Saints V Villa 4-1 Post match Chat!!

[markr27]

Hello Gaston Ramirez.

Goodbye Danny Fox.

 

Hmm. If he doesn't start on Tuesday (if he is fully fit) then these rumours will gather pace.

[manji]

Hair on back of neck moment....When the whole stadium stood near the end to chant "There's only one Nigel Adkins". Emotional

You could see NA was emotional about that chant it was brilliant.

[Guan 2.0]

Did somebody say we were first on match of the day?

[Norm]

Hmm. If he doesn't start on Tuesday (if he is fully fit) then these rumours will gather pace.

 

What rumours? Have I missed something? Been on holiday.

[MOSaint]

Hmm. If he doesn't start on Tuesday (if he is fully fit) then these rumours will gather pace.

 

I would have thought if he plays Tuesday, there's a good chance he won't start against Everton as Adkins likes to rest as many first choice players as possible in these cup games.

[Frank's cousin]

So.... if Ramierez was a Cortese siugning as some seem to insinuate... would we say he has an eye for a player? ;-)

 

Seriously, I got teh impression that perhaps Adkins was surprized we were after that calibre of player - but was ot complaining! ;-)

 

He looks excellent and his touch was superb - not a bad workrate either - Adan and JWP will learn heaps -

 

 

Most impressive thing for me was teh way we wre able to turn it around and come out a different team

[TopGun]

Good take from Clyne and deffo a good buy. Would have preferred to see him recognise his supplier Ramirez rather than just running across to supporters. A minor gripe in an excellent day.

[SaintBobby]

Ooo Gaston Ramirez.

 

That is all.

[markr27]

I would have thought if he plays Tuesday, there's a good chance he won't start against Everton as Adkins likes to rest as many first choice players as possible in these cup games.

 

Hmm indeed...

[SteveBish]

Have to say my first game of the season I have been to and 1 - 0 down at half time flattered them and we came out second half a gear or two up and Villa had nothing more to give great day and great win.

[Crazy Diamond]

Must be the only game I've attended where I didn't celebrate a goal. That equaliser meant nothing to me. After the dominant first half, to go 1 - 0 down was shocking, and I wanted nothing but all three points. We got it, happy days. Superb control of the football - I don't like people who hark on about possession stats but 60% to us flattered them in all honesty. We comprehensively outplayed Villa today.

 

I am getting ever more worried however about the fact that our players can't seem to stay on their feet - not through tackling, but just slipping over. Those basic defensive errors that we are continually being told will be ironed out are still there. Clyne and Fonte are always falling over.

 

Clyne was my MOTM personally, and whilst Ramirez was very good, I fear a lot of people got caught up in the hype of seeing our new man start his first Saints game. Clyne was everywhere, tracking back, making last ditch tackles, interceptions, not to mention his goal.

 

Lambert was out of the game at one point and I wanted him subbed. Fair play to him, he got a chance and took it. I should know better than to doubt him...!

[Crab Lungs]

This is another great Villa forum thread. Apart from one person, they're pretty much agreed that we're rubbish :-/

 

http://www.avfcforums.com/topic/13731-match-thread-southampton-4-1-aston-villa-ft/page__st__40

[Crazy Diamond]

This is another great Villa forum thread. Apart from one person, they're pretty much agreed that we're rubbish :-/

 

http://www.avfcforums.com/topic/13731-match-thread-southampton-4-1-aston-villa-ft/page__st__40

 

They do make a very good point, too much diving from us today. I don't want to see it.

 

Also, lots of long balls. Needs must when you've no points, I suppose.

[kpturner]

Some grate speling hear: http://avillafan.com/site/4490/they-are-southampton-and-they-took-the-pss/

[mcjwills]

Did somebody say we were first on match of the day?

 

And we are the main match on Football First on Sky at 8.30

[Saintandy666]

Fantastic performance. We dominated Villa, and tbh if it wasn't for some sloppyness by Puncheon, we could have had that clean sheet. Not that I am bashing Jason, he was excellent for the rest of the match.

