Bolton 1 Aston Villa 4 Post Match Thread.

[Simon Page]

Had a quick look on the Trotters' forum. Seems some of their fans had previously been referring to him as a "lazy non-league defender" so may just have risen to the occasion.

If anyone looked on Villa forums before a transfer, we'd never sell a player. Well, maybe Archer, but give it time and someone will call him a Moors reject.

[Dick Edwards]

I’m probably One of McGinn’s biggest fans on here and he was terrible Last night there’s no other way of looking at it, all I would say is we know he’s a far better player than that, we’ve seen it so whatever it takes to get him back again and if that means a rest then so be it

I love John McGinn too, but should he (or any other player) really need a rest in August?

[Bent Neilsens Screamer]

Nice to see Alisha Lehmann sitting a few seats away, sure she would have been pleased with Dougs performance.

I was sat just across the walkway from her.

My mate reckoned she was with another player from the women’s team who goes to quite a few games?

[Martyn Smith]

Was only able to follow it on BBC Football as was at work. Am just hoping that this win will be a confidence boost that will kick us on a bit.

I wonder with JMc if the captain's armband is weighing a little too heavily on him?

[FailsworthVillan]

Nice to see Alisha Lehmann sitting a few seats away, sure she would have been pleased with Dougs performance.

I was sat just across the walkway from her.

My mate reckoned she was with another player from the women’s team who goes to quite a few games?

I think it was Sarah Mayling.

[Nunkin1965]

Something I've been thinking about since last night. In the first half particularly, Bouba committed three or four what you might call 'silly' fouls when we lost possession in the final third.  Not dangerous bookable tackles, just bumping into players from behind, enough to put them down and stop them turning or moving the ball on.

I do wonder if this is a deliberate instruction? Tactical fouls in moments of transition when we concede possession.  Man City are masters as it (and regularly rotate the player doing the fouling), it's very sly, but it's a good way of preventing effective counterattacks.

My thoughts exactly.
It's breaking up play and stopping goals like Zaha's from happening.

[coreyfeldman]

I’m probably One of McGinn’s biggest fans on here and he was terrible Last night there’s no other way of looking at it, all I would say is we know he’s a far better player than that, we’ve seen it so whatever it takes to get him back again and if that means a rest then so be it

I love John McGinn too, but should he (or any other player) really need a rest in August?

He needs taking out of the team, not a rest

[rougegorge]

Something I've been thinking about since last night. In the first half particularly, Bouba committed three or four what you might call 'silly' fouls when we lost possession in the final third.  Not dangerous bookable tackles, just bumping into players from behind, enough to put them down and stop them turning or moving the ball on.

I do wonder if this is a deliberate instruction? Tactical fouls in moments of transition when we concede possession.  Man City are masters as it (and regularly rotate the player doing the fouling), it's very sly, but it's a good way of preventing effective counterattacks.

My thoughts exactly.
It's breaking up play and stopping goals like Zaha's from happening.

Yes, top teams like Man City are masters of the tag team fouling when needed, most often when the opponents are breaking or building in their own half. When it's not in the attacking half, referees are more lenient as well. They typically do a niggly foul or mild shove, all clearly rotated, planned and practised. Fernandinho was a craftsman at that and now Rodri usually orchestrates it.

[VILLA MOLE]

He is just so out of form which can look he is knackered .  When you are inform
it comes easier

[Neil Hawkes]

Watched the whole game.

Archer needs to start, he would have scored if he had been on the pitch longer than 10 minutes. Knows when to attack a defender and knows how to support another attacker, (see Bailey goal; if keeper had saved, he was in position for the rebound). Every time I've seen him play (on tele), he stands out as a natural striker.

Tim needs to play alongside Kamara, that means dropping McGinn, Luis or JJ. I'd rather have any of those 3 to come on as subs later, than to start and be so understaffed in the midfield battle area. Again, Tim looks naturally gifted, doesn't panic and has the knack of being in (mostly) the right position at the right time. Can also make a decent pass and tackle.

[AlexAlexCropley]

Watched the whole game.

Archer needs to start, he would have scored if he had been on the pitch longer than 10 minutes. Knows when to attack a defender and knows how to support another attacker, (see Bailey goal; if keeper had saved, he was in position for the rebound). Every time I've seen him play (on tele), he stands out as a natural striker.

Tim needs to play alongside Kamara, that means dropping McGinn, Luis or JJ. I'd rather have any of those 3 to come on as subs later, than to start and be so understaffed in the midfield battle area. Again, Tim looks naturally gifted, doesn't panic and has the knack of being in (mostly) the right position at the right time. Can also make a decent pass and tackle.

Agree with all of this

[Brazilian Villain]

Watched the whole game.

Archer needs to start, he would have scored if he had been on the pitch longer than 10 minutes. Knows when to attack a defender and knows how to support another attacker, (see Bailey goal; if keeper had saved, he was in position for the rebound). Every time I've seen him play (on tele), he stands out as a natural striker.

Tim needs to play alongside Kamara, that means dropping McGinn, Luis or JJ. I'd rather have any of those 3 to come on as subs later, than to start and be so understaffed in the midfield battle area. Again, Tim looks naturally gifted, doesn't panic and has the knack of being in (mostly) the right position at the right time. Can also make a decent pass and tackle.

Agree with all of this

Same here.

[Legion]

As do I.

[KRS]

Totally agree on Archer. Haven’t seen enough of Tim yet.

[Hookeysmith]

I’m probably One of McGinn’s biggest fans on here and he was terrible Last night there’s no other way of looking at it, all I would say is we know he’s a far better player than that, we’ve seen it so whatever it takes to get him back again and if that means a rest then so be it

I love John McGinn too, but should he (or any other player) really need a rest in August?

He needs taking out of the team, not a rest

I would certainly lose respect for SG if he continues to watch such inept performances from such an important position within the dynamic of our team and not take him out - Captain or not
He is quoted as saying being Captain does not guarantee a start - so go on then back it up