Aston Villa v Sunderland Post-Match Thread

[Olneythelonely]

Anybody else notice that Bizot came straight onto the pitch at the final whistle in order to hug Emi M?   Brilliant gesture in recognition of what could prove to be a season defining moment.

Abraham did it to Watkins after the match on Thursday too. Clearly a lot of team spirit.

[Aldridge Villa]

I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we didn't need to make a triple substitution when we did, even if it's commonplace nowadays and even though Sunderland were not threatening.

Sancho had a nightmare, not on purpose, but the defence also has to take some responsibility for the 3rd and also the chance where Martínez saved us.

I’d be surprised if the majority of the crowd questioned the rationale for subs at the time. We were in total control and the subs appeared to be a sensible step in playing the game out. It didn’t pan out that way but the subs were undoubtedly the thing to do at that moment in time.

[Beard82]

I wasn't surprised Mings came in for him. Brobbey was kept in-check, the just did us on two cheap turn-overs for their second and third.

Yeah thats my take  - we took unneccessary risks that back fired.  Was poor game management - in the seocnd half our defence didnt give them a sniff until then

[Dave]

Anybody else notice that Bizot came straight onto the pitch at the final whistle in order to hug Emi M?   Brilliant gesture in recognition of what could prove to be a season defining moment.

Abraham did it to Watkins after the match on Thursday too. Clearly a lot of team spirit.

Watkins returned the favour today too.

[Crown Hill]

Mings looked to be struggling for pace for the two one on ones towards the end.

[Olneythelonely]

Anybody else notice that Bizot came straight onto the pitch at the final whistle in order to hug Emi M?   Brilliant gesture in recognition of what could prove to be a season defining moment.

Abraham did it to Watkins after the match on Thursday too. Clearly a lot of team spirit.

Watkins returned the favour today too.

Missed that. Lovely stuff.

[rob_bridge]

I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we didn't need to make a triple substitution when we did, even if it's commonplace nowadays and even though Sunderland were not threatening.

Sancho had a nightmare, not on purpose, but the defence also has to take some responsibility for the 3rd and also the chance where Martínez saved us.

I’d be surprised if the majority of the crowd questioned the rationale for subs at the time. We were in total control and the subs appeared to be a sensible step in playing the game out. It didn’t pan out that way but the subs were undoubtedly the thing to do at that moment in time.

I was thinking Dougie for Youri as well as ones made. Yes I'd have Sancho ahead of Bailey

[SaddVillan]

Apropos nothing on particular, thought today's ref had a pretty decent game.

Kept the game flowing to the extent that you hardly noticed him (as it should be).

[Dante Lavelli]

Anybody else notice that Bizot came straight onto the pitch at the final whistle in order to hug Emi M?   Brilliant gesture in recognition of what could prove to be a season defining moment.

Abraham did it to Watkins after the match on Thursday too. Clearly a lot of team spirit.

Compare that to the first five weeks or so. There was something rotten across the whole squad.

[WassallVillain]

I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we didn't need to make a triple substitution when we did, even if it's commonplace nowadays and even though Sunderland were not threatening.

Sancho had a nightmare, not on purpose, but the defence also has to take some responsibility for the 3rd and also the chance where Martínez saved us.

I’d be surprised if the majority of the crowd questioned the rationale for subs at the time. We were in total control and the subs appeared to be a sensible step in playing the game out. It didn’t pan out that way but the subs were undoubtedly the thing to do at that moment in time.

I was thinking Dougie for Youri as well as ones made. Yes I'd have Sancho ahead of Bailey

I honestly think I’d prefer Guessand (sp) to the pair of them.

[dorsetvillian]

Just home. Almost calmed down after that ending. Thursday was very unlike Villa and stress free. Today was also so comfortable until the 85th  minute. Complete chaos after that. I do think taking off McGinn and Watkins at the same time was a mistake. The right side substitution is causing us problems when McGinn goes off. That's Old Trafford, Bologna and today. Maybe a more defensive sub should be made in future. We really are in an amazing position...

[martyn ellis]

Just watched BBC iPlayer highlights. Villa get 8 minutes, Everton Liverpool 13 minutes.

[Sexual Ealing]

How long was the weather forecast?

[rob_bridge]

Very well said by the Sunderland fan. It’s been some ride for that lot. A dreadful few years as they plummeted down the leagues. And to now be back in the PL and perform as they have their fans must be in dreamland. Well done for a top season. They absolutely could have won it today.

Walking from shop to Trinity stand a couple ofnthemwere commenting on how good the legacy wall looked. Fair play.

[garyellis]

We should have cruised it today just like Thursday.
Emi Martinez take a bow the difference in a spilt second between three points and no points.