Villa 5-5 Forest post-match thread

[saint13]

we only got ourselves to blame for that last goal

against 10 men passing it back fucking about and basically inviting them on to us which was rediculous when you have a man extra
the game is there for the taking but we blew it

Absolutely, the majority of our players are not good enough to do neat possession across the back to kill a game off. They started on Sunday and got caught out for the Nose's 2nd goal and I called it last night as soon as it started. When you are as bad as we are at the back, the best form of defence is attack..especially against 10 men.

[andyh]

When you watch the match highlights or the goal package, look at Hourihane’s ‘challenge’ on Lolley as he hits their 4th.

[Mister E]

When you watch the match highlights or the goal package, look at Hourihane’s ‘challenge’ on Lolley as he hits their 4th.

Hourihane was poor last night generally.

[CJ]

Didn't he take Chester out for their first as well? Thought he had a very poor game all round

[achilles]

Perspective is required here: this is the same squad of players that Bruce couldn't get a tune out of and although it is frustrating not to actually win the game the momentum is still with us and it is a breath of fresh air, long may it continue (not defensively of course)! UTV

[Chris Smith]

When you watch the match highlights or the goal package, look at Hourihane’s ‘challenge’ on Lolley as he hits their 4th.

Hourihane was poor last night generally.

I thought he was ok with his link play and keeping the ball moving but defensively he had a shocker.

Forest were good, they moved the ball quickly and accurately and consistently exposed gaps. They regularly hit long diagonals to the wide man where they tended to overload so fullbacks were turning and facing 2 men. We have to learn from that.

[frank black]

Didn't he take Chester out for their first as well? Thought he had a very poor game all round

Mcginn I think

[olaftab]

the difference now is even when we went 2 down after 2 minutes i still thought we could win

that would not have been the case at any time over the last 8 years

But we did against West Brom:)

[Allan C]

Absolutely amazing and I’m out of the country again and missed it  it’s been said on here already but we really need quality in there if we are to progress to where we want to be and stay there. Having said that I’m so optimistic about the future now and I’m sure we’re on the right track at last

[olaftab]

And I thought it was brilliant the way our fans applauded Grabban when he came off.

[AV82EC]

Marks from me after sleeping on it overnight.

Nyland - 3 - not going to repeat what’s been said already, goals 4 and 5 where was he?
Hutton - 5 thought Cash gave him the runaround on occasion and he was partly at fault for the 2nd, kept up the energy in the 2nd half, stupid booking.
Tuanzebe - 5 - some good stuff some really poor stuff particularly letting Grabban get the shot off for the 5th.
Chester - 3 - appalling, seems uncomfortable playing left side, distribution is rubbish and continually gets muscled out of situations. Could he be sacrificed in January?
Taylor - 5 the best of our defenders last night which isn’t saying much but he supported the attack well and his crossing was quite good. That said Lolley got quite a few runs on him which led to goals. Which leads nicely to....
Hourihane - 2 - abysmal. Playing defensive midfield he’s supposed to screen his back 4 and set the tempo of the play. He did neither. There no 10 and Cash/Lolley had the freedom of the park whenever the picked the ball up and ran at the back 4.
McGinn - 6 - obviously not fit but did some good stuff here and there.
Grealish - 7 - nothing sparkling but he’s maturing before our eyes and he’s always a threat and attracting attention away from others.
Bolasie - 7 - good first start and some excellent delivery from wide.
Kodjia - 6 - quiet but contributed
Abraham - 9 MotM - 4 goals could have had 6 and absolutely superb all night.

El Ghazi - 7 - good cameo, was a threat, created and scored a lovely goal.
Whelan - 7 - looked positive and kept the ball moving for the time he was on.
Elmo - 6 - did what was needed at the end of the game

Smith - 7 - attacking wise very good, but he’ll know defence needs work and reinforcements.

All in all a quite amazing night and despite the disappointment in throwing away a win against 10 men plenty to be positive about.

Onwards.....

[paul_e]

When you watch the match highlights or the goal package, look at Hourihane’s ‘challenge’ on Lolley as he hits their 4th.

Hourihane was poor last night generally.

I thought he was ok with his link play and keeping the ball moving but defensively he had a shocker.

Forest were good, they moved the ball quickly and accurately and consistently exposed gaps. They regularly hit long diagonals to the wide man where they tended to overload so fullbacks were turning and facing 2 men. We have to learn from that.

It was all about the speed of their breaks, Hourihane has no recovery pace so if he gets on the wrong side most players will get away from him and the way we play means it's going to happen. Last night they quite clearly targeted that area. Bjarnason to bring on instead of Whelan would've helped massively.

[PeterWithesShin]

No because you appearing is like Steve Bruce being manager.

You say no because you can't, Nyland didn't save a single shot last night, that's bad but what is worse is its not the 1st time that's happened to him.

I say no because I'm not fickle.

[brontebilly]

I thought Joe Lolley was excellent. Good luck to that kid and hopefully he will be playing for ys soon.

And yes Grabbon also was good.

It's a mystery how Grabban has not played consistently at a higher level. Outstanding player in our division.

[Archieavfc]

The one thing i keep thinking is, during the last few years i enjoyed the Liverpool Semi Final and the Wolves game, cant remember much more than that. Smith has been here 2 months and I have loved the Derby game, Blues game and this game. That's already more enjoyable Villa games than anyone else has managed in years.

Loving the new Villa.