peter w]

The only thing which worried me a bit yesterday was the defnding. But what struck me more was the lackof caver they get from the central midfielders. We don't track runners very well meaning the centre-halves are always easily exposed. It cannot be easy if you're a central-defender who is always having t o pick up missed runners. But I do think Westwood and SYlla will offer that next season. And I've seen no reason why not go for Delph also. Ifthey get it right, and improve on the end of last season, they could become very good. Which, will immediately improve our defensive record.

[PeterWithesShin]

Sylla, Delph and Westwood would be my 3 in MF. Delph can do his bursts forward now and again, Westwood can do his through balls and Sylla can be banned from going into the final third.

[Ian.]

The only thing which worried me a bit yesterday was the defnding. But what struck me more was the lackof caver they get from the central midfielders. We don't track runners very well meaning the centre-halves are always easily exposed. It cannot be easy if you're a central-defender who is always having t o pick up missed runners. But I do think Westwood and SYlla will offer that next season. And I've seen no reason why not go for Delph also. Ifthey get it right, and improve on the end of last season, they could become very good. Which, will immediately improve our defensive record.

This is very true and I think anyone who plays centre half will struggle if this carries on. I think we will tighten up a bit with more help from the centre midfielders, however we are so attack minded (and young) that at times we are going to expose the back 2.