Lille vs Aston Villa Post-Match Thread

[brontebilly]

Defensive line is so much better when Pau plays.

Definitely, much better than v Chelsea. Rarely caught with a man behind the line like we were v Chelsea for 90 mins

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Apparently Unai's 100th Villa win.

First to a century since Ron Saunders, before that it was Joe Mercer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Aston_Villa_F.C._managers

[brontebilly]

Martinez 6, Bogarde 8, Konsa 8, Torres 7, Digne 5, Onana 7, Luiz 8, Sancho 3, Buendia 4, Rogers 4, Watkins 4. McGinn had a fine cameo, rest of subs were meh. The Elliot business is nonsense for me. Either we bring him back properly and hes treated the same as everyone else. Or we leave him out. Having a forward player that doesnt give the ball away every time he gets it has its benefits.

Started really poorly but eventually Luiz and Torres got us playing. Understatement to say our front four struggled throughout. But in the end we were disappointed we didnt finish the tie on the night. Buendia stupidly going for the spectacular volley and not heading it, lets not even get into Ollie's effort. They had a few moments too I guess, header in first half just past the post, Torres bailing out Martinez and Martinez doing likewise late on. Thats a very limited Lille team too. Hopefully we look back on this night in a few weeks as when the tide turned in our fortunes. Best likes of Konsa and Onana have played in ages, Torres showing why we need to stick with him, Luiz continuing to progress and McGinn back. I criticised him pre-game but Bogarde did really well at right back too.

[martyn ellis]

Agree with lots of the above, but I just don't get that buzz watching Villa these days. Too many turgid build-ups, none of that crisp incisive passing that was part of our game. Maybe I'm being greedy (or maybe watched too much of the Madrid game last night.

[Tony Daleys Shorts]

Much better than recent performances, although they were dreadful. Still would have taken 0-1 all day long.

Great finish from Ollie, capping off a truly horrific display of indecision and ineptitude.

[brontebilly]

Doug is starting to look good now. He’s making more creative passes.

Wins back the ball a lot too. More than he's given credit for.

[Clampy]

Good win, even if wasn't great to watch at times. Great to have Bravearse back.

[dorsetvillian]

Important few minutes for Harvey at the end. He kept the ball so well seeing out those extra time minutes. Could still play a part.

[tomd2103]

Good result and thought it was a better performance in.certain areas.  Thought we moved the ball well around the back and through midfield, but the four attacking players remain a source of real frustration.  Thought Ollie took his goal really well, but then went and blew a massive chance to pretty much settle the tie. 

[JUAN PABLO]

Bogey , Dougy , Onana, Pau  and Mcginn pluses for me , the rest hopefully  catch up next game.

happy with the result thou.... 

[Villa Lew]

A very important win and a clean sheet in front of a hostile crowd. Great to see SJM back and credits go to Onana and Doug but MOTM goes to Lamare, probably his best performance so far for us.

[paul_e]

I think Torres made a big difference, our defensive line looks better and our ability to play quick counters is much higher. With the midfielders we've had missing we just can't live without him.

[JUAN PABLO]

only english team out of 9 to win in Europe

[PeterWithesShin]

[Villa Lew]

only english team out of 9 to win in Europe

Yeah, the bookies would have given you good odds on that happening.