Aston Villa 2 vs 1 Smethwick Post Match thread

[Jimbo]

Okore was ponderous at times, and is prone to losing concentration, but his last-ditch intervention when Berahino was bearing down on goal was sublime.

[Witton Warrior]

Got back late, didn't sleep much as kept waking up and wondering why I was grinning in the dark.

Jumped out of bed and now at work buzzing and waiting for supporters of other teams to come and bow in the presence of a mighty Villan

I was in the LHolte concourse on 92 minutes as well and the stampede up into L1 was the best fun I've had in ages - the steward was just swept along - the celebrations will live long in the memory

[aev]

Well that was better.

Was pretty disappointed with the team selection but they were very good in the first half.

They looked a bit winded after the equalizer, but they certainly weren't getting overrun - we were lucky perhaps that we were facing a team that were unwilling or unable to really have a go at us. Clark I thought was excellent, Okore had a few shaky moments.

I was screaming at the tv for us to get it into the box a bit more in the last 20 minutes but I guess the beauty of watching a game when you such an emotional attachment is that sometimes you over analyse everything.

I thought Sherwood came across in overall very well on BT Sport afterwards. He said the players fitness wasn't up to the level that he wanted for his type of football, but that he wasn't criticizing what went before as they were obviously trying something different.

Also thought Petrov said that the has been speaking to Sherwood about getting more involved, but that nothing has been agreed yet?

[jeowje]

Phil ('the Wurzel') King-esque nerves of steel from The Beast.

Great win, strange reversal of Stoke last week, still buzzing, can't wait for the cup game now...

[Fin Feds Dad]

One annoying part of the game last night - and all season - was the shocking delivery of dead balls by Westwood and then Bacuna at the end.

We know Foster is dodgy now - if he plays Saturday, we have to make him work from every set piece. Hit the target as a minimum.

[glasses]

Have heard that a lot of seats torn up in the away end last night. The rogues

[MarkM]

Have heard that a lot of seats torn up in the away end last night. The rogues

Should leave them torn out as they will be using them next, they can sit on the floor

[Lizz]

For anyone with access to BT Sport their premier league show on now is starting off with us. The joys of working from home.

[rob_bridge]

Have to eat humble pie on Clark - he has had a very good season and think him and Okore are best long term option.

[GordonCowansisthegreatest]

What is the view from those that were there, on Grealish?
BBC commentary said he was the most accomplished player by a country mile.

[FranzBiberkopf]

What is the view from those that were there, on Grealish?
BBC commentary said he was the most accomplished player by a country mile.

I'm undecided.

I think he needs to be 'braver' and try to influence the game more.

That said - he's learning, and he's not really been given enough time on the pitch yet.

Wonder if he'll start him on Saturday? Can't see N'Zog getting anywhere near the first team again. I hope he doesn't go resting and put out a scratch team.

[rob_bridge]

What is the view from those that were there, on Grealish?
BBC commentary said he was the most accomplished player by a country mile.

He looked good - may be better at this point as an impact player running at tired defenders.

[RussellC]

What is the view from those that were there, on Grealish?
BBC commentary said he was the most accomplished player by a country mile.

He looked good - may be better at this point as an impact player running at tired defenders.

He showed a side to his game that I haven't seen before, a bit of tenacity, both with and without the ball. The tackle on Morrison in the last few minutes was brilliant. I just think he needs a goal to really kick-start him. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see him start on Saturday after that Cameo.

[Lastfootstamper]

First half superb. Pressed the ball and plenty of movement off it. Second half we looked really nervous and reverted to type after the goal. Sideways passing no driving forwarded, hard habit to get out of once it's been trained into you. Thought TS made brace substitutions and went for it.

That's where Sherwood's gonna earn his corn, making them believe in themselves and what they're supposed to be doing when things aren't quite going their way. We've still a long road ahead of us, but at least it looks like we've set off in the right direction.
Onwards and upwards, Villa.

[silhillvilla]

Grealish did well, had a shot on target , straight at foster unfortunately. The one time he lost possession he chased and won the ball back superbly.