Aston Villa 1-0 Cardiff City Post Match Thread

[boozey182]

It was a decent performance, I thought. Our defence looked more solid than it has been for weeks, despite (or because of?) the forced changes. We are still vulnerable to pace, but without Axel and Alan, I don't know what we can do about that. Once we'd figured out how to keep Whelan quiet, they didn't really threaten us.

As most have said, we looked more dangerous when Kodjia came on. I thought Jack was having one of his poorer games of the season until he won it for us. He's that type of player though; he can have an off day and still won you the match. The wingers are becoming a worry though. They were integral to our winning run, and yet both seem to be really struggling at the moment. Whether they're tired or have been found out a bit, I'm not sure, but this is where the manager and coaches need to earn their money. Something needs to be done before the playoffs.

It can't be nice having to watch Cardiff every week. And I say that having watched us all my life!

[in exile]

Does anyone know why Bjarnason was withdrawn from the starting XI?

I did see him sit on the ground for a while during the warm-up, which in hindsight was a bit unsual

Strange

[brontebilly]

A bit surprised about the praise for Bree, he looked very shaky, missed some simple clearances and gave the ball away far too much.

I appreciate he was a late call up and out of position, so I wouldn’t hold the performance against him, but I’ll be glad when Hutton is back

Criminal how he didn't block the cross for their header at the end. In saying that I'd probably give him a start on Friday on the right if Hutton or Taylor are available.

[chrisw1]

Great match up with Kodja and Bamba in second half. He looks a good defender and unlike most of there team wasn’t trying to feign injury and waste time.

Yes, I liked Bamba.  Think he will go on to play a higher level.  Seems a decent sort too.

He is 33 now

Wow, maybe just having one of those seasons then.  Has looked good the few times I’ve seen him this season

[john2710]

A welcome win, but sadly a little too late to make the top 2. We're the third best side in the league & that's where we'll finish.

Other than a few goalmouth scrambles, Cardiff created next to nothing. We had as many attempts on our own goal as they did. Second half I thought we were by far the better side.

The Premier League must be dreading the prospect of seeing one of Cardiff, Boro or Millwall next season.
Surely there would be some conspiracy to stop Millwall going up.

[brontebilly]

It was a decent performance, I thought. Our defence looked more solid than it has been for weeks, despite (or because of?) the forced changes. We are still vulnerable to pace, but without Axel and Alan, I don't know what we can do about that. Once we'd figured out how to keep Whelan quiet, they didn't really threaten us.

As most have said, we looked more dangerous when Kodjia came on. I thought Jack was having one of his poorer games of the season until he won it for us. He's that type of player though; he can have an off day and still won you the match. The wingers are becoming a worry though. They were integral to our winning run, and yet both seem to be really struggling at the moment. Whether they're tired or have been found out a bit, I'm not sure, but this is where the manager and coaches need to earn their money. Something needs to be done before the playoffs.

It can't be nice having to watch Cardiff every week. And I say that having watched us all my life!

Not sure about our defence last night really, Cardiff still managed to create a number of clear openings. Our lack of pace in midfield was exposed and lack of height. Jedinak aside there weren't many more in our team going to win a header against them last night.

I might be in a minority of one but I was impressed by Cardiff last night. A club with a fraction of our resources but they were the better side for first hour anyway. True they were cynical as hell but in a game of this magnitude they were hardly going to do anything but try and kick the likes of Snodgrass  and Grealish out of the game. The polar opposite of our gutless display v Norwich.

[Richard E]

We beat a team above us in the League, we scored a great goal, we kept a clean sheet, we put Colin's nose out of joint. What is there not to love? 

[mr underhill]

I thought they were shit to be honest and light years away from Wolves

[berneboy]

I thought Cardiff were a dreadful footballing team but they were a team and were fighting together. Football is about passion and aggression too and they had that in abundance.

But I prefer 'football' added - a la Liverpuddle.

[mjlions]

Does anyone know why Bjarnason was withdrawn from the starting XI?

I did see him sit on the ground for a while during the warm-up, which in hindsight was a bit unsual

Strange

Tweaked his back in the warm up according to the post match interview with Clemence.

[sirlordbaltimore]

I really enjoyed the game. Classic battle between two evenly match sides i thought.

Best two moments of football of the night, the move that led to Grabban hitting the side netting very early doors and his wonderful pass to Hourianne who similarly fucked his chance up. Quality play

[Drummond]

I enjoyed the game, some good moments and their best chances were Whelan trying desperately to stick it in his own net.

Grabban reminds me of Collymore in his demeanour and movement.

Grealish scored a fabulous goal that shows why we should keep him whatever happens.

Cardiff just kept switching round who was doing the fouling and niggling, it was clever stuff really but we were the better team.

[Tuscans]

As it stands this is exactly how I want the table to finish. Cardiff would play Millwall and we would play Derby. I would take that with Fulham automatically going up as I think they would be massive favourites if the ended up in the playoffs.

[Des Little]

I'd keep Kodjia & Grabban upfront together for Friday.  I see a decent partnership in there (well, when JK passes that is).

[Toronto Villa]

I'd keep Kodjia & Grabban upfront together for Friday.  I see a decent partnership in there (well, when JK passes that is).

Kodjia is a little selfish shall we say at the best of times, which also makes him the player he is, but right now he’s just dying for that first open play goal in absolutely ages.