WBA v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Matt Collins]

For half an hour in the second half Westwood bossed the game and anyone who can't see that is a damn fool I tells ya

[Steve R]

One thing about the Villa is that we do have an impressive selection of odious ex-managers to liken the present incumbent to whenever he pisses us off.

He can be the next O'Neill (anti footballing shitehook), O'Leary ( all round gobshite) or MCLeish (unadventurous, limited tit).

It's a first rate portfolio to choose from when you're 2-0 down at half time. We've been spoiled really.

[LeeB]

For half an hour in the second half Westwood bossed the game and anyone who can't see that is a damn fool I tells ya

I absolutely down with this.

I thought, like Mr Olof's Beard, that he played well throughout the game, and also that Kozak looked good, in fact I reckon he deserved to stay on instead of Benteke.

But having said that, taking Benteke off at that point would have probably given them a lift, and as it was their collective fear was probably enough to swing momentum straight back to us by itself.

[Ads]

Can somebody tell me why we have to queue to get into that tinpot ground more than any other in the country? Why can't they handle a crowd? Every bloody time it takes an age to get in.

And the flare dog must find himself out of work this morning.

[LeeB]

One thing about the Villa is that we do have an impressive selection of odious ex-managers to liken the present incumbent to whenever he pisses us off.

He can be the next O'Neill (anti footballing shitehook), O'Leary ( all round gobshite) or MCLeish (unadventurous, limited tit).

It's a first rate portfolio to choose from when you're 2-0 down at half time. We've been spoiled really.

If he starts falling out with the players you've got Houllier (crass master)

[dekko]

For half an hour in the second half Westwood bossed the game and anyone who can't see that is a damn fool I tells ya

I absolutely down with this.

I thought, like Mr Olof's Beard, that he played well throughout the game, and also that Kozak looked good, in fact I reckon he deserved to stay on instead of Benteke.

But having said that, taking Benteke off at that point would have probably given them a lift, and as it was their collective fear was probably enough to swing momentum straight back to us by itself.

Also agree.  Even though he is bang out of form, my albion mate says he 'shit himself every time the ball came within 10 feet of Benteke'

[Liam_Baggies]

Can somebody tell me why we have to queue to get into that tinpot ground more than any other in the country? Why can't they handle a crowd? Every bloody time it takes an age to get in.

And the flare dog must find himself out of work this morning.

Stewarding is pathetic I agree.

I was touched up and stared down by one steward.

It was that bad my missus would have got jealous!

[Dave Clark Five]

At least they manage to segregate the fans fairly well after the game, something that never gets managed at the Sty.

[olaftab]

I was touched up and stared down by one steward.

Careful now there are people on here who will ask you for details of that steward!
By the way I love the floodlight pylons. Takes me back to the 80's when floodlight towers were a SATNAV to finding the grounds around the country.

[Pat McMahon]

I too thought Westwood played well. He keeps the ball moving and generally retains possession. To be a more potent threat he needs to be able to play a first time pass with more confidence - his general modus operandi is to take one touch to control and one to pass.

Playing alongside KEA always worries me as neither is physically strong and they get physically overpowered, but in possession I rate Westwood.

[Pat McMahon]

I too thought Westwood played well. He keeps the ball moving and generally retains possession. To be a more potent threat he needs to be able to play a first time pass with more confidence - his general modus operandi is to take one touch to control and one to pass.

Playing alongside KEA always worries me as neither is physically strong and they get physically overpowered, but in possession I rate Westwood.

[SoccerHQ]

I hate to bring it up but I refer to the introduction of Van Nistlerooy with just 25 minutes left against us in the Cup all those horrible years ago.  Ferguson had no intention of bringing him on because he was trying to preserve him for the league but when they went 2-0 down on he came.  That was management genius - what Lambert did wasn't apparently.

Yes remember that. It was  double subs with VNR and Keane coming on and whole atmosphere on and off the pitch changed. Last night to see 3 subs lined up to come on as early as the 55th minute sent a shudder around the ground. It was a signal that we mean business. I see that the whole media is mentioning the Lambert move and some last night were comparing him to AVB and his inert subs on Sunday.

It's always good to have game turning options from the bench, the best teams in the league have plenty of them, the mid table teams generally don't.

The problem for us is the 3 that came on will shortly be back in the starting line up as they're among the 11 best players at this club so either we hope the likes of Tonev and Kozak significantly improve to become game turners from the bench or I suspect Lambert will have to find some more in the transfer window.

[SoccerHQ]

I went to watch Arsenal in the cup at WBA this season and thought it was fairly easy to get in and out of the away section (and Arsenal brought 5k that night). Certainly compared to Fulham which is a complete nightmare to exit from if you stay to the end (how does it pass the fire evacuation test?)

[SoccerHQ]

And to Liam...why was your club trying to sell Shane Long to Hull in August? Simply a case of trying to balance your books?

I thought it was a strange decision at the time (particularly given Anelka really should just retire) and I think Steve Clarke got lucky as Anchiebe isn't as big a goal threat and Beharino looks promising but is still raw.

[Hoppo]

My last post confused me! Should of been bigging him up. Tim Westwood as in the DJ.