 

The new signings look fantastic. Yoshida was rock solid and cleared and passed with intention. There was much less hoof and hope from him. Gazzaniga looked solid, but didn't have to do a great deal, in part because of great performances from our two centre backs. I'm glad Fox was taken off, he was great in the Championship, but I fear not good enough for Prem. It does leave me worried on the defensive wings, we lack depth in our squad. But that can't be rectified until January. Clyne looked as good as he has this season and is fantastic going forward and had a well deserved goal.

 

Ramirez just looked a class above. He seemed to create time and space while on the ball and had great touches. I think there is much much more to come from him.

 

Lambert is just proving all the doubters(including I guiltily admit myself) wrong. He is sturdy and knows where the goal is and that is what we need. He is a Striker that requires good service though, and I think Ramirez, Lallana and Puncheon and co are all good enough to provide it. Lallana works his socks off, great skill and gets forward as we know. Mayuka looks promising too.

 

I am just too happy right now.

 

For the first time today, we looked Premier League class. Not plucky underdogs or the whipping boys, but solid Premier League standard.

[madruss]

This is another great Villa forum thread. Apart from one person, they're pretty much agreed that we're rubbish :-/

 

http://www.avfcforums.com/topic/13731-match-thread-southampton-4-1-aston-villa-ft/page__st__40

 

Reminds me a lot of last season, when we smashed teams early on and they didn't expect it. Fact is, we could have scored a LOT more than 4 in that second half. But yeah, it's not that our attacking play was good, just bad defending and bad luck...heard it all before from sore loser sides who've just taken and SMS beating!

[syd_barrett_saint]

They do make a very good point, too much diving from us today. I don't want to see it.

 

Also, lots of long balls. Needs must when you've no points, I suppose.

 

Yep, a bit of diving going on, shame.

 

But on the long balls, I didn't see many, I think Fox was the main culprit and that changed when Nigel correctly hauled him off at HT (I hope it was tactical and not an injury, as it would show it was a good tactical decision rather than luck brought on by injury). Also before today we had played less long balls than any team in the Premier League (not sure where that stat was from, but it was quoted on here this week). And our goals came from good, incisive passing, not long ball play.

[No 2 to Maybush]

Have to agree that the Full back changes at half time made a significant difference. Thought Clyne looked very comfortable at LB and Richardson was his usual dependable self. Plus Ireland going off opened up the midfield for us, as he had been bossing it in the 1st half. Can't see a way back for Fox after that 2nd half. Very, very pleased for the boys today - it looked as if we remembered how we normally play. Also glad that "Pompey scum" only got sung once. Nigel is working out how to balance the side, which is great. We were due to give someone a tonking, that said, Villa were average. But there are a few other teams like them in this division, so there is no doubt we will pick up points. Very pleased for the new signings, and I think they will now appreciate what this club means to the fans after today. Still, one game at a time. Chuckled in the car when I heard Nige trot out "together as one" in his post-match interview, but if they maintain belief, and maintain the pace they showed 2nd half, we can have a great season.

[Crazy Diamond]

Yep, a bit of diving going on, shame.

 

But on the long balls, I didn't see many, I think Fox was the main culprit and that changed when Nigel correctly hauled him off at HT (I hope it was tactical and not an injury, as it would show it was a good tactical decision rather than luck brought on by injury). Also before today we had played less long balls than any team in the Premier League (not sure where that stat was from, but it was quoted on here this week). And our goals came from good, incisive passing, not long ball play.

 

Yes you're right, I take back 'lots' of long balls, but there were a few on show. Gazzinaga did a fair bit of it, but as we've heard, his distribution is very good, so maybe it's to be expected.

[syd_barrett_saint]

Yes you're right, I take back 'lots' of long balls, but there were a few on show. Gazzinaga did a fair bit of it, but as we've heard, his distribution is very good, so maybe it's to be expected.

 

Ah yes, you are right about Gazzaniga, more long kicking and less rolling it out to the defenders. But his kicking is indeed very accurate and I'm sure with more instruction from Nigel he will mix it up with more quick throws to the defenders to keep possession/build from the back too.

