Aston Villa v Norwich- Post Match Thread

[Can Gana Be Bettered!?!?]

Well, what the fuck happened there.

Up to Bentekes first goal, we were quite comfortably the worst team...ever!

After Bentekes first goal up until half-time, we were great. Movement, passing, closing down, challenging, shooting, crossing - it's amazing what confidence can do.

After half-time, I thought we started with the same tempo we finished the first half, Gabby should've scored, and then I think it soon became clear that Norwich had more or less settled for the defeat and we sort of didn't try anymore, making the second half a non-event (though Guzan did make a great save).

Did we learn anything about Villa? Don't think so. We still know at times in a game we can play very well, but in the same game we can be extremely poor. How is it a team can be so different in one game? It's bizarre.

[PaulTheVillan]

We scored every shot on target.

Second half was back to normal, I don't think we were that good at all

[john2710]

Dear Paul,

That's what happens when you attack.

Regards,
David.

I think we can all endorse that.
It's a long time since we took the game to anyone from the start. This cautious attitude allows teams to settle & we invaribly give them a goal start too.

[Toronto Villa]

I know some people have an issue with the second half, but really all of the onus was on Norwich. I bet had they gone for it properly we'd have hit them on the break again and scored. We didn't need to up the tempo. 4-1 was already a great result

The game was won , all we had to do was see it out and we did that comfortably  enough .

4-1 up, horrible weather, slippery pitch. No need to risk injuries.

Yep. I was surprised Norwich looked so limp and this could very well see the end for Hughton. The first 20 aside the other 70 was as good and comfortable as we're likely to see this season.

[eastie]

We scored every shot on target.

Second half was back to normal, I don't think we were that good at all

Enjoy the good times my friend , it here are plenty of lows so lets enjoy the highs.

[Brian Taylor]

Where has Bentke been? Massive and Bacuna, my fave for the future

[eastie]

I know some people have an issue with the second half, but really all of the onus was on Norwich. I bet had they gone for it properly we'd have hit them on the break again and scored. We didn't need to up the tempo. 4-1 was already a great result

The game was won , all we had to do was see it out and we did that comfortably  enough .

4-1 up, horrible weather, slippery pitch. No need to risk injuries.

Yep. I was surprised Norwich looked so limp and this could very well see the end for Hughton. The first 20 aside the other 70 was as good and comfortable as we're likely to see this season.

I'd think they will stick with him for the stoke game next week but lose that and he may be a gonner.

[eastie]

The finish from bacuna was coolness personified - I'm not sure right back is his best position , I like him on the right of midfield but he has scored some crucial goals this season and that's what we need - last season we relied too much on forwards to score nearly all our goals - bacuna is settling down nicely and will be an asset .

[PeterWithesShin]

A back five of Guzan, Bertrand, Vlaar, Okore, Bacuna is quite sexy for next season I reckon.

[ez]

The finish from bacuna was coolness personified - I'm not sure right back is his best position , I like him on the right of midfield but he has scored some crucial goals this season and that's what we need - last season we relied too much on forwards to score nearly all our goals - bacuna is settling down nicely and will be an asset .

At the time I thought maybe it was one pass too many and Weimann should of had the shot but glad he didn't.

[eastie]

A back five of Guzan, Bertrand, Vlaar, Okore, Bacuna is quite sexy for next season I reckon.

How much do you think Chelsea would sell Bertrand for ? He has made a difference no doubt , I also think okore will be a huge player for us next season .

[Dave]

The finish from bacuna was coolness personified - I'm not sure right back is his best position , I like him on the right of midfield but he has scored some crucial goals this season and that's what we need - last season we relied too much on forwards to score nearly all our goals - bacuna is settling down nicely and will be an asset .

I've not really got a problem with him where he is.

It's only the Fulham game where he's been a disaster defensively, and he comfortably had the beating of Redmond today. The Norwich forum I was browsing suggested that today was the worst he had played for them, which suggests that Bacuna shut him down nicely.

[Marton]

A back five of Guzan, Bertrand, Vlaar, Okore, Bacuna is quite sexy for next season I reckon.

Doesn't Bertrand go back after this season?

[dave.woodhall]

A back five of Guzan, Bertrand, Vlaar, Okore, Bacuna is quite sexy for next season I reckon.

Put Clark in there and we could play 352 quite effectively. Weimann reminds me of Tommy Johnson - not good enough to be a top-class striker but useful as a buzzing around attacking midfielder.

[Dave]

A back five of Guzan, Bertrand, Vlaar, Okore, Bacuna is quite sexy for next season I reckon.

Doesn't Bertrand go back after this season?

Not if we take up the option to buy him.