Very comfortable on reflection and the win was routine.We saw three different formations today and credit to Lambert for making the tactical switch to get the excellent Bacuna higher up the pitch. It was a truly effortless bit of quality and the difference it made to us psychologically was huge. The play suddenly had a lot more emphasis and tempo, helped in part with Bacuna and Tonev really stretchimg them and the second goal seemed to always be coming. The first goal also seemed to help us remember that we were playing a very limited outfit who had come for a draw.I thought we actually started quite brightly creating some efforts on goal, while Tonev stuck two excellent balls in that nobody attacked. Kozak was unlucky not to score after the break too.It was quite tense, the booing a disgrace and the game became what Cardiff had hoped; a real scrappy affair.Three well deserved points today without a proper left back, our best midfielder and Gabby.
The booing at half time was not a disgrace, you may disagree with it as it can be counterproductive, as I do, but its an entirely understandable reaction to 4 and a half games without a goal and continual poor home performances.
Paul Lambert on Bluebirds victory.Paul Lambert hailed Villa as "worthy winners" over Cardiff.Lambert was thrilled with the second half performance of his claret and blue troops as they piled on the pressure to earn the victory.Villa boss Lambert was especially pleased with goalscorers Leandro Bacuna and Libor Kozak.He said: "I thought we were excellent."We have a lot of injuries at the moment. We had nearly half a team out. You know things are really bare when you're putting two young kids on your bench."But I thought we were worthy winners."I thought Leo's free-kick against Man City was world-class. But I thought that one surpassed it."It was a terrific free-kick. But Leo can do that. I have seen him do that in training. It was fantastic technique."When I watch him at Bodymoor, every time he hits one you think he's going to hit the target. That one today was excellent."It started by the post. It gets up and down quickly. There wasn't much room to aim at. The technique was excellent."Libor has done great for us. It's his first time in Britain. He's come from a league that isn't as quick. He's adapted to it."That's him scoring two important goals for us. I am delighted with his contribution so far."But overall in the second half we were dominant, put on the pressure and picked up the tempo. The lads galvanised it."I saw us create chances against Everton and West Ham. I knew we'd create. It was about persevering and believing in what we were doing. Thankfully we got a couple of goals."Lambert admits he's thrilled there is an international break now before the West Brom match, with the boss hopeful of seeing several injured players return.He added: "Thankfully we have got through this game with a win."If we can get three or four of the lads back for the West Brom game then good. We hope to get a few back."
And everything was put in perspective at half time when they interviewed Royal Marine Mark Williams who'd received the military cross for rescuing his mate under fire in Afghanistan. A war hero and massive Villa fan!
I've always said that I disagreed with Lambert's choice of signing when it comes to Kozak rather than the player himself. Today we were clearly one-dimensional again, but I do like him for how hard he runs and for his surprising neck strength as well - he did so well to get as much behind that header as he did. I think we'd be doing better had we pooled our money and signed a Kiyotake or a Rakitic, but Kozak himself is doing well.
Quote from: timeoutbigbar on November 09, 2013, 05:13:21 PMGreat result. I have now seen enough of Tonev. The lad is useless. The chance at the end of the first half when he could of played Benteke in for a 1 on 1 and decided to shoot from 25 yards says enough for me.I like the look of him.Direct, pacy and we need midfielders who actually want to shoot. When (not if) he scores, I'm pretty certain it will be spectacular. He's raw, and wasn't outstanding today. But there's enough to work with there longterm.
Great result. I have now seen enough of Tonev. The lad is useless. The chance at the end of the first half when he could of played Benteke in for a 1 on 1 and decided to shoot from 25 yards says enough for me.
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Topic: Aston Villa v Cardiff City Post-Match Thread (Read 47948 times)
