Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur Match Thread

[supertom]

We've worked hard, done okay. Weimann has played well. Delph's been good again. Westy looks more like his old self.

Baker worries me a little. KEA has been sloppy. His touch is pretty ropey to say the least and he's second best to every lose ball. I'd be tempted to bring Sylla on.

For me though, one big problem is that we've got a 6ft 4 CF in Kozak. I like him. He's working very hard indeed, but almost his entire service today has been long balls to his head. I don't recall him winning a single header. Dawson has won everything in the air. I want Kozak to succeed, just as I want Helenius to but it strikes me that we've bought two giant strikers, neither of which are actually that brilliant in the air?? If that's the case, fair enough, play the ball to their feet. But otherwise they're going to struggle. This isn't just today either. Kozak won something like 4 headers in 17 aerial duels against Hull. That's piss poor (particularly considering he was up against Curtis Davies, hardly a worldy). Play it to his feet. Play to his strengths or get him off the pitch.

Spurs have been below par. They're having most of the ball but they've not created that much besides the somewhat fortunate goal and Townsends shot at the end of the half.

I think Benteke could make the difference. I fancy us to score with CB on. Without him? I'm not sure. Kozak works hard but Dawson has him in his pocket.

[Fergal]

5-oh have got the twat who threw the flair at the lino.

Good, hope they lock the twat up.

[Stu]

Spurs look shite for the £100m+ they've spent in the summer. Would love to see a fully fit Benteke have a go at Vertonghen.

I think he needs to make an appearance in place of Kozak, who has spent the entire first half in Dawson's pocket.

[*shellac*]

Unlucky to be a goal behind.

[supertom]

5-oh have got the twat who threw the flair at the lino.

Good, hope they lock the twat up.

Good. Something has to be done about the flairs nonsense at game. That it's still fairly common is ridiculous. They're dangerous, they're annoying, and in the hands of a complete an utter fucktard as evident today, can be used as projectile weapons.
Luck him up, keep him away from football grounds for the rest of eternity, which includes any of his re-incarnations.

[Matt Collins]

Keown on 5 live saying Benteke didn't look right warming up.

To be honest, on a wet and greasy pitch, I'm not sure I'd risk him unless he's definitely right. Skidding on the pitch is exactly how he got injured in the first place.

[eastie]

Lambert won't make any half time subs. Won't see Benteke until 70mins aprox

Sadly I think you will be right.

[Toronto Villa]

Long way to go and Spurs aren't great at the back. Kozak really needs service from out wide. He simply isn't going to create things for himself like Benteke. If we can keep it close, even snatch something I'd be tempted to go big up front with Benteke and Kozak for 20.

[Axl Rose]

please please please please bring on Benteke! It will boost everyone, players, fans! will Lambert bring him on straight away or not?

[PaulWinch again]

Keown on 5 live saying Benteke didn't look right warming up.

To be honest, on a wet and greasy pitch, I'm not sure I'd risk him unless he's definitely right. Skidding on the pitch is exactly how he got injured in the first place.

If he's not fit he definitely shouldn't come on, I'd like to see Helenius get a chance.

[Matt Collins]

There's definitely much to improve. All the things we know about. Including Baker.

But Delph doing very well again. Westwood and Weimann looking much better. Luna doing reasonably well.

Of course, it could very easily fall apart in the second half. They've got some pretty stunning quality on the bench.And Benteke apart, our bench options look pretty weak.

[aj2k77]

I'm sure I read David Pleat thought that Kozak was the best header of a ball in Europe...........

[eastie]

Kozak is getting a lot of stick but I think he's a decent enough striker if we use him properly , his hold up play is not bad but he does lack pace - need to play to his strengths and not keep hoofing it , no changes at half time.

[Villa in Denmark]

@ supertom

Helenius was never bought as a traditional target man in a hundred years.  Think of him as false 9, or maybe even a 10 who just happens to be 6'5".

[supertom]

I'd rather see Benteke sooner rather than later. There's no point bringing him on when the game is already over. I think the more we huff and puff, the more Spurs will start picking us off, because we're gonna tire.

The game as it stands is salvageable but we need Benteke. I don't think Kozaks got enough about him to worry Spurs backline at the moment.