Bolton 1 Aston Villa 4 Post Match Thread.

[Steve kirk]

I’m amazed how people think Luiz had a good game tonight, ok his corner got us back in the game but he contributes so little to the team, hides, pulls out of tackles, contributed to the Bolton goal, but he’s Brazilian so maybe that blinds some of us.

[tomd2103]

Much better 2nd half and some clear pointers to the changes he needs to make.  The flat three in midfield just isn't working, especially when McGinn and Ramsey are expected to drop deep and be playmakers.  The two wide forwards with Coutinho behind them in a central role also isn't working, especially when Ings and Watkins are expected to drift into wide areas and create things.  The full-backs pushing up high and leaving us exposed defensively isn't working and we look very vulnerable as a result.

There were signs in the 2nd half of some solutions though.  I thought Kamara and Luiz linked up pretty well in central midfield at times.  Coutinho got on the ball in central areas in the final third and this allowed Ings and Watkins to play on the shoulders of defenders which is their strength rather than dropping deep.  Coutinho also linked up well with Digne at times when he drifted out to the left.  Bailey gave us some width when he came on, which meant we looked a bit more solid in shape and there were more options.

Ditch the flat three in midfield and go with a central two, with Coutinho or Buendia in front of them and get them on the ball in the final third.  Play Ings or Watkins as a central striker in front of them and get them on the shoulders of defenders.  Get some width in the side so and this will also leave us less exposed and more solid defensively.  The clues were there tonight, it's just whether Steven Gerrard has seen them.

[Clampy]

For gods sake, we’ve just won 1-4 away from home where the opposition despite being from a lower league would have been literally bursting to take a premier scalp. How many would it have taken for some to be happy on here? 1-10???

I can't work out whether he's cross because we won or because we didn't lose. Both probably.

[Steve67]

Good to see Gerrard saying we are working on a few things in the background, transfers wise.

[boutrosboutrosgnarly]

For gods sake, we’ve just won 1-4 away from home where the opposition despite being from a lower league would have been literally bursting to take a premier scalp. How many would it have taken for some to be happy on here? 1-10???

There are always some who fill find a cloud amongst the silver linings, they just love to moan, look at post match threads always more posts after we've lost/played badly compared to a win/played well.
I didn't want Gerrard and IF a top manager became available who would come I'd fuck him off, but we've just won 4-1, just enjoy it ffs

[Exeter 77]

I was a bit confused about why Emi Buendia appeared to be playing centre forward with Cameron Archer on the left for the last 10 minutes or so.

[Nev]

It's about results and the Manager got the required one on a very tricky night.

[Legion]

It's his versatility. He is more than comfortable out left as well as out right but is clinical up front.

[purpletrousers]

In the Netherlands, had a nice day looking at onions and then chilling out at a centre parcs with the family after work. Just checked and we scored 4. Well happy with that. My old man went and reckoned we looked better.

Taking my two youngest to the next game. My five year olds first visit to Villa Park. Less nervous now. Loathe West Ham do hoping for a good win.

I hope your 5yo loves it. Not too late to get a pair of ear defenders delivered in time if you haven't got them, my 3yo now won't wear them pretty much but they were a good (many say essential) option when she first started coming.

I was working, visited one mental health ward where I heard some commentary and someone had it on an ipad in the dining area -was great to see a bunch of blokes having a focus to watch together. The chap I'd come to see was on the phone so perfect excuse to hang out with them all and chat about football & in the end my role (Religious, Spiritual & Cultural Care). I'm amazed I managed to hold someone's gaze without getting distracted as Villa stuck in the 4th, answering questions about meditation, first time in my life I've effectively ignored a Villa goal. Some lovely chats about our culture that is football

[Legion]

It's his versatility. He is more than comfortable out left as well as out right but is clinical up front.

He's sh*t in goal, though.

[Goldie.7]

Never in doubt.

[Ads]

Too passive in the first half, but much improved with more intensity second and the quality told pretty quickly.

It ought to have been 7, but happy with some of the things I saw second half.

Worried about McGinn, he looks a pub player right now. He cannot retain possession at all. Ashley Young played well, Luiz looks miles better as an 8. Would like to have seen Archer get more game time, but still, pleasing win that was comfortable in the end. Less said about the first half the better and on we go.

[TopDeck113]

Just got home... Roadworks on the ring road were a nightmare!

Patchy first half but in the end we could have has two or three more.  Still too many unforced errors or careless surrendering  of possession in midfield.

[ROBBO]

Agree with everything said about McGinn, needs to be dropped. Thought Ings was offside before the penalty and the first half was dire. Think Tim and Arch did well for the little time they had, and Baileys goal was superb.
Prediction, Watkins will be sold in the next few days.

[Legion]

I don't think he will be but his attitude definitely stinks.