Brighton 0-0 Aston Villa post match thread

[brontebilly]

Rubbish really. Flat and don't even think we had a shot? Reminded me of McLeishs time. In saying that, another clean sheet and our back 5 were very organized. Mings motm for me, another very good game for him. Martinez made some saves but all were comfortable enough. Brighton had no threat up top really. Sanson showed a few nice touches.

A number of players are starting based on reputation only. Not just Barkley who was rubbish again. McGinn was at best trundling, Luiz offered very little bar fouls, Traore anonymous again. Far too much direct ball to Watkins up against three centre backs. We have been doing that far too much in recent games. 

Trez was shite when he came on too, tries hard but such an average player.

Martinez 7, Cash 6 (Elmo 5), Konsa 7, Mings 8, Targett 7, Luiz 5, McGinn 5, Traore 4 (Trez 5), Barkley 4 (Sanson 6), Grealish 5, Watkins 5

[PeterWithe]

Very good point against a very lively Brighton side, fair play to them they were incredibly energetic in denying us any space at all.

Sound defensive organisation and limited them to very few clear cut chances which was great to see as going forward we were non existent. Just looked knackered and clueless.

I’m taking the positive that we got a point in poor form.

[taylorsworkrate]

Painful to watch. Martinez was brilliant and the back 4 just about did enough. Everyone in front of them was so so poor tonight, although in fairness to Watkins, to say he was living off scraps would be generous to our midfield.

[eamonn]

We don't do draws. In most other situations that performance merits a defeat. Constantly gave the ball back to them. Thankfully we have such confidence in keeping teams outbthese days.

A bit worrying that we haven't fully clicked probably since Boxing Day at home to Palace. Jack and Ollie need more help in the final third.
And I'm not sure why Sanson got booked as McGinn committed two fouls in that piece of action. At least Morgan looks like he can get into the box and do a Hourihane (similar physique to Conor too - hopefully an improvement off the ball).

[Toronto Villa]

Leicester next. We play like that again we are taking a good beating. It’s as simple as that.

[Legion]

Anyone else think we’ll be last on MOTD tonight?

Wouldn't surprise me if we were not shown.

[pauliewalnuts]

Just watching Martinez's interview.

He's a winner.

[Legion]

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez tells Sky Sports: "Not really (pleased with a point), we came here to win and be in the top seven with two games in hand. We were sloppy in the first half and could not create the chances in the second.

"That is my job and the back four, to keep a clean sheet. It is one of those games where we had to put our bodies on the line but we were really off today.

"It was so cold, I thought I had a good game because I made a save early on and I am delighted to keep everyone out today.

"I just want to repay the trust of the manager, goalkeeper coach and club. I am glad I settled in really quickly but credit to my team-mates who are doing a really good job.

"We are looking to Europe, that is why I am frustrated today. We were not in the game since the first minute and Brighton deserved to win."

[The Edge]

Minus points: they are looking burnt out and running out of ideas. Teams have worked out how to stop Jack.
Plus points:We have a world class keeper who's earned us a point which has moved us up to 8th.
If the players can regain their early season mojo we can go even higher.

[Damo70]

Painful to watch. Martinez was brilliant and the back 4 just about did enough. Everyone in front of them was so so poor tonight, although in fairness to Watkins, to say he was living off scraps would be generous to our midfield.

SKY went straight from our game to the boxing and the first words I heard from the commentator was
"Martinez is looking dominant tonight".

[ChicagoLion]

What do you expect with Barkley giving the ball away consistently and offering absolutely nothing without the ball.
The obvious move was to get Barkley off move Jack and get Trez on earlier.

[Matt C]

That wasn’t much fun, disappointed in them and not often I’ve said that this season.

Upsides - Martinez brilliance and we still grabbed a point while having an off day.

[SaddVillan]

Another clean sheet thanks to Emi and the back 4 who kept us in it.
How many chances did we create?
In truth, a point we didn't  deserve, but we'll take it.

Too many players below par, some are beginning to be repeat offenders.

Need to find a way of playing that can take account of Jack being heavily marked.

[Legion]

That was the performance of a team on 35 points with two games to go. Very worrying.

Eh?

[Villafirst]

DS needs to rotate more. Even with a weeks rest effectively we weren't at it. Martinez outstanding!