Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace Post-Match Thread

[Brend'Watkins]

I thought Ayew was excellent throughout, showed great ability, technique and a wonderful attitude. I also like the fact he doesn't smile during the game and has that perma look of anxiety on his face. He genuinely appears bothered by our predicament and shows he wants to do something about it.  He's fast becoming a favourite of mine.

Bacuna who I had given up on put in a good shift too as did Gana. I didn't think Veretout was as good as others it appears.  He seemed to slow down attacks when there was space to exploit on a few occasions.

Overall we played really well as a unit.  Pressed Palace when they had the ball and got tight at every opportunity.  More of that please. 

We need 9 more wins starting with Leicester Saturday and another win at Albion then we can start to believe.

[rob_bridge]

Bren - Veretout normally stands out because him and Ayew (and maybe Okore) are the only ones who have in any way played half decent this season with all others contributing piss poor performances, some more regularly than others.

Last night there were not piss poor performers so therefore Veretout had a decent game.

[oldhill_avfc]

Good points:  Lots of effort, defensive tackles and possession from the midfield.

Gana was much improved and on that sort of form, he and Vertoute could manage the central midfield, which would allow us to be a bit more 'progressive', ie ditch the 3 holding midfielders and reliance on Gill to create behind the forward 2.   Gill for me offers virtually zilch - I really don't get why people rate him at all.

Admittedly they did well as a group last night, but for all the possession created few clear cut chances. 

Still, a win is a massive improvement and something to build on ...

[Olof's Beard]

Bren - Veretout normally stands out because him and Ayew (and maybe Okore) are the only ones who have in any way played half decent this season with all others contributing piss poor performances, some more regularly than others.

Last night there were not piss poor performers so therefore Veretout had a decent game.

My thoughts exactly. We needed a performance where Ayew and Veretout didn't look like such obvious stand outs because everyone else raised their performance to something approaching the same level. We got that yesterday, and won.

We just need to take it one game at a time now. It's really difficult not to get carried away because we have all forgotten what it's like to win. I am glad we are at home next up, we have to try and build some momentum but it gives us a chance, albeit against a really tough opponent. If we can sneak a win, plus two more in the five games that follow we will have a chance. Alternatively, three wins on the spin three times over should do it. Watford, Bournemouth, Leicester and Palace have all managed to win 3 on the spin this season through sheer hard work and confidence. There's not reason we can't do it too, but it's baby steps at the moment.

[darren woolley]

Get in there well needed three points.

[ClaretAndBlueBlood]

where have you been Libor?

[Steve R]

One thing Garde has certainly changed has been the fitness levels. It's been noticeable for a couple of weeks that players have been lasting the course, last night we really reaped the benefit.

We didn't actually play that badly against Wycombe, but with fans coming up with the 'not fit to wear the shirt' chant even before kick-off it was never going to be pleasant. Last night really could have seen the shit hit the fan with Palace taking an easy win off a disaffected and fractured team against a background of revolt on the terraces.

It didn't happen that way at all. True character from a Villa team. Well I never.

[Percy McCarthy]

Enjoyed the effort, commitment and some of the technique last night. After the first twenty seconds I didn't think Palace threatened at all. The defence looked organised and were concentrating determinedly.

I booked the day off to make a rare appearance, the fans reaction to Saturday made me want to do my bit.

It was only my fifth game this season and I've seen us win three, draw one and lose one. If I was a player I'd be first name on the team-sheet.

[Toronto Villa]

The big thing about last night is that we worked our balls off and came away with a win. That's how it is meant to be. When you think that we were the better side in games vs West Ham, Newcastle, Watford to name three and only got 2 points from them then for the players it becomes another kick in the balls. They will take great heart from seeing their hard work pay off. And going into the game this weekend they will absolutely need to work their balls off against a side that has made that their calling card all season.

[tomd2103]

I want to praise Cissokho, I thought he did excellently and he was absolutely dying in the last few minutes. We need to keep that level of pressing up.

I'd go along with that Paul.  Thought he kept Zaha quiet and although he's never going to be the greatest going forward, he was solid last night.   

[olaftab]

I am pleased our skipper decided to pay proper respect to Witton End by electing to attack it in the second half and we sucked the ball in for him. A strange decision I thought when teams swapped ends?

Presumably lost the toss.

No because Palace kicked off.

[LeeS]

I am pleased our skipper decided to pay proper respect to Witton End by electing to attack it in the second half and we sucked the ball in for him. A strange decision I thought when teams swapped ends?

Presumably lost the toss.

No because Palace kicked off.

Maybe it is a new tactic then. to take some of the pressure off in the 2nd half. Whatever the reason, lets do it again!

[JUAN PABLO]

The tempo was suddenly light years quicker than it had been all season and they pressed really well higher up the pitch. Gave Palace no time at all on the ball which resulted in them giving possession up..makes you wonder where that's been all season.
Hopefully carry that on to Saturday..Leicester was where it all turned for us this season after being 2 up imo, maybe it will turn again..

If they beat Leicester . My hope will be restored .

Could be six points from 17th . It will be hard and I will wait until after that game but you are right , these are how things work

[JUAN PABLO]

I thought Ayew was excellent throughout, showed great ability, technique and a wonderful attitude. I also like the fact he doesn't smile during the gam

I love that too

Like come on fuckers show something for me , I cant do it on my own

where Gabby would laugh with his normal sitter one on one .

[thegreatdane]

Palace were very poor, thought we pressed well and you can see the fitness improving. Nearly a full game for Gill who worked his arse off along with Ayew and Veretout.

Made a good away team look dire by constant pressure.

Also for 28000 what an atmosphere when the goal went in and afterwards.

Libor held the line well!

My only reservation would be to get Westwood out and replace him with someone with a bit of flair. A grealish on his day or another creative midfielder.