[Crab Lungs]

Reminds me a lot of last season, when we smashed teams early on and they didn't expect it. Fact is, we could have scored a LOT more than 4 in that second half. But yeah, it's not that our attacking play was good, just bad defending and bad luck...heard it all before from sore loser sides who've just taken and SMS beating!

 

Yeah, good point. Like last season as well!

 

Time to dig out the "whoops you've been accidentally, unfortunately, surprisingly beaten by little ol' Southampton" screensavers...

[Crazy Diamond]

Ah yes, you are right about Gazzaniga, more long kicking and less rolling it out to the defenders. But his kicking is indeed very accurate and I'm sure with more instruction from Nigel he will mix it up with more quick throws to the defenders to keep possession/build from the back too.

 

Indeed, very accurate. His targets didn't even need to move.

 

Very pleased to hear the very vocal backing for Nigel. Very pleased.

[adrian lord]

Villa have been in decline for several years now and it looks like they will be in the relegation battle this season.

 

Been in decline since 1981.

[trousers]

Gazza had little to do, but made a decent save at his near post when we were 1-0 down early in the second half. Hilarious when he took his gloves off to tie his shoelaces!

 

That was marvelous. Everyone around me were creasing themselves - it seemed like he took best part of two minutes to sort himself out.

[max_saints]

is it just me or is our rightback playing way better at left back? clyne played so much better on the left hand side, it would seem fox's days are numbered in the first 11. however im not too sure of richardson either, he seems abit nervous at times and totally miskicked the ball on one occasion and this in a game where villa barely pressured in the second half so he wasn't tested too much? anyway, hopefully this marks a huge step forward in easing our defensive frailties, i still think a RB or LB should be brought in come january.

 

fonte and maya in the center looked solid! fonte seems to play much better with a CB partner he can trust and gain confidence from. brave of NA to drop kelvin for gazza but whether or not that is a positive change remains to be seen as gazza was barely tested in the game apart from the goal.

 

other than that, the attack did what they have always been doing this season which is goals goals goals! our movement up front was fluid and nice to watch and scoreline could have been more if lallana had been more composed. overall, this was exactly how i thought we would perform this season, fantastic!

[trousers]

Yep, a bit of diving going on, shame.

 

But on the long balls, I didn't see many, I think Fox was the main culprit and that changed when Nigel correctly hauled him off at HT (I hope it was tactical and not an injury, as it would show it was a good tactical decision rather than luck brought on by injury). Also before today we had played less long balls than any team in the Premier League (not sure where that stat was from, but it was quoted on here this week). And our goals came from good, incisive passing, not long ball play.

 

Yep, I don't recall too many long balls either.

[trousers]

Also glad that "Pompey scum" only got sung once.

 

I counted 3 times

[trousers]

Ah yes, you are right about Gazzaniga, more long kicking and less rolling it out to the defenders. But his kicking is indeed very accurate and I'm sure with more instruction from Nigel he will mix it up with more quick throws to the defenders to keep possession/build from the back too.

 

I noticed that Gazzaniga apologised to the bench after one of his punts up field found a Villa player. Probably a sign he's still on automatic pilot somewhat rather than in 'play it from the back' mode.

[Under Weststand]

Great Result & good comeback Ramirez looks total class some lovely side splitting passes. Yoshida looks a real rock at the back. The tactical switch from NA at half time taking Fox off turned the game.

Sir Rickie strikes again, Merson predicted that SRL would only score 5-goals all season four in five already shows how much you now Merson.

Also had to LOL at the BBC when the results were read out, I had to rewind it to make sure I heard it right. Southampton Town 4 Aston Villa 1 when did we change our name?

Villa fans sound like real arrogant dicks, in fact they remind me of West Hoof fans could be something to do with claret & blue maybe!

[pezza]

Would like to see Shaw given the chance against Sheff Weds, Fox is clearly not up to it and Clyne moving over much such a difference. Would not mind betting Cork ends up at RB as I think Frazer may struggle.

 

Not Puncheons biggest fan although he has been ok, but still makes to many bad decisions for me and I think Myuka may offer more eventually.

