FC Groningen vs Aston Villa

[Matt Collins]

Paul Lambert said he was relaxed about villa's 4-1 defeat at the hands of Dutch side Groningen: "it's all about fitness at this stage" he said. "We've still got Ron, Joe and Jores to come in. We'll be right at it for Stoke".

Lambert also said their were signs for encouragement, with pressure from Darren bent forcing a 90th minute own goal. "To be fair to him, Benty's come back for pre season and he looks right at it. I thought our front three were a right handful today. They were unlucky not to score".

Lambert dismissed suggestions that villa's 19% possession and no shots on target were a cause for concern. "I don't worry about the stats. There's only one stat that counts - the score. We didn't have the rub of the green today, but if we keep doing what we're doing we won't go far wrong. I see the improvement in training every day. We'll be right at it for stoke."

[PeterWithesShin]

I can be gracious as it is a friendly, that second goal was a bit tidy.

[olaftab]

Our two Fridges up front are very cold.

[devilla]

Drinks break. Can't be that hot surely?

[olaftab]

Rischerdsshon ish playing okish!

[devilla]

Given trying to stay young with a mohican? Looks even more ridiculous on someone his age.

[PeterWithesShin]

3-0

[devilla]

Fuck off. 3 0!

[David_Nab]

3-0 cut open

This team is shocking

[olaftab]

 3-0 Jesus 

[Matt Collins]

We absolutely 100 per cent cannot play Darren bent on his own up front. We've proved it time and again. Please please please do not put this formation out v stoke unless gabby is going to play there

[cdbearsfan]

Non-existant defending. If I had been watching a stream, which obviously I wasn't, I would've just turned it off.

[PeterWithesShin]

One ball played from the halfway line and we are torn open.

[Tuscans]

Personally don't give a toss if we lost every friendly 6-0...means jack shit.

[NeilH]

I hope to god that they are simple not bothering as this is a friendly, as that third goal was frankly shocking.