Sunderland v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[SamTheMouse]

I missed the first half, but in the second half I saw more moments of promising movement and passing than in the previous four games put together. I still think the basis of a decent side is there. If Lambert can bring in at least one seasoned pro during the window, we might end up looking quite good.

[richard moore]

3 points. Thats all that matters.

Not in the bigger scheme of things, it isn't

[andyh]

Well I never. Absolutely delighted with that, not least since we're a terrible, terrible football team. Thankfully, Sunderland are worse. Massive three points.

Sunderland worse? Don't let the score fool you. They outplayed us and throughout but were equally wasteful, and had a perfectly good goal disallowed.

Hmmm, I ain't sure about that.
I don't recall Guzan making a save of note.

We have to be really careful with our view of what is going on.
Yes, we all know we are a poor team, and that we need a massive a improvement.
But, let's not knock absolutely everything that the team does, including the good stuff.
Let's give them credit where credit is due, and that was a massive battling performance.

[Hampshire Villa]

Don't get the posters who are claiming luck, saying it was tension filled, etc. I thought we played ok. Yes Sunderland had more possession but what's new? If passing the ball across the park is good football then they can keep it. Guzan has had to face 1 shot on target. The only luck involved today was a tight off side call which could have gone either way but we should have bagged a 3 goal win today and I thought the defence played really well. I also think Benteke showed signs of his old self and was much more involved. Hopefully, Vlaar is not going to miss another month. Much needed 3 points and a week off for the FA Cup.

Correct Spot on!

[villa_cads]

Nervy, but got the result and had some good chances too. Should be a big confidence boost. We had a two minute spell of great possession that lead to a great chance for alby, so we can pass it around. I'm sure we'll see more of that when the pressure is off. You could see how badly they wanted the win. Gabby was great, Benteke look improved and Weimann was very poor. Progress.

[Irish villain]

Pos   Team         Played   GD Points

1   Arsenal   20   21   45
2   Man City   20   34   44
3   Chelsea   20   19   43
4   Liverpool   20   23   39
5   Everton   20   13   38
6   Man Utd   19   10   34
7   Tottenham   19   -2   34
8   Newcastle   20   4   33
9   South'ton   20   3   27
10   Hull           20   -3   23
11   Aston Villa   20   -6   23
12   Stoke   20   -11   22
13   Swansea   20   -2   21
14   West Brom   20   -4   21
15   Norwich   20   -16   20
16   Fulham   20   -21   19
17   Cardiff   20   -17   18
18   Crystal P   20   -16   17
19   West Ham   20   -11   15
20   Sunderland 20   -18   14

Not brilliant, not horrendous, and hopefully with a good transfer window we can push on.

Without checking,I am pretty sure that in the Houllier season, the McLeish year and again in Lambert's first season we were struggling to get to 30 odd points by March with 8/9 games remaining. We now, finally, have a nice base to kick on and maybe make ourselves safe in March.

[itbrvilla]

3 points. Thats all that matters.

Not in the bigger scheme of things, it isn't

Spot on.  The problems are there for all to see.  I really don't trust Lambert in the transfer window either so also doubt any improvement in player quality.

[Dante Lavelli]

Followed the match solely on the match thread so would appreciate people's view on who played well/badly etc.
Someone has said that Bacuna played well, was he playing on the right of the three in midfield?

[supertom]

I thought when Vlaar went off the defense might have fallen apart but fair play to Baker and Lowton. They kept it very solid and really stood up well.

[Tuscans]

I guess Southampton, who everyone has been jizzing over, (including myself) are only 4 pts above us.

[andyh]

I missed the first half, but in the second half I saw more moments of promising movement and passing than in the previous four games put together. I still think the basis of a decent side is there. If Lambert can bring in at least one seasoned pro during the window, we might end up looking quite good.

The movement, ball retention and passing in the build up to Albrighton's almighty fuckup, was probably our best move of the season.

[mr woo]

Two poor sides slugging out a surprisingly entertaining game.

Happily went in our favour, the worry being our performance remained unconvincing.

Satisfied on that showing?   Not really.

Happy as a pig in shit with a win? Fuck yeah

[dicedlam]

Don't get the posters who are claiming luck, saying it was tension filled, etc. I thought we played ok. Yes Sunderland had more possession but what's new? If passing the ball across the park is good football then they can keep it. Guzan has had to face 1 shot on target. The only luck involved today was a tight off side call which could have gone either way but we should have bagged a 3 goal win today and I thought the defence played really well. I also think Benteke showed signs of his old self and was much more involved. Hopefully, Vlaar is not going to miss another month. Much needed 3 points and a week off for the FA Cup.

Pretty much the way I saw it.
They worked there socks off for those points and hopefully now with a bit of luck with injuries we can kick on.

I still would like a little experience brought in this window though.

[curiousorange]

Seemed like a lot of huff and puff by a limited side who need some fresh ideas, but it's a good start to the year.

[usav]

3 points. Thats all that matters.

If you live in a 90 minute bubble.   Bigger picture, we have many problems.