Aston Villa v Newcastle United Post-Match Thread

[SamTheMouse]

Benteke can't come back quick enough. But at least we've rediscovered the lost art of defending.

No point having Benteke on the pitch if we can't get the ball into him.
We desperately need some guile and creativity.

It's easy to get the ball to Benteke. You just smash it in his general direction, and it sticks because he has the height and strength to hold it up. That's essential if you're set up to play a counter-attacking game as we are.

I agree some more guile in the final third is a must, though. We badly need someone who can play with his head up but who's also pacey and can contribute with a goal threat. Weimann and Gabby worked hard today and they are quick, but neither of them have the ability to make a yard of space and pick a pass, they both panic and rush their decision-making as soon as they get anywhere near the opposition area. Cole is a more intelligent player, but unfortunately I don't think he has the pace to perform that role.

The defence was impressive again, though. It's great to see two centre-halves covering each other properly. When Vlaar came out to deal with the first ball, you'd frequently see Senderos slot in just behind him to collect the second one, and it worked a treat. That's easier when your full-back is covering for you, mind. And Hutton in particular was top drawer.

[brontebilly]

thought Vlaar and Hutton were excellent. Sanchez offered much needed presence in midfield. Delph broke forward from midfield well.

Again couldnt fault the effort of the players but the lack of quality from midfield and further forward was fairly evident. Nzogbia, Richardson, Gabby, Weimann and Westwood (with the exception of a few set pieces) were awful. Bent too can barely even run. Its early days but Id be inclined to get Grealish in starting already. Bacuna and Grealish did well coming in last week so were unlucky not to get a run today. Baker should be nowhere near the squad and proved as much in his brief cameo.

We certainly seem physically stronger this year but today was further evidence that we are really going to struggle to even create chances this season never mind score goals with the same players. Richardson may be an upgrade on Tonev but that seems to be about it.

[Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle]

Thought defensively we were great. And that's a  brilliant start as far as I'm concerned.

[Richard E]

It was on BT Sport. He said Vlaar won't be leaving for as long as he (Lambert) is at the club.

On TBAR that will be interpreted as a new manager coming in.

Or that the Second Coming is imminent.

[Richard E]

The bench looks a lot stronger, we actually have some options now. Not sure there are many goals in that starting XI but we will lose a lot less games this year judging by that performance and last week.

[pauliewalnuts]

I wonder if Hutton will actually be offered a new deal.

Something inconceivable last year.

[old man villa fan]

From what I have seen in the first two matches it is not going to be pretty this season.  The decision has been made to make us solid and cut out the stupid errors.  I think the team will get better as the season goes on.

[Richard E]

Like the look of Richardson. Apart from one badly misplaced pass he was composed and generally looking to do something with it when he had the ball.Also gets stuck in.

[Toronto Villa]

I wonder if Hutton will actually be offered a new deal.

Something inconceivable last year.

I hope so.

There. I said it.

[Lizz]

Sure it's been said, two games, no goals conceded. Happy with that so far.

[Ron Manager]

Well, once again the defence,all of them, looked fit for purpose. That was a very good stop by Guzan towards the end. The midfield were ok but obviously not outstanding. Both Agbonlahor and Weimann were ineffective. Weimann in my opinion lacks the basic attributes to be a top class forward. He should be operating at Championship or even Division I level. Hopefully our two big men will be back in the next month.

We are going to need them.

[stubbsyandy]

What was the applause for in 17th minute? We arrived smack on kick off so if there was an announcement we missed it. Joined in tho.

[dave shelley]

I was just about to ask, was the 17th minute applause for the two Newcastle fans respected?

[CJ]

What was the applause for in 17th minute? We arrived smack on kick off so if there was an announcement we missed it. Joined in tho.

Two Newcastle fans died on 17th July on the MH17 air crash, and yes it was universally respected

[villalion]

What was the applause for in 17th minute? We arrived smack on kick off so if there was an announcement we missed it. Joined in tho.

For the two Newcastle fans that were killed on flight mh17