Aston Villa v Derby County post-match thread

[garyshawsknee]

Fcuk me, just seen his goal. Pure class.

[KRS]

From the highlights it looks like we could have doubled the score line with more clinical finishing.

For those that were there today, was it close to the level of performances up to the Baggies game?

[frank]

From the highlights it looks like we could have doubled the score line with more clinical finishing.

For those that were there today, was it close to the level of performances up to the Baggies game?

Yes, it was. Others have praised Jack, Hause, Mings and Whelan but two more aspects pleased me. Whelan and Hourihane pressed high up the field, just as our midfield were doing months ago and haven't done since. And Steer was much quicker coming off his line than Kalinic or Nyland. He didn't have a lot to do, admittedly, but when called on he was sharp and decisive. He deserves to keep his place

[KRS]

Excellent. Thanks frank.

[Lizz]

One of my many stupid habits is thinking jewellery I wear influences results. Tonight I've taken a photograph of the ring, earrings and watch I wore today to remind me to wear them next week.

[Toronto Villa]

We dropped into 3rd gear for most of the second half. If we really wanted to and part of it is that we were a little sloppy and complacent late on it could have been a lot more.

[SoccerHQ]

Without knowing the ins and outs of the game, was the difference just Jack ? Or was it more than that ?

We played well when he went off, but for sure he gives all the other players space, set up for 1st goal really set the tone and gave every confidence and a lift

He just sees the early ball so much quicker than anyone else.

[walsall villain]

Thought we wouldn't miss him as much as we would, but he really is a one off. God knows what will we do post summer.

We’ll be watching him play in our midfield judging by Smith’s post match interview.

[brentastonb6]

Well done Glenn Whelan et al, you know it’s been a good game when  six or seven in the team could all have had a shout for MOTM

[PeterWithesShin]

He has that rare ability to make the game look easy, it's what was noticeable early on and made me think he had the potential to be a special player from the first time I saw him playing. Hard to explain what I mean but he doesn't seem to have to try, he just does it. And by that I mean the way he just glides past players, he's not relying on pace, he's not using brute strength, it's like he wants to go past them so he just goes past them and there's nothing they can do to stop it apart from foul him.

[CT]

I chose a different car park today for the first time in years because of roadworks.

Superstition says I'd better park there again!!

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

Great performance great result. Grealish was immense and his goal was unbelievable. Everybody played brilliantly. I was especially pleased for Conor after some of the sh-t he's been taking recently (the only negative post I've seen was from someone who wasn't even at the game...so sad!). Mings and Hause were immense and Whelan played dm like a man born for the role. Keeping a clean sheet was great as was the level of fan support given to all the players. A great day played out in front of a great supportive atmosphere. We just need to ensure today was the start of a long winning sequence. UTV!

[Ads]

Positives

Jack's back! And the difference to the way we play is unreal. So much more fluidity, drags players out, increases the tempo, he's superb.

His goal was jaw dropping.

Hourihane. Much better, hit the box with regularity and was a vast improvement on what he's offered up of late.

Whelan, quietly domimated them physically.

Hause. Looked as good at centre half as he did at full back.

The full backs pushed on, the midfield hit the box, we transitioned it quicker, we looked dangerous and defended solidly.

Derby were poor, but we haven't stopped that dragging us down before, so it was nice to hit that pre-Albion away performance level again.

Second half we dominated in a very controlled manner and should have had at least 3 more.

Negatives

This is probably about 5 games too late.

As for the boy...He absolutely loved it. Watched the entire game on my lap, had a little sing on his own second half shouting Villa and Super Jack.

The first goal scared him, but he got into the rest after that. Half the food wasn't necessary and neither were the downloads of Ben and Holly off Prime.

A very proud day for me and he's asked to come again. My boy is in love.

[brian green]

Well done Ads.  You played a blinder.

[Clampy]

I thought we were really bloody good. Some of passing was great and not just from Jack. It really could have been 6 or 7, we missed some decent chances. It was hard to pick a man of the man from that lot to be honest but Grealish really did make a difference.

Glad your boy had a good day Ad's.