Aston Villa v Crystal Palace Post Match Thread

[N'ZMAV]

elmo, Hourihane and Trez played very well.

About time.

[hilts_coolerking]

Benteke sent off at the final whistle. For mouthing off to the ref I think.

I found watching Benteke a bit depressing. I mean to hell with him because he left, but at the same time he was such a beast for us. He looks ready for the scrap heap now, and he's only just 30. Real shame. I know a few of us might have entertained the thought of him returning in January, but it would have been a waste of time and money. He's fucked.

Yep, he had a couple of headers that he would have buried in his time with us but whatever it is that he had then looks to have gone for good.

[purpletrousers]

A lot better. I've seen some dreadful performances since the restart from us, but Palace should be ashamed. Heartless, gutless and no desire. We've played other sides who were a little lackadaisical but made nothing of it. Thankfully today we we aggressive and pushed players into the box. A comfortable win (and we've had maybe 2 of those beforehand this season).

Grealish was better today, largely because he was more influential near the box. Partly because Palace couldn't be fucked to do the same kind of hatchet job on him as everyone else has. That said, others stepped up. McGinn has been better of late. Hourihane was decent today. Elmo on the right delivers good crosses and Trezeguet was getting good positions and two excellent instinctive finishes. When he doesn't get too much time, he's better. It doesn't allow the doubt to creep him and get him flustered. I'm actually pleased for Trez. He's not a world beater and he has had dreadful games, but he tries and looks like he cares. Just needs more confidence, but hopefully those goals will help him kick on. 6 goals this season. For an 8 million pound player that's not bad, about what you'd expect by market values. Point is, he's squad level rather than first 11, but we never signed the first 11 standard winger.

Reina has been solid since returning, and assured. He had key moments today just to steady us with a couple of saves.

Everton are beatable. The important thing is, we show plenty of intent. Hourihane as an example gets stick, and rightly so, but he has to play every game, as simple as that, because he can deliver a set piece and is a threat from distance. One attribute is better than no attributes. So he plays. I'd also look to play Elmo in the Everton and W.H games at least. Maybe rest for the Arsenal game. He's reliable. He's lost all his pace but he can deliver from wide and keep some discipline. Good attitude as well. Play him.

Yep I’ll go with all of that Supertom.

[paul_e]

Palace must look like we do to other fans. They were truly awful.

We deserved it, just a shame we start showing something when it’s realistically too late.

Elmo at right back made the whole thing look so much better. Please leave him there for Everton.

Back it up with a win against Everton and it's not too late. That'd put us a point from safety with no chance for the 2 above us to both win in the game in hand.

Then you have Watford vs Man C, West Ham vs Man U and us vs Arsenal meaning we're unlikely to fall any further behind.

Beating Everton is an absolute must though, no excuses, we have to go after them.

[LukeJames]

Probably as comfortable as we've looked since Newcastle at home. Too little to late though.

Playing proper full backs and having Konsa at rcb gave us a better balance.

[wolfman999]

[Goldie.7]

After their disallowed goal we were well on top and thoroughly excellent. We should have won that 4 or 5-0 easy.

Keinan Davis proved why he'll never be a top striker. He comes on for 15 minutes, misses a complete sitter and after about 5 minutes he was blowing out of his arse. He lost the ball every time he had it and wasn't tracking back at all.

Luiz had another good game, but for me Hassan just edged him out for MOTM.

[N'ZMAV]

Benteke kicked Konsa at the final whistle apparently

[SaddVillan]

BBC reporting that Benteke's red was for kicking out at a Villa player.

He'd had a pop at Konsa late on after being  fouled about 35yds out a minute or so before the final whistle. Presumably there was some "afters".

[hilts_coolerking]

And there I am.

[N'ZMAV]

Benteke was frustrated - partly his own fault, he was poor and in general he wasn't aggressive enough.

He's finished now.

[Bobby Boy]

Solid performance. We showed the determination and drive that we've all been crying out for.

Still a bit light on top but today not a day to be negative.

Thought Elmo, Trezeguet and Douglas Luiz (again) the standouts.

[Stinkin_Thinkin]

Can't remember a better 2nd half seen from Villa this season. Played most of it in the Palace half.

[paul_e]

Solid performance. We showed the determination and drive that we've all been crying out for.

Still a bit light on top but today not a day to be negative.

Thought Elmo, Trezeguet and Douglas Luiz (again) the standouts.

Targett played very well too.

[ktvillan]

Well there’s hope but I fear it’s too little too late.  Hope im wrong. Well done Trezeguet, I’ve probably been one of biggest critics, but than he owes us a few performances.