Libor Kozak

[Mortimer's Bear]

I bet he can hardly move this morning after the shift he put it. I was surprised he lasted the 90 minutes and he still looks a bit awkward on the ball but by jove he's better than Gestede.

[Marlon's Hairy Wood]

Kozak would benefit from someone like Traore beating the full back and getting in early crosses. High or low, I think he has the intelligence of subtle movement that Gestede simply doesn't have. Shame Traore is injured and Grealish is still sick or out for whatever reason.

Definitely.

Against Notts County we was playing intelligent football in and around the box, which initially made me want to see Sinclair play upfront as he benefited from it by scoring two tap ins (i think). Kozak came on and instantly got himself in a great position and hit the bar (or it was just tipped over, can't remember now). But then we didn't hear from him again.

This performance really did further highlight how terribly inept Gestede has been for us. 

[oldtimernow]

Whilst Kozak plays on his toes Justead is on his heels and that for me is the difference

[amfy]

Paul Lambeth said when he was here that goals would always come to Benteke,  whereas Konak had to work for them, but would make them come.

[Prague John]

Great performance from Kozak. he wasn;'t man of the match (Ayew?) but considering he had not started a first team game in over 2 years, it was an admirable display.
He was probably getting the most positive chants from Villa fans throughout the game too....(some of it surely irony at him finally getting picked).

[pauliewalnuts]

Cant fault the work he put in



http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/35229763

That touch marked bottom right - that was when we were struggling to get the ball off (I think) Zaha.

Kozak ran three quarters the length of the pitch and won it off him.

You could see how hard he was working, he was absolutely drenched in sweat towards the end.

The whole performance was way more energetic and determined from the whole team, but especially (given his circumstances) Kozak. Excellent stuff.

[Toronto Villa]

That and the chase that Ayew gave to win the ball back late in the second half. He ran all the way back into our own half to dispossess one of their players. Both forwards out in a great shift and did themselves proud. For me he's made it very difficult for Garde to change that pairing. And add in Kozak's movement and just overall desire after such a long lay off. Very impressive.

[tomd2103]

I bet he can hardly move this morning after the shift he put it. I was surprised he lasted the 90 minutes and he still looks a bit awkward on the ball but by jove he's better than Gestede.

My one criticism of Garde last night was that I thought he left Gil and Kozak on too long.  It was clear with about 15 minutes to go that they were both shattered, yet he left them on and only took Gil off right at the end.  Although Palace didn't really threaten during that time, I thought we lost momentum. 

[Caribbeanvillan]

The good thing about Kozak he can actually hold the ball up and bring into play the likes of Gil, Veretout and Ayew. Even though he has been out for a while his first touch was quite good and you could see the rest of the team know they will get the ball back to carry on the attack. I also noticed that most of the balls to Kozak were to his feet knowing they would get the touch back whereby to Gestede most of the balls were in the air which makes me think they had no trust in Gestede holding the ball up. Looking at the two offsides, firstly you would never see Gestede in those positions and get flagged offside, secondly when you have someone who is capable of running into the space like that it give the guys around him confidence to play the ball through, ok he was flagged, but it gives the opposition defenders something to think about knowing that one of our forwards will be running into the whole for the through ball, with Gestede this would never happen and the opposition defenders knew this which made their job easier. He looked very comfortable with the players around him last night and I'm sure he will improve with more game time.

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Great performance from Kozak. he wasn;'t man of the match (Ayew?) but considering he had not started a first team game in over 2 years, it was an admirable display.
He was probably getting the most positive chants from Villa fans throughout the game too....(some of it surely irony at him finally getting picked).

We've been singing his name at most games this season PJ, especially away games.
I like him.

[rob_bridge]

I bet he can hardly move this morning after the shift he put it. I was surprised he lasted the 90 minutes and he still looks a bit awkward on the ball but by jove he's better than Gestede.

My one criticism of Garde last night was that I thought he left Gil and Kozak on too long.  It was clear with about 15 minutes to go that they were both shattered, yet he left them on and only took Gil off right at the end.  Although Palace didn't really threaten during that time, I thought we lost momentum.

I think it was simply the fact he didn't / doesn't trust the replacements. I know I don't

Richards, Clark, Gestede, Sinclair, Richardson - the who's who of fuckwits and small time Charlie's.

He can give Big K and Gill today off to recuperate and as long as our fitness/medics know what they are doing should allow them to be available for Saturday though I'd expect a different make up again for the team next Tuesday including some of the aforementioned playing against opposition befitting their current level.

[PaulWinch again]

He did bloody well yesterday and it was good to see a centre forward work hard, show movement and just play with a bit of intelligence.

[Prague John]

Great performance from Kozak. he wasn;'t man of the match (Ayew?) but considering he had not started a first team game in over 2 years, it was an admirable display.
He was probably getting the most positive chants from Villa fans throughout the game too....(some of it surely irony at him finally getting picked).

We've been singing his name at most games this season PJ, especially away games.
I like him.

That's good to hear ps you showed up my lack of Villa game attendances there:)

[olaftab]

He did well and defo much better choice than Gestede but we badly need a proper centre forward.

[Chris Smith]

Worked hard but needs to improve his touch and positioning but as others have said offered us more than Gestede and hopefully his performance will improve with games.