 

As a whole the midfield looked good, not much mention of Schielderlen today but he did a really solid job and is showing some real steel.

 

Ramirez could well turn out to be one of the greatest players to wear the shirt, he was class today!!!

[Viking Warrior]

My first game of the season and enjoyed both halves . We had the better of the first have but for a sloppy goal we were in front . Second have we showed our class . Some great passing and commitment from the lads . Just before puncheon scored one of the coaches had word within to move over to the left and a few seconds later he scored . What tactical move . Ps I have villa as one of my relegated sides

[Clifford Nelson]

Second half is as good as I've seen us play for many a good year! Ramirez is worth every penny and is what whe have been looking for for a long time, a proper no. 10. When he realised what the players around him were all about he played to all their strengths and anticipated every move. His vision was awesome, and I don't mean to hype it. Incredible!

 

Ricky came to his right again and looked like the top class striker we know that we've got. Lallana played as well as ever I've seen him, and if we can stop experimenting with him in central roles (because he isn't a central playmaker) he will be fine. Even Puncheon managed a number of end products and looked better than I've seen before. Schneiderlin is growing all the time and let's not forget what a good player we've bought in Davis. Solid, comes to mind. Maya was also a pleasamt acquaintance, with a calm and fluid action and keen to calm down anybody who needed it - note his quiet ten seconds with Puncheon after the goal.

 

There is more than enough talent in this team to play PL football, and I can't imagine that we will have any real problems with the rest of the season.

 

NA should also have credit for shuffling the 4-3-3 formation by pushing the central midfielder high up behind Ricky for a 4-2-1-3, or it you like int in orthodox fashion, a 4-4-1-1. We look good like this.

 

With others I'm accepting that Fox isn't a PL full back and needs to be replaced in the January window if possible. Clyne on the left made a real difference.

[Bearsy]

I was watching down the pub with loads of Villas. They was proper condescending halftime - "You see Bearsy, you can't get away with defending like that in the Premier League. Darren Bent will score goals like that all day long against the likes of you. You do look a poor side to be honest, no penetration at all. Very lightweight"

 

This was after a first half remember where I thought Villa had been every bit as bad as us.

 

It went a bit quiet in the pub second half. Except for me, I was taking no prisoners! I was Ole! Ole! We want 5! We want 5! You see Villas, you can't get away with defending like that in the Premier Leagues!

[LostBoys]

Great stuff

[Surrey Saint]

First game for me this season. Thought we were nervoous and lacking in confidence first half, too many mis hit passes into empty space, too many ill weighted balls. DF looked out of his depth, unsure what to do when he had the ball. Second half much, much better. Clyne a constant dangedr on the left, Yoshida strong and used the ball well and our midfield came in to their own. Would it have been quite so easy had Ireland not gone off? Maybe not but I have no doubt we'd still have won. Impressive to see the team knocking the ball around for fun in the last seven or eight minutes. Clear confidence had returned.

[No 2 to Maybush]

I counted 3 times

Obviously not loudly enough (thank f**k)

[up and away]

Just what was needed, I could not be happier. Villa allowed us to play our football in the second half and will be regretting that for several days to come. The catalyst for all of this was taking off Fox and putting Clyne at LB. I don't know how many can say Clyne was great at LB because I rarely saw him in the position. What i did see was a left footed player cut into the middle going forward to such effect the Villa midfield just disappeared. That combined with the rest of the midfield was the tipping point and it was one way traffic there after. Against better teams where we don't get control of the midfield you can just expect a repeat of that first half. That game gives me hope because I can see us competing in the bottom 6 and given the Swansea effect when you add pass and move football like today, will always carry you higher.

 

Gazzinga: I actually felt composed when the goalie had something to do, though was there enough to really make a judgement? At least it was devoid of passing the ball direct to their wingers as we saw against Wigan. Similar method to Kelvin for lining up the wall so assume that's a coaching thing. But why not get the wall to jump if you leave that much space?

Fox: We all knew he was wrong yet many never believed such a simple solution existed. Still don't until a bigger team. I assume Fox was at fault for their goal as a pretty drastic subbing otherwise, missed that one completely.

