Aston Villa vs Sunderland Post-Match Thread

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Enjoyed my mate's observation: Lambert's finishing "selections" usually end up playing better than his starting selections. The sending off forced his hand and as result we played better - not difficult I know, but definitely better. Speaks volumes!
Largely down to having Grealish on the pitch who offers loads more than Zog/Cleverley (who we MUST NOT spend £7m on ffs!)

Thought that Sanchez was the best player on the park by a country mile - he must wonder what the f**k all the other blokes in claret and blue use for brains once they get on the pitch.
His English is improving apparently. WTF must he make of Lambert's tactics/team talks?

I consider the game at Swansea a point dropped and today 2 more gone begging.
We must beat Palace at home and Leic away!

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

I was so hoping we'd play really well without Gabby, now he'll be straight back in against Palace.

Watching the match I kept thinking how much we missed Gabby to run at their defence, using his speed to go past their aging centre backs and stop them doubling up on Benteke. Then I reminded myself that Lambert prefers to play him deep, back to goal, trying to link up play.

You can take a horse to water..

Was hoping to see Gabby do exactly this v Swansea against chubby Williams - I think Gabby had one run at their defence. He plays too central and too narrow - playing him wide gives a much greater threat to the oppo - like Grealish was today.
Whether that's Lambert's tactics or Gabby's I don't know.

[andyh]

2 points from the last 12.
We're on one of our runs again.

[SoccerHQ]

Gabby never does anything in home games, really don't think he'd have made a huge difference today.

By default he'll be straight back in v Palace.

[brian green]

I suspect that Lambert thinks he can convert both Gabby and Weimann into midfield players.

[barrysleftfoot]

 Gabby plays too deep.He seems to think hes a creative midfielder rather than playing on the shoulder of the last defender, where he should be.

[SamTheMouse]

We have a handful of players who aren't good enough and are holding us back. Weimann is probably top of the list. He's feisty and a willing runner, but he just doesn't have the technique or composure needed at this level. And it's not as if he hasn't had a fair crack of the whip. We badly need someone with more quality in his position.

N'Zogbia is another one who's had plenty of chances to prove his worth and wasted them all. Then there's Gabby, who trundles along contributing very little for weeks and then suddenly produces a good performance to secure his spot in the team.

Swap those three for some more intelligent players with better technique, and we'd instantly look a different prospect. ANd funnily enough, I might trust Lambert to bring in the right players, provided he has some funds. Mind you, if he pays 7 million for Cleverley, then he's a mug. I don't even think he's as good as Westwood, who supposedly only cost 2m.

[Dr_Fegg]

First trip up since the Hull game and a chance to see the "New Improved Villa" in action. OK it wasn't Barcelona but at least we're trying to keep the ball which in itself stopped the opposition. I know its basic and at times we tried too hard (sometimes you just need to clear it) but it makes a change from hoof it then try and defend.

Its still looks work in progress and it does need better players in midfield but at least were not losing. Weimann and N'Zogbia shouldnt even be on the bench for the palace game. I'm prepared to give Cleverly a few more games if he's played further forward where I think he might do more damage with the final ball we so desperately need.

Greaslish needs to start and give Robinson 20+ mins in the second half as a replacement for Gabby (inevitable change).

Overall I can see some improvement and, dare I say it, something someone (not Lambert or Pulis) can build on.

[mattjpa]

I'm finding it hard to find fault in the players or manager considering we were playing for nearly the whole of the second half with one player fewer than the opposition.  Carlos Sanchez, what a footballer.

We played the whole of the first half with Nzogbia.

Who is nowhere near as bad as you keep saying over and over again.

If you want to put up his goal scoring or even key contribution record whilst playing for us I am happy to review my views.

The standard view of the heroes and villains sheep of the moment, let's rip into nzogbia
Because everyone else is. Nzog was our most creative and attack minded player today, far better than Weimann or  benteke.

[brontebilly]

Didn't see the game but a point after 45 mins with 10 men is a decent result in the circumstances. Nzogbia is finished at this level and shouldn't start another game for the club. Did Clark pick up an injury?
Running out of midfielders again but at least Richardson is back for the next one. Good to hear that Sanchez played well again and another clean sheet.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I suspect that Lambert thinks he can convert both Gabby and Weimann into midfield players.

Wait until he decides to convert Benteke into Ron Vlaar's replacement, Brian. Tactical genius, I tell you..

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Gabby plays too deep.He seems to think hes a creative midfielder rather than playing on the shoulder of the last defender, where he should be.

You think it's Gabby's decision to play there. If you were his manager wouldn't you have a word in his ear or scream down his throut to get back in bloody position?

I think you just might, BLF

[silhillvilla]

Agree the CNZ bashing is a bit OTT . He was the only one to shoot on target first half. Benteke was appalling today, surly, off the pace, ineffective.

[CT]

. Benteke was appalling today, surly, off the pace, ineffective.

Agree 100%. Maybe he just filled that role for Gabby until he's back for Palace.

[brian green]

TSOV if Lambert ever discovers what a great central defender we made of  hot shot centre forward Allan Evans, Benteke is as good as nailed into a Lambert back four