Aston Villa v West Ham - Post Match Thread

[Dante Lavelli]

It's a complement to Grealish that Fat Sam brought on Song to man mark him.

[Villafirst]

Okore was MoM for me; him and Vlaar snuffed out the West Ham attack effectively. Gabby was awful - needs game time. My word though, the second half was painful. FFS 5 years of this worry - hopefully things will be different next season.

[Chris_Jephcott]

Today was a professional performance - and I genuinely feel like we never really came out of first or second gear. I also feel that if they had equalised, we would have ensured we scored another one. To me, it just felt more like a routine win... Not particularly high tempo compared to the performances of late, but industrious and we ground out the result.

That said, it's a great 3 points and means that with 2 games to go, we're in a much much better position than I feared we would be.

[olaftab]

As others have said I thought Collins was superb for them today. Handled Benteke very well.

[Toronto Villa]

I'm going to credit Allardyce a bit here for changing things up in the second half but also having a good overall game plan to restrict the service to Benteke. Now we weren't great either in our chance creation and delivery even though we had a lot of the ball in the first half, and Collins was very solid all match. In the end it took a bit of magic to seal it, but it was always going to be nervous as it went on and we didn't take advantage of the possession. Also they knew to target Given from high balls which is something we all know is a weakness. In the end we made it through, but many years have been lost in the process.

[Rudy65]

It's a complement to Grealish that Fat Sam brought on Song to man mark him.

It changed the game to their advantage.

Didnt think it was one of Jacks better games, but he set up the winner and Gabby for his late miss........so not bad really!

[Astral Weeks]

I'm pretty sure we're OK now. As somebody said earlier, the four teams below us aren't all going to get more than 38 points even if we don't get any more (and we will).

One thing is for sure though: this must never be allowed to happen again. The last 4 seasons have been a fucking miserable time to be a Villa fan, and we're all heartily sick of it. No more.

[Jimbo]

For the first time in years it feels like we have a manager.

[AlexAlexCropley]

Grealish-worth the entrance fee alone.And just when he could give no more, he delivers that pass to put Gabby through on goal.Exquisite.
Great battle against Song.Grealish won.

[Matt C]

Sometimes you need that touch of magic. Well done our Jack.

[PeterWithesShin]

Thought we played some great stuff first half, had to grind it out more second half. Not surprisingly, delighted with the 3 points!

[brian green]

Just home.   It can't be a diet of champagne and caviar every week and that was a solid premiership bread and butter win.   Collins kept Benteke remarkably quiet and Richardson had the odd wobble, Gabby needs to lose half a stone and  was very rusty.   Very satisfying.   That midfield of Delph, TC and Westwood looks better and better with every game.   I am starting to relax for the first time in six months.   I can pay Tim Sherwood no greater compliment than that.

[UK Redsox]

I know that people moan about Sam but I like the bloke. In the first half today he was yelling to his players to keep the ball on the floor and play out from the back. Specifically he tried to get his defenders wide so that Adrian could pass/throw the ball out. Adrian completely ignored the instructions and kept waving the defenders forward so that he could hoof it.

Also, it was a great tactical move to bring on Song. However, he should already have been on a yellow when he was at last booked.

Jack was superb in the first half but Song took him out of the game until he made that exquisite pass to what remains of Gabby.

Tekkers was off the pace today. Not sure whether that was due to Collins or because of that knock he took in the first half.

The midfield looked solid but hopefully that's the last time that Tim thinks that Sanchez solidifies things when he cones on.

[eamonn]

Just home.   It can't be a diet of champagne and caviar every week and that was a solid premiership bread and butter win.   Collins kept Benteke remarkably quiet and Richardson had the odd wobble, Gabby needs to lose half a stone and  was very rusty.   Very satisfying.   That midfield of Delph, TC and Westwood looks better and better with every game.   I am starting to relax for the first time in six months.   I can pay Tim Sherwood no greater compliment than that.

Worrabout young Jackie?

[spangley1812]

I thought the ref had a good game as well........