Aston Villa vs. Man City Match Thread

[citizenDJ]

I thought Henry on Sky Sports there was going to offer some thoughts similar to my own. He didn't, although on the same lines but with a slightly more negative stance (he felt that Gil was being a little irresponsible in his defensive duties). My thought, though, were that I can't actually remember the last time you could clearly see the shape of our team. Watch when City attack, and you can see the players move swiftly back in position - it looks very solid.

[cdward]

What we have been lacking for years, some decent players in midfield who can hold the ball, find a pass, keep possession, and keep trying to unlock a very good defence. We look organised when we don't have the ball, and are keeping our structure very well. Sterling is causing a few problems but overall we have contained them.  We just need a bit of luck or a bit of magic. Very pleased with Veretout, Gana, Amavi, Gil, Ayew. The more game time they get, the better they will become.

[Boz]

Well at least he has them playing with a bit of a structure. Long way to go min and we look lightweight up front but at least we are keeping th ball. Gil is a bloody good player.

He was good buy, just never given a proper opportunity by Sherwood.

Maybe his media mates might start to have doubts about some of his statements about the players not being good enough

[Matt Collins]

There was contact on sterling. But not enough for a pen for me.

I don't think we've had as much as a half chance though and I'm not sure where one will come from. I think Ayew has done quite well but I'm not sure he's a number 9 in English football.

[olaftab]

The City bus has been parked up in front of me. Our players are almost matching them for quality so far but I guess they may get moving at 60+ however very good so far without showing how we are going to score.

[mallo]

Considering this City team have been ripping our relegation competitors apart this is very encouraging. It's incredulous a string of our managers couldn't fashion a tactical plan which involved passing and not falling apart. Good omens so far - this is far from over and we're going to pick up - hopefully a striker in Jan should sort us out.

[Villa in Denmark]

Bit fed up with the commentary team, saying that should have been a penalyy for a foul on Sterling, when he basically messed up a chance by being totally one footed and then blatantly dived when he knew the chance had gone.

Absolutely, cheating little cnut

Even Peter Kær, (Schmeichel's predecessor on the Danish national team) who for some inexplicable reason seems to hate us, said no penalty and lucky not to be booked.

[mrfuse]

Henry had some positive comments about Remi and how he much confidence he gives his player.

He basically said he's like a replica of Wenger.

I wont get carried away but it sounds a step in the right direction.

[JUAN PABLO]

I am happy so far , maybe Id like to see Sinclair do a little bit more and Amavi whip a few crosses in  but we are playing a top side here.

Be interesting to see what Remi does now in the second half.

[Nelly]

Lets see what Ayew can do with this team behind him against sides in and around us in the league. Man City are class and it's no shame for me if he doesn't get much joy. We'll create more against other teams I'm sure.

[jwarry]

Souness really doesn't like us does he

[Matt Collins]

I'm pleased. But think the comments are a bit over optimistic. I guess we'll see against weaker teams how this sort of structure and style is going to translate into goals with these players. But for today, happy

[supertom]

I'm not overly concerned about creating chances but today. We need to prove we can disciplined and resolute defensively. And there is no bigger test than against the side that will likely be champions or very close to it.

Same here. Under normal circumstances most teams won't create much against the league leaders, even if they approach a game a little more gung ho. I think we're approaching this the right way. I think Gil's freekick was a waste. That would have been a good opportunity. Veretout should probably have taken it as he's apparently a specialist and it wouldn't have been the obvious choice. He may have caught Hart off guard.

The longer the game goes on, City will come at us stronger. They will create more second half, but at the same time we should get 2-3 chances ourselves. But certainly this isn't looking like the cricket score people were expecting City to deliver. We don't look like we've run ourselves ragged either, so I'm hoping we don't die on our arse on 60 minutes. I've seen us do that so often in tighter games under Lambert and Sherwood. We look tough to break down but we've emptied our tank on 60 minutes and then it falls apart. There's a bit more forethought about the way Garde has approached the game I feel.

[brontebilly]

Decent shape about us but Sinclair is offering zilch. Have been very impressed with Sanchez, he is holding things together well for us. Might need to get Grealish on if things stay as is.

On that Sterling dive, daft defending from Richards in the build up. He really lacks defensive instincts.

[Rudy65]

A CF and a winger are a must in January