OutByEaster?

We're out of one of the four competitions we've entered this year, and one of the two in which we've a chance to do something. I'm gutted, I thought we played okay with a couple of players doing particularly well, but I think you have to hand it to Rapid, they did the right things and came through. The ref wasn't much cop, but I don't think we can blame him for gong out. For me the most disappointing thing was that as the last bastion of the traditional English game of fitness and pressure and a big man up front, we were eventually undone by a side that were much fitter than we were and stuck a big man up front that we couldn't cope with. Carew ran out of steam on 70 minutes and should have been the man replaced instead of Heskey (although I think if Delfouneso was on the bench I'd have taken both of at that point) Once he ran out of steam, their No. 22 just pocketed him for the last fifteen minutes and we looked lost. I thought Guzan had a poor game by the standards I'm starting to expect from him, probably the worst I've seen him have in a Villa shirt, he made me nervous tonight where before he's always seemed very sure. Beye looks like he enjoys being out of position then using his pace to cover himself, which is a little dangerous for my liking. Cuellar and Davies were nicely solid until Curtis's shoulder fell out again. That's becoming a real worry and we still need another CB once we get Dunne in. Davies's shoulder is like a roaming dog stuck in a garden, once it's found a way out, it'll keep trying until it gets out again. It needs fixing and soon. I thought Shorey played well and seems to be finding his feet. Which is bad timing on his part. Delph caught the eye in a tidying up role in the first half and in a more adventurous role in the second, he seemed more than capable of fulfilling both disciplines. First time I've seen him and I like him. Young looked the one with most drive to win this one and looked gutted at the end of the game. I thought he played well. Milner was his usual non stop self, played some good stuff and defended well too. Neither winger deserved to be on the losing side. Petrov I'm not sure about in a 4-4-2, his lack of mobility is highlighted and he's starting to remind me a bit of Tugay; an intelligent ball playing footballer who can't chase around anymore. In a five man midfield he's a real asset, in a four he's more limited although he can still do a decent job. Heskey showed a bit of energy, although usually in the wrong areas and should really have done better with one of the chances he had from crosses. It wasn't a bad game from him, but he never looked like winning it. Carew looked like a man that hasn't played for a while and was out on his feet for the last quarter of an hour. We didn't play badly and we've won, but it's a real disappointment to go out at this stage. I think we've seen the last European football at Villa Park for a couple of years now, and I wonder how many of these players will still be here when we next get a crack at it. We couldn't deal with a big man up front and we aren't as fit as a team from Austria. Gutted, just gutted.

I thought Reo Coker was absolutely magnificent tonight. Our front three weren't really firing and we've still beaten Liverpool at Anfield. Good performance from the back four, fantastic by the keeper and excellent from the middle three. I'm as happy as a fat spider.

So, Fernando, what did you make of the match?

All over to ratings and reactions now please - thank you

An unexpected delight.

The grafters have grafted, the keeper has been excellent and we've defended well. Brilliant performance.

How many minutes, have they said yet?

5 minutes plus stoppage to go, we're two goals ahead and I'm absolutely terrified. Come on!!

Friedel has been excellent.

Here comes Heskey.

He's booked Torres for mouthing off. Good.

Shove that right up your fat Spanish arse.

Bollocks. She's scored.

Has Mascherano smacked Milner in the face?

Great work at the back. Come on lads!

The ref seems to have turned. Fickle.

Great work Reo Coker.

Nige is a gnats knacker from 3-0 there.

Need Gabby and Ash to be sharp on the break here. They are piling on the pressure.

First foul of the night for Reo Coker. Booking.

I've got MAscherano down for three yellows and a ticking off so far.

Stay calm and work your bollocks off lads. Another foul by Mascherano and this time... No, not this time.

How can this lot have the bare faced cheek to boo this referee off. Unbelievable.

If anyone wants me I'll be in the beer.

Score from this and rub his little head.