Yoshida: Some quality defending in that performance.

Fonte: Still some problems but miles better, passed and intercepted well.

Clyne: My MOM and the tipping point for me when we over ran Villa. But he has to remember his day job.

Morgan: Put in a very good performance, a lot of hard, intelligent work. Has to stop those short balls where he just offloads his problems onto others. Either move, feint to move with the ball or find a safer outlet. This will cost us goals if not fixed.

Davis: did a decent job, nothing exceptional, nothing bad but importantly kept good energy levels.

Ramirez: The king of cool. Not as attacking orientated as I imagined but can he see a pass. Never expected him to be so good defensively and he could easily play in front of the back four. Money spent that could easily mean the difference between the Premier and NPC.

Lallana: Put in a great shift with some intelligent play and incisive runs. Has to find an end product otherwise he is left toothless.

Puncheon: Helped to dominate when we got on top but I would only rate as mediocre. Just does not do enough good or carry enough threat. Can see a place for him but feel we are missing out by not having someone else.

Ricky: Again mediocre until he got his goal then he becomes all important.

 

Mayuka: saw enough from him that he can do a job for us, especially one pinged ball he pulled out of the air with his foot. Has the pace to keep defences honest and will score if the skill is there. Definitely knows what's happening on a football field

Richardson: nothing to beat but never screwed up.

JWP: Just did what he was supposed to do.

 

Everton will be a different game and they will not roll over.

Mayuda

Lallana Cork Davis Morgan Ramirez

Clyne Yoshida Fonte Richardson

Gazzinga

would be my call but will not happen in a million years after that result.

[supergoose]

Another great day at St. Mary's!

[Bearsy]

Just by the by, i mentioned this before that all the Villas say bout Steven Davis that we'll never see him play 90 minutes cos he physically don't have the stamina, they reckon that's why the originally sold him back in the day when he used to play for them. I said we already see him play 90 against Man Utd. They said, yeah but was he any use last 20 minutes? Thinking back... no he weren't!

 

Got subbed again today I see.

[jawillwill]

Just what was needed, I could not be happier. Villa allowed us to play our football in the second half and will be regretting that for several days to come. The catalyst for all of this was taking off Fox and putting Clyne at LB. I don't know how many can say Clyne was great at LB because I rarely saw him in the position. What i did see was a left footed player cut into the middle going forward to such effect the Villa midfield just disappeared. That combined with the rest of the midfield was the tipping point and it was one way traffic there after. Against better teams where we don't get control of the midfield you can just expect a repeat of that first half. That game gives me hope because I can see us competing in the bottom 6 and given the Swansea effect when you add pass and move football like today, will always carry you higher.

 

Gazzinga: I actually felt composed when the goalie had something to do, though was there enough to really make a judgement? At least it was devoid of passing the ball direct to their wingers as we saw against Wigan. Similar method to Kelvin for lining up the wall so assume that's a coaching thing. But why not get the wall to jump if you leave that much space?

Fox: We all knew he was wrong yet many never believed such a simple solution existed. Still don't until a bigger team. I assume Fox was at fault for their goal as a pretty drastic subbing otherwise, missed that one completely.

Yoshida: Some quality defending in that performance.

Fonte: Still some problems but miles better, passed and intercepted well.

Clyne: My MOM and the tipping point for me when we over ran Villa. But he has to remember his day job.

Morgan: Put in a very good performance, a lot of hard, intelligent work. Has to stop those short balls where he just offloads his problems onto others. Either move, feint to move with the ball or find a safer outlet. This will cost us goals if not fixed.

Davis: did a decent job, nothing exceptional, nothing bad but importantly kept good energy levels.

Ramirez: The king of cool. Not as attacking orientated as I imagined but can he see a pass. Never expected him to be so good defensively and he could easily play in front of the back four. Money spent that could easily mean the difference between the Premier and NPC.

Lallana: Put in a great shift with some intelligent play and incisive runs. Has to find an end product otherwise he is left toothless.

