Aston Villa v Fulham Post Match Thread

[SoccerHQ]

I know I had this debate with Ad@m last week but is Gestede really any good when he starts? I know he scored twice v Rotherham but they have 6 points!

To me the front three has to be Adomah-Kodjia-Ayew certainly at home.

[Clampy]

I agree. Gestede is much better coming off the bench with 20 minutes to go. He did nothing today.

[olaftab]

Gestede is worthless on the pitch. He can not do anything with the ball at his feet and wins nothing at set pieces so I am not sure what he contributes?

[olaftab]

And by the way I thought Bacuna was MotM today.

[villan from luton]

Bit harsh IMO re Gestede Olaftab, but if you haven't got wingers getting the ball over he will not be as effective. Bacuna is doing excellent and gives energy in the middle and things are looking good. Lets hope we still think so after the game next Sunday, I think we will be better with a full weeks training

[frankmosswasmyuncle]

Whilst the goal will obviously stand out from the game as the highlight, I have to say that Baker's performance across the 90 gave me almost as much satisfaction. I've been critical of him in the past, but if he keeps that performance level up, Elphick will struggle to get back in. .

Couldn't agree more Des.
I thought Baker was a bloody rock today...the block at the end was heroic.

[Marton]

I know I had this debate with Ad@m last week but is Gestede really any good when he starts? I know he scored twice v Rotherham but they have 6 points!

To me the front three has to be Adomah-Kodjia-Ayew certainly at home.

Your absolutely spot on, think he can start in a team that has strong possession and can cross at will from dominated flanks. But thats not us.
As an impact sub when we need to force the issue , sure. But never over Kodjia , thats so much better as the striker than as RW. 

The real brainteaser is how bring in RMC as a starter and still avoid using Grealish and Westwood in any way. Maybe  1-4-1-4 ?

                     Kodjia
Ayew        RMC  Bacuna        Adomah
                       Jedi
Amavi      Baker Chester      Hutton


Wasn't this close to how we played in 2nd half until we scored?
Is it too offensive to start like that?

Not a fan of Hutton though...but when the only other option is Richards.....

[chrisw1]

Avoid using Grealish in any way?  Why would you want to do that? 

[SoccerHQ]

Gestede is worthless on the pitch. He can not do anything with the ball at his feet and wins nothing at set pieces so I am not sure what he contributes?

He's fine when he comes on as a sub, can change a game like Forest at home.

I just don't see enough when he actually starts as teams work him out early and our build ups are more limited.

[villan from luton]

Avoid using Grealish in any way?  Why would you want to do that? 

I tend to agree, but he needs to realise he is going to be targeted. He got wound up at Ipswich and the silly incident v Wolves has to stop

[SoccerHQ]

Avoid using Grealish in any way?  Why would you want to do that? 

Grealish started the season pretty well but yet again has shown indiscipline off the pitch and he hardly did anything at PNE. And now got himself a 3 match ban and not been missed.

Impact sub until he proves himself worthy of a sub.

I agree trying to fit in McCormack is going to be a bit of a conundrum but way it usually works is someone will get injured and he'll get in that way.

[villan from luton]

Jack will have to force he way into the team and will hopefully realise that if his attitude is wrong he will not be in the team.

[Nunkin1965]

Well what a difference a week makes.

Steve Bruce has got us organised and I drew comparisons with Brian Little's early reign after John Gregory left. Like Little, he's impressively going about his initial work and we now look a tough unit to break down.
Players are clearly growing in confidence.

Its going to be interesting to see where Bruce takes us.

You mean when BFR left?

Yes I stand corrected.

Bruce is impressing me in that we're starting to look like a good all round side even after this short space of time. It's been missing for so long. Injuries aside, I don't see Elphick getting back in. Baker and Chester look a good pairing.

Teams working hard, confidence rising. Happy Days.

[villan from luton]

I agree, Baker can't be dropped at present and I know I keep banging on, but am looking forward to Bruce having real time with these players.

[AvFc4eVeR]

Gestede is worthless on the pitch. He can not do anything with the ball at his feet and wins nothing at set pieces so I am not sure what he contributes?

Gestede is the type of striker that thrives off good wide play coupled with a strong partnership up top, both of which he did not have today.

In his Blackburn days he had Jordan Rhodes to link up with but he is yet to find that partner at Villa. Hope he can find that while he's here, as I believe he is more than capable at this level.