The Paul Lambert thread - poll reset after our capitulation to Hull

[LeeB]

How about £8m for a Portuguese tramp? (Bebe)

[LeeB]

Well you say that, but that's not what the original argument was about. It was about whether we'd lose money on a lot of our signings, and I don't think we would.

I was just reponding to the point that his transfer record can't be used as a stick to beat him with. I wasn't around during the original argument to be fair.

I think you have a selective memory. Last season Lowton showed signs of really developing, not only as an attacking full back and the best crosser at the club but also defensively. I can't remember who is was but there was one game last season where he had the perfect game, everybody on here was praising him as he didn't put a foot wrong. I'd also argue that our full backs are done no favours by Lambert's insistence of playing them very narrow, allowing opposing wide men both time and space to run at us

Speak for yourself. As I say, he was the least bad in a diabolical defence which doesn't automatically mean that he performed well defensively. I'm not sure what one 'perfect game' against Sunderland proves exactly? Not that it is a very good example as we dominated in that game and thus he wasn't tested much defensively anyway. Also, I am only referring to his defensive ability. There is no denying his footballing ability and offensive contribution. However no amount of ability going forward compensates for not being able to defend when you are a full-back. Bacuna has already shown that he is a far better defender than Lowton so I hope Lambert can possibly find midfield role for him as that would allow him to play to his strengths.

How many full backs can defend these days? How many caps has Kyle Walker got and he's worse defensively than Lowton. You could add Glenn Johnson to that too.

[PeterWithesShin]

Djemba-Djemba was 3 or 4 million for the Mancs wasn't he? Some other Fergie masterstrokes: Bebe, Bellion, Obertan, Forlan, Fangzou (sp), Poborsky.

[PeterWithesShin]

How many full backs can defend these days? How many caps has Kyle Walker got and he's worse defensively than Lowton. You could add Glenn Johnson to that too.

Walker terrified me at times defensively when he was with us.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I think you have a selective memory. Last season Lowton showed signs of really developing, not only as an attacking full back and the best crosser at the club but also defensively. I can't remember who is was but there was one game last season where he had the perfect game, everybody on here was praising him as he didn't put a foot wrong. I'd also argue that our full backs are done no favours by Lambert's insistence of playing them very narrow, allowing opposing wide men both time and space to run at us

Speak for yourself. As I say, he was the least bad in a diabolical defence which doesn't automatically mean that he performed well defensively. I'm not sure what one 'perfect game' against Sunderland proves exactly? Not that it is a very good example as we dominated in that game and thus he wasn't tested much defensively anyway. Also, I am only referring to his defensive ability. There is no denying his footballing ability and offensive contribution. However no amount of ability going forward compensates for not being able to defend when you are a full-back.

His 'perfect game' included a 96% pass completion rate and Dave Cooper on here referring to his display as "the best full back performance he's seen since Gidman". It wasn't just his attacking game, it was all his game. Go have a read of the post match threads from February 2013 until the end of the season and you'll see Lowton greatly improved his defensive play.

[Isa]

How many full backs can defend these days? How many caps has Kyle Walker got and he's worse defensively than Lowton. You could add Glenn Johnson to that too.

The modern full-back has an increased onus on their offensive responsibilities certainly. However being stronger offensively doesn't mean that they are complete liabilities defensively.

I'd disagree that Walker is worse defensively than Lowton just for the simple fact that he has pace which allows him to recover often. In fact, pace is one of the main reasons why Bacuna has been an improvement on Lowton at right-back. Even when Bacuna is turned or left behind, he has the pace to recover. His pace also makes it harder for opponents to pass him initially whereas Lowton was regularly skinned by pacy opponents.

[Isa]

His 'perfect game' included a 96% pass completion rate and Dave Cooper on here referring to his display as "the best full back performance he's seen since Gidman". It wasn't just his attacking game, it was all his game. Go have a read of the post match threads from February 2013 until the end of the season and you'll see Lowton greatly improved his defensive play.

I'm sorry but what has pass success rate got to do with defensive contribution? I've already said that he is a good footballer so there is no argument there. Also, the team hit form from February onwards but defensively we still conceded in every game during that run. Just because we improved defensively from that January period doesn't mean that we started defending well.

[eastie]

Lowton and Westwood both had really good seasons last year and I had no worries about either for this season - however neither have hit the heights they achieved in their 1st season with us - Lowton is still worth persevering wih in my opinion and Westwood seems to be regaining some form - I would rather Lowton at right back and bacuna wide midfield .

[LeeB]

If he's a good footballer, what's the problem again?

[Isa]

If he's a good footballer, what's the problem again?

Because being a good footballer doesn't mean you are a good defender perhaps?

[Rudy Can't Fail]

If he's a good footballer, what's the problem again?

He played in a crap defence so doesn't qualify for any defensive credit despite playing well himself, seems to be the problem.

[LeeB]

If he's a good footballer, what's the problem again?

He played in a crap defence so doesn't qualify for any defensive credit despite playing well himself, seems to be the problem.

I see mate, is this another one of those where you make your mind up about something and then try to make an argument to fit? There's a lot of that about at the moment.

[kippaxvilla2]

Even Ron Saunders bought some duds. Every manager does. But for some reason when Lambert does it, it's because he is useless rather than it just goes with being a manager of any club at any level.

Ali Dyer anyone?  Was that Souness?

[PeterWithesShin]

Even Ron Saunders bought some duds. Every manager does. But for some reason when Lambert does it, it's because he is useless rather than it just goes with being a manager of any club at any level.

Ali Dyer anyone?  Was that Souness?

Was he the bloke that claimed to be George Weah's cousin? Came on as a sub, played about 15 minutes, and was then hooked?

Talking of Weah, anyone else remember the Weah is a Villa fan stuff?

[Richard E]

If Weah was a Villa fan a couple of o.g.'s at Wembley in 2000 would have been appreciated.