Puncheon: Helped to dominate when we got on top but I would only rate as mediocre. Just does not do enough good or carry enough threat. Can see a place for him but feel we are missing out by not having someone else.

Ricky: Again mediocre until he got his goal then he becomes all important.

 

Mayuka: saw enough from him that he can do a job for us, especially one pinged ball he pulled out of the air with his foot. Has the pace to keep defences honest and will score if the skill is there. Definitely knows what's happening on a football field

Richardson: nothing to beat but never screwed up.

JWP: Just did what he was supposed to do.

 

Everton will be a different game and they will not roll over.

Mayuda

Lallana Cork Davis Morgan Ramirez

Clyne Yoshida Fonte Richardson

Gazzinga

would be my call but will not happen in a million years after that result.

 

 

 

I agree with most of what you say, except about Lambert. He was very good today (again). Would you really leave him out of the starting line-up having scored 2 today?

 

As for Mayuka, yes he really impressed me today. I can't believe people on here were comparing him to Ali Dia after the United game. He's pacey and seems quite composed on the ball. Having said that, I think he's a good player to have coming off the bench rather than starting.

[CanadaSaint]

Just by the by, i mentioned this before that all the Villas say bout Steven Davis that we'll never see him play 90 minutes cos he physically don't have the stamina, they reckon that's why the originally sold him back in the day when he used to play for them. I said we already see him play 90 against Man Utd. They said, yeah but was he any use last 20 minutes? Thinking back... no he weren't!

 

Got subbed again today I see.

 

Not an unreasonable opinion from the Villa lot but I bet most of them would rather have seen him in their shirt than ours today. They had a few that went AWOL after 45 minutes.

[Chez]

Just by the by, i mentioned this before that all the Villas say bout Steven Davis that we'll never see him play 90 minutes cos he physically don't have the stamina, they reckon that's why the originally sold him back in the day when he used to play for them. I said we already see him play 90 against Man Utd. They said, yeah but was he any use last 20 minutes? Thinking back... no he weren't!

 

Got subbed again today I see.

he was outstanding today. Ran the middle of the park.

[up and away]

I agree with most of what you say, except about Lambert. He was very good today (again). Would you really leave him out of the starting line-up having scored 2 today?

 

As for Mayuka, yes he really impressed me today. I can't believe people on here were comparing him to Ali Dia after the United game. He's pacey and seems quite composed on the ball. Having said that, I think he's a good player to have coming off the bench rather than starting.

 

For me it's very simple, if we have midfield control I would play Ricky. If we don't have midfield control we need that extra man in midfield to gain control. That leaves Ricky isolated and of little value on his own, whereas I saw the possibility from Mayuka that he can run the channels effectively and get onto what Ramirez can provide. Ricky could not pick up on some of Ramirez talents because he never saw them coming or was too slow. That does not mean I would not start Ricky at home. Rickys a good player but does not have that position scribed in stone, same with Lallana.

[Chez]

I assume Fox was at fault for their goal as a pretty drastic subbing otherwise, missed that one completely.

partly, perhaps, but Puncheon and both CB's were at fault too. Much more to do with terrible passing and lack o effort when losing it.

Yoshida: Some quality defending in that performance.

Fonte: Still some problems but miles better, passed and intercepted well.

what problems? Funny, the new guy gets your praise, despite diving in and not getting tight enough to their striker at corners, but Fonte gets the dig. Preconceived opinion of his showing or what? Fonte was top notch so much so I'd have to drop Yoshi rather than him if Jos was to come straight back in.

Clyne: My MOM and the tipping point for me when we over ran Villa. But he has to remember his day job.

didn't notice him leaving us exposed.

Morgan: Put in a very good performance, a lot of hard, intelligent work. Has to stop those short balls where he just offloads his problems onto others. Either move, feint to move with the ball or find a safer outlet. This will cost us goals if not fixed.

aye? It'shis short passing that means we keep possession reducing the pressure on our back four.

Davis: did a decent job, nothing exceptional, nothing bad but importantly kept good energy levels.

damn the lad with faint praise. He dominated the middle giving us the platform to win the game.

