Sunderland v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Tuscans]

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.

Agreed...it was almost like we led Sunderland into a false sense of security in we're shit and can't control and pass the ball...and BAM, we miss! But it was good for those 20 seconds

[Nastylee]

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.

Not in slightest bit worried of relegation. We're not poor, we're average and will finish roughly where we are now. Norwich down are the sides shitting themselves this season.

[Jimbo]

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.

At the very least we were able to do more with the ball with meagre possession than Sunderland could do with the lion's share. We battled hard in defence and had the chances to put the game beyond any doubt. We didn't take those chances because we're a poor side, but they are worse. Today's result and the current PL table would appear to back that up.

[dave.woodhall]

I see we're above Real Swansea now.

[pooligan]

Great result,wish we could play Sunderland every week !

[devilla]

Win against a shit side

Who cares, we too are shit but it's better to win and be shit than to lose!

Agreed, but there are definitely big question marks still.  Those late misses by Albrighton and Delph were just ridiculous.  They can't put the ball on target from 16 yards out??   Fuck me.

This is what I find incredible as well. I'd love to know what they do at Bodymoor to coach shooting, retention of possession and defence.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

We desperately need to get back to passing the ball. I just cant believe how bad we are in possession.

Get back? Bloody hell, you've got a good memory. I  can believe how bad we are in possession, today in the first half we showed glimpses of improving but apart from a one minute spell in the second half, we never managed it again.

Feel sorry for Sunderland. One shot on target all game. Partly due to their shiteness up front and a Villa defence that looked like they'd deal with anything thrown at them all day. Really can't see how playing like that they can expect to stay up.

As for us, we won't get many easier games all season. Shame we made such bloody hard work of it. Still, 3 points keeps us away from the relegation zone for now which can only be a good thing.

Happy New Year all, especially those that traveled all the way up there today. They win my MOTM. Nobody else really deserves a special mention.

[rob_bridge]

A win. A win. A win.

Well done. We have lots of problems let;s worry about them tomorrow.

Rejoice!!!!

[ciggiesnbeer]

We hoofed the ball around horribly punctuated by moments of lovely silky football. Progress.

Sunderland are a strange team, bit like us really but without the goal threat. I would love that Giacherrini(?) bloke and maybe the Ki fella.

[German James]

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.

Another thing: you know those big headphones that Gaby often wears post-match? Well, if he crosses the road while he's wearing them, he may well get hit by a bus and then where would we be? Brad Guzan's neighbour might keep a dog. If that dog bit him, does anyone really believe that Jed Steer is ready to step up? So many things to worry about.

[aj2k77]

Let's be honest, the quality on the ball was very poor again. A combination of no composure, lesser quality than what we were used to and little confidence means we are using the ball like a hot potato.

It does appear we lack players with footballing intelligence, hence the lack of movement and clever runs.

However we've gone to a fellow relegation rival and through grit and determination battled it out. That is the biggest quality of our current team. They do try. There aren't many shirkers and for that I am glad and I think i'm going to watch MOTD tonight and enjoy the victory.

2 players in, big upgrades on what we've got and I think like Lambert we will be just fine this season, there are a lot of poor sides. Seems the talent pool is getting more drained towards just the top.

[Monty]

The move which led to Albrighton's terrible miss was the best we've passed the ball in months. It's so frustrating to see them do it that well because we can see that they can pass the ball - just so much of the time they don't.

[supertom]

We're just 2-3 good signings and Benteke finding his form, from having a good push to get well clear of Norwich down and start eyeing up Southamptons spot.

[SamTheMouse]

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.

I'll admit I thought we'd concede once Ron went off, but the two youngsters did do well. Luna actually managed to do some defending, too and stopped a few crosses coming in for a change. Fair do's.

[TonyD]

Priceless win.  Like finding a tenner in a jacket you have t worn for ages.