Aston Villa vs Fulham Match Thread

[Rudy Can't Fail]

This match so far is highly indicative of what we've become.

Playing an awful side like Fulham, we just look devoid of any quality on the pitch, and when you look at the bench, it is frighteningly poor.

I understand we've got injuries, but injuries happen, and it doesn't take an unimaginable number of them to reduce us to looking this threadbare.

Fortunately Fulham have the same injury problems.

[Malandro]

some of the mistakes we make are just so bloody unbelievable!

Seen worse though haven't we?

[olaftab]

Dreadful at Villa park today both on and off the pitch. Sitting here and being nervous about useless Fulham shows how bad we have become. Albrighton should really be not on the pitch but such are our resources that we have to rely on players like that. I have no hope of this match.
Anyway big John is on the pitch now addressing supporters. He needs to get changed and come on for the second half!

[villa_cads]

I've got to say, for the team we've put out, I didn't think that was too bad a half. We've played worst this year with a full strength side.

[citizenDJ]

John Motson, BBC Match of the Day commentator
Aston Villa 0-0 Fulham
"It's been a fluctuating first half. Both teams have had a right go and shown a willingness to go forward, but have lacked a cutting edge. It's got plenty to offer, but with no end product."

Pretty generous summing up from Motty, there.

[curlytailavfc]

The first half is brought to an end. Thankfully

[supertom]

Not too bad so far. Playing the ball fairly well at times, but so far there's been no cutting edge. Think we'll have to bide our time with this one because I think it'll be the odd that wins this game.

Bertrand and Bennett have done quite well and we look quite balanced having both in the side. Bacuna has been okay in the middle, if a little sloppy at times. Westwood seems in control.
Albrighton seems our most likely source of creativity again. Holt has worked hard and made a nuissance of himself but has had no service.

Baker and Bennett have done well but of course, as we've seen before, they switch off and do something sloppy. If Fulham get a goal, I suspect it'll be down to us gifting it to them. Hopefully Baker and Bennett stay sharp now for the rest of the game.

As for Fulham, that young Woodrow lad is putting himself about well and looks confident and lively. He's eager to impress. To be honest, it makes me want to see us unleash Robinson. It'd be nice to see one of our untried yoof players get the chance to impress. The more you play in a struggling side the more self doubt can creep into your game. You'd hope someone like Robinson could hit the game with a bit of unbridled enthusiasm and confidence, as the Woodrow lad seems to.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I've got to say, for the team we've put out, I didn't think that was too bad a half. We've played worst this year with a full strength side.

Very true but it does highlight how poor we've been this season.

[curiousorange]

In the first 5-10 minutes, Villa looked by far the better side. But as the half went on, Fulham showed how well you can disrupt a gameplan just by being energetic. Villa couldn't deal with the fact they sometimes had less than thirty seconds to pass a football.

[PhilGibson]

The quality of our squad today is probably the worst I can remember. We just have no cohesion, no pattern to our play, players playing in god knows what position. We are extremely lucky the lower half of the premier league is so poor this season.

What a tepid, boring existence we now have as a club. I really would like a silver lining I just cannot think of one.

[VillaAlways]

No matter what injuries we have got . It will be completely unacceptable to lose at home to a club at the bottom of the table who have the number 73 in the goals against colomn.

[supertom]

I've got to say, for the team we've put out, I didn't think that was too bad a half. We've played worst this year with a full strength side.

Very true but it does highlight how poor we've been this season.

Certainly does.

[rob_bridge]

1 shot on target against the worse defence in the top flight for 6 years.

[supertom]

I think this game requires a bit of Tonev. He's not brilliant but he's direct and quick and might inject some thrust into our attack. And who knows, he might hit the target.

Holt seemed to drift out the game after 30 mins, so I wonder if he's running on empty already. I'd be tempted to stick Robinson in there and let him have a go. We're not winning anything in the air against Hangeeland anyway. We need to attack Fulham with pace because their defender is a little slow.

[ozzjim]

Whatever happens, this summer is make or break for Lambert. 3rd season you expect a significant improvement, but with Benteke out till Christmas, you would not rule out a really rough season.