Aston Villa v Derby County post-match thread

[Sexual Ealing]

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.

Unless you take him to those Tuesday night games in the pissing rain in West London as of immediately you'll be letting us all down. Obviously you'll be letting him down if you choose to do that but I think you know who's most important!

[KRS]

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!

Abbey “wtf get a grip!”. I presume you’re referring to myself so please learn to read in context and you will see that my post was not negative towards Conor. Not that it’s any of your business but I was unable to attend the game today, but glad you and thousands of other Villa enjoyed a great performance, result and atmosphere. Onwards and upwards hopefully!

[Toronto Villa]

https://twitter.com/sebviiia/status/1101902114350161921?s=12

[adrenachrome]

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.

Good work, Ads.

Your boy quite right to be taken aback by the reaction to the first goal. The relief of tension was palpable. Several of the usual suspects were on the verge of Hulk typed transformations. Bulging of veins and suchlike.

[BC54 VFC]

Useless fact: At one stage today we had three odd-numbered players on the pitch (there had been two) and they were Adomah 37, Elmohamady 27 and Taylor 3. Their numbers, in that order, represented the match attendance: 37,273.

[ROBBO]

Hourihane should never be played as holding midfielder again, play to his strengths.

[garyshawsknee]

Nice one Ads. Your lad will always remember this day. Can you take him every week please !!

[SirSteveUK]

About 2:40 into the Sky highlights - Carroll certainly has an eye for a pass.

Encouraging

[Toronto Villa]

About 2:40 into the Sky highlights - Carroll certainly has an eye for a pass.

Encouraging

He looked very tidy indeed. I liked what I saw. Made good decisions, kept it simple and yes can certainly pass a ball.

[eamonn]

Does he get shoved off the ball much?

[robbo1874]

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.

he is up there with Sid in that regard. I’ll leave everyone else to fill in the blanks

[JD]

Great to hear the wee one enjoyed it Ads. A great game for him to go to. Poor kid will be totally hooked, like the rest of us now

[SashasGrandad]

OK - if you are waking up this morning thinking yesterday was a dream - just roll over and look at your partner's face (if you have one).  If there is a big smile you know it was not a dream. When they wake up and say that was the best sex we've had for months - you will know it was not a dream. When they ask what was the song in your head when you were getting into the rhythm do you say "Super,Super Jack?" When they ask that must have been a good porno you watched before coming to bed - do you admit it was the match highlights?

Jack Grealish - better than Viagra - better than porn - he must be waking up knowing he has done wonders for all his Villa fans. I hope he had a good night as well.

[Nunkin1965]

Absolutely great performance yesterday.
Not for one minute did we look under pressure which hasn’t happened in a long time.
So many positives but Mings and Hause look excellent and Whelan had his best game in a Villa shirt.
I can’t really add to anything people have said about Jack apart fromhow impressive was that for his first game back!?

[Virgil Caine]

I have been critical of both before but I thought Hourihane and Whelan were fantastic yesterday. So you are Dean Smith, do you accommodate SJM next week or leave the team unchanged? The whole team looked balanced and everyone in the right positions, the work ethic and high press were evident- all boxes ticked for me.