Aston Villa v Sunderland Post-Match Thread

[Chris Smith]

If Benteke hits form then we turn draws into wins. He looks a long way off right now, but hopefully he'll hit a purple patch soon.
When we were bloody ordinary under McLeish, Bent looked likely to nick us a goal. In fairness that tactic, while fucking awful on the eyes, did work up until Jan. When we lost Bent of course, the game plan was buggered and we fell from solid in mid-table to surviving by the skin of our teeth.
Likewise we were pretty ordinary under Gregory, but we had players like Merson, and later, JPA with a touch of flair and the ability to turn dour games.
We've got the basis to be like this again. It might not be pretty, but we will be comfortable I suppose.

What we certainly need more than anything is to really work bloody hard on our basics. Some of our passing has been horrifically inept. Simple passes. A good coach brought in could make a difference and help give our boys a lesson in passing, movement and some composure. We're not expecting to be the new Arsenal, but if you're a professional footballer, there's no excuse for the amount of unforced, basic errors we've been making lately.

That's confidence though and I don't think that can be coached. You see it when we go in front, suddenly the passing is crisper, players want the ball and are less worried about making mistakes. It also transfers to the crowd. When we're anxious a misplaced pass is met with groans, if we're in front then there is more likely to be shouts of encouragement.

[supertom]

If Benteke hits form then we turn draws into wins. He looks a long way off right now, but hopefully he'll hit a purple patch soon.
When we were bloody ordinary under McLeish, Bent looked likely to nick us a goal. In fairness that tactic, while fucking awful on the eyes, did work up until Jan. When we lost Bent of course, the game plan was buggered and we fell from solid in mid-table to surviving by the skin of our teeth.
Likewise we were pretty ordinary under Gregory, but we had players like Merson, and later, JPA with a touch of flair and the ability to turn dour games.
We've got the basis to be like this again. It might not be pretty, but we will be comfortable I suppose.

What we certainly need more than anything is to really work bloody hard on our basics. Some of our passing has been horrifically inept. Simple passes. A good coach brought in could make a difference and help give our boys a lesson in passing, movement and some composure. We're not expecting to be the new Arsenal, but if you're a professional footballer, there's no excuse for the amount of unforced, basic errors we've been making lately.

That's confidence though and I don't think that can be coached. You see it when we go in front, suddenly the passing is crisper, players want the ball and are less worried about making mistakes. It also transfers to the crowd. When we're anxious a misplaced pass is met with groans, if we're in front then there is more likely to be shouts of encouragement.

What actually did bug me a little about the game was that in one passing sequence where we actually kept it for a dozen or so passes, because it was going nowhere, the crowd started booing a little. Obviously the frustration of the whole game is duly noted,  but it obviously didn't help the players. It was at that point someone tried to force a pass forward that wasn't on and gave it away.
It is a multitude of factors. Again this is where an experienced, calmer influence in midfield could help, just to settle players down a bit.

[class_of_82]

Toronto villa you would not happen to live in dalcourt drive west hill Toronto if you do then it's a good chance your my cousin. If not then at least we are all in the villa family. Also have you been to the aston villa hotel some where in the Rockies that's if it is still open or still standing

[Dave Clark Five]

Toronto villa you would not happen to live in dalcourt drive west hill Toronto if you do then it's a good chance your my cousin. If not then at least we are all in the villa family. Also have you been to the aston villa hotel some where in the Rockies that's if it is still open or still standing

What a small world! I spent three months at the FJ Horgan Water Treatment Plant in that area. Going back there in June.