Middlesbrough vs Dean Smith's Claret and Blue Army Post-Match Thread

[SoccerHQ]

All we had to do to be good was sack Steve Bruce apparently. Who knew?

(A few might have said)

As much as I wanted him gone, and believe me I really did right after the playoff final, I still also get why in the end he was kept on. That said I think they got rid of him in time. A game or two sooner would have been nicer, but things happen for a reason. We can now sees light. It’s very bright and very appealing.

Dean Smith, Aston Villa fan, manager of the club he loves, and bloody ace at his job has a nice sound to it.

I think the same but the Ipswich and Reading games in August told us the style would be exactly the same so probably grounds for sacking him around that time rather than give him September aswell.

[dicedlam]

Apart from being an around fantastic performance, I thought the combination of both El Ghazi and Elmohamady on the right side was superb.

[Clampy]

A mention for Neil Taylor as well. Not everybody's cup of tea which is understandable but he's done ok lately I think. 

[Toronto Villa]

A mention for Neil Taylor as well. Not everybody's cup of tea which is understandable but he's done ok lately I think. 

We are getting the Neil Taylor we expect to get. He’s not better than this so at times he’ll look quite decent, most of the times he’ll be bang average and at times you’ll think he’s not very good at all. He’s 5-7 out of 10 player capable of 4’s and once in a while an 8. He’s a back up and a somewhat reliable squad player.

[VILLA MOLE]

A mention for Neil Taylor as well. Not everybody's cup of tea which is understandable but he's done ok lately I think. 

yes he has been steady of late

[themossman]

Commentators made a point yesterday which is valid. With swansea and wales he was used to a possession based game so makes sense that he’s finding his feet.

[Legion]

Extended Highlights

[garyshawsknee]

Commentators made a point yesterday which is valid. With swansea and wales he was used to a possession based game so makes sense that he’s finding his feet.

The more we have the ball, the less he has to defend. I wonder how much the Coleman injury effected him too.

[eamonn]

Not as much as it affected Seamus and he's now back showing some form for Everton so come on Neil, crack-on.

[Three Spires Villa]

A mention for Neil Taylor as well. Not everybody's cup of tea which is understandable but he's done ok lately I think. 

We are getting the Neil Taylor we expect to get. He’s not better than this so at times he’ll look quite decent, most of the times he’ll be bang average and at times you’ll think he’s not very good at all. He’s 5-7 out of 10 player capable of 4’s and once in a while an 8. He’s a back up and a somewhat reliable squad player.

I think that is a very good point.

[john2710]

In addition to everything else, we've miraculously been able to consistently  throw the ball to another Villa player. Something which seemed to be beyond the previous coaching & management teams.

[Proposition Joe]

I'm glad somebody else said it first.

I think it's because he's so quick and big. 6'2"! Big for a winger.

I said the same thing yesterday!  It's his stature / gait I think.

[chrisw1]

I know , I know

El Ghazi from behind had the look of Ronaldo.....

I know , Doctor send for the men in white coats

Its all this headiness that's got to me

I said the other day his goal against Forrest reminded me of Ronaldo - just the control and no backlift.  A daft comparison but I know what you mean

[martin o`who??]

The really encouraging thing is that we've beaten Derby and Boro 3-0, both who have contrasting styles of play. West Brom will present a more Derby type of threat, yet they got turned over 4-1 at the Hawthorns not long ago. West Brom's defence lacks pace.

Music to my ears.

The only thing that would be Music to my Ears where they are concerned is “Tonight’s headlines - West Bromwich Albion have gone into receivership” I’ve never forgiven the tossers for Alex Cropley and never will.

[garyshawsknee]

Not as much as it affected Seamus and he's now back showing some form for Everton so come on Neil, crack-on.

If only Taylor was half the player Coleman is.