Aston Villa v WBA Post Match Thread

[PeterWithesShin]

[olaftab]

They showed character, Smith showed that he can change the game, it's good stuff and I'm (naturally) still predicting a heartbreaking defeat on penalties either at theirs or in the final, but I guess I'll enjoy this while I can!

Born in Birmingham?

Wasn't aware that there were geographical qualifications required.

Yes it is to gauge pessimism.

[villan from luton]

I thought at the game it was an obvious second yellow, but have to admit not so sure now. I would hope a Villa player would be going for an inviting cross like that. We didn't play well. I have no gripes about their tactics, Pullis would be proud, but they were time wasting from the first minute and the ref should have clamped down earlier.

[themossman]

Agree about the short corners simboy. They were doing my head in. It was clear after the first couple that they were just putting us back in positions where we were struggling to get past their defenders. Plus we lost the ball immediately from at least one. When we’re dangerous from set pieces it seems mad not to just whip it in.

[myf]

Is that the first win against a top 5 side this season? A good time to get it if so.

Well we’ve beaten ourselves plenty of times, but first against a top 4 side!

also the first time they've lost this season after taking the lead

[villan from luton]

They are a big team and wonder if that was the reasoning but agree it wasn't working.

[villan from luton]

Also the first short corner took them right off guard and was excellent with Jack and SJM

[paul_e]

I really don't get how so many people think the sending off was harsh, this is a crappy still from the video on here but you can see Gayle still on his feet with the ball pretty much in Steer's hands. He was never getting the ball and he'll have known he had no chance with loads of time to pull out of the challenge, by not doing so he clattered into the keeper. Clearly a yellow card and, as someone else said, if it was his first one no one would be commenting on it.

[paul_e]

Also the first short corner took them right off guard and was excellent with Jack and SJM

2nd, the first one was McGinn to Jack on the right and Gayle stole it from him.

[adrenachrome]

The shot corner tactic has paid some dividends this season, including that wonder goal from Jack, but you need to mix them up with orthodox corners to keep the defense on their toes. I suppose their 4-5-1 formation tipped the balance for D.S., and he hoped to draw some of their defenders out.

[Richard E]

I really don't get how so many people think the sending off was harsh, this is a crappy still from the video on here but you can see Gayle still on his feet with the ball pretty much in Steer's hands. He was never getting the ball and he'll have known he had no chance with loads of time to pull out of the challenge, by not doing so he clattered into the keeper. Clearly a yellow card and, as someone else said, if it was his first one no one would be commenting on it.

It’s just bitter Baggie b*llocks. ‘It Ay Fair’ episode 583.

[simboy]

If you mean the goal against Derby, Adrenachrome - Grealish was on the edge of the box as Whelan hit the corner long, allowing Grealish to hit it back toward the top corner. A different routine but not a short corner?

As I say it’s a minor point and I get the bit about them being a big side, although with Mings, AT  and Tammy we are not exactly a small side. It just seemed to me that we generally conceded possession from them.

[rob_bridge]

Did my ears deceive me or did I hear the strains of KRO on about 55 minutes very briefly coming from the stripey throstle c***s?

Surely even They wouldn't Stoop THAT Low! Surely!!

[rob_bridge]

Good stuff - can relax now whilst waiting for the Baby_Bridge to arrive hopefully before Tuesday.

Great Rob. Hope all goes well.

Thanks chap

if he's a boy will he be Jack or Aston?

Well unofficial names at the very least

great, hope everything goes well for you all

Yeah Cheers - already got some little Villa outfits for him.

[Toronto Villa]

Tammy, worryingly poor. Really? One of the last players I’m worrying about is a player who has a superb attitude and has scored 25+ times for us.

He did his usual job but I hardly saw any movement or pushing the defenders around.

Gayle was superb at that first half creating space so huge boost for us he can't play on Tuesday.

Two entirely different types of player. And Tammy isn't all about goals. He might not have been at his best but he's still someone you give a yard to in the box he'll make you pay. A lot of players weren't great today because Albion rolled in to pinch a draw or a spawny win. They will have to come out on Tuesday and that will create loads of room for the likes of Jack, SJM and Tammy to exploit. I wouldn't be shocked to see Kodjia and Tammy up front as Albert was ineffective today. I don't think for a second we're going there to park the bus. A Steve Bruce team this ain't.