Aston Villa v Manchester City Post-Match Thread

[Steve R]

...
Man City is probably one of he worst teams to play three at the back against. They have good players on the flanks that will pin back your wing backs and just Dzeko through the middle occupying three centre backs. We effectively played a lot of the game with 10 men.

If we wanted to be hard to beat we could have played 4-4-2, the old two solid banks of 4, or stuck with our usual 4-3-3.

Negredo was playing up front as well.

From what I was watching I got the impression he was playing wide left. My mistake.

[ozzjim]

...
Man City is probably one of he worst teams to play three at the back against. They have good players on the flanks that will pin back your wing backs and just Dzeko through the middle occupying three centre backs. We effectively played a lot of the game with 10 men.

If we wanted to be hard to beat we could have played 4-4-2, the old two solid banks of 4, or stuck with our usual 4-3-3.

We were hard to beat playing 3-5-2.

As it turned out we were, yes. I wouldn't fancy us repeating the trick though. Maybe like at Anfield last year it was the surprise that worked to our advantage. Whatever City were setting themselves up for during the week, it probably wasn't us playing three at the back.

We looked pretty solid in the the first half at home to Spurs last season with the 3 at the back, then Baker got injured. The big difference to Sat is that we have 3 genuine defenders fit to play there, at times we had Lowton and Herd in that back 3 with Clark, which is not ideal at all.

I still like the formation for certain games, Martinez has proved it can work in some games. It certainly helps the midfield and the back 4, and Luna/ Bacuna are ideal for the wing back roles.

[eastie]

...
Man City is probably one of he worst teams to play three at the back against. They have good players on the flanks that will pin back your wing backs and just Dzeko through the middle occupying three centre backs. We effectively played a lot of the game with 10 men.

If we wanted to be hard to beat we could have played 4-4-2, the old two solid banks of 4, or stuck with our usual 4-3-3.

We were hard to beat playing 3-5-2.

As it turned out we were, yes. I wouldn't fancy us repeating the trick though. Maybe like at Anfield last year it was the surprise that worked to our advantage. Whatever City were setting themselves up for during the week, it probably wasn't us playing three at the back.

We looked pretty solid in the the first half at home to Spurs last season with the 3 at the back, then Baker got injured. The big difference to Sat is that we have 3 genuine defenders fit to play there, at times we had Lowton and Herd in that back 3 with Clark, which is not ideal at all.

I still like the formation for certain games, Martinez has proved it can work in some games. It certainly helps the midfield and the back 4, and Luna/ Bacuna are ideal for the wing back roles.

Wouldn't be surprised if we play similar formation at home to spurs .

[Monty]

Three at the back is a big part of how Napoli have built one of the best counter-attacking sides in the world. Granted, it ended up a total disaster for us last season, but if we use it sparingly and correctly it still has some merit as a system in some games. The big difference here as opposed to last season was the genuine midfield three, as opposed to Bannan and Westwood looking lost.

[bobdylan]

Three at the back is a big part of how Napoli have built one of the best counter-attacking sides in the world. Granted, it ended up a total disaster for us last season, but if we use it sparingly and correctly it still has some merit as a system in some games. The big difference here as opposed to last season was the genuine midfield three, as opposed to Bannan and Westwood looking lost.

You're obviously correct about the midfield, Sylla in particular being a big presence in there, but I'd also argue Bacuna and Luna are upgrades at wing back over Bennett and Luna, and Vlaar is certainly a better centre half than Herd.

[JD]

Just watched the whole game on Man City TV. Although they had a load of possession in the first half they didn't actually create a great deal of chances (mostly half chances) apart from the goal. That I believe was down to our last gasp defending. I think we defended really well throughout the game (apart from a couple of corners) and once we scored the first goal you could see the self belief and determination of our players rise. A great win. 

[Hookeysmith]

I don't think John Motson was at Villa Park today.  They obviously do a "dub-on"  commentary after results are known.

yes he was - i spoke to him

[Monty]

Three at the back is a big part of how Napoli have built one of the best counter-attacking sides in the world. Granted, it ended up a total disaster for us last season, but if we use it sparingly and correctly it still has some merit as a system in some games. The big difference here as opposed to last season was the genuine midfield three, as opposed to Bannan and Westwood looking lost.

You're obviously correct about the midfield, Sylla in particular being a big presence in there, but I'd also argue Bacuna and Luna are upgrades at wing back over Bennett and Luna, and Vlaar is certainly a better centre half than Herd.

I think all of them are an upgrade, though Westwood certainly has a lot to offer coming back. The trio who played on the weekend never stopped harassing and chasing, though, and that's what Westwood's going to have to do to come back, whichever formation we're playing.

I certainly think Luna's an upgrade. However, Lowton can play as well as Bacuna did on Saturday (minus the freekick), he's just not been in good form before the injury. And that's a big difference with this season - a squad with options.

[Hookeysmith]

Impossible game to analyse. The reactionary one game at a time extremism from some has annoyed me, so nice to shut some of those up with a win yesterday.

Did anyone else notice that in the build up to the award of the free kick for our second equaliser Albrighton was stripped and ready to come on?

I imagine that was going to lead to a change of formation with one of the centre backs coming off. As soon as Leo scored, he was told to sit back down and we kept the same shape.

Amazing how certain little moments change an entire outcome. Brilliant day

Both Albrighton and Tonev was to come on - for KEA and Weimann!

[Simon Ward]

Also no yellow card for Delph!

[Dr Butler]

I'm still smiling after Saturday, not sure how we did it either but 3 good points and here is to another 3 at Hull.

Saturday was celebrated with a birthday dinner for my wife and yes I did get out the champers....not sure she was entirely happy us toasting her birthday and then me saying the toast Up the Villa....lol

UTV
The Doc

[walsall villain]

Shortly after we got first equaliser did anyone notice a man city hand ball in the box from a deep cross? I recall two city defenders and one villa player challenged for the cross and it seemed to hit a raised arm.

[mrastonvilla]

Shortly after we got first equaliser did anyone notice a man city hand ball in the box from a deep cross? I recall two city defenders and one villa player challenged for the cross and it seemed to hit a raised arm.

Yes, I thought it was just my memory. Defender jumped and put the ball out for a throw with his hand rather than his head. Clear penalty, at least from the lower Holte.

I'm also amazed that Nasri wasnt booked at half time for having a pop at the ref and linesman.

[olaftab]

I'm still smiling after Saturday, not sure how we did it either but 3 good points and here is to another 3 at Hull.

Saturday was celebrated with a birthday dinner for my wife and yes I did get out the champers....not sure she was entirely happy us toasting her birthday and then me saying the toast Up the Villa....lol

UTV
The Doc

How lucky is the lady that you are prepared to share her with your first love!

[olaftab]

Also no yellow card for Delph!

Yes and I thought that was due to Sylla doing his dirt work properly ...well almost properly.