Aston Villa 1 Knuckledraggers crawl back under their stones 0 Post match thread.

[KevinGage]

A worrying lack of invention throughout the first and most of the second half.

I know these games often aren't pretty, and it's all about the win.

But I can't recall their keeper making too many saves.

We will need to improve about 500 fold if we have any designs on even a mediocre league campaign this season.

[brontebilly]

I  thought Veretout  had a good second half. Needs game time,don't see him working with Westwood.

Veretout needs to get a lot fitter and physically stronger to play in a 2 man midfield, one for next season I suspect

Clearly a tidy footballer though, put in some quality inside the full back passes tonight

But too much of the game passed him by

90 mins tonight should bring him on a good bit

[citizenDJ]

Thoroughly enjoyed that second half - how could you not?!

Clark makes a much better defender than midfielder, and he was better than Lescott at centre-back.

Richards continues to look good, although lacks composure a little I think.

Amavi is just a superb player, love watching him bomb forward and I think he is a pretty good defender as well.

Veretout in my opinion looks like a classy midfielder, always moving, gets around the pitch well. A few passes went astray but I think he will complement Gana very well.

Ayew was excellent, and surely did enough to replace Agbolahor in the team.

Grealish looked exactly like what he is - an exceptional talent. Just a terrific player to watch.

Good stuff.

[Morten]

Much better second half, well done. Ayew showed promise and looks a much better footballer than Gabby. Surely, Gabby cannot start the next game. Unlike others, I was quite pleased with Veretout. Unlike Westwood, he actually wins the ball from time to time and I think he plays some clever passes. Him, Sanchez and Gana look good, at least on paper.

I was criticising Gestede and his ball control, but it was a well taken header.

Surprised to see Lescott being so poor.

[Archie]

I was impressed with Ayew for the first time, he was very aggressive and seemed to understand what was at stake. He showed up their bunch of cloggers for what they are and was unlucky not to score.

Did he find his level?

[Matt C]

I'm glad that's over. Now start winning some league matches.

[Le Lapin]

Tim ws saying that these derby games are made for Gabby. Mmmm..... Gabbys time with us is coming to a close.  If Sherwood keeps starting him on some blind faith that he's going to play himself into form, he's playing a dangerous game. Gabby needs to be used as an impact sub. And if he fails at that he needs to leave the club.  For me he encapsulates the mediocrity and coasting along attitude that has dragged our club down. It's not the lads fault he's not good enough.  But sooner the club realises the fact that he isnt going to get any better,  the sooner we can move on. Great to get a win though. Hopefully we can turn a corner soon.

[PeterWithesShin]

Back home thanks to RedSox. Awful first half, Lescott and Clark were dire. Much better second half, Jack and Ayew changed it for us. Shame it was only 1-0 but it will do.

[Villa Lew]

Well maybe TS can do substitutions. Grealish and Ayew gotta start on Saturday.

[Ads]

Much better second half.

To be fair, Small Heath are shite and carry no threat at all, but we still bossed them second half. Ayew and Grealish with the increased tempo made a big difference.

[PaulWinch again]

I was impressed with Ayew for the first time, he was very aggressive and seemed to understand what was at stake. He showed up their bunch of cloggers for what they are and was unlucky not to score.

Did he find his level?

No he's played hardly any minutes since moving to England, so maybe he's taking a bit of time to settle in.

[cdbearsfan]

Fucked the fuckers.

[ez]

Shocking first half, but much better in the second.  Lescott and Agbonlahor should not start at the weekend.

Sad to say it, but I don't think Gabby should start for us ever again. He's not a good enough footballer and no longer has the sheer acceleration that used to be his only real strength.

Think that's proof he's holding us back.

[berneboy]

Re Gabby, I do wonder how much the Sun garbage has affected him. He is human.

[silhillvilla]

Ayew
We signed the right Ayew
We signed the right Ayew
Etc