Nottingham Forest 0-1 Aston Villa post match thread

[Damo70]

We seem to be developing an ability to grind results out reasonably consistently. Which reminds me of the last time we were at this level under SGT. I look back on that season fondly as I had just left school and it was my first season of going to away games regularly. But for every 'glory game' that sticks in the memory there were a lot of slogs with narrow wins, draws and defeats. On that subject it has probably been mentioned elsewhere but SGT passed away a year ago today.

[dicedlam]

I also think when Jack Grealish had his blood transfusion after his liver operation they smuggled in a quart of Mo Farah's.

and a quart of Schwarzenegger's. He's become rather good now at going over only at the right times, but also standing his ground when needed.

I believe we are now seeing Jack taking a more responsible role in the team, but most importantly, handling it.

[Nev]

We seem to be developing an ability to grind results out reasonably consistently. Which reminds me of the last time we were at this level under SGT. I look back on that season fondly as I had just left school and it was my first season of going to away games regularly. But for every 'glory game' that sticks in the memory there were a lot of slogs with narrow wins, draws and defeats. On that subject it has probably been mentioned elsewhere but SGT passed away a year ago today.

Couldn't agree more. For all that was wrong tonight the result was all, and during that season that was all that mattered.

[Three Spires Villa]

A good away win, so well done to all, players and Steve, keep it up 😀

[Legion]

Steve Bruce

[Toronto Villa]

Grinding out results is precisely what Bruce teams do. And it works at this level because he has managed to do that successfully in previous promotions. It just isn’t enough at PL level because there are just too many good teams that take advantage of that approach. I was just watching highlights of Spurs v Everton and Spurs tore Everton a number of new holes. Their movement and finishing was so clinical. I’d be scared to death if Bruce was manager.

[nigel]

Highlights

That was a very good goal. Looked easier than it was.

[Damo70]

We seem to be developing an ability to grind results out reasonably consistently. Which reminds me of the last time we were at this level under SGT. I look back on that season fondly as I had just left school and it was my first season of going to away games regularly. But for every 'glory game' that sticks in the memory there were a lot of slogs with narrow wins, draws and defeats. On that subject it has probably been mentioned elsewhere but SGT passed away a year ago today.

Couldn't agree more. For all that was wrong tonight the result was all, and during that season that was all that mattered.

I have been there to see us win the European cup, European Super cup and League (Coca Cola) cup but I would never hesitate to name a goalless draw away to Swindon alongside those games as my best memories of following Villa.

[Steve67]

Good win despite a nervy end. That said Forest failed to trouble us. Some pleasing performances, Jack, Barney were really good. Defensively sound. Hogan runs his heart out. Well done Bruce and all concerned.  Would like to see us take the game to the opposition in the last ten minutes rather than hang on. But, really good result and solid. Good to have JT back.

[villan from luton]

I never thought I would ever say this but John Terry is the best player I have seen in a Villa shirt in years.

Have to say I was sceptical when he signed that he would almost go through the motions, but proved me totally wrong and has been brilliant. His winning attitude seems to have rubbed off on some players. Have to say I can imagine him speaking to Jack and telling him to make the most of his ability and his attitude is top notch

[brian green]

We were the kings of Swindon that day.  Every one of us.

[Matt Collins]

Main surprise for me was how negative the match thread was.

You’ve been on this site before right?

[garyfouroaks]

A very good win. This is the business end of the season, We are comfortably in the top six now,with second easily within reach.

And never underestimate the Yam Yam's ability to implode.

[rob_bridge]

I never thought I would ever say this but John Terry is the best player I have seen in a Villa shirt in years.

Have to say I was sceptical when he signed that he would almost go through the motions, but proved me totally wrong and has been brilliant. His winning attitude seems to have rubbed off on some players. Have to say I can imagine him speaking to Jack and telling him to make the most of his ability and his attitude is top notch

Hoped against hope he would do for us what Keegan did as a player at Newcastle in early 80s and got them promoted

[tomd2103]

Good result and a much needed win given other results today.  Some good periods of play mixed poorer periods with too many hopeful (and pretty hopeless at times) long balls. 

Thought the defence looked solid throughout though and thought Bjarnason did well when he came on in the holding role.  If we can field that back four on a regular basis with Jedinak in front of them then we should be strong at the back for the remainder of the season.

We didn’t really fire going forward today, but I thought Grealish, Hogan, Snodgrass and Hourihane all had their moments with only Adomah looking a bit out of sorts. 

Agree with all of that, Tom but I can forgive them as it was such an important game where we had to take the three points. The effort and determination shown tonight was superb. They'll be a few tired legs that will need to rest but you can see from the reaction of the players at the end, they know what needs to be done and there's a strong collective spirit in the squad.

Job done. We can hopefully play a lot better in the coming weeks but today we couldn't afford to fail and everybody put their body on the line to push us over. Barnsley will be another good test but at least we know we're now mentally strong and we have the talent in the squad to go and beat anbody. It's been a long time coming.

Agree RCF and I thought we played some decent stuff when we got the ball down. 

At the end of the day though we have to remember we are a second tier side and haven’t got the quality we have been used to in years gone by, so I suppose we have to adjust our expectations accordingly.  With that in mind, I think performances away from home like today are decent enough for where we are at.