Aston Villa v Brighton - Match Thread

[supertom]

I thought we showed a lot of character in the second half.  I was very impressed with Davis.  I thought he was quick but others do not agree.  Perhaps I am too used to Adomah's lack of pace and Davis only looks quick in comparison.  That aside he showed hold up ability and has a Withe esque ability to stick his arse into the centre back in aerial duels.  He should have won at least one penalty and scored the winning goal.  I just pray when they get around to using him they don't stick him on the wing.  Both of Hourihane's free kicks brought good saves from the keeper and Angela in the hole seemed to improve him.

I was impressed with Davis too. He holds the ball up well.
One thing that did annoy me was Bacuna's sulking when Hourihane was on the ball for free kicks. I want Bacuna out of Villa asap.
For what it's worth, I think that may have been Adomah's last game for us

I think Albert always struggles without Kodjia.

[brian green]

Very much agree i e.  I thought they were going to have to remove the ball surgically from Bacuna's hands for the free kick.  He really is a twat.  You can hear the cogs turning in his brain as he takes forever to create a position where he can be dispossessed.  Slow of body, slow of thought.

[ChicagoLion]

Some questionable refereeing in this league to say the least.

Did Sidwell make more tackles today than he did in his entire career with us?

We have come down to his level, how depressing.

[Taylor]

Very much agree i e.  I thought they were going to have to remove the ball surgically from Bacuna's hands for the free kick.  He really is a twat.  You can hear the cogs turning in his brain as he takes forever to create a position where he can be dispossessed.  Slow of body, slow of thought.

I wasn't at VP today so probably not qualified to comment, but at least he's not shirking responsibility.

[UK Redsox]

Very much agree i e.  I thought they were going to have to remove the ball surgically from Bacuna's hands for the free kick.  He really is a twat.  You can hear the cogs turning in his brain as he takes forever to create a position where he can be dispossessed.  Slow of body, slow of thought.

After his tussle with Hourihane, Bacuna looked over to Bruce, who signalled for Conor to take the free kick.

Bacuna then stormed off towards the half way line. It was like watching a young kid having a strop

However, Leo did get his act together to do a bit a decent defensive work soon after.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Davis was not quick, but held the ball up well with good strength. Turned nicely a few times too.

Lansbury had his best game ever for Villa (other than missing a sitter in the first half).

Adomah was disappointing today.

Brighton were lucky as hell twice against us.

[ciggiesnbeer]

Actually sounds like we played well against a team that could have won the league? Hope for the future?

[brian green]

I wish we could play Brighton every week.

[mr underhill]

I must say both Newcastle and Brighton looked bang average to me at VP.

[brian green]

Mr U, that is why finishing so far behind them is so unacceptabls.

[Deano's Mullet]

Brentford and Bristol City only sides to comprehensively beat us away and Reading at home. We're solid at the back, need more going forward though.

[CJ]

Wot - no post-match thread?

Well if they're the best/second best in this league we really should be up there or thereabouts next season. Thought we were the better team especially in the second half and ironically after we went down to ten men. How Lansbury missed that sitter in the first half I still don't know. Their penalty looked soft, but Baker got himself turned and as soon as he laid a hand on him the rest was right up the referee's street. We should have had a stonewall penalty but the shocking ref just wasn't interested. Didn't take long for Elphick to screw up spectacularly after he came on. Grealish made a difference. Good to see young Davis get a run out albeit through lack of other options. Hogan's injury is a worry. And Bacuna can fuck right off after shoving Hourihane over the free kick.

[SoccerHQ]

Actually sounds like we played well against a team that could have won the league? Hope for the future?

Always dangerous to take too much from meaningless end of season games imo. Same with losing last week. It sounds like before the penalty Brighton had hardly had an attack which is very unlike how they've played all season.

Let's see what we're like when the pressure is on first game next season.

[nick harper]

I quite enjoyed the game today. Passing was better and Hourihane and Lansbury both had their best games at Villa Park. We need an upgrade on Nathan Baker - he just has mistakes in him and gives the ball away far too often. Teams just let him have the ball knowing he has no composure.

Very impressed with Davis. Strong and a good target man with his back to goal. One lovely turn and shot in the penalty area and won a penalty that the officials missed. We looked better with him up top.

Marvellous to see Peter McParland and Nigel Sims with the cup at half time - the last survivors of the 57 Final. Fantastic reaction from the crowd.

[thick_mike]

Actually sounds like we played well against a team that could have won the league? Hope for the future?

Always dangerous to take too much from meaningless end of season games imo. Same with losing last week. It sounds like before the penalty Brighton had hardly had an attack which is very unlike how they've played all season.

Let's see what we're like when the pressure is on first game next season.

Their reaction to conceding didn't look like it was a meaningless game to them. They were totally gutted