Aston Villa v Manchester City post match thread

[villan from luton]

Totally dsagree re Baker, thought he was superb tbh

[silhillvilla]

Baker is an easy target for criticism. He got dogs abuse last season much of it unwarranted.

[Chris Smith]

Baker is an easy target for criticism. He got dogs abuse last season much of it unwarranted.

No, entirely warranted. His regularly got himself into trouble due to his poor positioning, rash tackles and awful distribution. Fair play to him he has tightened up this season but let's not try to pretend he is something he isn't.

[old man villa fan]

Totally dsagree re Baker, thought he was superb tbh

Is that superb as in putting everything into the game and throwing himself in to get to the ball first or superb in a controlling the game at the back and doing more in possession of the ball.  To me a superb performance is the latter.  There is no doubt that having Senderos alongside him has helped him but his positioning needs to be worked on a lot.

[PeterWithesShin]

He was criticised last season because he was at times, shit. He has been much improved this season and is receiving praise. The way it should be. The criticism last season and the praise this one are both warranted.

[old man villa fan]

I'm not saying he hasn't improved because he has but there is a long way to go to be good enough as a regular first team player.

[PaulWinch again]

Baker did very well yesterday, but he has to build on that.

[eamonn]

He does that safety first, clearance out of play when not under pressure far too much, needlessly conceding possession.

[TopDeck113]

Only just got back... via a half marathon today in Derbyshire.

I thought we did ok first half, but defended too deep for most of the second half and there was only going to be one winner. Just surprised it took as long as it did for City to score.

There were some positives: the main one being that the run of games against the teams in the Champions League is over!

[PeterWithesShin]

I'll take safety first over fannying around on the ball. It's not ideal but when you aren't the most skillful ballplayer around safety first works for me.

[silhillvilla]

At least Baker is a stalwart and rarely injured. He also had a run of very good games last season which is easily overlooked.

[Risso]

At least Baker is a stalwart and rarely injured. He also had a run of very good games last season which is easily overlooked.

Eh?  Baker has been injured several times over the last two seasons.

[silhillvilla]

At least Baker is a stalwart and rarely injured. He also had a run of very good games last season which is easily overlooked.

Eh?  Baker has been injured several times over the last two seasons.

He's missed the odd game or two rather than being sidelined for weeks and months .

[Toronto Villa]

Baker is an easy target for criticism. He got dogs abuse last season much of it unwarranted.

No, entirely warranted. His regularly got himself into trouble due to his poor positioning, rash tackles and awful distribution. Fair play to him he has tightened up this season but let's not try to pretend he is something he isn't.

I really don't understand why this position on Baker is so difficult to accept. He was at times last season simply awful. And he has absolutely improved this season, and good on him for that. Long may it continue.

[brian green]

 I see much improvement in Baker and all credit to him and his coaches.