Ramirez: Not as attacking orientated as I imagined but can he see a pass. Never expected him to be so good defensively and he could easily play in front of the back four. Money spent that could easily mean the difference between the Premier and NPC.

didn't see that at all. The one thing he didn't do was track back, tackle or out his head where it hurts. Completely attacking. He played up front most of the game. No idea where you get the idea that he could play as a defensive midfielder.

Puncheon: Helped to dominate when we got on top but I would only rate as mediocre. Just does not do enough good or carry enough threat. Can see a place for him but feel we are missing out by not having someone else.

he helped turn the game. Sluggish in the first half, he got hold of it in the second half. You might be right about there being better out there, but until then he is the best option at right midfield.

Ricky: Again mediocre until he got his goal then he becomes all important

Mediocre. Really? He won almost every header, kept the ball and linked up well with Ramirez all game. What are you expecting if him?

[Lazlo78]

Loving it! First Premier League win since Norwich at home 30/04/2005! 7½ years chaps and chappesses!

[Chez]

Mayuka looks a real talent. How long since we had that kind of pace and skill up front. Camera mark II. All the new signings looked good today.

[View From The Top]

he was outstanding today. Ran the middle of the park.

 

He was excellent.

 

I cannot believe some one has actually described Lambert as mediocre today!

[CanadaSaint]

Mayuka looks a real talent. How long since we had that kind of pace and skill up front. Camera mark II. All the new signings looked good today.

 

He's got some wheels, that's for sure. For the penalty my first thought was that the ball was a couple of yards too long for him, and that the keeper would get there first. Those two yards disappeared in an instant, and then Mayuka had the touch to push it past the keeper.

 

He could give us a very different offensive threat to the one we've relied on for 2+ years, and he could be deadly in the last twenty minutes of games.

[S-Clarke]

We looked edgy and nervy in the first half, which is to be expected I guess. I didn't Villa looked much cop either, a pretty dour 1st half really - so nice for us to gift them a goal, and that's what it was. Another incredibly avoidable goal, really frustrating that we keep conceding these duff goals. We seemed to lose the plot a little after that, and I must admit I didn't see where we'd get our increased tempo from.

 

The 2nd half was terrific though, but we massively benefited from the departure of Ireland. In the first half he kept picking up pockets of space, all over the midfield - and we struggle to get hold of it in there. Their replacement for him was a young kid from the academy, and he looked like that. Very inexperienced and sloppy on the ball, and straight away our midfield dominated the game. Once Ramirez got into his stride we were on to a winner, he was picking the ball up in space, spraying it left to right - he just looked excellent.

 

We were a little slow in a build up in the first half, but in the 2nd half you could see quite clearly that the instruction was to get it up there as quickly as possibly and get players in and around Lambert - and it worked brilliantly. Villa couldn't handle Lambert, he had the beating of Dutch international Ron Vlaar all afternoon - terrific to see. Clyne's switch to the left allowed us to throw a little more unpredictability into proceedings, as rather than just running down blind ally's - he cut in, and he cut in with terrific effect. I'd like to see more of him at LB on that showing if I'm honest, a very veristile player.

 

Defensively we were assured, Fonte - who hasn't been bad this year at all - had a very solid game, but the debut from Yoshida was terrific, easy to see that he's a very capable footballing centre half - who isn't afraid to throw himself into it if needed (and he keeps trying over head kicks..!)

 

It was nice to see the interchanging in the 2nd half, we looked much more free and vibrant rather than the static way we played in the first half. Puncheon was terrific, floating all over the front 3 - Lallana switching sides, Ramirez popping up everywhere. It was great to see, and it shows that we have some real footballers in our starting 11 as the movement off the ball at times was terrific.

 

Mayuka came on and made an impression as well. Very direct, terrific touch and very pacy - looks to have a lot about his game and I'm quite exciting by him if I'm honest.

 

I think the main emotion at the end of today's game is relief - but also a real sense of satisfaction as we have finally shown what we're capable of. Ok, Villa aren't any great shakes, but we totally bossed that game in the 2nd half and if we play like that against the likes of Reading or even WBA at home - I reckon we will come out on top.