Sunderland v Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Monty]

Definitely the best thing from today was how almost completely unworried we were in defence. Even when Vlaar went off they had nothing.

And yet they scored 3 against Chelsea a few weeks back and should've scored a few at VP. In fairness we are a bit of a bogey side for them, think we've now won on 4 of our last 6 visits to SOL so hope they stay up!

Haha, indeed! And yes, they were a bit rubbish today but they have been scoring a few goals and we saw today that they can play football, but we gave them pretty much nothing.

[rob_bridge]

Vlaar played a captain's game. He supported our players when in trouble with the ref but did it in a decent way instead of the Man Utd way. When we saw him outside Villa Park several weeks ago, all the other players had gone. Ron was last in the car park but still walked over to talk to some kids. I hope he gets through his tendency to pick up injuries and continues to play for us for a long time.

A proper club captain then. That is good to hear.

[silhillvilla]

Vlaar is bedded in nicely now to the premier league . Great to have him back and good news that he should be fit to play the gunners game.

[eastie]

Vlaar is bedded in nicely now to the premier league . Great to have him back and good news that he should be fit to play the gunners game.

Agreed.

[supertom]

For a large part of the 84th minute we played as I want to see us to play.

Forget Albrightons miss. He is doing alright.

It was the most composed I've seen the team this season with the ball in our possession. For that 30 odd seconds we kept the ball very calmly, and with great composure. It was going so well and then Albrighton just snatched at his shot somewhat. He had more time to be a bit more considered. But certainly, he did make a positive difference when he came on. He opened the game up a bit. Alby has to start against Arsenal for me.

[SoccerHQ]

Think I'd go with two upfront v Arsenal (Benteke and Gabby) and flood the midfield. Albrighton and Weimann can be options for us later in that game. Wouldn't shock me if we go back to 3-5-2 for that and maybe also Liverpool depending on result.

[paul_e]

Alby tried to bust the net in the top corner and wasn't that far off, it just wasn't what was needed at that moment.

Delph also tried to hit his too hard.

Bacuna was very unlucky with his deflected effort, slightly less spin and Mannone was never getting back to it, as it was he only got enough glove to push it onto his head and then got a bit of luck in it squeezing past the post.

Benteke was really unlucky with the one Bardsley cleared off the line.

I seem to recall a good chance in the first half as well from a lovely flick round the corner from Benteke then he got it back from Gabby and bottled the shot and tried to lay it for Weimann.  We'd opened them up and Benteke of the spring would've buried it.

[silhillvilla]

If we get anything out of Arsenal or Liverpool it goes down as a bonus. Arsenal didn't exactly demolish Cardiff today , it's just a case of giving it a go and not rolling over.

[Toronto Villa]

Vlaar played a captain's game. He supported our players when in trouble with the ref but did it in a decent way instead of the Man Utd way. When we saw him outside Villa Park several weeks ago, all the other players had gone. Ron was last in the car park but still walked over to talk to some kids. I hope he gets through his tendency to pick up injuries and continues to play for us for a long time.

stick him next to another solid CB and all of a sudden we look a very different side in terms of leadership and defensive stability. Clark has certainly come on and improved because of playing next to Vlaar. He's a proper leader on and off the pitch.

[supertom]

I think Benteke could have plugged away all night and not scored. He could really do scoring off his arse, or off the back of his bonce, any way, just as long as it ends up in the old onion bag. But he does look like he's a goal away from igniting (hopefully).

[Walmley_Villa]

Well as per usual the Sunderland forum (Love Supreme) says we were the worst team that have played at the SOL this season, our fans are crap...😃

Then the realists give us credit. I love football forums...

[supertom]

Vlaar played a captain's game. He supported our players when in trouble with the ref but did it in a decent way instead of the Man Utd way. When we saw him outside Villa Park several weeks ago, all the other players had gone. Ron was last in the car park but still walked over to talk to some kids. I hope he gets through his tendency to pick up injuries and continues to play for us for a long time.

stick him next to another solid CB and all of a sudden we look a very different side in terms of leadership and defensive stability. Clark has certainly come on and improved because of playing next to Vlaar. He's a proper leader on and off the pitch.

Get in another quality CB who's been around the block to partner Vlaar. Then stick Clarky at left back. Job done.

[silhillvilla]

Did we fill the away end today ? Top marks to all that went.

[Dave Clark Five]

I think Benteke could have plugged away all not and not scored. He could really do scoring off his arse, or off the back of his bonce, any way, just as long as it ends up in the old onion bag. But he does look like he's a goal away from igniting (hopefully).

I expect Benteke and Weimann to click at the same time. That will be a good game to be at. Probably Liverpool again.

[Walmley_Villa]

Did we fill the away end today ? Top marks to all that went.

I think we sold 1300 out of 1900. Fair play to those that went - not the easiest journey on New Years Day.