Manchester City vs Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[Matt C]

 4-1 feels a touch harsh on us and not entirely telling the story of the game but under no illusions we were soundly beaten. As has been covered, we were right in the game for 45 minutes but that goal in stoppage time is a killer and in the second half it’s pure squad preservation from Emery - Chambers for Luiz isn’t a change that happens in any normal circumstance.

Emery has taken a calculated gamble tonight based on the personnel already out, the need to keep fringe players involved and the prioritization of what is to come. Big few weeks ahead.

Feel for Olsen, probably his best game for us and he still shipped four.

[Percy McCarthy]

Our 90th goal of the season tonight. And a beauty.

[olaftab]

Unai pulled out and you don't need to be a fly on the wall at Villa Park/BMH to realise that. And its incredolous that Martinez was good to go at 7 but not capable 20 minutes later. That's usually is a warm up knock not an illness issue.

[sid1964]

Only knew the result on the way back from work this morning - hopefully we get back to winnings ways on Saturday

[PhilVill]

What Unai has done with this villa squad is a miracle, so I am not in the slightest bit upset with tonight.  Sure, there are things to slag off but this season, wherever we end up, has surpassed our wildest expectations.  There are several Villa players who will be replaced over the next two years or so, as Unai builds this club up.  4th, 5th or 6th, is a fantastic effort with this squad of players.

This, 100%. The way this bloke and his staff have improved some players too is beyond belief. They'll do the same to Rogers, Duran and Diaby over summer too.

[Clampy]

We had Cash, Mcginn, Kamara, Martinez, Ramsey and Watkins out  tonight (alongside long term absentees) but yeah, it  was like the line up Lambert finished with against Bradford years ago.

Fucking hell.

In terms of no discernible formation and random players in random positions. You really do make Flinstone look intelligent by comparison.

Like I said, we had a shit load of players out  Christ, you'll be comparing last night with Moscow next.

Oops, sorry you've already done that.

[Demitri_C]

Even with the shitload of players out we likely would have lost. They didnt even need haaland or KVB and still thumped us 4-1.

It would have no doubt been a closer game though if we had a majority of our squad back.

This is a big gamble by unai. If we dont win saturday the gamble backfires. I dont want to be too harsh on unai as we have a lot of games coming up so some players would need rotation

[Clampy]

I don't think it was a gamble. We were going to lose anyway, right?

Yeah, he's got the rest of the season's games to manage and besides, we're not privvy to who's carrying knocks, not fully fit etc. He did what he thought was right.

[Nev]

We didn't play Spurs last night, it was a team who last lost when we beat them, who have a vastly superior squad to chose from when they rest players, and who assembled that by seemingly nefarious means. It is not anywhere near a level playing field and had we had a couple of players back, perhaps we would've lost by the odd goal in that case.

Everyone has been in agreement that we have looked jaded in games but when the Manager changes things up we still moan. I would rather go with our strongest side in every game, but I'm a luddite and would always bow to the Managers experience over mine, particularly in light of what he has achieved in his time with us.

If anyone thinks, given the current rules, that we will challenge Stockport 115 anytime soon is not paying much attention. A harsh way to look at it but that's the reality.

[RichardBatchelor]

Emery needs to have a word with Doug about conceding stupid free kicks in dangerous positions. He does this at least once (and twice against the brilliantly named Stockport 115, nice one mate) every game. It has to stop. Zaniolo was great for 30 mins but he is a milksop and needs to trust his own jockstrap.

[nigel]

Noticed Luiz got booked.
I know he was one away from a ban, but I read that if he was to avoid being booked for a couple of games he’d avoid the ban.
Can’t remember how many games ago I read it, so don’t know if he passed the threshold.

Edit
Just found answer on ‘Discipline’ thread.
Wonder if it might be worth resting him for Brentford given he’s that close?

[Gareth]

Noticed Luiz got booked.
I know he was one away from a ban, but I read that if he was to avoid being booked for a couple of games he’d avoid the ban.
Can’t remember how many games ago I read it, so don’t know if he passed the threshold.

Think it’s after Saturdays game

[nigel]

Noticed Luiz got booked.
I know he was one away from a ban, but I read that if he was to avoid being booked for a couple of games he’d avoid the ban.
Can’t remember how many games ago I read it, so don’t know if he passed the threshold.

Think it’s after Saturdays game

Cheers, bud, it is.
Of all places I found answer on ‘Discipline’ thread 😂

[Ads]

I do think we missed Tielemans' strength in defensive midfield.

Tielemans strength in defensive midfield? He can't run or tackle

Two recovery sprints and tackles against West Ham and Wolves that I didn't think he was capable of. Its not his strength, but its also wrong to think he's as old as us, he's only 26 and can do it.

[Dick Edwards]

Given how I felt when I initially saw the starting XI I was pleasantly surprised by the general quality of our performance. We gave them some problems and deserved more than the one goal to show for our efforts.
If Watkins is unavailable again on Saturday I suggest Duran puts some studs in his boots before running out to play. I lost count of the number of times he slipped over last night. It was a lot.